Author's note: I started this story because I wanted a cutesy slice-of-life bit about KyaLin and their maternal relationship with Mako. If this is well-received, I might write more. If not, I won't. There is no single cohesive story plan. I also am not good at writing lengthy narratives, so these will be brief if they are continued at all.
"Mako! We haven't talked in too long! Linny has told me so much about you!" Kya drove herself and her girlfriend, who briefly turned a shade of red best described as 'purple' at the notion of being called a pet name before her subordinate, towards the firebender.
Mako carefully inspected the woman, her silver hair in a ponytail as always, noting the formal Water Tribe clothing and the hand which encircled his boss's waist from the right. The Chief herself, reciprocating the embrace with an arm draped over Kya's shoulders, was wearing fancier clothing than her usual for Varrick's wedding — given Lin's clothing at the gala three years ago, Mako had expected her to be clanking around in her armor — a dark green jacket atop a lighter green sweater and trousers. Somehow, he had the feeling that it hadn't been Lin's choice to don something other than armor.
"Hey there, Kya. You're right, we haven't spoken in a long time. The Chief has told you about me?" Mako couldn't help but be awkward, regardless of his interlocutor or the context.
Before Kya could speak, Lin interrupted her. "That you're a good detective and that I'm proud you're on the force, kid." Jade eyes met pale blue in an unspoken message that Mako was unable to read, but Kya flashed a mischievous smile and turned back towards the firebender.
"Well, one that she wouldn't kill me for telling you is that she thinks you should get better sleeping accommodations." The mischief which had graced Kya's tanned face shifted to a warm concern. "You've been living under your desk at the police station for, what, three years now?"
Lin's expression shifted similarly, something in her face transporting Mako back sixteen years. He blinked and the young Fire National woman disappeared from his vision, returning again to the tough-as-nails earthbender police chief. He cleared his throat. "Uh, yeah, well, with the Wu assignment, I lived in his hotel suite and didn't really use the desk, so, uh, I guess you could say that."
"We have a couple of guest rooms in our apartment — we've got a bunch of nephews and nieces. Why don't you stay with us, at least for a bit?" Lin smiled gently at Mako, as did Kya.
Pausing in mild confusion at the note on nephews — how many were there again? — Mako tripped over himself when he finally spoke. "Well, uh, thanks, but I think I'll pass. I'm perfectly fine sleeping under the desk-"
Kya interrupted him and turned to Lin. "Linny, sweetheart, for me?" She gently shifted her hand on Lin's hip. Apparently, the two women had a language of their own, because the chief seemed to get the message.
Lin nodded slightly before drawing her attention away from her lover and back to Mako. "Listen, kid. That's now an order. Get your stuff from under the desk and come to the apartment. I'll leave an address and directions on your desk tomorrow in the afternoon. And, to be straight with you, the pile of laundry you've built up is beginning to smell."
Mako's jaw dropped. "You can do that? That's not even police business!"
Lin laughed. "Who's going to stop me? Raiko? The dumb cunt is too busy stressing out over his own approval rating. He needs to clean up his mess, and you need to clean up yours. My apartment, tomorrow, with all your stuff. Got it?"
"Yes, Chief." Mako attempted to sound disappointed, despite the relief washing over him. With the real estate market in Republic City melting down — or rather, spiking up — due to the destruction of a few dozen city blocks and a massive influx of tourists to the spirit portal, he doubted he could afford an apartment. And there were worse things in life than sharing an apartment with Lin and Kya.