Theme Challenge: Bridge and Syd

From the Ars Amatoria Romance Themes Challenge

Challenge #26: Pride

A/N: Set after A-Bridged but before Sam Part 1

Disclaimer: I don't own PR SPD.

Pride

Syd's POV

Ever since we got back from confining Hydrax, Bridge has been well a bit distant. Actually, it's more like he's nowhere to be seen. I'm starting to get worried about him. Usually, it's Sky that's the distant one not Bridge. I checked the recreation room, and saw Bridge propped up against a wall in a handstand position.

"There you are Bridge. I've been looking for you," I said.

Bridge came down from his handstand. I noticed he was trying to put on a brave face to make it seem that he was fine, but I knew that was far from the truth. The funny thing is Bridge is the psychic not me.

"Why were you looking for me?" Bridge asked.

"I'm worried about you Bridge. Ever since we got back from capturing Hydrax, it's like you are avoiding the rest of us or something," I replied.

Bridge's eyes narrowed and the smile that he was forcing turned into a frown.

"Kind of like the way you guys were avoiding me earlier today?" Bridge asked.

His words were like a cold slap on the face. At least now I had some idea what it was that was bothering him.

"We weren't avoiding you Bridge. It's just-" I started to say before Bridge interrupted me.

"It's just I'm so weird that the rest of you much rather not be around me and all my weirdness," Bridge said. "Don't deny it Syd. I know that's the reason. When Cruger asked if anyone wanted to go with me and look into my leads, nobody volunteered. When I said that T-Top was innocent, you all refused to believe me."

I didn't know what to say. I didn't know if there was anything I could say to make this situation any better.

"You know Syd, a little while back you were telling me how you thought that you were the weakest link of the team, but at least the rest of the team takes you seriously. That's more than I can say about how they feel about me, and how you feel about me," Bridge said.

I started to regret coming to check on Bridge now. Here he was going off on me. This is a good example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Okay Bridge. I came here because I was worried about you, but since clearly this isn't a good time for you, I think I'll be going now," I said.

Bridge grabbed a hold of my shoulder and stopped me before I could leave the room.

"No Syd, don't go. I'm sorry that I snapped at you. I could really use someone to talk to, so please stay," Bridge said softly.

I was touched that Bridge came to me when he needed someone to talk to. I could see why he wouldn't feel comfortable enough to go to Jack or Z to talk. I was surprised that he didn't feel like he could go to Sky though. After all, they are roommates.

"I'm sorry too Bridge. I know it's not much, but I really am sorry. I know we hurt your feelings, and I can't speak for the others, but I regret doing so. I'm just glad that you came to me to talk this out," I responded.

Bridge gave a small smile, and this time it was genuine. That was a relief to see.

"I forgive you Syd. This didn't hurt my feelings, well that's not entirely true because it did hurt my feelings. I think what I'm trying to say is that this hurt my pride, you know? I mean it also hurt my feelings as well, but it hurt my pride more. I know that I'm a bit eccentric. It's not that I try to be. It's just who I am. I just don't want my eccentricity to be grounds for unbelievability. Is that even a word? Hmm…maybe it's unbelievableness. Or perhaps it's unbelievablosity. No that doesn't sound right either," Bridge rambled.

I laughed. Bridge rambling was a sure sign that he was feeling better.

"To think, I thought I was fluent in Bridge talk. I guess I was mistaken," I commented.

Bridge arched his eyebrows and had a puzzled expression on his face.

"You and I can relate to each other more than you know Bridge. Back when I started at the Academy, nobody took me seriously. Nobody thought I would last too long at S.P.D. Everyone saw me as a rich, spoiled girl who was much more suited for mall shopping than crime fighting. To this day even, some people still think I am a pushover. They still don't take me seriously. They still see me as a girly girl. So as you see Bridge, I know what it's like to not be taken seriously," I said.

Bridge snickered. What is so funny? Was it something I said?

"It seems that you are fluent in 'Bridge talk' after all," Bridge commented adding air quotes to the words 'Bridge talk'.

Bridge and I shared a laugh with one another. There was something about Bridge that made me feel so comfortable around him. Like I could talk to him about anything and everything. I couldn't quite put my finger on it though. I decided to just let it go for now and just enjoy the moment. Thinking about it could wait until later.

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