{"id":98,"date":"2017-05-21T15:23:36","date_gmt":"2017-05-21T15:23:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=98"},"modified":"2020-11-01T22:12:03","modified_gmt":"2020-11-01T22:12:03","slug":"june-20th-tendency-to-jam-part-3-by-mvernet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=98","title":{"rendered":"June 20th- Tendency To Jam Part 3 by mvernet"},"content":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1.<\/strong><\/span><\/a>
\nClick here to read Part 2.<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky wondered if Hutch was trying to remember the Sunday night conversation that changed both their lives. Part of him wanted Hutch to remember. But another part was convinced he should leave the force and let Hutch find a new partner that deserved him. That part hoped Hutch would never remember. Leaving his partner after almost killing him Starsky could face. But leaving the man who had freely given him his heart was too much to bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. It\u2019s just memories trying to resurface, I guess,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cDoc told me I shouldn\u2019t push it. But I got this strange feeling that I\u2019m missing something important.\u201d Hutch looked down at Starsky kneeling at his feet like a loyal knight before a king. He ran a hand over his brown curls.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis has been hard on you, Starsk. Hasn\u2019t it? You\u2019ve been a rock for me. Putting up with my cantankerous ways and my constant whining. Thank you, buddy. Come up here.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

Starsky stood and found himself embraced by his partner\u2019s arms. He melted and stroked Hutch\u2019s silky hair. Hutch didn\u2019t smell like himself. His new scent evoked images of pain and white sheets and the nearness of Death, waiting for a gun to jam.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky pulled away and tried to hide his panic. \u201cCome on, you marshmallow man. Those drugs are making you more soppy than usual. I\u2019m gonna grab your wheeled chariot and get you the fuck out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Edith Dobey untied the yellow gingham apron she wore over her sleeveless summer dress after tidying Starsky\u2019s kitchen, then placed the apron on top of her straw purse resting on a nearby chair. She quietly came up behind Starsky who was leaning against the bedroom\u2019s door frame watching Hutch sleep. She reached for Starsky\u2019s hand, nestled it in her own and patted it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe looks like a lost angel when he\u2019s asleep, doesn\u2019t he? Sweet and sad at the same time. How\u2019s he really doing, honey?\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky attempted a smile but failed. \u201cYour husband asked the same question. He\u2019s in pain all the time. He\u2019s weak and won\u2019t eat. I\u2019m worried sick.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s only been home a few hours. Give him some time to adjust. People are always weak and weary after a long hospital stay. And as far as not eating goes? Mr. Huggy Bear Brown and I have seen to it that your fridge is full of tempting food and your freezer is full of casseroles, ice cream cups, and popsicles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Edith. Hey, did you get those popsicles shaped like a rocket? I\u2026 I mean, Hutch loves those.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Edith chuckled. \u201cSure did. Cal and Rosie were jealous in the supermarket, but when I said they were for Uncle Ken to make him better, Rosie said he could have them all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThose kids are beautiful, Edith.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey have good hearts, thank the Lord. They have been helping me take care of Ken\u2019s plants. Cal knows them all by name and how to water them properly and Rosie sings to them. I think it\u2019s important for kids to learn to do things for others without always expecting something in return.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, when Hutch is up to it, we\u2019ll take \u2018em to the zoo or somethin\u2019. They should also learn that their uncles appreciate and love them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch whimpered in his sleep and tried to get comfortable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edith sighed softly. The tougher the cop the more tender the heart. \u201cI have to go, but if you need me to do anything, just call. And I mean it. This is just as hard on you as it is on Ken. If you need some off time, I\u2019ll be here. Everything is labeled in the fridge. I\u2019d start him on Huggy\u2019s vegetable soup, but there is egg salad if you want something light and cool.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky took her arm after she gathered her things and walked her to the door. He gave her a peck on the cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Edith. You are a treasure. I\u2019d run away with ya, but my boss would murder me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Edith\u2019s laugh made Starsky smile. \u201cFlatterer. Get back to your charge. You\u2019ve got your hands full with that big baby.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that the truth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Starsky watched Edith go until she got safely into her station wagon and drove away. A noise from the bedroom had him hurrying to Hutch\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk? Starsky?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight here, babe. Edith just left. Did our talkin\u2019 wake ya?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch rubbed his eyes sleepily. Starsky sat on the edge of the bed and put a hand on his covered knee. \u201cNo\u2026 I\u2026 no. I didn\u2019t know where I was for a moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky frowned at Hutch\u2019s disorientation. \u201cYou\u2026 are with me. You wanna try to get up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded and immediately placed a hand across his belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou hurtin\u2019, babe?\u201d Starsky asked, but he could see the answer in Hutch\u2019s eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded again, and sighed deeply. \u201cIt always hurts, Starsk. Help me get up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky cringed at the words, knowing it was all his fault.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky stood and pulled back the covers on the bed. Hutch was still in his jeans and tee from the hospital. He helped Hutch to sit up and get his feet firmly on the floor. He wiggled his toes into his sandals and Starsky helped him stand. He swayed, gritted his teeth, and held on tightly to Starsky\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wanna sit in the kitchen?\u201d Starsky asked. \u201cI\u2019ll make ya some tea.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds good, partner,\u201d Hutch responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky helped Hutch get settled in the kitchen and busied himself with filling the tea kettle and grabbing mugs from the cabinet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, Starsk. Has Dobey told you what\u2019s going on with the case?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky felt Hutch\u2019s eyes on him and he faltered with the tea bags.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Starsk, I can tell something\u2019s bothering you. Hey, buddy, you\u2019re not still on official suspension are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, pal. I\u2019m not on suspension. I\u2019m just on personal leave \u2018til you can get around a little better. While you were still in the hospital, Dobey said Connie Hastings\u2019 lawyer got her off. Some of the\u2026 evidence got thrown out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch rubbed his head as the kettle sang. \u201cYou mean my statement didn\u2019t fly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky poured the boiling water into their mugs and dunked their teabags up and down. \u201cWell, yeah. But you know abuse cases. They can go any which way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, I know she asked Stevens to murder her husband. I\u2026 I just don\u2019t know how I know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky put the sugar bowl and a spoon near Hutch. He retrieved the steaming mugs from the counter, tossed the tea bags, and sat next to Hutch as he placed his tea in front of him. Starsky reached over and rubbed Hutch\u2019s arm. \u201cHey, it\u2019s not your fault, babe. Don\u2019t kick yourself about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded and added some sugar to his tea then handed the spoon to Starsky who did the same. \u201cWhat about your gun, Starsk? You cleared to carry yet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAh, yeah. Yeah, I.A. ruled it a mechanical failure. No negligence. Just gotta buy a new gun, that\u2019s all.\u201d Starsky tried to make it sound simple, like it was an everyday occurrence, when inside he was drowning in guilt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, babe?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t your fault. There was no way you could have predicted your gun would jam.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Hutch. I\u2019m okay. Let\u2019s just get you well and put the whole thing behind us, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky had decided to leave the force. He had no intentions of ever firing a gun again. But first, he had to make sure his partner was properly cared for and had returned to good health. The last thing Hutch needed was added stress worrying about his lousy partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, Edith said that she and Huggy stocked the fridge with everything you could eat. Ya want me to heat you up some soup? Edith made egg salad, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not hungry, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe tea\u2019s good. I\u2019ll have something later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, please. Leave it be. I know I have to eat and I\u2019m truly grateful to have wonderful friends who care so much about me. B…but you don\u2019t understand. Even with the drugs, there is a fire in my belly that won\u2019t stop. When I irritate the wound by eating, it\u2026 hurts. Bad. I just want some down time. I\u2026 Starsk\u2026 It…it never stops.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky was out of his chair, standing in front of Hutch with his arms around him. Hutch clutched him. \u201cStarsk\u2026 I\u2019m sorry\u2026 I\u2026 I can\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, baby. What can\u2019t you do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe strong any more. I feel like I\u2019m being tortured, punished for something. Did I\u2026 what did I do to deserve\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky held him close and rubbed his back gently. The guilt he felt for Hutch\u2019s suffering was a tangible thing. He fought to control it enough to offer comfort. \u201cHutch, you are worn out and tired of hurtin\u2019. You did nothin’ to deserve this pain. You let it go, baby. You give it to me. I\u2019ll take it all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch slowly relaxed and Starsky noticed he was almost asleep in his arms. \u201cCome on, Hutch. I\u2019m gonna get you your pain pills and you\u2019re gonna take a long nap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded as Starsky dragged him to his feet and made his way to the bedroom. Hutch leaned heavily on Starsky and he was alarmed at how much weight Hutch had lost. He maneuvered him into bed, held him as he took his pain pills, and crawled in next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky pulled Hutch close as Hutch held on, burying his face against Starsky\u2019s chest. Soon Hutch was limp in his arms. Starsky spent a long time just smoothing his blond hair and thinking about the pain he caused and how hard it would be to leave.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Hutch woke to a gentle touch on his cheek and a smiling partner with a tray.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Mornin\u2019, sunshine! How ya feelin\u2019? Have I got a treat for you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch opened his eyes all the way and tried to push himself up, but his arms felt like rubber. Starsky carefully placed the tray at the end of the bed and helped Hutch to sit up, fluffing pillows and tucking in covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, partner. I feel a little better, but really weak.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I think you were exhausted yesterday, babe. You slept right through the night. We are not going to let that happen again.\u201d Starsky reached for the tray and arranged it and himself in front of Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch peered into the steaming bowl, his face lighting up at the sight of little stars swimming in a butter sauce. It smelled delicious. \u201cWhat\u2019s this, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPastina. It\u2019s a Brooklyn specialty. Tiny pasta stars with butter and a sprinkling of romano. Guaranteed to cure what ails ya.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou eat this for breakfast?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky took a spoonful and tasted it. \u201cYum\u2026 perfection.\u201d He took another spoonful. \u201cOpen! Taste!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smirked and obeyed. His eyes flew open in surprise. \u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky kept feeding him. \u201cTold ya. It\u2019s for when you feel like eating a thousand stars. I used to think it gave me superpowers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou ate this as a child?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure. All New York kids eat pastina. What do Minnesota brats eat?\u201d Starsky continued to feed Hutch who seemed to be too distracted to notice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCorn flakes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They both laughed, even though it wasn\u2019t all that funny. It just felt good to laugh together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Two weeks passed with Hutch slowly regaining his ability to eat solid food, and with each meal he was able to tolerate, he grew stronger. Starsky was by his side literally for every meal, nudging and cajoling him to eat a little more and get his healing sleep. At his last appointment, Dr. Caine had been pleased that Hutch had stopped losing weight, although he still had ten pounds to gain back before Caine would let him drive or go back on the street. The doc cleared him for desk duty the next week as long as he continued to eat regularly and keep stress to a minimum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had never thought to question why Starsky wasn\u2019t wearing a piece yet. He felt guilty that he had taken up so much of Starsky\u2019s time, and thought he probably had no time to go shopping. So he decided to take a chance and buy him a new Beretta 92, a 9mm that was considered well engineered and had a magazine release button that was reversible for left handed users. It was similar in the hand as a Smith & Wesson 59, but without the flaws.<\/span><\/p>\n

He gave Edith a call, who in turn dragged Harold into the surprise for Starsky, making sure the paperwork was filled out properly and picking up the gun. Hutch sprang for a tooled black leather holster and a gun cleaning kit with Starsky\u2019s initials embossed on the front. Hutch also added an inscription on the back of the holster that Starsky would wear close to his heart: Me and Thee, always<\/em>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edith dropped the gift-wrapped box off on her way to church on Sunday morning. Hutch and Edith conspired to meet at the curb and Hutch managed to hide the gift while Starsky was in the shower.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Starsky took an extra long time in the shower. Hutch was returning to duty the next day and he planned on resigning at the same time. He knew he had to tell Hutch sometime today. He couldn\u2019t put it off any longer. He held his head under the cooling shower. He knew Hutch would be hurt, but he\u2019d understand eventually that Starsky still loved him and was doing this for his own good. He prayed Dobey would partner Hutch with someone responsible who would keep him safe, something Starsky had failed to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky came out of the shower, dressed in cut off jeans and his old black tee. His hair wasn\u2019t quite dry yet and he absently rubbed a towel through his curls. The aroma of coffee and fresh eggs in the frying pan filled his senses.<\/span><\/p>\n

As Starsky entered the kitchen, Hutch turned from the stove and smiled. \u201cWhat kind of omelet you want, Starsk?\u201d Omelets were a current favorite in their household, since Hutch could have plain cream cheese in his and Starsky could have cheddar, onions, and diced tomatoes with habanero peppers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky gave Hutch a lopsided smile. \u201cThe usual, babe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch waved his spatula in the air. \u201cOne heartburn special coming up!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky shook his head. He loved this weird, adorable, gorgeous, blond beauty with all his heart. He wished\u2026 he wished that his gun had never jammed, that Hutch had remembered that Starsky had given him his heart. But it was no use. He knew now that wishes didn\u2019t come true for irresponsible partners.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk. I\u2019d like to call in my marker on that dinner you owe me tonight. Let\u2019s go someplace nice. Maybe Italian? I could order an Alfredo dish and you could get something spicy parmesan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s heart was breaking. Living together the past few weeks had given him a taste of what he was going to miss. He slept with his love in his bed every night, willing his pain to ease, talking him through nightmares and just holding his warm body close. He woke every morning to a cranky, foul mouthed, bundle of blond in his bed and enjoyed every minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

Caring for him, cooking for him had been his world. Seeing him regain his health was a joy made bittersweet by the knowledge this time of bliss was drawing to a close. He\u2019d love to have dinner with his Hutch. Maybe he\u2019d tell him after. Then he would have the memory of a last dinner with the love of his life.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSounds nice, Hutch. Real nice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They ate their breakfast and sat talking over a several cups of coffee for Starsky and a pot of tea for Hutch. Hutch did most of the talking. He was obviously excited to be getting his life back and moving back to his apartment and his plants.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch started to yawn and rub his brow. Starsky knew his stomach pains had diminished but his headaches had increased. Starsky suggested a nap for Hutch while he read the Sunday papers on the couch. Hutch agreed; he still tired easily and said his head was killing him. Starsky settled on the couch with the paper, but he couldn’t concentrate. His thoughts were somber.<\/span><\/p>\n

After an hour, Starsky heard an odd noise coming from the bedroom. \u201cHutch? You okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch came out carrying a silver box with a classy black bow.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky put down the paper and took the box from Hutch\u2019s hands. \u201cWhat\u2019s this? It\u2019s a little hot out for Christmas, isn\u2019t it?\u201d He looked up at Hutch to find him smiling that sunshine smile that made his heart quicken.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat beside him. \u201cThanks, buddy. For everything. Open it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky removed the bow and tore at the paper. He placed the box on the coffee table and opened it. He pulled out a gun cleaning kit with his initials on top. Starsky stared at the thoughtful present, his heart twisting in his chest. The last thing he deserved was a thank you gift after all the pain and suffering he had caused. He struggled to keep his emotions in check. He swallowed hard. \u201cHutch,\u201d was all he could manage to say.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s more, babe,\u201d Hutch encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky reached in the box and pulled out the holster. He looked at Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTurn it over. There\u2019s an inscription.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky held the fine leather in his hand and caressed it. Hutch didn\u2019t know he was breaking his heart. He read the inscription out loud. \u201cMe and Thee, always.<\/em> Oh, babe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne more box, Starsk.\u201d Hutch hurried him excitedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky took a deep breath. He opened the last box to find a Beretta 92. Starsky stared at the gun as the scent of finely crafted steel and gun oil wafted through the air. Starsky closed his eyes trying to hold back the storm of emotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch. Hutch, I gotta tell you somethin\u2019. I\u2026 I\u2019m going to quit the force. I can\u2019t be your partner any more after what I did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sucked in a breath as if he had been sucker punched. He grabbed his head and moaned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked up, confused by his reaction. \u201cHutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAhhhhh,\u201d Hutch cried, falling to the floor. He opened his eyes wide as if in shock and shifted until his back was against the couch. He sat staring, a look of horror in his eyes. \u201cStevens. Listen to me. No gun is untraceable. You don\u2019t want to kill me, I know it. Besides lots of people know where I am right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky dropped his new gun and knelt on the floor, cradling Hutch\u2019s face in his hands. \u201cHutch? Wha\u2019s wrong with you? Can you hear me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch grabbed at the healing wound on his belly and cried out in agony. \u201cAhhhhhhh! Starssk. Starsk!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch! I\u2019m right here. Is it your stomach? Does it hurt? Babe, I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk\u2026 y\u2019k? You\u2026 shot?\u201d Hutch seemed to focus on Starsky, but his eyes were glassy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShot? No, no baby. I\u2019m fine. You\u2019re at my place. You\u2019re safe. You\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky suddenly realized Hutch was reliving the shooting. He grasped his arms and shook him gently. \u201cHutch. You are not hit. That\u2019s all over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t hear\u2026 you shoot? Sure you\u2019re… \u2018k?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, God. Hutch. Ya gotta wake up. My\u2026 my fuckin\u2019 gun jammed, buddy. Remember? Remember how I let you get shot? Remember how I failed you as a partner? Remember how you almost died because I cared more about some piece of metal than your precious life? Remember how much you suffered because you had the misfortune to have me as a partner? Huh, huh? Remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky realized he was shaking his partner hard. Hutch\u2019s blue eyes were wide, but the horror was gone, replaced by a tender softness that made Starsky gasp and release his grip. Hutch brought a hand up to caress Starsky\u2019s cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember. I remember you saved me. I remember all the times you saved me. I remember I would have been dead long ago if not for your steadfast, unconditional love, saving me over and over. Starsk, you never failed me. You never fail me. I\u2026 I remember my wish, and I remember you giving me your heart. I remember it all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch? You\u2026 you remember\u2026 everything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded. He moved his hand to the back of Starsky\u2019s neck and pulled him close. He pressed his lips to the eager mouth of his dearest friend without hesitation. Hutch pulled Starsky onto his lap and Starsky arranged his knees, wide apart on either side of Hutch and pulled him even closer, never ending the sweet tantalizing kiss.<\/span><\/p>\n

They kissed for what seemed like hours. Four hands exploring two bodies that now moved as one. They caressed hard muscles and worshipped scars. Hard erections ached for release. They came like teenage boys just from the immense pleasure of finally being together. Starsky came first, then Hutch, surprising them both and sending them into giggles that left them breathless and sprawled on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky slowly regained the use of his muscles and turned a concerned eye towards Hutch. \u201cBaby blue? You okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThink so. Headache\u2019s gone. I\u2019m hungry… and sticky.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky grinned. \u201cYou sure you\u2019re okay? That was pretty heavy stuff you were going through, babe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sighed. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to the Doc about it next week. I promise. Come here, baby. I want to cuddle. Yes, I\u2019m man enough to admit it, I like to cuddle after.\u201d Hutch opened his arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky chuckled and crawled into Hutch\u2019s embrace, taking a moment to grab a couch pillow to place under Hutch\u2019s head as he lay prone and sated on the floor. He rested his head on Hutch\u2019s chest and reached up to play with his hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk? Did I imagine that you said you were quitting the force?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky almost said yes, but instead he mumbled, \u201cWas thinking about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, okay. I might have been a bit\u2026 emotional after my gun jammed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou thought you weren\u2019t a good enough partner for me? Have you lost your mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSeemed reasonable at the time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch snorted and kissed the top of Starsky\u2019s head that was now hiding against his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you joke about that? Really, Starsky sometimes\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky lifted his head. \u201cSometimes what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes I wonder why I love you so damn much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The kiss this time was a balm to their souls as they healed each other\u2019s traumatized hearts.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Eventually they showered and changed for dinner. A dinner that was now a celebration of their new life together.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky was sitting on the couch, his new Beretta in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat beside him to tie his newly refurbished earth shoes. Hutch inhaled the gun oil scent and frowned. \u201cStarsk, I\u2026 I think it the smell of gun oil might have set me off earlier.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah? You okay? You gettin\u2019 a headache?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch considered, and rubbed his forehead. \u201cNo. I\u2019m fine. It\u2019s a strange sensation having my memory return. Like waking up from a nightmare that followed you into daylight. Maybe I could get the DA to reopen the Steven\u2019s case. I remember everything that happened now.” Hutch put a comforting hand on Starsky\u2019s shoulder. \u201cWhat about you, babe? You gonna be alright with carrying that Beretta?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky slowly nodded as he examined the gun. \u201cIt\u2019s beautifully made, Hutch. I love that you chose this for me. But it\u2019s just a tool for a cop to use. Maybe someday it will fail me. But I know somethin\u2019 that will never fail me, somethin\u2019 I can always rely on, somethin\u2019 that doesn\u2019t have a tendency to jam. Your love for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch ruffled Starsky\u2019s curls and smiled. \u201cMarshmallow man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky countered with, \u201cMushball.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They stood, grabbed the shirts they wore to hide their holsters and walked out the door, together.<\/span><\/p>\n

~~~The End~~~<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Click here to read Part 1. Click here to read Part 2. Starsky wondered if Hutch was trying to remember the Sunday night conversation that changed both their lives. Part of him wanted Hutch to remember. But another part was … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-98","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=98"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":287,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/98\/revisions\/287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=98"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=98"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/solstice.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=98"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}