Epilogue

"Merry Christmas!" The Wind and Fire Planeteer's glasses clinked together over the meal they'd spent the morning preparing.

"It was nice of the others to leave us alone for the holiday," Linka said, "I guess they knew we needed some time together."

Wheeler smiled at her, his heart in his eyes. "I don't know, we've been pretty inseparable these last few weeks, I think maybe they just couldn't take it anymore."

She laughed, "That too. I think they were a bit stunned by what we did."

"You mean selflessly become test subjects to find the cure that saved hundreds of lives?" He teased.

"It sounds much better when you put it that way," She sipped her wine, "but you know very well that was just a by-product. Unfortunately, so does everyone else."

He chuckled, "Everyone being a medical professional and our friends. Dr Singh might have been a bit uncomfortable taking all the credit for the breakthrough, but she understood."

Linka nodded, "Have the guys said anything to you?"

"Are you kidding?" He grinned, "they're practically avoiding me in case I tell them anything, not that I would. Gi giving you a hard time?"

"Nyet, actually she was very supportive when you were lost and just seemed to find the rest funny." Linka shrugged, "She is happy for us though..."

He sensed her hesitation and looked up from his meal, "What?"

"When I was under the influence of that first test I said some things, things you did not believe." She reminded him. "In fact they were the reason you knew something was wrong."

He nodded, "And that bothers you?"

"A little." She shrugged, "Mostly because they were true."

He smiled, "I seem to remember saying something similar while under the influence." He stood up and went to stand in the doorway, where they'd hung some mistletoe, holding his hands out to her. "We're clear of all external influences right now, you wanna try again?"

Trying to keep her own smile in check she moved into his arms, "I love you Jason Wheeler."

"I love you too, Babe." He told her, "This is as real as it gets, and I want it to be forever."

She nodded happily and raised her lips to his, sealing the promise.

The End