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Weekend Retreat.

Chapter 1.

Taking a sip of her wine, Amy wiped her mouth with her napkin. then, pushing her plate away from her, she stood from the dining table, making her way to the coffee table, then placing her wine on it, to sit on her couch, Sheldon following, to sit alongside her.

Turning to face one another, Sheldon put his left hand on Amy's right thigh and, leaning in, pressed his mouth to hers, his lips moving against hers, as he stroked her thigh.

Drawing back, Amy gave him an accusing look. "What were you thinking about?"

"Only you Amy" he assured her. With a grin, he confirmed "I've learned my lesson".

Amy stared into his face, searching for telltale twitches, and was relieved to see none.

"Sheldon" she began, "I appreciate the attention, but I sense you are still uncomfortable. I can feel the tension in your muscles".

"I do feel a little tense" he confessed, "and I'm sorry, but I am working on it, I promise".

"I know you are" she said, "and I have a proposition, which I believe will help to make us both more comfortable, in each others presence, but I must ask you to hear me out, and to give the proposal due consideration, before replying".

Sheldon felt uneasy at the way Amy was phrasing this, and his mind was running a range of scenarios, most of which involved, at the very least, intimate touching, and/or nakedness, neither of which particularly appealed to him.

Dismissing the thoughts, he replied "I'm listening".

"Well" Amy began, "tomorrow is Friday. What I'm proposing is, we come here, to my apartment, directly from work, and stay here until we go to work on Monday morning".

Sheldon gulped. Being in Amy's company was a pleasant way to spend time, but around 60 hours was an awful long time, and he had no idea what activities Amy might expect him to engage in.

"Could you give me some more details?" he asked.

"Of course" she replied, smiling reassuringly, "we spend our time getting comfortable in a domestic sense, talking, eating, watching television, shopping, doing chores, etcetera. The sort of everyday things couples do together".

Sheldon felt a little less apprehensive. "And would there be any intimacy involved?"

"A little" she replied, "but I won't ask you to do anything we haven't already done. Anything further would be entirely your choice".

"So" he asked, "would there would be a limit on intimacy?"

"Only whatever limit you wish to impose. We can do as little, or as much, as you wish".

This was sounding better by the minute. A whole weekend with Amy, with no pressure to engage in advanced intimacy.

"OK" he said, "subject to one condition".

Amy rolled her eyes. There always had to be a condition. "And that would be?" she asked.

"You don't wear a nightgown" he replied.

Amy's jaw dropped. "You want me to sleep naked?"

"No" he replied, realizing how easily his statement could be misunderstood. "you would wear pajamas".

"Fine" she replied, "I can do that, but I fail to see what difference it makes?"

"I've seen some of the nightgowns Penny wears" he replied, "and I'm not sharing a bed with you, if you're going to be wearing something that small".

"Sheldon" she reassured, "I don't own any small nightgowns, but, if it makes you feel better, I'll wear pajamas".

"OK, I agree" he replied, trying not to appear too enthusiastic, "I'll bring my things to work, tomorrow. Now where were we?".

Leaning in, he pressed his mouth to hers, his left hand again stroking her right thigh, his right hand on her ribcage.

-o-o-o-o-

Leonard entered the living room, as Sheldon was finishing up his breakfast.

Noticing Sheldon's sports bag on the couch, he asked "going somewhere?"

"Yes" Sheldon replied, "I'm staying the weekend at Amy's".

Seeing the surprised look on Leonard's face, Sheldon asked, "why are you shocked? You and Penny are forever encouraging me, to spend more time with Amy, so that's what I'm doing".

"You're right" Leonard replied, "I'm sorry. You two have a nice time".

Sheldon headed toward the bathroom, to take a shower, so Leonard slipped out of the apartment, and knocked on 4B.

"What's up?" Penny asked, swallowing down a bite of toast.

"We've got the apartment to ourselves this weekend" he announced, "Sheldon's staying at Amy's".

"You're kidding!" Penny announced, eyes wide.

"Nope" Leonard replied, "Sheldon just told me".

"Wow" Penny said, a salacious grin on her face "the whole weekend?"

Raising her eyebrows, she went on "I wonder if Amy will have worn him down by Monday?" Pausing, she chuckled, "or worn him out?"

"Well," said Leonard, "as I understand it, Amy only has the one bed, so, I reckon she's got a good chance".

-o-o-o-o-

Putting his sports bag on the back seat, Sheldon sat in the passenger seat, then, glancing around to check they weren't being watched, he gave Amy a peck on the cheek.

"I'm a little tired" Amy announced, "and I don't really fancy cooking. Would a take out be OK for dinner tonight?"

Sheldon replied "provided it Chinese take out". Seeing the questioning look on Amy's face, he explained "it's Friday".

They drove toward Glendale, stopping at a Chinese take out restaurant, to collect supper.

Pulling into the apartment block parking lot, Amy took the take out, while Sheldon carried his sports bag.

Reaching the third floor, Amy unlocked her door and stepped aside, to let Sheldon in.

Putting the take out on the counter, she took Sheldon's sports bag from him, and carried it to her bedroom, placing it on the chair next to her bed.

"I've emptied a drawer for you" she announced, reentering the living room, "if you'd care to unpack?"

"Thank you" he replied, "I'll only be a few minutes".

Two minutes later, he was back, a serious look on his face.

Holding out a small packet, he asked "what are these for, if you're not expecting advanced intimacy?"

"I'm not expecting anything Sheldon, I promise. I just got them, in case".

Sheldon eyed her up, trying to decide if she was lying, and he should call the whole thing off.

Finally deciding he believed her, he chose to stay.

As they ate, Amy asked "so, what do you want to do tonight? Television? Counterfactuals?"

"Actually" he replied, "I'm quite tired. Perhaps an early night?"

"OK" Amy replied, "you get a shower, while I tidy away".

Undressing, Sheldon stepped into the shower, turning it up a couple of notches, then washing and rinsing his hair and body, finally turning it back to the original setting, before switching it off.

Climbing out of the shower, he dried himself, applied talc, brushed his teeth, and gargled with mouthwash, before dressing in his pajamas.

Entering the living room, he announced "it's all yours".

"I'll only be a few minutes" she assured him, "I'll see you in bed".

Entering the bedroom, he sat on the chair, to wait for Amy.

When she arrived in the bedroom, freshly showered and dressed in pajamas, she found Sheldon sitting on the chair.

Giving him a puzzled look, she asked "Why aren't you in bed?"

"I didn't want to appear presumptuous" he replied.

"You can treat this apartment as you own" she assured him, "now let's get to bed".

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Sheldon looked surprised. "Whoa, I forgot you have a water bed".

"It's OK Sheldon" she reassured, "you'll soon get used to it".

Pulling backs the covers, he lay on his back on the bed, drawing the covers over him, then he felt the bed move, as Amy slid in beside him.

Remaining on his back, Sheldon turned his head to look her in the face.

"Goodnight Sheldon" she announced, rolling over to face away from him, fearful of panicking him, if she slept facing him.

"Goodnight Amy".

They lay there in the half dark, for several minutes, then she felt Sheldon roll onto his side, facing her way, then his hand brushed her shoulder.

His voice little more than a whisper, he asked "snuggle?"

"Of course" she replied, "snuggle as close as you like".

For a moment there was no movement, then the bed rippled, as Sheldon hunched close behind her, his right hand resting gently on her hip, and that was it, Sheldon was, of his own free will, spooning her. No tension, no awkwardness, no persuasion, just a soft warm feeling, that made her feel relaxed and content.

Slowly, she reached her left hand up and took hold of his right, taking it from her hip, drawing it across her stomach.

Allowing his hand to be moved, Sheldon gently tightened his arm across her, drawing her closer to him.

"Too tight?" he asked.

"No, that's fine" she replied.

Nudging his face into her hair, Sheldon inhaled deeply, the aroma of her cherry shampoo invading his senses.

Whispering "Goodnight Amy", he placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder.

Two minutes later, they were both fast asleep.

-o-o-o-o-

Blinking her eyes open, Amy found Sheldon was still in the same position he'd been in, when they went to sleep, the only change being his arm, which was now a foot or so higher, his hand gently cupping her left breast, through the fabric of her pajama jacket.

Closing her eyes, Amy smiled as she thought "second base", then she slipped back to sleep.

Some time later, Amy opened her eyes again, and Sheldon was no longer snuggled against her, instead laying on his back, a few inches of empty bed between them.

Rolling over, she faced him, looking at his smiling, contented face, then he rolled onto his side, and he was resting against her, his arm encircling her waist, drawing her closer to him, until her face was nuzzling into his chest.

Minutes passed, then Sheldon began to rouse, muttering "too warm".

Rather than release her and move away, he swept the covers back.

The cool bedroom air surrounding their bodies, Sheldon murmured "that's better", then he slipped back to sleep, still holding Amy close.

Amy wasn't trapped. Sheldon's grip was gentle and easily broken, but she chose to remain where she was, snuggled close to her boyfriend.

Inhaling his talc, Amy closed her eyes and let sleep reclaim her.

-o-o-o-o-

Opening his eyes, Sheldon surveyed his situation. He was lying on his back, with Amy resting her head on the left side of his chest, her body pressing against his side, her comforting warmth permeating him.

If Amy had tried to adopt that position when he was awake, he'd have backed away, but, awakening to find himself in that position, he realized he actually quite liked it.

Amy's body was warm and soft, and she had a gentle smile on her face, the very picture of contentment, and he couldn't resist the temptation to kiss her hair.

Feeling the kiss, Amy roused, looking up into his deep blue eyes.

"Comfortable?" she asked, the word rolling from her tongue, a warmness to it.

Sheldon nodded, "um, yes, very".

They lay there for a few minutes, then Amy glanced at the clock. "Oops" she announced, "you're missing Doctor Who".

Still in his pajamas, Sheldon sat on the couch, watching the Time Lord tackling a group of robots, resembling mummies.

Putting a bowl of cereal on the coffee table in front of him, Amy took a seat next to him, tucking her legs under her, leaning into Sheldon.

"So what are we watching?" she asked.

Putting his arm around her, Sheldon drew her against him. "It's my favorite Tom Baker episode" he announced, as though Amy knew who Tom Baker was, "Pyramids of Mars, and that lady with the rifle, is Sarah Jane Smith, played by Elizabeth Sladen".

Amy nodded along, as he explained how Sarah had been the companion of both the Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker incarnations, and how she had been replaced by a female warrior called Leela, played by Louise Jameson.

"Finally" Amy thought, "a name I recognize". "I know who she is" she announced, "she was in Tenko".

As the credits ran, Sheldon put down his empty cereal bowl and stretched. "Is it OK if I shower first?" he asked.

"Of course" Amy replied, "take your time. We've got all day, unless there's somewhere you'd particularly like to go?"

"Nowhere in particular" he replied. Hesitating, he went on, "except maybe back to bed?".

-o-o-o-o-

"You intend to spend all day in here?" Amy asked.

Sheldon looked sheepish. "I wouldn't mind". "Cuddle again?" he asked.

"Of course" Amy replied, "spooning?"

"Actually" he said, his voice dropping, "I rather thought your head on my chest again".

They lay there, Amy's head resting on his chest, listening to the slow, steady, reassuring beat of his heart, until lunchtime rolled around, then, realizing they were hungry, they dressed and went out to a burger bar.

Sitting in a corner, away from eavesdroppers, Sheldon lowered his voice to little more than a whisper. "Amy" he confessed, "when you first proposed me staying over, it did cross my mind that it was some kind of ruse, to get me to do more things with you, but now I realize it isn't, I have to say, I'm really enjoying this weekend".

"Me too" she replied, then, with an exaggerated wink, she asked "now, shall we go and use up that packet of condoms?"

Just for a moment, it seemed Sheldon was actually considering the suggestion, then he went back to his burger.

-o-o-o-o-

Back at the apartment, Sheldon seemed on edge.

Finally, he turned to look at Amy.

"Amy" he began, his breathing becoming deeper and a little labored, "what you said about the condoms".

"I was joking" she reassured him.

"I realize that" he replied, "but it did get me thinking, about something I've been considering for a while".

Amy was intrigued. "Really? And what would that be?"

Sheldon's eyes dipped from hers, briefly flicking across her chest, before returning to her eyes.

Taking a deep breath, he held it, then slowly let it out.

Closing his eyes, he announced "second base". A moment passed, then he added "through your shirt of course".

Giving him a reassuring smile, she replied "I think I'd like that, if you're sure?"

Sheldon looked nervous. "I'm not sure Amy, but I'd like to try".

"OK" she replied, trying to sound casual, "let's give it a try, yes?"

Sheldon nodded, almost imperceptibly.

Leaning back against the couch, Amy steadied her voice.

"OK" she announced, "whenever you are ready?"

For a moment he just sat there, then he raised his right hand and gently placed it on Amy's left breast, holding it there, feeling the heat of her body, through the thin fabric of her shirt.

Seconds passed and Sheldon didn't remove his hand, then a smile crept onto his face.

"Amy" he said, his breathing labored, "it feels wonderful, you feel wonderful".

"Thank you" she replied, her voice soft, warm and calming, "now, without letting go, kiss me".

Leaning across, he pressed his lips to hers, Amy opening her mouth to admit his tongue, all the time Sheldon's hand cupping her breast, then, to her delight, she felt him squeeze it, only a tiny amount, but a squeeze nevertheless, and a shiver ran through her body, as Sheldon wriggled, trying to ease the constriction in his underpants.

-o-o-o-o-

Cuddling together, Amy decided Sheldon's chest was her favorite place to rest her head, the steady, gentle beat of his heart, the perfect soporific.

Inhaling the scent of his talc, she asked "What made you decide to try second base?"

"I dreamt about it last night" he replied.

Turning her head upward, to look into his face, she gave him a sheepish grin. "You didn't dream it, you did it last night".

"Oh Amy" he said, blushing deep, "please tell me it was on the outside of your pajamas".

"It was" she reassured him, "but it wouldn't have mattered. I would have enjoyed it either way".

Sheldon looked confused. "Really, you wouldn't have minded?"

"No" she assured him, "now relax and kiss me".

His mouth meeting hers, she felt his hand cover her breast again, a beautiful moan rising from her throat, to vibrate against his lips, then she felt Sheldon harden against her.

She was tempted to reach down and stroke him, but she decided against it, in case she frightened him. They'd made progress today, and she didn't want to set it back, by being overeager.

The kiss went on far longer than any previous kiss, Sheldon's hand never straying from her breast, gently cupping and stroking it, as his tongue explored her mouth, sliding against her tongue, tasting and teasing, until, breathing fast and hard, he broke the kiss, rolling onto his back.

His breathing slowing, a massive grin on his face, he announced "that was amazing".

"For me too" she confirmed, her breathing short.

"Goodnight Sheldon" she said, turning her back on him, then, a moment later, she felt him snuggle against her back, his arousal nudging her.

Swallowing hard, he apologized "Sorry, but I can't seem to do anything about this".

"It's fine" she reassured him, "now how about second base again?"

Without hesitation, he swung his right arm over her, settling it around her body, his hand resting on her left breast, then he inhaled deeply, his face buried in her silken hair, a contented moan rising from his throat.

-o-o-o-o-

Sheldon woke to an uncomfortable situation, an empty bed.

Although this was only his second night sleeping with Amy, he felt very comfortable snuggling with her, and her absence made the bed feel cold and unwelcoming.

Slipping from the bed, he made his way to the living room, to find Amy, standing with her back to him, dishing omelets onto plates, two mugs of tea already made.

Crossing the room, from behind, he wrapped his arms around her waist, giving a little squeeze, and kissing her on the neck.

Feeling Amy relax into his embrace, he slipped his right hand inside her bath robe and stroked her belly, feeling the warmth and softness.

Amy let him continue stroking for a few seconds, then, with a grin, she asked "you do know I'm naked under this robe, don't you?".

For a moment Sheldon froze, then, sounding far more confident than he felt, he raised his eyebrows and announced "that's what I'm counting on".

"OK" she teased, "I'm all yours. Help yourself".

Sheldon never intended it to get this far, it starting as just a bit of silly banter, but, not the kind to lose face, by backing away from a challenge, he swept his hand upward, his fingertips grazing the soft warm mound of flesh, a thrill running through him.

"I did it" he murmured in her ear, a nervous grin on his face "I actually did it. I touched you".

Turning to her left, his hand slipping from her bathrobe, Amy turned to face him, put her arms around his neck, and drew him down into a kiss.

Breaking the kiss, she whispered "that was wonderful. Do it again".

"OK" he agreed, "but you'll need to turn your back". With a sheepish grin, blushing pink, he explained "I can't do it while I'm looking at you".

Giving him a quick peck on the cheek, Amy turned her back on him, pressing herself back into his body, then Sheldon slipped his hand inside her bathrobe, briefly stroking her belly, before sweeping his hand upward again, but this time he didn't just graze her flesh, he stroked it, still very delicately.

He only touched her breast for a couple of seconds, but it was enough to send a thrill running through Amy, her breath shortening, her cheeks flushing, and her heart racing.

They ate their omelets in silence, Sheldon wearing a huge grin, which grew even larger, whenever he thought of what he'd just done.

Washing the dishes, Amy called over her shoulder, "back to bed again?"

Sheldon considered it for a moment. "Perhaps not" he said, "no knowing what I might do, if I'm in bed with you all day".

Raising her eyebrows, Amy announced "that's an interesting prospect. Care to elaborate?"

Blushing, he shook his head. Changing the subject, he asked "how about a walk in the park?"

"Love to" Amy replied.

-o-o-o-o-

They wandered aimlessly through the park, Sheldon barely saying a word, his mind evidently on something else, then, as they were passing a bench, he took Amy's hand and sat on the bench, drawing her down next to him.

Turning to look at her, he began "Amy, I have something to say to you, and it's not easy for me to say it, so I would ask that don't interrupt me".

"Of course Sheldon" she replied, "take your time".

Replying "thank you", he began "Amy, the break was the most lonely time of my life. I felt so alone, so empty. I don't ever want to be without you again. I know our relationship isn't moving forward very fast, but I am trying, and I promise I'll keep on trying, because I'm in love with you Amy".

Amy sat there stunned. He hadn't just declared he loved her, but that he was in love with her.

Before she could begin to reply, he continued, "and before you think I'm only doing things like second base to keep you, I promise you I'm not. I'm doing them because I like doing them, frightening as they are, I enjoy doing them with you".

Pausing again, he took a deep breath, and Amy could see in his eyes, the struggle he was having, putting his feelings into words.

"Amy" he went on again, "you know I'm not ready to make love yet, but someday I will be, I know I will, and when that time comes, more than anything in the world, I want it to be with you".

They sat there in complete silence, tears welling in Amy's eyes, then, as the seconds dragged on, Amy finally asked "may I speak now?"

Sheldon nodded, unable to force words past the lump in his throat, and Amy began, "Sheldon, I too missed you dreadfully, but I needed time to think things through, to decide what I wanted from this relationship. I felt it was stagnating, but it isn't anymore. It may not be racing ahead, but it is moving forward, and that's all I ask of you".

As the first tears slipped from her eyes, to run down her cheeks, Amy went on, a tremble in her voice. "I want us to make love, but I can wait, just so long as I know you want it too".

Putting his arms around her neck, Sheldon drew her to him, kissing the tears from her cheeks, fighting to keep his own tears from flowing.

"Please don't cry Amy" he begged, "I do love you, I do, and I do want you so very much, but I'm just not ready. If I could have one wish, it would be that this fear would go away, and I could make love to you, right now".

They sat there, holding one another, oblivious to people passing by, then Sheldon took her hand and, standing, raised her up with him.

Smiling a gentle smile, he asked "Shall we?, and they strolled slowly through the park, hand in hand, back toward Amy's apartment.

-o-o-o-o-

Wandering into the living room, dressed in her bath robe, her hair wet and messy, her face unmade up, Amy saw Sheldon was packing clothes into his sports bag.

"You're leaving?" she asked.

Without looking up, he replied "no, of course not. I'm just packing things I won't need tonight".

"You could leave them here" she suggested, "I could wash them for you. I mean, you will be staying again next weekend, won't you?"

"Yes" he replied, "If you would like me to?"

"I would" she assured him.

Pausing, she went on, wary that she might be pushing things too far, "in fact, I'd love it if you would stay every weekend, from now on".

Sheldon pondered for a moment, then a smile filled his face, "I'd love that too".

"So" Amy asked, "are you ready for bed?"

Laying in their mutually favorite snuggling position, Sheldon on his back, Amy's head on his chest, his arm around her shoulders, and her arm across his stomach, Sheldon heaved a deep sigh.

"Something wrong? Amy asked.

"I can't believe the weekend is over already" he sighed.

"I know" she replied, her mouth dropping to a frown, "back to work already".

"Actually" Sheldon explained, "that's not what I meant". Pausing, he went on, "these three days with you, have just gone so fast".

"You could stay" she ventured.

Sheldon thought long and hard, then he answered, slowly and deliberately. "No, these three days have been very special, and I want them to stay special. If I live here permanently, I'm afraid they'll become less special. Familiarity and all that".

"I understand" she agreed, "I just know I'm going to miss you so much".

"We work in the same building" he reminded her, "and", he winked, "there is a lock on my office door".

A shiver of anticipation running through her body, she opened her mouth to speak, but the only sound to come out was "hoo".

Clearing her throat, Amy announced "time for sleep I think".

Pausing, she gave him a mischievous grin, then she began skillfully undoing her pajama top with her right hand, starting with the top button, at the same time fanning herself with her left hand, declaring "boy is it warm in here".

Looking him in the eyes, she said, "not that I expect you to take advantage of this situation". Pausing, she winked, "but I wouldn't complain if you did".

Snuggling in behind her, Sheldon inhaled deeply, the cherry scent of her shampoo flooding his senses, then, slipping his hand inside her pajama top, he whispered "vixen".