Disclaimer: Not mine. Wish they were. Here's another Ars Amatoria theme story. Just in time for Valentines day. Please continue to read and review, I live for reviews! I have no idea where the idea for this one came from, so here it is. Angel Mouse, February 2006.

Ars Amatoria Romance Challenge: Test

By Angel Mouse

Test

The book was thrown down on the table landing on the floor and the young woman that threw it crossed her arms in frustration and glared at the person in a green uniform sitting across from her. Bridge sighed and picked up the book from the floor and placed it back on the table, looking at Z.
"What's wrong Z?" Bridge was almost at the end of his famous patience but he wasn't to be blamed, it was 3 am in the morning, but his tone was still the same friendly, warm tone it always was. Z just sighed and looked at him, her eyes tired and her whole demeanour screaming defeat.
"I'm not getting this Bridge. It's too hard." Bridge gave her a small smile as he picked up his water bottle, taking a quick sip before he spoke again.
"Z, you got the handbook down pat in a day, you can do this." Z gave a growl of frustration and waved at the book sitting there.
"But these rules are stupid Bridge. I know how to drive, why I need to take this stupid test is beyond me!" Bridge looked at her a long moment and then ran a hand through his hair. He had volunteered to help Z study once it became clear that both her and Jack would need special SPD driver's licences. Jack breezed through his test easily, much to Z's dismay. Z had failed her first attempt and Bridge had only been too happy to offer to help her out.
"Because you've never legally had a licence, the commander's arranged for you and Jack to have special SPD issued licences. We all have them because of the variety of vehicles we may be required to drive in our day to day work. You can drive fine Z, I know that. But it's the written road rules test you have to pass before the commander will issue it to you. Until then, you can't drive any SPD car or any civilian either. Please, just be patient with it. You can do this, I know you can." His voice was filled with belief and sincerity and Z found her frustration dispelling slowly.

Z studied Bridge for a long moment, her dark eyes thoughtful. Bridge had always been the first to volunteer to help with anything she needed to get settled in since joining SPD last week. He was there to listen to her when she had a bad day and Jack wasn't around. He would softly explain different things when she wasn't sure and didn't want to appear stupid in front of the others. And it wasn't only her that he did these things for. In the short time she had been here she had noticed that Syd regularly had hearts to hearts with him and after one particular one she had gone out of her way to ensure Z that she and Bridge were only friends and that she was more interested in Sky anyways. Bridge was just about the only person that could sometimes get through to Sky and drag him into team things. And to Jack he was always friendly and supportive of his leadership. But to her, he had been always been there. Just look at the current situation. Here it was, past 3 in the morning and he was sitting up with her quizzing her even though he was due for duty at 6am. She took a deep breath, knowing that she could do this; she just had to have faith in herself. She smiled warmly at him.

"Thank you Bridge. You're a saint sometimes you know that?" He grinned sheepishly.

"I wouldn't let Sky here you say that, he might disagree. Now, shall we continue?"

It was two days later and Z was pacing back and forth nervously in front of the control room. She had her test scheduled in a few minutes and she was trying to relax, but to no avail. Just then Bridge rounded the corner and saw her.

"Ah, there you are. How are you feeling?"

"Nervous." He smiled and her heart skipped a beat.

"I know, I could feel it a mile away. Well, not a mile away since we're not that far apart but you know what I mean." Z couldn't help but smile at his well meaning rambling, it helped her nerves somewhat.

"Yes I do. So what brings you this way?" He grinned.

"I came to wish you luck. Not that you're going to need it. You'll ace the test, I just know it." Z sighed slightly.

"I don't know Bridge. I'm not super smart like you. My stomach's all tied up in knots right now, I don't know if I'm cut out for this." Bridge smiled and moved to stand in front of her. He put his hands on her shoulders and gave them a gentle squeeze.

"Z, you are one of the smartest people I know. You will be fine. Trust me. Have I ever lied to you?" Z looked at him and saw the faith in his eyes and all her fears went.

"No, you haven't."

"Good, now go in there and show 'em what your made off." She smiled at him and walked into the control room.

A few hours later Z practically flew out of the control room, a small piece of plastic card in her hand. Jack had grinned at her as she ran past him, waving it at him. He knew exactly where she was going and he found that he didn't mind. He liked Bridge and heartily approved that Z had feelings for him. Bridge was good for her. Grinning to himself he kept on walking, heading for the training rooms. Z ran through the doors of the rec room, skidding to a halt in front of the lounge. She reached down and grabbed Bridge's hand, ignoring the knowing grin from Syd and enjoying the startled look on Bridge's face.

"I passed thanks to you so come on, my treat for Ice Cream in the park!" And with that she began dragging him out of the rec room; her face having a mile wide grin and Bridge's startled expression completely worth the embarrassment she was causing him.