FAULT LINE- PART 2

CHAPTER 15

TREMORS

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After a few hours of dreamless but restless sleep, Starsky threw the blanket off and started his daily routine. He whistled to himself as he thought about the gift he was going to give to Kira. It wasn't much, just something to remind her that he loved her.

He decided his plants really needed some attention so he filled the watering can, added some plant food and made the rounds to nourish the greenery.

They were all in different stages of growth but usually responded to the plant food. The smaller budding fronds in the kitchen took up most of his time. He hummed a little tune to them while he hovered over them, assuring them that they were doing well.

He was startled as the morning paper came flying past him and landed on the counter. He was surprised and pleased to see Hutch wander in to the kitchen.

"Morning there Starsky! Trying to kill your plants with kindness?" Hutch walked into the room but was nervous and hesitant.

Starsky offered a smile, trying to make peace and show that he was pleased that Hutch was there.

"Hey, blondie, want some coffee? Watch out, it's pretty strong. It's gotta kick to it!" Starsky felt nervous and didn't understand where the heck that came from. He wanted Hutch there but was not sure what to expect.

"Haven't had much sleep lately, so I need extra strong brew this morning." Starsky offered the pot to Hutch. Hutch took down a mug from the cupboard.

"Jeeze Starsk- what is this, wallpaper paste?" Hutch spit out the stuff and leaned against the sink. He wanted to talk. He just didn't know what to say.

"Starsky, I just thought we could work through what's wrong. Whatever the problem, I want to fix it. I want to apologize." Hutch paced the kitchen. He touched a wilted seedling. He put it back in the sink and went to sit down at the table.

Starsky saw a shadow of guilt and sadness in Hutch. Starsky set himself for where ever the conversation might lead. He wanted to share with Hutch. He wanted Hutch to know about Kira. He wanted Hutch to know that he cared about him.

It was quiet between them for a few minutes. It was not a comfortable silence. It was more like two people searching for something to say to fill an awkward pause or hunting for just the right words.

Starsky took it upon himself to break the clumsy mood. Afterall, he was happy and wanted Hutch to know that there were no more hard feelings.

"Look Hutch. I was jealous at first. Kira and me had been dating but you didn't know that. I didn't tell you. So you reacted just the way you always do and just tried to make a move. Well, I'm not jealous now."

Starsky leaned against the counter and crossed his arms. He watched as Hutch played with the salt and pepper shaker on the table. Hutch's head was down and he looked confused. Starsky just didn't understand his partner's mood. He watched him closer, waiting for a response or reaction.

Finally Hutch looked up at Starsky. There was a slight blush spreading over Hutch's face and he bit his lower lip.

"You were jealous? Of me? Why? Was it just because of that night at the club? I was just-- playing."

"Hutch, I didn't know then. I couldn't be sure, but after the other night, I'm positive. Kira and me, we love each other. You know how it is." Starsky felt an uncommon emotion. He was shy about expressing his love for Kira.

If he had examined the whole scene, he would have discovered that even though he wanted to make Hutch understand that he was in love, Starsky was still trying to wrap his soul around the concept of his love for the woman. Starsky just wanted to believe that his problems could all be solved by the simple act of being in love.

Starsky forced his mind back to the present. He was disturbed at the dark thoughts that seemed determined to flash in front of him. This was not how he wanted this conversation to go. He wanted to be happy and he wanted Hutch to be happy for him.

He caught the smile that tugged across Hutch's face. His eyes began to flicker in that way Hutch had when he finally understood something. See, Starsky knew he just had to be patient and Hutch would catch on.

Getting back to the conversation, Starsky flipped the dish rag over the bar against the cabinet. His gut told him that Hutch was sincere. Hutch wanted to work everything out.

"Well, okay. Does she love you? Are you sure about this?"

Hutch got up from the table but didn't cross the short distance that separated them. Starsky watched closer as Hutch seemed unsure about what to do next. The earlier smile that had pulled at the corners of his mouth, still haden't reached his eyes. Hutch leaned against the refrigerator and crossed his arms. Okay, now he was completely closed off from Starsky.

"Any moron could see the symbolism here", Starsky thought to himself. " body language and a cold 'frige, hmmmm" Starsky just hoped he was wrong. But what the heck did he know about symbols and body language. Where the hell was this stuff coming from anyway! Starsky's mind kept a running litany of past images and words poked at him. He definately needed sleep.

Starsky was attacked by a large yawn which cleared his head. He was anxious for confirmation. He wanted Hutch to share in the joy that had suddenly jump started his heart.

"Yeah Hutch. We worked it out. I love her and she loves me too. You know, we didn't have to say it to know how we feel. She has the most amazing, loving eyes. When I'm with her, it's just me she sees. Just me she wants to be with. It's okay now Hutch!"

"Oh, gr-great. I'm ha- happy for you both" Hutch tried to smile again but Starsky noticed the hesitation, the stutter. Why? Hutch only did that when he was nervous.

"Hey, how about breakfast? I can make eggs, bacon? Stick around okay? We haven't spent too much time together lately." Starsky felt like he was pleading now. It made him feel needy.

"Look, Starsk, I- I've got to go and do some things. I'll catch up with you later." Hutch made a bee line for the door after that. No other words or gestures passed between them. Starsky watched the blond's back as he headed out the door. The shoulders were rounded, the step anxious as if the ground underneath would shake and swallow their owner if the feet didn't move fast enough.

Starsky stood for another minute after the door closed. He ground the palms of his hands into his eyes. He was tired and the dream still had him feeling anxious and jittery.

He tried to stifle another yawn that threatened to over take him. Starsky thought again about the present he was going to give to Kira. It was nothing of any significance other than just a way to express his love for her. He finished up with the plants and ate a bowl of cereal. He couldn't wait to pick the gift up from the store. They were gonna wrap it up all fancy. He knew it was going to be an important day.