Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Thank you so much for MegKevin for beta-ing this from me! Thanks for everyone who has review'd, fav'd or alert'd.

It had been four days since the truce between the two best of friends and the Alpha helmsmen. During those four days some of the harsh lines that had conquered Chekov's face had been erased. He laughed more freely and had not had any alcohol, and more importantly, he had not been chasing after any women. Life was returning to normal for the young Navigator. He and Sulu were eating their meals together again, watching movies, playing video games and working out after every shift. They talked about anything and everything, simply enjoying each other's company. Chekov just soaked up the attention from the dark haired pilot. Being beside his best friend, watching those smiles light up his dark eyes slowly began to repair the stress fractures inflicted upon his young heart.

Of course, as with the laws of Physics, every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Now sitting in his dark quarters, Chekov hung his head in his hands. He was not throwing himself at women, he was not attempting to block out his emotions, but in turn he was forced to face them, to deal with each one individually now that he had plenty of time in the comfort of his own quarters. His heart belonged to Hikaru Sulu. Of course that left him with the insurmountable task of continuing on as if nothing had changed and tucking away his love in the furthest corners of his mind. It was driving him to distraction, every smile, every laugh, every adorable thing that man did. Without his promiscuous night life, he was left with only his unrequited love to keep him company and it was ripping him apart from the inside out.

The long-legged blonde began to pace his room. It was tempting to return to TenForward, pick up a date, go back to her place and leave all the work and distraction to her. Let her lithe body replace the athletic build of the Asian's if only for a few brief hours. Allow her form in the darkness to morph in his mind's eye to the love of his life. He had done it for months, reducing himself for stolen moments with someone who could not compare to Hikaru. A handful of blissful seconds with another person's name on his tongue, surrendering to a fantasy he would never know. But that was taking the easy way out, the coward's retreat.

Sulu and Chekov's room were connected via a shared bathroom. Countless times before, Chekov had raced across the tiled floor into Sulu's room with some exciting or bored comment flying off his tongue. Now, that had become taboo, for what Chekov had to say might ruin the fragile relationship they had managed to salvage. It was risky, like Russian roulette, but with only one empty chamber. Chekov swallowed, rubbing his sweaty palms against his pants leg, his eyes focused on the release to open his bathroom door. It would take fifteen steps and three words and all this agony would end one way or another. Either Sulu would agree and return his sentiment or he would throw him out of the room and never speak to him again. With a deep breath, he cleared his mind and unlocked his door, rushing forward. This was one gamble the teen was willing to ride the odds.

Sulu's door was not locked, parting easily to allow the blonde entrance. Had it been this easy all those months he had been in such turmoil? For the sake of his sanity, Chekov refused to entertain that thought. He cleared the doorway, the door closing silently behind him. Before him was one of the most gorgeous sights the Russian had ever seen. Sulu was stretched on his sofa wearing only his regulation shorts. His toned body was relaxed, but strength and grace flowed from his radiant skin. Chekov held his breath, taking in the full sight before him, his mouth slightly agape in awe at the perfection displayed for his hungry eyes.

Sulu, who had immediately brought his dark eyes to Chekov's hazel, was scrutinizing his face, trying to discern what had made him rush through the door he hadn't bothered to use in months. "Are you okay, Pav?" In one languid movement, Sulu was off the couch and gracefully striding towards the younger man. His muscles flexing and rippling across his chest and abdomen, his wet hair hanging loosely, framing his face, his eyes locked only on the Navigator.

Spellbound, Chekov could only nod. Laughing, Sulu wrapped his arm around his shoulders and walked him towards the couch. "What's up?" His question was casual, but the barest hint of worry and attachment in his tone made Chekov's heart clinch. He held his friendship with Hikaru Sulu in the highest regard, it would tear him to pieces if he lost that.

Dropping down onto the couch that smelled of sandalwood and regulation shampoo, Sulu's mixture, Chekov blushed. "I hawe somezing I vant to tell you." He looked everywhere but at the older man, twisting his hands in his lap. His courage was quickly evaporating.

Sitting down beside his best friend, Sulu placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Pav, man, you can tell me anything." His voice was honest, his touch gentle.

No matter what Chekov was going to tell him, Sulu would stand by his side. At least that was the hope as Chekov blurted out his response. "I lowe you." Only it sounded like 'Iwuwvu.'

Leaning closer with a confused look, Sulu lifted an eyebrow. "What?" He moved to sit flush against the blonde. "Dude, you can tell me anything, I promise, but you are going to have to be clear." He nodded encouragingly, smirking slightly.

Taking a deep breath with his heart hammering in his ears, Chekov attempted to repeat himself. Above all, Sulu deserved to know the truth. There were no secrets between these two, Chekov could not continue to hide this from Sulu. "I lowe you." This time it was clear, whispered into the air like a prayer.

To Sulu's credit, he didn't blanch or run away. "You love me? Dude, I love you too." He grinned wrapping his arm around his shoulders again.

Chekov shook his head, his face fell, Sulu didn't understand the depth of what he was confessing. "No, Hikaru, I lowe, lowe you. All zose women vere meant to replace you. But it didn't vork." He watched Sulu's face, ready to bolt if any signs of repulsion or anger shadowed his handsome face.

None of that came, only sympathy and understanding. "I know, Chekov. I realized that shortly after we started hanging out again. And I love, love you too." He pulled the shorter man into his embrace, holding him securely against him.

Words were not necessary between two men who understood each other as well as they understood themselves. The final pieces of their souls fell into place as they sat quietly wrapped in each other's arms, Chekov's head resting against Sulu's chest letting his strong heartbeat calm him. Lonely hours that had invaded their nights, feeding their self-doubt and worry had been vanished forevermore.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

I believe this will be the end of this journey. I might continue later in another fic, one day.

Please let me know what you think