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Hutch woke up; aware that something was wrong, he just wasn't quite sure what. He'd had weird dreams that had left him unsettled and he felt like he hadn't slept for a week. Maybe that was all it was. Fortunately, it was Saturday so he didn't have to go anywhere.
His stomach rumbled so he sat up, intending to get some breakfast. Instead, he was wracked with a bout of coughing and then forced to head straight to the bathroom to cough up all the mucus that had settled on his chest overnight.
"Great, just great," he muttered as he staggered back to the bedroom and crawled back under the covers. He rolled his eyes at the ceiling as he moaned to himself, "I know I said we share everything, Gordo, but I could have done without your cough."
He knew he needed to get started on all the home remedies he had suggested to his friend, like ginger tea, lemon and honey, breathing in steam and plenty of fluids, but he didn't feel like moving again just yet. Ever since the plague, a simple cold seemed like a big deal, sapping him of his energy.
The phone rang. He knew he had to answer it in case it was his partner. Otherwise, speed limits would be broken across Bay City and he didn't want to be the cause of a possible accident.
He heaved himself out of bed, trying to hold his breath so he wouldn't cough and staggered through to the living room, flopping onto the sofa and reaching for the phone.
"Hey, what took ya so long? Did I wake ya?"
The question was asked with glee rather than sympathy but the tone quickly changed when all Hutch could do in response was cough.
"Oh no, have you caught my cough?"
"Yep." Even that small attempt at speaking set off another bout of coughing.
"I'll be right over. Go back to bed."
"Okay...Don't speed... It's just...a cough," Hutch managed to gasp out.
"'k, go rest. I'll see ya soon."
Hutch put down the phone and looked around, thinking. He went into the kitchen, grabbed a wooden chair and carried it through to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He turned on the shower and then sat down.
After a few minutes, his chest felt easier so he turned off the shower and returned to bed. Moments later, Starsky came through the front door. He peered in at the bedroom doorway and Hutch saw he was carrying a brown paper bag.
"How ya doing?"
"A little better. I've been breathing in steam."
Starsky nodded approval. "Good idea. Well, stay put now and let me play nursemaid."
Hutch rolled his eyes, but nevertheless said, "Yes," when Starsky asked if he wanted him to get him some breakfast.
A few minutes later, Starsky returned carrying a tray covered with various items: orange juice, a bowl of chopped fruit and ginger tea for Hutch and a coffee and bagel for himself. He handed Hutch his breakfast, pulled a paper from his back pocket and sat on the edge of the bed.
"I need your help with the crossword."
"Okay."
"What do Germans and Austrians call Shrove Tuesday? Nine letters. I got no idea what Shrove Tuesday is so I got no clue."
Hutch snorted. "Every year, I try and explain the origins of Shrove Tuesday and every year you forget. It's the same day as Fat Tuesday."
"Then why don't they just say Fat Tuesday?"
"Because it's not really called...never mind. You're never going to remember!...I think the answer might be Fastnacht. Does it fit?"
"How d'ya spell it?"
Hutch patiently spelt the word and it did indeed fit.
"How d'ya know that?"
"I don't know."
Starsky could see his friend was tiring so he gathered up the empty plate, bowl and cups.
"Get some rest. I'll go watch TV. Shout if you need anything."
"Okay. Thanks."
Starsky nodded.
"Any chance you'd make me a protein shake later?"
Starsky sighed. "I s'pose. If you must have one."
Hutch grinned. "It will help in my recovery." This was followed by a cough.
Starsky couldn't do anything but acquiesce. "All right, but you'll have to make sure I get the moss to monkey brain ratio correct."
Hutch chuckled then coughed. "Don't make me laugh."
Starsky grinned. "Get some rest."
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
A few minutes later, Hutch could hear Starsky watching some awful monster movie and talking to the characters. He thought about asking him to quieten down but decided the sound was comforting. Soon, he was sound asleep.