So this whole thing popped in my head shortly after I heard the news yesterday. One of the thoughts I'd had was that Sheldon would be pretty upset to hear about Leonard Nimoy. I sincerely hope that everything in the story seems respectful to his passing, since that was my intention. Also, I know that Shamy date nights are usually on Thursday, but we'll just pretend that everything falls on the same day in this story. I'll leave you with what my brother posted on Facebook yesterday, which I thought was perfect: "Thank you for helping us boldly go, Mr. Nimoy. You lived long, and prospered. RIP."
Amy quickly sprinted up the stairs of the Los Robles apartment building she had come to know so well, eager to arrive at 4A. She had been on her way over anyway for her and Sheldon's date night, but as she was driving, she received a text from Leonard:
Hey, Amy, just to give you a heads up, Leonard Nimoy passed away today.
She had become well-versed enough in Sheldon's never-ending knowledge of all things Star Trek to know that this was the actor who had portrayed Spock, Sheldon's hero. Amy knew Sheldon probably wasn't taking this news too well, and was anxious to see how her sweet baboo was doing.
Amy knocked on the door, and Leonard quickly answered. "Come on in. He's over there," he said, pointing to Sheldon's spot. Her boyfriend looked downcast as he fingered what appeared to be a small piece of fabric.
She nodded at Leonard as she took in the situation. Leonard felt a sense of gratitude, knowing Sheldon was in her very capable hands. She knew how to deal with him better than anyone, and Leonard was happy to have someone else on their team, someone who cared for Sheldon more than Leonard would've ever thought possible.
Leonard grabbed his keys and took one last look at his best friend. "Okay, I'm going out to dinner with Penny. Call me if you need anything, okay, buddy?"
Sheldon nodded solemnly. "Thank you, Leonard."
Once Leonard exited, Amy sat down next to Sheldon, wondering how she should proceed. She figured the best way was straight to the point, the way she always was.
"I heard about Leonard Nimoy passing away. I'm so sorry, Sheldon."
Sheldon looked away, trying to keep his emotions in check. Amy was looking at him so tenderly he wasn't sure how he could stay strong much longer.
Amy gently rubbed his right arm in an effort of consolation, and he allowed her to continue, much to her surprise.
"It's okay to be sad, Sheldon. Even celebrity deaths can have a profound impact on us. You don't have to push it away. What are you feeling right now?"
He looked over at her green eyes, filled with love and concern, and let out a shaky sigh. "I am very sad that Leonard Nimoy is gone. It just reminds me of everyone else I've looked up to and lost."
Amy nodded. "Of course, that makes sense," she said reassuringly.
"It feels like Spock has died, too, but that seems silly, I suppose. I know he is, after all, just a fictional character."
"It's not silly at all, Sheldon. Spock was your hero, and it's always rough to lose a hero."
Sheldon gaped at her, in awe at her understanding. She always understood him, and it never failed to give him butterflies. "Yes, that's it, exactly. He was my hero. I emulated him. He was exactly who I wanted to be. At least, that used to be the case."
"Oh? What changed?"
His heavy gaze was fixed directly at her. "You."
Amy gasped. "What?"
"You pontificated your way into my heart, Amy, and made me realize that I didn't always have to behave in a Vulcan fashion. I didn't always have to use Kolinahr to suppress my emotions. You've made me a more affectionate person. Of course I still admire Spock, but I've been realizing I'm not quite as identical to him as I used to be."
Amy tried to steady her breathing, but it was no use. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest as she felt herself melting into a puddle at his heartfelt words. In an attempt to pull herself together, she tried to look more closely at the fabric Sheldon was holding. "What do you have there?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Oh, this. It's the napkin Penny got Leonard Nimoy to autograph. Did I ever tell you that story?"
Amy smiled. "As a matter of fact, Penny told that one to me. I wish I could have been there to see you freak out the way she described."
"I didn't 'freak out', I was simply overwhelmed. It's still one of my favorite presents, even though I generally dislike receiving them," Sheldon said, looking fondly at the autograph.
"I can see why. If someone ever gave me something autographed by Neil Diamond, I'd probably feel the same way," she commented, scooting over a bit closer to him.
"Don't tell Penny it's one of my favorite presents."
"Your secret is safe."
Sheldon sighed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin our date night. I just don't feel up to much at the moment."
"You don't have to apologize for that. Look, I know we were going to go out to dinner tonight, but I tell you what. Let's order in, and we will watch your favorite Star Trek movie, in honor of Mr. Nimoy."
He gazed fondly at her. "You would do that?"
"Of course. In fact," she paused, thinking how much she was going to regret her next statement, "I've decided Star Trek really isn't too bad after all."
Sheldon lit up. "Amy! Do you realize what this means?! We can go to Star Trek conventions together! And we should do a viewing marathon soon. We should probably start with the original series. I've been making a list of Star Trek related topics on hand in case you ever changed your mind. We should start working on costu—"
"Sheldon!" Amy interrupted him, holding up her hands. Yep, already regretting it. "I didn't say I was obsessed. I just see a little bit better why you like it. Can't we just leave it there for now?"
Sheldon agreed. "Very well." He still held out hope she would become a full-fledged Trekker one of these days.
"So, what movie are we watching?"
"Definitely not Wrath of Khan tonight, since that contains Spock's death scene. We need something a little lighter. I pick The Voyage Home, since that's my favorite anyway."
"Sounds good. I'll order the food."
An hour later, stomachs full of pizza, they were cozy on the couch while the movie played, Amy snuggled up against Sheldon. He was already feeling better, although he knew that the passing of Leonard Nimoy would forever be etched on his soul.
Looking over at Amy, he couldn't help but utter, "Thank you for being here, Amy."
She smiled. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be. 'I have been, and always shall be, your friend.' Not to mention the woman who loves you."
Sheldon gave a grin, the grin that only his Amy could bring out of him, astounded by her Spock quote. He leaned in to give her a small, sweet kiss.
"I love you, too."
Reviews are always appreciated! Thanks for reading!