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“Lin,” Tenzin sighs, looking up from his book when Lin enters their room.
“I know, I’m sorry I didn’t call. I got caught up finishing paperwork,” Lin answers as she removes her armor.
“It’s the fifth time this month Lin,” Tenzin frowns, closing the book.
“I know!” Lin snaps before taking a deep breath and responding softly, “I count them Tez and they bother me too but I really don’t want to be reminded after such a long day.”
“You’re right. It’s late and I don’t want to fight,” Tenzin rubs his temple, “we just worry whenever you don’t call. Aditi joined Koda’s questions tonight.”
“I’m sorry for snapping at you my love,” Lin sighs, “I should have taken the time to call to let you all know I was okay just working late especially after the incident last month.”
“I keep worrying it will be worse than that time,” Tenzin admits, “you came home so beat up and all that time I was at home relaxing assuming you were okay.”
“I will work on it,” Lin promises.
“Thank you,” Tenzin walks over to her to remove the pins from her hair.
“How was your day?” Lin asks as Tenzin works through her hair.
“Hectic, I feel like work always appears out of nowhere just before I head on vacation,” Tenzin sighs as he reaches for the hair oil.
“It’s going to be a great week,” Lin smiles at him through the mirror as she watches him card through her hair.
“Of course,” Tenzin presses a kiss to her cheek when he finishes, “thanks for stitching up my pants by the way.”
“It's nothing,” Lin yawns as she pulls him towards the bed. The two fall into bed and Tenzin pulls her into his arms. Lin leans towards him to get her good night kiss which turns into more than just a peck.
“I love you,” Lin sighs contentedly as they break the kiss.
“I love you too,” Tenzin whispers sleepily into her hair. The two are almost asleep when there is a soft knock at the door.
“Mama?” Jinora calls from the otherside of their door.
“Come in Jinny,” Lin stretches her arm to open the door, “what happened sweetie?”
“Boo,” Jinora responds sadly as she approaches the bed.
“Mommy will always protect you,” Lin lifts her into her arms and the toddler rests her head at the crook of Lin’s neck. The two walk into the hallways, making a stop to check on Hakoda before going to the girls’ room.
“Mommy?” Aditi looks up sleepily when Lin enters the room.
“I’m here, we can talk in the morning. Go back to sleep Di,” Lin whispers as she presses a kiss to her forehead.
“It’s good to know you’re home,” Aditi yawns before turning over.
“Alright Jinny,” Lin puts her back in the bed before opening the closets and looking under the bed, “all clear.”
“Mama,” Jinora pats beside her on the bed.
“Of course,” Lin smiles at her daughter and climbs into the small bed.
…
“Mama sleeeep papa,” Jinora attempts to whisper, though Lin hears her clearly.
“Well, we don’t want to be late. I have mama, you should get breakfast with Koda and Di,” Tenzin suggests.
“Sure?” Jinora asks.
“Sure,” Tenzin chuckles, which Jinora takes as her sign to head to the kitchen. Tenzin walks over to the bed and kneels beside it so he can press a kiss to Lin’s temple, “time to get up my love.”
“Morning Ten,” Lin sits up before pressing a kiss to his lips
“Slept well?” Tenzin checks.
“Surprisingly, yes,” Lin nods.
“Good, I debated waking you up to come back to bed last night but you and Jinora looked so peaceful,” Tenzin smiles at her.
“We were,” Lin confirms, “what time is it?”
“After 7,” Tenzin supplies.
“After 7 and we are here chatting? Tez my bag isn’t even packed. Are the kids packed? Is Hakoda even up?” Lin tries to get out of the bed but Tenzin stops her.
“Slow down love. The kids and I packed their bags before bed last night and I packed your bag this morning. They all are eating breakfast and already dressed,” Tenzin informs her, “you just need to get ready and eat. Everything else is taken care of.”
“You thought of everything huh?”’ Lin checks.
“Yes. The store finally got some more of your favourite blend yesterday,” Tenzin hands her a cup of coffee.
“You spoil me,” Lin pecks his lips.
“I love you,” Tenzin counters.
“I love you too,” Lin smiles, “I love you a little more everyday if that’s even possible.”
“We are a team,” he presses a another kiss to her lips, “an amazing team at that.”
“Is this the tunic grandma gave you?” Lin notices her husband’s attire.
“Yeah,” Tenzin confirms, “what do you think?”
“You still look very handsome in it,” she looks him up and down.
“Maybe if we didn’t have a train to catch,” Tenzin reads her mind, “I’m going to saddle Oogs while you get ready.”
“Right,” Lin remembers belatedly. She goes towards their room and prepares for the day ahead. For the first Wednesday in a long time she didn’t have a long day of work ahead of her. It was finally time for their family vacation, Jinora’s first real Earth Kingdom trip to be exact. She is a bit younger than Hakoda was for his first trip but definitely less fussy than either of her siblings were at that age.When she finishes getting ready she heads to the kitchen where her children are waiting.
“Why do we have to dress like this?” Aditi frowns, “Daddy looks funny with the hat.”
“To blend in duh,” Hakoda rolls his eyes.
“I don't want to,” the six year old frowns, “I’m happy to be an airbender.”
“But we won't have a regular trip if everyone is looking at you and daddy,” Hakoda reasons.
“Fine,” Aditi gives in.
“Ready!” Jinora reaches up to Lin.
“Glad that’s resolved,” Lin picks up Jinora and her small backpack, “time to hit the road.”
The four head towards the courtyard where Bumi is waiting at Oogi’s reins to take them to the city. By the time they make it to the train station there are only a few minutes left to catch the train. They barely make the train and aren’t even seated when it pulls out of the station. Jinora and Aditi take the seats beside Tenzin while Hakoda sits beside Lin. The girls are busy pointing at the sights as the train leaves the city and Hakoda opts for a book though he is barely awake.
“You know you could take a nap,” Lin suggests, patting her lap.
“I’m a big boy mom,” Hakoda insists, stifling a yawn.
“I guess it’s more for me to sleep better,” Lin shrugs.
“Well if it helps you,” Hakoda closes the book and shifts so he can rest his head on her lap. Lin smiles to herself and watches him fall asleep quickly.
“He’s out already?” Tenzin smiles at his wife.
“Yup,” Lin removes her son’s glasses and puts them away.
“Daddy you missing it,” Jinora points to a waterfall in the distance. Aditi opts for the empty seat beside Lin while Jinora and Tenzin play I-spy. Though her siblings are used to the ride, it is Jinora’s first trip out of Republic City on anything but Oogi and the new sights fascinate her. As her siblings sleep, Jinora is indulged in every question by her parents much to her delight. When they get to the town Tenzin and Lin are sure they have answered every question about the earth kingdom landscape.They were lucky enough to find an inn with adjacent rooms available to spend the week. There wasn’t much of a plan besides visiting the town and possibly exploring the surrounding areas.
The next morning Lin goes out for an early run while Tenzin meditates before the children wake up. When she returns to their room she is surprised to find it empty so she checks the children’s room. When she enters the room she finds her husband and children fast asleep. Tenzin is sleeping on his back with Jinora fast asleep on his chest while Aditi and Hakoda are on either side of them. This was a scene that never failed to make her heart flip. Since there is no space on the bed, Lin opts to relax in the armchair until they wake up. Jinora is the first one to wake up and makes her way over to Lin.
“Mornin mommy,” Jinora smiles with her arms open to Lin.
“Morning sweetie,” Lin lifts Jinora into her arms before resting her on her lap, “excited for today?”
“Yes,” Jinora nods happily.
“What do you want to do?” Lin checks.
“Stay wit you,” the toddler supplies.
Jinora took spending the day with her mother very seriously. After breakfast, anywhere Lin went she went and anything Lin did she tried to do. She was a little reluctant to share her mommy time with Aditi but gave in on the promise that they would have some time tomorrow when Aditi joins Hakoda and Tenzin on their next excursion. What Lin finds particularly interesting is the way Jinora mimics her moves as Lin goes through some light earthbending while Aditi practices her airbending. Her movements seemed natural despite no response from the earth but instead of getting frustrated she keeps at it as if she knows something Lin doesn’t. Lin doesn't have much time to contemplate it further when Aditi loses her balance and scrapes her knee in the process.
“It hurts,” Aditi’s lip wobbles as Lin runs over to her. Lin stomps to create a small pillar so Aditi is level with her so she can take a better look at the cut.
“Okay, I just need to clean and cover it,” Lin reaches into her first aid kit.
“Mommy,” Jinora calls as Lin puts on the bandage.
“Nice pillar Jinora,” Lin glances at the two year old before returning to Aditi before doing a double take, “did you make that Jinny?”
“Ya,” Jinora smiles and stomps again to create another.
“Nice job!” Aditi smiles, temporarily forgetting the cut.
“I’m sure you’ll be excited to show daddy,” Lin smiles at her youngest.
“Show daddy what?” Tenzin asks as he enters the room.
“Dis,” Jinora stomps the ground and inadvertently lifts Tenzin from the ground.
“Very good Jinny,” Tenzin steps off the small block and kneels beside his daughter, “show daddy more of what you can do!”
“Water, Air, Earth, you guys should have one more child to complete the cycle,” Hakoda suggests, “I am partial to a brother.”
“I don’t think so bud,” Lin shakes her head with a smile.
“Huh?” Tenzin looks up.
“Koda here wants a brother,” Lin supplies.
“I don’t think so son,” Tenzin shrugs.
“Daddy!” Jinora calls again with a stomp, causing a small crack in the ground which Lin quickly fixes.
“Thank the spirits she doesn’t throw tantrums frequently,” Lin whispers to Tenzin who chuckles before turning his attention to Jinora.
“Jinny how about you show your siblings outside,” Tenzin suggests when he notices Lin contemplating something.
“Oh no,” Lin remembers.
“What’s on your mind love?” Tenzin looks at her in concern.
“Jinora is an earthbender,” Lin considers.
“What's wrong?” Tenzin asks, still unsure where this was going.
“Do you remember when I was having Aditi and mom said she would be an airbender but I didn’t believe her so I agreed she could teach our first earthbender?” Lin asks.
“Spirits,” Tenzin sighs, “her training can't be like yours.”
“We will establish some ground rules,” Lin decides.
“I hope Aunt Toph will actually follow them,” Tenzin frowns, knowing it will be an uphill task.
“We’ll worry about that when mom comes to visit next,” Lin assures him.
“No Koko!” Jinora shouts and the ground rumbles.
“Terrible twos and and the ability create earthquakes,” Lins sighs
“Lets go before she accidentally sinks one of them into the ground,” Tenzin pulls her towards him for a quick kiss before leading her outside.