Life Goes On

Friends

I apologize for the cuss words in the GIF i just found it absolutely hilarious!!!

Once inside the kitchen away from the crowds, Lin tipped his downcast head up to look in his eyes, then she said, "Tenzin, it's ok if this is too much and we send some people away.", Lin's eyes were searching his for conformation. Tenzin smiled at her genuine concern for him. "No, it's alright Lin, I have to do this. Every other day I push Pema out of my thoughts and out of my day, but I can't today. I have to do this for her.", Tenzin said in a sigh looking back down at the ground.

 "Are you absolutely sure?", Lin questioned, this time grabbing his face with both hands to make him look at her. A bit stunned, Tenzin put his hand on one of her hands and nodded. Lin stroked his cheek with her thumb, then pulled her hands free, and composed her loving face back into it's usual stern one. She grabbed his hand again and led him back to his spot greeting people with the children.

Rohan ran to Lin and raised his arms whining and dancing around her excitedly. Lin chuckled and bent to pick him up. They both went to the beach where the memorial would be held. Ever since Pema had died, Rohan had taken a shine to Lin. Whenever she was around, he never left her side. Tenzin watched his two-year-old giggling in Lin's arms as she whispered something in his ear then proceeded to tickle him. 

Tenzin was so grateful for Lin in this past year, she had basically brought the kids through mourning. She always said she never wanted children, yet here she was being a phenomenal mother to his kids. He sighed as the last of the crowd made their way to the beach. It was a beautiful service. People shared happy memories of Pema, and it turned out to be a happy event filled with laughter and good memories.

As everyone left Tenzin heard the soft crying of his son Rohan. He turned to see Lin trying to comfort Rohan as she walked him back to the house. Tenzin walked over to them and in a pouty voice asked Rohan, "What's the matter sweet boy?" "Linnie no leave", the little boy mumbled through his tears. It was way past Rohan's bedtime, and he was exhausted. Lin crouched and started to explain to Rohan that she would be back and there was nothing to worry about. Tenzin quietly interrupted her saying, "You could stay with us tonight if you wanted Lin." 

She looked up abruptly at Tenzin like he'd lost his mind. Tenzin was confused at her reaction for a few seconds, then it hit him, "Oh! Oh, hahahahaha I meant sleep in with Rohan. He always sleeps better with you than me." Tenzin chuckled nervously his face turning red at what she thought he was implying. "I'm afraid not tonight Tenzin, he needs to be able to get on without me. I won't always be around." Lin sighed as she softly kissed the toddler on the forehead and took him to his bed. 

Tenzin stared after them, baffled by what she meant about, "her not always being around." In the past year there were many nights when Tenzin and the kids showed up at Lin's apartment in the middle of the night because Rohan wouldn't stop crying for his mommy. The kids would all pile into bed with Lin, and Tenzin slept on the couch. Lin was a miracle worker when it came to Rohan. Maybe Lin was tired of him relying so heavily on her to help with Rohan Tenzin thought.

Interrupting his thoughts, Lin quietly came up behind him resting her hands on Tenzin's shoulders and standing on her tip toes to whisper in his ear, "He's out." The children's room walls were made out of bamboo, so they had to be very quiet.

 Lin's warm breath tickled his skin, Tenzin found himself enjoying it a bit too much, he almost found himself wishing she'd say something else. He quickly turned around to whisper to her, "I hope I'm not relying to heavily on you for help with Rohan, please let me know if you ever need a break from us."

 Because of the height difference Lin had to tilt her head, and Tenzin was basically whispering into her soft hair. Tenzin had a sudden urge to tangle his hands in her hair after feeling its softness on his face. He quickly shook the thought from his head. Tenzin had found himself thinking these kinds of thoughts about Lin more and more. He didn't want to ruin anything, especially since they were finally becoming friends again in the past few months. He desperately shook the thoughts out of his head.

When Tenzin was whispering back to her, Lin fought the urge to lean into him, she could feel his hot breath, and feel how warm he was because they were standing so close. Lin wouldn't say anything, but she was freezing, and her metal armor was not helping. "Of course, you aren't! I enjoy the kid's company", Lin said matter of factly. She could see the relief in his face as he looked over her to make sure she was being honest with him. She punched him in the shoulder gently and turned to go home, a little part of her wishing she had stayed with little Rohan.

Thanks for reading!!!