Republic City // Lin Beifong x Fem Reader

The Weight of Silence

 The Weight of Silence

Y/n's POV

Three days later.

I was meditating alone in the garden, my thoughts drifting aimlessly. Lin and the other officers had returned to the city—no kidnappings or unusual disturbances, and their presence was needed back at the police station. With their absence, a strange quiet had settled over the temple, and with each breath I took, anxiety gnawed at the edges of my mind.

I closed my eyes, trying to focus on my breathing, but the silence felt too heavy. The stillness pressed against my chest, and I felt it creeping in—an insidious, familiar panic. My heart raced, my breath shortened, and before I could steady myself, the world tilted. My fists hit the ground as I bent forward, coughing, struggling to draw in air. Sweat dripped down my face, strands of hair sticking to my forehead as I fought not to spiral completely.

"—Y/n!"

I heard footsteps rushing toward me, but I was too overwhelmed to turn. Someone knelt beside me, hands gripping my shoulders firmly but gently.

"Y/n, dear, breathe. It's okay."

Pema's voice broke through the haze, guiding me back to reality. I forced myself to take in air, slowly, with her help. My chest loosened, the world righting itself. But the release brought tears, hot and heavy, as frustration and confusion bubbled up. Why did this keep happening?

Pema wiped the sweat-dampened hair from my face, her touch soft and motherly. She sat cross-legged on the ground in front of me, her smile kind.

"You're okay," she whispered. "How are you feeling now?"

I shook my head, tears blurring my vision. "I... I don't understand," I choked out. "Why is this happening? I thought... I thought I was fine."

Pema pulled me into her arms, holding me tight, her embrace comforting. "Lizzy... It's okay to be afraid. What you went through—it's normal to feel this way after something so... traumatizing."

I rested against her, trying to absorb her words. "But... why? Why does it always happen here? When I'm alone?"

Pema pulled back slightly, brushing a tear from my cheek. "Trauma builds on memories, dear. Sounds, places, feelings. Sometimes, just being somewhere that reminds you of what happened is enough to trigger those fears. Your mind and body remember, even when you don't want them to."

I nodded slowly, but it still didn't make sense. "But... it never happens when Lin's here," I whispered, my voice fragile.

Pema smiled gently. "That's because she makes you feel safe."

The truth in her words settled heavily on me. Lin was a constant, an anchor.

"How often have these attacks happened recently?" Pema asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Almost every time I'm alone here," I admitted, wiping my eyes. "At first, it didn't happen, but... after that day, it just kept coming."

She nodded, understanding. "It might be best to take a break from the temple. Sometimes, stepping away helps ease the triggers. We don't want you to suffer, Y/n."

Her words hung in the air as she stood, offering me her hand. I hesitated, then took it, her grip warm and steady. "We'll figure something out," she assured me as we walked back toward the temple. "You're not alone in this."

Later that evening, after a long shower, I stood by the window in my room, staring out at the darkening sky. The air felt thick with a kind of tension I couldn't shake. I was about to close the window when I heard a familiar voice behind me.

"Are you okay?"

I spun around, startled. Lin stood in the doorway, arms crossed but quickly uncrossing them as she saw my reaction.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." She walked into the room, her expression softening.

I exhaled, placing a hand on my chest. "No, it's fine. I just... wasn't expecting you." I sat on the edge of my bed, trying to calm my racing heart. "What are you doing here so late?"

Lin hesitated, biting her lip before sitting beside me. "I... I know what's been going on," she began slowly, glancing at me. "Your father called me earlier today. He was worried about you, said you've been struggling since... well, since everything."

My heart sank. "Oh."

She watched me, her fingers gently brushing my cheek. "Why didn't you tell me, Y/n?"

I looked away, my voice barely a whisper. "I didn't want to burden you. You've got enough on your plate with work. I didn't want to add to it... because of me."

Lin moved closer, her arm around my shoulders, pulling me into her warmth. "You're never a burden, Y/n. Not to me. I care about you, and nothing is more important than that. If you're scared, or hurting, or anything at all, I want you to tell me. You're not alone in this, okay?"

I rested my head on her shoulder, her words sinking deep into the cracks of my fear. "Are you sure?" I whispered.

Lin smiled softly, pressing her cheek against my hair. "I've never been more sure of anything."