Captain, my captain... Modern AU

[dagnir_lhug]

Elrond always knew how to speak fiercely when he wished to. The normally easy going and kind Commissioner knew things needed to get done. But Bard felt like the pressure fell heaviest on his precinct if only because they had the best standing record of cases closed and arrests made. At least… until the new family moved into his part of the city… and now he realized why other precincts were having so many problems.

Rubbing at his temples, most of his day detectives were gone. All but Haldir left to catch their breath after the long lecture they’d received. Even he was feeling a little beat down after that. Which led him to pack it up for the night and approach his head detective. “Really Haldir… there is nothing we can get done tonight. Go home…”

“I have work to do, all due respect, sir.” The blonde didn’t even look up at him.

Bard let out a long sigh before arching a brow. “Well, I have kids to collect… so I should…”

“You realize it is after midnight, correct?” Haldir lifted a brow at him as he finally looked up. Bard shifted and rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. “I’m sure you will feel better checking on them if nothing else.”

“I would.” Bard smiled at the understanding then nodded. “Good night.”

Haldir gave a slight wave and added. “If you see my partner, tell her I expect her hear early in the morning.”

Bard couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course. I’m sure she already knows.” Moving out of the precinct, he headed to his car for the ride home. He lived simply and spent most of his money on his kids. So that meant the best working car was given to Sigrid to get her and her siblings to and from school… so when his car died with a clattering thunk at the stop light, he dropped his head to the steering wheel.

Counting to five, he took a deep breath, then went out into the cold to open the hood of the car. Hopefully it would be something he could easily fix and head on his way.

Comments

[thorencalenaran]

There was little reason for the head of Mirkwood to be out and about on his own, but wafter the falling out he had had with his son (one of many, though they both knew they were naught but small tiffs between family) Thranduil found that he need the air. Which is what leads him to driving about the city almost aimlessly in his absurdly expensive car.

Yes, it might pay to not be quite so ostentatious, but there were things in life that Thranduil enjoyed, and looking good on all accounts was one of them. The suit only added to it, along with the simple, but expensive, jewelry that adorned his wrists and fingers. There was power in his image, and Thranduil was more than aware of that. He was sure that there were a great many of those who tried to oppose him (more in the underworld than the legitimate) that were easily cowed by him and him alone. The family that he had to back him up was just extra. He was a man of power, a man who made sure you knew he was powerful and dangerously so, despite the long lines, blond hair and sharp blue eyes that might be seen as less than intimidating.

Thranduil is caught up in the words he had exchanged with Legolas, miscommunications that stemmed from his son wishing to be more proactive in the eradication of other groups, where as Thranduil did not like to put the lives of his own at risk unnecessarily. It is not until he is nearly driving into the other car that he truly becomes aware of the broken down car in the middle of the road.

Slowing down, Thranduil pulls up beside the car, face amused to see one whom he knew to be of the police force standing at the open hood of the car. “It is a terrible time to break down, there are very few who use this road.” And yet, here he is. Bright blue eyes take the other in, cool arrogance in his tone and posture.

[dagnir_lhug]

Methodically going through his general problems, he waved away the heat without it being useful. Hip rested against the car, he ran green eyes over the different components of the engine before shrugging his shoulders to remove the suit blazer. He was just rolling up his sleeves one cuff at a time when the vehicle pulled up next to him.

He checked the oil first, only glancing up at the blonde with a small smile. "You are right. It is always a terrible time to break down. I actually use this rode so as not to be a complete road hazard." Suddenly remembering himself, he looked around his car and sighed a little. "I suppose I should move it further out of the way. I did not mean to inconvenience other drivers."

Picking up his jacket where he draped it over the open hood, he tossed it into the cab of the car and leaned in through the driver side to turn on the emergency flashers. Shifting to put it into neutral, he found himself keenly aware of the other person watching him. Straightening, he looked at the other about to ask for assistance when he realized he was hardly dressed for such a thing. "Is there something I can do for you? I know my ill fate is a bit inconvenient for others."

i was trying really hard to do game tags but he wouldnt shut up

[thorencalenaran]

There is a moment where Thranduil finds himself just a little bit taken aback by the other; his looks, his demeanour, everything. Perhaps he should keep more tabs on the police force if it was full of individuals such as this, individuals who held more promise in them than many of the opponents that Thranduil came up against otherwise. And the blond knows that he should not stop, that he should continue on, but he was, on one hand, a genuinely kind person as long as you were not threatening his family. And, as far as he knew, this man was not.

Putting the car into park, Thranduil finds himself huffing a small laugh at the other's words. "It is always a terrible time to break down I suppose. At least now you will not hold up much traffic." The words are still laced with the same cool arrogance, but there is a light in his eyes that is a little less sharp. Until, of course, Bard moves, and said eyes are drawn to long lines and hard angles.

Perhaps his son is right when he says Thranduil needs to get out more.

With a quiet sigh, Thranduil finds himself stepping out of the car, shucking off his suit jacket as he goes, and rolling up his sleeves. One does not get to where he is without knowing a thing or two about cars. And weapons. And conning, but the latter is not important right now.

"You could tell me the last time you got this poor thing serviced." The words are amused, Thranduil's smirk coming into full view as the other pulls up his hair and moves in next to Bard, knowing eyes scanning the engine.

[dagnir_lhug]

The sound of the expensive car going being shifted into park had Bard curious. He tended to expect the rich to not care for someone in his predicament. Granted he realized that he should not be so quick to judge. Especially when the rather tall blonde moved to his side.

Since his wife passed, he really never noticed people. Not really. He could cognitively see them and note they were good looking. This time he felt it more than saw it as his eyes moved just in time to see the pull of silver blonde hair into a ponytail. It was something so simple yet beautiful. And he had to blink himself out of the reverie at his words.

"In all honesty... the last time I had a car checked up, it was not this one." He ducked his head with an honest chuckle. "I put most of my money into keeping my daughter's car running. She's the one that ends up picking up her siblings so I would rather myself be the one on the side of the road than them. Fair trade, right?" Bard smiled to himself as he drew himself away from admiring the other to reflect on his beautiful children.

Angling his head to watch the other man scan the engine, he saw that look of knowledge on his face. He'd dealt with more than one person in his life that had that arrogant edge to their voice, but this one didn't strike him as the same. He certainly would not be risking getting dirty for his sake. "It looks like I might have to get it towed this time..."

He mentally started calculating his savings and let out a light sigh as he knew it would put a dent in Sigrid's college fund. In the end, he simply smiled and turned his head to smile at his companion. "Do you often help people? Or am I just a lucky person on a rare occasion?"

[thorencalenaran]

Was this one of the smartest things that Thranduil had ever done? Probably not, but the head of Mirkwood could not quite find himself to be all that upset with himself as he slides in next to the brunet, car laid out before him. He knew quite a good deal about cars, how to bring them back from the dead, but the car before him was certainly asking for a miracle if he was right.

The blond hums, and turns to the other, hip resting against the car, long arms crossed and an amused look on his face. He barley catches the look on the other's face, something startled and awed, before its gone and replaced with the same self depreciating smile that has Thranduil oddly charmed. "I think that is what she is trying to tell you, I have been able to bring back some cars from the dead, but yours has already crossed the river Styx I am afraid."

And yet, that doesn't make Thranduil move from the other, he is rivted by the smile, the tired lines around the other's eyes, the way his eyes light up at the mention of his children. Blue eyes flicker down to check for a ring, only to find none. He wonders if the other is like him, without a wife thanks to time and circumstance. He doesn't ask, but he takes note and shrugs. "I suppose it is fair, though it has left you in the middle of a nearly deserted street with a stranger."

There is a sharp grin at that, one that is just a little bit predatory, teasing and testing as he watches for a reaction.

He does not expect the other to react, he knows the other is far from defenceless, but it amuses Thranduil somewhat.

"And you probably should tow it. Perhaps look into getting a new one because this..." He trails off, attention going back to the car. He furrows his brows and turns to the car completely, hands delving into the machine with ease and knowledge. "I've seen better, that is for sure, but maybe..."

It could be a lazarus.

The snort that comes from Thranduil's mouth is at odds with the cool arrogance he had playing, amusement seeping past hte facade. He was treading dangerously here. "A very lucky person on an exceptionally rare occasion. You can thank my son and his terrible sense of-- everything for that."

[dagnir_lhug]

Bard could not stop the hint of laughter as he shook his head. "And where she got the money to pay the ferry man, I do not know." Though he felt utterly exasperated at the idea of his car being dead, he found it easier to carry the joke than sink into the weight of another responsibility. Granted he had to laugh at himself and duck his head as he imagined adding hours as a mall cop. "Sorry, I find humor is better than thinking about my dead friend here."

Straightening from his stare at the engine, he sent the blonde a slight quirk of a smirk. "Where I may be in distress, at least I am not a damsel. Though if my daughter heard me say such a thing to imply that she was? I might be sleeping on the curb when I get home." He put a finger to his lips in a joking gesture that it would be their secret.

Part of him knew that the neighborhood was not safe. He knew the crime statistics better than anyone. In fact he had them memorized. But he felt a sense of calm with this person that he likely shouldn't. It kept his muscles relaxed other than the tensity in his jaw over the financials he was running in his head. "I suppose I should start learning the bus schedules tonight." Haldir would be too amused if he had to pick him up in the morning.

His eyes flickered in surprise as the blonde dove into the engine and he started to protest. "Please.. I could not ask... Just do not burn yourself." The concern furrowed his brow slightly...

An expression he held until the other started to complain about his son. Ah yes... willful children. He understood that. Leaning down close, he felt a strange sort of fondness for his plight and how the other seemed so conflicted about it. "Children... it's rather unnerving when you can't make choices for them. I am sure, even with the conflict, your son is exceptional. Even if this moment is rare... it shows something of your real character."

[thorencalenaran]

"Perhaps she did not and is waiting for you to do it for her." The words are nearly muffled as the blond dives into the engine of the car, more than aware of what he was doing. It was easier for him to focus on the car before him than it was to think of the man that was beside him. There was many a risk in what he was doing, even if the other did not know who he was (which, Thranduil was sure he did not know, if his reaction was any indication). "And do not apologize, humor is far better than anger, which is what is seen far too often."

There is a a quirk of a smile, just a flash, before Thranduil turns back to the car. He needs this focus, to ask himself if what he was doing was really a good idea ta all because, really? It was not. He is sure that the extra energy that hummed in his bones, leftover from his disagreement with Legolas, was to blame for most of it, but that did not excuse him from, more or less, flirting with the enemy.

Not that Thranduil often saw the police as an enemy, more like an irritant. He did keep some legal lines open for himself, all the time. They were simply not nearly as profitable as the shadier ones. Or the ones that he was particularly good at.

"Bus schedules? Where is it that you work?" Look at that, feigned innocence. The blond does not looks up, merely pushes some stray hair from his face over his shoulder and tinkers a little more with the engine. "The buses around here are far from reliable, I fear."

Something he actually cannot stand, in all honesty. Not that he ever had to use them, but reliable busses would make it easier to plan some things, not that they could be used in nefarious purposes. But they could.

"And it is nothing, though I cannot do much without the right tools. Miracle worker, I am not." There is another faint grin, a cross between the predatory one of earlier and something a little less harsh. "My son is, sadly, far too old to rely on me or my advice to be taken seriously. Even if what I have to say is truth." There is a clanking noise from inside the engine as Thranduil pushes on something with a low noise. "Though I shall leave that assumption of character alone, for now."

[dagnir_lhug]

"Always someone needing money. Really, it is a dog eat dog world." He lamented in dramatics before he shook his head. A small, tired smile replaced the empty humor at those words. It made him feel surprisingly exhausted to say the least. Humming a thoughtful sound, he looked at his current companion. "I find anger to be a futile emotion that gets little done. Not because I am immune of being so... but because I have been so and gotten nowhere."

Patting his pockets, he sighed at the realization that his phone was in his jacket pocket. "I should call a tow truck then..." He paused and let out a soft laugh at the sudden query of where he worked. He'd left the shoulder holster in the front seat. A poor move, but he did not want it out in easy sight, it felt too aggressive when he was working on the side of the road.

"Police captain... local precinct. I didn't get too far from work it seems." He considered calling a cab, but perhaps he could catch Haldir still at work and request a ride. The blonde needed to go home. Ithil on the other hand would give a ride without question if she didn't ride a motorcycle. "You are right about the unreliable schedule sadly. It will play havoc on my already poor work schedule."

Moving away from the engine, he ducked into the car and pulled out his phone then one of his cards that he never used but the commissioner insisted he have. Quickly writing his cell phone number on the back, he paused to really wonder what he was thinking. He was really too old for this nonsense, but he could view it as simply repaying a kindness... right?

Returning to the blonde's side, he smiled at that. "The fact that you tried means the world to me. I doubt any would." He taps his card against his fingers idly before he takes a deep breath. Carefully he offered it to him. "I know it is likely a silly old fashion gesture, but thank you for trying... if I can return it with a favor or a cup of coffee.. well, tea... I don't much like coffee." He laughed and felt every bit as foolish as he knew he looked.

"There will come a time, though... when your son will see your wisdom for the gift it is. I am sure of that."

[thorencalenaran]

Thranduil makes a low noise of amusement at that. It certainly was a dog eat dog world, which is why Thranduil made a point to be the biggest dog. And the one with the most money. "Indeed it is, which is why it is good to have teeth when need be." The blond doesn't look up from his work as he speaks, rather keeps his attention on the engine before him and processes the other's words. Perhaps it was a good thing that the other never got angry, or a terrible one. There was one less thing that Thranduil could fault him for, or use against him if the need arose. Not that the blond wished for it to come to that, but being in this line of work lead him to think a certain way, it was hard to think otherwise. "Anger is a blind emotion, not worth much if you cannot reign it in."

Blue eyes watch Bard out of the corner, tracking his movements and cataloguing the way he held himself. This was not an arrogant being, not one who thought himself above the law simply because he was part of it. It was interesting to Thranduil, because in all his years of less than nobel activity (and some nobel, but so many liked to forget about that) he had come across so very few like Bard. It was a nice change.

"Oh? I suppose it is not that dangerous out for you then." THranduil looks up, lips twitching as he leans against the hood of the car. "If you would like, I can give you a ride home, I did not plan on returning home for some time. Too much to think about I believe." Which is truth, it would also give Thranduil a wonderful reason to know where Bard lived. Not that he needed to know, of course. It was just... research. Yes. That was it.

It was somewhat of a surprise when Bard handed him a card, number scrawled on the back hastily. There was a twitch of a real smile on Thranduil's lips as he looked from the card back to Bard. There is a low laugh, a rare sound from him, at the other's words and when he speaks, Thranduil tries not to think of how low his voice has dropped. "If only more of the world would see an attempt at something so valiantly. Though coffee, or tea, would be lovely I think." Thranduil pocketed the card. "It would be nice to see your face without the poor lighting that the street has offered."

It was a bit more than what Thranduil would normally say, more than he would normally give, but there was something about Bard that made him wish to indulge. Pulling away from the car, Thranduil hums. "If only he would, alas, he is at that age where he knows everything there is to know." He moves towards his car. "Would you care for a ride? Once the tow truck has arrived?'

[dagnir_lhug]

"Should the need arise, yes... If used correctly and for the right reasons." He believed in that power to defend others and what was right. Bard recognized that he was a dreamer, but he could try. Even if not fully realized, it still remained a dream worth keeping alive. "But yes, anger is a blinding emotion. A dangerous blindness..." He commented softly, angling his head as he considered times he truly had been angry. Not all the police captains were people he respected. In fact, some he detested, but being angry over that was no way to fix the problem.

Dialing up the tow truck, he let his hip rest against the front of the car near the blonde. His eyes lifted tot he cross streets, noting the numbers and quickly gave the information to the operator. Even if he kept the call short and efficient, he let his eyes drift until he found his gaze resting on the silvery blonde hair with an intensity he rarely used on people unless it was to figure them out.

So as he hung up, he felt even more keenly aware of how Thranduil smiled in that amused way. He had to exhale a laugh and peer up at him almost in coy fashion. "I am not infallible and I do not pretend to be so." Shaking his head, he took a deep breath at the offer of a ride home. It beat the tense environment that came with his head Detective... and he would be lying to himself if he didn't wish to get to know this person. "I would hate to be an even bigger burden... you have already been more help than you know."

Even still, it made him hopeful as the other took his card. A strange and foreign hopefulness that permeated his thoughts. But the laugh and teasing words had him flushing brilliantly and he had to look away and down the dark street. Rubbing at the back of his neck, he smiled at his own ridiculousness. Even if the other accepted, he still felt the heat of embarrassment. Something he was not used to... "The feeling... it is mutual." He did wish to see the other in better lighting even if he looked quite lovely in the street light already.

Finally giving in slightly, he ducked his head. "If you do not mind.. I would take you up on that offer. I could even offer a cup of tea if you do not mind keeping quiet so my youngest is not woken up?" He should know better, but he felt himself a good judge of character. It never failed him before. And he felt no ill from this individual. So he offered his hand to the other and smiled warmly. "My name is Bard... may I know your name?"

[thorencalenaran]

"Your morals are showing, captain." Thranduil gives him a sidelong look, amusement in blue eyes even if his words held something like sarcasm. Perhaps there was some admiration in there as well, Thranduil was not one to use violence for no reason; he kept his people safe, that was the first and foremost thing on his mind. It was only when they were threatened that the more vengeful side of Thranduil would come out, a side that was terrible and violent, but rarely seen. "Indeed it is, it is why I try to steer away from that emotion as much as possible. Or, at the very least, deal with it in a healthy manner."

He slides on his jacket, keeping his hair in the pony tail for now, eyes watching Bard closely as the other called for a tow truck. Surely it would not be difficult for him to get all of this taken care of, but there was something about the other that made Thranduil think that he should probably tread carefully with this one. It was not a game, as much as he might like to think so.

"Infallible people are rather boring, people with flaws and mysteries are always better I believe." There is another look given to Bard then, a quirk of the lips as he regards him. Surely, this was not a game and there was much at steak if Thranduil was misreading him, but at the same time, perhaps it was adrenaline, perhaps it was recklessness, either way Thranduil found that he did not care very much for the possible outcomes. He merely smiles and gestured towards his car.

"Well then, perhaps we shall wait for the tow truck before I drive you home, it is no issue for myself. I was in need of a bit of a drive to cool my head from speaking with my son anyway." And it turned out to be giving him more than he thought. "It is not a bother to me at all. In fact, you would be aiding me as well, in a way." Which was no lie, the blond did not wish to dwell upon his argument with his son, and Bard was by all means a more than welcome distraction. Even if Thranduil was sure some of this was left over adrenaline, he could not feel bad about it.

There is another low laugh at Bard's words, and the embarrassment that seeped out of the other. Thranduil leans back against his car and keeps his bright eyes on Bard, smirk twitching. "How loud I am depends entirely on how good you are, does it not?" His words are laden with suggestion, but it is gone in a moment as he takes Bard's hand, long, pale fingers grasping Bard's own firmly. "Thranduil, it is a pleasure to meet you Bard."

[dagnir_lhug]

"Perish the thought." He laughed at that, knowing full well that there was a level of sarcasm to the blonde's voice. He did not mind though. And he actually liked the way it sounded, even in teasing, how he called him captain. "I am sure, however, that my morals are not the worst part to reveal of my person."

Green eyes could not stop themselves from watching the slide of the jacket onto toned shoulders and he had to chastise himself mentally. Why suddenly did he notice such... superficial things? Shaking his thoughts away, he arched a brow at the other with the comment about the infallible. "And when the mystery is gone, does that make the person less drawing?" Angling his head just a little, he felt his smile soften. "As for my flaws... I suppose those will always be revealed in time."

Hopefully the other would stick around long enough to do both. But he would not hold entirely to hope. "You are kind in offering. Hopefully I can continue to help you work through this.. I know that working through a fight with my eldest does similar things to me and sometimes a distraction is best." Many a fight came from his being a cop and rarely home... not that he blamed her.

But all the thoughts dissipated in a quick moment as Thranduil's teasing hit him like a tidal wave. At first he almost choked on an intake of breath and he had to laugh as the heat flooded his face. He knew he had to be red as a tomato now at the implications behind those words. "I... well... I suppose that means I should never invite you to my bedroom."

He had to respond. Had to say something. He refused to go down from mere embarrassment no matter how good looking the man was. Gripping his hand, he knew that his temperature had risen from that flush... but he still grinned broadly. "The pleasure is mine, Thranduil. And I will thank my poor decrepit car later for letting us meet."

[thorencalenaran]

"I suppose there are far worse things to reveal of your person, indeed." There is a low hum at his words, amusement still sparked in his eyes at the other. It was, the drawling use of his title, meant as something of a jest, but Thranduil found... something else in calling the other that. A spark of adrenaline, knowing he was so close to one that, if he was aware of who Thranduil was, would have little trouble putting him away. "You could reveal that you were in fact a serial killer, that would be most unfortunate."

If Thranduil was aware of the gaze that was upon him, he made no indication of it, but if he arched his back a little more, let the long lines of his body be easier to see, well then-- that was nothing. Really. The blond chuckled at the words, giving Bard a considering look. "I would not say that is so. It is possible to be just as interesting with no mysteries as it is to be with them. But then you must have actual strength of character, which, I find, so few people have."

And that, sadly, is not a lie. Outside of his family, those of blood and those of less nobel ties, Thranduil found that there were not many worth getting to know. Through, perhaps this stranger might be a change in that. Thranduil had to admit, he was amused that the other was implying that there would be more time for such things to be unveiled. It was...endearing.

When the teasing hit home, Thranduil nearly had to cover up a laugh at the other's expense. It was-- Thranduil didn't know what it was, but it certainly made him want to tease the other more to see what other reactions he might be able to illicit. "Oh, so quick to count me out. I assure you, one does not need a bedroom for such things." The look on his face is wicked, eyes bright and amused.

"It was rather kind of your car to stall here, no matter how poor the lighting."

[dagnir_lhug]

"Well, that would certainly be quite the revelation and poor fortune for us both." Shaking his head, he rather not think about serial killers. They unnerved him and he wished not to deal with those unless it was to lock them away. Packing it neatly away, he angled his head with a wistful smile. "No, as of late, the worst thing I seem to reveal to people is that I am a single father of three. Nothing makes them run faster."

A sad truth. Most did not want to worry about a house full of kids and one not even in middle school yet. Part of him said it, if only to see if the blonde would do the same. Not that he really blamed any of the others from shying away from the idea. "Strength of character... It is truly a rare thing. I agree though, it is desirable in any person you might be interested in."

At least he could say the other had good priorities. Bard liked to believe he had such a thing, but he never assumed anything. It did not hurt to hope he did, nor to hope that his greatest loves would not chase the man off before they even got to know each other. And it did not help that he found his eyes following the line of Thranduil's back... It made the teasing words ring just a little too true.

Even still, he let out a soft laugh, finding a little of his footing as the other kept the innuendos going. "You are right. One does not... however I am not easily won over. But I assure you... it is worth the effort if it is given." Winking at the blonde, he lightly closed to hood on the car and smiled at him playfully. He felt remarkably young in that moment. Young enough that his eyes danced in the pale street light. "I assure you though, the lights in my kitchen are better."

"Let me get my briefcase out of the car." Moving to the door, he ducked inside to grab his things, his coat and paused a moment. "Forgive me, I have to bring my gun. I know a lot of people dislike their presence." He carefully pulled the shoulder holster back on before draping his coat over his arm. The tow truck should arrive soon... they tended to help him out when they could... he should have frequent flyer miles after this car was done with him.

[thorencalenaran]

"I feel like it would be more of a poor fortune for myself; stopping to help a poor soul, only to be killed. You would at least tout another victim." There is a strange ease to which he speaks of it, as it was not a thing he usually had to face. There was not as much reality to his words as there was for Bard. That was not to say that Thranduil did not have to kill, it was just not common. The blond hums at Bard's words, giving him another flash of a grin. "Fear not, as a single father of one of the most ostentatious and bullheaded young men, I do not feel that is a terrible trait."

In fact, Thranduil finds it interesting, that a man that clearly devoted so much time to his job, would also have three children. It was not easy, raising children without aid, it only added an extra layer to the whole thing. It also gave Thranduil something to think about; he was not a cruel man, not if he was given no reason to be and this revelation... well, it was something to be noted. The blond does not respond, just watches Bard with cool blue eyes and hums.

He is more than aware of Bard's eye on him as he stretches, makes to stand against his car in a way that he is sure shows off the lines of his legs. It was not often that Thranduil found people that engaged him in such a way; he would play while he could. For all he knew, this was the man assigned to dealing with his rapidly spreading empire in this area and, well, no good could come of that. When Bard's eye catch his own, briefly, Thranduil's lips quirk, parting quickly to allow his tongue to dark out for no reason other than he wished to taunt.

"Is it worth it? You certainly have me believing that one, captain. Though, I feel as if you might look spectacular in any lighting, if this street light is anything to go by." He smirks again, pushing himself off the car as Bard leans in to grab the suitcase, leaning perhaps a bit more than he has to, laughter caught on his tongue. "And this is where I make notes about your ability to manipulate firearms, isn't it? I mean, you must have quite steady hands..."

The laugh that tumbles from his lips is rich and dark, and not a common sound for him. But he doesn't mind it, the amusement genuine for once. "As for the gun, it does not bother me too much, my father was a hunter, they were common in my house growing up. " He was also rather proficient with one himself, though he did prefer baldes.

[dagnir_lhug]

"If you look at it that way, you fail to realize that the world would be at quite a loss if you were removed from it." He honestly knew nothing of this man, but he could not resist. And part of him knew he meant what he said. Even if someday he might regret speaking in such a way. He really did not believe he would. Instead, he chuckled softly. "It is good to know that does not bother you." The thought made him feel of kilter and lighter all at the same time.

Running a hand through his hair, he loosened more strands from the small band holding most of his hair back. He knew it was not really long enough for that, but he did it anyway when it bothered him. He still felt the warmth warming his cheeks from their banter and the smile lingered on his lips. Bard made a valiant attempt not to look too closely at those legs regardless of how he felt the urge to do so.

Instead he focused on getting his things only to burst with a soft laugh at the sudden compliment tacked on by such an innuendo the heat returned to his face full force. "I suppose you would have to find out, would you not?" Humming a soft sound, he looked at the blonde from the corner of his eyes. Moving closer, he lightly set his briefcase down beside him before commenting in a low rich tone. "I promise you... I never miss."

His eyes met Thranduil's evenly, the slightest quirk of a smile on his lips. "That is good to hear." Leaning in, he rested his hip against the car close to the blonde. He felt oddly daring all of a sudden. He would have to be, to let a stranger drive him home. "So, does that mean that you also have such talent?"

[thorencalenaran]

At those words, Thranduil cannot quite help the incredulous look that passes across his face. It is not a common thing, for people to be quite so open with him. Even when they did not know him, or what he was, there was always a level of intimidation that he held over others. It seemed as if such a thing did not affect Bard. Or, if it did, the man was far braver than most. It was a good thing, to Thranduil. Intriguing at the very least, adding one more layer to all of-- whatever this was. He lets his lips quirk into a small smile. "Is that so? You might be on a side with very few with that idea. And it only proves you are... durable."

Blue eyes track the slow fall of tousled brown hair as more escapes from the band holding them back from Bard's face. The blond in a bit entranced, finding the simple action oddly enrapturing. Perhaps that was just this man before him then, and not the action at all. Either way, it made him feel all the more confident in his somewhat reckless flirting. It had been far too long since he had indulged himself in such a thing.

"Is that so? Well you keep making this better and better, captain. Soon you shall tell me of your boyhood skill with knots, and then how shall I resist?" The smirk blooms across Thranduil's face, all silent promises and laviciousness. He cared little if this man were technically an enemy; Thranduil was finding it incredibly difficult to keep that bit in mind. Especially with such a voice rippling down his spine.

At the other's question, Thranduil throws him a coy look. "Why would I spoil the surprise? My talents should be discovered, not spoken of."

[dagnir_lhug]

Bard furrowed his brow a little at that look, unsure why he seemed so... against the idea. Angling his head a bit, he allowed the tiniest of smirks to pull at his lips. It felt oddly nice to catch the blonde off. How often did anyone catch this one off guard? "I have always been one to stand even if it is alone." He pointed that out matter-of-factly and shrugged easily. "I suppose durable may explain it, but I prefer to see it as steadfast."

He could feel it, those eyes on him, and it sent tingles of shock through him. Bard knew that he was attractive if only for the looks and advances he received on occasion. Now he felt something like electricity crawling through his nerves with the sweep of brilliant blue over him. Something he tried to pay no mind as he moved.

"Hm.." He smiled quietly at that, his eyes lit with amusement as the blonde emphasized the title in such a way that had sensations slipping up his spine. "I am notorious for always improving beyond the expectations." Teasing in almost a smooth accented tone, he imperceptibly leaned in closer to add softer. "Depends. I pay close attention to my work. And well... knots can be a lovely artform."

It was so unlike him. Flirting to this scale did not even happen when he first asked his wife out years ago. He would never have dared even imply such things, yet here he was... Angling his head, he returned that look with a sweet smile. "I like learning new things."