SOP Disclaimer: I do not own Starsky and Hutch. I am not, nor intend to infringe on anyone's rights. This is for entertainment purposes only.
This is long on fluff. Actually, it is very long on fluff. Starsky deserves a break.
Warning-Hutch fans, Hutch plays an important role in this, but isn't around much.
Reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated.
A Heart Revived
Chapter 4
It wasn't until Starsky was bounding up the stairs at Venice Place two at a time that he realized it was one in the morning. "Hutch won't mind." he said to himself, confidently. Reaching expertly for the spare key above the door, he thought, "I wouldn't mind if it was Hutch."
Entering the apartment, he quietly closed the door behind him. Hearing the snoring coming from the bedroom, Starsky had second thoughts about coming so late. Turning to leave, he said a little too loud, "I'll tell him in the morning. He'll be back at work.
"Tell me what?" Hutch groggily barked.
"Sorry, Sleeping Beauty. Tried to get out before I woke you up." Starsky sheepishly replied.
"Tell me what, Starsk? Is anything wrong?" Hutch asked, the worry in his voice evident.
"Oh, no, nothin' like that. I got good news for a change." His enthusiasm was returning.
Hutch limped into the living area, trying to focus his still sleepy eyes on the clock. "This better be good."
"Good ain't the word. Fantastic is the word! I think I'm in love!" Starsky belted out.
Hutch, momentarily stunned at the confession, looked at his partner. "Starsk, you wanna sit down and tell me about this?"
Not sitting down, but pacing, Starsky continued, "Hutch, I know I caught you off guard, but I haven't told you everything that's been goin' on the last three days."
"Obviously." was the curt reply.
Continuing a little more causiously, "I did tell you I was workin' with the Feds on paperwork from the Stryker case."
"Right." down to one-word answers from Hutch.
"Well, one of the Feds was a woman named Alexandra. God, Hutch, she's beautiful. She's got these green eyes that..."
"Starsky." Hutch interrupted.
"Oh yeah." Starsky continued. "I was working with Alex..."
"Alex?" Hutch interrupted again, beginning to enjoy the exuberance in his partner that had been missing too long.
"Yeah. That's what I call her." said Starsky, slightly annoyed. "Well, one thing led to another and I took her out tonight and I think I love her!"
"Is that it?" Hutch said, confused.
"Yeah!" Starsky said, really getting annoyed now.
"Why do you think you love her?" Hutch questioned.
Realizing Hutch was only being protective, Starsky calmed down before answering. "I can't explain it exactly, but, I can't think of anything else. When I'm with her I feel like I did when I was with Terry. I don't have to think about what I say. She's easy to talk to and even likes the Torino. And Hutch, when she looks at me, I get hot as hell when she just says my name!"
"I think you're in trouble, Buddy." Hutch responded with a smile and a pat on his partner's back. "You deserve this." Seeing the smile on his friend's face warmed Hutch deep in his heart. Squeezing Starsky's shoulder, Hutch said, "Tell me more."
As Starsky continued raving about Alexandra, Hutch thought to himself, "God, he does deserve this. Protect his heart. He's been through so much."
Two hours later, Hutch locked the door behind Starsky and limped back to bed. "Please let this be real this time." he said out loud. "Please!"
Starsky was awakened by the sound of the phone. Looking at the clock with blurry eyes, and grabbing the phone with a hand that was still asleep, he said, "It's six o'clock in the mornin'!"
"I am sorry for calling you so early." Alex's voice purred on the other end.
"Alex! You okay?" Starsky asked, instantly waking up.
'Yes, David. I just called to tell you about the change of plans before you left for work." she explained.
"Change of plans?" he questioned.
"Yes. My boss called me at five this morning and told me to be on a plane for San Francisco at nine. I have to review another case and stay for a conference Saturday. I'm sorry, but I'll have to put off the Stryker case for a few days." she answered.
"Hutch will be back today so I was gonna have to change plans anyway." he replied, relieved. "Do you need a ride to the airport?"
"I would love nothing better than to spend time with you before I go, but I have to go to the office first. I am leaving now." she replied, the disappointment obvious.
"Have a great trip. You can call if you want." he offered, hopefully.
"I will call you at the station when I know where I'll be staying and the phone number there. David, I'll miss you."
Wishing she was standing in front of him, he said quietly, "Thanks for sayin' that. I'll miss you too. Be careful, huh?"
Trying to slow her breathing down, she answered, "I will be very careful. I can't wait to see you again."
His smile could be heard in his response, "I'll count the hours. Hey, didn't Shakespear say that?"
Laughing, she replied, "I'm not sure. I have to run or I'll miss my flight. I WILL call you. Bye."
"Yeah, bye." Starsky said as he hung up.
Rolling over to his back, he stared at the ceiling. He refused any negative thoughts. Her leaving now was only coincidence, her job. Nothing more. Not being able to go back to sleep, he decided to pick up Hutch early. He had missed him these last few days. Showering and dressing quickly, he headed for Venice Place.
"You know, this is the second time in less that twelve hours that you woke me up." Hutch nearly growled. Seeing the look on Starsky's face, Hutch changed his tone quickly. "Hey Buddy, what's wrong?"
"Probably nothin'. Alex got called out of town." Starsky stated bluntly.
Giving Starsky time to finish, Hutch silently placed his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"She had some case to review in Frisco, then a seminar on Saturday." he continued. "Hutch, I got this feelin' in the pit of my stomach."
"Starsk, don't jump to any conclusions." Hutch said gently. "She does have a job that involves travel."
"I know, I know. It's just with my track record, I'm gettin' a little jumpy. What's with me and women?" Starsky questioned, wanting an honest answer from his friend.
Thinking before answering, Hutch began, "Starsk, women love you. You draw women like a magnet, Buddy. Lately, the women you've drawn are looking for something different from life than you are. I got a feeling though, this one may be different."
"Yeah?" Starsky looked up at him, hopefully.
"Yeah." Hutch smiled. "Just give it a little time. See what she wants from you, from life. Don't rush it, okay?"
"Kay." Starsky responded, almost like a little boy.
"Let's go to work, huh? I've missed it!" Hutch said with enthusiasm.
"I have too, Blondie. Let's do it!" Starsky agreed.
After Hutch showered and dressed, they headed to Parker Center. Of course, there was a donut shop stop along the way!
