Potted Plant

60

Starsky brings Hutch a plant.

 

Writing prompt: National Houseplant Appreciation Day.

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Starsky jogged up the steps to Hutch’s apartment, whistling a merry tune as he went (and only slightly off-key). He had the morning paper tucked under one arm and was holding a small potted plant in one hand and a small brown bag in the other. When he reached the apartment door, he didn’t bother to knock, just tried the handle and walked on in. He called out to let his partner know he was there and then headed through to the garden room to deposit his items.

Then he went back to the kitchen, poured two mugs of coffee from the gently bubbling pot and carried them back through. By the time Hutch came out of the shower, Starsky was half way through his coffee and well into the sports pages of the paper.

Without looking up, Starsky called, “I poured you a cup.”

Hutch appeared in the doorway and looked at his partner with a bemused expression.

“You’re up early for a day off!”

Starsky looked up and shrugged. “I woke up so I got up. There’s a donut here if you’re interested.”

“Thanks, but no thanks; I already had a healthy breakfast.”

Starsky reached into the bag and pulled out his second donut. “Your loss.”

Only then did Hutch notice the potted plant.

“Hey, what’s this?” he asked as he walked over to the table.

“Oh, I saw that outside a store when I stopped for the donuts. Thought you’d like it.”

Hutch picked up and inspected the purple, pink and green leafed plant.

“It’s a Tradescantia!”

“I’ll take your word for it!”

“Comes from South America. I wonder what variety this is?” Hutch asked no-one in particular as he headed in search of his book on house plants.

Starsky watched his partner with amused fondness as he left the room and came back a few seconds later, nose in book. He settled at the table. Starsky went back to his paper.

After a few minutes, Hutch looked up and said with delight, “Guess what? This is called a Zebrina!”

Starsky looked up. “Really?”

“Yep.”

“Hey, that’s great! Where are you gonna hang it?”

“Over there,” Hutch responded, pointing to a small corner without a plant already in it.

“Good.”

“Thanks Starsk. I love it.”

“You’re welcome,” Starsky said, as he passed Hutch the sports section and moved onto the cartoons and puzzles.

Later they would go out and do something active, but right now they were content to have a slow start to the morning just enjoying each other’s company.