"Thank you for inviting me in," Sheldon told Amy one evening as they both sat over mugs of their favorite tea. "I have a favor to ask of you."
"Of course," she said, raising her eyebrow curiously. She took a gulp of her tea and set it down, leaning forward.
"The next time you go to the store... would you mind picking up some condoms?"
Amy nearly choked. Sheldon, asking her to buy him condoms? What for? Did he finally decide he was ready? Did Leonard convince him, or was he tricked? Was this his way of finally proving to her he might be ready for something bigger?
Sheldon could see all the questions scrambling through her mind. He calmly took a sip of his tea and relaxed; smiling down at her. Although she instantly felt a soothing sensation from his gaze, the questions still remained on her lips, albeit rather patiently.
"It was a simple question, I suppose if you don't want to, I could, although it would be easier because I had planned on keeping them at your house..." Sheldon rambled. Amy shook her head quickly.
"It's fine, Sheldon, but... why?"
"Well, isn't it obvious?"
"Uhm..."
He frowned. Suddenly it became clear to him that Amy might need a little more explanation, and he looked deep into her eyes for the strength to have such a conversation. They glistened beautifully to his delight.
"Amy... I think I'm ready."
She breathed out quietly, a breath that managed to touch his lips ever so gently and send a shiver down his back. She licked her lips and nodded unsteadily, and Sheldon gulped.
"...To start trying, I mean."
She leaned back and smiled.
"What makes you so sure?"
Sheldon pondered for a moment. What exactly made him so sure he wanted this? He supposed it occurred to him the moment on that train, when he finally realized he had put all his feelings out there in public, placed his desires on display for her.
It was only a small step from there to here.
"Amy, can I tell you something without having you judge me?" he asked shyly, and her eyes softened even more than they already were, and her expression became one of great concern.
"Of course, Sheldon."
He took his time with his answer. She didn't rush him either, and by the time both their tea mugs had run dry he cleared his throat.
"Amy, there is no doubt in my head that you know how much I enjoy... kissing you, and now that we've become... closer, I feel it is only fair to you that we engage in.. coitus."
He paused when Amy didn't look convinced.
"Is that all?" she asked, and he could have sworn he saw a ghost of a smirk against her lips.
"I may also have the... urge, to... participate in such activities..."
Amy gave him a small smile and gathered their tea mugs before bringing them to the sink. "It's alright, Sheldon. I understand, and just because I'm getting us these things does not mean we have to rush into it right away..."
She turned to him suddenly and his heart stopped.
"We got time," she said softly, and it was hard to miss the wink she sent him, or the blush that found its way onto his cheeks because of it.
"Thank you," he said. The silence that took over was comforting, and Sheldon never wanted to leave. He did, however, stand up, and Amy grabbed him by the arm and looked at him longingly.
"Where are you going?" she said in disappointment.
Sheldon looked down at her blankly.
"Home?"
"Oh. Right."
Something wasn't right. He knew it wasn't date night, but decided to turn and grab her by the waist anyway; planting a small, delicate kiss to her lips that he decided to prolong just a tad bit so he would be sure to feel the tingle of her touch for as long as possible.
When he pulled away her eyes were still closed. He shook his head and bid her farewell, as he always did.
But Amy didn't miss the small smile on his face as he walked away.
