Author: hisluvpet

Story Title: Conversant

Gen or Slash: Slash

Rating: Adult – Soapy scenes warning, m/m ship/sex warning, here there be dragons & possibly a plot or two

Complete or WIP: WIP

Part: 2

Start Date: 03/02/05

Finish Date:

Category: Post-SR, Starkinson, h/c, murder, cover-up, Starsky returns to action, and lots of tofu.

Disclaimer: I have Huggy's cousin as my legal representative, and she says I gotta tell you jive turkeys that I'm not making any green off this little opus so you won't sue my collective behind.

Feedback Onlist/Offlist: Needed like pizza & beer.

Critique Onlist/Offlist: Hit me with your best shot.

Archive: Me and Thee, SH Storyfinders, SH Slash, SHfic, Starsky-N-Hutch-fic, anyone else, just ask, I love to see my name in lights!

Site pimp: http: Merl's Garage – My SH stuff

hisluvpet - The recipe for Adas Polo follows this part of the story. CherryDelight's club is a figment of my imagination, but Santa Monica Boulevard and Plummer Park are real – any resemblance to any structure, business, going concern or wide spot on the boulevard is a really big coincidence and not intended to resemble any neighborhood living or dead.

Are you come to meet your trouble?

The fashion of the world is to avoid cost, and you encounter it.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616), Much Ado About Nothing

If at first, the idea is not absurd, then there is no hope for it.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

The door opened on a homey scene in the kitchen, and he paused to take it in. Starsky was just finishing rinsing some dishes and a teenager he'd never seen before was awkwardly drying them with a tea towel.

"Where does this go?" the boy held up a pan, a vaguely sullen look sat on his pretty face.

"Just put it on the counter over there," Starsky replied as he wiped down the counter. "You coming in all the way, Hutch, or are you just gonna continue to decorate that doorway?"

"Just enjoying the view, Starsk. Domestic you thrills me to the core, honey."

"Chauvinist pig."

"Oink, oink, babe."

Berry's head switched back and forth between the two men with the alacrity of a fervent Wimbledon fan. He'd heard these two were tight, but this was, well, interesting.

Starsky crossed to the fridge and pulled out the juice pitcher, snagged a glass from the drainer that hadn't yet been put away, filled it and handed it to his partner. He motioned to Berry to have a seat, and he sat down, his eyes never leaving the pair.

"Sit down and you can have a lunch-time story."

"Does it come with food?"

"The very best cuisine du Starsky," he pulled a plate from the oven using a hot pad and set it on the table in front of Hutch.

"I knew giving you that subscription to Living Vegetarian was a mistake. What's this?"

"Adas Polo. Shut up and eat; you've only got about half an hour before you gotta get back to Metro."

"Yes, Mom," Hutch mumbled, scooping in a large mouthful and washing it down with juice. Actually, it was pretty good, and he continued shoveling and chewing as he eyed the kid across the table from him. He was dressed in an old t-shirt of his and an ancient pair of Starsky's jeans. The clothes hung on him a little, and his bare feet were tucked around the rungs of his chair.

"Hutch meet Berry. Berry, Hutch," Starsky waved between the two as he turned a chair around and crossed his arms over the back. "He's my present from Huggy."

"But you already have so many."

"Yeah, well he's different. He comes fully equipped with a questionable background, hazy legal status, and oh, yeah, information on a city government conspiracy complete with embezzlement, intrigue and possibly murder."

"Huggy's always thinking of us, isn't he?"

"Dish it up, Berry," Starsky directed, and added firmly, "the Reader's Digest version. Got it?"

"Yeah, I got it," the youth pouted than began his tale.

Berry kept it short, and Hutch was just finishing up his lunch when the story wound down. Looking over at Starsky, their connection met. A few moments later, decision made, they went over the details.

"After seven, I've got the Crenshaw burglary inventory to finish."

"Huggy can probably get us an intro."

"Clothes are gonna be problematic."

"Not a problem - Junior over there'll be our Wardrobe Advisor."

"Be great if we were staking out Goodwill."

"Nah, shoulda seen how pretty he was before I made him take a shower."

"That good, huh?"

"Makes Huggy look downright Republican."

Hutch laughed briefly, then glanced over at Berry, who looked torn between looking fascinated by what the partners were and were not saying, and being cool and aloof. "Walk with me a minute, Berry," he said quietly and he got up and handed his empty plate to Starsky. He nodded to his partner, who looked a moment into the baby blues, sighed, then tilted his head toward the door as he moved to put the plate in the sink. Hutch reached out and stroked a shoulder as he passed.

"Your story's good," Hutch began as he opened the apartment door. "But don't think that my partner and I don't know a hustle when we see it."

"It's no hustle," Berry began to whine, then shut up as Hutch grabbed him by the shirt and pushed him up against the wall next to the door. The hallway was empty and Hutch had closed the door.

"My partner's been through hell the past few months, but he's as strong now as he's ever been, and he never lost any of his intelligence or his cop instincts. If he wants to look into what you're selling, I'll back him. Just remember something, kid. You came to our home. He fed you and gave you some clothes. He's willing to work with you. Maybe I believe you, maybe I don't, but I believe in him. You hurt him, in any way, you're gone. Are we clear?"

"I got it," Berry's eyes were wide as he took in the cobra-like expression in the blond cop's eyes. He then blinked as a lazy smile broke out over Hutch's face.

"See you tonight," he added negligently as he made his way down the hallway to the staircase.

Berry was just standing there when Starsky poked his head out the door and called, "You take root in the hallway, kid?"

Berry silently shook his head and followed Starsky back into the apartment.

"Your partner is one scary dude, man."

"He has his moments. What about this one?"

"Yeah, that might work. You been together long?"

"Quite a few years. This is about it. Think you can work with it?"

"Gimme a few, and I can work miracles."

"Just get us in the door without everyone making us as cops in the first thirty seconds and we'll be fine."

Indignant brown eyes met dark blue, "I may be a hustler, but I am a hustler with class."

"Yeah, you went to the Huggy Bear School of Fashion Flair. And, I don't know that I'd be talking with such pride at being a hustler, kid," Starsky was serious when he looked over at Berry. "It's a dead end, one way or another. If it ain't drugs, it's some John beating on you or killing you, or when you're not so young and pretty no more, they stop coming around, and then what ya got?"

"You sound just like them street preachers, always trying to save my soul. Well, my soul ain't gonna pay the rent or get me food; my ass is, and it's still holding up just fine, thanks."

"Not trying to save you," Starsky said simply as he sat down on the bed next to Berry who was putting shirts with trousers, discarding some to a pile on the floor. "Just wanted you to know I get it and maybe you ought to be thinkin' about it. Word gets out you're snitchin' for us, you may get some crap. Think your fancy man is looking for you yet?"

"Don't got a keeper."

"Sing me another, Berry."

"It's true! I used to do some favors for Latrelle, but I don't no more."

"Used to?"

Berry looked down, "He said I was too old for his tricks, so I, uh, had to go independent, ya know? But that was okay, 'cause that's when I hooked up with Corey. We got each other's backs." The kid's hollow-eyed look had returned.

"How old are you, Berry?"

"Sixteen."

For a moment, Starsky's eyes shut and a pained expression flashed across his face, then he looked over at someone who should have still been a child, but was far from it. He briefly thought of Children's Services, then realized the ink wouldn't have been dry on the paperwork before the kid would have been out the door. Berry's gaze dropped first, and he turned and fiddled with the clothing.

"Here, I put these together. Use some decent shoes and you'll both pass." He got up from the bed and picked up the bag that held his old clothing. "Look, I gotta split, do some stuff," he slid his feet into his shoes, the shiny eveningwear totally incongruous with his current outfit. "I'll meet ya at Huggy's, okay?"

"Around eight," Starsky replied, following him to the door, knowing that it would be useless to try to keep him there. "One thing that's been bugging me, kid."

"Yeah, what's that?"

"If they're keeping an eye on you, like you think, why weren't you afraid to come to a cop's place?"

"S'easy one, man. They'll just figure ya just wanted a little company while your guy is out workin'."

"And when Hutch showed up for lunch, I suppose it was for a threesome?"

"Told ya I was good, man."

"And you want me to believe this is gonna fly on the street."

Berry looked at Starsky and tilted his head, a puzzled looked in his eyes. "You don't know, do ya?"

"Apparently not. Why doncha enlighten me?"

"Word is that Starsky and Hutch are tight, ya get my drift?"

"We've been partners for years, Berry, workin' the same district. That's not news. Nobody's gonna believe I sent out for an underage trick for a threesome with my partner."

"Sure they would. Maybe a little kinkier that what you're known for, but hey, ya could be expandin' your horizons and all that shit," Berry grinned at Starsky's bewildered expression.

"Are you tellin' me word on the street is that Hutch and I are…together?"

"If that's another way of sayin' puttin' it to each other, yeah, man."

Starsky swallowed, started to say something, then stopped, looked at Berry and shook his head. "Whuh, uh what is it about us that makes people think that?"

"You're never apart, man," Berry replied as Starsky moved over to one of the kitchen chairs and sat down. The guy had an odd look on his face. "And, now you're living together. Plus, the vibe ya give off is a dead give away. I mean, I heard stuff, but now that I seen ya face to face…"

"Vibe," repeated Starsky. He rubbed his hands over his face, then looked at Berry.

"Yeah, you're all over each other all the time, man. And that funky no talking thing ya got going? Real spooky, but very together," Berry paused. "Ya really didn't know word was out, did ya?"

"No."

"Well, I can't speak for the whole street, but most everywhere I been, it's known gig, not really talked about much any more."

"Old news, huh?"

"Yeah, always somethin' new going down, ya know?"

Starsky heaved a sigh, raised his brows, and shrugged his shoulders. "That's why you think we'd have no problem getting in at the club, even if we're made as cops, isn't it?" he presently said.

"Ya got it," Berry answered. "Long as ya keep a low profile, everybody's gonna think you're there for an evening's entertainment."

Getting up from the table, Starsky walked Berry over to the door. "I suppose we'll find out tonight," he finally said. "You're sure you'll be all right?"

"For now, man, yeah," Berry replied, oddly touched by Starsky's question. "Had a few minutes ta get my head on straight, I'm good. I'll get some stuff and hang a while at Huggy's. Thanks for the shower and the food," the gratitude sounded foreign in his voice, as if he wasn't used to having anyone to thank for anything.

"S'all good, kid," Starsky replied opening the door. "Stay low. Don't go near your usual spots. Get Huggy to set you up with some clothes. We want to figure out what we're gonna do with this, and we're gonna need your help to do it."

Some of last night's fear flitted over Berry's face before teenage bravado managed to drag up a swagger. "I'll do it for Corey, man."

"That's good, but you might try doing it for yourself, kid," Starsky watched as Berry descended the steps and he shut the door, his face a study of emotions.

"You wanna run that by me again, Starsk?"

"I would, but I don't much get it myself. There's a spot up on the left."

"I see it, thanks. You're the one who spent half the day with that kid."

"Yeah, I know. That doesn't mean it made sense to me. I mean, I understood what he was saying. I just don't get exactly how he arrived at that particular answer."

"Him and everyone else on the street with the exception of us, apparently. Let's get a place to sit and we can talk. Did you bring all my stuff? Lemme get the door."

"Yes, I brought all your stuff – brush, cologne, clothes, shoes all right here in the bag, Sahib."

"You're a better man than I…"

"And don't you forget it, Blondie. I'll snag a booth, then we can see what's up with Hug. Go get prettier."

"Yes, dear."

Starsky smiled blandly at two women at the bar who were staring at him and remarked, "They're just like children, aren't they?" and walked over to where a booth was just being cleared.

"Hey, Cara. How're tips tonight?"

"Starsky, honey, if they were any smaller, I'd need a microscope to find 'em. What can I get you and your big blond hunk o' love?"

"Uh, cough, a coupla beers'd be great, thanks."

Cara smiled at the cute cop, who now had traces of red around his ears. "Don't worry honey, I know he's off-limits. But, a girl can dream, can't she," she winked at Starsky, who couldn't have answered intelligently if his life had depended upon it. "I'll tell Huggy you're here."

He was still processing the light of the really big bulb that had gone off over his head when Cara returned with two frosted mugs of beer, smiled and told him Huggy'd be by as soon as he could. Starsky nodded weakly and the waitress moved off to another table.

Gratefully taking a swallow of beer, he began recalling every remark, every joke, every off-hand comment that he could from the recent past, ever since his rehab had progressed to the point where the partners could go out in the evening to socialize. For the most part, they'd ended up at The Pits, but occasionally they'd dine at a restaurant or take in a movie. They'd also attended a few functions at other cop's houses, including Edith Dobey's birthday party a few weeks ago. The pattern fell completely into place as Hutch slid into the booth next to him.

"I didn't think I looked that bad."

"Huh, oh, no, you look great, Hutch. Always did like you in blue."

"I know – brings out my eyes. Why do you look like you've been pole-axed?"

"That's what I'm talking about. Who says pole-axed, and just what does it mean? Is that something they say in Minnesota? Same as all this other stuff. How the hell am I supposed to keep up? Is there some sort of secret code or am I just dumb or been off the streets for too long?"

Hutch held one hand up, "Breathe, Starsk." And he gulped in a few breaths, his eyes slightly wild until Hutch laid a hand on his wrist, encircling it with his fingers, squeezing lightly once, then gently stroking circles on the back of his hand.

"We've been outed, and I didn't even know about the closet."

"Was there supposed to be a closet?"

"Funny, Blintz. You didn't hear him, or Cara, or…or anybody else who's been talkin' about us for the past few months. Not really. Neither of us have."

"I suppose not. It would explain a few remarks I've been hearing, though," he looked over at Starsky. "Hey, you okay, Buddy?" Hutch's voice got real soft – the tone he reserved for his partner only.

"Are you?" Starsky focused on Hutch's eyes, which always told him the truth. They read puzzled, concerned, and…amused?

"It's a little surreal yet. Give me a while to think about it."

"Surreal. That's a good word. Here's another: surprise, as in a pretty damn big one."

Hutch smiled crookedly at his partner, "Surprise works, too."

Unable to keep from smiling back a little, Starsky shook his head and took another drink of his beer. Hutch continued to gently stroke the wrist where is lay on the table in his hand; neither seemed to remember that he was doing it. An oddly comfortable silence descended as the two sipped their beer and watched the crowd ebb and flow.

"Gonna have to talk about it."

"Yeah, I know. Need to think a while to think about it."

"Can't do it right now. Gotta job to do."

"Might be a job, but I agree, now is not the time."

"This gonna get weird, Hutch? I mean, we can talk about anything, but this, I dunno…"

"Think it's gone past weird already, Starsk. But, we're already talking about it, right?"

A beautiful smile crossed Starsky's face at this revelation, "Guess we are. So, not so weird, but definitely different."

"Different can be good."

"So can the same," Starsky said as he turned his hand so it slid into Hutch palm and grasped it. It was good to hold on to someone who wouldn't let go until you needed them to.

"Evening, gents," Huggy intoned for the benefit of any who might be paying attention as he slid into the other side of their booth. "What brings the Dynamic Duo to the Bear's lair on a Wednesday fair?"

"Just a night out, Hug," nodded Hutch.

"Got tired of the four walls," added Starsky.

"Cara, can I get a beer over here, please?" called Huggy in the general direction of the bar where Cara was filling some orders. Cara acknowledged the order and Diane reached down for another frosty mug from the freezer and pulled down a draft.

Dropping off the brew, Cara wiggled her hips next to Hutch, all the while looking wickedly at Starsky. Starsky waggled a finger at her while chuckling, which caused Hutch to turn to look at his partner during this by-play. The ready amusement in Starsky's eyes lightened his mood even more, which was good, 'cause there was so much going on right now, he was amazed that his head wasn't exploding.

"Get yer own Blintz, Cara. This one's off the shelf."

"But still fresh and good looking," Cara laughed as she wiggled her hips a bit more on her way to deliver her other orders.

"Objectified," Hutch bitched good-naturedly, pleased by the silliness that had lightened their mood.

"If you two are finished playing, maybe we can get down to the business of the night?" Huggy raised his eyebrows and sipped his beer, but amusement quirked his mouth and his eyes were twinkling.

"You got the kid stashed?" Starsky asked quietly.

"Yeah, he's hangin' in the spare room."

"He gonna stay put?" Hutch asked baldly.

"I think so," Huggy replied evenly. "But, he's the wandering type, if you know what I mean. He's scared now, but in a couple of days…who knows?"

"We oughta be able to figure out if this is going anywhere by then," Starsky noted, scanning the room.

"What do you see?" Hutch asked, making his own quiet perusal.

"Nothing in particular. Just got that feelin' we're being watched, and by eyes that are less than friendly."

"Wouldn't be surprised, from what Berry says," Huggy remarked.

"What's your take on his story, Hug?" Hutch wanted to know.

"Trips a bit of the light fantastic, but generally holds together with the telling of it when I finally pinned him down. I'm keeping my ears open, but in a quiet way, due to the circumstances, ya dig?"

"We need to figure out if there's something to it, Hug. Then, we'll have to decide how to tell Dobey," Hutch said. Starsky sighed, knowing at that point, until he'd been cleared by the Board and back on active duty, his part in this little production was going to be very limited.

"You hear anything about this Moon guy?" Starsky changed the subject slightly.

"Just some general stuff. He's old school muscle. Not the type uh dude to be messin' with, or he'd be happy to give you a free face job without benefit of anesthetic."

"Terrific," Hutch muttered. "What's this club like?"

"Oh, CherryD's is a pure delight," explained the Bear cheerfully. "Mixed bag of professionals, punks, and leatherman, with the occasional straight tossed in for variety. Has a rotating floor show. Some nights bands, some nights a revue."

"Sounds a lot like the Parrot," Starsky offered.

"Just a bit newer on the scene and a trifle higher in class. It's over off Santa Monica by Plummer Park, in that newly renovated section."

"Is the world ready for an upscale gay bar?" wondered Hutch.

"Apparently West Hollywood is. But, I believe they prefer the term mixed," added Huggy. "The idea bein' to reduce attention from the more conservative of your brethren in blue."

"Not our beat, but we haven't heard about any rousting recently. I checked with Vice, and they have an eye on it for the coke trade, but it's not known for any heavy hitters."

Noting that Hutch included his partner automatically, even thought it had been a while since Starsky or him had been on "their" beat, Huggy had to smile. "You don't think the less than honorable'd clue you in on their questionable activities, do ya Blondie? Probably think you'd tip 'em off."

"With our secret code, no doubt."

pause

"Ya coulda told us, Hug," Starsky said quietly. "It woulda been less of a surprise."

Huggy was silent for moment, and the partners could see he was thinking hard about exactly how he was going to explain it to them. The Bear's face took on an earnest expression, and his elocution became crisp and precise. "I truly didn't know which way you two wanted to play this. I wasn't sure if you'd want me to ask directly. I knew IA'd have a field day with it if they heard, so I've done all I can to make sure that the wrong ears don't hear anything they ought not to. But street folks have eyes and the word is, pardon the expression, out."

"And you don't think we should have known this?" Hutch was puzzled.

"The two of you have been tight from the moment you met," Huggy replied. "You never saw it as different or why anyone should have a problem with it; I know I never have. I've seen you brush off comments and rumours because they never even entered your galaxy. But, after Gunther, something changed. Your matched set got even tighter, which wasn't a surprise, 'cause almost dying tends to change people."

"Berry said something about a vibe we give off," offered Starsky.

"That's a good way to put it," Huggy replied. "I just decided to wait until you gave me a sign on which way to handle it."

"We're not sure where this is going, Hug," Hutch finally said.

"That's okay; when you know and feel like telling me, you will." He watched the partners fondly as they looked at each other, talking in that silent way that he was familiar with, but never had the honour of sharing with anyone. Both looked back at him and nodded in unison.

"Thanks, Hug," Starksy said presently.

"You're a good friend," Hutch added, gripping his partner's hand tighter for a moment, and feeling pressure in return.

"Of course I am," Huggy said blithely. "The Bear branch of the Brown family boasts the best of the best, envied by all the rest." The laughter that followed was silly and natural and cleared the air.

"Any chance of an in at this place?" Starsky asked.

"It just so happens that a brother-in-law of a cousin of mine works sets and lighting at the club, so he can give you an idea of what's shaken behind the scenes, but you're gonna have to handle the upfront stuff yourselves," Huggy replied.

"Is everyone in the greater metro area related to you, Hug?" Hutch shook his head in bemusement.

"Just the finer half, ma man, just the finer half," the Bear moved a hand with a flourish as he stood up. Leaning over, he added, "Finish your brews and find your way upstairs. I'll meet you and we can finalize the details of your little journey to the land of Delights."

TBC

Adas Polo (Rice With Lentils) from Iran

Makes about 3 Persian or 6 Western servings.

Ingredients

2 cups long grain brown rice

1 cup dried lentils

potato or eggplant, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons corn or peanut oil

1/4 cup of raisins, chopped currants, or chopped dates

For this recipe, use a medium (about 2.5 litres or 2.5 quarts) pot which has a lid.

Rinse the rice several times in warm water to remove the surface starch. Then soak in lots of cold water, in the refrigerator, overnight. Drain the rice and set aside.

Bring 5 cups of water to a rapid boil. Then add the rice and lentils. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking together. Drain the rice and lentils. Then mix in the raisins, currants, or dates.

Spread the oil evenly on the bottom of the pot. Then cover with one layer of sliced potatoes or eggplant. Sprinkle the rice mixture over the potatoes or eggplant. It should be heaped in the middle and not touch the sides of the pot. Cover the underside of the pot lid with a clean dish towel, and place the lid tightly on the pot. The towel absorbs extra moisture which otherwise would drip back onto the rice and make it soggy.

Cook the rice mixture for 10 minutes over medium heat, and then reduce the heat to allow the rice to steam for another 40 minutes. The heat can then be turned down very low to keep the rice warm before serving.

When ready to serve, level the rice and invert the pot over a large serving dish. The polo (rice mixture) is then served upside down, with a golden potato/eggplant crust (called "tahdig") on top.