deep blue eyes // Antoine Griezmann

Chapter 41 - Teasing

The Tuesday comes that is Antoine's birthday, March 21, the day after the first day of spring. For some reason, I feel as though this date suits Antoine, for it to be his birthday.

I am prepared for his birthday- I have a whole huge goody bag full of just stupid things that I think he'll like. Most of the items don't see very thoughtful, but I really do care. I hope he just doesn't take it as not thoughtful. I hope he likes and appreciates it. I really do.

The moment I see him in the lunchroom at school, standing at the back of the line, holding a still empty tray, I run over to him, throw my arms around him, and press my ear to his shoulder, exclaiming, "Happy birthday! You're an adult now, birthday boy!"

He laughs, wrapping his arms around me back, kissing the top of my head, saying, "Yeah, I guess so, huh? Kind of weird, right?"

I look up at him and his beautiful face, grinning. "Does it feel weird to you?"

"A little. I don't know. I'm just not a kid anymore, so it's something, I guess. Thanks for the big hug about it. You know this weekend is when I bring you all to the beach, right?"

"Yep, I remember," I smile. We get our food together, and sit down at the lunch table. Elizabeth has been sitting with us. She dated Neymar for about a week, but then said that she realized how Neymar really is, and she doesn't like him anymore. But she's in our circle now, and that is all either of us care about. It's really good to be able to hang out with all my friends, all at once.

I think, now that I consider it again, it's good she isn't into Neymar. Neymar can be... Well, you know. I don't think I really need to explain to you what Neymar can be like. Just stupid, on so many levels.

I sit down next to Antoine, with Elizabeth on my other side. As we eat, me and Antoine's hands are clasped. "So, Sage, when is your birthday?"

"Oh, in about a month. I'll be eighteen on the nineteenth of April. So, now that I think about it, we're actually pretty close in age, you know?"

Antoine nods with a smile. "I think I kind of like that. It makes me feel like we're even more meant for each other than I already know we are, you know? Or does that not make any sense at all, and do I sound like I'm speaking gibberish?" he adds, half-jokingly.

"No, no," I smile back. "Don't worry, silly. I get what you mean, completely. And I agree, in fact."

He nods again, the smile on his face remaining, looking like such a content boy. I love him.

"Antoine," I say, slightly squeezing his hand in mine.

I look up from his food to my face. "Yes?"

"Are you busy after school today? If you are, that's fine, and completely understandably, because it is your birthday and everything, so if you-"

"I'm available. Why?" he says, slightly leaning closer to me.

"I guess I just want to spend some time with you, you know? It's your birthday. I have some gifts to give you. And I think maybe it'd be nice to go to our place..."

"Oh, right, our place. You wanna do that right after school, baby?"

"Yeah," I smile brightly. "I think that would be great, Antoine. Thanks."

"Okay, good. So, also, I was thinking you should have everything packed for our week at the beach, so we can leave on Friday after school. That week is spring break, so we won't miss any school. We'll stay there the whole week, and then by that next Sunday, we'll be home. Sound good, beautiful?"

I grin at him. "Sounds wonderful," I smile. "I am, like, so excited. I'm also excited to meet your friends, Hernandez and Dembele, too!"

"Oh, yeah, you'll love them," he grins.