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Sudden Change

By

Cheryl T

"Hutch, you feeling okay?" Starsky stared at his partner as if seeing a stranger suddenly sitting next to him.

"Feeling okay? Yeah, I'm feeling just fine. Why do you ask?"

"'Cause you were humming."

"So? Is there some rule that says I can't hum? Maybe I should ask you if you're feeling okay?" Now it was Hutch looking strangely at his partner.

"But, Hutch, you were humming 'Jingle Bells'."

"You know better than that. Me humming 'Jingle Bells'?" Hutch shook his head slowly, "Starsk, I think you need to have your hearing checked."

Pulling into a parking spot in front of Hutch's building, Starsky braked just a little harder than necessary. "I know 'Jingle Bells' when I hear 'Jingle Bells'."

"So what if I was humming 'Jingle Bells'?" Hutch shot Starsky a dirty look, as he lurched forward in the seat. "You trying to put me through the windshield?"

"Sorry. I'm just not used to you humming, especially Christmas songs. Just not your style."

Opening, the door, Hutch slid out of the car. Looking back at his partner, he shook his head in amusement. "See you in the morning, partner."

As the car door shut, Starsky heard Hutch mumble, "Things change, you know."

A bewildered Starsky watched as Hutch entered his building. "Who the hell was that?"

As the week progressed, Starsky was sure that someone else had taken over his partner's body. He looked the same. The same blond hair and blue eyes; the same clothes and even the same ratty old Ford. Despite all the physical similarities, Starsky found it hard to believe that this person constantly humming Christmas carols could really be his best friend and partner. What had happened to the Hutch who hated Christmas?

Four days before Christmas, Starsky watched in disbelief as his partner, happily handed out candy canes to everyone in sight. He had also noticed that he was taking every opportunity to get all the females in the department under the mistletoe. The mistletoe…where had that come from?

Finally unable to stand it any longer, Starsky grabbed hold of Hutch and pulled him into the corridor. "Okay, where's my partner? What have you done with him?"

"What do you mean, where's your partner?"

"Simple, you can't be Hutch. Hutch doesn't hand out candy canes, hum Christmas carols, or hang up mistletoe."

"That's the old Hutch. The new Hutch does all of those things and more. I thought you'd be happy."

"But it's just not normal. It's almost scary." Starsky studied Hutch's face, watching intently for a sign that Hutch was playing some sort of joke on him. "Why? Why all of a sudden did you get some Christmas spirit?"

"Does it really matter why? Isn't is enough that I'm finally enjoying the holiday season?"

"Well, it would be if I wasn't worried that as soon as I let down my guard, the old Hutch would return and become Scrooge again."

"Starsk, I promise you the old Hutch and Scrooge will not ruin this Christmas. What do you say we just enjoy the holiday?"

"Yeah, okay." Starsky's tone was filled with uncertainty, but he was beginning to warm up to the idea of a Hutch with some Christmas spirit.

"Good now let's get back to work."

When their shift ended, Starsky suggested they grab something to eat at Huggy's.

"Sorry, Starsk, I've got some shopping to finish up." Hutch couldn't help but smile at the look of shock that crossed Starsky's face. "Yes, I said shopping."

"You're scaring me, Hutch."

Hutch laughed. "Well, just be sure you show up on Christmas, okay. We've got the day off this year, and I have some really great plans for us. And what about coming over Christmas Eve and helping me decorate my tree?"

"You're getting a tree?" Starsky, still having difficulty believing this change in his partner's usual holiday behavior, hoped that soon, Hutch would offer some sort of explanation for the change. Maybe I shouldn't question it and just enjoy it while I can. But it's strange, very strange.

"Yeah, I'm getting a tree this year. I'm thinking a big tree. So how about it? You up to helping me decorate it?

"Sounds great, Hutch. I'll be there."

By Christmas Eve, Starsky was nearly bursting from excitement. Despite an arrest being made in a case they had been working for weeks and nearly walking in on a robbery in a liquor store, the day seemed to be dragging.

"Hey, Starsk, it's been quite a day, huh?" Hutch was feeling pretty good about the day's work. "Guess, those two guys in the liquor store didn't expect us? They sure looked surprised." Hutch laughed, as he remembered the looks on the faces of the two obviously inexperienced robbers. I think that has to be one of the easiest busts we ever made."

"Yeah, it was an easy bust all, right." Starsky glanced up at the clock frowning as he realized they still had another hour and a half before their day would be officially over.

Seeing the frown on his partner's face, Hutch asked, "Something wrong, Starsk?"

"Nah, I'm just wondering if that damn clock is broken."

"I don't think the clock is broken, Starsk. What does your watch say?" Hutch had been enjoying watching his partner the last few days, as his excitement had just about reached a fevered pitch. "Any particular reason you're clock watching today?" Hutch did his best to keep a straight face. He knew full well his partner was like a little kid when it came to Christmas and the excitement was nearly killing him.

"You're real funny, Hutch. You know darn well why I'm clock watching. You're not going back to your usual Scrooge self are you?" Starsky's face had taken on a worried expression.

Hutch quickly reassured him, "No, I'm not turning back into Scrooge."

"You sure?" Starsky was still having a problem believing the sudden change in his partner.

"I'm sure. Now let's get these reports finished up, so when that clock tells us it's time to go we can get out of here."

The clock finally reached the appointed time, and Starsky was quickly on his feet. "What time you want me to come over?"

"How about around seven o'clock?" Hutch finished clearing off his desk and then pulled his jacket on.

As Hutch slid into his car, Starsky yelled, "Hey you want me to bring anything?"

"Just bring yourself, partner." Hutch slammed his car door several times before it finally latched shut. Then smiling broadly at his partner, he waved as he pulled away.

Starsky shook his head as he opened his car door. I don't know who that is, but I'm still having my doubts that it's really my partner.

Promptly at seven o'clock, Starsky pulled up in front of Hutch's apartment. Finally he was going to spend a Christmas Eve with his friend in the manner in which he had always wanted to.

Standing outside the door of Hutch's apartment, Starsky inhaled the aroma of baking…cookies? Hutch was baking cookies? Starsky knocked several times getting no response. Trying the door he found it unlocked. "Hey, Hutch, I'm here."

"Be right out, Starsk." The voice coming from the direction of the bathroom sounded raspy.

"Hutch, you okay?"

"Yeah, but I think I'm coming down with some kind of bug," Hutch said sadly. "But I'm not going to let a little sore throat ruin Christmas for us."

"You sure you don't want to get some rest? We don't have to do anything tonight."

"We have a tree that needs decorating." Hutch pointed to a rather imposing tree standing in the corner. "What do you think of it?"

"It's incredible." Starsky stared at the tall bushy but still naked tree. "It's going to be beautiful when we get it all decorated. You really did out do yourself."

"Yeah, I did, didn't I?" Hutch looked proudly at the tree. Why don't you start decorating the tree while I check our dinner."

"Did I smell fresh baked cookies when I came in?" Starsky looked hopefully in the direction of the kitchen.

Hutch said rather sheepishly, "Yeah, I did bake a few cookies. I remembered how good my grandmother's Christmas cookies used to taste and smell. Guess it's kind of a silly childhood memory."

"Childhood memories make Christmas special. Nothing silly about that." Starsky smiled, remembering his own childhood Christmases with his family. "I don't know about you, but I miss being around my family this time of year."

"Yeah, sometimes I do. I miss my grandparents the most, though. Holidays were just never the same after they died." A soft, sad smile briefly flickered across the blond's face. "You going to get started on that tree, or do I have to do everything myself?"

It didn't escape Starsky that Hutch had quickly changed the subject of families and Christmas.

Hutch had prepared quite a feast for them, but despite stuffing themselves, they now sat munching on some of Hutch's freshly baked cookies, while sitting back admiring the newly decorated tree.

"I think we out did ourselves. The tree is just beautiful." Starsky brushed the crumbs from his shirt and looked over at his partner. "How you feeling?" Starsky could tell that his partner wasn't feeling well. And knowing his partner the way he did, he also knew that Hutch would try to pretend everything was just fine.

"I've felt better, but I refuse to let a little bug keep me from enjoying our Christmas."

"I think it's time for us to call it a night. You need to get some rest. This has been a great Christmas Eve, Hutch. Thanks."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did, too. But just wait until tomorrow. We'll start the day off with a big breakfast and then we'll open gifts. I have a huge dinner planned." Hutch's voice trailed off. "Guess, I am kind of tired. But I'll be okay tomorrow."

"Come on, let's get you into bed, and I'll do a quick clean up in the kitchen."

"Starsk, you don't need to do that. Go on home." Hutch slowly got to his feet. "Go home. Merry Christmas, partner."

Starsky waited until he knew Hutch was settled in bed and then went about tidying up the kitchen. Job finished, he peeked in on his sleeping partner, then quietly let himself out of the apartment, carefully locking the door behind him.

The next Starsky felt as excited as a kid. He did his best to restrain himself from arriving too early at Hutch's. He wanted to give Hutch some extra time to sleep if he wanted to. But he could only hold off so long. After two cups of coffee, a shower, and carrying the gifts out to the car, Starsky was ready.

The delicious odors emanating from Hutch's apartment this morning had Starsky almost drooling, as he made his way up the steps. If he's up and cooking, he must be feeling better.

Before Starsky had a chance to knock on the door, the door was opened, and he was pulled into a tight hug. "Ma?" Starsky couldn't believe what he was seeing, when his mother finally released her hold on him. Not only were his mother, his brother, Nicky, his Aunt Stella and Uncle Earl there, but also so was the whole Hutchinson family: Hutch's mom, Constance; and his dad, Christopher; Hutch's older brother, Matthew; and his wife, Leslie; and Hutch's younger sister, Kimberly. Starsky found himself suddenly unable to speak. His mouth was open, but no words would come out. His look of stunned disbelief caused everyone to laugh.

"Well, Hutch wanted to surprise you. I'd say he pulled it off." Nick slapped his still stunned brother on the back. "Merry Christmas, big brother."

"Merry Christmas, Nick."

Starsky looked around the crowded apartment for Hutch. "So where's my partner?"

Hutch's mom stepped forward. "Dave, your mother and I sent Ken back to bed to get some rest. He's pretty sick. I'm a little worried about him. I've tried to convince him to give his doctor a call, or make a trip to the emergency room. It wasn't easy getting him to go back to bed. We had to promise that we'd take of things in the kitchen. He's so determined that this is going to the best Christmas ever."

"This is not going to be the best Christmas ever at the expense of his health, though." A determined Starsky nodded in the direction of where Hutch was resting. I'll make sure he sees a doctor if he needs to."

"Hey, babe, how you feeling?" Starsky eased himself down on the bed next to his pale and feverish-looking partner.

"I feel awful, Starsk. I planned on everything being so perfect this Christmas--we'd have our families with us for a change--and now I've ruined everything."

"You haven't ruined anything. We do have our families with us for Christmas. And it's certainly not your fault you're sick." Starsky didn't like the way Hutch looked. "You really do look awful, Hutch."

"Thanks. That's pretty much the way I feel."

Starsky reached a hand and gently touched the feverish face. "I'm gonna get the thermometer, and we're going to see just how high your fever is. After that, I'll get you some juice and some aspirin, and then I'm going to call Dr. Anderson.

"Starsk, I don't need a doctor." Hutch made a feeble attempt to sit up, but quickly fell back onto the pillow.

"Doesn't look to me like you're going anywhere anytime soon." Starsky pulled the covers up around the trembling shoulders and patted Hutch's arm. "I'll be right back."

After Hutch's temperature had been taken and he had dutifully swallowed down some aspirin and juice, Starsky made a phone call to the doctor. After apologizing for calling on Christmas morning, he described all of Hutch's symptoms--the temperature of a hundred and one, the sore throat, cough and how sick his poor partner looked.

The doctor assured Starsky he would call in a prescription that should ease some of Hutch's symptoms, but pointed out that things would just have to run their course. Plenty of fluids, aspirin, and rest were what was needed most and Starsky intended to see that Hutch received just that.

Taking a quick look in on Hutch, before leaving to pick up the prescription, Starsky promised everyone he would be back in time for breakfast. Hutch appeared to be resting quietly, so Starsky didn't disturb him.

Hating the thought that Hutch was going to miss most of the Christmas excitement, Starsky decided to pick up some extra film for his camera so that he could take lots of pictures.

Arriving home from the drugstore with Hutch's prescription, more juice, and lots of extra film, Starsky found breakfast ready and waiting for him.

"Don't hold breakfast for me. I'm going to give Hutch his medicine and take his temperature again. Don't worry, though, I'll be right back to help you guys get rid of all this food." Starsky snatched up a piece of bacon and hugged his mother on his way out of the kitchen.

Starsky hated having to wake Hutch, but he wanted to get him started on the medicine the doctor had prescribed.

"Hey, buddy. I really hate having to disturb you but you need to take this."

A coughing and groggy Hutch once again followed his friend's instructions and swallowed the cough syrup, making a face at the bitter taste. "Starsky, you should be out there with the rest of the family enjoying the day. I wanted this to be a really special holiday this year. I'm sorry I've ruined it."

"You're talking crazy, Hutch. You didn't ruin anything. You really outdid yourself partner; especially for a guy who never seemed to care too much about the holidays. I can't believe both our families are here together for Christmas…well, that's pretty damn special. It's certainly not your fault you got sick. You should be enjoying this as much if not more than anyone else." Brushing the hair off Hutch's forehead, Starsky was relieved to find that Hutch didn't seem to be any warmer than he had been earlier. "I'm gonna take your temperature again okay?"

"You can take my temperature on one condition, that you get out there and enjoy yourself." Hutch nodded in the direction of the animated chatter coming from the other room. "Deal?"

Starsky hesitated, hating the fact that he was supposed to go enjoy himself, while Hutch would be all in here all alone. It just wasn't right.

"Starsk? Do we have a deal?" A fit of coughing stopped Hutch from speaking any further for the moment. The coughing spell leaving him weak and drained, Hutch allowed himself to be gently eased back onto the pillows.

"Hutch, you know it's just not going to be the same without you."

"Take my temperature and get out there. Your breakfast is getting cold. This was all for you, buddy. Please go enjoy it." Hutch's eyes closed briefly then opened again. "Go on. I'm just going to sleep anyway. What the hell did you give me?" Hutch motioned toward the bottle sitting on the nightstand.

"I don't know. Whatever the doctor prescribed for you." Starsky picked up the bottle and read the label. "Looks like it's cough syrup with…codeine."

"That would explain why I'm suddenly feeling so very sleepy, huh?" Hutch attempted a feeble grin.

"Guess, I better take your temperature before you fall asleep, huh?"

Starsky felt a bit better after taking Hutch's temperature and finding that it had gone no higher.

"So, now can you go eat breakfast or do you really want to stay here and watch me sleep?" Hutch's voice was a sleepy mumble, as he lost the struggle to keep his eyes open.

"You win, partner. Merry Christmas. Thanks, buddy, love ya." Starsky leaned down and pulled the blankets tightly up around his already sleeping friend. Starsky let his hand rest briefly on Hutch's flushed cheek, enjoying the closeness, but at the same time feeling a bit lonely. "I'll make it up to you somehow."

It was dark when Hutch awoke, many hours later. Something told him he wasn't alone in the unlit room. He always seemed to know when his partner was close by.

"Starsk?" Hutch's raspy voice broke the silence in the room.

"I'm right here. You feeling any better?" Starsky's hand reached out and found Hutch's hand giving it a light squeeze.

"I'm hungry. That must be a good sign." Hutch clung to Starsky's hand briefly then began the struggle to sit up.

"You're in the right place if you're hungry. Have we got food." Switching the light on, Starsky helped his partner get situated against the pillows.

"Hey, where is everyone?" Hutch realized just how quiet the apartment was.

"They got tired of waiting for Sleeping Beauty to wake up," Starsky joked.

"Beauty, huh? I doubt that. I feel anything but beautiful."

"You know you're always beautiful to me, Blondie." Starsky reached over and ruffled Hutch's hair, his hand coming to rest on the now cooler forehead. "Looks like your fever's gone down."

"I even feel halfway human again."

"That's good news." Starsky got up from his chair. "How about I get something to eat?"

"Sounds good, Starsk. I think I'll make a trip to the bathroom and wash up a little first, though."

With some assistance from Starsky, Hutch made it into the bathroom. As he finished brushing his teeth, he could hear Starsky cheerfully singing "Jingle Bell Rock" in the other room.

Peeking his head into the kitchen, Hutch smiled at the sight of his partner dancing around the kitchen. "I'd say Christmas must have been pretty, huh?"

Starsky turned with a grin on his. "Yeah, it's gonna be great."

"Don't you mean it was great?" Hutch laughed. "I think maybe I better take *your* temperature."

"What you better do is get back into bed. I have a tray all ready for you. You need to rest up for tomorrow. I want you feeling at least three quarters human by tomorrow." Taking Hutch's elbow, Starsky steered him back into the bedroom.

"What's going on?" Hutch allowed Starsky to settle him back into bed, adjusting the pillows and blankets and just fussing over him in general.

"Hutch, what's going on is tomorrow we're celebrating Christmas." Starsky's face was positively glowing with excitement.

"Starsky, today was Christmas." Hutch took the fork away from Starsky, when it appeared that his partner had every intention of feeding him. " I can do it, Starsk. Now explain yourself. What's going on tomorrow?"

"Well, our families decided that they'd stick around an extra day and see if you were feeling better. We've got more than enough food for tomorrow, and we saved the gifts to open then. We simply called and changed their return flights and extended their hotel stay. It's going to work out great."

"But today was Christmas. It was supposed to be your day." Hutch stared at his partner in amazement.

"I had a great day today, Hutch. It was great spending time with our families. And you know they all got along great. Everything was terrific--except you didn't get to enjoy the day. I mean, after the sudden change in you this Christmas I really wanted to spend it with you. So this year we get to have two Christmases. Isn't it great?"

Hutch blinked back the tears. "Starsk that's so nice of everyone." Pausing for a few seconds as everything sunk in, Hutch blurted out, "I can't believe you didn't open your gifts!"

"Yeah, well, that just goes to show you how much you mean to me. Merry Christmas, Hutch."

THE END