Instinct
Summary: Linka's logic usually helps her accurately assess a situation, but sometimes her instinct can be just as sound. Short W&L story set after the end of the series.
A/N: It should become obvious pretty quickly that this could become a lot darker and go on a lot longer than I have any intention of making it. I won't rule out writing a more serious sequel someday but for now I hope you enjoy the fluff.
Disclaimer: I do not own Captain Planet, I'm just borrowing it and will make no money whatsoever from these stories.
Chapter One
Linka was exhausted.
She'd been staying in Russia helping to prepare for her brother's wedding when Gaia called the alert, so after her usual early morning and a day spent helping to re-decorate her father's old bedroom for Mishka and his new bride, the Wind Planeteer had had to face a flight that took her half way around the world. Of course she hadn't had time to rest when she got there and now, having been awake for over 30 hours, she was hiking through some beautiful American forests that she was too tired to appreciate.
"We should find a place to camp." Shawn, their guide, said. He looked Linka over in a way that could be described as measuring but made her feel as if he was undressing her. "You're dead on your feet."
"I am fine." The Russian responded, trying to keep her voice neutral but struggling to think clearly with her sleep deprived brain. "Besides I thought you said the bunkhouse is not far?"
Shawn shook his head, and moved to stand beside her, resting an arm around her shoulder as he pointed with his other hand along the stream they were following, towards the side of the mountain "It's not far in distance, but we have a climb ahead of us and it's going to get dark soon. It can be treacherous out here at night."
His hand rubbed her arm in a manner she assumed was meant to be comforting but in fact made her skin crawl and she pulled away, intent on moving forward. "Well we can at least make it to the base of the mountain and camp there."
Ma-Ti watched the interaction with growing unease. He could sense Linka's discomfort but wasn't sure what to do about it. He wished the others were there, especially Wheeler who always seemed to know what to do.
"It can get chilly out here too." Shawn continued as they progressed slowly, a grin planted firmly on his face. "I know a few ways to keep warm though."
Linka's cheeks warmed and she stumbled giving him a reason to catch hold of her again and it was all she could do not to cry out. Instead she carefully disengaged herself again, "Spasiba, but I can manage."
He laughed, "At this rate we won't even get to the mountain by night fall, but don't worry, if you fall asleep on your feet I'll put you to bed nice and snug in a tent." He lowered his voice and ran a hand down her arm as if to help steady her, though she was no longer under any illusion that that was his intention. "Right next to me."
"That will not be necessary, I do not feel the cold, I am Russian." It wasn't often Linka felt afraid but she wasn't sure she could actually stay awake and for the first time in her life, didn't feel that she would be safe if she didn't. It made her more determined than ever to reach the bunkhouse where, by now, the rest of their companions should be waiting.
Shawn just grinned.
Wheeler. She thought, wishing they had not quarrelled earlier. Why did he have to start an argument, just because Shawn was admiring me? If he had not made such a fuss Kwame would not have separated us… he brings out the worst in me.
Ma-Ti hadn't missed Linka's reaction to their guide and though he wasn't sure if she was overreacting to his flirting, he couldn't ignore her distress. Putting on a short burst of speed he placed himself between his two companions and felt an immediate rush of gratitude from Linka.
The Russian didn't like being dependant on others but she had pushed herself too hard in the last couple of days and it was definitely taking its toll. If the Heart Planeteer had had any doubts about that they were soon put aside as her usually closed mind began to project a single steady thought almost in rhythm with their movements.
~ I need to get to Wheeler. ~
Ma-Ti thought for a few moments and then moved his ring behind his back so that the others would not see it light up. ~ Wheeler? Can you hear me? ~
~ Everything okay Little Bud? ~ The response was tinged with worry and the young South American knew it was, as always, the result of his distance from the lovely blond.
~ Yes. ~ He reassured his friend, ~ But Linka is over tired and unusually fretful and Shawn does not think we will make it up to the bunkhouse before dark. ~
Wheeler could sense something, a worry from his friend that he couldn't put into words and it made his heart beat faster. ~ Where are you? ~ Ma-Ti described their position and was told in return that the rest of the Planeteers had reached their destination a little while before, having approached it from another side. ~ I'll come down and meet you, you shouldn't be too hard to find while it's still daylight. ~
Linka's legs felt like lead weights and her eyes were starting to close but every time she thought she couldn't go on any further Shawn would say or do something that made her want to run. They were nearing the base of the mountain now and whilst the sun had begun to set there was still enough light to make it up… if she could just find the strength.
Her youngest companion had said nothing about his telepathic conversation so when a figure appeared ahead of them, cloaked in the early evening shadows, she knew a moment of terror. That soon turned into an overwhelming relief as he stepped out of the shade and she ran into his arms, tears starting in her eyes and his name escaping her lips, too low for the others to hear. "Jason!"
"Babe what's wrong?" The American asked, alarmed that Ma-Ti might have omitted to tell him something.
"Nothing, nothing." She sobbed, "I am being stupid, I am just so tired, I cannot think."
Wheeler held her tightly against him, resting his head against hers, "You don't need to worry now Babe, I've got you."
Shawn was watching them with obvious dislike but all he said was, "If we're going to make it to a comfortable bed tonight we need to get moving."
The American nodded, "I know the way, you and Ma-Ti go on ahead, we'll be fine."
A smile and a brief nod was exchanged between the Heart and Fire Planeteers, both containing relief and thanks.
Once the other two had moved off, Wheeler stroked the hair back from Linka's face, "You ready? Or do you want to camp here? Only I didn't bring anything with me…"
Linka laughed at the idea of sharing her tent, so lately repugnant to her, but said, "If you do not think it is too dangerous we should try to make it up but… I do not feel very steady."
"I won't let you fall." He said it so matter-of-factly, a quiet confidence that she loved to see and that only showed itself when they were alone. The rest of the time it was an almost obnoxious bravado that she didn't know how to deal with.
Slowly they made their way up the rocks, Wheeler having to help his companion more than he ever had (while also carrying her supplies), but she didn't object to his hands on her and in fact loved the secure feeling she had when his arm encircled her, so different from the unwelcome attentions of their guide.
"I am sorry." She said at last, as they caught their breath at the top of their steep climb.
"You've nothing to be sorry for." He leant back against a convenient tree and pulled her back against him, but after a moment asked, "Does Shawn?"
Dislike dripped from the word but she ignored that, half in agreement. "He was only flirting… I think. He makes me uncomfortable."
"Then I'm the one that should be saying sorry." Wheeler kissed her head, "If I hadn't started an argument…"
"You would not be you." She smiled sleepily and unconsciously curled into him, closing her eyes. "I should not have stopped, you might have to put the tent up around me."
Wheeler chuckled. "I'll do better than that." Cradling her against him, he slid his other arm under her knees and stood up, lifting her as if she weighed nothing.
"Yankee." She purred, snuggling closer, not really thinking any longer. She roused briefly, disturbed by thoughts of their guide, "Do not let go of me."
He kissed her hair, "It's ok, I won't drop you."
"Nyet…" she shook her head, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder and a cold nose against his neck. "Tonight. Cannot fall asleep. Not safe. Do not let go, please?"
Wheeler wanted to punch Shawn, though for all he knew he had done nothing to deserve it. "I promise you Babe, you're safe, I won't let go." She sighed and relaxed, letting herself slip further into oblivion so that she didn't hear his last words. "Not ever."
Gi fussed over them when they reached the bunkhouse but he assured her that Linka was fine, just exhausted, and Ma-Ti backed him up.
Both Earth and Water Planeteers had something to say about it when, instead of leaving Linka to sleep alone in one of the bottom bunks (after Gi helped him to remove her coat and shoes,) he got rid of his own outdoor clothes and slid in beside her. He was adamant about not leaving her however, and seeing the way Linka responded to having his arms about her, even in sleep, the Asian girl smiled and gave in.
"Besides Kwame, there are only four beds and you don't want to share with Ma-Ti, do you?" Gi asked, sitting on the other lower bed and patting the space beside her. Kwame's face darkened, much to Ma-Ti's amusement, but he didn't find fault with her proposal.
Only their guide seemed displeased with the sleeping arrangements but he said very little, just taking one of the empty top bunks in silence.
To be continued...
