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The Bond

By

Z3

   Prelude: Starsky has been accused by I.A. of corruption. Despite his innocence, the case against him is mounting, and he’s just been temporarily removed of his badge and weapon. He, his partner and his captain know he’s being set up … but thus far, no solution. Alone with Hutch in Dobey’s office, he looks into his partner’s worried expression and silently asks, "How can I get through this?"…

   "C’mere, you", said Hutch, pulling his partner into a close embrace. Starsky’s arms found his partner’s broad back, and he held on tight. This wasn’t one of those macho, ‘keep-your-distance-guy-hugs’. It was holding each other. And it was loving.

   Hutch ran his hands up the full length of Starsky’s back and gently squeezed the tensed up muscles he found there. Quietly and soothingly, he said,

   "Hey … you just let me take care of ya, ok partner? Huh? You just hold on. I’m right here", and he pulled Starsky even tighter into his chest.

   He continued to rub his partner’s back, relaxing the muscles with his touch. Starsky just clung on, inhaling the clean smell of his best pal’s skin, the faint scent of aftershave, fresh, familiar, reassuring … HUTCH’s smell.

   The guys were silent for several minutes, just absorbing each other’s closeness. It was Starsky who broke the silence. He sighed, deep and long. Gently leaned his head back, and simultaneously ran his left hand up to hold the back of his partner’s neck.

   Blue on blue, their eyes met. Locked.

   "I love you so much, Hutch".

   The words said without any trace of discomfort, no awkwardness or embarrassment.

   A moment frozen then, eyes locked, love almost tangible between these two people.

   Hutch’s response came with the same ease … leaned his head forward and (softly) kissed his closest friend on the right cheek … lingered … both men’s eyes closed … this bliss …

   After the longest moment, Hutch very slowly leaned back, still leaving only a chink of light between their faces. He ran a hand up into the recently cut curly hair, gently massaging his buddy’s temples.

   When he spoke, his voice was low, not quite a whisper, but husky with emotion. "Partner", he sighed, "My Partner. I know you love me. You show me in everything you say and do. I see it every time I look at your face and into those crazy dark blue eyes".

   He sighed again. Smiled.

   "And I love YOU. More than you know."

   Time stood still.

   "Got that?" said the blonde, not averting his gaze.

   "Yeah", croaked Starsky, making them both laugh. Cleared his throat … "Yeah," he said, "Got it, partner".

   And they hugged again, tighter, this time … holding onto what both knew would see them through whatever life could throw at them. Their love, their loyalty, their BOND would see them through.

THE END