The Evolution of Shamy
Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form do I own anything to do with The Big Bang Theory (except DVDs). CBS, Chuck Lorre, and Bill Prady have that honor. I am just a fan.
Chapter 4
The Saturday morning after the costume party Katherine and Amy met for brunch. They had gone out for dinner and drinks with Penny and Bernadette the night before, but hadn't had a chance to talk privately. After they had put their orders in Katherine broached the subject. "How did things go with Sheldon at the party?"
"Quite well I think" Amy replied. She put her laptop on the table and pulled up her data.
"My, you're certainly being methodical about this."
Amy pushed her glasses up "You said to use a scientific method and thorough documentation is crucial to any experiment."
"Why don't you just tell me what happened?"
Amy recounted what had occurred at the party. Katherine raised her eyebrows at Martha's flirting and Sheldon asking Amy to dance.
"I wonder what the story with Martha is? She works in the English Department, but I don't know her very well. I suppose if Sheldon didn't respond to her flirting we don't need to worry about her."
Amy said "I won't worry as long as she doesn't try anything with Sheldon again."
"The dancing is good. He obviously wanted to get you away from those grad students and was willing to touch you for an extended period of time to do it."
"Yes, I found that notable as well." The waitress brought over Katherine's French toast and Amy's oatmeal pancakes.
"Amy, you know you will have an uphill battle with this right?" Katherine asked seriously.
"You said it was encouraging."
"Yes it is, but Sheldon is going to fight this tooth and nail the whole way. Even if he is starting to feel something for you, he won't admit it easily. Not even to himself."
Amy sighed.
"Honey, I'm not trying to discourage you; I just want you to be prepared. There's nothing more frustrating than a guy who won't or can't admit his feelings. Trust me, I know."
"Do you mean Raj?"
Katherine choked on her tea. "How…?"
Amy was smug, seeing her supposition had been correct. "At the last group dinner, I saw you two writing in a notebook, your pupils were dilated, indicating arousal and…"
Katherine interrupted "Okay, I get it" then admitted "Yes; I've developed feelings for Raj. We've been IMing weekly for the last few months, but it's not the sort of thing you can discuss that way."
Amy frowned "Why not?"
"Trust me Amy; you need to have those sorts of conversations face to face. And with Raj's issue…"
"You mean his selective mutism?"
"Yes. We can't talk in person unless he's been drinking and it's not a good idea to have a serious conversation about a relationship under the influence."
"I can see where that would be a bad idea."
Amy and Katherine sat in silence a few minutes toying with their food. In an effort to change the subject Katherine finally said "Amy, I think we should bring Penny and Bernadette in on this."
"I don't know if that's a good idea."
"Penny has more experience with guys than both of us combined and she knows Sheldon better than anyone except his Meemaw, his mother or Leonard. And Bernadette has spent a lot of time around smart science guys."
"You do raise some valid points." Amy admitted reluctantly.
"At our next Girls' Night we could bring it up, or at least get their suggestions for strategies."
"I'll think about it."
"You should think about dating other guys too."
It was Amy's turn to choke on her drink. "I don't want to date other guys!"
"I know, but consider this: Sheldon responded very strongly to your talking with other men. We know how possessive he is; you going out with other men might be the best way to get him to realize what he feels for you."
"That seems awfully manipulative."
"It is; I wouldn't ordinarily recommend playing games like that but Sheldon is a special case."
"How would I get the dates?" asked Amy.
"Bernadette, Penny and I would set you up."
Amy said "I don't know if I'm comfortable with that. It feels like I'd be cheating on Sheldon."
"As long as Sheldon keeps insisting you're his 'girl slash friend' not his 'girlfriend' you're free to date whoever you want."
Amy sighed "True."
"Just think about it; it's nothing you need to do immediately. In fact, it would probably be better to do it down the road anyway, after you've collected more data."
"What other kinds of data should I be collecting?"
Katherine thought for a few moments before answering "You should figure out what Sheldon enjoys talking about most. And you should try to figure out what his ego's weak point is."
"I don't understand."
"Everyone has a weak point, where they're most susceptible to flattery. Take me; I don't consider it a great compliment to be told I'm smart. I know it; my SAT scores and academic awards prove it. I'm much less confident in my looks, so I'm most susceptible to being told I'm pretty or sexy."
Amy was struck by how easily Katherine admitted her vulnerability "I can sympathize."
"You just need to find the weak point in Sheldon's ego and bolster it."
"Remind me to never get on your bad side."
Katherine grinned "I've sworn to use my powers only for good and never for evil." They girls finished breakfast and paid their bill. "Do you want to do something Amy?"
"Like what?"
"We could check out the Pasadena Museum of History and then get a manicure." Katherine suggested.
"That sounds like fun."
Author note: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the previous chapters. I truly appreciate the encouragement.
I would love to hear any thoughts, comments or constructive criticism so please review.