The lights from the huge Christmas tree sent warmth and a peaceful radiance through the apartment. Starsky wiggled his toes, which were comfortably ensconced in Hutch’s lap. Starsky’s back was nestled into one arm of the couch, while Hutch sat companionably next to the other arm, his legs resting on a pillow on the coffee table. Hutch absently rubbed his partner’s stockinged feet as he watched the flickering television screen.
“Didn’t think you’d want to watch this, even on Christmas Eve,” Starsky mused, cracking a walnut he had retrieved from the bowl resting on his stomach. “It’s full of eu… euphemistic sentimentality.”
“Euphoric sentimentalism, Starsk,” Hutch said, smiling. “Yep, It’s a Wonderful Life is full of that, I guess.” He looked across at his friend. Starsky chewed happily, his eyes aglow, the fuzzy Santa hat perched lopsidedly on top of his luxuriant, unruly curls. The sight filled Hutch with comfort and affection, and he unthinkingly increased the pressure as he massaged Starsky’s feet.
“Hey, Blintz! That tickles!” giggled Starsky. “Watch out, or I’m gonna spill the nuts.”
That choice of words rendered Hutch quiet and thoughtful. He wondered for the umpteenth time if he should go through with his plan. But the cozy, familiar nearness of his friend was so reassuring that his fears were quelled. It was time.
The movie arrived at its heartwarming conclusion. Hutch took a sip of his wine for his last bolster of courage.
“Gettin’ late, Blondie.” Starsky yawned and stretched.
Hutch couldn’t help noticing how his muscular chest pulled the fabric of his tight cotton shirt, how his biceps rippled.
“Time for me to give you your present. It’s ok, I know you don’t believe in ’em; I don’t mind. But Christmas for me is about presents, and I wanna give you one. Back home we always opened at least one on Christmas Eve.” Starsky got up, rustled under the tree, and handed Hutch a brightly wrapped gift. “I picked it out special for you, Hutch. I think you’re gonna love it!”
Hutch took the box from Starsky and placed it gently on the couch. “Thank you, Gordo. I know I will. But this year –” he stood and walked to the tree, reached behind it, and brought out a small box wrapped with care. “This year, I think the euphoric sentimentalism finally got to me. I have something for you.”
The crooked grin shone in Starsky’s face, matching his lopsided cap. “For me? You got one for me?” He took the box eagerly from Hutch’s hand. “Wow, buddy. Thanks! This means a lot to me.”
“Better open it first,” Hutch said quietly. His heart was thumping in his chest so loudly that he was afraid his partner could hear it.
“Me first? Okay! Since it’s the first Christmas present you’ve given me, that makes sense.” Starsky tore the bow and wrapping off the box with his typical enthusiasm. Lifting the lid off the box, he stared inside it quizzically.
“Mistletoe? What’re you tryin’ to tell me, Blintz? I need help with the ladies?”
Hutch’s face fell. “No… no, of course not… that’s not it…”
Starsky looked at Hutch, confused. “Well, it can’t be you that needs help with ’em. You musta mixed up the boxes or somethin’.” He laughed. “I know, you were gonna give this to Simonetti. He DOES need help with the ladies.”
He watched as Hutch took the box from his hands, removed the small branch, and walked resolutely to the doorway to the bedroom. With a trembling arm, Hutch pushed a tack into the top of the door jamb, hanging the mistletoe there. He then turned and stood under it, holding out his arms.
Starsky looked wonderingly at Hutch. “Awww, Hutch….”
Hutch was full of love and yearning. Exposed, vulnerable, he waited to be rejected — or to have his dreams come true.
Starsky closed the distance between them and enfolded Hutch in a hug. “Babe,” he whispered. “I know. I know. And…yes.”
Hutch slid his arms around the warm, hard body and breathed the musky male scent mixed with sandalwood that was Starsky. In the warm glimmer of the Christmas lights, his heart soared as his lips met Starsky’s in the sweetest kiss he had ever known.
Oh my goodness! Hutch under the mistletoe with his open arms reaching toward Starsky – what a beautiful image of love and hope. And vulnerability, as you said. So sweet.
Loved the story and the image of Hutch standing under the mistletoe with his arms open waiting for Starsky is beautiful.
Aww. How brave of Hutch to take such a risk. And how wonderful that it worked out. What a lovely story.
Awwww this was such a great story. I loved how Hutch chose to tell Starsky about his feelings. Thanks so much for sharing!
Aw, first kiss under the mistletoe–sweet! Thanks for sharing 😊
That was such a sweet story and brave of Hutch, not knowing if he was going to be rejected.
Lovely sweet story, thanks.
A very nice story, mistletoe and kisses. Thank you!
That was too sweet!!
That was sweet and wonderful! I could just see them. I love Starsky wearing a lopsided Santa hat, he’d definitely wear it like that. This made me smile, thank you.
aww so sweet. I love this! Of course, my little brain is trying to guess what Starsk and got for Hutch! Love his initial response, unable to figure out why H would have given him mistletoe.
Awww, this was such a sweet story. Brave Hutch and cute Starsky. Lovely!!! ❤
What an image there at the end! Terrific!
Loved this story! It was really SO sweet! Thanks!!!
Perfect gift for Starsky from a hopeful and plant-loving Hutch. Thanks for the gift.
Aww, sweet!
A classic kiss under mistletoe – but even more special since it’s their first. I love it! My favorite paragraph, because it’s funny and sweet:
“Hey, Blintz! That tickles!” giggled Starsky. “Watch out, or I’m gonna spill the nuts.”
That choice of words rendered Hutch quiet and thoughtful. He wondered for the umpteenth time if he should go through with his plan. But the cozy, familiar nearness of his friend was so reassuring that his fears were quelled. It was time.
Thanks everybody! My first story, so glad you liked it!
So sweet–and Hutch is being very brave, letting his love shine.
Very sweet story! I especially like Hutch rubbing Starsky’s feet and the ‘euphemistic sentimentality’.
This is your first story?
Just proves my theory – Starsky/Hutch fans are some of the most creative and talented people around!
Please keep up the great work, MeNThee.