December 16th- There’s Always Tomorrow by acmabry

Note: The prequel to this story, Misfits & Friends, can be found on the Starsky & Hutch Archives.

“Hey, Hutch, ya there?” Starsky asked quietly.

Instantly, a hand as familiar as his own gently touched him, confirming what the brunet knew all along: that Hutch was there. Where else would he be?

“Yeah, buddy, I’m here. You okay? You need anything?” came the questions, questions that had been asked so many times since the day Gunther changed their lives forever.

“Oh, quit fussing, momma hen,” Starsky chided gently. “‘M fine, just wondering if you were still here or had gone home already. Ya got it so dark in here; we’re in the hospital, blondie, not the morgue. How about cuttin’a light on or somethin’? And, what time is it anyways?”

“Hang on, I’ll cut the night light on,” Hutch said, smiling at his chatty partner. “Watch your eyes, don’t want to blind you.”

“What? And that bright blond hair of yours don’t already do that?” Starsky quipped back, holding his chest as a coughing spell hit.

Hutch was immediately at Starsky’s side, helping him to sit up in bed, trying to lessen the pressure on his chest. The coughing continued for another few seconds, raspy and rattling.

While helping Starsky to settle, Hutch thought of the past few days, blaming himself again for Starsky being in this situation. After an evening riding around looking at Christmas decorations, Starsky had developed a low grade fever and cough. Hutch hadn’t planned on staying out so long but Starsky, tired of being cooped up so much, begged Hutch for just a little more time. It had been so long since Hutch had seen Starsky light up like this with happiness, maybe even brighter than the colorful lights and adornments seen around town, that he just couldn’t resist his friend.

The cough persisted and the fever worsened. Hutch fussed enough to finally get Starsky to see Doctor Bachman who sent him straight to the hospital. Because of Starsky’s diminished lung capacity, the doctor wanted to be sure that pneumonia would not set in.

“‘K Hutch, ‘m good, thanks,” Starsky said, laying back on the hospital bed, trying to catch his breath, hoping that would not start another round of coughing.

Coming back to the present, Hutch went to the bathroom and returned to Starsky’s side with a wet cloth.

“Hey, ya never told me what time it was,” Starsky said, sighing to himself as Hutch lay the cool material on his forehead.

With his arms hanging over the bedrails, Hutch glanced at his watch. “It’s 10:15, Starsk. Why do you want to know? It’s not like you have a hot date or something.”

“That late. Hutch, you need to get home. I’m fine, go home, partner. I know your back must be killing you. I’m surprised the nurses haven’t tried to kick you out,” Starsky said.

“That’s because we nurses know better than to try and kick him out, Starsky, and you too, if the tables were turned,” said the night nurse, breezing into the room.

“Red!” Starsky said, his eyes lighting up. “What are you doing here? Since when did you start working this floor? Since when did you start working at night?” he asked, the questions tumbling out.

Smiling herself, she answered, “We’re short-staffed because of the holidays, and I didn’t want to miss a chance to take care of you…again. So, here I am. Now, lie back and let me take your vitals. And then, once I do, and Hutch knows you’re okay, I’m officially kicking him out of here and sending him home.”

Hutch leaned back in the torture chair and watched as Red checked Starsky over. Her real name was Stephanie and, like Dr. Bachmann, she had been with them from the very day Starsky had been shot by Gunther’s assassins to the day he was released and sent home. Starsky had nicknamed her Red because of the red sweater she wore all the time. She had started out being a nurse, and had become a good friend.

“Okay, Starsky,” Stephanie said as she noted his vitals on the chart. “Your vitals are looking better, but still concerned about the rattle in your chest. I know you want to go home as soon you can, but I think you may be here an extra day. Course, that’s Dr. Bachmann’s call. I just wanted you to know that was a possibility.”

“And now, Hutch,” she said, turning to the blond, missing the look of despair on Starsky’s face, “time for you to head home. I promise, if anything happens, I’ll call you right away.”

Hutch did see the look on Starsky’s face, so he wasn’t going anywhere right this minute. “Okay, Red, let me check with Starsky about something, and I’ll be out of here in just a few minutes, I promise,” he said. Turning his best bright smile on, he placed his arm around Stephanie’s shoulder and led her to the door.

Knowing these two as she did, Stephanie let Hutch lead her, but stopped at the door, pointing her finger to the blond detective. “Fifteen minutes, Hutch, that’s it. Starsky’s meds will kick in soon and he’ll be sleeping. You need your rest, too. I’ll be back in sixteen minutes, you’d better be gone,” she said, flashing her own bright smile.

“I promise, I’ll be out of here when you say. Thanks, Red. I appreciate it,” he said, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

Stephanie’s heart fluttered just a bit as she left the room, hoping that Hutch would still be around in sixteen minutes.

Hutch moved to his partner’s side, seeing the disappointed look on Starsky’s face as he sat on the edge of the bed.

“Hey buddy, what’s wrong?” Hutch asked gently.

“You remember what’s on tomorrow night, don’t you? You’re gonna be here, Hutch, aren’t ya?” Starsky asked in a forlorn voice that broke Hutch’s heart. “You have to, ya know. We can’t miss the show; we can’t miss Rudolph, no matter what. It’s our tradition. That bastard, Gunther, has taken so much from us, he can’t have this.”

Hutch placed his hands on Starsky’s shoulder, understanding completely. “You bet, buddy, I’m gonna be here. Nothing can keep me away, not even snowstorms or abominable snowmen with big, buggy eyes,” he finished with a laugh.

Starsky smiled too, his eyes a reflection of Hutch’s laugh. “Good, that’s good, Hutch, I need you to be here, partner.” A shadow flickered across Starsky’s face.

“What, Starsky, what’s wrong?”

Blowing a sad breath, Starsky said, “Aww, Hutch, it just won’t be the same without a tree and popcorn. That’s part of the tradition, ya know…just not the same.”

“It’ll be all right, buddy, I promise you,” Hutch said, reaching around to hold Starsky in his arms. “Don’t worry, there’s always tomorrow. Right now, the important thing is you get some rest so you can go home. Okay?”

Hutch felt Starsky’s slight nod against his chest, the creep of exhaustion working its way through his friend. After a few minutes, he could feel Starsky’s even breathing, peaceful and smooth for the moment.

Hutch knew how important tomorrow night was to Starsky. Being able to continue that tradition was one more step Starsky needed to taking back control of his life, of living again. Looking down at his friend, a plan started to grow in Hutch’s heart. A plan that would make this special night bigger and better, a plan that, like the Grinch’s heart, grew bigger with love.

Hutch stayed by Starsky’s side, making sure he was sleeping soundly. Then, he went in search of Stephanie. If he was going to make this plan work for Starsky, he was going to need an accomplice.

He found her just as she was about go on break.

“How about I buy you a cup of coffee?” Hutch offered.

“Sure,” she agreed. “Would love some…and what are you planning, Hutch?” she asked quickly. “I’ve been around you two enough to know something’s going on. Please tell me it’s not another late night pasta sneak in,” she implored as they stepped onto the elevator.

“Actually, it’s about a reindeer, a red-nosed reindeer,” he said as he followed her. “And, keeping traditions alive for my very best friend. Here’s what I need you to do…” Hutch started to explain as the elevator doors closed.

Tomorrow had arrived, and Starsky wasn’t happy. He had slept well through the night, but the day was not good. Already, he had had a breathing treatment and would soon be on his way for another chest x-ray.

The phone rang. “Hello,” Starsky barked, reflecting his grumpy mood.

“Hey, buddy, how ya doin’?” Hutch said, wincing at the gruffness in Starsky’s voice. Stephanie had already called to warn him of his partner’s mood. She also said his plan was in place and ready to go.

“I’m okay,” Starsky answered, stifling a cough. “It’s just this damned cough; I can’t get rid of it. I ain’t never gonna get home.”

“Starsk, you’ll be home before you know it. Doctor Bachmann said it would take a few days to clear this up. Just be patient, partner. Sit back and enjoy all those nurses taking care of you,” Hutch said, trying to encourage Starsky.

Silence on the other end told Hutch that Starsky was not buying the pep talk, which made his mission today even more important.

“Um, Starsky,” Hutch said hesitantly. “I don’t know when I’ll make it over. I’m on this case and will probably be tied up all day. I promise I’ll be there for Rudolph, but it’s going to be close.” Hutch really hated lying to Starsky like this. But, he needed the afternoon to get things ready.

“S’ok Hutch, I know you gotta job to do,” Starsky said sadly. “I’ll see ya tonight…I hope.”

“I promised you I’d be there and I will,” Hutch assured his doubting partner. “Now, get some rest. I’ll talk with you later.”

Hanging up the phone, Hutch knew Starsky was hurting and feeling bad when he didn’t even fuss about him working a case alone. “Just wait, partner,” he thought gathering his keys and coat, “you’ll feel better, I promise.”

With that thought in mind, Hutch was off, a blond haired elf on a Christmas mission.

Back at the hospital, Starsky was being wheeled into x-ray for another look at his chest. Starsky knew Hutch had promised he would be here so they could watch Rudolph, but he also knew cases could get in the way of promises. With the exception of Christmas, tonight was his favorite of the holiday season. The thought of spending it here alone, just made him more depressed. Starsky realized this is what the Misfit Toys felt like, being left all alone on Toy Island.

Hours later, on a brown sleigh across town, Hutch was looking at his watch and silently cursing. Time was running out and there were still things to be done. Quickly parking in front of Starsky’s apartment, Hutch took the stairs, his long legs taking two at a time. Using his key, he bolted into the apartment, looking for the elf hats, knowing Starsky had already unpacked them. There they were, lying on the kitchen table amongst the other decorations.

Was is just a few years ago that Starsky had plopped one of these blasted hats on Hutch’s head as they got ready to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer together for the first time? Tears sprang to Hutch’s eyes, the realization of how close he had come to never seeing this hat on Starsky’s head or hearing the bells again overwhelming him.

Then the tears turned to anger: anger at Christmas, at the world, furious anger at Gunther, and just plain mad at his partner. His stubborn childlike partner, who still had faith, and believed in a show about misfits and the Christmas tree, needed to continue that custom no matter how sick he was.

The anger boiled into rage and, lashing out, Hutch swept all the decorations and ornaments off the table and onto the floor—broken bits of glass and plastic, like the broken bits of Starsky’s life.

But in the midst of his anger, Hutch heard the bells from the hats ringing in his shaking hands. Their small sound drowned out the loudness of his anger. And the anger was replaced with memories of that night and the fact that, because of the childlike faith of his partner, Hutch had come to love Christmas. Starsky had shown him that the holiday wasn’t about commercialism, unless you made it that way. Christmas was about family, friends, and love with traditions being the ribbon that tied it all together.

“Hang on, buddy,” he thought dropping his anger on the floor to scatter with the bits of broken ornaments. “You’re gonna get your Christmas wish, I promise.”

Driving to the hospital, Hutch mentally counted off the party list in his head: tree, snacks and popcorn (already popped—thank you, Huggy), thread and needle (thank you, Edith), and what else? He was missing something. Hutch glanced at the tree, not too big, but big enough to accomplish his plan. The popcorn and ornaments would…ornaments! Hutch groaned, realizing what he needed lay scattered across Starsky’s kitchen floor.

Hutch spotted a small store on his way to the hospital. Hurrying in, he found a box of red and white Christmas ornaments. These would be perfect for the tree. As he headed to the register, Hutch stopped, spotting the stuffed toy. Red nose and all, he knew this was the perfect gift for his misfit friend.

Whistling I Wish You a Merry Christmas, Hutch was finally on his way to the hospital, his brown sleigh full of Christmas cheer and tradition.

Dinner came but Starsky ate very little. After a day full of treatments, x-rays, poking and prodding by the medical staff, he was tired and sore. It still hurt to breathe. He looked at the clock, noticing that it was only 7pm. Why did they serve dinner so early? It just made the night longer and lonelier.

In frustration and pain, he slipped off into a fitful nap.

Starsky could hear voices in the edges of his sleep. Voices giggling but trying to be quiet, shushing noises, and the rattling of bags and the placing of things. He fought to stay asleep, wanting to stay hidden in the dark.

But a voice that Starsky couldn’t resist no matter how much he wanted to called him. A soft, smooth voice of love and friendship. Hutch’s voice, calling him from the edges, from the darkness into the light. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself staring into… the big black eyes of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!

Starsky smiled, the smallest, barest of smiles. Looking out over Rudolph’s red nose, he saw the blond with a smile that would rival the nose.

“Wake up, sleepy head,” Hutch called. “It’s almost time for Rudolph. You didn’t think I would let you sleep thru this crummy, sentimental, schmaltzy show, did you?”

“Hutch, you big goof, what are you doing?” Picking up Rudolph and holding him tight to his chest, Starsky carefully sat up in bed, praying a coughing spell would not occur.

“Look, Starsk,” Hutch said, bouncing around the room like the Bumble from Rudolph. “We’ve got a tree to decorate, popcorn to thread, oh and I found these great red and white ornaments. Now, I know you hate them, but I had to get a plastic tree, it’s the only kind of tree the hospital would allow,” he finished, his voice heavy with excitement.

Starsky started to say something, again trying to figure out what blondie had going on. He was stopped when Hutch froze on his heels, slapping his forehead.

“Oh, geez, I’m about to forget something. Hang on, Starsk, hang on.” Hutch turned, digging around in a paper bag, muttering something about hats and bells and elves.

“Found’em!” Hutch exclaimed, standing quickly and bumping his head on the table holding the tree.

Starsky giggled at his accident prone friend. Some things just never change.

“Here, buddy,” Hutch said, handing the elf hat to Starsky. “Put this on, we’re going to start a new tradition.”

“What are you talking about, blitz?” Starsky asked, trying to put his hat on, frustrated at the IV lines getting in his way.

“You remember the first year you conned me into watching Rudolph?” Hutch asked, sitting on the bed helping Starsky with his hat.

Starsky nodded, the bells softy ringing. “Yeah, but you didn’t wanna come. Somethin’ about folding underwear.”

Hutch snorted a laugh, remembering that lame excuse. “Well, I’m glad I didn’t fold underwear, ’cause we started a great tradition that night. And,” he said with excitement, clapping his hands together, “we’re going to share it.”

With a flourish, Hutch opened the door. Starsky looked in amazement as Huggy and the whole Dobey clan came waltzing into his room. Each wearing their own elf hat.

Starsky glanced at Hutch, tears welling in his eyes. In their unspoken way, Starsky thanked his best friend for keeping his promise about tonight and for sharing their tradition with family.

“Merry Christmas, David. I hope you’re feeling better,” Edith said, looking over Starsky with a mother’s eye. Satisfied, she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“Yes, ma’am, I’m doing good, great now with all of you here,” he said, smiling back at her.

“Now, remember,” she said looking at the two detectives, “you and Kenneth are coming to our house Christmas Day for dinner. You too, Huggy Bear,” she told the slight bartender, taking a tray of snacks from his hand. “I expect you all there by eleven. We eat at one.”

“Sounds good to me,” Starsky said, looking at Hutch. “Now I know for sure I’ll have some real food, not wheat germ turkey or bean sprout dressing.”

The whole group erupted in laughter, including Hutch.

“Hey,” Cal Dobey said, “instead of stringing popcorn, let’s eat it.”

“No, my man,” Huggy said rushing to rescue the popcorn from Cal, “this is part of the tree decorations. You want snacks, go raid the brownie tray over there.”

“Here, Huggy,” Edith said, handing him a needle already threaded and ready to go. “One for each of you. Time to get to work. The show will be on soon, and we need to get ready.”

The room was bustling with Christmas laughter and cheer. Thanks to Edith’s needle mastery, the popcorn was strung (not eaten) and ready for the tree in record time. The red and white decorations were hung, and everyone enjoyed Huggy’s Christmas snacks. Starsky was content to lay in his bed, happy with the love surrounding him.

“Hi, Uncle Starsky,” came a soft voice, a face peering in-between the bed railings. “Are you feeling okay now?”

“Well, hiya, Rosie. Yes, sweetheart, I’m feeling a lot better. Especially since I got to see you,” he said with a twinkle.

“Good. Do you feel good enough for me to lay beside you so we can watch Rudolph together?” she asked anxiously.

“Rosie,” her father grumbled gently. “I don’t think it’s good for you to be up there with Starsky. He might start coughing again.”

Rosie’s face fell. She loved her Uncle Starsky and wanted to be as close to him as possible.

“Aww, Cap,” Starsky pleaded. “It’ll be okay. Please, I’d love for her to watch the show with me.”

Unable to deny the imploring blue and brown eyes staring at him, he reluctantly agreed. “But, Rosie,” he admonished, “you have to lay still and quiet. Okay?”

“Yes, sir,” she said seriously. “I promise.”

Dobey lifted her gently into Starsky’s bed.

“Okay, everyone. Time for the show to start,” Hutch announced. “Settle down, find a seat.”

Hutch sat by Starsky’s side and Rosie cuddled carefully next to her Uncle Starsky. Silently, Starsky wondered what Christmas magic Hutch had done to get her in the room this late.

“Stephanie,” Hutch said quietly reading Starsky’s mind. “She worked it out so Rosie and everyone could be in here tonight after visiting hours. I don’t think I could have pulled this off without her.”

“Remind me to give Red a big hug the next time I see her,” Starsky said.

“Ohh, don’t worry about that,” Hutch said with a sly grin. “I’ve already hugged her enough for both of us.”

“Oh, you did, did you?” Starsky said with a wink and smile. “You know you are going to have to tell me about it.”

Suddenly, Rosie sat up, pointing excitedly to the TV. “Daddy!” she said. “When Boss Elf is fussing at Hermy, that sounds just like you when you get mad or you’re fussing about Uncle Hutch or Uncle Starsky!”

The group burst out laughing, agreeing completely.

Then Clarice and Rudolph met and started to sing, There’s Always Tomorrow.

Rosie cuddled closer to Starsky and whispered in his ear. “You know, Uncle Starsky, that’s your song. I know you feel bad, but don’t forget, there’s always tomorrow. Every day you’re gonna get better. It’s only a day away, Uncle Starsky, so don’t give up, okay?” She snuggled closer to him.

There were tears in his eyes as he held the sweet child close. “Ohh, thanks, Rosie. I promise, I won’t give up. With each tomorrow, I’ll get better. I love you, Rosie girl.” Starsky looked over to Hutch and to the others, knowing they had heard her words. A simple truth from a special child.

The show was over when Rudolph saved Christmas another year.

Starsky was getting tired. He was getting restless in bed and his eyelids were drooping. The others sensed his fatigue and began packing to leave.

The pair thanked the group for coming and spending a wonderful night with them.

After seeing everyone out, Hutch walked back over to the bed. Starsky had already given into exhaustion and was asleep, his arms curled around Rudolph. Hutch watched him for a minute, giving thanks again to God for saving his partner.

Dobey had said Hutch could come in late, so he planned to stay the night. His cot was already made and waiting for him. (Thank you, Stephanie).

As he settled in, Starsky called out for him.

“Yeah, buddy, I’m here,” Hutch said.

Reaching out, Starsky took Hutch’s hand. “Thanks, pal, for tonight, for these past months, for everything. You’re still my Rudolph, ya know. Keeping me safe, never giving up on me, you’re always there for me.”

Holding even tighter to Rudolph, Starsky sighed. “Merry Christmas, Hutch, I’m lucky to have you as my friend, as my brother.” He drifted off to sleep.

Pulling the covers up and ruffling his hair, Hutch looked at Starsky. “No babe, I’m the lucky one. Merry Christmas, Starsky, my friend, my brother.”