Fanworksathon Fic: The Ashes Left Behind
Hikaru looked blankly at the screen of his PADD, his thoughts, as usual, were far away from his work. It had only been two weeks since he was given leave before his next assignment and he was already feeling uneasy. Instead of taking a much needed break to relax before he shipped out once again, Hikaru had decided to guest lecture at the Academy for a few advanced Xenobotany classes. His favourite teacher, whom he had kept in contact with since his own Academy days, had asked if he would talk to his graduate research assistants. Hikaru had agreed immediately, although now while staring at the few lines he had managed to write for his lecture, he realized that his heart just wasn't in it. This was his first real vacation in 5 years and he wondered to himself why he agreed so freely to give up his time to more work. Hikaru smirked to himself, already knowing the answer.
Sighing, Hikaru put down his PADD. Standing, he stretched his arms over his head and paced the room, trying to relax his muscles. His mind drifted until an alert from his PADD drew him back. Walking to his desk, he sat down before answering.
"Admiral Martin, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Hikaru cringed at his words, he always sounded so pleasing when speaking to Martin. In truth the man was somewhat terrifying.
"Sulu, It has been decided by Starfleet High Command that you deserve a promotion." Admiral Martin looked purposefully at Hikaru, his face like bark of an old oak tree, weathered with deep lines. "We are offering you your own ship."
Hikaru's mouth dropped. This was the last thing he had expected but it had always been something he had hoped would happen since starting Starfleet. My own ship. The thought confused him.
"This is good news Commander Sulu." Admiral Martin said, giving Sulu a curious look. "I believed you had been working toward this for a very long time."
"Yes, of course. I’m honoured that Starfleet believes me ready and capable." Hikaru recovered, smiling shortly.
"We hoped you would begin as soon as possible but understand you may want some time to visit with family." Admiral Martin continued, looking down at the PADD in front of him as he spoke.
Hikaru remained quiet for a time, watching Admiral Martin scan his work. "I - is it possible to take some time before officially accepting."
"Of course. You are on leave until a decision has been made." Leaning closer, Admiral Martin added with a firm smile, "We would, however, like a decision as soon as possible."
Sulu gave a small shake of his head, his mouth suddenly dry.
"Martin out." The screen of his PADD went black.
Scratching the back of his neck, Hikaru closed his eyes, the tension in his shoulders causing his head to swim. The surprise had worn off but instead of being replaced with excitement, he felt like a black hole was forming in his stomach. Looking down at his PADD, he quickly did what he always did when things felt like too much. He knew he would punish himself later for this but the thought passed quickly once the screen of his PADD lit up.
"Pavel." He whispered softly, the name hanging in the air around him.
He had promised himself that he wouldn't. He also knew he was a liar. Picking up the PADD, Hikaru walked toward his bed. Tracing a finger over the bright image in front of him, Sulu sank onto the side of his bed and placed the PADD next to him. This is it. He looked at the bright smile in the picture and placed his hands on his thighs. No more than this. He thought of how his curls use to feel between his fingers. He thought of his small body and strong legs. He thought of his tongue and the taste of his mouth.
"Fuck," He whispered, his hand hot between his legs.
Part 2