Oliver looked over the glass sitting across from him. It was so pristine, so clean, he could see his own face staring back. He gripped the cup tightly, bringing it closer to him. Like as he had been taught, he took a minute to smell the mixture before tasting it with his tongue.

Dry and acidic, yet sweet. The French did it again. If it weren't for the wine, Oliver would be across the channel.

He sighed. Maybe he'd stay for a month more. Let everything settle down at home. He had already visited Paris, which was overrated, but he found the people of this small village by the German border charming.

"Oli!" his friend called out, coming over to sit by him.

Well, one of these men were especially charming. "No, Alois, I'm not buying another round," Oliver murmured, downing the last of his drink. He let out a refreshed exhale.

"I can't be fried this early. I have to teach," Alois said, his arm going around Oliver's shoulder and pulling their chairs closer, "I just came by to visit."

Alois was what'd you call... in slang terms, a cake-eater. He wasn't sure how he was around kids, but Oliver hoped he presented himself differently around them.

Oliver grinned a little, quietly offering, "Well, I'll pour you a cup of this if we can play cards later."

"Usual rules?" Alois asked with a raised eyebrow.

Oliver nodded, teasing in a slow tone, "I'll be the dealer."

Alois groaned, muttering, "You're always the dealer. Let me have a turn."

Oliver ignored him though, the sound of the pub door squeaking open alerting him. A pair of women, surprising considering the location, walked in. He knew one of them. Adeline.

He didn't call her over. It wasn't necessary, she and her friend came to them.

"Hello again, Oliver," she introduced, though with a cautious look as she glanced around the bar.

Oliver nodded in reply, turning to the other woman. "Hm..." he said, "Who are you?"

"I'm... Caroline," she hesitated as she looked on at the two men. She didn't feel like it was the best time to tell Adeline the only male attention she had ever received had been from her brother.

Alois glanced behind him, smiling widely, "Your face, uh... It's familiar. Have I seen you in town before?"

"I'm Charles' little sister," she admitted, half-shrugging.

"Ah, then we must have met before. My students are a bit rowdy," Alois said. Oliver chuckled at the switch in Alois' personality. From the effeminate God's gift to the perfectly respectful gentleman. He did this change so well.

Caroline nodded and smiled. "I'm the one who has to entertain them when they break something," she explained.

"I've heard. They think you're sweet," Alois glanced over her expression once more before adding, "And I agree."

"We should meet then... Somewhere that's not here," Caroline laughed, "I still have some coffee left at my place."

Alois perked up at the drink's name, "Ah, that'd be fine. You can lead the way." He hopped off the barstool, letting the frail woman in front of him as they exited.

Oliver rolled his eyes, left alone with Adeline. "Is that the secret phrase?" he asked, "Just call them sweet?"

Adeline looked confused before she realized. Oliver was talking to her. Asking her for advice? "Uh," she started before shaking her head, "No, she planned that whole date out before we even came in."

Adeline decided to sit down at this point, the other man was clearly yearning for conversation. She sighed, looking over and asking, "So can I have some wine?"

"May I," Oliver corrected. He poured her a small glass anyway, just to taste.

Oliver sighed, "I am serious though. How would I even begin with a woman?"

Adeline wasn't sure if she could answer that one... But she would try.