#linxreader

You dodge a slab of metal sheet coming your way and run before sliding across the floor and pushing yourself up. Bringing up your fist you slam your earth gauntlet on the ground causing a wave of earth to barrel towards Lin. Lin bends up a wall of earth to block, jumps over and sends a punch your way. You lean back to dodge when Lin swings her leg under you knocking you down on your back and you groan out. Lin walks over towards you and straddles you putting your arms above your head as she pins you down. “Yield?” she smirks as she looks down at you as you admire Lin’s body on top. You nod your head after bringing your eyes to meet hers “Yeah, I yield”. Lin blushes as she catches you looking at her body and stands up and smirks then lifts her shirt to wipe some sweat off the inner corner of her eye “What’s the matter, rookie? Can’t keep up?”

As you get up your eyes look down at Lin’s amazing abdomen flexing and glistening in sweat, slightly biting your lip. Lin catches you looking again, and scoffs putting her shirt back down forcing you to focus back on “I’m pretty sure I’m no longer a rookie” you laugh as you unwind your wrappings from your arms.

“Then what are you?” Lin asks, causing you to look at Lin confused “Did you get hit hard back there? I’m a lieutenant”

“Not anymore”

“What?” your eyes widen as you drop your binding wrap on the bench. You try to think of any reason for why you’re no longer in your position. “wait...If this was about that bust on the Agni Kai last week. It’s not my fault Shin blew our cover and made it ten times more work than it needed to be.”

Lin smirks and lets out a laugh as she folds her arms, she loves making you sweat “You’re being moved up to Captain”

“Wait, I’m being… promoted?”

“You passed your civil service promotion to captain exam. Though I didn’t like how you and Mako handled the Varrick case. You chose to listen to your instincts and trust a low ranking officer rather than be blinded by your title and rank. Putting your jobs on the line was reckless, but you chose to keep going anyway. I need more people like that in my team, especially in the higher ranks.”

“Thank you, chief.”

“You deserve it”

“Captain…it is easier to say. It just rolls off the tongue.”

“It sure does”

Your eyebrows perk “Chief?”

“Captain?” you walk towards Lin and both look over at the door to make sure it was closed before putting your hands on her waist and both of you lean in and share a kiss.

“Is this why you wanted a private sparring match with me?” you pulled back a bit and grinned

“I had to knock you down a bit before giving you the news” Lin shrugs as she wraps her arms around your neck and smirks “You can knock me down as much as you want” you whisper brushing your lips against hers as you lift her up and kiss her deeply. Lin softly laughs against your lips and urges you to put her down so you both can freshen up and get back to work.

           “Oh, can you get Mako so I can give him the news that he’s being promoted to detective” Lin asks as she walks out towards the door. “Sure, chief” you smile as you pack up your gym bag, and Lin smiles back “Thank you, Captain ”. Your eyebrow raises as you bite back a grin and your cheeks redden. Lin is going to be the death of me .

*

Walking down the hall after your shower and changing back to your uniform you look for Mako at his desk. “Mako, chief’s looking for you” you give him a stern look as you put your arms behind your back. Mako starts to look nervous as he slowly gets up looking around at the other officers who are snickering. “Did she mention anything” he asks as he walks around the desk and starts walking to Lin’s office. “Nope, but… good luck” you whisper but don’t look at him keeping a straight face. Once you reach the door you open it for him allowing him to step in first before closing the door after you. “Chief, Mako is here for you” you announced as Lin puts her glasses down and leans back in her chair, “Do you want the good or bad news first?” Lin looks at Mako in a cold stern face. Mako shoots you a look and you shrug “I would probably start with the bad news you’ll end it with a good note”. Mako sweats a bit and nods “Good idea.. uh the bad news chief” Lin groans slightly and leans forward in the desk “Well unfortunately you’ll no longer be needed as an officer.” Mako’s eyes widen as he hears the news “What?!?  But I thought…I thought I was doing a good job on the force”. Lin waves a hand and eyes him “Well you thought wrong”. Mako looks down defeated and upset “Oh…thanks for the opportunity, chief” he turns towards the door grabbing the door handle. You turn to him and stop him putting your hand on his shoulder “Don’t you want to hear the good news?”. “No, I’m good. I don’t think anything will be good after losing a job” Mako looks down and you smirk letting a laugh escape your lips “Who said anything about losing a job? You’re not fired” Mako jerks his head over to you confused “What?”. You look over at Lin and give her a look to end the ploy and she groans standing up from her chair “Your paperwork got processed and it’s been finalized. You’re officially a Detective.” Lin gives Mako a gentle smile. Mako lets out a sigh of relief and bows to Lin “Thanks, chief. I won’t let you down”. Lin gives him a wave to dismiss him and he leaves out the office and you close the door after him. “That was good, chief” you look over at her and she gives you a look before smiling a bit “Get back to work”

“Yes, chief” you coo as you give her a salute before walking out the office closing the door after you. You walk over to Mako and give him a smile “Well congratulations are in order here, Detective.” Mako sighs and smiles “You two really had me there. How did you know?”

“Chief told me the news after promoting me to Captain. Consider yourself lucky, she told me after sparring me.”

“Oh…congrats, y/n”

“Thanks, let’s just hope we don’t have to do any more secret sting operations anymore. I would like us to keep our jobs” you give Mako a stern look as you rub the back of your neck.

“Same”

“Alright well I got to head back to work. Keep it up” you dismiss yourself and head back to your office.

*

After Harmonic Convergence you and Lin made the decision to take the chance and see each other romantically, sort of dating but you both decided to keep it under wraps for now. Your apartment was part of the buildings that got taken over by the spirit vines so you’ve been sort of living with Lin. Tenzin and Asami both offered you a place to stay, you figured with a lot of bodies at the air temple it would be best to stay with Asami plus it would be easier to keep the secret going and get to Lin if you stayed inside the city. After a couple of nights of not showing up to your room at the Sato estate, Asami had growing suspicions of how far the relationship had developed between you and Lin.

After kissing Lin goodnight you decide you should head back to the estate and spend the night there. Stepping into the grounds you sneak inside the mansion and creeped back to your room. A light turns on “You might as well have stayed over at this point” Asami laughs as she folds her arms sitting on a recliner. You looked over at the clock on the wall and saw it was three in the morning, you tried to keep your cool “Oh hey, Sami…I was just getting a glass of water” you stood up and rubbed the back of your neck. “Really? Seems awful like you’re trying to sneak in after spending time with your girlfriend.” She laughed some more and shook her head. “Whaaaa?! Wait…. how’d you know she’s my girlfriend?” you blush then your eyes widen and you try to backtrack “Wai--”. “Aha, I knew it! I didn’t but you just confirmed it” Asami jumped out the chair and pointed at you. “Shit…” you muttered as you hung your head down “Okay, you caught me” you put your hands in the air. “You really weren’t that slick to hide it. You come home late with your clothes all disheveled than when you left even when it looks like you try to smooth it out.” you both exchange a laugh “You happy huh?” Asami quiets down and you smile sliding your hands in your pockets “Yeah, very much so. Haven’t been this content in a while”. “Well nice going, Beifong is a catch.” She smirks. As she folds her arms.

“Asami!” you gape at her and point a finger at her eyeing her

“You can’t tell anyone. we’re keeping it quiet right now - no one can know. Especially not Team Avatar, Korra and Bolin will never shut up about it if they find out.” You groan then smile and let out a laugh.

“Why? it’s a good thing. We’ll all be supportive of it.” Asami walks towards you and puts a hand on her hip.

“It’s new, we want to enjoy it before being put on the press or hearing it from the group.” You shrug and run your hand through your hair before resting it on the back of your neck.

“I understand and respect that, and my lips are shut.” Asami assures you as she puts her hand on your shoulder.

“Thanks, I should head for bed. You should too. No more busting me….” you give Asami a glaring smile then groan rubbing your face “I should let Lin know about this… she’s not going to be happy.”

*

Walking up the steps and taking a deep breath before knocking the door and waiting for an answer. The door opens and Lin looks around “You were supposed to be at the station.” Not waiting for her to greet you when you step inside and close the door after you, “We need to talk”.

Lin folds her arms and looks at you “What’s wrong y/n” she looks at you concerned. You pace around the room a bit before looking up at Lin “I know we agreed to keep our relationship a secret, but—”

“I knew you weren’t okay with it - why didn’t you say something?” Lin snapped as she rubs her eyes. You shake your head and hold her hands into yours “I wanted our affair quiet, but Asami figured it out” you look at Lin sorry for blowing your cover. “how?”

“She caught me… she was waiting in the sitting room to catch me sneaking upstairs. Apparently she’s been keeping tabs on how many times I’ve been coming home late.” You sigh and look at Lin.

“Asami isn’t going to say a word, Lin” you assured her even though you could see in Lin’s face that she was upset and scared of being found out. “We need to talk to her. Make sure she isn’t going to say anything” she looks at you.

••

The past eight days with you have been the most fun Lin’s had in years and the blooming relationship sometimes has her feeling like a teenager. Lin asked you to keep the relationship a secret and you’ve been more than understanding and even agreed to keep it from everyone else for the time being. It surprised Lin at first at how maturely you handled it, your age did come into question as she thought you would want to show off since most young adults like to go out and be seen. She thought you would have to be convinced, but you accepted no questions asked. “Let's just enjoy ourselves first before bringing people into our affairs”. Lin heard you say as you took her hands into yours. Lin blinked surprised at how quick and easy that conversation went.

••

“Sure, I think Asami is still home” Lin grabs your wrist and pulls you out of the house and both of you go to the Sato estate.  

Butler opened the door “Madam y/n…Chief Beifong” he addressed the both of you “Did you forget something madam?”you greet him as you and Lin step inside to let the door close “No, Butler we’re actually here to talk to Asami before work. Is she still here?”

“Yes, Miss Sato is in her study. If you can follow me” he starts to walk the both of you before you stop him “It’s okay Butler. I know the way to the study” you bring your arm out and guide Lin to the study up the stairs. “Before we go in there. Please tell me you’re not going to go fists in the air” you whisper as you grab the door handle looking at Lin. Lin rolls her eyes and gives you a huff before you sigh and open the door with a smile “Sami, hey, how are you doing” you force a smile as you look at Asami then look at Lin.

           “Hey y/n, um Chief Beifong. Nice to see you too” she greets the both of you. “Let’s cut to the chase,” Lin butts in and your smile drops as you groan, putting your face down. “Cut to what chase?” Asami looks from Lin to you as you bring your face up and look at Asami, “We’re here—mostly Lin—to talk about the new development you’ve learned about the two of us” you motion between Lin and yourself. “Oh…” Asami sets her pen down and puts her hands on the desk as she stands up. “Well if this is about me telling anyone. Like I told y/n, I will not expose your relationship.” she speaks assuring Lin. “You’ll swear to secrecy?” Lin glares at Asami to which both you and Asami share a weird glance then back at Lin. “Excuse me?” Asami looks at Lin as she folds her arms slightly amused by the situation. “Honey is that really necessary?” you speak out only receiving a glare from Lin when you call her honey in front of Asami and you step back hiding a smile. you cover your mouth as you look at Asami and give her a soft nod to continue to play along. Asami inhales and nods “Yes, I’ll swear to secrecy” she puts her hand up and promises. “If I ever find out anyone finds out that they heard it from you I will arrest you for treason.” Lin peers over Asami in an intimidating tone. Asami looked over Lin’s shoulder, and you shook your head quickly assuring her that Lin was bluffing. When Lin looks over at you, you quickly stop and just give her an innocent smile. Asami got the gist and assured Lin that she will not speak a word about your relationship to anyone. “Oh so Raava help me” she gave Lin a soft smile.

           Driving back to the station you peer over to Lin as she sits in the passenger seat, “Well I think that went well…. everyone made it out alive, unscathed.” You joked softly as you turned back into the city limits as Lin doesn’t say anything. “Lin, if anyone had to find out from the group. I say we were pretty lucky that it was Asami. Anyone else and news would have spread faster than we could take a breath.” You look over at Lin again and she seems to be calming down and sighs deeply “you’re right, Asami is the least of our worries in that bunch”. You smile reaching over to give her hand a kiss, hearing Lin give in as you pull up to her apartment and get out to get to your cycle. “I’ll make it up to you for my mishap” you give Lin a smile as she rolls her eyes and slides over to the driver’s seat. “I’ll see you at the station” she calls out as you say it back while you put your helmet on and give her a thumbs up as you follow behind.

*

Looking over at the new recruits as they train and you’re barking out orders watching out for their stamina and agility through the course. You sigh at how many of them aren’t any better than the ones the previous day. “Alright head to the showers. You all are pathetic.” You bark out as an officer hands you a clipboard, “These recruits aren’t ready to go out onto the field” you mutter going down the list of recruits, writing down notes besides ones that caught your attention and others who were a mere disappointment. “Captain, the Chief is looking for you” an officer salutes standing at attention and you pinch the bridge of your nose “Very well”. Handing the recruits over to another colleague to beat them into shape you make way over to Lin’s office. Some officers acknowledge you and greet you as you step into the office before closing the door with a soft click. “Chief” you greet Lin but notice she’s on the phone and puts her finger up to quiet you. You stay standing while putting your hand behind your back as you hold onto the clipboard. Another minute and Lin finishes the phone call and returns her attention to you “Captain, how’s training with the new recruits?” You step up and hand her your clipboard “It’s hell. It seems like every time we let recruits join they get worse”. “You just have to train them harder” she reviews your comments and notes, “what about this one…uh Sheng, it says he shows promise.” You nod as you take a step forward towards her desk “Yes, he’s one of the better ones. smart, agile, still needs improvement though.”  

“With these spirit vines we’re going to need more officers” Lin groans then puts the clipboard down “These recruits just need to get whipped into shape. They’ll be ready for the field” you reach down and get the clipboard. “You seem to be fitting well into your new rank” Lin looks over at you and smiles. “It’s an adjustment but I’m fitting in well” returning her smile.

*

Peace and tranquility fill your mind as you breathe in the evening air of Republic City from Lin’s terrace. “Evening, Captain” you hear your girlfriend’s voice coming up behind you waking you from your meditation. You smile then open your eyes to lift your head up and look over to see Lin walk to your side as she sets down a cup of tea on the table, “Evening, Chief”. Looking over at the cup you reach over and take it close to your lips and smell the aroma

“Spearmint?” you look over at Lin before taking a sip. “Figured you’ll want to end it with some stress-reducing tea”.

“Thank you. that’s considerate of you.” you take a deep breath before looking over at Lin “Funny story…. Bumi is planning to knit his spirit pet a sweater”

Lin scoffs a laugh “really? Do spirits even get cold”

“I don’t think so, but it’s sweet”

“It’s dumb”

“It gives him something to do. Tenzin mentioned he’s retired from the United Forces”

“Tenzin isn’t all glad about it. He still wishes Bumi rejoins.” Lin smirks causing both of you to chuckle while continuing to enjoy the night.

“You should join me for a session. It would help with the stress you’ve been having.” you smirk into your cup as you take another sip. “I have other ways to relieve stress if you want to join me for a session” she gives you a sly smirk as she leans against the doorframe “If it’s under my responsibilities then who am I to refuse my beautiful girlfriend” you eye Lin and watch her movements. She turns away from you and slowly walks away bending off her armor as she makes her way to the bedroom, “I’m waiting, Captain”. You bite your lip as you watch Lin walk away and set your cup down on the table. Quickly stand up, stepping inside the apartment and close the door before rushing after Lin. You step in the bedroom and grab Lin’s waist and turn her around to face you and kiss her deeply. Lin wraps her arms around your neck before bringing her hands down and starts grazing her nails up your abdomen lifting the hem of your tank up. The sensation of her nails causes you to gently bite her lower lip and a soft moan escapes her lips. She lifts your tank up and pulls it off of you before she plants her palm on your chest and pushes you back with a knowing smirk on both of your faces.

*

Sitting up in bed swinging your legs over the side as you look for your tank, Lin looks over and softly brushes her fingers up your back causing you to shiver as you fix your tank to put it on. “Just when they’re about to heal I end up opening them back up” she smirks as she looks at the scratch marks she’s left along your back “I wonder why” you deadpan “You should get them healed by a healer.” She mutters as she brushes her fingers along a fresh scratch mark “And say what? That I got attacked by a possum-chicken?” you laugh “Besides I like the burn, it’s a reminder of who put them there” you bite your lip as you turn over to look at your lover and lean towards her “You,” you growled as you dip your head to catch her lips, “Are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.” you kissed her again, lingering for a moment before searching for your tank and slipping on some boxer style underwear letting out a groan as you get up. “I’m going to get us some water, feeling quite parched from that backbending session” you smirk and quickly duck out of the room before Lin can throw a pillow at you.

Sitting back in bed after quenching your thirst and handing a glass to Lin then looks down at the cup before speaking “It’s nice that at least someone knows about us and they that support it…it makes it feel more real” you bring the cup back up to your lips and take another sip. “Real?” Lin peers over at you as she sets the glass on the nightstand which causes you to nod “Yeah, like this isn’t some sort of evil dream that I don’t want to wake up from”. You gently tap on the glass before setting it aside. “It’s not a dream” Lin whispers as she looks at you and you return her glance, the both of you lean in and share a kiss “Thank the spirits it’s not” you mumble before cupping her cheek and deepening the kiss. Lin licks your bottom lip before pulling back “I need to clean up” she mumbles as she gets off the bed and walks to the bathroom.    

Lin looks over the injured men and women resting while you and Su check on the officers. Kuvira helps Tonraq down and walks him over to the injured as you bring over medical supplies. “Your arm is pretty beat up” you comment as you hand Kuvira the bandages “It could’ve been worse”. “Hold on, Kuvira you got him?” you look over at her and she nods as you excuse yourself to help bandage another officer’s ankle.

“You look pretty beat up, y/n” Iris voices out nearby as you turn your back away from her and focus on the ankle “Nothing I haven’t dealt with before. I’m fine” you mutter as you hear a shrieking noise and turn toward the sound. What the fuck is that god awful noise . Su stands up and points to the sky and your eyes follow her glance “Caw! Caw! Caw! Caw!” Lin turns around and looks up “Caw! Caw!” a baby bison rapidly descends down to the ground “Caw! Caw!”

The bison lands and skids along the grass, exhausted. Bolin is thrown off from the crash landing. The poor calf whines and Asami gets off as well. The four adults, you included, run up to the group and you grab hold of Asami “You good?” you ask as you check her over, and she nods.

Mako and Lin help Tenzin disembark from the calf's back while Su helps Bolin up as the kid airbender starts to talk “Hey, everybody. There's something I gotta tell you.”

Lin cuts him off and looks at the teens “How did you guys make it out of that temple alive?”

“It was all Bolin. I thought we were done for. Then out of nowhere, he lavabends!” Mako looks over at Tonraq then at Bolin

“Well would you look at that!” you smirk as Su rests a hand on Bolin's shoulder “I knew you had the potential for something big. You just had to believe in yourself.” Bolin smiles widely at Su,

“You're right. Being moments from death was a pretty good motivator too. Of course, we never would have made it back without Kai.”

Kai smiles “Glad I could help. So anyway-“

“--Did Zaheer get away with Korra?” Tenzin interrupts and you notice Kai frowning, you purse your lips but continue on listening to the conversation.

“I'm afraid so.” Lin laments and Su remarks as everyone turns to her “Apparently, he can fly now.

The crew and Tenzin, Asami, and Bolin raise their eyebrows with surprise “What?”

“How?”

“Are you sure?”

Lin looks over at Tenzin “I wouldn't believe it either if I hadn't seen it for myself.”

“I thought the ability to fly was impossible or just some story.” you look at Tenzin,

“I've heard the legends about Guru Laghima's ability to fly. But I never imagined they were true.” Tenzin looks down, worried about Zaheer’s new ability.

“So what's our next move?” Tonraq asks around the group and no one says anything, unsure on how to proceed.

Kai gets off his bison and walks up to the adults “I have an idea.”

Lin sharply talks to Kai “Not right now, kid! We need to figure out where Zaheer took Korra.”

“--And find the airbenders.” Tenzin adds to which Kai is not amused.

You slightly lean over at Kai and whisper “if you want them to listen you gotta say it with your chest, kid” Kai looks at you and nods then irritably yells out “That's what I've been trying to tell you! I know where the airbenders are, and I bet it's where Korra is too!”

Mako looks at Kai and frowns “Well, why didn't you say something?”

Kai frowns and gives a frustrated sigh.

“I mean you guys never gave him a chance. Kept talking over the poor boy” you purse your lips as everyone glares at you and you fold your arms shrugging.

“Where are they? How did you find them?” Kai turns his attention to Tenzin as the baby bison walks up to Kai “After I got blasted out of the sky, I woke up on the side of the mountain where this little fellow found me.” Kai rests a hand on the calf's head and the baby bison whinnies and Kai kneels down to stroke its snout “I tried to sneak back into the temple to see if I could rescue everyone, and that's when I saw the airship leaving. I followed it to some caves a few miles from here. That giant lady met up with some people who took the airbenders into the caves.”

“Was it Ghazan and Ming- Hua?” Lin asked, listening to the young airbender.

“No, there were four more of them. Didn't look familiar.” He stands up and looks at her,

“Must be more Red Lotus members than we thought.” Mako looks over at the group then down to the ground.

“I couldn't fight them all on my own. So I came back here, hoping you guys would show up.” Kai looks at the group “Smart thinking” you gave him a nod then turn your head to Lin

“We need to get to those caves.” Lin remarks and you look over in the direction Kai had mentioned seeing the other airbenders being held,

Kai shrugs “How? I don't think we can all fit on my bison.”

You, Tenzin, Mako, and Lin look at Kai as a shadow passes by overhead and you all look up as a grunt from an air bison is heard. You recognize Oogi circling the sky and Tenzin calls for him “Oogi!”

Oogi lands on the ground in front of his owner and takes a step forward.

Tenzin rests a hand on Oogi's head, and the bison grunts again “I'm glad to see you too, old friend.” He rubs his hand affectionately over Oogi's fur.

“Well no better time than the present. Let’s go there now,” you suggest, and everyone agrees. You earth launch yourself and Asami onto the saddle first. Lin and Su climb in after as you help Tenzin sit down as the rest of the crew get in while Asami holds the reins atop of Oogi’s head. Bolin climbs up Oogi's tail into the saddle - Mako is on the ground looking up at the saddle.

Kuvira walks up to the bison and speaks to Su “I want to come with you.”

Su shakes her head “No, Kuvira. Stay with the injured. We'll be back for you once we have the Avatar.”

Kuvira nods and walks away. Kai climbs on to his baby bison and the calf purrs. Mako walks over to Kai and they exchange some words.

You stay upfront near Asami and Tenzin “You got the reins, ‘Sami?”

“Yeah, I’ve flown Oogi before remember”

“Uh…right. I forgot” you rub your forehead as you move to the back of the saddle and Mako climbs up. Soon Kai takes off with Asami tailing behind him and flies in the direction he last saw the airbenders.

You lean back against the saddle as you fix up your metal forearm sleeves, bending out the dents.

“How are you holding up?” Lin whispers to you and you look down at the chest plate and bend out the dent at your side “I’m good, I just want to get korra and the airbenders out safe” you grit your teeth as you fix the plate trying not to focus on the bruises underneath before leaning back against the saddle.

“I hope Opal is okay” Su looks out towards the view of the mountain ridges

“Since they have Korra now, she and the rest of the airbenders should be fine. They got who they wanted.” You look over at Su before looking away.

Kai comes up beside the saddle “The place where I saw them taking the airbenders is around here.”

“That's gotta be where they took Korra.”

He points to a mountain where there are five airbender statues carved into the side. The statue in the middle is the biggest.

“That's it! Down there, Lefty.”

Lefty moos and flies down. Oogi follows soon after and the two bison land in front of an opening in the mountain. You grab onto the saddle and hop down, you look up and watch Lin slide down Oogi’s tail. Tonraq and Bolin support Tenzin as he gets down from the saddle. Tenzin groans in pain as he holds onto Oogi for support. Su walks towards him.

You start toward the opening and look up at the largest statue as Asami walks up beside you “I don’t know what Zaheer is planning against Korra but…”

“We’re going to stop him and get Korra back, y/n” Asami looks at you and you nod at her “That thing charged up?” you look at the glove and Asami powers it up with blue electric waves sparking out, “Always” Asami sports a determined look.

“Ready?” Su looks at the both of you and receives a nod, the group starts running into the opening of the secret Red Lotus hideout.

*

As Su and Lin make quick work of digging into the cave the voice of a Red Lotus guard comes from behind the last piece of earth “Hey! What do you think you're doing?” there’s a muffled noise as Lin and Su send a chunk of rock from the side, knocking the guard out cold when he collides against the wall. “Saving them” you glare at the guard in a defensive stance as another one runs forward before looking to the side at your group of intruders. The guard bends the two slabs of rock behind him towards them. Su bends up a protective wall of earth and the projectiles collide with it, making the top half crumble. You and Asami leap over the remains of the wall and she ducks as the guard sends another slab at her while you check for any guards more coming. Asami reaches up to grab the guard's arm and proceeds to electrocute his back as she brings him down to the floor. “All clear” you state walking back and the rescue team relaxes when the guard falls unconscious and Su looks to the side locating her daughter “Mom!” Opal is happy to see her mom as Su runs to her daughter and rests her hands on Opal’s shoulders “Oh, honey, I’m so glad you’re safe” she embraces her daughter.

Bolin runs up and roughly shoves Su away, hugging Opal as well “Me too”.

Su sits up and glares at Bolin as Asami starts unlocking people’s cuffs. You eyes find and rush over to check up on an unconscious Kya and Bumi, reviewing Kya’s injuries as Lin helps to support Bumi. Broken bones, bad bruises, overall badly injured…shit, they both look like they fell from a high place. “Kya…” you call out to her softly trying to wake her up as you lift her head a bit, putting your hand on the back of her neck “y/n?” she weakly responds as she opens her eyes “Hey, you guys found us.. Took you long enough” she smiles weakly coughs turning her head towards you. “Yeah…we’re here. Can you walk?”  

“My leg…” she says weakly

“It’s okay….don’t worry. We got you now” You look around and grab a bender “Hey what’s your name?”

“Otaku”

“Hi, Otaku, can you help me support Kya?” another female airbender offers her aid as well and you help them support Kya before checking up on Bumi. Asami unlocks the remaining cuff on Jinora’s wrist and the girl rubs them when it's off. Asami walks away, revealing Kai in the background. Jinora runs to Kai “You’re alive!” she throws her arms around Kai “I can’t believe it!”

you turn your attention back to Kya and notice her leg looks more messed up then you thought whispering to the two airbenders to not let Kya put too much weight on that leg. You greet the kids and Opal before helping Lin support Bumi “I see you had a lot of fun, Commander”,

“Ha! I’ve had better, Captain” he coughs weakly trying to laugh, but his face can’t hide the pain and tiredness.

“Hey Commander, stay with us” you shake him softly.

“We have to get these two out of here now.” Lin cast a glance to Bumi “They don’t look so good”

Bumi coughs weakly “What are you talking about?” he punches his arm in the air “I feel great” he coughs weakly again.

Tonraq addresses the rest of the team “You guys get everyone out of here. I'll search for Korra.”

Mako and Bolin step forward “We're going with you.”

“Me too” you step up as Lin gives you a look as you notice Jinora step forward “You don't have to search for her. I know exactly where she's being held.” The four of you turn to listen as she explains “we’ll run and talk. I’ll bring Jinora back once we’re almost to Korra’s location. You can wait for us here” you look at Pema before taking off with the small team. Once Mako, Bolin, and Tonraq get close to Korra you grab Jinora “come on, let’s get you back.” you look at Jinora “but, I can help!” she protests as you rest your hand on her shoulder, “I know, but you need to take care of the airbenders. Your dad...he’s injured so I need you, Meelo, and Ikki to lead them out to safety.” she looks at Korra’s direction then back to you and nods “Okay, I can return on my own. You join them” she looks at you with determination, “you sure? I can escort you back”

Jinora shakes her head “there’s no time. Save Korra, y/n!” she yells as she scooters back to the others.

*

The four of you run up to an opening at the side of the cave and see Korra yell out a battle cry as she breathes fire out of her mouth. “What have they done to her?” you look on with concern at the scene. You’ve never seen Korra like this while in the Avatar state. Tonraq calls out to his daughter “Korra!” She ignores him and sends out streams of fire toward Zaheer and he dodges, flying up into a hole in the ceiling. Korra propels herself from the ground by blasting fire from the soles of her feet and chases after him. “We have to help her!” Bolin quickly steps in front of the water tribe chief “Look out!” he bends a protective wall of earth as rock collides against it. You look over and see Ghazan then kick up some rocks and punch them at him. “You help Korra. We got this” Mako looks at Tonraq who nods and starts running after Korra and Zaheer.

Mako punches fire and dodges a small piece of ice that flies over his shoulder. You roll over to the side and send a wave of rocks at the waterbender. Ming-Hua avoids the fire and earth and jumps up, swinging the crystals on the ceiling with her water arms. Mako chases after the armless waterbender as you assess the situation with Bolin. Bolin bends a rock at Ghazan who punches it into dust. Bolin sends over another boulder again and Ghazan raises a wall of earth to protect himself. He then bends the wall to Bolin who cuts it clean in half. As he does so, Ghazan charges and tackles Bolin by the waist, causing them to roll along the ground. Bolin throws the older lavabender off and when Ghazan lands, he quickly sends two slabs of rock towards Bolin. The teen dodges the first one and punches the second one into dust.

An ice shard comes within an inch of hitting your face and you look back at Ming-Hua who has a smug grin on her face, “Oops”. Your eyes narrow and you grit your teeth as she tries attacking you again and you jump up to avoid it. At the same time you bend a chunk of earth with you and send it at her. Ming-Hua uses a water-whip to cut through the slab. You land on the ground and send two boulders at her - she dodges and sends a tendril at you turning the tip into an ice shard. You quickly jump to the side as she attacks and Mako sends a flame over to melt the ice. Looking over at Mako, the waterbender uses that quick second wrap her water arm around your neck gripping tightly as she pulls you up from the ground. “Let me go, you bitch!” you spat out as you bend a dagger out and try cutting the water while Mako fights her trying to break the hold she has on you. “Sure” she smirks and throws you across the cave - you hit the ground rolling then fall into a crevice below, landing face first in some water. You push yourself up groaning as you blink your eyes trying to adjust your vision to the darkness, your clothes drenched. Standing up you sense it’s an underground cave filled with water, the only way back is up through the crevice.

*

The splash catches Ming-Hua’s attention and she swings herself away with her water arms and Mako runs after her, shooting fire as he chases the waterbender. Ming-Hua starts bobbing and weaving behind a small pillar of rock as she intercepts the flames and they evaporate. She scurries backwards and trips, falling and rolling onto a small ledge below. She sits up as Mako stands at the top in a bending position. He has Ming-Hua backed up against a wall.

“You have no water. It's over.”

“Not yet.” she gives him an evil smirk

*

You look up and hear Ming-Hua and Mako’s voices and your eyes widen. If she comes down here we’re fucked. You bend a protective wall to hide behind as you hear someone jump down into the crevice followed by a fire shot. Mako lands down and you call out to him “Mako” he turns and you look around in the dark against each other's back. He bends a stream of fire from his hands to illuminate the area. “She’s here somewhere” you whisper as you try to use what little sight you have despite the fire. Sensing danger behind him, Mako turns around, you sense him leave your back and you turn in his direction and see Ming-Hua above the water with multiple water appendages on each arm.

“Now it's over!” she screams launching at the both of you.

She swings forward, Mako immediately extinguishes his fire and the both of you run to avoid the attack. Ming-Hua has encased the lower half of her body in water and she continuously whips her numerous water arms at the both of you. “Get out of the water!” Mako orders as he starts running toward the various stalactites and stalagmites. You run towards a wall before having to backflip to avoid a tendril, then jump on a pillar. The firebender rolls backwards behind another pillar and dashes off to the side. You shoot your cable to the ceiling and hang, pulling yourself up until your palms touch the ceiling. You bend the earth to encase around your arms as you hang on. Mako starts climbing and supporting his weight in between two columns of earth. Everything is happening so fast but the next string of events seemed to happen in slow motion. Mako begins to shoot lightning at the water with one arm. Ming-Hua makes a last ditch attempt to stop Mako and sends tendrils at him with a sharp ice shard. You look up at your arm before bending the earth off and scaling down and get in front of Mako. Kicking the ice off two of them before you feel a piercing sensation entering the left side of your abdomen. Your hand starts to go to the spot, but the entire cavern lights up and you cover your eyes instead. Ming-Hua screams from the electrocution and soon everything goes still, you let go of the cable and jump down to the water, recoiling your cable. Mako joins you as the both of you look shocked at what’s left of the scorched Ming-Hua.

“Let’s go” you mutter as you tilt your head over to the crevice opening and launch the both of you up to the surface.

You jog over toward Bolin but feel a dull pain and trip down, Mako kneels down to help you up “y/n”.

“Go, I’m fine. Help Bolin,” you groan as you look up and see Ghazan bend up a chunk of earth gets knocked back by fire hitting the rock and he is thrown backwards. Mako gets in a bending stance and he runs at the other man, propelling himself off the ground with firebending and passes over Ghazan's head to join his brother. You push yourself up and head over to the brothers once the pain passes. Ghazan bends up a chunk of earth but Mako quickly cuts it with fire. Mako lands on the ground as the three of you send a barrage of earth and fire to the lavabender. Ghazan bends up a small chunk of earth but is soon overpowered by the constant attacks. Bolin sends a rock hurtling at him and it makes contact as Ghazan stumbles backwards. He stands up as you three flank him from a distance.

“There’s three of us and one of you” you yell as you bring your fists up to your face,

“Give up, Ghazan! You can't win!” Bolin yells down at the lavabender.

“I'm never going back to prison. If I'm going down today, you're coming with me!” He turns around to face the group then punches the ground beneath him. The cavern shakes as rocks fall and the ground quakes underneath you, you look at the boys and the floor gives out from under you. You reach out to them as you fall and Bolin manages to grab your hand. Ghazan smirks and reaches for your leg, the burning sensation spreading from where the palm of his hand holds on. You yell out in pain as you try to kick him in the face while Mako sends lightning at him causing him to let go. They both pull you up while dodging the rocks falling from the ceiling. Ghazan shoves his hands down and lava drips down in an attempt to collapse the floor underneath him. Rocks start to fall down from above, “Hang on!” Bolin yells and you ground yourself as Bolin bends a platform of earth and slides the three of you up a slope of flash cooled lava. Reaching safety, you notice a Red Lotus motif on the wall breaking up and disintegrating. The area continues to collapse. Once it’s safe you three glance at each other before turning away and running off.

Joining the rest of the team you’re forced to shield your eyes from the wind. You try to look for a reason for the sudden wind and see  Jinora and the airbenders controlling a massive tornado with Jinora in the eye of the twister as she moves her arms around in a circle before she pushes her hands forward. As the twister moves, you feel a sharp pain in your abdomen. You place your hand there feeling dizzy “Boys…” you weakly call out getting their attention before falling on your knees. “y/n!” Bolin looks at you and notices your face looking pale as Mako notices you holding on to your abdomen. “She’s hurt” Mako helps you up as Bolin puts your arm around his shoulder “Stay awake, y/n” Mako looks at you as you try to keep your eyes open while they walk you toward the group. They set you down gently besides Bumi and Kya as Asami rushes over “Y/n! What happened?!” Asami yells as watches you go in and out of consciousness. Lin turns around at the sudden noise behind her and sees you, her eyes widen and a pit forms her stomach.

“I don’t know. We were running out of the cave when y/n collapsed” Mako stammers out as Lin kneels beside you “Where’s Ghazan and Ming-hua?” she barks out while she sits by your side and Asami puts your head on her lap as the brothers stand over you.

“Taken down”

You feel woozy like if your blood pressure is dropping as you blink trying to focus on Lin as she calls out to you, “y/n, focus, talk to me”.

You slowly blink then slowly turn your head over to her and give her a small smile “Hi” you whisper then try to sit up but Asami keeps you down “You’re hurt” her eyes watered. You look confused at first then realize the pain hitting again, wincing, “My abdomen..” you untuck your tunic and lift the drenched clothing up to reveal the stab wound. “I guess that chest plate didn’t really help, Chief” you let out a weak laugh then cough out in pain.

“Shit…” Lin looks and immediately applies direct pressure on the wound “When did this happen?” she looks at the brothers but you speak “10 minutes?…” you wince at the pressure “Mung-hua...she was coming at Mako. I intervened, wasn’t fast enough” you grimace as you cough.

“You’re losing a lot of blood” Lin’s voice full of worry as she looks at the wound and you look down to see it for the first time “Put it back in then” you quip as you try to breathe and go to laugh but the pain gets worse and you wince. Lin looks at you in disbelief at how you’re trying to crack a joke at a time like this. “This isn’t the time for your wisecracks” she snaps at you and you put your hand over the one she has over your wound, “It's good to find humor in dark moments sometimes.” you smirk as you look up at the sky  “How did you not feel this?” Asami asks you - when you don’t answer she looks up and notices you starting to close your eyes. Asami looks at Lin and tells her something but you don’t quite hear.

You were starting to feel a weird need to close your eyes and go to sleep. A temptation to just close your eyes and let go. But your mind and heart rushes to Lin - you’d never want to leave her, not when you just got her. You open your eyes up more as you fight hard to stay awake.

“y/n, stay with me” Lin calls out and you didn’t seem to hear, she thinks your hearing is starting to fade  “What?” you blink trying to focus. Asami repeats the question “Adrenaline.” you try to talk but you start to feel weak and tired and you wince, looking over at Asami who has tears in her eyes, “I’ll be okay, ‘Sami” you whisper as you tuck some hair behind her ear then look at Lin, “Lin… I’m sorry”

Lin shakes her head “You’re fine. You’re strong and you’ll pull through. You’re not quitting on me”.

Your eyes well up but you refuse to give in to the tears “I’m not quitting”

Turning your head over to Mako “Mako, how much for you to pry Chief’s hand off of me”

“I’m not doing that. You’re going to be okay, y/n. There’s no exit wound so it’s probably not that deep”

“Probably”

Kya regains consciousness and looks out at the scene beside her and musters enough energy to scoot over beside Lin assessing the situation “I can probably bend the water out of their clothes and use it to stop the bleeding” she speaks weakly as she looks at you then Lin. You shake your head “No, save your energy for Korra” you look at Kya and she gives you pleading eyes, “You’re the one who needs help right now, y/n”.

“Hey...I’m fine it’s just a scratch. All in a day’s work..” you smile weakly looking at the two older women as Kya rolls her eyes “You sound just as bad as Lin” she smirks back as she starts bending the water out of your clothes. Lin scoffs as she applies more pressure on the wound to prevent you bleeding out in the meantime. You bite your lip, fighting back a groan “I thought you were fine” Lin quips and you curl your lips up as Kya gives Lin a nod to move her hand. She brings your hand down with her and doesn’t let go. While Kya starts to heal you “I was until you did that, chief” you laugh but cough out in pain again then notice Korra coming to the surface. “Look - Zaheer!” you mutter as Lin looks over then looks at you conflicted. “Go, Kya’s got me. I’m feeling better. Take the bastard down, Chief” you urge her, and she looks at you with concern “I got her too, Lin” Asami looks at her and she nods heading to the scene. Korra slams Zaheer into the earth and she’s laid out on the ground as well. Lin and Su encase Zaheer in a rock pyramid pulling him upright.

Feeling concerned about your injury you exhale “I’m fine right?” you look over at Kya and she just nods not looking at you or Asami “Yeah, you’re fine. You’re going to be okay. I stopped the bleeding. It cut through a piece of your liver, but it’s fine. That’s the best I can do for right now.”

“You truly are quite the master healer” you smirk as you sigh in relief “Don’t spend all your energy. Korra might need you” you grab Asami’s hand and try to sit up as Kya nods “You can’t fight, one hit and that wound opens back up. You’re not completely healed.”

“Thanks for saving me yet again” you smile as you hold on the wound while Asami helps you back to your feet but you feel weak and Kya step in and help as well. “No need” she takes your hand and you both support each other with Asami’s help. Asami notices Korra, whose eyes are open in the Avatar state. Tonraq picks her up in his arms and your eyes soften at the weakened Korra. Asami looks worried for Korra and you nudge her to get close to Korra, “Go” you whisper to her and Asami “I can’t leave you”

“It’s okay, Kya and I got each other” you whisper back and Asami relents and slowly walks towards the scene.

“Korra, sweetheart” he looks down at his daughter, resting a hand on her face “It’s me, your Dad. Please hang on” Korra looks over at Tonraq and reaches out to touch him but her hand drops and she falls unconscious. Your throat tightens as you watch the scene in front of you, your eyes tearing up. Tonraq laces his fingers with hers and tears form in his eyes. A deep chuckle is heard and everyone looks over at Zaheer who has started laughing like a mad man. You glare at Zaheer and ball your fists bending a dagger out of your sleeve and try to walk towards him but Kya stops you shaking her head. “The bastard hurt Korra” you try to reason with Kya as she stumbles a bit. She looks at you as you fight back the angry tears forming in your eyes “Don’t stoop to his level. You are not a killer, y/n. He’ll be dealt with. ” she reasons back in a hushed tone as you support her. Kya’s eyes also show great concern with the young avatar she’s seen grow and helped raise.

“What are you laughing about?” Lin casts a dirty look at him as he turns his head to look at the Chief “You’re too late!” he smiles full of glee “The poison’s been in her system too long. The Red Lotus has won.”

Poison….Zaheer poisoned Korra.

Jinora walks up toward the Beifong sisters “You can save her. The poison is metallic” both sisters look at one another surprised by the revelation and Su quickly runs towards Korra. She drops to her knees at Korra’s side and her hands rest on her forehead and shoulder and she concentrates on the metallic poison in Korra’s body. Su starts to bend pulling movements from Korra’s legs and goes up her body. The sound of liquid can be heard and everyone around watches with a mix of worry and hope that Su can save Korra in time. She keeps pulling the poison up Korra’s body until she moves her hand above Korra’s head and the teenager opens her eyes. The metallic liquid is pulled out of her mouth and Korra coughs. Su bends the poison to the ground and it falls down in blobs. Korra opens her eyes and comes out of the Avatar State turning to look at her dad.

“Dad? You’re... alive” she says weakly as she gives a small smile. Tonraq, relieved his daughter has woken up hugs her tightly “I’m here for you. I’m never going to let you go”. You smile fondly in the background until Zaheer starts yelling “No!” he starts to become unhinged “You don’t understand. The revolution has already begun. Chaos is the natural order of all--”

You watch as Bolin takes his shoe off and balls up his sock and shoves it into Zaheer’s mouth causing his voice to become muffled. You look at Bolin smiling in amusement and a bit of disgust that Zaheer now has a used sock in his mouth. Lin and Opal on the other hand look purely disgusted by the action.

Bolin looks proud and smirks pointing over at Zaheer “You see what I did there? I put a sock in it.”

You bring your hand up and pinch your nose “literally” kind of embarrassed by the boy.

“Classic Bolin” Opal looks at Zaheer as she dryly responds to her boyfriend.

“I do what I do” he smiles as he puts his shoe back on.

You cough covering your mouth as you wince as your stomach flexes, Lin looks at you then walks over to Tonraq putting a hand on his shoulder “We should move Korra somewhere safer.”

*

Lin and Su helped the injured climb up onto Oogi’s saddle, Tonraq holding onto Korra, Bumi and Kya supporting each other, Asami sitting between you and Korra as she watched the both of you. The Beifong sisters made room for you to lay down with your head on Opal’s lap, Su let Lin take a spot next to you Lin didn’t think about the gesture but took it. You were going in and out of consciousness “one of the officers is a healer, y/n will be okay” Su assured Opal but it was meant to be more for Lin, “You have to stay awake y/n” Opal cupped your cheek and your eyes fluttered open and you give her a soft smile “I’m trying honey”. Kai led the group back to Laghima’s peak to meet up with Kuvira and the rest of the Zaofu guards. Once the injured are set onto cots in the bunk rooms, the pilot set a course to Republic City. Bolin and Opal help you to one of the beds and Opal calls her mom for help to bend off the chest plate. “Hey y/n?” Bolin hesitantly speaks and you look over at him “yeah Bo?” you say weakly and look at the younger brother as he tries to formulate his words. “Thanks….for saving my brother”. You inhale deeply as you feel your throat tighten a bit but give him a nod “anything for you boys. Mako would’ve done fine without me. I was reckless.” you give him a small smirk

“I’m sure Mako will be equally appreciative as I am, just hang in there, okay?” Bolin spoke with such gentleness with a slight concern and you give him a nod “I’m not going anywhere. Who else is going to make sure you kids don’t end up in trouble” you smile as you grit your teeth as a sharp pain hits your side. Opal rushes out the room and calls for the healer, Koda, to evaluate your injuries. Closing your eyes once you feel the relief from the healing session, but wince a bit but once the new bandages are placed. Koda excuses herself and you thank her. Looking up to see Su is now with Opal giving them a soft smile, “Hi…” you notice Opal tearing up and you nod her over opening your arms. She walks up and hugs you and you rub her back. “I’m okay, Opal. barely a scratch” you whisper as Opal lets out a disbelief laugh “That’s more than a scratch. I saw the wound just now”.

“Eh looks worse then it is. The worst is over” you chuckle a bit as you groan a bit at the sudden discomfort causing Opal to pull back. You assure her it wasn’t her as she sits back as Su steps forward, “How are you feeling?” Su takes a seat beside you as she rests a hand on top of yours as Opal scoots back.

“The adrenaline definitely wore off so I’m starting to feel it all.” you smile then frown a bit “It happened so fast. I felt something, but didn’t think much of it. It wasn’t until we made it outside that the pain came rushing in.”

“You’ll be back on your feet soon” Su looks at you smiling softly as Opal holds your hand. You look around then at the two of them “Wait where is everyone? Kya and Bumi? How’s Korra?”. They exchange a glance before Su speaks “Koda is healing them as best as she can at least until we arrive in Republic city. Korra...she took a great toll. She’s completely worn out. Tonraq and Asami are with her.”

You nod as you sigh looking up at the ceiling “I’m surprised she lasted that long with that poison in her body” you look back down before you hesitantly ask “Where’s Chief? How’s Lin?”

Su raises her eyebrow but answers your question “She’s fine just minor scuffs and bruises from the fight with P’li. She, Mako and Bolin are guarding Zaheer. “

You nod in understanding “Good, that guy deserves to rot in prison for what he’s done” you sneered as you turned your head looking upset. Su takes a couple of moments to gather her thoughts before she speaks and your ears perk up “I...we want to thank you...it was reckless but for you to step in front of Lin like that...” you interrupt Su,

“--I told you I would protect your family.” you don’t look at her as you look away.

“You’re part of our family too, y/n” Opal cuts in and rests her hand on top of yours and Su’s. Su agrees with her daughter - “We might not be blood, but you have a family with us. We all love and care for you, y/n.” Su gently smiles and you tear up nodding “Thank you”. The three of you share a smile before Su taps your hand gently.

“We’ll let you rest” Su and Opal stand up and you nod as they head out the room.

*

Lin made sure everyone in the bunk was asleep or busy before she walked over, but noticed someone seated beside you. She was going to walk away, but her eyes narrowed, noticing the Zaofu guard armor and stepped in. Iris had taken a step closer to you, asleep, contemplating whether or not to take your hand taking a seat on a nearby chair. Lin stepped further in once she notice Iris placing her palm on your sleeping face. Lin balled her fists feeling tired of this pathetic woman, she slowly stomped her way over composing herself, "If my memory serves me correctly... y/n stated that you have no reason to touch them"

Iris let go of your hand and stood up at attention "Chief Beifong, I-"

"I don't need to hear your reasons. Get out." Lin sneered as her eyes narrowed at the graying firebender who's eyes had widened by the demand "I just wanted to check up on y/n..." Iris's voice slightly pleading with the Chief of Police.

"The last thing Captain y/n needs is stress and from the last interaction I witnessed. That's all you are, a stressor. I won't say it again." Lin's voice lowers as she stands over Iris and watches as Iris looks back at you before backing down "I'm not going to stop" Iris looks at Lin, testing the Chief looking her in the eyes ``What is that supposed to mean?" Iris keeps her eyes on the Chief but says nothing and walks out of the room. Lin looked back at you and took a seat beside your cot.

She watched you sleep, taking in the wounds on your body. She wondered why you didn’t take your metal sleeves off as she softly brushed her hand down your arms and bent the sleeves off you herself. She set them beside you and even though the healer on the team checked you she wanted to see herself. She was careful to check on you noticing the bruises on your arms, your left arm in a sling with bandages on your left shoulder, side, then found bruising around your neck, probably from Ming-Hua. Lin traced her fingers on your hand before intertwining your hand with hers. She watched as your chest rising and falling with every breath with your left arm laid on your middle. She didn’t want to wake you, but she had to check up on you. Lin looked around and saw everyone was still asleep then scooted closer towards you and sighed. She didn’t understand the emotions she was feeling. She has dealt with officers getting stabbed while on the job, herself included. But having to see you being walked out and then the wound bleeding and your face getting pale. She did get worried. Lin shook those thoughts away, you’re sitting right next to her. She’s safe and alive, you’re touching her, holding her hand. Lin leans over towards you and moves a couple of loose strands of hair out of your face. Lin is tough but when it comes to her emotions and putting those to words, she has no experience. Despite the lack of confidence, she tries to formulate her emotions, settling to tell you while you’re asleep, she whispers “I look at you and my heart is open to the future. For years, I didn’t think I’d be open to the possibility of a relationship like this again. You fill the cracks and crevices others have created and take away the years of loneliness I’ve felt”. Lin looks over you for a couple more minutes until sleep starts to overcome her and she dozes off on the chair, not letting go of your hand.

*

You must’ve dropped off to sleep after talking to Su and Opal from the pain relief medication, because suddenly  you’re waking up to something squeezing your hand. You open your eyes and turn your head and see a sleeping Lin sitting beside you. Her fingers slowly trace over yours so as to lull herself to sleep. Your eyes soften as you rub Lin’s hand and pull her hand softly to your lips kissing it gently “Lin?” you whisper to her. Lin doesn’t budge so you let go and put your hand on the cot to push yourself up and wince a bit. You moving about causes Lin to stir and wake up “y/n, what are you doing?” she sits up quickly and helps you but you dismiss her attempts and lay back down and blink, focusing in the dark room. “How long have I been out?” you look around as Lin rubs her eyes “A couple of hours”

“C’mere” you pull Lin to you and she looks around to make sure everyone is still asleep before she climbs into the cot beside you.

“First you jump in front of me and almost get blown up by that third eyed freak then you get yourself stabbed” Lin huffs but wraps her arms around you and holds you tight, her voice muffled by the nape of your neck. You put your arms around her "Take my heroics actions minimize them why don't you" you quip before you tuck some of her hair behind her ear “I couldn’t let her get to you or let Mako get hurt. I did the same thing you would’ve done.” you softly speak to her not to waken up anyone as you hold onto her just as tight. “It’s different when it’s you getting hurt...” she breathes out into your neck as you tighten your hold on her. Your eyes widen and you stiffen up a bit then run your free hand down her back “I’m sorry, but you understand better than anyone on the why.” you whisper back giving her neck a light peck.

She pulls back and reaches her hand up to cup your cheek. “Doesn’t help your case.”

“It’s just a scratch” you try to sound convincing as you kiss the palm of her hand, she rolls her eyes. “Just a scratch, my ass”,

You smirk letting out a soft chuckle as you run your hand down to grab her ass “I could do that” Lin grabs your hand and stops you, giving you a glare.

“I’m alive, Beifong” you offer her a smile and kiss her palm again.

“Not for long” she says gruffly as your mouth gapes open

“Lin Beifong, you wouldn’t...that’s murder” your eyes widen,

“I would and I can get away with it too” she quips back as she shuts your mouth, causing you to smile more. You kiss her forehead as she runs her hand across the small of your back as you do the same to her. “Ah yes I forgot you’re Chief of Police Beifong” you chuckle before softening a bit, and change the subject “How’s Korra?”

“She’s asleep. Tonraq is staying with her and so is Asami. Kya gave Korra a bit of a healing session but it wasn’t much success due to her condition.”

“Is Tenzin going to call Katara to come to Republic City? You should ask Asami to offer an airship to get her. She’ll get there faster” you suggest as she nods “Asami offered, but Katara wouldn’t be able to handle the trip…”

Your brows furrow “Then maybe you should take Korra to the south pole”

“Republic City is on the way, the injured will be healed there. Then considering how the recovery goes there we’ll call for Katara.” Lin explained as you sit up a bit to adjust yourself, the motion causing you to wince.

“Good” you adjust a bit as Lin pushes back but you pull her closer “What about Zaheer?”

“Mako, Bolin, and some of the Zaofu guards are guarding him. Uncle Zuko and Raiko are making preparations to make a prison impossible for him to escape.”

You let out a breath and nod. Lin looks around and starts to get up, you grab her wrist “Lin...”. Lin gives you a look, “I need to...”

“--I know...don’t let him out of your sights.” you kiss the back of her hand before she sits up leaning over you and give each other a slow kiss cupping her cheek  ending it with one, two, three kisses before she gets out of the cot and heads out the room. Not before giving you another glance as you settle back down on the cot closing your eyes.

Waking up to the feeling of a soft pair of lips kissing your shoulder, you feel Lin shift out of bed, “Not even a good morning? I deserve more than a sneak out?” you mumble stifling a yawn, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from your eyes. “I have to go back to my room,” Lin states. She turned to leave but caught sight of your sleepy doe-eyes and stopped, resting her hand on the doorframe as she fixed her left shoe. She made her way back to the bed and leaned in to kiss you goodbye, hopefully that was enough until the next time. You kissed her fully, tongue and all, placing your hands on her hips and tugging her back onto the bed. She laughed against your lips and peeled herself from your hands, “y/n..I have to go.”

“Just a little fun before you go” you whine but smile

“No, it’s late” Lin smiles

“Can’t blame me for trying,” you defended and laughed. “I’ll meet you at the airship. I’m just going to close my eyes for a bit.” you pull the covers up over your face, as Lin walks out towards the door as she calls out, “We’re on a tight schedule so you better not keep us waiting, y/n!”

You make a gruff noise to let Lin know you understand waving her off as you go back to sleep for a couple more minutes.

*

Fixing your sleeves as you roll them up, you make your way up the lift to the docking bay and only see Lin standing around with a confused expression on her face before raising your sleeves a bit to look at your watch, “I’m not that late. Are the kids in the ship?”

“No, I thought they would have come with you.” Lin groans and pinches her nose and you look around the area scratching the back of your head.

“Maybe they’re on their way now. How long have you been waiting?” You turn to her as you lower your hand “Fifteen minutes at most”,

“Okay, let’s wait another fifteen. If they haven’t shown up we’ll go look for them” you offer - “You’ll wait five minutes before heading out and look for them. I’ll stay here in case those nitwits show up”

“Sounds good… well I’ll check on the animals in the meantime” you walk over towards the airship when Lin stops you,

“They’re not here either” Lin grumbles then sighs and your eyes widen then turn around, “Wait what?“

“How many minutes has it been?!” Lin grabs your wrist and looks at the watch “Three minutes”

“I can’t wait anymore. Go look for them” Lin puts her hands on your waist and pushes you away “Okay, how about I go check the guest houses and you check the grounds.”

“Fine.”

After checking all the guest houses, you came up empty. No one inside, not even the animals. You scratched behind your ear, it was weird that you haven’t seen anyone and you start to get a sinking feeling in your gut. You head towards the Beifong estate and see Lin coming in from the grounds then notice Su talking to two guards on the bridge as you and Lin approach her at the pavilion.

“Where is everyone? I've been waiting to leave for half an hour.” Lin asks her sister annoyed to not have seen the teens.

“Good morning, y/n and good morning to you too, Lin. Now, don't get mad. Korra's fine. I'm just waiting to hear if she tracked down Aiwei yet.“

“What?!” You and Lin respond in unison. You’re shocked then groan face palming while Lin furrows her brows “You let Korra go?! I thought we were on the same page about this, and then you go stab me in the back?”

“Oh, don't be so overdramatic. You can't control the Avatar's every move.”

Lin storms off “I can try.”

“I can’t believe you lied to me, Su. I told you not to do it!” you exasperate causing Lin to stop and turn around “Lied to you? You knew about this?!”

Your cheeks blush slightly as you realize you probably fucked up, “Su told me about her plans--” Lin’s eyes start to narrow “--but I told her about not wanting to put the kids in danger. Su assured me that she, herself, was going to search the mountainside with Kuvira and a couple guards.” you tried explaining yourself but Lin is seething.

“And you didn’t tell me about this! When did this plan happen?!” Lin narrows her eyes as you direct her arms towards Su. You try coming up with the words “Last night after everyone left. I was going to but Su said she was going to tell you in the morning!”

Su finally steps up and stops Lin “Don’t put this on y/n. This was all me. y/n helped me under false pretenses and for that I apologize” she looks at you feeling slightly guilty for asking for your help. “y/n told me they weren't going to go behind your back again.” Su looks at Lin and watches her glance between her sister and you. You look down, your hand resting on the back of your neck upset and hurt by this whole situation “Typical Su” Lin spat out

“Wait let me make it up to you two somehow!” Su catches up to you, putting a hand on your shoulder to stop you “I can get a Jeep ready for you and you can catch up to them.”

“May Raava forgive me if any of those kids get hurt, it'll be on you, Su” you point your finger at her as you storm off.

*

Lin drives the jeep along a rocky desert path. Both of you kept quiet for the most part of the ride. “You should have told me about Su’s plan” Lin looks down the road as she passes a pothole and keeps following the other set of tire tracks.

You sigh “Forgive me for trusting your sister’s word, anyways who were those other three people with Zaheer?” you ask, trying to change the subject. Lin turns her head at you for a second pursing her lips then continues on,  “The lavabender is Ghazan, the armless waterbender is Ming-Hua, and the third eye freak is, P'Li, a powerful firebending criminal who we all saw can combustion bend.” lightly tapping on the door of the jeep as you gather the names and bending of each criminal then look up, “--wait where did the tracks go?”

Something catches your attention and you point over to the right “Over there” Lin follows the tire tracks that turn into a small shady clearing between a couple of boulders. She stops the car at the rocks and changes gears, reversing, and then turning her wheel toward the clearing. There are two abandoned vehicles “Well we found Aiwei and Team Avatar’s jeeps”. Lin pulls up, stops the car, and gets out to inspect the team's vehicle while you look over Aiwei’s. She is about to search the back seat when a flash of white jumps out at Lin. Naga snarls at the Chief who yells with surprise. “Lin!” You quickly turn around and run to Lin. You watch Naga growl, then sniff around and quickly recognize Lin,  circling around her and licking the cop's cheek enthusiastically, messing up a bit of her hair. “First you scare the life out of me, now you want to lick me,” Lin says dryly “She likes you babe” you smile as Naga licks Lin again, who wipes her cheek. You pet Naga as she licks your cheek while you look up at her saddle, “Where’s Pabu?”

As if he heard his name, Pabu pops out from the jeep, jumping onto Lin and circling around her body. Lin grabs him by the scruff of the neck and glares at the fire ferret as he whines. Lin places Pabu on Naga and reaches into her pocket. Naga sits and waits. Lin hands out a couple of sticks of dried meat jerky.  “Here, chew on this, and leave me alone.”

“Where’d you get the jerky?”

“There was a shoulder pouch filled with it on my couch” Lin zips the pouch “I forgot I bought that. Look at you going soft of them” you smile and Lin rolls her eyes “Just to get them off my back”

“Sure... I don’t blame them for liking you” you watch Pabu and Naga eat the jerky greedily before heading back to your inspection as she walks over to the radio in the jeep and picks up the receiver.

“Tonraq, you read me?”

Tonraq over the radio “Yes. We copy”

“I found Korra's jeep, but the kids aren't here. Meet me at the Misty Palms Oasis.”

You look in Aiwei’s jeep for any clues, lean down finding a crumpled up map and note seem to have blown onto the floor. You smooth out the note and read the message ‘Xai Bau’s Grove, sundown.’

This must be where and when Aiwei's going to meet Zaheer.

“Tonraq is going to meet up with us with Lord Zuko on Druk” Lin walks over to you “Druk?” you ask weakly “Dragon” she responds and you curtly nod. She notices you focused and exchanges glances between the note and map “What are you looking at?”

You hand Lin the note “This was crumpled up but it seemed to have been folded before. Maybe the kids found it and went after Aiwei.” Lin looks over the note as you smooth the map on the hood of the jeep.

“But it’s weird….”

“What is?” Lin looks up and walks over standing beside you as you scan the map “I’ve been almost all over the Earth Kingdom and I’ve never once heard or seen anything named, Xai Bau’s Grove”

“Could be a secret hideout” Lin suggests as you nod folding the map “maybe...”.

Two blue crow spirits land on the hood and caw at you, “Hi there” you smile softly then look up as five crow spirits have come to join, one landing on your shoulder and another on your head. While the other three fly around Lin landing on her shoulders and the top of her head. You greet the spirits kindly while Lin shakes them off of her, shooing them away “What is it with animals attacking me” she growls.

You roll your eyes and smile as Lin grabs your arm and pulls you towards the jeep “Come on let’s go before any more beasts show up”

You chuckle and get in “Okay, but Naga and Pabu should join. We can’t leave them behind” you call for Naga and wave her over as Lin starts the car and drives towards the town.

“We can meet up with Tonraq and Lord Zuko at the local cantina” Lin drives down the short road as you look out at the small town and gets out the car “You go on ahead. I’ll search around the town for any clues on the kids”.

“What? No.”

“Don’t trust me, Chief? I’m offended.” you raise an eyebrow and smirk, folding your arms.

“No, but it’s best we don’t separate… for safety reasons” Lin stammers and you smile  “I appreciate the sentiment but only one of us is needed for the reunion with Lord Zuko and Chief Tonraq. I’ll be back shortly.” you assure Lin resting your hand on her arm looking at her.  “Plus the animals can protect you” you quip and Lin rolls her eyes as she steps inside the cantina.

*

Walking down the street you notice a Tavern Owner looking particularly depressed as he sweeps the front of his building “Excuse me, sir.” the owner stops sweeping and brightens up a bit “Oh a potential customer”. You awkwardly smile and tug on your collar “Actually, I was hoping to ask you a question...”

“Oh...seems to be a lot of that today…” he sweeps a bit “Questions?” you encourage, and the owner nods “Yeah, two boys were here earlier asking all sorts of questions about some guy”

“Did one of them have a red scarf?” you questioned him and he shook his head “No, they were wearing yellow raincoats and goggles”

“Raincoats and goggles? In the middle of a desert?”

“Not the weirdest thing to see in these parts”

“Well what about that guy they were asking about? Was he by chance sixty, balding, wearing glasses, a long green robe, and has a piercing that goes from his nose to his ear?”

“Yup, that’s the very same description the boys came asking about. Is he some sort of celebrity or wanted criminal?”

“Uh, no….. The boys are my cousins. I was supposed to meet them here after my car broke down. I was hoping to find either one to catch a ride back to Ba Sing Se with them.”

“What about the old man?”

You wave him off “My jerk of an uncle” you try playing into your story as you look around the town “Anyway sorry to take up your time. Here's...a gold piece for your help. Thank you” you dig in your pocket and give him a gold coin before walking away. Looking for any other possible leads.

You catch a couple across the street at a nearby inn. The male nudges his female companion and the woman looks up at him, confused. He then motions his head towards you and the woman turns in the indicated direction. Your green eyes widen as you focus on the poster the lady is holding and see an image of Bolin as Nuktuk. The lady seems to notice you staring at the poster and holds it tight to her chest and she grabs the man’s arm and tugs him down the street. Your eyes follow them and start walking after them “Hey!” they run down the street with you following after them. The couple duck into an alley and you slow down and approach with caution. The female jumps out to attack you and you evade it “Woah woah woah, I’m not here to fight you!” you yell out waving your hands up

“Then why were you chasing us!” the man huffs,

“I saw the Nuktuk poster” you pant, reeling a bit from the scare.

“Oh so you saw the autographed poster and wanted to steal it from us!” The woman steps up to you causing you to put your hands up defensively and take a step back. “Wait, you say an autographed poster?”

“Yeah!” a crazed smile appears on the man’s face

“We met Nuktuk at the Inn over there!” The woman points in the direction of the inn and the man steps beside her “We're his biggest fans.” Both of them have this wild expression as she pets the poster on Bolin err Nuktuk’s face.

“May I see? I promise not to take off running” the lady glares at you and steps back “Or…you could just let me see it? I’ll put my hands behind my back if that helps” you smile, and she eyes you suspiciously “I’m also a big fan. I just want to admire Nuktuk’s autograph. You guys are so lucky!” you try in your best fan voice and the couple exchange a look before agreeing. You look at the poster with your hands behind your back and see the inscription

“Lily and Macao, Nuktuk says to always reach for the stars!”

That is definitely Bolin’s handwriting. Bolin and Mako were definitely around here.

“Oh wow that’s…. incredibly lucky!” you smile

“I know! We’re so happy. We made him a plushie doll and everything. He was so nice to us.”

You look back at the direction where the woman pointed earlier “You said the Inn was in that direction?”

“Yeah! Oh maybe he can sign something for you!” the man smiles as he puts an arm around the woman’s shoulder.

“Oh well I don’t know but I hope so” you force a smile and wave at the couple “Thank you for your help”

You walk until you find a building with a ‘Misty Palms Inn’ sign that seems to be the one the couple had pointed out and walk into the establishment and approach the check-in counter. Smiling and speaking politely “Good Afternoon. I was wondering if you happened to see my cousin, Bolin. He’s known as Nuktuk. Maybe you saw him walk around these parts?” you watch the old lady’s eyes widen

“Oh yes! But he and his friends are gone” she frowns and closes her ledger and sets it under the counter.

“What do you mean gone?” you grab on the counter and look at her,

“The two girls left on their large polar bear dog but Nuktuk and his male friend fought and got captured by some waterbender. They got thrown in a truck. Poor boy had a bruise on his eye. The make up was so realistic...I didn’t know they were filming a mover here!”

“Oh, um yes. It’s a surprise. Filming is top secret.” you quickly add and turn around “Thank you, have a nice day!” you run out before the Innkeeper can ask any questions.

Walking around the streets you find your way back to the cantina stepping inside the establishment hearing jazz music playing in the background. Lin looks up and stands up from her table as Tonraq and Lord Zuko look up following her gaze as you walk over to her at the back of the tavern.

Tonraq greets you “Captain y/n” you nod back with a handshake and squeeze on the arm “Chief Tonraq, sorry to see each other again under these circumstances”.

“That always seems the case with Korra involved” he tries to lighten the mood and you give him a slight smile before turning your attention to Lord Zuko and respectfully bow to him “Lord Zuko, it is an honor to meet you, sir.”

Lord Zuko stands and returns the bow “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Captain y/n.” You turn your attention to Lin who seems ready to question you, sighing and shaking your head motioning for everyone to sit, you take the seat across from Lin. “They were definitely here, but Mako and Bolin got captured by Ming-Hua, most likely taken back to Zaheer.” you look at Lin’s eyes before turning to Tonraq “What about my daughter?” a sense of urgency in his tone.

“--and Asami?” Lin asks you, her eyes slightly softening as she asks about your friend. You shrug, shaking your head once again, not knowing the answer “Korra and Asami seem to have evaded getting captured. A witness recounts seeing Korra and Asami leaving on Naga--”

“But Naga’s here and Korra isn’t!” Tonraq rebutted and you nod “I know, neither is Asami. Our only hope is that they escaped Zaheer.” You look at the three important figures sitting around you.

“Korra wouldn’t leave Naga. She will come back for her. It’s best we stay here in case she returns” Tonraq suggests and you nod “Understood.”

“Well no use worrying until they return. After that long trip we could use a good meal” Lord Zuko speaks calmly and calls for a waitress, ordering food for everyone.

*

After eating, you decided to order something slightly stronger than tea. The four of you are seated at a table at the back of the tavern. Korra and Asami run up to the table “What are you all doing here?” Everyone at the table turns their heads towards the teens Tonraq is the first to stand up “Korra, you're safe.” He shares a hug with his daughter. As you stand up and tackle Asami in a hug “I’m so glad you’re safe too” as Asami returns the gesture.

“Yeah, we made it out of the desert, thanks to Asami.” She looks over at her. Tonraq gives a nod of gratitude at Asami. Tonraq walks Korra over to Zuko as the ex-Fire Lord stands up to greet her.

“Do you remember Lord Zuko?”

“I met you when you were a very young girl. It's good to see you again, Avatar Korra.” Lord Zuko greets the young Avatar “It's good to see you, Lord Zuko.”

Lin gives Korra a little glare of annoyance “Thanks for ditching me back at Zaofu” she says bitterly.

“Yeah, sorry about that. But how did you all find us?”

“I am a detective, you know.” commenting dryly as she raises an eyebrow and you hide a snicker behind your hand.

“Did you find Mako and Bolin?” Korra looks at Lin. Lin looks over at you causing a sigh from you, as you step toward Korra

“Some people at the inn saw them get captured by Zaheer's crew.” Korra and Asami frown with concern when Lin finishes your report “We don't know where they are. “

Tonraq turns to his daughter “Did you hear about the Earth Queen?”

Korra looks up at her father confused by the question “What about her?”

The radio at the bar blares to life and everyone turns their attention to it.

“Once again, the Earth Queen's reign has come to an abrupt and violent end. Ba Sing Se has descended into chaos. Rioters and looters have overrun the palace.” The radio broadcaster announces the events going on in Ba Sing Se. Your face softens growing with worry about the family you have in the city.

“The Red Lotus” Korra looks down in quiet anger

Tonraq scowls “What's that?”

“The name of the group that's been trying to capture me and just took out the Earth Queen. I'm afraid this is only the beginning, Dad.”  she tells her father.

The fire crackles as you poke the wood to keep it going “So want to explain to us what we’re doing here?” Bolin asks as he huddles close to Opal rubbing his arms. “I told you to wear a sweater, Bolin” Mako looks at his brother and shakes his head “I didn’t think it would get this cold at night”.

“Here you can share this blanket with me” Opal offers, and Bolin looks at her with heart eyes and blushes a bit “Thanks”.

“Alright, so it’s come to my attention that you all want to know about me?” you speak up as you stand, and earthbend a column to use as a stool for you to sit on, overlooking the rest of the group.  

“I think the only one that knows you well is Asami” Mako points over at her and she looks over from beside Korra “Yeah, but even then maybe I don’t know everything?” She looks unsure.  

“Oh! I know! You come from a gang of pirates?” Bolin asks,

“No Bolin” you look annoyed

“Are you Su’s long lost daughter?!”

“Yes” you deadpan and Bolin’s jaw drops before you scoff “Bolin, no! That makes no sense.” you turn to him as Opal playfully taps him on the shoulder.

“Just like you and Mako. I am from Ba Sing Se, the lower ring to be exact. I had a waterbender mom from the Southern Water Tribe, and an earthbender dad. So then there’s me, an awesome earth and metal bender, my sister who is a waterbending healer who works with Master Katara—”

“That’s who you were talking to at the healing hut!” Korra interrupts and Asami puts her hand on her arm to stop her “Shhhh let her finish” Korra quiets down.

“Yes, that’s who I was talking to. Couldn’t really introduce you guys to her considering we were worried about Jinora and about to fight UnaVaatu”

“Yeah…” everyone relents in unison thinking back to that event - Opal looks confused and Bolin starts explaining the whole Harmonic Convergence fight to her but it’s just confusing her more and you keep on telling your story “Anyways, I also have a firebending sister who works for the Fire Nation government as an architect”.

“Wait… earthbender, waterbender, and firebender? Why did your parents stop? They might have made an airbender” Bolin comments and gets nudged by both Korra and Mako as you all laugh “I don’t think so” you finish laughing.

“So what happened after?” Asami looks up at you and your eyes sadden. You explain the story of your parents’ demise and your decision to leave the place you once called home. “Traveled the world, met many interesting characters along the way. Spent a summer in a sand bending commune. “

“Mom did that!” Opal commented and you nod smiling “Yeah, we bonded over that. Though I did not join a circus like she did. I’ve never been a fan of watching animals do tricks for money. Let alone work alongside that”

“I get that. I rescued Pabu from becoming pythonaconda food—” Bolin looks down sad as Pabu curls up on Bolin’s lap

“Um, you mean when I rescued you and Pabu from that pythonaconda” Mako corrected his brother,

“Right” Bolin smiles sheepishly.

“Ok keep going” Asami helps you keep telling the story through all the interruptions and you thank her, “After traveling the world for a couple of years, I found myself in Republic City where I found a nice elderly lady who took me in until I met Asami at a market after she broke my clock”.

“Hey that was by accident!” Asami interjects and you laugh “Yeah yeah, you say so…but since then Asami and I became friends and soon Asami welcomed me into her home and offered me a place to stay. Hiroshi gave me a job after I’d share some concept art ideas on his satomobile and racers. After my contract was done I wanted to keep adventuring, so I left Future Industries after hearing about Zaofu”.

“You left a good job and stable income for an unknown adventure?!” Mako look at you in disbelief

“Yeah, I had some savings at that point. Money isn’t something I take for granted, it obviously helps with feeding and clothing yourself. A roof over your head, but when you’re on your deathbed are you going to lay there feeling grateful you had a job or think back on the awesome moments you had in your life? The crazy adventures you took around the world?” you look at him and Mako stays quiet looking away.

“Yeah bro, no one wants stability. We had a crazy life, living on the streets, becoming pro-benders, me a mover star, you a cop” he puts his arm around his brother as Mako shrugs him off “Detective”,

“Yeah, specifics sorry detective .” He puts his hands up in the air as he fake bows to Mako

The girls laugh quietly as you keep going “I found a host family in Zaofu for the first year, then I met little Wei and Wing out in the market with Su. They must’ve been like 6 or 8 at the time and I was 18-19, they were playing around with this metal ball. I think it was Wing who threw the ball too far and it landed beside my foot while I was sketching, and I passed it back to him. Wei came soon after and made some silly remark about my drawing and said that their older brother, Huan, draws too. They asked if I wanted to play, and told them I didn’t metalbend. Before long they were tugging me along to meet Su at the farmer’s market and the rest is history” you looked at Opal and smiled as she laughed reminiscing, “Oh man, when Wei, Wing, and mom came home that day the twins were jumping up and down as if mom had brought home a pet. We were all surprised to find you standing there nervously in the foyer” she laughed, and you joined her “I didn’t know any of you. I just met two twin boys and next thing I know I’m being offered dinner at this massive house”,

“Anyway, after about a year or two of living in Zaofu, Su offered to teach me everything she knew about metalbending and even some earthbending tricks—I think I picked up a bit on the whole seismic sense thing —” you lean over at Opal and gave her a wink “But it’s not perfect. It needs some work…anyways I was visiting the house daily at that point, so Su and Baatar Sr pulled me aside and offered me a place to stay. Once I got the hang of metalbending I applied for the security force with Kuvira.”

“Kuvira?” Team Avatar questions and you and Opal share a look “Yeah she’s another kid that stays here in the Beifong mansion. She likes to keep to herself… focused on the security force, the dance troupe. You’ve probably seen her around. She’s Opal’s adopted sister” you point at Opal as the rest of the group looks over at her.

“How come we didn’t see her when we first arrived?” Asami asked,

“Or at dinner?” Korra chimed in “Or breakfast?” Bolin added to the list of questions. Opal shrugs and “Like y/n said. Kuvira tends to stay to herself. She’s dedicated to the security force so she’s up before any of us are and eats breakfast really early and doesn’t come home until late.”

Everyone pauses to take in this new branch of the family tree.

“That’s Kuvira…. But after being on the Zaofu guard. I decided to venture on into greener pastures and wanted to come back to the Republic.” You smile

“Yeah, but you left after your birthday” Opal frowns “New me, new life” you plainly stated even though there was more to the reason why you left. “I wasn’t leaving because I didn’t like Zaofu anymore. I just felt a new change of pace”.

“What, that you weren’t done growing as a person?” Opal asked.

“Precisely” you nod and smile as you remember back to your last conversation with the airbender,

“As fate would have it I joined the police force, then surprisingly during that same week a certain Avatar came in causing mayhem in the city. Since then it’s been ups and downs and full of crazy adventures, and here we are now. That’s my story”.

“Wow” Korra looks out to the fire.

“Are you sure you’re 28?” Bolin raises an eyebrow,

“Yeah you sound like Bumi” Asami comments,

“…or even Kya,” Korra adds onto Asami’s comment.

You laugh before stopping abruptly and look at them with a serious face “I’m actually 49”.

They all drop their jaws “No way!?” only Mako seems to look past your attempt “She’s joking” and you burst out laughing “You’re no fun Mako, but yes I’m 28”.

The rest of the group continues on joking and talking around the fire as Su walks up and grabs your attention. “I’ll be back” you politely dismiss yourself from the group and head over to Su “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s been about 8 hours, figured we should go do the thing”,

“You were serious?!” you look at Su surprised.

“Of course I am. We fight, we make up. This is all part of the healing process, right? Come on help me. Lin is heavy” Su huffs as she starts walking away.

You sigh and shake your head wondering if this is a good idea, but you jog up behind her and head to Lin’s room. You help Su undress Lin and as she lifts her tank up your body starts to fill with fear as you realize that Su is going to see the love marks on her older sister’s body. Just focus on taking her shoes off while Su undresses her. You start working the boots off of Lin when you hear Su start to speak

“Gosh she has so many bruises…” she comments, putting the clothes aside on the bed and you blush a little, not looking over “Most likely from the fight… I’ll go get a towel to wrap her around” you lift her up together and carry her over to the tub so Su can wash her. You ask Su “Is it really necessary for me to stay? I can just wait out into the living area”  Su insists “Yes, i can’t lift her, what if i need help?”. You sigh then nod as you continue looking out the door while stealing glances of the two sisters.

“Some of these bruises look days old...”

You bite your lip and turn your face away - “She has a dangerous job. Fighting with triads and criminals trying to run from the scene, bruises are an everyday occurrence.”

“Didn’t realize hickies were an everyday occurrence in that dangerous job” Su smirks. You gulp “Huh...well would you look at that” you grin “I guess you were wrong about Lin being alone” you quipped,

“Wonder who it is”

“Only the spirits know.” you shrug as you rest your chin on your knees looking away.

“She never mentioned anything?” Su keeps pressing and you roll your eyes,

“She never mentioned you. What makes you think she’ll mention the person responsible for those marks?”

A long silence settles in the room before Su starts to reminisce and talks softly -

“I remember when Lin would give me baths. Though I would be awake..” she comments while you sit on the counter facing away.

“What else do you remember about her?” You ask as you bring your knees up to your chest.

“Toph would be too busy at work so Lin would sometimes cook me meals when I came home from school or bring takeout. She helped me with my homework. One time when we were really little, we were playing around and I fell and scraped my knee. It was the first time I saw Lin that worried. She picked me up and carried me back to the house for Mom to bandage me up. Toph dismissed it and told us to be careful next time but Lin kept a close watch after that….” Su trails off and you hear quiet sobs coming from her and you turn to look before turning away again “I feel like I should give you some privacy” you start to scoot off the counter “Just call me when you’re ready to help her out” you say to her gently as you head out the bathroom to wait in the living area. After half an hour you hear Su’s voice calling out to you and you rush over “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m done. Help me get her out the tub so I can dry her” you walk over and grab the same towel you used before and carefully pick her up. Carrying her over to the bed, Su dries Lin’s body while you get some clothes provided by the Zaofu dresser and you help her put them on Lin.

“You don’t seem a bit disgusted to see Lin” Su remarks as you finish putting a sleeve on Lin’s arm “Like you said, we all have the same body parts. I had to do my share of dressing my sisters”.

“When they were older?’

“The last time was when I was 24 - when I went to visit my sister. She actually saw me naked. Hypothermia remember?” you smirk as you step back.

“Ah yes, I remember that story. You came back slightly under the weather” she laughed.

“Alright well she should be more comfortable now. Best to let her sleep for the rest of the night” Su turns to you and you grab the towels and set them in a hamper “Good idea” Su stops you and you look at her confused “You care for Lin, don’t you?”

“Yeah, of course…. since working together at the force we’ve developed a certain level of trust and a friendship of sorts. It’s kind of what happens when you’re off catching bad guys” you rub the back of your neck as a slight blush appears on your cheek.

“Are you feeling okay?” Su puts away Lin’s tank and sweats up as she looks at you

“Yeah, I think I’m just feeling tired…I should head to bed” you fake a yawn and start to head out.

“I see the way you look at her.... “ Su talks and you stop right at the door frame looking ahead as your eyes widen while she continues talking “...The way you rushed to her side when she fainted. Your eyes were full of concern and you refused anyone’s help to carry her. The way you spoke about her earlier….sounds like someone has a crush on my sister.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about Su” you scoff and shake your head as you rub the back of your neck taking another step forward as Su walks after you putting a hand on your shoulder turning you around “You don’t think I caught on your little ticks? The way you rub your neck when you’re worried or nervous?” She purses her lips as she folds her arms “There’s something more between the two of you than you’re letting on, isn’t there. She’s more than 20 years older than you?”

“Her age means nothing to me, Su.” you walk backwards out of the bedroom away from Lin to let her rest “...Iris is 5 years older than me. If anything, her being older is a plus.” blurt out then bite your tongue trying to quiet down “shit” you mutter under your breath as you hang your head low as you run your hand to the back of your head. You keep your face turned from Su as your body tenses up. “You didn’t answer the question, y/n… are you and Lin more than friends?” Your throat closes up as you try to find a way to divert this conversation while you grip onto the armchair. Your cover is blown, “I--” your eyes well up as the worry you have on Lin starts to surface then you finally breathe out “...yes”. You turn to face Su “There’s something more, but that’s all I’m going to say. I’d rather keep whatever privacy we have left. For Lin’s sake and mine, private.”

“So those marks are...yours I presume?” Su fold her arms as she looks at you

“You really want to know?” you raise a brow as you can’t help but let out a laugh

“No, don’t answer that. As much as I love my sister. Her sex life isn’t one I would like to know about. Treat her right”

You smirk and chuckle a bit before getting serious “I care about your sister, Su. A lot. I would never hurt or quit on her.” you look over at Lin and your eyes soften, then you turn to look at Su with a determined face. “Lin is strong and more than capable of defending herself, but I have no problem stepping in on her behalf when necessary.”

“I know you will. My sister deserves some good in her life…. Thanks again, y/n, at least Lin has you in the city” she gives you a smile and you smile back “Yeah, I guess you’re right. No problem, that’s what family is for, right?” you close your mouth then open back up as you think of something “As much as I know you would love to rub it in Lin’s face. Please don’t mention any of this to Lin…. unless you want to lose her. Please, I can’t stress this enough for Raava sake please just wait until she tells you herself.”

“Well I can poke her about it. Get some kind of ruse out of her” Su smirks and you roll your eyes “Always gotta tease her, don't you?” you smirk back before shaking your head. “Alright I should get ready for bed. Both of us do”

*

After an hour or so you sneak back into Lin’s room and crawl in bed to lay beside her. She’s still sleeping deeply, just how you and Su left her and you watch her until you doze off. Sometime in the middle of the night Lin stirs and wakes up “What…where am I?” she looks around and notices you next to her, she shakes your shoulder - “Hmm…Lin?” you wake up and rub your eyes “You’re awake” you sit up as Lin looks around the room then down at her new clothes “What time is it?”

“Um, I don’t know it’s probably sometime in the early morning. Maybe two? You’ve been asleep for about 9 hours now” You squint looking out the window before glancing back at her. “What the flameo am I wearing” she tugs on her collar and you laugh softly as you wrap your arms around her and close your eyes “It’s the Zaofu robes. Su put them on you” you murmur as you doze off,

“Su?!” she looks down and shakes you awake again you groan out “baby….yes, Su''

“How?” she pressures you to keep talking

you open your eyes and try to wake up, sitting up beside her “Uh…well…after you fainted I brought you back to your room. I had to tell Su about your session, so she called the acupuncturist to find out what caused your fainting spell. Said he’s never had a case where someone’s chi was so ‘powerfully blocked’ - his words” you smile as you lean your head back on the headboard. “He mentioned he told you to take it easy and rest but in true Beifong fashion you decided to fight Su instead. You overworked your already tired body and when you sparred you drained your energy even more which caused your current state. I was so worried…” you turn your face to look at her as you pout lacing your hand with hers.

Lin was looking down then looked over at you “Ok…but how does that explain the clothes?”

You bite your lip to hide your smile “All of that and you’re stuck on the robes” you laugh, then sigh rubbing your face before continuing on “We let you rest for a while before Su asked me to help her give you a bath”

“What?! You and Su bathed me?”

“No…. Su bathed you, I just helped undress you. I’ve at least had experience in that department” you chuckle, and Lin smacks your chest “Lin!” you rubbed your chest pretending to wince “It was either me or Opal to help your sister. Considering your last interaction with your niece it was better not to scar the poor girl.”

“You’re right”

“Yeah… while Su was bathing you she…”

“What, she did something to me, didn’t she. That little brat” Lin starts checking herself around for any marks

“No, no. She was talking about all the stuff you did for her when you two were younger. You bathing her, helping her with her homework, the first time Su scraped her knee and you got worried.”

“I wasn’t worried” she rebuffed

“Really, it seemed to me you got scared and carried your little sister all the way home all for a scraped knee. It was sweet, you’re a good caring sister” you smile.

“Su let you stay here?” Lin seems to still be disoriented as you shake your head yawning

“No, I snuck in after everyone went to bed” you yawned again .

“You say it’s two in the morning?”  

“Yeah, so sleep?” you scoot down and lay back down on the bed and Lin lays back down as well, wrapping her arms around you.

“Did I really worry you?” she whispers, and you nod “I was. we all were, especially Opal and the twins, We’ve all taken turns checking up on you. Despite the initial introduction, your niece and nephews sure do care about their Aunt Lin…but I’m glad you’re awake. You’re feeling better?” you whisper to her as you stroke the hand that’s resting on your middle,

“Kind of, I still feel out of it” she murmurs against your shoulder while her thumbs stroke your stomach.

“Let’s sleep then, and if you’re not feeling the robe you’re more than welcome to... take it off…” You smirk, rubbing your legs against hers. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?” she smirks whispering in your ear as you bite your lip “Whatever makes you comfortable, baby” you turn half your body over to her and she props herself up over you, rubbing your waist and looking into your eyes before leaning down and kissing your lips. Lin arches your back, running her hand up and down your side as you cup her cheek deepening the kiss. She runs her hand down your side as then slides it up your shirt brushing her hand on your bare skin “Take this off” she growls against your lips. You pull the tank top off without question, tossing it aside. You remember Lin’s current state and pull back a bit “Wait…are you sure?” looking into her eyes as you stroke her cheek gently with your thumb as Lin nods “Yes, I want to feel good after what happened” she softly speaks as you nod understanding then lean in to kiss her,  gently biting her lip. Lin groans as you pull on her lip before she tugs back and plants kisses down your body - leaving love bites on your chest and abdomen while her hand wanders down between your legs causing you to moan and grip the sheets. Lin’s mouth works down your body before she groans out softly in pain, “Lin?”

“I’m fine, dear” Lin carries on but sucks air through her teeth and leans up getting aggravated at herself “Fuck”,

“It’s okay, we can stop” you sit up and watch Lin refuse as she crawls beside you “No, I want to keep going”.

You look at her and notice how upset she’s getting, so you lean over and kiss her cheek, “Okay, let me take control then” you whisper as you grab onto Lin’s waist lifting her robe up while you lay her down onto the bed, getting between her legs. Your lips move down her jaw then to her neck before trailing up behind her ear “Doctor’s orders say to make you comfortable. Let me take care of you tonight baby” you whisper in her ear as Lin bites her lip and nods. You tug on her robes “Can you take this off?” Lin grabs hold of the edge and pulls it off, tossing it aside before pulling your face close to hers and into a deep searing kiss. Her legs wrapping around your waist as you grip the back of her thigh then up her ass as you grind against her. You run your hand down along her body during the kiss as you curl your finger around the side of her panties, “can I take this off?” you whisper against her lips as she unwraps her legs and you slide them down her legs. You lightly brush your fingers along her inner thighs, Lin moaning affirmatively at your touches. Kissing down her body as she arches her back, your circle your tongue around her nipples and tug it between your teeth. Lin moans as she runs her fingers in your hair before you move down lower. Gently kissing biting on her abdomen and pelvis before moving her legs over your shoulders. your tongue slowly teases her sweet folds as she grips your hair and tugs on it causing you to move your lips to groan against her clit. The vibrations arousing her further as she moans arching her back more you. Moving back down and worked her picking up the pace as she pants "please, y/n".

you look up at her and notice Lin's eyes pleading to you as she closes her eyes tilting her head back "fuck". you lean up as you bring your body over hers as you reach her lips. Lin taking your lips eagerly keeping each other hips close grinding against one another "please" she mutters, y our fingers slide down and touch her core and you smile against her lips. You slowly kiss down her jaw then right under her neck, finding a sensitive spot as she lets another moan escape. You let a groan out against her neck then whisper affirmations of your love in her ear. Her hand slides up into your hair while the other grips on your ass while your two fingers work in and out of her core. Her hips roll against your fingers and she’s panting hard now as she twists her hands in your hair, biting your shoulder as she clings to your body muffling her moans “Don’t stop”. You keep stroking your fingers curling them inside her as your thumb circles her clit, causing her to tilt her head back sinking her nails into your neck as she reaches her climax. You were careful not to hurt Lin and gave her body your undivided attention. Once she cools down you slowly remove your fingers and look at her while you taste suck on them, "delicious" you smirk. Lin looks flushed as she catches her breath move beside her as you get out of bed to wash up. washing your hands and brushing your teeth before coming back to bed, laying beside Lin leaning over to give her three kisses.

“Sorry I couldn't reciprocate” Lin murmurs, holding you in her arms as she kisses your shoulder softly.

“It’s okay, love. You’re not fully recovered yet. It was still wonderful”,

“If you say so” Lin rests her face into your neck -

“It was. Every time with you is amazing” you look over your shoulder at her and give her a kiss. Turning back around, you rub the arm Lin has draped around your stomach. “You let out your feelings in that spar now you can start building something with your family. At least start with one and work from there.” you rub her arm and feel her voice mumbling against your neck “I don’t know…I-”

“-Don’t decide right now. Sleep on it, ok?”

Lin stays quiet and you bring her hand up to give it a kiss then stroke your thumb over her hand it soothes you and her to sleep, giving her head a kiss.

*

You squint your eyes as the sunlight comes peeking through the curtains, causing you to rub your eyes. Looking around the room you see Lin still knocked out asleep. Pulling the sheets up to cover her up a bit you kiss her lips as part of your morning routine and get up. Ruffling your hair, you start searching for your clothes, it was going to be a challenge with the mess of pillows, comforter, and clothes all over the floor. Whatever pieces you find, you start putting on and tidying up the room a bit. Once you find the rest you slip on your boots and set Lin’s robes beside her on the bed then kiss her forehead before slipping out her room and sneaking back into yours to get ready for breakfast.

“Morning y/n” Su welcomes you as you drink some mango juice “Morning, Su. How’d you sleep?”

“Well, all things considered. What about you?” She looks over while Chef sets down a plate in front of her and she thanks him. “Pretty good. After all the events yesterday it was no challenge to doze off” you smile as you eat some fruit. “Have you checked in on Lin?” you ask Su as she eats some of her breakfast, she shakes her head “No, I wanted to wait to see if she’ll wake up for breakfast. Did you?”

“No, I figured it would be best not to bother her if she was still resting.”

Slowly, Team Avatar and the rest of the Beifong family joins for breakfast and everyone enjoys the food while checking the door for any sign of Lin. Once breakfast was over everyone separated to go about their day.

“Hey y/n! I was wondering if you wanted to spar for a bit” Asami stops you as were heading out and you smile “Yeah, I could use a spar. You’re not going to try to kill me like Su and Lin yesterday, right?”

Asami laughed and shook her head “No, I won’t do that. I just feel like I need to keep up on my combat skills. Korra almost took me down even with all the protective gear and pads.” You laugh and walk Asami over to the pavilion “Wow okay, yeah sure come on. We can’t let Korra be the only tough girl”

           You and Asami face each other and you take your tunic off and set it on the steps as you both wrap your forearms and put on the gloves, getting into a fighting stance. “Are you ready?” you bring your fists up to your face as Asami does the same. “Oh yeah, give me your best shot, Cap” Asami smirks as you playfully glare at her before charging and taking the first swing. Asami easily dodges and knees your side causing you to groan out “Nice contact” you shake it off before getting back into position. Asami looks for any openings and takes a jab then tries for an uppercut. You bob and weave around her attacks before taking a jab at her hip and throwing your leg behind her, causing her to fall back on the ground. Asami groans and holds onto her back making you stop and rush over “Oh man, ‘Sami are you okay?” she shakes her hand “Help me up”,

“Yeah sure” you grab her hand and her pained looks quickly changes into a smirk as she grips your hand then grabs the edge of your pants and flips you over. Landing hard on your side and you groan out and  hold on your side letting out a pained out laugh “Nice, I should have known”.

“You always fall for it” Asami laughs and jumps back up and takes a couple swings at the air. You wipe your mouth as you push yourself up and get back into a fighting stance and launch at her.

“Woah, what’s going on?!” Korra rushes over and stands between the two of you putting her hands up on both your chests. You and Asami exchange confused glances “What?”.

“First Su and Lin and now you and Asami are fighting? What is up with this place?” Korra huffs while you and Asami laugh “We’re not fighting, Asami wanted to train so she asked me to spar with her” you explain to Korra and you notice her flush with embarrassment. “Oh…”

“Yeah, oh… I’d rather fix my problems with words not fists” you laugh as you pull the gloves off and shake your head.

“I can’t believe you thought we would fight each other, Korra” Asami laughs as she walks up to the Avatar,

“I did think it was weird to see you two fighting but after yesterday, anything is possible.” Korra rubs the back of her neck as she winces “Sorry”.

You smile and grab your tunic as you start to button it up “Don’t worry about it. Asami just wanted to train so she could help you better during your workouts” you mention as you tuck your tunic in your pants not noticing the slight blush appearing on Asami’s cheeks. “I just want to help Korra in any way I can,” she quickly explains her intentions to Korra.

“Oh…that’s nice of you, Asami” Korra smiles before changing the subject “So any sign of Beifong?” she looks at the both of you and she receives a “No” from both Asami and you.

“Haven’t seen her, she hasn’t made an appearance anywhere?” you ask Korra and she frowns getting concerned “No, maybe we should check up on her. It’s getting pretty late isn’t it? She’s been sleeping for like a whole day” she over exaggerates and you laugh “I think it’s only been like fifteen hours Korra”

“Still that’s a long time! Who sleeps that long?!” Korra sits down on the steps and rests her elbows on her lap.

“Chief has a stressful job, think of it like she’s sort of on a mini vacation. Catching up on years of missed sleep” You sit beside Korra and try cheer her up “Maybe, I should go check up on her”

“Sure if it’ll ease your worries…. But be prepared - I sure wouldn’t poke a sleeping dragon” you smile as you stand up and dust your pants off.

“You’re right…. You guys want to come with me?” Korra looks at the both of you

“Not putting myself in that situation.” Asami throws her hands up before sliding them in her back pockets as she walks away. “Ok, what about you, y/n?” you suck in the air through your teeth as you rub the back of your neck “Yeah, it’s best if I don’t… don’t want to get burned” you smirk before dragging out a sigh “Maybe I should ask Bolin and Mako…” she mutters and you laugh “Sure, go ahead and do that. Good luck Avatar” patting Korra’s shoulder before jogging after Asami “Hey wait up ‘Sami!”

*

“I’ll be right back, Asami. I’m gonna grab a snack” you jog inside the estate and enter the dining room. Luckily the fruit bowl was still there and you grabbed an apple. Bouncing it off your forearm you take a bite as you walk out of the dining room - almost running into Lin, “Hey you’re up!” You smile as you chew on the piece of fruit in your mouth. Lin looks the most relaxed you’ve ever seen and gives you a kiss “Good morning, honey. Mmm honey crisp?” she smiles brightly wiping the lipstick off your lips with her thumb then grabs your apple and takes a bite “Mmm so good” she moans and your jaw drops almost dropping the piece of fruit in your mouth. Watching her walk toward a chair taking another bite of your apple. You catch yourself and clear your throat with a blush appearing on your cheeks “Uh--yeah, I was just grabbing a snack—wait”. You pointed at the fruit bowl then out the door then just realized what happened. Lin moaned again, munching away hungrily, granted she hasn’t eaten in practically a day. She also kissed you in the middle of the dining room. In broad daylight.

“Y/n, you okay?” Lin’s voice even sounds softer and you just smile and nod while staring at her. “Yeah, all good. Just happy you’re up and about”.

“I know I missed breakfast, but I was hoping I could get something to eat” Lin spoke so politely that you choke on the bite you forgot you had in your mouth. Walking towards the kitchen behind Lin you put your hand on the door and start pushing

“I’ll ask Chef to make you something. Keep munching on the apple, babe” you cough, trying to control yourself as you step out to get Chef. You kindly ask him to prepare Lin breakfast since she has been out of sorts. You walk back into the dining room and stand beside Lin, “Chef’s whipping something up for you. It shouldn’t take long.”

“Thank you, dear”

“You—I—no problem...dear” you raise your eyebrow, slightly confused and flustered by this weird interaction you’re having, but you love it. You smile widely at how Lin is acting, “I should head back, before people wonder where I’ve gone” you whisper as Lin gives you a understanding nod. You’re not really sure what to do but you look around to see if the coast is clear. You give Lin a light smooch, and she pecks your lips in return. Looking down you take a bite out of the apple before giving it back to Lin to finish then give her the three kisses on her lips as she holds your chin, “Go” Lin whispers smiling wide and you nod. Head towards the door before looking back at her and give her a cheeky smile before heading back to Asami.

*

Scratching the back of your head trying to grasp what just happened. Lin did get more than enough sleep, got her Chi unblocked, sort of started to fix her relationship with Su, and she got laid last night. Maybe she’s high off serotonin ? You think as you remember Lin took your Apple and you chuckle a bit chewing on the bite you have in your mouth. As you reach Asami, the others come running and pant, catching their breaths. “Woah what happened?” you looked at them surprised,

“Did you guys get chased out by the sleeping dragon?” Asami smirks, asking them as she lowers her sunglasses. Bolin points a finger up to give them a moment before he pants out “No…worse”

You glance at Asami “What’s worse?” you take a seat down beside her on a patch of grass as Pabu runs over to Bolin.

“Chief—She—” Mako looks like he is in a state of shock,

“Okay can someone form a full sentence?” you look at the three as Korra glances up at the both of you “She smiled!”

You cover your mouth to hide your smile as you swallow your food. You look at the three bewildered teens as you fight the urge to laugh and croaked “She what?”

“She smiled!” Bolin finally composes himself and waves his hands towards you and Asami.

“Is that bad?” Asami looks confused, turning her head back and forth between you and the other three as she notices you trying not to laugh, and a smile creeps up on her face.

“Have you ever seen Lin smile?!” Korra asks the group and everyone looks around,

“I mean yeah, that one time she promoted Mako” you point out.

“She only curled her lips - that wasn’t really a smile” Mako rebutted, and you think of another moment “Well...um… oh! When you got her bending back!” Bolin looked over at Korra “I mean she was thankful and grateful for that, but I don’t think she ever smiled. At Least I don’t remember I was in the Avatar State” Korra also tries thinking of a moment as she rubs her neck “I mean I ran into her in the dining room and she smiled at me. It was nice” you refrain from explaining as you look at the teens. “But before today?” Bolin responds and you shake your head looking down smiling.

Asami stands up folding her arms “You mean to tell me that Beifong has never smiled before today and we missed it?!” Asami looks over at you and you give her a nod before shaking your head “I’m sure Lin smiles” You smirk and lay back on the grass putting your arms behind your head. “Well what’d you expect, she had a good night’s rest. Anyone would be happy after sleeping for that long” What I did to Lin last night could’ve also helped her too.

“Do you think Beifong will be nicer now?” Korra looks around and everyone shrugs.

“This is new territory we’ve never encountered before.” Mako comments,

“So this is either a good thing or a scary thing” Bolin’s eyes widen and he looks around “Um maybe I should find Opal. Make sure she’s okay” he speaks nervously as he waves bye to everyone and runs off.

“What are you smirking about over there, y/n?” Mako calls out to you, snapping you out of your thoughts about last night and look at him and the girls,

“Oh you guys are still here? I don’t see what the big deal is, so Beifong smiled. Big whoop. Was it nice?” you sit up

“Actually yeah, it was nice.” Korra is looking bewildered again thinking back at how happy and relaxed Lin looked as she walked out of her room, then her eyes widen remembering -

“Oh and that wasn’t the worst part, She wasn’t wearing her armor - she was in Zaofu robes!”

“Oh yeah, I almost didn’t recognize her when I fell,” Mako relented.

And you furrow your eyebrows “You fell?”

“I knocked and there was no answer, so I was leaning against the door to listen for any noise inside the room -to see if she was in there, but then she opened the door and I fell in,” Mako quickly explained before getting flustered by his fall.

“Huh, well that’s good, means she’s relaxed, right?” Asami asks before looking at you and you give her a slow nod.

“Since she seems to be in a good mood maybe it’s best we stay clear from her. You don’t want to tick her off again” you stand up and dust yourself off before walking away “Where are you going?” Korra calls out to you

“All this talk about sleep got me feeling like I could use a nap. Maybe I’ll be in smiling mood”

“Ha-ha very funny”

You smirk as you wave goodbye before sliding a hand in your pocket, returning to your room.

*

Lin looks up at the large statue of Toph silently contemplating on how nice it feels to reconnect with her sister again. Maybe I should talk to mom and work on that mess too, she thinks when she senses someone approaching up behind her. “Opal has decided to go to the Northern Air Temple. I’m guessing you and y/n had something to do with her decision.”

Lin turned to face her sister as she softly spoke “Well, I was just-”

Su smiles at her sister “it’s okay. I’m glad she was honest with me. I want her to do what makes her happy” She looks down “Mom gave us too much freedom, but I feel like I’ve made the mistake of giving Opal too little. I think it’s time I let her choose her own way.” she closes her eyes for a moment before opening them “I’m sorry I gave you such a hard time when we were younger. I can’t imagine what my life would’ve been like if Mom hadn’t sent me away, If I had stayed in the city.”

Lin looks at her sister and answers dryly “You’d probably be in prison”

Su chuckles “You’re probably right. Mako told me that you’re an amazing Police Chief and y/n strongly agrees. Republic City is lucky to have you. I know Mom is proud.”

Lin looks down for a short while then turns back to look at the statue of Toph as Su steps forward to stand beside Lin and they both look up at it.

“Can we move on now? I’d love for you to be a part of my life again. There’s plenty of space for you in the house, and the kids would love having their aunt around.”

Lin turns to face her sister again. “I do need a co-director for my new dance performance.”

Lin’s eyes widen as she raises her hands “Woah. Slow down” Lin smiles half amused and half in disbelief at Su’s mention of the dance company. “How about for now, I just promise not to show up at your house and attack you again.”

“Deal” su extends a hand out and Lin returns the gesture ending in a handshake. Lin looks genuinely relieved and happy to have reconnected with her sister.

As Su guides Lin back to the house “So you and y/n, huh?” she gives Lin a smirk causing Lin to look at her confused “What about me and y/n?”

“Nothing just you two seem….close”

Lin narrows her eyes trying to understand where Su is something from “How so?”

Su smiles smugly “I don’t know, but the way y/n rushed to your side when you fainted. She was concerned for you, refusing to let anyone else help. The way she talks about you just seems….like there is something more”

“For me?” Lin raised her brow

“y/n gave me a good talking to. That’s all I’m saying.” she folded her arms causing Lin to look away gruffly, “We’re colleagues. We look after each other as comrades in the force.”

Su scoffs and nudges her older sister patting her shoulder as she continues walking “Okay, Lin”

“What?” Lin grabs her wrists to stop her as Su turns to her,

“Nothing, you’re just colleagues, comrades.” she waves her hands dismissively “I’m glad someone is watching over you, Lin. y/n is a good person, she’s patient and caring. Though she can be stubborn and reckless. Her and the twins together equals pure chaos sometimes.” Su chuckles and Lin’s lips curl up into a small smile. “During her time at the house I’ve learned that once you’re in her life she doesn’t let you go, it takes a lot for her to drop a person from her life. She treats the kids like her own family and I know they love her.”

“That’s nice to know. But  why are you telling me this?” Lin says wryly. Lin tries not to look nervous, hoping that her relationship isn’t blown. Lin isn’t ready to have this kind of talk with her sister about her love life. Even though she cares and really likes you more than she can admit to herself, she likes the fact that you and her are private.

“Figured you should know about them from my perspective and experience while they were here” “Uhh thanks” Lin blushes slightly as she folds her arms “I should get going...” she pointed towards the courtyard to her room

*

A pounding knock wakes you up and you groggily get out of bed rubbing your head as you grab your tunic and slide it on over your head before opening the door, “Yeah?” rubbing your eyes

“Try to contain your excitement” Lin says dryly as she folds her arms, your eyes widen and look over her shoulder before looking back at her.

“I see your little high cooled down?” you smirk back as you open the door more to let her in. Lin rolls her eyes and pushes past the door and closes it behind you “I think we should talk…”

You get nervous and start panicking, tapping your fingers together “Uh… how about no? I just woke up from a nap. We still have dinner to look forward to” your cheeks blush

“Don’t worry it’s not bad” she chuckles, and you lighten up “Oh well you could’ve said that. I had to initiate my escape plan.” You chuckle walking over to sit beside her.

“So…what’d you want to talk about?” your lips twitches as you fumble around your palms

“Su and I talked. She told me everything…”

“Oh… “ you look down as you fidget your fingers “what about... exactly?” you narrow your eyes a bit as you scratch the back of your ear trying not to sound nervous.

“She told me you talk to her…while I was out cold”

You sigh “I’m sorry...I know I shouldn’t have meddled but—” Lin interrupts you

“--I promised not to show up at her house and attack her again. So it’s progress” you close your lips as you take in the news and smile “That’s great, Lin! I’m happy for you two. So you’re not upset with me? I know I said some harsh things to Su…”

“It’s okay. I—thank you” Lin reaches over and rests her hand over yours giving you a smile. you look down and hold her hand,intertwining your fingers. “For taking my side. Choosing me instead of Su”

You scoot closer to her as you press your forehead against hers as you whisper “Of course, I told you I would rescue you from Su. I’ll always have your back. I choose you every time” You lean back a bit as you share a kiss then look down and smile

“What?” Lin cocks an eyebrow at you,

“You know it’s weird..” you rub under your nose as you stifle a laugh

“What is?”

“You know that whole meeting the family step when you get serious in a relationship…”

“No…Tenzin and I already knew each other’s family….”

“Oh…right. Well...” you scratch behind your ear “I already know your family. Lived with them. They all love and accept me. So it’s funny now that I’ve been witnessing you meet your own family for the first time” you chuckle as you look down biting your lip

“Heh…well at least I don’t have to do that part then. It saves me the hassle” Lin shrugs

“I mean there’s still the whole telling them about us thing” you look at Lin and she glances over at you her eyes slightly widening “Do we have to?”

“Or… we can have them figure it out on their own?” you smile as you lean in close to her

“Better” she smirks as she leans into you and presses her lips on yours parting her lips as you kiss her.

“Speaking of - Su...sort of suspects” you whisper and Lin leans back surprised “Su?!”

“Yeah, but it’s just suspicion. Don’t start having one of your worry fits” you cup her cheek and rub her jaw to try and calm her down. Lin groans softly and looks down resting her forehead against yours.  

“I’m really happy for you, Lin” you whisper again “About Su suspecting? I’m not happy with that” she mumbles and you chuckle a bit “No, about you back on your feet. You and Su reconciling. It’s nice” you give her a soft smile as you tuck some hair behind her ear as your thumb brushes along her cheek. Lin sighs happily, “Honestly, for the first time in a while I’m genuinely happy and relieved.” She whispers back

“That’s good, babe. I’m glad I’m here to share this happy moment with you” you smile as you stroke her cheek. Lin looks up at you and smiles, giving you a soft kiss.

You return her kiss then plant another and another until you’re kissing her fully, tongue and all, putting your hands on her waist and tugging her toward you as you kiss her neck. Lin bites her lip as she sighs “Have you ever slept in your room before?”

“The nap I woke up from was the first time. I’ve been elsewhere other nights” you mumble on her neck in between kisses.

“I wonder where…” she softly moans

“Yeah…” you trail kisses back up her neck until you connect back to her lips.

She kisses you deeply until she laughs softly  against your lips and extricates herself from your grip “Ok, enough” you smile against her lips and let go “Okay, fine” you laugh, compose yourself and scoot up on the couch “I should actually get ready for dinner, will you be joining?” you look over at Lin and she leans back in the couch “Yeah, all i’ve had was some kale drink Su’s Chef prepared”

“What was in it?” you eyebrows furrow slightly curious,

“A drink made of kale, coconut water, and walnuts”

“Coconut water? I’ll pass” you make a disgusted face and shake it off.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Lin smiles and chuckles slightly at your disgust.

“Chef is always creating weird concoctions.” you laugh as you get up and head toward your room “You’re more than welcomed to stay while I get dressed”

“I should be heading out - before anyone wonders where I am.” Lin gets up and heads towards the door.

“Right… yeah” you head out the bedroom and walk Lin to the door “I’ll see you at dinner then” you smile

“Yeah” Lin’s lips twitch up and you hover your hand over the door handle and before opening it, sharing a short sweet kiss until it turns into a slow, deep one, your other hand on the small of her back. Enjoying her taste, you fall into a trance as she grazes her nails down along your jaw before she pulls back “I’ll see you at dinner” she smirks against your lips waking you up from that trance and opens the door “Yes, dinner.”

*

“I would like to say a few words before we eat - I have an announcement actually” Opal stands as she grabs her cup “First, I just want to say that I’m so relieved that Aunt Lin is awake and doing better. Secondly, after talking with Aunt Lin, y/n, and with mom and dad… I’ve made the decision to join the other airbenders at the Northern Air Temple”

You give Opal a warm smile as you turn to look at Wei and Wing who look conflicted on the news, “You’re leaving us?!”

Su looks at her youngest children “Opal isn’t leaving, she’s making her own way in the world. This is a great opportunity for her to study under Tenzin and get to know other airbenders.”

“I think it’s wonderful Opal! You’ve made the right decision” you smile brightly as you stand up from your seat and bring your cup up in the air “Let’s cheer on Opal in her new path!” Everyone brings their cups up and gives a cheer to Opal.

“An airbending Beifong. That’s great...” you mutter then laugh out loud after taking a sip. Everyone glances over at your direction confused “What’s funny?” Wei and Wing ask in unison. You shake your head “Sorry, I just had a thought” you quiet down. “Care to share?” Su asks, curious about your laughter and once you compose yourself you take a breath “ I was connecting Opal’s airbending to her last name. Opal is the physical representation of the Beifong symbol. A flying boar.” you explain and Lin turns to Su “Huh, well how about that...”

“A flying boar in the family. Who would’ve thought” Su looks to Lin and they chuckle at the thought followed by the laughs from the rest of the family.

*

After dinner you finish congratulating Opal once again on her decision and catch Lin walking out the mansion and heading towards the grounds out of the corner of your eye. You dismiss yourself from the living area, dipping out the house as you look around for Lin. After a couple of minutes searching you find her near the maze you took her on the first day here, “Looking for a quiet place?” you have your hands in your pockets as you stop a couple steps behind her. “It was getting to be a bit”

“- too much?” you finish her sentence as she walks into the maze and you curl your lip a bit as you follow her. Lin looks lost as she takes a wrong turn and you chuckle “Over here” you speak up and point in the right direction taking the lead to the center. You walk over and sit at your usual spot on the grass and lay down looking up at the stars. Lin sits at the bench and neither one of you say anything until you sense her getting back up to walk over and sit beside you. “You’re right, no one comes here.” Lin continues to sit as you look for constellations ``Yeah, I think the only person who would come here is Huan but it’s too dark for him right now. He wouldn’t be able to sketch.” “The artist kid. He knows to keep his distance” Lin rubs the bridge of her nose as she looks up at the sky “What are you looking at anyways?”

“The stars, Lin, obviously” you chuckle as you prop yourself up as Lin deadpans you a look “I know but what’s there to see it’s just balls of light” she waves up at the sky.

“It looks nice. Sometimes you get to see constellations if you know what to look for”

“And you do?”

“No” you snort a laugh as Lin rolls her eyes looking away. You look down at your fingers before speaking again “I’m glad you spoke to Opal. Seems your talk to her gave her the push she needed to convince Su to let her leave Zaofu.”

“It was nothing”

“Maybe to you, but to Opal, I’m sure it was a major thing. You had your first Aunt/Niece moment. I’m proud of you, Lin” you smile looking up at her and she looks over at you when you mention you being proud of her.

“What?”

“I’m proud of you. You passed your first job of being an Aunt.”

“It’s a job?”

You chuckle “You basically get to be the second line to give advice and encourage the kids to do what’s best for them when your sister fails to do so or if they don’t like what she said.”

“Yeah, I’m not ready for this”

“Hey, at least you’ll get to be the cool aunt when the kids get annoyed with Su”

“Cool aunt, yeah right” Lin scoffs

“Imagine if the kids like you better than Su. That would kill her” you laugh,

“She would be hysterical” Lin chuckles and you look at her.

“It’s a slow process but this is a step in the right direction” you lean over and kiss her shoulder then add another on her cheek Lin turns at the last second and you catch the corner of her lips. She parts her lips and searches for your lips to capture your lips on hers. The kiss starts off slow and sweet - your hand cupping her cheek while Lin rests her hand on your hip. You pull back a bit to give her a few soft kisses before both of you slowly pull back.

“I’m going to head to bed. Some of us didn’t sleep for 16 hours” you quip as you try to get up when Lin kicks you down and you fall back.

“Oof, what the flameo Lin” you laugh and get up

“You tripped. Your agility is slacking, Captain”

“My agility? Okay, tomorrow you, me, and the twins. We’re going to have a two v two game of power disc. I’ll show you that my agility is up to par” you dust your hands off and stand up,

“Deal, I’ll murder you three”

“You’re all bark and no bite baby.” you smirk and she grabs your collar pulling your face close to hers “I think I’ve proven that I do in fact...bite” she puts on a sultry voice as she tugs on your lips with her teeth. You blink as your mind goes blank getting flustered “I….Uh...right. You coming?” you clear your throat as Lin smirks seeing you get flustered. You stand up sliding a hand in your pocket as you look down at her offering her a hand as she stays seated.

“No, I’m well rested I think I’ll have some time alone”

“Okay” you lean back down and give Lin a kiss “Goodnight, honey” you whisper,