A/N: This bit has got a little swearing, and an implied consensual encounter. I don't think it's enough to warrant a rating change…I think the previous chapters with descriptions of what goes on in slaughterhouses and on the way there are more upsetting than what's in this chapter…as a matter of fact, I think you'll quiet like this one!


"What do you mean they've got nothin' on Greedly?!" Wheeler yells.

"Rigger is taking the fall on his own. He will not implicate Greedly at all," Kwame explains.

"That's bullshit! Greedly was behind the whole thing!"

"But technically, Greedly did nothing wrong and if Rigger is saying he worked alone, he's the only one that's punishable," Gi says.

"So what is Rigger's punishment?" Linka asks.

"30,000 dollars in fines," Ma-Ti says.

"Which I'm sure Greedly will pay off and have his henchman back on the streets in no time," Wheeler adds.

"Gaia has instructed us to go back to DC. All of Wheeler and Linka's hard work has paid off. The Senate Majority Leader has invited us to speak in front of the Senate tomorrow afternoon. We are to discuss what we have found, what we have experienced, and the facts that dispell the slaughter myths that Greedly has been spreading," Kwame informs the group.

"That is great news isn't it Wheeler?!" Ma-Ti exclaims. "This could be what we needed, right?"

"Yeah. Sure."

"I just hope we have enough time to put a proper presentation," Gi worries.

"We will be fine. Wheeler and I have everything pretty much memorized, and you all can just tell the horrors of what you saw. We better get going back to DC. Hopefully finding a hotel room will not be as difficult as it was yesterday," says Linka.

"You had trouble finding rooms?" Gi asks.

"Da. None of the hotels in the city had any available. We had to go to Virginia before we could find a room."

"Room?"

"Uh, rooms…I meant," Linka covered.


"You're in luck, we have three rooms available, two beds in each and a couch." the clerk said.

"We will only need two. One for the boys and one for the girls. I will take the couch," Kwame offers.

"Actually, the couch has a pull out bed, and the sheets for it are in the closet," the clerk says.

"Guys, would it be ok if we took the third room. I kinda wanna be alone," says Wheeler.

Linka tried to make eye contact with him, but he kept his eyes down on the floor.

"Certainly sir," the clerk says as he puts the key cards on the counter. "These two are right next to each other, but unfortunately, this one is at the opposite end of the hall."

Wheeler grabs that key and walks away mumbling a "thanks" as he leaves.

"I will check on him later," Ma-Ti says.

"Our gym is open 24 hours and free to our guests. The pool is open until 11 pm and re-opens at 9 am."

"Maybe Wheeler will be up for a game of basketball later?" Kwame suggests.

"I hope so. I do not like seeing him so upset," Ma-Ti says.


Linka and Gi are getting settled in their room when Gi breaks the silence.

"These last two days have been rough huh?"

"Da."

"I sure did have an eye opening experience. Now I know how Wheeler feels all the time."

"What do you mean?" says Linka.

"I was wrong!" Gi jokes.

"Wheeler may not always be right, but his heart is always in the right place," Linka defends.

"I know. It was a joke Linka. I thought you enjoyed a joke at Wheeler's expense."

"I do…did. It is just…he is taking this really hard. I have never seen him like this during a mission, and I know this is close to him."

"You're really worried about him aren't you?"

"Da."

"Why don't you go check on him?"

"Maybe...just for a few minutes."


Linka knocks on his door and waits for him to open it, instead he replies,

"I told you Ma-Ti, I don't wanna play basketball, I don't wanna go for a swim, and I don't wanna play cards."

"Wheeler, it is me…" Linka says as she waits for him to open the door for her. Instead, there is a long silence. She is about to walk away when the door swings open. Wheeler's eyes are glassy and bloodshot. Maybe it is from lack of sleep, but Linka suspects he has been crying.

"Hi," she says.

"Hey."

"I know you said you wanted to be alone right now…but I do not."

"Where's Gi? I thought you were rooming with her."

"I am. But that is not what I mean. I am worried about you. You are shutting everyone out, including me. I did not think you would ever do that to me…especially since I am hurting too. You know how upsetting it has been witnessing how those horses were treated…being with them as they were euthanized, knowing the hell that they have gone through these last few days…and why? Because they could not run fast enough, because their owners realized too late that they could not afford a horse, because scum like Greedly and Rigger make a living conning unknowing owners? Da, we saved some, but it was too late for most of them. And what about all the others? The ones being hauled across the country as we speak? Do you think it is easier to go through this alone? Because I do not."

Wheeler looked at her apologetically.

"I guess I am being kinda selfish. I didn't realize. I know this hasn't been easy on you either. I just…I guess I process things differently. When I was a kid, I was on my own when I was upset. I didn't have anyone to comfort me or talk to. That's probably why I tend to internalize things and want to be alone. You probably had a totally opposite way of dealing with things. You had a brother, grandma, and dad who were there for you and would listen. Am I right?"

"Da. But I do not have that anymore."

"I'm sorry. I know I could never replace your family, but if you want, I could be the one that's always there for you," he looks at her hopefully then closes the distance between them and pulls her into a passionate kiss. She is taken by surprise at first, but soon responds. He walks backwards into the room, bringing her with him, and lets the door swing shut behind them.

Wheeler had Linka pinned between his body and the wall, his hands roaming aimlessly, as if he didn't know what to do with them. He knew what he wanted to do, but there was still the voice of reason telling him what he shouldn't do. She wasn't pushing him away though, even though he thought she should be. "Maybe she's afraid," he thought. "Maybe I'm over powering her."

When he realized that, he quickly pulled away and Linka instantly felt the void he left. The warmth that had enveloped her was gone, her cheeks were flushed, and she was out of breath. "Why did he stop?" She wondered. "Did I do something wrong?"

"Wheeler…?"

"I'm sorry if I hurt you. I didn't mean to get so…rough," he says as he opens the door, feeling as though he had just taken advantage of her... "You should go."

"You did not hurt me. I know you never would. And I am not leaving. I came here because I need you, and I thought you needed me too."

"I do. And I can't believe I'm actually asking you to leave, but I'm not good company right now. I'm too angry about everything."

"Then stop being angry," she says as she wraps her arms around his waist and pulls him against her. "Do not think of Greedly or Rigger. Think of our speech tomorrow. Think positive thoughts for Bravo's recovery. Think of me," and with that, she stands up on her tiptoes and kisses him.

Gone were the rushed carnal urges that consumed him earlier. Now he was taking it slow, taking everything in. He knew exactly what to do with his hands now. While his eyes were closed, he used his hands to memorize the contours and curves of her body. They made small circles on the small of her back, grabbing at the fabric of her shirt. Doing so un-tucked her shirt from her shorts and he tentatively moved his hands under her shirt. He was encouraged when she pulled his already half un-tucked shirt the rest of the way out of his jeans and lifted his shirt over his head. This forces them to break contact, but also gives them a chance to catch their breath. As they stand there, his hands slide down her back and finally come to rest as they slip inside her back pockets.

"Sooooo," he says.

"So."

"Well, I'm definitely thinking of you now."

"Good."

"Very good," he agrees as he pulls her close.

She rests her head on his chest, contemplating what will happen next. She turns her head and presses her lips against his skin, then boldly places several more kisses across his sternum. Wheeler bends down to capture her lips and lifts her up so that her face is even with his. She wraps her legs around his waist to help alleviate the weight on his arms. This positions her slightly higher than him and gives him the opportunity to kiss her neck and along her jaw line. It tickled and caused her to giggle. Hearing that made Wheeler's heart leap in his chest, knowing that he was the reason for her delight. He carried her over to the bed and laid her down. This would go no further than she allowed, but until she objected, he would continue. When he looked in her eyes, he saw no sign of hesitation. Is this how he'd always dreamed it would be? Definitely not. There's only one thing that remains the same…her. Only her. Always her. And he hopes she feels the same way.

Greedly's words from earlier in the day creep into his head, "…boys like him want one thing and one thing only. Once he gets it, he'll drop you like a bad habit." Wheeler knew that wasn't true, and Linka said she knew it wasn't true, but still, Wheeler was afraid that Greedly had gotten to her and he wanted to do everything he could to reassure her.

He turns onto his side, but when she follows, he pulls away.

"Wait Linka, I need to tell you something."

She looked at him questioningly. What could he possibly have to tell her, she wondered. And couldn't it wait? They were kind of in the middle of something important. This couldn't be good if he felt the need to confess something right now.

"What?"

"Well, I was thinking about Greedly…"

"NOW?!"

"Yeah. About what he said earlier and I wanna make sure you know it's not true."

"I told you, I know it is not. He was just trying to upset us."

"Yeah but…I don't know. It's just…I want you to know that I AM only after one thing, but it's not what Greedly was implying. All I want…all I've ever wanted is YOU; Your friendship, your anger, your trust, your love…whatever you're willing to give, as long as you're with me. And I don't even mean WITH me like what's going on now. I'm happy just being in the same room, at the same table, in the same plane, on the same island…I couldn't stand ever not having you as a part of my life. I don't want to do anything to ruin what we have…but I wanna do everything I can to make it better. I'll do anything you want me to…or don't want me to. Just say the word. I don't want you to…"

Linka puts her hand over his mouth and stops him mid-sentence.

"Do you think that I would be here if I did not want to be? I came to YOU remember?"

"Yeah, but I'm sure you weren't expecting this to happen," he says as he waves his hand over their current state in the bed.

"What makes you so sure?"

"Well, because…it's…umm…I mean, you…we just…"

"Stop talking Yankee," she says as she kisses him and follows him down as he rolls onto his back.

After a few more minutes of that, Wheeler pulls away once again and looks up at Linka, who is leaning over him.

"Bozhe Moy…now what?!"

"I just wanna say one more thing. Babe…Linka. I lo…"

"NYET! Do not say it."

"What?! Why?"

"Do not say it because you think you have to. I do not need you to say it because I know you feel it."

"Ok. Good. I'm glad you know…but what if I WANT to say it? Or don't you wanna hear it because you don't think you can say it back? You don't have to. Don't worry. You've never been the type to let your feelings be known. I get it."

"Do you? I do not think that you do. I WANT to hear it and I CAN say it back. I just do not want you to feel required to say it because of what is about to happen. Or perhaps I should say what WAS about to happen," she says, frustrated.

Out of nowhere, Wheeler starts to laugh.

"What is so funny?"

"It just hit me how fitting this is," he says, still chuckling.

"What is?"

"Well, only WE could manage to have an argument while…you know."

Suddenly, the absurdity of the situation hits her and Linka also starts to laugh.

"You are right. There are not many people out there who can find something to fight about in the middle of…this."

"You know what's really weird?" he asks.

"What?"

"That it's kinda hot!" he says as he wraps his arms around her and maneuvers them so that he is the one that is now leaning over her.

He tentatively slips his hand under the hem of her shirt and slowly pulls it up. "Linka, are you sure?" he asks as he looks down at her.

"Do me a favor Wheeler," she asks.

"Anything Babe."

"Do not ask me that ever again!" she says as she pulls him down towards her and into a kiss.


Wheeler collapses on top of Linka and nuzzles his face into the crook of her neck.

"Jason?" she whispers into his ear, trying out his name and deciding it doesn't feel natural.

"Hmm?"

"I…love you."

He looks up, wondering if his mind was playing tricks on him. When he looks in her eyes, he sees it. Even if his mind is playing tricks on him, he sees it in her eyes.

"I love you too Babe. So much," he whispers against her lips.

He rolls onto his back and wraps his arm around her shoulders while lightly brushing his fingertips up and down her arm. The sensation makes her shiver so he pulls the covers up over their bodies.

She turns onto her side, laying her head on his chest and sighing contentedly. Her hand comes to rest on his stomach, caressing the taunt skin covering his abdomen. How many times had she secretly admired his toned body while sitting on the beach? It looked like she was reading a book, but her sunglasses hid the real direction her eyes were looking…Wheeler surfing; Wheeler swimming; Wheeler throwing a football or kicking a soccer ball to the others…always her eyes were on Wheeler, wondering what it would be like to run her hands over his body. Several times, she made herself blush and was noticed by the others. Fortunately, they did not catch on to the cause of her suddenly red cheeks and just warned her that she was getting too much sun.

But now, she no longer had to wonder what it would be like. Now she knows. Every ripple, every curve, every muscle…hers to caress whenever she wanted…well, as long as the others weren't looking. No one was looking now. She runs her finger from his lower abdomen up his torso, and rubs her hand across his sternum, coming to rest over his heart.

He kisses the top of her head and murmurs, "That tickles."

"Sorry," she says as she presses her lips against his chest and places several kisses there.

"S'ok" He trails his hand down her arm and to her waist. "I'll just get you back!" he says as he tickles her side, causing her to squeal.

She grabs his hand and interlaces her fingers with his, pulling them up and away from her ticklish stomach and kisses his knuckles.

"You comfy?" he asks.

"Da. Just sleepy."

"Been a long day. Let's get some rest. We've got a busy day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Umm hmm," she says groggily.

"Thank you…for, ya know, being there for me tonight and coming to my room. Even though I was being a jerk and taking my anger out on the ones that least deserve it. I was real messed up tonight thinking about Greedly getting away with animal abuse and all the bad things that can happen even though we try so hard to make things right; like bad people hurting others and not facing the consequences, but the ones that they hurt are left to suffer and deal with the outcome. But you reminded me of all the good things in life. YOU are the light in the darkness, corny as that sounds. As long as I know I have you, I'll be the happiest guy in the world and not dwell on the negative. And I'll always be here for you too. You know that right? Linka? Babe? Are you asleep?"

He looks down and sees that she has indeed fallen asleep. "Great. I was all sappy for nothin'. It's gonna be a long time before I get up the courage to talk like that again Babe. Aww, who am I kiddin'? I'll tell you everyday for the rest of my life...to hell with being cheesy. And to top it all off, now I'm still talking to you, even though you're asleep, so basically I'm talking to myself. See what you do to me? I'm putty in your hands and you know it! You bring out the best in me. Wow. This is actually much easier now that I know you're sleeping. You are amazing. I'm crazy about you, and I'm the luckiest guy in the world. There, I think that about does it. Goodnight Babe-ushka."

"Goodnight Yankee Doodle."

"HEY! Were you awake the whole time?"

"Da."

"That was pretty sneaky Ruskie-tootskie"

"Well how else was I supposed to know how you really feel? Apparently, you cannot say it when you think I am awake!" she teases.

"Yeah, well I didn't want to betray my cool exterior."

"Your secret is safe with me, Love. Now, I can no longer keep my eyes open and am going to sleep for real."

"Me too. Goodnight," he whispers into her hair.

"Goodnight."


Wheeler wakes up when he hears the water running in the bathroom. He is alone in the bed so it must be Linka. He closes his eyes and waits for her to return. He hears the bathroom door open, but when he chances sneaking a peek, he is surprised to see her dressed and heading for the door.

"Hey," he says.

She turns to face him.

"Sorry, I did not mean to wake you."

"Going somewhere?"

"Da, I was going back to my room. Gi is going to wonder where I am."

"She's a smart girl, she'll figure it out. Come on back here," he says as he pulls back the covers.

"I cannot. What will Gi think?"

"Who cares what she thinks?"

"Wheeler…"

"No, listen. What if I hadn't woken up to see you leaving? What if I woke up and THEN found out you were gone. What was I supposed to think? That you regret what happened? Or do you?"

"Nyet, of course not. I did not think about how that would seem to you."

"What happened tonight was amazing. It took my mind off all the bad things that have gone on. You're the only person that could have done that. I've always been the one chasing you, but tonight, YOU came to ME. That makes it even better. But if it didn't mean to you what it meant to me, you gotta tell me now."

Linka steps away from the door and sits on the edge of the bed.

"It meant something to me too. It was everything to me. I never thought it would happen like this, but I do not regret it. Tonight was wonderful."

"Then don't leave. Tonight is not over and it's not supposed to end like this."

"Oh really?" Linka asks, intrigued. "How is it supposed to end?"

"Tomorrow morning, when I wake up and you're the first thing I see. But in the mean time, we're supposed to fall asleep, all curled up and cozy," he says as he wiggles his eyebrows at her.

She hesitates for a moment, then slips off her shoes, disrobes, and crawls under the covers.

Wheeler opens his arms to her and folds them around her as he holds her tight.

"That's more like it," he says as he kisses the top of her head.