A conversation between Mother and Daughter that is much needed, but will it go well?
And how Lin and Bumi are really handling the news of the pregnancy?
Toph had spent the rest of the day and most of the following one spending time with her newest grandchild, as well as her older ones.
She found Haru to be a fascinating mix of how Lin and Bumi were as children. She still couldn't believe that Lin had only spoken good things about her to the young boy. Toph knew that it would've been Lin's right to either never tell Haru about her, or to say she had been a cruel and uncaring mother… The truth was that she cared so much that she had pushed both her daughters away from her as she didn't want to be the one to hurt them or be the reason they got hurt. 'Fat lot of good that did.' She thought to herself. By the time she realized that that had been a mistake, Su was on her way to Gaoling and Lin could barely stand to be in the same room as her.
Toph had left the rest of the extended family to pace in her room as she silently berated herself for all her failings. 'I don't even know how to talk to my own daughter, let alone how I could even begin to tell her about why I did what I did. I always thought there was no point, she hates me anyways… but Haru… Maybe Opal was right, and it isn't too late…' With that thought, Toph stopped her pacing and strode to the door.
She made her way through the hallway, using her memory to guide her to where she had remembered Bumi's room being from when she had spent more time on the Island. She used her one hand to feel the wall to help, as the wooden floors made her blind to her surroundings.
When she got to the door she remembered being Bumi's, she paused for a moment. 'Buck up Beifong, it's Lin not some tigerdillo… on second thought, the tigerdillo would be preferred. No, get this over with.' She knocked before she could change her mind again.
She heard footsteps from the other side of the door and soon the door opened. "Aunt Toph?"
"Hey Boom. I want - no need to speak to Lin."
She could almost hear the thoughts in his head, as he had paused before answering.
"Look, she is asleep right now. It's also not the best time right now for her to be stressed."
"Bumi, I - please?"
Bumi did a double take at hearing Toph Beifong use the word please without it being done sarcastically. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Lin with her eyes open, obviously having been awoken by their voices. He silently questioned what she wanted to be done. Lin just shrugged and moved to sit up a little in a reclined position.
"Alright, but you will need to leave if I think it's too much, got it?"
Toph nodded her head.
"I need you to verbalise that Aunt Toph. Promise that you won't make a fuss if I ask you to leave."
The elder earthbender narrowed her eyes slightly, but conceded. "I promise to leave if you ask me to."
"Alright. Would you like me to guide you to the chair beside the bed?" Bumi asked, knowing Toph never liked people just grabbing her arm and pulling her along when she was cut off from her seismic sense.
"Fine." Toph reached out and placed her hand on Bumi's arm, allowing him to guide her to the chair. She assumed it was placed beside Lin's side of the bed, but she couldn't be sure. Once seated, she fiddled with the edge of her tunic, trying to convince herself to not pull an Aang and cut and run from her issues. She'd done that enough. She now needed to wait and listen, which was her specialty - outside her children.
Bumi went and sat beside Lin's knees, so that he would be able to step in between them if needed.
"So what did you need to talk with me about that was so important?" Lin asked gruffly, arms crossed against her chest. She took silent pleasure in causing her mother to jump, as that was almost impossible to do most of the time.
"Oh, you're awake." Toph said lamely, her mind blanking now on how to proceed.
"Congratulations on figuring that out."
Toph took a moment before asking, "you alright? No one will tell me what happened."
Lin glanced at Bumi. They weren't planning on telling anyone else at the moment, until Kya gave the all clear. "I'm fine, just something from before that is acting up and Kya is monitoring it."
"Good… good… I -uh - met Haru. He's pretty special. I had no idea about him."
"Yeah well, it's not like you've cared to follow up with me over the years. Hell I didn't even know where you were. So there is no one to blame but yourself for that." Lin replied.
Toph casted her eyes down. "I-I'm sorry Lin."
"For what exactly?" Lin asked, her anger rising. 'Now she apologizes? Cause she wants to be in Haru's life? Fat chance. It was one thing telling Haru about his grandmother, thinking he would never meet her… But after the last few days, now I remember exactly why we stopped speaking.'
Bumi placed his hand on her knee, hoping to help calm her anger.
"Look I know I wasn't a good mother, but I am sorry for not being here with everything going on the last few years. I-"
"Get out."
"What? I'm apologising."
"No, you are making excuses. You don't even listen to yourself. The last few years are all you are apologizing for? Well you can take that apology and shove it up your ass. I'm through with half-assed excuses, and non-apologies. If you can't own up to what you have done, I really don't want you in my life. Or my son's life."
"Lin I-"
"No, get out. I'm done."
Toph opened her mouth again, but felt a hand on her shoulder. "That's enough, Aunt Toph. You need to leave now." Toph's shoulders dropped in disappointment, but she for once decided to honour her promise she had made. She would give Lin space, before trying again.
She stood and retraced her steps to the door. She paused with her hand on the door, back towards the others. "I really do know I was a terrible mother to you Lin. And I do regret how I handled so many things. I just hope one day, maybe, I can earn your forgiveness." Toph then exited the room, closing the door behind her.
Lin sank down heavily into the bed beneath her, before rolling onto her side facing away from Bumi. She felt as Bumi sat beside her again and placed a hand on her hip. "Bumi, please. I am not in the mood to talk right now."
"It's okay, Lin." Bumi said, softly, trying to offer a bit of comfort.
"It's really not. You have no idea what I'm feeling right now. I don't even know what I'm really feeling. But it is nowhere near okay." She snapped.
"Lin-" Bumi was at a loss for words, not understanding when her anger shifted to him.
Lin sighed, closing her eyes against sudden, frustrated tears that filled her eyes. "I-I'm not mad at you, or blaming you." She said with a strained voice. "I just - can I be alone for a bit? I'm all over the place at the moment, and I just need a little... time." She paused for a moment, feeling his hand leave her hip, making her feel cold suddenly. "I'm sorry."
"Lin, don't ever apologize for needing a moment to yourself. I'll come by with dinner in a couple hours okay?"
Lin just nodded, eyes still closed. She was relieved that Bumi understood her so well.
Bumi got up and placed a kiss on her head. "I love you Lin." He then walked to the door. Just before exiting, he heard Lin's faint "I love you too."
Once alone, Lin let the tears fall; one of her hands covered her mouth to silence her sobs and the other gripped her hair tightly.
She really didn't know what to feel. She was angry that her mother was finally acknowledging their past, and confused about why now… some part of her was happy about it too, which made her angry at herself for caring. She was also feeling so overwhelmingly scared shitless about being pregnant again. Like getting pregnant once while over 50 was dangerous enough… She was scared of what this meant for the health of the baby, her own health, and if something went wrong… What would happen to her family?
Haru was only just over two-and-a-half years… He wasn't old enough to understand what was going on. And if something happened to her - she shuddered at the thought and tried not to think of her son growing up motherless.
She took a gasping breath trying to get a hold of herself. She felt like she was drowning, with no way out. It felt like her options were have Kya help her end the pregnancy now or wait for the inevitable miscarriage - well she never really considered the first to be an option for her as she couldn't knowingly end her own childs life. She was a big supporter in pro-choice, especially having dealt with so many different situations in her career; but this life, even unplanned, was made from love - she could never make that decision.
After getting her breathing under control, she rolled over to face the window; a hand ghosting over her flat stomach, unable to feel the heartbeat yet as it was too early. A determination started swelling in her, pushing other emotions back a bit. She would do everything she could to make sure she gave this little life every opportunity to survive, even if she died trying. She would just make sure to spend as much time with Haru as possible too, and Bumi… and Mako, Asami, and Bolin. Her family.
Lin looked out the window and for the first time in a long time she prayed; sending a plea to the spirits to protect her family, despite what happened to herself. Afterwards, she fell into a restless sleep, plagued with nightmares.
Bumi came across his brother and sister in Tenzin's office, discussing evacuation plans for the Island and plans for having the Island open after the impending battle as a possible temporary healing centre if needed. The two glanced up and frowned at Bumi's serious expression on his face. It was not often that their brother had this look on their face, as he usually had either a smile or a look of mischief - or worse, both.
"Boom, is everything okay? Is Lin needing me to check on her?" Kya asked, moving to get up.
Bumi just shook his head, and motioned for her to continue sitting. He sat heavily in the chair beside her, opposite Tenzin's desk. "She's fine. Well, maybe that isn't quite the right word, but physically she is fine."
"May I ask what exactly is wrong?" Tenzin asked, almost gently.
Bumi looked up at his younger brother seated across from him. "This doesn't leave the room for now, we aren't ready for others to know yet."
"Of course. Is Lin sick?" Tenzin asked with concern showing on his face.
"She, uh, she's pregnant again."
"What?" He gasped in disbelief, and glanced at Kya, who nodded. The air master cleared his throat, and sat up straighter. "How-how are you both taking it?"
"Well, Lin seems fine one moment, and then she gets quiet and stares off into space. She has spent the rest of the time sleeping. We haven't really spoken much since just after we told her the news. Aunt Toph actually showed up just before I came down, and she surprisingly tried to apologize, but Lin got angry with her." At Kya's concerned look, Bumi held up his hands. "Don't worry I sent her away and she went without a fight, but Lin wanted to be alone afterwards. So here I am."
"That's how Lin is, but how do you feel?" Kya asked, placing her hand on his arm.
Bumi blew out a breath and ran his other hand through his hair. "Honestly, I am terrified. What if something goes wrong? I can't even imagine how Lin will feel if she loses the baby… Or spirits forbid I lose Lin too. Haru is so young… And Lin and I were supposed to get married… and now Kuvira is also threatening us on top of all this… I-" Bumi choked out a strangled sob that escaped, interrupting his disjointed sentences.
Kya immediately drew her brother into a tight hug. Tenzin took a moment to watch with concerned and understanding eyes as his older brother broke down in their sister's arms. He then stood and walked around his desk to wrap his own arms around his older siblings. 'If only Dad could see us now.' Tenzin thought.
Once Bumi calmed down, he gave his younger siblings a small smile of thanks.
"We're here for you, both of you. So lean on us when you need us. I know it is terrifying when your family is in danger, and it never gets easier." Tenzin said, squeezing his hand on Bumi's shoulder.
"And I promise to do my best to keep Lin and the baby as healthy as possible. So far she seems to be taking well to the treatment. We'll get her and the boys off the Island soon. I will most likely either go with them or ensure there is a healer on the other end. I'm going to call Izumi or Uncle Zuko and discuss them hiding out on Ember Island. They'll be safe from Kuvira there."
Bumi just nodded mutely.
Tenzin pulled back slightly, an excited look overcoming his face.
"What are you thinking?" Kya asked, with a small frown on her own face.
Tenzin answered her question with a grin. "We may not be able to control much right now. But there is one thing we could control."
"Care to fill us in, all-mighty Master Tenzin?" Bumi asked, though it lacked his usual charm.
"Why, we can get you married of course. Being head of the Air Nation has its perks. I could have the paperwork drawn up quickly. Feel like getting married tomorrow?"
Bumi and Kya both stared in shock at their brother. While yes, Tenzin had reacted surprisingly well to Bumi's relationship with Lin, they were still surprised at his enthusiasm for the wedding. When Bumi had gone to his brother, asking for advice on proposing to Lin, Tenzin had at first cautioned him that Lin may not want to get married as she had always turned down his own proposals. But, Tenzin also was sure that Lin felt more for Bumi than she ever did for himself, and became one of the couple's biggest supporters. His enthusiasm just sometimes still threw others for a loop.
Bumi sat back and thought over what his brother just suggested. It could work, if Lin felt up to it of course. Most of their family was here right now, and they could do a proper ceremony later where his mother and their Uncle Zuko and his family could attend.
"I will have to ask Lin if that is what she would like. I don't want to force this on her if she doesn't feel up to it with everything else going on."
"Understandable, of course. Just let me know and we can arrange everything." Tenzin said.
"Thank you Tenny." Bumi gave his brother a tired, but fond smile and then turned to his sister, giving her the same smile. "And you too Kya. I don't know what I would do without you both."
Bumi opened the door to their room quietly a couple hours later. Dinner would be in a little bit, but he wanted to bring Lin up some tea. The room was cast in shadows, the only light coming from the half covered window.
He looked over and saw Lin sleeping restlessly with knitted brows. He went and set the cup of tea on the bedside table and sat beside her. He gently brushed his thumb across her brow, hoping to ease the deep frown. At his touch, she stilled from her small movements and her face relaxed. She must have not been deep asleep though, as she soon after blinked her eyes open.
"Hey love. I didn't mean to wake you, but you seemed to be a little restless." He said softly.
Lin leaned into his hand still on her head. "S'okay Bumi. I should be up anyway. Feel like all I have done is sleep."
"I brought you some tea, if you would like some? Dinner is a little late today. It will be another half hour or so."
"Hmm, you always know when I need a cup." She gave him a soft smile. "Help me up?"
He helped her sit up, but before he could reach for the tea, Lin grabbed his hand. He looked at her.
"I'm sorry for how I snapped earlier. To be honest, I am feeling overwhelmed and to be frank, scared shitless. I know you must be feeling the same, and I am sorry for taking it out on you."
"Lin, it's okay. You are right, I do feel the same. But we are strong, especially together." He took their joined hands and placed a kiss on her palm. "I love you Lin. No matter what happens, never doubt that."
Lin felt her eyes grow damp, and she moved her hand to cup his bearded cheek. "I love you too."
Bumi leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips. It was similar to their first one as an official couple back when they found out about Haru. Gentle, but full of promise and love. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against Lin's, his hand cupping her scarred cheek while her own was on his side.
After a few moments of just drawing comfort from each other, Bumi decided it wouldn't hurt to bring up the topic he had discussed with his siblings. "So uh, Tenny brought up something interesting earlier. Actually it was a pretty good idea for him." He said as he pulled back a little.
Lin raised a brow. "You agreeing with Tenzin? Are you feeling okay?"
Bumi just gave her a smirk, happy to see her trying to make a joke. "While we can't control much in the next little while, Tenny suggested we could at least control one thing. He has offered to marry us if we would like to do so before this whole thing with Kuvira. I know it is not what we had talked about, but I was thinking we could do this now and then have a proper ceremony later with Mom and Uncle Zuko and Izumi an-" He was stopped by Lin's hand over his mouth.
"You're rambling again." She said, before letting her hand drop. She was quiet for a little bit before she looked back up at him. "As much as we did not plan for this, it would be nice to have one less thing to worry about right now. I hate to admit it, but I am scared something will happen, and I- I do want to marry you. So let's do it."
"Really?" At Lin's nod, Bumi's face broke out into a beaming smile. "I'll go talk to Tenny then. Oh and Kya will have to have a say in whether you are well enough we could do it outside, or if we'll do it inside. Oh and then there are our outfits, what do you want to wear? What will the kids wear?..."
Lin rolled her eyes fondly and listened to him ramble for the next couple minutes. She was content to focus on this instead of the other issues at hand and because it was making Bumi so happy, which in turn made her happy. She grabbed the cup of tea he had brought and started drinking it, as it was apparent he was going to be going on about this for a little while and she wasn't about to waste good tea.
The next morning, Kya cleared her to do some small walking - mainly downstairs to the couch. But she did say as long as the ceremony was quick, that she would be okay with Lin standing for a short period of time outside.
Bumi was then promptly kicked out of the upstairs level and Kya drew a bath for Lin. Lin had to admit it felt great to be out of the bed and feel clean after a few days of not leaving the bed, especially as she hadn't been able to wash away the grime from the scuffle with Kuvira.
Once out of the tub, Lin was soon after sequestered into Kya's room where a comfortable chair had been moved in so that she could sit as she was helped to get ready for the impromptu wedding. Asami had run to their house in the city and picked out a new dress Lin had gotten last time Asami had dragged her shopping. It was a more traditional style qipao with capped sleeves. The dress was hung on Kya's wardrobe door, the gold accents glinted in the sunlight.
Kya was busy curling Lin's hair with a curling iron while Opal and Su were arguing over what kind of makeup to put on Lin's face.
Lin sent a pleading look to Asami, who nodded with a smirk. "I've got the perfect idea. I even brought some makeup with me. Why don't you two go do yours, I've got Lin."
Su was about to argue, but Opal realized what was happening and dragged her mother to Kya's vanity.
Lin mouthed a thank you to Asami.
"Don't mention it." Asami whispered back. "But I am serious, I did bring some stuff with me. I promise it will be light though."
Lin huffed, but sighed and allowed Asami to start working on her face. She didn't understand the fuss too much. This is just an elopement right now, they'll do the proper ceremony later, so she didn't know why she had to get dolled up today. When she had tried to bring that up, they all told her to shut up and sit down. It wasn't like she was able to threaten them with her bending right now, so she had sat down with her arms crossed, and let them do what they wanted.
She spaced out while they worked on her, but every time her thoughts started drifting into similar negative thoughts of the day before, she pushed them aside. 'I will not ruin this day for Bumi and everyone.'
Finally both Kya and Asami pulled back and looked over each other's work before nodding and smiling at each other. "I think it's my best work yet." Kya said, handing Lin a hand mirror. Asami nodded in agreement.
Lin accepted the mirror and looked into it. She almost didn't recognize herself. Asami really had done a great job in just accentuating what she already had. Her eyelids had a subtle gold shimmer to them, with a thin line eyeliner that had a little wing at the ends which accentuated her eye shape. Her cheeks had a light dusting of blush accentuating her high cheekbones, but it was her lips that caught her attention. Never before had she ever dared to paint her lips red, but Asami had chosen a deep blood red colour. Lin wasn't sure if she was a huge fan herself, but decided to leave it as she did admit it looked nice. She did appreciate how the younger woman hadn't tried to cover her scars.
It was her hair that really caught her attention. Kya had parted her hair on the right side of her head, with the bulk of her hair towards the left side. The right side was braided in tight little rows to just behind her ear where a large round, jade and gold hair pin was placed - a Beifong family heirloom. Her hair hadn't been parted like this in a good 30 years, so it was odd seeing her hair like this again. The hairstyle was similar to how Asami styled hers day-to-day, but the curls were tighter and more sculpted across her face. She had never once had her hair done like this, always opting for a bun or just running a brush through her hair and calling it a day.
"Woah Aunt Lin, you look so beautiful." Opal said from where she had turned from doing her own light makeup.
Lin blushed a little and cleared her throat. "Well don't get used to this, I'm making an exception for today."
"Oh cheer up Miss Grumpy-pants. It's your wedding day. Now, you are going to sit there while we get ready. Then we'll get you into your dress." Kya said. "Just don't mess up your hair or makeup and we won't have a problem."
Lin narrowed her eyes at the waterbender, but huffed again and sat back, watching the others get ready. Pema and her girls came in soon after, bringing tea for everyone, which Lin took hers quickly. She savoured the heat in her cold hands - they really shouldn't be cold as it was the beginning of summer, but ever since the shocking news from the other day, she felt constantly cold. She offered a small smile of thanks to the three.
"Aunt Lin, you look so pretty! I wish I could wear makeup, but Dad has always told me no." Ikki pouted.
"Trust me Ikki, it's not all it's cracked up to be. I'd rather not have any on." Lin said, gruffly. "But, thank you." She said, softening her tone, to which Ikki gave her a smile in return.
"Here Ikki, I have some sheer pink lip gloss you could try." Opal said, beckoning the girl over to her. Jinora tagged along, also interested in trying. Pema allowed Su to sit her down to do her own hair in something different than its usual tucked in style.
Lin just sat back and listened to the others as they got ready. She got lost in her thoughts again. So lost she didn't realize how much time had passed until she was startled when the cup of cold tea was removed from her hands.
"Sorry Lin, I didn't mean to startle you, but it is time to get dressed." Su said. Lin blinked at her sister, before noticing that only Su and Kya were in the room now, and both already had on their own dresses, which were more casual than Lin's, but still nice.
"Oh, right." Lin stood and let the two women guide her closer to where the dress hung. She slipped off the robe she had on and slipped her arms into the dress, which Kya had taken down, unbuttoned, and held open for her. Once on, she deftly did up the buttons that ran from the collar, then down the right side of the qipao. Su handed her the same golden wrist cuffs and earrings she had worn to Jinora's ceremony, and she quickly put them on.
When Kya set a pair of satin flats in front of her, Lin shook her head. "If I'm not allowed to do any bending, I would at least like to feel the earth beneath my feet. I let you doll me up this much, let me have this."
Kya let out a small laugh of amusement. "Alright Linny. Shall we go let Bumi make an honest woman out of you?"
"We're a little late for that. By like 37 years." Lin said, snorting. "And what have I said about calling me Linny?"
"You can't beat me up for the next several months, so what are you gonna do about it?" Kya teased as she started leading them to the door.
Lin glared at the older woman. "I won't forget, if that's what you're thinking. You'll need to watch your back once I'm able to bend again."
Kya just laughed and exited the room. Su had an amused expression on her face, and she grabbed her sister's arm, pulling the older Beifong sister into the hallway.
At the bottom of the stairs, they were met by Mako and Bolin. Mako had on his dress uniform, and Bolin wore the suit he had worn to the Nuktuk Premiere. Lin smiled at seeing her boys dressed up. Su let go of her hand and went to peek out the door to make sure the upcoming walk to Lin's favourite garden on the Island was clear.
When they turned and saw Lin, both of their mouths dropped open. "Woah Mom, you look beautiful." Mako said, once he was able to collect his thoughts.
"Yeah, like so pretty! Sometimes I forget how pretty you can be… Not that you aren't always pretty… You know what, I'm gonna stop right now before I dig myself too far in." Bolin said, blushing and clasping a hand over his own mouth.
"Good idea." Lin said, but she threw him an amused smirk. "Thank you both. Though, Kya and Asami did most of the work." She gestured to her hair and makeup. "You both look quite handsome."
The boys, well young men really, went over and embraced her.
"We figured, if you want that is, we could walk you down the aisle." Mako said, only managing to stumble a little over his words.
Lin pulled back and squeezed lightly on both of their upper arms, trying to ignore the slight watering of her eyes. "I would love that. Thank you."
Bolin turned and dramatically held his arm out to her. "My lady."
Lin smirked at his goofiness, but placed her arm around his. Once they were outside, Lin placed her other arm through Mako's. They followed Su, and before she knew it she could make Bumi out under a tall tree in the middle of the garden, Haru in Kya's arms beside her eldest brother, and Tenzin on Bumi's other side. Su made her way up to stand opposite Kya on Lin's side, where Asami was already standing.
Lin felt her breath leave her as she locked eyes with Bumi. She barely noticed the walk between all of their present family and friends. It was only when they reached the front and both Mako and Bolin leant down and placed a kiss each on her cheeks that she was torn from Bumi's blue eyes. She gave the boys each a smile, and Mako took his spot beside Asami, while Bolin stood beside Kya, quickly taking Haru into his arms when he leaned over from his Aunt's arms.
Bumi held out his hands to Lin, and she took them as she stepped forward to stand across from him in front of Tenzin. Now that she was closer, she saw how watery Bumi's bright blue eyes were, making hers well up a little too. She could feel that his heart was beating a mile a minute, and hers felt like it was matching his.
"You look stunning, my love." Bumi whispered, a beaming smile on his face, and in that moment, Lin really felt like she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
"You look amazing too, love." Lin replied equally quietly. And he did. He had his own dress uniform from the United Forces on, and she had to be honest -with herself at least- that the look made her knees weak every time he wore it.
They both vaguely heard Tenzin start addressing everyone and beginning the ceremony, but they only had eyes for each other. Bumi tightened his hands around Lin's smaller ones.
"... Both Bumi and Lin have decided they will speak their own vows today, pledging their physical and spiritual bodies to one another. Bumi if you will." Tenzin said, drawing Bumi's attention.
"Linny, my love, I can't even begin to express how happy you make me. I don't remember a time in my life since you entered it where I didn't love you. Obviously that love has shifted over the years, but the intensity has never changed. I love the little family we have created over the last few years, and I look forward to watching it grow and evolve as we move forward, with you by my side. I promise to be there by your side, to comfort, cherish, and support you until our time comes. I look forward to growing old with you - well older with you." He grinned cheekily with that, and they heard chuckles come from everyone. "But most of all, I promise to love you every day with every fiber of my being now and well into the spirit world."
Lin felt tears drip down her face, and she grasped Bumi's hands tighter.
"Bumi-" her voice cracked, and she cleared her throat before trying again. "Bumi, I have always loved you as well. You were always there when I was young, picking me up if I tripped, or letting me practise burying people in the ground. These last few years have been the happiest of my life. You took a bitter shell of a woman and made me feel new again. You have shown me that it is okay to be vulnerable, and to let people in again. Without you, I would still be alone, still running the police force with a tight fist. Without you I wouldn't have our little family that means everything to me now." She took a deep breath. "I promise to always try to be understanding, to be your support when you need me to be, to laugh at your corny jokes and listen to your wild stories. I promise to also continue to love you for all our living days and for eternity beyond that. I love you."
Bumi, with tears streaming down his face, took one of his hands and cupped her cheek. He then pulled her in for a kiss.
"Hey, we haven't got to that part yet." Tenzin called out, before having to tap on Bumi's shoulder when he was ignored. The crowd chuckled at Bumi's actions. When they pulled away, Tenzin just smiled at them with a knowing grin. "I believe you both have rings to exchange?"
Bumi pulled out a dainty gold band that matched with her current ring, just missing the piece of jade that her engagement one had. He slipped it on her hand to join the other, then lifted it to his mouth to kiss her hand where the rings laid.
Lin turned slightly to accept the gold band from Su. She had taken a strand of gold that matched with her own engagement band, and weaved it together with a strand of white gold. She slipped the ring onto his left hand's ring finger, then followed his lead and brought it to her lips to place a kiss upon it.
"It is my pleasure as both head of the Air Nation, but especially as Bumi's brother to introduce Lin and Bumi Beifong. You may kiss your bride now."
Bumi grinned at his brother before pulling Lin to him and dipping her back a little, giving her a passionate, albeit dramatic, kiss. When he pulled them both up and they parted he grinned at the dazed look on Lin's face.
She was snapped out of her daze when everyone clapped and some whistled. Bum-Ju flitted around them excitedly, before landing on Bolin's shoulder to be with Haru. Lin blushed, but had a smile on her face nonetheless.
They headed to the dining hall where Lin sat with relief on a cushion. Bumi sat beside her, his arm going around her waist. Everyone tucked into their early dinner, chatting lively. Lin ate more than she had in the last couple days, but when she was finished, exhaustion seeped in. She supposed this proved Kya's point about bedrest. She was content though to lean her head on Bumi's shoulder, listening to everyone talking and laughing. It was a good distraction from the turmoil and uncertainty of the last few days, and it seemed like everyone else was also taking advantage of the break from their own stress of the upcoming confrontation. She had noticed that her mother had been at the ceremony and again at dinner, but even her mother couldn't change her mood this afternoon.
That night, Lin laid in bed, Haru cuddled up to her front already asleep. Bumi climbed onto the bed behind her, snuggling up to her back.
"I'm sorry this isn't a more exciting wedding night." She whispered, head turned back to him.
"I think it's perfect just the way it is." Bumi replied, also whispering. He leaned down and gave her a kiss, before tucking her head under his chin. His arm came and wrapped across her, with his hand resting over hers on Haru's back, fingers entwined. "I love you."
"I love you, too." She replied, before drifting off to sleep.
A/N:
Another big surprise. Honestly, not where I thought the chapter would go, but I thought that it fit.
Qipao - Also known as a Cheongsam which became popular in the 1920's-40's in China. It is still popular today.
Also, I drew my own fanart for what Lin looks like all dressed up, so check out my AO3 account on Chapter 23 (it's at the end) or head to my deviantArt account emeraldroses394 is my username
