abstractborders | Pacific Rim AU for my dear Thranduil~

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Pacific Rim AU for my dear Thranduil~

No one expected monsters, nightmare-ish creatures unlike anything humanity had ever seen, to come from under the ocean. Sure, the ocean held secrets and was vast and most of it unexplored but no one had imagined it would house such terrifying beasts as what became known across the world as Kaiju. Humanity was defenseless against the creatures, completely unprepared for such enemies, and it wasn't until the development of the Jaeger program that there was any sign of hope whatsoever.

With a new line of defense, humans began to fight back against the Kaiju, brave individuals stepping up to the plate to pilot the immense robots known as Jaegers, most of them willing joining the rangers knowing that they may never come back home.

Bard was one such individual, the widower and father of three an excellent candidate for the program though it took awhile to find someone that was drift compatible. When his partner was found, the pair couldn't have been more different--though they shared a common trait in that they had both lost their wives and cared for their children alone. Many questioned just how they were drift compatible given that they butted heads more than they seemed to be able to work together but when push came to shove?

Their jaeger was a force to be reckoned with.

Seated on the catwalk that ran in front of said robot, Bard leaned on the railing as he watched the maintenance crew run their diagnostics, a few stitches crossing his brow and over his left temple from where the kaiju had caught them off guard. The downfall to being synced with their jaegers was the potential for injuries sustained because of damage to the robot itself but Bard never thought much of it.

It was just a part of the job.

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Yeah, he's gotten really good at ignoring that look. Really good.

"It's hardly that bad! You, my dear co-pilot, are exaggerating which is very unbecoming," Bard scoffed, head tilting some at the push but he doesn't try to move away and his lips may just be twitching into a slight grin. "You should practice being more restrained with your reactions, Thranduil."

The dark haired man can't help but look a little amused despite the odd..warm feeling he's feeling deep inside, easily covering it with a lifted brow of his own.

"Again with insulting my hair. You were doing so good stroking my ego and then you had to insult me once more," he said through a sigh. "How are we ever going to manage to drift again if you keep this up?" The answer was quite easily because in reality, they were one of the best pairs and everyone knew it. Bard never clung to it much; he was just doing what needed to be done, but having the respect of those around him wasn't a bad thing either.

"....I'm glad we ended up piloting together, to be completely honest. I'm not sure my last partner and I would have been able to survive this long."

Pity about that, Thranduil is going to have to get better looks then, ones that are not lost on the other pilot. Can't have him thinking he was above those looks, oh no.

"I do not think that I am exaggerating in the lest, there might actually be kaiju in your hair as we speak, and no one would be the wiser for it." It was nice, to be able to do this; a restrained banter that did not end in raised voices and simmering anger. And while it did not happen often, Thranduil tried to make it happen more often. It was not his fault that the other was so infuriating most of the time. "And I shall become restrained when you learn what a brush is."

The twitch of his lips means that he is clearly lying. There is little way that he would become restrained in anything that he did, aside from control his emotions. That, for him, was a constant must. He could not afford to be hurt as he once was ever again.

NOt even if, on occasions, he wished to trust the man beside him.

"I am not insulting, merely telling you the truth that you do not wish to hear. That is not an issue that I must come to terms with. " He raised an eyebrow, bright blue caught on the lines and angles of Bard's figure before shaking himself from his idle observance. " I dare say that, compared to that time you completely disregarded all textbook rules and nearly got yourslef killed attempting to defend the boarder, this is nothing."

Is there still some bitterness there? Why yes, there is. He does not, though he may not say it, want to lose you, Bard. He has never been able to drift or pilot so well with any other, and if him chewing you out after a particularly reckless move will keep you alive a day longer, even if it's mad at him, he shall do it.

There is a hand on Bard's shoulder as Thranduil plans to leave. He gives the other a rare smile, quirk of his lips if anything. " I fear that, if it were not for you, I would not have survived this long. So perhaps I owe you a thanks."

"If Kaiju were small enough to fit in my hair, I doubt we would have any issues dealing with them," Bard drawled, a chuckle lacing the words despite how much he was trying to sound put off, shaking his head at Thranduil's antics. It was rare that they had moments like these, moments that were so light hearted but he was starting to enjoy them more than he could admit out loud. Outside of his children, he didn't have anyone else and then his co-pilot had come along and wormed his way in.

Funny how those things work.

"I do what needs to be done to save lives, that's all, Thranduil. Sometimes the rules get in the way." He at least had the decency to look a little bit guilty as he said it but he would, without any hesitation, do it all over again if the situation arose. That was just how he was and Thranduil knew that better than any at this point. Bard always put others before himself and had joined up as a pilot more than ready to lay his life down if he had to. Hopefully it never came to that but if it did...

He glances up when the hand rests on his shoulder and the blonde's words hit something inside him and Bard doesn't hesitate more than a moment before he lifts a hand to rest it over his co-pilot's.

"It's in the job description to look out for your co-pilot. And I suppose I may see you as something of a friend, god knows how that happened," he teased gently, a soft look in his gaze.

"You never know, we would have to find it first in order to deal with it. And, in that mess..." He trails off, finger tangling in the locks once more for emphasis. It was strange for him to be so inclined to touch, to cross that line that was drawn so clearly between them. Between Thranduil and everyone else really. And yet--

There was always a chink in the armour, wasn't there? As much as Thranduil might wish otherwise, there was. He could not expect to drift with someone, to protect someone's back and know their innermost thoughts without growing at least somewhat attached to them. Much to his chagrin. This was not something that Thranduil ever wanted, but he was finding it harder and harder to fight it.

I do what needs to be done makes Thranduil close his eyes, hand dropping away from the brunet. Those words terrified him, because he knew the other man and knew that he meant it, no matter what Thranduil might try to convince him of otherwise. "Maybe you should do what it takes to live, Bard. For yourself and for others. I dare say you are worth far more alive, horrible hair and all, than you are a martyr."

The blond looks at the hand on his own and, in a strange moment of bravery (foolishness?) he toes at their line a little harder. "Come then, Bard of the Kaiju hair, let us drink away that headache I am sure you are currently suffering from."

Bard just snorted softly in response, an undignified response but the other's antics were amusing in a way that stunned him to a loss for words. He enjoyed how open the other was being with touch and it..while it crossed that line that had always been there between them, he didn't mind. It was the nature of the drift and, well, perhaps there was something more to it as well though Bard had yet to really be able to grasp it.

His gaze shifted to the other when he spoke again and the weight of those words struck something inside him. He knew that Thranduil was right, that he did need to stop being so foolhardy in the way he acted and rash in his decision making but it was hard to let go of those impulses when he wanted nothing more than to protect those he cared for.

But if he died, he wouldn't be able to protect them, now would he?

The dark haired man is pulled from those thoughts when the blonde toes that line again and the surprise flickers over his expression once more before a huff of a laugh escapes him.

"A drink does sound rather amazing right now," Bard murmured and shifted to rise from where he had been seated, squeezing the other's hand before slowly letting go so he could stand all the way. "And I may be just a little interested to see how much it takes to loosen you up, my dear co-pilot~" he added in a tease, grin soft and playful as he motioned for the other to lead the way.

There is nothing more that Thranduil wants than such a simple response. It speaks to him of a level of comfort that he knows Bard allows to few; he feels blessed to be one of those few. It was the same in return in truth there were few that Thranduil would cross that line with; few he would deem worthy of getting to know in any sense. Bard was, of the living, the only one. Even the ghosts of his past could not make Thranduil regret his actions.

It pleases the blond to note that his words have some effect on the other, that he considers the worth of his life rather than of his death. Thranduil understands the need to protect, the urge that consumes Bard, not only because they drift, but because he himself has it. Yet he also knows the weight that death brings, even in the name of protection. That is not something he wishes upon anyone.

Eyeing the brunet, Thranduil is pleased, for the moment, with that realization that he sees flicker in green eyes. He would like more, something more tangible than realization, but he knows that he will not get it now. Perhaps he never will, but he could hope.

Hope that flickers to life in his chest when Bard takes him up on his offer, the spontaneous thing that he thought so little of, but now was quite looking forward to. The blond nearly grins at the words, blue eyes amused at the thought. "It may upset you know know, that I am not the easiest to ply with liquor. " He turns, ponytail swinging with the movement. "I dare say that almost sounds like you wish to see me inebriated, Bard." He returns the teasing tone, flicker of a smile as he looks behind him.

You never know, Thranduil. You might get it eventually. For now, though, Bard is just going to dwell on those thoughts and really think it all over. He has a lot that he needs to take into consideration and re-think at the moment.

"Now why would I ever want to see you inebriated?" the dark haired man mused as he trailed along behind his co-pilot, taking in that flicker of a smile and returning it with one of his own. The weight that had been bearing down on him was easing now in the face of Thranduil's worry and kindness, that line between them starting to blur again and Bard wasn't..feeling as inclined as he usually might to edge away from it. Right now, he just wanted a relaxing night and, outside of his children, he couldn't think of anyone else he'd want to spend it with.

Which was becoming a more common thing, as of late. At first he'd blamed it on the 'ghost drifting' that others spoke about, calling it a mere fluke in the system, but he was starting to find that, as time passed, he really did just want to be around his co-pilot more. He found himself drawn to the individual that was underneath that act that Thranduil tended to put up at times and Bard wanted nothing more than to figure out how to draw said side of the other out more often.

This seemed like a good start.

"You know, considering you're the one that suggested drinks, maybe its you that wants to see me a bit on the wasted side. Scandalous, Thranduil. Scandalous."

Perhaps he would, but it was best not to bet things of importance upon it. Thranduil, for all his intelligence, was not always the brightest when it came to things that involved emotions. He was a fighter, had put up more walls since the beginning of this war than most, and he would take longer than most to tear them down.

For now, he would enjoy what he had, whether it was the ghost of the drift or not, and see where it lead him. Drinks would always help. The blond smirks over his shoulder at his partner, amusement in the arch of his brow. "Perhaps you would like to hear my melodious voice sing? I have been told it is something ethereal." Or perhaps he just wants to tease the other, to see what he could elicit with words and small smiles. Things that he was not, usually, inclined to share with the other.

Perhaps, Thranduil thought, he should try for such things more often if the coy smile that crept across the others face was any indication. They did not usually banter in such a way, with nothing but the threads of connection humming between them. It was... liberating for the blond. He tried so hard to keep his walls up, to keep all but his son at bay. This-- This was different.

But not unwanted.

Thranduil nearly looks scandalized at the accusation, mouth twitching. "Is that what you think of me? That I would stoop to such levels? My, Bard, I think I may be hurt." He pauses, head tilting. "A little bit. Perhaps."

"Well I definitely wouldn't be object to that, though I have to wonder if this apparently ethereal praise has only been given by those too drunk to know better," he teased, well aware that the other was actually a really good singer but hey, he had to throw out some jabs of his own. His oldest daughter had made the comment--several times actually--that the only way the two of them knew how to communicate was through masked insults and he'd denied it.

But..well..maybe she was right. To some extent. Though, it was really more like masked..flirting on Bard's end. Bad flirting, but flirting all the same.

Catching up to the other properly and falling in step beside him, Bard rolled his eyes playfully. "Perhaps it is. You aren't making me think otherwise," he replied in mock offense though there was a grin once more playing at his lips at the sight of that scandalized look. "Maybe you just want some blackmail on me, something to use against me when you feel the need. I know how crafty you can be, my dear."

For some reason the word 'co-pilot' didn't follow that statement and the dark haired man's expression flickered into something confused and a bit shocked, his gaze anywhere but Thranduil all of a sudden.

"Some co-pilot you are," he drawled, trying to take it all back to banter.

"I wonder, is that jest or do you truly wish to hear me sing?" He gives the other a grin, tossing blond hair over his shoulder. "You need only ask and I would indulge you, you know. " Which, for most, was not a truth. Thranduil was not one that would sing for no reason and it was only through very few drunken evenings and even rarer moments where someone had snuck up on him that others had ever even heard his voice. Though, for Bard, perhaps he would be more easily swayed.

Their exchanges, no matter how fuelled by anger or frustration, annoyance or irritation, Thrnaduil was well aware that the other brought about in him a level of emotion that far surpassed that of anyone else. And, it spoke volumes to-- to something, that his co pilot managed to draw from him not only ire but something that spoke of amusement. Of fondness in his own way. His son was quick to hide knowing smiles when Thranduil ranted about the other, a trait his mother would often indulge in when she knew, knew so much more than Thranduil.

It made his heart ache, but it also made him wonder what more there was to this connection.

"And what would I have to do to make you think otherwise, I wonder?" Not that he would. Perhaps it would be nice to see Bard without the suit of armour, to have them both, not in a jaeger and in each other's minds, but as people in each other's company.

Thranduil has a response on his lips, something playful and terribly out of character, but he is stopped by the endearment. My dear echoing in his head a moment longer than perhaps it should have. It is lost when Bard continues, but Thranduil will not forget it, forget the constriction in his chest at such a simple thing.

If he faltered, Thranduil regained his composure quickly, jabbing an elbow into the other's ribs. "I am one of the best, and you know it, darling." It's daring and crossing a line, but there is just enough sarcasm laden in the word, that Thranduil is willing to risk it.

"Would you now? I'll have to keep that in mind, maybe ask at the most inappropriate moment just to see if you'll do it," Bard teased but he did have ever intention of asking sometime. He was curious now and truly did want to hear the other's voice. He knew it was rare for the blonde to indulge others in anything and it made his heart swell a bit--as cheesy as that might sound.

Those looks Thranduil got from his son were probably quite similar to the ones Bard's oldest daughter gave him, Sigrid not at all shy in making comments and giving her father knowing looks. It was a bit unnerving how good she was at picking up on things but Bard himself was generally not a fool in most matters so it was no surprise Sigrid had picked up that trait.

He tried to reply, had a reply in mind even but he was a bit too flustered by his own slip to get it out quick enough. Next thing Bard knew, Thranduil was elbowing him and--

Oh.

Well.

The dark haired man swayed a bit before he leaned into Thranduil, bumping their shoulders together as he grinned a bit.

"Do I though? I mean, that Thorin bloke is a fairly good pilot..." Bard drawled before he ducked away before he could be swatted at, turning to walk backwards in front of the other. "You're one of the best, I'm well aware of that. I wouldn't have you at my side if you weren't."

"I am most inclined to indulge you, Bard. Not guaranteed to indulge you. I would hope that, by this point, you are well aware of how carefully cultivated my demeanour is. I am not about to go putting cracks in it in the name of kindness." There is an edge to his voice; a fight in Thranduil's self as to just what he means and what he is saying. Surely he would not indulge the other in circumstances that would not benefit his own reputation? And yet, the blond was not so sure about that.

He could only hope that the words, said in a defensiveness that Thranduil could not quite explain, were taking in the wrong manner. It had taken them far too long to get to this point, it would be a pity that some ill thought words ruined it.

Especially when Bard says nothing of his comment, merely sways into him and gives Thranduil a bit more of the contact, a bit more grounding after the events of the day and steadies the blond even more. Perhaps he should try to reign in his temper more often if this was the result.

Then again, maybe not.

Thranduil growled, swiping (and missing, bloody reflexes) at Bard for the Thorin comment. If there was one human being that Thranduil could not stand, it was Thorin Oakenshield. The glower does not leave his face, even as Bard begins to walk before him; eyebrows in a stern line and face the perfect picture of annoyed. "He is a curse upon this institution and we are lucky he hasn't personally invited a kaiju into the Shatterdome yet."

That is a jest. Mostly. But it does encompass just how Thranduil felt about the other. " You are so very, very lucky that I like you, Bard. Very lucky."

"See, that right there definitely helps keep those cracks at bay, my dear," Bard taunted playfully, tsking softly as he tucked his arms behind his back as he kept walking backwards. "All the more reason you should sing for me sometime. I'd simply have to mention Thorin sometime afterward and no one would know any wise that you had shown me a softer side."

His grin is full of mirth and maybe just a bit of adoration because he did so love to push Thranduil's buttons sometimes.

"I suppose I am. For more reasons than you not strangling me though," he added in a thoughtful manner, his eyes soft as his grin turned to a smile before he was turning to walk correctly. It hit him how much he was pushing it and a part of him was now worried that maybe it was too much too soon. Internally he cursed himself, glancing upwards for a moment as he berated himself, hoping that Thranduil would take it all in stride as usual.

He didn't mind stepping over that line but there was no point in moving so quickly; in attempting to do something too quickly and ruining any chance he might have.

An eyebrow goes up at that, a clear indication as to what Thranduil thinks of Bard's teasing. And yet, there was still a softness to the action, something less harsh and judgemental than what might usually cross his features if someone annoyed him with such taunts. "As it should, you are a menace, Bard. A menace." There is a glower at the mention of Thorin again, the disdain that the blond held for the other something he could not always express in words. "You mention him too often and I might just start associating this burning hatred with you."

It is not a truth by any means; the differences between the two pilots was staggering and, for a moment, Thranduil nearly feels something like remorse for making the comparison. But he says nothing, and finds his ire diminishing in the face of Bard's grin. He reaches out to swat at the other, the sad attempt at violence a bridge almost.

"I am not sure of that, I doubt that I could strangle you. Though the whole kaiju in your hair idea could be an entertaining way to plot your demise if I so wished." Not that he would. There were few he wished such things upon and Bard-- Bard was not one of them.

This exchange, as strange as it was, was also liberating. He had not felt so connected outside of the drift in a very long time to anyone aside his own son. The blond side eyes Bard, mouth twitching slightly. "So what of yourself, shall I be serenaded if I ply you with the correct drink? Or shall my ears bleed?"

"A menace? Me? Hardly!" Bard mused before he outright laughed, playfully rolling his eyes. "You could never hate anyone with that same burning hatred you have for Thorin, my dear. It would take too much time away from your glaring at and insulting him."

He wasn't offended by the comparison in the least, obviously, taking it all in stride as he kept walking only to find himself being swatted again. The brunette ducks slightly and makes a pained sound though it's all in good fun as he mock pouts at the other.

"You are so mean to me, Thranduil. So abusive and mean," he mused before his expression melted into one of mock irritation and he ran a hand through his hair as if making a point. "My hair is just fine! See? No Kaiju. I'm fairly certain I would know if I had one nesting. Maybe the beards of a few individuals need to be checked instead."

They're walking side by side again and there's hardly any space between them, not that Bard wanted it that way or noticed. No, never. Why would he ever purposefully walk so close to the other pilot, hm?

"Trust me when I say it would be wise to stop me before I start singing," he drawled, side eyeing the other, unable to help the grin that appears. "I've never been able to carry a tune. I'm sure I can think of other endearing things to do in an attempt to win you over."

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Pacific Rim AU for my dear Thranduil~

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horrible image of thranduil singing to a dying/injured bard. stop me

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