Ok so it took me a bit to figure out some more of the storyline with the new additions to the Beifong family, but I think I've got it down now lol. I'm also glad that some people love this still; I know it's been a few years since TLOK came out but that doesn't make it less cool than ATLA.

I also ask you guys to bear with me here, this AU stuff takes a LOT of thought and whoa did this take up so much.

Anyway this chapter Lin and Bumi come clean, and the others meet the rest of the family. There's gonna be a little drama, and I know you guys love some here and there.

I don't own any of the TLOK characters, just the new ones which is pretty much the twins.

Enjoy!

No one spoke as Lin and Bumi entered the hut and sat at the table, just in between Katara and Korra. The kids were all staring with wide eyes, all actually happy at the fact that Lin was Bumi's wife, their aunt. Pema was shocked, but not upset, Tenzin was still red in the face, and the others were just too stunned to speak. Katara passed a plate of food to the two each, and of course remained silent for the next few minutes.

"Are you really married to the chief lady Uncle Bumi?" Meelo was the first to break the silence.

"I am Meelo, have been for a while now." Bumi wrapped a hand on Lin's wrist; she didn't bother pushing it off.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Jinora asked next, she was very happy about this. Lin was a bit relieved the kids were ok with this, they were still young and open minded.

"Yeah when did you get married?" Ikki was bouncing in her seat. "Why didn't you invite us? Are you gonna live with her now? How come she's not wearing a ring or necklace?" oh the child with too many questions, Lin could almost laugh.

"Kids, let them talk and we'll find out." Pema was cool, Lin could see she was keeping a straight face but her emotions were vibrating through the floor. Everyone else minus a few were the same, but Lin decided to let Bumi do the talking for now and she nudged his arm.

"For starters, Lin and I were married about two years after you and Tenzin Pema. Truth be told we got together maybe four months after you and Tenzin started dating, and it was one of those long-distance relationships."

"How'd you manage that?" Bolin was curious now, most long-distance relationships didn't work out too well but in this case it had.

"We wrote and called regularly, and I made visits to the city at least every other month."

"You couldn't have, you were traveling with the United Forces." Tenzin was glaring hard.

"Well I had time, and when I had it I went to visit Lin. It wasn't easy by any means, but we were both patient and willing to work it out."

"When he was on leave he'd send me word, and we'd meet up." they shared a look. "Most times it would be indoors, we had to be careful."

"Why though?" Asami had to ask, and Lin looked at Tenzin.

"We were both going through some rough patches, family wise." no one bothered asking questions about that, Korra could see the tension rising and so Bumi put up his hands. "I had a falling out with Tenzin and my mother around that time; it was difficult to be around anyone."

"I wasn't speaking to Tenzin either, reasons being I won't share yet." Bumi sipped his drink. "We would meet up secretly, it was easier to keep quiet about our relationship than let it get plastered all over the front page."

"Ah." the teens all caught on. If word got out about Chief Lin Beifong dating her ex's brother, it would've been a total scandal.

"I don't get it, weren't you happy to be together?" Ikki's innocent question made Lin give a small smile.

"We were, and still are, but sometimes adults have to keep quiet on certain things otherwise it can cause problems."

"Is it because you dated daddy?" Lin nodded. "And daddy…wouldn't you have been happy for Uncle Bumi?"

"I…I would've tried…" Tenzin grounded out and Pema pinched his arm.

"Calm down, you're upsetting the baby." she whispered as little Rohan started to get fussy. Tenzin relaxed at the sound of his new baby's whimpers, and took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry, this is all just a shock…mother did you know?" Katara nodded.

"Bumi came to me for advice when he and Lin first dated, and I gave him my blessing."

"Why didn't you…?"

"Because they asked me not to and before you ask yes Kya knew too. We were both at their wedding, us and a few of Lin's officers, and Bumi's friends from the UF." Tenzin had a hard look in his eyes. "Don't give me that look son; you can't honestly blame them for not telling you." Lin was glad Katara was on their side, she hadn't been too thrilled when they kept the marriage a secret but she understood why.

'He can try.' Lin knew there'd be a conversation later, but Tenzin being the serious man he was would keep quiet until she and Bumi were alone.

"It's so cool." Jinora was amazed at this. "You kept it secret, miles away from each other for years and you're still in love?" she made it sound like a romantic story, perhaps it was in some way.

"Very much so Jinora." Bumi kissed Lin's cheek.

"Not at the table."

"Leave them alone Tenzin, I've seen you and Pema smack lips a few times at lunch and dinner." Korra made a face and Pema blushed.

"Korra not now…" the avatar rolled her eyes.

"Oh come on…"

"That's enough, now's not the time for arguments." Tenzin frowned, and Bumi threw up his hands.

"We're sorry for all the secrecy, but it's out now so you might as well accept it." he said it not her. Everyone was silent for a moment, but the silence broke off when the avatar looked at Lin.

"Well…congrats." Korra smiled. "You both deserve each other." she didn't know them well, but it was a good thought.

"Thanks." Lin smiled, she owed the kid.

"So before anything else goes down, one more question, anyone?" only one would ask first.

"Umm…" Ikki fiddled a bit. "Can we call you our auntie now?" Lin smiled at the tiny girl.

"You can, if it's what you want." Ikki gave a huge smile and ran over with Jinora and Meelo to hug the older woman, and she let them squeeze the life out of her for a moment. When the kids let go she saw Meelo looking up at her with those big blue eyes, smiling as big as his sister.

"You're my hero Aunt Chief Beifong."

"Thanks kid." they hugged her again and then went to Bumi. The rest of breakfast went peacefully, everyone still had questions but they were gonna wait. After they finished up everyone went outside to discuss what they'd do once they'd make it back to Republic City, until the sound of a ship's horn caught them off guard. They all turned towards the docks, seeing a UF ship make its base.

"Are you expecting anyone?" Korra looked at Bumi.

"As a matter of fact we are." Bumi and Lin started towards the dock with the others in tow, and when the staircase descended three figures started running down to them.

"Mama! Dad!" the two adults ran up to the three and were all consumed in a huge group hug. Eyes widened and jaws dropped at the sight, but what caught everyone off guard was the sound of laughter…Lin's laughter.

"Hey kids!" Bumi was being tackled by a couple of kids probably at least ten years old, and Lin was hugging a young woman who was probably eighteen. Everyone was shocked to see the stone cold, former chief of police being so familiar. They approached the dock slowly, but stopped when the three newcomers laid eyes on Katara.

"Gran gran!" the younger two ran up to the old woman, and the taller one came after. Katara hugged all three as best she could, it was a warming sight.

"It's wonderful to see you all, you've grown so much."

"We've missed you Gran Gran, did you get our letters?" the small girl asked Katara nodded.

"I enjoyed them very much, your mother has told me a lot as well." Lin gave a light smile.

"Brrr, I've forgotten how cold it gets out here." the boy shivered a bit.

"Suck it up Hao; it's just a little cold."

"Shut up Kuvira!" Katara got between the kids but kept smiling.

"Did you have fun?"

"Sure did! We went to Ember Island, visited Aunt Izumi, we even paid a visit to Ba Sing Se it was awesome!"

"I'm glad, Kuvira my goodness you've grown so much." the oldest smirked.

"Growth spurt gran gran, it's good to see you again." she kissed the older woman's cheek.

"Still so beautiful too, have you gotten a boyfriend yet?" Kuvira shook her head. "Oh well you've got plenty of time, but don't make me a great gran gran just yet." that made her blush slightly.

"No worries there."

"Uuhhh guys…" the boy, Hao, pointed at the remainder of the group whose eyes were all wide and jaws dropped open. "They're staring." Bumi cleared his throat, and of course Lin could see the vein in Tenzin's forehead threatening to burst.

"I guess introductions are in order, everyone Lin and I would like you to meet our kids." all three gathered in front of the adults. "This is our oldest daughter, Kuvira Beifong." Kuvira was tall and lean built. She had dark hair tied back in a long braid to her waist, olive colored skin, a beauty mark on her left cheek, and a pair of piercing green eyes that glimmered.

"It's nice to finally meet you all." she bowed. "We've heard so much." everyone bowed back to her.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too." Mako spoke up that time.

"And these two daredevils are our youngest, twins Nuan and Hao Beifong." Bumi put his hands on the twins' shoulders. Both kids had a resemblance to Bumi, though Nuan was almost like a mini-Katara with a similar hairstyle, but they both had Lin's bright green eyes. "Just so you know, Kuvira is an earth bender, and a master metal bender just like her mom, and the twins are non-benders though they know self-defense."

"Wow…" that came from Korra.

"They've made us so proud." Bumi kissed Kuvira's cheek.

"My kids, my life." Lin hugged the twins from behind, and they returned it around her waist.

"They look a bit younger than Jinora." Bolin noticed it, and of course Lin's lips became a tight line. "Are they?"

"We're eleven, or we just turned eleven thanks." Hao gave Bolin a look. Lin hadn't been able to see the twins' on their birthdays but she had sent presents with promises of family time when they returned to the city.

"Lin." everyone turned to look at Tenzin. "Can I have a private word with you?" Bumi was about to object but Lin put a hand against his chest. She knew this might happen, and it was best to let it out now than wait.

"Bumi, take the kids inside so they can eat."

"Mom we already…" Kuvira nudged Nuan's shoulder. "What?"

"Sis…" she motioned to Lin with her eyes, and the twins understood Lin's look.

"Ok yeah let's eat." Nuan was more like Bumi, but Hao was good at reading emotions, though he still had some practice to go. Bumi and Katara took everyone back inside, and once they were out of earshot Tenzin gave his harshest glare.

"How could you not tell me?" Lin glared back; she was not going to be intimidated by him.

"You and I weren't speaking for years, and I sure didn't want you going after Bumi just because we went out. I was still very pissed at you for breaking up with me, and I didn't see any reason to tell you."

"How did you keep it quiet so long? Bumi loves to spread news…"

"Because he was angry at you too, he agreed with me it was not your concern. We didn't plan on getting married or having kids, but it happened, and I'm glad it did."

"You never wanted children." Lin let a tremor move under them, her anger was building up.

"No, I said I wasn't ready for children and you kept pushing and pushing for me to have them. I told you I wanted to wait, but you didn't because of your duty to the world."

"We weren't getting any younger, and I loved you!"

"Obviously not enough." she hissed at him. "You left me the day after Pema told you she was in love with you, and then you had the gall to invite me to your wedding!"

"I was trying to regain our friendship!"

"You severed it when you broke my heart, and I don't care if seeing my kids makes you angry you are NOT going to act like a jealous ex around them."

"Jealous? I am not jealous!" oh did his face get red.

"Then what do you call this now Tenzin? You're certainly acting like it, and I know you've got suspicions so go on and ask. I'd rather get this over with so I can go and see my children." Tenzin took a breath, and his glare became less hard.

"No, I'm sure you're going to tell everyone else about them so I might as well leave it. You've still got a lot to answer for though."

"No I don't, like it or not Tenzin I didn't stay a single, bitter woman like the press believed I would. You can get over yourself, you've got your family and I have mine. Now if you don't mind I'm going inside to warm up." Lin didn't bother waiting for him to respond; she just stormed back towards Katara's hut and joined her family around the table. She sat between her daughters, and they could both feel the tension radiating off her.

"Mom…are you ok?" Nuan asked and Lin hugged her.

"I'm fine sweetie, eat your food." Tenzin walked in a few moments later, though he seemed calm his eyes said differently. The whole table was quiet again for several minutes, and then someone broke the silence.

"Ok so uh…I'm gonna ask and please feel free to answer or not, why doesn't Kuvira look like either of you?" bring in Bolin the moment killer.

"Because I'm adopted." Kuvira answered him, giving him a sharp look. "Dad found me in a village somewhere outside Ba Sing Se when I was six." Bumi laughed.

"She pickpocketed me for some money, poor kid was starving on the streets so I took her back to the ship and gave her a meal."

"After he chased me down, shrieking and shouting like a deranged gorilla-goat." Bumi ruffled her hair. "Dad not the hair!"

"Hush you. I chased her into an alley, and guess what? She earth bent me into the ground, I was up to my shoulders in dirt and I would've dug my way out if she hadn't looked so scared." his smile turned warm. "I could see then she was a street kid, and she looked a lot younger than six so I told her if she let me out I would feed her." he started rubbing her back. "I couldn't just turn her away, and after I took her back to the ship I was given permission to take her back to Republic City."

"And brought her to me." Lin jumped in. "He showed up at my door with this dirty little girl with no shoes, and asked if I could keep her." that got looks. "I agreed after he kept begging me, and a year later I adopted Kuvira."

"That was before we got married, they really bonded after a few hours together. Two days later Lin legally became her foster mother, and I visited as often as I could." Bumi reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a photo, showing a picture of a young Lin holding a much younger Kuvira with Bumi hugging her from behind. All three were smiling, it was a family photo of pure joy. "That was the day Lin signed the adoption papers, best day of her life."

"Wait…so you just took Kuvira from the village? Wouldn't that be considered kidnapping?" Bumi stared at Bolin.

"I worked out a deal with the local police, so it was all good and of course no one came to claim Kuvira after she was fostered." Kuvira looked away, and Lin gently touched her wrist. "Sorry Kuvy." Kuvira shook her head.

"How did you keep her out of the spotlight? I'm sure people would've noticed her because of the name." Pema asked, she was very curious about the situation and she loved stories.

"I had her homeschooled until she was twelve, and then I let her train at the metal-bending academy. My officers kept it quiet; they all adore Kuvira and helped me pull a few strings to keep her identity safe."

"Why though? If she were known as your daughter she would've been…?"

"A target for the triads, it was bad at the time and most of the streets weren't safe. Call me paranoid or overprotective, but it seemed the best choice then." Korra turned to Kuvira.

"So you spent most of your life around adults?"

"Not always, the academy had some kids my age but I didn't really make friends."

"Why not?"

"I didn't get along too well with most of the others, frankly because I was the best in class."

"Best in class nothing, our girl's a prodigy!" Bumi praised. "Teachers were stumped at her intelligence, graduated top of her peers!"

"Dad please…" Kuvira groaned and blushed.

"Let him have his moment Kuvira, best to get it out now than later." Lin winked at her.

"Dad's weird sometimes." Nuan took a bite of noodles.

"He's always weird, it's his nature." Hao got everyone laughing, but Bumi wasn't bothered.

"I wouldn't be me if I wasn't." he winked, and there was more laughter.

"Ok so Kuvira is your adopted daughter, what about the twins?"

"They were a surprise, a very unexpected surprise." Lin looked at her two youngest. "The pregnancy was difficult, so I took an extended sick period with maternity leave and I was on desk duty most of the time. I had someone trusting in my place, and for a while the only things we worried about were minor robberies and vandalism. Even if I wasn't at the station I could work from home." for several moments no one said a word.

"You are one tough lady Aunt Chief." Meelo was awed by Lin's story, even if he didn't completely understand.

"Thanks kid."

"That's my Lin." Bumi winked at her. "Now, since we've gotten most of the story down how's about we finish up and get ready to head back?" Bolin held his hand up.

"Wait…one more question where were you guys the whole time we've been in the city?" he pointed at the kids and Kuvira.

"Traveling with the UF, dad got permission to have us onboard provided we stay out of the way." Kuvira answered. "Two years at sea with occasional stops at ports, and I've never been glad to set foot on land again."

"Hey you didn't have to come along." Nuan pointed at her with her chopsticks.

"Someone had to keep an eye on you two; dad couldn't be there all the time."

"Kids no fussing at the table." Lin put on her stern face, and they backed off. The rest of the meal was quiet, and after everyone was finished Tenzin started getting everyone loaded up onto Oogi. Kuvira was reluctant about flying, but Lin convinced her it would be better than getting on a stuffy boat. The kids said goodbye to Katara, promising to write more and visit when they could.

"Everyone settled?" Tenzin took his spot at the front with Oogi's reins in hand. Everyone nodded, and Tenzin turned back to the front. "Oogi yip yip."

As they took off into the sky, Lin stayed huddled around her family with Bumi on one side holding her and Nuan, and Kuvira and Hao on the other. They stayed close together, but no one saw Lin drift off to sleep, and her kids followed suit. Bumi took a look at them and smiled, adjusting his position so Nuan could be comfortable, and didn't bother trying to hide the happiness in his eyes.

'Together again, and this time forever.'

Well I can tell you now this wasn't easy to write, I must've gone over it a dozen times before I settled on this.

I had to be sure about making the story for why Lin's kids weren't known and that's not easy, and to be clear on some things the kids were kept hidden because of Lin's job, and so she's overprotective of her family. I deaged Kuvira a bit, so she's not much older than Korra, and the twins I had to be careful on their age too.

Next chapter we pick up with Lin returning as chief, and the surprise her kids have will be revealed. Can you guess what it is? Korra and her friends spend a little time with Kuvira, and we'll pick up on book 2.

R&R please!

Later!