December 18th: Making the Yuletide Gay by m.butterfly

Bay City, December 19

“I wish I could come with you.”

Hutch zipped up his garment bag, which was lying on the bed, and gave Starsky his full attention. “No, babe, you don’t. Trust me. You’d have a lousy time. And it’s freezing there.”

The look of incredulity on Starsky’s face made Hutch queasy.

“I wouldn’t expect to have a blast at your grandfather’s funeral,” Starsky told him in a small voice. “And I know that Duluth gets really cold in December.”

Hutch sighed and beckoned his partner over. “I know you know that,” he said softly, pulling Starsky in close. “I’ll be back the day after tomorrow and then it’s just you and me for almost a whole week.” Continue reading “December 18th: Making the Yuletide Gay by m.butterfly”

December 15th: Sunrise, Sunset by Silver Chipmunk

Starsky and Hutch knew that Molly and Kiko Ramos were the closest they’d ever come to having children of their own, and they treated them accordingly.

Kiko, a little older than Molly, went to college first, and got a nearly complete scholarship to do “something with computers” that no one else understood, no matter how he tried to explain. It was no problem for his mother, with a little help from Hutch, to pay for what the scholarship didn’t cover. Continue reading “December 15th: Sunrise, Sunset by Silver Chipmunk”

December 14th: A Colorful Compromise by SHybaby

Starsky pulled into the driveway of the home he shared with Hutch, his holiday spirit in full swing. Since he and Hutch retired, life has never been better. Gone were the days of dangerous cases and life-threatening injuries. They were free to live their lives as they pleased, both alive and healthy and above all, still madly in love.

Starsky shut off the engine and gazed at the cozy bungalow, thinking about the special traditions and memories created there, especially at Christmas. He sighed contentedly as he looked at the string of lights he installed that morning, framing the roof and entryway, ready to shine at nightfall.

With an armful of groceries, Starsky climbed out of the car and hopped up the front steps. As he opened the door, the silver bell suspended from the wreath jingled, and at the same time, the phone started ringing. He rushed inside and placed the bag on the counter.

“Ho ho ho. Talk to me,” Starsky sang into the phone, balancing the receiver between ear and shoulder as he unpacked the groceries.

“Ho ho ho yourself,” said Hutch’s familiar voice. “What are you doing?”

“I’m about to make my traditional holiday chili,” Starsky said as he unpackaged the ground beef and threw it into a saucepan.

“Oh, yeah? Don’t forget to lay off the hot sauce. You know how I get heartburn.” Continue reading “December 14th: A Colorful Compromise by SHybaby”

December 13th: The Sixth Box by Keri T.

Keep pushing, keep pushing, Hutch encouraged himself. Venice Place is almost in sight, and all you have to do is focus on your breathing and this damned mile will be over. Hutch steadied his pace, trying to time his breaths to his footsteps and maintain focus, but thoughts of Starsky crept in anyway. I wonder if he’s out of bed yet? Showered? Waiting for me?

When he gratefully reached his home, he gave a final push to sprint up the stairs and walked in with his face dripping sweat. It had taken him three months of running a mile every morning to get back into shape. He used to make this run and barely break a sweat. It didn’t matter though. Hutch didn’t care that he now came home drenched; he had to be at his best. Continue reading “December 13th: The Sixth Box by Keri T.”