A/N: Thanks again for the reviews and support, here's the next installment!

Chapter Three

"Yankee?" Linka walked through his cabin door, interrupting his packing. "Do you have a small bag I can borrow? There is a size and weight restriction on luggage for the balloon and the only thing I have that is suitable is the rucksack that is currently on the geo-cruiser, making its way to the Amazon."

They had been lucky enough to get the last remaining ticket and a cancellation, provided they left almost immediately. Linka had made all the arrangements and they'd rushed to get ready.

"Sorry Babe, this is all I've got, and it's probably too big as well..." He indicated the sports bag on the bed. "Gi wouldn't mind you borrowing something would she?"

The Russian shook her head, still looking measuringly at his bag. "I have already looked, she does not have anything either. Are you going to fill that up?"

He laughed, "Not even close."

"Perhaps we could share it then?" Linka suggested. "It is big enough for what we will both need and it should be allowable as two people's luggage."

Wheeler shrugged, "Sure, if it doesn't bother you, it's fine with me."

She smiled, "Spasiba. Can you bring it over when you are done please?"

"Yeah, say, what am I gonna need?" He asked quickly.

"A change of clothes for tomorrow and maybe something to have dinner in?" She didn't actually mention anything to sleep in but then he assumed that she knew he slept in his boxers. "You might want a jumper on for the flight too, it can get pretty cold in a balloon."

He nodded, "I've packed everything but dinner-wear then, any preferences?"

Linka thought for a moment before suggesting a dark blue polo shirt that she knew he owned, "It will only be the hotel's restaurant after all and it will go with your jeans, besides I have always thought that it looked quite smart."

Wheeler seemed pleased that she'd noticed but for once didn't make any suggestive comments. He actually had everything he wanted right then; they were getting on really well and they had a date planned... Ok maybe she didn't see it as one, but at least he had the chance to spend time alone with her and hopefully convince her that dating was a good idea.

The Russian let him carry his bag to her room but then suggested that he get the 'copter ready while she gathered her things, to save time. She did not mention that there was something she wanted to include that she wasn't yet ready for him to see.

A bright yellow helicopter landing in the Aeronautic Association's car park did attract some attention and it made Wheeler chuckle, "They're probably wondering why we'd ditch a 'copter to ride in a balloon."

Linka smiled and stood up, "I do not see why they would think it remarkable. Why would anyone these days ride in a balloon except for pleasure?"

"Still probably looks a bit odd." Wheeler grinned, and gently but firmly took their bag from her hand, pealing her fingers off and retaining her hand in his free one for a moment or two.

The Russian rolled her eyes but allowed him his gallantry, trying hard not to show her physical reaction to the encounter as a pleasant warmth spread throughout her system. She preceded him out of their craft and then waited to walk beside him as they headed over to the take-off area, it wasn't difficult to work out where to go, the hot air balloon, a bright mix of red and gold, was already inflated and there were people milling about the field, presumably waiting to board.

They approached a young man who was weighing luggage and stowing it away in the storage compartment at the bottom of the basket. "Hope that's ok buddy," Wheeler said in his usual friendly manner as he handed over the bag, "It's for both of us."

"Shame." The man grinned as his eyes came to rest on Linka, obviously assuming their shared luggage meant that they were a couple. He seemed to remain unaware of the way Wheeler bristled at his interest however, because after taking a little too long inspecting the way her jeans and light jumper hugged her, he said, "You might not be warm enough up there darlin' you got anything on underneath that?"

"That's none of your damn business!" Wheeler went to take a step towards him but was forestalled by Linka's hand on his arm.

She was blushing, not because of the man's obvious interest but because she had deliberately worn something that would give her companion a reason to put his arms around her. Of course the lovely blond couldn't admit that so she said, "I am Russian, I do not feel the cold. So is our luggage ok?"

The balloon technician grinned, still ignoring the way Wheeler was glaring at him, (almost ready to punch him out if his bunched fists were anything to go by,) and placed the bag on the scales. "Yep, you're good." He stowed the bag away. "Have a great time now, and let me know if you need anything."

The comment was again directed at Linka but she averted disaster by claiming one of Wheeler's fists and forcing her fingers between his to pull him away. As they waited for their turn to climb into the basket, she whispered, "He was doing that deliberately Yankee, do not let him get to you." He looked down at her and she smiled into his eyes, "I wanted to spend this trip with you, that has not changed. Trust me?"

The American grinned, relaxing a little and giving her still joined hand a squeeze. "It's him I don't trust Babe."

"Then you had best stick close to me." She replied saucily, dropping his hand so that she could climb up into the basket and then pressing her lips together to prevent herself gasping as she felt his hands grasp her waist to help her up.

They moved around to the far side of the rapidly filling basket, finding a small gap between the other passengers to look out. Wheeler placed Linka in front of him so that she had a clear view and then stood behind her with his arms on either side, his hands resting on the rim, and his head over her shoulder. There was a gap between them but it was comfortable enough.

The Wind Planeteer placed her hands on the basket between Wheeler's and leant over to watch the proceedings. He could tell that she was excited about the ride, and he grinned at her but didn't comment, he loved seeing her like that.

Their ascension was smooth and they were soon travelling across the wild American landscape, able to see for miles and just take in the beauty of their surroundings. Linka exclaimed and pointed things out to her companion with all the wonder of a child, and he found her enthusiasm infectious. It felt good to laugh and not have any responsibilities to worry about for once, and it felt particularly good to have Linka giving him happy looks as she openly enjoyed his company.

After a while he realised that she was shivering slightly, no doubt too proud to say anything after what she'd told the engineer. He moved forward under the pretext of getting a better look at something, pressing his chest to her back, and when he felt her snuggling back into his warmth gave up the pretence and wrapped the sides of his jacket around her too.

Linka let go of the side and slid her hands under the warm fabric, holding it closed and leaning back against Wheeler, letting him hold on for both of them, his arms crossed in front of her in a loose embrace. They were both smiling at this new intimacy but continued discussing their journey as if their position were an everyday occurrence.

"This was a terrific idea Babe," Wheeler told her when they'd been quiet for a couple of minutes, "Thanks for asking me along." He pushed his luck by giving her a quick peck on the cheek and she twisted her head around to smile at him, her eyes bright and full of joy.

When she looked back out she said, "Thank you for coming, you have a beautiful country, I am glad that we have a chance to see it like this, together."

"Me too." He rested his head against hers, wishing the trip would never come to an end.

Their descent and landing was as smooth as their take off, which surprised Linka, she had been prepared for a few bumps along the way. The company they had booked with were very professional and had a bus arranged to take them to their hotel, although it wasn't there when they arrived but the pilot assured them that it wouldn't be long. They found out later that the balloon had actually overshot the intended landing site by a couple of fields and it had taken the driver a while to locate them.

While they were waiting Linka grew quiet and thoughtful, prompting Wheeler to gently pull her back into his arms and ask, "What's wrong?"

Startled from her reverie she began to deny that anything was bothering her but then her conscience caught up with her and she made a small confession instead, "Oh Jason, I am sorry… I… there is something I have not told you."

He looked understandably worried but tried to be supportive, keeping his voice calm, "What is it?"

The Russian chewed on her bottom lip as she tried to decide the best way of telling him, in the end she reached into her pocket and retrieved her list, handing it to him. Wheeler released her to take the folded piece of paper and opened it. His eyebrows rose at the mention of a tattoo, but it was when he got to the end that his eyes opened wide.

There was no-one close enough to overhear but Linka kept her voice hushed anyway, "I told you that there was another thing on the list that you could help me with tonight, you should know that I only booked one room." Then she added for good measure, "With a double bed."

He transferred his gaze to her, looking a bit shell shocked. "You mean the last one? Er, the last thing on your list?"

Linka nodded, her cheeks flaming, "Only if you want to." Then thinking what a mess she was making of it, added in a rush, "Yankee, I am not asking you for a commitment, just your help, I am not looking for a relationship or trying to trap you or trick you into anything."

"I didn't say you were," He said cautiously.

She nodded, looking carefully into his eyes as she tried to gauge his reaction, "I know, but it is important that you know my reasons. I explained why I wrote the list… it is just something I need to do, for me. But you are the only person I know, that I feel I could be with that way… I mean, we have always been attracted to each other da?" he nodded so she continued, still worried about his silence. "If you say no I am not going to do something stupid like go out and pick up a stranger, so you do not need to worry about me, but I hope you will not refuse me this… I know it would not be the first time for you, and that you have never had a problem with the idea of doing it casually, so I was hoping that it would not be a big deal?"

She swallowed and fell silent, wishing he would say something, even if he was angry with her.

Wheeler wasn't angry but he was disappointed.

He'd been trying to convince her that he didn't just want to get her into bed, an impression she had been left with after his immature teenage years, and he'd thought he had begun to make progress. A one night stand with the understanding that there would be no relationship and worse, that they would have to continue as they were without the others ever knowing about it, (and he was sure that was exactly what she was saying,) was in fact the very last thing he wanted.

At the same time, he understood her reasoning. She had been terrified by her near death experience and the desperate need she had to not have any regrets wouldn't be satisfied by telling her to be patient and wait until she was involved with someone, and demanding a relationship wasn't going to work either because it would never work if she felt forced into it. And despite her reassurances he wasn't convinced that her reaction to being turned down would be sensible. She might not go and pick up someone in a bar but what's to stop her convincing herself that she's in love with the next creep to take an interest in her… like that balloon guy. If she really needs to do it, she'll find a way, and then she'll end up with a broken heart or worse… at least she'll be safe with me.

He knew that she was waiting for an answer and that he was taking a lot longer than anyone would expect him to, to make up his mind to do something he had seemed to want since they met. She might not be looking for a relationship but maybe this is my chance to convince her! If I can manage to not completely screw up tonight maybe she won't want to call it quits when we get home…

"If you're sure that's what you want…" his voice caught a little and it was gruffer than usual but he thought she might mistake it for desire.

"It is." Linka replied earnestly, hope returning to her eyes. "So you will?"

Wheeler nodded, and tried for a little enthusiasm so that he wouldn't give her a reason to worry, "Sure I will, you just took me by surprise that's all… I mean is it likely I'd turn you down Beautiful? I've not exactly made my attraction for you a secret."

His friend gave him a devastating smile, and he had to admit to himself that he would do just about anything she asked, whatever the consequences.

"I do not want this to affect our friendship or…" she blushed again, "I just need it to happen without…"

The American sighed inwardly, accepting his fate. He put his arms back around her, "I get it, honestly. Like you said, it's no big deal for me and I want to help you any way I can. I promise I'll do everything possible to make this weekend memorable for you." He thought for a moment and then added, "In a good way I mean, so you want to remember it."

Linka chuckled, "I knew what you meant."

She looked up into his eyes and they stood there smiling at each other until the bus arrived a short time later.

None of the other passengers were paying any attention to them, they just assumed that the two Planeteers were what they looked like, a young couple who were very much in love.

To be continued...