Chapter Text
Bored of the house, Lin slowly walks towards the bison stables hoping to get to Oogi and back before she is to have lunch with her family.
"Mom?" Aditi moves from behind Hima to look at what her mother was doing.
"Hey Di," Lin smiles.
"Where are you going?" Aditi looks concerned.
"Just around the Bay," Lin supplies.
"By yourself?" Aditi seems uncertain.
"Your father is busy but your sibling seems to like the air and I don’t want to bother him when he’s finally stopped to do his work for the day," Lin explains.
"I'm coming with you," Aditi insists.
"Ok, I need to be back before his meditation session finishes," Lin moves towards Oogi and uses her bending to jump on Oogis neck.
"No, you go in the saddle, I will guide him," Aditi helps her mother towards the saddle.
"Just to the near side of Mount Makapu and back," Lin instructs.
"Oogi, yip yip," Aditi guides the bison. The flight is going fairly well. Lin lies flat on the saddle taking in the fresh air and dozing easily. Twenty minutes later she's woken by cramping in her stomach.
"Di!" Lin shouts, panic shooting through her.
"Mom? Are you okay?" Aditi begins to move towards the saddle.
"I need you to take me to the hospital," Lin struggles to get out.
"We should get dad and Aunty Kya," Aditi asks nervously.
"There may not be time and it's closer than the island. Radio them when you get there," Lin insists.
"O-okay," Aditi guides the bison to the city.
Lin uses the breathing techniques Tenzin had her do every morning to help her keep calm. She imagines the smug look on his face when he finds out how much they helped and wishes he were with her.
"Almost there mom," Aditi yells over her shoulder as the hospital comes into view. She's still fairly new to landing in tight spaces but Oogi is a pro. They manage to land in front of the hospital with minimal issues. The young airbender helps her mother down the bison's leg.
"We saw the bison. Chief Beifong, what is happening?" One of the senior healers runs out with her team a few steps behind her.
"Cramping, bad cramping," Lin grits as the healers help her onto a stretcher.
"How far along are you?" The healer examines her as they head into the hospital.
"Seven months," Lin manages to get out.
"We need to deliver the baby ! Get the chief to a room, radio Master Tenzin and find me some Cohosh tea," the healer orders as soon as they enter the hospital.
"Mom, what should I do?" Aditi panics
"Di , wait for your father here. Everything will be okay," Lin reassures her daughter as they carry her away. Everything else the healers are doing is a blur until she hears Tenzin and Kya enter the room.
"Lin!" Tenzin rushes into the room followed by his sister who approaches the healers.
"Ten," Lin cries ,"it was just a ride on Oogi, I didn't expect anything to go wrong."
"No this is not your fault," Tenzin reaches for her hand, "we are not going to lose this one and both of you will be fine."
"W-wh-where are the kids?" Lin sniffles.
"With Lu and your mother on the island," Tenzin wipes the tear slipping down her cheek.
"Mom actually came?" Lin was more than a little surprised.
"She was ready to figure out a way to fly Hima here herself if we didn't hurry," Tenzin chuckles.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, Chief, we need to get ready to deliver the baby," the healer makes their presence known ,"Master Tenzin, I need you to step outside."
"No, he stays," Lin insists, " I need him."
"It's not the protocol," the healer challenges ,"a lot can go wrong."
" He has been there for the births of our other children," Lin frowns, not in the mood for an argument.
"We are tight on space here," the healer crosses her arms.
Lin scoots forward on the bed and Tenzin takes the hint. He climbs into the bed behind her so she is between his legs and he can support her back.
"You two are probably the only ones who can get away with this," the healer gives in, "chief I need you to push."
"I'm trying," Lin grits her teeth ,"it's too early, it's too early."
"Honey, I need you to focus. Remember the breathing techniques," Tenzin attempts to soothe her.
"Breathing techniques my ass, you did this to me!" Lin cries.
"Focus on my voice, we are going to have another beautiful baby," Tenzin whispers to her as she leans back. Lin tries to focus on his voice as she pushes and it works for a little until she feels like nothing is happening despite.
"What is happening?" Lin frowns
"It seems that the baby is in distress," Kya replies grimly, “Lin I’m going to need you to give the next one all you can.”
After a tiring few hours the couple is relieved to welcome their child but that relief is short-lived when it is clear something is wrong with both Lin and their baby boy.
"She's losing too much blood and we need to get him to a specialist now," the senior healer instructs her team before turning to Tenzin, "Master Tenzin I'm going to need you to step outside. That's not debatable."
“Okay,” Tenzin gets up when the healer glares at him.
"What is happen-," Lin tries to ask before losing consciousness.
…
At first Tenzin attempts to sit patiently in the waiting room but his mind just runs over all the what ifs and it makes him feel ill. He checks in on his children then goes for a walk hoping to kill enough time that someone will have answers by the time he returns to the maternity floor. When he gets back to the floor his sister and mother rush towards him.
“Is there any news? How are they? Mother, when did you get here? Did you get to see them?” Tenzin asks.
“Nothing so far. They told me it was best to step back for the surgery,” Kya sighs.
“Surgery?” Tenzin frowns.
“Lin, they needed to operate on her. There were complications,” Kya explains.
“Complications? What does that mean Ky?” Tenzin shifts nervously.
“They had to remove a part of her uterus,” Kya answers, “we have to watch for a few days and hope she doesn’t pick up any infections but she should be okay.”
“Spirits,” Tenzin sits back in his chair, “our boy?”
“The next ten days will be important,” Katara answers quietly, “they allowed me to look him over and I agree. There are a lot of unknowns right now. He will have to stay in the hospital for at least six weeks before he is clear to go home. Know that they are both getting the best care possible.”
“ I don’t know what to do,” Tenzin rests his head in his hands not wanting his tears to be obvious.
“All you can do is wait,” Katara rubs his back.
“I can’t lose them,” Tenzin’s voice cracks. The thought of losing Lin or his son was something he couldn’t bear.
“We will do everything we can to make sure that doesn’t happen,” Kya promises. The three sit quietly as they wait for an update on Lin.
“Tenzin?” Kiri enters the waiting room.
“How is she?” Tenzin rushes forward.
“The surgery was successful, Lin should make a full recovery but she will need to take it very easy for a couple weeks. I will have a better idea of how many later this week,” Kiri informs them.
“Is she awake?” Tenzin wonders.
“No and she probably won’t be up and alert for another day or two. You should be able to enter her room soon,” Kiri shares, “would you like to see your son?”
“Yes,” Tenzin nods before following the healer down the hall with his mother while Kya stays to update Toph. He enters a section of the hospital he is unfamiliar with. They stop at a window which is on the other side of the room where they care for newborns.
“Second row, fifth from the left,” Kiri whispers, “I will give you two some time. Lin is in 346 when you are finished here. Only one person is allowed to stay the night with her. I will be by in the morning to check on her but I can answer some more questions before I go home if you’d like.”
“Thank you Kiri,” Katara answers for her son who is staring at his newborn.
“My boy,” Tenzin watches the baby sleep, relieved to see his chest rising and falling.
“I’m going to get an update on Lin’s condition to understand what exactly we can do for her while she recovers. I will check in with you later,” Katara informs her son, leaving him alone in the hallway.
Tenzin knew this pregnancy would be different but didn’t realise the little things he took for granted before now. When his older children were born he was able to hold them right after Lin did but this baby he wasn’t even sure if they would ever get the chance to hold him. By now they would be introducing the children to their new sibling and sharing the name with the family. They still hadn’t agreed on a name in the five and a half months since they found out Lin was pregnant. He avoids thinking further about the negatives that could happen and tries to focus on the fact that their baby made it through a harrowing experience so far.
When Tenzin finally makes his way to Lin’s room he is surprised at first glance how much she looks like nothing happened. That is of course until he reaches to the beside and can clearly see bandaging around her midsection. She always told him he needed to get better at listening and waiting but this was not how he thought he would get his practice. Tenzin takes a seat in the chair by her bedside and takes hold of her hand. He whispers a prayer for his wife and son before giving in to sleep for the night knowing there was nothing else he could do.
…
"I can't sleep. I want mommy," Jinora huffs.
"Mom is still in the hospital and so is the baby" Aditi tries to figure out a way to calm the seven year old.
"Daddy then," Jinora shakes her head.
"Remember he spends the days with us and nights with mom," Aditi reminds her, "what about gran gran or Lu?"
"No," Jinora huffs.
"Aunty Kya?" Aditi tries again.
"No," Jinora frowns.
“Uncle Bumi maybe?” Aditi offers.
“I. Want. Mommy,” Jinora’s eyes begin to water.
"Where's your harness?" Aditi asks tiredly.
"To fly?" Jinora checks
"Yeah," Aditi nods and takes her glider from beside her bed.
"Here," Jinora holds it up.
"Put it on," Aditi decides.
"Really?" Jinora frowns. Her sister never let her fly with her before.
"Really," Aditi opens their window and climbs out.
"It's too high," Jinora looks down at her sister from the ledge.
"I've got you Jin. I’ve always got you," Aditi promises.
"Okay," Jinora jumps down and her sister catches her. When she stands, Aditi secures the other side of the harness to herself then opens the glider. They fly around the Bay until Jinora yawns a few times which Aditi takes as a sign to return to their room.
…
“Ten?” Lin calls weakly.
“My love, you’re awake,” Tenzin jumps up from his chair at her bedside. He presses a kiss to her forehead while she gets her thoughts together and he thanks the spirits for bringing her through.
“The baby Tenzin, what happened to our baby?” Lin croaks.
“He is in the newborns unit. They, they don’t know Lin,” Tenzin tries to hold back his tears.
“What do you mean? They don’t know? What aren’t you telling me? Lin presses.
“They say the first ten days will be crucial. After then they will have a better idea but those ten days aren’t certain,” Tenzin sighs.
“I need to see him,” Lin tries to get out of the bed but Tenzin stops her.
“You were out for three days and you had major surgery, you are in no shape to be walking,” Tenzin sighs.
“Well that means I’ve already lost time with our boy so what is the work around?” Lin asks.
“I’ll get a wheelchair,” Tenzin decides.
“Good,” Lin nods and waits for him to return with the chair.
“I brought backup,” Tenzin informs her as he enters with the chair and another healer who helps him get Lin into the chair without hurting her in the process. They waste no time in heading towards the newborn unit.
“How are the kids?” Lin asks.
“Good given the circumstances,” Tenzin sighs.
“When we finish here I want to give them a call,” Lin decides
“That we can do,” Tenzin agrees.
“Looks like mommy woke up just in time,” one of the healers smiles as Tenzin wheels Lin to the glass he had been viewing their son through for the past three days.
“Huh?” Lin looks at the healer in confusion.
“Would you like to hold him? Only for a couple of minutes but we think some skin to skin might be good for him,” the healer explains.
“Y-yes,” Lin nods happily.
“There is a smaller nursery next door with a rocking chair. Councilman, could you take the chief there? We will bring your son across,” the healer informs the couple who follow her instructions and patiently wait to properly meet their son.
“Here he is,” the healer enters the room with the baby and hands him to Lin who rests him on her chest, “I will be outside if you need anything.”
“So this is our boy,” Lin smiles at the baby on her chest, “hi sweetheart.”
“Yes it is,” Tenzin confirms quietly
“He looks just like you in those pictures your mother sent up the other day,” Lin realises.
“I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out,” Tenzin looks carefully at his son, “he’s so small.”
“Yeah,” Lin agrees before whispering to her son, “we love you and are going to make sure everything is done for you to grow up to be healthy.”
…
A week later the couple is beyond relieved when Kiri informs them that their son will make it but he will have to spend a couple weeks in the hospital before they can release him.
“Now that he is out of the woods I’m remembering we didn’t agree on a name,” Lin points out.
“Four,” Tenzin shrugs.
“We can’t call him number 4 permanently,” Lin points out.
“Not number 4 just Four,” Tenzin jokes.
“Tez,” Lin rolls her eyes.
“Well, how about Kazu?” Tenzin suggests seriously.
“Really?” Lin looks at him in surprise.
“Yes, he is important to you so that makes him important to me,” Tenzin shares, “and the name means harmony so I like that too.”
“What if Rey is already using that name?” Lin asks.
“She’s not,” Tenzin insists, “Kylo told me the names they were considering the other day.”
“Oh,” Lin considers.
“We used to joke that this baby would bring us balance so I say we name him Kazu. It means harmony and it’s the same name as someone you love. I think it's perfect,” Tenzin informs her.
“Kazu huh?” Lin would be lying if the name hadn’t crossed her mind once or twice during other pregnancies but it never quite fit until now.
“Kazu Beifong,” Tenzin tests the sound of the name.
“I like it,” Lin smiles.
“Me too,” Tenzin kisses her temple.
…
“Mom!” Hakoda and Aditi rush forward to the hospital bed while Tenzin trails behind with Jinora in his arms who is holding on to him tightly. Toph and Bumi also enter but hang back a little while Lin reunites with her children.
“Hi my loves,” Lin smiles at her children.
“We were worried,” Hakoda sighs.
“I’m getting better. Supposed to be getting out of here soon,” Lin informs them.
“Can we come up?” Aditi gestures to the free space on the bed.
“Sure,” Lin nods and makes space for her son and daughters but notices Jinora hesitate, “Jinny?”
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Jinora frowns.
“Come here Jinny,” Lin pats the space beside her.
“I missed you,” Jinora leans into Lin’s side.
“I missed you too Jinny,” Lin kisses her forehead, “were you good for everybody?”
“Extra,” Jinora nods.
“Good,” Lin smiles.
“When can we meet the baby?” Hakoda wonders.
“How about now?” Katara enters the room with her grandson in her arms before handing him to Lin, “it’s his mommy time anyways.”
“So what’s his name?” Aditi asks.
“Everyone meet Kazu,” Lin smiles at her youngest.
“Like uncle Kaz?” Jinora checks.
“Like uncle Kaz,” Lin confirms.
“It’s a good name,” Hakoda decides and Aditi nods.
“Nice to meet you Kazu Beifong,” Jinora smiles at her little brother.
“It’s no Bumi but I like it,” Bumi smiles at his nephew.
“Thanks Bumi,” Tenzin rolls his eyes.
“He’s going to love it,” Toph smiles before walking towards the bed and cupping Lin’s cheek, “there’s my fighter.”
“Hi mom,” Lin squeezes her hand.
“Are they taking care of both of you right?” Toph asks.
“Yeah,” Lin nods.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner,” Toph sighs.
“You’re here now,” Lin smiles.
…
After being home for a few weeks, Lin and baby Kazu have a few more visitors. Most of Lin’s captains and a few of her senior officers come by to check in again, having visited while she was in the hospital recovering. The officers pile into her room with what looks like more gifts for the baby.
“You guys really didn’t have to go through all this trouble,” Lin smiles at the group in front of her bearing gifts.
“We always get you gifts,” Chu reminds her
“Yeah, grandpa right there enjoys helping us pick anyways,” Himari chuckles.
“I’m using my experience to help the team,” Chu rolls his eyes, “we hope you like them.”
“You had us worried for a minute Lin,” Saikhan scratches his neck.
“I was definitely worried,” Kazu steps forward.
“You’re back,” Lin beams at her mentor.
“Of course kid. I’m a little late but I got on the next train when I finally got the letter,” Kazu informs her.
“So what’s the baby’s name?” Himari asks.
“Well,” Lin looks around for her husband and son.
“We’re back,” Tenzin smiles as he walks in with baby Kazu in his arms.
“He’s here,” Lin smiles at her husband who turns to ex-chief Kazu.
“Would you mind holding him?” Tenzin asks.
“Of course,” Kazu nods and carefully cradles the baby.
“I’m surprised mom didn’t ruin it,” Lin watches her mentor with the baby.
“Ruin what?” Kazu looks up confused.
“Well the beautiful boy you are holding is named after someone quite special to Lin and honestly he’s grown on me a lot too,” Tenzin explains as he takes a seat beside Lin.
“What’s the name of the newest Beifong?” Saikhan asks, his curiousity getting the better of him.
“Well guys, this is Kazu,” Lin supplies with a smile.
“Really?” He looks at Lin and tries to keep a straight face.
“Really,” Lin nods.
“Chief’s crying,” Chu points out.
“I’m not,” Kazu insists, looking everywhere but at the group of senior officers, “its an honour especially when I know you had many greats to choose from.”
Later when the group has left and baby Kazu is back to sleeping in his crib, the couple takes some time with their older children. The five of them sit in the family room and go through their childhood albums thanks to Jinora’s curiosity.
“Who is that sleeping beside you mommy?” Jinora asks when she sees a picture of her mother at her age.
“Your father,” Lin supplies, “he always had trouble sleeping alone at that age.”
“To be fair you're the one hugging him in that picture,” Hakoda points out.
“Thanks son,” Tenzin grins before looking at another album, “do you know who that is?”
“Looks like me and some baby,” Hakoda figures.
“You and your little sister. You really enjoyed nap times with her the minute she was big enough to share a bed,” Tenzin shares.
“I need to get your brother,” Lin tries to lift Aditi from her lap.
“He didn’t even cry,” Aditi frowns and almost on cue, Kazu cries.
“How did you know that?” Jinora wonders.
“His heartbeat shifted so I knew it was coming,” Lin supplies.
“He probably just needs a change, I’ll go check,” Tenzin offers.
“Did you know when all of us were going to cry?” Hakoda asks.
“If I was awake then yes,” Lin confirms.
“Honey, I think he’s hungry,” Tenzin calls from up the hall.
“Don’t go far, I’ll be back soon,” Lin requests, not wanting them to feel left out.
“Sure,” Jinora nods happily before turning her siblings’ attention to the albums in front of them, “this looks like me and Koko. Where was this Ko?”
“Well, it looks like Ember Island,” Hakoda answers before beginning the story.
Lin takes that as her cue to continue up the hall to her bedroom where Tenzin is rocking their son. He smiles at her as she enters the room and passes their son when Lin is sitting in the rocking chair.
"We can do this," Lin decides with a smile at her son.
"You and me? We can do anything," Tenzin pecks her lips.
The unexpectedness of the situation hadn’t really worn off yet but they both couldn’t imagine life without their surprise baby number 4.