Hi everyone! Happy New Year! I hope you've all been well and made it through 2020...the end of the year got me thinking about our Planeteer pals and how they would have dealt with the crazy year, so let's pretend that true timelines don't exists, otherwise, the Planeteers would be in their 40s and if I think about that, then I feel old. So for the sake of this story, they're in their 20s and still fighting the good fight in our present time.

Summary: 2020 has been eventful and finally coming to an end. Wheeler wonders if 2021 will be something to look forward to, or will it be more of the same? Another year of life passing him by.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Not profiting.


Better from Here

Linka enters the common room to find Wheeler sitting on the couch, staring at the Christmas tree.

"I cannot believe you have not taken down the Christmas decorations and started putting up the New Year's ones. You usually have it done by now," she says as she takes a seat next to him.

"As excited as I am to get this shit storm of a year over with, I'm kinda scared to see what's coming up next."

"It cannot possibly be worse."

"Sssh! Don't say that! The universe will hear you and take that as a challenge!"

"Try to be a bit more optimistic, Yankee."

"We started the year battling fires and rescuing wild life in Australia…it feels like ten years ago."

"I thought that was going to be the hardest and most emotionally draining thing we would have to deal with," she says.

"But no, challenge accepted…here, have a pandemic."

"And riots for good measure."

"Kobe Bryant died."

"The Olympics were cancelled," she adds.

"Murder hornets."

"Volcanos erupting."

"Earthquakes," he includes on the list.

"So many hurricanes, they had to resort to using the Greek alphabet to name them."

"But at least we had Baby Yoda to keep us smiling."

"We are lucky to have been able to stay on Hope Island and bring our families here as well to keep them safe," she says.

"I kinda wish they'd have been given their own remote island instead of coming to ours! Well, my family anyway."

"I know what you mean. I had my moments of frustration as well having mine around constantly. I do not remember my brother being so annoying!"

"At least Kwame and Ma-Ti's families are already in remote, isolated areas and didn't feel the need to come here."

"True. Not that it would not be nice to see the Shaman and Mabutu, but with Gi's parents, your parents, and my family, our island feels smaller than it used to."

"Yep. I feel like a kid again. All these adults around and my parents are acting like I'm still a child."

"Weeeeeell…they are not completely wrong," she teases.

"Hey, don't act like we didn't all see your Grandma lick her thumb and wipe the spaghetti sauce off your face after dinner the other day!" He snickers.

"Bozhe moy! Why could she not have just told me?!"

"It was cute…a glimpse of what you were like as a toddler."

"Ugh," she says, smacking her forehead with her hand. "I am sure she will probably keep an eye on how many drinks I have tonight, but let Mishka get as drunk as he wants."

He gives her a half smile, but stays silent. Then it hits her like a ton of bricks.

"Oh no…Wheeler, I am so sorry. I was not thinking. I will make sure there is no alcohol at the party this year."

"Don't do that. Everyone else shouldn't have to sacrifice just for my Dad's sake. My parents will probably have an early night anyway. Staying up past 10 isn't really something they do…even on New Year's Eve."

"I do not want anyone to feel uncomfortable and I do not want your parents to feel like they need to leave early so we can have 'fun.' We do not need alcohol to have fun."

"But I like drunk Linka," he admits.

"You like that drunk Linka also tends to be flirty Linka."

"Guilty…but I won't be around to enjoy it. I think I'll just have a quiet night in my cabin. Maybe binge watch something. I'll help you get set up though."

He stands up and gets the box of New Years decorations out of the closet. She gets up to join him and intends on trying to convince him to change his mind and celebrate with the rest of the group, but does not press the issue just yet. She hopes he will come to the conclusion on his own after having dinner with the group. Food always puts him in a better mood. They decorate in relative silence except for the occasional offer to help Linka hang something higher than she can reach or asking her where she wants things.


Linka was wrong. After dinner, he insisted that he and the guys would clean up while the girls and the rest of their family members retreated to the common room to play Pictionary and charades. She was disappointed when Kwame and Ma-Ti joined them, but the Fire Planeteer did not.

"Where is Wheeler?" She asks them, already knowing the answer, but wondering what he told them.

"He said he was not feeling well," Kwame says.

"He is lying though," Ma-Ti states, not holding back.

"Ma-Ti," Kwame warns, "whatever his reasons, we should respect his wishes. Perhaps he will join us later."

"Doubt it," Gi says. "Something has been off with him since Christmas."

"It has been a tough year and the holidays can be hard on some for various reasons," Kwame offers. "It is no secret that Wheeler's relationship with his parents was strained when he was growing up. Having family members around has been an adjustment for all of us, but probably more so for him."

"All the more reason why he should not be alone. We are his family now. He should not ditch us," Linka says, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I'm sure you could convince him to join us," Gi teases.

"If he is not here by midnight, maybe I will."


Wheeler was right. His parents went to bed a little bit after 10. Her grandmother was still with them, but dozing in the recliner. Her age and difficulty hearing helping her to sleep through the chatter and noise of the TV.

The other Planeteers are gathered around the TV with their families. Mishka notices his sister has been looking at the time and then the entrance door all night.

"Ten minutes until midnight. I promised Babushka that I would wake her. You should go get Wheeler. The others have said they will be setting off fireworks on the beach. Will he not want to see that?"

"Who knows. Something is bothering him and if he wants to be alone, perhaps I should respect his wishes."

"I think the last thing he wants is to be alone. If I have learned anything this past ten months on Hope Island it is that Jason Wheeler wants to be wherever you are."

"I am here," she says flatly.

"Perhaps he does not want an audience with you."

"Mishka, we are only friends."

Her brother rolls his eyes.

"I do not understand why you are stuck in that endless loop. You both light up when the other enters the room. Go to him and pay attention. See it for yourself. Hurry, before midnight."


A few minutes later, Linka is standing outside Wheeler's door and knocks.

"I had a feeling that was you," he says as he opens the door to her.

"Can I come in? Or you can join us. I think Grandma is looking forward to getting a New Year's kiss from her favorite Yankee."

"Oh yeah? Lucky me! But I'll have to catch up with her tomorrow. Like I said, I'm not really feeling very social tonight."

"You have to join us," she insists.

"Why?"

"Because…they say 'how you spend New Year's Eve is how you'll spend the year.' We have always brought in the new year together. If you are not with us, with as crazy as the last year has been, I do not want to run the risk that you will not be around in 2021."

"I'm not goin' anywhere, Babe."

"You cannot guarantee that."

"And neither can some silly superstition," he says gruffly.

"Is there something bothering you? Other than the shit year that 2020 was?"

"It wasn't all bad. At least Plunder and Sludge got the 'rona and died."

"Wheeler! As awful as they are…were…we should not celebrate anyone's death."

"Yeah, yeah, I know…but don't tell me you're not a little happy that Skumm hasn't been seen or heard from in a while either."

"I can only hope that he drowned in a flooded sewer," she admits.

"He's not a danger to you anymore…and even if he is still alive, I won't let him hurt you ever again."

"I know," she says with a smile. "And I want to be there for you too, so are you going to tell me what has you down?"

"I don't know what my problem is. Just feels like life is passing me by, I guess. Another year over. Another year older. And what do I have to show for it? Nothing ever changes."

"What do you want?"

He looks at her, contemplating how honest he should be. Would he scare her away?

"What everyone our age should want, I guess. I know we don't have 'normal' lives. Not the typical 9-5 job. No house in the suburbs with a wife, kids, and a dog or two running around in the yard."

"Oh…and you feel trapped here? Not able to pursue a family life when you are traveling the world fighting Eco-Villains and stuck on this island with the same people all the time and no opportunity to meet anyone?"

He shakes his head.

"'Trapped' sounds bad. And I don't feel 'stuck' here with you guys. I feel stuck in a cycle. Every year is the same. I try to be optimistic about the future, but nothing ever changes…and I don't want to meet anyone else."

She looks at her watch. Two minutes until midnight. She takes his hand and pulls him towards the door, opening it and dragging him behind her.

"Linka, please. I'm not in the mood to party."

"Nyet. You want change? I will give you change. This year will be different."

"Don't make promises you don't intend to keep. How much have you had to drink?"

"Not a drop."

They arrive at the common room as the ball starts to drop in Times Square. They've been watching the celebrations all over the world throughout the night, but now it has finally arrived in their time zone. The others look away from the TV to see the Fire and Wind Planeteer enter the room, hand in hand. Their eyes widen and Mishka gives his sister a wink.

"You made it!" Gi exclaims.

"You are just in time," Ma-Ti says.

"Come over here," Kwame invites them, stepping aside to make room in front of the TV. "Times Square is practically empty. They only have a few first responders and front line workers who were invited to be there. It is so strange to see compared to years past when we have watched this."

Wheeler and Linka take their places with the group as they all begin to countdown.

"Ten…nine…eight…seven…six…five…four…three…two…one…HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

Linka is still holding Wheeler's hand. She turns to face him and places her free hand behind his neck and pulls him down for a kiss. After thoroughly welcoming in the New Year for the first minute and ignoring the whoops and cheers of the rest of the group, Linka pulls back slightly and says,

"How you spend New Year's Eve is how you will spend the year."

"I'm good with that. This year. Next year. All of the years," he says, bringing their lips together once more and whispering. "Happy New Year, Babe."

"Happy New Year, Yankee." She wraps her arms around him and buries her face against his neck.

After a few minutes, he looks around and says,

"We cleared the room."

"Fireworks."

"Yeah. I felt them too."

"Nyet," she giggles. "I mean, they are going to the beach to set them off. Let us go watch."

He puts his arm around her waist and walks with her to the beach just as the pyrotechnics start. He stands behind her, wraps his arms around her, and rests his chin on her shoulder, turning to kiss her cheek and asking,

"Is this really happening? It wasn't just pity? Trying to make me feel better?"

"It is what I have wanted to do for many New Year's parties, but never could."

"Soooo is this a new development or have you two been holding out on us?" Gi asks from behind them.

"I would say it has been going on for a long time…but without the kissing," Linka says.

"You make a lovely couple," Gi's mother comments.

"May this year be the start of many happy years to come," her father adds.

"Thanks," Wheeler says.

"It is a happy new year after all, da?" Mishka asks Wheeler.

"Yeah," he responds with a smile.

"I am glad you decided to join us," Linka's grandma says.

"Me too…and I'm sorry that Linka has been hogging me all night and I haven't been able to give you a kiss yet," he says as he releases Linka to give her grandma a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"I think I will be able to forgive you just this once."

Mishka and Linka share a hug and he whispers,

"Are you glad you listened to your big brother?"

"Da, you were right…for once."

"I like him. He is a good man. Babushka likes him too."

"Maybe a little too much…I better go break them up."

Linka wishes her grandma a happy new year in Russian and hugs her before making her way back to her Yankee's arms.

"Oh! Your parents are coming," she says as she looks over his shoulder.

"I hope they are not upset if the fireworks woke them," Kwame says.

"So what if they are. It's our home and we're celebrating the New Year," Wheeler says gruffly.

"Wheeler, do not be so rude. Perhaps they just want to join us," Linka says calmly, kissing his cheek to try and relax him and reassure him that this moment will not be ruined.

"We did not wake you with the fireworks display, did we?" Ma-Ti asks the Wheelers.

"Nah, we weren't sleeping," Joe Wheeler says.

"Oh good. We thought you were turning in early when you left," Gi explains.

"No, we have a bit of a tradition of our own," Kathy Wheeler says, giving her husband a knowing look.

"Wha-? No! Ew, gross! All those years I thought you were just being party poopers and sleeping…"

"We were ending the old year and starting the new one on a high note…with a bang!" Joe jokes.

"Gah! Stop!" Wheeler is mortified and covers his ears to keep from hearing anymore.

"Joe, leave the boy alone! Seems he had a change of heart and decided to join the party. Are you feeling better, sweetheart?"

"Never better," he says, pulling Linka to his side and kissing the top of her head.

"Did we miss something?"

"Just the best start to the New Year I've ever had."

"Well it's about time!" Joe says. "It's been painful watching you two fumbling around each other for months and not being able to sort yourselves out!"

"Imagine how we feel," Gi mumbles, but intentionally loud enough for everyone to hear. "It's been yeeeeeears!"

"Well maybe if you'd just mind your business…" Wheeler says to his dad. He's used to Gi's comments and knows she means them in a light hearted way. His father however, he's never taken kindly to his criticism, even if he is teasing like he is now.

"I am tired," Linka says, trying to end the conversation. "Will you walk me back to my cabin?"

"Uh, yeah. Of course," Wheeler says, a little disappointed that their night was coming to an end so soon.

"Goodnight everyone. Happy New Year."

"Sweet dreams, Darlings," her grandmother says as she waves the couple away.

The group bids them goodnight and returns to setting off the remaining fireworks.

Once they get to Linka's door, Wheeler begins to apologize.

"Sorry I spent the evening away from you and feeling sorry for myself. Hopefully tomorrow we can spend more time together."

He kisses her goodnight and turns to walk away.

"Leaving so soon?" She asks.

"Well you said you were tired, so I figured you'd be anxious to get to bed."

"I was anxious to get us away from the group," she says, resting her arms on his shoulders, linking her fingers behind his neck, and pulling him down for a kiss. "But if you would rather go to your cabin and go to sleep…"

"I'm not tired," he says.

"Good," she replies, reaching behind her and opening the door to her cabin. "Perhaps we should start our own tradition of bringing in the new year like your parents."

"Aw damn, Babe…did ya hafta mention their dirty little secret at a time like this? That's definitely one image I never wanted to have in my head ever again!"

"Sorry. Allow me to erase it as best I can," she says before kissing him.

He doesn't want to assume she means what he hopes she means, but when the kiss leads to her hands exploring and finding their way under his shirt before lifting it up and off his torso, he begins to follow her lead as they help each other disrobe. They make their way to the bed, the light from the fireworks outside providing temporary illumination as the various colors cascade over their bodies. Despite having waited so long for this moment, they did not rush. Lips explore newly exposed skin. Fingers trace lightly over every contour. Very little is said, but words are not necessary as their bodies do the talking, each reacting to the others' touch. Their bodies entwining and finally becoming one. No matter what the New Year has in store, they already know it will be the best year of their lives and things can only get better from here.