You have no idea how uninspired I was to write this chapter. The writer's block has truly been kicking my butt, but nevertheless, here it is.
I'll reluctantly admit that I was the first one to ask Lin to stay over, and she'd had a field day teasing me the first time too.
Oh, you miss me. She cooed.
Okay, no need to get a swelled head about it. Do you want to stay or not? I remember how I had my hands on my hips, feeling peeved and vulnerable asking her to stay the night.
Lin had made a frown at her lack of fun but rolled her eyes and muttered a quiet, yes.
From then on, it was easy enough to convince Lin to spend the night, especially if she came to visit me late at night after work. But even at that, she's always the one to get up first and I'll admit that I've grown used to having a cup of coffee or tea ready for me in the morning.
But this particular week has been a bit difficult. She's been coming back to the apartment telling me more and more about Mako overstepping in one of her cases. Tonight is no exception either.
She storms into the apartment, slamming the door and grumbling all the way to the kitchen. Eventually the sounds of her rummaging through her liquor cabinet reach my ears from my spot in the living room.
I jolt from my dream, blanket falling off of me as I wake from my spot on the couch. The book I'd been reading joins it not a second later as I watch her sit in the chair beside me, bottle in hand. I'd tried staying awake as I waited for her to come home, but evidently I dozed off.
Her face says it all as she pours a glass, eyes narrowed in frustration and her lips in a sneer. I can feel her anger radiating in waves, but once she tosses back that first glass, I can see what she is really dealing with.
Her eyes give her away as they soften - disappointment and hurt, and betrayal even, are all just barely hidden beneath that gaze of her's. She gives me a look as she feels my eyes on her, all of her emotions playing out on her face before she turns away to stare at her empty glass on the coffee table.
"What happened?"
She just scowls, shaking her head. I pick my book up off the floor and set it on the table, trying to wait out her momentary silence in case she decides to talk. I fold up my blanket in the meantime as well, any interest in sleep is gone for now anyways. I hide my curious looks as best I can while trying to watch her think. She grimaces to herself.
"We had to arrest Mako today." She admits finally, pouring herself a smaller glass than her first, rolling her shoulders as she takes a drink. "We got a tip that he was involved. Sure enough, we found switches and some bomb gear in his apartment." I sit forward on the edge of my seat, waiting for her to continue.
She manages to tell me the story without gritting her teeth too much, although she's glaring at the coffee table quite a bit.
She complains of course, growling as she admits that he showed so much promise. Secretly, I know that if Lin had favorites, Mako would've been her front runner.
I sigh, watching her clam up and recount the day's events quietly to herself.
"So what happens to him now?" I ask, at a loss of how to help her work through this.
"He'll get his court hearing, need I say more?" She finishes off her glass, pouring another. I can only watch as she continues to stew in her thoughts, her brow furrowed in thought as she bites her thumbnail in what I know is an anxious habit.
I lean over and take her hand from her lips, kissing her palm before giving it a squeeze.
"I know it's been a long day, but please try not to put this on yourself." I huff, watching her frown deepen as she bites the inside of her cheek. I give her a sad smile, standing up so I can tuck a bit of hair behind her ear and caress her cheek. She relents at my touch, her eyes slipping closed as she leans into my hand.
"Don't stay up too late." I whisper, kissing her forehead as her hand grazes my leg. She gives me a small smile, nodding silently as I retreat to her room.
She's not too far behind me and I'm grateful for that. Today had been a rather long day of work and all I wanted to do was stay in bed with Lin since the moment it began. Now, as I feel her sliding into bed next to me I can hardly wait before I wrap her in my arms, letting out a contented sigh as she rests her head on my chest. I run my fingers through her greying hair, feeling her body relax as I try to ease her tension away.
Lin is asleep in minutes and I can't help but marvel at her while she does. She shifts just enough so that the light of the full moon streaming through cracks in the blinds casts a calming light over her face. If anyone could see her now, they'd know the Lin I know. She exudes the tough exterior, lives it, breathes it, but at the end of the day she can't help but reveal how much she cares. I wonder how many times she'd come home after a long day like today, maybe she didn't have to arrest one of her officers but something in the past could have been similar.
How many times did she come home alone and just stew in her emotions? How long would she have spent rolling and simmering to the point of boiling over if I didn't try to talk it through with her? Even though she talks through it very little. Nevertheless, I want to be here for her, whether she wants me to or not.
I tense as she moves in her sleep, trying not to rouse her from her dreams. She stops only once she has her arm draped securely over my waist, my own arm still wrapped around her shoulders. She lets out a soft sigh, her breath tickling my cheek.
I smile at her peaceful state, my eyes drooping as I am all too content to have her as the last thing I see tonight.
I can't expect Lin to get over all of her emotions in one night, especially since Mako's arrest is still fresh in everyone's mind. Today though, we're on site for the premiere of nuktuk's final episode at the old probending arena. Lin being Chief is in charge of watching over President Raiko during the whole affair. She'd made some requests for a few additional officers to be on duty tonight, doing a double take as I volunteered.
She'd refused to single me out then and there, but that evening at her apartment she made sure I was ok to be there. The last time we were there I was nearly blown off the platform and got a concussion for my efforts.
But that was a while ago and I think I'm well past that bit of trauma and even then, the nightmares are more Amon centered.
The two of us had arrived at the arena separately but managed to stay alongside one another, watching the flash of paparazzi cameras aiming at the red carpet.
Lu and Gong are stuffing their faces with Varricakes when they should be at their posts, and Lin is sure to call them out on the fact.
"Those two are the pinnacle of refinement." She mutters, crossing her arms as she stands beside me again. I laugh at her jest, glad to have her beside me as we work, even if I can't show her physically with a kiss on her cheek. We are still trying to keep our relationship quiet in the workplace after all.
"You forgot that atomatons and water don't mix!" Nuktuk's quip rolls throughout the stadium as Bolin's on-screen character 'waterbends' water onto a bot that looks all too similar to Hiroshi Sato's mechatanks. I watch as the atomatons malfunction and start to smoke on-screen.
"I don't remember it being that easy." I mutter, hearing Lin huff a bit of air out of her nose as she laughs.
"I don't remember much of anything from that night." She whispers back, still surveying the crowd. I shake my head at her bit of dark humor.
A scream from the President's box pulls us out of our reverie, a large blurb shooting out of the stands into the arena. Lin and I frown at the sight of three figures running across the bridge that links to the Bending ring, a lone figure charging after them.
"Secure the President and call for back up immediately." Lin orders, watching two nearby officers take off running. I watch as Bolin manages to handle the 3 figures, revealing themselves to be waterbenders.
"Get to Bolin." She orders me, watching him handle himself well enough against the trio. She sprints up the steps to the hall while I move further down the stands to the platform, already summoning a stream of water to my hands. I make quick work jumping the gap, water supporting each of my steps as I appear to walk on air, or rather, water suspended in the air.
I arrive in time to hear Boling yelling, "Who sent you?!"
"It was Varrick, don't hurt me nuktuk!" The waterbender yells, cringing at the hovering disk of stone aimed at him. I subdue the man in a block of ice, Bolin already turning his sight's on varrick's box.
Arresting Varrick is easy enough, what with everyone out to get him after that big reveal on the platform. President Raiko seems grateful enough as well at tonight's efforts. The arena is cleared though, both the film and the arrests are completed successfully.
I'm looking forward to a relaxing night in when a loud bellow sounds overhead. A giant ball of cream-colored fluff setting down before the arena entrance.
Korra, Kya, Bumi, and - to my shock - Tenzin all unload from the back of Oogi. I try to calm my rapidly rising anxiety at the sight of Tenzin. But he's here, in the flesh.
I refuse to spare a glance at Lin, knowing full well she's watching me panic over his arrival. Instead I focus on Korra, watching her as she talks hurriedly to President Raiko about Unalaq wanting to take over the world.
And in true President Raiko fashion, he refuses to help, prompting Tenzin to reveal that one of his daughters are in danger. My reaction is instant as I step closer to him, silently pleading for an explanation. He simply shakes his head. Not now.
Is it Jinora or Ikki? And what about Pema? Where is she?
Bolin even tries to charm Raiko, but to no avail. The president stands firm on his decision and bids all of us a good night.
In the same instant though, Asami and Bolin are volunteering to help Korra stop Unalaq anyway they can...and of course Mako. However, there's just the simple matter of getting him out of jail.
The ride to the prison is quick, everyone feeling antsy to get the counter-offense against unalaq underway, but not without Mako. Tenzin and Korra manage to fill the rest of the group in on what happened. Specifically, Korra's run-in with a dark spirit, her loss of memory, and then her and Jinora's attack in the spirit world which still has the younger girl trapped there.
Mako's release from prison is a welcome reprieve from the impending fight we're going to have to face, but I can't enjoy too much of it. As the brief applause for Mako dies down and Lin praises him, I make my approach to Tenzin and ask to talk to him privately. Of course, ever the good friend, his face softens as I lead him to an adjacent room.
God what are you doing?! You're just going to tell him now while one of his kids is STUCK in the SPIRIT WORLD? How are you supposed to even tell him? What's the best way to tell someone you're dating their ex? Just spit it out? Dance around it and let him guess by giving him hints?
"What did you want to talk about?" Tenzin says, shutting the door behind him.
I play with my fingers anxiously, knowing I've already dragged this out longer than I should have. I see the worry forming on his face. Oh god just tell him how sorry you are already and plead for forgiveness before hand.
"Tenzin, I have to tell you something very important. And please don't think of it as something out of the blue or just a quick one night stand - because it isn't. And I'm sorry in advance for however uncomfortable it makes you feel."
He starts to roll his eyes, causing me to hesitate. He almost laughs too, disbelief mixing with whatever humor he's finding in this situation but then he quickly hides the smirk he nearly makes. "Riya, please just tell me. You're really starting to not make any sense. I mean...what do mean a one night stand?" He chuckles.
Oh god, you're really doing the whole 'just drop hints and make him guess' method aren't you?
"Well alright, you said it isn't a one night stand. And it's not out of the blue of course, but I don't know what you're getting at." He rambles, thinking aloud.
Just cut to the chase. Don't think about what you're doing, just do it.
"I've started dating Lin." I blurt out. A strained silence follows for a few seconds as he seems to stop thinking.
I take a deep breath, watching his concerned gaze freezes on his face, his eyebrows narrowing as he finally processes my words. "And it's getting pretty serious." I add, nearly whispering as stare at him as his eyes bounce from side to side in his head.
"That's...news." He mutters finally, refusing to make eye contact with me.
"Big news I'd say." I huff, watching him for any signs of anger.
"You and Lin." Tenzin mumbles, staring at the floor confused.
"Yes. I'm sorry I put off telling you, but I didn't know how serious things would get. She's your ex-girlfriend after all and I know it might be weird for you but please know that if you feel uncomfortable with the two of us then just let me know-"
"Riya." Tenzin sighs in disbelief. "You don't have to do anything to make me feel comfortable. Lin and I have been done for over a decade, if I feel uncomfortable about you two then I will get over it. You just have to enjoy your relationship. Don't worry about how I feel."
That was not what I was expecting. He's just...okay with us dating? And being around him?
I take a steadying breath, relieved that at least he isn't storming out of the room to speak with lin. I can't help but watch him suspiciously.
"I'm not going to lie. I'm surprised how well you're handling this." He simply raises his eyebrows in surprise. "I'd imagined you'd be red-faced and angry, stuttering and spitting." And out of all the things he could do at a time like this, he laughs.
"I'm married with four kids. I think Lin and I are well past having feelings for one another. We're friends." Tenzin smiles, still laughing as he shakes his head. "Although she seems to just barely tolerate me." He stops and thinks a moment longer. "We're acquaintances in any case."
I sit on the only table in the room, letting out a relieved groan.
"I'll only ask though, are you happy with her?"
I smile absentmindedly as I think of her standing in the entrance outside.
"She's frustrating trying to talk to about feelings and emotions..."
Tenzin smirks, "Glad to see she hasn't changed."
"But she's got a good heart, and she's sweet in a tough love type of way." I hardly feel my smile widen as I talk. Tenzin merely shakes his head, exasperatedly. "It might take her a bit of convincing to let me come along to help you guys though."
"Then you're better off then we were. She once packed my bags for me." The pair of us share a chuckle at that scenario.
"Sounds like Lin." I say, Tenzin nodding in agreement. We sit in companionable silence for a moment, both of us seeming to process this new change.
"Well. I'd like to congratulate her on managing to land a new partner. I think we've spent enough time hiding in here, don't you think?" Tenzin stands patiently by the door, waiting for me to step through first.
"Absolutely."
Tenzin walks beside me as we return to the group, although there's hardly anyone left besides Lin herself, waiting patiently.
"Finally. Your avatar is already on her way to Varrick's battleship-" Tenzin stops her mid-sentence, extending his hand to her expectantly. She just tilts her head at him and looks at me.
"What's he doing?" I mimic her slight head tilt and just nod back to Tenzin.
"He's congratulating you on landing such a fine woman such as myself." I joke, watching her eyebrows raise in surprise. She's not too proud to shake his hand though.
"I wish you all the best of luck with this one." Tenzin says as if to me while watching Lin with a smile on his face. The effect is instantaneous. Lin squeezes his hand in a death grip that makes the stern man let out a yelp.
"Ouch, I meant Riya!" He frowns, wrenching his hand from Lin's grip. I give him a whack on his arm as well. "Enough with the violence." He mutters. "Spirits you two are just one in the same!"
"Well don't try to tease my..." Lin stops, both of us realizing we've never once called each other 'girlfriend' or even 'partner' before now. "...person." She finishes.
Good enough. Lin smirks, crossing her arms at Tenzin's pain.
"Or mine." I add, already taking his hand to soothe the pain with my waterbending. Lin does have a death grip. Tenzin takes his hand back and gives both of us a pointed glare.
"Very well. If you'll excuse me, I have an avatar to catch up with." Tenzin nods to Lin and then turns his attention to me. "Will you be joining us?"
My throat goes dry at the question and I look to Lin out of confusion. How did I factor into this now?
Tenzin looks from Lin to me, once, then twice. "I will give you two a minute."
We watch Tenzin exit the building, leaving Lin and I to stand awkwardly in the hall.
"What are you thinking?" She asks, breaking the silence. I can't help but shrug. This is all so sudden, four hours ago I was just additional security for the Nuktuk screening. Now I'm extra muscle on a critical outing to stop an egomaniac?
"I don't know. I mean...It's not as if I want to leave you. But at the same time, my family is there too." I say finally, watching her take a deep breath. I pause a moment as I think on it more. "I need to make sure they're safe and that the rest of the town is too." I say sadly.
Lin can't argue with that, no matter how she tries to spin it. She merely shakes her head at me, her jaw clenching in frustration. I move closer to her, tentatively wrapping my arms around her waist. At first, she doesn't respond in her usual way by pulling me close, but she doesn't move away either.
"Please." I coo, asking but simultaneously not asking for her permission. Lin's face contorts into a pained frown for a fraction of a second, the sight making my motivation to go start to crumble. Before I can go back on my argument, she returns my hug.
"If you don't come back I'll hunt you down myself, you understand me?" She scorns. I kiss her shoulder, her strong embrace preventing me from kissing her face.
"You couldn't pay me to stay away." I mutter, holding her all the more closer. We stand in our embrace a moment longer. Lin running her hand over my back, allowing herself a brief moment to relax in my arms as she and I share this quiet moment. I enjoy it a second longer, knowing my focus will have to be on my family and fighting Unalaq the moment I leave her. She tenses suddenly.
"Are you sure telling Tenzin about us before heading into a fight was a good idea?" She jokes, thankfully ruining this all too serious moment. It's not that I want to forget the current impending doom, but I want to stay as optimistic as possible going into this fight.
"Well it's not ideal but nothing like doom and gloom threatening the world to get the truth out, right? I mean, everything turned out good." I joke, quirking my eyebrow at her. She snorts but nods.
"As long as you make it back in one piece." I smile as she simply holds me close once more, tucking my head under her chin.
"Deal." I mutter, memorizing the feel of her a second longer.
With the Zhu Li prepped and ready to set sail we disembark and make our way South.
Korra is eager, Tenzin is wary, Mako and Asami are distant, and Bolin...well Bolin is enjoying himself the most I'd say. So far he's managed to find Varrick's 'think chamber' and a room dedicated to the art of dessert making. It's not even the actual kitchen either, rather it's a small museum dedicated to frosting, cake, and the decoration of all things dessert related. The only reason I see in the purpose of having such a room is because Varrick has actually designed his own line of Varricakes. Or maybe Varrick has an intense sweet tooth...I'm not really sure, the man is proving to be increasingly eccentric.
In the mean time though, Asami and Mako are basically opposing magnets at this point. When one of them steps in the room, the other makes a beeline to leave if they can.
Even now, as I watch Mako out of the corner of my eye while we discuss our arrival plan, Mako can't stop glancing at Asami or Korra. It's as if he's waiting for a coin toss that'll tell him who he should pick. And as Korra's self-appointed relationship lookout, I feel I should keep an eye on the guy.
"Riya, are you okay?" Asami whispers, trying to be sneaky as Korra points at a map of the Watertribe, talking with Tenzin about potential routes. Maybe I've been to conspicuous with my lookout...
I nod, conscious of how I have to force myself to relax. "Yes, I'm fine."
Asami doesn't seem convinced but she let's it go for now, at least. I spare one final look at Mako, watching his reaction to receiving Korra's attention. He listens intently as she asks for his input, although he seems quite unnerved at the same time.
I can be a little upset with him, I think to myself, trying to rationalize my anger with the boy. I mean he is lying about him and Korra breaking up, but it really isn't my place to meddle with their relationship. I shouldn't be the one to tell Korra...but that doesn't mean I can't be upset with him.
Our little meeting ends a bit abruptly, thrusting me out of my own thoughts and back to the massive meeting room where we've been discussing any and all planning ideas. But everything is on hold for now, Tenzin is giving out instructions to get some rest along with the promise that we'll brush up on our plan tomorrow once we make landfall. For now, we at least have an arrival plan set.
Someone yell at me for taking so long, I need to get back on the Beifong Brigade. Is this short? Yes. Was it difficult getting this much done? Also yes. Am I sorry? sure. Although I am grateful for the most recent review!