Russian Blue
Chapter Two: Satisfaction Brought Him Back
Rating: K – T
Pairing: Sulu/Chekov

Chapter Summary: One week into his internment in the cat body, Chekov is facing trials he hadn't ever expected. Awkward and out of sorts, all he can hope to do is make it through in one piece.

~****~

"Ow! Chekov!" Sulu hissed softly, drawing his hand back from his console to glare lightly at the cat perched near the top.

The cat glared right back at him, tail swishing like furry little bullwhip. The helmsman grumped at his boyfriend, "Chekov, I am SORRY that I forgot to feed you last night, okay?"

Kitty-Chekov pinned his ears back and growled softly, 'Da, well you are lucky. If I were any less of a man, I would have urinated on your uniform shirts.'

Kirk snorted into the hand strategically placed near his mouth, trying hard not to laugh out loud at what he was seeing. Ever since the transmogriphication almost one week prior, Sulu and Chekov seemed to bicker a little bit more. Under normal circumstances, their arguments might have been disturbing, but as it was now, they were just funny as hell. Every day was a fight to keep balance on the Bridge, but at least it was amusing enough not to be an annoyance. Kirk was juggling to keep Chekov from flaying Sulu's hands, to keep Spock from banishing both of them to the Brig and to keep himself from encouraging their antics.

In all actuality, it was terribly unprofessional and the Captain knew that. However, Kirk was lenient at the best of times and the circumstances were certainly extenuating. In light of this, he allowed their little spats provided that it never distracted Sulu too severely. If Kirk saw things going south too swiftly, he'd send Chekov elsewhere to be babysat by another crewman. The only problem with that solution was the sulking that invariably followed. Pavel would pout on the Bridge in that special way reserved only for cats, staring daggers at the Relief Officer who had taken his seat at the navigations console until he had full use of his hands again.

Normally Chekov was an extremely well-natured and likeable young fellow, but something about being turned into a cat just brought out the worst in a person. He couldn't kiss his boyfriend, couldn't hug his friends, couldn't eat chocolate, was treated more like the Enterprise mascot than before and all this wasn't even taking into account that he had to bear the indignity of going to the bathroom in a BOX. The universe was laughing at him. Pavel hadn't been sure at first, but he became completely positive of it the day that Uhura decided to make a collar for him, a small black affair with a tiny Starfleet badge on the side. The stupid thing even had a jingly-bell!

On that day he had sworn that never again would to woman own a pair of stockings without runners in them.

He supposed that the worst part was the boredom. How did cats stand doing absolutely nothing all day? Sure, he could still work out complex mathematical equations in his head, but without hands how would he write them down? He couldn't work at his post without the dexterity of opposable thumbs (not to mention he couldn't reach the console from his chair anymore). Normally Sulu was the only reprieve he had from the soul-crushing humiliation of being a feline, but the silly ass had forgotten to FEED him the night before, compounding his misery. In revenge, he'd made a meal out of Hikaru's long fingers most of the day.

Bell on his collar all a-jingle, Chekov flopped lazily onto the console just out of Sulu's reach, 'Maybe you will pay more attention to me if you find one of your precious ferns regurgitated on your bed.'

Ultimately, Chekov was glad that no one could hear his little inner monologues.

His head jerked back up and he eyed his replacement warily, watching as the woman made a small error. It made his stomach ill to watch her working. Huffing, Chekov stood and sauntered over to her station, batting at her fingers to try and make her draw back. She gave him a frustrated look and went to push him away. She wasn't one of the normal Relief Officers, so she wasn't familiar with Chekov the human. Chekov the cat was just a hindrance and an animal, so she thought nothing of dismissing him like one.

Pushing an already pissy cat was a bad idea.

It earned her a slap across the knuckles, four red lines drawing blood across the backs of them. Needless to say, she was displeased and made it known. Loudly. It made Jim frown from where he was sitting in the Captain's chair, realizing that the fun was over and it was time to get serious.

"Sulu, I think you need to take Chekov for awhile," Kirk announced, settling his face deep into the palm of one hand, "Chekov, go with Sulu, alright? Just try to calm down."

Being addressed as a human spared enough of the young Russian's dignity that he permitted himself to be picked up and carried to the lift. Sulu was gentle enough with him, so he allowed the transgressions of the previous evening to pass. Being dismissed from the Bridge was embarrassing, but it was more embarrassing to know that he had earned it. He buried his face in the crook of Hikaru's arm, nuzzling against the gold fabric of the Command shirts that he missed wearing so much. Pavel let out a small chuff like a sigh and he immediately felt warm fingers rubbing his scruff again.

Inside the privacy of the turbolift, Sulu spoke gently, "Don't take offense to this, but I think you should stay away from the Bridge for a few days, Pavel. It's just making you miserable to sit there while you can't do anything.

Chekov knew better than to feel betrayed. Sulu was just looking out for his best interests so instead of anger, he settled on licking the asian man's fingers.

"Am I being forgiven for last night's gaffe?" Sulu sounded amused.

'Not so fast, Cossack,' Pavel corrected that oversight quickly with a sharp nip on his nearest finger.

"Owch!" Hikaru accepted it with a yelp and a laugh, "Alright alright…still not forgiven for forgetting to fill that insatiable belly of yours."

'And don't you forget it,' the cat snorted at him.

The lift pulled to a stop and Sulu stepped out, holding his boyfriend close to his chest. He padded quietly along the hallways, taking paths that deliberately steered clear of prying eyes. For that, Pavel was infinitely grateful. For a long time, neither of them said or thought anything as they walked and the silence was companionable at the very least. At most, it was welcome and it gave Chekov time to collect his scattered thoughts before Sulu brought him out onto the Observation Deck in an attempt to relax the Russian. He knew that Chekov loved to watch the stars and had begun bringing him here frequently over the past week in an effort to keep Pavel sane in that furry body.

"You know, I don't think it will be too long until you're back to your old self again. You're already bigger than you were yesterday and your limbs are getting longer," Sulu stopped to think before teasing, "and not a minute too soon. I know I won't miss these little one-sided conversations of ours!"

Pavel shot him a glare, 'Bring me Mr. Spock. We'll see how one-sided they are then, wise-guy.'

Hikaru ran a gentle thumb over his cheek, "You know I'm only teasing. Don't look at me like that."

Purring from the soft touch, Chekov arched his back into the hand, demanding to be scratched elsewhere. Obediently, Sulu's hand travelled over his spine, pushing against sore muscles with great care and rubbing itchy skin until the Russian was a puddle of pure delight in his arms. The helmsman figured that now was as good a time as any to drop a little bit of bad news on his boyfriend. He sighed heavily and rubbed behind Pavel's ears, "…Doctor McCoy wants to see you tomorrow."

Immediately, the cat froze and turned an evil stare on him, 'What does he want with me?'

Doing his best to look apologetic, Sulu continued, "I'm sure it's nothing big…just a basic check-up. After all, it's not every day that a crewman ends up mutating, right?"

Only moderately soothed, the cat's look turned downright pitiful. Having mercy on his love, Sulu sat down right there on the Observation Deck floor, cradling the ball of fur to his chest and trying to be as supportive as possible. It seemed to work. Chekov rolled up against his chest and did that weird kneading thing again that usually meant he was at least somewhat comfortable. The moment was awkward, but managed to be tender all the same, both of the young lovers turning to regard the stars that whipped by outside.

~****~

"Sulu, best I can figure, he's right on schedule," McCoy intoned the next day during Chekov's little examination.

Leaning back against the table where Pavel was stretched out, Sulu looked relieved, "That's good news. Is there anything special we should know?"

"Actually, there is. The next few days are going to be extraordinarily hard on Chekov's body. I suspect he's going to hit a major growth spurt and it's highly likely that his joints are going start reversing. It's going to cause severe growing pains for him and the sudden changes are going to impede his mobility for a time. My best recommendation is to get him settled in on a bed and leave him be for a few days until the process is over. He'll still have some changes left to endure once it's done, but he's about to hit the worst of it judging by the sudden elongation in his arms and legs," the Doctor explained in that honest southern drawl of his.

Sulu's brow furrowed, "That sounds pretty nasty, doc. Will it leave any lasting damage on his body?"

"This process is going to REDUCE the lasting damage on his body. Remember, all of this is just his DNA trying to get him back to normal."

"It all just sounds pretty miserable."

"Well I won't lie to you. This is gonna hurt like the dickens for him, most likely. Don't worry though; I wouldn't leave the kid high and dry. I'm going to provide you with some analgesics before it starts. They've been diluted for him," McCoy reached out to gently pat Chekov's back, scratching him just under the chin.

Chekov allowed it simply because he knew that, had he been human, the pat would have been on the head and it would have happened anyway. It wasn't belittling, it was just the good doctor's nature. Not to mention he had started feeling pretty puny after Sulu had carried him back to his quarters that night and he'd felt bad clear into today. It was more than anxiety. He suspected that the doctor's prediction was already coming true and he was feeling like shit because of that. It took the fight clean out of him and he hadn't even had the strength to object when Uhura had played with his bell in passing earlier that morning at breakfast.

He looked up just in time to see Sulu regarding him with concerned, loving brown eyes and it relaxed him, 'Don't look so scared for me, Hikaru. Please? Doctor McCoy said I'd be fine, silly. You'd better believe him or I'll shed all over your uniform pants.'

McCoy caught the look that passed between the two and he rolled his eyes, trying his best to sound gruff and cantankerous, "Now you two, no hanky-panky in my Sickbay. You keep that illegal stuff to yourselves." He was inwardly pleased to see that his words cultivated a smile on Sulu's previously unhappy features, "Now then, best get him comfortable. I'll send Chapel down with the painkillers tonight after dinner. Shoo."

"Thanks, doc," Sulu shot him a grateful look before carefully scooping up Pavel and leaving the Sickbay.

As they left, McCoy just shook his head and walked back to his office to begin writing up the mile-long medical report the kid had managed to rack up for him. It was going to be a doozy and he'd be damned if anyone in the Surgeon General's Office actually believed a word of it, but he guessed that things could have been worse. After all, instead of Chekov being turned into a cat he might have been saddled with a dog version of Jim. He shuddered as he envisioned the drool, promptly locking the thought into the darkest, deepest recesses of his mind where it could never be found again.

~****~

Hikaru had been very careful about tucking Pavel into the bedcovers. He'd made a little nest so that the Russian could retreat from the light if it got too bright for him over the course of the next few days. He had ended up settling the boy in his room so he could check on him and make sure he was well at the end of his shifts every day. He didn't want people barging in on his poor boyfriend. He had done everything he possibly could, only giving up when he realized that the rest was all on his poor pasha.

The three days that followed were pure hell.

Every day, Sulu loathed leaving for duty, but he never took time off even when Captain Kirk offered it. Jim had already been so indulgent with them and he didn't want to push any further than he could. Besides, he was sure that his boyfriend would kick his head in if he ever found out that Sulu was shirking duties for him.

Every night was filled with sleepless screams. At first they had been purely animal, all yowling and screechy. They had broken Sulu's heart and he wanted to go to Chekov, but he knew touching his boyfriend in this tender state would only cause him more pain. After the second day, the cries had grown more human and that been more disturbing by far. Small Russian curses swam through the thick fog of whimpers and moans, each one like a knife against Hikaru Sulu's worn nerves. Then had come the SOUNDS. There arose a hideous cacophony of cracks, twisting pops and slithery hisses like a snake writhing over leather.

Listening to it all, Hikaru felt like he was trapped in his own worst nightmare. The only thing that made it infinitely worse was the knowledge that Chekov was LIVING the horror.

On the third day, everything seemed to stop.

That morning, Hikaru woke up to nothing but the sound of silence. It was more frightening than the awful cries from before and he immediately unfolded himself from his uncomfortable sleeping chair, dashing over to his bed and ripping back the covers. He was so scared that the agony had finally killed his pasha. He begged and pleaded with whatever fates were listening to let Pavel be okay.

As the blanket fell away, he was greeted with the first sight of a very-near human Chekov. He watched in awe as the sleeping youth drew breath in and out, his narrow chest rising and falling. It looked like he was just worn out from the strain of undergoing the bulk of metamorphosis. Sulu couldn't help the heavy sigh of relief that tore through him, his body sagging like a puppet with cut strings. He rested on his knees by the side of the bed, laying his arms across the mattress and taking the hand closest to him. He gave it a squeeze, unable to help himself.

Slowly, one red-rimmed crystalline blue eye cracked open, "H-Hikaru…?"

The helmsman felt a smile as bright as the morning sun splitting his features. He'd waited nearly two weeks to hear that voice and even though it was rough with overuse, it was still lovely, "Pavel…you're awake."

"Da…" the boy tried to smile and Hikaru couldn't help but climb onto the bed, reaching out to hold him close.

It hurt the Russian a little bit, but he didn't say anything about it, just glad to enjoy the feeling of an embrace without a wall of fur between them, "I missed zis."

Hikaru leaned forward to kiss him and stopped abruptly when something jingled under his elbow. He blinked and pulled it out, having to stifle a sharp bark of laughter when he realized it was Pavel's collar. It must have broken off during one of the growth spurts. The Russian boy gave it a hateful look full of malice and that clinched it for Sulu. He let the laughter out, rolling onto his back and dangling the collar from the tip of one pointer finger. It was just too hilarious not to laugh.

Between gasps for air, Sulu managed to choke out, "Oh god it really IS awful now that I see it off of you!"

"It vas awful vhen it vas still on me, Hikaru!" Pavel pouted at him, "I still cannot beliewe zat you let Uhura tormet me vith zat monstrosity!"

"Well, call it payback for shredding my best sweater."

"You deserwed that for not giwing me chocolate in my time of need."

"Sorry, Pavel…doctor's orders," Sulu looked smug as he got the last word in.

Chekov just glared at him with those pretty blue eyes and the helmsman's insides melted with delight. His gaze drifted upward into the beautiful mop of blonde curls that he had missed running his fingers through so much. Then, his focus continued to drift until he found himself staring at what was perhaps the most adorable and strange thing he had ever seen in his life. He clapped a hand over his mouth to avoid laughing at his pasha again, but Chekov still caught the look.

His blue eyes narrowed, "Vhat is it, Hikaru?"

Fighting down a snort, the other man pointed, "You…your head…you still have cat ears!"

The already impossibly large blue eyes widened even more and slowly, oh so slowly, Chekov reached up to the top of his head. First he felt the sides, quite distraught to discover that his human ears weren't where they should be. He felt a twitch on the top of his scalp and his hands followed the movement, grasping at the pointed formations he found there. They twitched under his fingers and he turned remarkably pale.

"Oh nyet…no…zere is no vay!" Chekov tried to argue with himself before scrambling out of bed to go examine himself in the mirror.

His boyfriend admired the view of his naked body springing up on TWO legs instead of four, tracking him with his eyes until he noticed something that had him laughing all over again. He didn't even bother to contain this round and Chekov had a sinking feeling that he knew why. The Russian reached down to grab at his butt, hissing in dismay when he found that he still had a tail as well as ears. He wasn't sure whether to cry or to hide under the covers again. Feeling light headed, he stumbled a bit, blinking when he realized that Sulu had been up in time to catch him and wrap him in a protective hug.

"Ze ozers are going to laugh at me, Hikaru!" Pavel whimpered, still feeling achy from all the trials his body had seen.

"Pavel, let them laugh. It doesn't matter. I still loved you when you were a cat, so a few little temporary things aren't going to bother me. I hope that my opinion matters a little bit more than people who don't share your bed every night," Sulu's tone was light as he planted a kiss on top of his boyfriend's head.

Pavel wiped at his eyes to make sure he wasn't about to cry like a big baby, "Da. You do matter more...and I DO want to go back to the Bridge…"

"Do you want me to tell Kirk you'll be back on duty tomorrow? I think you need the rest of the day to let your body recuperate and catch up. I'm sure Doctor McCoy would agree."

The Asian helmsman smiled gently when Pavel nodded his assent. It was good. None of this seemed to have traumatized his small lover too much in the long run and that was a relief. Demonstrating the same care from several days prior, Sulu helped his boyfriend back into bed and covered him up with a clean blanket.

"I have to go on duty now, alright Pavel? I'll be back at the end of my shift. Make sure to eat today," Sulu warned in low tones, still smiling.

He waited until his pasha's eyes closed before leaving to go to work.

~****~

By the end of his first day with the new appendages, Chekov was ready to kill himself.

It had all started in his quarters when he realized that he'd have to cut a hole in the back of all of his uniform pants just to accommodate the tail. Sulu had helped him, of course, but it had almost made both of them late. The Bridge itself had been a nightmare. The minute he'd shown himself Jim had been forced to bite his own fist to keep from guffawing at the spectacle his young navigator made. Laughter was embarrassing, but it was something Chekov supposed he could handle. Uhura had blessedly chosen just to stare straight forward and keep her mouth shut. Since Doctor McCoy had technically cleared Chekov for duty again, Spock had absolutely nothing to say.

Yeoman Rand's reaction had been the absolute worst. She had COOED at him!

For god's sake! He might have been a teenager with cat ears, but he was still an OFFICER! Officers did NOT get cooed at!

Absolutely red with humiliation after the blonde woman's display, Chekov had folded himself into his chair and stared dutifully at the controls. He buried himself so deep into work that he wouldn't hear if anyone else had any smart comments. He wished momentarily for the return of his claws so he could vent some stress on silly blond yeomen who didn't have the good sense to keep their loose lips shut. At least she hadn't tried to pet him. Chekov was sure that if he blushed any harder, he'd burst all the capillaries in his face and be permanently crimson for the rest of his natural born days.

Sulu had shot him sympathetic looks throughout the day. It was about the only factor that kept the hours from crawling by, especially after he'd started feeling decidedly feverish.

By the end of the second day, Chekov was ready to kill someone ELSE.

The ears and tail had shrunk down a little bit by the time Chekov and Sulu's shifts were over. The vertebrae were slowly merging back into his coccyx and the cartilage of his ears was being redistributed to its rightful place on either side of his head. People had stopped noticing and girls had stopped giggling. Well, maybe the girls had stopped giggling because he'd hissed at one of them…on accident…once. Whatever the case, both of the young men sat in the Rec Room together at the end of the long day and Chekov was willing to believe that his too-long stint in hell was almost over.

It seemed the only problem was that Chekov was getting sick. Ever since he'd come out of his room two days ago, he'd been sneezing quite a bit and his eyes were a bleary, watery mess. Sulu noticed that he'd been constantly congested and he worried that perhaps it was a side-effect of the genetic mutation. He'd watched his lover very carefully and had come to the conclusion that he needed to talk to Chekov about it. If the Ensign was letting himself get sick, then Sulu would drag him back to Sickbay if he had to take him kicking and screaming.

The helmsman had waited until they were both relaxed over a game of checkers to bring it up, "Pavel…can we talk about something?"

"Hm," was the short reply.

Clearing his throat, Sulu reached out and took one of his boyfriend's slim hands, "Over the past couple of days I've noticed that you've been getting sick, Pasha. You're a wreck and I'm worried. Sometimes it seems like you can't even breathe at night."

Chekov shot him a dead-pan expression, "I do nod vand do dalg aboud id."

"See, listen to how congested you sound! I really think you should go see the doc," Sulu squeezed his hand, trying to express the depth of his concern.

"Hikaru, dere iz nozzing ze dogdor can do to helb me," Pavel sneezed hard and his lover reached out to gently brush errant curls from his face with his free hand.

"How do you know he can't help you, Pasha?"

The younger man turned bright red again and he freed both of his hands, hiding his face behind them. He mumbled, "I just dow."

"Pavel…what's really going on?" Sulu gave him a sly look, realization slowly dawning on him.

"…I'b allergig…do cats."

Suddenly Sulu found himself snorting and grinning so wide that his face almost split in two, "…So you're allergic…to yourself?"

"I hade eweryding," Chekov whimpered, thumping his forehead down on the table.

Pushing aside their game of checkers to the side, Sulu leaned over the table slightly and stroked the top of his boyfriend's curly head. He smiled softly, reveling in the feel of those silken locks beneath his calloused fingers. The helmsman was careful to avoid touching Pavel's cat ears since they were literally a sensitive subject, but he still couldn't deny how cute they were. He'd be a little bit disappointed that they were gone. He tried to cheer Chekov up.

"You know, as soon as those ears and tail are gone, you'll be fully human again. We should celebrate. I know a certain someone who hasn't had his fair share of chocolate lately."

The blue eyes that peeped up at him were glowing with hope and childlike excitement, "…Do you bead id?"

"We'll celebrate as soon as we reach the next Starbase, on my honor," Sulu crossed his heart.

~****~

To Be Continued?

~****~

A/N: I really like how this chapter ended up going (writing a congested Russian accent was hysterical). I'd like to give a big shout-out to each and every reviewer who helped me speed this chapter along! You guys were all wonderful and I just hope I lived up to expectation. I'm still not sure if I'm going to write a final chapter or not. Let me know?

Rose – It looked like you were right about the ears and the tail! I hope I updated soon enough for you!

Momiji'sunusedhalo – I'm so happy that you like the story so far and that my Pavel-Kitty reminds you of your kitty! Here's hoping you were as fond of this chapter as you were the first!

Blue-Eyed-Chica – I'm glad you like it!

Lady foxzy – Rock on :3