The Lesson by Brit (R)

[nickygabriel]

Fandom: STARSKY & HUTCH
Pairing: none
Length: short
Author on LJ: not known
Author Website: HERE
Why this must be read: It’s a tale about what was lost and found. It’s a story about Hutch and about how Starsky sees him. And most of all, it’s a story about love.

I look at you and it hurts. It just plain hurts.

Yeah, the bruises have faded. The circles under your eyes have lightened up a bit and turned gray. You don’t shake as much as you used to. But I know you’re not sleeping right. I’ve heard you thrashing around on my bed. My bed because you’re afraid to be alone. Afraid to let me know you’re still afraid.

I know how the nightmares wake you up in a cold sweat and won’t let you rest. I know how memories haunt you, threaten to overwhelm you sometimes when you least expect it. I know how you don’t feel safe anymore because they destroyed your peace of mind.

And maybe a piece of your mind.

I know how it feels like they’ve broken that thing inside your soul that makes you, well, you.

The Lesson