A/N: The first chapter was intended to fit in with the series around the end of season 4, I'm not going to worry about that so much from here, mainly because I never saw seasons 5 and 6. I'll still put in elements that I remember (it was a long time ago,) and I still wont be making any money from it. ;o)
Chapter Two
Wheeler watched her as she sat in an armchair studying, across the other side of the common room. Her attention was completely taken up by her books as she scribbled notes in preparation for the upcoming conference. She looks so cute when she concentrates like that, he thought as Linka wrinkled up her nose before jotting down something else on her pad.
Time was he'd have done something to distract her, anything to get her attention and make her smile at him. He knew that wasn't a good idea now though, she didn't want that sort of attention from him, and he had promised himself that he wouldn't go on self-inflicting that particular form of torture. It didn't stop him watching her though, or wishing that she felt the way he did.
Wheeler had been hurt when she had chosen Greg over him, but what could he do if she didn't want him? He'd avoided her at first, even after she and Greg had split up. He had been determined to get over her, but he didn't want to disrupt the group anymore than the 'pathetic crush' he'd carried around for the last four years, already had. He also didn't want to lose her friendship completely. It wasn't her fault after all, it was his problem, he just needed to get over his feelings for her. Then they could have the kind of close friendship she had wanted from the start, without his hormones getting in the way.
Now, three months later (two since Linka and Greg had split up,) he felt he was finally beginning to let go. For one thing he wasn't angry anymore, yes there was the ache in his chest whenever he thought about her, but before this it had been so bad he could hardly bear her company. Not that he'd let anyone see that. His years on the streets of Brooklyn coming to his aid, he forced himself to treat her the same way as he always treated Gi, like a baby sister.
It was his baby sister that now disturbed his musings. Seated next to Ma-ti and Kwame watching some new action film, she suddenly squealed, "Oooh Linka, look at that! Isn't he gorgeous?"
The Russian obligingly looked up and for the first time Wheeler could remember since her breakup, the beautiful young girl smiled. "Oh, Da Gi, not bad at all."
Wheeler couldn't help but grin at her, pleased to see a lighter mood emerge. Realizing that he had been worrying about her, and feeling guilty for not making sure she was alright, he felt a little of the tension in his stomach ebb away. She'll be okay, she just needs time.
Glancing over to see which film star had caused the girls reactions, since he had so far taken no interest in the film, the American saw a young, very fit man, of possibly Mediterranean origin, stripped to his waist. The guy could have been the original model for the phrase 'tall, dark and hansom' and Wheeler couldn't help rolling his eyes. "Talk about going for the obvious!"
Gi poked her tongue out, while Linka smiled at him, causing a familiar though now, somewhat unwelcome flutter.
Even the actors voice seemed perfect, a calm, clear, flawless English. No-one talks like that in real-life for pitty's sake!
It was at that moment that Wheeler first saw the guy in a close-up, and all of the colour drained from his face.
"Is something wrong Yankee?" asked Linka, who had apparently been watching her red-headed team mate instead of the dream-boat Gi hadn't yet been able to tear her eyes away from.
This fact didn't register with Wheeler however, "Yeah there's something wrong!" his voice carried a great deal of venom and it made the other planeteers look around in surprise, even Suchi poked his head up from the back of the sofa where he had been snoozing. "That guy is a nasty piece of work, don't even think about getting involved with him!"
Taken aback, Linka replied "He is just a movie star Wheeler, I... We'll never even meet him, let alone consider dating him."
Wheeler looked troubled but would have let it go at that if Gi hadn't added. "Ignore him Linka, he's just jealous as usual, he doesn't like you checking out other guys."
The others were appalled by her tactlessness and Wheeler felt like his heart had fallen into the pit if his stomach. Where's she been for the last three months?!
None of their friends actually knew exactly how bad things were between them, but they did know that Wheeler had cared deeply for the wind planeteer, and had been hurt by her finally rejecting him. His voice, when he spoke, was icy and a little menacing, which was so uncharacteristic of Wheeler that it left them all feeling chilled. "My 'advice' was directed at both of you. For your information Gi, not everything I say and do revolves around Linka." With that he got up and stalked out.
Some time later, when he had finally calmed down, Wheeler made his way back along the beach, heading for bed. Not that his sleep was entirely peaceful these days. The sun had set whilst the fire planeteer had been walking off his anger and the others had evidently already retired. Other than the reflected light of the Moon, the only illumination was from Linka's room. She must still be studying. You really need to take a break babe. A second voice kicked in, the cynical and condemning voice of his father, Oh yes, and who's gonna make sure she takes a break now that you've given up on her?
Wheeler shook his head, choosing not to reply to his overly critical conscience and headed away from the huts, down to the pier. Sitting on the edge, with one leg dangling over the side, the other bent and his back against the end post, the young American starred out to sea.
He wished he could leave. Hope Island just didn't feel like home anymore, in fact the word Hope seemed totally inappropriate from Wheelers current perspective. Even when his Dad had come home drunk he'd been able to tell himself that one day he could leave, one day things would be better. He'd plan out different scenarios where he would be happy and successful, even ridiculous daydreams about alternate realities and trips into space. Now, three months after losing all hope of ever being with the girl he loved, he still couldn't see a future for himself beyond endless planeteer alerts.
I can't leave. I can't be replaced and I wont do that to Gaia. I made a commitment, to lay down my life for this planet, for Gaia and for my friends and I'm gonna keep that promise, whatever the personal cost.
The resolution didn't make his heart any lighter however. Sighing, the young man who was rapidly approaching his 21st birthday, but felt more like it was his 50th, rose and headed back towards his cabin.
I might at least try to get some sleep, I won't mention any of this in the morning, I'm sure the others wont either. Linka wont want to be disturbed anyway at this hour… whatever hour it actually is.
And having made up his mind, Wheeler went straight up to Linka's door and knocked. "It's me Lin," he said, keeping his voice low enough not to carry to the other huts, "I need to talk to you."
