{"id":417,"date":"2012-12-18T02:57:52","date_gmt":"2012-12-18T02:57:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/?p=417"},"modified":"2022-02-06T17:04:04","modified_gmt":"2022-02-06T17:04:04","slug":"december-18th-the-second-choice-by-nicky-gabriel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/?p=417","title":{"rendered":"December 18th- The Second Choice by Nicky Gabriel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Note: <\/strong>This story is a sequel to Angel in the Snow<\/span><\/span> <\/a>by Nicky Gabriel.<\/span><\/p>\n

Long live all the mountains we moved
\nI had the time of my life fighting dragons with you
\nI was screaming, long live the look on your face
\nAnd bring on all the pretenders,
\nOne day we will be remembered
\n<\/em>Taylor Swift, Long Live<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Duluth, 1981<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch hadn\u2019t felt so happy in months. As Starsky and he were heading back to Hutch\u2019s grandmother\u2019s home after their evening walk it started to snow, and it didn\u2019t take long before they were both covered in a thick layer of fluffy white. At the end they were both freezing \u2013 Starsky complaining loudly about the weather \u2013 but Hutch was smiling. Inside he felt only a nice, pleasant warmth.<\/span><\/p>\n

As they walked back, Hutch couldn\u2019t miss seeing how tired Starsky was. Not only had he traveled all night to get to Hutch\u2019s grandmother\u2019s funeral in Minnesota, but he\u2019d also kept Hutch company all during the day without even a moment to rest. No wonder he was exhausted. Hutch knew he should feel guilty about causing his friend so much stress and trouble, but he was too grateful that he didn\u2019t have to be alone right now.<\/span><\/p>\n

And maybe never again? <\/em>he thought cheerfully,<\/span><\/p>\n

While Starsky took a shower, Hutch set the fire in the living room fireplace and then went downstairs to claim that bathroom. Climbing the stairs after a quick visit to his grandmother\u2019s library, he remembered Starsky\u2019s words and reassurance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sat on the large and comfortable sofa in the living room and opened a book he\u2019d picked up from Elsa\u2019s table, but Starsky choose that moment to leave the bathroom, already dressed for bed, wearing a dark blue shirt and white shorts.<\/span><\/p>\n

He leaned against the doorframe and smiled. \u201cI see you\u2019ve found company for tonight,\u201d he said, drying his hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked up from the book and put it aside on the table, next to a newspaper that his father must have left the day before. \u201cI\u2019m sure you can find something suitable for yourself as well. Elsa has… had an impressive collection here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky cast the towel over the chair standing next to the fireplace and slumped next to Hutch. He lifted the book and read the title.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Nirads<\/em> by Elsa Hutchinson.\u201d Starsky looked at the back cover. \u201cIsn\u2019t that your grandmother?\u201d He nodded toward the picture, lifting an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. It\u2019s my Christmas gift,\u201d Hutch explained, the sensation of loss still overwhelming. \u201cI found it downstairs. She didn\u2019t have time to send it to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky reached out and squeezed his wrist gently, rubbing his thumb over the inside of Hutch\u2019s hand. \u201cYou never said she was a writer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch turned over his hand, so they touched palm to palm and shook his head. \u201cShe wasn\u2019t, but Elsa loved telling these stories. Viking tales, dragons, battles, Ragnarok, soulmate warriors. Dad wanted her to put it all on paper for really long time, and I see he finally succeeded.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky read the summary and pointed at the picture on the back cover. \u201cWho\u2019s that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In the picture, Elsa Hutchinson was sitting in an armchair and on the armrest next to her he could see a young man with dark hair.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Erik Thorn,\u201d Hutch said with a smile. \u201cWe went to school together.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we were friends. He works for the local museum now, and it looks like he was Elsa\u2019s editor. It says that the museum was the publishing house for the story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked at the picture for a while, but then put the book aside. \u201cMove your butt; you\u2019re taking over the entire couch and I\u2019m tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about bed?\u201d Hutch suggested.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019m not sleepy, just tired.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shifted, leaning against the pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo? What\u2019s the plan for tomorrow?\u201d Starsky asked when he found a comfortable position with his back against Hutch\u2019s chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch thought about the answer, because in the last few days so much had happened, he\u2019d lost track of some things. \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas Eve tomorrow.\u201d He put his arm around Starsky and held him close. \u201cSo we\u2019ll have dinner with my father and maybe some other relatives. I don\u2019t know who else he invited.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think he invited anybody else.\u201d Starsky turned his head, so he could look at him. \u201cHe didn\u2019t know you were going to be here, so he most probably had been <\/em>invited for dinner himself by some relatives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch hadn\u2019t considered this option.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky reached for the local newspaper that was lying on the table when the phone rang.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch picked it up. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI see you\u2019re back already?\u201d His father\u2019s voice sounded amused.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled and threaded his fingers into Starsky\u2019s hair \u2013 still somewhat wet \u2013 and rested his cheek against his head. He wanted to keep this moment forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a long walk by the lake,\u201d he admitted, knowing his father could see the lights in the watermill from his bedroom window.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought so.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank you for bringing Starsky here.\u201d Hutch said gratefully. Neither of them could afford the ticket in their current financial situation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the least I could do, Ken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt means more than you think,\u201d Hutch whispered, feeling a lump in his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t know what I think,\u201d Richard said in a low voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sighed. \u201cMaybe you\u2019re right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m always right.\u201d There was a pause that didn\u2019t feel uncomfortable though. \u201cDid you talk to Jane?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. We met yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky put the newspaper away and shifted so he was facing Hutch now, lying on his chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd?\u201d Richard asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked about good old times.\u201d Hutch held Starsky\u2019s gaze.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAre there going to be any new times?\u201d Richard sounded as if he knew the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfraid not.\u201d Hutch answered without much regret.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMore proof I\u2019m always right,\u201d Richard confirmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t argue that. Are you working tomorrow?\u201d The hospitals never had holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky rested his head on Hutch\u2019s chest and closed his eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Richard answered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow about breakfast?\u201d Hutch offered. \u201cAt seven?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Ken. You\u2019re not going to wake David up at such an ungodly hour?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky giggled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, eight?\u201d Hutch pulled at his hair gently.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEight-thirty.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll starve until eight-thirty,\u201d Hutch protested. \u201cBut okay.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky nodded approvingly, brushing his cheek over Hutch\u2019s fuzzy shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKen, you get up at six every day for your morning run and in California it will be six, so stop complaining.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019m shutting up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, son.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch put the receiver back and sighed deeply. He knew his back would kill him in the morning but he could stay here for the rest of his life. Trapped in a perfect moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs it very wrong to feel jealous?\u201d Starsky asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI miss my Dad.\u201d Starsky moved up and buried his face in the crook of Hutch\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk.\u201d Hutch felt as if his heart was breaking. \u201cYou can borrow mine anytime you wish,\u201d he whispered.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing Starsky\u2019s aversion to soapy scenes, he expected some flippant comment, but all Starsky said was, \u201cThank you.\u201d And a moment later with a yawn, \u201cI\u2019m sure I could sleep until noon tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch still didn\u2019t feel guilty about the reason. \u201cI\u2019m not surprised.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky glanced at his watch and winced incredibly. It was long past midnight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat time do you have to be at the reading of the will?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked at him surprised. \u201cYou wanna go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky shifted uncomfortably. \u201cUnless you don\u2019t want me to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s at ten,\u201d Hutch answered quickly. He hadn\u2019t dared hope that Starsky would go with him, but Hutch needed him there more than he was willing to admit. \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas Eve, pal,\u201d Hutch explained. \u201cBut I\u2019m glad they didn\u2019t want to wait to have the reading until after<\/em> the holidays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d Starsky reached for the book. \u201cWill you read me one of the stories?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch laced his fingers into Starsky\u2019s hair, pulling him closer. \u201cSure I will, babe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch woke up with Starsky\u2019s head on his shoulder. It was still dark outside and the room was cold, but Starsky was a source of pleasant warmth that soaked deep under Hutch\u2019s skin.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky fell asleep in the middle of a story about the beginning of the world according to the Nirads, but Hutch couldn\u2019t sleep until late after midnight. And when he finally did, he dreamt about fire, dragons and redheaded goddesses. The dream left him with unsettled feelings of forbidding danger; the unfamiliar surroundings didn\u2019t help to calm his rapidly beating heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

He took a deep breath and tried to shake off the unwanted sensation. Everything was okay, even more than okay, so he shouldn\u2019t worry about a stupid dream.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky must have sensed his anxiety, because he pulled him closer, waking up.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know that the Hungarian Crown always chooses the king, not the other way around?\u201d Starsky\u2019s voice was still groggy with sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Hutch knew it wasn\u2019t the most eloquent answer, but he would never get used to the way Starsky perceived the world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky shifted, finding a cozier spot, slipping his arm around Hutch\u2019s chest \u2013 his cheek stubble scratching against Hutch\u2019s neck. \u201cIn Europe, it was custom that the king chose his own crown or ordered a new one for himself, but not in Hungary. There the crown<\/em> chose the rightful heir of the throne.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how exactly did that work?\u201d Hutch managed to ask. When he thought how close he had come to losing this man…<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimply.\u201d Starsky smiled, his eyes still closed. \u201cIf somebody wasn\u2019t the rightful heir and he touched the crown, he died. Even the bishops had to wear gloves during the crowning ceremony. It\u2019s like the Tutankhamen curse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky.\u201d Hutch said doubtfully, but only because he was expected to.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s true.\u201d Starsky insisted.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are we talking about dead pharaohs and Hungarian kings on Christmas Eve morning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with that?\u201d Starsky frowned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had to admit he didn\u2019t have an answer. \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood, because guess what?\u201d Starsky asked with barely hidden excitement and hope. \u201cYou can see it here in Duluth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hungarian Crown? Where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky leaned on his elbow, so he could look at Hutch in the dim light of the guest bedroom. \u201cIn the museum. I read it in the newspaper yesterday.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to go there?\u201d Hutch raised an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd if I wanted to, so what? They have a special holiday exhibit today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, when was the last time you went to a museum?\u201d Hutch asked genuinely surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

He caught a glimpse of pain in Starsky\u2019s eyes. \u201cWhen was the last time I could see the Hungarian Crown at one? They\u2019re going to send it back to Hungary next year, so it\u2019s the last chance we have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou really want to go?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky bit his lip before he answered. \u201cI used to go to the museum with my dad when I was a kid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Aww, Starsk.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never told me that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou never asked.\u201d Starsky shrugged. \u201cI loved it. I can feel<\/em> him when I visit those places.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch moved his hand up Starsky\u2019s back so it rested between his shoulder blades, and rubbed gently, supporting him the only way he knew how. Starsky rarely shared his pain so openly, but when it happened, Hutch always felt unworthy of such trust.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDid you know that my family once lived in Hungary?\u201d Starsky finally asked, resting his forehead on Hutch\u2019s temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mentioned it once or twice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you go to the museum with me?\u201d Starsky moved his hand over Hutch\u2019s heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to spend Christmas Eve in a museum?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to spend today with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, but if you start complaining I’ll leave you in the Egyptian section.\u201d Hutch covered Starsky\u2019s hand with his own. \u201cThey have real mummies there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t.\u201d Starsky grinned.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch squeezed his hand. \u201cNo, I wouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky moved back and brushed aside Hutch\u2019s bangs from his forehead. \u201cThere\u2019s also a Norwegian exhibit,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know.\u201d How many times had he visited that section when he still lived here?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure you do. Elsa lived in Norway before she moved here, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will be like a journey to our roots,\u201d Starsky finished and brushed his thumb over Hutch\u2019s upper lip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch suspected the only reason Starsky suggested he grow a mustache was so he could play with it.<\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

After breakfast with Richard, they drove separately to the family lawyer where the reading of Elsa\u2019s last will was scheduled. Hutch wasn\u2019t surprised that his grandmother left him the watermill \u2013 considering it was where he\u2019d spent half of his childhood \u2013 but it was still a painful morning. And the feeling of some invisible approaching danger hadn\u2019t left Hutch since he woke, so having Starsky there was a balm to his raw nerves. He felt as if he was too happy. Life wasn\u2019t supposed to be this beautiful, and it would be only a matter of time until he lost it all. Forever.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch drove to the museum later \u2013 promising his father they would meet him home for dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky insisted on going to the Hungarian exhibition right after they purchased the tickets, explaining that he felt \u2018drawn\u2019 to the heritage of his people.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, you\u2019ve never even been to Hungary!\u201d Hutch complained, but followed him upstairs to the crown exhibition.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd after today I won\u2019t have to go,\u201d Starsky concluded with the special logic that always left Hutch speechless.<\/span><\/p>\n

For Hutch the crown looked like a… crown. Gold, ancient and simplistic. Even the cross on top was slightly crooked. Hutch suspected there was a story about it, but he wasn\u2019t really interested in hearing it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky on the other hand was grinning with happiness. \u201cHave you ever wondered why we never had any kings here?\u201d he asked when he looked at the crown from all angles and studied the history note next to the display stand.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch blinked, taken aback. \u201cUh, we have democracy here. You can\u2019t usually have that with a royal family ruling the country.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean now.\u201d Starsky shrugged. \u201cBut in the past. It would be nice to have had at least one king in our history, wouldn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have many kings in your history, Starsk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked at him surprised, and his grin changed into a warm smile. \u201cYeah, I do. How about Norway? Do they have a king there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they do. His name is Olaf, Olaf the Fifth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent!\u201d Starsky looked at the crown for the last time and nodded toward the door. \u201cLet\u2019s go to the Norwegian section.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Before they reached the door, however, a dark haired man entered the room. Hutch recognized him immediately and a second later Erik Thorn looked at him disbelievingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKen?\u201d Erik asked, coming closer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled back and shook his outstretched hand. \u201cHi, Erik.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKen! So good to see you here!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I couldn\u2019t resist a visit to the museum since I\u2019m here.\u201d Hutch turned toward Starsky to introduce them. \u201cEric, this is my partner, Dave Starsky. Starsk, meet Erik, an old friend.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one from the book cover?\u201d Starsky asked and shook his hand as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean Elsa\u2019s book? Yes, it\u2019s me.\u201d Erik smiled and turned back to Hutch. \u201cI\u2019m sorry about Elsa. She was a lovely lady.\u201d He pointed at the ticket Hutch was holding in his hand. \u201cI see you chose to visit our temporary exhibitions. Good choice.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t get to see the Hungarian Crown every day, do you?\u201d Hutch asked amused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re done here, how about letting me be your guide in the Scandinavian section?\u201d Erik beamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch knew how much Erik loved to talk about history and how much Starsky loved listening to the trivia his old friend would offer, so he nodded. \u201cThat would be great!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They followed him downstairs and without much ado Erik led them to a dais in the middle of the room. The Scandinavian section was more crowded \u2013 Hutch even noticed a group of teenagers that looked like they were part of a school trip, though he had no idea what school would be open on Christmas Eve. But maybe it was just an optional trip?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever heard the myth about soulmates?\u201d Erik asked when they stopped there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Greek one?\u201d Starsky asked. \u201cAbout Zeus?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sighed, knowing it was only a matter of time before Erik and Starsky would find a common language. He was however more interested in the strange behavior of a couple of teenage girls who were standing next to the podium where two gold bracelets lay. The bracelets were shaped into twin helixes that looked like dragons with wide wings and long tails. The helixes were chained to a rock, but the girls were playing with them and then decided to try them on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s stupid!\u201d One of them \u2013 a blond one \u2013 declared and took it off, moving to another artifact.<\/span><\/p>\n

The other girl, with short brown hair, just frowned and read again the note before she also took it off and followed her friend.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI remember the story from history classes,\u201d Starsky was saying.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch concentrated on Erik\u2019s words now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to this myth, people were very powerful creatures in the beginning. They had four legs and four arms and two faces.\u201d He pointed at an illustration hanging on a wall behind the podium. \u201cWhat\u2019s interesting is that they came in all gender configurations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch stepped closer and indeed there were three figures \u2013 looking ugly and scary \u2013 pictured as an example for the tale. Hutch had to admit that the artist had a rather vivid imagination.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were very strong and mighty,\u201d Erik continued. \u201cSo the gods felt threatened by them, and decided it would be wise to destroy human kind before the humans could destroy them. Zeus however didn\u2019t want his \u2018children\u2019 wasted so he found a solution.\u201d They moved toward another picture. \u201cHe split them and this weakened them considerably. Now they had just two legs and two arms and one face. They were very unhappy, and kept looking for their other half until they found him or her. When they found their other half, they embraced and wouldn\u2019t let go until they died from hunger, because nothing else was important to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo they were dying anyway?\u201d Hutch asked slowly, looking at the second painting and felt a strange unease in his chest. As if he were entering very dangerous territory. Again the illustration was expressive and the pain in the faces of the characters was shocking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but that wasn\u2019t what Zeus had in mind when he split them, so he rearranged their anatomy with a little help of another god, and after that when they found each other, they only embraced until they\u2019d satisfied their sexual need,\u201d Erik explained lightly. \u201cAnd there was another bright side to this version because in a third of the reunions they could procreate so the number of people slowly increased instead of facing extinction.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch bit his lip, again remembering the dream he had the previous night. Something was nagging at the back of his mind, but he wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to remember what it was, because it was related to the darkest time of his life. He took a deep breath, reassuring himself that if he had a soulmate, it was Starsky, so nothing was wrong with his world. And he didn\u2019t believe in soulmates anyway. Right?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how about the Scandinavian version?\u201d Starsky asked curiously. \u201cHutch mentioned yesterday they had one as well.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Erik led them to the opposite wall. \u201cOnly one tribe had a myth like that. The Nirads. What is really amazing about them is that they can prove it\u2019s true!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d Starsky wasn\u2019t interested in the illustration, but Hutch felt cold dread just looking at a dragon with the sharpest claws he had ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s the proof!\u201d Eric led them back to the middle of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

It took all of Hutch\u2019s willpower to avert his gaze and look at the helixes again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPretty.\u201d Starsky approved. \u201cIs it gold?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMostly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

They went to the rock on the podium where another couple was trying the bracelets on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was created over seven thousands years ago, and we\u2019re lucky the Norwegian National Museum was so kind to share it with us this year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cS-seven thousands years ago?\u201d Hutch asked shocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes. In Hungary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike the crown?\u201d Starsky inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Erik hesitated. \u201cSt. Stephen\u2019s? Yes, but the crown is not that old. It was created in the eighth century. However both are kind of \u2018magical\u2019! The crown is important in Hungarian history, but these helixes are really special. And easy to… check out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky looked skeptical. \u201cDo they work like the crown does? Can you die if you touch them?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Erik laughed. \u201cOn the contrary! You can test it if you wish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI better not.\u201d Starsky kept his distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

As if determined to prove his words, Eric touched the metal and smiled. \u201cThey work differently. In the Nirads\u2019 mythology, human kind was created by dragons and it was the dragons who split them. These helixes will confirm if somebody has a soulmate in their lifetime and even more\u2013 they\u2019ll show you who it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked at the golden spiral, and now it reminded him of a snake. Danger. Danger. Danger.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d he asked, though he wasn\u2019t sure he wanted to hear the answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf we wait for a while, we can see.\u201d Erik put it back and that\u2019s when two teenage boys \u2013 part of the school trip obviously \u2013 approached the podium.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Alex, look, you can touch these here!\u201d One of them \u2013 a dark haired boy with freckles \u2013 pointed at the helixes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese are chained to the rock; no wonder you can touch them.\u201d The other young man in an orange baseball cap was apparently bored to death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWow! It says that if you put it on and then can\u2019t take it off you can keep it!\u201d The dark haired boy exclaimed after he read the note.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, right!\u201d Alex was more interested in a nude red haired goddess in one of the illustrations.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRead it!\u201d He pulled his friend toward the showcase.<\/span><\/p>\n

They boy read the note and looked around until he spotted Erik, who was wearing a tag on his suit saying he worked for the Museum.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally.\u201d Erik nodded encouragingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, put it on!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex was however still suspicious. \u201cWhat if it\u2019s a trick and I end up chained to this rock?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust do it!\u201d The dark haired boy already had one helix on his wrist. \u201cCan you imagine how much it\u2019s worth?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Alex said, but he reached for the bracelet anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked at Erik again, as if gathering his courage and slid his hand into the spiral.<\/span><\/p>\n

He only managed to have his hand halfway in when the helix was pulled toward the twin one and they joined with an audible click.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou broke it!\u201d Alex took out his hand quickly and put the bracelet back on the rock. Taking a step back, he looked horrified.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I didn\u2019t! It\u2019s supposed to act like that!\u201d The other one was grinning. \u201cHalf of a success is still a success. Not bad at all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Alex read the note again and asked, \u201cAnd now what? Does it mean I\u2019ll have to suffer your presence for the rest of my life? How does this soulmates business work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know.\u201d The dark haired boy was still smiling when they were heading toward the rest of their group. \u201cBut I\u2019m going to find out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch approached the rock and took both helixes to his hands, bringing them together.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs there a magnet?\u201d Starsky asked; his voice still held a hint of suspicion.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cHe\u2019s right, Starsk. No magnetic field.\u201d Hutch separated the bracelets feeling no attraction between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cScientists have been investigating it for years,\u201d Erik explained. \u201cBut none of them have come up with a plausible explanation. Sometimes they attract each other and sometimes they don\u2019t. Nobody knows why, but it\u2019s believed that when soulmates put on the bracelets at the same time, the helixes act like magnets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIs this why they\u2019re chained to the rock?\u201d Starsky pointed to the chain.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe had a few break-ins, but the legend says it\u2019s not allowed to forbid anyone from putting them on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr what?\u201d Hutch asked insecurely.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOr the dragon will come and eat you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky laughed, but Hutch again felt the irrational fear \u2013 stronger now and reaching every corner of his mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAccording to the legend,\u201d Erik continued, \u201cthe greatest warriors always had a soulmate, and they were allowed to wear the helixes until they died or until the dragons freed them, because they couldn\u2019t take it off. Now we use it as a catchy advertisement for this exhibition, but considering it hasn\u2019t happened for centuries that two real warriors put them on at the same time, the risk of coming by a warrior is low nowadays. Do you want to try?\u201d He pointed toward the spirals.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d Starsky answered before Hutch could react. \u201cHave you ever tried?\u201d he asked Erik instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eric shook his head. \u201cNo. I never met any…\u201d He wouldn\u2019t finish, because another museum worker was waving at him from the door. \u201cYou\u2019ll have to excuse me. I think I have an important phone call I\u2019ve been waiting for since morning. It\u2019s been a pleasure to meet you, David. And I hope to see you again soon, Ken.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks!\u201d Starsky smiled, visibly satisfied with their guided tour.<\/span><\/p>\n

Erik left and Hutch was looking at the helixes he was still holding in his hands.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk?\u201d he asked curiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know the result.\u201d Starsky frowned. \u201cIt won\u2019t work for us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d That was not the answer Hutch expected. \u201cHow do you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky tilted his head, as if surprised with the question, but he reached for one of the bracelets and put it on.<\/span><\/p>\n

Waiting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly Hutch didn\u2019t know if he had courage to go on, but Starsky was waiting so he slid his hand into the opening of the twin bracelet.<\/span><\/p>\n

A second passed, than another and nothing happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch felt as if his entire world had just crashed down on him. Starsky took the helix off and touched Hutch\u2019s arm, rubbing it gently up and down.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo surprise here, huh?\u201d he said simply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cN-no surprise here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, no. You didn\u2019t think we were soulmates? Did you?\u201d Starsky asked, suddenly unsure.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cN-no, of course not.\u201d Hutch shook his head and put the helix away.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Starsky stated. \u201cBecause my soulmate is dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s when it clicked. \u201cTerry?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled faintly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yeah, no surprise here indeed.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

***<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch had no idea how he did it, but somehow he survived the Christmas Eve dinner at his father\u2019s home. He knew his dad noticed that something was wrong, but Richard always knew when to comment and when to let it be.<\/span><\/p>\n

At least for a while longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t say anything when they were walking back to the watermill, but Hutch was sure he also sensed that something was bothering him.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch knew it was stupid and immature, but their visit to the museum left him shattered into pieces. He always thought that the bond he shared with Starsky was special \u2013 one of a kind. Unique. And now to discover that Starsky hadn\u2019t even considered the possibility that they could <\/em>be soulmates…<\/span><\/p>\n

Well, Hutch didn\u2019t believe in the soulmate business anyway, so why did it hurt so much?<\/span><\/p>\n

He climbed the stairs to the living room and busied himself with setting the fire in the fireplace. Unfortunately, tonight as he looked into the flames, all he could see were golden dragons, so he decided to go out on the balcony. Outside it was cold and he wouldn\u2019t hear the water running in the bathroom where Starsky was taking a shower. He hoped the frosty air would numb his senses and the pain would lessen.<\/span><\/p>\n

He held the balustrade and shook his head exasperated. You are pathetic, Hutchinson.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch didn\u2019t mind sharing Starsky with Terry. He loved her as much as Starsky did \u2013 it just wasn\u2019t possible not to. But still…<\/span><\/p>\n

The door behind him opened and he felt a rush of warm air from inside the watermill escaping through the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

A moment later he felt Starsky\u2019s hand reaching for his own. \u201cHutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s hand was warm, whereas Hutch\u2019s was cold, as frozen as his heart.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch took a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound normal. Whatever that meant. \u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to talk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing to talk about.\u201d Hutch shrugged, but didn\u2019t dare take his hand away. Because if they weren\u2019t soulmates, why had Starsky put up with him for so long? And how long it would last? There was no forever<\/em> in Hutch\u2019s relationships. No matter what Starsky had said the previous night, there was nothing to keep him by Hutch\u2019s side regardless of how much Hutch wanted it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can see something is bothering you, and I think I know what it is,\u201d Starsky whispered. \u201cBut I\u2019m freezing; come inside.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was glad there was no moon tonight because he wasn\u2019t sure he could face his partner when his heart was broken into pieces. It took him a while to compose himself, but ultimately he followed Starsky inside. He leaned his back against the door once they were there and didn\u2019t move any further.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s what happened in the museum, right?\u201d Starsky sat on the armrest of the sofa.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk, you don\u2019t have to…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t let him finish. \u201cMaybe you will meet your soulmate one day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch closed his eyes, reliving the dream from previous night. \u201cI think I already did.\u201d He admitted. Why not? He had nothing to lose anyway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch sighed and opened his eyes. \u201cRemember what Erik said about the… reunion?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Starsky nodded. \u201cI \u2013 I think I know what he meant. I believe it\u2019s more than just sex.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch was sure Starsky must have known. What he had shared with Terry was truly special.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was.\u201d Hutch confessed. \u201cHer name was Darla.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember any Darla.\u201d Starsky raised his eyebrows, almost amused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t tell you about her.\u201d Hutch shrugged. \u201cYou had just woken up from the coma when I met her. The doctors told me you were going to live and I \u2013 I felt… it was just too much. Somehow I ended up at Huggy\u2019s.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to tell me…\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do, because I didn\u2019t get it until today,\u201d Hutch said fiercely. \u201cShe was there. She had the greenest eyes I\u2019d ever seen. I\u2019ve never been attracted to redheaded girls, but she was… There was something<\/em> in her that I couldn\u2019t just put my finger on.\u201d He shook his head, still remembering how helpless he felt that night. \u201cIt took me a while before I realized she was a hooker. Yeah, I know, but it didn\u2019t matter. Nothing made sense that night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch closed his eyes before the memories almost overwhelmed him. He remembered vividly that as they crossed the threshold of the hotel room, he just let go. Until that night, he\u2019d always saved his most secret dreams and expectations for the moment when he would meet the right<\/em> woman. The one who would take him as he was, who would become his wife, who would be the mother of his children. By whose side he would grow old. He let go of the part of himself that he\u2019d never shared with anybody. Even with Vanessa.<\/span><\/p>\n

But with Darla he unleashed all his dreams, wishes and desires. He gave her everything he had \u2013 everything he\u2019d ever wanted to share with another human being. And indeed it wasn\u2019t sex \u2013 it was an epiphany of making love. Nobody would ever have him like she had. It was a night of worship and prayers. Unheard forever. The first time and the last time he gave everything<\/em>. Until nothing was left. Until there was only a dark hole in his chest that threatened to swallow not only him, but his entire universe. He gave everything and it… still wasn\u2019t enough.<\/span><\/p>\n

The night ended, the sun rose and…<\/span><\/p>\n

Something in him snapped. The hope that had kept him going, that made him try over and over again, no matter how much pain each failure caused, died and there was nobody and nothing that would ever be able to revive it.<\/span><\/p>\n

He left the hotel room feeling empty, burned out and cold.<\/span><\/p>\n

And then he entered another room \u2013 and the weak smile that welcomed him shattered him with the power of an earthquake. It took only a second for Starsky to change the black hole in Hutch\u2019s heart into a shining Sun that sent its warm light into every corner of his soul. And for the second time that day he broke down, but this time he woke up with certainty that what he cherished the most, he still had.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean the night when you cried yourself to sleep in my hospital bed?\u201d Starsky asked gently, tilting his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d Hutch confessed. \u201cDarla, or whatever her name really was, said she was doing a favor for a friend. She didn\u2019t tell me who it was but I \u2013 I have a feeling it was Sweet Alice. Only she knew how much… I needed it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure it wasn\u2019t somebody else trying to…\u201d Starsky asked concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I don\u2019t think so, and I didn\u2019t pay her anyway.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Starsky accepted his answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

But Hutch couldn\u2019t let it be. Not after the dream he\u2019d had. \u201cStarsk, it was like entering a different dimension of sensation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky closed his eyes briefly. \u201cI know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut it doesn\u2019t make any sense.\u201d Hutch frowned, still as confused as he was two years ago. \u201cI don\u2019t desire it anymore. Or her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky sighed and Hutch couldn\u2019t miss the pain he saw in his eyes. \u201cHutch, just because somebody is your soulmate, doesn\u2019t mean you have to spend the rest of your life with them. Thinking like that is just avoiding taking responsibility for your actions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Aww, Starsk…<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou heard what the boys said?\u201d Starsky collected himself quickly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were talking a lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not our destiny<\/em> to be together,\u201d Starsky clarified.<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s when Hutch understood, wondering how many times a heart could be broken. No surprise here, either.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo I\u2019m a second choice?\u201d he asked hoarsely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky got up in a swift motion and stood in front of him.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hutch.\u201d He grasped Hutch by his arm. \u201cYou are no second choice. You are a choice<\/em>. And so am I.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hutch blinked, not understanding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky paused, like he was fighting some internal battle, but then gave in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, you think that the universe is held together by gravity, but it\u2019s not gravity that keeps you next to me. We don\u2019t need any invisible bonds to chain our souls. I prefer to have you by my side free and \u2013 and because you want <\/em>to be here. I don\u2019t love you because some forces of the universe made me this way. Made us<\/em> this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t ask. Don\u2019t ask. Don\u2019t ask.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you?\u201d It wasn\u2019t even a whisper.<\/span><\/p>\n

This time it was Starsky who hesitated. As if he wasn\u2019t expecting this question. He lifted his hand and cupped Hutch\u2019s cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love you because you have the most beautiful soul in the entire universe,\u201d he said intensely. \u201cYou stand by me no matter how badly I screw up. I can be stubborn, unyielding, stupid, cruel… how many times have I hurt you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch wanted to object, but Starsky put a finger over his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou chose<\/em> me every time you forgave me.\u201d Starsky said firmly. \u201cBecause you want<\/em> to forgive me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head. \u201cBecause I need you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, we can live without each other \u2013 we did it for over twenty years. The reason is that being together is better than being alone. And I\u2019m glad that we are not soulmates. I feel more loved, because I know it\u2019s your choice<\/em> and not something imprinted into our souls before the beginning of the time by forces we don\u2019t know and don\u2019t care about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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

\u201cI don\u2019t care about any crowns or bracelets. Legends are good for putting things in perspective, not for living by them in the here and now. I\u2019ve never doubted your love. We\u2019re not perfect, but I don\u2019t want anybody who\u2019s perfect. I want you. You keep me alive. You make me feel things I would never even dream of. You make me live my life to the fullest. I told you that yesterday, and I will say it as many times as you need to hear it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch felt tears threatening, but he was determined to keep them at bay. Who was Starsky trying to fool when he insisted he didn\u2019t like soapy scenes?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHave you ever thought about writing poetry?\u201d Hutch asked instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky leaned his forehead against Hutch\u2019s. \u201cI\u2019d even join the ballet if it helped you to believe me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch put his arms around him. \u201cI do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky waited until Hutch was ready to let him go and then stepped back. \u201cGood, because I think it\u2019s time for your Christmas gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStarsk.\u201d Hutch rubbed his hands down his face, still feeling a little light on his legs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYour Dad told me your family always celebrated it the European way, so you will get it tonight.\u201d Starsky stabbed his chest with a finger.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou-you didn\u2019t have to buy me anything.\u201d Hutch protested. Didn\u2019t he just get the best gift he could ever dream of?<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good, because I didn\u2019t buy you anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou planted a tree in my name?\u201d Hutch raised an eyebrow.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope, I\u2019m not that cruel.\u201d Starsky smiled mischievously. \u201cI was thinking of what you might really want, and I figured it out last night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou did? And what is that?\u201d Now Hutch was really curious.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeace.\u201d Starsky declared with satisfied grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPeace?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is always a storm inside you.\u201d Starsky sobered. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s not as loud and wild as other times, but it\u2019s always there.\u201d He put a hand over Hutch\u2019s chest. \u201cLast night, there was just peace.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

How could it not be, Starsk?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled. \u201cAnd because I\u2019m quite sure that the reason you let yourself rest<\/em> was… me, so I\u2019m your Christmas gift.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch looked at the hand bewildered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI know I can\u2019t offer you much in bed,\u201d Starsky continued. \u201cBut I never got any impression you were interested in that kind of entertainment with me, so we can figure out something about it later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou are crazy.\u201d Hutch grinned, feeling even better than the day before.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can always have a star named after you.\u201d Starsky shrugged playfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI already have a sky full of stars just for myself.\u201d Hutch grasped a handful of his shirt.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d Starsky patted his hand. \u201cBecause I\u2019m kind of broke and I don\u2019t think I could afford anything valuable right now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch wondered how many people would ever realize how precious a gift David Starsky was? But it was to Hutch\u2019s benefit that they didn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cConsidering my financial status,\u201d Hutch said, \u201cI\u2019m lucky that you are<\/em> a gift, because otherwise I most certainly could not afford you ever<\/em> in my life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I wouldn\u2019t be so sure. I\u2019m not very expensive to maintain.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCould have fooled me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Starsky smiled impishly. \u201cIf your cash is love, you\u2019ve got enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Hutch let go of his shirt and tried to smoothen the fabric. \u201cWhat if I want to keep you forever?\u201d he asked quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI sure hope so.\u201d Starsky covered his hand. \u201cI come with lifetime guarantee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

THE BEGINNING<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The legend about the Hungarian Crown is real, and the crown stayed in the United States after WWII until 1979 when it was sent back to Hungary. I changed the year in my story, so Starsky could see it.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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

Note: This story is a sequel to Angel in the Snow by Nicky Gabriel. Long live all the mountains we moved I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you I was screaming, long live the look on … 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":[9,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-417","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=417"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":731,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/417\/revisions\/731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=417"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=417"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2012\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=417"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}