Work Text:
Normally, destinations for family vacations would be something Lin and Tenzin would decide on with some input from their children. However, this time Toph not only asked to join their next trip but even suggested the location which the couple found strange but decided to go along with. So the family finds themselves on a ferry heading to a Fire Nation island they hadn’t visited before.
“I don’t like this,” Kazu frowns after his nap, “my tummy feels funny.”
“Join the club,” Aditi groans, “meanwhile Jinora and Hakoda are enjoying themselves on the top deck because they don’t get seasick.”
“Drink some of this Kaz,” Tenzin offers a small cup to Kazu before handing one to Aditi, “you too Di.”
“Tastes funny,” Kazu grumbles after drinking the contents.
“It will help you,” Lin explains.
“How long till we get there?” Aditi sighs.
“Half an hour or so,” Tenzin supplies.
“Why are we going to the middle of nowhere?” Aditi grumbles.
“Your grandmother suggested it,” Lin reminds her before patting her lap, “rest a little and we’ll be there in no time.”
“Fine,” Aditi rests her head on Lin’s lap.
“Daddy it still hurts,” Kazu groans, climbing into Tenzin’s lap and resting his head on his shoulder.
“It will be over soon,” Tenzin rubs Kazu’s back.
…
"Lin?" A man in his late sixties approaches her when they exit the pier.
"Can I help you?" Lin watches him grin at her and her family, "you're mom's friend?"
"Yes, I'm Eiji," he extends his hand to her.
“I think you have the wrong person,” Lin eyes his hand warily.
“Toph told me you wouldn’t believe me. She said she told you to bring your Shinken,” Eiji explains, “it used to be my brother’s.”
"As in Kanto's Eiji?" Lin gapes at him.
"Yes," he smiles , "it's nice to finally meet you."
"Uh huh," Lin nods, not sure what else to say.
"I'm Tenzin, Lin's husband and these are our children Hakoda, Aditi, Jinora and Kazu," Tenzin steps forward knowing his wife needed a moment.
“Nice to meet you all,” Eiji smiles before gesturing to the man beside him, “this is my son, Li. He will help with some of your bags.”
"How do you know grandma?" Jinora wonders after a few minutes of walking in silence. Eiji looks to Lin for permission and she simply nods. No point avoiding it at this point.
"I'm your mother's uncle," he explains, surprising the children in the process.
"Grandma is an only child," Hakoda doesn't buy his explanation one bit.
"But your grandfather wasn't ," Eiji shrugs.
"He's telling the truth," Jinora whispers to Hakoda.
"Oh," he considers.
"How about we go meet Toph," Eiji suggests.
"Sounds good," Tenzin agrees as the family follows Eiji and Li through the unfamiliar town. They arrive at a house where Toph is waiting for them on the porch.
"Grandma!" Kazu runs towards her.
"You could have just told me you know," Lin crosses her arms.
"How about I show the rest of you to the guest house?" Eiji offers, leading the others away.
"You said you wanted to know more about him," Toph shrugs when they are alone.
"After years of silence on the topic I figured the more would come from you," Lin reasons.
"I ran into Eiji in the capital a few months ago and I thought it was a sign,” Toph explains, “he was very happy to have you come to visit but we both thought it better to wait for the old lady to be away.”
“Old lady?” Lin wonders.
“Your granny,” Toph answers simply.
“Right, the one that thinks I’m not his,” Lin remembers the story, “wouldn’t she be like 95 or something.”
“And still kicking,” Toph nods, “ask Eiji all the questions you wanted answers to. He will answer them.”
“Of course,” Eiji walks onto the porch and takes the seat opposite.
"Was this her idea?" Lin asks when she and Eiji are alone.
"Yes," he nods , "I was surprised she came up with this idea after not seeing each other for many years."
"My youngest started firebending about a year ago," Lin explains.
“So you had questions about Kanto,” Eiji figures.
“Well yeah,” Lin nods, “she told me I guess what she deemed to be the important stuff. How they met. Why they broke up? Why she loved him? What kind of man he was. What she thought was similar between us.”
“I don’t know where to start. Kanto was the best big brother any of us could have,” Eiji begins, “spirits knew we tested his patience but he was always there for us. Even with the simple things. It didn’t matter what he had to do, if any of us needed him, he was there.”
"Eiji!" an elderly woman approaches the house slowly with a cane.
"Hey mom. You’re back early," he scratches his head looking between Lin and his mother. She was to be with his sister for another week and he worried she would make Lin uncomfortable while she visited.
"Who's this? Did your youngest son finally find a wife? She's a little older than I'd expect but definitely beautiful," the woman examines Lin who is automatically on edge. From the little she knew of this woman she didn't expect the friendliness to remain when her identity was revealed.
"Mom, this is Lin, your granddaughter," Eiji gets to the point and Lin braces herself.
"Kanto's girl?" the woman gapes several emotions crossing her face but the one that strikes Lin the most is regret.
"Yes," Lin nods uneasily, still no clue where this was going.
"Stand up," the woman requests and Lin looks to Eiji who shrugs. She does as requested, figuring there was nothing to lose. She would either have her assumptions confirmed or get to know her family. The woman walks around scrutinizing her before deciding. Lin went toe to toe with the city's most notorious criminals but found herself uncomfortable under this woman's gaze. Lin reflexively tugs at her ear while the woman observes her.
"Kanto used to do that," she looks at Lin wistfully.
"Huh?" Lin shoots the woman a confused look.
"When he was nervous he would tug at his ear," she explains quietly.
"Oh," Lin looks down, family stuff was always weird for her.
"Do I make you nervous?" The woman wonders.
"I'm not sure where this is going," Lin shrugs.
"I look at you and I see your mother easily," the woman shares before admitting, "but then I also see my sweet Kanto."
"Umm,” Lin looks around.
“It took me a while after he died to accept it and my reaction wasn’t right on my part. You deserved to know this side of the family long before this. I’m sorry it ever reached this far,” she apologises.
“I’m looking forward, not behind. Umm..,” Lin trails off, not knowing the woman’s name.
“Chiyo,” she supplies.
“Well Chiyo, it's time for us to move forward. I came here to learn more about my father and the place he grew up and so my children could do the same,” Lin supplies
“How long will you be here?” Chiyo asks.
“A week,” Lin answers.
“Okay good, you're not staying here for a week without trying my Komodo sausage, it was his favourite dish. I think I will make it for dinner tonight," Chiyo decides.
"Actually mom, Lin's a vegetarian," Eiji shares.
"I'm not but my husband and our oldest two are," Lin supplies.
"Oldest two? How many children do you have?" the woman wonders.
"Four," Lin answers.
"That's nice," she nods.
"Ah the famous Chiyo," Toph smirks walking into the yard.
"Toph," Chiyo looks at Toph warily.
"So you've met my Linny," Toph grins.
"That I have," Chiyo agrees.
"Grandma, where did you go?" Kazu runs out of the house.
"Calm down Zu I didn't go far," Toph reassures him.
"I was telling you about school. Who's the old lady?" Kazu glances at Chiyo.
"She's my mom," Eiji explains.
"Is this your boy?" Chiyo observes the five year old.
"Yes he is," Lin nods.
"Kazu Beifong," he offers his hand like his father did with new people.
"Nice to meet you," Chiyo accepts, amused by the five year old's formal introduction, "everyone calls me granny Chiyo."
"Okay," Kazu nods before turning to Toph, "I'm going to Jinny while you talk."
"Okay," Toph shrugs.
"So Lin, where is your husband?" Chiyo turns back to Lin.
"Airhead, get out here!" Toph shouts before Lin can answer.
"What can I do for you?" Tenzin approaches his mother in law.
"Wow Lin, your husband is very handsome," Chiyo nods in approval.
"Thank you? Miss?" Tenzin tosses a questioning glance.
"Chiyo, " she supplies.
"Tenzin," he offers his hand much like Kazu did.
"I see where your son gets his manners from," Chiyo smiles.
"Thank you. Hakoda was out here?" Tenzin wonders
"Kaz," Lin supplies.
"Oh," Tenzin nods and noticing his wife's slight discomfort he wraps his arm around her waist.
"This is Lin's granny," Toph shares
"I see," Tenzin understands his wife's discomfort.
"How long have you two been married?" Chiyo wonders.
"18 years," Tenzin grins before swatting away a mosquito.
“How about we finish this in the house?” Eiji suggests and the group agrees.
"You're out of your mind! She can't do that," A voice shouts from inside the house, "get out of town!"
"I'm telling you!" Aditi exclaims.
"This was fun while it lasted," Lin sighs as the adults return to the house. When they enter the living room Aditi is animatedly telling Eiji's grandchildren some story.
"Mom didn't you jump off a building last week?" Jinora asks.
"Well yeah," Lin confirms , "they pushed one of my waterbenders off the edge of the roof."
"So you followed him down?" Eiji frowns.
"Sort of," Lin shrugs , "I had to get close enough before using my cables to swing him to safety."
"That's my girl," Toph nods in approval.
"What do you do?" One of the children asks.
"I'm a police officer," Lin replies vaguely.
"She means Chief," Tenzin adds.
"Must be a family thing," Chiyo considers and her other great grandchildren run to her chair finally noticing her.
"Granny Chiyo!" they shout.
"Mom, who's she?" Hakoda whispers.
"My grandmother apparently," Lin shares.
“Just how many relatives are we meeting this week?” Jinora asks quietly.
“I don’t know,” Lin shrugs.
…
“Why didn’t you just tell me where we were coming?” Lin takes the seat beside her mother on the porch after dinner.
“You would have spent the last two weeks overthinking and making up scenarios,” Toph reasons.
“Why now? Why not years ago?” Lin sighs.
“I thought I was doing what was best for you and keeping you clear from hurt from his side. I thought it would have done you more harm than good,” Toph pauses, “I regret not at least trying to get in touch with Eiji as the only person on his side who seemed interested in the prospect.”
“I see,” Lin considers her next words.
“I hope you aren’t too mad about this,” Toph sighs, “this might not have been as well reasoned as I thought.”
“I think I was a little annoyed at being blindsided but I wouldn’t say mad,” Lin clarifies.
“I honestly thought this plan was going to blow up when Chiyo came back early but thankfully she seems more interested in plying you and the kids with Kanto’s favourite than any previous misconceptions,” Toph smiles slightly.
“I haven’t had a meal like that in years,” Lin thinks about the dinner Chiyo made that night.
“Kanto always said his mother could cook pretty well,” Toph nods, “and while I am still not her biggest fan for everything all those years ago, I have to admit that she can cook up a storm.”
“The kids loved it too. I need to find out her recipe for that tofu. It’s probably the best I’ve had,” Lin considers.
“Don’t let Sugar Queen hear you,” Toph chuckles before becoming serious, “but really Lin, how do you feel about this?”
“It's been good so far. The kids get on well with Li’s kids and this is the first time they’ve really had cousins to play with that were around the same age,” Lin answers.
“That’s great and all but how do you feel?” Toph emphasises.
“Surprisingly okay. Chiyo and Eiji have been telling me stories about him, ” Lin shares, “After spending the last year catching up on your stories of him it's nice to fill in the blanks of what his life was like before you.”
“That’s good to hear,” Toph offers a small smile.
…
At her mother’s insistence, Lin carried one of her prized swords on the trip. She doesn’t have much use for it in the town but she finds herself sitting on the porch with it a few nights after the kids are asleep. One night, Eiji joins her.
“That was Kanto’s favourite,” he shares.
“Yeah?” Lin fiddles with the sword.
“Definitely,” he confirms, “who taught you how to use it?”
"My Uncle Sokka taught me," Lin shares.
"Makes sense," Eiji nods, “would you want us to go through a few things before you leave?”
“I’d appreciate that,” Lin nods with a smile, “who taught you?”
“Kanto did most of it,” Eiji supplies with a sad smile.
“Really?” Lin looks at him in surprise.
“As soon as I could hold a stick I started following him to classes so he would spend time teaching me what he knew,” Eiji shares.
“That was nice,” Lin considers.
“He was my hero,” Eiji smiles sadly, “and I know he would have been so proud of you.”
“You’ve known me for two days. You can’t be sure of that,” Lin frowns.
“In person maybe but I’ve kept tabs on you for years,” Eiji supplies.
“Huh? Why?” Lin wonders.
“Just to make sure you were doing okay. And sometimes I visit his grave and give him updates when I talk about my kids as well,” Eiji explains.
“Um,” Lin considers her words.
“Kanto would have wanted to know you were okay so I knew I had to check in some way. I know this is all alot but I brought this for you. I think he’d want you to have it,” Eiji hands her a journal and two pictures, “the first one is from his days traveling. His first trip to where would later be called Republic City. The next one he sent me to let me know he met this amazing woman who he fell in love with.”
“For obvious reasons mom didn’t keep pictures so this is my first time seeing him and seeing them together,” Lin gapes at the picture in her hands.
“Whatever the papers said or my family said back then, he never doubted that you were his daughter and he loved you the moment he knew,” Eiji rests his hand on her shoulder, “I marked a page I think you should start at when you are ready.”
“Thanks Eiji,” Lin nods, still staring at the photograph.
“And Lin?” Eiji calls from the doorway.
“Huh?” Lin finally looks up.
“If you ever want to visit again or talk about him, you can always call me,” Eiji promises.
“Thank you,” Lin offers a small smile. She stares at the journal for a few minutes before deciding to head back to her room.
“How was it?” Tenzin asks when she enters.
“It was good. Apparently he kept this journal after his first bout with the disease,” Lin shares, “Eiji thinks I should read it.”
“Do you want some space?” Tenzin offers.
“I want you to hold me Tez,” Lin requested quietly and her husband obliges. He shifts so she can sit between his legs and wraps his arms around her. He doesn’t say anything else as Lin shakily opens the journal.
I found out today that I have a daughter. A beautiful baby girl named Lin. The Chronicle shared a story about Toph having a nine month old and I knew she was mine the minute I saw her age and that name. Lin. Toph was the only person I ever mentioned that to.
I called Toph a week ago and she had Katara put together some pictures of my little Linny that I got earlier. She’s perfect my little girl. I can’t wait to meet her.
Toph agreed to me and Eiji visiting them for Lin’s first birthday. I need to get her a special gift. I want her to have my sword collection but I will give it to her when she turns sixteen. Maybe a stuffed dragon will be fine for now so she will always have something from me with her. I had something like that when I was her age and liked it alot apparently so hopefully she would like one too.
It’s a month until Lin’s birthday and I’m very nervous. I wanted to visit sooner but there were too many loose ends to tie up at home. Dad is gone now but Eiji and Jin promised to take care of mom. They want me to be happy and my happiness is in Republic City. When I go to Republic City I’m going to look for a job and a place to stay near Toph’s. We always said if time was ever right we would try again. I still love her and want us to make it work. Our last conversation about it sounded promising but I guess I will see when I get there. Either way, I need to be there for my daughter. I want to watch her grow up and become an amazing woman just like her mother.
The herbs aren’t working anymore and I fear I won’t be able to win against this disease again. I pray the spirits will give me a chance to hold my baby girl even once before I go and to tell Toph I love her in person one more time. Eiji and I are still trying to see if we can get them here despite our family’s objections but communications out of the village have been unreliable recently.
“That’s it,” Lin sighs.
“You mean…,” Tenzin trails off.
“Yeah,” Lin nods grimly.
“Oh Lin,” Tenzin tightens his grip on her.
“All my life I went through all the scenarios you know? He didn’t want me. He wasn’t a good guy. He didn’t even know about me. He was dead. I still didn’t expect him to want me beyond feeling obligated but as I read through the journal it all came down to poor timing and so many ifs. If he knew about me early maybe we would have met or if he never got sick I would have eventually gotten the father I always wished I had. Sometimes it's easier to assume the worse because reading this and knowing what could have been? It's a new, unexpected kind of disappointment,” Lin shares.
“But?” Tenzin prods when he realises there’s more.
“I’m glad to know what he really thought, even if we never got to meet,” Lin adds. The two sit in silence for a while, Lin processing everything that she has learned while in the town. A half hour passes before she decides, “T, I'm going for a walk."
"Want company?" Tenzin checks.
“I need to do this one alone,” Lin shakes her head as she looks for her boots.
“Okay. I will be waiting for you if you need me,” he presses a kiss to her forehead before she leaves.
Lin heads to the cemetery up the road and walks until she comes across a particular headstone.
“Hey Kanto….,” Lin begins.