{"id":398,"date":"2014-12-18T06:39:15","date_gmt":"2014-12-18T06:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/?p=398"},"modified":"2022-02-07T00:59:46","modified_gmt":"2022-02-07T00:59:46","slug":"december-18th-tracks-in-the-snow-by-wightfaerie-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/?p=398","title":{"rendered":"December 18th- Tracks in the Snow by wightfaerie"},"content":{"rendered":"

Author’s Note: <\/strong><\/span>This story is slash, hints at BDSM, and contains stress training. Nothing more than normal exercise, really. The exercise\/stress part is based on David Soul’s movie Swan Song, with screen shots taken from the movie, credited.<\/p>\n

Right click and save here to download the story in epub format.<\/span><\/a>
\nRight click and save here to download the story in pdf format.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0December 17, 1980<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The squad room was quiet for once. It was just over a week before Christmas and all the detectives were on the street, desperately trying to close their outstanding cases. No one wanted to risk any vacation time being cancelled, and handing them over to the detectives covering for the holidays was almost an embarrassment.<\/p>\n

Hutch was grateful for the peace. He\u2019d had enough Christmas chatter already. Glancing over at Starsky, he could see the glint in those indigo eyes. That glint meant that Starsky was as excited about the holidays as ever. To give the guy his due, he\u2019d held his merriment in pretty well. Hutch didn\u2019t know if that was because Starsky was tired of Hutch raining on his parade, or if Starsky was lulling him into a false sense of security and would explode with Christmas spirit when Hutch least expected it. He suspected the latter, knowing his partner.<\/p>\n

Starsky merely grinned back at him and ripped the report out of his typewriter. \u201cWe\u2019re up to date, buddy. Whatever they throw at us can have our full attention.\u201d<\/p>\n

That would be every unsolved crime then. He and Starsky had pulled Christmas duty for the past six years. To be fair, they\u2019d offered most of the time, and this was no different. Neither of them had requested time off over the festive period.<\/p>\n

Christmas was for kids and family. He and Starsky had none of the first, and minimal of the second.<\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s mom, Sarah, came out to Bay City to stay at Rosie\u2019s some Christmases. Nicky was just Nicky. He turned up when you least wanted him.<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s parents, William and Eleanor, usually went on a cruise. His sister, Grace, and her husband, Lou, preferred a Canadian celebration. This time, however, they were all spending the holidays in Duluth, mainly because his new niece, Kelly, was barely five months old. The proud grandparents wanted their only grandchild to spend her first Christmas in the Hutchinson family home; just as they had with their own children. Hutch had yet to meet Kelly, and assuming he would be on duty, had promised Grace that he\u2019d head for Vancouver on his next vacation.<\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky, Hutchinson, my office,\u201d Dobey said, poking his head around the edge of the door between his office and the squad room.<\/p>\n

Hutch threw a quizzical look at Starsky.<\/p>\n

Starsky shrugged his shoulders and pushed his chair away from the table, twisting and standing in one fluid movement. With his usual swagger, he disappeared into Dobey\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Taking a moment to appreciate the view, Hutch stared at Starsky\u2019s butt, before deigning to follow his boss\u2019 order. Closing the door with a backward kick of his right foot, he perched on the arm of the chair Starsky already occupied.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristmas rosters,\u201d Dobey started.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe know, Cap.\u201d Starsky jumped in. \u201cHutch and I are working over Christmas.\u201d He turned his head to Hutch and whispered, \u201cas usual.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Starsky,\u201d Dobey said, glowering at the interruption. \u201cYou have ten days vacation, starting on the twenty-second.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch leaned forward. \u201cWe always work the holiday period. So the guys with kids can spend time with their families.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dobey nodded. \u201cYou have families, too,\u201d he said, raising his eyebrows. \u201cSimmons and Babcock have volunteered this year. They haven\u2019t got kids either.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Starsky asked suspiciously. His shoulder was digging into Hutch\u2019s leg as he wiggled in his seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t look a gift horse in the mouth, Starsky.\u201d Dobey scribbled on the paper in front of him. \u201cNow get out of here and give your families the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Captain,\u201d Hutch said, standing up and dragging Starsky after him by the scruff of his shirt.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood news, my eye,\u201d Starsky mumbled, as he tried to extract Hutch\u2019s fingers from his clothing. \u201cChoking here, buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Hutch said, releasing his hold. \u201cDidn\u2019t want you to blow the first Christmas we\u2019ve had off in seven years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot much point,\u201d Starsky said, stopping at the coffee cart and pouring a mug of coffee. He sighed, ladling sugar into the cup like it was going out of fashion. A waterfall of milk followed the sweet overload.<\/p>\n

Hutch shuddered. \u201cYou want coffee with that glop?\u201d he asked, grabbing a mug and pouring one for himself. \u201cWhere\u2019s your holiday spirit? Thought you\u2019d be over the moon, gives you more time to spend with your mom.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s the problem. She ain\u2019t coming to Bay City this year. Guess you\u2019ll head off to Duluth to see that lovely niece of yours.\u201d Starsky sipped at his drink, making a face.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo sweet?\u201d Hutch laughed. Served Starsky right. Hutch was tired of telling him to cut down on the sugar. \u201cYou can go see her instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky slumped heavily on his chair. \u201cNo can do. She\u2019s taking Aunt Rosie on a ladies only jaunt. First Christmas without Uncle Al.\u201d<\/p>\n

Damn, Hutch had forgotten about that. Al had passed away in the February. A victim of living life to the excess; fast food, too much alcohol, and fast used cars.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d was the best Hutch could come up with for a few seconds. Plunking his half empty mug on his desk, he glanced at Starsky. \u201cMother\u2019s not expecting me. I\u2019ll stay here. We can still spend Christmas with Huggy, Kiko, Molly and the Dobeys.\u201d And have some free time to ourselves! <\/em>They hadn\u2019t had a scene in months.<\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, you haven\u2019t been back to Duluth in the past two years,\u201d Starsky stated a fact that Hutch was well aware of.<\/p>\n

Not since I told my father about us, <\/em>he silently finished Starsky\u2019s sentence. Hutch smiled. He\u2019d been nursing a secret and now was the time to tell Starsky.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo Duluth?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere do you think, dummy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a good idea?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine. Mother told me last week that Father has finally, albeit grudgingly, accepted that we are partners.\u201d He scanned the still empty room. Thank God they were the only ones here. Their relationship wasn\u2019t common knowledge yet. The only people in the precinct who knew about them were Dobey and Minnie. \u201cWe\u2019ll probably have separate rooms though.\u201d William might have come around, but Hutch wasn\u2019t going to rock the boat by demanding they share a bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cTalk to your mom, and then we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch took that as a yes. \u201cI\u2019ll call her tonight.\u201d He snagged his jacket from the back of his chair. \u201cCome on, time to hit the streets or Dobey might change his mind about our time off.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky chugged the rest of his coffee. Hutch could swear the guy was actually chewing his drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou really should have left that in the mug. I\u2019m glad that I am not your stomach.\u201d Hutch glanced at his own drink and gagged a little. Only Starsky could put a man off of black coffee. He walked to the double doors and pulled open the right one.<\/p>\n

Starsky was directly behind him, resting his hand on the small of Hutch\u2019s back. It was a seemingly innocent touch to anyone observing, one that they would have seen many times. Only Hutch could feel the tantalizing pressure of Starsky\u2019s fingertips, and the promise that was being made for later, when they were alone.<\/p>\n

The quietness they\u2019d enjoyed in the squad room was shattered by the opening of the door. Hutch stepped into the hallway, into the hustle and bustle of the busy precinct. Cops and civilians alike went about their business, carrying files, moving prisoners around, and just generally chatting to each other. Most of them he knew, a few were strangers.<\/p>\n

Starsky pushed him aside. \u201cLast one to the car buys lunch,\u201d he shouted over his shoulder, already fifty yards or so in front of Hutch by the time he delivered the challenge.<\/p>\n

Hutch accepted silently, starting his run just as Starsky hightailed it around the corner. By the time Hutch caught up with him, Starsky was at the front door. They jostled each other in a bid to gain the advantage, both tumbling in a controlled kind of way to the sidewalk. Hutch reached the car first, planting his hand firmly on the handle. \u201cI win,\u201d he crowed.<\/p>\n

Starsky glared at him from the front of the car. \u201cNo fair,\u201d he whined. \u201cI had further to go to my door.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch smiled. \u201cYou parked the car. You lay down the challenge. You buy, I choose the place.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky unlocked his door. \u201cNo way, I buy, I choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see,\u201d Hutch said, curling his body into his seat.<\/p>\n

Starsky screeched into the mid-morning traffic, slowing only when they hit heavier flow on South Broadway.<\/p>\n

Hutch scanned the streets to his left and right as usual. There seemed to be a Santa every few blocks. The iconic Christmas figure came in all shapes and sizes. His cop\u2019s brain kicked in. Most were probably legit, but at least a quarter of them would have gone through the system by Christmas Day. Nobody thinks Santa\u2019s going be the bad guy. Pickpockets love Christmas. The bearded guy is a great disguise. He sighed. People called him a cynic, a bah humbug. How could he not be with what he and Starsky saw every day? Hutch glanced sideways at Starsky. How did his partner do it? His joy of the holiday season never wavered. No matter how heinous people were, Starsky still bashed through to enjoy the festivities.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were looking at me. You had that expression that can only mean trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

\u201cYou were thinking, buddy boy. Lay it on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust thinking that I need to buy Kelly a gift, if we\u2019re going to Duluth,\u201d Hutch lied. He didn\u2019t feel like ragging on Starsky right now.<\/p>\n

\u201cThought you already mailed her a present to your parents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch nodded. \u201cThat was just clothing.\u201d Minnie had helped him pick out this cute little pink satin dress, complete with ruffled panties and matching soft shoes. \u201cNow I can buy her something special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s five months old, Hutch. She won\u2019t know what you bought her.\u201d Starsky pounded on the horn at the white panel van that decided to barge its way in front of them. \u201cStupid idiot. Wait \u2018til she\u2019s older and buy her something special when she can appreciate it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAren\u2019t I supposed to be the Christmas Grinch?\u201d Hutch braced his hands on the dash. \u201cWhat\u2019s he playing at?\u201d he snarled, as the van ahead continued to slalom across the lanes of traffic, dodging into any gap he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cDunno, but I\u2019m gonna find out.\u201d Starsky stepped on the gas, mimicking the van\u2019s behavior.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Starsk, please, don\u2019t.\u201d Visions of other chases flashed before Hutch\u2019s eyes. He didn\u2019t want to spend his vacation in a hospital bed.<\/p>\n

The van jumped a red light. The cars between it and the Torino obeyed the stop command. Starsky swerved around the vehicle directly in front of them. A bus entered the junction from the left, blocking the road and halting Starsky\u2019s pursuit.<\/p>\n

\u201cDamn,\u201d he said, slamming his left palm on top of the steering wheel.<\/p>\n

Hutch breathed a sigh of relief. A simple traffic violation wasn\u2019t worth the risk of life and limb. A point he\u2019d made to Starsky more times than he cared to remember. Not that it made any difference. Starsky couldn\u2019t resist a chase, the chance to prove that he was the better driver.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake the next right turn,\u201d directed Hutch. \u201cWe\u2019ll go to Huggy\u2019s for lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky opened his mouth, probably to remind Hutch that he was choosing the venue. Instead, he maneuvered around the requested corner with a simple \u201c\u2019Kay.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Starsky pulled smoothly over to the curb outside Venice Place. Hutch had never been so happy to see the imposing fa\u00e7ade of his building. Four hours of crowded streets, milling shoppers and myriad Santas had just about killed any holiday spirit that Hutch had left. Climbing out of the car, he stretched the kinks out of his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cHutch.\u201d Starsky leaned across the seats. \u201cDon\u2019t forget to call your mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch bent down, right arm resting on the roof of the car. \u201cYou not coming in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I promised Aunt Rosie that I\u2019d move a few things for her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou need a hand?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Stop stalling.\u201d Starsky licked his lips. \u201cGet that luscious butt inside and figure out our Christmas. I\u2019ll be back about nine. Have dinner ready, honey.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Master.\u201d Hutch saluted, happy to take even the slightest bit of domination from Starsky. He missed his Master, and it looked like a little Christmas fun would be out of the question! They could get in a few good sessions with so much free time and not having to worry about work the next day. Maybe that\u2019s why Starsky was pushing to go to Duluth, so they couldn\u2019t play.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver thinking, Hutch, just do it,\u201d Starsky commanded in his Master voice.<\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head. Sometimes he wished Starsky didn\u2019t always know what he was thinking. He patted the car roof and straightened, standing at the curb until Starsky drove away.<\/p>\n

Running up the stairs, he unlocked the door and grabbed the phone before he changed his mind. His brain flipped between his desire to see his family after so long and wanting to wrap his relationship with Starsky in a bubble where no one else could enter. He automatically dialed the number that had been engraved into his child mind so many years before.<\/p>\n

\u201cHutchinson residence.\u201d <\/em>The familiar lilting accent of his parents\u2019 housekeeper, Rosa, calmed the nerves in his stomach. She\u2019d been with his family since he was eight years old. William had gone down to Mexico City on a business trip. Rosa had been a maid in the hotel where William had stayed, and for some reason Hutch was never made privy to, came back to Duluth with his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cRosa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaster Kenneth. Es maravilloso escuchar su voz. Cuando vamos a ver?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled. Rosa always lapsed into Spanish when she was excited. Even after almost thirty years in America. \u201cPronto. Soon. May I speak with my mother, please?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUn\u2026a momen, I get her for you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The clunk of plastic against wood echoed in his ear before he had the chance to thank Rosa.<\/p>\n

\u201cKenneth. Lovely to hear from you again so soon; is anything wrong?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Hutch quickly assured her. Damn, he hadn\u2019t considered that she might think the worst. He usually called her once a month, and he had phoned last Thursday. \u201cJust the opposite, good news. Captain Dobey told us today that we aren\u2019t on duty this Christmas. I can visit with you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWonderful,\u201d<\/em> Eleanor said shrilly. \u201cWe don\u2019t see you enough!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI know, the job and,\u201d Hutch floundered for the next part of the sentence. \u201cEverything,\u201d was the best he could come up with, without spelling out the reason he preferred to stay away.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s no longer an issue. Should we expect you both?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch smiled. \u201cYes. If you\u2019re sure\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fine<\/em>,\u201d Eleanor cut into his sentence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll call when I\u2019ve booked the flights. Love you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou, too. Speak soon.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch held onto the receiver several seconds after the dial tone indicated that Eleanor had ended the call. He wished he felt as confident as she sounded that the visit would be fine. Fine was usually a word used when things weren\u2019t really as good as they should be. All he could do was pray.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>December 23, 1980<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hutch retrieved their luggage from carousel number five in Duluth airport. Starsky\u2019s canvas army sack was big and heavy. \u201cJeez, Starsk, have you got everything you own in that?\u201d he said, dumping the bag in front of Starsky.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in Duluth,\u201d he said, as if that explained everything.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s cold,\u201d Starsky said, blowing on his hands and stamping his sneaker clad feet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re still in the airport. How can you be cold already?\u201d Hutch picked up his blue and brown suitcase and matching carryall.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnlike you, I don\u2019t got winter stuff in the closet at your parents\u2019 house. I had to bring them with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou could have shared mine. Did you buy clothes especially for this visit?\u201d Hutch sidled over to Starsky, making contact hip to shoulder. It warmed him inside to know that his buddy had secretly gone out and bought winter stuff, as Starsky called it. All he\u2019d really needed was that huge sweater of his.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Yeah,\u201d Starsky admitted sheepishly. \u201cHuggy\u2019s pal helped me out with the latest fashions in winter sports.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDear God, tell me you didn\u2019t go to Duke\u2019s Used Clothing.\u201d Hutch had only recently gotten over the humiliation of walking into the hotel in Las Vegas looking like a 1930s gangster. The laughter rang in his ears every time he thought about going undercover.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I didn\u2019t go to Duke\u2019s Used Clothing,\u201d he said, winking at Hutch.<\/p>\n

Hutch rolled his eyes. At least they\u2019d missed his parents\u2019 annual Christmas Ball. Who knew what gem Duke would have convinced Starsky was suitable for a high society event? Not that they were high society, but William mixed with the Duluth elite because of his successful corporate law firm.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich way to the taxi stand?\u201d Starsky asked, throwing his sack over his shoulder and looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cFollow me,\u201d Hutch said, heading for the exit. \u201cMother said that someone would come and get us. Probably one of the town car companies father has a business account with.\u201d Stepping through the doors, he scanned the pick-up area.<\/p>\n

\u201cKen,\u201d shouted a high pitched voice that he recognized, although he\u2019d only heard it over the phone for the past few years.<\/p>\n

Hutch turned in the direction the sound was coming from. \u201cGrace,\u201d he said, walking towards the slim blonde figure in a bright pink ski jacket, blue jeans and pink boots picking her way delicately across the snow laden asphalt. \u201cI thought Father was sending a car.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grace leapt into his arms as soon as she was close enough. \u201cI wanted to come and get my big brother, spend a little time with you, without the rest of the family,\u201d she said, smothering him with kisses. \u201cYou haven\u2019t changed a bit. I\u2019ve missed you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMissed you, too, baby sis. A telephone can\u2019t take the place of your smile.\u201d Hutch blushed at the corny song lyric that he had just quoted to his sister.<\/p>\n

Starsky guffawed behind him. \u201cYou want me to leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHi, Dave,\u201d Grace said, wiggling out of Hutch\u2019s grip and hugging Starsky.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look as beautiful as ever, Grace.\u201d Starsky pulled Grace into a brotherly hug. \u201cIf you weren\u2019t married, I\u2019d marry you myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you wouldn\u2019t. I\u2019m the wrong Hutchinson,\u201d she teased, smirking at Hutch. \u201cThe car\u2019s over there.\u201d She pointed in the direction of the parking lot.<\/p>\n

Linking arms with Grace, Hutch guided her slowly over the slippery surface, avoiding the odd car, cab and bus picking up fares in their respective zones. He was glad that he had opted to wear his tan cowboy boots and lumberjack jacket. \u201cYou okay there, Starsk?\u201d Though he\u2019d ragged on Starsky for feeling cold, he sympathized with his partner. His feet must be freezing in those stupid sneakers. At least Starsky was wearing his thick woolen sweater. The last thing Hutch wanted was Starsky catching a chill.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou worry about the little lady. I can take care of myself,\u201d Starsky said.<\/p>\n

Squeezing between two cars, Hutch spotted William\u2019s cream Chrysler two rows further into the lot. \u201cFather let you drive Patricia<\/em>?\u201d he said incredulously, linking arms with Grace and walking to the car. He dropped his bags by the trunk.<\/p>\n

Starsky circled the car, whistling tunelessly. \u201cWow, a 1934, four doors, Chrysler Airflow. There aren\u2019t many of these around.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was my grandfather\u2019s,\u201d Hutch told Starsky. \u201cMy father restored her about twenty years ago, after grandfather died. We were never allowed to drive her,\u201d he said pointedly, looking at Grace.<\/p>\n

She unlocked the trunk. \u201cThe BMW wouldn\u2019t start, and I couldn\u2019t get a town car for at least two hours,\u201d she said, innocence written all over her face.<\/p>\n

Hutch snickered. \u201cYou little minx, you conned him, and he fell for it.\u201d He flipped open the trunk lid and loaded their luggage, then slammed it shut. \u201cHe must be mellowing in his old age. I\u2019m driving back. Might never get another chance.\u201d That way he could take the long way around. His stomach was doing somersaults at the thought of how William was going to treat them when they got to the house. He could see Eleanor laying down the law to her husband. She took a lot from him, but when she put her foot down, William usually knew to back down. Hutch suspected that their visit was one of those times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never driven one of these,\u201d Starsky said, caressing the curving mudguard and hood.<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s heart skipped a beat as he watched the delicate way Starsky touched the car, his skin tingling at the memory of Starsky\u2019s fingertips stroking his body in exactly the same way. He moaned quietly.<\/p>\n

\u201cDirty boy,\u201d Grace said, thumping Hutch on the upper arm. \u201cWait until you\u2019re alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch bit his bottom lip, a little embarrassed at Grace\u2019s perceptiveness. \u201cSorry, that was inappropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m teasing, dumbo. I am an adult.\u201d Grace handed Hutch the keys. \u201cI think it\u2019s sweet. Good for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky clambered into the back seat. \u201cYou guys have to catch up,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going to take a nap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch opened the passenger door for Grace, waiting until she was settled before closing it and walking around to the driver\u2019s side. \u201cEnjoy your sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Starsky lay across the spacious back seat. \u201cThis is some machine.\u201d He wasn\u2019t in the least tired, but he wanted to give the siblings some space. He knew that Grace hadn\u2019t had much time to chat with Hutch since Kelly was born.<\/p>\n

Hutch started the engine. \u201cShe\u2019s father\u2019s pride and joy. Grandfather taught him to drive in this car.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky closed his eyes, listening to the chatter in the front seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s my beautiful niece?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s gorgeous, and exhausting. This is the first day since she arrived that I\u2019ve felt half human. Rosa insisted on taking her last night so that Lou and I could have some sleep.\u201d Grace\u2019s voice was soft, like Hutch\u2019s, but more soprano in tone.<\/p>\n

Starsky cracked open one eye. Two identical golden heads bobbed in the front seat.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Lou?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s good. He dotes on Kelly. I don\u2019t get any attention these days.\u201d Grace laughed. \u201cSeriously, we love her to pieces.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t wait to meet her. Babies are so precious.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky could hear the yearning in Hutch\u2019s voice. They\u2019d talked about the implications of their relationship when they got together. Hutch had said he was okay with the fact that he\u2019d never have the white picket fence and two point four kids. Starsky hoped that seeing Kelly wouldn\u2019t remind Hutch of the very thing they could never have as a couple.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re also a lot of work.\u201d Grace turned to Hutch, a half smile on her face. \u201cNot that I\u2019m complaining, really.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got five willing helpers this holiday,\u201d Hutch stated.<\/p>\n

Starsky wasn\u2019t so sure about that. They hadn\u2019t had a whole lot to do with babies. From what Hutch had told him about his childhood, neither had Mr. Hutchinson, even though he\u2019d two offspring.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d forgotten how hard it can be to drive in the snow,\u201d Hutch said, as the car slid slightly when he turned a corner.<\/p>\n

Starsky clutched at the seat, struggling to push himself up. \u201cYou shoulda let me drive.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch snorted. \u201cSays the guy who\u2019s never driven in snow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHave, too,\u201d Starsky protested.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky sputtered. \u201cWhen you weren\u2019t there. In New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch pointed to the side of the highway. \u201cSee that house,\u201d he said, pointing to a huge mansion.<\/p>\n

Starsky looked at the building just visible through the trees. \u201cYeah,\u201d he said suspiciously. It wasn\u2019t like Hutch to rag on him and then give up so easily.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Glensheen, where they filmed \u2018You\u2019ll Like My Mother.\u2019” Hutch said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw that movie. Patty Duke and Richard Thomas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was also a double murder there in 1977,\u201d Grace said.<\/p>\n

Hutch pulled into the flow of traffic. \u201cNearly there, Starsk.\u201d Hutch took a few turns before driving through an archway at the side of an imposing brick and stucco house that was almost as impressive the mansion he had pointed out earlier.<\/p>\n

\u201cNumber 2425, East First Street. Home, sweet home,\u201d Hutch said jovially, though the slight tensing of his body told Starsky he was anything but.<\/p>\n

Starsky whistled. \u201cThought you said you weren\u2019t rich,\u201d he said, recalling Hutch\u2019s reunion with Jack Mitchell in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said that Jack was filthy rich,\u201d Hutch said in the sad tone that he always used when Mitchell was mentioned. He followed the driveway around the house to a one storey garage with two sets of double doors and one single. One set was open. Hutch stopped short of the garage space and killed the engine.<\/p>\n

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

Eleanor met them at the front door wearing her signature beige slacks, twin set and pearls. She must have those sweaters in every color. The one she wore today was pale pink. Hutch never saw her in anything else, unless she was dressed up for an event. \u201cKenneth. You\u2019ve put on weight,\u201d she said, putting her arms around his waist.<\/p>\n

Thank you for that, Mother<\/em>. Hutch hadn\u2019t yet lost all the weight he\u2019d gained over the past few years, when he\u2019d been less active, some of that time was because of Starsky\u2019s shooting. A fact he wouldn\u2019t bother pointing out to her. She didn\u2019t mean any harm; she was merely stating a fact, as mothers do. \u201cHello, Mother,\u201d he said, draping his arms over her shoulders He kissed the top of her head, feeling far more emotional than he should. She seemed smaller than he remembered.<\/p>\n

Pushing away from Hutch, she turned to Starsky, holding out her arms. \u201cDavid, lovely to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrs. Hutchinson.\u201d Starsky smiled, hugging Eleanor back. \u201cWhy, I do believe, that you Hutchinson women get prettier every time I see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eleanor simpered. \u201cYou are still such a charmer, young man.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky grinned at Hutch over Eleanor\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n

Hutch raised his eyebrows. Eleanor had had a soft spot for Starsky from the first time she met him, when they graduated from the academy.<\/p>\n

Eleanor linked arms with Starsky and Hutch. \u201cFather had to take a work call. He\u2019ll meet us in the library afterwards. Come.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grace came up behind them. \u201cI\u2019ll get Juan to take your bags upstairs. Which rooms, Mother?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve put both you boys in Kenneth\u2019s room.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch looked over her head at Starsky. He supposed that the shock on his face was similar to the expression on Starsky\u2019s face. \u201cWe expected separate rooms,\u201d he said haltingly. \u201cDon\u2019t bother Juan.\u201d Rosa\u2019s skinny teenage son would never carry that kitbag of Starsky\u2019s. \u201cWe can manage our own luggage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo bother,\u201d Eleanor said. \u201cHe works for us, now. He got mixed up with the wrong crowd, and your father took responsibility for him, to keep him out of prison. Manuel, that no good father of his, left them a while ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another shock for Hutch. He didn\u2019t see William as the social worker type, not unless he could bill the recipient for x amount of hours. What was it about Rosa and her family? \u201cDo you mind if we freshen up first?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead. I\u2019ll have Rosa bring us some food and drink.\u201d Eleanor grabbed Grace\u2019s arm. \u201cLet\u2019s go and see if that granddaughter of mine has woken up yet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis way,\u201d Hutch said to Starsky, leading the way through the front door and up the staircase to the left of the large entrance hall. He could imagine the things going through Starsky\u2019s head, and he hadn\u2019t seen the inside of the house yet.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>Starsky followed Hutch up the steps, along the long hallway, and through the first door. He stepped into a large beige bedroom with two dark wooden beds and matching furniture.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re new,\u201d Hutch said, indicating the beds. \u201cI thought it was too good to be true. Father hasn\u2019t accepted us. He\u2019s keeping Mother happy, and that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky rubbed Hutch\u2019s belly. \u201cBaby steps, partner. He\u2019s trying. Meet him halfway?\u201d Starsky walked across the room. \u201cWe can push the beds together. Or share one of them, they\u2019re big enough. Where do they lead?\u201d he asked, pointing to three white doors in the wall to the right of the bedroom door.<\/p>\n

\u201cBathroom,\u201d Hutch said, pushing at the first. He opened the middle door. \u201cThis one is the dressing room.\u201d One side was full of winter clothes, all neatly pressed and hanging, or folded on the shelves, ready to wear by the looks of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is almost as big as our apartments.\u201d Starsky shook his head. \u201cAll you need is a kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGame, set and match,\u201d Hutch said, opening the last door.<\/p>\n

Starsky peeked through the opening, into a long, narrow room containing what looked like a fully functioning kitchen and eating area.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat door.\u201d Hutch pointed to the one directly across from where they were standing. \u201cLeads to Grace\u2019s room. Rosa would cook our meals up here when Father had dinner parties for his clients. The caterers used to take over the main kitchen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky stared across the space, aware that his mouth was open.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry, we can lock the doors.\u201d Hutch turned around and walked over to the nearest bed, slumping down heavily on what looked like a soft mattress, if the way it dipped under Hutch\u2019s weight was anything to go by. He wiped his face with his hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Starsky was concerned by the whiteness of his lover.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno. Something feels off.\u201d Hutch pulled Starsky onto the bed next to him. \u201cHe giveth, and he taketh away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Starsky leaned against Hutch, lacing their fingers together.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather. He gives, or appears to give, us his blessing, allows us to share a room.\u201d Hutch locked eyes with Starsky. \u201cTwo beds. Message received, loud and clear. Share a room, but not a bed. Why am I surprised?\u201d Anger flashed in his eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cCalm down. We expected separate rooms.\u201d Wrestling his hands out of Hutch\u2019s grasp, Starsky pulled Hutch\u2019s head to him, their foreheads meeting with a soft thud. \u201cIt\u2019s our room. We can sleep how we want. He can\u2019t control that.\u201d He pushed Hutch flat on the mattress. \u201cIt\u2019s Christmas. We\u2019re together, and you have a gorgeous niece waiting to meet her Uncle Hutch. Plaster on that ultra bright smile and play nice.\u201d He straddled Hutch, laying full length on top of him and claimed his first kiss since they\u2019d arrived.<\/p>\n

Hutch wrapped his long legs around Starsky and ground his genitals into Starsky\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>Knock, knock.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch started. Wondering where he was when he first opened his eyes. Home? No, he definitely wasn\u2019t in either his or Starsky\u2019s bedroom. A hotel somewhere? No. Duluth? Yes, that\u2019s it, Duluth. In what used to be his bedroom, not that it looked the same anymore.<\/p>\n

Knock, knock. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJust a minute.\u201d He struggled to sit up only he was pinned down by Starsky\u2019s full weight covering his left side. \u201cStarsk, wake up.\u201d Hutch somehow wiggled out from under his sleeping partner.<\/p>\n

A grunt scolded Hutch for his trouble. He quickly crossed the room and opened the door.<\/p>\n

Grace stood in the hallway, holding a squirming bundle of pink satin. \u201cI hope you don\u2019t mind. I opened her Christmas present from you early. The parcel was so squishy, I just knew it would be something gorgeous. Didn\u2019t think my brother had such good taste in baby clothes.\u201d She held Kelly out to Hutch.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake her,\u201d Starsky said from behind Hutch.<\/p>\n

Damn Starsky\u2019s sniper training<\/em>. He was too stealthy for Hutch\u2019s own good.<\/p>\n

\u201cKelly, meet your Uncle Ken,\u201d Grace said, balancing Kelly on her hip. The baby gurgled in delight, starting into Hutch\u2019s face with a gummy grin.<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Hutch,\u201d Starsky said.<\/p>\n

A little too forcefully in Hutch\u2019s opinion. This was his sister, for God\u2019s sake. \u201cStarsk!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cKen, Hutch, I don\u2019t mind what she calls you.\u201d Grace laughed. \u201cYou choose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch looked over his shoulder at his lover. Starsky seemed set on Kelly calling him Uncle Hutch. Probably because he thought it would stick one in the old man\u2019s eye, to coin Starsky\u2019s turn of phrase; or maybe just because Hutch didn\u2019t sound as stuffy as Ken or Kenneth. Either way, Hutch preferred Hutch. It sat more comfortably on his shoulders. \u201cUncle Hutch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUncle Hutch it is,\u201d Grace said, pushing Kelly into Hutch\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

Hutch cuddled the baby to his chest, supporting her head with his right hand. \u201cHey there, Kelly, you are a beautiful little girl. I am so happy to meet you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kelly smiled and wiped her face on Hutch\u2019s shirt, leaving a streak of drool.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think she likes her Uncle Hutch, don\u2019t you, schweetheart.\u201d Starsky tickled Kelly under the chin.<\/p>\n

Her bottom lip quivered.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not so sure about her Uncle Starsky,\u201d Hutch said, chuckling. Watery blue eyes looked back at him. She had the trademark Hutchinson eyes and lips, and a downy covering of white hair on her head. He inhaled. She smelled weird; must be that baby smell women were always cooing about.<\/p>\n

\u201cMother sent me to get you.\u201d Grace stroked Kelly\u2019s head. \u201cShush, little one. Father\u2019s in the library. He wants to talk to the two of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Hutch went cold. Suddenly he felt like a little boy again. How many times had he stomped up to his room after an argument with William, to be summoned to the library like this? Grace had always been sent to bring him down.<\/p>\n

Starsky rubbed Hutch\u2019s shoulder. \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch was vaguely aware of Grace taking Kelly from him. \u201cKen. He wants to talk, that\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch was an old hand at William\u2019s talks. He made a fist, realizing that he wasn\u2019t scared, the way he used to be. He was angry; angry for being summoned like a child. Why couldn\u2019t William have waited until he and Starsky were downstairs, then asked to speak with them in private? Because that wasn\u2019t William\u2019s way; everything had to be done on his say so, when he wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re an adult. There are two of us. I got your back, partner,\u201d Starsky whispered in his ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rest of us will be in the drawing room when you\u2019re done.\u201d Grace made a face. \u201cFor afternoon tea. I hate cucumber!\u201d<\/p>\n

Some things never changed. Even though she had lived in America since her family moved here when she was 17, Eleanor still honored her British middle class upbringing. She kept a special room for entertaining visitors and the tradition of high tea. Scones and delicate cucumber sandwiches were always on the menu. Grace had hated the salad ingredient since she was a young girl, if Hutch remembered correctly. Her childish reaction brought Hutch out of his negative mood some. \u201cMaybe you\u2019ll get lucky and there won\u2019t be any this time.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFat chance,\u201d Grace said, poking her tongue out at Hutch over Kelly\u2019s head. \u201cHe\u2019s changed, Ken,\u201d she said, as she walked away.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be there in a minute. I just need a clean shirt.\u201d Hutch fingered the drying stain. \u201cDamn, the bags are still in the car.\u201d He went into the dressing room and grabbed a blue sweater from the neat pile on a shelf. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s get this over with.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight behind you,\u201d Starsky assured him.<\/p>\n

Hutch covered the distance between his bedroom and the library in half the time it used to take him. Flinging open the heavy wooden door, he stopped and stared at the man sitting in the high backed brown leather chair in the center of the room. Hutch hitched in a breath. William seemed different; no longer the imposing tyrant that Hutch always pictured when he thought about his father. This man was smaller, older, less intimidating. Had William changed so much, or had he?<\/p>\n

Starsky barreled into Hutch\u2019s back. \u201cYou could warn a guy when you\u2019re gonna stop, Blondie.\u201d He pushed Hutch farther into the room and closed the door.<\/p>\n

William stood up, holding out his hand to Hutch. \u201cHello, Kenneth,\u201d he said, formal as ever.<\/p>\n

Hutch took the offered hand. \u201cAfternoon, sir,\u201d he said, reverting to the expected address of his youth.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>William gripped Kenneth\u2019s hand, covering their clasped hands with his free one. His son was no longer the gangly teenager that\u2019d left the family home after a stupid argument so many years ago. Neither was he the same person William had dismissed two years ago, when Kenneth told him about his and David\u2019s relationship.<\/p>\n

David! He turned to Starsky, offering the same greeting. \u201cHello, David.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky pumped his hand enthusiastically.<\/p>\n

Too enthusiastically, but William let it go. There was so much he needed to discuss with his son, and it was time that the hostility was eradicated. That\u2019s why he\u2019d included David in this meeting. This was the first in a long line of olive branches.<\/p>\n

He was aware that he hadn\u2019t been the best father. He\u2019d tried, but not hard enough. It\u2019d taken so much of his energy to build his law firm that he\u2019d lost sight of the bigger picture. His children were grown up before he knew it, and somewhere along the way, he and Kenneth had become estranged. Every encounter between them had turned into a war, a war of wills that neither wanted to back down from. He\u2019d towered above Kenneth back then, and used his size and authority to his advantage. He hoped he could somehow make up for the past, before it was too late.<\/p>\n

William released Starsky\u2019s hand. On impulse, he turned back to Kenneth and pulled his son to him, hugging him briefly, for the first time in many years, before pushing him to arm\u2019s length.<\/p>\n

The shocked look on Kenneth\u2019s face tugged at his heart. He wasn\u2019t a monster. How had they gotten so far apart that a simple hug caused such a reaction?<\/p>\n

\u201cKenneth,\u201d William faltered, trying to find a way back from formality. \u201cKen, H\u2026\u201d No, not Hutch. Oh, his son preferred that to his given name, but it brought back too many bad memories for William. Things he hadn\u2019t told a single soul; except his father, Chester.<\/p>\n

He could hear the school bullies even now, taunting him on his first day at boarding school.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather?\u201d<\/p>\n

Dragging himself back to the present, he said, \u201cSit down, boys.\u201d William indicated to the red fainting couch to the right of the two leather chairs.<\/p>\n

David sat down.<\/p>\n

Kenneth took the other leather chair in the room.<\/p>\n

William saw the admonishing look David gave Kenneth and silently applauded Kenneth\u2019s act of defiance, or show of strength, whichever way he wanted to take it. He sat in the chair opposite Kenneth.<\/p>\n

William leaned forward, looking directly into Kenneth\u2019s eyes. \u201cKen,\u201d he said, trying to use the less formal version of Kenneth,\u201d I know we have never had the best of relationships.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an understatement,\u201d Hutch said. He perched on the edge of his chair, muscles visibly coiled, ready to pounce. William saw the anger flash in Kenneth as it had in him with those bullies. True anger, but with an underlying fear that gut instinct retaliation wasn\u2019t the best move.<\/p>\n

\u201cHutch!\u201d David never moved, but that one word said it all, even to William\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

Kenneth glanced at David and settled back in his seat, obviously calmed by his influence. \u201cGo on,\u201d he ground out between clenched jaws.<\/p>\n

William watched in awe. He had been in the boys\u2019 company before; had interpreted their friendship as the closeness of brothers, not by blood, but by choice. This was the first time, however, that he had witnessed them as a couple, seen the effect David had on his son. Saw the love reflected in each man\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

In that moment, he realized there was nothing sordid or dirty about their relationship. He truly regretted those words, and the venomous way he\u2019d spat them at his son over two years ago. Kenneth\u2019d had the courage to give him the opportunity to be part of their lives, and he\u2019d thrown it back in his face. Why? Because he\u2019d been too much of a coward to admit that a child of his had an unconventional love life. His reputation had been more important than blood. Well, not anymore. Eleanor was right. He had to build bridges with Kenneth before it was too late, and not just half-heartedly.<\/p>\n

The speech he had written in his head seemed stiff and impersonal now that he was face to face with Kenneth and David. He struggled with how to start.<\/p>\n

William stood up, pacing the room. He always thought better on his feet. The first time they\u2019d butted heads, he guessed. \u201cYou always wondered why we wouldn\u2019t call you Hutch, even though you asked us many times.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kenneth nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYour grandmother used to call me Hutch. She loved to tell the story about how I struggled to say our last name, getting as far as Hutch before stopping, tongue tied. She thought it cute, and used it as her pet name for me throughout my childhood.\u201d He paused, waiting for the slightly nauseating feeling that this memory caused to pass. \u201cMy first day at boarding school, she called me Hutch in front of my peers. The moment we reached the common room, Herbert Lawrence-Fontainebleau grabbed my arm. \u201cHutch, what kind of name is Hutch?\u201d he asked me. \u201cThat\u2019s a cage you keep rabbits in.\u201d Everyone laughed. Herbert kept chanting \u201cRabbit, bunny, baby bunny. Mommy\u2019s little baby bunny.\u201d He swallowed and forced himself to continue. \u201cEveryone started shouting \u201cBaby bunny. Baby bunny.\u201d That went on for the rest of the semester. Other students taunted me wherever I went.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s brow furrow deepened.<\/p>\n

William continued quickly, without letting Kenneth break his train of thought. \u201cI never gave you the guidance I should have when you were growing up, Kenneth, Ken.\u201d He paused. \u201cNo, guidance is the wrong word. Attention.\u201d He nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s it. Attention, love and attention. I was too busy nurturing my company, the people who could give us a better life. I thought that being a good father meant providing for my children. I realize now that, by doing what I thought was right; I neglected you and Grace.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kenneth opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

David shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe older you got, the farther apart we grew, the worse things became.\u201d William swept his hand down his face. \u201cI didn\u2019t try hard enough to show you how a family should be, to give you the unconditional love that my parents gave me. Father took me out of boarding school the minute he found out what Herbert and the others were doing,\u201d William said, the catharsis both liberating and exhausting. \u201cYour mother tried her best, arranging family vacations, skiing trips, parties. I always found a way to leave early, not to go at all or turn it into a business event.\u201d<\/p>\n

He walked over to the large window and looked out over the covered swimming pool. \u201cYou had the best that money could buy. Then, one day, a colleague lost his son, in a car accident, and the devastation in his eyes cut through me. I wondered what it would feel like if it was me, instead of him. What if I lost you or Grace? How would the money, the big house and the successful business help then?\u201d<\/p>\n

William sat on the window seat, staring at the back of Kenneth\u2019s chair. All he could see was the top of his son\u2019s head. His son was still facing William\u2019s empty chair. \u201cI came home that night believing I could turn things around. Shower a lifetime of love on you both.\u201d<\/p>\n

He leaned back against the cool glass. \u201cThat was the night you told me that you were dropping out of law school, Ken, to become a doctor. Instead of being a supportive father, I yelled, pushed you away, sent you out of the house, and eventually the state. You flitted from city to city. Started a pre-med course, and left half way through. When you joined the police academy, I expected that to be another whim, another attempt to show your independence from the family firm. I told you that I wasn\u2019t funding anymore hare-brained ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why wasn\u2019t Kenneth saying anything? William had expected something. Anger, reproach, but not this, total silence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI made my peace with Grace a long time ago. The female mind is more receptive, less bullheaded, at least in the Hutchinson family anyway. I want to make amends, Ken, now before it\u2019s too late.\u201d William stood up, slowly inching closer to the seating area.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ill, dying?\u201d Kenneth\u2019s voice was barely more than a whisper.<\/p>\n

David stood up and went to Kenneth, kneeling at his feet, rubbing his trembling leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, why would you think that?\u201d It hadn\u2019t occurred to William that Kenneth would consider he had another reason for wanting to be part of his son\u2019s life. He stepped in front of Kenneth, aghast by the paleness of his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy now? I mean, there have been plenty of opportunities over the years to tell me this.\u201d Kenneth glared at him, his right hand floundering in mid-air.<\/p>\n

David clutched the flailing arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanksgiving, two years ago would\u2019ve been a good time. When I did the hardest thing I\u2019ve ever had to do. Tell you about me and Starsky.\u201d Kenneth looked lovingly at David. \u201cYou belittled me, called us perverts, and vowed you\u2019d never accept us as a couple, so, why now? If you\u2019re not ill or dying, what changed?\u201d<\/p>\n

William sat on his chair. \u201cI have. Time has. When Kelly was born, and I saw that new little life, the love on Grace and Lou\u2019s faces, it brought everything back to me. Your birth. Grace\u2019s birth. That first rush of love for my children. My hopes for the future.\u201d William smiled. Kelly, his beautiful little granddaughter. Her presence on this earth had changed his outlook so much. \u201cI started thinking about the past, the regrets, the things I would do differently, if I could. Then I realized that, even though I am already an old man, there\u2019s still time to do those things.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took Kenneth and David\u2019s joined hands. \u201cYou\u2019re my son, and I love you, with all my heart. I know you probably don\u2019t believe that right now, but it\u2019s the truth, and I want you to be happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at David, then back to Kenneth. \u201cYour mother, and even Grace, told me how happy David makes you. I can see that for myself. I don\u2019t want to be the person looking in through the window at the loving family group any longer. This is my family and I want to be a part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Starsky?\u201d Kenneth said softly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am happy to call him my son-in-law, if he\u2019ll have me.\u201d<\/p>\n

A tear slid down Kenneth\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d David grinned, and hugged Kenneth. \u201cSee, I told you this holiday would be a good one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a lot for you both to take in, I know, but there\u2019s something else I wish to discuss with you, Ken.\u201d William walked over to the desk in the corner and removed the white envelope he\u2019d put there last Friday.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere we go,\u201d Kenneth said, wiping the tear away with his thumb, the usual note of suspicion creeping back into his voice.<\/p>\n

William ignored Kenneth\u2019s tone, knowing from experience that this wasn\u2019t the time to defend himself. To react would lead to a full blown argument before either of them could stop it. The very thing he was trying to eradicate, that pattern of defense and assault. He handed the envelope to Kenneth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe deeds to the cabin, transferred to you, and a checkbook for a bank account in your name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>Hutch took the envelope, turning it over in his hand. He handled it carefully, expecting it to explode. \u201cWhy?\u201d he asked, ripping off the end.<\/p>\n

William stood behind Hutch\u2019s chair. The leather of the chair creaked, from William resting his hands on top of the chair, Hutch assumed. He didn\u2019t bother to look up and check his theory. He was too intent on trying to decide whether he wanted to read the contents of the envelope or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems like the right time. Your mother and I haven\u2019t been up to the cabin in years. It\u2019s probably falling down by now.\u201d William sighed. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t have neglected it. Your grandfather loved that place.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNeglect seems to be the word for today,\u201d Hutch mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember, play nice,\u201d Starsky whispered, brushing his lips against Hutch\u2019s forearm.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo what you want with it. Fix it up or sell it. I\u2019m sure the land is worth something at least.\u201d William switched on the overhead light and closed the wooden shutters on the window. \u201cThere\u2019s more than enough in the bank to cover repairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat exactly is this bank account? Why is it in my name?\u201d Hutch felt many years of resentment falling off of his shoulders as William opened up to him. He\u2019d actually given valid reasons rather than excuses for the lack of fatherly presence in Hutch\u2019s upbringing. Finally given him an explanation of why no one would respect his wishes when he wanted to be called Hutch. That particular disclosure must have been painful. A very personal memory to share. Hutch let a few of his defensive walls fall, now they were building up again, rapidly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI opened the account when you were born, and one for Grace, even one for little Kelly. To cover college fees, weddings, and the like. Any monies left in the account, I planned to give on your wedding days. Grace put hers towards their house in Vancouver.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was married first. So what happened to mine? Did you decide to keep it because I wasn\u2019t the meek son you wanted?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You really think I would keep the money through spite? No matter what our differences, that wasn\u2019t the reason.\u201d William circled around Hutch\u2019s chair and faced him. \u201cI\u2019m sad, but not surprised, that you have such a low opinion of me. I doubted Nancy\u2019s reasons for the wedding.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy? Is it so hard to comprehend that someone could love me when you couldn\u2019t?\u201d Hutch was starting to get sick of asking questions, but there was so much he needed to know. Understanding why was part of healing, in some circumstances. William was here to give him the answers.<\/p>\n

William\u2019s lips trembled. \u201cI\u2019ve always loved you. No matter what happened, please believe that I always loved you.\u201d He flopped heavily into his chair, leaning against the back as if all his strength had drained away.<\/p>\n

Hutch felt a rush of compassion. He hadn\u2019t meant to be that cruel. This seemed to be taking a lot out of William. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, that was uncalled for.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I\u2019m sorry that my actions left you thinking so little of me.\u201d William closed his eyes. \u201cTo answer your question, I thought you were marrying beneath you; especially when Wilfred came to see me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNancy, Vanessa\u2019s father,\u201d Hutch told Starsky.<\/p>\n

Starsky nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWilfred confided that he couldn\u2019t afford the lavish wedding that his daughter wanted and asked me to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou paid for our wedding?\u201d Hutch was floored.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes; and the honeymoon. I suspected that Nancy was merely ensuring that she landed a man who could keep her in the fashion she wanted to become accustomed to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I ruined her little dream by becoming a cop, and you cut me off. I should have known when she started insisting that we called her by her middle name, Vanessa. She thought it sounded more like a society wife than Nancy did.\u201d Hutch leaned his head on the back of his chair. He was physically and emotionally worn out.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should go and join the others. There is more to talk about, but I\u2019m sure it can wait for another day.\u201d William looked as exhausted as Hutch felt.<\/p>\n

\u201cRome wasn\u2019t built in a day,\u201d Starsky said, standing up and shaking his legs.<\/p>\n

Hutch looked at him. \u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope I\u2019ve managed to lay the foundations, if nothing else.\u201d William held his hand out to Hutch. \u201cI\u2019d like to be friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch grabbed his hand and stood up, pulling William with him. \u201cSo would I. More than friends if possible.\u201d He hugged his father tightly. It might take a while, but he was sure they\u2019d mend all the bridges eventually. He wanted to try. He owed himself, and William, that much. \u201cThere is one thing I\u2019d like to know.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d asked William.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere did the fainting couch come from? Is it new?\u201d Not the most important question Hutch could have asked, but he didn\u2019t recall seeing the couch before.<\/p>\n

William smiled. \u201cI bought it for your mother. Her ankles have been swelling lately, and her doctor told her to rest her legs as much as possible. Eleanor likes to sit and keep me company. I moved my desk into the library so that she could read and relax while I attended to business.\u201d<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t the answer that Hutch had expected, but it showed another sign that William was mellowing, and changing his ways when it came to family.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>Christmas Eve, 1980<\/strong><\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s left side suddenly went cold. Where had all the warmth gone? <\/em>He opened his eyes. He was enjoying lying next to Hutch, dozing, knowing they didn\u2019t have to get out of bed at some ungodly hour this morning. He turned over to cuddle and found an empty bed. \u201cHutch, where are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere.\u201d Hutch stood in the doorway to the upstairs kitchen, sipping a mug of strong coffee by the smell of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhadda doing up so early? Couldn\u2019t you sleep?\u201d Starsky was aware that he was whining, but he\u2019d been dreaming about a lazy morning in bed with his lover. A nine thirty a.m. alarm call wasn\u2019t on his agenda, unless it was for some serious lovemaking.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going for a run.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s nine thirty in the morning on Christmas Eve. That\u2019s seven thirty, California time.\u201d Starsky patted the mattress next to him. \u201cCome back to bed. We can exercise together.\u201d He waggled his eyebrows at Hutch.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get my workout routine going again.\u201d Hutch backed into the kitchen and returned to the bedroom without the mug. He held a thermos, instead.<\/p>\n

\u201cStart when we get back to Bay City. It\u2019s cold here, and there\u2019s snow on the ground.\u201d Starsky shuddered at the thought of running on the slippery streets.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve checked the weather report. The sun is out and it\u2019s twenty six degrees.\u201d Hutch walked over to the bed. \u201cThat\u2019s warm for this time of year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s still damn cold,\u201d Starsky muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not asking you to come, Starsk. I like running in the snow, it works the muscles harder.\u201d Hutch leaned over and kissed Starsky. \u201cI\u2019m going to run up to the cabin. Check out my inheritance. See you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019kay.\u201d Starsky snuggled back under the blankets, listening to the noises of Hutch moving around the room. A thought struck him. \u201cDid I see a dirt bike in the garage?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I think my old bike is still there.\u201d Hutch sat on the bed. \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it work?\u201d Starsky asked. He\u2019d ride the bike and put Hutch through his paces.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so. It did last time I was here. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll ride, you run.\u201d Starsky jumped out of bed and looked at Hutch. He was dressed in dark blue shorts, a grey and orange sweatshirt with a hood and white socks. None of which Starsky recognized. \u201cWon\u2019t you be cold dressed like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it with you and the cold?\u201d Hutch pulled on beat-up beige sneakers. \u201cNew York has similar weather to Duluth.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeen in California too long, I guess,\u201d Starsky said, shrugging. He dug into his duffle bag and yanked out red long johns, a grey sweatsuit and thick socks. Struggling into the undergarment, he glanced at Hutch. \u201cWhat?\u201d Hutch had a bemused look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously, you\u2019re wearing that as well as the sweat suit.\u201d Hutch shook his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYep, the cabin is in the mountains, ain\u2019t it?\u201d Starsky dragged on the sweats and rummaged in the bottom of his bag for his hiking boots.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want some coffee?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/p>\n

The thick hiking socks were making it hard for Starsky to push his feet into the new boots. Standing up, he stamped each leg until his feet were finally snugly in place. \u201cNo, thanks,\u201d he said, tying his laces and pulling on woolen gloves.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ready? I could have been halfway there by now.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish you\u2019d wear more clothes. You\u2019re gonna freeze.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch sighed. \u201cOkay, mom. Just for you.\u201d He walked into the closet and came back out wearing a pair of grey sweatpants. He even had on a pair of silk gloves.<\/p>\n

Although, he wasn\u2019t a skier, Starsky recognized them as ski glove liners.<\/p>\n

\u201cHappy?\u201d Hutch twirled, as if showing off a party dress to a doting mother.<\/p>\n

Starsky chuckled. \u201cYep.\u201d He followed Hutch through the sleeping house.<\/p>\n

Hutch quietly opened the connecting door into the garage. He checked the gas in the motorbike, pushed it out of the garage and kicked the starter pedal. The machine sputtered into life. \u201cYou sure you want to ride this? Can\u2019t guarantee it\u2019ll get you there and back, although it looks cleaner than last time I was here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be my fault,\u201d said a voice behind them.<\/p>\n

\"th\"<\/a>Hutch turned around, startled.<\/p>\n

Juan popped up from behind Patricia in the next parking slot. \u201cSorry, didn\u2019t mean to startle you. I was just wiping her down.\u201d He patted the gleaming vintage car.<\/p>\n

Hutch stared at the young man. He was no longer a gangly teenager. Juan had grown into an adult and gained bulk over the past few years. His features were stronger, skin darker, more Mexican than they had been when he was younger. He looked a lot like a younger version of Manuel, his father. \u201cYour fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been using the bike, to run errands.\u201d Juan wiped his hands down his t-shirt. \u201cI did some work on it.\u201d He seemed worried, scared even. \u201cDoesn\u2019t sputter anymore. I hope you don\u2019t mind? Mr. William said it was okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he doesn\u2019t mind.\u201d Starsky grinned. \u201cWhy should you, Hutch?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Juan, for taking such good care of the old thing.\u201d Hutch waved, surprised Juan was busy so early on Christmas Eve. \u201cDon\u2019t work too hard. Merry Christmas.\u201d He jogged out of the garage.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cNice to meet you, Juan!\u201d Starsky called, pushing the bike into the snowy front yard. \u201cWhere are we going?\u201d He straddled the bike, switching on the motor. The engine throbbed between his legs. Keeping the bike idling, he admired the view of Hutch bending and stretching during his warm up. Every time Hutch bent over, Starsky\u2019s cock responded with more than a little interest.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust follow me,\u201d Hutch said, running down the driveway.<\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t move for a few seconds. He watched his partner\u2019s lengthy stride eating up the relatively short path down to the road with ease.<\/p>\n

Hutch swerved right at the bottom.<\/p>\n

Starsky revved the bike into motion. Struggling to keep a safe distance behind Hutch\u2019s flying feet and control the bike on the slippery road, Starsky barely noticed his surroundings. Gradually, residential properties gave way to a more rural landscape.<\/p>\n

Hutch turned a few more times. The wide blacktop roads becoming narrower, more rustic with every change of direction. \u201cNearly there,\u201d Hutch panted as he veered left between two tree trunks.<\/p>\n

Starsky executed the same turn with less finesse, the back wheel sliding on the frozen path. \u201cShit, shit,\u201d he swore, as the tires slithered into ruts left by whatever vehicles came up this way.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver there.\u201d Hutch swiveled, jogging slowly backwards and pointing over his shoulder.<\/p>\n

Starsky looked up to a cluster of buildings. One was large, with two smaller, rougher, structures to the side. He stopped the bike, gazing at the picture postcard in front of him. He assumed the larger place was the cabin. Through bare branches, the snow covered landscape was pleasing to his photographer\u2019s eye.<\/p>\n

The log cabin had a stone chimney and dark wooden shingles. It was slightly bigger than the Dobey\u2019s at Pine Lake. Small windows broke up the walls at regular intervals, and a lone window near the roof indicated a second floor, or maybe it simply provided extra light into the interior. It was hard to tell from this angle.<\/p>\n

\"Hutch's<\/a>

Click to see larger image<\/p><\/div>\n

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

Hutch led the way along the isolated dirt road to the cabin. The frozen ground was topped with soft snow, which moved with every step, working his muscles almost as well as running on sand did.<\/p>\n

Starsky rode the motor bike behind, sliding around on the slippery surface if the sounds were anything to go by. \u201cSlow down, Hutch, it\u2019s rough going back here.\u201d His voice was barely audible over the droning engine.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Starsk. You\u2019ve got horsepower helping you; should be halfway up the hill on that bike.\u201d Hutch slowed his pace, running through the gap in the old fencing. Nostalgia stopped him in his tracks. The cabin didn\u2019t look any different, not really. A little more weathered, but not as tumbled down as he\u2019d expected.<\/p>\n

William said he hadn\u2019t been up here in years. Not since Hutch\u2019s grandfather, Chester, had died by the look of it. The shovel still stood against the shed, as did the wooden step ladder.<\/p>\n

\u201cKenny. Bring the shovel. Help an old man clear the snow.\u201d Chester stood on the porch, pointing to the shed.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch grabbed the handle, dragging the metal spade along the ground and leaving a deep gouge in the perfect snow. He hated being called Kenny, almost as much as Kenneth or Ken. He was ten years old, why wouldn\u2019t William let anyone call him Hutch? Surely he was old enough to choose his own name. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, boy. The snow\u2019ll be melted by the time you get here.\u201d Chester clapped his glove clad hands together. \u201cYou think too much. Just like your father.\u201d He grabbed the shovel, chipping away at the snow that had drifted against the house during the night. Slowly he revealed the wooden walkway across the front of the building. There was a bank of white between Hutch and Chester. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHutch, you okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Chester\u2019s face turned into Starsky\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, fine.\u201d Hutch stepped onto the snowy porch, feeling along the lintel. Finding the key as he\u2019d expected, he unlocked the door, struggling with the rusty lock.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat explains a lot.\u201d Starsky rested his chin against Hutch\u2019s upper arm, his jawbone digging into the flesh.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cThe key. Never understood why you kept your key above the door in a big city. I decided that must be the country boy in you. Now I know, your grandfather always did it.\u201d He snaked his arms around Hutch\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

Hutch nodded. \u201cHe left it there so that I had a bolt hole anytime things got rough with father. Also, if anyone got lost or caught in bad weather up here, they could get inside. He always thought about other people.\u201d Hutch fingered the wooden knob, twisting gently, then a little harder. The door opened with a screech of metal, the hinges complaining after all this time.<\/p>\n

\u201cGoes through you. Shoulda brought some oil.\u201d Starsky steered Hutch through the open door.<\/p>\n

Hutch came eye to eye with the deer head hanging to the right of the entrance. Chester liked to display his hunting trophies, as he called them. Each wall had a mounted deer head; all were still intact; which was surprising, because the rest of the downstairs was a mess.<\/p>\n

\u201cLooks like someone\u2019s been camping here,\u201d Starsky said, sifting ashes in the fireplace with a branch.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy way of thanks, they trashed the place.\u201d Hutch shook his head, remembering the simple wooden furniture, and the soft furnishings that his grandmother, Violet, had made for the cabin. There wasn\u2019t much evidence of the care and love his grandparents had lavished on their second home. \u201cI guess I should be grateful that they locked the door and left the key!\u201d he said sarcastically.<\/p>\n

Starsky put his hand on Hutch\u2019s shoulder. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, buddy. This must be hard for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch stalked around the room. He spotted the two large hooks where Chester had hung the spoils of his hunting trips. The large slabs of skinned meat used to make Hutch shiver. On impulse, he grasped the cold metal and pulled himself up, tucking his knees up to his chest and swinging. Strangely, it was a soothing motion, and he stayed there for a short while, attempting to appease the anger that some stranger\u2019s actions had brought out.<\/p>\n

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

Starsky stood by one of the windows. The ripped white material fluttering in the icy breeze from the broken pane was all that was left of the curtains. It was a couple of degrees colder up here than in downtown Duluth.<\/p>\n

Starsky watched as Hutch gradually uncurled his lithe body. His partner\u2019s athletic prowess had started hatching a plan in his brain.<\/p>\n

\u201cFather was probably right. I should sell the place. The land is worth money.\u201d Hutch walked outside and stood at the end of the porch.<\/p>\n

Starsky followed him. \u201cIs that what you want to do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch stared down the mountainside. \u201cNot really. There are a lot of good memories here. Grace and I used to spend the first part of our Christmas vacation skiing with Grandfather. On Christmas Eve, we\u2019d all go down to my parents\u2019 house until my grandparents left on New Year\u2019s Day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky caught the wistful tone in Hutch\u2019s voice. \u201cThen keep it. The building looks sound. I\u2019ll help you with the labor.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Starsk. I don\u2019t see you with a saw in your hand.\u201d Hutch leaned against the log wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI resent that remark,\u201d Starsky said, miming sawing and hammering. \u201cI did a lot of work on the fixer upper, and you know it.\u201d Hutch certainly needed a little bit of Master Starsky at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would be nice to have a mountain retreat, get away from the dirt of the city. But Duluth is a long way to travel. We could probably buy a place closer with the money from the sale and the cash in that bank account, however much it is.\u201d Hutch stroked the antlers hanging from the porch roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cWouldn\u2019t mean the same to you, would it?\u201d Hutch wasn\u2019t fooling Starsky. He could see the conflict in Hutch\u2019s face, sensibility fighting with sentiment.<\/p>\n

Hutch jumped off the porch and walked towards the gate and the shed. \u201cBetter go. We can talk later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo rush,\u201d Starsky said, stepping in Hutch\u2019s footprints. The holes were a good two sizes larger than his. \u201cI got plans for you, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch raised an eyebrow. \u201cWe can\u2019t, not here. We didn\u2019t bring anything with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t planning a full blown scene.\u201d Starsky winked. \u201cI think I could find plenty to use, if I put my mind to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s eyes brightened. Excitement flickered on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was thinking more about working that sexy body of yours.\u201d Starsky rubbed Hutch\u2019s ass. \u201cStress and stamina. You keep saying that you need to tone up more.\u201d Starsky thought that Hutch\u2019s body was pretty damn hard, but Hutch always had been a perfectionist.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat did you have in mind, Master?\u201d Hutch asked, pulling off his sweat pants. \u201cHot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou sure are.\u201d Starsky looked at the rough fencing around the property. In one section, the bottom board was missing. He patted the single pole. The winter sun had melted the snow from everywhere except the ground and warmed up the wood. \u201cHang upside down on this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch handed Starsky the thermos and gave him a questioning look. He did as instructed, hanging from the bar by his knees.<\/p>\n

Leaning on Hutch\u2019s ankles, Starsky said, \u201cHands behind your head, and do sit ups.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch pulled his head towards his knees. \u201cHow many?\u201d he grunted on the way up. The fence shook under his effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil I tell you to stop. Count them for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne,\u201d Hutch said when his hair skimmed the snow underneath him. He pulled up again. \u201cTwo,\u201d he counted on the second down. \u201cThree.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky kept count silently, admiring the strength powering through Hutch\u2019s body as he completed his task.<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s sweatshirt slipped up his body, exposing his torso from waist to nipples. His stomach muscles rippled, Hutch flexed and stretched.<\/p>\n

\"Exercising<\/a>

Click to see larger image<\/p><\/div>\n

Starsky could see down the leg hole of Hutch\u2019s shorts. He almost salivated over the clenching of Hutch\u2019s buttocks.<\/p>\n

\u201cNinety seven, ninety eight, ninety nine, one hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStop,\u201d commanded Starsky.<\/p>\n

Hutch grabbed the pole and rolled backwards, standing when his feet hit the ground. Elbows on the pole, he rested his head on the wood and exhaled heavily. Sweat run down his face. \u201cDamn.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo swearing.\u201d Starsky handed Hutch the thermos. \u201cDrink.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch twisted off the top and swigged the liquid inside.<\/p>\n

Starsky looked around, searching for more inspiration. \u201cLay on the ladder and reach for the highest rung that you can.\u201d<\/p>\n

Placing the thermos on the ground, Hutch checked to make sure the ladder was stable and leaned against it, presumably to test that it wasn\u2019t about to break under his weight. Lying back, he took the requested position.<\/p>\n

\u201cLegs out in front of you.\u201d Starsky sat on the bottom rail of the fence. \u201cCount to one hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n

Elevating his legs, Hutch said, \u201cOne, two.\u201d He grinned. \u201cPiece of cake.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky observed his lover. \u201cWe\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s face went from a healthy pink to a darker shade of puce. \u201cSeventy-nine.\u201d New sweat beads appeared. His legs lowered an inch or so.<\/p>\n

\u201cLift those legs.\u201d Starsky was actually enjoying this exercise. He loved watching Hutch work out.<\/p>\n

Hutch struggled to raise his legs to their original position. \u201cSlave driver,\u201d he mumbled.<\/p>\n

\u201cA Master has to do what a Master has to do,\u201d said Starsky, trying to sound like he had the hardest job. \u201cSome slaves need to be trained.\u201d He\u2019d been training Hutch since they first met, and Hutch had never noticed, or if he had, he\u2019d never mentioned it.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne hundred.\u201d Hutch slid down the ladder, panting and crouched on the snowy ground. \u201cI prefer the whip. Hurts less!\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky had taken a quick glance around while Hutch was doing the ladder exercise and had the next task in mind. The far side of the shed was built on the slope and mounted on thick poles to support the overhang of the structure. He pointed to the nearest leg. \u201cStand there, back up against the wood, and slide down until you\u2019re in a sitting position.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more, Starsk,\u201d Hutch puffed. \u201cI jogged five miles up here, did sit ups and leg lifts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo pain, no gain.\u201d Starsky licked his lips. \u201cDo as your Master tells you.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Hutch walked to the designated prop, even though he was protesting at Starsky\u2019s request. No, make that his Master\u2019s order. He had every intention of carrying out the chore, but he didn\u2019t like to let Starsky have his own way without a fight. It was expected of him.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood boy.\u201d Starsky followed Hutch, standing in front of him as he slid down the damp surface.<\/p>\n

This time, Starsky didn\u2019t ask Hutch to count, but he counted mentally anyway. His muscles started to ache around the one fifty mark. They hurt at two fifty and then quivered at three hundred with the pressure of maintaining the seated stance. Fresh sweat covered the drying perspiration on his face. His body was shaking as much as his legs.<\/p>\n

\"Exercising<\/a>

Click to see larger image.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cEnough,\u201d Starsky said, just as Hutch counted four hundred and one.<\/p>\n

Hutch collasped to the ground, not caring that the snow was melting under his ass. \u201cShit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky sat down and pulled Hutch to him, wiping the perspiration from Hutch\u2019s face with the sleeve of his sweatshirt. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPins and needles,\u201d Hutch gasped as the blood started to flow back into his legs and feet.<\/p>\n

Starsky rubbed Hutch\u2019s right leg with one hand, keeping his other arm around Hutch\u2019s neck.<\/p>\n

\u201cOww, no, that makes it worse.\u201d Hutch used the building support to stand up. His legs were like jelly.<\/p>\n

Starsky got up, putting Hutch\u2019s arm around his shoulders. \u201cLean on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo need, I can walk on my own.\u201d Hutch untangled himself from Starsky.<\/p>\n

Starsky threw Hutch\u2019s pants over his shoulder, hiking back into the cabin through the drifts of snow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think we ought to go, Starsk.\u201d Hutch limped until the feeling came back into his legs. He climbed the few steps to the porch on slightly shaky feet, sipping water from the thermos.<\/p>\n

Starsky was pacing the room when Hutch strode through the door. \u201cWhat\u2019s up there?\u201d he asked, pointing up the rough staircase at the back of the cabin. It was little more than a ladder.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt leads up to a small space under the roof. Grace and I used to sleep up there on a goose feather filled mattress than Grandmother made to fit the loft.\u201d Those were such simple times. Grace used to snuggle against Hutch for warmth. They would lay, cocooned between the mattress and the heavy quilt, talking and laughing until one of their grandparents hollered at them to go to sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cWant to share what\u2019s making you smile, blondie?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust thinking of the good times.\u201d Hutch climbed up the ladder, bumping his head on the rafter that ran the width of the cabin. \u201cOww.\u201d He crawled on all fours across the bare floor. The space was tinier than he remembered. But then, he was a lot bigger than he was as a child.<\/p>\n

Starsky scrambled up after him. Hutch\u2019s pants slipped off of his shoulder and floated to the floor below. He scrimmed across the boards on his belly.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe roof\u2019s not that low, Starsk.\u201d Hutch laughed, laying on his back and studying the uneven wooden ceiling. Stains dotted the timber. \u201cMight need a new roof. Looks like there\u2019s been a lot of water leaking through the shingles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got something else leaking over here,\u201d Starsky said, inching up beside Hutch. \u201cDo you know how sexy you looked out there? All rippling muscles. A gorgeous physical specimen.\u201d He kissed Hutch\u2019s face and snaked his hands under Hutch\u2019s sweatshirt, caressing his torso with a featherlight touch.<\/p>\n

Hutch arched his back, raising to meet Starsky\u2019s body above him.<\/p>\n

Starsky pulled down Hutch\u2019s shorts, cupping his balls. Twisting his body, Starsky ended up with his feet by Hutch\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

Hutch got the message. He reached up and yanked Starsky\u2019s pants down over his hips and groaned. \u201cShit, Starsk. Way to kill the mood.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Starsky asked, kneeding Hutch\u2019s sac and licking his inner thigh.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese stupid long johns.\u201d Hutch fumbled with the buttons, finally freeing Starsky\u2019s cock from its fabric prison.<\/p>\n

Starsky wrapped his lips around Hutch\u2019s cock, sucking hard. His penis hardened, showing his appreciation of Starsky\u2019s efforts. The rough, bare boards chafed Hutch\u2019s butt, but he was too far gone to care. Myriad stars collided with the wooden roof struts. Trying hard to concentrate on Starsky\u2019s pleasure more than his own, Hutch exploded at the same time as Starsky\u2019s semen filled his mouth. Swallowing quickly, he thrust, involuntarily, deeper down his partner\u2019s throat.<\/p>\n

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

Starsky gagged as Hutch bucked his hips. He gulped down the juice in his mouth, and rolled off Hutch. \u201cWell, if you decide to bulldoze this place, at least we\u2019ve had one good time in here.<\/p>\n

Hutch covered his modesty and sat up, narrowly missing hitting his head on a rafter. He grinned. \u201cNot planning on getting rid of the place that soon. Like you said, too many memories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky rearranged his clothing and sidled up behind Hutch. \u201cNot quite what I said, but I hear you.\u201d He curled his body around Hutch, nuzzling his neck, and breathing in the faint aroma of Sandalwood mixed with musty sweat. The pheromones assaulted his system, making his groin sizzle with want, even though he had just climaxed. \u201cToo bad it\u2019s the holidays. We could\u2019ve found someone to clear out the place and check the structure while we\u2019re here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy can\u2019t we clear it out?\u201d Hutch kissed Starsky\u2019s hand. \u201cWe\u2019ve got a week before we have to be back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t run out on your family like that.\u201d Starsky crawled around Hutch, sitting cross-legged in front of him. \u201cYour pop is trying. You gotta do the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch grimaced. \u201cThat\u2019s just it, Starsk. Father seems to have done a 360 on our relationship, but I\u2019m not sure I can take the whole vacation couped up in the house with him. We need some space for us.\u201d He stroked Starsky\u2019s face. \u201cI\u2019ve never had a less romantic feeling when we spooned in bed last night. I kept expecting Father to crash through the door and scream at us that there were two beds and both should be used.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky had never seen Hutch so vulnerable when it came to another human being. What the hell had his childhood really been like? How often had Hutch faced the wrath that they\u2019d both experienced a couple of years ago? Even when William was being nice, Hutch was obviously sure that he had another agenda. \u201cWe\u2019ll see how things go. Maybe we can get away after December 26th.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch nodded. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t mind getting some skiing in. I could give you a lesson or two. Then we can come up here and do some work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky raised his eyebrows at Hutch. \u201cI\u2019m not sure about the skiing,\u201d he said, hesitantly.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s easy. I\u2019ll have you going down the bunny slope within the hour.\u201d Hutch crawled toward the ladder. \u201cI promise,\u201d he said, looking back over his shoulder. His hair fell messily over his eyes. It was longer than he\u2019d worn it for a while.<\/p>\n

After Starsky\u2019s shooting, Hutch had neglected himself for a long time, his whole focus on taking care of Starsky. A fact Starsky was all too aware of. \u201cYou need a haircut,\u201d he observed, trying to deflect Hutch from his skiing idea.<\/p>\n

Hutch perched on the edge of the precipice, dangling his legs. \u201cI know. Mother said I\u2019d put on weight. She has a point. I\u2019m not as slender as I used to be. I\u2019ve let myself go this past few years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky hunkered down next to him. \u201cBecause you were more concerned about my health.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot letting you take all the blame, buddy. I went off the rails before that, and you know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re older. The gangly guy I met at the Academy has gone. But there\u2019s no way that you\u2019re fat.\u201d He rubbed his hand on Hutch\u2019s abdomen. \u201cThat\u2019s pure muscle, my boy. You\u2019re as fit as you ever were.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch slid off, plunging rapidly to the floor below.<\/p>\n

\u201cHutch.\u201d Starsky grabbed at fresh air. \u201cOf all the\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch landed in a crouch. He looked up at Starsky and laughed. \u201cJump. It\u2019s not far.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll take the steps, thanks. You could have broken something.\u201d Starsky descended down the ladder. He picked up the sweat pants. \u201cPut these on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks. My legs are getting cold.\u201d Hutch yanked the sweats over his sneakers.<\/p>\n

Starsky headed for the open door. \u201cYou running back?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I think I\u2019ve had enough exercise for today. The bike\u2019ll take us both.\u201d Hutch slammed the door behind them, locking it and putting the key in his pocket. \u201cThis key stays with me. No more free bunks for strangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky straddled the bike. \u201cYou take the back. If you ride like you drove that dune buggy, we won\u2019t make it to your parents house in one piece.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m a good driver,\u201d Hutch protested. \u201cDid I crash us into a construction site office?\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky ignored Hutch\u2019s jibe. He hadn\u2019t totally forgiven his partner for that amnesia stunt he\u2019d pulled. \u201cYou coming or not?\u201d He kicked the engine into life, rolling the bike off of its stand.<\/p>\n

Hutch leaped behind Starsky and clamped his arms around Starsky\u2019s waist.<\/p>\n

Starsky maneuvered the bike steadily over the frozen ground, squeezing hard on the brakes the whole way down the mountainside. He increased the speed when they reached the main road.<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s inner thighs massaged Starsky\u2019s outer legs as they rode. Their knees were almost level because of Hutch\u2019s long legs.<\/p>\n

Starsky spotted a familiar landmark. He pulled over to the side of the road.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019re you stopping for?\u201d Hutch shouted in Starsky\u2019s ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat house.\u201d Starsky pointed to the mansion just visible through the evergreen trees. \u201cDidn\u2019t Grace say there\u2019d been some murders there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch groaned. \u201cYeah, she did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky flicked down the stand and climbed off the bike. He walked to the wall and poked his head over. The place was huge. The red brick building and white stone work made for an imposing sight. \u201cTell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Hutch sat astride the bike. \u201cI just want to go home. I\u2019m tired and hungry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s my line,\u201d Starsky joked, wiggling his eyebrows at Hutch and pretending to smoke a cigar.<\/p>\n

\u201cQuit messing around. It\u2019s not the weather for sitting outside, especially now the sun\u2019s disappeared.\u201d Hutch rubbed his legs. \u201cCome on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me quick then, Mr. I\u2019m-From-Duluth,-I-Don\u2019t-Mind-The-Cold.\u201d Starsky loved throwing Hutch\u2019s smug remarks back at him. To be fair, he was better dressed for the chill than Hutch was, even with the extra clothing Hutch had put on to keep Starsky happy.<\/p>\n

Hutch huffed. \u201cThe house was owned by the Congdon family, and in 1968 the estate was given to the University of Minnesota.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d Starsky asked, looking at the house again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy what?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy was it given to the University?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Starsk,\u201d Hutch said, looking vexed. \u201cStory is that, at the time, Elisabeth Congdon, the youngest daughter of Chester Congdon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSame first name as your grandfather,\u201d Starsky observed, to show Hutch that he did listen to him when he talked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Hutch sighed and continued, \u201cWas given a life estate.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s a life estate?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStarsky, if you keep interrupting, I will leave you here,\u201d Hutch said, kicking the starter. \u201cA life estate allowed her to occupy Glensheen until she died.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, who got murdered?\u201d Trust Hutch to give Starsky a history lesson when he wanted to know about the murders.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Congdon was 83 and partially paralyzed when someone smothered her with a pillow in her bedroom. They killed the night nurse first, by beating her to death with a candlestick holder on the sweeping central staircase. It was said that she was trying to defend her frail patient.\u201d Hutch shrugged and blew on his hands. \u201cRoger Caldwell, the second husband of Congdon’s adopted daughter, Marjorie, was charged with the crimes, convicted on two counts of first degree murder and sentenced to two life sentences. Marjorie was charged with aiding and abetting and conspiracy to commit murder, but she was acquitted on all charges.\u201d He rattled off the details like he was reading the case file.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat lead them to him?\u201d Starsky knew he was bugging Hutch, but he was genuinely interested.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we do this back at the house?\u201d Hutch whined.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s more real standing outside the scene of the crime.\u201d Starsky walked over to Hutch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey said he was trying to speed up his wife\u2019s inheritance. The couple lived in Colorado, and was flat broke. Marjorie had been cut off from the Congdon millions because she was considered a spendthrift constantly trying to wheedle money from her mother.\u201d Hutch grabbed the front of Starsky\u2019s jacket. \u201cNow can we go?\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky patted Hutch\u2019s face. His skin was freezing. Time to get his lover somewhere warmer. Starsky climbed onto the bike and fired the engine. \u201cHold tight, babe.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

Christmas Day, 1980<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hutch lay dozing, snuggled in the warm bed. The weak morning light filtered through cracks in the window shutters.<\/p>\n

Starsky snored gently next to him.<\/p>\n

Hutch stretched languidly. \u201cAhhh. Ohhh.\u201d He quickly returned to his original position. Shit, he might have overdone the exercise yesterday.<\/p>\n

Starsky started. \u201cYou okay?\u201d he asked, turning to face Hutch. He yawned so hard that Hutch could see his tonsils.<\/p>\n

\u201cBack spasm, legs ache.\u201d Hutch kissed Starsky full on the lips. \u201cNot in as good condition as we thought.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI pushed you too hard.\u201d Starsky swiped a lock of hair out of Hutch\u2019s eyes. \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be. It felt good to exceed my current physical capabilities.\u201d Hutch stroked Starsky\u2019s stubble with his thumb nail. It was still a little weird to find himself turned on by the very hairy and masculine body of his partner. \u201cYou should take over my exercise regime. I liked the stamina and stress session; even if you were kind of sadistic.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLay on your belly.\u201d Starsky sat up, running his knuckles over the spot on his jaw line where Hutch had just caressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo as you are told, boy!\u201d Starsky said sternly, giving Hutch his Master look.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Sir.\u201d Hutch rolled onto his front, tucking his arms under his forehead. Submitting to Starsky was as natural to him as breathing. He\u2019d never been comfortable letting someone else take control of him before. William tried, and Hutch rebelled eventually. Van tried, and they fought, to the end. Starsky, the perfect Master, and Hutch\u2019s equal in every other way.<\/p>\n

Starsky mounted Hutch\u2019s backside.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sure I can do that here,\u201d Hutch protested. He had no problem bottoming for Starsky. That was his usual position most of the time in their lovemaking. But not under William\u2019s roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, cowboy,\u201d Starsky leaned over and whispered in Hutch\u2019s ear. \u201cNot what I\u2019m planning.\u201d He massaged Hutch\u2019s shoulders, working on the tense, knotted muscles until they were pliable under his hands. Slowly, he navigated his way down Hutch\u2019s body, finishing with rubbing his feet, one by one.<\/p>\n

Hutch purred throughout the manipulation. \u201cNice.\u201d No one could relax him the way Starsky did. He always seemed to know what Hutch needed; whether that was a good rub down, domination, rough sex, gentle lovemaking or simply to talk.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019d you feel? Better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMmmm.\u201d If he died now, Hutch would die happy.<\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s stomach rumbled. He snickered. \u201cDo you suppose there\u2019s chance of getting any breakfast?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTime is it?\u201d Hutch asked, though he didn\u2019t really care. He could stay in this blissful bubble all day.<\/p>\n

Starsky grabbed his watch from the bedside table that stood between the two beds. \u201cJust after ten thirty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch groaned. \u201cWe should go downstairs. We don\u2019t want to be responsible for breaking the family tradition of presents, then brunch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had to wait to get your Christmas presents?\u201d Starsky asked, incredulously.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce Grace and I stopped believing in Santa Claus, Father decided that we would start the day in a more civilized way than screaming and throwing ripped paper everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo wonder you hate Christmas.\u201d Starsky got out of bed and went into the bathroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t hate Christmas,\u201d Hutch started.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know. It\u2019s the commercialism,\u201d Starsky shouted from the bathroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re Jewish. You shouldn\u2019t even celebrate Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy pop still believed in Santa,\u201d Starsky said, gargling at the end of his sentence. \u201cMom stopped trying to turn him into a practicing Jew before I was born.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch walked into the bathroom. Nudging Starsky to one side so that he could get to the sink, he washed and cleaned his teeth. \u201cDress adequately. Please don\u2019t wear those skintight jeans today.\u201d He never told Starsky what to wear, but he was trying to meet William halfway, as Starsky requested.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou like my denims.\u201d Starsky winked, and wiggled his butt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do,\u201d agreed Hutch, salivating at Starsky\u2019s taut buttocks. \u201cBut my family doesn\u2019t need to see your best assets while they\u2019re eating.\u201d He left the bathroom and went into the dressing room, pulling on a pair of beige chinos and a black shirt.<\/p>\n

Starsky came in carrying a pair of beige slacks and a dark blue shirt. He looked Hutch up and down. \u201cDon\u2019t need to ask if these are acceptable!\u201d he said, waving the garments in the air.<\/p>\n

Hutch sat on the bed while Starsky slipped into his clothes. It was surreal being in Duluth for Christmas after all these years. He\u2019d been home for Thanksgiving, but not Yuletide.<\/p>\n

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

William looked up when Kenneth and David came into the room. The pensive smile on Kenneth\u2019s face was a familiar sight to him. He couldn\u2019t blame his son, but he\u2019d hoped that the strain in their relationship had eased in the past few days.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, everyone.\u201d Kenneth said.<\/p>\n

He walked over to the buffet Rosa had prepared. There were covered serving dishes set up at the other end of the room. He poured two cups of coffee, adding sugar and cream to one of them before handing it to David.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get anyone else a drink?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning, boys. Sit down,\u201d William said warmly.<\/p>\n

Kenneth sat next to Grace, on the larger of the two couches in the room. \u201cWhere\u2019s Lou?\u201d he asked as she slid Kelly onto his knee. He cuddled the infant, leaning his head close to hers and whispering in her ear.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the library, speaking with his parents on the telephone.\u201d Grace smiled at David before turning back to her brother and daughter.<\/p>\n

William marveled at how similar his offspring still looked. The tow-headed siblings were sharing some private joke if Grace\u2019s giggle was anything to go by. Those two had always been close. He felt a quick pang of pain, seeing his son playing with his granddaughter. The thought that Kenneth would never have a child of his own, would miss out on the possibility of a son to carry on the family name, hurt more than he could have imagined. He pressed the unwelcome revelation deep down. He was doing his damndest to accept his son\u2019s life choices, and improve their relationship. Thinking about what couldn\u2019t happen because of Kenneth and David\u2019s coupling wouldn\u2019t help.<\/p>\n

David stood by the window, looking out. He seemed distracted, almost uncomfortable. It couldn\u2019t be easy for him, knowing that he was another part of the reason that Kenneth was estranged from his own father.<\/p>\n

The latter in a long line of things William had condemned because they didn\u2019t fit into his ideal of the life he expected for his son.<\/p>\n

Eleanor crossed the room, putting her hand on David\u2019s shoulder. \u201cCome, sit by me,\u201d she said in the soft voice that she usually used when talking to children and elderly relatives. She led David to the smaller couch. \u201cI suppose your family has traditions for Christmas Day?\u201d She smiled. \u201cKenneth has told you of our ritual, I assume.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am,\u201d David said politely, sitting a few inches away from her.<\/p>\n

Eleanor smiled. \u201cI think it\u2019s time for you to call me mother, or Eleanor, if that makes you feel more at ease.\u201d She took David\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

Kenneth and Grace stopped chatting, glancing at Eleanor and David, with surprised expressions on their faces. Two peas in a pod, in almost every way.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think Eleanor works for me, if that\u2019s all right with you.\u201d David looked over at Kenneth, a smile playing on his lips.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that Lou won\u2019t mind, Grace, but I would like to start opening the gifts,\u201d William said, moving towards the brightly decorated tree in the corner of the room.<\/p>\n

Grace shook her head. \u201cGo ahead. He could be a while yet, if he has to speak to all the relatives that congregate in his parents\u2019 house on Christmas.\u201d<\/p>\n

William picked up the small black box with a white ribbon that he\u2019d placed under the tree last night. He hoped that Kenneth would understand his reasoning behind giving this particular gift to David. It was the most significant way he could think of to express his acceptance of their pairing. \u201cThe first present goes to our guest of honor.\u201d He handed the container to David.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, sir,\u201d David said, taking the package tentatively, and turning it over in his hands. He pulled on one loose end of the ribbon, took the lid off, and unfolded the white tissue inside. Extracting the contents, he held the silver chain between his thumb and finger, the pocket watch swinging like a pendulum. \u201cIt\u2019s beautiful,\u201d he said, examining the intricately molded silver back of the watch.<\/p>\n

Kenneth gaped at the watch with a puzzled look on his face.<\/p>\n

Grace mirrored Kenneth\u2019s expression. She squeezed Kenneth\u2019s knee, a show of her support for whatever stunt they assumed William was planning. How little his children thought of him, and it was sad that he was acutely aware of their silent emotions.<\/p>\n

Eleanor smiled serenely. William had discussed his choice of gift with her, and she\u2019d agreed wholeheartedly.<\/p>\n

Kelly fussed, seemingly unnerved by the quiet lull that had descended over the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cShh, baby girl,\u201d Kenneth soothed, jiggling her on his knee.<\/p>\n

Grace retrieved Kelly from Hutch\u2019s grasp. \u201cCome to mommy, darling.\u201d<\/p>\n

William picked up a similar box to David\u2019s, with a red ribbon, and sat on the arm of the couch next to Kenneth. \u201cI know the pocket watch was meant for you, Ken, but I hope you understand why I gave it to David.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Kenneth said. \u201cFamily tradition dictates that you give your mother\u2019s engagement ring to your oldest son for his chosen wife, which incidentally, you didn\u2019t do when I married Van. Nancy,\u201d he corrected himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think that she would appreciate the modest turquoise stone in a simple silver setting. Your Grandmother loved the ring so much. She was always telling us that it was the best my father could afford at the time. Even when the business started making a profit, she refused a more expensive ring. Somehow, it felt wrong to give her ring to Nancy, Vanessa.\u201d William grimaced; so many different names for so few people. His head was reeling. \u201cI was right, wasn\u2019t I?\u201d He recalled the obscenely sized diamond in a platinum setting that she paraded around the country club. He\u2019d even told his accountant that he didn\u2019t want to know how much the ugly thing had cost him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d Hutch bowed his head. \u201cThe first thing she did after the split was sell both the engagement ring and matching wedding band.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough maudlin talk,\u201d Eleanor said. \u201cThe past is past. We have to look to the future, all of us. Is that Kenneth\u2019s present?\u201d She pointed to the box still in William\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Merry Christmas, Ken.\u201d William shoved the gift into Kenneth\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

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

Hutch stared at the box. He felt off-kilter. He understood the significance of William giving Starsky Chester\u2019s watch. It meant that William really was accepting his and Starsky\u2019s union. Not quite an engagement ring, mainly because it would be a cold day in hell before two men were ever allowed to wed. Jeez, they couldn\u2019t even tell the world that they were in love.<\/p>\n

\u201cOpen it.\u201d Grace nudged Hutch\u2019s knee with hers.<\/p>\n

Hutch fumbled as he untied the ribbon and dropped the box onto the floor.<\/p>\n

\u201cButter fingers,\u201d quipped Starsky.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was a clumsy child,\u201d William stated.<\/p>\n

I am here, you know. <\/em>Hutch retrieved the box, the contents falling out as he picked it up. \u201cCar keys,\u201d he said rather unnecessarily, spotting the familiar tan leather key fob a second later. \u201cFor Patricia<\/em>! You can\u2019t be serious.\u201d He had thought that nothing on this earth would make William part with his beloved vehicle. The times he\u2019d dreamed of getting his license and being allowed to drive the prized possession, only to be warned that his life would not be worth living if he even considered taking a joy ride in her.<\/p>\n

William had bought him a red Mustang instead. Hutch had gone out the very next day and purchased a rusty green Bug, just to piss William off. He\u2019d refused to drive the shiny new car, opting to limp the Bug around Duluth\u2019s most expensive areas, knowing full well that he would be recognized wherever he went. Anything to flip his father off.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t drive her enough.\u201d William got up and walked over to Eleanor. He went behind the couch, and placed a hand on her upper arm. \u201cMy eyes aren\u2019t very good these days. Your mother and I have talked about employing a driver, possibly Juan. I won\u2019t have Patricia driven by anyone who isn\u2019t blood.\u201d<\/p>\n

That answered a question that Hutch hadn\u2019t even realized needed answering until now. The little niggle in the back of his mind about how Rosa came into their lives, and why William seemed to be taking responsibility for Juan. The skeleton that Hutch had been imagining wasn\u2019t there any longer. Juan wasn\u2019t blood, not even half-blood by the sound of it. \u201cI can\u2019t accept this,\u201d Hutch said, jingling the keys. \u201cI don\u2019t have anywhere to keep her, not safely.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, you can,\u201d Starsky said. He wiggled into the small gap between Hutch and Grace. \u201cSay thank you,\u201d he whispered into Hutch\u2019s ear. \u201cI\u2019m sure that you can keep Patricia here, until we get something figured out,\u201d he said so that everyone could hear. \u201cCan\u2019t he, Mr. H?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCall me William, David. Yes, you can, Ken. She\u2019s yours when you want to take her.\u201d William went over to the tree and grabbed a big parcel wrapped in pink teddy bear paper. \u201cFor my beautiful granddaughter.\u201d<\/p>\n

The rest of the morning was a blur to Hutch. He vaguely remembered things being thrust into his hands, paper ripped off, and, at some point, a plate of food, which he picked at, but wasn\u2019t sure exactly how much he ate. Lou\u2019s deep booming voice signaled that he had returned at some time during the festivities.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Hutch, let\u2019s get some fresh air.\u201d Starsky guided Hutch out of the room and out into the cold. \u201cBreathe, buddy, breathe,\u201d Starsky coached.<\/p>\n

Hutch inhaled for all he was worth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t have to kill yourself.\u201d The phrase that he\u2019d said to Starsky just over two years ago resonated in his brain, his stupor popping like a balloon.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he said, spinning around, imitating a demented periscope. \u201cHow the hell did I get out here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou walked, mush brain, with my help.\u201d Starsky turned Hutch around to face him. \u201cWhat happened? You were there, but not there.\u201d He stroked the side of Hutch\u2019s face. \u201cTalk to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShock, I guess.\u201d Hutch leaned against Starsky, taking strength from his warm body. \u201cThe pocket watch\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, you can have it when we get home, if it\u2019s a problem.\u201d Starsky patted his left pant pocket, pulling Hutch to him with his right arm. \u201cIt\u2019s your inheritance, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. God, no.\u201d Hutch gasped and placed his hand on Starsky\u2019s belly. \u201cThat watch symbolizes the new beginning to the rest of our lives. Father finally approves of something I\u2019m doing. No way am I going to jinx that by taking the watch off of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought I was the suspicious one,\u201d Starsky said seriously.<\/p>\n

\u201cSuperstitious.\u201d Hutch snickered. \u201cIt\u2019s superstitious, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Starsky said, winking. \u201cMade you laugh, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch bear hugged him. He was never going to let this amazing man get away.<\/p>\n

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

January 3, 1981<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hutch climbed the stairs to his apartment. He was worn out after a twelve hour shift where every psycho in Bay City must have high tailed it to their beat.<\/p>\n

The Torino wheels screeched as Starsky pulled away.<\/p>\n

Neither of them had been in the mood for company tonight, so Starsky had taken off to his own apartment. Maybe one day they would be able to move, as a couple, into that fixer upper they\u2019d bought a while ago. For now, it provided a nice return on their investment every month, and the young couple living there kept the place neat and tidy.<\/p>\n

Unlocking the front door, Hutch pushed it ajar and walked into the living room, slamming it behind him. The apartment was cold and felt very empty after the madness of the holidays. Dropping onto the couch, the pile of mail on the coffee table caught his eye. He hadn\u2019t opened his letters for a few days. Rifling through the pile, he discarded the usual bills and settled on a package adorned with Grace\u2019s neat handwriting. Ripping the envelope across the top, he emptied the contents into his lap; a purple, sweetly scented sheet of paper folded in half, four photographs, a checkbook and a key.<\/p>\n

He tossed the checkbook on the coffee table, and quickly looked at the pictures, smiling. The first one was a group shot of the Hutchinson family, minus Starsky because he\u2019d nominated himself as photographer for much of the vacation. The next, a shot of him and Starsky rolling in the snowy garden\u2014he hadn\u2019t even noticed that Grace was around when they were throwing snowballs and wrestling with each other. The third photo was a very formal photograph of him and Starsky with William and Eleanor; and lastly, the best one of all, him and Kelly on the morning he took Starsky skiing.<\/p>\n

\"Kelly<\/a>

Click to see larger image.<\/p><\/div>\n

Grace had written Kelly with<\/em> proud Uncle Hutch, December 27, 1980,<\/em> on the back.<\/p>\n

He was proud of his beautiful little niece, but he also felt a slight sadness for the children he\u2019d never have, that Starsky would never have. It was a subject they\u2019d discussed at great length before they embarked on their chosen path. Although Hutch had accepted the consequence of his future, he still had a way to go to find peace with it. Kelly would help in some respect; he could be there for her throughout her life.<\/p>\n

Putting the photographs back into the envelope, he unfolded the letter. The scent of the lavender scented paper Eleanor had bought Grace as a stocking filler was strong.<\/p>\n

Brother Dear,<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally back at home in freezing Vancouver. The airport opened early on New Year\u2019s morning. Seemed to take forever to get from Duluth to here. We had to change twice, and rent a car for the last thirty miles. Kelly was very fretful by the end of the trip. Which I get, I wasn\u2019t too happy myself!<\/em><\/p>\n

Enclosing some photographs, your checkbook and the cabin key. I managed to get Lou and Juan to help me clean up the inside of the cabin. I guess that was the silver lining to Vancouver airport being shut down because of the weather, ha ha. <\/em><\/p>\n

Mom and Dad looked after Kelly for us. They spoiled her rotten. Fed her too much milk.<\/em><\/p>\n

Happy you and Father are working through things, finally. Patricia is all tucked up in her garage waiting for you, lucky duck. <\/em><\/p>\n

Look after yourself and that gorgeous hunk of a partner of yours.<\/em><\/p>\n

Come and see us soon. <\/em><\/p>\n

G xx<\/em><\/p>\n

He and Starsky had never gotten around to cleaning up the cabin. Turned out that Starsky was not a natural on skis and he\u2019d sprained his ankle on his first attempt at the bunny slope.<\/p>\n

Grace had told Hutch to leave the key with her because she was grounded for a few days longer. She\u2019d decided to find someone to clean the place for him. He\u2019d also left her the checkbook to his new account, to pay for the work, which she obviously hadn\u2019t used. Looked like the little minx already had the plan in mind to do it herself! He must remember to send her and Lou something nice as a thank you. He suspected that either she or William had paid Juan for his time; part of the ever expanding job that William had given him.<\/p>\n

Tucking the letter in with the photographs, he put the key on his Chez Helene fob. Gone were the days of leaving his front door key for all and sundry to use to enter his home.<\/p>\n

The package from Grace had made him feel a hundred per cent better. He longed to share it with Starsky. He should never have let Starsky leave.<\/p>\n

Knock, knock.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hutch jumped up. \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDelivery,\u201d shouted a familiar voice.<\/p>\n

Hutch yanked at the door. \u201cStarsk,\u201d he said unnecessarily. \u201cWhat\u2019re you doing here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCouldn\u2019t stay away. Thought you might want a beer and pizza,\u201d Starsky said winking as he shoved the corner of a takeout box into Hutch\u2019s stomach.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes,\u201d Hutch said, excitedly dragging Starsky into the apartment, and planting kisses all over him. \u201cI was thinking I wished you hadn\u2019t gone home. I got a letter and some photographs from Grace. She cleared out the cabin with Lou and Juan. Maybe next vacation, we…\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough already,\u201d Starsky said, silencing Hutch\u2019s ramblings with his mouth.<\/p>\n

END<\/p>\n

Screen shots from David Soul\u2019s movie, Swan Song, 1980.<\/p>\n

David Soul and Child \u2013 from the internet<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Author’s Note: This story is slash, hints at BDSM, and contains stress training. Nothing more than normal exercise, really. The exercise\/stress part is based on David Soul’s movie Swan Song, with screen shots taken from the movie, credited. Right click … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,10,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-398","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-pictures","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=398"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":629,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/398\/revisions\/629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=398"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=398"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2014\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=398"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}