Chapter Text
“Tell me again what I have to do?”
Lin stared up from her desk, craning her neck to meet the eyes of the tall, slender man standing in front of her. Typically, Chief of Police Lin Beifong didn’t allow for distractions during her working hours, but when her best friend Tenzin showed up at the precinct, she always made an exception.
“It’s just for the week. I-” Tenzin brought his fingers to the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes, embarrassed. “Look, my parents are wonderful and supportive, but they found each other when they were only teenagers, and they’re very concerned that I haven’t settled down with…well, anyone.”
Lin nodded, leaning back in her chair, a smug grin across her face. “So, what, I’m supposed to be your ‘fiancé’ or something?” The grin grew larger, causing Tenzin to roll his eyes.
“It doesn’t have to be as serious as all that. I just want to have one Christmas without everyone worrying about ‘poor Tenny!’” Tenzin collapsed in the chair in front of Lin’s desk, and stared out the large window, looking down at the streets below.
“As your fiancé, do I get to call you ‘Tenny?’” Lin teased, narrowly avoiding the crumpled-up piece of paper he had thrown in her direction.
“You’re not my fiancé and does that mean you’ll do it?” he asked.
The grin disappeared from her face, and she sat up in her seat, seriously considering his offer. On one hand, she didn’t like the idea of having to play the part of the “doting girlfriend” to Tenzin’s family, whom she had never met. She loved the man as a brother and confidant but couldn’t see herself having to cozy up to him on the couch, or even (spirits forbid it!) kiss him. The lying didn’t sit well with her either. On the other hand, it had been years since she spent Christmas with a family, her own having been broken since her younger sister had been sent away to live with their grandparents after getting involved with gangs. She had heard Tenzin’s mother over the phone before, and she sounded sweet, if not just a bit overbearing. And Tenzin had told Lin that his father was the sweetest man anyone could ever hope to meet.
Still, the detective in her needed to ask a few more questions. “I thought you were the youngest of three.”
He nodded. “I am.”
“Are they married?”
Tenzin laughed and shook his head. “My brother is working his way up in the Marines. He doesn’t have time for a significant other. And my sister…” His voice trailed off, as he chuckled. “Let’s just say, she does well for herself in the relationship department.”
“So, it’s just you they’re worried about?”
Tenzin nodded. “I’m the baby of the family. They’ll always worry about me. I just want one holiday season where my love life is not the topic of discussion at Christmas dinner.” Tenzin pouted in Lin’s direction, trying to appeal to her sensitive side.
She wasn’t quite ready to give in just yet. “And who will be in attendance?”
“The five of us and you, and my uncle and aunt.”
“And what will the sleeping arrangements be?”
Tenzin’s face flushed momentarily. “Well, my parents aren’t prudes, but I’m sure my mother will be more comfortable if we sleep in separate rooms.”
“As will I,” Lin muttered, rolling her eyes.
“You can at least pretend I don’t repulse you,” Tenzin joked.
Lin laughed. “Don’t take it personally, Tenzin,” she explained. “You know my interests lie elsewhere.”
“And yet, I can’t remember the last time you partook in your usual interests,” he parried, raising a knowing eyebrow at Lin, who was surprised by his snarky reply.
“And the meals?” she continued as if she hadn’t heard him.
“All home cooked,” Tenzin laughed. “My mother is an amazing cook, and my father bakes the best desserts you’ve ever had! Fruit pies, egg custard tarts. And the things that man can make with moonpeaches!”
Lin drummed her fingers on the desk and inhaled a sharp breath.
“Alright,” she said, less than enthused.
A wave of relief washed over Tenzin’s face as he stood to come around the desk and give Lin a hug. “You don’t know what this means to me, Lin.”
“Yea, yea, yea,” she responded in a bored tone, while she patted her friend on the back. “Now get out of here. I have to finish up this paperwork and figure out who will take over while I’m gone.”
Nodding, Tenzin made his way to the door. “Oh, and Lin?” He called back to her. “Don’t forget to bring a heavy coat. The nights in the South can be brutal.” He quickly slipped out the door before his friend could change her mind.
“Fuck,” Lin whispered under her breath, now realizing that she had agreed to spend a week in a small town somewhere near the South Pole. She took a peak out her window and looked forlornly at the Sun. “Goodbye, old friend,” she muttered.