Reincarnated: Vive La France-Chapter 47: "Ah, love is in the air."

The train to Verdun has always been a silent journey.

Moreau sat by the window, watching the familiar landscape roll past the vast open fields and small villages.

Beside him, Renaud stretched his arms over his head, yawning dramatically.

"Merde, it feels like we haven't been back in years," Renaud muttered, rubbing his tired eyes.

Moreau smirked. "It's only been a few weeks."

"Too long," Renaud grumbled. "A man can only take so much gunfire, betrayal, and military bullshit before he needs a proper drink and a woman to remind him life isn't just trenches and rifles."

Moreau chuckled, shaking his head.

But as the train neared the station, his mind drifted to Élise.

It had been a while since they last saw each other, and if he was being honest with himself, he had missed her.

When the train pulled into the Verdun station, the two men disembarked, stepping onto the platform.

"So, Capitaine, where to first? The brothel or the café?" Renaud grinned, slapping Moreau on the back.

Moreau shot him a look of mild disgust. "Café, you idiot."

"Ah, disappointing. But expected." Renaud sighed theatrically.

"The great Moreau, lover of wine, war, and one woman."

Moreau rolled his eyes, ignoring him as they made their way through the familiar streets.

The café was exactly as they had left it the warm glow of lanterns spilling onto the cobbled street.

And there she was.

Élise stood behind the counter, chatting with a few customers, her apron tied neatly over her simple yet elegant dress.

The moment she spotted him, her lips curled into a playful smirk.

Moreau stepped inside and took a seat in the corner.

Renaud followed, still grinning like a bastard.

Élise sauntered over, one hand on her hip, her brown eyes scanning him with amused curiosity.

"You're looking like shit, Capitaine," she said, tilting her head.

Moreau laughed, rubbing his face. "I guess you can say so."

She crossed her arms. "Another war? Another scandal? Or both?"

Renaud leaned back in his chair. "Both. And a bit of treason sprinkled on top."

Élise raised an eyebrow. "Ah, and here I thought you'd finally learned to behave."

Moreau grinned. "You should know by now, Élise. I don't learn."

She smirked, then leaned slightly over the table. "What will you have?"

"Wine. Something red. And strong."

She turned to Renaud.

"Same for me. But bring the bottle. I don't trust him not to finish it before I get a second glass."

Élise chuckled and nodded. "I'll be back."

As she walked away, Renaud nudged Moreau's shoulder.

"You know, you two are just about the worst at hiding your interest in each other."

Moreau scoffed, taking off his gloves. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, please. The little smirks, the way she looks at you." Renaud grinned. "And the way you look at her like she's the last bit of sanity in this miserable world."

Moreau exhaled, shaking his head.

"You're a romantic idiot."

"And you're a stubborn one."

A few minutes later, Élise returned with the wine.

She placed the bottle on the table and poured their glasses.

Then, with a slight tilt of her head, she said, "My leave has been accepted. So, I'm free once you finish your drink."

Moreau looked up at her.

"Free?"

She smiled. "To walk, to talk, to remind you that life isn't just war and strategy, Capitaine."

Renaud let out a dramatic sigh. "Ah, love is in the air."

Moreau shot him a look. "Shut up and drink."

After finishing their drinks, Moreau stepped outside, leaning against the wall as he waited.

A few minutes later, Élise stepped out, her coat draped over her arm.

"Shall we?" she asked.

Moreau nodded, and together they began walking through the streets of Verdun.

They wandered through the small shops, stopping by a bakery where Élise bought a fresh baguette, tearing off a piece and handing it to Moreau.

"Tell me, Capitaine, do they still feed you like animals in the army?" she teased.

Moreau smirked, chewing the bread. "Better than the trenches of '14, but not by much."

They passed a street vendor selling roasted chestnuts, the aroma filling the cold air.

"Oh, I haven't had these in ages," Élise said, pulling Moreau toward the stall.

Moreau paid the vendor, taking a handful of warm chestnuts.

"You always make me buy things," he muttered.

She grinned. "Well, I can't let you forget what real food tastes like."

As the night deepen, the streets became quieter.

Then, as they reached the edge of the town square, Élise finally spoke.

"Moreau… is everything alright?"

Moreau looked at her.

For the first time, she wasn't teasing.

She was serious.

He hesitated.

"Yes."

She narrowed her eyes. "People have been hearing things. About the army. About you. Tell me you're not fucked up again."

Moreau laughed, though there was something hollow about it.

"Don't worry. This time, I'm not."

She studied him, but didn't press further.

The station was approaching.

It was time to part ways.

Moreau turned to say goodbye, but before he could

She grabbed his collar and kissed him.

A deep, French kiss.

Sudden.

Intense.

He froze, his body stiff with surprise.

For a full minute, neither of them moved.

Then, slowly, Moreau held her face, his thumb brushing over her cheek.

His voice was quiet. "I'm falling for you, Élise."

She smiled, tilting her head slightly.

"Amidst all this chaos, I find you like a star, brightening my path ahead."

Her smirk returned. "Such poetry, Capitaine. But this much can only get you one more kiss."

Then, in a teasing whisper, she added, "If you want to enter my room, you'll have to do more."

Moreau laughed before kissing her one more time.

Far away, Renaud leaned against a lamppost, watching the scene unfold.

As Moreau approached him, Renaud grinned.

"Moreau. In love. How about that?"

Moreau shook his head. "Shut up, Renaud."

"I'll shut up after I tell the whole regiment about how our mighty Capitaine has fallen....."

Moreau punched him lightly in the stomach.

"Now follow your Capitaine, you fucking moron."

Renaud groaned, laughing as they made their way back to the barracks.