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"Stop fussing, Starsky!"
"I'm not fussing!"
"You are," Hutch stated but then added in a conciliatory tone, "I'm not going to break."
Starsky muttered something under his breath but moved away and went and sat down in the living room, where he could watch his partner watering his plants but not appear as if he was hovering.
Hutch sighed, both at his over-anxious friend and his own lingering weakness. The plague had left him with the energy of a wet dish rag but he did feel better today than yesterday and was determined to accomplish one small task this morning. He turned his attention to his plants, feeling a sense of peace wash over him as he watered, pruned, talked to them and inspected their leaves. He admired the new buds about to open on his orchid and then set the small watering can down in its place near the windowsill.
He settled himself at the table, partly so he could still look at his plants, partly through fatigue. Sighing, he ran a hand over his face and glanced over at his partner, who was studiously avoiding looking at him. He smiled to himself.
"Starsky," he called softly.
"Mmm."
"You can resume fussing now," Hutch said with a smile that was half way between aggravation and thankfulness.
To give him credit, Starsky didn't rush to put his paper down or get to his partner. He folded the Bay City Gazette carefully and then sauntered slowly over; trying not to send a message of 'I told you so,' but to say with actions, "You're doing much better but I'm here when you need me."
"Whadda ya need, Bronco?" Starsky said lightly.
"I need a hand to the couch and then a green tea...please." As Starsky helped him up, Hutch indicated the chess board. "Maybe we could play later, but I need a rest first."
"That's 'cause losing to me is so stressful," Starsky teased.
"In your dreams," Hutch snorted.
It was a weak snort but a snort nonetheless and music to Starsky's ears. If Hutch was feeling well enough to banter all was right with the world.
"As you're so weak, I'll let you win this once," Starsky teased as he settled Hutch onto the couch.
"Let me win? You're in for a hiding."
Starsky shook his head as he went to put the kettle on to boil.
"Better have a loooong sleep if you're going stand any chance, Blintz."
"Hff! Gordo, you couldn't sleep long enough to make any difference to your sorry game!"
Starsky could hear Hutch was tiring so instead of retorting he just grinned at his partner and received one in return. Then Hutch leant back and rested his head on the couch. Starsky made the tea, fully expecting Hutch to be asleep before he could drink it, but was pleasantly surprised when his partner opened his eyes at his approach and took the mug from him.
"Thanks."
Starsky nodded and opened his paper up. He started reading an article to Hutch. Softly. So that his partner could drift off to sleep if he wanted to, but Hutch managed to stay awake. It was progress and both of them could sense a corner had been turned.
Starsky finished reading and looked at Hutch. "Chess?"
"Chess," Hutch said with a smile as he pushed himself off the sofa. "Don't go easy on me," he said softly and Starsky heard the unspoken words: "Let's get back to normal."
"Oh believe me, I won't. You'll be crying into your milkshake later!"
Starsky responded in the manner he knew his partner wanted and was rewarded with a roll of eyes and then a grin.
Life was returning to normal and they were both grateful.