A/N: Ready for the next chapter?
Chapter Twelve
"These are the last of them." Linka announced as she entered the kitchen of the homeless shelter where the Planeteers were helping out.
She placed a tray of dirty dishes beside her American friend and he breathed a sigh of relief, "At last! How many people ate here tonight? It feels like hundreds."
"Too many." Linka replied sadly, and found herself immediately enveloped in a warm hug.
"Don't let it get to you Babe." Wheeler kissed her head. "They have somewhere to come and people who care enough to make sure they get a decent meal. We can't fix everything overnight."
She relaxed against him for the briefest of moments but pulled away as Kwame returned from taking out the rubbish. "The night staff have the dorms ready," Linka stated, "We are going to finish cleaning up out front and then, when you are done, we should be ready to leave."
The African nodded and resumed drying up the dishes his colleague was washing, "We will not be long, I think." The Russian gave them both a small smile and left, and Kwame spoke again. "I am sorry if I interrupted something…"
Wheeler gave a humourless laugh, "Not really, nothing romantic anyway. I just worry that she takes all the misery she sees to heart… I bet you she knows the names of everyone she served tonight plus their stories if they felt like talking."
"I would not take that bet." Their friend agreed, "I thought she always kept it to herself, I am glad that she has been able to go to you… or is this a recent development? I noticed you seem closer lately."
"It's not entirely a recent thing," Wheeler grinned, "Although she used to wait until it all got on top of her, but you're right we've been talking more lately… getting to know each other a bit better I guess."
The Earth Planeteer smiled in return, "Your trip to Brooklyn a couple of weeks ago helped, I think?"
"Ah man, she was awesome!" Wheeler enthused, "She made my Mom smile and wound my Dad round her little finger. I swear the place has never felt more like home to me. And Dad kept telling me not to make the mistakes he did, to treat her right, you know?"
"He thinks you are a couple?" Kwame asked curiously.
The American looked a little sheepish but responded anyway, "Yeah, well they did kind of assume that, yeah. I'd told them we weren't before we went there but it didn't seem to make a difference and since Linka didn't bother to correct them, I kinda went along with it."
His friend chuckled, "Careful my friend, they will start planning your wedding next."
"Maybe I'd go along with that too if it was what Linka wanted." Jason replied, unusually serious. "I don't know Kwame, sometimes I think I'm making progress with her and other times it's like she just sees me as this uber-close friend and doesn't have a clue that I'm crazy about her."
"Have you tried telling her?"
"I've tried, but I don't think she really wants to know." He sighed, his thoughts turning to the physical relationship that had once again been put on hold since their return to Hope Island and their usual duties. "I guess I'll just keep on being whatever she wants me to be… she definitely gets to call all the shots but at least it means I get to spend time with her and maybe sometime she'll decide she likes being around me too."
Kwame frowned, "Wheeler I am fairly certain that she does like spending time with you, in fact if she is trying to hide how much she likes your company she is doing a terrible job. A one-sided relationship is not healthy and Linka does not strike me as the sort to want someone who will never oppose her, or ask things of her… I do not believe you would jeopardise your friendship by pushing back a little."
"It's not one-sided." The American frowned, "I've never held back if I don't agree with her, you know that. And I can ask her for anything a friend might ask… I'm just wary of letting her know I want more, it's always seemed to shut her down in the past and I don't want to lose what we have now."
Silence fell between the two young men and neither spoke again until Ma-Ti came to check on their progress and help with putting things away.
Despite his assertions to Kwame, the Fire Planeteer thought a lot about his friend's words on their journey home and couldn't help wondering if he wasn't at least partly correct. It can't hurt to let her know I want more of our time together can it?
Noticing how quiet she was on the return journey however, Wheeler had to admit that what he wanted would have to wait, it was comfort she would need that night and a safe place to show her emotions.
After grabbing a quick dinner the Planeteers all retired to their cabins and as he expected, it wasn't long after the lights went out that Linka slipped into his room. She lifted the covers and got into the bed next to him without a word, snuggling down as he wrapped himself around her.
"I beat you!" Linka crowed with delight as she slowed to a stop on the beach.
"I let you win." Her companion retorted, trying not to laugh at her child like pleasure.
The Russian raised an eyebrow and took a step towards him, "You did not, it is all those burgers you eat, slowing you down!" She poked him in the stomach and then wriggled as he tickled her in retaliation.
"More like the stupidly early hour you dragged me out of bed." Wheeler argued, not letting her get away, "If I ever said I could beat you in my sleep I take it back, but this definitely wasn't a fair race."
She squealed as he found a particularly sensitive spot on her side but instead of surrendering, egged him on by calling him a "Bad loser!"
Linka finally managed to twist out of his arms and make a break for her cabin but didn't attempt to get away again as he caught her up. They were both laughing. When she would have left him again to go on however, Wheeler stopped her.
Despite his calm he had been building up his courage to have this conversation and was nervous about how she would react. "So tell me Babe, does our little arrangement work both ways, or what?"
"I am not sure I understand you?"
"You come to me whenever you want er… company, because you know I'm always happy to oblige." He shrugged, "It's different the other way around, more pressure, I just wanted to know if it was ok for me to ask for… you know."
Instead of being angry the Wind Planeteer looked pleased and a little relieved, "Oh! Da, of course it is ok! To be honest, you seemed so laid back about it when we are home that I was beginning to worry about bothering you too often."
"What?!" Wheeler was shocked.
Nodding, his companion continued, "You are always patient with me when I am upset which I appreciate, but even the rest of the time it did not seem to make a difference to you whether we did anything or I just stayed in your room or neither."
Wheeler groaned and pulled her into his arms, "It matters to me Babe. Really, really matters. I was just trying not to make you uncomfortable, let you set the pace. But I want you all the time, I don't stop wanting you, these last few weeks have been hell except for the few brief times I've got to hold you. Sleeping beside you is the next best thing, anything so long as we're in contact."
Her heart racing, Linka giggled, "You should have said something Yankee, I am more than happy to fulfil your needs, it is only fair after all."
"Yeah?" She nodded so he pushed a little more, "Starting now?"
"I need a shower after our run but…" He interrupted, "Great minds think alike, I need a shower too. How about we conserve a little water?"
The wind Planeteer laughed, "Only you could make that sound dirty Yankee moy."
He smirked, "Is that a yes?"
Linka nodded and took his hand to lead him to her cabin. They were both trying unsuccessfully not to think too much about what had been said and the real feelings behind it, and they were both hoping it would lead to something more.
Wheeler noted the way Linka checked that there was no one about to see them before she pulled him into her cabin, and felt sad. However close they got there always seemed to be one more step to take and he didn't know how to bridge that final gap.
Shaking off his mood the American followed his 'almost' girlfriend into the bathroom and pulled his t-shirt off over his head, only to find her looking very self-conscious. "Babe?"
"It is nothing, just that we have not done this before." She gestured awkwardly, "Just strip off in daylight without even… I know I am being stupid."
Wheeler grinned, "It's not stupid, you've always been a bit shy… except when you're drunk." She blushed. He stepped forward and took her in his arms and just before their lips met, whispered "I'm all for taking our time."
Linka began to relax as the familiar sensations washed over her. As always, Wheeler was gentle and loving, coaxing her into greater confidence rather than demanding it. She helped him remove the rest of their clothes, only parting from his lips when necessary and gave him a timid smile when he paused in his attentions. They stood there for a few moments smiling into each other's eyes, content in the others naked embrace.
Finally Wheeler led her into the small shower cubicle and turned on the water, they both shivered as it came out cold and then laughed.
Turning up the heat, Wheeler pulled her close again. "I should have asked this before but, shower gel?"
She giggled and reached over his shoulder to retrieve a clear tube with pink liquid inside. "Shampoo first."
Linka loved the feeling of his fingers running through her hair, massaging her scalp and gently stroking the golden locks as he helped the water rinse it through. She also loved doing the same for him, it was oddly intimate and seemed to involve a lot of kissing.
When they were done the American took down another container and showed it to her, a question on his face. "Da, it is Wild Rose but do not worry it is not strong, it should be masked by your deodorant."
"It doesn't bother me, I love the scents you use, like when I wake up in my room and the smell of your shampoo is still on my pillow." Wheeler told her, lathering up his hands and handing her the tube while he reached around to begin rubbing her back.
Linka gave a little shiver and then took some of the gel in her own hands before returning it to the shelf. Unlike Wheeler she started on his chest, gently massaging the foam into his skin.
"Still think the burgers are slowing me down?" He teased, watching her apparent fascination with the muscles of his arms and torso.
She shook her head, and let her hands drift down to the equally well defined lines over his hips. Instead of going lower however, she gave him a mischievous look and told him to turn around.
Returning her look, he did as he was told and let himself enjoy the way her hands played over his body and on down his legs. At last she told him to rinse off and he complied, but reminded her she'd missed a spot. "But that's ok for now, it's your turn to turn around."
"Whatever you say Yankee." Linka chuckled and turned her back on him, only to feel the spot that she'd missed pressing into the small of her back. He pulled her back against him anyway, telling her to lean on him and lifting her arms to place around his neck. She sighed as his soapy hands traced her contours, enjoying the contact.
Disentangling herself from her lover after a while, before things could get too carried away, she turned and once more filled her hands with gel, rubbing them together before kneeling in front of him. Wheeler braced himself against the cold shower wall, knowing that having her delicate fingers trace him would be something of an endurance test, though one he would beg for if she gave him the chance. Rather than embarrassment, the Wind Planeteer again seemed fascinated and her partner realised that it was probably the first opportunity she had had to really look at him.
"Babe, you're killing me." He said at last, and received a sheepish look and a gentle squeeze that drew a deep moan from him.
Linka laughed and stood up, wrapping her arms around his neck again as the water cascaded over them both, clearing the last of the suds. Her cheeks were tinged with pink where she couldn't quite shake her self-consciousness but spoke calmly enough. "Thank you for being patient with me and letting me... explore."
"My pleasure. Literally!" He smirked, drawing another chuckle from her, "But now I think we really need give in to where I know we both want to go."
"Da, please." She responded softly and held on a little tighter around his neck, though he lifted her with ease. Wrapping her legs around him, she let him adjust her position until she was trapped between him and the shower wall.
Delighted by how ready for him she was, Wheeler reclaimed her lips briefly and then made his way down to her neck. "Is this ok?" He asked after a while, mindful that she could not move very much in that position.
Linka hummed with pleasure, "Yes Yankee."
His laugh vibrated against her neck and she lifted a hand to stroke his hair, enjoying the tenderness of the encounter a while longer before her need reached a point where she wanted more. Even though space was limited she managed to encourage him the way he'd taught her and it wasn't long before he got the message, adapting to meet her needs.
Linka groaned and threw her head back, immediately regretting it, "Oww!"
"Oh Babe!" The American was trying not to laugh but he reached up to cushion her head from any further impacts. "Are you ok?"
"Da, do not stop." She encouraged him, too caught up in their passion to bear it being cut short.
He felt it was perhaps the least romantic encounter they had shared, but it didn't seem to bother Linka and he was beginning to realise that as long as they were together, it was ok to let go… not everything had to be perfect to make her happy.
Linka buried her face in his neck, her legs felt like jelly and she wasn't sure she would be able to stand on them when he put her down. I definitely prefer being in a bed. She thought, though she didn't regret the experience.
Finally they were still and Wheeler too found his legs were shaking. He helped her stand however, steadying her as best he could and then trying not to bump into her as they cleaned themselves off.
"That was different." He commented, shutting the water off and helping her out of the small cubicle. "How's your head?"
"A dull ache, but I think there will be a bump." The Russian replied, wrapping a towel around herself, her self –consciousness returning. "I am glad we tried it but unless you have a particular desire to repeat it, I think we should just stick to washing from now on, and deal with the consequences when we have somewhere more comfortable."
Wheeler walked to her and put his arms around her, thinking how soft and right she felt nestled against him. "Whatever you want Babe, but for the record I'm glad we did it too, it's not something I'd ever tried before."
"Really?" She seemed surprised but added, "Then I am sorry I was not more…"
"Hey," He silenced her with a kiss, "You're perfect. I loved every second of it, don't doubt yourself." His voice took on a teasing note, "If you'd knocked yourself out, now that would have been bad."
Linka laughed and stretched in his arms, "You are right, being with you is always wonderful, not even a concussion can spoil it."
His lips found hers and they were lost for some time in the embrace. Finally Linka pulled away and headed for the main part of her bedroom, "We need to get dressed the others will be looking for us soon."
"We could just go back to bed and let them find us?" He suggested, watching her carefully for a reaction.
"I am not ready to try to explain this relationship to them Yankee and I cannot face their reactions to actually finding us…. Doing anything." She closed her eyes, "Please do not be angry."
Wheeler had grabbed another towel and was drying himself without attempting to cover anything, "I'm not angry Babe. I knew what you were going to say, I just really wish I could keep you in bed all day, that's all."
She smiled, "Add it to your list."
He watched her get dressed since she made no indication that she wanted him to leave, although the constant warmth in her cheeks let him know she was conscious of his presence the whole time. Part of that awareness was the fact that after he'd dried himself, he'd leant back against the wall without making any move to dress himself and he was obviously enjoying the show to a marked degree.
"I am not getting hot and sweaty again." Linka warned him, "Once I am dressed I am going to make breakfast."
"Did I say anything?" he asked, beginning to dance around and be generally silly so that her eyes kept being drawn back to his naked body, "Oh do you mean this?" He made himself bounce, making her laugh, "Don't worry Babe I'm used to feeling like this when I'm around you… but if you're finding it hard to resist, well I won't turn you down."
Before she could answer her door opened, and the only reason Gi didn't see the Fire Planeteer was that he was standing behind it. Fortunately Linka was dressed and was only brushing her hair.
"Oh sorry!" The Asian girl exclaimed, "You're normally ready hours before me. I thought you must be working or something."
It said a lot for how far their relationship had developed that Linka, instead of being crippled with embarrassment or sent into a panic over what Wheeler might do, smiled and replied calmly, "I am running a little behind, I was exercising with Wheeler this morning."
"You must have woken him early," Gi grinned, "He's probably gone back to bed."
"Oh nyet," The Russian replied casually, "He is definitely still… up."
Her friend shrugged, "I guess there really isn't anything he won't do for you. I was just going to ask if you wanted to go shopping? I've checked with Gaia and everything seems pretty quiet and we know that won't last so?"
Linka nodded, "Give me half an hour or so to finish up in here and have a quick breakfast and I will go with you?"
"Cool." Gi closed the door behind her and both Planeteers held their breaths for a few moments in case she decided to return.
Finally Wheeler, straining to calm himself, said, "You're evil. It would have served you right if I'd laughed."
Linka got up and went to the bathroom spreading a towel over the toilet seat. "Sit."
"Why?" He asked, following her instructions anyway and eyeing her dubiously as she closed the inner door.
"Because I am going to make it up to you." She told him, a wicked glint in her eyes as she knelt in front of him. "Of course you realise that I will have to work this out as I go along, but I was thinking while I was washing you that it cannot be very difficult… do you trust me?"
"God yes!" Wheeler's eyes were wide and he grabbed onto the bath to steady himself.
In the end he cried out a little louder than he'd intended but fortunately not enough to draw attention. Still trying to regain his breath he gasped, "You sure you haven't done that before?" Without saying anything she got up and rinsed out her mouth and he felt compelled to ask, "Totally grossed out?"
Linka considered this, "Strangely not… more turned on than I expected too." He groaned and it made her chuckle, "Stop! I am going to make breakfast and go shopping with Gi, anything else will have to wait for tonight."
"I'll hold you to that," He grinned at her, "And as long as you're gonna be out for the next few hours, I'm going to prove Gi right and go get the rest of my sleep."
"Put some clothes on first." She told him, still smiling and went back to getting ready for the day while her mind was already jumping ahead to that night.
To be continued…