Going home: Going
Hutch had talked about going on a visit to Duluth for a long while, but always seemed to put it off whenever the possibility for a few days off came along. Then, out of the blue, Dobey had offered them a whole week's vacation around Thanksgiving. Starsky took the opportunity to talk Hutch into a corner and persuaded him to order tickets. Since the shooting, Starsky had learned to go with opportunities when they came along — you never knew if they were the last. They would be gone for five days, which would leave them two days to themselves before going back to work.
Starsky arrived early to pick up Hutch the Tuesday morning that they were leaving. Hutch was still in the middle of packing when he heard the car outside, and he started to hurry to finish up.
"‘Morning, Hutch," Starsky said, when he walked through the front door. "All set and ready to go?"
"Yeah, sort of," came the mumbled reply.
Starsky took a detour through the kitchen for a cup of coffee. There was plenty of time, but he'd gone early because he thought Hutch might need a bit of moral support. And maybe a little help with packing. Hutch always tended to pack far too much in Starsky's opinion.
"Taking all that?" Starsky asked, walking towards Hutch, sipping his coffee. "Sure you really need the tennis racket, too?"
"Well," Hutch looked flustered. "My parents have a tennis court and my father might want to…"
"Babe, I'm sure they have other rackets you could borrow. And it's November, for chrissake. Wouldn't it be too cold?"
"Yeah, I know. Wasn't thinking, I guess. Just want to be prepared, you know." He ran his hand through his hair and looked at Starsky.
"I know. Trust me, leave the tennis racket. Pack some nice clothes, a suit and tie, and don't forget your toothbrush." He reached out for Hutch and rubbed him soothingly on the back. "It'll be all right. Act the good son for a couple of days, and then we're going home again."
"Thanks." Hutch said, leaning into Starsky's arms. "Sorry. I know I shouldn't worry so much."
"It's all right. Now, finish packing, and I'll make us some breakfast. Bet you haven't had any yet."
"How did you know?"
Starsky just rolled his eyes, and retreated to the kitchen. Hutch needed more than coffee right now, and he wouldn't mind a second breakfast himself. It was several hours before they needed to be at the airport; perhaps he could talk Hutch in a little personal relaxation for dessert, too. Anything to make Hutch relax and take his mind off things. Starsky smiled at the thought.
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