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Thin Ice

By

Cheryl T

Despite the fact that Starsky preferred the warm sun of California to the Duluth cold, he had to admit he did enjoy sitting in front of a roaring fire, watching the snow fall.  Normally, he probably would have fought the idea of a trip to Duluth in the wintertime, but Hutch had needed this trip.  The last few months had taken their toll on his partner.  On both of them really, but more so on Hutch. 

Lately Hutch seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.  Starsky knew for a fact that Hutch wasn't eating or sleeping the way he should be, and they had handled some rough cases lately.  So after convincing both Dobey and Hutch that they needed some time off, he had urged his partner to choose somewhere he’d like to go.  It had taken a bit of work to convince Hutch they should go away, but in the end, Hutch had finally chosen his grandfather’s farm. 

They had arrived the previous morning.  Yesterday, the sun had been shining and the temperatures were on the warm side.  Warm for Duluth in February, anyway--at least that’s what Hutch had told Starsky.  But warm for Duluth was not necessarily warm to Starsky. 

But even Starsky had to admit he had enjoyed yesterday.  They had gotten their exercise by trudging through the snow for hours.  Hutch had been eager to show Starsky around the farm, and he hadn’t let a few inches of snow stop him.  They had been to the various barns and up in the hayloft, down to the lake, and then around to the tree house his grandfather had built when Hutch was seven.  That night, the exhausted men had sat by the fireplace, enjoying the warmth of the fire, sharing childhood memories, and eating popcorn. 

But today was a another story.  The temperature had dropped, and snow was quickly falling--and accumulating.  The plan was to stay inside by the fire and play some board games.  While Starsky looked through the stack of games, Hutch had gone outside to bring in more wood for the fire.

After checking out all of the games, Starsky chose their standby favorite--Monopoly.  Tossing another log onto the fire, he stood looking out the window, wondering what was taking Hutch so long.  The snow seemed to be falling even harder and faster than it had been earlier. 

After making some hot chocolate, Starsky began to get really worried.  Hutch shouldn’t have been gone more than five or ten minutes.  He’d just gone out to the barn for an armload of wood.  Looking out the window in the back door, he could barely see the barn through all and blowing snow. 

Having gone from mild concern to almost frantic, Starsky pulled on a pair of boots and bundled himself up in his heavy coat.  Then grabbing a hat and gloves, he was out the door.

Damn, it’s like a blizzard out here.  Starsky struggled with each step; the snow was much deeper than it had been yesterday.  At this rate, I’ll never get to the barn. 

“Hutch!  Hutch, can you hear me?  Where are you?”  If there was any reply it was drowned out by the sound of the wind that was quickly sending the snow into deep drifts, which caused Starsky to stumble with each step.  The temperature must have dropped again.  My fingers are getting numb from the cold. 

After what seemed like hours, Starsky finally reached the barn.  Getting the barn door open was going to be a challenge.  The snow had drifted against the door, making it nearly impossible to open.  “Hutch!  Hutch!”  Damn it.  Managing to get the door partway open, Starsky stuck his head in and looked around.  No sign of his partner.  “Hutch, are you in here?”  Giving the door another shove, Starsky forced his body inside, but again no luck.  Hutch, where the hell are you?

After getting the barn door secured behind him, Starsky once again stood outside in the whirling snow.  Okay, partner, where did you go?  Starsky looked in the direction of the lake Hutch had shown him yesterday.  I don’t know why you’d wander down to the lake, but I guess I better check it out. 

Starsky was almost to the shoreline when he heard faint cries coming from the direction of the lake.  “Starsk…help.”  Hutch.  Starsky cursed the snow as he tried to increase his speed, only to stumble and fall repeatedly.  The faster he tried to get to the lake, the more he stumbled.  Goddamn snow.  We should've stayed home where it’s warm.

“Hutch!  Hutch, I’m coming.  Hold on.”  Starsky was nearly sobbing as he got to the edge of the lake.  He realized Hutch had fallen into the lake and was struggling to grasp hold of the ice on either side of him.

“Hutch, hang on, I’ll get you.”  Starsky looked around frantically, not sure how to get to Hutch without both of them ending up in the icy water.  Think, damn it, think!  I don’t have time to think; I’ve got to get Hutch out of that cold water--now!

Starsky began to slowly inch his way out onto the ice, holding his breath with each tiny step he took.  So far so good.  Realizing his luck wouldn’t hold for long, he eased himself down onto the ice until he was lying on his stomach.  He began to slowly move toward Hutch. 

“Starsk…”  Hutch’s voice sounded weak and was trembling from the cold.

“I’m coming, Hutch, just take it easy.  I’ll have you out of there in no time.”  Starsky snaked closer to where Hutch was barely keeping his head above the water.  I can do this.  I need something he can grab on to so I can pull him out.  Something long enough to reach him and sturdy enough that it won’t break.  Starsky looked around frantically, knowing that every minute counted.  He briefly considered going back to the barn, but he knew he couldn't leave Hutch.  His eyes scanned the area, becoming more frantic with each passing second.  He almost screamed with relief when he spotted a large tree branch that had broken loose from a tree due to the weight of the ice on it.  “Hutch, there’s a tree branch over there, I’m gonna get it so we’ll have something for you to hold onto.  Hold on, buddy.  I’ll be right back and we’ll get you out of there.”  Not waiting for a response from Hutch, he began to slowly move toward the branch, resisting the urge to run.  I’ve got to get him out of there and fast.

Once off the ice, Starsky wasted no time.  He grabbed hold of the tree branch and began dragging it back to the icy lake.  He was relieved to find the branch was long and pretty sturdy.  “How you doing, buddy?” Starsky asked, as he snaked the branch out to where Hutch was.  “We’re gonna get you out of that water and back by the fireplace, where I’m gonna kick your butt in a game of Monopoly.  I just need you to grab the branch and hold on tight.  I’ll do all the work.”

Hutch managed a feeble nod as Starsky began pulling Hutch from the frigid water.  Each time Starsky heard the ice crack beneath them, he stopped and held his breath.  “Okay, Hutch, we can do this.”  Starsky inched backward, trembling with fear.  Several times, he feared that Hutch’s hands would slip and he’d fall back into the icy water.  “Come on, we’re almost there.  I’ve got ya, buddy.  I’m not gonna let go.”  I can’t lose him. 

Both men were nearing exhaustion by the time Hutch had been pulled free of the water.  “Hutch, are you okay?  Are you hurt?  Hutch, talk to me.  Is anything broken?”  A distraught Starsky was gently running his hands over Hutch’s cold, trembling body.

“I-I don’t…think…anything’s…broken,” Hutch stammered.  “I-I’m…just…so cold…and so…tired.”   

“I know; I'll try to get you out of here and warmed up as fast as I can.  We just have to make it off the ice and back to the house.”  Starsky’s mind raced, trying to remember what he knew about hypothermia, as he watched his partner shake from the cold. 

Hutch’s voice was barely a whisper.  “I-I don’t think I can go any farther.”

“It’s called teamwork, partner.  Together we can do it.  And we have to get you back to the house as quickly as possible.” 

The sound of ice cracking behind them reminded Starsky they had no time to lose.  He managed to get both of them on their feet and, slinging an arm around Hutch’s waist, began the slow, arduous task of getting them off the ice.  Starsky was colder than he could ever remember being, and he knew Hutch had to be nearly frozen.  Once they stepped on shore, Starsky said, “Hey, don’t get the wrong idea here, but I think we should get that wet jacket and shirt off of you.  We need to get you into something dry.” 

“I-I don’t think I can,” Hutch mumbled as his teeth chattered.

“You don’t have to do anything; I’ll take care of it.”  Getting the wet clothing off Hutch was not an easy task.  Just keeping him on his feet was a challenge.  When he finally had removed Hutch’s shirt and jacket, Starsky quickly shed his own warm and mostly dry jacket and quickly shoved Hutch’s arms into the sleeves and zipped it up.  Next, he removed the wet knit cap Hutch had been wearing, and replaced it with his own.  “There, that should warm you up a little.  We better get moving and get you next to a nice, warm fire.”  Hutch nodded but didn’t say anything.

Starsky held on tightly to his stumbling partner as they pushed through the drifting snow.  It didn’t show any signs of letting up any time soon.  Without his jacket, Starsky was shivering almost as much as his partner.  The sight of the old weathered barn was a welcome sight to Starsky.  “There’s the barn.  Won’t be long now.” 

The only reply from Hutch was a soft groan.  Hutch was almost dead weight, and Starsky, stumbling through the snow, was practically pulling his partner along with him.  Several times he nearly fell, causing him to struggle to hold onto his precious load.

Just when Starsky was sure he couldn’t take another step, the farmhouse came into view.  He couldn’t hold back a sigh of relief.  “Hutch, we made it.” 

Once inside the house, Starsky wasted no time getting Hutch out of his cold, wet clothes.  He was worried about his partner.  He knew Hutch had been completely submerged in freezing water for several minutes.  He was conscious but seemed dazed and a bit lost.  The few words Hutch had uttered as Starsky stripped away his clothing had been slurred and had made little sense. 

Starsky swore softly when he discovered Hutch’s chest was bruised and scraped from falling through the ice.  “Damn.”  But it was the violent uncontrollable shivering that really worried Starsky.  It was evident Hutch was suffering from hypothermia.  He should be in a hospital.  But there’s no way I’m going to be able to get him there through all this snow.  It would be pointless and dangerous to even try.  So I’m gonna have to take care of him the best I can.  Starsky was again trying to recall what he’d learned about hypothermia.

After wrapping Hutch in a blanket from the couch, Starsky tossed another log onto the fire.  “I’ll be right back.  We need to get you into some warm clothes.”  He patted Hutch’s arm, attempting an encouraging smile.

As he turned toward the bedroom, he heard Hutch’s faint words.  “Star…sk…I’m gonna…be sick.” 

Hutch, clutching the blanket that had been wrapped around him, slid to his knees and began to vomit, making strangled retching sounds.  Starsky was instantly at his partner’s side, putting a supporting arm around him.  

“Guess, you swallowed a little too much of that lake water, huh?”  He gently rubbed Hutch’s back as he waited for him to finish.  Then he pulled him back, easing him into the chair by the fireplace.  “Feel better?”  Starsky pulled the blanket tighter around the shivering blond. 

“I’m sorry.”  Hutch whispered the words, his teeth chattering from cold.  “I’m so sorry.”  Hutch sagged against Starsky, demonstrating just how weak and exhausted he was.

“Hey, it’s okay.  I’ll clean this up, once we get you warm.”  Starsky nodded at the mess on the floor.  “Let’s get you changed and into bed.”

Once in the bedroom, Starsky managed to get Hutch into some thermal long johns and a pair of flannel pajamas he’d found in a drawer.  Hutch had silently obeyed, lifting his arm or leg, whatever Starsky directed him to do. 

“All we have to do now is get your feet into these socks and get you under the covers here while I make us some hot soup.  How’s that sound?”  Finished with the socks, Starsky patted Hutch’s leg.  “Come on, under the covers.”  He slid a couple of pillows behind Hutch’s head and pulled the blankets up around him.  “I’ll go get that soup now.”  He looks terrible.  Half frozen and shaking

Once in the kitchen, Starsky removed the rest of his outerwear he hadn’t bothered with before, and put some water on for tea.  The warmth of the kitchen felt good.  He opened a couple of cans of soup, then made some tea. 

Waiting for the soup to heat up, Starsky sank down onto a chair.  Now he was the one trembling--not from the cold, but from the stark fear that was gripping him.  He didn’t think he’d ever forget the sound of the Hutch’s weak cries for help.  He hadn’t had time to think about anything but getting Hutch out of the icy water before, but now the realization of how close he had come to losing Hutch was hitting him full force.  And it scared the hell out of him.  What if I'd gone out to look for him ten minutes later?  It would've been too late.  Hutch would be gone…

Starsky’s fear quickly turned to anger.  What the hell were you thinking, Hutch?  Damn you, you could've been killed.  Getting to his feet, Starsky pushed aside the fear and anger he was feeling.  The important thing was that Hutch was safe now, but needed to be tended to.  And who better to care for him than his devoted friend and partner?  Filling a mug with some hot soup, Starsky grabbed a spoon and some napkins.  Okay, Hutchinson, I’ll read you the riot act later.  For now, I’ll just take care of you and love you, like best friends do.

“So, you ready for some nice hot soup?”  Starsky sat the mugs of soup on the night table.

Still shivering, Hutch nodded.

“Here, let me give you a hand.”  After helping Hutch sit up, Starsky draped another blanket around the shivering man’s shoulders. 

“I hope you don’t mind if I feed you.  Your hands aren’t exactly steady right now.”  Starsky pointed at Hutch’s shaky hold on the blankets.

Looking down at his hands, Hutch managed a faint smile. 

“Okay then, that’s settled.  Now open wide.”  Starsky brandished the spoon, giving Hutch a wink.

Hutch dutifully opened his mouth and allowed Starsky to feed him.  The hot soup not only tasted good, but also had some of the desired warming effect.  Hutch was almost convinced he might actually be warm again and stop the shivering.  But after only a few bites, he shook his head, refusing any more of the hot liquid. 

“You can’t be full already.” 

Hutch’s only response was to lay his head back against the pillows propped behind him.

“Okay, you can have more soup later.  I’ll be right back.”

Searching through the linen closet, Starsky located a hot-water bottle and headed for the kitchen.  Filling the bottle with warm water, he headed back to his patient.  “I found a hot water bottle; this should help warm you up.”  Pulling the covers off a protesting Hutch, Starsky placed the hot water bottle inside the thermal underwear Hutch was wearing, and positioned it in the area of Hutch’s groin.  “How’s that feel?” Starsky asked as he slid into the bed, snuggling up tightly against the shivering body of his partner.  Hutch sighed and allowed himself to be engulfed in Starsky’s warm embrace.  “Nothing like a hot water bottle and some body heat to warm you up.” 

Once his partner’s shivering had subsided, Starsky slid quietly out of the bed.  He’d been unable to sleep and now sat quietly in a chair near the window, watching the snow continue to fall.  Any other time, he probably would have enjoyed watching the falling snow.  But today, he wished he were back in sunny Bay City.  Turning away from the window, he focused on his sleeping partner.  He knew he had to shake the fear that seemed to have such a tight gripe on him.  It’s over.  He’s going to be fine.  Unless...

“Starsk...”

“Hey, you’re awake.”  Starsky was instantly on his feet.  “What can I do for you?  You ready for some more soup?”

“Yeah, I’m awake and I feel better,” Hutch said barely above a whisper as his eyes closed again.  Seconds later, the eyes opened and Hutch said, “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, Hutch.” 

“No, it’s not.  I don’t like to see you looking so worried.”

A momentary look of guilt crossed Starsky’s face.  “I can’t seem to help it.”  His voice started to break.  “I’d sure feel a lot better if I could take you to the nearest hospital.  But the snow just keeps coming down, and I doubt we could even make it out of the driveway.”  Starsky’s voice sounded tired.

“It’s okay, Starsk, I’m fine.  Nothing for you to worry about.”  As much as Hutch wanted to crawl under the blankets, close his eyes, and forget about the terrifying events of the morning, he knew he couldn’t do that.  He knew he wasn’t the only one who had been terrified.

“Nothing for me to be worried about?  You fall through the ice into freezing water during a snowstorm, and there’s nothing for me to worry about?  You’re suffering from hypothermia, and it’ll be a miracle if you don’t come down with pneumonia.”

“Yeah, I did fall through the ice, and, yes, I probably have mild hypothermia.  Mild, Starsk, I’m not dying.  Look on the bright side--we don’t have to go out in this weather.  We can sit tight until the snow stops and the roads are cleared.”  Hutch reached out and squeezed Starsky’s hand.  “Thanks.”

“Thanks for what?”  Starsky was relieved to feel some warmth in Hutch’s hand.

“Oh, you know, that little thing you did out there in the cold and snow.”  Hutch shivered just remembering his close call.

Grabbing another blanket from the foot of the bed, Starsky quickly added to the pile already covering Hutch.  “Are you warming up any?”

“Yeah, I think I’m beginning to thaw out.  Thanks to you, partner.”  Hutch tried to move into a sitting position, but groaned as pain flared around his ribs.

“Hutch, you’re in pain.”

“Yeah, a little.”  Hutch grimaced.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just a little sore, I guess.”  Hutch ran his hand across his chest.

“I saw some bruising when I took your shirt off.  Maybe I should take another look.”

“No, I think I just want to stay under the covers and sleep a little.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, I’m sure.  I’ve had worse bruises before.  Nothing’s broken, just a little sore.  Relax.”

“Relax, huh?  I’ll try, but no promises.”  Starsky smiled for the first time since Hutch had walked out the door that morning.  “I’ll take care of the dishes.  Are you sure I can’t get you anything?”

“Nope, I don’t need a thing.  Thanks, Starsky.”

“Any time, partner.”

After having some soup and a cup of tea, Starsky went back to the bedroom to look in on Hutch.  The blankets covered his head, leaving only a few strands of blond hair visible.  A quick peek under the blanket showed him that Hutch was sleeping and his color looked a little better.

Starsky found himself tempted by the cozy-looking bed.  A quick hot shower, some warm long johns, and a nice nap sound pretty good.

Fifteen minutes later, Starsky, trying very hard not to disturb his sleeping partner, once again slid under the warm blankets and snuggled up close to Hutch.  As good as a nap had sounded earlier, he was still unable to sleep.  His mind kept going over and over the events of the morning.  First, he was angry at Hutch for going out on the lake, and then he shifted to sheer terror over the thought of what might have been if he hadn’t gone looking for Hutch.  Lastly, he felt a twinge of guilt.  He’d been the one to urge Hutch to get away for a while.  This wouldn’t have happened back in warm and sunny Bay City. 

Starsky was eventually lulled to sleep, secure in the knowledge that his partner was warm and breathing right next to him.

It was late in the afternoon when Starsky opened his eyes.  The sight of Hutch buried under a pile of blankets with only a few strands of blond hair showing quickly reminded him of the close call they had had.  He was relieved to see that Hutch seemed to be sleeping peacefully.  Sliding out from under the covers, Starsky stretched and wandered to the window.  Still snowing.  I guess it’s not the end of the world, though.  Like Hutch said, we don’t have to go out and deal with it.  We can just sit in front of the fire.

Hearing his stomach growl, Starsky turned away from the window.  Should I have a late lunch, or start an early dinner?  Maybe a sandwich while I’m cooking dinner.  Before leaving the room, Starsky made sure Hutch was still sound asleep.  Sleep tight, buddy.

They had stopped for groceries on the way from the airport, so the cupboards and refrigerator were well stocked.  After making a sandwich for himself, Starsky put a chicken in the oven and made a salad for dinner.  He hoped Hutch would be hungry when he woke up.

After watching the snow fall for a few minutes, Starsky turned on the old black-and-white TV that sat in the corner of the living room.  The weather report confirmed what he already knew--it was still snowing.  The good news was that it was expected to stop within a couple of hours.  The fire in the fireplace had just about died out, so Starsky stoked what was left of the fire and added a couple more logs.  Hutch never did get that load of wood.  If we’re going to be snowed in here, we might as well have a fire to sit beside. 

Starsky peeked in on Hutch and then pulled on his heavy outerwear.  Bracing himself, Starsky opened the door and headed out into the snow.  More snow had accumulated since his earlier walk to the barn that morning in search of Hutch.  But this trip was easier just knowing Hutch was inside, safe and warm.

Twenty minutes later, a tired Starsky had managed to bring in two loads of wood.  As he stacked the final logs next to the fireplace, he looked up to find Hutch standing in the doorway watching him.

“Hey, come and sit by the fire.”  Starsky grabbed a blanket from the couch and put it around Hutch as he directed him toward the couch.  “How you feeling?”

“I was worried about you when I realized you were gone.”

“Worried about me?  No need for that.  Boy Scout that I am, I went out to get us some wood,” Starsky joked.

“Boy Scout?”  Hutch resisted the usual tease.  “Don’t underestimate yourself, partner.  You’re much better than any Boy Scout.  I wouldn’t be sitting here right now if it weren't for you.”

“Well, I couldn’t very well leave you out there, could I?  That would leave Dobey shorthanded.”

“Good point.”  Hutch slowly got to his feet.  “I think I’ll go back to bed for a while.”

“You okay?”  Starsky was suddenly serious, his concern for Hutch once again taking over.

“Just tired and still kind of cold.  Nothing to worry about, Starsk.”

“Maybe you need something to eat.  You hungry?  I’ve got a chicken in the oven that should be ready soon.”

“I’m not really hungry, Starsk.  Maybe later.”  A tired-looking Hutch slowly trudged off toward the bedroom.

Starsky watched his partner's weary retreat to the bedroom with a sinking feeling.  Glancing out the window and seeing the snow still falling steadily didn’t help matters.

By the time the chicken was done, Starsky found he didn’t have much of an appetite either.  The house was so quiet, it was almost unnerving.  This was not the trip they had planned, that was for sure.  We could've just taken a few days off and stayed home, took in a couple of movies, and played some Monopoly.  Lots of safe things we could've done. 

By the time darkness had fallen, the snow had slowed to a just a few flakes floating through the air.  When Starsky wasn’t checking on his sleeping partner, he kept himself busy with a jigsaw puzzle he had found while looking for extra blankets.  The old black-and-white TV had been left on, and Starsky watched on and off as The Rookies did their job of fighting crime. 

Despite the TV and puzzle, Starsky’s mind never wandered too far from his sleeping partner and the close call of the morning.  Hearing a couple of sneezes come from the bedroom, Starsky was immediately at his partner’s side.

One look at Hutch, and Starsky knew Hutch’s fall into the cold lake water was going to have some lingering effects on his him.  Starsky placed a hand lightly on Hutch’s forehead.  “Yep, you’re running a fever.  I’ll get the aspirin and some juice.”  Pausing at the door, Starsky couldn’t resist saying, “I knew this was going to happen.”

“Starsky, it’s not pneumonia...”  Hutch’s voice trailed off as he realized Starsky wasn’t listening to him.  He had gone in search of a thermometer. 

Starsky entered the room and placed a glass of juice, a bottle of aspirin, and a box of tissues on the bedside table.  Thermometer in hand, he advanced closer to Hutch.  “Okay, let’s check your temperature.”  When Hutch opened his mouth to voice a protest, Starsky quickly slid the thermometer in place.  “Close your mouth.”

“Now, here’s what we’re gonna do.  You’re gonna take some aspirin and drink lots of fluids.  Then in the morning, I’m gonna shovel the snow out of the driveway so we’ll be able to get out and get you to a doctor.  The snow has stopped and the snowplows will soon be out.  So all we have to do is keep your fever down until we can get you to a doctor.”

Taking the thermometer out of his mouth, Hutch handed it to Starsky.  “I’m not going to see a doctor.  It’s only a little cold.”

“And if it’s not just a cold?” Starsky questioned as he checked the thermometer.

“Look, if my temperature should go up drastically and I lapse into a coma, then you can take me to a doctor.  And only then.”  Hutch’s tone was sarcastic, and it was clear to Starsky that he wasn’t feeling well.

“You’re getting cranky, which proves to me how bad you’re feeling.”

“Starsk,” Hutch again attempted to protest.

“Hutch, damn it, quit behaving like a child.  Here, drink this juice and take the aspirin.”  Starsky waited for Hutch to swallow the aspirin.  “Finish the juice.” 

“You’re getting cranky, too, Starsk.  And that means you’re worried.” 

“Guess we know each other pretty well, huh?” 

“Yeah, I’d say we do, partner.  Look, I know you’ve been worried since I fell through the ice.  And I understand that.  But, Starsk, it’s over.  I’m okay.” 

“Sorry, but I can’t help worrying.”

“I know.”  Hutch stayed quiet for a few minutes and allowed Starsky to fuss over him, pulling up the blankets and once again placing his hand on Hutch’s warm forehead. 

Breaking his silence, Hutch said, “I’m so sorry, Starsky.  I honestly don’t know what I was thinking.  I know better than to walk out onto ice like that.  Especially after a few warm days like there have been here.”  Hutch’s voice broke slightly.  “I put you in danger out there today.  I never intended to do that.  I did something really stupid and I’m sorry, Starsk.”

“You’re right, it was stupid.  And as soon as you’re feeling better I want to hear all about what made you take a chance like that.” 

“It was just childish behavior that made me walk out onto the ice.  Sort of a trip down memory lane, I guess you could say.  I was looking out at the lake, remembering the good times I’d had, skating and just sliding around on the ice when I was a kid.  Next thing I knew, I was walking out onto the ice.  I guess you know the rest of the story.”

“Reliving your childhood?  I guess I can understand that.  Like you said, it’s over and we’re both okay.”

“Does that mean I’m forgiven?”

“Almost forgiven.”

“Almost?” 

“Yeah, I’ll forgive you once I’m completely sure you’re okay.”

“Fair enough, Starsk.  You’ll see, I’ll be just fine in a few days.”

“So does that mean we’ll be going ice skating soon?” Starsky teased.  “Maybe some ice fishing?”

“Watch it, buddy, you’re skating on thin ice here,” Hutch joked as he reached for a tissue.  “I’m going to need to be pampered for a few days.  Waited on hand and foot, that sort of thing.”  Hutch sneezed and reached for more tissues.

“You have it all figured out, huh?  All I have to do is take real good care of you for a few days?”

“That’s the way I see it.  With a little TLC from you, I’ll be good as new in no time.”

“You will, huh?  Well, partner, I’d say you’re the one on thin ice now.” 

“Guess we’re on thin ice together then.”

“Something tells me it’s gonna be a long couple of days.”

“Probably, but just remember, this trip was your idea.”  Hutch gave his partner a smile as he rolled over, pulling the covers up around his head.

The End