Lin's home wasn't far from her work. It was within walking distance, actually. She nodded at her second in command as she left. He yelled something at her, but she was too far away to hear it. And there was no way she was stopping now, not tonight. The sun was beginning to set as she made her way through a long series of winding roads, seemingly traveling at random. Once she was sure no one was following her, she headed into Republic City's Cemetery.
Silently, she walked through the endless sea of gravestones. She had walked this path enough times that she didn't even have to look at the names anymore. Lin knew where she was heading. From the bag slung over her shoulder, she produced two candles and a wreath made of metal. It had taken her ages, but she had finally managed all the intricate detail. If it was colorful, instead of gray, it would be indistinguishable from a real wreath. But Lin thought this way would be more sentimental.
"Happy birthday," she whispered, kneeling down next to a grave. She pulled a box of matches from her bag and lit the candles, placing one on the left side and the other on the right. She put the wreath in the middle. The candles were the only light in the cemetery. She was almost peaceful before the sudden urge to cry struck her. The Metalbender shrugged off the emotion. She hadn't cried for ages, and she wasn't about to turn into a blubbering mess now.
She tensed as she heard footsteps behind her, but she didn't look around. She had a suspicion of who it would be. And he was no threat to her. The figure sat next to her, placing his hand on her shoulder. She was almost surprised.
"I didn't think you would remember," she said sadly.
"Of course I would," he said taken aback.
"Tenzin, leave me to mourn in peace," she commanded, but he didn't move. It wasn't that she didn't want him here. She loved him, after all. Lin had taken deliberate measures to make sure she wasn't followed, but of course the Airbender would be able to find her. Tears prickled in her eyes again. It was harder to stop them this time. It was bad enough that her mother had died, but Tenzin remembered, and cared enough to come out tonight.
He reached out and added a few more candles to Toph Bei Fong's grave. Lin was speechless. He had brought candles to pay his respect. A spark of anger flared inside of her grief. Why was he here? He could—should, even—be home with Pema and his children. He wasn't supposed to be here though. That much she could tell.
"Go home to your family," she said suddenly. His controlled face showed some emotion, but Lin couldn't read it. Tenzin let out an aggravated noise. Why did she think that even though their relationship had ended…Why did she think he would stop caring? He would always care about the hard-headed Metalbender.
"I am with family," he said quietly. Lin stared at the ground. Feeling foolish, she turned and hugged him. His hands moved to stroke her head. They sat like that for a long while, completely at peace.