Returning a Favour…or Two

Starsky and Hutch find out that Huggy is ill.

It had been a hard day. The two partners knew they needed to unwind for a little at a place where they could relax and goof around and then head home for some much needed sleep. Naturally, they headed to The Pits.

As they walked in, they spotted that their favourite booth was free and quickly headed towards it. They waved at Anita and mimed needing a drink. She smiled and nodded.

They sat down gratefully and discussed what they were going to eat. Anita arrived with two beers and asked what they wanted.

“Where’s Huggy?” Starsky asked.

“In bed. Sounds like he got that two day flu that’s going around.”

“Oh.”

They placed their order and Anita left to tell the kitchen. As they sipped on their beer and discussed anything except the case, they couldn’t help feeling the absence of the owner of the establishment and their friend. They saw Anita headed their way with a tray of food and silently exchanged looks.

“Thanks,” Hutch said, as she put his meal in front of him. “Anita, do you think the chef could rustle up some chicken soup for us to take to Huggy?”

Anita smiled widely. “I’ll ask. I bet he can.”

“And some ice cream,” Starsky added.

“Ice cream?” Hutch queried.

“Yeah, I always want ice cream when I got the flu.”

“That’s because you’re not normal!” Hutch pointed out.

“And Huggy is?”

“Good point,” Hutch agreed. “And ice cream, please.”

“I’ll see if we’ve got a tub of something in the freezer.”

“Great.”

They ate quickly and collected the chicken soup and a tub of vanilla ice cream. Then they headed over to Huggy’s.

They knocked on the door and waited patiently for it to be opened. When Huggy came into view, he looked terrible.

Before he could say anything, Starsky said, “Head back to bed. We brought some chicken soup. We’ll heat it up and bring it to you.”

“Thanks fellas,” Huggy said, feeling truly touched.

As he swayed a little, Hutch took his elbow and then steered him back towards the bedroom. Starsky heated the soup. Huggy managed to drink about half it before sagging back against his pillows.

“You got all the pills you need?” Starsky asked.

“Yeah, I’m all set. Thanks.”

“Well, we’ll leave you to rest. Call if you need anything,” Hutch said.

“Oh, there’s ice cream in the freezer if you feel like it later,” Starsky said.

“Oh…yeah, that’s great. I was thinking about ice cream earlier.”

Starsky gave Hutch a triumphant grin as they said their goodbyes. Then they left, locking Huggy’s door and then, as arranged, posting the key through the small window he’d left open.

Hutch yawned and Starsky nodded.

“Yep, time to get some rest,” he agreed. “Come on Sleeping Beauty. I better drop you home before you turn into a pumpkin.”

“You’re mixing up your fairytales,” Hutch noted.

“Does it matter?” Starsky asked.

And Hutch decided it didn’t as another huge yawn rolled through him.