Final Time

Brief Snippet – 'A Coffin For Starsky'.

Scene: On the rooftop after Starsky shot Bellamy.

Starsky couldn't see very clearly, but he recognised the defeat in Hutch's walk as he approached, and could almost see the pain in the eyes of his best friend. Bellamy was dead, then.

Starsky was well aware of what that meant, but he wasn't going to dwell on the if only's of his actions. Sure, if it hadn't been for his blurry vision, or the torturous spasms in his gut, he might have been able to shoot to maim – saved Hutch's life, but not doomed his own. He didn't regret it, though. At least his last act on earth would be saving his partner's life.

He was dimly aware of Hutch retrieving the gun from his hand – a good idea, considering Starsky barely had the strength to stand anymore, let alone holster his weapon. A moment longer and he might have dropped it.

"Thanks, buddy," Hutch said quietly, unable to hide the anguish in his voice as he continued, "What d'you have to do that for? He was the only guy who knew."

You're my pal, Hutch, I wasn't going to let him kill you. Life wouldn't have been worth it without you anyway. Starsky tried to say it out loud, but he couldn't get the words past his throat. It was hard to breathe...

He knew Hutch needed him to say something, so he suppressed the agony as much as he could and tried to keep his tone light-hearted as he exhaled weakly, "It seemed to be a good idea at the time."

His endurance had been stretched to the limit, and Starsky could feel the life and energy seeping out of him. Oh God, he was dying. Hutch-

Everything was fuzzy, but Starsky's eyes flickered toward his friend nonetheless, as he strained to see him for what could be the final time. Miraculously, his gaze cleared for a few moments, and Starsky stared into the familiar sky blue eyes, drinking in the image of his partner, communicating everything he could not say...

And then Starsky collapsed into Hutch's arms, as the world disappeared into darkness.