When he arrived other officers were still clearing away the mess, from the earlier celebrations, but no-one seemed to mind, in fact they were surprised to see Hutch back so soon. Minnie approached him, "Hi Hutch, where's that curly haired partner of yours?" She smiled. "Oh Hi Minnie. His kid got sick, he's waiting for the doctor." Hutch was shocked at how easily he had responded. A few months ago he would never have figured Starsky as a father, then he met Venna and... "Hey Hutch, you still here?" It was Minnie, "Oh I..." Hutch smiled. "You were a million miles away then. You okay?" She asked. "Oh sure, you know me, Starsky's the one we need to worry about." He reassured. "I don't know Blondie. He's got you looking out for him. Who's looking out for you?" She asked again, concerned. "Me? What do I need looking out for?" he laughed. "Hutch don't discount yourself. You loved her too. Didn't you?" she challenged. "Minnie, she was Starsky's girl. It was never gonna happen." he responded, with regret. "Starsky needs me now. How'd you find out?" he asked. "It was written all over your face. Every time Starsky talked about her. He glowed, you glowed too" She smiled tenderly. "Nothing happened Minnie. She didn't even know" "Hey Hutch you don't need to convince me. I know you'd never cheat on Starsky." Hutch sighed and thought about Kira, "No Minnie, never" It was with a heavy heart that Hutch went in to see his captain.
"Hutchinson, what are you doing here? Is Starsky all right?" asked the Captain of detectives. "Yeah, yeah, look Cap'n I need to talk to you about my return." Hutch began. "Well don't just stand there, what?" Captain Dobey wasn't known for his patience, especially when it came to Starsky and Hutch. Hutch looked beat. If only I hadn't had that conversation with Minnie He
thought. He slumped into a chair, "I need more time." He pleaded with his Captain. "Hutchinson, what's going on? I thought...Starsky seemed better today. I thought you were bringing him with you." "That's just it Captain, I want to bring him with me and he's nearly ready, but not yet. He just...We just need some more time." "How long?" asked Captain Dobey. "Two weeks. Tops. If Starsky's not ready I'll come back without him. His kid's just starting school. We gotta sort out day care, housekeeper, I need to get home. My green house has probably died..." Hutch was talking and talking. Dobey interrupted, "Hutch, HUTCH" he had to shout. "What, what? Sorry Captain. It's been a tough month" Hutch was worn out. Too busy looking after Starsky to even begin to watch out for himself. He had not shed a tear since Venna's funeral. He was afraid Starsky would guess what was up and that was the last thing Hutch wanted. "Captain please. We need this time." He begged. "Hutchinson I'm signing you off on sick leave. Indefinitely. You and that partner of yours are no good to me, or this department like this. Go. Go back to your friend..." Hutch felt relieved "Thanks Captain, I'll be back soon. I promise" Hutch thanked him and got up to leave. As he was at the door Captain Dobey said "Hutch, take care of yourself too." Hutch smiled as he left.
The doctor had been, Dylan had a mild throat infection and a cold, that was all. Starsky smiled, at his mother, when the verdict came in. She smiled too, "David Starsky, don't you look at me like that!" she scolded "You boys, you know how a mother worries" Starsky walked over and hugged her, "I know how this mother worries" he whispered, smiling, into her ear.
Starsky and his mother sat down to talk. "You know ma, It's the first time Hutch aint been here, and you know what? I'm okay." He seemed surprised, that he would be, "Maybe you and Hutch need to get back to your own lives now? I need to do this, hell..." he grinned "I CAN do this!" Rachael was pleased and squeezed Starsky's hand, "I believe you can son. I'd like to stay until after Dylan's birthday. A grandma needs to spoil her grandson on his birthday." "Sure ma. I wouldn't have it any other way."
The telephone rang. Starsky got up to answer it, "Starsky" he said, into the receiver. "Hey Starsk'" Starsky heard the voice of his partner, "Hutch?" "Yeah it's me. Listen, I got school all sorted out. We can take Dylan in on Tuesday. I went to see the Captain" Hutch began, "And?" interrupted Starsky, Hutch continued "And he says it's fine to take some more time." "Uh, Hutch I been thinking, maybe you outta go back." "Starsky?" "Honestly Hutch, I'm really okay. I been talking to ma, I'm ready to do this now. I gotta start living again Hutch. It may as well start now." Starsky sounded very certain, Hutch responded, "Starsky are you sure? It's only been a month. You said yourself you haven't even began to think about you yet." Hutch sounded concerned. Starsky reassured him, "No and I'm not gonna, with you and ma babysitting me all the time. I'm a big boy Hutch. After Terri died, I didn't think I had enough strength to remain on this earth but I did. If I did it then..."He thought for a moment "Hutch I can do it again" "I'm pleased for you buddy. How' bout I hang around until after Dylan's birthday? I mean an uncle needs to spoil his nephew on his birthday." Starsky laughed. "Sure Hutch, wouldn't have it any other way."
The first day of school was soon upon them. It was hard to guess who was more nervous, Dylan, Starsky or Hutch. Both detectives were tearful as they led Dylan into the class room. On entering Starsky held Dylan's hand but as soon as the little boy saw all the toys, he bolted. "Seems like one of us is glad to be here" smiled Hutch. Starsky, however, was focussed on another child in the room. A small boy, about the same age as Dylan, but much, much smaller. He had dark curly hair and piercing blue eyes. He reminded Starsky of Nicky when he was young. Dylan went over to play near him. Standing together they looked like a minature version of Starsky and Hutch, Dylan so blond the other child, so dark. Hutch notice it too. "Hey Starsk' will ya look at that. They could be us, a million years ago." "I..I know it Hutch" Starsky seemed to falter. The boy seemed very familiar to him. He looked around to see if he could the child's parent. Soon the teacher asked the adults to collect their children and come and sit with them, whilst she introduced herself. "Hello children. My name is Miss Roberts. I'm going to be your teacher. We are going to have lots of fun here, but first of all I need to let everyone know the rules.." Whilst she was talking Starsky was watching the other child. He was sitting with a lady in her late fifties. Hutch noticed "Starsky, don't ya think she's a bit old for you" he whispered. "I'm trying to figure out who she is Hutch. The kid seems really familiar, but I don't know her." "Maybe it's the nanny. Maybe the parents work." Hutch answered. "Mmm "pondered Starsky.
The teacher had finished her speech and was now asking every one to introduce themselves. She asked the children to let everyone know their name and then to introduce their grown up. It went round the circle. "I'm Sammy, I'm four, I want to be a princess. This is my mommy." "Hello Sammy" replied the teacher. "I'm Craig, I'm five," said the little boy seated next to Dylan, in a very proud voice, "This is my mom and she's a nurse" "Thankyou Craig" said the teacher. Dylan was shy and snuggled into Starsky, "Come on Champ" he urged, smiling. "My, my name is Dylan. This is Hutch and..." he looked at Starsky, "This is Hutch and my dad, they're cops" Starsky and Hutch both looked at each other. Both had tears in their eyes. The teacher, knowing the situation, smiled gently and nodded, "Thank you Dylan, it's nice to meet you." It went on round the circle. By now most of the children were fidgeting. There were about 16 children, in all. The little boy Starsky had been watching was last. He stood up, tall and proud. "My name is Michael" he said. "My mommy's at work, I don't have a daddy. This is Rose, she looks after me" "Thankyou Michael. I'm very pleased to have you all here in my class."
Starsky and Hutch stayed with Dylan for about an hour. They were the last "parents" to leave. Dylan had made friends with Michael and they were happily playing in the sand together.
"What ya wanna do now buddy?" asked Hutch, when they got outside. "Kinda hard leaving him, I guess?" "Sure is" replied Starsky, "Still he seems okay. Shame Ray's not there to enjoy it." continued Starsky, "And Venna, she would have been so proud!" pondered Starsky. Hutch nudged him, with his elbow, smiling he said, "Yeah, she probably would' a cried more than us!" As they were not back on duty, yet, and neither could face going home, they decided to go and see Huggy Bear. Hutch was thinking about Venna. Now that Starsky seemed to be doing better, he was able to think about himself. Minnie was right, he had loved her. He knew nothing was going to happen, after Kira, he and Starsky had learned their lesson in sharing women. It seldom worked and they both valued their friendship too much, to consider it again. Still, Hutch had loved Venna anyway, but kept it to himself. He remembered when he and Starsky had first met her. Her car had broken down. Hutch melted the minute he saw her. Twin boys hollering in the back seat, whilst this beautiful blonde lady, stood by her car, calmly watching steam billowing from the radiator. She could not fail to see Starsky's Torino, as it pulled up. Red with a white lightening stripe running along each side, over the hood and finishing in a point just rear of the front bumper. She told Starsky later that she had not been in the least bit frightened when they pulled up. She figured anyone driving a car that comical, couldn't be at all dangerous. It was Starsky she had been smitten with. From that first meeting. Just as Hutch fell for her instantly, she fell for Starsky the same way. She had to work at it though. After Terri, Starsky was not about to fall in love again. But she kept on after him and eventually their friendship turned into a deep love, one that even Hutch could not begin to compete with.
"Hey Blondie?" queried Starsky, "Where you at?" Starsky had been watching his partner, deep in thought. Starsky knew Hutch well enough to know that something was up. Hutch was a deep thinker. Not one to share his problems, unless prompted. "Oh, just thinking Starsk'" Hutch smiled at his friend. Great Hutchinson. The minute you allow yourself to think about Venna, Starsky realises there's something up. "What'cha thinkin' about Hutch?" Starsky asked. "Oh nothing much" said Hutch, trying to shrug Starsky off. "Aw come on Hutch. I know you. Something's up." Starsky replied. "Starsky do I have to share all my inner most thoughts with you? I told you there's nothing up! Get off my back, will ya!" Hutch responded angrily. He was tired. Heck Starsky thinks he's always gonna be alone, well what about me buddy? What about me? Starsky was taken back by the anger in his partner's voice. He'd seen Hutch angry before. It was not pretty. Starsky did not know what he had done, but decided not to push it. "Okay buddy, what ever you say" he smiled.
They arrived, at Huggy's, a little over ten minutes later. Starsky felt as though he really needed that drink now. As they entered their compadre sauntered over to them. "What it is gents?" he grinned, "That's what I like to see, my two favourite detectives together, gracing this fine establishment!" Starsky shielded his eyes, mockingly, when looking at Huggy Bear. "My God Hug', what are you wearin'?" he asked. Huggy had on a bright orange turtle neck sweater and a lime green pair of golfing trousers. "This, my man, is the height of cool, and you know The Bear is one cool cat!" replied Huggy. "Huggy, those threads aren't cool!" Starsky smiled, "They're a bloody nightmare! What do you think Hutch?" Starsky asked, turning to his partner. "Ah, no, not cool Hug', not cool." Hutch replied, uninterested. Huggy shrugged and went to get the men a beer.
They stayed for a couple of hours. The whole time Hutch was quiet. Starsky was worried. Maybe I've been selfish? He thought, to himself. Hutch and Venna were friends. I haven't asked him how he feels." Hutch you wanna talk?" he asked. "About what, Starsky?" "Anything" "Anything...like what?" Hutch asked. "You wanna talk about Venna?" Hutch was surprised. Did Starsky know? Had he suspected all along? "What about Venna, Starsk'?" Hutch enquired. "Hutch I know you were friends. I never thought, you must miss her too." Hutch could see his friend was trying to offer comfort, without even understanding what was really wrong. "Starsky I'm fine. She was your lady. Remember?" he smiled, warmly. "I know Hutch, but she was part of both our lives. I can hardly remember a time when you weren't involved. I mean, even alone with Venna, I'd end up talking about you." he laughed. In a soft voice Hutch answered, "Maybe we spend too much time together Starsk'?" Now Starsky was really worried. "What are you sayin' Hutch?" he asked. "Nothing, I'm not saying nothing. Just maybe we should try and have a relationship that doesn't involve each other." Starsky grinned, unsure, "You tellin' me you don't wanna be friends no more?" he whined, in a put on baby voice. "Starsky be serious! All I'm saying is that, maybe separate lives, sometimes, wouldn't hurt. Listen Starsky school's nearly out, why don't you drop me back at my place and go collect your son? I'll see you in the morning." "You're not stayin' no more?" asked Starsky, hurt. "Starsky be reasonable. You said you wanted to do this. Now's your chance."
There was nothing more to say. They drove back to Hutch's apartment in silence. Hutch was sorry Starsky did not understand. He knew he was hurting him, but what could he say.
The next morning Starsky got Dylan off to school and decided to drive to Hutch's. He pulled up outside the Venice apartment and sat, thinking, in his car. Hutch I'm not strong yet. I still need you buddy, but it feels like you need me more. With a heavy heart he entered the building. Outside Hutch's apartment Starsky wasn't sure whether to knock or use the key, Hutch kept above the door. Usually he would let himself in, without a thought, but today... He knocked.
Inside Hutch had hardly slept. He had spent all of the last night crying over Venna and his relationship with Starsky. Somehow he felt that it was slipping away. For a month he had focussed on Starsky's needs, now, suddenly he couldn't stop thinking about his own. He heard the knock and guessed it would be his partner. "Come in Starsk'. It's open" he called. Starsky was shocked at the site of Hutch. "My God Hutch, what's wrong?" Hutch hadn't shaved, Starsky figured he hadn't slept. He was wearing the same clothes as yesterday and looked as though he had been crying all night. "Hutch, talk to me?" Hutch was tired. Tired of always putting other people's needs before his own. All his life he had been the considerate son, the responsible one. The only exception to that was when he became a police officer instead of the lawyer his father wanted him to be, but even Richard Hutchinson, eventually, could see that being a cop was the right choice for his son, and was proud of him. "Starsky, I can't buddy. Leave me alone." Starsky was tired. He's spent his whole life putting other people's needs before his own. When his father died and he was sent to Bay City to live with his Aunt and Uncle, he did it, without fuss. The only exception to that was with Hutch. For the past month he had put his own needs first and ignored Hutch's feelings completely. "Hutch?" he asked. He wanted to understand what was wrong. It seemed as though his friend was hurting too. "Starsky please. Just go" The look on Hutch's face tore at Starsky's heart. "Okay partner I'm going, but I aint giving up. Something's eating you and one way or another I'm gonna find out what it is."