A/N: This is for the guest (Kat, I believe) who suggested this little epilogue follow up. I read the prompt and knew I had to write a little epilogue with begrudgingly showing her appreciation for both Mako and Kya

Lin's whole body ached but the stabbing pain in her side had definitely subsided thanks to healers at the hospital and the subsequent healing sessions with Kya. It was light outside which meant it must be morning and Kya wasn't in the bed with her. She could hear voices coming from the kitchen which meant they had company.

Groaning, she carefully sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed before gingerly getting to her feet. She got a better feel now and realized it was Mako that Kya was talking to. She debated for a moment just getting back in the bed and ignoring them both but thought better of it, sighing as she pushed open the door and walked to the kitchen.

"Chief! Did we wake you? Should you be out of bed?"

Lin growled in response as Mako jumped to his feet.

"Lin, be nice. And sit down before you pass out and poor Mako has to carry you back to bed."

Kya was making breakfast, carefully pouring a cup of tea and bringing it to Lin who had taken the seat opposite Mako. She placed the cup down and kissed Lin softly on the cheek.

"And good morning by the way."

Kya turned back to the stove and dished out a portion of eggs and rice onto three dishes. She set a plate in front of both Mako and Lin before taking her own seat.

"I'm not hungry."

Kya rolled her eyes.

"How many times do I have tell you that you need to eat breakfast. Especially while you're still healing."

Lin scoffed but picked up her chopsticks and took a small bite. They ate in awkward silence for a few moments before Mako cleared his throat.

"So, chief. How are you feeling? Kya says-"

"I'm fine."

Mako didn't push it again and the silence resumed. They finished eating and Mako excused himself to use the restroom. Kya moved to clear the dishes away as eyed her temperamental girlfriend.

"Lin. You know Mako looks up to you."

"A lot of people look up to me."

"Will you just listen to me for two seconds without interrupting?"

Lin gave a grunt that Kya figured was as close to an apology as she'd get.

"You really scared him this time. Spirits, you scared me too. I don't even like to imagine what would have happened if he hadn't gotten you to the hospital so quickly. And if that rod had hit you just a few centimeters over…"

She seemed lost in her own thoughts and rambled on a bit.

"Kya, you're rambling."

"Anyway, what I'm trying to say, Lin, is you should show him a little more appreciation. He cares about you and you've been your usual hostile self every time he's come to check on you."

Lin crossed her arms across herself defensively, pulling them tight against herself. She knew Kya was right. She had built walls up and regularly lashed out at people as a defense mechanism but things had changed in recent years and she knew she had people in her life who genuinely cared for her well being.

Mako returned and grabbed his coat, moving toward the door.

"I should probably get going. Thanks for breakfast, Kya. And I'm glad you're feeling better, chief."

"Mako."

He stopped, looking to his boss who had uncrossed her arms, sighing deeply.

"Sit for a second, kid."

He did as she bade without a word. Lin reached out cautiously and took his hands, finally making eye contact.

"I know I don't say it much, well ever really, but I appreciate you looking out for me. Both of you."

She looked to Kya and reached out one of her hands to her as well. She smiled briefly at them both before retracting her hands and crossing her arms again.

"That's it. You can go now."

Mako smiled too as he got up from the table. He and Kya made eye contact with a knowing look before he made for the door.

"See you later. And chief?"

Lin looked up.

"Thank you."

Lin gave him the smallest smile as she watched him leave. Her eyes watered a bit and Kya wrapped her in a tight hug from the side.

"Ow, Kya!"

"You're getting to be such a big softy!"

"I hate you."

"No you don't."

Lin smiled to herself and leaned her head into Kya's.

No, she certainly didn't.