Cake, No Candles

Hutch glanced at the calendar as he headed towards the door, stopped midstride and backed up to take a second glance. He knew it was Friday when he woke this morning; he just hadn't appreciated the date. The week had been a crazy one. There seemed to have been a spate of robberies and homicides that had left the whole squad running around, working long hours and getting by on very little sleep. He'd been glad to know the weekend was coming up and that he would soon be able to kick back and unwind.

And here it was: Friday. Not only Friday, but Starsky's birthday. He was surprised his partner hadn't mentioned it. Usually, he started dropping hints as soon as the month started as to how he'd like to celebrate, but not this year. Hutch sighed. He thought he knew why. It was only just over five weeks since Terry had been so cruelly taken from them and they were both feeling the loss keenly.

Understandably, his friend seemed to have taken the decision not to celebrate at all this year, but this left Hutch with a dilemma. Should he ignore it too? Should he plan something low key for just the two of them? If he ignored the day completely, would Starsky think he'd just forgotten and be made more miserable? Or, conversely, would he think Hutch was thoughtless for even suggesting celebrating?

Hutch sighed again. Navigating grief wasn't easy, even with the person you thought you knew better than anyone.

Abruptly, he realised he had no more time to think about it. He was going to be late to pick up his partner if he didn't leave now. He hurried out of the door, locked it behind him and rapidly descended the stairs. As he climbed into his car, he decided that he would see what mood his partner was in and then take it from there.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

By the time they were back at the squad room typing up reports at midday, Hutch knew that his partner was in no mood for a big celebration so something 'low key' was what it would have to be. When Starsky made a run to the candy machine, Hutch quickly dialled The Pits and placed an order with Huggy for him to collect on the way home that evening. Hutch had just put the phone down when Starsky returned to his desk and he had to hide a small smile. Then there was no time to think anymore as they were called out again to investigate another homicide.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Finally, they reached the end of their shift and wearily made their way out to Hutch's car. Starsky looked silently out of the window and didn't notice right away that they were headed to The Pits. As Hutch pulled up behind the bar, Starsky said, "I'm not in the mood for eating out tonight, pal. I just want to go home."

Hutch nodded. "Yeah, I gathered that, buddy. We're not stopping. I'm just collecting something. You stay here. I'll be right back."

Starsky looked after his partner with surprise as Hutch hurried into the bar. Only a few minutes later, Hutch returned, carrying a large bag. He placed it carefully on the back seat and then got in. Starsky sniffed the air appreciatively.

"That smells like a Starsky Special."

"You got it in one. Good guess," Hutch said with a smile, as he drove the car in the direction of Starsky's place.

Starsky looked mystified. "How come? What's the occasion?"

Hutch glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "Your birthday," he prompted.

"Oh."

"I know you don't feel like celebrating and I understand why, but I reckon Terry would say I'm not doing my job if I don't at least say happy birthday to you, buddy, and share a meal with you."

As the car came to a halt, Hutch looked at his partner and found him blinking back tears as he looked at him.

Hutch asked, "So is that all right with you, Starsk? Sharing a meal together, just us."

"Sounds perfect, pal."

Hutch smiled with relief. "Good, let's go get the stove on and see what needs reheating."

The two of them walked up the steps to Starsky's place, side by side. As they reached the front door, they heard the phone ringing. They both knew who it would be and traded smiles. While Hutch set about unpacking their food, Starsky answered the phone.

"Hi Ma…Thanks…Yeah, it's been a crazy week so I'm glad to not be doing too much…No, I'm not on my own. I'm spending the evening with Hutch. He's bought dinner for us to share."

As he listened to his mother wishing him well, Starsky glanced across the room and saw that two beer bottles and a cake had appeared on his coffee table. He frowned a little and then started to smile. The cake looked as if it was an extra gooey chocolate cake; one of his favourites. He chatted for a few more minutes and then said goodbye to his mother. Straightaway, Hutch appeared carrying a Starsky Special and a plainer version of the meal for himself.

As they settled on the sofa, Hutch asked, slightly nervously, "Did I do the right thing with the cake? I thought we should have a cake at least, but no candles. It's sort of a compromise."

Starsky nodded. "Thanks. You did good, partner. I don't want to celebrate…but have you ever known me turn down cake?"

Hutch snorted. "Not ever."

Starsky grabbed his beer bottle and tipped it towards his partner. "Thanks for this, pal."

Hutch clinked his bottle against Starsky's.

"You're welcome and happy birthday. Now eat up. We need to get to that cake as soon as possible."

Starsky grinned and nodded at his friend and then he started attacking his birthday meal with gusto.

Hutch inwardly breathed a sigh of relief at another small hurdle successfully navigated. As long as he and his partner continued to watch out for each other, they would make it through together to much better times and happier celebrations.