After the Fall Chapter Nine
The snow fell softly outside, accumulating in the corners of the exterior window frames. The day was gloomy, evidenced by the limited light filtering through the frosted glass. The apartment was silent and dark but she was awake regardless.
Linka's chest rose and fell in a regular pattern as she lay still, enjoying her drowsy, relaxed state. She felt an arm tighten around her waist and it brought a gentle smile to her lips.
She repositioned her body slightly and snuggled into him further, feeling his steady breath against the back of her neck. The contact warmed her both physically and emotionally and she happily surrendered to it; the feeling of being wrapped in her own little bubble of security and warmth.
She suddenly felt thankful for the cramped single bed they were sleeping in, enjoying the sensation of having his body curled so effortlessly around her own. She struggled to align her thoughts into a cohesive manner. She was simply content to daydream; the memory of the previous night sparking a fierce heat through her chest and loins.
Wheeler shifted behind her and sighed, moving his arm from her waist and folding it up against her stomach, his hand resting lightly against her breast. His breathing became slow and regular again and she knew that he was still asleep. The realization disappointed her.
Linka blinked, mild amusement playing across her face as she admitted to herself that she wanted him again. The revelation surprised her.
She gently repositioned herself and turned towards him, feeling a surge of affection as her gaze settled upon the familiar features of his handsome face; calm and serene whilst in a deep sleep. She settled herself against his broad chest and pressed her body seductively towards his own.
Linka tucked her head under his chin and pressed her lips against the curve of his neck. She reached out blindly, tracing his collarbone and shoulders with a light touch of her fingers before dipping lower, streaking over the well-defined muscles of his abs.
The blonde felt his breathing quicken and she continued, encouraged as his arm tightened around her waist, drawing her closer. She smiled as she felt him stir against her hip, reaching down briefly to glide her fingertips up and down the length of him, then resuming their dance across his stomach.
She tilted her head back, glancing upwards to see him awake now and gazing at her with a fierce expression of desire and longing to match her own.
Wheeler rolled her over, a fluid movement that caused her breath to catch in her throat, anticipation causing her body to tingle. She moaned as he settled himself between her legs and his lips enveloped her own, his hands gripping her face and his tongue darting briefly into her mouth.
She wrapped her legs around his waist, using her ankles to pull his hips downwards, making it very clear what she needed from him.
He sighed in response to her silent request, his breath spilling against her cheek as he slipped his arms around her, clutching her fiercely to his body. He thrust against her and they rocked together quietly, the bed creaking beneath them.
Hushed whispers replaced the stillness of the small apartment as their motions became more frantic. The sensations were becoming almost too intense for her to bare. Linka smothered her cries against his neck as they both reached their limit. She shuddered, sinking her teeth into his shoulder as her body throbbed underneath him.
Meanwhile, the snow continued to fall steadily outside as they lay comfortably in each other's arms. He pulled the blankets up over their shoulders while they caught their breath, murmuring softly to one another between soft kisses.
"We should probably get up."
"Yeah," Wheeler said, one arm flung over his eyes and the other snuggled tightly around Linka's waist. He made no indication of moving, however.
The Russian sighed, tracing delicate patterns over his chest. "Thank you."
"For what? The sex?" He glanced at her, an amused expression on his lips as she lightly slapped him.
"Nyet, Yankee," she said, trying hard not to laugh. "For being patient with me. For waiting for me."
"Oh," he said, grinning at her. "Definitely worth the wait, babe. I'm struggling to even form sentences right now." He squeezed her tightly, repositioning the quilt over their shoulders.
"I sometimes wonder," she began, unsure of how to phrase the question. "I wonder if we would have lasted, back then…"
He turned to look at her, his blue eyes searching hers for an explanation. She narrowed her own eyes, searching for the right words.
He regarded her quietly, his hand stroking the soft skin between her shoulder blades. A flash of understanding crossed his face and he nodded.
"Hypothetically, let's just say you'd succumbed to my boyish good looks and charm early on. You don't think we would have lasted?"
She nodded, absently rubbing a smattering of freckles near the base of his throat. "Da."
"Yeah. I think you're right," he chuckled. "We woulda' killed each other in the end."
Linka laughed, agreeing. "Impulsive Yankee."
"Stubborn Ruskie," he replied with a smile, raising an eyebrow. His hand continued tracing circles on her skin and he sighed. "Nah, she's not so bad."
"He is not so bad either," she said softly, rising up on her elbow and peering down at him. Her hair brushed across his face in a perfumed cloud. "He has some hidden talents I was not aware of."
He gently caressed her cheek with the pad of his thumb, "Oh, honey, you have no idea," he teased, drawing her in for a lingering kiss.
Wheeler pinched her nose, before sitting up against the headboard and encouraging her to sit beside him. She did so, drawing the quilt upwards over her chest, still a little apprehensive about being naked and exposed in front of him.
Wheeler rubbed a hand over his face and settled back against the bed head. He took Linka's hand within his own, inspecting her dainty fingers.
"Where to now?"
"Your apartment?"
He smiled, chuckling at her misinterpretation of the question. "Not what I meant, babe."
Ah.
"Oh, you mean…"
He nodded. "Yeah. Are we gonna' do this? Give it a go?"
"Yes."
The Russian's response was immediate, without fear, reluctance or any shred of uncertainty. She knew without a doubt that she loved him, that she'd missed him more than words could convey. She had spent the last six months in a daze, pining for his affable nature, his kindness, and his protectiveness of her.
She had been unaware just how much the team had relied upon his optimism (and mouthy disposition) during eco alerts and his absence had shaken her to the core. Linka had found herself craving the rapid smart-arse comments he used to throw at their enemies; those insults and anecdotes that she had always admonished him about after the missions were over. She had come to realize that they had depended on them.
She knew she was finished with the Planeteers. It was time to bow out gracefully and live her life the way she wanted.
Linka turned to see him beaming at her, delight etched over his handsome face. He squeezed her hand gently.
"Are we doing this long distance or…"
Linka shook her head. "Nyet. I wish to be here with you. If you will have me, that is?"
He shrugged, looking nonchalant. "Damn. There goes my bachelor lifestyle," he said theatrically and she shoved him, muttering under her breath in Russian.
"There it is," he laughed, drawing Linka in for a cuddle. "Aw babe, I've missed pissing you off."
"Da, well do not start making a habit of it," she laughed, unable to keep a straight face.
"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied, a smirk on his face. "I'm starved."
"Let us get up, then. Your mother will think I am a bad influence."
Wheeler winked at her and swung his legs over the side of the bed, reaching for his pyjama bottoms. He slipped into them and padded towards the kitchen with a wave.
"Take your time, I'll rustle together some breakfast."
Linka wrapped the flat sheet around herself and scooted off the end of the bed. Her lithe legs stepped over her clothes and toiletries strewn across the floor after last night's efforts. She bent down and started sorting through items to dress herself in.
The pair shared a quick breakfast, chatting in low voices while they munched on their toast. Janet eventually woke and joined them, discussing their plans for the day.
Linka had wandered off to re-pack her bags as Janet moved into the living area, raising her eyebrows suggestively at Wheeler when she noticed the pillow and blankets lying untouched in the same place she'd left them.
"Shut up, Mom," he muttered, regarding her with disbelief as she did a little happy dance at the unspoken inference.
"Yaaaaay!" his mother exclaimed softly, doing little fist pumps in the air.
"Mom, you're so embarrassing," he hissed, shooing her away as Linka passed through, shooting them a confused glance. Janet grinned and headed for her bedroom, bidding them goodbye with a cuddle and a kiss just in case she was in the shower when they departed.
"Weirdo," he said, watching his Mom's retreating figure and shaking his head as Linka propped her bags beside the front door. She straightened, running a hand through her long hair and smiling at the American.
"Ready, Yankee?"
They returned briefly to his apartment, gathering a few items including the business card from the officer at the hospital the previous day. Linka now sat on her phone in Wheeler's car, waiting patiently to be transferred.
Wheeler drummed his fingers on the steering wheel, singing along off-tune to a song on the radio. The holiday traffic was horrendous, but Linka didn't seem to mind.
They were on their way to the harbor, Linka having arranged the rendezvous point with Kwame before she had even set out for the Christmas break.
A voice broke through on the other end of the phone and she inhaled sharply, before introducing herself and indicating the case number they'd been given. Wheeler glanced over at her as she nodded, answering the officer's questions and indicating the direction she'd opted to take.
The Russian listened for several moments, before nodding and thanking him for his time.
Wheeler raised his hand and she readily high-fived him. "Good girl," he said, pride unmistakable in his voice.
"He said they have everything they need to make a case," she said, leaning back in her chair as the American rested his hand on her thigh. "They will call if they need anything else."
He nodded, his blue eyes directed towards the steady stream of cars in front of them. "Just be prepared for a slap on the wrist, babe. If it's his first offence, he'll probably get off with community service."
Linka nodded. "Da, if his father doesn't sweep it under the floor first."
"Rug, babe. But I'll settle for burying him under the floor if he comes near you again."
She narrowed her eyes at him, doing her best to muster an annoyed retort, but found herself incapable of it.
"Violence does not solve anything, Yankee," she said finally, gripping the hand on her leg and squeezing it gently.
"Yeah, but it'll make me feel better," he said, grinning at her, before threading his fingers through hers. They smiled at one another for what seemed like an eternity.
Linka looked away first, a warm glow touching her cheeks. She pointed to the windscreen, indicating the break in traffic. "Light is green, Yankee. Eyes on the road."
"Yes, ma'am."
Linka walked on ahead, since Wheeler had offered to grab her bags and bring them to the meeting point. She walked briskly, her hands in her pockets and beaming happily, lost in thought.
She stopped dead when she rounded the corner, her eyes settling on the golden vehicle gleaming in spite of the overcast conditions. She saw three figures around the Geo-Cruiser: Gi, sitting on the plane's wing with her arms crossed, a tense look on her face. Kwame was standing near the side hatch, chatting to the third figure.
Linka's heart stopped when she realized it was Grant.
Gi's troubled gaze settled upon her friend and she immediately jumped down, sprinting across the yard towards the blonde, her black hair bouncing around her small face.
Linka's mouth dropped open when Gi reached her, feeling her best friend's arms enveloping her. She returned the embrace warmly but before the blonde could get a word in, Gi spoke to her in hushed tones against her ear.
"I know, I know. He turned up when we did. Kwame doesn't know anything… wasn't sure if you wanted me to tell him."
Linka nodded, glaring at her ex. "Ublyudok. Give me a minute, Gi," she explained, her reaction tense. "Wheeler is bringing my bags," she added pointedly, her mouth dry and meeting Gi's eyes.
Gi understood her concern and nodded as the blonde turned quickly and approached the men standing next to the Geo-Cruiser.
Kwame turned and smiled at his colleague, oblivious to the actual events of the past 48 hours. The relief was evident on his face upon realising she had arrived.
"Glad to see you, Linka. We have been worried about you," he said softly, his eyes travelling upwards to the fresh scar on her forehead. He stopped, squinting at her injury with confusion. "What happened to your…"
Linka stopped him, placing her hand against his chest. "Can I have a moment with Grant, Kwame?"
She glanced around nervously and spotted Gi where she had left her, at the entrance to the car park, arms outstretched as she threw herself into Wheeler's arms. Linka turned back to face Kwame, the trill of excited laughter echoing in her ears.
He nodded, glancing at the familiar figure in the hoodie with his arm slung over Gi's shoulder. Kwame glanced at Linka, her eyes downcast as an awkward silence descended. He placed his hand reassuringly on her shoulder, and with a sideways glance at Grant walked towards the others, leaving her alone with him.
"What are you doing here?" she said softly, steeling herself against the loud thumping her heart was producing. She hoped he couldn't hear it.
Grant narrowed her eyes but didn't answer her, instead nodding in the direction of the man in the hoodie. "Who's that?"
"None of your business," she said, bitterness and resentment beginning to bubble to the surface. "Why are you here?"
"Just checking that you're okay," he said, his eyes purposely looking anywhere but at her injured temple.
"Da, I am fine. You can leave now."
He sighed, reaching for her but she stepped back, not out of fear but out of revulsion and anger. Her green eyes blazed as she glared at him, and he shrunk back slightly from her.
"Look, I just wanted to make sure everything is okay after… after our misunderstanding."
Linka gaped at him, scarcely able to believe his choice of words. "Misunderstanding? You threw me into a door, durak! I have nothing more to say to you. Leave!"
He scoffed, meaning to sound amused but failing miserably.
"I hardly threw you into a door, Linka. We were arguing, I grabbed your arm and you fell."
Her mouth dropped open, cold fury overcoming her.
"You threw me around the room like I was a rag doll, Grant! I have nothing more to say to…"
"That's bullshit, Linka and you know it!"
"I have the bruises and cuts to prove it, you are not going to talk your way out of this!"
Linka watched out of the corner of her eye as the others approached slowly, Kwame having since realised who the stranger in the hoodie was. Grant peered over her shoulder at them, noting Kwame now embracing the stranger, delighted to see him.
Linka stood defiantly, her arms crossed and waiting.
"Who is that guy?" he asked again, his voice faltering somewhat as he glanced towards the approaching trio. Linka didn't answer him but suspected he'd already guessed.
She raised her eyebrows, watching as her friends settled themselves against the Geo-Cruiser. Wheeler stood, leaning against the fuselage and watching the exchange sullenly, his shoulders hunched and tense. Gi stood beside him, doing her best to distract the American.
"I asked you to leave, Grant,' she seethed, lurching away again as he attempted to grab her wrist. "Besides, I am leaving the Planeteer's, so I will be of no further use to your father's campaign anyway."
"Yeah, well we need to talk about that. Look, let's just talk. I know I acted impulsively, but…"
"You attacked me! There was no impulse, no misunderstanding! YOU THREW ME INTO A DOOR!" Linka shrieked, not noticing Kwame's face tighten behind her, his mouth a hard line as he abandoned his conversation with the others and listened on in shock.
"You stupid, self-righteous bitch," Grant muttered under his breath, giving a sideways glance to the others to ensure they hadn't heard him. "You're gonna' ruin my Dad's career, you know that?"
"Nyet, Grant, it is your actions that have caused this," she said, disgust tinging her words as she looked upon him with nothing but thinly-veiled pity. "We are in this position because I broke up with you, and you couldn't accept it."
"Well, I see you've moved on pretty fucking fast," he laughed, bitterness punctuating his words as he gestured wildly towards Wheeler. "Should have known you'd…"
"He is ten times the man you will ever be, Grant! There is nothing more that needs to be said." She glared at him, tears springing to her eyes. She quickly wiped them away with the back of her hand. "I have filed the report and it is in the hands of…"
"YOU BITCH," Grant bellowed, panic rising in his voice at the implications of what she had said. He lurched forwards, grabbing for her wildly. Linka ducked and raised her ring, prepared this time but Wheeler got there before she could act, swinging his fist back and punching him hard.
The blow made contact with Grant's upper cheek and he stumbled backwards, landing on his butt in the grass. He sat, dazed as Wheeler grabbed him by the shirt and hauled him to his feet. Grant was shoved towards the Geo-Cruiser, Gi jumping out of the way with a huff as Wheeler slammed him against the gleaming panels of the cockpit.
"Get off me," he grunted, struggling hard but Wheeler had him pinned securely. He glared at the red-head but Wheeler shook his head, his expression one of barely-contained fury.
"Never liked you much, Grant," he seethed, his face mere inches from the other man.
"Feeling was mutual," Grant replied, unable to meet Wheeler's blazing eyes. "Looks like I get to file a police report too, asshole."
Wheeler shrugged, slamming him once more for good measure before finally letting go.
"Go for it, man," Wheeler said, sounding positively unperturbed at the threat. "I'm sure there'd be a few networks interested in the security footage from the hotel, or the leaked hospital report. Good luck trying to get Daddy to cover them up."
Grant stared at him, speechless. He turned to Linka, his face pale and already starting to swell. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but instead turned on his heel and stalked off without a second look.
The four stood quietly for a moment, contemplating what had happened. It was Kwame who finally broke the silence. He slapped Wheeler on the back, shaking his head in amusement.
"Never a dull moment with you around, my friend," he said, earning a round of laughter that seemed to dissipate the tense atmosphere.
Gi turned and wrapped her arm around Linka. "You okay?" The blonde nodded, relieved as she returned Gi's hug with the utmost affection.
Kwame stood beside Gi, scratching the back of his neck as Linka moved towards Wheeler and embraced him, shaking from relief. "Alright, is someone going to fill me in, because I am utterly confused?"
Linka laughed, glancing nervously at Gi who was grinning happily at them both. "I am afraid I will need to give my notice, Kwame… I am leaving the group."
Gi clapped her hand to her mouth as Kwame observed the wind planeteer for a moment, his brown eyes twinkling as he regarded his friends with fondness and unwavering pride.
"About damn time, Linka," he said, smiling as he embraced her tightly. She gasped, hot tears streaking down her cheeks. "I am sorry I've been a little short with you lately. I didn't know you had been feeling so…" He trailed off, glancing at Gi and feeling slightly ashamed of himself.
She nodded, sniffing. "It's all right, Kwame. I know you always wanted what was best for me," she said, touching his shirt gently. "I'll come back with you to collect my things, and to speak to Gaia about replacing me."
Kwame nodded and composed himself, making the excuse that he needed to power up the Geo-cruiser and disappeared inside.
"We'll drop her off in a few days," Gi said, kissing the American on the cheek. "Miss you, fire-bug," she said, giving him another squeeze.
"Miss you too, bubbles," he replied, squeezing her shoulder affectionately and wincing as his hand throbbed with the effort.
Gi glanced over her shoulder at them as she climbed into the cabin to wait for Linka, settling into the co-pilot seat.
Wheeler flexed his injured hand, an annoyed expression on his face. "Out of practice, babe," he muttered as she clasped her fingers over his bruised knuckles.
"Mmm hmm," she said, cradling his open palm with her own.
He raised his eyebrows at her. "Ya know, using Grant's dumb-ass logic, his face collided with my fist. Weird huh?"
She chuckled, looking up at him. "Will you get it checked?"
"Course not," he said, tilting his head as he drew her in for a kiss. She leaned in, breathless, doing her best to ignore the wolf-whistles coming from the Geo-Cruiser.
"You better go," he murmured against her lips, his voice husky as he glanced over her shoulder and spotted Gi giving him the thumbs up from the cockpit window, Kwame grinning down lazily at them.
He patted her rear, tossing her bags into the hatch and helping her up.
"See ya in a few days, cutie," he said, kissing her again through the open hatch. He then shut the door and waved to the others, moving swiftly away from the engines as they powered up.
She quickly took her seat and waved goodbye as the Geo-Cruiser lifted her into the air and away from him.
Linka pressed her hand against the glass, watching his retreating figure, his gait and posture so utterly familiar to her. She smiled, her thoughts already drifting away into nonsensical threads of scattered memories.
She knew everything would be all right. She knew she'd made the right decision, to push through her resistance and fear in confronting him. But she knew, above all that she loved him and that she was loved in return. In the end, that was all that mattered.
That's it guys, finished! I'm toying with the idea of writing an epilogue, set two years down the track. If there is enough interest, I'll do it.
Thanks for reading and thanks again for the reviews. They absolutely make my day, I always look forward to reading them when they pop into my inbox.
Would love to hear your thoughts on this chappie and the potential final entry.
Sarah xx