A/N: Thanks Becks and Amgine for reviewing and to everyone else who read it, do let me know what you think :)

Chapter 2 – Pressing on a Bruise

"Miss Orlova?" The stewardess said again, interrupting her thoughts and making Linka jump. "Your lunch?"

The Russian nodded and accepted the meal. "I am sorry, spasiba." Her English was heavily accented, more so than when she'd left Hope Island and she wasn't looking forward to being corrected. I will have to stick to the basics.

The young woman's fork stirred her food in an aimless pattern as she stared through it, wondering what the future held for her. He might be married… he is probably with someone at least… definitely, definitely living with someone, Wheeler would never want to be on his own for long.

The thought seemed to depress her spirits even further and she abandoned her fork to stare out of the window at the clouds. I need to do this, I need to find a way to move on. I cannot spend my whole life feeling guilty for one foolish mistake… but it wasn't one mistake was it? If it had been one he might have forgiven me…

When lunchtime came, Linka slipped outside for some fresh air and Wheeler followed. He found her leaning on the railing looking over the tree covered hills behind the conference centre, but hearing the sound of footsteps behind her she turned, smiling when she saw who it was. "It is wonderful here, it is such a shame to be shut away inside."

"It certainly looks beautiful from where I'm standing." He was looking at her rather than the scenery and she shook her head and turned back to the view, the corners of her lips curling upwards at the edges.

Encouraged by the lack of hostility, the American walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

Linka stood very still but she didn't push him away, "You should go and get your lunch, you will be complaining all afternoon if you are hungry."

"I'm not in any rush."

She turned in his arms, forcing him to stand upright but he didn't release her. "Yankee… this is not the place or the time for this."

He looked disappointed. "It never is."

"Please try to understand, we have a responsibility, we cannot just…"

The doors to the conference centre opened again and Wheeler quickly released her, as she turned away.

"We didn't mean to interrupt." An amused American accent commented and was seconded by one that was distinctly Eastern European. "Far from it, in fact."

The two Planeteers looked in surprise as their respective leaders came to join them.

Always a little defensive when it came to Linka, Wheeler said, "We weren't doing anything."

The Russian girl winced and tried to change the conversation. "I have been admiring the scenery, Italy is very beautiful and we have not been to this region before."

Both conference delegates laughed but it was the American that replied. "Well we have been talking about you two, and how you can help us with a little problem we have."

Linka brightened immediately. "Of course Mr President, we will do whatever we can to help you."

The older man indicated the table and chairs on the balcony and the four seated themselves to hear the proposal. This time is was the Russian that continued. "It is no secret that our countries have not always been very friendly, and there is still a lot of prejudice on both sides. I could not help but notice how well the two of you get on however, you would be perfect to help our people understand each other."

Wheeler laughed. "I don't think our friends would agree with you."

"Nonsense, they did not say we had to be perfect, then it would not be real and no one would believe it anyway." Linka told him, obviously eager to please. "We have a lot of differences but we are still friends, da?"

"Well yeah," The American shrugged. "I'm not sure I can explain why though."

His president grinned. "You won't have to. We'll just have the press show you out and about together, make a big deal of how well you get on, your relationship. People love that little love angle and…"

Linka's eyes opened wide and Wheeler exclaimed, "Now wait a minute! I thought you were talking about friendship."

"We are," the Russian man's eyes sparkled. "But there is obviously more than that going on between you and it makes sense to show its natural progression."

"There is not anything going on." Linka said, a little too quickly.

Wheeler nodded, still smarting from her latest rejection. "And even if there was, it would be between us, I'm not about to make my private life so public. I think we'd better get lunch while there's still some left."

He stood up and made for the door, "You coming Linka?"

"Da," She rose, saying to the two men, "I am sorry, but I do not think we can help you in this."

Wheeler went through the door heading towards the canteen but the Russian President's voice stopped the Wind Planeteer before she could join him.

"Think about this for a minute, please Linka?" She turned to look at him so he continued. "All we are asking is that you allow us to show the people of our countries, your people, that there is hope for us. That a lasting peace and friendship is possible because we are not that different."

His American colleague came to stand beside him, adding his voice. "It will make a huge difference and it won't inconvenience you, all we need you to do is let us know when you're together somewhere accessible… everything else can happen naturally. I assume you're not planning on ending your friendship with him?"

"Nyet of course not but…" She looked very uncomfortable.

"I am not just asking you as a Planeteer Linka, but as a good and loyal Russian woman." Her leader spoke seriously and it was hard for her to ignore. "I want you to change how America views our people, I would not ask that of just anyone, it is a very serious responsibility."

Linka hesitated. "It would only be letting people see what is already there, you would not expect me to do anything that I would not otherwise do…?"

The two men smiled triumphantly. "Of course not, it wouldn't be in anyone's interest to try to force things between you."

"But I was not imagining what I saw?" The Russian pushed. "You do have feelings for him?"

She blushed, feeling cornered and nodded.

The older man beamed widely. "Then if you will co-operate, all we have to do is let nature take its course."

To be continued...