Happy 2025! What?! When did that happen? Weren't we just worried about Y2K three years ago, not a quarter of a century ago! 25 years ago, I'd be drunk and crashing on a friend's couch...aren't you glad that instead of living that life, I'm on my own couch with the dog at my feet and have only had one drink (that I've not even finished because I've been trying to get this fic finished in time!). But enough about my night...

Last year, I did a Christmas fic called "Underneath the Tree," and I felt like there was more story to be told, so this is a continuation of that story, centered around New Year's. There are people and events in this story that were introduced in "Underneath the Tree," so this fic would make more sense if you've read that one first.

Disclaimer: Not mine (with the exception of characters that I've made up). Not getting paid.

For the Future

"Come on, Linka! At the rate you're goin', it'll be next year by the time we get to Russia," Wheeler yells from beside the Geo Cruiser.

She heaves a heavy sigh and rolls her eyes before turning away from his family members and yelling back.

"Hold your ponies."

"Horses!"

"We still have two days, and I am saying goodbye and thanking your family for their hospitality and welcoming me to join in your traditions." She then turns back to her hosts. "Sorry."

"It's not too late to change your mind," Wheeler's Aunt Sharon jokes as she gives Linka a goodbye hug.

Thinking about the last few days together since she arrived on Christmas morning, and more specifically, the nights, she wouldn't dare to give it up.

"I think I will keep him…but only because I enjoy his family so much."

"That's good to hear. We enjoyed having you here," Kathy Wheeler says, with a warm embrace.

"And we hope that you'll be joining us again soon," his Grandma adds, also getting in on the hugging. "And tell your Grandmother I said hello."

"I will. You keep learning Russian from Irina and you will be able to surprise her the next time you do a video chat."

She continues down the line saying goodbye to the rest of Wheeler's family; his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousin.

"Babe!"

"Bozhe moy! I am coming!"

She gets to the Geo Cruiser and questions the smirk he is giving her.

"What?"

"Just remembering the last time you said those words to me," he says in a hushed tone.

Her eyes widen and her jaw drops but closes quickly to hide her reaction. She playfully smacks his chest and hopes their passenger didn't hear him.

"I am sorry it took me so long to say my goodbyes, Irina. I am sure you are anxious to get to Russia."

"Da…but I am nervous."

"About what?" Wheeler asks.

"Goodbyes. You can say yours quickly because you know if there is something that you forgot to say, you can say it the next time you see them. I have to write down everything I think about saying to my brother because I know there will not be another chance…and even then, I know I will forget something, but by the time I remember, it may be too late."

"Oh."

"And I am nervous about seeing my brother's family. They do not know me. Will I even be welcome there, or will I be seen as being in the way?"

"I doubt that very much," Linka says. "Your brother will be very happy to see you and for his family to get to know you. It will give them something to take their mind off the sadness they have been feeling."

"I hope you are right."

"She usually is," Wheeler says. "And she will make sure everyone knows it."

"Maybe one day you will know what it feels like…but not today."

The rest of the flight was spent chatting and getting to know each other. Irina had many questions about life as Planeteers and found their stories to be fascinating. Likewise, they learned more about her life growing up in what was then the Soviet Union and how she met her husband and came to the United States.

They dropped Irina off at her brother's house in St. Petersburg. When she introduced her new friends, her family, particularly her brother, were very grateful to them.

"I hope you two enjoy your celebration. The coming year will be a very good one for you," Irina says as she walks them out.

"Spasibo, we will and are looking forward to the future. We will be thinking of you and your family. Although this visit is not a happy occasion for you, I hope you make the most of your time."

She smiles and nods.

"You have our numbers. If you need anything, just call us," Wheeler offers.

"I will."

"That's gonna be a rough couple of days," Wheeler says as they get back into the Geo Cruiser.

"Da. I feel guilty being so happy and celebrating, knowing what Irina and her family are going through."

"Yeah, but Irina wouldn't want us to feel that way. She said we reminded her of her and her husband. Sixty years together…that's impressive and something to aspire to. I'm ready to get started," he says, leaning over to kiss her.

"Me too. We have known each other for nine years. This coming year will be ten…can we count that or are we just now getting started?"

"On the good stuff, yeah, but I started loving you on day one, so you've got some catching up to do."

"Not much."

"Oh yeah? When did you start?" He asks, as the Geo Cruiser makes its ascent.

"Day two."

"Really?!"

"You are surprised?"

"Well, yeah. I thought you hated me until at least when I followed you to Russia."

"Nyet. And that was four years after we met! You thought I hated you all that time?"

"Yeah. That was the first time you kissed me. You blew me off any other time I tried anything."

"Once again, you are wrong! It would have happened much sooner if that mechanical dragon did not show up when it did in Thailand," she reminds him.

"Oh yeah…do you think things would have been different if we hadn't been interrupted?"

"I do not know…maybe."

Hearing that makes him sad to know that they could've been together long ago…but maybe he was too young and immature to maintain a long-term relationship. The more time he spent pursing her, the more he knew she's the only one he wanted. Not just a fling, but a future.

"So, day two, huh?"

"Morning of. We were all sitting down to breakfast, but you were still asleep. Ma-Ti contacted you and told you we were having a team breakfast. You said it was too early and you suggested a team lunch instead."

He smiles fondly at the memory.

"You came pounding on my door. When I opened it, you ripped me a new one about not being a good teammate. Already isolating myself from the group. And you asked me if I thought I was better than everyone else."

"I am glad you remember that conversation because I lost all train of thought when you opened that door. Shirtless. Your hair a mess. I fought really hard with myself not to stare appreciatively. I refused to give you that satisfaction. It was that moment though."

"So more 'lust' at first sight rather than 'love?'"

"Can it not be both?"

"I didn't say it couldn't. I'm sure you remember my reaction when I saw you for the first time. Just pointing out that we weren't that different."

"And after all these years, I am still left speechless when I see you shirtless," she admits, smiling lovingly at him from across the aisle.

"Not gonna lie, I like it when you look at me that way…I've noticed more often than you think," he tells her with a wink.

"Then I guess we are even."

"I never tried to hide it though."

"I am glad I do not have to hide it anymore," she says, getting out of her seat to give him a kiss.

"Me too," he says, putting his arm around her waist and holding her as they make their way to her childhood home.

"You finally made it!" Linka's Grandmother exclaims when she opens the door to see the young couple.

"Privet, Babushka," Linka greets her with a hug and kiss.

"Hello again, Dear. I am glad to see you brought a friend to celebrate the New Year with. Nice to see you, Jason."

"You too, Mrs. Kovaleva."

"None of that formal stuff. Nadia…or better yet, Grandma, if you'd like."

"I'd like that…Grandma," he says, testing it out.

"Good! I have been so excited to see you both ever since your grandmother told me that our plan worked!"

"Yeah, about that…you sneaky, wonderful woman!" Wheeler says as he gives her a hug. "I guess I should be thanking you for sending me the best Christmas present ever."

Linka turns away from her Grandmother, takes her bag from Wheeler, and leans in to whisper,

"I hope you do not plan on thanking her the same way that you thanked me."

He tries not to react, but his eyes widened noticeably, and she gives him a wicked grin.

"Did you say something, Darling?"

"Just asking Wheeler if he can bring the rest of our things in."

"Sure thing, Babe. Is Mishka ok with having a roommate for a few days?"

"He would not mind…but his girlfriend would probably prefer it was just the two of them," Gram says.

"Oh…yeah, I don't wanna crash that party. The couch is fine."

"You are welcome to sleep there…is Linka a snorer? Or a blanket hog?"

"Uh, no…neither."

"You do not need to put on an act for my sake. Betty told me that our plan was a complete success."

Wheeler's cheeks turn red, as do Linka's.

"Uhh, oh yeah…the sleeping arrangements at my grandparents' place were uh…limited space. They had a full house and no extra rooms, so we had to share."

"You do not need to be embarrassed or shy. You are adults and your grandmother and I have both been young and in love before, so we know what couples do," she chuckles. "We wanted you two to be together because we knew how you felt about each other, so the fact that you have made your feelings known to each other and finally got to express those feelings physically…"

"Babushka! We have not…"

"Are you saying Betty made it up? Or what she heard was not what she thought it was," Nadia is trying not to laugh as she enjoys teasing the couple.

"Heard?" Wheeler asks nervously.

"You said there were no bedrooms below us!" Linka glares at her boyfriend, mortified knowing that his grandmother heard them.

"There aren't! Her and Pap's room is on the first floor. Under where we were, but there's no way she heard anything from the first floor to the attic with the second floor in between. She can barely hear when you're in the same room and talking to her."

"Then how?!"

Wheeler just shrugs.

Unable to contain her laughter any longer, Linka's grandma says,

"I suggest next time you spend the night there, you cover the vents so that sound does not travel through the air ducts."

"Bozhe moy! There will not be a next time. I can never face his family again!"

"Do not be so dramatic…I told you, getting you two together was all part of the plan. We are happy for you! And just so you know, a freight train could not wake me once I take my hearing aids out."

"Stop!" Linka pleads, burying her face in her hands.

"You must be hungry after traveling. I made a roast beef dinner. Just need to warm it up." Nadia pats Wheeler's arm as she walks past. "At least she enjoyed herself, da?"

Wheeler can't help but laugh.

"Da," he replies.

"Do not encourage her!"

Wheeler takes her into his arms, and she hides her face in his chest.

"I cannot believe your Grandma knows…"

"And not just her."

She groans.

"Your Grandpa too!"

"Nah, he probably slept through it…but she definitely told Ma and Aunt Sharon."

"I am mortified."

"At least Joey can't call me gay anymore," he jokes.

She playfully pushes him away and smacks his chest.

"It is not funny!"

"It kinda is, Babe."

Linka makes her way over to the liquor cabinet, takes a glass from the cupboard, and pours herself some vodka. After she downs her drink, she takes a seat at the dining table and leans her head on her folded arms.

"Listen, your Gram is right. We're adults…with yeeeears of pent-up sexual tension. It's not like everyone wasn't already assuming what we'd be doing."

"Assuming and hearing are two different things," she says, her words muffled because her face is still hidden.

"Are you ashamed of being with me?"

She sits up immediately.

"Of course not. But it is different for you. It takes a lot to embarrass you. You do not care what people think. I am not like that. Plus, when men have sex and everyone knows about it, it is like they earn respect. When everyone knows about a woman's sex life, she is a tramp."

"For the love of…" he huffs. "Linka, my family doesn't think you're a tramp! They like you. They're happy for us. I'd like to think that they're happy that I'm happy. They want this for us. Hell, before I even came down the stairs on Christmas morning, they were probably already planning our wedding and picking out names for our kids. And in order to have kids, we have to have…"

"Of course they know how kids would come into the family…that does not mean I am ok with them hearing babies being made."

"Do you think we…"

"Nyet! I am on a preventative."

"Oh."

"You did not think I would not have made sure we used protection if I did not already know we were safe?"

He shrugs.

"I guess I just thought you weren't concerned because if anything happened, we'd just go with it."

"Have you met me?! I plan everything. Something like that…would definitely be planned!"

"Yeah, you're right. It's not like I'm ready for that." Even though he wouldn't hate it if it happened.

They get quiet for a moment. They're saved from any further awkwardness when the front door opens, and Mishka calls out.

"I know that big yellow plane means my little sister is here!" He enters the house and approaches them. "And her new boyfriend!"

He extends his hand to Wheeler and then hugs his sister.

"Drinks?! You started without me." Mishka gets a glass and notices Wheeler does not have one. "You started without Wheeler too? Is everything ok? Did I interrupt something?"

"Nyet."

"I didn't want anything on an empty stomach. I don't have the tolerance that you Ruskies have," Wheeler covers.

Mishka takes a deep breath.

"Smells like dinner will be ready soon."

"I am going to see if Babushka needs help…Mishka can help you get our things and show you to my room."

On the way out to the Geo Cruiser, Mishka says,

"I warned Babushka not to tease her, but of course she does not listen to me."

"You know?"

"I overheard our grandmothers talking during their video chat. Trust me, I wish I had not heard…but it was hard to miss them giggling. It got my attention and then the reason for their delight became clear."

"And you don't feel the need to punch me?"

"For making my sister happy? Da, how dare you!" Mishka jokes. "I know you will treat her with love and respect…and if you do not, THEN I will punch you."

"That sounds fair. I just hope her mood improves so she can enjoy the holiday with her family."

"She will get over it. Do not worry. Besides, I have some news to share that will cheer her up."

Soon after Wheeler and Mishka finish bringing in the luggage, Mishka's girlfriend, Svetlana arrives.

"Linka!" She exclaims, heading straight for her friend to hug her. "I am so happy for you!"

"Thank you, Sveta."

"So, where is he? He did come back with you, did he not?"

"Yes, he is in the kitchen with Mishka. They insisted on finishing the meal prep so that Grandma could relax."

As if on cue, Mishka enters the room and announces,

"Dinner is served!" He greets his girlfriend with a kiss. "Hello my love. How was work?"

"The usual. I am ready for a few days off for the holiday…but enough of that, I have been looking forward to meeting Linka's new friend all day."

"Technically, we've been friends for a while…the boyfriend thing is new. Jason Wheeler, nice to meet you," he says holding out his hand. "Everyone calls me Wheeler."

She accepts the handshake.

"Nice to meet you too. I am Svetlana Federova, soon to be Kovaleva. Everyone calls me Sveta."

It takes a moment for what she said to sink in and Linka gasps.

"Soon to be?! When?!"

"We have not set a date yet. It just happened," Mishka says, putting his arm around his fiancé.

"Obviously! When?"

"Christmas Day," Sveta says.

"Sorry I did not wait to do it when you were home. In my defense, I planned on you being there, but Babushka sent you away to get a love of your own, and I am very happy that she did. I want you to be as happy as I am and to have someone love you as much as I love Sveta."

"Aww. I am so happy for you both," Linka says, hugging them.

"Congrats!" Wheeler adds.

"We can talk more about it over dinner. I am starving," Mishka says. "Perhaps the girls can begin the wedding planning."

"I cannot wait!"

Not only is Wheeler happy for Mishka, he's also happy to see that Linka seems to have forgotten about what had been bothering her earlier.

When the time comes to get ready for bed, Wheeler is already settled in the bed when Linka comes in after finishing up in the bathroom.

"I'm not really tired since it's still only mid afternoon in New York. Gonna take me a while to adjust to the time difference."

"Da," she says as she takes a seat on the edge of the bed but does not lay down.

"Don't suppose you wanna do anything to wear ourselves out?"

She whips her head around to look at him, disbelieving he would even suggest it given the circumstances.

"Are you serious?!"

"No? Not really. Unless you can be persuaded," he teases, wiggling his eyebrows at her.

"I cannot." She lays down and stares at the ceiling. "Just close your eyes. You will fall asleep eventually."

Instead of listening to her, he props himself up on his elbow and looks down at her.

"Yeah. I'll just pretend I'm getting ready to take a nap. G'night."

"Goodnight."

He leans down to kiss her and pulls her into his arms to settle in for the night. They'd fallen asleep like this for the last four nights since Christmas. When she stiffens and barely responds, he asks,

"Are you mad at me for getting caught? Because if you recall, you were the one that started it."

"I am not mad at you…but maybe it would be better if I stayed on the couch. That way, no one can assume things are happening that should not be happening with my Grandmother sleeping in the room next door and my brother down the hall."

"If that's what you want…I'll take the couch. This is your room."

"Nyet. You are the guest. I take up less space and will be able to fit comfortably on the couch."

"I didn't think it would be this soon before we had a fight and ended up in separate beds."

"We are not fighting," she reassures him.

"Well it sure as hell feels like I'm being punished."

She sighs and realizes how her demeanor since finding out they were overheard is sending him the wrong message, so she kisses him properly to reassure him.

"It is me, not you. I need to get my head on straight and not let my family think I am doing things that I would never do in such close proximity to them."

"There's no need to pretend we haven't. Mishka knows."

"You told him?!"

"Wasn't me."

"Babushka?!"

"BabushKAS…mine and yours. He overheard them when they were talking."

"Bozhe moy."

"He's fine with it."

"You talked to him about it?!"

"Kinda. I was worried he'd be pissed at me and want to kick my ass, but he said all that he cared about was that you were happy…and that he'll refrain from kicking my ass unless I hurt you."

"I am sure that will never happen, so you will be safe," she says, kissing him lightly on the lips.

"Definitely."

"I am still going to move to the couch to sleep…not because I want to. It just seems like the proper thing to do."

"Do whatever you need to do, Babe…but your brother and his girlfriend are sharing a bed, and I gather from earlier, Gram is well aware and ok with it. She was expecting us to do the same."

"Da, because she knew that we had already…"

"And she doesn't care!" He interrupts her. "I wasn't expecting anything more than sleeping to happen. That's what led to us being together at my Grandparents'…you said the walls where too thin here and didn't want to have to wait until we were back on Hope Island…and I'm glad we didn't. I don't regret anything."

"Neither do I."

"Doesn't seem like it…and speaking of Hope Island…our cabins aren't exactly private or far apart. We gonna have to wait until the others make a trip off the island? Find a secluded spot away from everyone?"

"I do not care what our friends think. Gi once told me they all assumed we have been sneaking off for secret rendezvous for years. They will give us our space. Having family know…especially our elders."

"Babe…our grandparents have children. Their children have children. The next step is for their grandchildren to have children…and there's only one way that that's possible. They know what couples do. Just like our friends assumed, wrongly, our family were already assuming what was going on…the difference being, they were right."

"There is assuming…and then there is hearing."

"Which I don't understand…we weren't even that loud."

"Apparently we were," she says as she picks up her pillow and a blanket. "Just let me sort through this in my own way."

"Whatever you need."

"Thank you for understanding."

But the truth is, he didn't understand at all. He just didn't feel like arguing.

To Be Continued...