Disclaimer: Rose of Versailles belongs to Riyoko Ikeda, not me. I am just adding some more imagination.
�Shirtless� is one of my favorite scenes in RoV manga; too bad anime cut this scene off! Don�t you think it is interesting to see some sexiness between Oscar and Andr� in the anime version? Thus, this story is based on the anime and it was only my thought; what if� Oscar saw Andr� without the shirt on him. And I added some spicy thing in the story (^___~). Hopefully, it is enjoyable!
As always, any feedback, recommendation and suggestions are very welcome.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Estates-General had been opened since early May. All soldiers had had an important duty; to secure the delegation of the Estates-General. And the French Guards Company B were on their duties that day. Unfortunately, it was a rainy day. Even when the soldiers went back to the barracks in the late evening, the rain had never stopped pouring.
Oscar didn�t go back to Jarjeyes� mansion, since her men had to stay at the barracks that night so she would stay there as well. However, unlike the soldiers, the commanders had their lodges. And a suite of rooms was quite luxurious. Thus, it was convenient for her to spend nights at the barracks.
Oscar had changed the wet uniform to soft dry clothes immediately when she reached her private room. And now she was sitting alone in the office and looking at the rain outside the windows quietly. There were many things in her head; the Estates-General, duties, future of the country, and of course Andr�.
It was obvious; the distance between he and she had occurred since that night� That horrible night, Andr� confessed his love and nearly overwhelmed her. He knew he scared her off, and he was very sorry. He made a promise to never touch her again, and he always kept his words. Therefore, she pretended not to be aware of his feelings.
Then the incident that they were attacked by the mob happened, that made Oscar realize how much Andr� meant for her. Although Fersen appeared in front of her, all she could think was only Andr�. That realization hurt her, because nowadays Andr� and she rather had apathetic relationship. Was it because she neglected him or he had no more passion toward her? Nonetheless, she didn�t want to maintain this frigid alliance. She was the one who pushed him away, thus she had to pull him back.
�Do it, let�s start with a little thing.� She thought; �asking Andr� to have supper with me seems to be a good idea.�
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
Oscar walked along the corridor heading to the barracks. A strange feeling; a mixture between agitation and wavering had been growing in every step she made. For a while, she would give up the idea; however, she was there in front of the door.
She opened the wooden door of the soldier�s room without knocking. Andr� was inside. He was toweling himself when the door was opened. Oscar was agape as she saw him wore no shirt! She was stunned for a second before hastily shut the door!
Her heart was beating so fast. The warmth rushed inside her whole body. Her legs were so limp. She felt as though she was catching a fever. She leant against that door and closed the eyes; allowing herself to calm down.
The image of Andr� without shirt on him was stuck in her head; his smooth skin, his beautiful muscles, what a wonderful figure� �Oh! My God! Stop that, Oscar! You are getting silly now!� She had told herself. �But this was the first time I saw his bare chest� He is so muscularity� Oh goodness! Stop thinking!� She shook the head; trying to delete half-naked Andr� out of her brain.
A moment later, the door was opened again. This time Andr� opened it. He stepped out the room. He turned round to find Oscar, but she wasn�t there anymore. He would make his way to her office, unless Alain called him.
�Hey, Andr�!� Alain said while walking toward him. �What are you doing? Hurry up, everyone is waiting for you to have supper together.�
�Did you see Oscar?� Andr� asked as though he didn�t concern his words.
Alain had not known the matter of his friend asked about the Commander. So he lifted an eyebrow. His doubt might be express on his face as Andr� finally said; �she was here while I was changing clothes. But she already has gone when I opened the door.� He paused and looked at the corridor, then said; �I�ll ask her if she needs something.�
�Oh, come on, Andr�!� Alain clamored before lowering his voice. �She wouldn�t leave here if she needed your help. You just told she met you but she said nothing. She probably looked for the others. Don�t you think it is reasonable?� He remarked.
Andr� shook his head and said softly; �you have good point. But I have known her for years. I can sense by her attitude.�
�Do you know why the Commander is inattentive to you sometime?� Alain droned. �Because you pay too much heed to her. She knows that certainly you are always beside her.�
Andr� gave him a dry look. Alain grinned and then put his arm around Andr�s shoulders. �Can I suggest something?� He asked without waiting for the reply, the next words came out his mouth continuously; �you need to play some game. Just pretend to ignore her. Believe me, if she really needs you, she will be back.�
Andr� didn�t know what preceded him approving of Alain�s theory. He walked to the dining room with his friend silently�
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
The French Guards Company B members were done with their supper. Some of the members were sitting and chatting in the dining room. And some of them walked back to their room, Andr� and Alain were in this group. They bantered and spoke while walking along the corridor. However, when Alain opened the door of the barracks, everybody was speechless.
This was beyond Andr�s expectation as Alain opened the door, and then he met Oscar inside the room. Seeing the other soldiers� faces, they were wondering why was their Commander standing here?
Oscar�s soft golden hair spread into the air as she turned around and faced her men. A slight smile appeared upon her face. Andr� almost forgot to breathe while looking at her. Someone might wonder how angel looked like, but he had no doubt. All the answer was a woman in front of him. He had known an angel since he was a little boy�
�What a glorious woman!� Alain murmured. He thought no one could hear, but Andr� did. He looked at Alain immediately. He didn�t hide his admiration toward his Commander. And the other French Guards members couldn�t avert their eyes from her also.
Somehow, the appreciation was replaced with the hesitation. The soldiers were reluctant as they saw Oscar was holding a crimson hard-cover book in her hand!
The hint of curiosity was expressed on her beautiful face when she looked at the cover of that book and read its title out loud; �The Art of Love [1]�. She raised an eyebrow and watched her men. �I have known ancient poetry, The Art of Love, but I never heard about Ledouard�s version before.� She paused before asking; �how is it?�
Silence� The French Guards members said nothing. And Oscar seemed not aware about their agitation, she continued saying; �Eloi Ledouard, I never heard of this name before. Well, it doesn�t matter, you guys read his. So this is an interesting one. Can I see inside?�
�No! Commander!� LaSalle said out loud. Somehow, Oscar detected a fright in his voice. She looked at his face and raised an eyebrow; �No?�
�Ah� hum� Commander, this book is� ah�� LaSalle attempted to speak but he couldn�t manage it. Oscar couldn�t figure out what he was trying to explain about the book in her hand.
It would be a disaster if she opened that book. Thus, Andr� pressed his hand on hers and gently pulled the book away from her. �Well, there is nothing in this book. Eloi Ledouard wasn�t renowned, because his work was so common. It isn�t worth for you to spend time with this book.� He had told her.
�Authors create the books with their spirits. So each book has its value.� Oscar retorted. �And I don�t think this crimson book isn�t that good, because I see many traces. It was opened and read many times.� She pointed out the marks on the book-cover.
�Damn! She is really interested in this book.� LaSalle whispered. �Please, do something, Andr�. She shouldn�t see inside of this book.�
�Calm down, guys.� Alain whispered in reply. �I have some idea.� He took crimson book from Andr�. The other members gaped as they saw him handed it to Oscar. �Don�t let them bother you, Commander.� He told her. �You have the right to look and find the difference between Ovid�s and Eloi�s.�
�What the hell are you doing?� Andr� asked Alain with a whisper. �You know she shouldn�t see inside that book!� He gave his friend a censorious look.
Alain grinned; �I know it is improper for her to see such thing. But don�t you think it is exciting; what kind of reaction we will get from her?
�Surely, she will have bad attitude towards us.� LaSalle cried.
Alain winked and said lightly; �or perhaps she will blush and drop the book immediately.� Somehow, he heard his friends murmuring; �Alain has queer thought sometime�� Nonetheless, he ignored those voices.
Everybody held the breath as Oscar eventually opened that crimson book. The French Guards were looking at her carefully. However, her face wasn�t showing anything; her gesture hadn�t changed while she had been watching it.
Oscar opened the book for 3-4 pages and then closed it. She handed that book back to Alain and said simply; �I didn�t expect this book was an illustrated-book [2]. Anyhow, the artist had known the human physiology and nature so well.� Since Alain gave her an interrogative look, thus she added; �his drawing style is beautiful. However, this is for a specific group of people so that�s why Eloi Ledouard isn�t famous.�
�Don�t you feel anything?� He asked incredibly.
�Oh! What should I feel?� She asked instead of replying. Her blue eyes were sinless as she asked the next question; �how did you guys feel after looking at this book?�
And Oscar was waiting for her men�s answer. Now, the French Guards Members were fidgeting anxiously. They didn�t want to talk about this matter with their commander or woman actually. And this subject was gone far enough; they shouldn�t mention about it anymore. Therefore, Andr� changed the topic immediately by asking; �Do you need some something, Oscar?�
She lifted an eyebrow and said softly; �you guys have stood in the rain almost everyday, I just want to know if that affects on your health?�
.
�No.� Alain replied, a slightly smile appeared on his face. �Thanks for your concern, Commander.�
Oscar nodded; �okay, well then, we have duty tomorrow morning. I�d better let you rest for now.�
The French Guards members were eased as when Oscar stepped out the room and the door was shut. They felt relieved; at least there wasn�t a sign of aversion or disgust from the commander (after she saw that crimson book!). However, some of them doubted why she felt nothing. And Alain grumbled; �she is a marble sculpture��
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
Those men didn�t realize how woman could fool them� Oscar walked rapidly after stepped out the room. Her heart beat swift as she thought about the incident that happened few minutes ago. She felt embarrassed since she played a trick.
The reality was Oscar returned the barracks again and found no one there. Inside the room was so messy, male stuffs were scattered on the beds and floor. She couldn�t help but looked at Andr�s mattress, it settled nearby the windows. His area was neat and clean different from the others. And the wet uniform was hung at the edge of windows�
She blushed as she couldn�t delete the image of Andr� toweling himself out of her head. Without thinking, Oscar stepped into the room. One� two� three� four steps and then she felt something under her boot. A book was dropped on the floor, a crimson hard-cover and very attractive one. She picked it up and read title and name of the author on its cover. The Art of Love was the title of this book and written by Eloi Ledouard.
Oscar had known only Ovid�s the Art of Love; it was an ancient poem. She had seen the book in Jarjeyes� library since she was a child. However, she hadn�t known? Eloi�s version.
�I never saw this author�s the Art of Love for sure. What is it about? What�s the difference when compare with the old one?� Oscar talked to herself. So she opened the book, and then found a big difference!
The book in her hand didn�t have any letter. It was an illustrated book. All pictures inside were about man and woman and their intimated relation. The illustrations divulged everything, completely naked couples and their love positions. Oscar�s face reddened as she turned overleaf that book page by page.
Although she felt wrong to look at such pictures, she couldn�t stop scanning all those images. Even though shamefulness was flushing inside her mind, she kept analyzing illustrations� details.
And then Oscar couldn�t avert her eyes from one picture � a beautiful couple was in an elegant bedroom. The girl lay on her back on a soft couch, her legs spread widely. And the man lay prone; his face buried between her legs!
�It wasn�t right! How could that man kiss her there?� Oscar murmured. However, she still gazed the picture and realized that this girl loved what he was doing � the high pleasure was expressed upon her face!
Oscar didn�t know how to explain her feeling while looking at that picture. It seemed like a kind of thrilling and wondering were running inside her. Before she could grasp her own emotion, she heard the heavy tread. The French Guards Members were coming! She closed that book and managed herself to be innocent. And when her men entered the room, she was ready for the show.
Her men didn�t want her to look at the crimson book except Alain. It was hard to believe but Oscar acted perfectly. She presented as if she knew nothing about that book. Although it was embarrassing, she still kept her cool expression while seeing inside the illustration book. And then she heard her men commented about her frigidness after she left the room. They (especially Andr�) weren�t aware of the thrilling sensation had been running inside her.
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
Oscar had read report for almost an hour. Her eyes gazed on the letters but not her mind. She had lost concentration since she saw Andr� that evening. His image was unforgettable�
She finally laid the papers on the table, gave up reading and then headed to the big windows of the room. Outside was dimly and rainy. She looked at the wet trees and ground outside. For a moment she saw a strange shadow. After staring at it for a while, she found out this shadow was a man. Someone was standing under the rain. Although outside was dark, it didn�t prevent her from recognizing that the man was Andr�! Oscar stepped out of the room suddenly with the thought of �What the hell is he doing?�
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
A beautiful man was standing under the dark sky, in the middle of misty rain. Oscar stood still at the corridor and stared at the soaking man outside. She couldn�t avert her eyes from him. His shirt was wet, fine fabric was fit close to his torso.
And then he turned his face; suddenly their eyes met. As though there was gravity between them. Only Oscar and Andr� gazed at each other eyes; they forgot about time, forgot about rain, and forgot about place�
That was Andr� who broke up the silence by asking; �what are you doing, Oscar? Why are you here?�
�I�d better ask you. What are you doing, Andr�? Why are you standing under the rain?� She said softly while making steps towards him.
Without thought, she leaned her hand against his chest. Her white hand caressed his soaked shirt and she said; �you know it isn�t good to do this, don�t you? Wearing a wet shirt can poison your health.�
Oscar could feel that underneath the wet shirt Andr�s body had tensed. She was satisfied somehow. �You should take it off.� She whispered while slowly stripping his shirt.
Andr� stood still. He probably got shocked and couldn�t figure out what her intention was. He hadn�t realized it until his shirt was dropped on the watery ground.
�Hey! What are you do�� He couldn�t protest nor reject as he saw the look in her blue eyes. It wasn�t only his imagination, was it? She was staring at him like a girl who wanted to test sorbet [3].
Suddenly, Andr� winced as he felt Oscar delicately touched his arm. She ran her hand along his arm to the shoulder before moving it to his bare chest. Although she knew herself was doing weird thing, she couldn�t help. That might be insane and unreasonable however; the thought of touching his skin was irresistible.
He had a smooth skin. His figure was as beautiful as sculpture and his muscles were so attractive. Oscar found that caressing him was a kind of enjoyment. His body had stiffened whenever she moved her hand.
Andr� took a deep breath. He attempted to speak; �stop it, Oscar.� His voice was hoarse and trembling.
She lifted the eyebrow and rested her hand on his chest. A few minute later she dragged her forefinger along his body; from his chest down to his stomach. �Why do I have to obey you?� She asked simply.
�You�d better listen to me this time.� He tried to use an admonitory tone.
Nonetheless, Oscar was heedless of his words. She continued caress him, tease him. She sighed and said; �do you really dislike my hand?�
Of course not! He cried inside. Her fingers, her touch had set him on fire!
Only God had known; she had been the only one I had desired throughout my life� All I want to do right now is push her on the muddy ground, crush her with my body and kiss her with fiery passion!
I would do that unless I swore to her�
Andr� had to control himself against that insane thought. It was difficult to do so when she was in front of him; she was quite out-of-character and challenging him now.
Thus, he decided to bring this matter out. Perhaps he could warn her (and himself too.) �Stop it, Oscar; otherwise I won�t care about the promise anymore.�
She frowned at first. �Promise? What promise?� She asked and suddenly her eyes opened wide as she understood his meaning. �Oh�� She cried. Andr� was embarrassed and guilty in his conscience. The memory of that disastrous night was very clear as if it happened yesterday�
He stared at her. What kind of reaction he would expect from her now? Doubtless, she was going to turn around and run away from him. However, she stood still and glared at him with unflinching eyes.
�Time healed the pain or at least decreased that pain�
That matter had affected on their relationships somehow and it should be over right now. Therefore Oscar took more steps closer to Andr� then she began the speech; �listen, Andr�.�
�A thousand of notepapers may be not enough for writing our stories. How many years we have been living together? How much joy and suffering we have shared? Sometime we pleased each other and yet sometime hurt each other with our unconsciousness.� She paused and looked straight into Andr�s single green eye. She held his hand and continued; �I forgive you, there isn�t any resentment anymore. And I forgive myself for hurting you as well.�
Andr� was impressed as her words touched his heart. And that was raised the guilty as well. He opened his mouth; �Oscar� I�� He was interrupted since she pressed her fingers on his lips.
�Hey! I can�t forgive you unless you forgive me and yourself. So just do it.� She said; her eyes didn�t avert from his.
�I� I forgive you and myself� for hurting you�� Andr� said those words finally.
And now she smiled; �good! We are reconciled now.�
There was no more the invisible barrier between them. They were so close. Under the dark sky and pouring rain, Oscar and Andr� stared at each other; they stood very close until they could hear their heartbeat.
She rested her hands on his broad chest and started caressing his again. He couldn�t make any movement and was unable to stop her. He let her exploring his muscles as long as she was satisfied. Notwithstanding, he grabbed her wrists immediately when her naughty hands moved downwards to his waist.
�And now we are going to fight again, Oscar�� He told her. His voice became trembling and hoarse; �I am a man after all. If you still tease me like this, I will follow my intuition. And you know it. If that happen, you and I will regret it for the rest of our lives.�
�Well, trying to keep a promise; it�s a noble of you.� She said. His threaten hadn�t had any effect on her. Oscar kept caressing him. �But I haven�t asked you to make that promise, have I?� She said lightly.
Andr� was surprised as her voice reached his ears. He guessed he could figure out what she was trying to say. However, he didn�t dare to expect� Not until the next sentence came out of her mouth; �and I won�t regret at all.� Her cheeks became red while saying those words.
�Ah� are� Are you asking me to do this?� He asked astonishingly.
She simply smiled; �and your answer will be �yes� or �n�� Her words were cut off as he rapidly covered her lips with his! He pulled her against his chest, held the back of her head and kissed her hardly.
Oscar didn�t expect Andr� would give her such a kiss; a forceful, hungry and passionate one. Therefore, she panicked at first and then her feeling changed so fast. The panic was replaced by the excitement and finally became eagerness.
He felt as though finding an oasis in the desert as she eventually returned the kiss. Her kiss was earnest, willing and yearning. She wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips never left his.
He began to explore her body. His hands gently roamed her back. Oscar managed to break the kiss as he started to take his advantage. Andr� looked at her and noticed a hint of great satisfaction on her beautiful face.
She laid her eyes on his lips, her arms still holding his shoulders. Oscar breathed and reminded him; �well, you didn�t answer me yet.�
�Hum� My action is the answer.� He grinned and bent to kiss her. She smiled and then evaded her face which meant to avoid his kiss.
�It will be better if you reassure me with words.� She told him.
Andr� caressed her cheek and delicately lifted her chin up. When her eyes met him, he said; �you can�t imagine how many times I dreamt about you. And you are here in my arms now. Oscar, it is impossible to let you go though.� He paused.
As he saw Oscar was listening to him heartily, he continued saying; �I love you, Oscar. And I�m always yours��
She said nothing but smiled. Her smile was so fascinating that made his heart swollen. He had never had a pleasure like this day before� He bent his face to kiss her again and she was willing to receive the kiss�
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
Oscar didn�t know how they managed to get the place. She was just aware right now that she was lying supine on the soft bed in her private room. Andr� sat on the edge of the bed. He was wearing only the trousers. Moisture had still remained on his body; and the desire of touching his skin was rising again�
�You left your shirt outside.� Oscar whispered while raising her hand towards his black hair.
�It doesn�t matter. Just ignore it...� Andr� replied. His voice became hoarse since she touched his hair and then wiped water drops off his face.
Slowly, she caressed his neck. And when her hand moved down to his chest, he grabbed hers immediately. �It�s my turn now.� He said and pressed his lips on her palm. �Let me serve you this time�� He continued.
Oscar�s heart raced faster as Andr� looked at her with passionate eye. She couldn�t breathe easily while Andr� was touching her shirt. However, the sensation inside her wasn�t fear or disgust. Deep down inside she realized herself it was delightful. Andr� hadn�t lost his strong feeling for her.
Andr� was irresolute at first; he would rather die if she was scared by him again. Nonetheless, there wasn�t a sign of distaste from her, so that expanded his confidence.
Red roses bloomed upon Oscar�s cheeks as Andr� slowly removed all of her clothes. Finally, her nudity was revealed in front of his eye�
She was beautiful� as beautiful as an ancient Greek Goddess. A beautiful white-skin, the golden haired goddess finally laid her eyes on a human being. A moment of that though made Andr� almost burst out tears.
Was it a (omit) reality or just a mirage? He reached out his hand and touched Oscar�s hair, caressed her cheeks and wiped her lips. This glorious woman wasn�t an illusion anymore. She was made by flesh; he could feel her breath. He could feel her warmth.
�I love you, Oscar�� Andr� whispered while pressing himself down on her body.
With those words she smiled. �You said it before�� Oscar said softly. She cupped his face and kept saying; �But I don�t mind to hear those three words over again.�
And now she was seeing a tender smile spread on his face. Oscar just realized it had been a long while she didn�t see him smile. Likewise the night filled with radiance when Andr� smiled. She loved his smile. She loved his eye, his hair and�. Her thought was interrupted since Andr� broke up the silence.
�I love you�� He told her again and bent his face to kiss her. All the thoughtfulness had faded away when he had pressed his lips on hers.
Oscar became a poet [4] by his kisses. She turned to be a butterfly in early spring by his touches. Andr� brushed kisses through her face and her throat, while his hands caressed her entirety. Gradually, his lips moved downward to her breast, nibbled her skin, and tasted her nipple. She felt as if she was fusible.
Andr� was so pleased by Oscar�s reaction. She crushed him ardently. Her back arched naturally; required more the caress from him.
Her skin was so delicate. Her taste was sweet and delicious. She liked clairet [5] that allured him, intoxicated him. He wanted to kiss her, taste her entirely. His lips went along her body; her neck, her breasts then moved down to her navel, while his hands were caressing her thighs.
Soft moan escaped from Oscar�s lips. Her sound was melodious. She held him more tightly. She never stopped stroking his dark hair. Her hands had trailed along his back.
Her response unleashed his yearning and increased his confidence. Thus, he continued teasing her. He bent her knee up slowly until her foot lifted from the bed. He held her leg and his lips touched her knee slightly before moved to her thigh. His kisses were moving along her white skin.
The sensation of his mouth on her skin was like a tempest that blew all of her thoughts. The caresses of his hands were like fire that fuelled her desire� And her turbulent emotions were ascended as Oscar felt his warm breath touching the source of her fragrance. She sat up suddenly and saw Andr� settled between her legs. His face was so close to her pearl.
�What are you doing!?� She asked with the eyes fully open.
Andr�s hands were on her thighs. Oscar tried in vain to close her legs, since he spread them further. Now she was completely discovered, nothing was a secret anymore�
�I want to kiss you.� Andr� answered. His voice was harsh.
�Kiss me, there!?� She asked with surprise.
He grinned and said; �you saw �that� picture in the crimson book: The Art of Love, and you were curious about the real sensation. Am I right? We�re going to do like that.�
Oscar blushed. How did he know she opened �that page� in the art book? She was embarrassed at her own curiosity. He shifted the face, then his lips almost reached her petal.
�We aren�t doing exactly the same as that picture!� Oscar objected.
That made Andr� stopped moving, and gave her an interrogative look. She glanced at him and then lowered her eyes, before she finally whispered; �in the picture, they wore nothing. I mean both�� The hot blush spread up into her face.
Andr� tried to control his laugh after having listened to her words. Anyhow, Oscar could sense his humor. �What�s so funny?� She wanted to know.
He stopped laughing and held her hand with his. He kissed her palm slightly, then said; �I never expected you would like to see my entirety. I feel so good somehow.� He smiled and got up suddenly!
�Your wish is my command.� He said while taking off his pants.
As though she was crazy, she should be shy as she was naked. She should feel shame since she asked the man undressing himself. Instead of this embarrassment, Oscar found herself excited when she stared at Andr�. Her heart was beating so fast and she couldn�t avert her eyes from him while he was undoing the trousers buttons one by one.
While Andr� was stripping his trousers, Oscar just heard the sound of someone speaking. Although she couldn�t catch the words, still she recognized this was Alain�s voice! Andr� turned his face and then headed toward the door.
Oscar blinked; would Andr� leave her like this? Thus, she sat up and asked suddenly; �where are you going, Andr�?�
�I can�t go anywhere even if there is a conflagration right now.� He replied softly and hastily came close to her. He bent to whisper into her ear; �the door, I haven�t locked the door yet. I won�t allow anybody see your sexiness though.�
She blushed once again and quickly covered herself with the sheet.
A short while later Andr� headed back to the bed. His single green eye was sparkling while looking at her. He smiled widely and then threw the pillow at her face! A fascinating moment disappeared immediately!
�What are you doing!?� Oscar yelled.
Andr� didn�t answer. He grasped a sienna pillow and threw it at her again! She was able to catch the pillow this time and suddenly her eyes flew open!
There wasn�t a sienna pillow but white paper in her hand. Instead of her private bedroom, Oscar found herself in the office; half-sitting half-lying on the chair. The documents on the table were so messy. The wind was blowing and some papers were scattered all over the room.
It had taken time only a few seconds before Oscar realized that she was reading some documents and unawares she fell asleep, then had that improper glowing dream. She was woke up because those blowing papers contacted her face.
She felt the warmth rushing on her cheeks. She covered her face with her palms and lamented; �oh�my God�What the hell I�m thinking?�
�Are you okay, Oscar?� A voice alarmed her because she didn�t expect he would be here. Of course she remembered this voice. She had always known his voice. She lowered her hands and turned her face towards the door, and he was there.
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
Rain had been still falling. And it was windy sometimes. Andr� listened to the sound of rain and wind. He had lied sleepless on his mattress. He believed Oscar had something to talk with him, and that thought disturbed him that much. Finally, he decided to get up and step out the room.
He walked along the corridor and stopped moving when he almost reached the commander�s office. There was a light coming from that room and the windows were left open. So that meant Oscar was in her office.
�She�s supposes supposed to sleep right now. Why is she still here? Does she have any trouble?� Andr� wondered. He headed to her office and knocked the door. Silence� there was no reply, thus he opened the door and found she was inside.
Oscar was sitting on her chair, resting the elbows on the table and covering the face with her hands. She murmured something but he couldn�t catch the words. He looked around and found that many papers were dispersed on the floor. The Wind blew all the documents, those papers were unorganized now. She would be probably very upset with it.
�Are you okay, Oscar?� He asked. His voice made her startled. Oscar turned her face to him sharply. Her cheeks were reddish as she called his name; �Andr� ��
�Sorry. I didn�t mean to scare you.� Andr� told her while entering the room. �Well� it look like you have problem.� He paused and started to pick papers on floor. And then he continued saying; �lesson one, don�t leave windows wide open.�
Oscar remained silent. She watched Andr� picking the papers one by one admiringly. He had black shiny hair, strong hands, beautiful shoulders and broad chest� �Oh, no! Stop thinking that!� She cried inside.
Andr� gathered all papers (on floor and table) and rearranged them. He was so effective in this job, a few minutes later all documents were ordered. He handed them to her; �everything is all set.�
�Thank you.� Oscar said lightly.
�You�re welcome.� He replied.
After that they looked at each other silently. It was rather queer; he saw Oscar blushed again. He was sure she had something in mind, and he decided to ask; �do you have anything to tell me, Oscar?�
Her blue eyes widened, a short moment her lips opened; she said some words voicelessly. However, the words she told him were; �ah� no. No there is nothing.�
�No?� Andr� repeated with hint of doubtfulness in his tone.
�No.� She confirmed.
�Alright.� He had accepted. �We have duty tomorrow. So I�d better go to bed now. Good night, Oscar.�
Andr� turned around and headed to the door. Before he left the room, Oscar called him which made him stop. He turned his face to her and lifted the eyebrow.
�Good night, Andr�.� She told him. He smiled and nodded.
�And see you tomorrow morning.� She added. He smiled and nodded again�
~~~~~~~~~~@~~~~~~~~~
It was drizzling and the weather was so fine. Oscar had lain awake on the soft and warm bed in her private room. Although it was very late, she was still restless. The images of that crimson book appeared whenever she closed the eyes. And Andr�s face and his bare chest haunted her throughout the night.
~ THE END ~
[1] The Ars Amatoria (The Art of Love) is a series of three books by the Roman poet Ovid (Ovidius Naso; March 20, 43BC-17AD). Written in verse, their guiding theme is the art of seduction. The frist two, written for men about 1BC to 1AD, deal with �winning women�s hearts� and �keeping the loved one�, respectively. The third, addressed to women telling them how to best attract men, was written somewhat later.
[2] Illustrated printed books began to appear in the late 15th century, in Germany and Italy. Early type-printed books were illustrated by hand and simulated hand-done books from the pre-printing press era. Another early technique was etching, in which the lines of the picture were cut into a copper plate with acid. Ink was spread over the carved illustration and applied to the paper. Illustrations and other pictorial decorations were commonly used in early printed books, such books tended still to be directed at adult readers, rather than children.
[3] Sorbet; folklore holds that Nero, the Roman Emperor, invented the sorbet during the first century A.D. Frozen desserts are believed to have been brought to France in 1533 by Catherine de' Medici when she left Italy to marry the Duke of Orleans, who later became Henry II of France. By the end of the 17th century, sorbet was served in the streets of Paris, and spread to England and the rest of Europe.
[4] Plato�s quotation; �at the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.�
[5] Clairet is ros� wine. The word �claret� (English) comes from French �clairet�, meaning pale. The meaning of claret has changed over time to refer to a dry, dark red Bordeaux wine, whereas clairet still refers to Bordeaux ros� wine.
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Note 1: I am wondering if there are some ideas in this story would be similar to other RoV fanfics have been posted before. However, I would like to explain that those are all my own conceptions. Please do ensure that there is no intention to transgression on other authors� works at all.
Note 2: Eloi Ledouard and his crimson book, the Art of Love, were just my own imagination. They don�t exist.
Note 3: I learnt about book-cover from a minister (who studied in France). He informed that during 16-17th centuries, Nobles had library in their chateau (the French is ch�teaux -plural) and the books were beautiful because theirs covers were decorated with gold. For commoners, the books were so simply and undecorated. Usually there were only the title of the book and name of the author on cover. And I noticed that most of the ancient book-covers were black. Based on this fact, I thought it was quite reasonable if crimson covers were rarely to found thus, Oscar was interested in it.
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