Wow it's been so long. Hopefully, it was worth the wait.

"What have I done?"

Lin laid on her back and stared at the ceiling. She was calm at first and then she screamed just for a second to let out her frustration. She then turned to her side and curled up.

"Bumi I hate you."

Bumi stared at his ceiling and exhaled deeply. He scratched his head and sat up grunting with frustration. He knew he overreacted. It was none of his business what Lin wanted to talk about with his father. He knew Aang was like a father to her and who was he to disrupt or be jealous of that. Bumi's heart skipped a beat just for a moment and he smiled. His smile faded when he heard a quiet knock at the door.

"Bumi?"

He knew that voice all too well.

"Yea dad?"

Aang opened the door slightly and walked in, shutting the door behind him. He walked over to Bumi's bed and sat down. Bumi scooted over slightly and let his gaze fall to the floor. He didn't know what his father wanted, but he was sure it was something to do with the United Forces. He didn't want to hear any more about it, his mind was set he was going. He needed to do this, to prove himself, to finally be accepted and receive the love he deserved.

"Son. I want you to know that you were right."

Bumi quickly looked up at his father. Their eyes met and their gaze locked.

"You were right about your mother and me."

Aang half smiled and lowered his eyes. They were both silent for a moment and then the door opened slightly. Bumi looked up to see his mother walking in. He then moved closer to his father and his mother sat beside him after shutting the door.

"Bumi, you were right. But you were also wrong."

Bumi looked back to his father who smiled warmly now. His mother leaned in and hugged his shoulders.

"What do you mean dad?"

"You were right. We do pay more attention to Kya and Tenzin. Not because of their bending, but because of their lack of discipline. You are the eldest son, while you have a temper, you know how to control it. We don't have to worry about you. Kya and Tenzin are younger and not as mature. Tenzin is the calmest of you three, but when around Kya, he is very difficult."

"Your father is right. I don't love Kya or Tenzin more because they are benders. I love you all the same. And you are all unique and different, you all have different qualities that I love."

Bumi turned to his mother and looked her in the eye.

"What is my quality? What do you love about me? What makes me different besides my lack of bending? Besides me being funny? I'm so tired of being compared to uncle Sokka."

"I love that you are determined and that you are mature enough to plan your life out. While I may not agree with the United Forces, I agree with your father…."

Katara's voice trailed off. Bumi looked at his mother and saw her struggling to hold back tears. He then turned to look at his father who smiled warmly.

"We agreed that this is your choice, that if you are truly serious about the United Forces, we will support you. We won't try to deter you from that choice."

Bumi smiled and hugged his father. He then turned and hugged his mother.

"I promise. I'll make you both proud."

Katara and Aang hugged their son. Katara leaned over and kissed her son's forehead before getting up. Bumi seemed disgusted by this and immediately wiped the kiss off. Katara chuckled and kissed Aang. He smiled and she left the two alone. Aang turned to his son.

"So, you're set. You're going to the United Forces. Everyone is on board."

Bumi dropped his head and mumbled under his breath. He knew Lin wouldn't approve. But he didn't understand why. Although she was a few years younger than him, she was very mature. He didn't understand why she wouldn't want him to go and work and earn a living. Aang saw Bumi was lost in thought and laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Whatever is troubling you, you can tell me."

Bumi scratched his head and tossed his head back letting his brown hair fall back.

"Lin isn't on board. She doesn't want me to go. I don't understand why she wouldn't want me to go and earn a living so I can support her-"

Aang smiled.

"Ah…. There it is."

Bumi blushed and looked back at the ground.

"Why don't you tell her your future plans?"

Bumi looked up at his father and nodded. He knew the only way for Lin to approve and let him leave without feeling guilty was to tell her. He did like Lin, more than just friends. She was younger, so he didn't know how she'd feel about him or his plans. Lin wasn't much a planner, she was more of a doer. His heart warmed up and his mind went blank.

"Go to her. Don't worry Toph won't be there."

With that Aang left. Bumi sat there for a minute and thought about how their phone conversation ended. Then he thought about how he needed to apologize. And then he thought about the United Forces and life afterwards. He got up, put on his shoes and left. By the time he left his quarters and made it to the dock, it was nearly sunset. He took a ferry across the way to the city. Bumi was very excited and nervous to talk to Lin, but he felt ready to do so. He made it to Lin's house within minutes. He stood panting five feet from the door. Before he could move closer, it opened.

….

Lin was curled up in bed thinking about Bumi. She tried to stop thinking about him since he made her mad. But she couldn't help but forgive him. She knew she loved him but wasn't sure he felt the same way. He was older and had plans for his life. He was on the verge of eighteen and could enlist for the United Forces. He could travel the world and have any woman he wanted. He was handsome and sweet, and any woman would fall for him. But she was jealous and didn't want that. And that was the true reason she didn't want him to leave. If he left, he'd forget about her and find someone new. Lin's heart tore just at the thought. She laid silent in bed for a few minutes before drifting into a light sleep. She didn't sleep too long before her stomach started rumbling.

"I guess I gotta eat."

Lin got up and stumbled out of bed. It was dark now, so she was cautious where she walked. She turned on the lights as she passed by them. She made her way to the living room and stopped before turning to enter the kitchen. Her heart skipped a beat. Her feet felt something familiar. Her heartbeat slowed and became louder. Her lips mouthed words, but no sound followed. She couldn't help but run to the door. Once at the door she placed a hand on the knob and paused. She thought if this could be real, if this was true. She slowly opened the door and peeked out.

"Bumi."

He looked up and saw Lin standing in her doorway. His heart skipped a beat and he blushed. He hoped she couldn't see how red his face was in the sunset. He walked closer and then bowed.

"I'm so sorry for earlier on the phone."

He stood back up and chuckled awkwardly and stood directly in front of Lin. She was short compared to him. To her he was a giant. He looked down at her and she looked up at him.

"Can I come in? I have something important to tell you."

Lin's eyes grew and her heart started beating rapidly. What did he have to tell her?

That's all folks. Stay safe out there and stay home.