December 12, 1980
Hutch found Starsky in the kitchen, wadding up a newspaper and stuffing it into a cardboard box. “Is that my Christmas present? Should I close my eyes?” he joked.
But there was none of the carol humming or cookie munching that usually accompanied Starsky’s holiday wrapping jobs. Starsky just kept his attention on whatever was in the box. His mood would have been unreadable to anyone else, but Hutch knew that face. It meant Starsky was trying to deal with some strong emotions.
He moved to stand behind him and put an arm around his waist, feeling the tension in Starsky’s frame. “Starsk, what’s going on?”
“Nothing… just…packing this up to ship to Ma.”
Hutch peered into the box and saw the freshly polished menorah nestled in wads of paper.
“Why?”
“We were talking about Hanukkah. She said she’d thought about it and since it’s a family heirloom that Nicky should have it, so it could still get passed down to the next Starsky generation.”
Hutch was stunned. He knew Perla wasn’t happy with their relationship, but to take back the menorah? Starsky’s great-grandfather had run into a burning synagogue to rescue the Torah and menorah. The Torah had been used to start a new congregation in a new land, but the menorah had stayed in the family, passed from father to first-born son. A legacy of bravery and dedication that his partner had lived every day on the streets.
“Oh, babe.” Hutch pulled him closer, pressing a kiss into the curls.
“No, she’s right. It’s the only heirloom the Starsky family’s got and it should be passed down. And since I’m not going to give her a grandson, Nick should have it. He’s doing great now. Ma thinks he’s going to propose to Candace soon, so it should go to him.”
As much as Hutch wanted to vent his opinion of Perla’s passive-aggressive tactics, he kept it to himself. He gave Starsky another hug. “I’m sorry, babe. I know what it represents, what it means to you. I never thought–”
“Hutch, don’t.” Starsky shook his head. “You didn’t cause this, so don’t start apologizing. To me, Ma asking for this back means she’s accepting that we’re real.” He paused, drew a deep breath and Hutch felt the shift of tense muscles. He could feel his partner letting go of the hurt, moving past it and getting on with life. Starsky turned in his arms to give him a quick kiss before adding, “Besides, you’re loads more fun to light up than a menorah. And it’s not like I’m giving up the Torino!”
Hutch recognized the unspoken request to let it go, so he heaved an exaggerated sigh and said, “Thanks. Nice to know I’m so highly prized.” Then he gave Starsky’s ass a firm slap, just the way he liked.
“Mmm.” Starsky wiggled against him. “Do that again.”
Hutch obliged, and Starsky started maneuvering them towards the bedroom. “Tell you what, you can show me all the ways you can be more fun than my car and maybe I’ll revise your ranking.”
Later, as Hutch was on the edge of sleep, Starsky quietly said. “It’s not like I’m that religious or anything.”
“We can always buy a menorah. I know it won’t be a replacement, but we’ll have one of our own to use, if you want to.”
“Yeah… yeah, I guess so.”
“We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Go to sleep, babe.”
Starsky replied with an affectionate sounding mumble followed by a light snore.
Hutch whispered, “Thank you for choosing us,” into a curl-covered ear before falling asleep in Starsky’s arms.
Aww, how hurtful for Starsky…so glad he has Hutch to help him through it. 😘
Oh, so sad. That possibility had never occurred to me before. It may be a ‘logical’ decision but I disagree with her request and wish she would think long and hard about what it would do to Starsky. (Quite frankly I can’t see Nick treasuring it or treating it with the respect it deserves either) Thank goodness Hutch is always there for him. I hope they get do get one (or, even better, that Hutch gets him one as a gift) and they can then start their own special tradition. Thanks so much for writing this so beautifully and from such a unique perspective, too (even though I shed a tear!) XX
Poor Starsky-do sad that he has to choose, but so sweet that he made the right choice and Hutch appreciates it!
Oh…this is bittersweet and happy at the same time. And it’s wonderful. I love Starsky’s understanding that it’s because he and Hutch are truly a couple is why his mom is asking for it back. And also Hutch’s understanding of the passive-aggressiveness on Starsky’s mom’s part. And yes, Starsky choosing Hutch is way more important than any family heirloom even if it hurts.
Thank you for this lovely story of family–both old and new.
Wow, such a beautiful story about their love and with a meaningful message about what’s really important. I have to say, I disagree with his mother; it was not her place to ask for something back that didn’t belong to her. She could have asked Starsky to will it to one of Nick’s kids, problem solved. The fact that Nick does not even have any kids yet, or is only on the brink of possibly marrying makes this even more hurtful for Starsky. The way Starsky handled it shows the depth of his character.
“Thanks for choosing us.” Lovely message.
This is really beautiful; it strikes a balance between hope and sorrow.
Aww, this left me choked up. At least Starsky could see the positive side. He’s lucky he has Hutch to light up.
So on the last night of Hanukkah, Hutch will give Starsk a beautiful menorah.
That was a side of Starsky’s mother I didn’t expect – but, no matter how much I disagree with what she did, I think it’s an accurate reflection of the times. I love this story. The relationship between Starsky and Hutch is so beautiful, growing stronger despite the sorrow Perla caused. Thank you for writing such a thought-proving story.
Every holiday must have a rollercoster — we then appreciate what means the most to us and what we have right in front of us!
Thanks MatSir for a poignant story – although I hope this isn’t based on any true experiences! Happy Holidays.
Thank you for writing and sharing what was, for me, a totally original story. I’ve never read a single instance where Starsky’s mom interacted in such a manner with her son, who seems to adore her, if the little snippets we get from the show can be believed. I agree with SHybaby that Starsky could have easily willed the menorah to his brother and/or Nick’s future kids.
The sad and the sweet balance, left me very satisfied with the depth of the love the boys share.
I’ve already mentioned that I believe Hutch is an inveterate thrifter. Wouldn’t it be nice if the went to a dusty old junk store and “rescued” a menorah in need of a family and love?
Beautifully told. Gratefully received.
thank you for this beautiful gift. Loved seeing a different name and a different take on Starsky’s mom than our head canon. I chewed on this, on the unacceptable (to me) request made by his mom, to Starsky’s interpretation/silver lining. Starsky is the first born; my brain wonders if our guys adopt, would their son get the menorrah? If not, shouldn’t it be Starsky’s decision to give the heirloom to his brother to celebrate the birth of Nick’s son? or not. I do enjoy stories that make me think.
Nicky reformed? Naw!
I love this story!
We love our families for the most part, but sometimes it can be hard. Lovely story.
Ow. I’d like to have words with Perla. And how like Starsky to love his mom enough to paint her actions in a positive light, wherher they were originally meant well or not. How could you not love him? Thank you for this sad, sweet story.
Wow, powerful, gut-punch story. Poor Starsky, I wanted to hug him–so glad Hutch was there to hug him close. Starsky wins.
Wow, that carried a powerful punch in a short piece. Thank you.
This was a lovely, poignant story. It’s very sad for Starsky, but like he said it tells him that his mother is acknowledging that his relationship with Hutch is real. Loved it. Thank you!
We know that Mrs. Starsky has always favored Nicky and to ask for the Menorah back to give to Nicky must hurt Starsky terribly to remember he is #2 in Mrs. Starsky’s thoughts. I think Hutch made him feel much better.
Oh, what an emotional, poignant fic! Family relationships can be fraught, especially around the holidays, and you’ve captured that quite masterfully. I’m sure Hutch will see to it that new traditions are begun. Thank you so much for this, Mat 💖