It's been awhile {Donovan}

[makenzie]

Its not a date, its not a date, Makenzie had been repeating those same words all week long ever since it was confirmed that Donovan and herself would be getting drinks today. It was a bit of an understatement if someone were to say she had a crush on Donovan, she practically adored him from the moment they met when she first started teaching at Hogwarts. That was only two years ago but Donovan had become a close friend in that short time.

Friends, just friends that was all they were. Makenzie wanted more from this relationship but she dare not overstep any boundaries. Although she was young in age Makenzie had adapted values of an older generation. She never believed a woman she court a guy. If a male was interested they would make their move, Makenzie would never initiate further interest in the opposite sex had they not given her permission to take it to that level. Which was why Donovan and her were only friends. She wondered what exactly it was about her that made him not want more but she figured it was the age factor. Makenzie was practically half his age, although this did not affect her in anyway, not everyone was comfortable with the idea. Friendship was all she had but Makenzie couldn't complain at all she enjoyed his friendship just as much.

Even if that meant she had to remind herself every once in awhile that their meetings were nothing more than just friends conversing. She had to remind her stomach not to get butterflies and to stop acting like a silly little school girl. She was an adult of twenty-three years of age and shouldn't let a man affect her so much.

Makenzie took a deep breath before opening the door to the Three Broomsticks, the place they had agreed to meet. The walk from the school to the pub took no time at all since her mind had been occupied with so many thoughts. Although her feet did hurt a bit from walking such a distance in heels Makenzie was not fond of sneakers, she usually wore heels. Makenzie ordered a butter beer and claimed a table near the window. The weather, as rumor had it, was fairly nice for an late October day. Taking a sip of the frothing drink Makenzie looked out the window waiting for Donovan to come into sight.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan wasn't going to be late, but he was not even going to bother pampering himself up as he rarely considered these things dates. Being easy-going was always his thing, and carefree was just the added tune up to his features. Not that he really liked being forward, but he was more or less deciding to take it easy with this trip. Finally, he was just getting the last few spots of gel into his air, but he realized how much he hated the stuff. Despite how awesome it made him look at times, but that was just his self-confidence talking again. The shoulder length dark brown hair seemed to compliment his stark figure, as he did have a bit of a muscular body too.

Having been a model at some point in his past life too, well around his late twenties, and it certainly showed, as he knew that most women would die to have him as their lover. Unable to actually settle for any actual decent ladies that didn't want him just due to the fact he was handsome. Sometimes wanting them to look past his exterior to get to know him for the fun-loving guy he could be. Especially since he loved spouting off about stories of all of the places he had visited, but it wasn't too hard for him to focus on getting ready for going out with Makenzie.

Donovan obviously wasn't a fool as he knew exactly what to do around women and how to read the signs if they were attracted to him or not. Seeing Makenzie as a good friend was probably one of his fatal flaws in noticing how much she really liked him at the same time. Of course, not many women would actually send him an owl to meet on a Sunday afternoon unless they seriously were going after or interested in a guy. Back to his original predicament of getting ready it was hard choosing the right shirt for this sort of venture, as most women were picky about most guys due to their clothing.

Donovan normally went with his usual attire, but he decided to do just that, pulling on the white t-shirt he normally wore. Wearing his brown leather jacket that easily stopped the wind from making him chilly and soon stroked his mustache in thought. Of course he had a little hint of a goutee, which made him look rather suave as he decided to tug on some nice looking blue jeans. Giving him the appearance of a cow-boy with the tan hat he had chosen. Surely, it was tacky but now he was on his way to the Three Broomsticks.

Not wanting to keep Makenzie waiting, he soon made his way inside. Making his way inside he finally found the table she was at and smiled warmly towards her, as he snuck from behind covering her eyes, "Hey there, your personal present has arrived," he mused lightly as he finished by sitting down in the seat opposite of her. Soon taking off his jacket and setting it down behind him...having actually decent etiquette while being in the presence of a lady as he set his hat on the corner of the chair he sat in.

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[makenzie]

I was once again an idiot and clicked Modify instead of quote and have now lost the post that belongs here. UGH!

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Amazing as it may be to see Makenzie all dressed up, but that was just how she usually was. Nothing too special to him he admitted, but he did notice the air of perfume about her. It was just great to be out of the school and able to enjoy some time away from it for a change. Not that much would come in between him and true happiness. Teaching Ancient Runes really wasn't enough for him since he loved to travel the world Makenzie did know about him. Some things never changed, and with Donovan, it was hard to teach him how to share his wealth and wisdom over the course of the summer he had been away.

Now he was looking back on his past again, and then decided to leave it up to her to decide what he was thinking about. A fun game he had made up on the spot just for her to follow. Shaking his head, he merely answered her question as politely as he could. One day he would be able to return back to his former teaching glory when students actually loved Ancient Runes still. No one really needed to take the class if they couldn't be bothered with learning about old texts or the ancient wizarding world that had started it all. Ridding his head of these thoughts, he soon gazed at Makenzie once more. Soon words were starting to flow from his lips, wondering if she'd hang on to each word that left them.

"Well, I have to admit, that was pretty brave of you to ask that. Just joking, my summer was riddled with many events I dare to recall. I was actually visiting Mexico in North America to get a better grasp on the different runes in the muggle world. Some of them are rather fascinating, I would have loved your company while I had been there. Of course, mainly only cause of the views you can see there too. Minus all the desert there is to look at it was a pretty astonishing place, how was your summer, love?" he asked calmly ordering a fire whiskey since he'd probably just walk back to the school itself.

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[makenzie]

Makenzie was captivated by Donovan, even though he was doing nothing special, he still had her full attention. No longer as nervous as she felt when she had first arrived alone to the pub she withdrew her hand from the pearl necklace and placed them both in her lap. Not only did this poor woman have a crush on her best friend but she also admired him greatly. The way he took on such a hard course to teach, one that not many students were even interested in now-a-days, he still taught it with enthusiasm. Many professors lacked that after a certain amount of years in one subject even when the students were excited to learn. It was just the monotony of the work that took the luster out of the lessons for some professors. Makenzie felt that way sometimes but for her the students made the class fun and fresh.

One eyebrow curved up on Makenzie's face wondering why on earth she was brave to ask such a common question. But as Donovan continued on and explained that he was only joking Makenzie couldn't help but smile and shake her head lightly causing her curled brown locks to shack a bit. "Such a child at heart." She said laughing lightly. "Was this the first time you've been to Mexico?" She asked curiously. Makenzie hadn't traveled too much in her life time. She had grown up in France and traveled to some of the surrounding countries and now was stationed in England. A part of her missed the French lifestyle but she adored her life her as well.

Just like any other girl in the world Makenzie began to over analyze his statement about how Donovan would of loved her company on his trip. How did he mean it? But of course no matter how much she over thought the words she would never know their true meaning. "I'm not so sure I would have faired well in the deserts. I'm not use to fending for myself in such a rugged way." Makenzie admitted. She had been raised to be a feminine woman who would be able to take care of the house; a typical house wife, although she was much smarter than the house wives of the older generations. "I'm sure it would be a sight for you to see me out in the world like that. I'd probably need much watching after. But I would love to come on day, you always seem so thrilled about these trips of yours." Makenzie said, just before she picked up her cup and took a small sip of butter beer.

"Ah, my summer was rather fun at times. I met up with a few friends over the holidays sparingly. Also attended some fashions shows to see the latest lines being released. That store called Lace came out with some nice things I was thinking about buying." She said, rather enthused about her own summer events. "But I know clothing to you is rather boring." She added dismissing the topic with ease.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan surely found his own travels exciting, but when he told others about them, it was even better when someone was willing to listen to his stories. Surely, Makenzie had more interesting stories than talking about shopping, but he was still intently listening to her. Hanging on to each word that left those perfect, lucious lips of hers as he stared at them. Almost forgetting he was in the presence of a proper lady, and just a few weeks ago he had been in the Halloween feast even. It wasn't unusual for them to catch up at times like this, but he wasn't going to just skip right into unknown territory just to tell her that he liked her. Oh no, she was going to be the one to reveal it to him that she liked him, but they had been playing this game for a while. Even as she had just started teaching here not that long ago, he was certain that he was one of the few teachers she had a major crush on. Not that it was important right now, finally starting to relax a little more.

It had been too long since he had been able to sit down with someone and actually converse with them on an intellectual level, but he knew there were many primal urges working up within his body. As natural as it seemed, he didn't think it was appropriate for him to behave like this around Makenzie in the first place. 'You know, if i wasn't tied down with all of this traveling I do during the summer, maybe next time you can come with me. I won't let you stay here by yourself. I mean I wouldn't mind your company after all, you're the most beautiful woman alive I know of. Even the flowers hide in shame from your beauty whenever I see you walking by them," he said to her. That was definitely a compliment he didn't give often, but he did have a reputation of being a conscious flirt. Even with his stature, no women in their right mind would deny his advancements in the long run.

Of course, Donovan had been wrong many times before and this time was no different than usual. Just wanting to play it safe he covered his ass by also saying, "So, I have to also add that I love clothing stores in general, but I usually just go with simple things as you can see. It doesn't take much to look good, although I'm sure you'd look just as good with anything on, or without too...not that I'm insinuating anything," he said, blushing a little at that. Oh my, was he blushing for a woman for a change, instead of the other way around? Well, it was still barely noticable.

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[makenzie]

Back straight, chin up, hands in lap, shoulders back, and chest out. This was constantly repeated to Makenzie while attending school at Beauxbaton. Makenzie sat in the chair across from Donovan as stated above. It was how she always adjusted herself when sitting. It was the proper way for a young lady to sit, only allowing the hands to come to the table when eating or drinking but never allowing an elbow to touch the table. But as the few years have passed since graduating from that school Makenzie was able to let her hair down a little. She no longer was forced to think that an elbow on the table was a sin. It was actually rather relaxing to prop one's head up with a hand being stabled by the elbow on the table.

In a quick moment, with only several words, Makenzie's day was made. To hear Donovan utter such a compliment about her almost made her jump with glee. A smile spread across her lips as she ducked her head a just a bit to hide the blush that was rushing to her cheeks. "Oh Donovan." She said mustering the courage to actually look him in the face. "You are too kind." She added. Makenzie reached for her butter beer taking a quick sip to cool off herself. "Well perhaps this summer I can accompany you on your travels. I would really love to spend the summer traveling with you." Makenzie said after she placed her drink back on the table.

"Donovan you are just full of surprised today aren't you?" She asked laughing lightly at his faux pas. "But the simple look fits you perfectly. You always look so handsome." Makenzie said throwing a compliment his way. Makenzie's stomach was growling slightly. "Would you like to order some food while we are here?" She asked thinking it impolite to eat in front of someone else without asking first.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan was merely just a peon in his own mind, but to the world he knew there was much more he could explore. Of course, he was a precious jewel that many should appreciate while he was around, and then chuckled at his own ego. Amusing as it may be, he was dealing with what seemed to be a princess at the moment, but he found that more enjoyable. Donovan was so used to getting his way that sometimes he forgot who he really was at times, but he wasn't a stuck up jack-ass like some guys were back in his day. School changed you and it hadn't changed Donovan one bit. Always the ladies man and getting in first place at no matter what he did. Until it came to the teaching job, and he almost considered it mundane until Makenzie had shown up.

Almost having gotten to the point of retiring as an Ancient Runes professor to pursue his dream of traveling the world without being attached to Hogwarts. Yes, he had traveled it once, but he never did like staying in one place for too long. Finally looking back to her as he regained his confidence, not that it had disappeared in the first place, and soon cleared his throat slightly. Noticing her composure and almost purposely copied it just to tease her. Donovan was in his right mind he hoped by teasing her, but that only influenced what he felt about her. An awkward encounter was less embarrassing than a totally pre-meditated one that you screwed up on the spot.

This was all improvised, he hoped as he then waved his hand to a waiter and then spoke to him, "Yes, get my darling co-worker here a special of the day, and make it snappy, and one for me as well. We're going to share our drink...what would you like -darling-," he emphasized the last word as if they were already married. It was just a teasing gesture, but it was his way of asking her if she wanted something more out of their relationship that would have just started if she accepted his weird way of asking her out.

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[makenzie]

Makenzie was quite content with how today turned out, well more so than just content but she didn't want to seem over exuberant. Getting to spend some time with her best friend, Donovan, was always a sure way to brighten her day. The two had known each other for a few years now and over time Makenzie felt as if their relationship would go in a different direction. It was becoming more hopeful over the years as to when Makenzie had first laid eyes on him and heard his age she was sure that she would never have a chance. Today seemed to change that mind frame. She didn't mind the slow start they both seem to be approaching the idea with, it would savor those feelings longer.

Makenzie's eyes looked over Donovan, he was so attractive it almost hurt to want him. Everything about him was perfect to Makenzie. His long brown locks gracing his shoulders lightly. The depths of his chocolate eyes that never seemed to quit. His semi-full lips which a slim mustache laid atop of. His strong cheekbones that gave him such a striking appearance. To top it all off he was tall, tan, and with a bit of muscles. He was a bit of a distraction to her but she didn't mind at all. Makenzie loved each time she saw Mr. Gorgeous.

As Makenzie was looking over Donovan she noticed his stance changed. 'Donovan!" She hissed in a playful way. 'you would make such a good French woman." She said jokingly. Suddenly a waiter was at their table which she was entirely grateful for since her stomach felt like it was eating itself. She was about to order what she would like but Donovan had took the role, ordering for her as if she was his date. "What if I don't like the special of the day dear?" Makenzie said playing along.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan just decided that today would be whatever he wanted it to be, but he knew that Makenzie wanted something more out of him. Looking at her gorgeous frame wasn't really beyond him, but he kept his eyes glue to her own as to keep up a sense of respect. As amusing as it may be to think that she had actually gone this far out of her way to keep chatting with him as often as she could, but now he just nodded towards her. Really having nothing else much to say at the moment, besides the few moments when she commented on the fact he'd make an excellent French women. Taken aback by that comment, he tilted his head towards her curiously.

Where in her right mind did that make any lick of sense? Whatever, he'd put up with it, but he laughed as well as soon as he heard hers. It was just a sense of security that he was hoping he gave her each time he was around her, and was taking it easy still so that he didn't move too fast with her. After all, nothing said 'get away' like a clingy guy trying to get with a very beautiful girl, but he was probably going to try his hand soon. Stacking the deck was easier than it seemed, plus he had to watch out for some of those students that eyed him. If he wasn't careful, they'd jump him at the first sign he let his guard down. Chuckling at that thought he soon regarded Makenzie again, eagerly just folding the menu up.

"If you don't like it, I'm sure you can request to have it changed, and if you haven't taken a bite of it, I'm sure they'd do it free of charge since they do that here anyways," he said to her. Smirking slightly, but he knew with those words, he liked hearing them leave her lips and had a certain ring to them. Weird as it sounded, he was more or less attracted to her, but he just didn't really make the move each time they hung out. It was getting stronger every day, that feeling in his heart, but he would keep it there for now. Until he knew the -right- moment when it beat -just- right. Strange as that was, it was just how Donovan operated.

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[makenzie]

Donovan's solution was true if she truly didn't like whatever he happened to order her she could simply request that it be taken back and order something that would satisfy her taste buds. But she didn't like the idea of bothering the staff who were already busy with enough customers to redo her order. It would seem as if she thought herself a cut above the rest, which wasn't true at all. "Wouldn't that be very, how do the muggles say it, dive like?" She asked hesitantly. She knew most woman did not think about such things and only did what made themselves happy but Makenzie had not been raised that way. A proper lady was at time, often, to suffer in silence.

Makenzie figured she would do this that unless it was something she absolutely hated and then she would just have to blame it on Donovan for ordering for her. "It'll be your fault if someone's work load gets added to." She teased, not really upset at the gesture he made today. Makenzie enjoyed the way they both could poke fun at the other without them getting upset, it was all in good fun. "Do you have any idea what you ordered us?" She asked with mild curiosity. Maybe if it was so difficult to make she would request a small salad to hold her over.

Makenzie picked up her butter beer and took the last remaining sip making note to ask the waiter to bring her another one when they brought their order over.

((OCC: Sorry its so short, I couldn't think of anything else to say...epic fail XD))

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan knew that Makenzie's tastes were indeed far and wide, but to honestly know what she liked it was best to ask her instead of assuming like he usually did. Right now was one of the times he should have considered her feelings before his own, but he wasn't sure how vague or honest he wanted to be around her. Obviously there were still a few secrets she was hiding from him and it only caused him to think he knew a lot more about his own subject than her. Well that was a given, and where that had come from he really didn't know. Only one way to find out really until he could actually dive into the steak he had ordered for himself, and it would be delicious.

"Actually, what do you want to eat out of curiosity in case you wanted to pick your own? Besides I picked one where you could chose any entree you wanted free of charge saying you were my girlfriend," he said rather bluntly as if it were nothing to be frowned upon. Even in his own right, he had made that up just to see her reaction, and was curious what she would do then. If she was short of jumping up to strangle him he'd kiss her, if she even managed to draw her wand to try to strangle him he'd make kissing noises towards her. Making the move was always the hard part and hard to tell when it was needed.

Since he was dealing with a rather sophisticated woman, he had to do some of the unexpected things that he normally did to confuse her like right now. Smirking as he folded his hands in silence before him as the food rolled out, the food that appeared on it would be her favorite kind of food when picked up. "Oh and if the food is really bad, it'll be your fault since it's a magical meal that makes your favorite one on the spot," he finally told her the truth, having held out on her until the very end...wondering how she'd take that girlfriend comment.

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[makenzie]

The anticipation was eating at young French woman. Donovan had ordered her food without saying what exactly it was that he had ordered for the two of them. The fact that Donovan traveled across the globe made Makenzie worried about the type of food he had requested. His tastes were probably far off from hers seeing as he had been exposed to all different cultures and delicacies. Knowing Donovan it would be a strange meal that she had never encountered before, but life was all about living and experiencing new things, right? Although Donovan had asked for the special of the day which couldn't be something that unusual to her, it was probably something simple like steak.

Makenzie finely trimmed eyebrow arched up with confusion. "Oh they have that do they? A special title for the girls which makes the males automatically pay, I sort of like the idea of that." Makenzie said with a small small on her face. "But for future reference I'm a pretty simple girl when it comes to food. I like the basic meats, salads, only ranch and thousand island for dressing, potatoes and corn and broccoli. Just your everyday stuff in a meal." Makenzie informed him.

Makenzie kept looking around the pub trying not to really look at Donovan. The butterflies in her stomach were at full force at the fact that Donovan was considering her as his girlfriend even just for a night. She hated the way she felt like a school girl with a huge crush. Being twenty-three years old she thought she was over those types of feelings but sitting here with Donovan made her realize that those emotions are great to have.

Makenzie turned her gaze back to Donovan as the waiter approached their table. "You are such a trickster." She said with a light laugh after finding out his little secret. Before the waiter could leave Makenzie asked if she could have another butter beer since she had drained the glass already. "This smells good." She said as she pulled off the lid of her tray. It held a small portion of steak with some mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. "Yum."

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan merely let out a small chuckle in her direction at how easily she was pleased, but he couldn't help admire how incredibly cute she looked when her cheeks flushed up at him mentioning this. What wasn't and what is shall never come to pass between them for now, but he was wondering what she thought about him telling the waitress that she was his girlfriend. Donovan as feeling that he had sent some resentful thoughts her way about him, but recently he had been having recurring thoughts about them. The way they hung out so innocently and he almost considered this like a date the way they were around each other now. Honestly, Donovan could see this lasting for a while, but if she really fancied him she would have told him her feelings already.

Never the one to make the first move, but in this case he felt obliged to make an exception to those rules. His own rules no less, but he doubted she was sincere in her own way even if she acted like a proper lady. Slowly taking the lid off of his, a delicious smell of lasagna instantly filled the air, and his taste buds salivated with the many possibilities of what he could do to tease her. Taking the lasagna in slowly would antagonize her a little, but he decided to be polite about it not childish in any way. Donovan was smart enough to keep his table manners rather appropriate as he chewed with his mouth closed and kept his arm off the table as was proper etiquette when dining. Brandishing the fork with only two fingers, holding it up and position the fork towards him in a circular motion without making too much of an outward motion with his arm.

Donovan had obviously been raised well and a true noble at that, however, he wasn't there to discuss the history of his own past. As well as the previous life he was going to have before he got into the study of Ancient Runes, "Oh, I believe you wanted to hear more about my travels, didn't you? Aside from artifacts I've recovered, I saved a special flower for someone I hold dearly close to me," he said to her, handing her a flower that seemed to glow like the moon itself. Drawing in most of the light around it and then handed it towards her. "This is a moon flower, and no matter where you go with it, it's properties are said to never dull if given a regular dosage in the moon light, so I suggest taking good care of it Makenzie," he said to her smiling in her direction. Finishing the lasagna he had been chewing slowly first before he had spoken.

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[makenzie]

The delicious smell of the food before her filled her nose with a pleasant smell. Makenzie picked up her fork and dipped it into the decent sized pile of mashed potatoes. They tasted so fluffy and buttery in her mouth. As she continued to work on her food, there was silence between the two, as was only proper. Makenzie wouldn't be caught dead speaking with her mouth full of food. She just wasn't raised to be such a barbarian. That was one trait she disliked about her students, their tables manners were so horrid during their meals in the Great Hall. She often had to refrain herself from correcting them, she wasn't there to teach them proper etiquette, Makenzie was hired to teach potions.

As the two silently chewed their food Makenzie couldn't help but notice how Donovan ate. Watching him respect the table by not placing his elbows on the surface, keeping his fork close to his body as to not toss food everywhere, and never daring to speak while he was chewing just made Makenzie's heart melt a bit more. Although she should have known better considering that Donovan was older than herself and would have been raised with such manners, it was just a nice sight to see.

As she stared across the table at Donovan the waitress came back with Makenzie's glass of butter beer. She thanked the lady and placed her fork down on the napkin that was folded in half next to her plate. She picked up the glass and took a generous sip. As she was placing the mug back down Donovan began to speak about a flower he had found during his travels that he had saved for someone special. He then pulled out the flower, before she could even wonder who that someone special was, and handed it to her. The flower was breath-taking, it glowed with the same sheen that the moon did. She looked back at Donovan with awe-struck eyes. "Thank you so much, I will cherish it forever." She said. She blinked away the happy tears that were forming. She never would have thought Donovan would have thought that much of her. "Would it be save to keep in a glass jar as long as it was given water and moon light?" She asked curiously. Makenzie wanted to know what would make the flower last the longest.

Makenzie looked over at Donovan a question burning her lips that she needed to ask. "Why me?" Makenzie asked quite seriously. She wanted the truth, needed to know before she was in too deep. Usually she wouldn't ask such a question, be so bold, but this signs were confusing her and to save herself she needed to take a step out there.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

"Honestly, I don't know the answer to that myself, but to make it last the longest, I have to remember what I was told when I found out. It blooms only once on a full moon, but it has to have lived for at least three years prior to this happening. I had to tell Professor Longbottom about it of course since he's always interested on what types of herbs I find on my travels. Sorry, back to the topic at hand, just give it water, and make sure it gets directly moon-light, so every now and then on a full moon just open the lid to the jar. I think jar and a water should keep its glow...I did see one other with just the same thing...but was recommended to put it in a vase with dirt of course..I think it will be fine either way," he said to her, taking a sip of his drink as he felt long-winded after that.

Taking a few short breaths as he continued to calmly eat his food for a moment, and noticed the way she was looking at him while he ate. A smirk approached his lips when she asked that question, and thought that her naivety was indeed quite cute. Luckily, he did have an answer ready for her, but he was curious as to what to say to her now. After all, he had laid a pretty heavy proposal at her door-step and was now expecting her to fully confide in him after all they were acting like a couple sort of already. Going out to dinner like this with him complimenting her, and she was at least correct on trying to get a real answer out of him then. Now all he had to do was say the right thing to make sure she didn't take it the wrong way.

"Oh? Why you? I thought that should be fairly obvious by now...why is it that I only spare my time for you and no one else? I'm sure that would've been a sure clue, but maybe it's better hearing it from me directly, haha. I can be naive myself at times, so I must say that I quite fancy you, Makenzie, and I wish to go to the Yule ball with you, if I may? Also, I consider you one of the few people in my life that makes me feel really special too, and I think you are the most gorgeous women in Hogwarts...would you perhaps like to go for a real romantic dinner sometime?" he asked her politely, even though he sort of considered this scene rather romantic as he smiled warmly towards her.

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[makenzie]

The mood between the two had changed greatly in just a small moment. With one simple action, one of pure kindness, the mood became clearer. Makenzie listened carefully as Donovan described the exact way to care for the precious flower she had been given. Although he wasn't entirely certain, it seemed Donovan knew what he spoke of. If Makenzie failed to keep the breath taking flower alive she would be crush and deem herself unworthy of accepting another gift from anyone. A plan was already formulating in her mind on which jar she would place the delicate plant in along with the perfect spot to put it so it received a healthy amount of moonlight. Makenzie knew if she ran into any problems she could always consult Professor Longbottom on the matter since he was such a genius in this area.

"I will make sure to take great care of it and do just that." Makenzie said with a warm smile. The fork she had been previously eating with sat on the napkin untouched ever since the flower had been brought up. Her appetite had vanished to be replaced by nerves twisting her stomach. Makenzie was quite proud of herself for being able to ask such a direct question, one that could lead to such a serious note. Usually the woman wasn't forward at all but this was her way of doing just that. Makenzie didn't want things to be left lingering between mixed with a big amount of questioning. It was about time Makenzie knew the truth before she allowed herself to fall and get hurt.

The words that Donovan had spoke were ones she didn't dream possible of hearing, although he was right in that the signs had been there, but being so young so hadn't wanted to take it for more than it was. As he continued on Makenzie couldn't help but beam back at him. "Forgive me for mistaking those signs as a close friendship. My age, although mature, does leave me to be a bit naive in such romantic matters." Makenzie said. "I would love to go out on a real date with you, Donovan. To be quite honest I have always hoped you would ask such a thing of me but I feared my small amount of years on this earth had prohibited you from looking at me in such a way." Makenzie admitted.

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[DONOVAN THOMAS RHODES]

Donovan was just sitting there with Makenzie having a good time with no difficulty thinking of things to say. Especially since he was obviously a master at conversations, but that would not prevent him from drowning his woes in her emotional baggage. Oh yes, he was going to keep those to himself for now, but an actual date would be nice. Considering he thought this was more than a regular outing with the way they seemed to be beating around the bush about asking her out. Soon he considered her request and then spoke to her, "Well if the one who offered me to go on a date wasn't thinking this was a date, then the date in the future will be a date I can trust, yes?" he asked politely. It seemed to roll off the tongue and seemed very easy to do. Of course, he was quirky like that in his own way and didn't have to make sense at times. Yet, in his own fashion, that did sound rather awesome now that he read it back to himself in his mind letting the words play out.

It was a nice little gimmick and he might use it from now on, and shook his head softly for a moment after laughing about that. Not at Makenzie of course, but that thought was on his mind too with the way she was retorting to him like she was on trial or some nonsense like that. Preferring to keep things simple and elegant he soon ordered himself a pumpkin pie tart with whipped cream and strawberries looking up to Makenzie. Watching the way her lips moved when she spoke, and thought that was so cute how they always molded together to make her full lips that much harder to resist kissing. "I'm afraid I was holding back then and I should be the one apologizing Makenzie, after all, life's never too short, just live each day to your fullest, then you won't regret anything. At least you'll have had a good life, now look at me, just ruining the mood. I think dessert sounds good, how about you?" he asked, forgetting he already had ordered something.

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