The Range

Starsky needs to requalify in order to get back on the force.

A/N: Answer to a 20 minute fic challenge to use the words: Point, Flex. And yes, it is another post SR fic. I can’t help myself.

Starsky aimed and fired off six rounds. He took off the protective head phones and turned to face Hutch.

“Think you can beat that?”

Hutch said nothing, but stepped up to take his turn. Starsky watched. Hutch’s right hand hung empty by his side, waiting for the simulation to start. It took a moment for Starsky to notice what was happening—so focused had he been on his need to requalify. Hutch’s fingers were trembling—as if he were a palsied old man rather than a man in prime physical condition in his mid-30s.

Hutch’s fingers flexed, his hand forming into a tight fist and then releasing. But still—those tremors. He saw the way Hutch squared his shoulders—a solider going into battle, the way Hutch shifted his weight, so subtle. But they’d been partners for years. He knew every movement of Hutch’s body—the little things showing Hutch’s mood, the tightening of his jaw, the tilt of his head, the smile that was just for show, the one for joy, the way he walked and ran and breathed. That was one thing even Gunther hadn’t been able to take from him.

Hutch moved to put on the hearing protection.

“Hutch,” Starsky said, low enough that Lieutenant Garrison didn’t hear. “Stop.”

“I can do this,” Hutch said. “I can do this.”

“Look at me,” Starsky said and waited, held his breath until Hutch did as he commanded.

“I can do it.” Hutch’s jaw was tight—the way it got when he wanted to be right.

“You don’t have to.” Starsky took two steps, placed his hand over Hutch’s, felt the tremors, the cold of his skin. “Not for me. Not ever.”

Hutch pointed at the first target. “Who’s gonna protect you out there if I don’t?” His voice cracked on the last word.

Starsky always wanted to be a cop, just like his old man. Now? Now he wanted something more. He wanted to be with Hutch—no matter where that took them. And if the price of having Hutch meant he had to not be a cop—well it was worth it.

Starsky took the hearing protection from around Hutch’s neck, handed it along with his own and the goggles to Garrison.

“We’re done here,” he said. Garrison nodded—understanding in his eyes.

“Let’s go home,” Starsky said as Hutch followed him silently from the range. “We gotta talk about where we go from here.”

Chapter End Notes:

Although I’ve labeled this as gen, I’m firmly convinced that when they get to Starsky or Hutch’s apartment Starsky’s going to tell–and show–Hutch just how much he loves him. But I ran out of time!