Work Text:
After a long day at work Lin finds herself back at home with one thing on her mind. Hugging her children. She goes to Aditi's room first knowing she would be asleep soon. She finds the two year old dozing and contemplates going any further at the risk of waking her.
"Mama?" Aditi looks up.
"Hey Di," Lin whispers.
"Come?" Aditi moves to one side of the small bed.
"Ok," Lin shrugs off her armour and climbs into the bed. She lies on her back knowing she's less likely to fall asleep that way and miss seeing Hakoda. The two year old snuggles into her side and for the first time that day Lin feels relaxed.
"Mom?" Hakoda calls from the door.
"Hey Ko, I'm coming to you too," Lin informs him.
"I'll come here," Hakoda climbs onto the bed without waiting for a response. And rests his head on her stomach. Moments like these were precious and not as frequent as Lin would have liked. Her children were growing up so fast , too fast for her liking. She looks at her children then allows herself to take a nap before taking Hakoda to his bed. She wakes when she feels Hakoda being lifted from on top of her.
"I'm just taking you to your bed Koda," Tenzin whispers to his son who is confused. The boy doesn't bother to respond and goes to sleep in his father's arms. Lin kisses Aditi's forehead then goes to Hakoda's room.
"He's out," Tenzin whispers before kissing his forehead and making room for Lin to do the same. There's something about the way Tenzin watches Hakoda that makes Lin decide to put off her report and focus on whatever was happening with him.
"Let's go for a walk," Lin reaches for his hand.
"Lin I'm not in the mood for a walk," Tenzin sighs but doesn't let go of her hand, "I have a presentation in the morning to prep for."
"That's exactly why you need to take this break. Your parents will keep an eye on the kids," Lin cups his cheek, "humour me."
"Fine," Tenzin gives in.
"Thank you," she kisses his arrow before leading him to the decks. They walk past the decks and to Tenzin's surprise there is an extra deck initially hidden from view.
"This is new," Tenzin notes.
"Maybe," she shrugs and takes a seat at the edge so her feet can touch the water and Tenzin follows suit despite being unsure of the purpose of this.
"Something's bothering you," Lin reaches for his hand again.
"It's just work stuff Lin," Tenzin tries to dodge it.
"Try again," Lin rubs her thumb across the back of his hand.
"People suck," Tenzin sighs.
"Tell me something new," Lin prods.
"You know we haven't gone for a swim in a while," Tenzin tries to deflect again but Lin stops him.
"And that's not happening tonight," Lin shakes her head.
"I'm tired of people talking about our children in such a negative light," Tenzin sighs, "about our family."
"Tenzin," Lin frowns.
"I know you hear it too and I didn't want you to worry about another incident," he admits.
"We're in this together. We'll just have to do what we can to protect them and where we can't reassure them," Lin reminds him. They knew their children would always face extra scrutiny but it was hard to hear.
"Of course we can and we should do that at every oppourtunity,” Tenzin agrees before sighing, “if it's not one thing its another.”
“Do you think this is a bad time to try?” Lin asks quietly.
“Of course not,” Tenzin shakes his head emphatically, “if we wait for a ‘right’ time it may never come.”
“I know with your dad and everything it's going to be rough. I understand if you aren’t ready,” Lin tries to keep her voice steady.
“This is probably the most ready I have been. And I got Shung an understudy so he won’t be too overwhelmed when I take a little time to be with our family when the baby comes,” Tenzin shares, “if you have concerns though, let me know how I can ease them for you love.”
“About this? No,” Lin shakes her head, “I actually thought we could switch things up and just let it happen, no planning specific nights.”
“I’d like that,” he smiles.
“And actually,” Lin rolls so her thighs bracket his and wraps her arms around his neck. She tugs off his cape hoping he would get the jist.
“But this deck,” Tenzin looks around before realising, “can’t be seen from anywhere else on the island.”
“Uh huh,” Lin peppers kisses up his neck.
“You vixen,” Tenzin growls, flipping them.
…
“Is this the reason you had this built?” Tenzin asks when he finally comes down from his high.
"Plus this is the best view on the island and I wanted to be able to see it with you," Lin adds softly, trying to get back on track, “there will always be noise but we can do this.”
“When you smile at me like that, I know I can do anything,” Tenzin kisses their intertwined fingers.