In These Arms | Chapter 17:Anointment
Summary:
It's has come to the day of Jinora's master ceremony.
Shifting a bit as you slowly wake up, your arms around a warm Lin as you inhale her sweet sense. “I missed being in your arms” you mumble as the sun slowly creeped through the blinds of the window. “Well you kept letting Ikki sleep beside you these past couple nights” Lin grumbles back neither one of you wanting to open your eyes. Both of you simply enjoy each other’s warmth. A smirk appears on your lips “Do I detect a hint of jealousy from Chief Beifong?” Lin scoffs and grumples something “absolutely not” she huffs and you let out a soft chuckle.
“I’m not some monster to turn away a child” you hold onto Lin closer so your face nuzzles into her neck. “you could’ve joined us” you whispered as you rested your head on her shoulder. Lin rolled her eyes “and let the blabbermouth start asking all sorts of questions as to what I’m doing in your bed”.
You smile laughing softly “good point”. Lin runs her hand up and down your back, soothing you as you relax against her. Even after all this time, Lin’s touch still gives you little shocks of electricity. Her hand runs down to the small of your back and a gasp escapes your lips right beside her ear. Your breath hitting her ear causes her to grip your waist and she opens her eyes, then looks down at you. Your eyes flutter open and meet those jade eyes you love; you move your hand up and cup her cheek softly stroking her cheek. “Hi” you smile whispering to her, and she smiles back “Hi”, glancing at her eyes and lips you lean in and decide to kiss her. Lin returned your kiss before you pulled back and slowly began to sit up, moving to sit on her lap. Lin watches you intently, running your hands up along her chest then lean down and slowly kiss her. Lin puts her hands on your hips and ass pulling you close as you wrap your arms around her neck. You look into her eyes and a shy smile slowly creeps on both of your faces. You bite your lip as you lean into Lin your lips slightly brushing against hers. Your breath slightly hitches when Lin closes the distance and kisses you. The kiss starts off slow, your lips moving along hers as the kiss gets passionately.
Lin’s left hand runs up your back as your hand runs up and cups her cheek as your hips grinds against her. A soft groan escapes her lips as she runs her hands up your thighs after a moment she wraps her arm around you and slowly lays you down on the bed. You grab onto the back of her neck, deepening the kiss once your back settles on the bed and Lin moves on top of you getting between your legs. Her tongue runs along your bottom lip as you smile and part your lips gaining her entrance. Both of you start fighting for dominance with you winning. Lin groans against your lips as you run your hand in her hair while your other hand runs down and rubs on her ass. You move your lips down along her jaw and Lin breath hitches as you reach behind her ear. She softly bites your shoulder and you let out a moan pulling Lin’s lips back to yours and kiss her feverishly. Lin kisses back with just as much urgency her hand running up and cups your breast, her thumb rubbing against your nipple. You pull back slightly and a smile appears on both of your faces. Leaning back in to return to the kissing, after a couple moments you bite Lin’s bottom lip gently “mmm Lin” you moan softly as Lin feels your hand start to creep down her stomach, inching close to her waistband. Lin grips onto your hip and pulls back “we can’t...” she pants as you whimper by the loss of contact, looking up at her.
“I don’t want to hurt you and someone might hear….” Lin voices out her concerns as you smile softly “you’re so cute when you get concerned” you coo, curling your finger on her chin pulling Lin back down, kissing her once again. Lin sighs as she starts losing herself against your lips but focuses once again “y/n….” she breathes out “yes baby?” you mumble against her lips as you continue kissing each other. “I’m serious” she mumbles, pulling back as you lick your bottom lip “as was I” you breathe out then laugh softly causing Lin to raise a brow “what’s funny?”
“Bold of you to assume we were heading down that route, Beifong” you smirk as you rub the small of her back.
“Isn’t that what your nabby fingers were getting at” she spat as you gape at her running your hand down her back “well now you’ll never know” you quip back as you smack her ass, biting your lip. Lin gasps as she glares at you while you put on a smirk. Lin pushes off of you as she sits up stretching “where are you going?” you raise a brow as you.
“Start the day. It’s Jinora’s master ceremony today or did you forget?” Lin looks over her shoulder to look at you. You lay back on the bed and groan “How could I? It’s what kept you awake last night.” you scoff as you sit up. “I had to make sure it was Saikhan proof.” Lin stands and starts to get dressed in her armor. You laugh at the mention of AC Saikhan “Still not giving him full reign?” sitting up and getting your clothes.
“He’s gotten better but he’s still not ready. He will be in charge while I attend the ceremony”
“Will you look at that? Lin will be attending, you say?” you smile as you walk up behind her and kiss her shoulder then another on her neck. “Chief Beifong will be attending” she corrected you and a chuckle escaped your lips. Tucking in your tunic as you buckle your belt as the both of you finish getting ready. Lin has to step out and get the security details situated for the ceremony. She leaves you with the routinely three kisses, before watching her walk down the hall.
*
As you walk to the temple you notice a few airships and boats are starting to arrive on the island. You reach the room and tentatively decide to knock. A soft voice grants you permission to enter, “come in”. You slid open the door and smiled softly “Hey Korra…”
Korra tilted her head to give you the indication that she heard you as she is in her wheelchair looking out the window. “How are you feeling?” you softly speak as you lean against the wall and watch as Korra shrugs. You exhale deeply as you sense the tension deep in the air and you rub the back of your neck “yeah...”
“I see you’re back up on your feet” Korra comments, still looking out watching the people gathered in the yards.
“Just about, though I still have restrictions. I’m tired of not being able to do anything” you mutter then look up at Korra and you mentally hit yourself. “I’m sorry that was stupid of me-”
“It’s fine.”
“Is it okay if I take a seat?”
Korra nods as you walk over and sit down on the edge of the bed then exhale deeply. A moment passes before you speak up, “Sorry I haven’t come to check up you sooner”.
Korra turns to look at you as you return her glance before looking down. “You’re looking better though, but I bet it’s not going as fast as you’d hoped” you sigh trying to relate to the young Avatar.
“Yeah, you can say that,” Korra says dryly as you nod.
“You’ll recover. I know it’s tough, but you’ll push through. You’re not alone in this. You got me, Asami, the rest of the Krew and gang.” you reach out and gently rest your hand on hers. Korra gives you a small smile “Thanks y/n” you return the smile and gently squeeze her hand. “Anything you need. I’m here” you softly talk to her and she nods. “What should I do?” Korra suddenly asks.
“With what?”
“I’m sure you know that I’ve asked to stop the sessions.”
“Yes, I’ve heard”
“There’s no point. The sessions aren’t producing results”
“Then you had every right to ask to stop, you can start again when you feel ready” you assured her and noticed Korra look down before looking back out the window. “Have you thought of changing the scenery?” you spoke up again as Korra raised a brow confused
“Asami takes me on walks….”
“No, dear. I meant leaving Republic City and going back to the South Pole…for a small break”
“The idea has popped up in my head” Korra confesses and your brow raises then Asami knocks and steps inside. “Hey Korra...oh y/n, hi. I’m sorry I hope I wasn’t interrupting.”
You stand up and shake your head “No, not at all. Just having a friendly chat. I’ll let you girls get to your plans” you nod to Korra as you make way to the door. Stepping beside Asami Korra calls out “thanks, y/n.” the young avatar looks up at you and you give her a gentle nod. Turning over and squeezing Asami’s arm softly “take care of her, ‘Sami” you whisper softly as you give her a smile.
“I will” she breathes as she smiles back nodding before you step out leaving the two girls alone.
*
Asami pushes the wheelchair Korra is seated on. The young Avatar is dressed in a formal watertribe outfit - the same one she wore during the ball Tarrlok had hosted for her. A couple of the remaining airbenders climbed up the steps leading into the main tower of Air Temple Island while a few of the adults waited to receive Korra at the base of the stairs. Kya has crutches while Bumi has his arm in a sling, you still have your bandages on as well but it seems like you and Tenzin have made full recoveries. Senna runs up and embraces her daughter who's expression softens slightly as she gives her mother a one-armed hug. Senna pulls away and rests a hand on her daughter’s cheek with a smile, dropping her hand as Tonraq walks up and bends down in front of Korra, “You look beautiful, sweetie.” Tonraq kisses Korra's forehead and she gives a tentative smile.
The rest watch the little scene and you smile softly as Tenzin glances over with an approving nod “You're looking stronger every day, Korra.”
Raiko steps up and softly talks to the Avatar “I'd like to officially welcome you back to Republic City. I know that the last time we saw each other, it didn't end on the best terms, but I want to thank you for taking down those Red Lotus terrorists.” Korra who looks down sadly and Asami notices her friend's change of mood. Asami politely excuses the both of them “We should go inside.”
Ikki runs to Asami and grasps one of the handles of the wheelchair, “I can help.”
Meelo runs and climbs up the wheelchair into Korra's lap “I wanna ride with Korra.” Korra gives a small smile as she holds Meelo securely on her lap “Jinora's already inside.” he smiles as Asami pushes the wheelchair forward “It smells like shoe trees.”
Ikki glares at her brother “Sandalwood, Meelo.”
You move out of the way and stand beside Su and watch Lin walk up to Asami “I got this.” Lin bends a raised square platform from beneath them, then rests a hand on Korra's shoulder “Hang in there, kid.” Lin thrusts her arms forehead and the platform slowly moves up the stairs. You all look on worried about Korra’s current state which Raiko voices out loud,
“She's not looking good.”
Tonraq curtly responds to Raiko “Neither would you if you'd gone through what she had.”
Tenzin tries to break the tension “She'll be fine. She just needs time to heal. The poison took a great toll.” Raiko walks up to Tenzin “Of course. I'm just saying, the Earth Kingdom is in complete disarray since the loss of the Queen.”
“That’s a job that should be directed toward the politicians and law enforcement, they need to establish some sort of system and control. I get that Korra is the Avatar and she’s the living embodiment of peace and balance but not everything should be put on her shoulders,” you curtly respond to Raiko. Lord Zuko overhears the conversation and comes over to Raiko and Tenzin “And even with Zaheer locked up again, we still don't know how many Red Lotus members might be out there in hiding.” Zuko looked over at a concerned Raiko. Tenzin and Pema look troubled as well.
“Exactly. With the World getting more and more dangerous, we need the Avatar now more than ever. Who will protect us while she's in a wheelchair?”
You looked up the stairs as you watched Lin, Korra and Asami make it to the top, “How about we focus on the occasion we’re here for and then focus on that after.” you look at Raiko before you start walking to the steps with Kya, Bumi, Tonraq and Senna, offering to bend the platform beneath before slowly moving it up the stairs as Su follows with the others. Walking in, the room is filled with urns of incense sticks in front of an altar. The audience seated cross legged on cushions on the floor looking up at the platform as Jinora’s family and friends stand on either side. You stand between Lin and Su with Mako and Bolin while Asami joins Korra and her parents along with Tenzin and Pema. Jinora is wearing a yellow robe that covers her whole body with a hood concealing her head.
Tenzin starts the ceremony “Jinora, come forward” and the young airbender nods and takes a step toward her father before kneeling down on one knee with her head bowed.
Tenzin addresses the audience with a smile, “Today we welcome the first airbending master in a generation...”, he looks at his daughter fondly, “...and I couldn't be more proud of my daughter.” You catch Jinora give her father a smile as you look out over the ceremony. “When the existence of our people was threatened, when the Avatar's life hung in the balance, Jinora never gave up hope. Thanks to her leadership, I see a very bright future for the Air Nation. Of course, there would be no Air Nation without Avatar Korra. She opened the portals and somehow the world began anew for us - and she was even willing to lay down her own life...” You smile, but it drops when you look over at Korra and notice her saddened state becomes more prominent as she widens her eyes slightly and looks down at her lap “...in order to protect ours. There's no way we can ever repay her for all she's done. But we can follow her example of service and sacrifice. So while she recuperates, the Air Nation will reclaim its nomadic roots and roam the Earth. But unlike our ancestors, we will serve people of all nations, working wherever there is corruption and discord to restore balance and peace. I vow that we will do everything in our power to follow in your footsteps and bring harmony to the World.” Tenzin addresses Korra in thanks “Avatar Korra”, she looks up at Tenzin and he bows, she gives a small smile in return. Jinora is still kneeling on the ground with her father returns to his place behind her.
“Now, let us anoint the master who will help lead us in our new path” Jinora bows her head and you can see a little bit of the new airbender tattoo arrow peeking out from under the hood. Your eyes well up at the beautiful sight as she raises her head to the audience and you overhear Su whispering to Lin “Jinora looks like the spitting image of Aang” you couldn’t agree more. You remember reading about him and Jinora looks just like the illustrations in the books. She undoes the clasp on her robe and stands up to reveal more of the tattoos on her bare arms.
The new airbenders start bending the smoke from the incense sticks in a circular motion and it spirals outwards and upwards. The smoke hits the windchimes hanging above the hall and sweet, melodic tunes begin to ring out. Jinora hugs her dad around his waist. Your eyes well up more and you allow a tear to fall as you join the rest in applause.
*
After the ceremony Tenzin hosted a dinner in honor of Jinora. After a couple of hours of participating in small talk with everyone you could feel your concentration slipping, still tiring easily as your wound continues to heal. Asami checks up on you after leaving Korra with her parents and you brush her off, giving her a soft smile to assure her you were fine. Even Bumi’s usual jokes and stories didn’t cheer you the way they normally would. He noticed you hadn’t cracked a smile or laugh at his jokes as you usually laugh at his silly remarks. He figured you were tired and didn’t think much of it when you forced a genuine laugh to convince him you were fine. After a while you had enough of the crowded room and excused yourself from the area. You ran into president Raiko who has taken a moment for a smoke break and it peaks your interest. “President Raiko” you approach him and he sighs giving you a nod before taking another hit “Captain” he greets you before turning his face away to exhale. You eye his lit cigarette and inhale the scent of the smoke taking it in a moment, “You smoke?” he asks as he pulls out an engraved metal cigarette case from his inner chest pocket. You eye the case admiring the intricate design and then your eyes catch the cigarette “I did….quit a bit ago” you try to say as Raiko shrugs and puts the case back in his pocket “Figured I offer, my apologies if I overstepped”. You wave a hand dismissing it “No worries, you’re fine” you slightly bite inside your cheek as you look again as Raiko continues to smoke and you feel your hands fidget. You slide your hand in your pocket and you start rubbing your fingers together to distract yourself. You clear your throat “Actually, I’ll take you up on that offer” you give him a smile as he smirks holding his cigarette with his lips as he takes out the case and opens it for you. You pick one out and bring it to your lips as Raiko offers to light it for you. You close your eyes and start inhaling the smoke holding it in your mouth for a moment, letting it cool down so it doesn’t irritate your throat. You remove the cigarette from your mouth before you slowly let the smoke through your lips, exhaling. You savor the taste of the tobacco until you hear“I can’t imagine how rough you’ve had it” Raiko comments as you open your eyes, almost forgetting he was there. You inhale deeply before taking another hit giving him a nod “Yeah, the Red Lotus was no joke, but thankfully the main culprits were taken down” you say dryly as you exhale the smoke and look away. “If I remember correctly you’re from Ba Sing Se, right?” he glances at you as he follows your move and exhales. Your eyes narrow wondering what Raiko is thinking “Yeah, outer ring….”
“You could be useful with getting some control established in the city.”
“Heh, no thanks. I have no business in Ba Sing Se” you smirk as you continue working on your cigarette.
“Of course, but it’s in complete chaos and the world leaders want to regain some stability.”
“I agree, just not with a monarchy. It should join Republic City and move toward a democratic system of government”
“You have opinions on their political system?” Raiko seems amused and interested in what you have to say.
“The last queen, may she rest in peace, only cared on redecorating her temple while her people were too busy fighting for scraps in the street - dying from malnutrition.” you spat as you roll your eyes,
“Maybe you should have a career in politics, captain” Raiko smirks as he looks at you and you furrow your brows at him “So I can take your job?” you smirk back catching Raiko’s glare causing you to laugh, the first of that night as you shake your head “No, thanks. I have no desire for the presidency let alone politics. It gets messy, which you have plenty of experience with” you grin as you hold the cigarette in your lips. That comment appeared to irk Raiko as he pinched the bridge of his nose “Yes, it’s always busy in City Hall. There are no off days” he states irritated as he narrows his eyes at you. You smirk as you take a step away. “I think it’s best to enjoy the peace and quiet. Thank you for the cigarette, Mr. President” nodding at him before walking away. Walking around the grounds, you manage to make your way down the island and sit along the shore. A slight breeze creeps up on your back causing you to shiver. You sink your feet in the sand as you look out at the large statue of Avatar Aang. You close your eyes and take a deep breath trying to gather your thoughts. You rub your arms to warm yourself up tugging your jacket closer to you, looking at the cigarette in your fingers and exhaling forcefully realizing what you’ve done. “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. What is wrong with me?” you mutter under your breath. I mean it’s just one cigarette. I'm fine. Completely fine. Right? ….I feel off even though I know my body is recovering - I still feel broken. I don’t feel like myself. If the mind is weak the body will suffer. You lay your face down on your knees and wrap an arm around them while holding onto the half lit cigarette.
“Crowded much?”
Your eyes open and look up, not wanting to turn around and keep quiet. Lin slowly approaches you and rests a hand on your shoulder. You flinch, having to remind yourself that it’s just Lin. “You alright?” she speaks softly and you nod bringing the cigarette back on your lips “I’m fine…. just needed some air” you mutter, annoyed with yourself.
“I didn’t know you smoke” her eyebrows raise and you smirk “I try not to make it a habit anymore and not around people hence why I’m down here away from the crowd”
Lin sits down beside you resting her arms on her knees “Anymore?”
You nod as you extend your legs and lean back on your arms - with Lin beside you it helps with whatever funk you’re in and you start to feel a bit better,
“Yeah, I used to smoke a lot in my early years.”
“Early years? You’re still in them” she scoffs causing your lips to curl up
“Okay well infant years then” letting out a laugh “started when I turned 20. I quit after I started to feel like I had to rely on it. Now I only do it when I need an escape or overwhelmed” you kicked some sand softly as you exhale a smoke.
“So you’re overwhelmed?”
“I don’t know what I feel right now” you look down and let out a laugh
“When was the last time you smoked before this?” Lin turns her head to look at you and your cheeks flush a bit when you realize when that was “You don’t want to know”
“It was after that little spat in the gym, wasn’t it? When I found your cycle outside that restaurant.”
You bite your lip and nod, “you really are a good detective” you deadpan as Lin rolls her eyes and you look down frowning. “I remember the subtle taste of it….” Lin confesses as she looks out at the water.
“Yea...I thought I ruined everything. I thought I lost you.” you close your eyes as you feel them water. Your mind races back to how you were feeling back then, but you compose yourself. “Do you smoke?” you try to change the conversation and Lin gives a curt nod “sometimes, just to take the edge off”.
You offer Lin a hit and she looks at you and accepts it, taking one then giving it back “Just one” you nod and exhale through your nose “It was my final puff anyways” you put out the cigarette.
“And now?”
“I don’t know. I saw Raiko smoking and I just made an impulse decision.” you slowly exhale the smoke from your nose and lips. A silence settles between the both of you as you’re looking back at the water. Lin lets you loop your arm through hers and you leave a kiss on her shoulder before resting your head on the same spot. Lin plants her lips on your forehead as she looks down on you, “I’ve missed you” you mumbled as you nuzzled into her. “It’s freezing,” Lin grumbles and you smile as you start taking your jacket off “What are you doing?” she cocks a brow at you. “Covering the both of us”.
“Here this would be better...” she moves over and sits behind you putting her legs in either side of yours. You lean back against her chest as she wraps her arms around your waist, careful not to hit your wound. You pull the jacket to cover both of your arms as she nuzzles her face in your neck and you smile in her embrace, “Does that feel better?”
“Much” she mutters as you run your hands along her arms and relax against her chest while looking out over the dark waters. Lin’s hand finds a piece of paper in your jacket pocket and pulls it out, unwrapping it, but it’s too dark out to read it “What’s this?” she asks as she leans up. Your cheeks blush a bit, “It’s a note...” you had forgotten it was in there.
“I should put it back then”
“It’s fine. you can read it. It’s actually for you”
“It’s dark.” Lin hands you the paper and you smile as you unfold the paper fully,
“Fine I’ll read it to you”
“The only light is coming from the moon. It’s completely dark. Unless you’ve developed night vision?” Lin quips and you laugh as Lin tightens her arms around you to quiet you down “I remember what I wrote, Lin. I think it’s better if I turn around for this.” you mutter and Lin cocks an eyebrow as she watches you turn around in her embrace. Facing her with your legs on either side of hers you scoot close enough so you can hold onto her waist.
You put your jacket on your knees as you look at her - Lin now looking concerned about what this note contains. You look into her jade eyes and even though it's dark the moonlight illuminates them beautifully. Lin looks at how your eyes are mixed with green and gold specks that seem to dance for her - she could easily get lost in them. Lin being here with you and giving you her full attention has you feeling grounded and feeling like your normal self. You rub her arms, stroking them lightly as you speak to her in low tones “I understand you were upset with my actions in the fight with the Red Lotus. We’re both stubborn as we try to save--” you smirk,
“You had to turn around to say that? How anticlimactic” Lin interrupts, scoffing, you roll your eyes and shake your head “No” you take a deep breath and look Lin square in the eyes as you take her hands into yours letting out a deep exhale “As long as I’m breathing, Lin Beifong. I will always fight alongside you. Endlessly. For the betterment of the world. For the next generations. For your love. For you…. Until my last breath”
Lin’s breath hitches taking a moment, surprised by the words and unsure what to say. She tries to divert the attention “Shut up. You didn’t write that. It’s probably just your doctor’s recommendations about wound care.”
You grin and chuckle “You’re more than welcome to keep the note then, Beifong” you hand her the piece of paper and she hesitantly takes it and stuffs it in her pocket.
You pull her onto your lap, your hands moving down to her ass while you lean in and kiss her. Lin is surprised by the sudden gesture but calms down at your touch. Kissing each other, Lin cups your cheek as you run your hands down her body. Lin pulls you down onto the sand using your jacket to prevent your back from getting coated. As much as the both of you were enjoying the make out session Lin couldn’t take the freezing winds anymore. You walked up back to your room hand in hand. Once you get close to the temple and dormitories, you let go of her hand. Lin slightly upset until she remembered why you let go and followed behind you. Standing in front of your door, Lin glanced over at you and you gave her a smirk tilting your head for her to come in. Lin looks around before walking over and you slide the door for the both of you to slip inside. Lin held onto your waist as she pressed you up against the wall and continued from where you’d left off down by the shore. Planting your hand on her jaw, you part your lips to let her tongue slide inside with both of you fighting for dominance with Lin winning. She runs her hands down lower and grips your thighs picking them up. You wrap your legs around her and your arms go around her neck as you slide your other hand into her hair. Lin peels you off the wall and carries you toward the bed. She lays you down carefully as her hand roams up and down the left side of your body “Are you okay?” she whispers as she brings the palm of your hand to her lips and kisses it softly.
You give her a nod “Yeah” you pull her face back down and cup her cheek, kissing her deep and slow.
After some blissful moments you end up dozing off with Lin’s arms around you. Lin wasn’t quite tired so she slipped out of your room - suddenly feeling cold again she went to sit by the fire provided by the acolytes. She remembered the note and pulled it out of her pocket.
“As long as I’m breathing, Lin Beifong, I will always fight alongside you. I will fight endlessly... For the betterment of the world. For the next generations. For your love. For you. ... until my last breath.”
Lin shook her head scoffing, but can’t help her lips curling up into a soft smile. She can’t believe how much of a sap you are, but can’t help smile at the words of affirmations you dedicated to her. After warming up she slipped back into your room and got into bed, wrapping her arms around you. Half asleep you move your head onto her chest “It wasn’t stupid” Lin mumbles as you settle on her chest “What wasn’t?” you murmur as you sigh contently as you hold her “the note.” she clarifies and you smile “I know” you look up at her giving her a sleepy smile. Lin smiles back and she leans in pressing her lips onto yours. You place a hand on her cheek kissing her back, before sleep took both of you.
*
“You’re of no importance” Zaheer grins looking at you in the middle of the Zaofu courtyard, before batting a powerful gust of wind at you. The hit makes contact causing you to roll over, your back hitting a pillar with P’li standing over you smirking “You’re nothing” a bright light flashes and you cover your face. Once it’s gone you look around - it’s total darkness until a lava hand comes out from the ground with Ghazan’s face molten in lava “You’re coming down with me” he groans and grabs your ankle. You yank your leg free and scoot back trying to get away when your back hits a wall. A small fire illuminates the large cave and Ming-Hua’s face pops in front of you with a broad grin like a Cheshire cat, “Surprise”. She tilts her head before launching herself at you as a water tendril punctures your abdomen, not giving you any time to react. Your body jerks you awake as you open your eyes wide looking around. Reality sets in, you’re safe at the island with Lin by your side, asleep. You slowly sit up and lean against the headboard as you rub your face.
“It’s just a dream. They’re gone, dead, or in prison” you whisper to yourself as you cover your face. You remove your hands and look at Lin who is sleeping peacefully. You don’t want to concern her further - she needs the rest for work so you lay back down on Lin and she tugs you close. You kiss her shoulder as you stroke her side inhaling deeply to calm yourself down. Wrapping her arms tighter around you as you turn on your side. Lin stirs awake turning on her side, spooning you as she pulls you close to her, “You okay?” Lin mumbles as she adjust to the new position, her hand stroking your hip as she softly kisses your shoulder. Lin settles back down sleep slowly taking over her but stays away to hear your confirmation “...yeah. I’m okay. Rest, darling.” you reply back with a small smile. You reach down and take her hand. Pressing a kiss on it then hold it by your face as you look forward at the window nearby. Your mind clouded by thoughts as you begin to wonder if you are really okay. If the mind is weak the body will suffer a voice in the back of your mind murmurs and you grip your pillow tightly as anger fills your mind. I am not weak. I survived.
An inside voice answers back, Barely.