A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Becks7, my little addict ;)

Chapter 7

Linka wandered downstairs to the lobby, irritated with her restlessness. She and Wheeler were getting closer, it was undeniable, but something inside her still pushed her to be guarded, to put up resistance. She was starting to feel frustrated with her own personality, it was insane! The intimacy that was starting to take root between them was sweet, intoxicating, and it implanted a strange type of fear inside Linka. Fear of letting go. Fear of starting anew, of letting herself be vulnerable in front of the one person she had tried putting on a hard front. She could get so lost inside him, inside his beckoning warmth, that she feared losing herself, her independence. Additionally, something at the back of her mind kept reminding her she had no idea about Wheeler's intentions with her. He was always so mellow about everything, and Linka had always been wary of grey matter, undefined things.

Tiredly, she sighed and decided to sit on a stool at the bar. Maybe a drink would help her relax. The counter was empty and she rotated back and forth on the stool, still entangled in her thoughts of Wheeler.

"What can I get you?" came the friendly voice of man and Linka looked up in its direction, distracted. That afternoon, the bartender happened to be a young, dark-haired male who smiled at her welcomingly. Usually, a short-haired woman was behind the counter, but today was probably her day off, assumed Linka.

"Uhmm, I will have a Martini," answered the blonde girl, noting the way his dark eyes lingered on her longer than necessary. She could not help but note that he was good-looking, his dark hair falling slightly over his eyes, his olive skin smooth over chiseled features. Perhaps he was Italian.

Linka watched him pour her drink in an inverse pyramid-shaped glass, and thanked him promptly.

"Had enough of skiing?" he asked with another smile, seeking her eyes, while Linka prayed not to be blushing over his intense gaze.

"For today, yes. It just seemed like a good evening to be indoors."

"Totally. Even though you must be used to the cold, judging by that beautiful accent of yours. You're from Eastern Europe?"

Linka nodded stupidly and decided to down some of her Martini so she would not have to make conversation.

"Forgive me, I don't mean to be intrusive… but how come you're here all alone?" The dark-featured stranger's tone was flirty and Linka did not miss the alarm bells going off in her mind. It was like a firefighters' station up in there.

"Oh, nyet… no… I am not…" Linka shook her head, unsure of how to address his curiosity. Technically, she wasn't with Wheeler… or was she? She took another drink from her glass to stop the confusion from bubbling up to the surface. If she wasn't interested in Wheeler, a little voice sung inside her head, then why was she not enjoying the attentions from a handsome stranger?

"I knew it was too good to be true," winked the barman, sighing over-dramatically. "My horoscope was totally wrong… again!"

Linka burst into a fit of genuine laughter. Just as her tense shoulders were starting to relax, she felt a presence beside her. She slowly turned and saw Wheeler, his face dark. She could count on one hand the number of times he was usually this serious. Often it had to do with his family, or when he felt inadequate, or when some major catastrophe was happening in their line of work. He usually did not reserve that kind of stormy countenance for her.

Linka gulped and lowered her eyes.

"A drink for you, sir?" the bartender thankfully broke the tension, seeming unaware of Linka's reaction to the situation.

"No." Wheeler's answer was as dry as her Martini. No 'no, thank you', no smile. Shit.

The American did not even acknowledge the other man, his eyes were glued on Linka. She, in turn, could read traces of hurt, disappointment on his face and she felt heavy with anguish.

The bartender turned his attention to a couple who had taken a seat a few stools down and Linka took the opportunity to stand. Wheeler was on her heels but she did not have the courage to face him. She had not done anything wrong, but equally, waves of regret and unhappiness washed over her. This further inflamed her, added to her sense of annoyance.

"What was that all about?" voiced Wheeler, taking her wrist so that she was forced to stop and face him. His expression was not at all amused.

"I was having a drink," she replied, pulling free of his grasp. Her heart had taken to beating more rapidly, and suddenly she felt like she should be the one being upset. It wasn't logical, but all kinds of frustrations were being bred inside her. These feelings were too intense for her linking.

"Oh, and did it come with that clown who was hitting on you?"

Linka gasped, gazing widely into Wheeler's eyes. They turned stormy, sort of hypnotizing, when he was angry.

"I have no idea what you are talking about, Wheeler."

"You're such a hypocrite, Linka!"

A few people turned to look in their direction at his raised tone of voice, but Linka knew he wasn't finished just yet. His fists were tightly balled up at his sides, his body tense.

"Anytime I as much look at a girl, you lose it! You totally freak out! I suddenly become this monster, but then you chat it up with some sleazy bartender and it's all okay! That's a double-standard if I ever saw one!"

"That is different!" Linka shot back, shaking her head. It wasn't much of a defense, but it was all she had at the moment.

"How is it different?"

"Because… I did not start it!"

"So?" Wheeler threw up his hands in frustration. "It's just as bad if you feed it… or enjoy it!"

His insinuations touched a nerve inside her and she put some distance between them.

"You do not own me!" the words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them, and it had the effect of a slap on the Fire Planeteer.

"God-damn it, Linka, you're never gonna change, are you? There are moments I deceive myself that it can be different with you, but I wonder if that's all it is… an illusion!"

They shared a look filled with anguish and broken dreams, doubts and fears, love and repulsion before each one stormed off. Linka raced to the elevator, but as it was not readily available, she continued her run up the stairs. The physical strain would do her good, help her work off the steam building up inside her. She felt both guilty and indignant, was not sure if she was more upset with herself or with Wheeler.

To Be Continued…