<div class="floatleft">(http://66.media.tumblr.com/9d9925a42d9e7eab7ede651862fe6c31/tumblr_npefzp2c4z1sxwyufo3_r1_500.gif)</div><div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/yuExVFv.png)</div><table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td><strong>NAME:</strong> Michael Oakes (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=299655.msg14703824#msg14703824)<br/><strong>YEAR:</strong> Hufflepuff / 7th Year<br/><strong>BLOOD STATUS:</strong> Muggle-Born<br/><strong>WAND:</strong> 14" | Sycamore | Dragon Heartstring<br/><strong>WEARING:</strong> A pair of black swimming trunks<br/><strong>DATE | TIME:</strong>  Saturday, 26 October, 2019 | Early Afternoon<br/><strong>LOCATION:</strong> Black Lake<br/><strong>CONTENT:</strong> Swimming<br/><strong>MOOD MUSIC:</strong> Arctic Monkeys - R U Mine? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngzC_8zqInk)<br/><strong>TAGGING:</strong> Juliette, Closed</td></tr></tbody></table><br/><hr/><br/>Despite the brevity of the kiss in reality in Michael's mind it could not have lasted longer. It felt like an age, his lips against Juliette's. He didn't know a thing about her, not really. But yet for some reason the moment couldn't have felt more natural. He was blushing red, his heart like a piston in his chest and his muscular body almost shivering not out of cold but out of the intensity of his feelings.<br/><br/>When the kiss broke he was as breathless as she was, inhaling sharply and smiling at her. The fact she seemed as happy as he was brought him a great deal of comfort, staying his overly enthusiastic heart a little. He wanted to speak up, but could find no words. Instead he just found himself transfixed by her eyes, the spell only being broken when she spoke.<br/><br/>He blinked once, as if making sure this was reality. Perfect described the moment to him, too, but he'd been terrified she might not have felt the same. He stumbled over his words for a moment, before finding his voice. "It was." He confirmed, smile widening. His hands left the sides of her face, unintentionally leaving traces of water where he'd touched, just as he had on her wrist.<br/><br/>Leaning up a little, though still trying to account for their height difference, Michael beamed wide. He felt elated. It was near enough a dizzying sensation. He didn't know what to do or say. He'd never felt like this with any of his previous partners. Never so swept away and inexplicably both lost and certain at the same time. Once again it was Juliette who drew him back to the real world, steadying his often racing mind.<br/><br/>He took a deep breath, steadying his mind and body as best he could in unison. When she asked what was next he was momentarily not sure what she meant, but fortunately Juliette was swift to provide context. His routine. What had the plan been? Michael questioned himself and immediately found wanting. He could barely remember his day. It all seemed like a loose blur before he'd left the lake. Everything he had planned on was lost in this distraction.<br/><br/>Eventually he settled more. If it had been truly important he would remember. Perhaps the plan had been to take a moment of relaxation. He knew the tournament would soon keep him busy. He also knew Dior's party was later. But that was not his scene. A few pints at Hogsmeade he could do. But her idea of a party was not something he'd ever enjoy. Michael decided it would be easiest to take things step by step in reforming some kind of routine.<br/><br/>"I.." He started, trailing for a moment. "I should get myself dry. Find my shirt." He noted, now that things had returned to something resembling ordinary he began to feel a little self conscious of his lack of clothes. He didn't around most people, but it felt a little rude around Juliette. He blushed red again. His wand and shirt were at the nearest tree, shirt on a branch and wand propped by the trunk. Michael nodded in their direction but didn't start moving yet.<br/><br/>"I don't mind at all." He smiled, encouraging. "Although I don't have a lot planned for this afternoon." He admitted. Maybe she would already know about the party. After all, he barely knew her at all. Perhaps they would have their differences. Everything thus far had been down to blind luck, and the idea the two would get on past that first embrace now felt like a great deal of hope. Michael chose to remain optimistic, despite his nerves. He never knew what to think when it came to people. Or, particularly, women. Despite being quite a romantic he was relatively inept. "Did you have plans?" He inquired. It would at least help him know if she intended on attending the party, and it might help him reform his plans for the rest of the day.