middaeg | (closed) i had this crazy idea

(jonas waits for sasuke to the left of the steps leading up to the coven's set of double doors, smoking against his better judgement. try as he may to wash the stink of cigarettes out of his formal clothes and brush his teeth twice before heading out the door, it's a habit meant to calm his nerves and called for tonight considering the frayed state of his own. he'll apologize later.

the officiator's already greeted him, slipping away to reserve their ceremony room and draw the magic circle meant to bind them. she described it in passing as a "sewing of souls," their signatures, and it's happening within minutes of his friend's arrival. all that'll be left for him to do is butt out and head in. why'd he show so early? why didn't he ask to walk together with him, instead of wanting to impress him with his punctuality?)

... god, (murmured with a raise of his head, finally spotting black hair with an immediate straighten,) h-hey. Sasuke, over here.

[ Sasuke is five minutes early.

He knows of his own penchant to allow himself to be given to broodiness and unnecessary overthinking, choosing to instead wake early, push his body near to its shrinking limits with an escalated exercise routine, and finally clean himself up... all after a very necessary snack, of course. Anything less would afford him a cloudy mind and undefinably agitated emotions, still finding himself on edge when he finally begins his walk to the Coven.

On edge? Or...

The outfit is one Jonas has seen before, a leather vest paired with a darker shirt and pants, though the all-black cape he's wearing – tied across his collar with equally dark thread – is making its grand debut. A statement piece, something to say he did make an effort for this. ]

You're here already. I didn't expect it. [ ... ] Am I late?

(he remembers the first time he saw him wear those clothes over to the cottage. how he broke a jar against his hand and forced a terrible realization on sasuke, a vampire fleeing at the sight and smell of blood. the resulting conversation after he hid away to feed, having mediated for his two best friends. jonas recalls his cloak parting in a casual reveal, and the off-handed comments that were made after: i was going to say "nice outfit," but now i don't think i will.

two months ago. all this time, he hadn't paid it any attention. now, when jonas looks at him approaching from lower steps, it's all he can focus on.

black stands starkly against pale skin, the mahogany of the tight vest adding colour to a monotonous man who's backlit by coven magelights and a navy sky. sasuke's cape, new, clings to broad shoulders like a shadow, a shroud that adds mystique to the look and a compelling one. his scheme is so plain, and yet he's strikingly handsome; green eyes linger in a way they haven't until now, appraising and admiring in a bold departure from his anxious glance moments ago. he very nearly forgets to ash his cigarette, flicking it down onto the steps' landing altogether to exhale at the added tension keeping his back straight and his chin high.

jonas himself is in weathered boots that toe a streak into stone, off-grey slacks darker than a simple, wool waistcoat, accessorized with a black tie. he hasn't worn anything this fancy since his court dates, visibly awkward in it, but it shows off his stature well and he has marie antoinette's eye to thank.)

No, no, you're not. I just wanted to have a smoke before you got here, but I, uh... I guess I overshot. (because he's had two. wisely shifts his gaze to the building they're about to enter, a tug of a smile at the corner of his mouth.) You look really nice, Sasuke. That... suits you.

Edited 2020-04-07 03:30 (UTC)

[ Jonas is too quick to assuage his concerns and somehow it's a comfort. He's anxious, whether it's due to excitement or nervousness or even a little apprehensive fear, but isn't that to be expected? It serves to calm Sasuke, seeing that his efforts have been matched – if not exceeded – by a man who still finds a need to smoke through his limited supply of cigarettes. He's already revealed he uses them to calm himself just as much as he does to get his fix, so to speak.

He snorts faintly as he glances away, eyes briefly fixed on doors. ]

I suppose you did. As for you... that outfit suits your body and face, but not your attitude. You should wear it more confidently. [ It's as close as he'll come to fully returning the compliment, certain that the sharing of their emotions will quickly complete the job for him. Jonas looks older in it, handsome, refined, but he doesn't seem like he's convinced himself of those facts yet. ]

Let's go together. Are you ready?

S-Seriously? (the response is flustered, sweeping a hand down the front of his waistcoat to check the state of his buttons.

sasuke's managed to key him up more than he had been already, but he's thankful for his presence nonetheless. it stops the rush of unnecessary background noise and makes him focus, happy with the warmth in his chest that almost literally radiates from him. the ritual is coming at a good time, thoughts scattered and neck hot, and jonas joins him in their first push indoors.)

Yeah. (the coven's ceilings arch over them, grandiose; they walk a hall of dark wood and stone. he glances over at him, eyes slanting down.) I'm glad it's you. Here, now, doing this with me. It means a lot... and it'd mean a lot to my dad.

[ The air between them is charged and it manifests in Jonas with visible jitters, nevertheless satisfied that it's clearly the result of positive feelings. Jonas is smiling more than he's seen from him in a while, the fight with Stiles fresh behind them and his unstable emotions due to out-of-control magic falling into place, soon to be tempered.

It's a large step and an absolutely foreign allowance on his part, privacy very fiercely and jealously guarded, but his thoughts mirror Jonas's. It's for the best that it's him. That it's both of them. ]

Your father?

Perhaps I can understand... He has a wayward son who needs a fair amount of direction. I have a sterner hand than most.

"Wayward"? (a light, airy chuckle, wondering if sasuke'll ever use that sterner hand to give him a well-timed, much needed smack in the back of the head the next time he fucks up. jonas is fond of the image the thought conjures up, as they ascend the cozy stairwell to the second floor.) ... yeah, okay, you've got a point there.

(their room lies third from the left, breaching the top step with a contemplative frown.)

But I just meant, like, keeping me safe. And giving a damn about what happens to me in the future. No one ever did... besides my parents. (he misses them—god, does he ever—and it shows in the curve of his shoulders. in the best way, sasuke's reminded him of how desperate he is to see them again.) It doesn't mean much, I guess, if I say you'd always be welcome in our home. I mean it, though. It's the truth.

Edited 2020-04-12 20:55 (UTC)

[ Each step makes it a little more real, certain he'd prepared enough mentally but knowing what lies at the top of those stairs is still sobering. He sees the open door, the light spilling forth from it... and he stops, momentarily frozen in place and using the other teen's words as an excuse for his hesitance. Anything that he can latch onto while maintaining the positive mood they've cultivated. ]

It means something, more than I believe you realize it does.

Growing up, I– [ Words trail off as his momentum sputters, losing confidence in talking about that part of himself first. ] I don't have a home now; I haven't for some time. Even if it's temporary, being welcomed in somewhere isn't a small thing. I'll earn it.

(jonas doesn't need to hear the rest of what's been cut off when it's understood by now that sasuke's past is a tragic one. it's moulded him into the man standing beside him now, one he has great sympathy and respect for—after wading through the muck of acceptance where quite a few of his bad choices were concerned—and not without steep cost.

his hand doesn't drop onto his shoulder unannounced, but is raised well within sight to bump there in a tight fist.)

You already have, man. (ignoring the glow; classes have numbed him to the presence of transmutation circles. this one's different, larger, but not unexpected.

stepping in, nodding to the coven witch who stands dutifully in her quiet corner with patience unending, jonas glances back over his shoulder and breaks the tense atmosphere with a helpless raise of his arms.) Oh. Gotta' warn you right now, I did not eat before I came? ... so the first thing you're probably gonna' get a headful of is snack cravings. Totally my bad.

[ He both does and doesn't want to contest the assertion. Years of making sure he's hard enough on himself to make up for lost influences – his father, distant family members, even his brother – has ensured he never thinks of himself as having done enough, but that lonely (immature) part of him still craves to belong to something in a way he'll never fully shake. Now here they are, ready to commit to one "belonging" while Jonas so freely speaks of another.

Eyes go to the witch who's waiting ever-so-patiently, gaze briefly hardening as if to warn her against any jokes – she's almost certainly received the look from Mirrorbound before – before just as quickly darting away. Uneasy. ]

Making me hungry is even less advisable than it used to be; you're going to have to start thinking ahead. [ Half a joke in return, half not, but it doesn't matter when Jonas's ploy succeeds. Tension seeps back out of his shoulders as he moves deeper into the room, taking up a position he only knows to be his thanks to thorough research ahead of time. Of course. ]

From me, you may feel... well, I'll try to keep my head clear. You do the same.

(across from sasuke, it's starting to sink in the ritual's about to take place. the witch moves to ready her foci, preferring to use it when weaving such a complex spell that requires delicacy and precision, only checking on them when they've finished settling over designated runes in their circle.)

Yeah, I will. It'll be... we'll be good; I won't let you down. (something as serious as his bond's transformation will be treated with the utmost care, planning on deferring to sasuke's expertise in his own changes. he'll try to take careful steps to eat when he's hungry, grazing small portions of food all day if he has to. it'll become routine. it'll get easier. that's what a bond is all about, relying on the other to make appropriate accommodations.

a nod to the officiator, apprehension spiking when her thin hand begins to move through the air.)

I'm sorry if– if I– (jonas studied this, thought about all of the avenues of stress they'll encounter, but they're about to be living it. that's different altogether and it makes his heart hammer, only glancing away to draw a shakier inhale before his jaw tightens to bite back the stress. everything will be fine, this isn't fear but a leap outside of his comfort zone.

he feels the expected grip of magic that makes his hand snap to grasp at sasuke's—evidently, this is what his apology was for, any tampering with his soul intimidating him enough to reach for the closest handle to steady himself with. a tying of this damaged soul to the one so near it, the sensation swelling until the witch respectfully asks them to make their vows. it plateaus instead, letting him breathe, grip on his friend's fingers waning.)

I had... I, like, practiced this. I knew what to say before. To a mirror. (a ghost of a smile, in spite of his discomfort.) But you're not me, so, actually, that makes this way easier.

[ Jonas placates him and it's almost enough to make him again try to explain himself, to explain emotions that veer towards anger, discontent, and sadness more than any others, knowing that the other teen is more empathetic than he even seems at first. But because of that empathy, he's also certain he already knows. But to what extent?

Jonas grabs suddenly for him and his chest becomes tight, any urge to step back quelled by his ability to see it coming. There's a strange look in the eyes he meets, less anxiety and more an entreatment. It's enough that when Jonas starts to relax his grip Sasuke firms up his own instead, fingers enveloping his with a press of palm to palm. In this moment? It helps to calm him too, not trusting the magic that pulls some deep-seated energy from him towards Jonas but he does trust Jonas himself. ]

I don't think I should find that very surprising. In that case... [ He takes a moment to steel himself, find his courage for something he doesn't even remotely know how to begin. ] I'll go first.

I vow to always bear your needs in mind. If you're in danger, I'll find a way to protect you. If you're sick I'll see to your recovery, and if you're unsheltered I'll give you a place to stay. I won't turn my back on you, regardless of expense to me. I have a lot of flaws... but if they begin to burden you, I'll do what I can.

I'll keep you safe.

(jonas imagined it'd feel binding, but sasuke's fingers against his only prove to deepen it. punctuated with such thorough, dutiful vows, nothing's ever seemed closer to marriage. the linking of two souls, of hands, of words of acceptance that demonstrate a willingness to take responsibility for each other and ensure the other's happiness. it makes it very difficult to breathe, eighteen and unprepared, a betrayed boy who's quickly becoming a trusted man to at least one person.

sasuke's a true friend, flaws and all. his bonded.

he swore to himself he wouldn't choke, and green eyes closes for the briefest swell in magic when sasuke's oath completed.) Sasuke, I'm glad I had the chance to come here. To meet you. (it's changed his life, though he doesn't always notice the difference. the longer they stay together, the more noticeable it'll become.)

Every day I'm thankful for that, because you make me wanna' be... me, the best possible me, the one I hid from, like, everyone for so long. And I'm still bad at– at stuff like this, trusting someone enough to share everything with them, but you– it had to be you. (first and foremost sasuke, who had his back since he arrived. his fingers tighten, opposite hand raised to cover their knuckles as though keeping them from harm.) I'm always gonna' be there for you. I mean it. I'll be loyal, respectful– Jesus, I'll listen to your sage advice.

God knows I need it. And you know you can always take a chance if you're feeling lucky and ask for mine. (sobered by the thought, the gravity of the ritual making him bow his head a bit without looking away, examining sasuke's features lit from beneath.) I'll take care of you. Make sure you have what you need, and if you don't then I'll get it for you. I'm gonna' be the successful person you encourage me to be. And I'm gonna' work hard to be a provider.

I will protect you. From bad shit. From my head, from your head, and from anybody who thinks it's smart to mess with you. I-I promise.

(steeling himself, brow creasing.) I promise.

[ While Sasuke's vows represent a concentrated version of his feelings, condensed into singular points and spoken with a forced confidence that doesn't suit him – when did he last feel anything resembling shyness? – Jonas's are meandering and full of the tics that characterize him. Smattered with "likes", little jokes, and references to their dynamic.

More perfect than Sasuke's answer could've ever been, unguarded and open in a way he's not sure he will ever be able to emulate but in the absence of feeling it himself he'll get to experience it through Jonas. And that's enough for him.

Naruto once said something similar to him. "I'm really glad I met you", right before Sasuke had rejected him and reiterated his desire to destroy any ties that bound them forever. He sees the futility of that response now, and here, binding himself to Jonas, he has a chance to make the past right. ]

From our heads, huh... [ There's a whiff of amusement there, tinged with fondness in the moment. ] You're starting large. [ Isn't saying he'll take care of him just as tall an order? No one takes care of him. No one asks after his needs or tries to provide for him. No one's done that in over a decade. ] I think you're just trying to be more impressive than I am. Fine, I suppose I'll let you this time.

[ He turns his gaze on that witch, nodding once to solidify they've finished saying that they need to say before the glow surrounding them turns even brighter for one blistering second. All at once that pressure is alleviated, certain his heart's beating faster now if it isn't just pulled towards Jonas in some gravitational spell. ]

... ah, I feel it. A slight hunger. [ Poetry. ]

More impressive? ("that's impossible," goes unsaid, but their bond snaps in place and his head's forced to lower at the influx of energy—not to mention the draw on his own that makes him feel like he's finally able to breathe.

the rush of anticipation and apprehension in equal measure makes his own heart pound along with sasuke's, air that's been sucked into his lungs shaking out with a sigh. so this is what it feels like. he laughs, almost unwilling to do so but is unable to stop himself, a wheezy thing that's a result of culminating stress.

it dissipates now, replaced by the strong presence his soul feels affixed to his. it's still there, which means he's still alive, and his grip on sasuke only tightens.)

I know, I know, I'm sorry. And for the smoke I sorely need right now. (a smile, trying to lift himself into a sturdier stand, meaning to draw sasuke up with him.) You okay? Your– you're... I don't know how to define the feedback I'm getting. Guess I shouldn't do that aloud, huh?

... actually, could we get some privacy? (an aside to the witch who's already begun putting her things away, "most certainly, please excuse me. and might i say 'congratulations.'" she doesn't use the door, instead teleports herself to another sector inside of the coven with a polite bow of her head.)

[ The first swell of magic that breaks upon him like a wave upon a shore is fittingly comparable to water in the mouth of a parched and dying man. His aches lessen and his mind clears, finally, briefly relieved of a craving as strong as his need for blood. Jonas's hunger, a joke in and of itself, is almost immediately forgotten. He apologizes too for needing a cigarette and Sasuke wonders if he should tell him he hadn't noticed. One small craving in the wake of alleviation from a much larger one. A net improvement, no matter what.

Jonas speaks and he focuses back in with barely widened eyes, an open expression so unlike his normal impassivity. ]

Things are still balancing out for the both of us. [ That witch vanishes and in true Sasuke fashion he barely affords her a second glance, very momentarily envious of her power but that feeling can wait. ] Is it–

Does it feel easier for you? Your magic buildup.

(what a look, what a feeling. sasuke's mind may be a field of mines, but their new connection yields surprisingly positive results on the first waves. there's surprise, like a bizarre pull leading him into an unhesitant curiosity, and appreciation for the vulnerable look in his bonded's eyes that makes his chest ache. and his cheeks burn.

the envy only makes this that much more endearing, jonas left with a rather giddy shake to his fingers.)

Yeah, (winded and quiet, hand raising to settle at the centre of his chest,) the anxiety's gone. I had this– I guess it was this overwhelming pressure in my veins that freaked me out. It's– it's like I'm ten pounds lighter. Like, I could run a marathon right now. Is it the same on the Monster end of things?

... I mean, I guess I can just sense how you feel about it.

A marathon?

[ He doesn't attempt to hide a quickly fading incredulity, momentarily amused by such an unexpected desire. And this is after losing some of his energy?

Too much chakra and you'll splinter the wood. Not enough and you won't stick at all. This, between the two of them? Is now finally just the right amount, and where Jonas wants to run Sasuke wants to finally enjoy a peaceful rest before launching into his own productivity. ]

It will be soon, my body's still adjusting. [ That dapper cape of his is smoothed absent-mindedly, finally stepping free of the etchings on the floor beneath them to take a deep breath nearer the room's single window. ] But I feel more... sated. I think it'll be easier to deal with my hunger now. It's for the best, I didn't want you to need to feel the emotions surrounding that.

(jonas feels connected to this moment. besides the fact that that's quite literal, it's an emotional draw that has him watching sasuke's every move as though trying to anticipate what mood he'll experience next. there's amusement, a mellowness to his loitering by the window, and he takes the time to explain like he wouldn't already know.

he's glad. the openness may be making him a little self-conscious, but jonas knows it's just the residual jitters and his hand comes away from his waistcoat with a small smirk.) Well, that's alright. It'll suck, but I thought about it before. Y'know, when I was deciding to ask you to do this with me...

Wanna' head home?

(it's an unthinking invitation, figuring it'd be a nice walk back and an even easier time relaxing on the couch with some discussion. jonas thinks the water out by the bay would be nice to pay a visit to, too, in a small detour.) Not that you gotta' hang around me right now if you want space or anything. Gotta' test the long distance thing soon anyway, since that'll be important later. Know the Bond's limits and stuff, right?

(closed) i had this crazy idea—

(04/05) sasuke, bonding ceremony.

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