Chapter 6 - Respite
Wheeler was worried. They'd been back two weeks and Linka was still sluggish and prone to drift off into a thoughtful silence. She was fine during alerts but when they got back she would curl up on the sofa instead of doing work on her laptop and if Wheeler sat down next to her she'd curl up in his arms, sometimes even going to sleep. He would have been lying if he said he didn't enjoy that, but he was still worried and he knew the others were too because they weren't teasing them.
One afternoon the American entered the common room to find Linka staring at a magazine and crying. "Babe, what's wrong?" He said at once, dropping down onto the couch next her and wrapping his arms around her.
Linka sniffed and snuggled against him, "There is nothing wrong Jason. I am sorry if I worried you."
Wheeler gently cupped her face and gently rubbed away her tears. "Talk to me."
"It is stupid, honestly, it is not worth worrying about." The young girl told him, but his expression didn't change and she gave in. "I have been reading a serial in this magazine, it is very good and I have the next part but… I do not want to read it in case something bad happens." She continued quickly to stop him interrupting her. "I know it is stupid but I cannot help it, it just seems incredibly important that nothing else goes wrong…"
The fire planeteer didn't know what to say, instead he just tightened his grip on her and rocked her gently.
"I am sorry." She said again.
Wheeler kissed her forehead. "Don't apologise Lin, you have nothing to feel sorry for. You just have to give yourself some time, but it's going to be okay. Why don't you leave the story for a while?"
"Because I want to know what happens… I just need it to be okay." She told him.
The American chuckled, "You want me to read it for you and tell you if anything bad happens?"
Linka smiled up at him, "Nyet. But you could stay here with me while I read it?"
"Okay." He kissed her forehead again and shifted into a more comfortable position while she read in the circle of his arms.
The next few days weren't any better. It seemed Kwame had spoken to Gaia about her increased distance from them and in an attempt to remedy it, she was making an effort to spend time with them. Unfortunately, it was obvious that she was making an effort and consequently it just made them all uncomfortable. "It's so… fake." Gi complained to Linka one morning. "It's like she's forgotten how to be with us and is doing what she remembers in the hope that it will work."
Linka nodded sadly, "Da, I have noticed. Ouranos takes up so much of her time now, I think maybe she has forgotten but at least she is trying. It means she does still want to be our friend."
Wheeler came in just then and asked hopefully. "Babe, you wanna go swimming?"
"That sounds like a great idea Wheeler." Gi said, ignoring the face he pulled when she answered instead of his 'Babe'. "What do you think Linka?"
The Russian smiled. "Sure, I will change and meet you down at the shore."
"Me too." Gi added teasingly. After the American had departed she said, "And there's another one who wants his lady friend to himself."
As they rose and headed for their cabins to change, Linka replied. "Wheeler is being a bit over-protective at the moment. He seems to think that it is his responsibility to make me happy."
"You've only just noticed?" Gi grinned. "Honey he's been like that since he met you!"
Linka laughed. "I have noticed that, and I have noticed him getting irritated with you all since we returned. I think he got used to it being just us."
They stopped outside the water planeteers room. "What about you?" Gi asked and seeing her friends confusion, "Did you like it being just the two of you?"
The Russian thought for a moment and then nodded shyly. "It was not a pleasant time but da, there were moments. Nothing romantic you understand, just normal things, like talking over breakfast and sitting laughing over a film in the evening. He is different when it is just the two of us and he does not feel like he has to put on an act."
Gi frowned, "He doesn't have to put on act around us…"
"He cannot help it." Linka told her. "I think that is why he is finding it difficult to be back. He grew up learning never to show his real self, but he knows I like him better that way and does not want things to be different between us. He will work it out though."
The Asian girl nodded, and hesitated for a second before asking, "He's not wasting his time then? I mean you'd tell him if he didn't stand a chance right?" The water planeteer was very fond of both her friends and didn't want to see either of them hurt.
Linka blushed but the corners of her mouth turned up into a smile. "He has more than a chance Gi, there is no one else for me." She lowered her gaze as she continued. "But I do not have the energy that is required for a serious relationship right now… I know I am being selfish, I rely on him so much and I am not giving anything back, but I do not want things to go wrong because I cannot be the way he would need me to be."
"Linka! He just wants you to love him, he doesn't expect anything from you." Gi rolled her eyes. "It's so obvious he's happy just being around you. You have to be ready though and there's no rush, but I think maybe I'll go and see if Kwame needs any help with his garden and give you two some time alone."
The wind planeteer laughed, "You do not need to do that Gi."
"Does that mean you don't want me to?" Gi asked and then burst out laughing at the expression on her friends face. Linka obviously did want her to make herself scarce and didn't like to say so. "I'll see you later, have fun."
When Linka finally got down to the beach, she found Wheeler sitting under a tree, staring out to sea. "Is there something wrong Jason?" she asked with concern.
Wheeler hadn't heard her approach and his face, which had been almost glaring, broke into delighted smile. "Nothing, I just thought maybe you'd changed your mind." He got up quickly to meet her.
Linka shook her head. "I have not, but Gi decided to go and help Kwame."
The Americans smile widened for a second but then he got his face under control and said as sincerely as he could, "That's a shame."
"Liar!" She teased.
Wheeler chuckled, "Yeah well, there was something I wanted to ask you."
"Oh?" she replied, wondering what he could want.
He led her back to the shade of the tree and they sat down together. "I was wondering if you'd like to go away with me for a few days?" He continued quickly, "I thought we could use a vacation, something completely relaxing with no responsibilities. I've already asked Gaia and she thinks it's a good idea…"
Linka shook her head, "That is sweet of you Wheeler but the others have been covering for us for too long already."
"They wont mind… Babe I'm not the only one who's worried about you. You need some time to relax." He took her hands. "The others can come too if you want."
It was so obvious that it was the last thing he wanted that she laughed, but mindful of her recent conversation with Gi, Linka squeezed his hands in return and said. "I do not need the others to be there, but I am not ready, it is too soon."
Wheelers heart began to beat faster. Not ready for what? What does she think I mean? Going away with me? Does that mean she'd consider… "Lin, I reeeaaallly hope that means what it sounds like it means, but I'm actually serious about you having a vacation and I wasn't going to try anything or anything."
"Oh." Linka blushed, suddenly feeling very self-conscious.
Seeing the beautiful girls embarrassment, Wheeler tried to reassure her. "Of course if I'd known you wanted me to…"
"Do not get any ideas Yankee." She said laughing, her cheeks were still rosy but she didn't object when he pulled her close to him and released her hands to tuck his arms about her, in fact she slid her own arms about his waist.
"Go away with me? Just as friends, please?" He looked down at her, pleading with his eyes as well as his words.
Linka met his gaze, feeling it's warmth spread through her. "Okay."
"Where are we going Wheeler? You still haven't told me." Linka said from the co-pilots seat of the eco-copter.
Her friend grinned, "Wait and see."
Linka sighed. The only thing he would tell her about their holiday was that she would need warmish clothes, but not wintry wear so she'd ruled out skiing. She also knew that he'd been shopping the day before for supplies, but again he wouldn't tell her what.
The Russian watched the scenery go by until her eyes began to close. The next thing she knew, Wheeler was gently rubbing her hand.
"We're here Sweetheart." He said softly as if he didn't really want to disturb her. "You wanna take a look out the window before we land?"
Linka smiled and nodded, sitting up to peer through the glass, though at first her mind wasn't on what she was seeing. Sweetheart? That is new. Then her brain caught up with her eyes.
Below them was miles of breathtaking scenery, mountains, trees and a large lake. "Oh Jason, it is beautiful, where are we?"
Wheeler grinned, pleased by her reaction. "The Appalachian Mountains in America. My Grandpa used to bring me up here to his cabin when I was a kid. It was the best time of my life. I always planned to bring you here for our hon… er that is. I always wanted to bring you here. I hope you like it."
Linka hadn't missed his slip, and she was fairly sure she knew what he had been going to say but she did her best to hide the smile it caused. "I am sure I will, thank you for sharing this with me… it must be very personal to you."
The American shrugged. It wasn't that she was wrong about it being personal, but he didn't yet know how to explain to her that she was so much a part of him that it just felt natural to share it with her. Luckily she knew him well enough to attribute it to his earlier embarrassment.
They landed a little way back from the lake, and Linka could see a very picturesque log cabin set back against the tree line. When they got out of the 'copter the Russian made straight for the edge of the water and Wheeler soon joined her, stepping up close behind, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder.
If this is how he is when he is being 'just friends', what would he do if I was his girlfriend? Linka chuckled.
"What?" Wheeler asked, a little confused.
She put her arms over his, holding him in place. "I like this."
The red-head grinned. "Me too." They stood there for a few minutes, then Wheeler straightened up and kissed her head, "Come on, lets get settled, then we can sit out here all day if you like."
She nodded, and as he let his arms slide from her, caught one hand to hold as she walked with him to the cabin.
The interior of the cabin was comfortable and clean, with a large stone fireplace against one wall, an open kitchen at the back and a door in the remaining wall that presumably led to the bedrooms and bathroom. Linka looked around with approval, "It is all so perfect. How did you manage to get it ready?"
Wheeler grinned. "I knew you'd like it the way I do! I asked the Carters to get it ready. Oh, er they're a couple that live in the town a few miles away. Grandpa paid them to look after the place. They spend the weekend up here once a month getting jobs done, keeping it nice. I just have to let them know when I'm coming. Not that I've been here since… without Grandpa, it didn't seem right."
Linka smiled at him and continued looking around while he went back to the 'copter to get their things. When the American returned, he took his friend through to the sleeping area. "Bathroom on the right, your room on the left and mine straight on." He told her, taking her bags through into the main bedroom. It had a large double bed.
"Do you not want to sleep in here?" Linka asked surprised, but the American shook his head.
"I always slept in the other room, I wouldn't feel right in here." He told her, then added silently. Not on my own anyway and sharing with you is not an option right now... unfortunately.
They unpacked their things and unloaded the food Wheeler had bought for them, then headed back down to the lake. Linka sat down to gaze out over the water and watch its wildlife. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement and happiness at the beauty she saw there, but it was her that drew her friends attention.
Wheeler smiled as he regarded his lovely companion, partially because seeing her happy made him happy too, and partially because he felt smug at having found a way to make it happen. Of course he knew she wouldn't get over her grief so quickly and he wouldn't expect her to, but he wanted her to start living again and there was nothing like nature to make Linka relax, except, or perhaps more specifically, birds...
"Jason look!" She suddenly exclaimed in a hushed voice and grabbed his arm. She was practically glowing and Wheeler couldn't help but laugh, he'd been waiting for this.
Linka turned her head to look at him. "You knew that the Bald Eagles come here!" she accused him.
Again Wheeler laughed, "'course I did. Just like I knew you wanted to see one." He reached out and stroked a stray strand of hair out of her eyes. "I do pay attention you know."
The Russian nodded, gazing at him. "Da, I know you do."
"I thought you wanted to watch the Eagles Babe?" Wheeler teased after a few moments, making her look away, her face turning red. She let go of his arm as well but he caught her hand, holding it gently in his larger one as they sat watching the majestic avians fish in the lake.
As twilight drew in, Wheeler tugged on the hand that he held. "It's getting chilly, we should go in for dinner, they wont be back again tonight anyway."
"I know, I just did not want to move." She replied.
Wheeler grinned and stood up, holding his hands out to help her up "So we'll do it all over again tomorrow."
"You aren't bored?" Linka asked happily, taking his hands and pulling herself up.
The American laughed. "I told you I love bird watching Lin, I just didn't know all the names and stuff about them before I met you." He continued as they walked towards the cabin. "Grandpa used to paint them, there's a few of his pictures around the cabin."
"I saw them, your Grandpa did them? He was very talented." The Russian said earnestly.
Wheeler turned to look at her, blocking the door of the cabin. "Was? I never said…"
"Your Mother told me." Linka said apologetically. "I did not mean to upset you."
He dipped his head and then looked straight back into her eyes. "You didn't love, I just don't think of him as being gone…"
Linka nodded, looking down as tears filled her eyes. "I know how you feel."
Wheeler pulled her into his arms and kissed her temple. "Grandpa would have loved you, in fact he'd have spent the whole time flirting with you."
Giving a watery chuckle, Linka blinked away her tears and looked affectionately up at her red-headed friend. "You took after him then."
The young man started to lower his head towards the inviting lips and then looked away quickly. "Yeah I did, and you have no idea how difficult it is behaving myself."
Linka chuckled and tipped her head up to whisper in his ear as she squeezed past him to enter the cabin. "Yes I do."
Wheeler set his jaw and huffed as she passed out of his reach, his lips twisting into a wry smile as he realised just how often she did that on purpose. He leant on the door frame for a moment marvelling at her, before following his love into the cabin and closing the door behind him.
Linka insisted on making dinner, something Wheeler was excessively grateful for since he didn't think they could survive on his cooking for very long.
The American set a fire going in the hearth and took the cushions off the sofa and chairs to make comfy seats on the floor. Linka brought over two plates of pasta and left Wheeler to fetch the drinks, and they had a cosy meal in front of the fireplace, chatting amiably about the birds they had seen.
The conversation carried on into the night as the lovely blond snuggled into her friends arms while they sat watching the flames. Wheeler leant his head against hers and closed his eyes. It doesn't get much more perfect than this.
When Wheeler woke the next morning, he stretched and getting out of the single bed he'd slept in as a child, made his way out into the main room. Pausing at the window, he wasn't entirely surprised to see his beautiful companion already up and out by the lake.
She was standing looking out over the water, and he took a few minutes to appreciate the way she looked in her tight jeans and jumper. She was playing her keyboard. Trying to find something the Eagles like no doubt. He thought affectionately. Saying goodnight to her and going to a separate room hadn't been easy, and wasn't helped by the fact that he was no longer sure that that was what she wanted since she'd been just as hesitant as he to let go.
By the time the American was washed and dressed, Linka was back in the kitchen making them both breakfast. "Any luck?" he asked.
Confused, Linka replied, "With what?"
Wheeler moved around behind her to get the orange juice out of the fridge, and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "Charming the birds out of the trees, what else?" The fridge light flickered and he made a mental note to check the generator.
The Russian laughed. "Nyet, but I will not give up. What are we going to do today?"
"Anything you want. Thanks Babe." That last was because she'd put his breakfast on the small dinning table, where he was now sitting.
Linka shrugged, "It is for you to make our plans, I have not been here before do not forget."
"I'll give you the grand tour then." He told her. "There are some great walks around here. We can visit the town later in the week… unless you're already fed up with my company?"
The beautiful girl smiled affectionately at him. "That is one thing you will never have to worry about." She promised.