Mm, you're right. A Bond is more like a contract here. Still, being able to share one's feelings and heart with another has the potential to be more meaningful than that, doesn't it? People approach even marriage in different ways.

I suppose what I seek is more meaning in these connections. From what I have heard, at least some people have grown close because of their Bonds.

[He can be hopeful, right? Even during disasters like this.]

I... [Can't say nothing happened. That is too much of a blatant lie.]

I have not made the connection that I wanted to with my own Bonded. I thought that things were going better between us, but there is still too much I do not understand.

[And for once he just sounds tired and irritated rather than sensitive.]