To anyone who gets the reference in the title... you are an awesome individual. This was inspired by my one-shot "Tell Me A Story", although you do not need to read the one-shot to understand what is going on here. This is an AU where Lin and Tenzin stay together. I would age them around 30 or so. Enjoy!
"Lin, you're home," Tenzin looked up to see his girlfriend in the doorway. "Spirits! Are you okay?"
Before him, Lin looked pale, the color drained from her face. Her hair was frazzled and dark circles framed her sunken eyes. "Oh aren't those the words that every girl just loves to hear from her boyfriend."
"I'm serious Lin," Tenzin got up from the couch and walked over to her. "Are you feeling alright?"
"Of course I am. I just have a little headache, that's all."
"At least let me make you some tea." Tenzin offered as Lin began to make her way to their bedroom.
"Tea sounds nice." Lin smiled at Tenzin softly. "Now stop staring at me. I've had a hard day and I know I look haggard. I don't need any more reminders." With these words, Lin headed off to change out of her uniform.
Tenzin made his way into the kitchen and put a kettle of water on the stove. As he waited for the water to boil, his mind wandered to Lin. She was still upstairs changing, taking her time after a long day at the office. Tenzin's brow furrowed. He wished Lin would realize how hard she worked herself. Ever since she had achieved her mother's position as Chief of Police, Lin spared no energy fighting Republic City's most notorious gangsters. The long days and even longer nights took a toll on Lin's body, but Tenzin tried to keep his concerns to himself. He knew that her job meant everything to Lin and frankly no one else was better equipped to do that job. Still, that did not stop Tenzin from fearing that his love was constantly pushing her body too far.
The whistling of the kettle abruptly broke Tenzin's thoughts. As he begun to prepare the tea just as Lin liked it, he realized she still had not emerged from their room.
"Lin!" He called out. "Your tea is ready!"
When she did not answer, he put the kettle and tea cup on a tray. "She must be in the shower." He thought to himself. "She looked like she could use some relaxation."
Tenzin made his way to their bedroom with the tray in hand. "Lin," he said as he knocked on their door. "Lin, I brought your tea. I figured you were in the shower."
No sound came from the other side of the door.
"Lin?" Tenzin was beginning to worry. He entered the room to find it empty and seemingly untouched. "Lin?"
Placing the tray on their bedside dresser, he began to make his way to their bathroom. A worried drop of sweat ran down his cheek as he reached to open the door. When he turned the door handle, he found the door hard to open, as though something was blocking the other side. "Lin! Open up! Are you in there?" He yelled. He waited for a few seconds. "Lin, I'm opening up this door right now!" He shouted once it became clear that there would be no answer.
Tenzin took a deep breath and pushed his weight against the door, throwing it open. Immediately after entering the bathroom, he found what had been blocking the entrance. On the floor was Lin- unconscious and barley breathing.