To Bear Witness by Keri T. (slash) NC-17, 157K

This is part of the Virtual Season and there are a few aspects that won't make much sense if you haven't been reading stories written earlier in the season (Mostly who the heck Lizzie and Arturo are—suffice it to say they're fellow cops.  Arturo partnered with Hutch while Starsky was still recovering from his shooting.  Lizzie is Arturo's current partner.).  But for the most part, readers can jump right in to a relatively familiar universe. 

Here, Starsky and Hutch are lovers.  They live together, and their relationship is known to their friends.  They are transporting a prisoner scheduled to testify at the trial of a major crime lord via rail from Bay City to Seattle.  The train gets thrown from the tracks before they can reach their destination, however.  Hutch is gravely injured and it becomes up to Starsky to protect his partner and their prisoner.  Wonderful, emotionally charged h/c here with Starsky desperate to rescue his partner, and Hutch just as desperately hoping Starsk can keep himself safe.  Very satisfying with a hot yet gentle NC-17 coda.

It was quiet then, but Starsky could feel Hutch nod his head slightly before speaking again. "Starsk?"

"I'm right here, Hutch, but you need to lay still and rest for me."

"I-I think I might be bleeding."

Tea & Sympathy by JoJo (gen) PG, 11K

Jojo is one of my absolute favorite Pros writers.  She has a way of writing lean, snarky stories that capture the chalk and cheese nature of Bodie and Doyle's relationship.  Her approach with S&H is a bit softer.  But she still tends to pare away all but the essential bits of a narrative.  What's so remarkable about her writing is that she doesn't sacrifice emotion when she does so. 

In this story, Hutch has been shot and has been home for three days with Starsky as a nursemaid.  Unfortunately, the curly-haired Florence Nightingale has been driving his patient to distraction.  The story begins on a particularly bad day.  Hutch is absolutely miserable and bracing for a confrontation with his partner when Starsky comes by after his shift.  It never happens.  What does happen is wonderful and real, and makes for the kind of story that leaves a smile on your face.

Hutch stared at him. Never in his life had he known Starsky to bring calm into a room. Doors shuddered on their hinges when he arrived. Atmospheres vibrated after a collective sharp intake of breath. Starsky always upped the tempo because...well, upping the tempo was what he did best.

Death of the Six Week Rule by Valentin (slash) R, 46K

This is like a bonus story.  It's h/c and a first time, feel good fic.  Hutch has been temporarily (and accidentally!) blinded by one of his houseplants.  Starsky moves in to help him out while he recovers, and takes exquisite care of his partner.  In this world, set post Starsky vs. Hutch, but apparently prior to Sweet Revenge (though Hutch blessedly loses his moustache mid-fic), Hutch is bi-sexual, a fact he has shared with his partner.  He isn't looking for anything heavy though, so no relationship with a man lasts longer than six weeks. 

As Hutch experiences his world without sight, he ironically begins seeing things differently.  Confined to his apartment the way he is, Starsky becomes (even more than usual) the center of Hutch's universe.  By being reliant on his friend, Hutch comes to fully appreciate their ease together, the way that Starsky understands him, and how right everything seems when they're together.  This is a lovely story full of humor and warmth.

"I told you no good would come of keeping that jungle in your place. Next thing you know, one of ‘em's gonna gnaw your leg off while you're sleeping," Starsky told him with morbid relish.

Thanksgiving a la Starsky by CC & Marcy from a story started by Paula Wilshe (slash) R, 142K

The boys are in a committed relationship and Starsky is going to town to prepare a fitting Thanksgiving feast.  Part of his preparation includes trying out new recipes and fixing "test run" meals.  One of these experiments makes Hutch horribly ill.  Or so our heroes think!  What follows is a trip to the hospital, a showdown with baddies, Hutch with his tush hanging out, and much comfort and care on the part of Starsky. 

This is a very sweet, funny h/c story that features an honest to god case.  This fic started life as a Virtual Season episode, but you don't need to have read any other stories in that universe to make sense of it.  It's highly enjoyable.  And illustrated by the ridiculously talented Lorraine Brevig.

"This is how it starts, you know," Hutch said with an undertone Starsky couldn't identify.

Starsky half-lowered the beer bottle from which he'd been about to drink. "How what starts?"

"First, you're just partners. The next thing you know, you're inviting him to meet you at Huggy's for pool and a beer or two. Then, maybe you ask him to go to a wrestling match or a ballgame. Before you know it, you're lying in his bed, drinking his beer—"

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