FAST

It's hard. Oh God it's hard. Starsky never thought it would hurt like this. His head was spinning, every muscle in his body ached. His stomach felt like someone had ripped his soul out. You can make this buddy. You can do this. He could sense the voice of his partner, giving him the strength to go on.

It would soon be thanksgiving " What's there to be thankful for?" Starsky said aloud. Others in the squad room heard the remark and looked at the curly haired detective sympathetically.

Only 24 hours ago things were so different. He ate his steak across from where his partner was eating a green salad and grilled chicken dinner. Starsky was laughing then. It's not the same without Hutch. How'm I gonna make it without ya, Blintz? He could almost hear Hutch you can make it buddy. Starsky wasn't so sure. Walking past the candy machine, this morning, felt strange. Usually Hutch was there, tossing him a quarter and making some quip about his eating habits. On his own, Starsky doubted he had the strength to go on. I need ya Blondie. Just thinking about Hutch made Starsky's stomach hurt more. Partially he was angry at his blond partner, It's your fault I feel like this! He thought You should be here! I need your strength, your encouragement. But Starsky knew it wouldn't be coming any time soon. He was on his own.

It all started as a stupid bet and now it's got so out of hand.Starsky couldn't concentrate on the reports he was supposed to be working on. The clock said 8pm. Oh God...Starsky's face paled Only 24 hours ago...

He pushed away the pile of paperwork and went to see his Captain. "Starsky don't you know how to knock?" Bellowed the large black man, sitting behind the desk. "Sorry Cap' it's just that..."

"I know son, I know." Dobey's tone softened, "It won't be like this forever. Things will feel better soon"

"I doubt that Cap'n. My whole body hurts. Hutch'd know what to do. Probably mix me up some of that organic guk and tell me it's good for me" Starsky sat with a sigh. Captain Dobey could see how the young officer was hurting. All in the line of duty that's what Hutch had said and in the spirit of friendship he had smiled. Just thinking about it made Starsky moan. "Look Starsky, maybe you should just give this up. Hutch would understand. He wouldn't want you suffering this way." said Captain Dobey.

"No way Cap'n! I owe it to him. He never thought I'd do it without him, well I will, I can!" Starsky replied with determination. Captain Dobey felt proud and smiled "Next time you decide to lay down a fifty dollar bet that you can fast for 48 hours, make sure you pick a week when that partner of yours is not on leave. Maybe if you do it together you might not hurt so much next time."

"NEXT TIME! NEXT TIME! Hey they'll be no next time! When this is over I'm gonna buy me all the candy, fries and burgers you can get with the fifty Hutch'll have to give me. And I'm gonna make him sit and watch me eat it all!" exclaimed Starsky.