Angels (Pavel Chekov)

35 - Apart

Vienna visits him over the next few days. He always seems glad to see her. He doesn't go into much detail about what treatment he's going through but she figures it's because he wants to get his mind away from it for a while when they're together. She feels better as well. She's less anxious knowing that they're working on improving things. She spends time talking to her family, catching up a few friends and working on some hobbies of hers.

On Pavel's second last day in medbay, Vienna goes and finds him with a smile on her face. She notices his door is closed and she can see a doctor in with him through the window. She hangs back a little until the doctor leaves and opens the door a little, asking Pavel if she can come in.

He looks up, a little startled. He nods, she worries about the concern plastered on his face. She takes a seat and asks if he's feeling okay and he just nods.

"We... We need to talk," he says softly, looking up at her. She hates that statement, feeling her stomach tighten as soon as he says it. She urges him to continue and he starts by taking a deep breath. "Vienna, I am still... I am still not yet... I think I need more time to look after my mental health."

"Are you staying here a little longer?"

"Not... Not quite," he says, sounding like he's really struggling to talk to her. "I have a long way to go. I have spent the last few days talking about it and I've decided that I need to fix everything before I continue anything with you."

"Are you breaking up with me?" She blurts out, her heart rate suddenly picking up.

"I'm not breaking up with you," He says, trying to keep his tone steady. "I want to go on a break. I want to spend some time apart."

"What do you mean 'a break'?"

He takes her hand and her chest starts to ache.

"This isn't the end," he says softly. "I just want to spend some time away from each other so I can learn to cope on my own. I was thinking about what you said about space and you're right. The longer I spent away from you the worse I'd get, I can't live like that. I know that... I know this probably isn't what you want. I know this is just messy but..."

"Listen," she says softly, taking both his hands. "I am in love with you. I'll wait for you if I have to. I want you to get better. You're right, this isn't what I want, I'll miss you but if it helps you, then I'm more than willing to try."

He smiles, his eyes a little watery. "I'm so lucky to have you. I don't know how long I'll need but I'll be thinking of you."

She places a kiss on his cheek and gives him a gentle smile. "I'll be thinking of you too, okay? Message me if you need me or when the time is right... I'll still be around."

He squeezes her hand before she stands up and gives her a soft smile. As soon as she leaves the room she's wiping a few tears away. She looks up and sees McCoy in the corridor. He puts her arm around her as she comes closer, leading her into his office.

McCoy already knew what Pavel was thinking before he spoke to Vienna. Pavel brought it up with McCoy, who had just told him to think about it more. Vienna vents all her worries about going on a break and for a while, McCoy just listens.

By the time she finishes, McCoy has a few tissues for her and she takes them, thanking him for listening.

"Don't think for a second he doesn't appreciate you. For the past few days all I've heard from him is how lucky he is to have you and how much he loves you."

Vienna looks up, a little surprised by the information. "Really? He's been saying that?"

McCoy nods and Vienna smiles, glad to know he thinks of her like that. The Doctor asks if she'll be alright for the next little while and she nods. They start class at the end of the week and she thinks it'll be a lot less bearable without her best friend/ boyfriend around.

(Author's Note)

I really need to stop accidentally publishing chapters whoops