#retired Chief of the Metalbending Police force

[original-sheepsandwich90]

Toph with her hair down!

[guiltysecretpasttime]

bumi + lin getting caught or how everyone found out about their relationship :-))))

Title: Discretion

Note: Here’s what I have for this particular Lin/Bumi II prompt. Hope you enjoy 😊

· Pairing: Lin/Bumi II

· One-shot, post-series AU

· Rating: Teen

-----

Bumi was whistling as the hustle and bustle around Air Temple Island continued in preparation for Varrick’s wedding. Why they allowed the wedding and the party on the island, he had no idea.

He watched the tired teenagers who were hovering excitedly around the affianced. He supposed they all deserved some sort of merrymaking after what he had dubbed in his mind as the Kuvira Incident. It also was not a bad idea to have them use this time to work out their romantic entanglements, he thought as he eyed the various couples gravitating toward each other.

It also gave him a lovely excuse to meet up with his ownromantic entanglement.

The former military man faced the city pensively.

He frowned as the water lapped against the shore. The sun continued to shine brightly even as the buildings at the island across showed devastation, some still slightly smoldering days after the attack.

The Kuvira Incident did put things into perspective.

Well, that went dark quickly.

He blinked away grim thoughts and focused instead on the fairy lights being hung around the courtyard.

As he decided earlier, they all deserve some merrymaking.

---

“What are you doing skulking around?” Bumi asked the lady in green, who was looking down at a kebab that had seemed to have displeased her.

Lin Beifong scoffed. “I am not.” And continued to examine the mystery meat on the stick.

Bumi sauntered closer to her, standing at her side, joining her quiet observation of the party. “What on earth did that kebab do to you?” He waved his free hand to said meat on a stick; his other hand occupied with helping him take a swig of whatever fruity punch Varrick was serving.

She bit it furiously while rolling her eyes. “It’s a bit tasteless, if you must know.”

Bumi bit back a laugh and just hummed.

While she could eat instant noodles as well as any cadet living off rations, Lin did have her snobby side to food when it comes to social events thrown by the upper-class.

“Then again, Varrick is tasteless when it comes to most things.” Lin added, her scowl scaring off a Nuktuk-attired waiter who had the misfortune of glancing their way to offer more refreshments.

This time, Bumi let out a laugh, earning him a smirk from the metalbender.

“Well, that’s true. Let me join you in disparaging the libation too – not a single touch of alcohol in this drink.”

They stood there, at the fringe of the party crowd for a while – he sipping the vile drink, she chewing the tough meat.

“They allowed you to wear that?”

It took Bumi a moment to understand she meant his uniform. “I am a retired commander after all.” That and because he did not want to be dressed in formal wear that was almost identical to what his brother was wearing.

Lin swallowed her food. “Hmm, I've been thinking of that too…”

“Me in a military uniform?” Bumi waggled his eyebrows and received a smack on his arm. “You in my uniform?” Another smack.

“Retiring.” She said it so quietly he thought he must have misunderstood her.

He briefly wondered what could have made her arrive at a such a life-changing decision. Then again, if that meant that she would be closer to safety than danger…

“I don’t see why not?” He tossed back with a grin, noting the veiled concern on Lin’s face, worried about his reaction. “As long as it’s what you truly want.”

Lin’s posture relaxed after that.

They continued to sip and eat in silence.

They saw Rohan running at the other side of the court, weaving through the people who were starting to go to the dance floor. Huan was noticeably dragged by Ikki to dance (“Kid takes after her mother, doesn’t she?” Bumi murmured in jest, only to get an elbow to his side as Lin shook her head.).

As people went over to the dance floor, it would not be long before someone noticed the lady beside him. Chief of Police or not, she always did strike quite a figure. Without all the armor (literally and figuratively), it could be easily argued the Lin could be approachable.

He stood closer at her side. He twitched his pinky finger to touch hers.

Her eyes darted to him.

The mood of the party was happy and hopeful. He knew this feeling. He had seen this before. The sigh of relief and desperation for something good after a long hard military campaign.

His face remained cheerful and proceeded to talk about everything and nothing.

Lin’s expression softened. “Want to leave the party?” Her pinky finger hooked around his.

“Thought you’d never ask.”

As always, Lin was the only one who saw through him.

---

Propping himself up on his elbow, Bumi watched her sleep.

Lin had always been a light-sleeper. He got that – living with a constant threat hanging at their back or having a long career that required alertness and rapid reaction time does that to you. That was why it never ceased to amaze him that the metalbender manages to have long uninterrupted sleep whenever they were together.

Spirits knew how much she deserved to sleep in.

He had sighed in relief when Lin said she had lied last night. She had not just been thinking of retiring from the police force – she had already filed her retirement to both President Raiko and headquarters. And, in true efficient Beifong fashion, she had secured approval within days. He did not think she had fully recovered and taking a break (albeit a permanent one) was more than needed.

His eyes traced the dark eye bags and pale complexion. The rebuilding efforts and the ton of work post-Kuvira Incident took a toll on her.

Her skin, already marred with various scars and marks throughout the years, was much too pale. Each imperfection was linked with a story. Each story building up to who Lin was now today.

Her ankle had a small scar, almost invisible unless you knew where to look, from her childhood escapades.

There was the jagged scar, stitches very much apparent on her calf from her earlier days as a beat officer.

A smattering of bruises at her lower back was still present, souvenir from being tossed off the colossus.

Her shoulder, while exhibiting any outer trauma, was still healing from being dislocated from the same scrimmage with death.

There were more across her body, but the most recent ones were those that hit Bumi the hardest.

He was the one who found the Beifong sisters unconscious in the arm of the mecha giant.

He had been beyond terrified until found their respective pulses.

He feared it would have been too late for him, for them. Then Lin fluttered her eyes open, and, despite her shallow breaths, managed to croak out in a less than acerbic tone to help her down.

He mused now in the pale daylight that he ought to have done something then, said something then. He decided to rectify that now.

Before he could even reach over to wake her up in that delicious manner he was planning, several loud knocks beat at his door. He subconsciously tightened his grip around Lin’s waist.

“Bumi? Bumi!” Tenzin.

“We know you’re in there.” Su. “Open up!”

Bumi threw a worried glance at Lin, but she was still asleep and simply buried her face closer to his chest, ensconced under his fluffy comforter and buried under his equally soft pillows. He leaned back and closed his eyes, willing their unwanted siblings away.

Maybe if I pretended to be asleep, they would leave us alone…

Knock-knock-knock! A pause. Knock-knock-knock-knock-knock-knock!

“Bumi!”

He closed his eyes tighter.

Knock-knock-knock!

“Wait a minute, maybe it’s unlocked anyway…”

What are they talking about?

Bumi found out soon enough when the sound of the door sliding open reached his ears.

“Bumi – I can’t find -!”

He sat up quickly, making sure Lin was comfortable and quite hidden from view.

His visitors stopped at the doorway, enough to trespass but not enough to take a full scan of the room.

“Ohhh, I’m – we’re – sorry –.” Tenzin stammered, quite apologetic for bursting in his brother’s room.

Su did not have the same misgivings. “Bumi has a lady friend!”

“He does?!” A new voice called out with shock.

Tenzin and Su, he can tolerate but having the kids over – Bumi decided he drew the line there.

Fight shock with shock.

He stood up quickly, unmindful of being seen in his birthday suit.

“Oh sweet Spirits Agni! Bumi! Cover yourself!”

“My eyesss!”

The Avatar and Bolin immediately shouted over gasps of shock.

Bumi stretched languidly, pretending that nothing was amiss. He will not be embarrassed. That was their problem, they were the ones who were invading his privacy.

To be fair, he had no issues about his nudity so it was not really a big issue. It was just that with Lin in his bed – well, the situation was a bit tricky. Fortunately, her face was still hidden under the comforter. He pulled it higher, never mind that part of her leg is still visible.

“To what do I owe this wake-up call?” Bumi scratched his beard, acting as though this was a normal occurrence. He did delight in making his brother uncomfortable. They became closer in the latter years. Old habits die hard though.

“Bumi, we apologize for barging in this morning.” Tenzin was looking over his shoulder. “But could you – at least -.” He waved at the general direction of the naked man.

Bumi took his sweet time going around the room to pull on some clean shorts.

Su took this opportunity to push out the kids out of the room, who he now saw included both pro-bending brothers, Asami, Opal, and the Avatar.

“Why is the entire cavalry here?” Bumi sauntered to the door, blocking everyone’s view of the room and angling his body to stand in the way of the bed. “What’s up?”

“It’s Lin.”

A beat.

“What about her?”

“She’s missing. I didn’t know when she went home last night.” Su wringed her hands in worry. “I called her house, no one answered. We went over and she wasn’t there.”

It annoyed Bumi how they were suddenly on Lin’s case when they barely said two words to her the night before. There was bound to be a hidden agenda to this sudden worry.

“Your sister is a grown woman and she's been taking care of herself without you lot for more than a decade now.

He scanned the faces around him.

Postures stiffened, Tenzin flinched, eyes avoided Bumi’s.

Yeah¸ that’s what I thought.

Su stomped lightly. “Regardless of that,” The woman was adamant and would not back down. “We intend to go to the station to report her missing, with or without your inputs.”

Mako looked downright uncomfortable, Bumi thought the boy genuinely cared for his mentor.

“Boy, anything you’d like to add, detective?” Bumi nodded at the firebender.

“We can’t file a missing person’s case unless the person has been missing for more than 24 hours.” Mako shifted his eyes.

“There you go. Drop the matter, Su. I’m sure Lin is fine.”

Su looked like she was about to argue and Tenzin was about to say something but Mako beat him to it.

Still not catching anyone’s eyes, Mako started. “And well, what if the Chief also had a lady friend like Bumi? Or a gentleman friend?”

Bumi almost snorted.

Gentleman friend, what?

The detective was looking ill now but props to the boy.

“Lin with a special friend is highly unlikely.” Lin’s sister said decidedly, waving off Mako’s theory.

Bumi snorted now. “Right, because you’d know, ain’t it right?”

“I don’t see why not?” Suyin frowned, crossing her arms.

Moments like this Bumi was reminded why Lin still held some form of dislike towards her sister.

Asami tried to mediate. “I don’t think Chief Beifong would appreciate her private life being discussed like this.”

Bumi knew he always liked the Sato girl, he nodded and added. “Please don’t do this to try to assuage your…guilt.”

As expected, there were reactions from Su and Tenzin.

“We are not -!”

“Nonetheless, Bumi, Lin is…” Tenzin’s words trailed off and color drained from his face as he continued to look over his brother’s shoulder.

Bumi knew the moment Tenzin realized who was in his bed. He quickly slid the door closed. He tried to meet his brother’s eye, but the man was resolutely looking away.

“Safe.” Tenzin managed to choke out. “Let’s go everyone, I’m sure Lin is very safe.”

Su turned on Tenzin, obviously shocked by his sudden change. “What are you talking about, Tenzin – we -.”

“If Bumi says Lin is okay, then she probably is.” Was the simple yet shifty response.

“But we need Lin to -!”

Opal elbowed her mother gently, asking her to drop the issue. It did not escape Bumi’s notice.

There was the hidden agenda – Su needs Lin for something.

The group scurried away as both Tenzin and Mako helped herding them away from the bedrooms.

---

Bumi figured it was too early to be dealing with anything.

He rejoined a sleeping Lin in bed, who in turn, burrowed into his side.

He will deal with the real world later. For now, he will enjoy this.

---

Ignoring Suyin who was still chattering about one thing or another (in all likelihood berating him for not supporting her call to search for her sister), Tenzin mulled over his earlier discovery.

Lin and Bumi are together.

Not just together but together – together.

He wringed with his hands as they walked to the dining hall.

How long have they been together?

He had thought that this knowledge would bother him – well, it did, he reconsidered, but not for the reasons he might have initially thought of.

It was bothering him the same way it would have bothered him to see any woman sleeping with his older brother.

He had reconciled with his siblings and the Beifongs in the recent years, but some things should have remained private between them.

Like Bumi’s sex life.

Like Lin’s sex life.

Like their sex life.

Oh, how he wished he gone back to the past few minutes when he was still blissfully unaware. Or he hoped he would have already forgotten the markings and scars on Lin’s legs in order to not have recognized her in his brother’s bed.

Ah well, Tenzin eyed Lin’s family, the Avatar, Bolin, Asami, and Mako walking beside him, here’s hoping they not find out soon.

He doubted greatly that Lin would enjoy her relationship being disclosed before she deemed it necessary.

He recalled Bumi’s stance earlier, how protective he was of an unknowing Lin.

End of the day, Tenzin just wanted both of them to find happiness. He had did them both wrong in their lifetime and was at a loss on how to rectify it. The airbender had been trying in the past years, but there was only so much he could do.

Too little, too late, he always thought.

Tenzin waved at the acolytes that were leaving the dining hall. Pema sat down beside him and smiled as she handed him the platter of food. He smiled back, thinking still how lucky he was to have her by his side.

And now, by some peculiar twist of fate, Bumi and Lin found each other.

And, if, they make each other happy and content, then, Tenzin decided then and there, he will support them in any way that he can.

---

“Bro, are you going to eat that last piece?”

Mako was shaken from his reverie. Bolin stabbed the food on his plate at his head shake.

“Are you alright, Mako?” Asami was always the sensitive and observant of the group.

The firebender tossed a look at the Avatar chatting with Bolin and Opal at the other side of the table. After making sure that they were preoccupied, he turned to Asami.

Asami raised her eyebrows at him. “Well?”

“I think I know where the chief is.” He could not help but dart a wary glance at the Beifongs. “But it’s not my place to say.” Mako quickly added.

Asami leaned back at her seat and looked at him quizzically. “How did you know where?”

Mako dropped his utensils on the plate and covered his face with his hands. He was not one of Lin’s proteges for nothing.

One of his strengths as a detective is his keen eye for detail.

And details did not evade him in that brief view of Bumi’s bedroom.

It was quite obvious to him that the strewn pieces of clothing belonged to someone he had seen in attendance in the wedding reception earlier.

And that someone is his commanding officer.

---

Said commanding officer made her presence known at the lunch table that noon, surprised at seeing everyone still on the island.

That Chief Beifong was not expecting that there were still other guests at the residential area of Air Temple Island was fairly obvious, as Bumi was walking beside her, whispering at her side with a smile.

The plan was, actually, for most of the guests to have already gone their own ways but that morning’s excursion to Republic City made everyone’s itinerary delayed and their breakfast turned into brunch.

She exchanged a look with Bumi who shrugged and tried to sit at one of the empty tables unnoticed.

Now, while Mako might have been blessed with a sense of discretion, the same cannot be expected of his brother.

This became much apparent when said brother had gaped and thoughtlessly exclaimed, “Lin! We’ve been looking for you all morning – at what corner of Air Temple Island did you sleep at? I doubt this is the walk of shame.”

This pronouncement drew the attention of everyone in the hall – attention at her (their) very late entry and at her clothes which were clearly too formal for the day.

No one dared speak up as the metalbender simply glared at the earthbender, not responding.

There was complete silence in the dining hall.

…until comprehension dawned on Suyin Beifong’s face.

Then all hell broke lose.

---end---

Note: That could have probably gone better but let me know what you think. Anon, hope that worked for you (feel free to leave a note/msg :) ) Hope everyone is doing good, at least.

[mmsapataoltda]

Heartbeat (PART 1)

Lin Beifong woke up one day and heard something she didn't expect.

part 2

fic under the cut

When Toph Beifong retired from the Police Force, she left everything behind. Including the city she had helped found, the house where she raised her daughters... and Lin.

Lin, for her part, decided to keep the house intact. She had moved from there after Su moved in with her grandparents. She rented an apartment near the industrial park. The place was small, but it was all her Lieutenant's salary allowed her to pay. Three years had passed and she had succeeded in silencing any and all rumors about her two very apparent new scars, making use of her characteristic frown and brief excuse of "equipment malfunction". After the incident she used a good part of her little free time to design a new armor that had a scroll system with locks that would prevent anyone else from getting hurt. Three years had passed and Lin hadn't heard a word from Suyin or Toph Beifong.

Lin was awakened by a lazy kiss on her neck and Tenzin's beard against her skin, she murmured in satisfaction as Tenzin began to trail kisses down to her shoulders and collarbone, but then he pulled away, making Lin miss the heat of his body and snort frustrated. The airbender picked up his pants from the floor and began to put them on.

- You can't wake me up like that and just walk away. - she complained raising her torso and leaning on her elbows

- Sorry Lin, I'm already late, my Father is waiting for me for the first classes.  - He put his arms through his shirt - But I'll see you at lunch, right?

Lin muttered an affirmation as she rolled over on her bed to lie on her stomach. Tenzin admired her bare back for a few seconds before approaching her and kissing between her shoulder blade goodbye, finishing pulling on his shirt as he walked away.

- See you at lunch then. - Lin grunted in response waving her hand

Lin had taken the night shift the day before, which meant she didn't have to be at the Police Station until nine, guaranteeing her a few more hours in bed.  After tossing around in the sheets for a few more minutes she decided to get up, she could never go back to sleep once awake. She sat up and stretched her arms, feeling her body shudder as she stretched. She urned on her side, planted her feet on the floor and stood up. As soon as her head stopped spinning from the sudden change of position she felt something that made her blood run like ice through her veins and she almost fell back onto the bed. She felt a small and rapid heartbeat. And suddenly the nausea she'd felt for the past few weeks took on a name.

Lin couldn't be pregnant, she didn't even know if she wanted children. They had been careful. But Toph also had, and there she and Su were to tell the story. She loved Tenzin, and she loved her work and that was enough for her. She didn't have the slightest problem imagining a future where she didn't have children.

Lin didn't hate children, but she didn't love them either. Despite that children surprisingly, for her at least, adored her. The metalbender didn't even try to make them like her, but somehow the kids always clung to her, which was one of the only times Lin accidentally let her soft side show up. But she could get back to her serious and sarcastic state in seconds when she went back to talking to adults or when people dared to point out that she was "soft around kids". Deep down she loved the fact that children liked her despite her distant and intimidating exterior, not that she would ever admit it.

Lin couldn't tell if the nausea she felt next was caused by the anxiety that was churning in her stomach or by the second heartbeat she heard. After throwing up in the toilet she crawled to the sink and studied herself in the mirror and almost saw the word "PREGNANT" stamped on her forehead and felt her stomach churn once more. She decided to get ready for work, staying home until her shift would just give her more time to think. She left without breakfast, not trusting her stomach to hold anything.

As soon as she stepped inside the Police Station she heard someone calling her:

- Beifong! - it was Chief Song, she turned towards his voice, he was walking towards her - I'll nominate you for the Captain position. - he informed and Lin's stomach turned for the umpteenth time that morning

- But Chief, I still need to serve one more year as a Lieutenant. - she said trying to keep her voice steady as her stomach turned

- I'm not asking Lieutenant, you will take the exam for Captain.

- Yes, Chief. - she replied clicking her heels and he walked away

Her head was spinning. There were too many things going on at the same time. All she ever wanted was to be Chief and now she was one step closer to that goal, but now she was pregnant and she knew what that meant for her career. She huffed to herself before heading up to the office floor. She knew that the position of Captain would be the highest position she would have if she decided to go through with this pregnancy.

- Lin! - she heard Saikhan's voice approaching - Chief Song spoke to you? Are you okay? You’re paler than usual. -He added as soon as he finished analyzing his partner's face

- I am fine. - she replied she dryly - He just spoke to me.

- You deserve it, worked at an absurd pace for this. No wonder you will take the exam one year ahead of schedule. - He said in the most animated tone that his moody personality would allow and congratulated her with a pat on the back -Are you sure you're alright? - he asked again, Lin was almost green

She was aware of everything Saikhan had said. But hearing those words out loud made her feel the weight of the things she would have to give up. She had worked tirelessly for the past eight years for that opportunity and now something stopped her.

- Yeah, I just need... air. - she was interrupted by an uncontrollable urge and almost ran to the bathroom closest to the office floor

When she came back after a few minutes she knew she looked as miserable as she felt just by the look her partner was giving her. The second heartbeat stunned her and seemed to be the only thing she could hear. It was ridiculous, she thought, Toph had taught her to filter out the sounds she could pick up from the earth with her seismic sense many years ago, but nothing seemed to work and slow down the noise of the little heart.

- Have you told Tenzin yet? - Saikhan asked following her to the break room when Lin decided to ignore him

- Did I tell him what? - she asked harshly without turning to him, thanks to the Spirits the room was empty

- Please, I think I can recognize morning sickness when I see one. I have a child at home and another one on the way, you know?

-And that never afected your career. - she replied bitterly - The privileges of having a penis...

- What do you mean? - he spun her on her heel so she looked at him

- We both know that this is where my career stops if I have a child. - Saikhan didn't answer

- You need to talk to Tenzin. - he said after a few moments absorbing what that meant to his friend

- I will not. At least not now - he studied her confused - You know what having a child means to him. I won't tell him until I'm sure what I'm going to do. - she turned to the cabinet to get a mug

- What are you going to do?

- I do not know. - she confessed, she hated not knowing - This is not exactly something I planned. - she picked up the coffee pot and filled her cup with it - Or wanted. -she completed almost in a whisper as she poured a more than generous amount of sugar into the black liquid

- You need to talk to Tenzin. - he said resting his hand on Lin's shoulder and walked away leaving the break room

The first few hours of her shift dragged by and she thanked whoever was listening in for having a busy afternoon. Lin tried not to concentrate on the little heart beating so as not to hear it and when her lunch break arrived she was almost resigned to it’s presence. Almost.

Tenzin was waiting for her sitting on one of the reception stools. He frowned as she approached, noticing that something was making her anxious. The airbender boldly embraced her, but Lin pulled away and asked stiffly:

- Let's go?

During lunch Lin remained quieter than usual, she looked uncomfortable in her chair and barely touched her food. When they made their usual way past Avatar Park to get to the Headquarters they stopped at the lake to feed the turtleducks, as they always did. Everything was going as usual but Lin's silence were getting the better of Tenzin, so he asked:

- Lin, did something happen at the police station today? You're distant. - Tenzin almost lost his breath when Lin looked up at him and noticed her eyes full of tears

- I have to tell you something. - She confessed involving her torso with her arms - That will change everything from now on. - the airbender suddenly became anxious

- You know you can tell me anything. - he replied, doing his best not to let his nervousness show in his voice

- I'm pregnant.

Of all the things Lin could say to him, that was definitely not what he was expecting.

- Pregnant? - was the only thing he could say - H-how? - stuttered

- Well... You know when you put your pe...

- I know how! - exclaimed interrupting her and feeling the redness rise in his chest

- You asked!

Tenzin always wanted children, more than that, he needed children. The Air Nation's future depended on him, and not so indirectly on Lin to continue to exist, though neither liked to bring that issue into question. The airbender noticed that Lin was anxious once again, watching him waiting for a reaction.

- Lin, this is great!  It wasn't exactly planned, but I couldn't be happier. - Lin couldn't remember ever seeing Tenzin as happy as he was at that moment. He enveloped her in a tight hug pulling her off the ground - I love you so much.

- I love you too.

Tenzin's sheer joy infected her, which made her question whether this might not be a good thing in the end and she thought that maybe, maybe she could do this for him.

A few weeks had passed and Tenzin and Lin still hadn't shared the news with Katara and Aang. They knew that the older couple would be over the moon with the news, but that would lead to A Conversation, as the two were not yet married.

Katara's 61st birthday party had arrived and Kya had spared no effort in the celebration, although Katara had stopped her from inviting everyone in her contact list. The family house of Air Temple Island was attended by none other than Fire Lord Zuko, Fire Lady Mai, who were talking to Tenzin and Lin, who carried Ursa on her hip. Princess Izumi, who was perched with Kya on the couch while Bumi waved his arms and told one of his absurd stories. Katara and Aang were seated at a table in the corner of the room, chatting quietly with Iroh, who had a lot of opinion for a 12-year-old boy, Lin liked that. She adored Izumi's children, they were smart and intelligent, even 2 years old Ursa was very alert to everything around her and always tried to participate in the adults' conversation.

Everything was going wonderfully well even for the introverts of the Fire Nation and the resident of Republic City, until Lin felt small footsteps, which she hadn't felt in three years, coming closer. She was the first to look at the huge double front doors. Everyone held their breath as Toph's small figure appeared behind the door and beside Sokka, and after a few seconds everyone's gazes turned to Lin, who clung to Tenzin's arm.

- Don't make it weird. - Toph was the first to break the silence - I came. Big deal! Can a lady no longer even visit her elderly friend?

At this point Izumi had already walked to Lin offering to carry Ursa, Lin accepted with a minimal nod, overwhelmed by the emotions she had cautiously buried over the past three years.

- Wait. – Toph asked raising her hand and everyone stopped breathing one more time – How many are we in? Is anyone else here?

The baby. Lin's mind despaired and she clung more tightly to Tenzin's arm as he caressed her hand trying to reassure her. Toph went over the people present, paying attention to each one of them. Snoozles, Sparky, Mai, Izuzu and her two miniatures, Twinkle Toes, Suggar Queen, Suggar Princess, Wild Child, Airhead, Linny and... a small, strong heartbeat radiating from her. Lin saw Toph's right foot turn toward her. Toph confirmed what she felt right away, an extra heart, beating quickly in time with her own daughter's, silently and with a knowing look she raised one of her eyebrows and let out a huff.

- I must have miscounted. – she said quietly without looking away from her eldest daughter – Are we going to get the party started or what? - she asked and then walked over to Katara congratulating her with a half hug

The environment had regained its pleasant energy from before, but everyone had lost sight of Lin and Tenzin. Lin was in the hall bathroom with her head buried in the toilet emptying his stomach while Tenzin held her hair and stroked her back. She pulled away from the porcelain still panting and sat on the floor resting her back against the wall.

- I hate you. – she said looking deep into Tenzin’s eyes who smiled – Why do they call it morning sickness if this shit lasts all day? – Tenzin helped her up from the floor and she went to the sink to wash her face and mouth

When she raised her face to the mirror, her soul almost left her body as she was startled by the reflection of her mother standing behind them.

- Chief! - she exclaimed taking a hand to her chest

Toph was standing with her back against the doorframe, her arms crossed over her chest and her bare feet crossed over each other.

- You almost killed me with morning sickness when I got pregnant with you.   – she said as if that was a common subject – You took a while to knock her up, huh Airhead?! - Tenzin's face turned red

- Chief! – Lin scolded and Tenzin was ready to leave the bathroom to let the two Beifong talk when Toph's arm blocked the passage

- I'm pretty sure Suggar Queen already knows about the baby, she must be giving you time or some bullshit like that.

- How...? – Lin started, but Toph interrupted her with a huff.

- Lin, you don't have to be a Detective to know the answer. This little thing is very noisy. - She said pointing to her daughter's womb - And I may be blind, but I know that your tits are twice the normal size. - Tenzin's gaze settled on his girlfriend's bust, but soon after he was scolded by her with a slap on his bald head and a sharp look

- Stop looking at my breasts!  – She said through gritted teeth – It was that face of yours that got us into this mess in the first place!

- And you haven't touched a drop of alcohol since the minute I arrived, which alone is a big clue. My pregnancies were a little delicate. You should talk to Katara. Just to make sure there's no need to take any precautions. – Toph said calmly and left the bathroom as if nothing had happened leaving behind a couple exchanging glances, Tenzin was clearly worried, but Lin was furious

As her mother dared to show up after three years of silence to act as if nothing had happened, to give her advice about a pregnancy she was still getting used to. Lin was furious and Tenzin could tell, he tried to grab her hand, but she took it out of his reach quickly. That was his fault. But as she looked up into the airbender's face, she could see he was genuinely concerned about the information Toph had just revealed.

- I'm sorry for taking it out on you.  She makes me so… - Lin clenched her fists in front of her chest and snorted – I just need a second. – Tenzin nodded slowly, Lin tilted her head to the side to study his worried expression – Hey Airhead, don't look like this, everything will be fine.

- Look at you being optimistic. – he commented now in a good mood, receiving an elbow in the ribs as an answer – I'll go back to the party.You need a minute? Lin nodded and Tenzin left the bathroom turning to her and giving her one last look. She is so beautiful, he smiled

Lin grabbed the sink bowl once more. The anger she was feeling toward Toph still hadn't dissipated, but she didn't want to make a scene in front of everyone. Now her irritation was mixed with the same concern that had shown in Tenzin's eyes earlier. She turned away from the sink to study her reflection in the mirror, she lifted her tunic and watched her belly in the reflection. She ran her hand gently over it, it was as plane as it had ever been.

- Don't you dare start creating problems now, understand kid?  – she said in her Lieutenant's voice

Ursa came running as best she could to meet her as Lin returned to the living room.

- She likes you more than me. – Izumi commented dramatically while Lin accommodated Ursa on her hip, and the two responded by sticking their tongues at the princess – Very mature Linny.

Lin was doing very well at avoiding a screaming match with Toph. But when she overheard her talking to Katara about Zaofu, the city Suyin had build, she blurted out angrily:

- Have you been talking to Su? - Toph and Katara turned to her. The earthbender wore an indifferent expression, but Katara's eyes watered as she noticed Lin's wounded look. - Wants to know? Forget it. That's why we haven't spoken in three years. – Lin put her hands on her hips – I'm sorry for the party, Aunt Katara. - was the last thing she said before leaving the house

Tenzin started to follow her, but Kya's hand holding hers stopped him.

- Let her be.  - she said sweetly

Sokka found her 10 minutes later under the mango-jasmine, folding pebbles from the ground and tossing them over the hill. He had waited a few minutes before leaving to look for her, just like his niece, he knew she needed a few moments alone.

- I knew I'd find you here. – he stopped beside her, enjoying the view from the hill

For the past three years Sokka had visited Lin every chance he got.

- Don't start making excuses for her. – Lin said after a few moments of silence, still not turning to him

- I won't, I know she's wrong. We've argued about it a lot, but you know how she’s like. – Lin snorted

- She left. She showed no sign of life for three years. If it weren't for you I wouldn't know if she was dead or alivet. And now I find out that she's been talking to Su, even after everything she's done. While all I've done in my life was trying to make her proud. I understand she's your daughter, but… - she trailed off, stubborn and hot tears running down her cheek as her arms gripped her body – And now… – she was interrupted by Sokka's embrace and Lin let the sob she had been holding escape.

- You're my daughter, Lin. I love you from the moment I knew you were coming. You are my daughter.

Lin cried for a few more moments on Sokka's shoulder.

- I'm Pregnant. - she blurted out through her tears

Sokka pulled away from her a little not enough to break the embrace, but enough so that he could look at Lin.

- Am I going to be a grandfather? - he asked with shining eyes

- Yes. - Lin replied with a laugh as she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

- I'm going to be grandfather! - She exclaimed taking both hands to his head and laughing and then hugged her daughter once more, his eyes shining with emotion

- I love you, Ba. - she said snuggling in his embrace

Lin and Sokka sat under the mango-jasmine and talked about things that made Lin more comfortable, about the South and RCPD. When they got back to Avatar's family home the heavy atmosphere that hung in the air before leaving was no longer present, everyone was sitting and talking quietly, and Lin didn't even feel bad for releasing a relieved sigh as she peeked through the crack in the door and notice that Toph was no longer present. Katara approached her as soon as she stepped next to Tenzin.

- I'm really sorry about the party, Aunt Katara.

- The party is fine, sweetheart. – Katara said tenderly, holding her hands – I'm worried about you. - She shook the metalbender’s hand

- I'm always fine. - Lin tried to joke, but her words came out with a heavier weight than planned. Lin reached for Tenzin's hand and intertwined their fingers –Tenzin and I have news. - Katara frowned at them and Tenzin gently squeezed her hand to reassure her - We’re going to have a baby.

Aang's face could barely hold his smile. Katara looked like she was about to pass out out of happiness. Bumi laughed and greeted Tenzin with an almost aggressive slap on the back and enveloped Lin in a bear hug that took longer than necessary in Lin's opinion and Kya screamed and walked past her mother almost knocking her over and nearly crushed Lin in a hug.

- Slow down, Kya!  – in a censure from almost everyone, but Lin didn't bother

- A Baby Linny!  – she said excited when she walked away

Mai and Zuko congratulated them with hugs.

- I'm so happy for you, dear. – Mai congratulated in her full voice after her husband placed a kiss on Lin's black hair.

When Katara was back at her senses she enveloped Lin and Tenzin in a single hug.

- I love you both. I could not be happier.

Aang then hugged Lin with the greatest gentleness in the world and whispered:

- Thank you.

Lin's stomach knotted at Aang's words. Thank you. Those two words brought her for the first time to the notion that everyone in that room expected nothing less than a little airbender from her. During Aang's embrace she caught sight of Izumi sitting on the couch. Ursa slept in her arms while Iroh played with the little metal soldiers Lin had carved and given him as a gift for his eleventh birthday. She seemed to be studying Lin with her eyes and the metalbender momentarily hated her for she could read her so well, just like Kya.

Lin started to feel dizzy when the Avatar released her. It had become too much for her. All that contact, all that attention and especially all the expectations that were now on her. She took Tenzin's hand with both hands and he looked at her worriedly.

- I need some air. – She muttered to him, who nodded and Lin's cold, callused hands slipped through his as she walked away

The breeze that passed through the island was cooler now and ruffled the black strands of Lin's hair as it hit her face. She was sitting cross-legged and eyes closed on the deck. The metalbender felt Izumi's purposeful steps approaching, but she didn't move.

- You don't meditate. - she said

- I'm not meditating. I'm just with my eyes closed. - She replied, still without leaving her position

- Are you okay?

- Excellent. – Lin snorted sarcastically and felt Izumi's eyes scolding her – That was a little too much. I needed some air.

- You know I'm not talking about that.

Lin's shoulders tensed even more and she finally opened her eyes as Izumi sat down beside her. The two of them watched the city lit up for the night and Lin let out a sigh she didn't know she was holding.

- When I got pregnant with Iroh I was 20. I didn't know if I wanted to be a mother, especially at 20 and with that man. But at the end of the day my kids are the best things in my life and the only good things Izao gave me. I suffered a lot of criticism, first for getting pregnant without being married and then for divorcing Izao and raising my children alone. What I mean is you are not alone. It might take a little longer, but I'm sure you'll be Chief. You are the most prepared and capable person in RCPD for the position.

Lin turned to Izumi with sad eyes.

-I… - she was trying to organize everything she was feeling into words – Tenzin is so happy.

- We're talking about you.

- No. Let me finish. – Lin asked, raising her hand to the princess and closed her eyes – He's so happy, Izumi. I have never seen him so happy. It's not that I don't want to be a mother, but and I'm so scared. She covered her face with her hands and took a shaky breath, unable to fight back the tears any longer. - I'm afraid I'm going to be like Toph. – she slid her hands down her face and let out an ironic laugh – I can't even call her mom!

Izumi moved closer to Lin and put her arm around her shoulder as the earthbender hugged her knees.

- It's exactly because of this fear that I know you won't be like Toph. You were on the other side of this story. You can be both, a badass oficer from Republic City and a mother. You are Lin Beifong, you can do whatever you want! - Izumi paused - And you have a family that will help and support you at all times. And this baby is going to have two drooling aunts who are going to spoil him. - Lin let out a heartfelt laugh and sobbed once more. Izumi enveloped her in a comfortable hug, leaving space for Lin to pull away if she wanted to, but she didn't, she was crying openly now.

- Thank you, Zumi.

[juliettalfacharlie]

Day 4, alt: Visiting a Grave

CW graphic death, gun violence, suicide, acceptance of death, and drugs.

The previous two years, she'd shaken with emotion. First with anger, then grief. Anniversaries weren't necessarily special dates; they weren't anything she looked forward to or dreaded, but it was still jarring to realize how much time had passed. She'd experienced a minute of disbelief when she first recognized it'd been a year since her wife was with her.

It was customary in the Earth Kingdom to show respect only towards elders. When parents lost their children, no vigils were held, for it wasn't acceptable to honour those your junior.

It was a practice that thankfully hadn't taken roots in Republic City. Kya wouldn't have cared, regardless. She was hurting, damnit, and that wasn't lessoned because Lin was three years younger than she.

Now, 1,095 days past her lover's death, Kya was finally in a place of peace. Not with Lin's killer, or the circumstances surrounding it. She didn't believe she'd ever accept that.

The two had been walking out to their car after an evening dinner, and Lin sensed an altercation a block away. Kya sat in the Satomobile while Lin cautiously neared, concerned over a potential mugging or assault. It hadn't felt like anything serious, especially compared to what both women had already seen.

Lin used her seismic sense when she'd crossed half the distance, seeing two figures. One was pressed against the wall, the target, while the other stood in front of them, the instigator.

She treaded as quietly as possible, peeking around the corner to assess the situation.

There were two men, both tall and muscular. The assailant held something Lin originally believed to be a small baton, but as it caught light from the streetlamps, Lin saw it was a handgun. They weren't exceedingly common, due to being new inventions that were quite costly, but the amount of nonbenders in Republic City meant they were more concentrated here compared to other nations.

Lin desperately wished for her old spool of cables, but she'd retired them fifteen years prior, and they'd been gifted to the top metalbending prospect at the time of her departure.

The weapon was pointed at the victim, so any surprise attack risked him firing. She instead went for a civil approach, calling from behind the corner, "Step away and put your weapon down." she instructed, hearing his loud gasp.

"Who's there? Don't come close or I'll shoot!" the attacker yelled. His voice was strained, likely from fear.

"You haven't done anything yet, kid. Just set the gun on the floor, and we can talk about it." she replied, using a tone of placating authority. She displayed power without intimidation; the other man was acting on pure emotions, he needed to feel like he had an ally.

"I don't want to talk. That's not going to do shit to bring back my brother." he said, and Lin heard a head hit the concrete wall.

"Killing someone else won't either. It's also not going to make you feel the pain any less. The only thing it'll accomplish is ending your own life as well." she told him, voice softening just slightly. One constant in life would always be violence, and there would always be people hurt by it. Lin stepped around the corner, hands up in submission.

The gunman yelped, swinging the weapon towards her. "Hey, I know you! You're a cop!" he said, and Lin had a full view of his face. He was young; not boyishly so, but somewhere in his early 20's.

"I'm not an officer anymore, but the experience I have means I know exactly how this can end up. I don't want to see that happen to you; there's so much left to experience." she told him, calm under his pressure.

His hands trembled just so, eyes full of pain. "There would have been if it weren't for him!" he yelled, turning his head to the other man.

His face was bloody but he looked otherwise unharmed. "It's not my fault the idiot overdosed, I just gave him the shit." he argued, and the young man clenched more firmly around the gun.

Lin intervened quickly, taking attention off of the loudmouthed dealer, "I know what it's like to lose a sibling. My younger sister. My mom took her side, so it felt like I was entirely alone, but I found joy in my job. In my hobbies and friends. It made that pain feel much more manageable, and I couldn't be happier right now." she explained, eyes not straying from his face.

"I don't have any of that. I just had him." he said, shaking his head.

"For a long time I didn't either. I held onto my anger for decades, and it prevented me from fully enjoying myself. I don't want that to happen to someone else," she told him, "It wasn't until I was 52, actually, until I let that go. I didn't get closure, and the people who hurt me never apologized, but I saw how much harm it had done to me. Shortly after, I started talking to the woman I came to marry. She's the best person I know; beautiful, kind, insightful, she brought out the best parts in me, and I found myself wanting to be happy for her.

"If it's too difficult to feel joy with yourself, would you pity an old woman and feel it for me? I promise you, this hopelessness isn't permanent." Lin said, watching as the man slowly relaxed his grip and lowered the weapon.

"How about you start by telling me about him, hm?" she encouraged. He kept the weapon up, pointed at her knee, but his shoulders had dropped.

"His name was Mingyu. I was eight when he was born, and I was so excited. We didn't have a lot of money, and mom and dad were always working, so I had to look after him instead of going to school.

"I taught him what I had learned, and he was so smart. I got a job to make sure he could go to school when he turned 6. He was so good at kuai ball.

"We lost our dad this year, and Yu took it so hard. I was too busy with my job to see it, but he at school he started- why didn't I just-" the man finally lowered the gun, eyes welling up.

"Kids make mistakes. It's not your fault that Mingyu slipped." Lin told him, taking a cautious step forward.

The man didn't respond, so she continued to close the distance.

Lin straightened, feeling the distinct thud of metal-soled boots. The police had been called before she showed up.

"Hey, give me the gun and we can keep talking." She urged, and he looked up at her, startled by her change in tone.

"RCPD, hands where I can see them!" an officer behind her bellowed. Lin felt a pit open in her stomach, watching the emotions flash across the man's face.

In a moment the gun was back up, four feet away and aimed right between her eyes. "You lied to me!" he shouted, and pulled the trigger.

Kya had heard the shot, and immediately she knew what had happened. She felt a tug in her soul, similar to the feeling when her mother passed, and she sat in the passengers seat for hours, unable to move.

The man who murdered Lin was only 22. His name was Han. He ended up receiving life in prison for killing the former police chief, compared to the 30 he would have gotten if he killed the drug dealer, but he instead hanged himself in his holding cell. He was survived solely by his mother, and Kya deeply pitied her, but it was because of her son that she was now a widow.

It was unbelievable to imagine Lin losing her life there, in the alleyway fifteen years retired from the police force, instead of the dozen times she'd been severely injured, or the hundreds where she'd faced worse danger. Kya forgot, sometimes, in the beginning. She'd return to the empty house and think Lin must be in the backyard, or wake up in a cold bed expecting the smell of Lin's favoured morning tea, tieguanyin, to have permeated upstairs.

Kya had been so achingly raw with pain. She'd felt nothing like it before, where the jagged edges of her grief made her lash out instead, but for months she hated Lin for having left her. Spirits damn her noble nature.

After five months the wounds finally soothed, but she'd been terribly surprised to feel its return when she visited Lin's grave a year past her demise.

She then felt guilt over her reaction; Lin had told her countless times how Kya had "saved" her. Shown her love, and helped her realize to be cared for wasn't negative. Kya wished so desperately just to speak to her once more. To thank her for all that she gave, and ensure Lin knew how deeply she'd been loved.

The second anniversary was when she felt sorrow, but in the past year she'd received news that wasn't altogether bad. It made the third occurrence pass with far less grief.

Kya had been experiencing chest pains and severe shortness of breath. From her own diagnosis, she surmised her heart was giving out, but a healer in the city confirmed it with ease. There wasn't too much surprise given her age, approaching 84, her lifestyle, not always the healthiest, and the compounding emotional experiences she'd weathered.  While she'd never looked forward to death, she found that she was ready for it whenever the time came.

It was almost freeing, sitting in front of Lin's grave without the cloud of overwhelming emotion. She didn't visit her final resting place except for this anniversary, as she'd been buried in the Beifong family's tomb all the way in the Earth Kingdom. Lin had been rigid on tradition that way, even if Toph insisted against it and Su planned to start her own in Zaofu. Kya had only wanted to honour her wishes; being with her mortal body didn't give her a particular sense of closeness. She sensed Lin at random moments regardless of her location, which had been one hint she hadn't yet chosen reincarnation. Her spirit had remained hidden despite thorough searching in the Spirit World, but Kya knew she was only waiting for Kya's time.

And with it nearing, for the first time she faced the gilded headstone with a glimmer of hope.

[enginr]

Status of major characters in President Sato’s time.

All ages listed at the start of President Sato’s first term, beginning in 191 A.G.

- - - -

Tenzin - WELL retired, 71.

Pema - 55.

Jinora - 30, engaged to Kai. United Republic Congresswoman representing the state of Yangchen.

Kai - 31, engaged to Jinora. Aide to the Secretary of Natural Resources.

Ikki - 27, maintaining and rebuilding more of the Southern Air Temple, her grandfather’s home.

Meelo - 25, private in the United Republic Air Force.

Rohan - 19, still studying with his father and mother as an air acolyte.

- - - -

Asami Sato - 38 - Former Secretary of Enterprise, President of the United Republic

(Avatar) Korra Sato - 37- First Lady of the United Republic, The Avatar

Yasuko Sato (II) - 7 - First Daughter, firebender

Kotun Sato - 3 - First Son, bending status not known

- - - -

Zhu Li Moon - Early 50s - Former President of the United Republic

Iknik Blackstone Varrick - Late 50s - Former First Gentleman, Senator

Kyi Moon - Mid teens - Former First Daughter, waterbender

Rasho Moon - Early teens - Former First Son, non-bender

- - - -

Mako - 38 - Chief of the Republic City Police,  (first non-metalbender), engaged to Crown Fire Princess Ikuro, daughter of Fire Lord Izumi

Bolin Beifong - 36 - Mayor of Republic City, married to Senator Opal Beifong (32), representing the State of Yangchen... expecting a child.

- - - -

Lin Beifong - 70 - First dedicated Police Commissioner, also headmaster of the Republic City Police Academy

Suyin Beifong - 64 - Matriarch of the Metal Clan (unchanged)

- - - -

Kuvira - ?? - Sentence commuted by President Kim in 188 A.G. (I honestly have no idea what she would be doing...)

[ljf613]

Things I Knew About LOK (Before I Actually Watched It)

Aang & Katara had three kids. Aang was not really a great dad, which annoys the fandom but sounds reasonable to me, because, to quote Zuko “I suppose you wouldn’t know of fathers, being raised by monks.” Growing up, Aang’s only parental figures were also his teachers, so it makes sense that he wouldn’t know how to be a parent to kids who weren’t also his airbending students.

Kataang child #1 is named Bumi. He has “daddy didn’t love me” issues and so became a rebellious wild child in a desperate cry for Aang’s attention (and also because how could any child named after that crazy king not be a mad genius?). He was born a non-bender, but managed to become an airbender through sheer force of will ( à la Callum of TDP) because he’s just that awesome.

Kataang child #2 is named for Katara’s mom Kya, and she’s a waterbender. Also, I’m pretty sure she’s lesbian.

Kataang child #3 is an airbender. IDK what his name is. He used to date Toph’s daughter (more on her later) but ending up dumping her (which the fandom doesn’t like) for a woman who may or may not be Ty Lee’s daughter. He’s under a lot of pressure, because, as Aang’s only airbending child (before Bumi figured it out), he’s got to carry the weight of an entire culture on his shoulders.

Aang died when he was really young-- like, in his sixties or something. Turns out spending 100 years on ice isn’t great for your health.

Katara’s still around, though. She’s a Wise Mentor Figure to the new Avatar. (Wait, does that mean she’s going to die? I hope not.)

Toph Beifong was also not a great parent, because, again, good parental role models are important for developing parental skills. Her parents were too constricting, so she kind of just let her kids do whatever they want. She had two daughters with two different men (only one of her baby daddies gets a name).

She ended up becoming the chief of police of the Big City the show is set in (I forget its name), which the fandom thinks is weird. Eventually, she dropped off the face of the earth, and now hangs out in.... the Swamp? I think. At some point, the new Avatar shows up and forces her to mend fences with her kids. New Avatar also tries to get Old Lady Toph to tell her some cool stories about the ATLA era, but Toph is a really bad storyteller.

Toph spawn #1 is named Lin or Ling or something like that. She’s the new chief of police-- it was an attempt to make mommy proud, which didn’t work out too well. She’s also an earth/metalbender and doesn’t get along with her sister because of some old argument that was never resolved. This is dealt with in the whole “new Avatar helps Toph reconnect with her children” arc. She used to date Kataang kid #3, until he dumped her for aforementioned Ty Lee child. Toph-child is still bitter about this. She’s just bitter about life in general, I think.

Toph spawn #2 exists. She’s a woman. This is all I know about her. I have zero idea what her name is or if she’s even a bender or anything. I feel like she has a lot of kids, but I’m not sure.

Zuko, on the other hand, was a great dad. (He had a Good Parental Role Model in Uncle, and also was firmly opposed to being anything like Ozai.) At some point, he got a dragon named Druk, who may or may not have hatched from the Sun Warriors’ “sunstone” which may or may not have been a dragon egg. He’s retired now, and like to sit around drinking tea and generally acting like Uncle.

(The Zutara ship has never died, and the fandom still thinks Old!Zuko and Old!Katara are having a secret fling, despite the fact that they have literally zero scenes together in this show.)

His daughter Izumi is the new Fire Lord. Her mother may or may not be Mai-- the fandom has a lot of dispute over this. She wears glasses and looks really awesome, and doesn’t want to involve her country in anymore “nonsense wars.”

Uncle Iroh has, sadly, passed into the Spirit World. But he still becomes a sort of Mentor/Spiritual Guide to New Avatar when she’s little.

I don’t know anything about Sokka or Suki. Did they get married? Are their kids running around somewhere?

New Avatar is named Korra (hence, Legend of Korra). She’s the Water Avatar (I think she’s from the Northern Tribe?) and she pulls no punches. Think Katara on steroids.

Korra is dating this guy-- I think his name is, like, Marco or something?-- on and off. Marco is also dating this other girl, Asami (who is freaking gorgeous), on and off. He may even be dating both of them at the same time at one point, IDK. Eventually, Korra and Asami decide that they are collectively done with his bull, and just hook up with each other. (Cue Zuko: “That’s rough, buddy.”)

Even though the Air Nomads were all killed out, I think there are more airbenders in the series than just Bumi and his little brother. IDK where they came from-- maybe they’re descendants of airbenders who managed to hide from Sozin? Or something? Like I said, IDK, I hope this gets explained properly at some point.

The ATLA fandom really doesn’t like LOK. It’s not as good, apparently. I should watch it myself so I can make my own judgements.

[dameronalone]

OC Intro Post - Irah (Legend of Korra)

For OC 30 Day Challenge!

mention of: child abuse, blood, gang violence, child abandonment, facial scarring

Irah Beifong, my daughter, my child, the light of my life, and an absolute feral little monster. pinterest board, ao3 link to the og story (wip, chapter 4 up very, very soon!)

- she/her, autistic, absolute useless lesbian, mixed fire nation/earth kingdom, earthbender, master of earthbending subskills. always gonna be Baby in my eyes

- was born a yesr or two post-kuvira destroying half the city

- mom is fire nation, named her after general uncle iroh, her dad is earth kingdom, and the leader of a lowkey triad (they’re called the kingpins)

- irah's mom disappeared when irah was three or four, she was raised by her father and his cohorts and by raised i mean she was basically was left to herself

- when she is nine years old, she runs into chief mako beifong when she is left behind when the abandoned a hideout before a raid

- mako tries to talk to her but backrup arrives and scares her off 

- she ends up in care of jargala, dragonhead of the creeping crystals and unofficial guardian of many many street kids

- become bffs with another oc of mine (he shares custody with @stxrduste and another friend) bishan, jargala’s son

- five or six months later, mako runs into irah during a raid, again, and she follows him when he runs after a couple kingpins that draw him off and mako gives up the fight to get irah to safety

- he drops her off at sato mansion, where korra and asami take in kids from bad situations and let them live there alongside korrasami’s kids

- (she follows him home)

- he lets her stay the night, and then the next day, and then the day after, because she’s attached to him now and he is also attached to her

- she stays with him for about a year until she gets a letter from her bio father telling her to come find him because he misses her, and she runs away

- little less than a year after that, irah shows up at mako’s new place asking for a place to stay. next morning mako finds out her dad hit her a few times before she got away

after that she lives with mako all the time, calls him dad for the first time at thirteen, gets officially adopted at fourteen, becomes best friends with korrasami’s oldest twin boys, wan and torak, and learns metalbending

she’s just fifteen when mako is badly injured during an attempted raid and is hospitalized. after he is back on duty, he devotes half the force to bringing down the kingpins. irah has a knack for detective work and helps out when she can

(after her time spent with jargala, she considers the dragonhead the closest thing she has to a mother, and jargala is very protective of irah. as such she’s willing to help the rcpd bring down the kingpins after she heard what irah’s father did)

irah is the back-and-forth between the crystals and the pd (wouldnt look too good if the chief of police was always hanging out with a triad leader)

after jargala handed off some time sensitive information to jargala, irah realized just how time sensitive it was, knew she wouldn’t have enough time to get to the station, and tried to call mako but he wouldnt pick up. she left a message with ling, an officer, and went to the hideout herself

after lots of stuff that’s just smidge too spoilery to say here (just read the fic folks or at least the last two chapters once i finish writing them) irah ends up with a slash on her face, which scars

irah eventually joins the rcpd, becomes a detective, and after mako retires, she is handed the title of chief, and ends up ending gang activity in republic city (and also gets married but thats for another post)

[guiltysecretpasttime]

Adversity (Chapter 3)

Fic update here :)

Previous chapters here:

1 | 2

===

It was a well-known secret that the Avatar and his circle (mainly composed of today’s world leaders) had been using every occasion in their families as an excuse to get together. It also helped that they had an entire island separated from the city, away from prying eyes and away from the press.

Chief Lin Beifong’s career milestone is another one of these events. While she finished the rest of the working day in the police headquarters, her extended family (after Katara paid bail for her son and Toph who were in detention; though as courtesy to Toph, they were held in the briefing room near the Chief’s office rather than the cells) had convened in Air Temple Island to prepare.

Alcohol was freely flowing at the island when nightfall came, courtesy of the connections of the former Chief of Police (“Ha! Told you my travels would be good for something one day.”) and due to the insistent request of the Southern Water Tribe chieftain. Never mind that the actual owner of the house they were staying at did not partake in the libation.

Under the cover of darkness, the Fire Nation royal family arrived atop the Fire Lord’s dragon. Crown Princess Izumi took care to land out of view of the citizens of Republic City, conscious that they would not want another international incident regarding the sighting of Druk.

The dinner party was intimate, with Katara dismissing the Air Acolytes for the night as the family settled at the grounds which served at their backyard. Laughter and conversation floated in the night air as they partook in food and enjoyed each other’s company.

As the revelry continued, Toph found the guest of honor standing at the edge of the group. “Hey Chief.”

“Chief.” Lin furrowed a brow at her mother, silently watching their family and friends.

“Today went well, congratulations. I’m proud of you.” Toph started, unseeing eyes gazing straight ahead but very much aware of her daughter’s discomfort. “Suyin sends her regrets and her congratulations as well.”

The younger Beifong just inclined her head in acknowledgement. Lin did not feel the need to be more cordial than necessary where Suyin was concerned. She would not admit it but hearing her mother tell her that she was proud of her made her, ahem, feel things (she would realize later that these were pride, satisfaction¸ and dare she say, joy).

After a few moments of silence, the older metalbender asked. “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

“Yes, Mom,” Her daughter swirled the liquid in the glass she held, refusing to drink. “I know that this job is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”

Toph nodded. “I know you’d do well, Badge,” She used their term of endearment, pertaining to a shortened form of badgermole as well as a nod towards being a law enforcer. “I don’t have any doubts about that. But,” She gave a careless wave towards their extended family. “Do you know what you’re getting into?”

In front of them, Bumi was being scolded by Lady Mai as her teenaged grandson looked particularly queasy after Bumi dared him to finish two shots of alcohol in succession. Sokka was attempting to placate Mai by handing a greasy piece of meat to Iroh to counter the aftereffects. Izumi and Kya were off to the side, having stood up to demonstrate and consult Suki about new combative non-bending forms.

Lin knew her mother well enough that when she was acting nonchalant, she was actually very concerned.

“He’s getting weaker.” The woman who used to be known as the Blind Bandit whispered softly.

Lin did not need to ask who she was talking about; they both felt the slowing heartbeats every time they found themselves at Air Temple Island.

Her mother prodded further as the Chief of Police remained silent. “Does Tenzin know?”

“It’s not my place.” Lin shook her head, looking over at the group at the end of the table composed of Katara, Tenzin, and Aang who remained at their seats, listening intently to Fire Lord Zuko’s update on the Fire Nation.

Toph made a sound of approval. “I’ve talked to both Twinkletoes and Sugar Queen, they will be talking to the kids soon. Just to prepare them for the inevitable.” She turned to her eldest child, who she felt was starting to close herself off. “I’d rather concern myself with my own daughters’ welfare. You never answered me – do you know what you’re getting into? With junior over there?”

Before Lin could respond or even contemplate the question, Tenzin caught her eye, beaming widely as he got up to approach the pair.

“Better start thinking of your future with junior airhead – it might be different from what you’ve planned for.”

---

Much later that night, everyone found themselves in their respective rooms in Air Temple Island. Good nights and farewells were made as it was expected for some of their visitors to leave before first light (read: Fire Nation royalty should not be sighted without the royal guard and entourage).

As the house become quiet and people started to retire, Lin found herself in Tenzin’s childhood bedroom, lying down in the covers beside the lightly snoring airbender. Even in his embrace, she found it difficult to slip into slumber.

Wondering for the nth time, did she really know what she was getting into?

(Before the sun even rose, any reflection or introspection was swept aside as it became apparent to the Avatar and the Fire Lord that the second in line of succession to the Fire Nation throne has absconded with the eldest child of the Avatar to join the United Forces.)

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Note: This is a bit short; split a chapter into two for clearer transition. Not sure if that kind of decision works though. 😟 Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Cross-posted in AO3 (under user toccatina)

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Other chapters here:

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