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Chulu short stories

Summary:

Short Chulu stories for for plaidshirtjimkirk's 30 otp challenge. I don't expect I will post one a day, but I will try to write 30 stories or snippets.

Notes:

Chapter 1: Stars

Chapter Text

When you're in space there is never a lack of stars. On the viewscreen on the bridge, out the windows on the observation deck, charted in maps on padds and screens, even shown on the fake windows in private quarters. Hikaru Sulu loved stars, but sometimes he tired of them.

On a long flight with nothing around but stars, he couldn't get away from them fast enough. Others might find it peaceful, but he found it dull. Nothing but stars meant nothing interesting was happening. There were no planets to explore, no new plants to examine, not even anything that required his attention at the helm, they had been flying on autopilot for three days and he was bored.

Even having an extra shift off didn't make him feel any better. All of his friends were still on, leaving him with nothing to do. Staring moodily out the window, he didn't hear his boyfriend enter the room and walk over to stand beside him. "Watching the stars again, 'Karu?" A pair of hands reached out to take his own.

Hikaru blinked, and looked into his boyfriend's face. Pushing a lock of brown hair behind his partner's ear, Hikaru leaned in to kiss him hello. Yes, he thought as their lips met, no matter how boring space became, he would never grow tired of seeing the stars shining in Pavel Chekov's eyes.

Chapter 2: Shirt

Chapter Text

Ever since the day they had accidentally worn each other's shirts onto the bridge, Pavel tried to wear his boyfriend's shirt as much as possible. Now that they were the same rank, no one noticed the difference except for him.

"I can't find my shirt 'Karu. Can I borrow one of yours?" "All of my shirts are dirty, so I wore yours." "I thought this was my shirt. It fits the same." "Oh, so that's why this one is slightly looser."

Pavel couldn't explain why he liked to wear Hikaru's shirt so much. The best he could come up with was that he felt safer. More secure. It was silly, he knew. Their shirts were the same, but somehow, knowing that this one belonged to the love of his life made it better.

Chapter 3: Love Letter

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Dear Pasha,

I know you'll be back from Bruna 3 in a few hours, but I wanted to write you a letter.
I just wanted to say that I love you. And every time you go on a mission, I worry, because I can't imagine life without you anymore. But I believe in you, and I know you'll come back safe and full of energy. I can't wait to see you in a couple of hours.
Love,

Hikaru.

Notes:

I was going to write something longer, but I liked it as is.

Chapter 4: Sunset

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel loved sunsets, and the one from the double suns of Clezopra was particularly beautiful. Although not as beautiful as the sunsets in Russia. He laughed at the groan from his boyfriend after he voiced this thought. When Pavel turned to look at the man standing beside him he saw that Hikaru was watching him instead of the sunset.

"Silly." He kissed Hikaru quickly. "You're missing ze sunset."

But the sunsets in Russia were still better, and someday he would take Hikaru to see them.

Notes:

85 words, this isn't even a drabble but at least it's longer than the last one. Chekov just can't stop thinking about Russia. :)

Chapter 5: Paper Hearts

Chapter Text

Hikaru couldn't wait to surprise Pavel for Valentine's Day. He had never wanted to celebrate the holiday in any of his previous relationships, but that was before he had met Pavel. Something about the younger man brought out the romantic in him. It didn't hurt that Pavel was always coming up with sweet surprises for him. He wanted to return the favor.

He had plans for a romantic evening with real food, not replicated, and good alcohol. But first, he wanted to decorate their quarters before Pavel got back from helping Scotty in engineering with a new device they had been creating.

He walked into the room with an armload of decorations, and promptly dropped them in surprise. Pavel stood in the center of the room, with more decorations flying about the room.

"I vanted to surprise you."

Hikaru crossed the room in two strides and took Pavel in his arms.

"I love you."

And they stood kissing softly as paper hearts fell gently around them.

Chapter 6: Whisper

Chapter Text

It was interesting, Pavel thought, how many different meanings "I love you" could take on depending on how they were said.

Gasped desperately over a communicator in the last moments before you were killed, only to be beamed to safety at the last second, was very different from being dropped casually in conversation.

"I love you" meant something different when yelled in an argument, than it did whispered teasingly as a punch line.

The words might be cried after a fight, or groaned in bed.

But his favorite was the way he said it now. Leaning close to his sleeping husband he murmured, "I love you" before he lay down beside him, cradled Hikaru in his arms, and joined him in slumber.

Chapter 7: Shimmer

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Hikaru grinned at her girlfriend Polina, standing across their shared quarters in her new golden dress. It wasn't often that they both felt feminine on the same day, usually when they both felt like the same gender it was masculine, but today they felt like girls. Polina adjusted her flower crown and turned to Hikaru, who was watching her instead of putting on her makeup.

"Vould you like some help?"

Hikaru nodded, she loved it when Polina did her makeup for her. Somehow it felt more intimate, more domestic than anything else they did as a couple.

Polina carefully put on Hikaru's gold eye shadow and her lipstick, enjoying the way the other girl sighed contentedly and relaxed into her touch.

"Can't forget your glitter," she giggled. "You need to shimmer on the dance floor."

Hikaru laughed, she did love to wear glitter.

Polina kissed Hikaru lightly, so as not to smudge her makeup. "You're beautiful."

Hikaru smiled. "So are you, Love. You shine so brightly I can never look away."

Polina squeezed her beloved's hand. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Notes:

This is my first time writing about genderfluid people so please let me know if I've said anything wrong and I will change it. This story is so cute that I'm tempted to make them genderfluid in everything I write from now on. Hikaru is a gender-neutral name so for this story I left it.

Chapter 8: Remember

Chapter Text

"Twenty three years of marriage. Can you believe it?"

Pavel smiled at his husband sitting by the window in the observation deck of the Excelsior, lights low and starlight reflecting across his face.

"It seems like a lifetime ago vhen I valked onto ze bridge to see ze most attractive man I had ewer seen at the controls."

He took Hikaru's hand in his own. "You're still ze most attractive person in ze uniwerse."

Hikaru laughed "You're clearly the better looking one in this relationship."

Pavel had to kiss him then, if only to shut him up.

"Remember the night we got engaged?" Hikaru asked a moment later.

Pavel grinned. "And ve proposed at ze same time. Zat vas a great night. Especially aftervards."

Hikaru winked cheekily, "wanna recreate it?"

Pavel blushed and nodded, following his husband out the door.

Chapter 9: Vanilla

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"How many scoops of ice cream can I have Daddy?"

Hikaru smiled at his daughter. Five year old Demora's eyes were far bigger than her stomach.

"Why don't you start with one, and then if you still want more you can have another one?" He suggested.

Demora sat down on the front step and pouted, sticking her bottom lip out and glaring at her father.

"Ready to go for ice cream?" Asked a voice from the driveway.

Demora leapt off the porch, pouting forgotten. "Papa!"

Pavel caught her up in a hug. "Have you decided what flavor you want yet 'Mora?"

"I want chocolate, and vanilla, and strawberry, and mint chocolate chip, and rainbow sherbet and..."

Hikaru leaned in close and whispered to Pavel, "she takes after you when it comes to ice cream."

Pavel pretended to be offended, then laughed and kissed Hikaru on the cheek before turning to put Demora in her car seat.

Notes:

This could be time on Earth between missions, but I imagined it more as a modern AU. Hey look, Demora finally turned up.

Chapter 10: Hands

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel loved watching Hikaru's hands on the controls of the ship. Always so strong, so sure. They moved with a kind of grace, weaving in and out with Pavel's own hands as they reached for different buttons, never making a mistake.

He loved watching Hikaru's hands while he gardened. Moving the watering can, digging in the dirt to add a new plant to its pot, pruning back bushes, stroking the leaves of a plant that needed touch, humming to himself as he worked.

He loved watching Hikaru's hands as he played with Demora. Helping her build towers out of blocks, braiding her hair with absolute tenderness and care, picking her up and spinning her around.

But he loved Hikaru's hands best when they were on him, cupping his face before a kiss, combing through his hair, running across his bare chest in bed, holding Pavel in his arms, just loving him.

Notes:

The world always needs more Chekov admiring Sulu's hands.

Woohoo! Ten short stories down. A third of the way there.

Chapter 11: Leaves

Chapter Text

On the planet Yestiea it was always autumn. No one was sure why or how, it was just a space oddity. But whatever the reason was, it was a popular shore leave planet. Pavel came running towards him, scarf blowing in the wind and a huge grin spreading across his face.

"I love zis planet. Ve should come here ewery year."

Hikaru laughed, Pavel knew as well as he did that they could never predict where they would get shore leave, but right now, Hikaru was inclined to agree with him. The planet was stunning with beautiful colors everywhere.

The temperature was nice too, not as warm as San Francisco but much warmer than Russia. Pavel might love the cold but Hikaru couldn't stand it. The weather on this planet though, was perfect.

Pavel tugged on Hikaru's arm. "Come on. Let's go make leaf piles to jump in."

Hikaru really loved his boyfriend. "You read my mind."

Chapter 12: Tea

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The first thing Pavel learned about Hikaru Sulu was that he was a fantastic pilot. The second, was that Hikaru loved tea. Green tea, black tea, white tea, oolong, rooibos, chai, herbal, pu erh, it didn't matter. He loved all the flavors. Since they had started being friends Pavel had learned that Hikaru wasn't fully awake until he had finished at least one large cup of tea.

"If somebody brought me tea every morning I might have to marry them," he joked once.

Pavel blushed and tried not to imagine being married to Hikaru and bringing him his tea every day.

"Hikaru. I brought you a present." Pavel handed his best friend a box of real, non-replicated teas. "And I... I vanted to asked you if you vould go out viz me."

Hikaru grinned. "I'd love to." He winked. "If you served me tea at breakfast I'd marry you too."

Hikaru laughed at Pavel's embarrassed squeak. "We'll talk about that later."

 

Notes:

This was inspired by George and Brad Takei on The Newlywed Game.

Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah/Happy Weekend and love to all. Especially Lalaith_Airfree for being an awesome translator.

Chapter 13: Lips

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

The heat of Pavel's lips pressed against his was a feeling Hikaru never tired of. No matter how long they had been together, kissing Pavel would always be one of his favorite things...

"Hey, 'Karu. Are you awake?"

Hikaru was jolted out of his dream of kissing his boyfriend, by his boyfriend.

"Wassamatter?"

"Why don't chickens have lips?"

Hikaru stared at Pavel and looked at the clock.

"Pavel, it's three in the morning. We have shift in a few hours, go back to sleep."

"But, 'Karu...How do chickens kiss if they don't have lips?"

"The same way other lipless species kiss." Hikaru said, hoping Pavel would leave it at that.

"But..."

Hikaru kissed him. "Goodnight Pavel."

He pulled the pillow over his head and slept.

Notes:

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I had horrible writers block on it for over a month.

The first two lines were going to make this a kissing scene but at my mom's suggestion about chickens with lips this became a "things you said at three in the morning" story instead.

Chapter 14: Breeze

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

There were many downsides to being in exile on Vulcan. The two biggest being that they would eventually have to return to Earth and face trial for their actions, and that he had not seen Demora except on a viewscreen in months. At least his husband was with him, but Pavel knew that Hikaru missed their daughter just as much as he did. Her sixteenth birthday had been a few days earlier and the best that they could do was an extended video chat. He knew she understood why they had had to leave, but he still felt bad about missing her birthday.

A more minor problem with Vulcan exile was the heat. He came from Russia, and even after so many years in space, he was still better suited to the cold than to the heat and the desert planet was much hotter than anywhere on Earth.

"Hey Pav!"

Pavel turned to see his husband jogging up to him.

"Want to go exploring?" Hikaru asked. "Lady Amanda gave me directions. She wouldn't say where to but she thought we'd like it."

Pavel grinned. "Ready vhen you are."

A few minutes and several wrong turns later, they finally found where they were looking for. Not only was the view amazing but also,

"A breeze! 'Karu do you feel that?"

Hikaru squeezed Pavel's hand and smiled. "Yeah. I'm glad I'm here with you."

Notes:

I have lots of emotions about the two of them being away from Demora for so long during Vulcan exile. Someday I may write a whole story about it.

Happy Spring Festival to Lalaith_Airfree my excellent translator.

Chapter 15: Mirror

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Hikaru glanced at his husband in the rearview mirror and smiled. Pavel was watching their newborn daughter Demora in awe.

"She's so tiny, 'Karu."

"I know, she's amazing."

"And her little tiny hands, and her cute little nose."

"I know, she's beautiful."

"Look at her 'Karu."

Hikaru pulled into the driveway and parked the car. Getting out, he carefully took Demora out of her car seat and turned to Pavel, kissing his nose.

"I know, and she's ours."

Notes:

Demora again. This went in a very different direction than I expected it to. This is either time between the first and second five year missions, or an AU.

Yeah, I'm half-way done!

Chapter 16: Night

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Nighttime was magical on Cryria 1. The starlight shinning through the leaves on the trees cast beautiful patterns across the ground and highlighted their faces. It was warm with a light breeze. And the sound of space crickets surrounded them.

The best thing about planets that had already joined the Federation was that they didn't have to be on their guard all the time. Now that the diplomatic meeting was over, the crew could just have fun.

Pavel stretched out and patted the ground beside him. "Zat vas an excellent picnic."

Hikaru lay down next to his boyfriend and kissed him lightly. "You have great ideas sometimes."

Pavel put on his most offended expression. "Bah, I alvays have great ideas. Great ideas were inwented in Russia."

Hikaru snorted. "And where were bad ideas 'inwented'?" he teased.

"Eweryvhere else."

He was rewarded for that remark with a teasing elbow to his ribs. "You're lucky you're cute."

"And you are lucky zat I love you."

"Yeah," he heard Hikaru whisper. "I really am."

Notes:

I can't believe it took 16 stories before I typed the phrase "inwented in Russia" it's so common to Chekov.

Yes, they're having a night picnic, because they are dorks who are too cute for space.

Chapter 17: Caress

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Downtime on a ship was an interesting phenomenon. Unlike on earth, you couldn't go outside when you were done working (nor would you want to, the lack of oxygen being a problem.) But spaceship designers had thought of that.

There were multiple kinds of recreation rooms onboard The Enterprise. From rooms that created simulations of parks, forests, mountains, beaches, anywhere a ship-bound person might wish to visit, to gymnasiums, to rooms filled with games and a party atmosphere. Hikaru Sulu enjoyed them all, but his favorite way to spend downtime was enjoying a spot of peace and quiet with his boyfriend, Pavel.

The two sat side by side on the couch in their shared quarters, well, to tell the truth, it was less like sitting and more like sprawling.

Hikaru hummed in contentment as Pavel rubbed circles on his back with one hand and played with his hair with the other.

He turned his head and kissed the side of Pavel's face.

"You" he kissed his jaw.

"are" he kissed his temple.

"the most" he kissed his cheek.

"amazing man."

Pavel smirked. "Vell of course. Being amazing vas inwented in Russia."

Hikaru hit him with a pillow.

Notes:

And then they had a pillow fight.

Wow, I don't like apology notes but it's been ages, so I'm sorry about that. Real life + falling in and out of fandoms gets in the way. Love to all of you for sticking with me.

Chapter 18: Eyes

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel gazed adoringly down at the tiny baby in his husband's arms, scarcely able to believe that he was a father, that this was their daughter.

The baby, Demora Martaovna Chekova-Sulu, only a few hours old, had been fussy, but quieted when Susan handed her to Hikaru, almost as if she knew that the man holding her was her Daddy.

"She looks so much like you 'Karu. She has your features. But not your hair." He laughed, except for a few wisps, the tiny girl was quite bald.

Hikaru laughed too, the low rumbley laugh that Pavel had always loved.

"She has your eyes though." Hikaru told him. As if on cue, little Demora's eyes fluttered open and she gurgled.

Pavel watched Demora for a long moment before looking back up at Hikaru. Unable to express all the love he felt for the pair of them, he merely put a hand on his husband's shoulder and smiled down at their precious daughter.

Notes:

Is it ever not time for baby Demora? I think not.

For those wondering, Susan is Susan Ling, Demora's mother according to The Captain's Daughter. When I write anything where Chekov and Sulu are Demora's biological dads (thanks 23rd century medicine), Susan becomes their surrogate.

Chapter 19: Fire

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Karu, wake up. You are having a nightmare."

Hikaru blinked rapidly as their bedroom shifted into existence. He tried to focus on Pavel's face.

"It was the fire dream again. I....you and Demora....and I couldn't save you...." He trailed off, tears welling in his eyes.

Pavel held his husband close, "shh, мой любимый  it's all right. I am safe, Demora is safe. Nightmares cannot hurt us.

Hikaru sobbed and clung to Pavel. "I know, but I get so scared. I never want to lose you."

Pavel stroked Hikaru's hair gently. "You won't lose us," he promised.

Hikaru nodded. He knew that Starfleet was dangerous, yet he believed Pavel's words. Somehow their little family would be safe no matter what. He wasn't ready to go back to sleep yet, but the soothing sounds of his husband's voice calmed him.

Yes, they would be just fine.

Notes:

The Russian means "My Beloved" according to my awesome friend Harrimaniac27. Who also tells me that it's pronounced like " Moi Liubimy."

Chapter 20: Wall

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

"Oh no."

"Now vhat?"

"Look what she did."

"Who?"

"Demora."

"Vhat did she do now?"

Hikaru stepped out of the way so that Pavel could see what their daughter had done. It was all he could do to keep from laughing.

"It's really a good likeness. Ve should keep it."

The wall was covered in crayon marks and a drawing of a stick figure with black hair that was labeled in crooked handwriting. Daddy.

Notes:

Two thirds of the way through. I'll finish this yet.

I was so stumped by this one, but Demora drawing on the wall amused me. Maybe she'll add to it and make an entire family portrait. Or one of the crew.

Chapter 21: Diamond

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Hikaru Sulu collapsed against the wall with a great deal of relief, and glanced at his husband. They had been beamed to safety at just the right moment. Much later and who knew what might have happened.

Aside from breathing heavily, they both seemed to be unharmed. Pavel caught his eye and they both began to laugh.

"I can't believe you did that," Hikaru said through his laughter.

"Vhy?" Pavel asked. "Our phasers didn't vork in zat mine. I had to improwise."

"I know, but..."

"But vhat?" Pavel asked indignantly.

"Only you would think of throwing diamonds to avoid an alien attack."

Notes:

Obviously, the normal thing to do with this prompt would be to write a proposal with a diamond ring or something. But I started thinking about how diamonds are so hard that they use them as drill bits, and I thought they would make a good weapon.

Besides, Chekov is totally goofy enough to use diamonds as weapons.

Chapter 22: Ink

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel Chekov took out the good writing paper from his secret stash. It was time to write a love letter. He could have written it electronically of course. There were plenty of options for that onboard the Enterprise. He could have written it on a padd, or programmed it to appear on the small viewscreen in their quarters. He could send him a series of messages while they were on duty, or even program a replicator to print it for him the next time he ordered a cup of matcha tea or a bottle of sake.

But a love letter required good paper and proper ink. Pavel sat down at his desk and began to write.

“Dear Hikaru,"

Notes:

I like putting space tech into my stories apparently.

Hi gang, sorry I disappeared again. I'm currently very far into the classic Sesame Street fandom. A friend and I will be posting a story in that fandom for the Triad Verse Big Bang soon and that's taken up a lot of my writing focus. I am going to try to finish this series though.

Chapter 23: Candle

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Sorry I’m late Hikaru. Ze turbolift vas acting up again.”

Hikaru Sulu looked up at his boyfriend and smiled. “Don’t worry about it. I needed the extra couple minutes to finish setting the table anyway.”

“Vat’s for dinner?” Pavel asked as he followed Hikaru into the other room.

“All your favorite Russian delicacies,” Hikaru said with a grin.

Pavel groaned, but it was affectionate. “Don’t tease me, Hikaru.”

“Who’s teasing?” Hikaru asked. “Your mother sent me a copy of the codes to replicate them. I asked for the recipes, but she said she didn’t trust me not to set anything on fire. She did say how sweet it was that I wanted to get your favorite foods for you.”

Pavel looked at him. “You’re serious.”

“Of course. I know how much you miss your favorite foods when we’re all the way out here, and I wanted to make you happy.”

Pavel hugged him. “Oh ‘Karu. You alvays make me happy.”

“You make me happy too, Pavel.” Hikaru said, giving his boyfriend a quick kiss.

“I love you.” Pavel said as he bounded over to the table. “Let’s eat. Is that a real candle?! Oh boy Khachapuri! Are there blinis for desert??”

Hikaru just shook his head affectionately and joined Pavel at the table.

Notes:

I really didn't use the prompt word very much but I hope you guys liked it.

Russian foods: Khachapuri is a "thick, crusty bread shaped like a boat and filled with varieties of melted cheese." Blinis are similar to crepes.

Chekov sure is excitable. But then again. It's foods that really were "inwented in Russia."

By the way. The story I co-wrote that I mentioned in the previous chapter notes is here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/16271591 if anyone is interested.

Chapter 24: Wait

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

“Will you wait for just one moment and let me explain?”

Pavel stopped but didn’t turn around to look at his boyfriend. “Explain vhat? Vhy you zink my head is too big?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“That’s what it sounded like,” Pavel said, still not looking at him. “You said ‘His head is too big. Pavel’s.’ I heard you say zat to Nyota quite clearly.”

“Those were two different sentences, Pavel. I was talking about Lieutenant Onnae, he tried to ask me out. I was telling Nyota that he had an inflated opinion of himself. I said, ‘I wouldn’t date him even if I were single. His head is too big. Pavel’s set my standards too high anyway. No one can compete with him.’”

Pavel turned around finally and looked into Hikaru’s face. They had always been good at reading each other, and he recognized that Hikaru was telling the truth.

“Onnae? You mean you don’t zink my head is too big?”

Hikaru laughed. “Of course not. I love the way you look. And even if your head was too big, I’d still love your appearance. Am I forgiven?”

Pavel gave him a cheeky grin. “Take me to dinner and ve vill call it ewen.”

Hikaru smiled. “Deal.”

Notes:

Honestly, I don't even know. For some reason this just struck me as funny. I hope it amused you all as well.

Chapter 25: Book

Chapter Text

“Pavel?” Hikaru Sulu asked. “What is this?”

Pavel Chekov came over to see what his boyfriend was holding. “Zat is a book, Hikaru. Zey have not all been replaced viz padds you know.”

Hikaru laughed. “I know what a book is, Pavel. I was wondering why this one said ‘Pavel’s Dreams’ on the cover.

“Oh.” Pavel blushed. Much to Hikaru’s interest. What was in the book that prompted that reaction?

“Zhat is somezing my Mama gave me vhen I left for ze academy. It is for writing down zings zhat you dream about. Zhat you want. I do not write in it anymore.”

“Why not?” Hikaru asked curiously.

Pavel’s blush deepened. “Because ze only dream I wrote about in zhere came true. You may read it if you vish.”

“Okay.” Hikaru opened the book, and it was only a moment before he understood why his boyfriend was blushing so much.

“You wrote that you wanted to date me?”

Pavel nodded. “I did. From ze moment ve met, my biggest dream became zat ve vould become close.” He looked at Hikaru seriously. “And now ve are. I love you.”

Hikaru grinned. Pulling Pavel close, he whispered “I love you too” as he closed the space and kissed his boyfriend.

Chapter 26: Warm

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel couldn’t help but laugh. They had only been in Russia for five minutes and Hikaru was already complaining that it was cold.

“Honestly Hikaru. It is summer, ze temperature range is ze same as it is in San Francisco. I looked it up.”

“Well it feels colder,” Hikaru said, pulling his coat tighter.

Pavel tried to stop laughing and be sympathetic. “Vhat makes it feel colder?” He asked, unable to stop his giggle.

“Well…I don’t know. The sky?”

“And…” He snorted. “Vhat about ze sky makes ze temperature colder?”

“It’s grey?” Hikaru said, sounding as though he was guessing rather than telling.

“How does ze sky being grey affect ze temperature?”

“The clouds block the sun and I can’t feel it.” Hikaru answered, sounding more sure of his answer this time.

“Vell, I can see vhy zat might be a problem.” Pavel conceded. “I guess I vill just hawe to varm you up.”

He moved behind Hikaru and put his arms around his boyfriend’s middle, kissing the back of his neck.

“How is zat?”

Hikaru leaned back into his warmth. “Much better.”

“Be glad ve are not going to Siberia,” Pavel teased.

Hikaru just groaned.

Notes:

I was very surprised to realize that the summer temperatures in the part of Russia that Chekov is from are comparable to those in San Francisco, and immediately thought about the implications for Chulu.

Chapter 27: Fireflies

Notes:

Italics indicate that sign language is used. Possibly American Sign Language, possibly Russian Sign Language, maybe an amalgam of the two. Also possibly a new signed language used in the 23rd century.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

Daddy! Papa! Look!” Demora signed excitedly before spinning back around, almost dancing as she chased the fireflies through the park.

Her fathers grinned at each other. This was an excellent planet for shore leave with their young daughter. There were plenty of things to hold her interest, and it was perfectly safe so they didn’t have to worry about her.

Demora’s deafhood was not a problem and never would be. But it did mean that they often had to keep a close eye on her in case danger arose and she could not see their warnings. But on Etov, it wasn’t a concern. Demora could explore to her heart’s content without fear.

“I’m glad she’s having fun.” Hikaru remarked.

“Me too,” Pavel responded. “I know she enjoys living on ze ship vis us, but she needs times like zese vhere she can enjoy nature. Somezing real, not projected in a holosuite.”

As Hikaru nodded, Demora appeared in front of them again. “Daddy! Will you sign the firefly song?

Of course, sweetheart.” Hikaru was glad that he had found the old video clip. Demora loved the song about fireflies and wanted to see it often.

Pavel sat down on the mossy grass and set Demora on his lap. “We will watch together.”

Demora grinned at her fathers. “Thank you!

You’re welcome” Hikaru replied. And he began to sign the song. Glad that he could make his daughter happy.

Notes:

The video that inspired this fic is from Sesame Street's 18th season. Featuring Linda Bove and Alaina Reed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87ogPpFLA4g

Chapter 28: Rain

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Pavel Chekov loved the rain. There wasn’t enough rain in space. In fact, there wasn’t any rain in space. Or any other weather. Shore leave was unfortunately rare, as it wasn’t often that they were near a hospitable M-class planet. Pavel enjoyed rain when he could. But that wasn’t often.

Pavel looked up from his musings as his boyfriend entered the room. “I have a surprise for you!”

“Vhat?” Pavel asked, already feeling excited.

“Come and see.”

Pavel followed as Hikaru led him to the holosuite. “I created a program just for you.” He began the program and Pavel gasped.

“Rain! Just like back home in Russia! Hikaru, thank you!”

Hikaru grinned as Pavel hugged him with a great deal of enthusiasm. “You’re welcome. After all, rain was invented in Russia.”

Pavel kissed him. Just to shut him up.

Notes:

I go for months without writing anything for this series and then I knock out a bunch all at once. Only two left!

Chapter 29: Formal

Chapter Text

Hikaru thought that Pavel looked stunning in his dress uniform. Getting to admire his husband almost made up for having to stand around at boring functions and talk to people who were rarely very interesting. At least there was always good music so they had an excuse to dance.

But the best part was when the event was finally over and they were able to return to their quarters. That was when he could really take the time to admire Pavel’s good looks properly.

Pavel giggled. “Hikaru, I am tired. Are you done ‘appreciating’ me yet?”

Hikaru kissed him lightly. “Never. But I suppose you can take your dress uniform off.” He couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease. “I appreciate that even more.”

“Hikaru!”

Chapter 30: Promise

Notes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Hikaru and Pavel’s 1st wedding anniversary passed almost unnoticed. It was in the middle of a week of formal events and receptions for admirals aboard the newly retrofitted Enterprise. The two only had a little bit of time to spend together to celebrate their first year of marriage.

The two sat together in their quarters after the day’s reception had finally ended, talking quietly and kissing.

“Zis year has been vonderful,” Pavel said, leaning into Hikaru as he spoke. “I still cannot get ower ze fact zat I get to call you my husband.”

Hikaru smiled. “Neither can I. Sometimes it still doesn’t seem real. As though I’m going to wake up and realize it was all a dream.”

“It’s not a dream,” Pavel said grining. “Zis is real. We get to spend ze rest of our lives togezer. I know ve can’t promise zat nozing bad vill ewer happen to us. But I vill alvays try to come home to you. I love you, Hikaru.”

Hikaru held him close, "I pledge the same, Pavel. I will always love you. I promise you that."

Notes:

Finally finished! Thanks to everyone who has been reading the stories.

Special thanks to Lalaith_Airfree who has been doing a wonderful job of translating the stories into Chinese. This chapter is dedicated to you.

I don't have any more Chulu fics in the works at this time, but I completely expect that I will fall back into the fandom again in the future and write more things. Chulu is still my OTP of OTPs.