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Finally becoming Chief of Police allows Lin a bit more flexibility and with this newfound flexibility came the opportunity to make some well needed adjustments. The first adjustment came before she was officially Chief. She would be spending more time with her son.
"Hi guys," Lin greets her children as she enters the family room.
"Ohhh what's that?" Jinora points at the extra armour in her mother's hand.
"It's my new uniform," Lin explains.
"New? Why?" Aditi looks up from her homework to ask.
"Mom's getting a promotion," Hakoda shares.
"Huh?" Aditi frowns.
"She's going to be the Chief," Hakoda clarifies before adding under his breath , "and likely more busy."
Lin pales at his words. For years she complained about her mother's job and lack of time for her but wasn't she doing the same thing now? And what extra time she had got filled up with whatever trouble Aditi was getting herself into that week or helping Jinora adjusting to full-time school. Hakoda didn't seem to mind but maybe he was just trying to be understanding but that shouldn't be his worry.
"Are you going to try it on?" Aditi pulls Lin from her thoughts.
"I wasn't planning to. I'm not officially Chief until tomorrow," Lin shrugs.
"We should see it first," Hakoda challenges.
"Fine but can you or Di call your father first?" Lin gives in while sitting to check Hakoda's homework.
"I'll go," Aditi runs out of the room.
"All good?" Hakoda leans over his mother's shoulder.
"Check the last two and you're good to go," Lin smiles.
"Thanks mom," Hakoda sits to redo the questions as requested.
"Of course," Lin nods before adding, "let's talk before you go to bed later."
"Okay," Hakoda nods absentmindedly.
"Daddy's coming," Aditi runs back into the room.
"Thanks Di," Lin moves to look at Aditi's assignment next.
"I hear we have something special to do tonight," Tenzin enters the room with a bulky camera around his neck.
"Really T?" Lin stands to kiss her husband.
"You've been talking about this moment since we were children," Tenzin reminds her.
"Fine," Lin takes off her hat and shrugs off her Captain's armour. She shakes her shoulders and takes a deep breath. Tenzin was right, she spoke about this moment for years and in a few hours Kazu would retire to make way for her. So many of her life's decisions led to this moment. She stretches her arms towards the black armour and pulls it on for the very first time.
"How does it feel?" Aditi wonders.
"Amazing," Lin smiles.
"The black looks cooler," Hakoda decides , "I like it."
"Yay mommy," Jinora reaches for Lin's discarded hat, "I can be like you."
"Easy there Jinny. Let's get through Kindergarten first," Lin smiles.
"Can I finally try this on?" Hakoda struggles to lift the grey armour.
"Of course," Lin bends the armour onto him.
"Why is it lighter now?" Hakoda realises his shoulders don't feel heavy.
"I'm helping a little," Lin shares.
"What about me?" Aditi crosses her arms.
"Here," Lin removes her utility belt which Aditi uses as a sash. She lifts Jinora while Hakoda and Aditi stand in front ready to take their picture.
"Okay smile," Tenzin holds up the camera and takes the picture, "perfect."
"What about you councilman?" Lin wonders while placing Jinora on the floor.
"I've got it," Hakoda offers , "mom could you?"
"Sure," Lin flicks the armour to the empty couch, "remember to pack your bags before bed."
"Ready?" Hakoda takes the camera from his father.
"Almost," Tenzin wraps his arms around Lin's waist, "congratulations again my love."
"Thanks T," Lin leans into his embrace.
"Ready Hakoda," Tenzin nods to his son before kissing the crown of Lin's head.
"Got it," Hakoda nods.
"I'm getting copies of those for the wall," Tenzin decides, still holding his wife.
"Are you going to let me go now? I need to put the girls to bed," Lin reminds him.
"A few minutes won't kill them tonight," Tenzin tightens his grip, "you did it Lin. You did it."
"I still can't believe it," Lin admits.
"Mom, I'm going to take a shower so we can talk after," Hakoda informs his mother before leaving the room with Aditi and Jinora.
"You two okay?" Tenzin whispers.
"No. His first thought about the promotion is that I'll be busier," Lin sighs while shrugging off the armour.
"Oh," Tenzin knows where this is going and leads her to the couch where he pulls her into his lap.
"I said I wouldn't do the same thing mom did but here we are," Lin leans into him.
"What do you want to do about it?" Tenzin asks.
"Well, I get some Saturdays and all Sundays completely off now so that means more down time on the Island with all of you. I'm going to talk to him," Lin tries to move from his lap but his grip is tight.
"You can do this," Tenzin kisses her temple then releases her.
"Thank you," Lin squeezes his shoulder before leaving the room and walking towards her daughters' room just to check if they were sleeping then to Hakoda's room. Jinora wore her captain's hat to bed which Lin can't help but smile at the sight. Whenever her kids were fascinated with something at that age they wouldn't let it out of their sight. At that age Hakoda slept his first boomerang and Aditi wouldn't go anywhere without her glider for a few weeks. Lin knows her daughters are good and heads to her son's room to hopefully reassure him.
"What's up mom?" Hakoda looks up when he hears his mother enter his room.
"Do you think I'm too busy for you?" Lin sits on the bed.
"No well kinda yes," Hakoda sighs, "you missed my Pai Sho tournament even though you promised and you told me we would practice my forms last weekend but you had to work. That's just a few things."
"I'm sorry Hakoda. Work has been crazy and I know I haven't been balancing well," Lin looks at him with tired eyes.
"You find the time when Aditi gets in trouble," Hakoda points out.
"That's true," Lin gives in.
"Do I have to start getting in trouble for you to come?" Hakoda frowns.
"Please don't. I'm going to do better," Lin promises , "what's the next thing you want me to be there for?"
"Uncle Sokka told me you're pretty handy with a sword. I want you to teach me," Hakoda requests.
"I can but he's a better swordsman," Lin considers.
"I want you to teach me what you know," Hakoda insists, "with the special swords."
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Lin shakes her head. Her prized collection was not meant for basic training, "I will get you a regular one first and we'll see how that goes."
"Fiiine," Hakoda gives in, "I know you can't do everything but I'd really appreciate this one."
"And it will happen," Lin assures him, "Sundays after meditation."
"Sounds good," Hakoda nods, still a little skeptical.
"And don't be afraid to let me know how you're feeling," Lin moves the hair out of his face.
"Okay," Hakoda shrugs.
"I love you," Lin kisses his forehead.
"Love you too mom," Hakoda gives her a small smile.
"I'm really going to try harder," Lin promises.
"I know," He yawns,"night mom."
"Night," Lin turns off the light and heads towards the study. Her trip to the study leads her to another adjustment going forward, maybe a little more spontaneity wouldn't hurt.
"Will you two be okay?" Tenzin glances up from his work when Lin enters the study.
"We will be," Lin nods, "but what about you?"
"What about me?" Tenzin considers.
"These last few months of transition have been hard on everyone," Lin sighs, "we haven't spent much time together, just the two of us that wasn't about work or the kids."
"I knew it would happen," Tenzin shrugs , "this was part of the deal. Did I miss you some nights? Yes. Did I wish you wouldn't get hurt so often? Of course. Did I want you to give up on your dream? Never. You used to try on your mother's armour when we were kids and in a few hours you will be Chief. I'm so so so proud of you my love."
"I appreciate your patience with me but come on T, I don't expect you to be happy about everything," Lin reminds him.
"Lin, I'm happy because you are happy. Besides, the girls have kept me busy in the evenings. I know you wish we could do more together but we will make this work like we do anything else," Tenzin insists.
"I guess," Lin shrugs.
"You should get some sleep for tomorrow, I will be in shortly," Tenzin smiles before returning to his work.
"You know all work and no play isn't healthy," Lin leans against the door frame, an idea forming on her head.
"Pot, meet kettle," Tenzin chuckles.
"Pssh. I know when it's time for fun," Lin rolls her eyes.
"There's so much to do and so little time," Tenzin barely looks up from his work. Lin locks the door behind her and approaches her husband. She leans against the desk hoping to get his attention. When a few minutes pass and he doesn't stop working she decides to take matters in her own hands. Tonight was the perfect night to celebrate.
"Whoops," Lin drops herself across his lap, finally getting his attention.
"Honey I have work to do," Tenzin groans trying to reach around her to his work.
"Continue if you must," Lin shrugs her shoulders before she begins kissing his neck. Tenzin , the ever committed councilman , attempts to continue his work until Lin takes her tank top off.
"You aren't playing fair. This needs to be done before your ceremony," Tenzin sighs stroking her side.
"It will get done eventually. Do you remember what you told me a few years ago about when I become Chief?" Lin reaches for his top button.
"This doesn't look like your office," Tenzin reminds her.
"As if I would let you do that in my new office," Lin rolls her eyes.
"You didn't have a problem with mine that one time," Tenzin points out.
"No one goes to your office at that time of night so I think that can happen again," Lin kisses his jaw.
"Who would've thought the Chief of Police would be this handsy," Tenzin kisses her shoulder.
"Does that mean you're opposed to the strip search?" Lin draws circles on the back of his neck.
"Not in this case," Tenzin smiles allowing Lin to remove his shirt. He rises from his seat without dropping her. He places her on the couch and accepts that he may have to play it by air with the council after the swearing-in tomorrow.
"No more reports?" Lin smirks as he straddles her waist and reaches for her bindings.
" Well now there are more pressing matters at hand," he gazes at her with nothing but love.
…
Lin looks around at the smiling faces in front of her after her first address as Chief of Police. Her husband, children, Lu, Aunts Katara and Suki and Uncle Sokka. Her primary support system is all there for her big moment and she can't be happier. Well there is one person missing without explanation but she doesn't get her hopes up.
"Congratulations kid," Kazu pats her shoulder.
"She's no kid anymore. You better address her by her proper title," Toph appears from nowhere.
"Chief?" Lin doesn't attempt to hide her surprise, "didn't expect you to come to a silly ceremony."
"It's not silly to you," Toph shrugs.
"Thanks I guess," Lin shrugs.
"Grandma!" Aditi runs to Toph and hugs her.
"Hey kid," Toph awkwardly pats her head.
"Toph!" Katara and Sokka join the hug.
"Sorry to interrupt Chief Beifong, could we get a picture with you and well a Chief Beifong?" A photographer approaches the group but Lin doesn't hear the question.
"Chief , are we taking this picture or what?" Toph grumbles wiggling out of her friends' grasps.
"I thought you didn't care for pictures," Lin addresses her mother.
"I don't for obvious reasons but you do," Toph shrugs, "and I need something to show my friends."
"Show your friends?" Lin frowns.
"Of course, I'm proud of you Linny," Toph responds quietly.
"Really?" Lin doesn't contain her surprise.
"Of course kid, for following your dream, not because you became Chief but because it was something you decided you wanted, worked hard and did it your way," Toph explains.
"Thanks mom," Lin accepts that this is a rare occasion but decides that doesn't matter.
"A picture of the new Chief and the former Chiefs?" the photographer asks again.
"Of course," Kazu throws his arm around the Beifongs' shoulders.
"New Chief Beifong in the middle," the photographer instructs and the three adjust, "thank you."
"Can I get one with the Chief and her family?" another photographer requests.
"Pictures," Aditi poses ready to show off the Water Tribe dress her gran gran made for her. Her mother smiles at the enthusiasm and stands behind her. Tenzin joins with Jinora in his arms while Hakoda saunters over to stand in front of his father. Tenzin automatically puts his free arm around Lin's waist forgetting where they are. When he realises he tries to remove it but Lin squeezes his hand at her waist.
"Just this once," Lin smiles, "special occasion."
"You know this might be the cover right?" Tenzin points out.
"I doubt it," Lin rolls her eyes.
The next day Tenzin walks into the kitchen with a big smile on his face.
"I was right about the picture," Tenzin places a newspaper in front of Lin after her session with Hakoda.
'Can Beifong really handle it all? Chief, mother of three and councilman's wife?'
"Really?" Lin rolls her eyes at the headline.
"Well those are lovely pictures," Tenzin smiles.
"You're going to ask them for a proper copy aren't you?" Lin knows he already has it planned.
"Done already and I'm getting for your office if you want," Tenzin informs her.
"Thank you," Lin pecks his cheek.
"Mommy I don't want school lunch no more," Jinora announces as she walks into the kitchen with Lin's hat on.
"Why sweetie?" Lin remembers Jinora pleading to try it like her friends.
"Taste bad," Jinora frowns, "I want lunch like Di and Koko again."
"Honey it won't have meat," Tenzin remembers the four-year old complaining about the strictly vegetarian lunches.
"Mommy can cook chicken or fish," Jinora crosses her arms.
"Mommy didn't plan to cook this week," Tenzin tries to reason. These days if Lin or Jinora wanted meat they would just get enough for dinner that night. Lin rarely had the time or energy to cook recently.
"But lunch," Jinora pouts.
"Well," Tenzin looks to Lin who is considering the request, "let's see what can happen."
"Okay," Jinora runs out of the kitchen.
"Take me to the docks?" Lin turns to her husband.
"You're cooking?" Tenzin looks up surprised.
"If she's complaining about the school lunch it must be bad," Lin decides. Jinora was much more easy-going than her siblings were at that age and far less things bothered her.
"Oogi?" Tenzin checks.
"I was thinking we could just take your glider," Lin suggests.
"I like the sound of that. I'll be right back," Tenzin grins.
Lin gets the ingredients she needs for Jinora's favourite crab puffs and gets to cooking. Cooking was always more relaxing than it was a chore. Jinora was the odd one out of her children. Hakoda was vegetarian by choice while Aditi was vegetarian because she was an airbender but Jinora actually liked meat despite not getting it very often on the island. Sometimes it was the little things that counted and Lin knew Jinora would appreciate it. Adding meal prep to her newly formed list of adjustments wouldn't be a big deal. Especially not for her daughter.
The next morning she accompanies Tenzin to drop off the children before work. She managed to talk Jinora out of wearing her hat to school but only after promising it would be home when she finishes school for the day. Her first morning of double checking lunches, school bags and extracurricular bags in six months has Lin once again reminded just how grateful she was for Tenzin because she forgot how not fun it was to dig around the girls' room for crayons or a math book. They fly to the school as usual and Lin helps her youngest who immediately runs off when she reaches the ground.
"Jinny don't forget your lunch," Lin calls after the four-year old .
"Oh," Jinora frowns slightly at the bag and walks back to the bison to retrieve it from her mother.
"Crab puffs and dumplings," Lin smiles.
"Thanks mommy," Jinora hugs her leg before running into the school.
"I packed Egg custards for you two as well," Lin informs Hakoda and Aditi.
"Thanks mom!" "Cool" they make their ways to their respective blocks.
...
"Come," Lin answers a knock at her door.
"Honey I have a last-minute meeting and couldn't get Aditi to the island in time. Yuri is out sick," Tenzin rushes in with Aditi trailing behind him.
"That's fine. I'll pick up Koda," Lin offers.
"Thanks honey. I'll see you two at home," Tenzin places the schoolbag on her couch before leaving.
"I want to go home," Aditi whines after about fifteen minutes of homework.
"Sorry Di, I have to work," Lin apologises.
"Well what can I do?" Aditi paces.
"Not much here for a child," Lin shrugs.
As Captain Lin didn't have an office so on the rare occasions her children came by they would sit at a free desk to do homework. Lin convinces Aditi to try some more of her homework long enough to sign off on the last of the reports on her desk which is a big win in her book. She got lucky that today homework actually worked but knew it wouldn't always. The next adjustment on her list was that she would need a small box of toys and books for days like this to work in the future.
"Ready?" Lin puts away the reports.
"Yup," Aditi quickly stuffs the books into her school bag.
"Shun, I'm going home early today and you should too," Lin instructs her assistant while packing her satchel.
"You sure Chief?" Shun looks up confused.
"Yes, the switchboard operators can take any messages to Saikhan. You've worked hard these last few months to help me with the transition and deserve a longer break but this is a start," Lin points out.
"Thanks Chief," Shun nods.
"Going somewhere Lin?" one of the captains shoots her a frown as Lin exits her office with Aditi in tow.
"Home," Lin shrugs.
"A few weeks as Chief and she's already abandoning work to play house," another snickers. Some of the other senior officers disagreed with the council and Kazu's decision to appoint her as Chief and didn't miss the opportunity to make that known. It was always because she was a Beifong or her husband was a Councilman never because she worked hard and was the most qualified. Getting buy in from certain senior officers would be challenging but Lin wasn't one to back down.
"Come again?" Lin challenges.
"You're leaving work early to do what Chief? Pick up your kids and go make them dinner?" He repeats.
"You have a lot of talk for my squad leader with the most reports outstanding," Lin crosses her arms and Aditi mimics her stance despite being oblivious to the real conversation.
"There was that triad bust this week," He grasps at straws.
"I'm sure there's still outstanding reports from before this week. My desk is empty and your reports are late," Lin deadpans.
"Well you see, I had to visit the academy and couldn't finish all of them," he digs around his desk.
"Right," Lin rolls her eyes , "see you all on Monday and I expect to see those reports waiting on me when I get here."
Lin and Aditi make their way back to the school to pick up Hakoda from his practice. Lin finds him waiting in the schoolyard and is pleasantly surprised when he hugs her in front of his friends but doesn't show it. He definitely gets that from his father's side. The three of them chat as they drive to the docks to catch the ferry and Lin is reminded of a simpler time for her family. A time when the city was more stable and her Friday evenings at home more frequent. The ferry trip goes by fast, with Hakoda and Aditi sharing more about their weeks and soon they are back on the island.
"Mommy!" Jinora runs from where she and Lu are playing.
"Hey sweetie, how was today?" Lin lifts the four-year old for a kiss.
"Good, we coloured...," Jinora begins informing her mother about everything that happened. The last few weeks were a reminder for her to be a little more intentional and hopefully things would work out. Lin knows things won't always be as smooth as the last few weeks but the five of them would be okay and hopefully these adjustments would help.