Devastation in the Aftermath of Hurricane Nick

Missing Scene from “Starsky’s Brother.” Starsky’s feeling guilty and Hutch has the cure.

The ride home from the airport was very quiet. Nicky’s visit had taken its toll. It was written all over Starsky’s face. There was no usual twinkle in those dark blue eyes that he rubbed absently as they were assaulted by the glare of oncoming traffic.

“Starsk, you okay?”

“Yeah,” he whispered quietly.

Hutch considered his words carefully. “I’m sorry if I interfered in something that you feel was none of my business. Contrary to what you might think, YOU ARE MY BUSINESS.”

“I’m not upset. You said what you said to Nick because you care about me. You didn’t want to see me hurt,” the brown-haired partner said softly.

“Somehow whenever your brother hits town though, that’s exactly what happens.”

“He’s right, Hutch. I wasn’t there for him. Still not.” Starsky said, his voice growing husky with emotion.

“He’s a big boy, Starsky. He can’t keep blaming you for everything. He makes his own decisions good or bad. Nick’s take on life is ‘my Dad was murdered so it’s his fault that I have this lousy screwed up life.’ ‘My Mom sent my big brother away to live with other relatives, so it’s her fault that I have this lousy screwed up life.’ ‘My big brother made a good life for himself in California so…'”

“I get the point,” Starsky growled regretfully.

Hutch could feel the chill and let it drop, quickly changing the subject. “How about we go to my place? We can get some takeout on the way.”

Starsky answered only with a nod.

****************

Hutch watched quietly as his partner navigated a piece of food around on his plate with his chopsticks — a remnant of his cashew chicken. Starsky had mostly picked at dinner. After a long silence he looked up from his plate and took a deep breath before he spoke.

“You know, my brother is very jealous of our relationship. He thinks that I love you more than I love him.” With this, Starsky rose and made his way into the living room easing down on the couch. Easing his head onto the back of the couch he began to study the ceiling. “He’s right you know.”

It was easy for Hutch to see the pain he was in.

Damn you, Nicky, you selfish bastard!

Hutch rose from the table and walked over to where Starsky sat. Reaching a hand down, he grasped his partner’s hand and pulled him to his feet. Wrapping his arms around the smaller man’s waist, he pulled him closer.

Hutch smiled at his lover, “I’m afraid your baby brother would have a heart attack if he really knew how much we love each other.” His hand wandered to the back of Starsky’s head and gently grasping a handful of curls, pulled him into a long, deep, searching kiss.

After their lips parted, Starsky began to chuckle softly.

“What?” Hutch grinned glad to see Starsky’s abrupt mood change.

“He’d probably be jealous of that too! All he has is a couple of cheap bimbos on the line.” After a long pause, Starsky purred, “I have this intelligent, tall, gorgeous blond, who I wouldn’t give up for a carload of bimbos.”

“Better not!” Hutch warned as he slapped at his partner’s rear and followed him into the bedroom.

Fini