Since his father works most of the time of the day, and did not allow his only son to stay at home alone, Legolas takes the schoolbus and gets off at his father's office tower. He just needs to walk for an extremely short distance to reach it.

Legolas, just like your average primary school* student, walks with a light spring in his step, and mischief twinkled in his grey-blue eyes constantly, though still good-natured.

But yet today, the workers and also Thranduil noticed an obvious change in his behaviour. Legolas dragged his feet, and his head hung low. He was unusually quiet during the car ride home.

Soon, Thranduil asked his son softly, 'Is something bothering you, my son?' He risked a sharp glance to his left at Legolas although his hands remained on the steering wheel. Naturally. Legolas didn't look at his father, but gave a short reply, 'I'm fine.' Thranduil did not pursue this matter. Legolas would tell him. Sooner or later.

It was when he was tucking in Legolas for bedtime when Thranduil approached the subject once more. He placed what he hoped to be a reassuring hand on his son's small one and asked cautiously, 'You can tell me, Greenleaf. I promise.'

Legolas didn't reply for a few moments, but when he answered his voice was shaky. 'Why am I wearing my hair long when my male classmates have their hair short?' Thranduil resisted from taking in a sharp breath. He'd expected this conversation to happen, but not so soon. Trying to skirt around it, he replied lightly, 'Because we don't go to the hairdressers often, child.'

'No.' The boy's answer was short and curt. 'That's not what I meant.' Legolas paused, tears threatening to spill from his eyes. 'They laughed at me, papa. They said I look like a girl, and real boys shouldn't wear their hair long.' His breaths turned into haggard sobs.

Thranduil felt like his heart was wrenched out of him as he gathered the boy into his arms. 'Tell me, Legolas. Do I look girly?' Legolas sniffed, 'No.' 'Then if we both have long hair, why would you be girly when I am not?'

Legolas shook his head, 'Because you're bigger and stronger, papa. That's the difference.' That darling child, thought Thranduil. 'You mustn't care what others think about your appearance, Greenleaf.' He balled Legolas' hand into a fist and pressed it against his heart. 'It's what's here that counts. Whether you are kind, helpful, polite.' He allowed himself a small smile and reassured his son, 'And you are definitely that.'

Legolas didn't answer for the moment. 'Although,' Thranduil touched the fair golden hair so alike his own, 'I can take you to the hairdressers if you wish, and find you a better hairstyle.' He rose and switched off the nightlight. 'You may tell me tomorrow. Goodnight.'

Just when Thranduil's hand closed around the doorknob, a timid voice rang out, 'But I don't want to, papa.' He turned hesitantly to his son. Legolas was sitting upright. 'I will be myself, and getting bullied into changing myself will be the last thing I do.' He said with a small smile. Thranduil gave one of his rare laughs, 'Goodnight Greenleaf. Sweet dreams.'

*Primary school: elementary school for you Americans

I'd had to refrain from using Elvish multiple times. Must be all that LoTR fanfiction I was reading. I'll be using the characters' original names, and try to avoid last names if possible. Since the stories are separate, there will be age difference. I hope you won't get too confused. Anyway, this is my first fanfic, hope you like it. Constructive criticism is welcome. Review please!

Here's an angry Princess Leia ¬3¬