"It's getting late." Hutch said softly to the brunet, who was lying on his lap watching the black and white thriller.

"So?" Starsky threw a piece of popcorn in the air. Before it fell in his mouth, Hutch caught it.

"Don't do that," He warned, "You could choke."

"Yes mom." Starsky joked taking back the popcorn kernel.

"You wanna go to bed?" Hutch asked.

"Aw Hutch," Starsky whined, "Let's finish watching the movie."

"Well, we gotta be up early tomorrow," Hutch stretched, "You're going to back at the precinct on desk duty."

Starsky was silent.

"Did ya hear me?" Hutch looked down at his brother.

"Yeah." Starsky sighed.

"What's wrong buddy?" Hutch caressed his friend's cheek with the back of his fingers.

"Nothing." Starsky sat up.

"Starsk," Hutch sighed, "I know you better than that. Something's obviously bothering you. Please tell what it is?"

Starsky took the remote and flicked off the TV.

"I'm… I just don't think I'm ready to head back to work yet, blintz."

"Why?" Hutch shifted closer to his partner so that their shoulders touched, "Are you still feeling sick?"

"No," Starsky replied, "I just…I'm not ready yet."

Hutch stared at his friend wandering what he could do to help. The emotional turmoil they had both suffered when Starsky had been poisoned was unbearable.

"There's more to it than that, buddy." Hutch slipped his arm around his brother and pulled him close, so that the brunet's head was resting comfortably on his shoulder.

Starsky remained silent and Hutch guessed.

"Starsk…are you scared something like this will happen again?"

Tears filled Starsky's indigo eyes as he swallowed back a sob. He just nodded.

"Aw babe," Hutch pulled Starsky in his arms, "You got nothing to worry about. Everything's gonna be ok."

"I know it's not gonna happen again," Starsky cried, "But….what if something worse happens?"

"Shhh," Hutch soothed rocking him gently, "Don't think like that. I promise I won't let that happen."

"Hutch, there really wouldn't be anyway to stop it." Starsky reasoned.

"Maybe not," Hutch admitted, "But, I'll do everything in my power to protect you and make sure it doesn't."

"Thanks." Starsky seemed relaxed.

Hutch smiled warmly. Their relationship amazed him at times. How had the fun-loving, strong yet gentle brunet come to mean so much to him? Hutch didn't question it; he was just content that it was that way.

"You ok now?"

"Yeah," Starsky nodded sitting back, "Thanks."

"What are brothers for?" Hutch smirked.

Starsky smiled, "No, I mean…for being here. For being with me when I needed you. I love you."

Hutch, to overwhelmed to speak, just leaned forward and gave his brother a quick kiss on the head.

"Aw gee Hutch, ya gotta take me out on a date before we can get that close." Starsky winked.

And Hutch made Starsky fall on the floor off the couch with tickles.