S&H are not mine. The telling of this story in no way infringes on those who own that concept.

The shiny red Ford Torino screeched to a halt at a parking space which was conveniently located near the entrance of a busy shopping mall. The dark curly haired driver of the car smiled as he turned to speak to the blond haired passenger.

"Well Hutch, we had better make this snappy or Dobey will have our hides."

"Our hides! Starsky -- this is your idea. I said a simple bouquet would have done but you wanted something 'special' and I'm quoting you." The blond haired man suppressed a smile as he finished speaking.

"Ah Hutch! You like Rachael don't you? And she is flying to Europe tomorrow and you should get her something nice. With any luck you'll get to see her tonight, a nice meal then back to your place where you can produce an early Valentine present and Bingo. Believe me Partner women love Valentine's Day." Starsky smirked as he got out of the car.

Hutch tried to respond but was left speechless as his friend bounced towards the entrance to the Mall. The blond member of the duo hurried to catch up with his friend. Hutch managed to do this with a few strides of his long legs. Once inside the shopping mall the pair parted and headed their seperate ways.

Thirty-five minutes later a rather irritated blond looked at his watch for the fifth time in as many minutes and sighed. He rubbed his eyes with his hands and stretched out his brown corduroy clad legs as far as he could in the confines of the passenger side of the Torino. His eyes searched the parking lot for his partner and he sighed as he spotted the brunet approaching the car. Starsky, dressed in his usual attire of skin tight blue jeans, blue cotton shirt opened at the neck exposing curly brown hair, blue windbreaker and addidas sneakers, was holding a huge brown and white teddy bear with a large sash draped over its chest proclaiming "BE MY HONEY, VALENTINE". The blond sighed as he noticed two women smiling at Starsky as they walked by his partner and they were treated to a huge smile by the brunet.

Starsky placed the teddy in the back seat of the Torino and then swung into the driving seat. He beamed at his partner as he said "Well what did you get for Rachael? No, don't tell me -- jewelry. A locket maybe?"

Hutch smiled as he looked at Starsky "I got her this." And he handed his partner a small paper bag.

Starsky took the bag and pulled out a book. His mouth literally fell open as he read the title. "Geez. Hutch, you have really outdone yourself in the gift stakes this time. I mean what woman wouldn't kill for a copy of 'A Hundred Yoga Positions That Will Help Maintain Your Body As A Temple'. I mean it's bound to sell out with a catchy title like that."

Hutch laughed as he took the book from his partner and threw it into the back seat. "Look, Starsk -- Rachael likes things like this and lets be honest we're not in love we're just having a good time. It's just a fun thing for both of us. I like her and she likes me but it's not serious. We will have a nice time this evening and then she'll head for Rome in the morning and in a few weeks when she's back in town she'll call."

"Ah! Huch -- I know but you deserve more. I mean I think I'm beginning to fall for Niamh in a big way and I suppose I just want you to find someone special too." Starsky finished speaking as he pulled out of the car park.

His blond partner smiled "Starsk I'm happy for you. Nive -- how the hell do you pronounce it?"

Starsky laughed "Nive -- that's near enough. It's an Irish name. Her grandmother was Irish and with those green eyes and rich auburn hair -- well let's just say I'd kiss her Blarney Stone any time."

Hutch smiled and the pair drove in silence but the blond man frowned as he turned to look out ot the window. Niamh, there was a lady he wasn't at all sure about. Starsky was falling for her -- no doubt about that but there was something that didn't quite fit. She didn't seem to radiate any warmth. That was what was missing -- God knows Starsky deserved more than she appeared to give.

They had intended to head back to headquarters but an announcement from their police radio sent the pair to an armed robbery in progress at a liquor store instead. Thankfully the situation there was tied up quickly and successfully when the young duo involved in the robbery gave themselves up and were taken into custody. A black and white took the felons to the station while Starsky and Hutch assured the officers involved that they would write up the report later. The rest of the shift was a blur for the detectives as they answered several calls from the radio. Eventually they found themselves back in the squad room typing up the arrest reports on the suspects from the earlier robbery. Their outstanding paperwork from other cases was mounting higher on their desks as the day wore on. Hutch sighed as he pulled a completed report from the typewriter he was working on. Starsky looked up from the sheet of paper which he was man handling from the typewriter on his desk.

"Hutch it's nearly eight o'clock. Why don't you get going otherwise you'll have no time with that lady of yours? I'll stay and get some of these reports up to date. That might keep Dobey off our backs for a while." Starsky smiled as he spoke to his partner.

"Starsk are you sure? I thought you were going to meet Niamh later and I don't want to mess up your evening?"

The blond detective picked up the phone and dialled a familiar number. "Rachael? Hi, Hun -- look I'm sorry -- em I'm running late but I am leaving work in a minute -- what? Yeah that would be great. See you there." Hutch smiled as he hung up the phone.

"Starsk -- Rachael said she'd pick up a pizza and meet me at my place. So if you're really sure I'm out of here." Hutch looked appealingly at his partner.

"Hutch -- go meet your lady. I'll see Niamh tomorrow evening. I have it all planned. A nice romantic dinner in that Italian restaurant a few blocks from Huggy's and then home to my place where a trip to Heaven awaits the adventurous. Now go and enjoy your date. Say hi to Rachael for me." Starsky winked at his partner as he finished speaking and reached for another folder from the pile on his desk.

Hutch uncurled himself from his chair and stretched his long legs as he stood up. He grabbed his black leather jacket from the back of his chair and left the squad room but he was back at his partner's desk within a minute. Starsky looked up from the report he was reading but before he could say anything six chocolate bars rained down on his desk. His smile lit up his face like the sky on a fourth of July fireworks display.

Hutch smiled "I couldn't have my partner die of malnutrition while he single-handedly finished our joint overdue paperwork."

Starsky laughed, "Get out of here, Boy and go romance your lady."

After Hutch left for his date Starsky worked diligently on the soul-destroying paperwork that was the bane of every policeman's life. At nine p.m. he got a cup of coffee for himself and phoned Niamh.

"Hi Babe, I have something special planned for tomorrow night. A reservation for 'Little Roma'. How does that sound?" Starsky took a sip of his coffee and then continued before Niamh answered. "I thought we might skip meeting tonight. I have a ton of paperwork that I need to get out of the way to ensure that nothing messes up our date for tomorrow." Starsky put his coffee cup down beside an open file on his desk. He pinched the bridge of his nose with his left hand and said "Whoa, hang on, Niamh will you please let me say something? Yeah -- Hutch has left -- but Rachael flies out in the morning and he'll cover for me tomorrow night. We're partners -- that's what partners do! Why are you making such a big thing out of this? Look I'll talk to you tomorrow night and I'll make it up to you." Starsky sighed as he hung up the phone. Women -- he'd never understand them. Ah hell! That's what made them fun to be around.

Starsky strutted into the squad room and deposited a bright pink bakery bag on his desk. He smiled at his blond partner who was seated at his own desk drinking coffee as he poured himself a coffee from the percuolator jug. His iridescent blue eyes twinkled as he spoke. "Well Partner -- how did your evening go? Did you get to practice some of those yoga positions?"

Hutch smiled but tried to wipe it from his face as he answered. "Get your mind out of the sewer, Starsk. Rachael and I had a pizza at my place. Before you ask -- she liked the book. She said to say hi."

Starsky reached into the pink bag and brought out a donut as he spoke. "A pizza at your place -- Hutch how do you manage to get these terrific women -- that woman puts up with a pizza the evening before Valentine's Day.?"

Hutch looked at his partner. "Buddy -- you either have it or you haven't! Seriously, Rachael knew we'd been working killer hours recently and it was actually her idea to stay in and just relax over a bottle of wine. It was nice."

Just then the door to Captain Dobey's office opened and the man himself appeared and bellowed "Starsky, Hutchinson -- my office now." The heavily built black man turned and walked back into the room.

Starsky and Hutch shrugged in unison as they followed their superior into his office. Dobey was seated behind his desk when they entered and he spoke as the two officers sat down. Hutch sat in an old leather armchair and his partner propped himself on the armrest.

"Gentlemen, are my eyes deceiving me or are there a stack of completed reports in my tray?" Dobey smiled as he leaned back in his chair.

"Cap'n -- I think you will find that all our overdue paperwork is now up to date and just waiting for your perusal and signature. Hutch and I worked very hard to get our reports finished so that it would not be weighing on your mind this weekend. Isn't that right Hutch?" The dark haired detective had a hard time trying not to smile as he finished this revelation and looked at his astonished partner.

The blond haired member of the duo just nodded as he looked at his partner and both detectives left their superior's office. Dobey chuckled as they left and trying hard to keep a straight face addressed the men. "I know you have both been working tough shifts lately but I really needed that paperwork so you two take the next two days off."

Starsky whistled some nameless tune as he sat at his desk. "Can you believe it, Hutch? A whole weekend off. I think I'll surprise Niamh tonight and suggest we spend it together. Maybe take a run up the coast to Carmel."

Hutch answered his friend. "Starsky, I had no idea you were going to do all that paperwork. I thought you would do enough to keep the Captain happy but God you have made him ecstatic. I owe you, Buddy -- how about lunch -- anywhere you want?"

Starsky laughed. "You're in luck Blondie, no burritos today but we should stop by 'The Pits' and see Huggy later so you can treat me to lunch there. He might have some information on that bad H doing the rounds."

Both detectives spent the morning patrolling their area but unlike the day before it was proving to be an uneventful shift. Around two p.m. when the lunch crowd had left they pulled into the car park at the rear of 'The Pits'. Starsky parked the Torino and the partners entered the bar by the back entrance. Their friend Huggy Bear was standing behind the bar drinking a cup of coffee when they arrived. Huggy was a tall, thin black man in his early thirties with sharp features and bright eyes. Today he was dressed in a bright lime green shirt and bright orange pants.

He addressed the partners as they entered. "What can I do for you, Gentlemen, this fine day?"

Starsky answered. "Hi Hug. First we need lunch and my blond friend here is paying and then when we have sampled the culinary delights that your charming establishment has to offer then we would like some information on the supplier of some bad H that's going round."

The black man laughed. "So Blond One what bet did you loose this time? And before you answer let me see if I will get your order right. For my curly haired friend -- one deluxe hamburger special with extra fries and for your losing Partner one tuna on brown bread, light on the mayo and to finish one soda and one milk."

Hutch looked around the bar taking in the array of pink plastic hearts hanging from the ceiling. Valentine's Day was a big social event and 'The Pits' would be crowded in the evening. "We are celebrating, Hug, all our paperwork is up to date curtsey of my Partner here so I'm buying lunch."

The two detectives headed for a booth near the back of the bar from which they had a good view of the whole place. A few minutes later Huggy arrived carrying a tray with their lunches. The friends ate in companionable silence and were nearly finished when the bar owner arrived at their booth with refills of soda and milk. He slid into position beside Hutch. His eyes ranged over his establishment which was still quiet and when he was satisfied that no one could hear his conversation he began. "Well Guys you have been asking about bad H and I put my feelers out on the streets but the only thing I could find out is that most folks are scared, real scared but nobody's talking. Sorry to disappoint you but something is bound to turn but it may take a while. You'll hear as soon as I get a whiff of whatever is going down. Heroin is bad enough but bad H -- well there's no worse trip!"

Three young Mexican boys in their early twenties had entered the bar while this conversation had been going on. Both Starsky and Hutch had noticed them but they appeared to be interested in a game of pool and one of them had brought beers back from the bar while the other two started a game of pool. Starsky, Hutch and Huggy continued their conversation. The topic turned from street talk to romance. Huggy had postponed his 'hot date' until the next day as he would be needed in the bar tonight. Starsky told of his plans for a romantic dinner and didn't appear to notice the reaction or lack of reaction from his colorful friend. It was while Hutch was telling Huggy of his 'hot date' last night that the trouble started at the pool table. One of the young Mexican boys started shouting and went to take a swing at one of his friends with a pool cue. The third man intervened by breaking his beer glass on the pool table and advancing on the first man. Both Starsky and Hutch had spotted the trouble simultaneously but Hutch was hemmed in by Huggy, who hadn't spotted the trouble as quickly as the detectives. Starsky stood up and as he advanced on the troublemakers spoke in a calm voice.

"Guys, I don't think we want any trouble here. I'm a police officer and a friend of mine runs this establishment so I think everybody should calm down and you can go outside and sort out this little misunderstanding. Otherwise my Partner and I will have to arrest you and I'm not in the mood for writing up reports." Starsky kept advancing on the group as he spoke.

The First young man muttered something in Spanish and went to put the cue down but just as he did his two friends panicked and turned for Starsky. Starsky hit one of them on the chin and sent him sprawling over the pool table and into the first man but by this time the second youth was upon him and went to punch the dark haired man. Starsky moved slickly out of the way but unfortunately slipped on spilt beer and fell. He tried to break his fall by putting his right hand out and as a result landed heavily on the floor where the glass had been broken. He yelped as the full weight of his body came crashing down and his palm was impaled on a large piece of broken glass. Hutch, who had been coming up on his Partner's left side took in what had happened and made a determined lunge for Starsky's attacker. It was all over in a few minutes. Hutch handcuffed two of the assailants to the bar while Huggy stood guard over the third man who was still groggy from the force of his flight over the pool table. Hutch rushed to his Partner's side. Starsky was cradling his right hand to his chest as he sat leaning against the edge of the bar. Blood poured from his injured hand.

Hutch leaned down beside his Partner and gently took Starsky's right hand. "Buddy, let me see your hand. Hey -- you really took those guys. Okay, it's okay -- shush." Hutch gently folded the clean dishcloth, which Huggy handed to him, around his friend's hand while at the same time he spoke in gentle tones.

Starsky smiled. "Thanks for the back up. I don't think I could have taken the third guy by myself. Hutch, it's only a cut. It'll stop bleeding in a few minutes."

Hutch helped his partner to his feet and held him firmly by the elbow as he pushed him gently on to a barstool. "Starsk, that needs a few stitches and there could be glass in it. We'll just hand these guys to the uniforms when they arrive then we're taking a quick trip to the E.R."

Starsky tried to protest but in vain. Sometimes a man had to do what his partner wanted -- it was one of those unwritten "Partner Rules". A few minutes later a black and white arrived and Hutch informed one of the officers that he would write up the report later after he had taken his partner for treatment. Huggy set three glasses up on the bar and reached for a bottle of bourbon. "I don't know about you guys but I need a stiff drink for medicinal purposes."

Hutch shook his head. "No thanks, Huggy. I want to get Starsky's hand looked at. I'll call you later."

Starsky tried valiantly to object to the E.R. trip as they made their way to the Torino. "Hutch, it ain't bad. Lets go back and write up our report and if it's still bleeding then I'll go to the hospital." He finished off the sentence by giving his blond partner his best doe eyed look but Hutch was having none of that.

"Look, Starsk, just get in the car. I'll drive and with any luck we'll be in and out before you know it."

Five hours later a very disgruntled dark, curly haired detective with his right hand bandaged left the E.R. of Mercy Hospital with his blond taller partner in tow.

"Well that went really well, Hutch. Five hours -- can you believe it -- I could'a had a heart transplant in the same time that they took to put five stitches in my hand. Do you realize that's a stitch an hour? Even my Aunt Rose could have managed to stitch faster than that." Starsky scowled as he headed for the driver's side of his car.

Hutch smiled indulgently at his friend. "Starsk -- it couldn't be helped. That was a big R.T.A. they were dealing with. God there must have been over thirty people on the damaged bus. At least you got a diligent doctor, and he was right to send you for another x-ray to make sure he had got all the slivers of glass out, and look on the bright side, you won't need another tetanus shot for a couple of years."

Starsky did not smile he just eased himself gently into the Torino and looked at his partner as he started the engine. "Hutch, don't say another word. I don't know which hurts worse my ass or my hand. Let's go to Metro and get the report on this written up before Dobey has our hides."

Hutch smiled at his friend. "I rang him already when you were in x-ray so he knew we would be pretty late getting back. How are you feeling? That was a nasty cut Starsk. Do you want me to drive?" Hutch had reached over as he spoke and squeezed his friend's shoulder.

"Nah, Hutch -- I'm okay." Starsky gave a warm if weary smile at his partner.

"Well I think you have had enough for one day, Starsk, so just drop me off at Metro and I'll write the reports on this. You know those thugs will be back on the streets after their bail hearing tomorrow?" Hutch removed his hand from his friend's shoulder and rubbed his eyes.

"Yeah I know but I don't think they'll be going anywhere near Huggy's place for quite some time. Score one for the good guys! Hutch, would you mind writing up the report? I want to get home and changed for my date with Niamh and it's going to be a bit awkward getting cleaned up with this hand. I'm coming into the station with you for a few minutes. I want to show the Capt'n that I'm okay and I want to phone Niamh and arrange to meet her at 'The Pits'. It will save time if I don't have to pick her up." Starsky smiled at Hutch and winked as he finished speaking.

Hutch just nodded in agreement but he was relieved that Starsky's injury had turned out to be relatively minor. He had got a hell of a fright back at 'The Pits' when he had seen his partner go down and then had seen the blood. They had been lucky. Right now he would write a hundred reports for his friend because he was so relieved that Starsky was at his side and not in some hospital bed or worse. Don't go there Hutchinson. Just be grateful that he's okay.

The two detectives entered the squad room and Starsky went immediately to his Captain's office where Dobey was still working. The dark haired detective knew that the sight of just a small bandage on his hand relieved his commanding officer. Dobey was gruff with Starsky but after all these years the detective could read the older man like a book and recognized the feint smile behind the curt. "Get out of here but be on time on Monday morning". That Dobey had almost bellowed at him.

Hutch looked up from the report that he was typing as Starsky sat down at his desk and dialled his girlfriend's number. He could hear only his friend's side of the conversation.

"Niamh, sorry Hun -- I'm running late so if you don't mind could we meet at 'The Pits'? Yeah I know but I promise just one drink then we'll go to dinner. Thanks schweetheart." Starsky replaced the phone and pushed his left hand through his unruly curls.

"You didn't mention your hand to Niamh? Maybe if she had known she would have offered to do the driving tonight." Hutch took in the tired appearance of his friend as he spoke.

Starsky sighed. "I didn't want to worry her, Hutch. It will be easier to explain when she sees it. Anyway a sore right hand doesn't interfere with this southpaw's driving. In fact very little interferes with my driving. After all if you got it -- you got it!" He smiled.

Hutch knew his best friend was trying to lighten the mood and so he played along. "Starsk -- I hope for your date's sake that your romancin' is better than your driving." Hutch returned to the report that he was typing.

Starsky stood up and winced involuntarily as the movement hurt his hand. Hutch looked at his friend again, concern written in his cornflower eyes. "Starsk, get going or you are going to be in trouble with your Lady and with her Irish temper who knows what could happen!" He waved his hand dismissively at Starsky.

Starsky laughed. "See ya and Hutch, thanks." With a wave he was gone.

Hutch returned to his reports. About an hour later he approached his commanding officer's door and knocked on it as he entered. Hutch looked up from the report he was holding and saw that Captain Dobey was speaking on the phone. The blond man mouthed the words "sorry" and went to leave when Dobey waved him into a chair in front of his desk.

"Edith, honey I know Rosie is upset but she is only a little girl and just because Daniel Crosby didn't give her a Valentine card -- well it isn't the end of the world." Dobey sighed and continued. "Tell Rosie I'll be home soon and we will have some fudge cake together and then she can stay up late. I know -- you too. Bye." Dobey hung up the phone.

"Eight years old and already some jerk has broken Rosie's heart. She got lots of Valentines from her friends but of course the one she most wanted she didn't get." Dobey smiled.

Hutch put on a fierce voice. "You want me to go calling on a certain young man and make him see sense? Nobody hurts Rosie without answering to me!" Hutch laughed and Dobey joined in.

Starsky showered and shaved, all the time keeping his right hand in a plastic freezer bag so that it would stay dry. The numbness was wearing off now and it was beginning to hurt. It was awkward getting dressed with one hand but he finally managed to pull on a pair of tight black jeans and a blue denim shirt. He dispensed with a tie, as he knew it would be hell to knot it and was secretly pleased that he had an excuse not to wear one. He opened another button on his shirt and let a slightly larger expanse of chest show through the opening. He smiled as he put on a black leather jacket and reached for the prescription he had been given in the E.R. and put it in his jacket pocket. His smile faded as he looked at his watch. He wouldn't have time to fill his script on the way to Huggy's but maybe after he explained the problem to Niamh he could call into a late night pharmacy after dinner until then he was sure he could manage the pain.

Starsky pulled into the alley behind 'The Pits' and parked his car. He looked over at the huge teddy sitting on the passenger seat and said. "Buddy -- you stay here until Niamh and I come out and then you get to live with a lovely lady." Starsky laughed. God! I have it bad -- I'm talking to a friggan' bear. He knew his date was already in the bar as he had spotted her car parked in front of the club. He entered the bar through the back door and was almost swallowed up by the number of patrons drinking and dining in the place. Huggy Bear, dressed in a flamboyant pink jump suit, made his way to Starsky' side immediately.

"How are you doin', Bro?" He asked with concern as he took in the white bandage on his friend's hand.

"I'm okay, Hug, just a few stitches, nothing serious. I see you got the damage cleaned up pretty well." Starsky spoke to Huggy but all the while his eyes were searching the crowded bar.

Huggy smiled. "Thanks, Starsky I appreciated what you and the White Knight did this afternoon. Your lady is in the booth over there. Said she didn't want to sit at the bar and keep me company. Let me send you guys over a bottle of champagne, on the house."

Starsky looked over to the booth, which Huggy had indicated and while keeping his eyes riveted on his date spoke to the Bear.

"Hug, that was nothing. We were just doing our jobs. I'm sorry your place got busted up a little. Thanks for the offer of champagne but we have a reservation so we'll be heading off in a minute. I wouldn't say no to a soda though."

Starsky walked over to where his date sat nervously playing with a glass of mineral water. Niamh looked lovely her complexion enhanced by just a little make up. Her rich auburn hair hanging loosely to her shoulders and she was dressed in a muted green jump suit. Starsky slid into the booth beside her and leaned over and kissed her lightly on the cheek. She looked up startled. The dark haired man smiled his most glorious grin and said. "You look beautiful and I am sorry that I kept the most gorgeous woman in the room waiting. I have a present for you in the car. We can get it when we head for the restaurant." Starsky had taken her right hand in his left hand while he spoke and had kept his right hand out of sight under the table.

Niamh sighed and looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry, Dave. There's no easy way to say this. It's over. Look you're a great guy but like all the guys I meet you come with baggage. Usually it's an ex-wife and kids but with you it's that damn job and your partner. Christ -- it's bad enough having to compete with your job. I might be able to do that but I could never compete with Hutch. I like you. I really do but I know I'll never be enough for you. When something gets you down it isn't me you come to it's him and I feel no matter what I do it will always be that way."

Huggy had arrived at their table with two sodas just as Niamh was speaking. It was debatable as to which of the two men looked as shocked. Huggy delivered the drinks and left with a sympathic glance at Starsky. The handsome dark haired man looked stricken as he spoke. "Niamh, Hutch is my partner, he's closer than my brother but he has nothing to do with how I feel for you. I think I'm falling in love with you. I am a police detective. I can't change what I am and I won't change my partner. Hutch is my Buddy but you are my lover and I had begun to believe that someday you might have been my wife. He is no threat to you but I need him in my life and I'm sorry you feel like this. I know the last few weeks have been hard. We have had a couple of tough cases but I really believe we can work it out." Starsky sighed and without thinking put his bandaged hand on the table.

Niamh saw the white bandage but didn't comment on it. "Dave, you are one of the most considerate lovers I have ever had and I don't just mean in the bedroom but I want to move on, I want someone with whom I can build a future and with your job I'm not even sure that you'll have a future. If I stay we will just get hurt very badly." She stood up as she finished speaking and leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Starsky looked stunned. He stood up as she left the booth. "Niamh, is that it? I have news for you, one of us has been hurt badly." His blue eyes seemed to grow darker as he spoke. He sat back down and within a minute Huggy was at the table with a glass of beer. "Thanks Hug."

Huggy nodded. "Are you okay Starsk? If you ask me that lady don't know what she had."

Starsky lifted his head and took the glass from Huggy. "Maybe that's the problem, Hug. Maybe she knew exactly what she had. A very tired cop who seems to make very little difference in the toilet pan, which is my life."

Huggy was about to reply when there was a sound of broken glass from behind the bar and Diane, his latest barmaid called him. He left his friend to his musings.

Ten minutes later when order had been restored to the bar Huggy slipped into the kitchen to make a phone call.

Hutch was looking over the notes that he and Starsky had made on the latest case they were working on when his phone rang. He nodded to Captain Dobey who was leaving the squad room as he reached to pick it up. "Hutchinson here. Huggy?"

"Yeah Hutch, it's the Bear. Our mutual curly haired friend has just been dumped by his latest squeeze and is sitting in my establishment nursing the first of what I am afraid may turn into many beers. I'll cancel his reservation at that fancy restaurant in case they decide to stick anything on his credit card and you can come down and rescue him because I reckon he ain't supposed to be mixing alcohol with whatever they gave him in the hospital." Huggy ran his hand through his hair as he spoke.

"Thanks, Huggy. I'm on my way." Hutch returned the phone to its cradle with rather more force than he intended but the action did not attract any attention as he was one of the few detectives in the room. Hutch was in his car and on the way to 'The Pits' in less than five minutes. His mind was filled with villainous thoughts of his Partner's ex-girlfriend. Starsky doesn't deserve this. Just one time I wish he could find someone special. Well he did but Terry had been taken away from him. Niamh was no Terry but Starsky had fallen for her. God, Partner we'll have to pick up the pieces again.

Hutch parked his decrepit L.C.D. beside Starsky's gleaming Torino and noticed the teddy bear sitting in the passenger seat. He nodded to Huggy as he entered the bar. Huggy shook his head and pointed to the booth where Starsky sat nursing a glass of beer.

"How many has he had, Huggy?" He asked the bar owner.

"That's his first, Hutch. I think he's just nursing it. I overheard some of what that lady was saying and it wasn't very nice. It seems to me he's hurting too bad to even bother getting drunk. I hope you can think of something to cheer him up because I sure as hell can't." The lean black man handed Hutch a glass of beer as he finished speaking.

The tall blond made his way to his friend's table. He slid in beside Starsky. "Want some company?" he said as he put his glass on the table and moved the still full glass of mineral water out of the way.

Starsky looked up, his blue eyes shining almost black. "Hug phoned you? I should have known he would. Look, Hutch it's no big deal. Just the usual. She couldn't handle my job. Terry was the only woman who could handle it and look what happened. It killed her." The last piece of the sentence was said so softly that Hutch had to lean in to hear his friend.

"Starsk, Prudholm killed Terry -- not your job. She loved you, Buddy and she knew you loved what you do and that was enough for her. Someday you are gonna' meet someone special. Niamh wasn't that someone. I'm sorry Starsky really sorry." Hutch reached out and put his hand on his friend's shoulder and gave it a tight squeeze.

Starsky smiled softly and said. "Well Hutch any ideas on where I go from here?"

"Yeah Buddy as a matter of fact I know where we go from here." Hutch smiled and stood pulling the slightly smaller man up with him.

Starsky looked puzzled but went with his partner. Both men waved at Huggy as they left the bar through the back door.

"Starsky, give me your car keys. I'll drive." Hutch reached out to his friend as they approached the Torino.

"Hutch I'm okay to drive. I didn't even finish the first beer Huggy gave me." Starsky said sadly.

Hutch nodded. "I know you're okay to drive but I'd say that hand is beginning to hurt like hell and I'd guess that you didn't get your script filled yet."

It was Starsky's turn to nod. "Yeah -- you're right. I didn't have the time earlier maybe we could find a twenty-four hour pharmacy later. It's not hurtin' too much yet but I might need a little something later."

Hutch looked at his partner as he opened the driver's door of the Torino. He knew Starsky's hand had got to be quite painful by now but he would sort that later. Hutch moved the bear from the passenger seat into the back of the car as Starsky got in. Hutch drove off and for a few minutes the partners sat in silence. Starsky lifted his head, opened his eyes and addressed his friend. "Hutch, where are we going?"

The blond man answered softly. "We are going to find a good home for one bear who is currently residing in the back seat of this tomato. After that we are going to get you some painkillers and some antibiotics and then we are going to your place."

Starsky looked at Hutch and shook his head. He no longer cared where he was going he was just glad that he was going somewhere with his partner. He lay back against the seat and closed his eyes.

A few minutes later Hutch's voice stirred him from his light slumber. "We're here, Starsk and before you ask -- some brat left Rosie off his Valentine list and she is heart broken. I may not be able to mend your heart but we are sure gonna try to fix her's." Hutch patted Starsky's knee as he finished speaking. Starsky looked at his surroundings and realized that they were at Dobey's house.

The two friends exited the car. Starsky was carrying the bear that he had bought for his date. They rang the door bell and waited in silence. A minute later Edith Dobey, an attractive woman in her mid forties, opened the door. She smiled at her husband's favourite but at times most exasperating team of detectives. "Dave, Ken how nice to see you. Harold is in the den with Rosie. If you want to go on in I'll bring some coffee in a minute. Dave, I have some blackberry pie, freshly baked, that I'm sure you wouldn't say no to." She laughed as the men smiled at her.

Starsky answered, "Edith, we're not here to see the Cap'n. We're here to see Rosie but I wouldn't no to some of that pie."

Hutch threw his eyes to heaven but winked at Edith as they entered the house. They made their way to the den from which noises and squeals could be heard. Starsky knocked on the door and opened it as he said "Is there a special girl called Rosie here? I sure hope there is otherwise there are going to be two broken hearted detectives standing here."

Rosie extricated herself from her father's arms and ran towards the partners squealing. "Uncle Dave, Uncle Ken. What have you got behind your back Uncle Dave?"

Starsky smiled. "Well schweatheart, Hutch and I wanted to give our favourite girl something special for Valentine's day." Starsky popped the bear he had been holding behind his back into the little girl's arms and her eyes lit up.

"Oh Daddy. Look at what I got. Uncle Dave, Uncle Ken he's the most beautiful bear I have ever seen. I have to show him to Mom." Rosie's face flushed with happiness as she spoke and she kissed the large bear and ran from the room.

Captain Dobey rose from the chair he had been sitting on and smiled at his detectives. "Starsky, Hutchinson -- thank you. You have made her day. Can I get you Boys a beer or something?"

Edith called from the kitchen "Why don't you guys come in here and have some of that pie that I promised Starsky?"

The three men went to the kitchen where they found Rosie on the phone to her "best friend" telling her all about her new teddy. Edith hugged both the detectives and frowned when she saw the bandage on Starsky's hand. "What happened, Dave? Harold never mentioned that you had got hurt."

"Don't worry Edith, it's only a cut and it only happened this afternoon." Starsky smiled and took the plate with a large slice of pie on it from Edith. She poured the three men coffee after the partners had refused beer and the four adults chatted and laughed for a while. Rosie came over and sat on Starsky's knee while they chatted and whispered in his ear. Edith said "Rosie what have I told you about whispering?"

The little girl giggled as she moved on Starsky's knees and said, "It's private, Mum, I don't want to embarrass Uncle Dave."

Starsky smiled. "It's okay, Rosie I think everybody should hear this."

Rosie patted Starsky's shoulder as she spoke. "I asked Uncle Dave if he and Uncle Ken were still single when I grow up could I marry one of them?"

Hutch's eyes brightened. "Rosie that's a promise we'll hold you to. Of course I don't know how you would decide which one of us to choose but we will leave that up to you."

The little girl climbed down from Starsky's knees and ran to Hutch and gave him a big hug. A few minutes later Hutch rose and suggested that he and Starsky leave. Edith suggested more coffee but Hutch knew that his partner was in pain and it wasn't just from his hand. Starsky looked tired but relieved and the two detectives took their leave from the Dobey household.

Hutch slipped into the driver's seat of the Torino without any protest from his partner. Hutch took a few furtive glances at Starsky as he drove. The dark haired man had his eyes closed and was sunk into the passenger seat of the car. The blond pulled the car off the street and stopped outside an all night drug store. He returned a few minutes later with a small bag.

"These will help, Buddy. You'll be home in a few minutes and we can talk if you want." Hutch looked at his friend as he spoke but Starsky just nodded. Five minutes later they arrived at Starsky's apartment but even after Hutch and turned the engine off the dark haired man continued to sit without saying a word. Hutch opened his door and got out. Starsky followed reluctantly. They climbed the stairs and Hutch used his key to let them into the apartment. Starsky walked straight past him and grabbed two beers from his refrigerator, one of which he tossed to Hutch and the other he opened and took a long gulp. Hutch opened his can and took a quick sip then he put it on the coffee table in the middle of the room. He walked over into the kitchen area and filled a glass with water then he placed the pharmacy bag on the table and took a small pill out of one of the two veils in it.

"Take this, that hand has got to be hurting like hell by now." He handed Starsky the glass and the pill as he spoke.

Starsky took the pill and the glass and mumbled, "thanks". He knocked the pill back with a long swill of water then put the glass in the sink and walked to the couch where he sat down and put his feet on the coffee table and resumed drinking his beer.

Hutch sighed and followed his partner to the couch grabbing his own beer as he sat down. He knew he should say something about not mixing beer and painkillers but his friend looked fragile enough without receiving a lecture. Hutch would just have to make sure that he only drank one beer.

"Well Starsk, you sure made Rosie a happy little lady. Did you see her eyes when she saw the bear?" Hutch studied his partner as he spoke.

Starsky smiled. "Well I'm glad you thought of dropping it off to Rosie. We couldn't have left him in the Torino. Oh God, Hutch, what went wrong this time?"

Hutch put his beer down. "I don't know Starsk. What did she say?"

Starsky gave a bitter little laugh. "The usual. I have heard it all before. The job, the hours, the danger." He stopped talking.

There was more. Hutch knew without a doubt that his friend was holding something back. "What else Buddy? It's about me, about us isn't it?"

Starsky shook his head. "It doesn't matter. It's over. Nothing can change that. You know I was really fallin' for her. I thought this time maybe it would work out. But you know what hit me after she walked out of Huggy's? She's not Terry and the relationship was never gonna' work out. I never had to make excuses to Terry. I never had to coax her into good humour if I was late and Terry understood about you and me. She knew you weren't a threat. OH God Hutch I miss Terry. This isn't about Niamh. Not really. I was just looking so hard to find that feeling again that I tried to pretend it was there but it wasn't." Starsky's eyes filled with tears but they remained unshed.

Hutch reached over and caressed his partner's neck. "I know, Buddy. I miss her too but you got to believe someday you will find someone special. Terry is looking after you and she'll make sure you find somebody. I know she will." Hutch knew that part of the problem with Niamh had been her reluctance to accept Starsky's friendship with him. He knew that she had probably said more on that matter but Starsky was trying to shield him from any guilt that that information would produce. He had to love his dark haired partner. The man was hurting and his first instinct was to spare Hutch's feelings.

Starsky smiled. "What a day. I can't even get drunk or those damn pills will knock me out. Hutch thanks for everything. I don't think I would have got through Terry's death without you."

"You don't need to thank me, Buddy, remember it's ME & THEE all down the line." Hutch sipped his beer.

The two friends spent the next few hours talking and reminiscing. Starsky's heartache receded just a little as the night wore on. The dark haired man's eyes closed as his friend was recounting some tale from his youth. Hutch took this as a sign that Starsky was ready for a well-deserved sleep. The blond nudged his friend gently and helped him up from the couch.

"It's bed for you. Buddy you look all done in. Can you manage with that hand or do you need anything?" Hutch spoke gently as Starsky stood up.

"Hutch, I'm fine. I'll get you some blankets. I presume you're staying." Starsky smiled.

Hutch followed his friend and took the blankets that Starsky gave him from the blanket chest. His back was going to hurt in the morning but where else could he be on a Valentine night when his friend had a broken heart?

The End