Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Break Down!

[Amelia led the way to a counter that served a bit of everything-pasta, burgers, and Asian cuisine. She turned back after ordering and found him already sitting on one of the tables in the corner. Amelia understood his reserved nature and joined him. After 2 to 3 minutes of silence the waiter brought a tray full of food. He started placing them one by one on the table. They ordered a mix of dishes; such as two cheeseburgers, and sweet and sour chicken.]

Amelia: (grinning) This looks amazing! Let's dig in.

[As they started eating, Amelia couldn't help but notice how awkwardly Victor was handling his burger. He was taking a very small bite from it. It was looking like he was so reserved that he didn't want to open his, mouth more in a public place.]

Amelia: (teasingly) Mr. Stark, it is a burger. Just take a big bite!

Victor: (frowning) I'm trying. It's just... messy.

Amelia: (mockingly) Oh no, Mr. Stark, afraid of a little mess?

[She demonstrated by taking an exaggeratedly large bite of her burger.]

Amelia: (cheerfully, with her mouth full) See? Easy peasy!

[Victor didn't copy her but took a typical bite. As a result a tip of mayonnaise got on her upper lips. Amelia was watching him through these and smirked into laughter.]

Amelia: (smirking) You've got something on your face.

[Victor looked at her in confusion.]

[Amelia's laughter softened as she reached across the table with a napkin in her hand. She gently cupped his face over his jawline filled with beard, her fingers brushed against his skin as she wiped the mayonnaise from his lip. Victor became froze, his breath was heavy, he felt an unknown sensation while she was smudging his lips. His eyes stucked at her.]

[Amelia's touch was light and tender, she was totally focused on her task. Victor's heart was pounding in his chest, a mix of warmth he hadn't felt in a long time. As she finished, she pulled herself away.]

Amelia: (softly) There, all clean.

.[Victor's eyes were locked onto hers, unable to look away. He felt an unexpected connection in that simple, intimate gesture, something that went beyond his words. Amelia met his gaze, her smile fading into something more tender and understanding.]

Amelia: (snapped her fingers) Hey..... What are you thinking?

[By her snapping, he came back to reality. Immediately he bowed his head to avoid her gaze.]

Victor: (quietly) Umm... N... N.... Nothing.

[For a moment, the world around them seemed to fade, leaving just the two of them in their own little bubble. The noise of the food court was a distant hum. Amelia's cheeks flushed slightly as she picked up her chopsticks and took a bite of her sweet and sour chicken.]

[After finishing the burger very very slowly he went for the chicken. When Victor tried the sweet and sour chicken with chopsticks, he struggled to pick up the pieces. He couldn't hold the sticks properly and the pieces were falling again and again. Struggle and frustration were evident on his full face.]

Amelia: (giggling) Need some help there? Mr. Fancy?

Victor: (frustrated) These things are impossible.

Amelia: (teasing) Or maybe you're just not skilled enough.

[She expertly used her chopsticks to pick up a piece of chicken and popped it into her mouth.]

Victor: (grumbling) Show-off. (Rolling eyes at her) Why did you ordered these kind of food?

Amelia: (smile and teasing) The same reason. To try something new.