The touch was unexpected and, at the same time, not. He could sense the urge passing through the other and in the next moment his hand was there and Bard latched onto it--without really latching onto it of course--using it as an anchor to steady himself. There were a lot of different theories about those that drifted together and what happened when they came out of the drift but Bard definitely felt as though it was all re-solidified when partners were close or touching. The residual drift was stronger through touch than by any other means outside of the jaeger and he lived for that feeling, even if he rarely got it.

"Of course not. What a shame that would be for me to think that I was anything more than a fool," he drawled in return, playfully rolling his eyes but his own lips twitched into a smile.

For all the harsh words they tended to share, they could banter casually just as easily.

"...I feel the same, which is why I did what I did. The idea you getting hurt and not being able to do anything about it--" Bard stopped himself, tearing his gaze away from his partner to look at their jeager again. "...I didn't mean to worry you. I honestly just reacted--didn't even think about what I was doing. Just that I needed to keep you safe."