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Starsky vs Hutch

Epilogue

Huggy Bear stood behind the bar, drying some glasses and stacking them carefully. He looked up as the door opened and smiled broadly as Starsky and Hutch entered. Both were laughing as they approached the bar.

"Good evening, gents. What's your pleasure?"

"Two of your finest please, Hug," said Hutch.

"And two specials with everything," added Starsky. "And I mean everything." He jabbed a thumb in Hutch's direction. "He's paying."

Hutch rolled his eyes but got out his wallet obligingly.

"What happened, Hutch? Lose another bet? Ya shoulda learned by now."

Hutch shook his head. "No, Hug. This is a meal he's been waiting eight months to collect."

Huggy's eyes widened comically. "Ya made him wait eight months! Man, I'd better go make sure it's worth the wait."

He passed the beers over and went to the kitchen to supervise the food.

Starsky and Hutch made their way to their regular booth, sliding in side by side so they could observe the comings and goings in the crowded bar.

Huggy soon materialised with their food order and more beer.

"Wanna join us, Hug?" Starsky asked.

"You know I'd love to, guys, but this place is jumping tonight. Some other time, huh?"

Huggy went back behind the bar where a steady stream of customers kept him busy. He kept glancing across to his two friends, happy to see they were once again easy in each other's company.

Starsky made his way over to the bar. "Two more beers please, Hug."

"Coming right up." Huggy paused then glanced up from the tap. "How're ya doin' Starsk?"

Starsky looked down, slightly embarrassed, and smiled gently. "I'm doin' good, Huggy...thanks to Hutch." He looked towards the pool table where Hutch was busily setting up the balls for a game. He cleared his throat and scratched the back of his neck self-consciously. "Uh, Huggy...I wanna thank ya for bein' there for him while I was...uh...gone."

Huggy put up a hand. "Stop right there, Starsky. You and Hutch are my brothers, ya dig? It ain't always good for my health to admit to knowin' you guys but just remember I'm always here...for both of you."

Brown eyes met blue as Huggy placed the glasses on the counter. Starsky gave a small nod. Reaching for the glasses, and with a twinkle in his eye, he said "Put 'em on Hutch's tab will ya."

Then, as Huggy shook his head and laughed, Starsky made his way back to the man who had never given up on him, even when he had given up on himself.

The End