Chapter Text
Lin walked into her apartment, stripping her uniform as she walked to her bedroom and winced at the slight pain she felt in her shoulder. Getting practically thrown into the side of the bank downtown hadn’t exactly been on her radar but nothing ever was in this job.
“Fucking idiots.” She grumbled. She and her officers caught what they guessed were a group of what could be no more than teens and young adults just looking to cause trouble in hopes of being noticed. They hadn't done any actual real damage but their recklessness had caused quite the stir for business owners and officials in the area. Lin enjoyed the smug looks they adorned turning to fear as they realized just who she was and watched them be handcuffed to be taken to the station. They all knew who meant business, and it sure was her.
After changing into her regular tank top and sweats, she made her way to the kitchen, rotating her arm in hopes of easing the nagging feeling only to end up making it worse. Skimming through the shelves of her refrigerator, she pulled out items to make dinner. The force of the door closing caused something to slip off the top of the refrigerator, Lin squinting at the tiny card as she reached to pick it up.
“Hmm,” she bit the inside of her lip as she realized it was the card of a certain nurse. A pretty one that she never called when the woman had given it to her almost two weeks ago. Not that she hadn’t wanted to but she had gotten busy. At least that’s what she told herself. Truthfully, she had been too nervous to use it even though Su had told her plenty of times since that day to do so.
“Lin, she obviously wanted to go out with you…Now ask her before I have to get Opal from her one day and apologize.” The younger sister whined.
“Apologize for what?” Lin huffed.
“Oh, I don’t know!” Su threw her hands up. “Sorry you tried to hit on my sister and she never called. She’s a complete fool!”
Lin rolled her eyes at the memory the same way she did that day. She rubbed her thumb along the number once more before shaking her head. Of course she thought the other woman had been beautiful with a warm personality to match. Lin had Kya in her thoughts those first few days more than she cared to admit but had felt uneasy by the level of interest and so she did what she does best. She tucked those emotions neatly into a box and shelved it in the back of her brain.
Besides, she couldn’t just call Kya now, could she? It had felt too long and Lin was sure if Kya was interested then, she likely wasn't now after basically being given the cold shoulder. But what if…she sighed and pulled out her phone, typing in the numbers quickly before she could talk herself out of it. If she got rejected, at least she could get Su off her back.
Every buzz of the phone heightened Lin’s anxiety that Kya wouldn’t answer or that if she did, she’d tell Lin where to go. She was more than ready to hang up until she heard a voice on the other end.
“This is Kya.” It was as warm and deep, if a little scratchy, as she remembered. “Hello?” The woman asked again after a moment of no reply.
Fuck.
“H-hi it’s Lin.” She smacked her forehead. Yeah because she’ll just remember who you are after one meeting. “Um, Beifong. Opal’s aunt.”
Kya sat up straighter in her chair, a fluttering appearing in her stomach. “Oh, hi Lin! How are you?” She hoped her tone didn’t give off the eagerness she felt from finally hearing from the other woman. She’d just about given up thinking the woman would ever call. Unless she eventually took her up on needing a “nurse” rather than what she really wanted her number to be used for.
“I’m well, thanks. And you?”
“Good, good. Thank you.” Kya furrowed her brows. “Is everything alright?”
If this is a health call, so help me Tui and La, I am never putting myself out there again.
“No. Yes! I mean--” Lin cleared her throat, feeling a tightness all of a sudden. “I actually wanted to ask if you’d like to have dinner with me.” If Lin ever wanted to have a boulder crush her, it would be now as she held her breath. The woman had given her number first, Lin told herself. She couldn’t have just wanted to treat Lin’s wounds that badly just because she was nice.
She was quickly brought out of her thoughts at the voice reaching through the phone again. “Oh, I would love to.” Kya bit a smile back, her blue eyes crinkling in delight.
“Good.” Lin breathed, the discomfort seeping from her. “How about Friday at 6 pm? I can pick you up if you’re okay with that.”
“Perfect, let me give you my address.”
After exchanging details and hanging up, Lin rubbed her fingers along her jaw, smirking to herself and returned to making dinner.
—
Lin huffed, pushing hangers of clothes to one side trying to find an outfit. It’s not that she didn’t have nice outfits but she hadn’t been on a date in a long time, especially not one that she initiated and it was nerve wracking. It wasn’t until her eyes landed on her emerald suit that she hadn’t worn in a while. It perfectly matched her eyes which was a main reason she had chosen it. She matched them with her nice dress shoes and white button up, opting to leave a few at the top unbuttoned, and spraying her favorite perfume on. She gave herself one last look over before grabbing her things and making her way to Kya’s.
She kept fussing at herself as she waited for the door to open, straightening out nonexistent wrinkles on her slacks or pulling imaginary threads from her shirt until the door opened and she felt her mouth go dry.
Lin’s eyes started from the bottom, taking in the silver strappy heels up to the deep blue silk dress that clung to Kya’s curves perfectly and looked stunning against her skin, its flattering v-cut tastefully accentuated Kya’s chest. The woman’s long silver tresses were still up in a ponytail, giving sight to the stunning silver moon necklace and dangle earrings she wore. “You–” Lin cleared her throat. Don’t screw up now. “Wow, you look beautiful.”
Kya beamed. “As do you.” She then giggled, waving herself off as Lin’s brows furrowed. “Sorry, I just–-as much as I loved the uniform, I’m also loving this look just as much.” She smirked as a blush crept across Lin’s cheeks, enjoying the shyness of the woman. She meant what she had said. A woman in uniform was always enticing but so was a woman in a suit, especially this particular woman.
“Thank you.” Lin finally pushed out. “Shall we?” Kya locked her door and took the outstretched arm.
Luckily the restaurant wasn’t too far from Kya’s place and when they arrived, Kya’s approving smile gave Lin another mental point (she totally wasn't keeping tally). “I’ve been hearing about this place. Never had a chance to try though so I’m excited.” Kya said as Lin pulled her chair out and in for Kya to sit.
“I haven’t either so it’ll be a first for both of us.”
“Well, hopefully a good first then.” Kya winked, highlighting the beauty mark just underneath her eye and sending a shock going up Lin’s spine.
The restaurant was an earth kingdom and fire nation fusion, bringing in traditional staples from each as well as dishes that blended the unique flavors of each. Lin wasn’t usually one for too much spice but had opted for a specialty dish of fire noodles and lamb cooked with earth kingdom savory flavors; while Kya chose one similar but with seafood instead, both opting for red wine to pair and dumplings as a starter.
“Thank you for coming to dinner with me.”
Kya snorted. “I didn’t think I was going to hear from you actually.” Her head leaned on her clasped hands, the low light accentuating her sharp features but Lin saw no real malice.
She sighed. “To be honest, I wasn’t planning on it. Not that I didn’t want to!” She quickly added. “I just didn’t exactly know whether I was reading into it. And I was a bit nervous.” Lin’s cheeks burned at her own admission, she didn’t quite plan on revealing her lack of confidence to the other woman.
“Nervous, why?” Kya’s brow raised.
“Well, I’m not really one to be so forward in dating but...” Lin shrugged. “I was also just nervous you’d say no.”
Kya laughed, Lin smiling at the lovely sound. “Say no? I would’ve thrown myself more at you that day but you know…Opal was around.”
It was Lin’s turn to laugh. “Yes, I think she would have loved that.” Her emerald orbs rolled at the thought of her niece having to be an audience to grown women flirting the socks off the other while she was waiting for her wounds to be treated.
“Well luckily for us, she isn’t here tonight because I fully intend to make my intentions with you known as much as possible.” Kya’s smug smile made Lin’s body warm once again.
The server coming to their table was Lin’s life saver as her brain glitched at the direct admission. She was never one for words and even if she did have something to reply back with, it wouldn’t have reached her tongue if she tried. The plates were nicely placed in front of them and the women quickly dove into their meals, offering and accepting tastes of the other. Kya almost dropped her chopsticks at the sight of Lin taking the food from them, the woman holding her gaze as she did so.
Lin hummed in appreciation, Kya licking her lip at the sound. “Perfect.”
They continued their flirtations throughout dinner, a slight touch here, a compliment there. They spoke about various topics, both speaking of their families, careers and younger years. Lin was enamored with all the traveling Kya had done both as a young adult and then as a nurse, helping people all around the world before deciding to settle in the city close by her brother and his children.
Kya couldn’t help but ask all about the craziest cases Lin had seen, her mouth dropping at any insane little detail Lin could share of her experiences in the police force. It was nice to be able to share so much. More than Lin had expected to on a first date but the other woman was enchanting. It was as if she could coax anything out of you with just one flash of her dazzling smile, and she probably could if you weren’t careful. Lin had even told her about the pain in her shoulder and had to practically beg the woman to not fuss, swearing she would see someone about it if it didn’t feel any better after the weekend.
“I’ve really enjoyed tonight, thank you.” Kya said as they shared dessert, her face softening once again from their giggles. Both couldn't remember the last time they laughed so much.
“As have I.” Lin nodded.
“And I’m glad your call wasn’t for any medical reasons.” Kya quipped. “Although that invitation is always open as well.”
“I think medical appointments should be saved for at least the third date don’t you?” Lin’s brow quirked.
Kya hummed in response, reaching over and running her fingers along Lin’s knuckles. The touch sending prickled throughout them both. “As long as it’s not the only reason you want to see me.”
“No, I have much better reasons to do so.” Lin flipped her hand over, taking Kya’s in hers and lightly squeezing it, grins tugging at the corners of their mouths.
The energy on the drive home was just as charged, Lin having taken Kya’s hand on the way to the car and retaking it once they settled in their seats. They shared their opinions on the restaurant, both having enjoyed it and agreeing it was a place they would go again (hopefully together, they each thought). Kya further commented that she would have to take Lin to a southern water tribe restaurant next, saying she knew the best place in Republic City that would “rock her world”. Lin almost snorting at Kya's choice of phrase.
As they approached Kya’s door, Lin couldn’t help but feel a sudden tug of disappointment that the night was over. She hadn’t felt this amount of want for another person’s time in awhile, if ever that she could recall. Kya turned after unlocking her door, grinning timidly all of a sudden, a complete opposite of her confident persona all night, and Lin thought she could turn to mush at the sight. “So will it take you another two weeks to call me for a second date?”
She was joking but Lin could hear the apprehension in Kya’s tone.
“No.” Lin smirked. “I’d love to see you again sometime this week if you’re free.”
“I am.” Kya quickly nodded, mentally slapping herself at her enthusiasm.
Way to be cool about it.
“Great, we can work out the details then.” A quietness came over them, both not knowing or wanting to say goodnight and Lin looked at Kya's mouth, the woman had reapplied her lipstick after dinner, the deep mauve tint drawing her attention.
Just do it, Lin told herself and when she looked back up, she saw Kya do the same, emerald and crystal blue reveling in the other. Lin leaned in and Kya met her halfway. It was a short kiss but a sweet one that still left their lips tingling. Introductory but solidifying.
“Goodnight.” Lin whispered, their faces so close they could still feel each other’s breath.
“Goodnight, Lin.” Kya’s smile twinkled as she placed one last brief kiss on the Lin's lips before turning and going inside.
Lin shook her head in satisfaction, mentally thanking and apologizing to Opal for her unfortunate accidents.