A/N: Have some Linzin cuteness to celebrate Book 4's release.
Chapter 5: The Western Air Temple
The day after the wedding, Lin and Tenzin packed up Oogi and prepared to set off on an indefinite honeymoon. They planned on starting out their married life by touring the world. Their main stops were going to be all of the Air Temples: to check on how they were faring, the South Pole: to visit with Kya and her family, the Fire Nation's capital: to visit their dear Uncle Zuko and his entire family, Gaoling: because Lin sometimes enjoyed her grandparents' company, and to wherever else their hearts desired. Lin and Tenzin knew they couldn't keep her pregnancy a secret for very long; after all, she'd start showing eventually, but they wanted to enjoy each other's company as much as possible and they wanted to do so in as many places as possible. Tenzin figured they could at least stop in Republic City after a month or two, announce the pregnancy, then be on their merry way. Maybe they could even have the baby somewhere else, someplace quiet: like one of the Air Temples, or even at the South Pole. He was sure Lin would like the idea, being somewhere far from the nosy eyes and ears of the public. He'd have to discuss this with her at some point.
"Well, that's the last of it," Aang announced, jumping off of the sky bison's back.
"Thank you for the help," Tenzin replied to his father, bowing graciously.
Aang rested a hand on his son's shoulder, "You two have fun. Try not to get into too much trouble, and keep each other safe."
"Dad, we're adults now. You don't have to worry about us," Tenzin said, hugging his father.
"I know. Sometimes I still picture the two of you when you were younger. I just can't help it. It's a parent thing," Aang confessed. Just then someone grabbed Aang from behind and tried to wrap her arms around both airbenders.
"Listen to your father, Sweetie," Katara joined in the conversation, hugging the two boys. Lin appeared from out of the house at this moment. She knew if she didn't try to pry Katara and Aang off of Tenzin then they'd never be able to leave.
"Alright, enough sad goodbyes. We'll be back shortly, for at least a week or two. And I promise we'll keep in touch," Lin ordered, approaching the happy little family.
"Oh hush and come here," Aang told her, releasing an arm from his wife's grip and holding it out for Lin to join the group hug. She rolled her eyes, chuckled, and allowed herself to be enveloped by the other three.
"I love you all," Katara gushed, sighing heavily.
"We love you too," Tenzin declared, "But Lin is right, we should start heading out now if we want to make it to the Western Air Temple before sundown." Aang released his grip on the newlyweds and stepped back, wrapping his arm around his wife. Tenzin offered his hand to Lin to help her up on Oogi's back. Lin accepted it, allowing him to help her this one time. Tenzin scooped her up in his arms and leapt high in the air, landing gently on Oogi's neck.
"Be safe!" Katara called to them.
"And have fun!" Aang yelled.
"Good-bye!" Tenzin and Lin yelled in unison.
"Yip yip!" Tenzin commanded Oogi. The bison gave a wail and then set off towards the sky. The couples waved back at each other. Katara and Aang remained standing outside until Oogi was just a speck in the distance.
…
Once in the air, Lin scooted closer to Tenzin, resting her head on his shoulder. She sighed heavily.
"Everything okay?" Tenzin asked, a little concerned.
"Yes. I was just thinking," she hesitated.
Tenzin turned to her, making her face him, "Lin," he began taking her hand in his, "We're married now. No more hiding things. You can tell me anything and I won't judge you. I'll try to help you, if you want my help. I'm always going to be here for you."
She smiled at him, "I know Tez. I was just thinking about the baby."
He glanced down at her stomach. It was hidden under folds of her cloak and an extra blanket she had left out of their supplies, knowing the two might need it in the ever chilling air.
"What about him?"
"Just thinking about when we should tell everybody," she confessed.
"I was thinking about that too," Tenzin admitted, gently placing a hand over her stomach.
"Well what were you thinking?" she ventured.
"What if we return to Republic City after the Winter Solstice and tell everybody then? That's in another month. You might be showing then," he reasoned.
Lin thought about it for a moment and then nodded her head, "That sounds like a good plan. But then.."
"But what?" Tenzin prodded.
"But where will we have her?"
"What do you mean?" he questioned.
"Well, I don't want to give birth in the city, as much as I know your mother and mine will insist. I just, I don't want people putting two and two together so soon. I want to enjoy our baby as much as possible."
Tenzin smiled at her, "I understand. Well, after a week in Republic City we can continue our trip for another month or so. Then we can go back, set things up at home, then find a place to settle for the remainder of the pregnancy and wait there for you to give birth. I'm sure our parents wouldn't mind waiting to meet their new grandchild."
Lin snorted, "Yeah, and my mother doesn't mind when someone scrubs her feet."
"Lin," Tenzin assured her, "Everything will be fine. They'll respect our wishes if we press hard enough."
Lin sighed, "I suppose so."
"Come here," he said, pulling her closer, kissing her forehead, "It will all work out. You'll see. We'll be happy. You, me, and our baby will have a great start. I promise. Let's just focus on relaxing and enjoying our honeymoon as much as possible." He waggled his eyebrows at this, causing Lin to snort in laughter.
"Oh behave!" she admonished, "We haven't even landed yet. And I don't want to act so naughty in a temple."
"Oh it's not naughty anymore. We're married!" Tenzin enthused.
"Besides," he added as an afterthought, "It won't be in the Temple. That's just one building in the compound. We'll be doing those things in our room, on the mountainside, and other places." He laughed. Lin swatted at him, trying to hold back her own laughter.
"I love you, Lin" he told her sweetly.
"And I, you," she replied. The two sat next to each other in companionable silence until they saw the tops of the mountains that marked they were near the Western Air Temple.
…
Oogi landed in the open field above the Western Air Temple as the sun began to set. Tenzin hopped off of his neck and waited as Lin bent herself a pillar of Earth, stepped on it, then slowly bent it down. Oogi bellowed once they were off, clearly ready for a long night's rest.
Tenzin patted his snout, "I know, buddy. You did a wonderful job getting us here, and you deserve to rest." Tenzin was about to jump up and collect his and Lin's belongings off of Oogi's back when someone shouted, "Master Tenzin!" Lin paused in the stretching of her limbs, trying to wake them up after sitting for such a long time, and turned to face the direction of the voice, as did Tenzin.
"Monk Akash!" Tenzin realized, "It's good to see you!" The monk reached the couple and bowed deeply to them, and they bowed respectfully in return.
"It has been so long since I've last seen you!" the monk exclaimed. Akash was only a few years older than Tenzin. He was the son of the Air Acolyte who was head of the Western Air Temple when Aang and Tenzin were away. He was covered in a bright, ruby cloak, wrapped warmly to keep out the night chill. Tenzin embraced the man warmly.
"Well, let me look at you!" the monk said, "You have definitely become a man and a master airbender," he deduced.
Tenzin blushed, "Yes well, you grew up too. Is that peach fuzz I see under your lip? Finally able to grow some facial hair, eh?" Tenzin teased, rubbing his own beard.
"Very funny, oh wise one," Akash cracked. Lin cleared her throat then. Tenzin forgot she was standing there. He was so into catching up with his old friend.
"I almost forgot," Tenzin introduced her properly now, "This is Lin Beifong, my wife." Akash took her hand and bowed deeply towards her. She nodded back at him.
"Tenzin! How could you forget about such a lovely creature?" he scolded, pecking the hand he still held.
"I am not some sort of animal," Lin scolded. Tenzin smirked. Poor Akash was about to experience the wrath of Lin Beifong.
"Well, no, of course not," Akash stammered.
"Exactly. So, from this day forward you shall address me as Captain Lin Beifong, Master of Metalbending. And if you forget to do so, then you and I can just settle things like men: a duel."
Akash took a step back, and glanced over to Tenzin nervously. Tenzin was still smirking like crazy, trying to stifle a laugh.
"I am so sorry, Captain Lin Beifong," he apologized.
Lin laughed then, "I was only teasing. Just don't forget to treat women respectfully. Besides, you forgot the Master of Metal Bending part."
"Yes, of course," Akash agreed with nervous laughter.
"Just Lin is fine," she assured him.
"Right," Akash nodded.
"Anyway," Tenzin interjected, "It's getting late. Lin and I are tired and Oogi is exhausted. We'd all like to turn in for the night."
"Oh, yes!" Akash remembered, "I will show you to your room right away. And I will find someone to take Oogi to the stables and be sure he's fed and watered."
"Thank you very much," Tenzin replied.
"This way," Akash motioned with his hand. He lead the couple to a place on the ground. He opened a shaft in the ground with his earth bending, revealing a staircase leading down to the buildings that are underneath the cliffside.
"What about our stuff?" Lin asked as the descended the stairs. The stairs were newer, torches lined the walls and lit their path down.
"Don't worry. Some acolytes will bring it down and settle Oogi into the stables," Akash assured her.
"Oh," she replied, a bit surprised, "I guess I'm not used to all this."
Tenzin chuckled, "Well, get used to it. When we're at the Air Temples everyone will treat us like royalty."
"That seems a bit silly and extravagant for a people who pride themselves on humility and detaching themselves from worldly tethers," Lin remarked.
"Think of us as modern Air Nomads. Sure we still adhere to most traditions, but at the same time some of the acolytes believe Tenzin and his father to be spirits in their own rights," Akash explained to her with a grin.
"Yes, it is a bit much at times," Tenzin agreed with her.
"Only the best for our leaders," Akash said with a shrug.
"I guess we'll be fine. After all it's only temporary," Lin decided.
"Hey, if it makes you feel any better, I never thought this kid was anything special," Akash joked. Lin smirked as Tenzin glared at Akash. They had finally reached a main floor. Akash lead them down a long hallway, still lit with torches.
Akash continued, "I did always try to humble him in any and every way possible. As long as I was around, Tenzin was just Tenzin. Not the future master airbender. He was my friend."
"Yes," Tenzin agreed, "You were always one of the few people at the temples who treated me as just another person and I am forever grateful."
"I'm sorry I had to miss the wedding," Akash told him, "I would've loved to have been there, but Father has been insisting that I am with him at all hours so I can take his place soon."
"It's okay, Akash. I understand," Tenzin assured him.
"I know," Akash said with a huge grin on his face, "It just means we get to celebrate here!"
"Nothing too crazy, though" Lin offered, "You know Tez. He's not much of a wild child."
"Yes," Akash agreed, "But I heard you could be. All the more fun!" There was a gleam in Akash's steel grey eyes that reflected brightly in the firelight. "But," he continued, "We will just have to wait to find out if the rumors and gossip about you are true, Ms. Beifong, because we are now at your room, and I was told you both wanted to rest." Akash had stopped in front of one of the wooden doors at the end of the large hallway. Tenzin stepped forward and pushed open the door. He waited for Lin to enter first.
As the couple walked in, Akash explained, "This is one of our nicer rooms. There's a lovely view since it's on the corner. There is a bathroom attached to it through the door on the right. You two lovebirds have an eventful evening. We won't expect you at morning mediation, Tez," Akash winked and chuckled as he closed the door behind him. Tenzin's face turned a bright scarlet. Lin just chuckled.
A soft knock sounded from the door and Tenzin opened it. Two acolytes were standing in the doorway, arms filled with their luggage. They tried to bow to Tenzin, but almost fell forward from all the weight.
"Here, let me help you," he offered.
"Thank you," one of the acolytes sighed in relief. She let him grab a few things off the pile she was carrying. Lin was by his side, also helping the acolytes. Once all the bags were inside the room, the acolytes left, allowing the couple to settle in. Lin started organizing the bags as Tenzin opened a window to let some fresh air in. He then began to light the room with candles since the air temples still were not wired for electricity. As soon as the last one was lit, he turned to Lin who had finished unpacking most of their clothes.
"Well, here we are," Tenzin announced to no one really.
"Mmm," Lin made a little noise. Tenzin crossed the room to where she was and embraced her. She let out a big yawn.
Tenzin chuckled, "Someone is a bit tired."
"Mmm," Lin made the noise again. She pulled away from Tenzin, removed pants and shirt. Shed her bindings and undergarments, reached for an old shirt of Tenzin's, pulled it over her head, and flopped down on the bed.
"I'm tired," she declared.
"Oh," Tenzin breathed, a little disappointment in his tone.
"I'm sorry, love," Lin said sweetly, "We'll have to put our honeymoon activities on hold. I'd like my rest."
"I suppose I understand," Tenzin agreed. He followed suit, removing his clothes and opting for an old pair of slacks and tank top. He crawled into bed next to his wife, grabbing hold of her, pulling her to him so she curved around his left side, her head on his chest. With a swish of his wrist he sent a gust of wind through the room blowing out all the candles. He left the window open, the last of the sun's rays peeking up just over the horizon. The newlyweds cuddled as close as possible and quickly fell asleep. They were out before the moon appeared in the cloudless night sky.
A/N: I wanted to make a smutty piece, but I wanted to show some cuteness too. Think of this as a set up for it though, so you can definitely expect smut in the next chapter though. Also, I didn't want to leave you guys hanging, so there you have it. Another little chapter.