Wednesday was a much more productive day. Sheldon knew he had broken his routine that morning by choosing coco pops for breakfast; but his mood called for them; and now, as he stood staring at the work he had accomplished, he knew it hadn't been a mistake. He was due to lecture this afternoon and where normally this would fill him with dread, today he knew it was merely a task to be suffered before an evening of comic books, halo and friendship. Last night he had slept better than he had in months and he was hoping tomorrows meeting would enable him to move a step closer to convincing Amy this was not a mistake.
He glanced away from his board towards his bag leaning against his desk. He had promised himself that if he accomplished both a successful morning and afternoons work then he could stop and review his theory. He had a feeling he would be able to prove to Amy what they had was different. More than just the words he had spoken last night. The evidence was in his bag. His journals. Shaking himself to focus Sheldon grabbed his notes and headed out towards the lecture theatre. It would be a waste of time of course. He would talk, he would be faced with a wall of blank expressions and pointless questions, before being able to return to things that mattered. Entering the lecture hall he was shocked to see a few students already in attendance, normally they were still slinking in after he had started speaking. Placing his notes on the lectern and connecting his laptop he glanced up and stopped still.
"Amy?" He whispered the word and was already around the stand and heading towards her before he was aware of his own actions.
"Amy?"
"Ah Dr Cooper!" Amy grinned as she turned to face him. "I hope you don't mind. I have checked with your board that it is OK my being here." Amy realised she was gabbling and taking a deep breath said a little more calmly. "These are some students from the local high schools hoping to take science further, they were visiting me at UCL and as they expressed an interest in physics and I knew you were lecturing..." Amy trailed off. Sheldon was looking at her as if she had grown horns. "You don't want me here..." she whispered.
Sheldon shook his head before saying "Can I speak to you a minute?"
Moving away, aware the eyes of the young students were following, he turned and said quietly "Amy what are you doing here?"
"I just told you."
"Really? Then I am confused as to why you didn't mention this visit when I spoke to you last. It isn't as if these students arrived at UCLA unscheduled."
Amy sighed. "No, and to be honest I hadn't thought when I last saw you about their visit. This morning they arrived, we were discussing science, your name came up and I had the idea."
"Why would my name come up?" Sheldon asked confused.
Amy blushed
"Amy?"
"OK, I happened to mention I knew you, a colleague expressed disbelief, it got a little competitive and here we are."
"Why would they not believe you, we have been friends a long time now?"
"Oh its a long story." Amy shrugged. "Look if you want us to leave..."
"No it is OK, although I am not sure my lecture will be of much relevance to high school students."
"Its OK, it is more for them to get a feel for the place, to sit in a packed lecture hall, that kind of thing."
Sheldon shifted uncomfortably. His lectures were not normally well attended, and the last few had been a positive disaster. Suddenly not wanting Amy there at all he began to frantically think of a reason that would sound plausible.
"Dr Fowler," came a young voice from the seats behind them. "Is your boyfriend going to use the lasers you were telling us about?"
"Boyfriend?" Sheldon whispered eyebrows raised.
Amy groaned. "It isn't how it sounds. Look a student asked if you were my boyfriend, a colleague made some derogatory comment and I found myself saying you were just to save face. OK I know it was a lie but all I need is for you to lecture, the kids see some science then we all go away and leave you in peace."
Sheldon grinned. Glancing over Amy's shoulder, noting his own students were still notable by their absence, he stepped forward and before Amy could register what he was doing he wrapped an arm around her waist and propelled her against him back to the waiting students.
"I am afraid we are not using lasers today. In fact you may find the whole lecture a little dry, but I am sure if we ask her nicely Dr Fowler here can arrange another visit and lasers can most definitely feature."
Amy squeaked as she felt Sheldon squeeze her close and she knew her cheeks were flushed. She was however spared answering by the noisy arrival of Sheldon's own students causing him to reluctantly release her and move back to the front of the auditorium.
73
If you had asked him later Sheldon would have told you he had given his normal lecture. If you had asked his students they would have admitted it was one of his finer lectures, he was less judgemental, actually explained if someone asked a question and at the end was happy to stay behind rather than beat them to the door.
If you asked Amy she could have told you nothing! After Sheldon's arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her close her mind blanked out. She knew he was talking, she knew the students with her asked a few questions and she hoped she had looked like she was listening. But for the whole of the talk all she did was think of how her heart skipped a beat as he had grinned at her. How his fingers had felt through the layers of her clothes and how her students had looked enviously at her as he released her to take up his position at the front of the students. She was suddenly brought back to reality by his voice.
"Amy... Dr Fowler..."
Blinking Amy focused. "Sorry I was just thinking about your lecture." she lied hoping he would not pick up on her inattention. His raised eyebrow though showed she was wrong, but he made no comment other than to hand her a timetable of when he was scheduled to be in the laser lab.
"Let me know if you want to bring these guys back." He nodded at the students. Then quietly to Amy, "in fact I suggest when you return to UCLA you call me and we can rearrange our plans for tonight so we can discuss the change in our relationship agreement over dinner."
"Sheldon I told you I only said that because -"
"So you don't want to be my girlfriend? Look Amy you know how I feel. I think the other night went some way to proving we could have more than a holiday fling. I don't want that and I don't think you do either. Now I suggest I cancel halo and we sit down and you ask me any questions you still have. I have something I need to show you and I think, hope, it will show you I am serious. Now I have to go but I will call you later." Sheldon didn't wait for Amy to respond he just left her standing there staring after him.
73
Having safely deposited the students back at the university Amy retreated to her lab and, pulling up a stool, sat down to consider the events of the morning. The whole disaster occurred because she had been showing off. Trying to impress the young students. A colleague overhearing had called her on it and she was then forced to continue the lie and had found herself at Caltech.
Sheldon knew. He could see right through her and knew she wanted more. In fact, Amy shivered, his realisation had made him seem more confident. He had not asked what she wanted to do; he told her. He had smiled so knowingly as he asked if she did or didn't want to be his girlfriend.
Amy suddenly realised this Sheldon, the confident demanding Sheldon, was the one she wanted. It was this Sheldon who she had met and admired in the field of science. It was hearing talk of the affect he had had on Pauline, when she was in her brief relationship with him, that had caused Amy to view Sheldon differently in the first place. To have him speak so assuredly to her about something as personal as a relationship, and in public too, made Amy blush even though she was alone.
Picking up the phone she dialled Sheldon's number and found herself smiling at his abrupt
"Cooper."
"Sheldon. Hey its me."
"Amy." She noticed his tone soften.
"Sheldon I need to apologise. For turning up unannounced at your place of work, for letting those students think..."
"Amy you do not need to apologise. You brought the students here to help foster their love of science. This is admirable, if maybe a little romantic, I doubt any student of that age still in high school would ever reach the level of success we ourselves have, but to give them a glimpse is nice I guess. As to what you let them think, my problem is not that so much as why you are still denying it yourself. Your actions surely show you that to have voiced the possibility you were voicing a desire you have been denying both yourself and me."
"Sheldon I am not denying anything. I was trying to impress some silly kids and it got out of hand."
"OK. Then answer me this then. I would like to take you on a date. The location can be one of your choosing and I would like it known to anyone interested I am asking you in the capacity of of boyfriend to a girlfriend. Think carefully Amy. We have been friends, good friends, but I am asking if you want that to change? You know how I feel and I need to know if you feel the same."
Amy was quiet. Sheldon, normally so patient around her was now demanding answers.
"Sheldon I don't know."
"OK, well as I sprung it on you I will say this. Tonight I am cancelling halo. I am going to ensure the others meet elsewhere and I will remain at home. If you consider my suggestion acceptable you can come to my apartment where I will attempt to prove to you that any fears or concerns you may have are unfounded. If you do not wish to accept however, then that is OK and the next time we meet it will be as if this conversation didn't happen. We will remain friends and I shall never mention it again."
Pausing but receiving no reply Sheldon said quietly. "I need to go Amy, I will see you soon." and replaced the phone.
Amy sat stunned. She would go, of course she would. Even the idea of not going was unthinkable. No, her problem was, as sheldon said, overcoming her own doubts and admiting to them both she wanted this. Then there was the question of what to wear. Would he expect more than kissing. He was, after all, used to more from Pauline. In the very short space of time they had been together lots had happened and Amy wondered if Sheldon was planning on this relationship between them moving at the same speed. Should she ask Penny? No, then everyone would find out. For half a heartbeat she considered calling Pauline herself. Realising just the cancellation of halo was a huge step Amy knew they wouldn't be able to hide anything from their friends. Perhaps she should ask Sheldon if he wanted to go to hers. Shaking her head at that idea too Amy began to pack her work away, it wasn't as if she had achieved anything anyway. No, she would go home, calm down and try to make herself presentable.
73
Replacing the phone from his call to Amy Sheldon realised he was shaking. He wasn't sure what had come over him but he knew, deep down, he had to know and at least this way, by tonight, he would have his answer. He picked up his cell phone and sent Leonard a text saying as he was feeling a little under the weather; the planned halo was cancelled and he had no objections if he and the others wanted to find alternative entertainment rather than nurse him. Knowing this would buy him a good amount of time alone Sheldon stood, grabbed his bag and left his office.
"Hi Sheldon, to what do we owe this honour?" Pauline grinned as he entered the lab.
"I wondered if I could have a moment of your time to discuss a personal matter?"
Looking closely at him and seeing how nervous he looked Pauline led him to the office part of the lab and closing the door so as not to be disturbed she said "Shoot!"
"Its Amy. I gave her an ultimatum."
"You did? Wow. How did she react?"
"Well she didn't. Everyone keeps telling me she likes me and I have been careful, so careful; scared to frighten her off, but she has been so non committal. So I told her if she didn't turn up at mine tonight I would assume she wanted nothing more than friendship."
"Well I guess that's not unreasonable." Pauline said quietly, "you have been on two holidays, she knows how you feel..."
"Do you think she will show?"
"I hope so Sheldon, she is really nice and I know you care for her a lot. Have things progressed at all?"
"Well we have kissed while on holiday and again since we have been back. I have tried not to rush her, but whenever I hold her I just don't want to stop. Walking away last night was one of the hardest things I have ever done. She thought the holidays were a false indicator on her feelings; but today she told someone I was her boyfriend. She didn't need to do that did she? Did she?"
"No, and I think Sheldon she is probably fighting this, her feelings. Let her tell you her fears. Remember how we worked through yours well you can do the same."
Nodding Sheldon said "I thought I would ask what her fears were and suggest addressing them 1 at a time, but what if I cant control myself?"
"Sheldon you will be fine, just remember you are the one with the knowledge, you are going to be able to guide her, help her. Sheldon you will be fine!" Pauline smiled a little sadly as she saw Sheldon smile. Amy was a lucky girl! Shaking off her sadness she grinned, "just remember Sheldon for you what we had was an experiment, but with Amy it could be so much more. Just be patient."
"Thank you Pauline." Sheldon nodded quietly and with a quick wave left the office and lab. Checking his phone he saw he had 3 text messages from Leonard, Howard and Raj all wishing him well and telling him they would be at the university student bar then going to some club. Smirking at their predictability, but relieved his plan worked, Sheldon quickly replied that he was going to leave early and storing his phone Sheldon made his way to the bus stop.
73
Parked outside Los Robles Avenue and checking her reflection in the rear view mirror Amy jumped when her cell phone rang. Fishing in her bag she was surprised to see Pauline's name showing.
"Amy? Hi, I hope you don't mind my calling but I saw Sheldon earlier. He told me about your date tonight. It is a date isn't it? You are going?"
"I am outside now." Amy admitted, "I am nervous."
"Amy get in there. Sheldon is a good man."
"Pauline why are you calling?"
"To make sure you turned up. To make sure you know how good he is, how much he cares."
"I do know." Amy admitted quietly. "But about how good he is... he has experience, you had experience, I don't know anything other than hearsay from my friends and things I have read in books. It is hardly the same."
"Maybe, but you have Sheldon! And as long as you tell him what is worrying you he will help you. He knows what to do Amy. Trust him." Then not even saying goodbye Pauline disconnected the call leaving Amy to reflect on her advise.
Sitting for a few minutes Amy knew she had wasted too much time and grabbing her bag got out and locked her car.
Knocking on the door Amy brushed her hair out of her face and shifted from foot to foot waiting for Sheldon to answer. She was a few minutes later than the time they had agreed, due to her dawdling and Pauline's call, and Amy wondered if Sheldon thought she was not coming. As the door opened she saw what she could only interpret as a look of relief wash over Sheldon's face.
"Come in." he said quietly and following him into the apartment Amy noted that he was alone and that it appeared he had been in his room, as the TV was off and there was no sign of work on his desk.
"Did I interrupt?" Amy asked nervously.
"No. I wasn't sure you would come. I am glad you did."
Then not able to resist the sight of her so close Sheldon pulled her to him and held her.
Amy dropped her bag and looped her arms around his slender waist, closing her eyes and just breathing in the scent of him. He was not usually one for signs of affection like this and she knew he must have been expecting her to not show.
"You didn't think I was coming?" She whispered into his chest.
Sheldon released his hold on her and shook his head. "In all the time we have known each other you have always been prompt. When the allotted time came and went I assumed you had made your decision and wanted to keep our relationship on a strictly friends basis. When I heard you knock I thought it was Penny sent by Leonard to check how I was."
"Why would Leonard send Penny over?" Amy asked confused.
"Because I told them I was sick to make sure they didn't come back, and on past experience Leonard will send Penny in first as a reconnaissance party."
"She is a good friend." Amy smiled.
"Whatever," Sheldon dismissed "I am relieved it is you." Pulling her to the sofa Sheldon said "wait here," and all but ran down the hall to his room returning with a notepad.
Amy looked at him curiously and as he sat in his spot and patted the space next to him so she would move closer he said "I wanted to show you this. When I conducted the experiment with Pauline and discussed the findings with you I made notes."
Flipping the book open to a page he had marked Sheldon shoved the book at Amy and watched as she read the neat writing that he had marked with a post it note.
Having overcome nerves Pauline guided me through various physical experiments. Kissing, fellatio and coitus. Each building the level of arousal and culminating in orgasmic release. On completion of experiment I feel calm, tired and a desire to return to my own bed, my routine and my whiteboard to complete the work neglected.
Amy looked at Sheldon as she finished reading unsure as to why he was showing her this, before he flipped the page and handed the book back to her were she read.
To ensure a fair and accurate experiment, after Amy pointed out large areas of uncatalouged data, I revisited Pauline and using parameters as near to the previous experiment as possible found I was more in control, less nervous and able to gather the information previously neglected. I was able to pass this information on to Amy as agreed. The experiment this time was again physically pleasing, but I find I now have no desire to repeat the experiment. Previous rem cycles have been restored to normal and my out of control hormones have thankfully returned to normal. Today at work I was able to focus totally.
As she finished reading Amy was not sure why she felt nervous, was Sheldon telling her that this, what ever it was between them, would be short lived? Looking at him she said "I am not sure I understand."
Still not speaking Sheldon turned the page once more and Amy read.
I have regrets about the experiment. While my rem cycle has been restored I feel it has also altered the relationship I once had with Amy. While she helped me immeasurably I now find my mind thinking of her. When I reflect on the experiment I do not reflect on the acts themselves, but rather on the reaction they caused when I recounted them to Amy. Since the experiment has ended I feel a barrier between us I do not know how to bridge. Having formally ended things with Pauline I now find myself cursed with my daily routine interrupted with thoughts and questions such as will Amy join us for Chinese or halo? Was she across the hall with Penny? When I heard she was going on this tour I felt emotions I am sure others would describe as jealousy.
Not even waiting for a reaction Sheldon turned the page when he saw she had reached the bottom and Amy saw a list of smells. Sheldon had seriously considered banning the colour green? Just because she had worn it? Looking at him now, closing the book even though she could see many other pages had been marked Amy said "I didn't know. I knew you were aroused but I thought it was just physical."
Sheldon just shook his head.
"I have a note book too" Amy said a little quieter. "When you came to me during the experiment I made notes. Perhaps you would like to read it?"
Sheldon looked at Amy closely. "I just needed you to see how this is different." Sheldon tried to explain. "The thing with Pauline, Amy it was so different. I don't want you to think it is the same. I wanted you to see that with you our friendship meant, means, a lot. My feelings are more than physical."
"In my notes I started by writing your thoughts as you told them too me; but then as it progressed I ended up with more questions in the book than observations." Amy admitted quietly, "Some of the things you told me left me so curious. I saw a side to you I had never considered, it scared me."
"Why?" Sheldon had turned to face Amy now his knee half bent onto the sofa so he could watch her face.
"She purred Sheldon! You made a woman purr!" Amy shivered. "This confession left me both stunned, curious and feeling so inadequate I can not explain."
"Amy for all I know that is normal."
"Oh believe me Sheldon I checked and it isn't!" Amy regretted the words as soon as she uttered them.
"You checked? How? Who with?"
"Penny. Also Pauline said you knew what to do and were a good man." Amy confessed causing Sheldon to groan and Amy to quickly qualify, "like you I didn't know if it was normal, Penny said Pauline was a lucky girl. Sheldon when we were away and I saw you... aroused.. well my previous curiosity was of course reignited but the sight of you also frightened me."
Sheldon nodded. " Amy I felt the same, the first time I saw Pauline. And with her things progressed quickly, far quicker than I had expected. It doesn't have to be like that with us. With her I told her I wanted a purely physical relationship and the reason why. That's not what I want for us. If it takes days, weeks or months then so be it."
"And if I cant? If I don't satisfy you as she did?"
"Amy lets just take it one step at a time. Let me make you dinner then we can draw up a schedule. "
Nodding Amy smiled "maybe that's best" she admitted and watching Sheldon move to the kitchen sat quietly thinking of how she could get from sitting here feeling nervous to feeling comfortable in an intimate situation with Dr Sheldon Cooper.
73
As Sheldon moved around the kitchen he tried to block out the thoughts rushing through his head. His initial euphoria at Amy's arrival, all be it late, was now replaced by doubts. Her doubts. He had hoped by showing her his thoughts she would see how this was different. He hadn't expected her to have written notes of that time of her own and it seemed now that the combination of the two just made her own self doubts greater. As he stood stirring the gravy Sheldon reflected on her observations and realised she had admitted being curious. She had gone as far as checking with her friend as to the normality of his situation. Sheldon knew no different, but if what Amy said was true then his experiment with Pauline had been a good one.
As another part of their conversation replayed in his head Sheldon turned and asked Amy
"When did Pauline say I was a good man and that I knew what I was doing?"
Even from across the room Sheldon saw Amy blush "Tonight."
"Pardon?" Sheldon turned the heat low under the pan and moved towards Amy.
"It is one of the reasons I was late" Amy confessed. "I had just parked the car and Pauline called me. She wanted to check I would turn up, she told me to get in here. She said you would be able to help me."
Shaking his head Sheldon could not believe the lengths women went too to interfere. "I told her that in confidence," he said quietly. "That I had asked you here. I am sorry she called."
"Why?"
"Because it is none of her business. It was your decision to make not hers."
"I was here anyway." Amy reminded him.
Nodding Sheldon slumped down into his spot. "I hadn't expected it to be this hard."
"What do you mean?"
"Well with Pauline I just told her what I wanted and it happened. I didn't consider her. Her feeling or emotions. It is just harder than I expected."
Amy didn't reply at first unsure as to whether Sheldon was expressing regret. "Sheldon if you didn't have to consider my thoughts and feeling what would happen?"
"I would turn off dinner, take you to my room and make love to you." Sheldon replied almost without thinking.
"Oh my!" Amy breathed.
With a self depreciating laugh Sheldon turned to face her. "Don't worry you are safe. Tonight we will have dinner and you can tell me how you see this going." Then standing Sheldon returned to the kitchen missing the almost disappointed look on Amy's face.
73
As they cleared the plates away and Amy again thanked Sheldon for the meal, he turned to look at her. She had been polite all evening; asking after his work and chatting about the students she had brought to visit him. He knew she was avoiding any deeper conversation but his nerves were now so on edge Sheldon could not stop himself. Acting on the impulse he had been restricting all eveing Sheldon took the tea towel from her hands then moving to stand in front of Amy effectively pinned her against the sink. Without a word he bent his head and brushed his lips against hers then pulling back took her hand and lead her to the sofa. Sitting down he pulled her next to him then held her close so her head rested on his shoulder. "OK, I need to know what you want Amy. Is it this? Us spending time together alone, holding each other, kissing?"
He felt her nod and encouraged he said "when I told you what I wanted to do to you how did you feel?"
"I'm not sure." Amy replied.
Sheldon pulled back a little looking down at her. "We need to be honest if this is going to work. How did you feel Amy?"
"Excited." she whispered.
Closing his eyes in relief Sheldon said "When you think back to everything you know about me and Pauline, or from our time away together, what questions do you have? Concerns? Things you want to clarify?"
Amy shrugged, then feeling Sheldon tense said "I am nervous about being naked. Feeling exposed. I am curious as to how you look and feel. I am scared I will want to go too slow for you."
Letting his breath out slowly Sheldon said "How about we work on that? You said you wanted to hold each other close, did you mean like this or more?"
Amy was suddenly glad Sheldon couldn't see the blush she could feel on her cheeks as she said "I like this. But maybe more?" She voiced it as a question and gasped when Sheldon all but jumped up and, pulling her after him, led her down the hall.
"Sheldon?" She questioned.
"Don't worry. We are just going to hold each other." He assured her as he opened his bedroom door leading her inside the darkened room.
"Shall I turn the light on?" He asked quietly. It was getting dark outside and the room was bathed in the gentle light from the window.
"No it is nice like this." Amy answered.
Sheldon moved them forward and letting go of her hand moved to the other side of the bed, kicked off his shoes and lay down.
Following almost blindly Amy lay gingerly on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
"Come here." Sheldon said quietly and pulled her closer so she lay flushed against his side her head nestled in the crook of his arm.
"I dreamt of this." Sheldon began talking quietly his head on the pillow his words brushing across her hair.
"I would lay awake and think of how it would be having you with me. For a few weeks I banned Leonard from eating strawberries because the smell reminded me of your hair. I even considered getting Penny to persuade you to change you shampoo." he grinned.
"You don't like it?" Amy asked concerned.
"No I do! But I figured if you used the same shampoo as Penny I would not wake up dreaming of it quite so much." Shifting slightly onto his side Sheldon said "I prefer yours."
He was rewarded by Amy lifting her head and grinning at him. Bending to kiss her forehead Sheldon said "Is this OK? Not too much."
"It's nice." Amy snuggled closer and feeling Sheldon shift onto his side looked up at him just as he lowered his head to kiss her again.
Gentle soft kisses; first on her forehead, then her cheek, then her lips until Amy wanting more, shifted too. Wrapping her arm around his head capturing his lips to hers.
Sheldon heard himself groan as he felt Amy against him. Using every ounce of control he had he let her take the lead; felt her fingers stroke the hair at his nape, her lips brushing tentatively against his. She pulled away blinking up at him causing him to groan again before crushing his mouth to hers. He stroked his tongue along her bottom lip feeling it tremble and part. Gently tracing her tongue, feeling her copy his actions, he moved his arms to stroke her back and feeling her shiver he pulled her close not breaking the contact of their lips.
As the desire inside him built Sheldon pulled away and gazed down at her, amazed she was here, amazed she had initiated taking the kiss further, but more than anything grateful she was not running screaming from the building. Closing his eyes Sheldon pulled Amy almost on top of him wrapping his arms around her waist and buried his face into her hair.
As the light outside dimmed and the room became dark Sheldon whispered "You could stay over, I could set the alarm early enough for you to get home and ready for work."
He felt Amy shift and opening his eyes saw her considering his answer.
"Maybe we could do that at the weekend?" she suggested tentatively. Nodding and hoping his disappointment didn't show Sheldon said "I will make sure Leonard is out."
Amy snuggled back down and said "I like lying here like this."
"Me too." Sheldon whispered and felt her smile against him. "I hadn't expected it though. When I suggested tonight."
"No I know." Amy reassured him. "But it feels right and it is not as if we haven't shared a bed before."
"No, but not quite like this!" Sheldon grinned. "In fact if in Greece you had kissed me like that then I would not have been able to control myself."
"Why is it different now?" Amy asked curiously.
"Because I know that we need to do this right. In Greece I spent most of my time fighting for control of my body as you saw." Sheldon shook his head as the embarrassment the memory still caused washed over him again.
Amy grinned. "I certainly saw more than I bargained for!"
Swatting her gently Sheldon said "The plus side to that whole fiasco was my learning to swim."
"What do you mean?" Amy pulled away a little to look at him.
"That blasted two piece costume." Sheldon muttered. "The minute you dropped your towel and I saw it I was so aroused. There was no way I could let you hold me in the water as you had previously, not dressed like that. That's why I swam. To get away!"
"Charming!" Amy laughed. "Although I will let you off this once." and leaning to kiss him quickly she squealed as he pulled her on top of him and kissed her hard.
This time Sheldon didn't pull away and as he held her gently against him he knew she would feel the reaction the kiss was having on him. Pulling back reluctantly Amy smiled shyly.
"I had better go." she said quietly and releasing her immediately Sheldon nodded. As she climbed off the bed Sheldon tried to calm his body before standing himself. Sat hunched on the edge of the bed he jumped as he felt Amy run her hand down his back.
"Its OK." She whispered. "In fact I'm flattered." Then kissing the top of his head she left the room and began gathering her belongings giving Sheldon a minute to compose himself.
As he stood by the door Sheldon smiled so this weekend, "You really want to stay over?"
Amy nodded, "or you could stay at mine."
"Which would you prefer? Sheldon asked, seeing the merit in staying at Amy's, knowing then they would not run the risk of being interrupted.
"I don't mind. Why don't we see how we feel nearer the time?"
Nodding Sheldon agreed. "I am glad we did this tonight" Sheldon admitted.
"Me too." Amy smiled. And standing on tiptoe she kissed him gently before waving goodbye and making her way down to her car.
73
"Yes Leonard, I have told you already, I feel much better." Sheldon grumbled the next morning.
"You don't sound it." Leonard observed frowning.
"I am fine. I just didn't get much sleep."
"Sheldon if you are sick you should stay home."
"For the last time I am fine! Now hurry up or we shall be late." Sheldon demanded as he watched his room-mate gather his belongings.
As the two scientists made their way down the stairs they were stopped by the shout of "Hey guys wait up!" as Penny came round the corner behind them. Kissing Leonard, Penny turned to Sheldon, "Hey Shelly all better?"
"Yes thank you." Sheldon muttered.
"its funny," Penny mused "I was meant to be seeing Amy last night but she was struck down by a mystery illness too!"
"Yes very strange." Sheldon muttered not meeting Pennys curious gaze.
"She must have been bad as when I called her she didn't answer. Did you talk to her last night?"
"Penny we are going to be late," Sheldon muttered "I am sure if you try her today Amy will reply."
Grinning Penny said "Indeed, a miraculous recovery like your own?"
Practically running down the last few stairs Sheldon stood by Leonard's car and sent Amy a text warning her Penny suspected something. He all but groaned as Penny appeared talking on her phone saying "Hang on Ames he is here. You can talk to him yourself."
Grabbing the phone Sheldon said "Amy?"
"Sheldon I am sorry she tricked me."
"What do you mean?" Sheldon glared at a grinning Penny.
"She said you told her I had come over, I didn't think."
"Well I guess it answers the question about the weekend."
"My place?" Amy asked.
"Yes I think so. If that is OK?"
"Yes Sheldon it is fine. In fact I am looking forward to it.
Forcing the smile her words conjured off his face Sheldon thrust the phone back at Penny.
" Duplicitous! Had it not occurred to you Amy may not have wanted you to know. Maybe some things are private. I would thank you to mind your own business in future."
Then waiting for Leonard to unlock the car Sheldon got in and allowed himself to reflect on Amy's words. She was looking forward to it!
So was he. Very much!
73
A/N: Happy New Year! Thank you for all the lovely comments on the last chapter. Revelries last night mean this is a little later than planned but enjoy ;-)