Oops (Antoine Dupont)

Chapter 27

I clutched the hem of Antoine's turtle neck and took it over his shoulders before he had the chance to stop me. I peppered kisses from his stomach up to his upper chest and then crashed my lips into his as I explored his body with my fingertips. My drunken state turned into euphoria.

"Shall we take this to bed?" I ponder the question out loud.

"Babe we are way to drunk to be doing the act, plus you said yourself earlier you need to ask Ebony about your family." Antoine reminded me.

I couldn't help but sigh obviously. Antoine went through my bag and pulled my phone out before handing it to me as if it was urgent before going over to the bed and patting his lap letting me know he wanted me to sit with him.

"On a s-scale of one to t-ten how slurred are my words?" I ask.
"I'd say five." Antoine responded.
Text would have to do.

Manon:  Hey babes I was wondering if you got round to seeing my folk today. Don't worry if not it was your Christmas.

Ebony: we went over this evening bless your parents they still made a plate up forgetting you were with Antoine. We've taken it with us to eat before we get on our flight.

Manon: I miss them so much.

Ebony: they miss you too but they're happy. Also I must tell you now I talked to Creed.

'Fuck.' I think to myself, but I wanted to know what he had said.

Ebony: he misses you too and he regrets being so mean and judgmental, I never thought I'd say this but little Creed has matured some what.

Manon: that's great to hear , I miss him too. Thanks for going to see them for me, goodnight Ebs.

Ebony: Goodnight.

I lay my phone on the bedside table and couldn't help but sob, it was mostly due to the red wine but also because I hadn't heard much from my family and I certainly hadn't heard about how they felt about me. I felt some what bad about not being able to face the music and see them at such a special time, this thought only made me sob harder.

Antoine held me tighter and kissed the back of my head until I drifted to sleep.

*

Two years later, not long ago Antoine had finished his rugby career along with Damian by winning their last six nations. It was a true end of an era. Ebony and I couldn't help but shed a few tears when Antoine and Damian did their thank you's to their coaches,team mates and us, our hearts felt warm and full of joy.

Because rugby had been the biggest thing in Antoine's life I thought it would be hard for him to adjust, but it seemingly wasn't he helped me with looking after the dogs, with the occasional Tv interview as people wanted his opinion on his former teams. Everyday he would spend an hour looking for a coaching position, but unfortunately nothing had come up just yet.

I had noticed today after his daily search for his new career he seemed slightly frustrated. At first I decided to leave it but I couldn't take the suspense anymore.

"What's wrong?" I ask gently.

"Ugh, it's just not fair rugby was...is my life and I've never been jealous of a friend before, but I find myself being so towards Romain and his brother, this isn't me." He answered concluding with a long breath.

"Well I'm sure something will come up, now do you want to go for an extra long hike with me this evening." I try to persuade.
"I'd love nothing more" He responded.

A  few weeks later Antoine had landed himself a co coaching position with Toulouse. His eyes lit up like a child on their birthday when he revealed his new uniform.

Once he was settled into his new job it was Christmas once again. This time I was taking Antoine to England to spend time with my family and Ebony was staying in Clermont with Damian.

On Christmas Day I found myself talking to creed as we both cooked Christmas dinner.

"I'm sorry sis, I was a dick I didn't know how over protective I was being and how much that was pushing you away." He admitted.

"It's okay I'm glad I have a family that care." I say.

I was over the moon to see Creed  and Antoine actually becoming best friends. It was the best Christmas ever.

Over the next coming years Antoine stepped up to become the nations head coach after winning ten awards for best Toulouse coach and was up for his first national award after winning four six nations in a row. Me and everyone who  knew him were so proud of   him. I couldn't help but tear up when Antoine had rang up my dad to ask if he'd come with us to Paris to collect this momentous award. It really was the fullest of circles.

                                     The End

A/N: and with that Manon and Antoine's love story is over or is it .... 😉