{"id":369,"date":"2019-12-18T05:10:34","date_gmt":"2019-12-18T05:10:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=369"},"modified":"2020-11-05T00:52:10","modified_gmt":"2020-11-05T00:52:10","slug":"december-18th-the-rightest-moment-by-keri-t","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/?p=369","title":{"rendered":"December 18th- The Rightest Moment by Keri T."},"content":{"rendered":"

Author’s Note:<\/strong> <\/span>This story is a continuation of The Christmas Closet<\/a> <\/strong><\/em><\/span>from the 2018 Advent Calendar<\/strong><\/span><\/em><\/a>. It can also be read here: https:\/\/archiveofourown.org\/works\/17154836<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stepped out of the shower and quickly dried himself before heading to the mirror. He used a corner of the towel draped around his neck to make a neat circle in the steam, and leaned in closely to examine his features one by one. Then, with intense concentration, he focused on the obvious feature, and the decision that hadn\u2019t been made while he had cleaned earlier. The decision that hadn\u2019t been made while he put fresh sheets and matching pillowcases on his bed. The decision that hadn\u2019t been made in the shower. Now it was staring him in the face and he was almost out of time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, do you stay or do you go?\u201d Hutch asked the inanimate object sitting innocently enough under his nose. He ran a finger over the damp bristles. \u201cYou\u2019ve been with me a long time now, and I like you. I like you a lot.\u201d Hutch wiggled his nose, making the mustache move up and down. \u201cYeah, I like you a lot\u2026but I love<\/em> him, and he\u2019s gonna kiss me tonight.\u201d As he\u2019d been doing for the last five days, Hutch took a moment to be swept away by the anticipation of that kiss. He knew, and didn\u2019t care, that he wasn\u2019t thinking like the highly-experienced man he was. One who had given and received more kisses in his lifetime than he could count. The fact that he had butterflies in his stomach only heightened the sense of awe.<\/span><\/p>\n

He picked up the razor.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not like you have to stay gone, or anything. I can always grow you back\u2026hell, Starsky might want<\/em> me to grow you back.\u201d That thought gave Hutch pause. He believed he\u2019d been thinking about Starsky in this big decision. Thinking that Starsky would prefer to kiss him without any hair over his lip. Considering that Starsky had never kissed anyone with a mustache before, but was that fair? After all, Starsky proposed this kiss without any requests for a close shave. Maybe he was being hasty?<\/span><\/p>\n

He put the razor down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, you get a stay of execution,\u201d he once again said out loud. \u201cBut, don\u2019t get too comfortable. If he wants you gone, you\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With a happy whistle, Hutch briskly rubbed his hair dry and then went to the sleeping area where his clothes were laid out. Black briefs went on first, followed by black jeans that were just the right amount of snug. He used his teeth to remove the sales tag from the new shirt he\u2019d bought while shopping for Starsky\u2019s Christmas stocking, and put it on. He moved to the mirror to button the shirt and considered its color. Red. Bright red. Festive red. Christmas red. The color made him smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch neatly combed his hair, and then decided to stop fussing with his appearance and go make sure the living room was ready.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky had already decorated the room, and the tree was twinkling softly in the corner and looked beautiful. The coffee table was draped with a red cloth and would be the perfect backdrop for the champagne bucket and hors d’oeuvres. Something wasn\u2019t right, though\u2014the ambiance he was trying to achieve needed something more\u2014or something less. Hutch nodded and decided there was too much light in the room. He turned off the lamps, and paused to take it all in. The tree looked even better now in the darkened room, but was it too dark?<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had no idea how long he stood there trying to decide on the right mood lighting to please Starsky. He was grateful, though, when inspiration struck and he found in a cupboard just what the room needed: candles. He placed them strategically, with the three largest ones going on top of the piano. All he had to do now was get the champagne and food from the kitchen and wait. Wait for his partner. Wait for his kiss. Wait for his life to change?<\/span><\/p>\n

That last thought weakened his knees, so Hutch sat down. Would it really change, he wondered? Or would it be the natural progression of a dozen years of love? Because that much he knew, Starsky was the love of his life. If he was honest with himself, really, truly honest, Starsky had been the lingering shadow behind every love affair with every woman Hutch had known. He\u2019d cared about those women, and some he\u2019d loved\u2014loved a lot\u2014but none had ever owned his heart the way Starsky did.<\/span><\/p>\n

For once in your life, Hutchinson, don\u2019t complicate this. Don\u2019t take something simple, and simply beautiful, and mess it up. This just might be the night you\u2019ve waited for your whole life.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

With that, he got up and lit the candles, smiling when he noticed his fingers were shaking ever so slightly. The living room was now as perfect as he could make it: soft, warm, romantic, and full of Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had taken three steps towards the kitchen when Starsky\u2019s distinctive knock jarred his heart into a quick stutter. It\u2019s just Starsky\u2026 just Starsky. Calm down and let him in. <\/em>Hutch resisted the impulse to smooth his hair, but he did run a hand over his shirt to make sure it was neatly tucked in as he headed to the door and opened it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas!\u201d Starsky said, and then flashed Hutch a smile so sweet he could feel it in his toes. \u201cI can\u2019t tell you how much I\u2019ve been lookin\u2019 forward to this night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow come?\u201d Hutch asked, and hoped the smile he was giving was at least half as nice as the one he\u2019d received. \u201cMaybe I\u2019d like to hear how much?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t tell you \u2019cause I\u2019m standing outside your door. You get to know, but not your neighbors,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cCare to let me in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Hutch said, slightly abashed. He stepped aside as Starsky gave him another dazzling smile and walked by him. Hutch squeezed the doorknob and wondered if he concentrated hard enough, if he could actually count the number of butterflies doing somersaults inside his belly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can close the door now, Hutch. I\u2019m in.\u201d Starsky took his jacket off while Hutch closed the door. When he turned around and got a good look at Starsky his eyes opened wide. Starsky started to chuckle. \u201cDamn, we haven\u2019t done this in a long time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Hutch agreed. \u201cWe sure haven\u2019t. What are the odds?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProbably pretty high that one of us\u2026\u201d Starsky paused and pointed at his chest. \u201cWould pick a red shirt to wear on Christmas Eve, since one of us loves the color red. The other one of us complains about the color red\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly on cars,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cI like it on people\u2026\u201d he swallowed and said what he really wanted to say. \u201cI\u2019ve always liked it on you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was rewarded with another sweet smile. \u201cYeah? Well, I like it on you, too, but you don\u2019t wear red very often.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it would be festive,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cChristmassy?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s Christmassy, all right, Hutch. And those black jeans are\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn exact match for the ones you\u2019re wearing,\u201d Hutch said and laughed. \u201cMine might not be quite as snug, though.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe not, but they look like they\u2019re grabbin\u2019 you close in all the right places.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch felt a hot blush start on his face, and then a sudden question, equal parts ridiculous and wonderful, washed over him. \u201cStarsky, are we flirting with each other? Really, truly flirting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This time Starsky\u2019s smile was a little lecherous. \u201cI\u2019m just admiring the outfit my good lookin\u2019 partner is wearing\u2026but, some might call it flirting.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre we?\u201d Hutch asked. \u201cAre we calling it flirting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t answer for a minute, and his expression became thoughtful. \u201cYou know it wouldn\u2019t be the first time, don\u2019t you? I mean, it wouldn\u2019t even be the thousandth time. I love\u2014and always have\u2014flirting with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, yeah, sure, that\u2026sure, but we didn\u2019t know that\u2019s what it was, did we?\u201d Hutch heard the words that were coming out of his mouth, but didn\u2019t know if they were making any sense. He tried for clarification. \u201cDid we know we were flirting? Did you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew, and so did you if you think about it.\u201d\u00a0 Starsky captured his eyes and didn\u2019t let go. \u201cUm, Hutch, are you as nervous as you seem? Do you need a little more time to think about all of this? Five days\u2026maybe it should have been longer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took a step forward and placed both hands on Starsky\u2019s waist. \u201cIf it had been five minutes <\/em>longer, you\u2019d be carting me off to Cabrillo. I know what I want, too, Starsk\u2026but, yeah, I\u2019m nervous. Aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d Starsky said, and put his hands lightly on Hutch\u2019s hips. \u201cI know how to kiss. I\u2019m actually excellent at it; you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laughed and touched his forehead to Starsky\u2019s. \u201cYou\u2019re a cocky sonofabitch, I know that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know the half of it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen will I?\u201d Hutch asked, heart racing and his breath starting to come too fast. \u201cYou started all of this\u2026when\u2019re\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas music, Hutch, remember? And champagne\u2026did you buy champagne?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re really going to set this scene, aren\u2019t you?\u201d Hutch said, and released Starsky\u2019s waist. \u201cYeah, I bought champagne and I even put it in an ice bucket. You know where the records are, so why don\u2019t you pick some music out while I get it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do that,\u201d Starsky said, and gave Hutch\u2019s butt a pat and a little shove. \u201cAnd get the nice glasses, too.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know how to properly serve champagne, Starsk,\u201d Hutch said on his way to the kitchen. \u201cI\u2019m not a Neanderthal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not normally a clean freak, either, but damn\u2026the place looks really good, partner. I mean really good. You even lit candles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled to himself, pleased that Starsky had noticed. \u201cThanks\u2026um, did you find the records?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m holding Ella Fitzgerald in my hot little hands,\u201d Starsky answered. \u201cWe can start there. See where it leads to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cElla can own the evening as far as I\u2019m concerned,\u201d Hutch said, returning to the living room with a large tray. \u201cNo one has a voice like she does.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere, let me help you with all that.\u201d Starsky left the records and hurried to Hutch\u2019s side. \u201cGeez, Hutch, you\u2019ve got enough for an army here, and is that salami I see?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laughed. \u201cYes, that\u2019s salami you see, and the good kind of crackers to eat it with. There\u2019s also stuffed mushrooms, and brie, and bacon-wrapped shrimp.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t tell my mom about the bacon-wrapped shrimp,\u201d Starsky said, as he slipped one of the delicacies into his mouth. \u201cI\u2019m pretty sure I\u2019m breaking a lot of rules with this one.\u201d Starsky chewed in obvious enjoyment. \u201cGod, it\u2019s good, though!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m pretty sure your mom knows you\u2019re a rule breaker by now, Starsk. I doubt a little bacon would shock her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll have another!\u201d Starsky popped one more in his mouth and sighed. \u201cSo good! Seriously, though, why so much food? You better not have invited anyone else over to our party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch narrowed his eyes. \u201cNot for any amount of money. This is our<\/em> night. To answer your question, the reason I made so many snacks is that I\u2019m not making dinner, so fill up. Your next dinner will be tomorrow at the Ramos\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get breakfast?\u201d Starsky mumbled around the food in his mouth. \u201cNo Christmas morning cookies or anything?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I might be able to find you some cinnamon rolls, and maybe some scrambled eggs, too, but how do I know you\u2019ll be here in the morning? I didn\u2019t see you bring in an overnight bag.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky snorted. \u201cHave you ever seen me bring in an overnight bag? Half of my wardrobe lives full time in your closet and dresser, and you own enough toothbrushes and razors to open your own drug store.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, you\u2019re staying over?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m staying over.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre you going to kiss me now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I better put Ella on then, while you eat,\u201d Hutch said, restraining himself from sighing. Restraining himself even harder to not change the direction of this party and do the kissing himself, kiss the bacon right out of\u2014<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky interrupted his reverie. \u201cIt\u2019ll be soon, though. It\u2019s getting perfect in here. I\u2019ll know the right moment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCocky sonofabitch,\u201d Hutch whispered under his breath while reading the record\u2019s jacket.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cUh-huh. Put the music on,\u201d Starsky said, and then sat down on the couch. \u201cNice and soft.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI forgot this song was on this album.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat song?\u201d Starsky asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Are You Doing New Year\u2019s Eve\u2026I learned to play two-handed piano for this song. My mom loved it, and really encouraged me to learn it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah? How old were you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch thought back. \u201cWell, it was the first holiday season that my mom and I were on our own, so I guess I was nine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPost-divorce, huh?\u201d Starsky asked. \u201cWas your mom still in her not-ever-gonna-leave-the-house phase?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, that was going strong. I\u2019d leave for school in the morning with her sitting at the kitchen table\u2014she\u2019d usually be in the same spot when I got home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat must have been tough on both of you,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cHow long did she stay depressed?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was never exactly sure if she was depressed or embarrassed,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cIt was the fifties and divorce was still a big deal\u2014especially when the reason for the divorce got out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSmall minded gossip?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore like big pregnant belly,\u201d Hutch said, and laughed. \u201cIt was pretty obvious when my dad and his new wife\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMarion, your step-mother\u2019s name is Marion, and you like her, remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like her now,\u201d Hutch clarified. \u201cI didn\u2019t like her then. Anyway, all they had to do was go out to dinner and everyone knew why my dad had flown to Reno for a quickie divorce and an even quicker new marriage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt least you got your little sister out of the deal, and I think we can both agree that you scored higher than I did in the best younger sibling contest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They both laughed. \u201cAnd I learned how to play two-handed piano, and once my mom met and married her new husband\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoward, his name is Howard, and you like him, too!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like him now, Starsky\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGot it, you didn\u2019t like him then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight, I didn\u2019t like him, then, but once he married my mom, I didn\u2019t have to play her sad music anymore and she started to be really\u2014happy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd twenty-five years later, everyone is still happy right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Hutch said, and looked at Starsky hard. \u201cTrue love all the way around. The kind that stands the test of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t ask for more than that in life, Hutch. That\u2019s the brass ring right there.\u201d Starsky stood up and wandered to the Christmas tree. \u201cIs it just me, or is this the prettiest tree in the whole world?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch joined him at the tree, but didn\u2019t take his eyes off of Starsky\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful. The absolute best.\u201d Starsky brushed his knuckles over Hutch\u2019s cheek, and Hutch saw a new expression on his face. Suddenly, Hutch felt his pulse racing. After all these years he\u2019d had every opportunity to absorb every feature on Starsky\u2019s face. He knew what he looked like sleeping, angry, in pain, joyful\u2026up until this moment, Hutch would have sworn he had known them all, but this one was completely fresh: a combination of confident sensuality, and peaceful contentment. It gave him the opening he needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk? There\u2019s something you should know about me,\u201d he said, and watched Starsky move from the tree to sit down on the piano stool, and now his expression included curiosity. Hutch continued. \u201cI\u2019m a really romantic guy. Maybe even a little sappy once in a while.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky laughed hard, and Hutch narrowed his eyes. \u201cHey, no laughing at me!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The laughter continued for a full ten seconds. \u201cI\u2019m sorry,\u201d Starsky said between guffaws. \u201cBut, that\u2019s not a surprise to me. Did you really think that would be a surprise to me? I\u2019ve seen you be romantic to your plants! Stroking their little leaves and all, and using your plant voice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a plant voice,\u201d Hutch said, defending his honor in the calmest tone he could manage. \u201cI have a regular voice that knows if you want a plant to thrive, you have to talk to it a certain way. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a good way; it\u2019s a good tone,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cNow why did you wanna tell me that right now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI just thought you should know that I like things like cuddling on the couch, giving flowers\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou always bring me flowers when I\u2019m in the hospital, and I think we\u2019ve cuddled on the couch together, too,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cAgain, no surprises yet, partner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head, determined to make his point. \u201cI like giving someone flowers when they\u2019re not<\/em> in the hospital, and we haven\u2019t cuddled on the couch before. We\u2019ve maybe fallen asleep on it together when we were sitting close, but that\u2019s it. Trust me, when I cuddle a man, he knows<\/em> he\u2019s been cuddled.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky broke out into another gale of laughter and Hutch turned bright red. \u201cSo, you\u2019ve cuddled a lot of men before, huh? Maybe that\u2019s my surprise information?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat came out wrong,\u201d Hutch said, willing his face to stop flaming and grateful the room was dimly lit. \u201cAll I\u2019m trying to say is\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch. I get it, okay? I get it and I love it, \u2019cause you know what? I\u2019m pretty romantic, too, and I\u2019m pretty happy to get to show you that now. Come here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky reached a hand out, and Hutch took it and held it tightly. He wasn\u2019t sure how many seconds were passing, he just knew that holding Starsky\u2019s hand felt like an anchor securing him, grounding him, filling him with peace. He didn\u2019t move until Starsky gave his hand a little pull. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch moved forward and Starsky stood up. \u201cSit down on this stool and relax, maybe even play me something two-handed like the musical genius I know you are.\u201d As smooth as silk, Starsky had him sitting and was standing behind him, hands on Hutch\u2019s shoulders. \u201cCome on, play me something\u2014play the New Year\u2019s Eve song. I think I know the words to that one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The feel of Starsky\u2019s hands were heavy and hypnotic, and Hutch closed his eyes for a moment, waiting for them\u2014hoping for them\u2014to move and caress. He arched his neck. \u201cStarsk\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky leaned in close and Hutch felt his warm breath on his cheek and in his hair, whisper soft; intoxicating. His voice was earthy and rich in Hutch\u2019s ear, \u201cPlay for me, babe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch didn\u2019t have any sheet music, but he didn\u2019t need it for this song. His fingers knew every note, and he played the opening bars like he\u2019d been practicing for days. Then Starsky joined in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s much too early in the game, but I thought I\u2019d ask you just the same<\/em>\u2026Starsky sang, and nothing had ever sounded sweeter to Hutch. What are you doing New Years, New Year\u2019s Eve\u2026? Wonder who\u2019s arms will hold you good and tight, when it\u2019s exactly twelve o\u2019clock that night\u2026.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

His heart was pounding too hard now, too hard to breathe. Hutch\u2019s fingers stilled and his head bowed. \u201cStarsk\u2026?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be me, Hutch,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cI\u2019ll be the one holdin\u2019 you this New Year\u2019s Eve and every New Year\u2019s Eve to come. You know that\u2019s the way it has to be for us, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch swiveled on the stool so he could face Starsky, and he looked up. \u201cYeah, I know it. I know it like I\u2019ve never known any other truth before. I don\u2019t understand why it took us so long to get here\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky laid a gentle finger on Hutch\u2019s lips, then stroked his mustache and it felt so wonderful Hutch was grateful he still had a mustache to be stroked. \u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. We\u2019re here now. This is our time. This is our moment.\u201d And just like that, Starsky\u2019s hands were on either side of Hutch\u2019s head and his lips were on Hutch\u2019s lips, and the world turned upside down, then righted itself with head-spinning speed, leaving spangles of red and gold colors behind Hutch\u2019s eyelids. The colors collided at the same time Starsky murmured something softly and then deepened their kiss. The colors changed to purple and green and the pounding of his heart was so loud.<\/span><\/p>\n

This was joy. This was the rightest moment of Hutch\u2019s life, and he knew he\u2019d been born to be kissed by this man, and to kiss him back. He got to his feet without disturbing the slow exploration of his mouth that Starsky was doing, and then their mouths relaxed and opened at the same time, and Hutch had his first sweet taste of Starsky. He pulled Starsky as closely to him as he could get, and wrapped his arms tightly around Starsky\u2019s middle. There were words banging around the colors in his head, and Hutch knew he needed to say them. He slowly pulled back, then leaned in again to nibble Starsky\u2019s lower lip. It was plump and damp and wonderful and he had to tell him, but then he couldn\u2019t remember the words.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk?\u201d he whispered. \u201cI can\u2019t think of the words.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat words?\u201d Starsky asked, his voice deep and rough and so sexy that Hutch\u2019s knees wanted to buckle again. \u201cWhat words do you want to remember?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe important ones,\u201d Hutch said, and looked right into Starsky\u2019s eyes, willing him to know what Hutch couldn\u2019t find the words to say. Willing him to read his heart. His heart that had never been this open before. \u201cDo you know them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky pulled out of Hutch\u2019s arms, and ran his hands up Hutch\u2019s chest, resting them where the beating was the hardest. \u201cYeah, I know the words. I know them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me,\u201d Hutch pleaded. \u201cTell me the words. Say them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou love me,\u201d Starsky said simply. \u201cThose are the words. You wanna tell me how much you love me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded in overwhelming relief. \u201cYes. Yes, I do. I love you so much. I love you so much, Starsk. This is for real? Because this feeling, it\u2019s\u2026it\u2019s\u2026this is us now, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is us now, and this is forever,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cI\u2019ve got the only person I ever want to kiss right here, and that plant voice of yours? Well, that\u2019s all mine now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laughed and blinked the wetness from his eyes. \u201cI can\u2019t even share it with Violet? She\u2019s a special orchid, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I gave her to you, remember? So, yeah, I guess you can share it with Violet, but I\u2019ll have to draw the line there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow that we\u2019ve actually crossed the real line together into some kind of crazy, wonderful future, you can draw another line anywhere you want,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cFirst, though, I have something I want to show you.\u201d He took Starsky\u2019s hand and led him to the sleeping area, then stopped them both at the foot of the bed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have a feeling I should have eaten more than two shrimp,\u201d Starsky said, and grinned. \u201cPlus, I never got any of the salami and we never even put Ella on\u2026I wanted our first kiss to be really romantic, but then your face.\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf our first kiss had been any more romantic than it was, I think stardust would have fallen from the ceiling, Starsk. You, uh, you know how to kiss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re pretty inspirational, and you know how to kiss, too\u2026 so, I\u2019m ready to see whatever you wanna show me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just this,\u201d Hutch said, feeling a surge of confidence, as strong as his desire. He pulled the covers off the bed. \u201cI wanted you to see the clean sheets. I wanted you to know that I wanted this before you kissed me. I planned for it. I\u2019ve imagined it a thousand times this week.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch wished he could paint on canvas the look that crossed Starsky\u2019s face. \u201cSo have I, partner,\u201d Starsky said softly. \u201cA thousand times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI almost shaved,\u201d Hutch confessed. \u201cI came really close.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked confused. \u201cYour cheeks felt pretty smooth to me; guess you didn\u2019t need a shave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot my cheeks, my mustache.\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat would have been a mistake,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cI love your mustache. I\u2019ve got plans for your mustache!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laughed, and wondered if he\u2019d ever felt this good before. \u201cDo I wanna know what those plans involve?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I think I\u2019ll surprise you,\u201d Starsky said. \u201cToo early to give out that kind of information\u2026but Hutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I love you, right? You know that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch nodded. He knew, he had always known, but damn it was sweet to hear the words. \u201cI know\u2026 So, we\u2019re gonna get undressed now, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Starsky said, and started to unbutton his shirt. \u201cIt\u2019s time to get undressed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd we\u2019re gonna get in that bed together,\u201d Hutch continued, and started to unbutton his own shirt. \u201cAnd neither one of us is going to have a damn clue what to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Starsky agreed. \u201cNot a damn clue.\u201d He pulled his shirt off and reached for the top of his jeans. \u201cThere\u2019s been lots of things before that we haven\u2019t known how to do until we, well, until we did them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Hutch said, and tossed his shirt into the corner. \u201cTogether, we\u2019ve always been good. Better than good.\u201d He moved to where Starsky was standing, bare-chested and very beautiful. \u201cPlus, I\u2019ve always done my best kissing in a horizontal position.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, your best kissing belongs to me, and only me,\u201d Starsky said, and captured Hutch\u2019s eyes. \u201cGod, you\u2019re beautiful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled and unzipped his jeans. \u201cMerry Christmas, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, partner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The world slipped away, when they were both bare and Hutch maneuvered them onto the clean sheets, where they started to figure out exactly what to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Author’s Note: This story is a continuation of The Christmas Closet from the 2018 Advent Calendar. It can also be read here: https:\/\/archiveofourown.org\/works\/17154836 Hutch stepped out of the shower and quickly dried himself before heading to the mirror. He used … 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":[4,9,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-sfw","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=369"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":589,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/369\/revisions\/589"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2019\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}