A shiver ran up her spine, despite the glowing water merely hovering over her stomach. Warmth began to pool deep in her muscles, starting from below her belly button and soon travelled to her chest. The gentle current of energy flowed back and forth as gentle as calm seas rocking one to sleep. Her eyes slowly felt a heaviness looming, coaxing her to give in to the slumber. But another slight zing right below her belly button immediately jolted her out of the spell.

"I'm done. You can sit up now."

She sat up immediately, searching in the blue eyes for an answer. There was…a very restrained look on the healer's face that Lin could barely analyze. Eventually, a small smile began to crack at the corner of her lips, but not enough to determine if it was relief, joy, or a mask to devastating news. "Aunt Katara, is everything…okay?"

The older woman nodded slowly. "Yes, everything is fine."

"But if everything is fine, then why am I suddenly so sensitive to food and throwing up every other day? I have these ridiculous headaches almost all day long and my body aches. I'm completely exhausted, even with a full night of rest! I need three naps a day to function and that's unacceptable in my line of work! And when I—oh…" Lin clapped a hand over her mouth as a familiar sensation began to curl in the pit of her belly, threatening to force its way out without any regard.

Katara gently touched her back. "Lin, sweetie, are you okay?"

"I think I—mm—"

"Don't run, Lin! You'll trip and fall!"

Lin could barely make out what Katara just told her, but it didn't matter. She needed to find a bush NOW and thankfully, it wasn't too far away. At the sight of the first bush, Lin bent over and allowed the wave of nausea to purge any contents her body deemed unnecessary for nourishment. She held her hair back and tears welled up as the neverending feeling of sickness took control of her…yet again.

When it was finally over, Lin lifted her hand to wipe at the corner of her mouth, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Turning, Katara held out a small wet cloth and a bowl of water. "Let's go back inside," she said gently, rubbing soothing circles against LIn's back. Like a child, Lin followed willingly to the safety of a private room.

She inhaled the second bowl of water offered to her, savoring the chill coating the back of her throat. "Thanks, Aunt," she croaked.

"You're welcome, dear."

"I'm so sorry, I don't know what's wrong with me."

"There's nothing to apologize for."

"But still, I don't understand, Aunt Katara."

"There's nothing wrong with you, Lin."

"If nothing's wrong, then why do I feel like a mess?"

"Because you're with child."

Lin's grasp on the bowl faltered and it fell on her lap, but she caught it before it could crash into pieces on the floor. "I'm…I'm…"

"With child," Katara repeated, gently. She reached out and took the bowl from Lin.

Lin swallowed hard. "How long?" her voice broke out, barely above a whisper.

"Around nine weeks," the healer answered. "He or she will probably arrive in the late fall or early winter."

"I see…"

"Lin, sweetie."The loving touch of a healer, a friend, a master, a mother immediately broke through to Lin. Even with a small smile, the earthbender could see the pure joy and happiness in Katara's sapphire blue eyes. "I know this is a lot for you right now and I want you to know that every single emotion running through your mind is normal and valid. You are safe and supported here, and you're welcome to speak with me whenever you're ready."

Is it these stupid hormones pushing tears to the brim again? Mentally, she bent walls to contain any semblance of emotion from being unleashed, but the task was proving to be a challenge—a rock determined to withstand the powerful currents of a river. Lin sniffed and rested her other hand over Katara's. "Thank you, Katara. Can you…may I come and visit in a few days?"

"Of course you may, Lin. You're family." Noticing a couple of stray tears falling from emerald eyes, Katara passed along a handkerchief to Lin.

"Is the baby healthy?" Lin's voice was so quiet, even she was unsure whether she verbalized her concern or if it was thrown around in the caverns of her mind.

"Yes," Katara confirmed. "Your baby is healthy."

With that, Lin allowed the emotions to crash through the barriers and the tears to flow freely in the loving embrace of a mother.

"Come on, Airhead, you're late." Strange enough, the salty air from the brackish waters were helpful in easing the periodic nausea. Even the gentle crashing of waves and cool waters kissing the sand was an excellent stimulation for emotional relaxation. Lin made a mental note of this for the upcoming months and the future—wait! Did she just imply that there could be a future with another pregnancy? "Slow down, Captain Beifong. Let's handle this one first, shall we?"

She dug her bare feet deeper into the cool sands and relished in the natural vibrations of the earth. A sense of comfort resonated into her bones as she listened. The earth must have also recognized the new source of life nestled safely in her womb because the vibrations were different.

Instead of a soundwave-like rhythm pounding beneath her feet, she felt a different one.

Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

"I can't run from this, can I?" she asked aloud, and the firm breeze against her face felt like a confirmation from the universe. Occasionally, the water would find its way around her ankles, some of it successful in touching the rolled edges of her pants. Lin didn't care that the fabric clung to her skin or that a few grains of sand managed to get caught in it, too. Hours ago, she found out she was pregnant with Tenzin's child. Tenzin's child. Their child. Her hand instinctively, yet hesitantly touched her stomach to sense the life growing within.

She couldn't feel anything, but was that because of the blizzard of emotions crashing around her psyche or a skeptical voice trying to deny the truth? If she could feel nothing, would that change the fact that she is pregnant? "Flameo," she muttered under her breath as a chill breeze interrupted her thoughts. "I have no idea what I'm doing—oh no…spirits, get it together, Beifong. You are not going to cry for the hundredth time today."

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale.

That's the spirit. Lin centered on the heartbeat resonating from within the earth and synchronized her breaths to that soothing rhythm. She closed her eyes to fade out any visual distractions and ground herself more quickly. Somehow, an overwhelming feeling of peace rooted itself from her feet and began to work its way up to her. A reunification with her mother element.

Although she was an earthbender by nature, she rarely walked barefoot. In Republic City, the risk of injuries to bare feet are higher. Lin wondered how her mother handled running around the city without shoes and with hardly a scratch to her soles. If Lin tried to pull that, she'd have to bend her boots on after a fifteen minute patrol. She realized the modern landscape made it very easy to decrease the natural connection between an earthbender and land. Perhaps she could speak with the council about implementing more nature within the central city infrastructure. 'That's a conversation for another day.'

Intuitively, Lin could sense that the air around her shifting. As she stepped out of her meditative state, she was met with familiar red-orange robes approaching.

"Hi love, sorry I'm late. I mi—oh!" His eyes widened at the sudden crashing of soft pouty lips claiming his. The intense passion in that kiss was enough to coax him into closing eyes and enjoying the moment. A lopsided almost goofy smile emerged on his face as they parted. "Wow—I—that, just—wow," he gasped, eyes still in a delirious haze.

Before he could catch a glimpse at the emotions burning in her eyes, Lin pulled him close and buried her face into his neck. "I love you so much," she murmured softly into him. He was so incredibly warm and strong in a moment where she barely felt grounded.

"I love you, too." His hands trailed up and down her back, and he pulled away to softly peck her lips. As his grey eyes met green ones, his eyebrows furrowed. Tenzin immediately cupped her face, thumbs caressing over the half-dried trail of tears streaming from the corners of her eyes. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"It's been a long day," Lin sniffled, attempting to put on a convincing smile.

Tenzin reached for her hands. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"Um…watch the sunset with me first," she answered, turning in his arms so that her back rested against his chest. He surrendered to the order and wrapped his arms protectively around her. Lin froze when she felt his hands slithering around her abdomen and she almost jumped out of his touch. But then, he rested his cheek against her head and Lin felt the exhale against her back.

'Does he know? No, Katara wouldn't say something before me.'

Spirits, how was she going to tell him? More importantly, how was he going to react? Actually no, how is she going to feel the moment he reacts to the news? Tenzin genuinely wants children and she…was more resistant to the idea for a number of reasons. 'I have so many issues to deal with, how am I going to provide our child with the love and support they need to be a decent person?'

Oh.

'Our child.'

Lin repeated that sentence again mentally as a new sentiment and flavor to the statement began to manifest. This child is a product of love between her and Tenzin. Some part of her felt intimidation and dare she say, fear as the new reality began to weigh more heavily. 'Our child…' Yet, that incessant phrase brought a small smile at the corners of her lips and she rested her hands over his, which continued to protect their baby. Unbeknownst to the love of her life.

"It's beautiful." The vibrations in his voice sent an exhilarating shiver down her spine and she longed to feel it again.

"Hm?"

He shifted slightly, resting his chin against her shoulder. "The sunset. It's breathtaking. Just like you," he added, pressing a soft kiss to her hair.

Lin's breath hitched slightly as she finally took notice of the sky. A vibrant palette of orange, pinks, purples, and passion reds painted the sky. The colors had an unspoken depth and she wondered if Tenzin took her flying, she could reach out and touch those same hues with her fingertips. She could feel the sky as naturally as she could feel the earth beneath her feet. What a coincidence that such a magnificent scene of nature would present itself on a day with life-changing news.

"Yes, it is beautiful," she murmured as the slivers of dusk melted against her skin, tracing the scars on her cheek.

"Lin." Without rushing, Tenzin turned her to face him. He cupped her face and tucked away a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Tell me what's on your mind."

'Spirits, he's so gentle and he doesn't even know that I'm a hot mess. It's kind of hot right now, I want to—no, focus, Beifong. Get a grip on yourself.'

"Tenzin," she started, immediately melting beneath the concerned gaze. Why did he have to do that to her at this moment? Can't he just turn around? But then again, that would be awkward and she wouldn't be able to read him the moment his airhead brain could process it.

"Yes, love?"

"Stop seducing me."

"You—what? I'm not trying to—"

"You are and I'm trying to be serious right now!"

"Me too! But I'm not doing anything?"

"Yes you are. You're trying to seduce me with those lovey dovey eyes so you can distract me into telling you what's been going on!"

"That doesn't make any sense." Tenzin cocked his head aside and gave her a confused look. "I'm just trying to support you and listen to what you want to say."

Damn it, here it comes again. Lin blinked hard before any salt water had the opportunity to trickle down. "Why?" She didn't mean to ask that, she just needed a buffer to keep herself on her toes. Unlike the airhead here.

"Because I love you."

Blink. Trickle.

"Lin…"

She avoided his gaze at the tenderness in his voice. "I'm scared, Tenzin. Really scared," she revealed quietly, almost hiccuping as the secret slowly began to emerge.

"Of what?"

"Of everything."

"What do you mean? Whatever it is, I'm right here with you to face it."

"I…"

"What is making you scared, Lin?"

Time to stop running. Time to face it head-on like an earthbender. Yes, she is Captain Lin Beifong, daughter of Toph Beifong. She is an earthbender and a damn good one. Lin would not crack or break under any condition, and whatever happened next, she would still hold her head high and proud.

"I'm pregnant."

Blink. Blink.

"Tenzin? Did you hear me?"

Slowly and with uncertainty, Tenzin asked, "We're having a baby?"

"Yes," she confirmed, weight shifting from one leg to another.

Tears welled up and a grin curled on his face. Tenzin pulled Lin until she was pressed against his body, fingers finding their way to tenderly wipe away the new tears from emerald irises. "We're having a baby?"

"Yes, you airhead," Lin repeated, the annoyance not as strong as she would have liked. "We're hav—"

She barely had any strength to push him away, immediately melting into the kiss and surrendering to the moment. A gust of wind swirled around them, urging her closer to him and she complied. For a moment, she couldn't feel the ground beneath her feet and she wondered if he was sweeping her off his feet without even knowing it. His warmth, the excited beating of his heart pounding against hers, the way his kiss stole her breath away, and the safety of being in his arms…all of that was enough to erase all of her fears, even if only for a moment.

Recognizing she needed air, Tenzin pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "We're having a baby," he breathed, the smile in his voice tickling her face.

Lin nodded meekly.

"When did you find out?"

"This morning," she revealed quietly, "I saw your mother."

"How long have you been pregnant?"

"Around nine weeks."

"Nine weeks…" he repeated softly, grey eyes sparkling with a newfound sense of awe as it scanned Lin's abdomen. His hand hovered over her abdomen almost as if he were afraid that the slightest touch would crack her like glass. "A-and the baby's healthy? There's nothing wrong, right? Mother would have told you? How are you feeling? Do you want me to fetch anything for y—"

"Baby's healthy, yes," Lin said, neutrally.

"How do you feel, Lin?"

"I already told you."

Studying her face, Tenzin turned aside and pulled her along with him. "Let's sit down," he suggested, guiding them near a dry patch of sand and black coral rocks. He settled Lin between his legs but sideways so that her legs draped across his left leg. "Are you comfortable?"

Nodding, Lin reached for his hand and interlocked their fingers. "I'm not unhappy, just so you know…"

"I'm scared too, Lin," the airbender confessed and Lin whipped her head to look at him. Now this was new.

"You look pretty happy to me," she responded, still taken aback at a confession which challenged the enthusiasm and joy Tenzin expressed minutes ago.

He shrugged. "I am very happy, especially because I have the honor to be on this journey with you. However, this is something new for both of us. We don't know anything on how to be parents. Caring for a life," he peered down at her stomach momentarily, "and being responsible for a child is extremely daunting. It won't be easy, but I know that we can both do it together. We can face it head-on together."

Lin's face fell slightly and she shook her head. "It's not just that, Tenzin. I'm afraid of so much more."

"What are you afraid of, love?" he asked gently, closely observing the uncertainty in her eyes and how tightly she gripped his hand.

"That…I can't give them enough." Her throat began to tighten, voice cracking slightly at the admission. "I'm afraid that I can't give our child the love they deserve. Even if I try to give them everything I possibly can, what if it's not enough? You know what my job is like. What if I can't keep them safe? What if instead of trying to avoid the mistakes mom made with me, I just end up passing all my issues down to this child? I don't want them to have the type of relationship I have with mom." By now, a fresh stream of tears began running down her face and wiped at it with the back of her free hand. "Or with Su…"

"Lin…" Embarrassment began to swell in her chest. Even if Tenzin is the only one she's fully comfortable being vulnerable with, she could hardly imagine how pathetic and pitiful she looked. Also, the fact that she could barely manage to fully express all of her fears and doubts coherently (without crying) became enough to convince herself that Tenzin would just brush off her words. But instead, his fingers lifted her chin so she could meet his eyes—nothing but love and…sadness? Worry? "You are more than enough. You are everything anyone could ever ask for in a sister, friend, colleague, wife, and a mother. Lin, for you to recognize how your own fears and doubts could affect our child already shows that you're more than capable of providing our child with everything they will need. You are already a step ahead of most. The insecurities you're facing are completely understandable. Making mistakes is inevitable as parents and we'll certainly have those. But that doesn't mean you'll be a terrible mother. You are not defined by the past."

"But I couldn't keep Su—"

"You're not her mother, Lin." That line hit something in her and she didn't know if it was relief, validation, indignation, or a combination of it all. "You did your best to guide her as her older sister. The outcome is not what you wanted, but she also has free will. She could have made different choices. You did not fail her, Lin. You are not a failure," Tenzin assured firmly, never once tearing his gaze away from hers.

A soft cry threatened to bubble from her throat, but Lin bit down the threat and wrapped her arms around Tenzin's neck. She nestled her cheek into the crook of his neck, tightening her grip on him as she felt warm hands around her waist. "Thank you, Tenzin," she murmured into his shoulder.

He chuckled softly. "For what, love?"

"I think I needed to hear that."

"I have so much to say about how perfect you are. I could go on for years, perhaps fill lifetimes explaining to the world the divine being you are and how I'm luckiest man to—" Although he was the airbender, the intensity of her lips pressed against his and how her body nestled perfectly along the robed contours of his frame were enough to suffocate him in a delicious haze. He could remain in this moment for the rest of his life until his final moments. But such a magical moment ended as quickly as it started.

"You talk too much, airhead." She smirked and pressed a light kiss to his nose. "And you come up with the most ridiculous things."

"That's my brother's job," came his grumble. "I'm merely stating facts. The universe blessed me with the most beautiful soul and I will gladly, willingly, spend the rest of my life showing you how true that is."

Lin clicked her tongue. "You sap."

"Only for you."

"Airhead." As if a fresh current of confidence surged through her veins, Lin guided Tenzin's hand and gently placed it on her abdomen. The look of pure surprise and curiosity was priceless and she wished she had a camera to capture it. If she looked closely, he was probably blushing and processing the hurricane of thoughts swirling in his mind right now. "We're having a baby, Tenzin."

"We're going to be parents…" He kept saying "we" and his word selection added an extra layer of security and warmth in her heart. Not once did he say, "you're having a baby" or "I'm going to be a father." Lin made a mental note of the extra points he silently scored.

"Tenz—what—you already got me pregnant. What are you doing?" Lin tried to shove his wandering hand away as he brushed across her stomach.

"I want to feel the baby."

"There's no bump."

"It doesn't mean there's no baby there. Can I please see?" He gave her his best impression of Aang's pleading eyes.

Lin sighed. "You're ridiculous, Twinkletoes," she mumbled, leaning back and pulling up a part of her tunic to expose her abdomen. There was a very slight curve, but not enough to immediately signal her pregnancy to a stranger.

Tenzin reached out once more and tenderly laid his entire palm below Lin's belly button. He secretly wished he had been gifted with seismic sense to acquire a deeper sense of his child—their child. Carefully, he leaned down to plant a kiss at the exposed flesh above the hem of her pants. "Hi baby, I'm your father."

"They can't hear you," Lin informed him amusedly.

Tenzin waved a dismissive hand at her. "There's still a child in here. Anyway, um…oh, I don't know what else to say."

"You don't need to say anything else."

"I have so much to say, but I don't know what."

"Well, hurry up, so I can fix my clothes."

Before she adjusted her tunic to its original state, Tenzin gave another gentle kiss along her stomach and a pat. "I love you," he muttered to her belly and then looked at Lin. "I love you, too," he added with a kiss.

Although they had only scratched the surface of her fears, a huge weight was lifted from Lin's shoulders. There was still more to address because where's the fun in having a child if your life is absolute picture perfect? But beneath the shadows of her fears laid a resistant and stubborn feeling of hope and determination. The joy and excitement from Tenzin penetrated through the darkness and touched something beautiful within her.

'I still don't know how I feel, Tenzin. There's so much pressure from everyone. But maybe becoming a mother won't be so bad…because I have you.'