Walking Away

By TLR

Plot: Walking away is the hardest part.

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Under the overcast sky, in the cemetery, David Starsky stood motionless, his gaze fixed upon the headstone of Kenneth Hutchinson. The service had long ended, the soft murmurs of the departing crowd growing fainter and fainter on the solemn whisper of the evening breeze as they slipped into their vehicles and left.

Starsky's heart felt like a heavy anchor, dragging him deeper into a sea of stunned mourning. His world had been upended, the vibrant light that was Hutch, now extinguished. He couldn't imagine the journey ahead, what his future would look like, a path without the man who had been his rock and compass, his brother in all but blood.

He knew he should leave. It was over. But he couldn't make his feet go. He'd left loved ones behind before. It always hurt. And this one would be the worst hurt of all.

Hot tears welled in his eyes, gathered in his heart.

Bye, Hutch. I love you.

Could he even make it to the car? Did he even know his way home now? His brain was on Pause. Hutch, I need you. I feel so lost, alone.

As the shadows waxed and waned around the trees, a gentle hand came to rest on his shoulder, drawing him from his reverie. Huggy Bear, the ever-present friend and confidant, stood beside him, his own eyes carrying the weight of the loss.

"Come on, Starsk." His voice was low, yet carried an undercurrent of strength. "It's time to go."

Starsky moved his head slightly, his voice barely audible. "I can't, Hug. I can't leave him here, by himself."

Huggy moved to stand in front of him, his gaze compassionate. "He ain't there, Starsk. He'll be in the streets we walk, every good thing you do, in your ear when you need those Hutch words." He tapped Starsky's chest. "He's right here."

Starsky closed his eyes against the tears, then finally nodded, trying to smile. "Yeah, you're right. I know where he is."

Huggy led him away from the grave. "Let's go home, brother."

Starsky allowed himself to be led, the tightness in his chest loosening ever so slightly, making room for Hutch to come in.

By the time Huggy got him home, it was dark, and as they got out of the car to go in to Starsky's house, Huggy looked up at the sky and pointed.

"Look up there, Starsk. He's watchn' over you already."

Starsky looked up at the ink black velvet sky and saw the bright star winking down.

"Night, Blintz."

The end