{"id":110,"date":"2016-12-04T06:55:10","date_gmt":"2016-12-04T06:55:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=110"},"modified":"2016-12-09T01:33:50","modified_gmt":"2016-12-09T01:33:50","slug":"december-4th-thou-art-my-love-by-ksstarfire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=110","title":{"rendered":"December 4th- Thou Art My Love by ksstarfire"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky stood up quickly and hit his head on the rod holding Hutch\u2019s clothes. He grabbed his head and rubbed it with both hands. \u201cOwww! What did you do that for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI did it because you were practically standing on your head in MY closet. So again, what are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI\u2026 uh\u2026 I was\u2026 looking for a shirt I loaned you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhen what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhen did you loan me a shirt? And what did it look like?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cIt was that shirt that looked really good on you.\u201d Starsky beamed his thousand megawatt smile at Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cLook, buddy we both know why you\u2019re in my closet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWe do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, we do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThen why did you ask me what I was doing in your closet?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch gave up. He never could keep up with Starsky\u2019s logic. \u201cYour present isn\u2019t in the house. So you might as well stop looking for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky\u2019s face fell. \u201cIt\u2019s not?\u201d He looked at the mess he\u2019d made digging through the bottom of the closet. He looked back at Hutch. \u201cYou didn\u2019t plant another tree somewhere in my name\u2026did you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNo, buddy. No more trees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cAnother star named after me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNope. One \u2018StarSky\u2019 star is enough to light up the entire night sky.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky was almost sidetracked by the image those words brought to his mind. \u201cAww Hutch, that was downright poetic. But where\u2019s my present?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch laughed. There was no one more determined than his partner when it came to ferreting out his Christmas presents. \u201cChristmas is only two days away. You\u2019ll find out then.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cBut Hutch\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cCome on, gordo. I\u2019ll take you out for some tacos to make it up to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">That megawatt smile made a re-appearance. \u201cAll right!!\u201d<\/span><br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">They went to Starsky\u2019s favorite Mexican restaurant to eat. Hutch even bent his rigid standards enough to have a flour taco. They shared an order of cheddar peppers and discussed what they wanted to do over the days they had off for Christmas.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI think we should go someplace warm. Get away from the cold weather here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cStarsk, it only gets down to 60 degrees here at night, in the 70\u2019s during the day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, like I said, get away from the cold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch just laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cUh. Hutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat did you get me for Christmas?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cPresents are supposed to be a surprise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWell, I know that. But can\u2019t you give me a hint?\u201d Starsky watched as a blush spread across Hutch\u2019s fair skin. \u201cHow come you\u2019re blushing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI\u2019m not blushing. It\u2019s the hot sauce on this taco.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, right.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch changed the subject and kept his partner occupied with their usual banter until the topic of Starsky\u2019s present was forgotten. At least for now.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYou\u2019re sure it\u2019s all arranged?\u201d Hutch was more nervous that he could remember being in some time, but he didn\u2019t show it. \u201cI want\u2026 I need this to go perfectly. It\u2019s very important to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cEverything is arranged, Mr. Hutchinson. The Bay City Art Gallery is very happy to have your patronage and to be able to pay you back for the\u2026 sizable donation you made. And for securing the painting to be a permanent part of our collection. We\u2019ve had quite a few calls asking if it is true and, if so, when the painting might be seen.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch looked sharply at the man. \u201cThis\u2026 my donation\u2026 everything\u2026 is contingent on this remaining a secret until after Christmas.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOf course, Mr. Hutchinson. It\u2019s just that a priceless painting like this one\u2026 well, rumors do occur. I can assure you, Sir, the Bay City Art Gallery has had NO part in creating or encouraging the rumors. Nor have we responded in any way to the rumors.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThat\u2019s good, because I would hate to have to withdraw my donation from this gallery and find another to give it to. Am I clear on that, Mr. Rossman?\u201d Hutch rarely had reason to call on the long history of aristocracy woven through the Hutchinson family tree, but when prompted, he could do \u201chaughty\u201d with the best of them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYes, yes, Mr. Hutchinson. Very clear. I assure you I will personally speak to everyone involved in this venture. No one will know, until you are ready to release that information.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch could see the fine sheen of sweat on Mr. Rossman\u2019s face. He smiled to himself and nodded at the man. \u201cMy keys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI would be most happy to meet you here at any time you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cMy keys, Mr. Rossman. I thought this was understood?\u201d Again the eyebrow went up along with the Hutchinson chin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYes, of course.\u201d The man\u2019s hand trembled as he withdrew a small set of keys from his pocket and handed them over to Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThank you. Now, I would like to see the room, make sure all is as I requested.\u201d It wasn\u2019t a question, and Hutch didn\u2019t phrase it that way. He followed Rossman into the center of the gallery.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cPerfect. And we will be alone here.\u201d Again, not a question.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThere will be a security guard\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWho will, of course remain in his office, watching his monitors\u2026 except for the one in this room.\u201d Hutch was getting quite good at these \u201cquestions that weren\u2019t questions\u201d thing. He almost allowed a smile.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cMr\u2026 Mr. Hutchinson. Surely you are aware of the value of this painting and the need for security\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat I am aware of, Rossman, is that this painting will be guarded at all times by two of Bay City\u2019s finest detectives. What I am also aware of is that YOU approved my request, unconditionally. Is that not correct?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cIt is. My apologies, Sir. I will instruct the guard to leave the cameras off in this room.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cAll other arrangements are in order?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOf course, Sir.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cVery good, Mr. Rossman. I will return the keys to you on the afternoon of the 26th as we agreed. I am most pleased with your cooperation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch walked very quickly out of the gallery and got into his battered LTD. He started to laugh as soon as he shut the door and turned on the ignition. The look on Rossman\u2019s face when he saw Hutch\u2019s car was beyond priceless.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHuuutch! It\u2019s Christmas Eve. Where are we going? Everything\u2019s closed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNot everything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cBut, Hutch\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cPatience, love. Do you even know the meaning of the word?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, it means \u2018let\u2019s drive Starsky crazy\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch laughed and reached out to ruffle the chestnut curls that never ceased to fascinate him with their softness and the way they clung to his fingers. \u201cCome on, we have someplace we need to be.\u201d He wrapped his arm around Starsky\u2019s shoulder and pulled him out the door and over to the Torino.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHow come I can\u2019t drive?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cBecause you don\u2019t know where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOh. Yeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhere ARE we going?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cStarsky!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHmmmmppfffttt.\u201d Starsky got in the passenger\u2019s side and sank low in the seat. \u201cYou SURE you didn\u2019t get me another tree?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI\u2019m sure, Starsk. No more trees.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">When Hutch brought the Torino to a halt in back of the art museum and turned it off, Starsky looked at him. \u201cWhat\u2019re we doing here? It\u2019s almost Christmas; it\u2019s closed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch got out of the car and walked around to open Starsky\u2019s door. \u201cCome on, babe. He put his hand out and took Starsky\u2019s to pull him out of the car.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cBut, Hutch! I thought we were going to get something to eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">With Starsky standing there looking adorably confused, Hutch went to the trunk, opened it, and pulled out a blanket-covered basket. He walked back to Starsky and took him by the arm. He started walking toward the back entrance of the museum, tugging his partner along with him.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHutch? What are we doing here? What\u2019s in the basket? Are we going to break in to the museum?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cIt\u2019s not breaking in if you have the keys.\u201d Hutch handed the basket to Starsky, pulled a set of keys out of his pocket and opened the back door. He punched in a code on the alarm panel then took the basket back from Starsky who just stood there with a confused look on his face. \u201cCome on, love, it\u2019s okay; it really is.\u201d He reached back and pulled Starsky inside.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">There were subtle lights on in the hallways, but it was still fairly dark. Starsky moved up right behind him. \u201cIt\u2019s kinda creepy in here at night! Why are we here, Hutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThere\u2019s that problem you have with patience again. I know you trust me, so why are you acting like you\u2019re afraid of the dark?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky stepped back. \u201cI am NOT afraid of the dark! I was just afraid I might trip on some priceless work of art and break it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cFor what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cFor calling me a \u2018priceless work of art\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYou were walking right on my heels, so the only thing you would have tripped over would have been me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOh, well, you\u2019re welcome. Now can we get outta here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNot yet. I wanna show you something.\u201d Hutch kept walking through the hallways, turning right then left until he came to the room he was seeking. There were no lights on in the room. He pulled a small flashlight from his pocket and turned it on. \u201cStarsk, I need you to stand here with your eyes closed until I tell you to open them. Will you do that for me? Please? It\u2019s important.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky looked into his partner\u2019s eyes for a few seconds. It was dark in the hallway but there was enough light for him to see Hutch\u2019s clear blue eyes. \u201cYeah, just hurry. I still think this is creepy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch stepped into the room and spread the blanket on the floor. He took the battery powered candles out of the basket and sat them around the blanket. He put the food out on one side and a bottle of champagne, complete with a bucket of ice and two glasses beside the food. He checked that everything was ready and walked over to the wall where he turned on the soft lighting that accented the painting that was hung there. He looked at the bronze tag beneath the painting and smiled, hoping the sentiment engraved there would be the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-105 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/snowflakes-divider.png\" alt=\"snowflakes-divider\" width=\"69\" height=\"25\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOkay, Starsk, you can open your eyes now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky opened his eyes and saw the smile on Hutch\u2019s face. Then he looked around the room from the doorway. He saw the blanket, food, and candles in the middle of the floor. Then he saw the painting on the wall directly in front of him. He stood still, holding his breath as his eyes took in the sight, not really believing what he was seeing. \u201cHutch?? Is that\u2026 the real\u2026 painting?\u201d He tore his eyes off it and turned to Hutch.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, lover, it is. Merry Christmas. That\u2019s your present. Well, at least the start of it. Go read the plaque under it.\u201d He pulled Starsky into the room and gave him a gentle shove toward the painting. \u201cI knew you liked it. But I like it, too. It reminds me of us.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThe flowers are what we are. You can\u2019t tell who is giving the flowers or who is receiving them. It\u2019s a back and forth. Just like with us. The flowers are \u2018love\u2019.\u201d Hutch stopped, embarrassed at what he had revealed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky couldn\u2019t take his eyes off the painting. He walked over and stood directly in front of it. The usual ropes that kept visitors at least five feet from the art work were off to the side. He was able to stand close to it. He looked at it from top to bottom, side to side. Then his eyes fell on the gold plaque below it. His eyes welled as he heard what Hutch said and read what was engraved there.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cMains aux Fleurs \u2013 Pablo Piccaso\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo S. from H. Now you can see it any time you like.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">For my friend, my partner, my love.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">FOREVER<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">ME AND THEE<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Love, Christmas, 1980.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHow\u2026 what?\u201d Starsky stood in front of the painting, staring intently at it. \u201cI can see the brush strokes! Hutch? I don\u2019t understand.\u201d He turned to look at Hutch then turned back to the painting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cDo you remember me telling you about my Aunt Florence?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThe crazy aunt no one ever talks about?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThat would be the one. She died. And apparently she remembered me being kind to her when I was a kid. I would open doors for her and, when she got arthritis really bad, I would help her get up from her chair and walk with her holding onto my arm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah? And?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cAnd she left me a small bequest in her will.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHow small?\u201d When Hutch didn\u2019t answer right away Starsky pried his eyes off the painting and turned to face his partner. \u201cHow small, Hutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cUhhh\u2026 \u201c Hutch coughed and at the same time said, \u201cTwenty million.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky stared at Hutch. \u201cTwe\u2026 twe\u2026 did you say \u2018twenty\u2019? Million?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI think I\u2019m going to pass out!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch quickly walked over to Starsky and led him to the blanket and helped him sit down.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHutch? What are we\u2026 you gonna do with\u2026 twenty million dollars?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky was still looking a little pale so Hutch sat down beside him and pulled him into his lap. He took Starsky\u2019s face in his hands and turned it to his. He took his mouth in a deep, all-consuming kiss. When he felt Starsky\u2019s arms come around him and his mouth responding, he eased up slightly. He broke the kiss and told Starsky to open his eyes. \u201cYou okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me? When did this happen?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI got the call three weeks ago. I was going to tell you right away, but it takes time for this to go through the channels. I had to wait to be sure there weren\u2019t any challenges to the will. Not that I thought there would be. Aunt Florence may have been eccentric, but she had the sharpest mind and best team of lawyers of anyone in the Hutchinson family. Then I wanted to get you the perfect Christmas present.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cBut, Hutch\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch silenced him with another kiss. \u201cI knew you liked this painting, so I started doing some research and making calls. Turns out the painting was looking for a permanent home. A little money in the right hands and voila\u2026 it now resides here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cForever?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cForever.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWow, Hutch! This is the greatest Christmas present ever! But\u2026?\u201d He looked back up the painting, smiling.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNo, it didn\u2019t take all the money, mushbrain, if that\u2019s what you wanted to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky nodded, blushing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThat\u2019s not the end of your presents, love.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cIt\u2019s not?!\u201d Starsky beamed at Hutch. His face looking like a kid who\u2019d just been told he could have anything he wanted in the candy store.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNot even close. But first we need to eat!\u201d He pulled the basket over and took out the food he had packed. Pizza, meatball sandwiches, jello with a can of whipped cream to top it, chips and root beer. He handed Starsky a paper plate and plastic utensils and motioned for him to dig in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cMy faves!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cOf course. It is YOUR present-day.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHave I told you how much I love you, blondie?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch mumbled, \u201cI\u2019m countin\u2019 on it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat did you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI said, yeah, you have.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">They ate in companionable silence with Starsky frequently looking at the painting and smiling. When they finished, Hutch packed everything back in the basket and brought out a corkscrew to open the bottle of champagne. He handed Starsky a glass then tilted the bottle to fill it. He filled his own and placed the bottle back in the ice bucket. He lifted his glass to touch against Starsky\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo us.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Each sipped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo Christmas, good times, good friends.\u201d Hutch said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat you said.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Each sipped.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo you\u2026 saying \u2018yes\u2019.\u201d Hutch continued.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo me\u2026 what? Saying \u2018yes\u2019 to what?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cTo this.\u201d Hutch reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet box. He turned it to face Starsky and opened it. \u201cI love you, David Michael Starsky. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">He watched as Starsky reached out to take the diamond-studded band from the box. Starsky\u2019s eyes widened at the brilliance of the stones then he looked at him. \u201cHutch\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch took a breath. \u201cSimple question, Starsk. I just need a \u2018yes\u2019 or \u2018no\u2019.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky slipped the ring on his left hand. With all the love he felt shining in his eyes, he said a simple, \u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch let out the breath he had been holding. \u201cYou have made me the happiest man on Earth!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cSecond happiest\u2026 because I\u2019m the happiest. I love you, Hutch. More than you could ever know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cSame here, babe. And I do know, because I feel the same way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Several long kisses later, Starsky suddenly pulled back.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHow much\u2026 how much money is left?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cDo we need to talk about that right now?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah. I think we do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWill you accept enough to keep us both in beer and pizza for the rest of our lives?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cUh, no. Spill, blintz. How much?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWell, about fifteen I would say.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cFifteen thousand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNot exactly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHow much\u2026 you\u2019re not trying to tell me\u2026 million?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Hutch just nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat are we gonna do with that much money?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cI thought we might upgrade our house. Something with a room for your model trains and ships. A greenhouse for me. And extra bedrooms for friends and family when they visit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWhat about our jobs?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cWe can still work full time. Or drop to part time so we can both study for the captain\u2019s boards. Or we can retire from the streets. Maybe apply to teach at the academy. I think we could both offer a lot of knowledge to the recruits. Knowledge that might keep them alive on the streets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cHutch, you\u2019ve\u2026 you\u2019ve given me everything. Chances I never thought to have. Love like I\u2019ve never known before. I\u2019ll do whatever you want to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cNo, babe. We\u2019ll talk it out and make the decision together. Just like we\u2019ve always done.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cUh, Hutch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, Starsk?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cThat painting is pretty expensive, huh?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, Starsk, it is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cSo, are there cameras in this room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky looked a little green so Hutch quickly pointed to the cameras hung near the ceiling in two corners of the room\u2026 and the black drop clothes hanging over both. He grinned at Starsky. \u201cAlready took care of them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">They moved the basket and candles off the blanket. They lay down side by side, touching each other through their clothes, until that wasn\u2019t enough for either of them. They slowly peeled each other\u2019s clothing off, touching and kissing each inch of uncovered skin. It didn\u2019t take long until they were both naked and hard.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">Starsky started to get on his knees for Hutch, but Hutch stopped him. \u201cI want you,\u201d Hutch said. \u201cI want you to take me. I want you inside and around me, Starsk. Please?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cAnother present?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\">\u201cYeah, buddy. Another present. The first of fifteen million I am gonna give you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-112 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/master-AMAT367small.jpg\" alt=\"master-amat367small\" width=\"576\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/master-AMAT367small.jpg 576w, https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/master-AMAT367small-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/master-AMAT367small-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d Starsky stood up quickly and hit his head on the rod holding Hutch\u2019s clothes. He grabbed his head and rubbed it with both hands. \u201cOwww! What did you do that for?\u201d \u201cI did it because you &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/?p=110\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-110","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-slash"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=110"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":201,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/110\/revisions\/201"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=110"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=110"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2016\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=110"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}