Merry, Merry by Verlaine (rated G)

[sjames-centre.livejournal.com]

Fandom: STARSKY AND HUTCH
Pairing: None
Author on LJ: Unknown


I know it's past the season, but this gem of a Christmas story just NEEDS to be read. It's post-SR and Starsky is still recovering from the near-fatal Gunther shooting. And so is Hutch, who has arranged a special Christmas present for Starsky. The story is told from Merle's POV and we get to see the guys from the outside looking in. Verlaine has painted a heartbreaking picture of love and recovery without once ever crossing the line into schmaltz.. It made me cry the first time I read it and the second and yes, even the third.

Excerpt - 

That smile shoulda told me what was comin', but I still felt my breath catch when Starsky got outta the car. It was mainly the way he got out. So slow, so much hard work. He usta bounce, strut—float like Mohammed Ali when he was really workin' it. Now, left hand on the top of the door, first one leg lifted out, and then the other, and then slowly, slowly, his body straightened up. A long stop, just balanced there, and then he shuffled away from the car far enough for Hutchinson to shut the door.

They stood there, leanin' together, like two trees hit by a storm, and all that was holdin' them upright was each other. Hutchinson bent his head down, like he was listenin', and then nodded. He stepped back just a little and let Starsky stand by himself, with nothin' but his cane. Even from the office, I could see just how much of a job it was.

Truly one of my favourite Starsky and Hutch stories from one of my favourite writers. A story for all seasons.

 http://meandthee.shahrazad.net/display.php?storyid=976