Here's the next chapter for those of you still reading this.
Lin just stared at Bumi. He smiled showing all his teeth. Then he scratched his head and stared back at Lin. He noticed she looked terrified for what he had to tell her. Maybe this wasn't the right time. Lin snapped out of her stare and slowly moved away from the door and motioned for Bumi to come in. He came in and shut the door behind him. Lin stood not too far from him and trembled with fear. Bumi looked around and saw no one else was home and that every light was on. He looked back down at Lin and saw her beautiful emerald eyes glisten. They appeared to plead with him not to give bad news. He just stared at them. He then noticed that she was trembling. He didn't want her to be afraid, he had good news or so he hoped it would be good news. Instead of talking to her, he moved closer and took her hands in his. Lin turned red and stared into Bumi's eyes. After staring at each other in silence for what felt like hours, Lin finally caught her breath and was able to speak.
"Bumi?"
Bumi didn't want to talk. He smiled and bent down and pressed his lips slowly to Lin's. Lin turn red and immediately backed away.
"What was that for?"
She stomped a foot and turned her head to the side while crossing her arms. Bumi knew it was a mistake to kiss her, but he couldn't find the words. But now he had to, or he'd lose a close friend.
"I love you Lin."
Lin slowly lowered her arms and turned her head back so her eyes would meet Bumi's. She saw he was serious and her whole expression changed. She uncrossed her arms and a tear fell from her eye. Bumi noticed this and tried to back pedal his feelings.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to burden you with my feelings. I know we have an age difference and that you might not feel the same. But I love you. And I want to be with you one day and to do that I need to join the United Forces and make a living to support you. And you know-"
Lin fell into Bumi and buried her head in his chest. She began to sob.
"You idiot. I love you too. I was afraid if you left, you'd fall in love with someone else and never give me a chance. I love you. I want to be with you one day too."
Bumi smiled and held the crying Lin in his arms. He rubbed her back with one hand and patted her head with the other. His heart rate slowed and so did hers. Their hearts began to beat in unison. Lin finally stopped crying and looked up at Bumi.
"Can we try that kiss again?"
"You just got my shirt wet with tears and boogers and you're worried about our first kiss? You're an idiot."
Bumi chuckled and put his lips to hers again, this time earning a kiss in return. He pulled back and rested his forehead against hers.
"But you're my idiot."
Lin smiled and put her head back to Bumi's chest. She was so happy. Nothing could ruin this moment. Lin was so happy that her feet stopped listening to the ground. She didn't even feel the vibrations coming from the other side of the door. They both jumped when the door swung open.
"ALRIGHT TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES!"
Both Lin and Bumi jumped and moved as far away from each other as possible. They both turned to see Toph standing in the doorway. She had just left the station and was ready to turn in at home. Toph usually followed a regular routine. She would go to the station early, go to Air Temple Island, come home, eat, sleep and then go to the station in the morning. She rarely paid attention to her children. Lin and her younger sister didn't get along nor did they really see each other. Su Yin did as she pleased at the young age of ten. Last anyone heard Toph agreed to let her visit her grandparents for an extended period of time. Lin refused to go for all the obvious reasons and Toph didn't fight her decision. The mother and daughter rarely spoke in the house and when they did it was never serious. Hearing her mother mention the birds and the bees sounded awful. Lin cringed and Bumi chuckled.
"Oh would you look at the ti-"
Toph punched Bumi in the chest knocking him to the floor. He fell backwards on his butt and looked straight up at Toph. He noticed her face was very serious and not an expression he's ever seen out of his playful aunt.
"What was that for?"
"I want NO surprises. Do you hear me?"
"We're too young for that. I don't have those kind of intentions….."
His voice trailed off as he stared into Toph's cloudy eyes. She smiled and stretched out a hand and helped him up. Bumi stood taller than her and bowed respectfully before her.
"I Bumi promise to keep this relationship wholesome. Please allow me to court Lin."
Toph smiled and laid a hand on his shoulder. She nodded and Bumi took that as a yes. Lin turned red with embarrassment. She had never had a boyfriend let alone someone confess and ask to court her. She looked to Bumi and back to her mother. She noticed she looked a little sad but didn't give it much thought.
"Well I'm off to bed. Make sure you get home safe. I'd rather not have twinkle toes calling me after I fall asleep."
With that, Toph left the living room leaving the new couple alone. Bumi turned and moved closer to Lin. He stretched out his arms and she fell into them. Lin buried her face into his chest and held him close.
"I will support you," she whispered.
Bumi kissed the top of her head and rubbed her back.
"Thank you. I promise I'll always love you, and only you."
Lin pulled back and smiled. She walked Bumi to the door and saw him out. He walked out and down the street into the night. Lin watched him until she couldn't see his shadow anymore. After he disappeared, she hit the door and made her way to her room, turning off every light she passed by. Once in her room, she fell to the floor and practically died. She was so happy, she couldn't believe it. Nothing would ever ruin this day. Lin got into bed and fell fast asleep. She fell asleep happy, but this happiness wouldn't last long.
Stay safe in quarantine.