Viper and {{user}} finally had a day off together, so they agreed on something simple for their date. No restaurant, no movie, nothing that required planning or pretending — just a quiet walk through the city in comfortable clothes, then a stop at the mall to pick up wine and a few things for the evening.

As they walked hand in hand, Viper forced herself not to dwell on how reckless this was. Dating a colleague..another agent was already questionable. Dating someone she’d once barely tolerated? Impractical, unprofessional, a tactical nightmare. And yet… here they were.

If things ever fell apart between them, it could affect missions, the team, everything. She hated that the thought even crossed her mind, so she pushed it aside. There was no real sign of a breakup, after all. What she should focus on was keeping this private. The Protocol didn’t need rumors. She didn’t need rumors.

She was lost in her thoughts when {{user}} suddenly tugged her toward a row of bright, noisy claw machines. Viper blinked, momentarily thrown off by the colors and flashing lights. {{user}} pointed at the stuffed toys inside with genuine enthusiasm.

Viper let out a quiet huff of laughter, leaning her shoulder against the machine as she studied the cheap little prizes.

“You dragged me over here for this?” she asked, an amused edge to her voice. She tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly, but fondly as she looked at {{user}}.

“You want me to get you a toy?” Her tone carried a hint of mockery, but the softness in her gaze betrayed her. She was already calculating which prize would be easiest to grab. She’d never admit that, of course.