'We are family...We grew up together...' , she almost whispered, averting her eyes in an attempt to somehow make this less awkward. Tenzin didn't really mind, but she failed miserably.
He continued reaching out to her. 'Please come... you deserve a warm home...a cozy bed... a warm meal, everytime you come home from work...exhausted...possibly hurt...'
It's just like old times. The airbender audibly gulped as it was difficult for him to think of her getting injured as a result of the hundreds of wild fights she had to take part in every year. It had always been an uneasy topic. Uneasy in the sense that it literally made them part ways after discussing this over and over again until one of them eventually got tired and decided it was time for a break.
Everyone knew that Lin was tough as nails and would therefore never admit her pain, even if she was hurt... not one of her best qualities, Tenzin realised once again after almost two decades. Why couldn't she simply accept his offer? Arguing with her had always been hard and exhausting.
The earthbender exhaled feeling slightly uncomfortable. It was strange for her that he suddenly seemed to care so much. She couldn't get hold of the situation and honestly, she didn't quite get where this was going either. Why couldn't he just at least make an effort to understand her? She didn't want to stay at his family home and it was justified.
'Tenzin...I have been fine all those years on my own... it won't be that hard for me to stay here until my home is rebuilt...as you said, it's not like I ever leave this place anyway...this is my home...this is my life...'
In that moment it struck her. Her little sister's voice from years ago echoed in her mind.
'At least I have a life.'
An insult. An accusation. A degradation of some sort.
Her brows furrowed when she silently repeated this in her head. Maybe...just maybe...Suyin was right...
Should I, for once, do what only I want?...
Tenzin let his eyes rest on his counterpart. It was evident in his face how fond he was of her when he was watching her patiently. She did not notice as she was far too busy staring holes in the air. The master ignored the uneasy feeling in his stomach and let his head drop. He knew he should've showed that he cared...he felt guilty...Being an airbender unfortunately also meant that he wasn't able to dive head-first into problems and tended to avoid any sort of confrontation most of the time. This was especially unfavourable when being with an earthbender who literally despised when people beat around the bush, can't come to the point and state what their problem is. A great combination, really. That's what you get when you pair two opposite elements.
Just as he was to blame himself for Lin being so stubborn concerning the idea of having her over at Air Temple Island, his train of thought was interrupted by the phone's ringing.
'Strange. Who would call my personal phone?...Especially now? What's with you all having the urge to talk to me in the middel of the night?...'
Lin huffed, took the device in her hand and spoke with a deep, raspy voice while drumming her fingers on the desk.
'Republic City Police Department, this is Chief Beifong, how can I help?'
After a while a woman's voice could be heard, then Lin's eyes widened. Tenzin was just about to ask what the case was when Lin's cheeks suddenly began to change colour. They went slightly rosy. It was not much, just a tad, that's why Tenzin was having difficulties distingui-shing whether he was imagining the sudden change of colour in his normally unaffected friend's face. It was an anomaly after all. His friend's alabaster skin turning a few shades darker was certainly a sight for sore eyes.
Lin looked at the ceiling and continued with a steady tone. 'I...I already told him as well...I'm more than thankful...but I think it might not be the best idea.'
Tenzin furrowed his brow slightly. Who could be making the esteemed chief of police, literal rock-hard Lin Beifong so nervous? Especially at this time of the day?
'Pema...There would be rumors. I can't do this to you. To the children. To Tenzin. To myself even. Don't keep insisting.'
Tenzin swallowed. Oh. His wife had called to personally ask Lin to come and stay with them. He didn't really know what to think of that, he was just more than glad that the bad blood between them was slowly subsiding. What else could he think of it?
'No. I won't discuss this any furth- don't tell me you're cooking something at this hour! For me? No way, are you insane?! Pema stop that. Stop. No, I don't want ... Spirits...Alright...We're there in an hour...But I won't stay for the night.'
Lin looked defeated while she put the telephone down and growled, a hint of fondness in her eyes she couldn't manage to hide and the hue of pink still evident on her cheeks she reached for her coat and quickly threw it around her shoulders. The airbender was laughing heartily when he got a hold on the happenings and watched as his friend got dressed to finally come with him to his family home. His wife had managed to convince the stubborn chief and Tenzin beamed with pride when Lin pouted at him, crossing her arms, ready to leave for Air Temple Island.
'What are you waiting for? Come on...let's go...that crazy wife of yours made some spring rolls, fried rice and salad...'
'And black tea?'
'Yes, and black tea.'
He smirked. 'Your favorite!'
She rolled her eyes. 'Yeah...wonder who told her that..'
Reaching for the doorknob she silently smiled to herself. It had been so long since somebody had cooked for her. The last time that someone specifically cooked her favorite food must've been decades ago. Lin still remembered, it was aunt Katara who had always wanted to know what her little Linny wished to eat. Good old times...
a/n: I'm back! Sorry, it took so long 'cause school started again and I'm kinda stressed as this is my last year. Even if this one's a bit short and more like a 'filler episode', I hope you were still able to enjoy it.
On the last chapter I noticed that some of you commented which made me very happy, so feel free to keep doing that!
Until next time, lovlies!