Soon We'll Be Found
Title - Soon We'll Be Found
Author - mudg3t
Word count - 16,996
Chapter word count - 1,946
Chapter - 4 of 9
Rating - M15
Summary - Following his return to Brooklyn, after visiting his ill father, Wheeler is faced with a new conflict. Follows on from the Talkin' Trash episode.
Characters and/or pairings - Wheeler, Linka, Kwame, Gi, Ma-Ti. Wheeler/Linka and fleeting Wheeler/Trish
Warnings (if any) - Some language, vague sexual references and minor violence
Author's note - Read Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Just under the surface
The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, casting long shadows and a warm glow over the two forms huddled on the beach.
Linka finally composes her emotions, sniffling as she sits up from Gi’s console. Wiping her face she watches two gulls flying in lazy circles around each other in the orange hue.
“I do not understand, Gi. I cannot make sense of everything that has just happened. I keep running over what he said, thinking maybe I misheard him, or...” she shakes her head sadly.
“I don’t know what Wheeler was thinking, Linka. Maybe he was still upset after seeing his father? I’m sure he didn’t mean everything he said. You know how he always speaks without thinking. You know he cares about you. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
“Nyet. This time is different. He has been acting so...distant. I do not know what I have done wrong! I have never heard him speaking like that before. And you heard him, Gi, he was with her, that suka, Trish.” She spat the words, before sighing and saying quietly, “When he spoke her name aloud I never would have believed it was because he...they... Nyet, he does not care for me.”
The petite Asian was quiet, trying to decide how best to be honest with her friend without upsetting her. “You know, Linka, Wheeler does make a point though,” she says tentatively, glancing at Linka to see her reaction.
The pretty blonde frowns, narrowing her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Gi carefully considers her response, given the look on Linka’s face. “Well, only that...er...you know, you two aren’t actually together. A couple, I mean. So he really hasn’t done anything wrong, not technically. Not that I agree with what he did!” she adds, hurriedly. She turns to face her friend, putting a reassuring hand on her knee. “Linka, I don’t really understand your relationship with Wheeler. None of us do. But we can all tell there is something there. But... the way you always push him away and put him down...what is he supposed to think?”
Linka doesn’t know how to respond. She is hurt that Gi would defend Wheelers actions, and angry that she is only pointing out the truth. Not willing to accept the truth and admit her feelings she moves into defensive mode.
As soon as Gi saw Linka’s expression darken she knew she had gone too far. She quickly removes her hand from its comforting position, bracing herself for the tirade about to come.
Linka stands as she says hotly, “You make it sound like I forced him to sleep with that...that dévushka po výzovu! I thought at least you would understand, Gi!” She turns on her heel, storming back up the beach towards her hut.
“Linka, no, wait! That’s not what I...” Gi trails off, realising that the hastily retreating Linka can no longer hear her. She sighs, shaking her head. “Well, that certainly could have gone better. Way to go, Gi,” she murmurs to herself.
~~~*~~~
Gi walks into the kitchen where Kwame and Ma-Ti are preparing dinner. Kwame looks up from chopping carrots. “Hello, Gi. How did it go with Linka? Is she ok?”
“I think I may have made things worse,” groans Gi, reaching over the bench to pick up a piece of carrot. “She was pretty upset, and of course I had to go and make her angry. I was only trying to get her to see things from Wheelers point of view. I don’t agree with what he did, or the things he said, but I guess I can’t blame him for thinking that way. I was hoping I could help sort things out between them, to get her to realise how much she pushes Wheeler away so she might understand why he would do such a thing. I meant for her to admit her feelings for Wheeler, not make her feel worse.”
“Linka will realise you meant well, Gi. Once she calms down she will rationalise your words. She is only defensive because she knows that what you say is true. Do not feel bad, you were just trying to help.” Ma-Ti gives her a reassuring smile.
“I hope you’re right, Ma-Ti. But I think things are going to be tense around here for a little while yet. You know Linka doesn’t like to admit when she’s wrong.”
Ma-Ti sighs, nodding as he drops the vegetables Kwame chopped into the big pot on the stove. “Wheeler hasn’t come out of his hut since this afternoon; do you think his stomach will draw him out for dinner?”
“I will go and see if he will be joining us,” Kwame says, putting the knife and chopping board into the sink and walking out towards Wheeler’s hut.
“Should I go and see if Linka wants dinner too?” Gi asks Ma-Ti.
“She will still be pretty upset. I will take some food over to her once it is ready. Can you please pass me those herbs and spices there beside you?” Ma-Ti takes a pinch from the aromatic selection, sprinkling it into the simmering pot. After taking a careful taste he considers for a moment before taking another pinch and repeating the process.
Gi’s stomach rumbles in response to the fragrant scents wafting from the stove. “I can’t wait for dinner, it smells good! I guess I never did get lunch after all. We were heading over to make something when we walked in on the big harangue.”
The two Planeteers stood for a while in contemplative silence, Ma-Ti occasionally stirring the pot and taking another taste.
“Ma-Ti, do you think Wheeler meant what he said?”
The young boy considers the question for a moment, turning to lean against the bench. “I think he was trying to justify himself because he feels guilty. I do not think he intended for Linka to find out what happened in New York, at least not about his ex-girlfriend. I do not believe he meant for things to go as far as they did, but I guess with Skumm shaking things up and being back home and his...uh...frustration...” Ma-Ti shrugs self-consciously, not fully understanding the complications of relationships and hormones. “Behind all of his flirting and bad jokes Wheeler really does care for Linka. I have faith they will both come around and work things out.”
“I hope you are right, Ma-Ti. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
Gi leans over the quietly bubbling pot, breathing in deeply. “Do you think dinner is about done? I’m starved! I’ll get the bowls ready.”
As Gi pulls out five bowls from the cupboard Kwame returns with a concerned look etched onto his face.
“You know things are not right when Wheeler turns down food,” the tall African announces with a shake of his head.
“I will take a bowl of food to him when I take Linka’s over. He will no doubt be hungry later on, and I cannot bear the thought of him being grumpier.”
~~~*~~~
Slamming the door behind him, Wheeler grunts as he dumps himself on his bed. He stretches out, clasps his hands behind his head and stares up at the familiar ceiling with a scowl. He replays the afternoon’s events over in his mind, finally resting on the unreadable expression on Linka’s face.
She’s not just pissed. You’d know if she was pissed; that’s one emotion she ain’t afraid of showing. I think I’ve really hurt her this time. Goddamn it! Why is everything so complicated? What happened to simple ol’ romance of ‘Guy meets hot girl, guy shamelessly flirts with girl, guy gets girl’? I guess that story doesn’t include the guy being a douche and sleeping with his ex-girl, then expecting hot girl to be totally cool with it and come crawling into his arms. But the guy wouldn’t have been a horny douche bag if hot girl would just come clean about her feelings for him! The guy’s just doin’ what any guy would have in the same situation, yeah? Besides, hot girl turned the guy down, so he’s perfectly allowed to go for other chicks... Yup, nothin’ like simple romance...
His gaze rests on the floating cobweb hanging from the beam. Feeling a sense of déjà vu, he sighs before pulling loose his arm from behind his head, to rest his forearm across his eyes.
If guy really cared for hot girl he wouldn’t have hurt her like that. What the hell was I thinking? Well, obviously I wasn’t thinking ‘cause I didn’t exactly have a whole lotta blood pumping around the ol’ noggin, heh. Oh, seriously dude, are there no boundaries to your lame jokes? What the hell? Geez, thank Christ Ma-Ti can’t hear my thoughts ‘cause he would definitely think I was a loony if he heard me arguing with myself... He probably thinks I’m a loser anyway, what with my little rant revealing way to much info. Poor little dude probably thinks I’m some obsessed sex fiend.
He lets out a small, wry chuckle as he sits up to rest his back against the bed head. He glances over at the photo on his bedside table. He has her smile memorised, but seeks comfort in the visual reminder. As he draws a leg up to rest his elbow against his knee, he picks up the photo. Memories of their playful flirting flicker across his vision. His mind hovers at one particular memory, one that he likes to replay over again, immersing himself into it.
I turn to leave, my heart feeling battered and torn. I barely hear her apology, as I walk through the doorway, away from her. I suddenly feel a tug on my arm that turns me back. Then she’s grasping my jacket collar in both hands, drawing me to her. I’m not expecting it, but as I feel her lips against mine I lean into her kiss...
He smiles at the recollection, lightly rubbing his knuckle over his mouth. He had hoped her kiss was finally her acknowledgment of her feelings for him, proof she’d finally seen behind his flirtatious advances. But of course nothing ever goes his way, and as usual everything returned to “normal”, as if nothing had happened between them.
He grimaces at his last thought, flicking the photo carelessly onto the bed. His brooding is interrupted by a knock on the door.
“What!” he growls.
“Wheeler, I was just wondering if you will be joining us for dinner? It is nearly ready.”
He sighs as he climbs off his bed, opening his door.
He runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry, Kwame. I didn’t mean to bite your head off. Look, I’m not really hungry. Thanks though.” He is avoiding his friend’s eyes.
“Are you sure, Wheeler? It is not like you to pass up-”
“No, it’s ok. I’ll grab something later, maybe, if I’m hungry,” interjects Wheeler.
The pair stands awkwardly on either side of the door for a moment, until Wheeler interrupts the silence, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, thanks man, for stoppin’ to check. I’m gonna get some shut-eye. It’s been a rough day. Uh, I’ll seeya tomorrow.”
Wheeler glances up at Kwame, giving him a small smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
He pushes the door closed on the retreating African before sighing once more and flopping backwards onto his bed. Kicking his shoes off he decides to follow his own advice, closing his eyes and falling into a fitful sleep.
He didn’t hear Ma-Ti’s quiet knocking, or notice him leaving a bowl of food on his bedside table.
Continue to Chapter 5
Author - mudg3t
Word count - 16,996
Chapter word count - 1,946
Chapter - 4 of 9
Rating - M15
Summary - Following his return to Brooklyn, after visiting his ill father, Wheeler is faced with a new conflict. Follows on from the Talkin' Trash episode.
Characters and/or pairings - Wheeler, Linka, Kwame, Gi, Ma-Ti. Wheeler/Linka and fleeting Wheeler/Trish
Warnings (if any) - Some language, vague sexual references and minor violence
Author's note - Read Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3
Chapter 4 Just under the surface
The sun was slowly sinking into the horizon, casting long shadows and a warm glow over the two forms huddled on the beach.
Linka finally composes her emotions, sniffling as she sits up from Gi’s console. Wiping her face she watches two gulls flying in lazy circles around each other in the orange hue.
“I do not understand, Gi. I cannot make sense of everything that has just happened. I keep running over what he said, thinking maybe I misheard him, or...” she shakes her head sadly.
“I don’t know what Wheeler was thinking, Linka. Maybe he was still upset after seeing his father? I’m sure he didn’t mean everything he said. You know how he always speaks without thinking. You know he cares about you. He wouldn’t do anything to hurt you.”
“Nyet. This time is different. He has been acting so...distant. I do not know what I have done wrong! I have never heard him speaking like that before. And you heard him, Gi, he was with her, that suka, Trish.” She spat the words, before sighing and saying quietly, “When he spoke her name aloud I never would have believed it was because he...they... Nyet, he does not care for me.”
The petite Asian was quiet, trying to decide how best to be honest with her friend without upsetting her. “You know, Linka, Wheeler does make a point though,” she says tentatively, glancing at Linka to see her reaction.
The pretty blonde frowns, narrowing her eyes. “What do you mean?”
Gi carefully considers her response, given the look on Linka’s face. “Well, only that...er...you know, you two aren’t actually together. A couple, I mean. So he really hasn’t done anything wrong, not technically. Not that I agree with what he did!” she adds, hurriedly. She turns to face her friend, putting a reassuring hand on her knee. “Linka, I don’t really understand your relationship with Wheeler. None of us do. But we can all tell there is something there. But... the way you always push him away and put him down...what is he supposed to think?”
Linka doesn’t know how to respond. She is hurt that Gi would defend Wheelers actions, and angry that she is only pointing out the truth. Not willing to accept the truth and admit her feelings she moves into defensive mode.
As soon as Gi saw Linka’s expression darken she knew she had gone too far. She quickly removes her hand from its comforting position, bracing herself for the tirade about to come.
Linka stands as she says hotly, “You make it sound like I forced him to sleep with that...that dévushka po výzovu! I thought at least you would understand, Gi!” She turns on her heel, storming back up the beach towards her hut.
“Linka, no, wait! That’s not what I...” Gi trails off, realising that the hastily retreating Linka can no longer hear her. She sighs, shaking her head. “Well, that certainly could have gone better. Way to go, Gi,” she murmurs to herself.
~~~*~~~
Gi walks into the kitchen where Kwame and Ma-Ti are preparing dinner. Kwame looks up from chopping carrots. “Hello, Gi. How did it go with Linka? Is she ok?”
“I think I may have made things worse,” groans Gi, reaching over the bench to pick up a piece of carrot. “She was pretty upset, and of course I had to go and make her angry. I was only trying to get her to see things from Wheelers point of view. I don’t agree with what he did, or the things he said, but I guess I can’t blame him for thinking that way. I was hoping I could help sort things out between them, to get her to realise how much she pushes Wheeler away so she might understand why he would do such a thing. I meant for her to admit her feelings for Wheeler, not make her feel worse.”
“Linka will realise you meant well, Gi. Once she calms down she will rationalise your words. She is only defensive because she knows that what you say is true. Do not feel bad, you were just trying to help.” Ma-Ti gives her a reassuring smile.
“I hope you’re right, Ma-Ti. But I think things are going to be tense around here for a little while yet. You know Linka doesn’t like to admit when she’s wrong.”
Ma-Ti sighs, nodding as he drops the vegetables Kwame chopped into the big pot on the stove. “Wheeler hasn’t come out of his hut since this afternoon; do you think his stomach will draw him out for dinner?”
“I will go and see if he will be joining us,” Kwame says, putting the knife and chopping board into the sink and walking out towards Wheeler’s hut.
“Should I go and see if Linka wants dinner too?” Gi asks Ma-Ti.
“She will still be pretty upset. I will take some food over to her once it is ready. Can you please pass me those herbs and spices there beside you?” Ma-Ti takes a pinch from the aromatic selection, sprinkling it into the simmering pot. After taking a careful taste he considers for a moment before taking another pinch and repeating the process.
Gi’s stomach rumbles in response to the fragrant scents wafting from the stove. “I can’t wait for dinner, it smells good! I guess I never did get lunch after all. We were heading over to make something when we walked in on the big harangue.”
The two Planeteers stood for a while in contemplative silence, Ma-Ti occasionally stirring the pot and taking another taste.
“Ma-Ti, do you think Wheeler meant what he said?”
The young boy considers the question for a moment, turning to lean against the bench. “I think he was trying to justify himself because he feels guilty. I do not think he intended for Linka to find out what happened in New York, at least not about his ex-girlfriend. I do not believe he meant for things to go as far as they did, but I guess with Skumm shaking things up and being back home and his...uh...frustration...” Ma-Ti shrugs self-consciously, not fully understanding the complications of relationships and hormones. “Behind all of his flirting and bad jokes Wheeler really does care for Linka. I have faith they will both come around and work things out.”
“I hope you are right, Ma-Ti. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
Gi leans over the quietly bubbling pot, breathing in deeply. “Do you think dinner is about done? I’m starved! I’ll get the bowls ready.”
As Gi pulls out five bowls from the cupboard Kwame returns with a concerned look etched onto his face.
“You know things are not right when Wheeler turns down food,” the tall African announces with a shake of his head.
“I will take a bowl of food to him when I take Linka’s over. He will no doubt be hungry later on, and I cannot bear the thought of him being grumpier.”
~~~*~~~
Slamming the door behind him, Wheeler grunts as he dumps himself on his bed. He stretches out, clasps his hands behind his head and stares up at the familiar ceiling with a scowl. He replays the afternoon’s events over in his mind, finally resting on the unreadable expression on Linka’s face.
She’s not just pissed. You’d know if she was pissed; that’s one emotion she ain’t afraid of showing. I think I’ve really hurt her this time. Goddamn it! Why is everything so complicated? What happened to simple ol’ romance of ‘Guy meets hot girl, guy shamelessly flirts with girl, guy gets girl’? I guess that story doesn’t include the guy being a douche and sleeping with his ex-girl, then expecting hot girl to be totally cool with it and come crawling into his arms. But the guy wouldn’t have been a horny douche bag if hot girl would just come clean about her feelings for him! The guy’s just doin’ what any guy would have in the same situation, yeah? Besides, hot girl turned the guy down, so he’s perfectly allowed to go for other chicks... Yup, nothin’ like simple romance...
His gaze rests on the floating cobweb hanging from the beam. Feeling a sense of déjà vu, he sighs before pulling loose his arm from behind his head, to rest his forearm across his eyes.
If guy really cared for hot girl he wouldn’t have hurt her like that. What the hell was I thinking? Well, obviously I wasn’t thinking ‘cause I didn’t exactly have a whole lotta blood pumping around the ol’ noggin, heh. Oh, seriously dude, are there no boundaries to your lame jokes? What the hell? Geez, thank Christ Ma-Ti can’t hear my thoughts ‘cause he would definitely think I was a loony if he heard me arguing with myself... He probably thinks I’m a loser anyway, what with my little rant revealing way to much info. Poor little dude probably thinks I’m some obsessed sex fiend.
He lets out a small, wry chuckle as he sits up to rest his back against the bed head. He glances over at the photo on his bedside table. He has her smile memorised, but seeks comfort in the visual reminder. As he draws a leg up to rest his elbow against his knee, he picks up the photo. Memories of their playful flirting flicker across his vision. His mind hovers at one particular memory, one that he likes to replay over again, immersing himself into it.
I turn to leave, my heart feeling battered and torn. I barely hear her apology, as I walk through the doorway, away from her. I suddenly feel a tug on my arm that turns me back. Then she’s grasping my jacket collar in both hands, drawing me to her. I’m not expecting it, but as I feel her lips against mine I lean into her kiss...
He smiles at the recollection, lightly rubbing his knuckle over his mouth. He had hoped her kiss was finally her acknowledgment of her feelings for him, proof she’d finally seen behind his flirtatious advances. But of course nothing ever goes his way, and as usual everything returned to “normal”, as if nothing had happened between them.
He grimaces at his last thought, flicking the photo carelessly onto the bed. His brooding is interrupted by a knock on the door.
“What!” he growls.
“Wheeler, I was just wondering if you will be joining us for dinner? It is nearly ready.”
He sighs as he climbs off his bed, opening his door.
He runs a hand through his hair. “Sorry, Kwame. I didn’t mean to bite your head off. Look, I’m not really hungry. Thanks though.” He is avoiding his friend’s eyes.
“Are you sure, Wheeler? It is not like you to pass up-”
“No, it’s ok. I’ll grab something later, maybe, if I’m hungry,” interjects Wheeler.
The pair stands awkwardly on either side of the door for a moment, until Wheeler interrupts the silence, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, thanks man, for stoppin’ to check. I’m gonna get some shut-eye. It’s been a rough day. Uh, I’ll seeya tomorrow.”
Wheeler glances up at Kwame, giving him a small smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
He pushes the door closed on the retreating African before sighing once more and flopping backwards onto his bed. Kicking his shoes off he decides to follow his own advice, closing his eyes and falling into a fitful sleep.
He didn’t hear Ma-Ti’s quiet knocking, or notice him leaving a bowl of food on his bedside table.
Continue to Chapter 5