The Wedding

Disclaimer: I don't own Captain Planet or any of it's characters and I'm not making any money from these fics.

Summary: Linka has never been comfortable with romantic relationships so finding herself in need of a date is disconcerting at best, especially when a certain Yankee makes it impossible to keep her feelings hidden.

A/N: Pure W & L, no drama… so don't say I didn't warn you ;o)

Chapter 1. The Invite

"Bad news?" The Asian girl asked as she entered the kitchen.

Startled but still frowning a little, Linka shook her head. Glancing over the note she had been reading one more time, the Russian smiled. "Good news! My best friend from school is getting married."

Gi raised her eyebrows. "Well something's bothering you, don't you like the guy she's marrying?"

"Nyet, it is not that, I... Her invite says to bring someone with me." Uncomfortably, Linka turned the card over and, as her friend sat down beside her, translated some of the note on the back.

"You know what everyone will say if you come alone. I do not know if you still do not have a boyfriend, but if not, you could ask one of the other planeteers, or there is always Sergey? Come early if you can..."

"Who's Sergey?" the dark haired girl asked curiously, "And what will they say?"

"Sergey is Ilyanna's brother, he used to tell people we were a couple. He gave me the creeps." Linka sighed, "They will say there is something wrong with me. It is not true of course, but I was always more interested in birds and music and computers, than 'girls' things like clothes and makeup... and boys." The lovely Russian blushed. "I had a reputation for being a little cold."

Gi felt uncomfortable. She wanted to reassure her friend in someway, but she'd never seen her really take an interest in a guy. Well, one or two maybe. The Asian thought. But since she chickened out of going on any actual dates, I don't think they really count! She decided to play it safe. "Well, you could always take me with you, that would give them something new to talk about." She winked suggestively making Linka laugh and breaking the tension.

The blonde shook her head, "Nyet. Thank you Gi, but the point of taking someone with me is so that people will not think something about me that is not true, not to start new rumours."

Gi grinned, "So how about Kwame? He'd make a believable boyfriend for you."

Expecting her friend to suggest someone else, Linka was slightly taken aback, "What do you mean by that?"

"Well he's good looking of course, but the main thing is that he's intelligent. No-one would believe you would go out with someone who isn't as smart as you." then she laughed, "Well, maybe Wheeler would, the poor guy is still trying isn't he?"

"Wheeler is just as intelligent as Kwame!" the Russian replied forcefully, "He is often the one who finds the solution we need, though we do not always thank him for it!"

That made Gi raise her eyebrows and she regarded her friend closely for a moment. "If you want Wheeler's company just ask him."

Blushing, Linka replied "He would never let me forget it! Besides, introducing anyone to my family and friends as my boyfriend is... problematic." adding under her breath, "Not to mention embarrassing..."

Gi grinned broadly, "Are you kidding? This is the perfect opportunity!" Seeing her friends confusion the pretty Asian leant forward conspiratorially. "You ask Wheeler to pretend you are a couple as a favour for one weekend, and you get to see what it would be like to have him as a boyfriend without even having to admit you like him, or worry about breaking up with him if it doesn't work out!"

Linka smiled sadly at the water planeteers suggestion, "I know you mean well Gi and I do take it the way you intended it but... if he really has feelings for me I could hurt him and if he does not... it would still make things difficult between us. His friendship means too much to me to risk it."

Looking at her unhappy friend Gi responded with a frown, "That's what love is Linka, a risk, are you never going to take a chance?"

The Russian stayed silent for a few moments, staring into the distance and then shook her head, "I guess not. I am not brave enough to risk Wheeler not being a part of my life."

"Is it any fairer to keep him waiting? What would happen to your friendship if he gave up and moved on?" Gi knew that sounded harsh but she was tired of seeing her friends unhappy, especially if there was no reason for it. Until now she'd assumed that Linka wasn't interested in their red-headed team-mate.

Her stomach turning over at the thought of Wheeler being with someone else, Linka said, "I do not know. I would not say anything to spoil it for him but..." Looking up, obviously upset she blurted out, "Gi, I am not good at this! I do not know what to say to him, I am unable even to tell if he is serious. I do not mean to always push him away, but his confidence makes me nervous and I cannot seem to help it. That is why I cannot risk it, I will just make a mess of it and once we have started down that road there would be no going back."

Gi was surprised by the Russian's confession but she said sympathetically, "You should just tell him that, I'm sure he'd be patient if he knew." Seeing that her companion wasn't convinced she added, "He is serious about you Linka, I'm sure of it, and you could make it work between you if you would just talk to each other."

"Maybe." Linka replied quietly, "I will think about it."