It was hard to believe but throwing Tenzin a bone for once, after so long, felt sort of nice.

Lin nodded when Tenzin mentioned the help they had around the island. She was sure the kids were eager to help get things back to normal. She had little experience with them but who didn't love a little nudge with some money or in this case, sweet. She also had a feeling that Bolin, being a proficient earth bender, would be able to help out if anything was really out of place. Fighting down the urge to offer her own services, she had to remind herself that she was no longer a bender. She thought back to her mother and how being blind wasn't a big obstacle, but both women sharing a love of earth bending, did make the connection rather strong. Lin kept telling herself that this loss wasn't that bad, that if her mother had lost her bending, she would keep her head high and continue to help people.

The ex-officer headed into the dining room where everyone had settled. Tenzin didn't need to fawn over her but she held her tongue for the time being. She supposed it was his parental urges that sometimes made him overreact to certain things, like her losing her bending. She wasn't a child, she could fend for herself and still protect Republic City without him making a fuss. She looked over at the Avatar when Korra mentioned her attire. Lin's lips curved up into a sly smirk but before she could muster up a retort, Tenzin chimed in. The woman wasn't sure what to make of his comment but remained silent as the food was distributed to everyone. What she speechless? It had been a long time since she had ever dressed even remotely casual. 

[b]"You might want to consider a change yourself."[/b] She told Tenzin. [b]"You know fashion has changed since you hair hair."[/b] She smirked at him, throwing a joke his way. 

Meelo couldn't help but pipe up, [b]"Daddy had hair, on his head?!"[/b]

[b]"A long time ago."[/b] Lin replied thoughtfully.

Bolin who had been happy to help out with Korra and Pema, was just happy there was food. He was a fan of anything and right now, his mind was in the present. He could think about Mako and perhaps Asami but right now, he had great company. He didn't want to spoil anything. As the meal progressed, Korra leaned over and asked if she'd try to arrest Pema again. Bolin snickered and looked back at the adults. While he wasn't the best at picking up unspoken cues, he could tell there was something weird going on between the three of them. [b]"Hah, they are on an even playing field now, I'd still bet on Lin kicking some ass."[/b] He whispered back. Of course he didn't think Lin would be that rash, not anymore. But it was someone else's history and he did not want to get mixed up in anymore drama. [b]"Oh!"[/b] He sat up. [b]"Chief Bei Fong, I was thinking about signing up to be an officer. Maybe someday being able to be a metal bender like you."[/b]

He stopped himself before he mentioned that she wasn't one anymore. He wasn't that stupid. Lin looked up and glanced around the table, [b]"You're a good bender from what I've seen. I can put in a good word for you. We're going to need a lot of good men on the streets."[/b] Lin told him. This caused the boy to grin even broader. She wondered if his brother would be interested as well. He had street skills but he was a bit wild, which she saw first hand. His emotions could get out of hand but for now, having Bolin interested, would be an asset.

[b]"Thanks. You think we can go to the station tomorrow?"[/b] He couldn't help but ask with earnest.

[b]"Sure."[/b] She nodded and the meal went back to its usual pace. As things winded down and the kids went off to bed, Lin got up to speak with Pema. While Lin wasn't sure what she would say to the woman, it was clear that the tension from so long ago, still remained. Rather than find Pema in the kitchen, the mother was elsewhere, resting. It seemed she had become quite weak after eating. Lin sat beside her and remained quiet.

[b]"I need to thank you for what did for my family, Lin."[/b]

[b]"There's no need-"[/b]

[b]"I know we're never going to become friends,"[/b] Pema sighed. [b]"The fact is you and Tenzin have a history and as much as I can try to ignore it, I can't. Neither can he and neither can you. What you did for us, seemed to bring him back to the past when you two were...together."[/b] She looked to Lin, her face slightly red. [b]"I'm not sorry for I did, you know he wasn't happy and you two were already over. If one of you had fought, maybe things would have been different. Even so, I should have waited, should have not been so immature in how I got Tenzin."[/b] She considered. [b]"I didn't know you so what I thought I was doing, was saving him. I didn't consider your feelings."[/b]

[b]"You loved him, I can't blame you much for that."[/b] Lin said quietly. The appeal of the quiet mild mannered air bender wasn't something she'd want to hate Pema for seeing. [b]"I know you make him happy, you should know that."[/b] She said. [b]"I don't know if I was ever able to. Maybe we were too different, trying to rebel and get out from behind the shadow of our parents..."[/b]

Pema grabbed Lin's hand and shook her head, [b]"I don't think that was it, from what he's told me, you two were in love and maybe it's been so long and buried so deep that it's hard to remember the romance. I'm not sorry for being with him, Lin. I'm just not. I am sorry for being thoughtless about it. You saved my life and my children's lives and his too, I know my words hold very little value these days, but I am very thankful and while it's hard to see you two together, I know it would make you both a little happier. It would be wrong of me to deny that."[/b] Pema admitted. Lin nodded, not sure what to say. She wasn't aware of how jealous Pema was when it came to her and Tenzin. Lin wasn't sure how to accept the apology of sorts. She got up to go but Pema held her back, [b]"I mean it, he misses you, and the kids love you, you're welcome to visit anytime."[/b]

[b]"Thank you."[/b] Lin smiled. The woman headed back out and saw Bolin and Korra talking with Tenzin outside. From what she could hear, Bolin was telling Tenzin about the training he and Korra had done together. She headed down the stairs and looked across the bay. [b]"I better be going. Thanks for dinner."[/b] She told Tenzin. She then told Bolin to meet her at the station at nine tomorrow morning.

[b]"Awesome! Thanks."[/b] He cheered and glanced to Korra as it seemed like she had remembered something. [b]"Hm? Everyone okay, Korra?"[/b] Bolin asked her.