A Simple Task

Starsky tries to open a window and ends up flat on his back.

Challenge Response. The prompt word: Back

Originally posted on A03 under Ugerchucker.

It seemed like such an easy task. Just walk on over to the window and open it. Simple.

The room was feeling stuffy and Starsky wanted some fresh air. Logically, he knew he should wait until Hutch arrived or call for a nurse, but the distance wasn’t big and it seemed like such a silly thing to call a nurse to do. Especially when he could do it himself. Well, in theory. He’d been for a walk twice already. True, he had both a nurse and Hutch holding on to him, but he’d made it out of his room. If he could do that, a simple little trip to the window and back shouldn’t be so hard?

Starsky was already sat up in bed, so all he had to do was swing his legs over the edge. That part was actually pretty easy. It hurt a bit, pulled at his healing muscles, but he’d had more practice at that part. Next he needed to slide his legs onto the floor. This part wasn’t as easy. He had to hope his legs were willing to take his weight. For a moment it looked like they wouldn’t, but after getting his balance and using the bed for support he managed to remain standing. He was half way there. Now he just need to start the journey. One step at a time, just like he’d been doing for years. The first step was unsteady, but he kept his balance. The next step was a little easier. By the third he felt he was getting the hang of it. Who needed a nurse for support, he was really walking now.

Until he wasn’t. His left leg gave out as he set it down and he wobbled. There was nothing to grab for support and he fell flat on his back. The impact knocked the wind out of him and sent shock waves of pain through his whole body.

He lay perfectly still. His back screaming in pain, his lungs screaming for air and his head screaming in frustration.

When he finally caught his breath, he opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling. How was he going to get himself back up? There was no way he could do it on his own, even trying to roll onto his side made him gasp with pain. He’d probably split some stitches, though he couldn’t feel any blood.

So where did that leave him? Wait for a nurse to find him? Wait for Hutch’s visit? What time was it even, could he wait that long? He could also scream for help, but he wasn’t sure his lungs had the strength right now for anyone to hear him.

The one thing he could do quite easily was berate himself for being so stupid. For thinking he was ready to do something as simple as walking on his own. This didn’t get him off the ground.

Someone had to come in soon? He was always being bothered by nurses and therapists throughout the day.

He was getting stiff, the pain was really getting bad. He had to do something.

Fortunately, the person who came to his aid, as they always did, was Hutch. He didn’t spot Starsky at first, but when he rounded the bed his eyes widened in shock at the a sight of his friend laying prone on the floor. He crouched down by Starsky’s side.

“Oh my God, Starsk, what happened?” Hutch asked, his eyes accessing Starsky for damage.

“Oh, I thought I’d just throw myself out the window,” Starsky grumbled through gritted teeth.

“What?” Hutch stopped his checks, satisfied there was no blood and bent down closer to Starsky’s face. “Let me guess. You thought you could get out of bed on your own?”

“Always looked so easy before.”

Hutch sighed deeply. “Well you better pray nothing inside was damaged. Or I’m going to chain you to the bed.”

“I’ve been dreaming about you doing that for weeks.” Starsky tried to smile, but winced instead.

Hutch wasn’t amused. “I’m going to have to call for help.” He stood up and pressed the call button. While he waited he took the duvet off the bed and covered Starsky with it. He crouched back down and held his partners hand.

“Why can’t you just do as you’re told?” Hutch asked, running his hand through Starsky’s curls. His other hand was on Starsky’s wrist, subtly tracking his pulse.

“Maybe I needed a reality check,” Starsky said, looking away from Hutch. “A painful one.”

“I hope it worked.”

“It did.” Starsky sighed and then coughed. “I guess I’m not used to taking things slow.”

“It’s the only way to win this race,” Hutch said. He planted a kiss on Starsky’s forehead. “And it’s a race worth winning.”