AN Okay! *dances* Finally I was inspired again for this story, though I must admit, my muse had taken me on a very different path…look forward to new chapters soon (so no pointy sticks are necessary).

Thank you so much to those who have reviewed—hope you haven't forgotten this little story— and sorry for such a long wait!

Oh! And sorry for any colourful spelling mistakes and grammatical errors!

"Bloody hell Arnold…" Natasha slammed her text book shut, "I'm done. I can't do anymore." She shoved her text book away and stood up.

Arnold closed his own text book, his eyes had been swimming for the last twenty minutes and he blinked. He looked over as she crossed the room to his bed.

She dropped down onto his mattress and pulled the elastic out of her hair. "It's absurd…we've been studying for hours and it doesn't feel like we've made any progress at all." Natasha slowly rubbed her hands over her face.

Arnold was sitting, transfixed at the table.

Natasha had sat next to him, pouring over her text book, scribbling page after page of notes. She'd lean over, checking Arnold's note book for references then asked questions and waited patiently for his answers.

When Arnold had dropped his pencil, he reached down for it but Natasha picked it up instead, placing it gently in his hand. Her fingers brushed his palm and suddenly Arnold had found it very difficult to breath.

When he finally managed to look over at her, she grinned and gave him a little nudge.

Now…Rimmer thought, now she's lying in your bed.

"Was it just nerves?" Natasha asked, bringing Rimmer back to Red Dwarf and his small quarters, "why you haven't passed your officer's exam?"

Rimmer blinked, "ah…" he began. He wasn't sure exactly where to start—but Natasha saw the pained look on his face and saved him the trouble.

"You have anything to drink?"

Charles had a few six packs of Lager in the mini fridge, surely he could spare a few.

Rimmer stood up and walked over to the small fridge grabbing two cold cans. Natasha was sitting up and Rimmer settled down beside her.

He handed her a Lager and stifled a yawn, she cracked open her can and took a long swig.

She grimaced, "oh, that's awful."

Rimmer took a small sip from his own can and wondered if car petrol wouldn't taste better.

Natasha looked over at the clock, she gasped. "Is it that late? I have a shift at eight thirty!" She was about to stand up but then turned to Arnold. "Thanks Arnold," she lay her hand on his knee, "honestly." it was an innocent gesture, but Arnold choked then nodded.

"I've got to go," she grabbed her text book tucked her notes inside and shoved it under her arm. "Thanks again."

"No…problem…" Arnold squeaked his eye's watering, Natasha gave a small wave and left the room.

Only when the door closed did Arnold allow himself to cough.

After nearly hacking up a lung, he took a long deep breath.

He knew it was foolish but his knee still tingled with her touch.

"What are you getting yourself into Arnie old boy?" He muttered to himself, discarding his can and laying down on his bed where Natasha had been only moments before.

Yes, this chapter is again short, but don't worry. There will be more, though I'm not sure it will be as fluffy as the last few chapters. Anyway, let me know what you think, but no flames (there's enough nastiness in the world)