[[Ok so I just finished up with finals and was having a hard school semester until now but I'm free and am going to try and write. I know i said that last time and it just didn't happen, with projects and papers and exams it was awful. Now I'm going to try and get a job soon but I'm going to make a solid effort at writing as much as possible, just need to put forward the time.]]

Chapter 10

The exam came to be around the corner, Lin began stressing out. The smallest little things could send her into a tirade or tears, the mounting pressure of it all was taking its toll. Even with that, Bumi was by her side, taking the barbs she sent his way now and then in stride. She always apologized after her words, knowing that despite his forgiveness and smile, she hurt him every time she snapped. But by the time she was finally going to take the exam, it was nearly too late – the exam was in two days and she was cramming like never before.

She'd migrated from studying in her room to studying in the commons outside under a blooming cherry tree, the blossoms giving a nice contrast to the attitude she had. Her bitterness at the exam contrasted with the sweet beauty of the tree. While she read her book – skimming over the arrest numbers, laws of different areas, and a tad of legal history – a hand settled on her shoulder, startling her. The book closed as it flew out of her hands to the side, thudding on the sod as she looked over at the smile of Bumi.

"I told you I hate being snuck up on." she glared, white-knuckled fists relaxing to their normal color as they fell out of the defensive guard she had instinctively put up.

"I know, I just wanted to see if you wanted anything, I know you're stressed and that just wanted to help. I can go if you- " he was cut off with a kiss and being tugged down to sit next to her.

"I'm sorry." Lin knew he'd tell her not to be, that he didn't mind, but she always said it anyway. "I know you're trying to help I just- with the exam being just two days from now I'm at my wits end." she admitted quietly, snuggling close against him. Bumi wrapped his arm around her shoulder, holding her against him.

"You'll do fine, trust me. You're ready for it." he smiled, kissing her temple. "C'mon, let's get your book and then I can be here while you review?" He started to move but was stopped by her hand, a flick of the wrist launching the book off the ground towards them with a stump of dirt lowering back down after. Lin grabbed the book when it came into range, flipping casually through the pages to find where she was at when Bumi had come up on her.

They sat there for at least two more hours before the gong rang for dinner, Bumi sighing in sync with Lin while slowly getting up from the shaded grass. The meals were fairly normal, except that everyone knew Lin was on edge from the exam. The conversation that had always been somewhat quiet was even moreso for the past few weeks, now the last days were here and everyone was dead silent. Aang kept his politics to himself, even Kya didn't chime in for anything about her parties or friends or gossip.

The day was wrapped up shortly after dinner, Lin opting for getting normal sleep over extra cramming. The next day followed similarly until that afternoon, when Lin started to have a bit of a… breakdown. She wasn't talking to anyone, even Bumi. It was worrisome, no matter what it had been, Bumi had been there for her and she had turned to him for comfort. But this time there wasn't anything anyone could do, it was up to her.

After trying to talk to Lin for over three hours straight Bumi eventually fell asleep, slouched against the door to her room. She felt badly for not wanting to talk, just worrying him more than necessary. When she finally opened the door to talk to him she let out a small yelp when he fell back against her legs after the door opened.

Bumi woke from the fall, staring up at Lin and smiling. "Hiya. Um, I guess I fell asleep?" he asked, smiling wider at the small laugh that Lin had from his actions. She moved back and helped him up, both heading to her bed to sit and talk. Lin still was chuckling at him when they sat, then turning into tears.

"Bumi what if I can't? What if I fail? I don't want to take this anymore…" she trailed off as his hand came up to wipe a tear from her cheek.

"What if a flying bison comes out my butt?" he asked with a straight face. Despite her small laugh, she hit him softly on the chest at the remark.

"I'm serious…"

"I know. So what if you fail? You've been studying and studying, if you pass you pass. If you fail, you pick yourself up and pick a direction to go from there. Ok?" he cupped her cheek softly, Lin nodded slowly. "Good, now let's not worry about it. Time for you to go to bed. Big day tomorrow, need your rest." He kissed her softly and smiled, standing to leave. She held his hand tightly, not letting go.

"Stay, please?" she asked, squeezing his hand gently. He smiled and sat back down, letting her curl up against him after they moved back into the bed. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep, comforted by having someone with her no matter what happened, something she didn't really feel besides with him.

He laid there in silence, holding her as she slumbered. Bumi thought to himself about the exam, what it meant to her to pass. Being an officer wasn't something she had let herself choose, she felt it as a duty. He sighed, rubbing her back lightly until he too found that comfort with her that she had with him.