The Taste of Seduction

"That\'s good, thank you. To be honest, the trip to earth can be tiring as well. I wouldn\'t mind taking a breather before meeting our family members then having a trip to Ireland," she added, slightly cocking her head to the side to ask a question. "How will we travel to Ireland?"

"Which one do you prefer? Plane? Train? Ship?" Atlas asked, finishing his iced tea as well as he waited for Meredith\'s answer.

"To be honest, I\'m not quite sure which one I\'d prefer. Taking the plane is so convenient, right? And so common for people to take it. A train\'s slower, but if you want to enjoy the view, then why not? The ship is the same--if you opt for the ocean view."

Atlas smiled. "Let\'s have another date when we go to Ireland."

Meredith blinked her eyes a few times, finding it unusual for Atlas to give this suggestion. She even wondered why they keep going on frequent dates after having an emotional fight yesterday just because of Marcus--which led them to decide on breaking the bond and looking for the book.

"Why are you frequently asking me out on dates?" Meredith asked. "Remember, Austin is with us."

"I know that he\'s going to be with us," Atlas answered, reaching out to her hand and held it in his. "It\'s just that I want to spend more time with you before things get serious. You think we\'ll be able to have carefree days when we date each other as we do our mission?"

Meredith thought for a while. With Atlas having a point, Meredith shook her head slowly to answer no and then let out a sigh, a small smile coming on her face after.

"You\'re right. I guess we can enjoy as we have short moments like this. Once everything gets serious as we get closer to what we want, things will really not slow down," she commented, Atlas nodding along at what she\'s saying.

"That\'s right. That\'s why we have to seize moments like this and make each moment count. Besides…" Atlas gave Meredith a wink, her smile turning into a wide giddy grin with what he said next. "I\'m going to marry you, right? Gotta make a lot of memorable memories in order for you to say yes to me."

Atlas then gestured to the waiter to give them their bill. As they waited, Meredith was pulled into her own thoughts.

She remembered the event that transpired yesterday, between her and Marcus--and how Atlas saw them share a moment together. To be honest, the memory ached her heart knowing that she had hurt Atlas and broke his trust.

Yet here he is in front of her--still loving her wholeheartedly. He was undeniably angry at her last night, almost snapping at her from time to time as well. Of course, it is an understandable response for a person who\'s hurt and betrayed from a person they trust and love.

Yet he was the bigger person into understanding how it happened, believing her words that they can fix it by breaking the bond she shared with Marcus.

Of course, she knew that she would have to earn back his trust. She\'s already lucky enough that they are talking to each other this way--that Atlas is treating her this way with adoration and love. He is still taking care of her.

The moment their bill arrived, Atlas got his wallet and paid for everything. As Meredith watched him give the waiter the exact amount, he noticed that he was being watched. He looked at the woman in front of him as he slightly furrowed his brows, a nervous smile on his face.

"Wh-what… do I have traces of food on my face?"

"No, there are none," she answered, telling him honestly how she\'s feeling right now. "I just feel so fortunate."

The two of them stood up from the table. As they were walking away from the restaurant, the employees exclaimed "arigato gozaimasu!" indicating their thanks for choosing the restaurant for their meal.

Atlas held her hand as they continued walking. Without words said, they decided to walk and enjoy before they look for a place to stay.

"What do you mean you\'re fortunate?" Atlas looked at her as they walked, teasing her. "Fortunate to have me?"

"Well, yes," Meredith said, Atlas blinking his eyes a few times as he did not expect the answer.

"I meant it as a joke but I didn\'t know that you\'re actually serious about thinking that," he commented.

The breeze blew as they walked, the leaves falling from the trees above them circulating the air. Meredith tucked some tendrils of her hair behind her ear, further continuing their conversation.

"I have to admit… that after last night, I thought I\'d lose you--that you\'ll leave me," she started, Atlas continuing to listen to her. "I\'m actually scared…" There were some tears pooling in her eyes, the woman smiling at Atlas. "But you stayed."

"Meredith…"

Atlas motioned for her to sit down for a while on the bench that was beside them. As he knelt down in front of her to tie her shoelace for her, he replied to what she said, further assuring Meredith as he knew that deep down, she is anxious about the two of them and their relationship.

"I was angry at you… I snapped at you, I had to admit," he began, now finished tying her shoelace. He then looked up at her and cupped her face in his hands, looking straight into her eyes. "But I couldn\'t bear not being with you, Meredith. I was hurt… but the love is still here. It will always be here."

Without sharing another word, the both of them shared a kiss in the park. Meredith\'s heart beat faster in her chest, thinking that she will not waste this opportunity given to her. She will indeed redeem herself and not waste Atlas\' love.