( closed ) trust me to have your back

[sonnestark]

Who: Karin Koenig & Lightning Farron
When: Septeril 18th
Where: The Coven
What: Bonding ceremony— probably a very awkward bonding ceremony.
Warnings: None!

[The ceremony itself is simple, and Karin finds herself relieved that the only witness necessary is the Witch handling the whole thing— while she's certain either of their younger housemates would have been glad to attend and do their part to help out, she's of the same mind as Lightning: best not to tell them until after this is over. Both Rikku and Ann would be inclined to make a bigger deal out of it than it needs to be, and even though she and Lightning have agreed on every aspect of this partnership moving forward, it's still a little...

Well. Awkward. Being the center of attention even on a small scale is enough to make her uncomfortable, and then there's the ceremony itself: nothing huge or attention-grabbing, but there are still vows to be exchanged, and it's not like having your souls tied together is insignificant in any way.

Once they're both inside the circle that's been drawn, she exhales, offering her friend a hopeful smile and hoping the nerves don't show too badly.]

So... now we're supposed to exchange vows, right?

[People keep saying it's not like a wedding, but at the same time, it kind of is?]

Comments

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning had been hesitant to even enter the drawn circle, her toes on its edge for at least five minutes while she thought it over. It wasn't that she was having second thoughts about bonding with Karin—this is something out of pure necessity, and she trusts her partner—but magic never did sit well with her. Being a l'Cie, being a witch and having magic because of it have brought her no happy memories.

The Coven Witch reassured her that it would be okay, and after shooting her a Look, Lightning stepped in.]

Uh... Right.

[She shifts uncomfortably.

Who the hell said this isn't anything like a wedding? She'll club 'em.]

... What're we supposed to say?

[Did someone tell them, because if so, she wasn't listening.]

[sonnestark]

I think... just however we feel?

[Karin shifts awkwardly, giving the Witch presiding a sidelong glance and only getting a minute, nearly emotionless nod in reply. Great. Very helpful.

She hadn't thought ahead on this part. Were they supposed to write vows?]

I didn't prepare anything, but... I think we can probably do it off the cuff?

[Most likely?]

[sparkstrikes]

[How they feel...

How about Karin turns her upside-down and slaps her ass with a cactuar because that would be less mortifying than this. Especially considering Lightning didn't prepare anything either! She hasn't even thought about what she'd want to say.]

Thought it'd be something generic. Magic words, like a spell or something.

[You know, like bibbidi bobbidi boo?

Well, alright then.]

Do we have to, uh... [Lightning extends her arms between them, exposing her palms.] Hold hands or whatever to make it work?

[sonnestark]

[Karin looks puzzled as Lightning extends her hands towards her, palms upward, but it clicks after a moment and she reflexively reaches out to take hold of them. Are her own hands sweaty? God, she hopes not, that would be even more embarrassing than the rest of this already is.]

It does seem like the kind of thing we should do.

["Holding hands isn't necessary, but it can help. As long as you're both within the circle, the bond will take."

Oh.

Well, if their hands are already together, then they might as well just... lean into it, right? She clears her throat softly, a blush creeping into her cheeks as she does so.]

... right. I vow to be a loyal partner and friend to you, and to do my part to protect you from harm, like I know— you would do for me.

[That's a good start, she thinks.]

[sparkstrikes]

[Oh, okay. They are going to hold hands. Of course they are... Lightning was the one who extended hers to Karin, right? Why did she do that?

Well, too late to go back now. That would just make this more awkward, wouldn't it?

It's hard to keep eye contact when Karin begins to say her vows, and Lightning can feel her neck and face burning from embarrassment while she listens, and tries to think of what she's going to say next. There's a long silence that follows when Karin finishes, before she realizes it's her turn, with the Coven Witch nodding to her, urging her to follow up with something.]

—oh, yeah. Me too.

[There's a noise of disapproval that comes from outside the circle, and Lightning echoes it with one of discontent.]

I, uh... vow to be a loyal partner and friend to you, too. [Now she's just repeating Karin's words, what the hell. No, that's not fair to her.] I'll kick anyone's ass who tries to harm you, and promise to be a trustworthy bond, and to respect you as one.

[Is that ok? Did she do it?]

[sonnestark]

[It would definitely be more awkward to admit that holding hands had been a mistake and to try and backpedal. Better to commit, probably— though Karin thinks that they'll both probably go out of their way not to talk about this later. She's not quite as reserved about some things as Lightning, including physical contact between friends, but even so...

She exhales, and she can't help smiling at Lightning's own vow. It doesn't have to be fancy, just honest, and Light is definitely that.]

You'll kick their ass, huh?

[The witch overseeing the ceremony gives her a sharp look. Right, vows.]

I'll— be right there alongside you. Also kicking ass. Together, we'll be unstoppable.

[Better, possibly. Probably.

... are they supposed to feel different, somehow?]

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning responds in kind, returning the smile with a brief one of her own. There's a reason she decided that Karin would be one of the best choices for this and she can see now that her decisions were not misplaced.]

We will be.

[She doesn't doubt that in the least. Besides that, they'll be better off with a bond. Both of them stronger with one, and Etro help the poor soul that crosses them.

With their vows seemingly out of the way, because Lightning's finished saying her piece, she looks to the Witch standing to the side, a brow shooting upwards.]

That it? Am I supposed to feel something?

[OTHER THAN EMBARRASSED??

The witch bows her head, a sharp sigh exhaling in a single, tired breath.

"You'll begin to feel the benefits of your Bond soon enough."]

[sonnestark]

[Karin, too, has said all she intends to, at least for ceremony's sake. They had talked about what this meant to the both of them at length beforehand, and as embarrassing as it felt to be put on display for a few minutes, even for an audience of a single witness, she feels confident that this choice is a good one for the both of them. When asked about what quality she most desired in a bondmate in the past, she had immediately answered trust— and while that is something she does not give away easily, she absolutely does trust Lightning. After all, she's something of a kindred spirit.]

So that really is it?

[A lot less fanfare than she would have expected, but she supposes it's better that way. She clears her throat softly, releasing Lightning's hands— for both their sakes, really.]

Somehow I thought there would be something a little flashier to celebrate the occasion. Not that I'm complaining.

[They had decided they were uncomfortable with any undue attention being drawn to them.]

We'll both start to feel stronger soon, then? And less troubled by our... respective gifts.

[sparkstrikes]

[Lightning wipes her hands over the front of her coat, worried that they've grown clammy while holding onto Karin's from her nerves being as frazzled as they are. Being put on the spot and in the centre of attention was never her cup of tea, even for a few minutes, so needless to say, she's been a touch nervous.

The witch bows her head at them with a nod, and leaves the room, giving them some time to gather their thoughts, and say anything else that they'd like to without her presence.

Not that Lightning has anything of value to add, after that.]

Guess I should start actually learning the magic around here... if it's gonna be useful now. Dunno what that'll mean for you...

[sonnestark]

[Karin smooths out the front of her short skirt out of habit more than anything else once her hands are free, composing herself. Thankfully, with nobody watching the two of them any longer, they're free to speak openly, and the pressure suddenly seems far less than it had just a few minutes ago.]

If I can help at all, you'll let me know? Beyond the bond thing, I mean— the actual studying. I didn't really study magic at home, but I did learn how to use crest magic, and that took some practice. Maybe I can offer some perspective?

[It's entirely possible that she can't, either, but it's in her nature to offer.]

For me, I think this means further changes will be... smoother. I can't say I'm not looking forward to that.

[They've all been inconvenient at best, but her bones hollowing out had been agonizing.]

[sparkstrikes]

Karin...

[Lightning takes on a more serious tone now, her nervousness gone now that the two of them are alone. Her own magic is the least of her worries, especially with the new bond, but the changes that are still waiting to happen to Karin is where her concerns lie.]

You need to tell me when that happens. I... [okay, maybe not all the awkwardness is gone.] I wanna make sure I'm there for you when it does. It's my job, but... as a friend, too.

[She shouldn't be going through it alone, bond or no bond.]

[sonnestark]

[Awkward though Lightning may feel making such an offer, Karin finds she's not surprised by it in the least. Light has already shown herself to be a steadfast and loyal friend, has already been there to help Karin through the worst of her transformation, and so all she can do is smile in reply, along with a grateful nod of confirmation.]

I know you will be. You already have been.

[It may be different now, with the bond in place, but the part that Lightning is talking about? As far as Karin is concerned, she's already got being there for a friend in need on lockdown.]

I can't imagine getting even this far without your help. Whatever happens next, I promise, you'll be the first to know.

[sparkstrikes]

Better be. Or else it'll be your ass I'm kicking instead.

[She says that with a gentle nudge of her fist against Karin's arm, and she urges her away from the weird magical circle and towards the door.]

You feel like a drink? Something small... to celebrate.

[She could certainly use one.]

[sonnestark]

[She laughs as she crosses her arms in front of her, clearly taking the threat as a form of affection, as it's meant to be.]

Noted. I'd hate to see that.

[She grins, leaning into that nudge before easily moving away from the ceremonial circle, eager to leave it behind, as well. As for Light's suggestion:]

Sounds perfect. I think we're due for some celebration, and I know just the place!

[Time to get ready for another game of "who can pay for drinks faster," because Karin is determined to get to treat her at some point.]