{"id":303,"date":"2016-12-16T05:43:43","date_gmt":"2016-12-16T05:43:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=303"},"modified":"2016-12-16T05:43:43","modified_gmt":"2016-12-16T05:43:43","slug":"december-16th-theres-always-tomorrow-by-acmabry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=303","title":{"rendered":"December 16th- There\u2019s Always Tomorrow by acmabry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note:<\/strong><\/span> The prequel to this story, Misfits & Friends<\/a>, can be found on the Starsky & Hutch Archives.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hutch, ya there?\u201d Starsky asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, buddy, I\u2019m here. You okay? You need anything?\u201d came the questions, questions that had been asked so many times since the day Gunther changed their lives forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, quit fussing, momma hen,\u201d Starsky chided gently. \u201c\u2018M fine, just wondering if you were still here or had gone home already. Ya got it so dark in here; we\u2019re in the hospital, blondie, not the morgue. How about cuttin\u2019a light on or somethin\u2019? And, what time is it anyways?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHang on, I\u2019ll cut the night light on,\u201d Hutch said, smiling at his chatty partner. \u201cWatch your eyes, don\u2019t want to blind you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? And that bright blond hair of yours don\u2019t already do that?\u201d Starsky quipped back, holding his chest as a coughing spell hit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was immediately at Starsky\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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\u2019t resist his friend.<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

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\u2019s diminished lung capacity, the doctor wanted to be sure that pneumonia would not set in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018K Hutch, \u2018m good, thanks,\u201d Starsky said, laying back on the hospital bed, trying to catch his breath, hoping that would not start another round of coughing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coming back to the present, Hutch went to the bathroom and returned to Starsky\u2019s side with a wet cloth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, ya never told me what time it was,\u201d Starsky said, sighing to himself as Hutch lay the cool material on his forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

With his arms hanging over the bedrails, Hutch glanced at his watch. \u201cIt\u2019s 10:15, Starsk. Why do you want to know? It\u2019s not like you have a hot date or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat late. Hutch, you need to get home. I\u2019m fine, go home, partner. I know your back must be killing you. I\u2019m surprised the nurses haven\u2019t tried to kick you out,\u201d Starsky said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s because we nurses know better than to try and kick him out, Starsky, and you too, if the tables were turned,\u201d said the night nurse, breezing into the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRed!\u201d Starsky said, his eyes lighting up. \u201cWhat are you doing here? Since when did you start working this floor? Since when did you start working at night?\u201d he asked, the questions tumbling out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling herself, she answered, \u201cWe\u2019re short-staffed because of the holidays, and I didn\u2019t want to miss a chance to take care of you\u2026again. So, here I am. Now, lie back and let me take your vitals. And then, once I do, and Hutch knows you\u2019re okay, I\u2019m officially kicking him out of here and sending him home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, Starsky,\u201d Stephanie said as she noted his vitals on the chart. \u201cYour 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\u2019s Dr. Bachmann\u2019s call. I just wanted you to know that was a possibility.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now, Hutch,\u201d she said, turning to the blond, missing the look of despair on Starsky\u2019s face, \u201ctime for you to head home. I promise, if anything happens, I\u2019ll call you right away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch did see the look on Starsky\u2019s face, so he wasn\u2019t going anywhere right this minute. \u201cOkay, Red, let me check with Starsky about something, and I\u2019ll be out of here in just a few minutes, I promise,\u201d he said. Turning his best bright smile on, he placed his arm around Stephanie\u2019s shoulder and led her to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing these two as she did, Stephanie let Hutch lead her, but stopped at the door, pointing her finger to the blond detective. \u201cFifteen minutes, Hutch, that\u2019s it. Starsky\u2019s meds will kick in soon and he\u2019ll be sleeping. You need your rest, too. I\u2019ll be back in sixteen minutes, you\u2019d better be gone,\u201d she said, flashing her own bright smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promise, I\u2019ll be out of here when you say. Thanks, Red. I appreciate it,\u201d he said, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stephanie\u2019s heart fluttered just a bit as she left the room, hoping that Hutch would still be around in sixteen minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch moved to his partner\u2019s side, seeing the disappointed look on Starsky\u2019s face as he sat on the edge of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey buddy, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d Hutch asked gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember what\u2019s on tomorrow night, don\u2019t you? You\u2019re gonna be here, Hutch, aren\u2019t ya?\u201d Starsky asked in a forlorn voice that broke Hutch\u2019s heart. \u201cYou have to, ya know. We can\u2019t miss the show; we can\u2019t miss Rudolph, no matter what. It\u2019s our tradition. That bastard, Gunther, has taken so much from us, he can\u2019t have this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch placed his hands on Starsky\u2019s shoulder, understanding completely. \u201cYou bet, buddy, I\u2019m gonna be here. Nothing can keep me away, not even snowstorms or abominable snowmen with big, buggy eyes,\u201d he finished with a laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled too, his eyes a reflection of Hutch\u2019s laugh. \u201cGood, that\u2019s good, Hutch, I need you to be here, partner.\u201d A shadow flickered across Starsky\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Starsky, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Blowing a sad breath, Starsky said, \u201cAww, Hutch, it just won\u2019t be the same without a tree and popcorn. That\u2019s part of the tradition, ya know\u2026just not the same.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be all right, buddy, I promise you,\u201d Hutch said, reaching around to hold Starsky in his arms. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, there\u2019s always tomorrow. Right now, the important thing is you get some rest so you can go home. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch felt Starsky\u2019s slight nod against his chest, the creep of exhaustion working its way through his friend. After a few minutes, he could feel Starsky\u2019s even breathing, peaceful and smooth for the moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s heart. A plan that would make this special night bigger and better, a plan that, like the Grinch\u2019s heart, grew bigger with love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stayed by Starsky\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

He found her just as she was about go on break.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about I buy you a cup of coffee?\u201d Hutch offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d she agreed. \u201cWould love some\u2026and what are you planning, Hutch?\u201d she asked quickly. \u201cI\u2019ve been around you two enough to know something\u2019s going on. Please tell me it\u2019s not another late night pasta sneak in,\u201d she implored as they stepped onto the elevator.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cActually, it\u2019s about a reindeer, a red-nosed reindeer,\u201d he said as he followed her. \u201cAnd, keeping traditions alive for my very best friend. Here\u2019s what I need you to do\u2026\u201d Hutch started to explain as the elevator doors closed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Tomorrow had arrived, and Starsky wasn\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The phone rang. \u201cHello,\u201d Starsky barked, reflecting his grumpy mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, buddy, how ya doin\u2019?\u201d Hutch said, wincing at the gruffness in Starsky\u2019s voice. Stephanie had already called to warn him of his partner\u2019s mood. She also said his plan was in place and ready to go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m okay,\u201d Starsky answered, stifling a cough. \u201cIt\u2019s just this damned cough; I can\u2019t get rid of it. I ain\u2019t never gonna get home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, you\u2019ll 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,\u201d Hutch said, trying to encourage Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

Silence on the other end told Hutch that Starsky was not buying the pep talk, which made his mission today even more important.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Starsky,\u201d Hutch said hesitantly. \u201cI don\u2019t know when I\u2019ll make it over. I\u2019m on this case and will probably be tied up all day. I promise I\u2019ll be there for Rudolph, but it\u2019s going to be close.\u201d Hutch really hated lying to Starsky like this. But, he needed the afternoon to get things ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cS\u2019ok Hutch, I know you gotta job to do,\u201d Starsky said sadly. \u201cI\u2019ll see ya tonight\u2026I hope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI promised you I\u2019d be there and I will,\u201d Hutch assured his doubting partner. \u201cNow, get some rest. I\u2019ll talk with you later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hanging up the phone, Hutch knew Starsky was hurting and feeling bad when he didn\u2019t even fuss about him working a case alone. \u201cJust wait, partner,\u201d he thought gathering his keys and coat, \u201cyou\u2019ll feel better, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With that thought in mind, Hutch was off, a blond haired elf on a Christmas mission.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Was is just a few years ago that Starsky had plopped one of these blasted hats on Hutch\u2019s head as they got ready to watch Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer<\/em> together for the first time? Tears sprang to Hutch\u2019s eyes, the realization of how close he had come to never seeing this hat on Starsky\u2019s head or hearing the bells again overwhelming him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The anger boiled into rage and, lashing out, Hutch swept all the decorations and ornaments off the table and onto the floor\u2014broken bits of glass and plastic, like the broken bits of Starsky\u2019s life.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHang on, buddy,\u201d he thought dropping his anger on the floor to scatter with the bits of broken ornaments. \u201cYou\u2019re gonna get your Christmas wish, I promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Driving to the hospital, Hutch mentally counted off the party list in his head: tree, snacks and popcorn (already popped\u2014thank 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\u2026ornaments! Hutch groaned, realizing what he needed lay scattered across Starsky\u2019s kitchen floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whistling I Wish You a Merry Christmas<\/em>, Hutch was finally on his way to the hospital, his brown sleigh full of Christmas cheer and tradition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

In frustration and pain, he slipped off into a fitful nap.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

But a voice that Starsky couldn\u2019t resist no matter how much he wanted to called him. A soft, smooth voice of love and friendship. Hutch\u2019s voice, calling him from the edges, from the darkness into the light. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself staring into\u2026 the big black eyes of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer!<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled, the smallest, barest of smiles. Looking out over Rudolph\u2019s red nose, he saw the blond with a smile that would rival the nose.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWake up, sleepy head,\u201d Hutch called. \u201cIt\u2019s almost time for Rudolph. You didn\u2019t think I would let you sleep thru this crummy, sentimental, schmaltzy show, did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, you big goof, what are you doing?\u201d Picking up Rudolph and holding him tight to his chest, Starsky carefully sat up in bed, praying a coughing spell would not occur.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook, Starsk,\u201d Hutch said, bouncing around the room like the Bumble from Rudolph<\/em>. \u201cWe\u2019ve 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\u2019s the only kind of tree the hospital would allow,\u201d he finished, his voice heavy with excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, geez, I\u2019m about to forget something. Hang on, Starsk, hang on.\u201d Hutch turned, digging around in a paper bag, muttering something about hats and bells and elves.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFound\u2019em!\u201d Hutch exclaimed, standing quickly and bumping his head on the table holding the tree.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky giggled at his accident prone friend. Some things just never change.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, buddy,\u201d Hutch said, handing the elf hat to Starsky. \u201cPut this on, we\u2019re going to start a new tradition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you talking about, blitz?\u201d Starsky asked, trying to put his hat on, frustrated at the IV lines getting in his way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou remember the first year you conned me into watching Rudolph?\u201d Hutch asked, sitting on the bed helping Starsky with his hat.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky nodded, the bells softy ringing. \u201cYeah, but you didn\u2019t wanna come. Somethin\u2019 about folding underwear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch snorted a laugh, remembering that lame excuse. \u201cWell, I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t fold underwear, ’cause we started a great tradition that night. And,\u201d he said with excitement, clapping his hands together, \u201cwe\u2019re going to share it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, David. I hope you\u2019re feeling better,\u201d Edith said, looking over Starsky with a mother\u2019s eye. Satisfied, she leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am, I\u2019m doing good, great now with all of you here,\u201d he said, smiling back at her.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, remember,\u201d she said looking at the two detectives, \u201cyou and Kenneth are coming to our house Christmas Day for dinner. You too, Huggy Bear,\u201d she told the slight bartender, taking a tray of snacks from his hand. \u201cI expect you all there by eleven. We eat at one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good to me,\u201d Starsky said, looking at Hutch. \u201cNow I know for sure I\u2019ll have some real food, not wheat germ turkey or bean sprout dressing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The whole group erupted in laughter, including Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d Cal Dobey said, \u201cinstead of stringing popcorn, let\u2019s eat it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, my man,\u201d Huggy said rushing to rescue the popcorn from Cal, \u201cthis is part of the tree decorations. You want snacks, go raid the brownie tray over there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, Huggy,\u201d Edith said, handing him a needle already threaded and ready to go. \u201cOne for each of you. Time to get to work. The show will be on soon, and we need to get ready.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The room was bustling with Christmas laughter and cheer. Thanks to Edith\u2019s 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\u2019s Christmas snacks. Starsky was content to lay in his bed, happy with the love surrounding him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Uncle Starsky,\u201d came a soft voice, a face peering in-between the bed railings. \u201cAre you feeling okay now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, hiya, Rosie. Yes, sweetheart, I\u2019m feeling a lot better. Especially since I got to see you,\u201d he said with a twinkle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Do you feel good enough for me to lay beside you so we can watch Rudolph together?\u201d she asked anxiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRosie,\u201d her father grumbled gently. \u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s good for you to be up there with Starsky. He might start coughing again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rosie\u2019s face fell. She loved her Uncle Starsky and wanted to be as close to him as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, Cap,\u201d Starsky pleaded. \u201cIt\u2019ll be okay. Please, I\u2019d love for her to watch the show with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Unable to deny the imploring blue and brown eyes staring at him, he reluctantly agreed. \u201cBut, Rosie,\u201d he admonished, \u201cyou have to lay still and quiet. Okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir,\u201d she said seriously. \u201cI promise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey lifted her gently into Starsky\u2019s bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, everyone. Time for the show to start,\u201d Hutch announced. \u201cSettle down, find a seat.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat by Starsky\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStephanie,\u201d Hutch said quietly reading Starsky\u2019s mind. \u201cShe worked it out so Rosie and everyone could be in here tonight after visiting hours. I don\u2019t think I could have pulled this off without her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRemind me to give Red a big hug the next time I see her,\u201d Starsky said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOhh, don\u2019t worry about that,\u201d Hutch said with a sly grin. \u201cI\u2019ve already hugged her enough for both of us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you did, did you?\u201d Starsky said with a wink and smile. \u201cYou know you are going to have to tell me about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, Rosie sat up, pointing excitedly to the TV. \u201cDaddy!\u201d she said. \u201cWhen Boss Elf is fussing at Hermy, that sounds just like you when you get mad or you\u2019re fussing about Uncle Hutch or Uncle Starsky!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The group burst out laughing, agreeing completely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Then Clarice and Rudolph met and started to sing, There\u2019s Always Tomorrow<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rosie cuddled closer to Starsky and whispered in his ear. \u201cYou know, Uncle Starsky, that\u2019s your song. I know you feel bad, but don\u2019t forget, there\u2019s always tomorrow. Every day you\u2019re gonna get better. It\u2019s only a day away, Uncle Starsky, so don\u2019t give up, okay?\u201d She snuggled closer to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

There were tears in his eyes as he held the sweet child close. \u201cOhh, thanks, Rosie. I promise, I won\u2019t give up. With each tomorrow, I\u2019ll get better. I love you, Rosie girl.\u201d Starsky looked over to Hutch and to the others, knowing they had heard her words. A simple truth from a special child.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show was over when Rudolph saved Christmas another year.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pair thanked the group for coming and spending a wonderful night with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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).<\/span><\/p>\n

As he settled in, Starsky called out for him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, buddy, I\u2019m here,\u201d Hutch said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reaching out, Starsky took Hutch\u2019s hand. \u201cThanks, pal, for tonight, for these past months, for everything. You\u2019re still my Rudolph, ya know. Keeping me safe, never giving up on me, you\u2019re always there for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Holding even tighter to Rudolph, Starsky sighed. \u201cMerry Christmas, Hutch, I\u2019m lucky to have you as my friend, as my brother.\u201d He drifted off to sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pulling the covers up and ruffling his hair, Hutch looked at Starsky. \u201cNo babe, I\u2019m the lucky one. Merry Christmas, Starsky, my friend, my brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Note: The prequel to this story, Misfits & Friends, can be found on the Starsky & Hutch Archives. \u201cHey, Hutch, ya there?\u201d Starsky asked quietly. Instantly, a hand as familiar as his own gently touched him, confirming what the brunet … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-303","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=303"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":308,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/303\/revisions\/308"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=303"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=303"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=303"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}