Author's Notes: This is short, I know. I just wanted to prove that I am in fact, still alive. Probably only one more chapter after this.

"Just what the hell were you thinking, Detective?"

Hutch watched a meaty fist crash down on the desk's cluttered surface, sending ripples through a styrofoam cup of stale black coffee. He blinked at the sound, and the burning in his tired eyes lessened. His gaze traveled up Dobey's clenched fist to his outstretched arm, his slightly-stubbled cheek, then to his angry eyes.

With an even, unflinching glare, Hutch stared right back. Beside him, Starsky said nothing. "I was thinking about what he did to those kids, Captain!" he shot back, heart racing and blood pumping. He was sitting ramrod straight in one of the uncomfortable chairs that faced his superior. The office door was shut, sealing them- and their words- in.

"Determining the punishment of criminals is not in your job description!" Dobey replied, every word sounding strong and final, daring Hutch to counter them. "Your job is to find these creeps and bring them in. Nowhere does it say that you have the right to beat them to a pulp!"

"I-"

"Shut up, Hutchinson," Dobey snapped with a pointed finger, and Hutch's jaw clicked shut. This was killer on his pounding head. Nonetheless, Dobey continued to roar, "You were way out of line tonight. Do you understand the severity of your actions?"

Hutch's chin was tilted towards his knees and he couldn't stop the quick roll of his eyes. "Yes."

Dobey looked at him expectantly.

"Yes, sir."

Dobey leaned back and his chair squeaked quietly, as if it were afraid to speak out of turn. The Captain scrutinized Hutch quietly, then looked at Starsky. "Where were you while this was happening, Starsky?"

Starsky lifted his head. He had nothing to be afraid of, after all. Hutch was the one in trouble. "I was with him, Cap'n," he said, half-heartedly jabbing a thumb in Hutch's direction.

Hutch noticed the silence that filled the room when Starsky didn't elaborate, didn't mention how he pulled Hutch from Gray, how he tried to stop his 'psycho' partner all along.

Hutch didn't blame him.

Dobey sucked in a deep breath, quietly eyeing the detectives in front of him. Hutch refused to meet his eyes, and simply waited for the judgment call.

Come on already. Just get it over with. His head was killing him and his knuckles stung when he flexed his hand. He knew he needed a shower, and a change of clothes, and a good, long drink to stop the tremors in his muscles.

At last, Dobey shifted forwards, planting his elbows on the desk as he picked up a pen and moved it through his fingers. "Hutchinson, I have no idea what the hell was running through your head tonight, but I don't like it. You've been off-kilter for a week now. Your reports have been worse than your partner's-"

"Hey-"

"Shut up Starsky," and Dobey resumed, again with the pointing finger. "Your beside manner is lacking, and the other members of this department are scared of you. Personally, I hate having a man out there running by his own agenda. You're not running on your own agenda, are you Detective?"

"No sir." If he kept his head down, maybe Dobey wouldn't see the lie.

Dobey shook his head twice, slowly. "What happened tonight was way over the line. I don't want to ever see it again, got that?"

Hutch felt rebellion swelling inside him, however he was able to keep it from slipping through his lips. "Yes sir."

"Because you two have the best solve rate in the district, I've been able to pull some strings. IA is going to be breathing down your neck for a very long time, and I can't say I feel sorry for you. You're also on paid leave until the department psychologist clears you. Understand?"

A corner of Hutch's mouth rose in a cockeyed grin as he stared at the worn carpet. "Yes sir."

Dobey stared at him a moment longer. "I put my ass on the line for you. Is there anything you'd like to say?"

The concern in the captain's voice surprised him. He looked up, finally meeting Dobey's eyes.

Was there anything he'd like to say? What was he supposed to say? Was he supposed to apologize? That wasn't going to happen. He knew he probably should, but his heart held no remorse for what he had done. No regrets. He had done the world a favor, and would do it again it he had to.

"Can I go now?"

For a split moment, Dobey looked hurt, then professionalism covered his face like a mask. "You may go, Detective. Don't come back until you get that head of yours screwed on straight."

Hutch rose, pushing past the cracks and pops in his joints. Without looking at his partner, Hutch moved to the door, aware of the squeak of leather behind him as Starsky moved to follow.

"Not you, Starsky."

Hutch paused, listening as Starsky sat back down. So they were going to talk about him behind his back, were they? Guess 'Me and Thee' had reached its limit after all, then.

Hutch grabbed the door handle, twisted it open and flung it open with way too much force, then stepped out into the bullpen, slamming the door shut behind him.

Starsky and Dobey stared at each other in the silence.

After a few moments, Starsky shifted and gave his captain a weary grin. "So, you seem upset about something, Cap'n."

Dobey chuckled in the way Starsky was hoping for. He tossed aside the pen he had been playing with and leaned back. "What's going on, Starsky?"

Starsky leaned back as well, his shoulders slumping. "I wish I knew."

"You're his partner, doesn't he talk to you?"

"Not lately."

"Have you tried?"

"Of course," Starsky replied. "He's upset about the accident. You know Hutch, always wearing his heart on his sleeve."

"I'm sorry to hear that-"

"Me too."

"-But I think you're missing something. He's angry." Dobey sighed again, sounding tired. "I want you to find out why. I'm giving you some time off too." His voice softened. "I don't care what you do, but just bring me back my detective, okay?"

Starsky nodded morosely. "Yes sir."

Dobey nodded once, towards the door. "Go."

Starsky rose and started to turn, then he stopped, looking back at the Captain as he began putting paperwork in order. "Uh, Cap'n?"

Dobey looked up. "Yes?"

"My reports… they're not that bad, are they?"

"Get out of here Starsky."

"Yes sir."