{"id":219,"date":"2018-12-09T05:24:51","date_gmt":"2018-12-09T05:24:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=219"},"modified":"2018-12-09T05:24:55","modified_gmt":"2018-12-09T05:24:55","slug":"december-9th-will-you-by-wightfaerie","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/?p=219","title":{"rendered":"December 9th- Will you… by wightfaerie"},"content":{"rendered":"

Starsky skipped out of the Pits, kissed the envelope in his left hand and then stuffed it into the inside pocket of his jacket. Huggy had come through for him–them–again. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. Hutch was gonna get the surprise of his life. The Blond Grinch would never hate Christmas again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you so happy about?\u201d Hutch asked as Starsky climbed into the passenger seat of the battered Squash. Hutch scrubbed at his forehead.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHeadache getting worse?\u201d Starsky enquired. He was more than a little concerned that the pills Hutch had been popping all day didn\u2019t seem to be making any difference. At least the pain had stopped Hutch following him into the bar.<\/span>
\n<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. Just wish it would go away.\u201d Hutch fired the car engine to life. \u201cIt\u2019s easing some but, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t know, but he nodded anyway. \u201cWant me to drive?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould you really drive after…?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky. Will you quit it,\u201d Hutch snapped. \u201cI\u2019m fine, really,\u201d he added in a softer tone. \u201cI want to get home, and you hate driving this heap as you call it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTrue.\u201d Starsky barely noticed the drive back to Hutch\u2019s apartment. He fingered the envelope, warmth spreading through his chest. Excited as he was about the contents, the surprise could wait until the morning. Hutch needed to rest tonight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHome, sweet home,\u201d Hutch announced, pulling over to the curb.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky was out of the car before Hutch had fully stopped. Starsky yanked open the driver\u2019s door. \u201cOut you come, buddy. Let\u2019s get you tucked into bed.\u201d He watched appreciatively as his long-legged partner uncurled his sexy body out of the car. In one smooth move, he manhandled Hutch across the pavement, slamming the car door with his foot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stumbled over the doorstep. \u201cHey. What\u2019s your hurry, Starsk? I haven\u2019t locked the car.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do it. You wait there.\u201d Starsky grabbed the keys from Hutch\u2019s hand. \u201cNot that anyone will want to steal this thing,\u201d he mumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI heard that,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cYou\u2019re being really weird tonight. What\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s my line. You\u2019re the weird one in this relationship, pal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot tonight, I\u2019m not.\u201d Hutch walked up the staircase slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky almost salivated at the butt wiggling at eye level in front of him. How had he gotten so lucky? Hutch was a great partner, a great friend, and now a great lover. He\u2019d soon be so much more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Starsky rested his head on his right hand. He loved watching Hutch sleep. His partner had a calm and serene look on his face that Starsky rarely saw when Hutch was awake. Except when they were making love.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch opened his eyes and gave Starsky a lazy smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, beautiful. How\u2019s the head?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, yourself. Good as new,\u201d Hutch responded, glancing over Starsky\u2019s shoulder at the clock. A horrified look crossed his face. \u201cDamn, Starsky. Why didn\u2019t you wake me? We\u2019re going to be late for our shift.\u201d He threw the blankets off his body.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky grabbed his arm. \u201cShush, babe. Lie back down. We\u2019re on vacation. Dobey got Simmons and Babcock to cover the holiday period this year. They owe us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut they\u2019ve got kids. We always let the guys with kids have Christmas off,\u201d Hutch sputtered, shrugging off Starsky\u2019s hand and getting out of bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot this year, babe.\u201d Starsky patted the mattress. \u201cSit down a minute.\u201d He leaned over and plucked the envelope from his jacket pocket. \u201cHere,\u201d he said, shoving it into Hutch\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch closed his fist around the paper, and sat down. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it.\u201d Starsky could barely sit still. He put his chin on Hutch\u2019s shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch turned the envelope over. Slowly, excruciatingly slowly, he tore at the flap.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHurry up, slowpoke.\u201d It took all of Starsky\u2019s will power not to snatch the thing from Hutch and rip it apart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you stop digging your jawbone into my flesh, I might be able to move my arm more.\u201d Hutch rolled his shoulder, making Starsky bite his tongue.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOw.\u201d Starsky stuck his tongue out. \u201cIs it bleeding?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled sheepishly. \u201cNo, you\u2019ll live. Sorry.\u201d Hutch kissed the end of Starsky\u2019s tongue. \u201cAll better.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not two, you know,\u201d Starsky protested, even though he found the gesture endearing. Hutch was the gentlest, and the toughest, man that Starsky knew.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Hutch said quietly, before turning his attention to the open envelope. He took out the single page booking sheet, and the two tickets. His lips moved as he read the typed letter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can say the words out loud, you know,\u201d Starsky prompted. God, he was sounding more like Hutch every day. It seemed like their roles were reversing, or they were becoming more like each other now they were a couple. Either way, he couldn\u2019t be happier.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRound trip tickets for two to Kalkona Island. Dated today! What, how?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky pulled Hutch backwards, flattened his body to the mattress, and silenced him with a kiss. Lips still stuck together, Starsky maneuvered himself so that he was straddling Hutch\u2019s hips. Starsky broke the kiss. \u201cThe how is that Captain Dobey has given us Christmas off this year. So Huggy got us a villa on his uncle\u2019s private island retreat for a week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuggy has an uncle rich enough to own his own island?\u201d Hutch asked incredulously. \u201cDo you really believe that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow can you doubt Huggy? He always comes through for us.\u201d Starsky bounced on Hutch\u2019s pelvis. His groin was getting ideas of its own in this position.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019ve also been on the wrong end of some of his relatives\u2019 shenanigans.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLook in the envelope; there\u2019s a picture of the island. It\u2019s an uncle by marriage. Something to do with plantations and slavery. He did give me a history lesson about the place being handed down from generation to generation. But, well, you know me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou got bored halfway through and stopped listening. The candy machine was calling you?\u201d Hutch laughed, or tried to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, somethin\u2019 like that.\u201d Starsky rolled off Hutch. Picking up the envelope, he took out the picture. \u201cLooks very exotic.\u201d He held out the photo to Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI ask again, where is it? Do you even know?\u201d Hutch looked at the image and grinned at Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, I know. And so will you when you check the tickets?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch scooped up the tickets from the bed. \u201cHonolulu. So Hawaii then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomewhere near there. Huggy said we have to take a boat. His cousin will meet us at the airport, and take us to his boat that will be moored nearby. Then it\u2019s a couple of hours to the island.\u201d At least he thought that\u2019s what Huggy had said. Their friend sometimes worked on Jamaican time, and things took longer than first imagined.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took another look at the ticket. \u201cShit, Starsk. We have to be at the airport in three hours. And I haven\u2019t packed yet.\u201d Hutch fell over his own feet in his hurry to get to the closet.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down, Hutch. All taken care of.\u201d Starsky scrambled over the bed and swung open the closet door. Two suitcases sat in the bottom of the closet. \u201cI\u2019ve been up since 4 am.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did all that without even waking me? Do we need to go to the bank? What\u2026\u201d Starsky could see the panic of the unknown in Hutch\u2019s eyes. His buddy was a plan-for-all-occasions type of guy. He liked to dot all the i\u2019s and cross all the t\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all inclusive,\u201d he interrupted Hutch\u2019s panic. \u201cWhatever we need is included in the cost. All you need to bring is a suitcase, and that sexy ass.\u201d Starsky slapped Hutch on his left cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Clarence, the stocky porter assigned to Starsky and Hutch by Rashay Raboteau–or Rab to his friends–Huggy\u2019s uncle, led them to their villa. \u201cHere you go. Number Three, quietest, most secluded property on the island. Huggy said you guys would enjoy this place, out in the middle of nowhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky surveyed the area. Yep, this would suit Hutch and him down to the ground. Lots of plants surrounding the building, and not another villa in sight.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch inhaled loudly. \u201cPerfect.\u201d He took the steps up to the door two at a time. Standing on the porch, he looked back at Starsky lovingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnce each for the front door,\u201d Clarence said, the keys pinched between his stumpy fingers. He dropped the keys into Starsky\u2019s left palm. \u201cAll public buildings are open 24 hours. These areas are staffed from 6am to 10pm, any other time; help yourselves to whatever you want. I can be reached by dialing 07 and staying on the line, any time, day or night.\u201d He bowed to Starsky. \u201cShe\u2019s all yours. Enjoy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky ran up the steps and unlocked the door. \u201cHere you go,\u201d he said, throwing Hutch one of the keys.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch caught it in his big hand. \u201cDo we really need a key each?\u201d he asked, walking into the living area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky followed him and dropped onto the L shaped couch. \u201cJeez. Thought we were never going to get here.\u201d As he\u2019d suspected, the couple of hour\u2019s boat journey had turned out to be at least three hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here now,\u201d Hutch said, settling down next to Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled, lacing his fingers into the hair at the base of Hutch\u2019s skull. Yep, we\u2019re here.<\/em> Phase two of his plan was about to start. Hutch was going to get the surprise of his life. Starsky just hoped that Clarence had done everything Huggy had asked Rab to do for him. He glanced into the kitchen area. The coffee pot was bubbling away; his excuse to move. \u201cWant some coffee?\u201d he asked, getting up without waiting for an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d rather just sit here and cuddle for a while,\u201d Hutch responded, grabbing at Starsky\u2019s arm as he walked by. \u201cWe haven\u2019t had much alone time since I woke up.\u201d Hutch actually blushed a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Starsky was tempted by Hutch\u2019s unusually coy advance, he had an agenda. And a time frame. The journey here had taken longer than Huggy had stated, and they were on a tighter schedule than Starsky wanted. He headed for the first drawer in the kitchen island.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would rather have coffee than me, I think I\u2019ll unpack.\u201d Hutch\u2019s tone had a hurt lilt to it. He crossed the short distance to the bedroom in three long strides.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky opened the drawer. Yes! Good old Rab and Clarence. He snagged the contents.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the hell?\u201d Hutch\u2019s surprised voice resonated from the sleeping quarters. \u201cI think Clarence showed us to the wrong villa.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky crept into the space between Hutch and the door. He looked in the direction Hutch was facing. Damn. He\u2019d told Huggy to make sure that Clarence put those in the closet. \u201cHutch!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As Hutch turned around, Starsky dropped to one knee. Opening the box, he asked, \u201cWill you marry me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hutch looked from Starsky to the ring box. \u201cBut, we, we can\u2019t, Starsk. It\u2019s not legal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky rubbed the two platinum bands with his right index finger. \u201cIt is here. Rab\u2019s island, Rab\u2019s rules. I know we can\u2019t be a married couple in the eyes of the law anywhere else. But I want you to be my husband. For us; not for the rest of the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch grinned. \u201cAnd you\u2019re not the soapy one!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, will you marry me?\u201d Starsky repeated. \u201cIf saying I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you is soapy, then, yeah, where you\u2019re concerned, babe, I\u2019m the soapy one.\u201d He shifted his position slightly, suddenly worried that Hutch might say no.<\/span><\/p>\n

That one-hundred kilowatt smile of Hutch\u2019s appeared. \u201cYes, I would be honored to marry you, Starsky.\u201d He pulled Starsky to a stand, kissing him with so much power it took Starsky\u2019s breath away. As quickly as he\u2019d pulled Starsky to him, Hutch pushed him away. \u201cThe white wedding dress is for us!\u201d A look of horror crossed on his face. \u201cIs that for me? You see me as your wife?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky laughed, and pushed the dress to one side, revealing another one underneath. \u201cNo, there\u2019re two. One pink and one white. Huggy thought it would be fun for us to wear wedding dresses, and in a crazy moment, I agreed.\u201d Now it didn\u2019t seem like such a good idea. Would this make Hutch change his mind? \u201cThere\u2019s also two tuxes behind the dresses. Up to you, blintz. We both wear a dress or both wear tuxes.\u201d He hugged Hutch. \u201cNeither of us are the little woman, though you do like doing all the cooking.\u201d He ducked as Hutch swung at him. \u201cLet\u2019s sleep on it.\u201d He pulled Hutch onto the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch wriggled out of Starsky\u2019s grasp. \u201cWhen were you planning on this wedding happening?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTomorrow morning, ten a.m. Christmas Day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Hutch said slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky wasn\u2019t sure he liked the look on Hutch\u2019s face. He could see the cogs turning in Hutch\u2019s brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOut,\u201d commanded Hutch, pointing to the other room. \u201cWe can\u2019t sleep together the night before the wedding. I\u2019m old fashioned like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhere am I going to sleep?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOn the couch, cowboy. Go.\u201d Hutch bundled Starsky into the living area.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re serious?\u201d Starsky couldn\u2019t believe Hutch was shutting him out of their bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYep. If we\u2019re going to do this, we do it right.\u201d Hutch pushed the door closed. \u201cAnd close your mouth,\u201d he said through the wooden barrier. <\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky stared at the blocked entrance incredulously. It took a few seconds for him to follow Hutch\u2019s direction and close his mouth. He punched the air. Yes, Hutch said yes. They were getting married tomorrow. Who cared if it wasn\u2019t legal in Bay City? It would be legal to them. Total commitment to each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

He lay on the sofa. Elation was taken over by the memories of a previous commitment. The last time Starsky\u2019d considered marriage. Terry! He wiped his eyes. Terry had told Hutch to look after him and Ollie. She must\u2019ve figured out their true bond before they did. She was the only girlfriend who ever truly understood their friendship, their need for each other\u2019s company. Starsky shut his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have my blessing, David.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh.\u201d Starsky almost fell off of the settee. He opened his eyes and looked frantically around the dark space. He was sure he heard Terry\u2019s voice. What did she say? He had her blessing! A peace drifted over him. Yes, he had her blessing. \u201cI will always love you, Terry. But Hutch is my future. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was right. Starsky was getting soapy in his old age.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Starsky inhaled. Bacon! Was he dreaming? He opened his eyes, staring directly into those sexy baby blues of his partner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch hovered over him, wafting a piece of meat under his nose. \u201cGood morning, Starsk.\u201d He placed the food on a plate on the coffee table. \u201cI ordered breakfast for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky rolled onto his side, coming face to face with a stack of pancakes and a mountain of bacon and scrambled eggs. Two mugs of coffee and a fruit platter completed the feast. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me, pancakes and bacon for me, scrambled eggs and fruit for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope. I think I\u2019ll go crazy and have some pancakes with a side of everything today.\u201d Hutch nudged Starsky\u2019s legs so that he could sit down. \u201cEat up, it\u2019s almost eight a.m.\u201d Hutch piled food on a white plate and handed it to Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLemme sit up first,\u201d Starsky sputtered, trying to maneuver his legs around Hutch. Finally in a relatively upright position, he took the plate. \u201cHmm, this is good,\u201d he said, cramming a fork full of pancake dripping with syrup into his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch merely picked at his plate of grub.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not hungry?\u201d Starsky said with a full mouth. Please don\u2019t be changing your mind, buddy.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot really.\u201d Hutch set his plate onto the floor. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d was the best that Starsky could muster.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout the dresses, dummy.\u201d Hutch ruffled Starsky\u2019s curls. \u201cIt\u2019s an outrageous idea, but nothing is conventional about us.\u201d He paused. \u201cWhy the hell not! You get the pink one, I look better in white!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou look better naked.\u201d Starsky dropped his empty plate and clutched the edges of Hutch\u2019s dressing gown, forcing it off of his shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLater,\u201d Hutch said, dragging the robe back around his body. \u201cWe need to figure out how to get into those things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what I\u2019m here for,\u201d said a deep voice from the screen door to the villa. \u201cCan I come in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky squinted against the sun streaming through the opening. Clarence, that voice, that silhouette, it couldn\u2019t be anyone else. \u201cIt\u2019s open.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarence stepped inside; his bulk seeming to fill half the space in the room. \u201cHuggy said you\u2019d be game. Not many men have the guts to wear dresses. Rab and I did. Mine was red lace and his was black satin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuggy didn\u2019t say that you two were a couple,\u201d Starsky said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I stayed on the island.\u201d A man, about half the size of Clarence, appeared from behind the porter. His coffee colored skin was a sharp contrast to Clarence\u2019s black coloring. \u201cI\u2019m Rab. I apologize for my tardiness in introducing myself to you. I\u2019ve been on the mainland, buying supplies and arranging your wedding.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stood up and extended his hand. \u201cPleased to meet you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky quickly followed Hutch\u2019s lead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rab shook hands with them both. \u201cClarence and I grew up here. We formed a bond very quickly. His family worked for mine, and, well, I\u2019m sure Huggy filled you in on the history.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky and Hutch both nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky could barely remember what Huggy had told him, and Starsky had told Hutch even less, but Hutch was too polite to ask for details.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLong and short is,\u201d Rab continued, \u201cthat we like our relationship in the open. We can be ourselves here. And so can others. Obviously, I expect people to follow the criminal laws of the state, but unconventional relationships, with both parties over the age of consent, are freely allowed here. This is where I married Clarence, and now perform ceremonies for other like-minded adults.\u201d He turned and waved. \u201cI must go and check on the preparations. See you in an hour.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

With a lot of wriggling, giggling, and expletives, they were finally in the dresses.<\/span><\/p>\n

The pink one was a little long on Starsky.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got just the thing,\u201d Clarence announced, disappearing out the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think you should have worn this one, Hutch.\u201d Starsky kicked at the material bunching around his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarence burst back in carrying a pair of the oddest, pinkest, footwear that Starsky had seen. \u201cSit down. I\u2019ll put these on for you.\u201d Clarence thrust Starsky\u2019s feet into the shoes, and fastened that straps around his ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky stood up, teetering in the platform sandals. \u201cI\u2019m not sure I can walk in these.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll soon get the hang of it. These are yours.\u201d Clarence handed Hutch a pair of white boots. \u201cThat dress is the right length on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch grinned at Starsky as he put on the ankle length boots. \u201cYou look lovely, darling,\u201d he teased, standing up.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked down at Hutch. \u201cThese make me taller than you,\u201d crowed Starsky. Not that he was bothered that Hutch was taller. He felt ridiculous and just wanted something to say. Maybe now was the time to change into those tuxes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plonking a red beret on Hutch\u2019s head, Clarence said, \u201cYou both look amazing. Time to go.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He ushered them out of the villa before Starsky could suggest the alternative clothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Clarence led Starsky and Hutch down a rambling path to the beach. Between the trees and sand stood a small white church with arched, double oak doors. Standing in front of them, Clarence said, \u201cYou have a choice of how you would like to do this. One of you can stand at the altar and one walk down the aisle. Or you can walk down the aisle together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked at Hutch, and said exactly at the same time as him, \u201cBoth walk down the aisle together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Clarence flung open the doors, and they stepped inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stopped dead. \u201cStarsk, did you know about this?\u201d he hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The seats in the small building were filled with their family and friends. Hutch\u2019s parents and sister; Starsky\u2019s mom and brother; Huggy; the Dobeys; Minnie; Kathy; Molly and Kiko. Everyone who knew the true nature of their relationship.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d This had to be Huggy\u2019s doing. Hutch was probably going to kill one or both of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t imagine what they\u2019ll think about us wearing dresses,\u201d Hutch continued, talking out of the side of his mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne foot in front of the other, babe. Smile.\u201d Starsky sounded more confident than he felt. He almost dragged Hutch down the aisle. Hutch\u2019s fingers dug deep into Starsky\u2019s flesh. \u201cRelax, Hutch,\u201d Starsky said as they reached the altar, and stood side-by-side facing Rab.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFamily and friends. We are gathered here today to witness the declaration of commitment between David Michael Starsky and Kenneth Richard Hutchinson.\u201d Rab glanced around the congregation. \u201cThis ceremony is legal and binding only on this island and in the eyes of David and Kenneth, and yourselves. Please face each other,\u201d he said, addressing Starsky and Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky turned toward Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you have vows prepared?\u201d Rab asked. \u201cOr shall I continue?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cContinue,\u201d said Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky had vows, but obviously Hutch didn\u2019t. \u201cContinue,\u201d Starsky said. His vows could be said another time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease repeat after me, David. I take you, Kenneth Richard Hutchinson, to be my husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled at Hutch. \u201cI take you, Kenneth Richard Hutchinson, to be my husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Kenneth. I take you, David Michael Starsky, to be my husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

I love you,<\/em> Hutch mouthed. \u201cI take you, David Michael Starsky, to be my husband from this day forward, to join with you and share all that is to come and I promise to be faithful to you until death parts us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Rab held out his book. \u201cPlease take the rings, and repeat, this ring I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky took the larger of the two rings and placed it on Hutch\u2019s middle finger of his left hand. \u201cThis ring I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took the other one. \u201cThis ring I give you, in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.\u201d He placed the ring on Starsky\u2019s middle finger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI now pronounce you bound to each other for life,\u201d Rab declared. \u201cYou may express your commitment before these witnesses.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky gave Hutch a quick kiss. The rest could wait until later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Applause accompanied the end of the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you would all like to follow me and the happy couple, the reception is in the main house,\u201d Rab announced, leading Starsky and Hutch down the aisle.<\/span><\/p>\n

The guests followed closely behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go back to the villa and get changed,\u201d Starsky suggested as he and left the church.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust what I was thinking,\u201d Hutch said, grasping Starsky\u2019s hand. He pulled him off the path and through the trees to their villa, leaving Rab to escort the party to the main house. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hutch started tearing at Starsky\u2019s dress before they reached the bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, we have guests,\u201d Starsky protested, tugging at Hutch\u2019s clothing in the same caveman way.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Hutch said; his voice husky with want. \u201cWe\u2019ve just got married. Let\u2019s consummate this liaison.\u201d He flung Starsky onto the bed, almost ripping the delicate material in his lust. The pink creation ended up in a heap on the floor. The white outfit quickly followed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Climax came quickly. \u201cHutch,\u201d Starsky cried out as his world exploded. He clung to the hard body of his lover.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shuddered to his own nirvana, gripping Starsky in a bear hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

How long they laid entwined, Starsky didn\u2019t know. \u201cWe ought to move, Hutch,\u201d he said finally. \u201cPeople are waiting for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Hutch propped himself up on one arm. \u201cI\u2019d rather stay here, with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLater, babe.\u201d Starsky jumped up and got two wet wash cloths from the bathroom. He threw one to Hutch, and cleaned himself with the other. He went to the closet and pulled out the tuxes. \u201cFor the reception?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled. \u201cGladly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky handed one suit to Hutch, and donned the other one. He watched, appreciatively, as Hutch dressed. The black suit clung seductively to all the right places. \u201cBeautiful,\u201d Starsky mused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Huggy was waiting at the door to the main house. \u201cWhere have you guys been?\u201d He smiled knowingly at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGetting changed,\u201d Hutch said, pushing past Huggy. \u201cWe need to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCaptain America ain\u2019t digging the season?\u201d Huggy asked as Starsky walked by.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you think, Hug?\u201d Starsky patted Huggy\u2019s arm. \u201cWe weren\u2019t expecting company.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEloping is for losers.\u201d Huggy stuck out his chin. \u201cPeople want to share your joy, my man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell Hutch that later.\u201d Starsky pushed Huggy into the reception hall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOver here.\u201d Rab waved at Starsky and Hutch from the end of a long table. \u201cYou two sit here. Everyone eat, before it gets any colder.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky dropped into one chair, Hutch took the other.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smiling faces stared at them. \u201cSpeech,\u201d someone shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter the food,\u201d Starsky countered, picking up his spoon and plunging it into the bowl of soup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Course after course was placed in front of the guests, as quickly as each dish was devoured, another one replaced it. The last course was the champagne.<\/span><\/p>\n

Huggy held up his glass. \u201cRaise your glasses to the happy couple, Starsky and Hutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky and Hutch,\u201d the guests chorused, along with whistles and shouts of happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch grabbed Starsky\u2019s hand. \u201cThank you, everyone. Today was a big surprise for me, and some of it was a surprise for Starsky. We are grateful that our family and friends are here to share this with us. Cheers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat he said,\u201d Starsky said, raising his glass.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the tables were cleared, and the room set up to party. Time to mingle with their guests.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s mom and Hutch\u2019s parents were seated in a corner, just off the dance floor. Starsky followed Hutch over to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAww, it was a lovely ceremony,\u201d Starsky\u2019s mom, Dorothy, said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWaste of my time,\u201d groused Nick. He ducked to avoid Dorothy\u2019s swing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBe nice to your brother,\u201d Dorothy chastised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so glad for them.\u201d Hutch\u2019s sister, Mary, sighed. \u201cKen, David, over here.\u201d She waved at Starsky and Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, son.\u201d Hutch\u2019s dad, Richard, shook his hand. He turned to Starsky. \u201cI had my doubts, but I can see how happy you make him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s mom, June, hugged Hutch. Tears ran down her cheeks. \u201cI\u2019m so proud of you boys.\u201d She grabbed Starsky\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch swallowed, tears welling in his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky squeezed his arm. \u201cHey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch composed himself, \u201cHey, yourself.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky, Hutch.\u201d The typhoon that was Molly launched herself at them. Hutch caught her in mid air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCareful, spitfire,\u201d he laughed, hugging her.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky joined the hug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kiko stood to one side, grinning.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKiko, little brother.\u201d Hutch guided Molly into Starsky\u2019s arms. \u201cGood to see you. Where\u2019s your mom?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Kiko moved forward a little. \u201cShe\u2019s with Mr. Brown, over there.\u201d He pointed to the opposite corner of the room. \u201cGiving him some recipe that he wants for the bar. Expanding his client base, I think he called it.\u201d Kiko screwed up his face. \u201cSomething like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch. This way.\u201d Starsky pulled him over to the bar, where the Dobeys and Minnie were standing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCongratulations, Starsky, Hutch,\u201d Dobey and Edith said in unison.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for sharing this day with us,\u201d Hutch smiled. \u201cWhere are the kids?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCal is skiing with friends, and Rosie is staying with my sister,\u201d Edith said, taking Starsky and Hutch\u2019s arms. \u201cThey would have loved to have been here, but plans had already been made when Huggy called us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Dobey slapped them both on the back. He looked like a proud father.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCapt\u2019n,\u201d was all Starsky said, choked up. He couldn\u2019t believe how emotional seeing his family and friends here, in what he\u2019d assumed would be a quiet, secret ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, my trashy boy is no longer my boy,\u201d Minnie said sadly, looping her arm through Starsky\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll always be your boy, Minnie.\u201d Starsky smirked at Hutch. \u201cHutch will have to share me with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever.\u201d Hutch beamed at them, tapping Starsky\u2019s face gently. He hugged Minnie.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch.\u201d Kathy wandered over, drink in one hand, shrimp in the other. \u201cStarsky. You dark horses. Well done.\u201d She wrapped herself around Hutch, then Starsky. \u201cI\u2019ll see you boys in Bay City soon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch yawned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s time I put someone to bed,\u201d Starsky said in Hutch\u2019s ear. \u201cLet\u2019s slip quietly away, and face the music in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou read my mind.\u201d Hutch raised his arm and the guests\u2019 chatter died as people turned to listen. \u201cEnjoy the party. It\u2019s been a long few days for us. See you all in the morning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGoodnight.\u201d Starsky saluted as they jostled each other to be the first out of the door. \u201cThat\u2019s not what I call quietly, blintz.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Laughing and pushing each other along, they reached the villa in good spirits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow we have a problem,\u201d Hutch hiccupped, pointing at the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cWho carries who over the threshold?\u201d Hutch snickered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t matter. We came back after the wedding, didn\u2019t we?\u201d Starsky unlocked the door. \u201cGet inside, husband.\u201d He heaved Hutch through the gap and wrestled him to the floor. \u201cHappy Holidays, Hutch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch kicked the door shut. \u201cBest Christmas ever, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Starsky skipped out of the Pits, kissed the envelope in his left hand and then stuffed it into the inside pocket of his jacket. Huggy had come through for him–them–again. This was going to be the best Christmas ever. Hutch … 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":[2,6,11,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-219","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-art","category-fic","category-nsfw","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=219"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":348,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219\/revisions\/348"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=219"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=219"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2018\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=219"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}