Follows the events of Part 2 and Part 3 of Turf Wars
See how Lin, Bumi, and their family handle everything throughout the month.
A/N: This chapter is way longer than usual as there was just so much to get through and I didn't want this to be two chapters. So enjoy the extra length this time ;) Probably won't happen to this extent again.
A week after their return from the South Pole, Lin and Bumi were in the living room relaxing. Haru had been put to bed hours ago, and the two parents were enjoying their alone time. Though after many yawns from Lin, Bumi decided they should turn themselves in for the evening.
He stood and held his hand out to her. "Here love." He helped her off the couch and gently nudged her in the direction of the stairs. "You head up, I'll make sure everything is locked up down here."
Lin didn't put up any resistance, and slowly made her way up the stairs. She was in the middle of turning down the bedding when the house shook a little. She frowned and as quickly as she could, went and checked on Haru. She was relieved when he was still sleeping, arms splayed like usual.
She made her way to the top of the stairs. "Bumi?" She called down.
He came to the bottom of the stairs and quickly made his way up. "Are you okay? What was that?"
"I was about to ask you. Haru's still sleeping." Lin replied. "I'll just make sure it isn't anyone outside the house." She slammed her foot down on the stone floor, but felt nothing but a cat down the street, a bird on the roof, and Mochi asleep in her stall outback. "Nothing. Maybe it is something further in the City. An explosion of some sort." She headed towards her office and entered. She sat on her chair and turned on the police standard radio.
It buzzed to life as Bumi entered the room.
-10-80 at the docks, need Fire and Paramedics. 444 Officers down, I repeat officers down.-
-10-4. Fire on route. Paramedics on route. Is Chief Saikhan on location still?-
-...Affirmative. Chief is on location. Operation was a trap….. Hold on, Fire no longer needed. Detective Mako was able to contain fire. Paramedics still needed. Minor injuries.-
-10-4.-
Lin turned the radio down a bit, enough to hear if anything more came through than just minor details. She hadn't realized she had tightened her hand into a fist until Bumi placed his hand on hers.
"The boys will be fine. You heard the officer. Only minor injuries, and we don't even know if it is them."
"I know Mako. He would have tried to contain the blast from hitting everyone." Lin said, voice tight with emotion. "Nevermind the fact that he is already injured. He shouldn't be going to active scenes like that in his state."
Bumi moved his hands to her shoulders and started to massage the tension from them. "He sounds like someone else I know and love."
Lin grunted, not wanting to admit he was right. "You're just as bad Commander."
He didn't deny it, just continued to move his hands across her shoulders to her neck. She let out a sigh as her head fell forward a little.
After a few moments, and the relative quiet of the radio, Bumi spoke up softly. "Linny, why don't we head to bed, there is not much we can do till morning. You heard the officer, there were only minor injuries. The boys are fine, and we can check on them first thing in the morning."
"But-"
"There is nothing we can do right now. You need to think of this little one right now." He said, placing a hand on her bump. "You know both Mako and Bolin would rather you take care of their sister right now than them. Especially when they are fine."
Lin gave up on trying to argue further, which she may have done if it wasn't nearing midnight. "Fine." She grumped. "But I doubt I'll sleep much."
She was wrong, she slept through to 8am. She stormed downstairs, finding Bumi and Haru playing in the living room.
"Why didn't you wake me sooner? The boys-"
"We're fine, Mom."
Lin turned and saw them in the doorway to the kitchen, both holding a mug of tea.
"What were you thinking last night, going out to a raid with an injured arm?" Lin demanded as she moved over to the two young men.
"I lead the Triad Taskforce, I can't just not be there when my team is going in. I'm sure you understand better than most would." He replied calmly, before taking a sip of his tea.
Lin narrowed her eyes at him and clenched her jaw. After a moment, she brushed past the two and went into the kitchen. She started making breakfast and ignored the stares of the startled boys. The logical part of her knew that Mako nor Bolin had done nothing more than what she would have in his position, but the pregnancy hormone riddled side of her couldn't shake the fear, anger, and frustration she felt at their close call.
It was early afternoon now, and Lin had finally calmed enough to be able to sit and relax a little. She had cleaned most of the house in her need to work through her intense feelings. Bumi had stayed back, but was always close by, making sure she didn't push herself too hard or that she ate and drank.
She sighed as she sipped her cup of tea, relaxing on the couch with her feet up to help her swollen ankles. The telephone rang, and she left it to Bumi to answer. But after the fourth ring, she remembered he was outside with Haru grooming Mochi. She sighed before pushing herself up and answering the phone.
"What?" She answered with a touch of grouchiness. A day of cleaning was not something her body was happy with her for.
"Oh, sorry Lin, I didn't mean to catch you at a bad time."
"Asami? Sorry, no, I'm fine. Well, my body hates me right now, but what else is new?" She replied, in a slightly better mood. "What's up kid?"
"I… I just wanted to talk for a few minutes… I finally asked Korra to dinner tonight. I'm taking her to Fan's Dumplings for 8."
Lin smiled at hearing the happiness and excitement in Asami's voice. "I'm glad. I'm sure you both will have a lovely time. Fan's is a good choice. Dressier than Narook's but not as fancy as Kwong's."
"You think so? I hope she likes it… I just want tonight to be perfect." Came Asami's anxious voice.
"It will all go well. A couple hiccups sometimes make for great memories, so don't stress if something minor goes wrong. It's Korra, you've already seen each other at your worst."
There was a small sniffle from the other end. "Thank you, Lin. I… It was nice being able to talk this out with you."
"Any time, Asami."
"I have to run. Got another meeting soon, but I'll call tomorrow and let you know how it went."
"I look forward to it. Enjoying your evening."
The three Beifong's were sleeping in their beds when a knock came from the front door in the early morning.
Bumi grumbled as he stood to put on clothes over his boxers. Lin shifted a little, before placing her hand on the stone headboard. She frowned when she recognized the heartbeats.
"It's Mako, Bolin, and… Korra." Lin quickly stood and threw a robe over her nightgown before following Bumi downstairs.
As soon as they saw the young adults' faces, they knew something was wrong. Lin grasped Bumi's arm as the five of them stood in the entrance hall. "Where's Asami?"
Korra scowled, but her eyes showed silent terror. "Asami never showed up for our date. We went by her jobsite and found the place ransacked. We thought it may have been the Creeping Crystal's as Jargola had visited Asami this morning, but she wasn't at their lair. Then Saikhan called saying the Police Depot just outside of town was being attacked." Korra gripped her shorter hair in frustration. "Turns out the Triple Threats were ones attacking and stealing tanks and mecha suits. They- they also have Asami!"
Lin felt like she had been suckerpunched. Bumi quickly wrapped his arm around her to support her when he felt her sway a little.
"Let's go sit and we'll talk things through." Bumi said, his voice sounding thick with trying to keep his own emotions back so that he could be strong for the other four. He guided them all to the dining room and after helping Lin to a chair, he went and started a pot of tea.
Meanwhile, Lin was able to get a grasp, mostly, on her emotions. She hid them behind the wall she used to hide behind for so long; her 'Chief' mask slipping onto her face.
"Tell me everything you know." She said, looking at Mako.
Mako nodded once, understanding immediately what was happening. He succinctly gave all the important events and knowledge he had.
"Has Saikhan been notified of both Wonyong Keum and Asami?" Lin asked, as Bumi placed a cup of tea in front of her.
"Yes, we notified him after the Triple Threats escaped with all the machinery. We'll be meeting at dawn to start going over known locations and go over what we know." Mako answered.
Lin felt Bumi's hand on her thigh and she moved her own to grip his tightly.
"It's all my fault." Korra's voice rang out as she grabbed her hair again. "If I hadn't kept the Spirit Portal's open, then Zaheer wouldn't have become an airbender, and the Earth Queen wouldn't have been killed. Kuvira wouldn't have attacked the City and the new Spirit Portal wouldn't be here… Tokuga wouldn't be half human, half spirit… Asami-" her voice broke a little. "Asami would be here."
Lin reached over and placed a hand on the distraught young woman's shoulder. "Asami is strong and one of the smartest people I know. There has to be more of a reason why they would take her, and Keum too. They'll get out of this. I wish I could be with you when you meet up later."
"You think the Triple Threats are planning something big and using them to help them?" Bolin asked.
Lin gave a sharp nod. "The way the triads have all been at each other lately in their Turf War, I think that they are planning to win the War with something that requires more brains than most of them have all together."
Everyone pondered that for a few moments, the silence deafening.
"I know it is pointless to ask you to try and get some rest, so I will make some coffee and something to eat." Bumi said, giving Lin's thigh a squeeze, before he removed his hand and made his way to the kitchen.
Lin kept an anxious vigil near the police scanner in her office all morning. She also had the radio on too, listening to the news. Bumi kept her supplied with tea and snacks, and made sure she was comfortable. He was thankful Pema had taken Haru to the Island to be with Rohan for the day. They had all been worried about what may happen in the City both with the Triple Threats and what was happening between the Air Nation and the United Forces - under the advisement of President Raiko.
"So far the only news is that Zhu Li has put her hat in the presidential race." Lin grumbled when Bumi came back into the room with a fresh tray of tea and fruit.
"She's got a good head on her shoulders."
"You need one, dealing with Varrick day-in and day-out." Lin sighed as Bumi started massaging her neck and shoulders.
"You really should lay down love. You barely got any sleep last night. It's not good for you or the baby."
"I know Bumi, but I doubt I will be able to until I hear something."
Bumi kissed her head and continued his ministrations.
It was about an hour later when the radio started buzzing with activity. Lin turned the volume dial up to hear better.
"Developing news at the location of the City's Spirit Portal. President Raiko has arrived with General Iroh of the United Forces and looks to be giving orders for the airbenders to leave. Looks like Tenzin is refusing the demands. Wait, are those waterbenders? Oh… The President has decided to use waterbenders to hose water onto the airbenders in hopes it will force them- hold on… walls are falling from the enclosure… is that? It is Presidential Candidate Zhu Li Moon. Looks like she is leading a group of men, women, and children in a protest march. They are coming to stand with the airbenders. Stay tuned as we look into what is happening." Shiro Shinobi's voice came to an end, and light music started playing.
"That idiot… and dragging Iroh into this mess… and our nieces and nephew are with Tenzin out there getting sprayed with water… he makes me sick."
"Lin, you need to stay calm. Please, take a deep breath. With all those people there now, Raiko cannot proceed the way he has."
Lin tried taking calming breaths, but was finding it difficult.
The music abruptly stopped and the radio crackled as it switched to a live feed. "This just in, there is a large airship circling the Spirit Portal. Hold on, it sounds like the airship is sending out a message, we will try and get the signal for you viewers at home."
The radio made a couple low-pitched screeching sounds before a different man's voice came on the line. It was a little tinny sounding, but you could still make out what he was saying.
"-dent Raiko and Avatar Korra have failed this city. The spirit portal stands not as a symbol of hope, but as a harbinger of destruction. That's why I'm stepping in. I will make sure this once-great metropolis rises again, and becomes the most dominant power in the world. Starting immediately, the President and the Avatar will answer to me.
"My first order is for President Raiko to immediately and permanently withdraw the United Forces from Republic City! Should the President refuse to comply, he should know that I've equipped this airship with poison gas. And I won't hesitate to use it!
"I've also bought Wonyong Keum and Asami Sato on board. Any attempt to bring this ship down will result in their deaths."
"Spirits, this guy is crazy." Bumi uttered, face frozen in shocked horror.
Lin gripped his hand tightly, falling into her chair from where she had been standing when her legs lost their strength with the shock.
The radio screeched again as the transmission was brought back to the regular broadcaster. "The Avatar has now arrived on the scene. She looks to be getting caught up to speed with Tenzin. Hold on, she is now jumping on the Air Master's sky bison. She's approaching the airship… She has now jumped from the sky bison onto the airship… The ship is now looking like it is being steered to land near the portal… Wait a second folks, a window was broken on the ship and the poisonous gas is leaking towards the crowd on the ground.
"The airbenders are doing their best to keep the gas away from everyone… It now looks like the ship is being steered towards the portal itself. Everyone is evacuating the area, except it looks like Avatar Korra's friends -the brothers who made up two-thirds of the Fire Ferrets- are running towards the Spirit Portal too… And the airship has entered the Spirit World… I guess we wait now folks…"
"We need to go." Lin said standing up. She marched her way to their room, pulling out a new set of maternity clothes; dark pants and a green tunic. She had needed to replace a lot of her maternity clothes as she had donated almost everything, except a few of the fancier pieces, to some of the shelters.
"Lin, it's dangerous there right now." Bumi said, as he followed her into the room.
"Bumi, these are our kids! I can't just sit back and not be there when they could be hurt." Lin pulled on the clothes after tossing her worn clothes towards the hamper, missing the bin by a foot. She turned to look at him. "I promise I won't get close to the action, but I need to be there."
Bumi studied her frazzled appearance and the deep concern in her eyes, before he sighed. "Fine, but we will stay on Mochi, until things look safe."
Lin walked up to him and kissed him. "Thank you, love." She then grabbed his hand and tugged. "Now, let's go!"
They arrived within ten minutes, to find most of the gas had been dissipated by the airbenders. Lin talked Bumi into landing beside where Zhu Li and Varrick were standing with Iroh and Saikhan - who had just arrived himself.
"What the flameo is going on?" Lin barked as Bumi set them on the ground after dismounting Mochi. "Is everyone okay?"
"Only a few minor injuries." Zhu Li responded. She proceeded to catch Lin, Bumi, and Saikhan up on what happened.
"And where is Raiko? Shouldn't our esteemed President be here helping out?" Lin asked, arms crossed over her chest.
"My camerawoman caught him hightailing it out of here like a coward. Idiot got caught on film. Brilliant is what it is." Varrick said with a large grin, his arm slung around Zhu Li's shoulder.
Lin looked up to see Tenzin approaching, the airbenders following behind him.
"The gas is gone." He looked up to see Lin and Bumi. "What are you doing here?"
"My wife decided she needed to be here. I didn't particularly feel like being buried up to my neck in our backyard, so here we are." Bumi responded, shrugging his shoulders.
Lin rolled her eyes, arms still across her chest. "We heard everything over the radio. I wanted to make sure Asami and the others are okay."
"They've been in the Spirit World for about half an hour now. I imagine they will be out shortly." Tenzin said. "If not… well we'll give them another half hour before we head in after them."
Lin didn't feel comforted by Tezin's words. She stood there ramrod straight, arms still crossed, staring intently to the Spirit Portal. She did appreciate Bumi's silent support beside her, his hand resting on the small of her back.
A few more minutes passed before Lin saw something. "There. Someone is coming out of the portal." She pointed.
Soon enough, Mako and Bolin came walking out of the portal escorting Wonyong Keum. Behind them were Korra and Asami, Korra's arm wrapped around Asami's waist.
The crowd started clapping slowly and soon became deafening. The police officers, at Saikhan's order, held the crowd and reporters back.
Once the five were up the edge of the crater that surrounded the portal, they made their way to the group.
Lin pulled Asami into a tight hug. "Are you okay?"
Asami hugged Lin back just as fiercely, taking comfort in the motherly hug. "I'm fine. A little tired, and hungry, but otherwise okay."
"Thank Spirits." Lin pulled back. "You should get checked over by a healer just in case."
"That's not really necc-" Asami started to deny.
"Yes, it is 'Sami. You inhaled a bit of the gas." Korra interrupted. "Come on. Sooner you get checked, the sooner we can grab a bite to eat."
"Come back to the house. I'll make food and you all can sleep in your rooms." Lin said, but she left no room for argument. "Korra, I'm trusting you to make sure she's the healer and arrives to the house."
"Of course. Come on 'Sami." The young woman all but dragged her taller partner over to a medic tent that had been set up.
Lin quickly checked in with the boys, who were both fine, before she checked in with Opal, Jinora, Ikki, and Meelo. After ensuring that all the kids were unhurt, she demanded Bumi take her back home so she could get started on a late lunch.
"Lin, why don't you let me make the food?" Bumi asked as they walked into their kitchen.
Lin ignored him and started grabbing ingredients from their refrigerator to make a quick komodo chicken soup.
"Lin," Bumi said, trying to get her attention.
"Bumi, I need to keep busy. Just let me get this started and then you can take over while it simmers."
Bumi sighed, but knew there was no arguing with a determined Beifong; especially a pregnant one. He just stepped closer and took some of the vegetables from her pile and started helping to prep them for her.
Soon the soup was set to simmer and Bumi forced Lin to sit on the couch with her feet up. He went and started some tea, as he was sure the kids would be along soon enough.
He was right, and it wasn't long after he had brought the tea into the living room and handed Lin her cup when the front door opened.
"Hey, we're here." Bolin called out. They quickly removed their shoes and then went to the living room.
"What did the healer say?" Lin asked as soon as Asami entered the room with Korra's hand held tightly in hers.
"I'm fine. They said my throat will feel better by morning and I should have no other effects from the inhalation."
"Good. Sit and have tea. Lunch should be ready soon." Lin motioned to the other seating in the room. She went to move her legs, but Bumi just lifted them and sat beneath them.
Korra sat in an armchair and pulled Asami onto her lap. Asami froze for just a moment, before relaxing back into her arms. Bolin sat in the other armchair with Opal in a similar embrace. Mako sat beside Bumi, allowing Lin's feet to rest on his lap.
They quietly talked as they sipped their tea, content to just be in each other's company now that things had settled.
Bumi eventually got up and finished the soup by adding noodles, and then had all the kids grab a bowl so they could eat it in the living room. Bumi brought Lin hers, and they settled back into their spots.
Lin drifted off at some point, her body finally succumbing to the exhaustion and the comforting noise of the chatter of her family helping to lull her.
Another week passed and Lin received a request to meet with President Raiko. She really did not want to go, but could not think of a good enough reason to excuse herself from the summons.
She dressed in a simple, but professional looking light green tunic reminiscent of an Ao Dai, but shorter. Her pants underneath were a light brown. She decided to leave her hair loose today to hang down past her shoulders in waves.
Lin then proceeded to head downstairs to start on a mid-morning snack, as the boys were playing outside and she knew they would be too hungry to wait for lunch. She cut up a couple apples and poured some water and carried the snack on a tray outside.
Bumi caught Haru into his arms and threw him up in the air, propelled higher with airbending, before catching him and carrying him over to where Lin set up at their outdoor patio set. Haru's high pitched squeals and laughter caused both parents to smile.
Bumi leaned over and placed a kiss to Lin's cheek, which Haru copied before being set down in a chair. Bumi sat on Lin's other side and took a sip of the cool, refreshing water.
"You look nice, love." He said, taking a slice of apple from the plate.
"Pretty Mama." Haru agreed, before biting a slice of apple Lin had put on a napkin in front of him.
"Thank you. You look like you both were having fun."
"Daddy show me how play airball!"
"With a little practice, he'll be a pro in no time." Bumi grinned at the young boy, before winking at Lin. "Ready for your meeting with Raiko?"
"Is anyone ever ready for a meeting with Raiko?" Lin grouched, eyebrow raised. Bumi just winked again and popped the rest of his apple slice in his mouth. She rolled her eyes at him and leaned back in her chair, hand resting on her bump.
"You want us to take you?" Bumi asked, sincerely, as he took another slice of apple. He moved the plate towards Lin, having noticed she hadn't touched any yet.
Lin picked up a slice for herself at his insistence. "No, I have no idea how long I'll be. Thank you for the offer though." Lin bit into her piece, knowing she was exaggerating but that's what it had felt like by the end of the trip.
"Should we maybe put another announcement out? We were lucky they didn't take notice when we were out at the Spirit Portal last week. I would rather have the press know and leave you alone, rather than finding out and bombarding you."
Lin sighed and caressed her bump. "I'll call the lawyer later. But I'm afraid it's too late for today. I didn't even think of it before now, and my appointment is at the temporary City Hall. Unfortunately, it will be crawling with reporters this close to an election."
"Could you cover up a little? I just don't want you bombarded."
"Unfortunately we may be on the cusp of fall, but it is still very much summer. I'm already warm in this outfit. But hopefully my hair being down like this will help a little." She shrugged, knowing it wasn't foolproof.
Bumi placed his hand on top of hers on her belly. "Just be careful okay?"
"I always am." Lin replied. "I've dealt with the press many times before."
"Yes, but not when you couldn't rely on your bending to save you if needed. I just worry."
"I know, love. But we'll be fine."
Lin parked her vehicle in the specialty parking for staff or official visitors of City Hall. The new temporary facility had a back entrance that Raiko's assistant told her to use.
Luckily there were only a few reporters around, and Lin slipped a pair of sunglasses on before getting out and locking up her satomobile.
She made it into the building without issue, and was led directly to Raiko's office. She stowed her sunglasses in her bag before looking to the desk of Raiko's assistant.
"President Raiko is expecting you Ma'am, I will just let him know you have arrived." His assistant squeaked out as she quickly stood from her desk and knocked on the door to his office. After a moment, she motioned for Lin to enter the office, bowing respectfully as she passed. The assistant closed the door behind Lin once she was in the office.
"Ah, Ch- Lady Beifong. Thank you for coming." Raiko said as he stood to greet her. Lin saw Saikhan stand as well from where he had been seated across from the man.
"Lin." He nodded to her.
"Raiko, Saikhan." She nodded. As she moved from the doorway, she saw their surprise on their face as they took in her appearance. It was obvious Saikhan hadn't been paying too much attention last week.
"I guess congratulations are in order?" Saikhan asked with a quirk of his eyebrow.
"It was as much a shocking surprise to me as you." Lin quipped. "But thank you."
"Yes, uh, congratulations Lin. You and Bumi must be… overjoyed." Raiko said, obviously trying to fake excitement, since he was not fond of kids. He had purposefully chosen his wife as she hadn't wanted to ruin her figure by having children, so they were perfect for each other.
Lin nodded her head at Raiko.
She sat in the open seat after Raiko motioned towards it, and the men followed suit.
"I want to thank you both for coming." Raiko started. "Would you like some refreshments?"
"I'd rather we cut right to the chase and you tell us what we are doing here." Lin said bluntly. These seats were very uncomfortable, and dealing with Raiko on top of that was turning her mood sour.
Raiko blinked at her for a moment before composing himself and then giving them a smile. The smile seemed sleazy and fake to Lin. She could already tell he wanted them to do something for him.
"Of course, of course. So I am sure you both are aware of the upcoming election in a couple weeks." Lin and Saikhan shared a brief glance at each other before nodding. "I was hoping to have you both show your support for myself. I think the three of us have worked well together over the years, and I know the citizens of Republic City will appreciate knowing where your vote lies."
Lin scoffed at him. "First of all, Saikhan shouldn't even be here then. The Chief of Police is not supposed to get involved in the politics of the City except when it involves the safety of the City and laws to be enforced. As Chief he cannot reveal which way he is voting to the public. I never involved myself in the campaigns of the Council members that preceded you or in your own original campaign.
"Secondly, as I am now no longer Chief, and I do not need to worry about my career, I am going to tell you what I think." She stood and braced her hands on his desk, leaning forward intimidatingly. "We have not had a great working relationship. The amount of shit I had to put up with from you would take days to address. You have let this City become what it has. With your laws, you have prevented the Police from getting a proper handle on the Triads. Where have you been in helping with the Refugee Camps and building new homes for hundreds of misplaced families?" She watched him gulp. "Right, you've been here, worrying more about your campaign than the lives of the citizens of Republic City. I also happened to arrive at the Spirit Portal not long after you hightailed it out of there last week. I saw everyone's reactions to that. Trust me when I say that the public have noticed."
She stood back and gave him a continued hard look. "So you can kindly take your suggestion of my support and shove it up your ass." Lin then turned and walked out of the room.
As she walked towards the back entrance of the building, she tried to calm her anger. 'What a complete tool. He really is so incredibly dimwitted.' She grumbled in her head.
"Lin!" She turned and saw Saikhan making his way quickly towards her. "Let me walk you out."
Lin nodded and gave him a nod.
"Thanks, by the way. Wish I could've said all that to him." Saikhan said quietly, to not let others hear them. He gave her an amused smirk though.
"That was nothing compared to what I have wanted to say to him before. Quite tame comparably. But I'm pretty sure attacking the President would get me arrested. Even if I was previously Chief. The audacity of that man." Lin shook her head to calm her thoughts so she didn't get riled up further.
Saikhan let out a little chuckle. "I would have looked the other way. Maybe even have helped hide the evidence." He winked.
Lin gave him a smirk as she pulled her sunglasses from her bag.
In the two weeks since her meeting with Raiko, a few things had happened.
They released a statement to the press again, and thankfully had not been bothered - not that they went out often. They did, however, purposefully attend many of the campaign events Zhu Li held. Many of the events were helping feed the refugee camps or other forms of helping out the citizens.
Many people had been charmed by Haru helping hand out different bags of either groceries or personal care items to people at the camps. Lin and Bumi had felt proud that Haru was eager to help and showed compassion to strangers - a true airbender like his grandfather.
Asami and Korra had finally been able to go on their first date. The following morning, Asami had shown up at the house and regaled the night to Lin over tea. Lin was happy to see Asami glowing with happiness; but she could go a while without hearing how cute Korra was, or how the light glinted in her eyes. She got enough of that from Bolin and Opal about each other. Even Korra had said something to her about how adorable Asami was with grease marks on her cheeks. Lin had no idea why all the teens thought to confide in her, but sometimes it was a bit too much information for her.
It was Election Night for the Presidential Candidates and Lin and Bumi were getting ready to attend the wrap party Zhu Li was holding as they awaited the results of the polls. Haru was with Rohan being watched by Kya and Nira for the night as neither felt like going out to the event, especially when they were pulling long shifts at the pop-up clinics in the camps.
Lin was dressed in a sleeveless dark emerald chiffon dress with delicate gold beading throughout. It hugged her bust, but flowed loosely over her growing bump. In the five weeks they had been back from the South Pole, her bump had continued to grow. She seemed to be about a similar size now, at 23 weeks -approximately 6 months-, as she had with Haru at 8 months. She shook her head to avoid going down the rabbit hole of vanity, she refused to be that person. She put on short, comfortable high heels. Her hair was twisted up into a simple twisted up-do and she put on gold earrings and a matching bracelet. She had simple makeup on, similar to how she had worn it to Jinora's ceremony.
"Damn, love. You look amazing." Bumi said as he stepped into the room.
Lin turned around and saw Bumi in a dark green tuxedo that she had forced him to buy when she got her dress. She decided she had wanted to see him in a tux, and she was not disappointed.
She swallowed, throat suddenly dry. Bumi let out a snicker at her speechlessness.
"What should I change?" Bumi looked down at himself, pretending to be self-conscious.
"Don't you dare." Lin finally was able to get out. "You look… incredibly handsome in that." She moved over and gave him a heated kiss.
"I should wear a tux more often if this is the response I get." He teased, whispering against her lips.
"I agree wholeheartedly that you should." Lin stepped back. "Unfortunately it is a bit inconvenient for changing newborn diapers or chasing after a young boy." She smirked at him.
"I guess we'll have to make more of an effort to go to fancy places then. As long as you dress like that, I don't mind the stuffy collar." He winked at her.
She smiled and nodded before walking past him to the door to the bedroom. He turned to watch her, and almost groaned at seeing the draped back of the dress that highlighted the curve and muscles of her back. The scars on her back from years of hard work, were mostly faint silvery lines that to Bumi, just made her more beautiful.
She turned her head to look at him over her shoulder. "Come on, love. It's time to leave."
He quickly moved to follow her.
They arrived at the event, and this was the first time they had to deal with the press since everything. Thankfully no one asked many questions, aside from if they thought Zhu Li would be the next President and what kind of President they thought she would be. They did unfortunately have to stop and allow pictures, before heading into the venue.
It was about an hour in and they were waiting to hear who had won the election. Lin really had no doubts, the events of the last few years did not reflect well for Raiko. Zhu Li had already proven herself to be a compassionate leader, who cared for the citizens.
Sure enough, Zhu Li was announced as the new President of Republic City and proceeded to give a moving speech.
Lin and Bumi surprisingly enjoyed their night out, chatting with family and friends. They danced when the floor opened up, shocking many people with seeing Lin Beifong willingly dancing. To be fair it had been almost two decades since she had danced in public last, preferring to keep to the sidelines in her uniform at events since her break up with Tenzin.
When they got home late that evening, Bumi helped Lin remove her shoes.
"Ugh remind me not to wear any kind of heels when pregnant again." She said as she looked at the state of her swollen feet and ankles.
"Why don't we head up, have a nice warm bath, and then I will give you a foot massage before bed." Bumi said as he stood and placed a kiss to her cheek, before toeing out of his own dress shoes.
"I knew there was a reason I married you." Lin said with a smirk.
