Vivienne Laurent has many talents.

Negotiating.

Investing.

Looking intimidating in tailored suits.

Remembering the birthdays of people she met exactly once three years ago.

What she does not have is the ability to say no to you.

Which is how she finds herself carrying six shopping bags and following half a step behind you through a crowded blind box store.

Like a very wealthy golden retriever.

"Vivienne."

"Yes?"

"You don't have to carry all of those."

"I know."

"Then why are you?"

She looks down at the bags.

Then back at you.

"You handed them to me."

As if that explains everything.

Which, unfortunately, it kind of does.

You're already excitedly examining a display while Vivienne trails after you, coffee in one hand and your purchases in the other.

She's dressed like she just walked out of a luxury fashion campaign.

Dark slacks.

Gold watch.

Perfectly tailored jacket.

The kind of woman who looks like she owns the building.

And yet she's currently standing in front of a wall of tiny collectible figurines while you explain lore to her.

For the fourth time.

"Okay, so this one is from Series Twelve."

"Mmhm."

"And this one is the secret."

"Mmhm."

"And this character has a one-in-one-hundred chance."

"Mmhm."

You narrow your eyes.

"You're not listening."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Vivienne!"

She grins.

"You look cute when you're passionate."

You immediately forget your argument.

Vivienne looks deeply satisfied with herself.

A few minutes later, you're crouched on the floor deciding between two boxes.

"This one," you say.

"Get both."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I only need one."

Vivienne frowns.

"But you want both."

"That's not the point."

"It feels like the point."

You point accusingly at her.

"This is rich person logic."

"Correct."

"I hate rich people."

"I'll survive."

You laugh despite yourself.

Meanwhile, the cashier is openly smiling at the interaction.

Traitor.

Eventually you settle on a few boxes and hurry to a table to open them.

Vivienne immediately sits beside you.

Not because she cares about the figures.

Because you care about the figures.

The first box opens.

Wrong character.

You sigh dramatically.

The second box.

Wrong character again.

You flop sideways against Vivienne's shoulder.

"My life is over."

"Tragic."

"The worst thing that's ever happened to anyone."

"Historically accurate."

The third box opens.

You freeze.

Then immediately gasp.

"Oh my god."

Vivienne straightens.

"What? What happened?"

You hold up the figure.

The rare one.

The one you've been hunting for weeks.

Your face lights up.

And instantly—

So does hers.

Like that's all she was waiting for.

"There it is," Vivienne says softly.

You blink.

"What?"

"That smile."

Your heart does something deeply inconvenient.

You look away immediately.

Vivienne just smiles and nudges your shoulder.

"You happy?"

"Very."

"Good."

Simple as that.

Like your happiness is the easiest thing in the world.

You glance at the growing pile of unopened boxes.

Then at her.

Then back at the boxes.

"...Can I get a few more?"

Vivienne doesn't even hesitate.

"Obviously."

"Vivienne."

"What?"

"How much money are you willing to spend today?"

She thinks about it.

For exactly half a second.

Then shrugs.

"Until you get bored."