For a few nights, Pavel has vivid and realistic dreams about him and Sulu. He both hates it and loves it. It's nice being in Sulu's arms and in his company but it just makes waking up hurt more. Every time his eyes open there a blissful few seconds before he remembers Sulu is not his and is probably cuddled up beside Veesa as he holds his own pillow and sighs.
There are a few more incidents where Pavel seems the happy couple in the library and wants to push something over. He hates being reminded that Sulu doesn't like him. He feels that going out to dinner with Sulu was a bad idea. It made him hopeful and basically reversed all his efforts in avoiding him. He's trying to let go of his feelings for Sulu, but the even the thought of letting Sulu go hurts him.
Pavel is walking towards Sulu's dorm when he can hear what sounds like yelling. As he walks closer he can recognise the voice, it's Veesa's, with the occasional reply from Sulu. The Russian tries not to smile at the thought of them fighting. He's being a shitty friend to Sulu if he does but the idea of the two of them breaking up just has so much appeal.
Veesa storms out of the apartment and sends a death stare to Pavel. The young Russian frowns partially in surprise and also in anger.
The door's already open so Pavel walks in slowly, seeing his old roommate with his head in his hands. Maybe they did break up?
"Hey," he says quietly, waiting for Sulu to look up.
"Pavel? Hey, um now's not a good time."
The Russian nods. "I'm sorry, are you alright?"
Sulu looks into Pavel's deep blue eyes and sighs.
"Not really, I don't know. I just need…. Time? Space? Something, I don't know."
"Okay," he says quietly. "If you want someone to talk to, you know where I am."
Sulu nods and doesn't say anything as Pavel leaves. The way his curls fall around his eyes and his concerned pout drives Sulu mad. Veesa can literally read his mind, and she's starting to not like what she's seeing. She called him a 'creepy gay paedophile' and left. It's partially his fault for thinking about Pavel as they were getting into things, but she shouldn't have been reading his thoughts.
Scotty questions Pavel's subtle smug grin, and the Russian feels terrible about explaining why. Scotty seems annoyed that he's taking pleasure in the couple's relationship issues, but he doesn't comment much on it. He tells Pavel it's probably not healthy for him and leaves it at that.
Pavel goes back a few days later to check on Sulu and before he knocks on the door he can hear what sounds like moaning coming from the other side. He frowns and decides not to interrupt, walking back to his room. He feels stupid and angry again. He hates how Sulu's love life determines his mood. He gets to him room and beats the shit out of his pillow and lies into it, trying not to cry. Veesa's a mean, cold, bitch, especially to Pavel. He hates how they're probably having sex right now and afterwards they're going to lie there and smile at each other. Pavel deserves to be lying there with him. He appreciates Sulu and Veesa doesn't. Pavel can't help but feel she went for him because he was an easy target. He buries his head into his pillow and falls asleep, hoping everything will just disappear when he wakes up.
Pavel wakes up cold and uncomfortable. It's dark outside and he feels strange. He sighs and remembers everything that happened before he fell asleep. He hates waking up groggy and sad like this and he gets himself into the shower and just stays there for a while, thinking. The shower seems the only place he can find peace. Scotty isn't home yet and he doesn't really feel like explaining to him why he's in such a bad mood.
Of course, with Pavel's luck, Scotty asks him what happened not long after coming home. Pavel asks himself if he's really that transparent and tries to change the subject. Scotty gives him a look and the Russian just sighs, burying his head in hands.
"I think they did it…" Pavel mumbles, cringing as he speaks.
"Chekov don't mumble I can't hear you."
"They… they did it, they had sex…. I think…."
"You think?"
"Well I went over to the room and I heard…" Pavel's English is failing him and he can't think of the word. His English always suffers when he's flustered. He pulls his PADD out of his bag and frowns, typing in the Russian and waiting for it to load. "Moaning," he finally manages. "That's what I heard…"
Scotty shrugs awkwardly, "Well that doesn't necessarily mean sex… I guess."
Pavel gives him a slightly annoyed blank stare. "They were both-"
"Okay, yeah I guess… Are you jealous or?"
The Russians face quickly reddens. "I don't know, I- ah, I don't-"
Scotty raises his eyebrow and an amused smirk spreads across his face.
"I never spent time with children my age okay, I don't really know this stuff…"
"Wait, wait so you never did Sex Ed?"
"Sex Ed?"
"Sex education," Scotty elaborates, growing more and more amused by the flustered Russian. "My lord Pavel, you are too innocent. You have a lot to learn."
"No please, I get the basics. My father made me read some stuff and told me bits and pieces. Mainly about development but not… sex as a whole."
Scotty laughs and shakes his head. "We should get Sulu to teach you ay?" I'm sure you'd like learning a thing or two from him."
Pavel pouts. His face is bright red and he was hoping to avoid this subject altogether, Scotty is only making it worse.
"You're a man now Pavel. I'm gonna have to tell ya some things that-"
"Oh no, please don't."
"Pavel, there comes a stage in every young man's life where-"
"You're treating me like a child, stop it," Pavel says firmly.
Scotty stops. "You're going to need to learn this stuff eventually. Whether it's by yourself or from McCoy or me or whoever. You need to learn about diseases and dangers and stuff. On a professional and scientific point here. It's necessary to your health and wellbeing."
Pavel rolls his eyes. "Fine, I will, I will. Just don't pester me about it."
(A/N)
Hello, I wanted to address the fact that Pavel would have spent very little time with children his age. I think it's a necessary thread to explore. Hope you enjoy!