~Chapter 25~
A/N- Thanks to everyone again for the lovely reviews. Chatting with all of you has been wonderful. I think the consensus is most of us like jealous Sheldon. :) This Chapter begins a three part arc. While this part is shorter than the next, which again will be massive, I felt I had to cut it where I did for continuity. I am so pleased that you are still enjoying.
Disclaimer: I own nothing of The Big Bang Theory. This is for entertainment purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.
"…This old life seemed much too long- Little point in going on. I couldn't think of what to say- Words just vanished in the haze. I was feeling cold and tired- Yeah, kind of sad and uninspired. When it almost seemed too much- I see your face and sense the grace and feel the magic in your touch. Oh, lay your hands- Lay your hands on me…" Thompson Twins – Lay Your Hands on Me ~ Part 1
"All packed for our adventure this weekend?" Leonard asked Penny, who was in his kitchen getting them some dessert. She smiled sweetly as she pulled out some bowls.
"We're all packed. But the X-Box stays," She said sassily, and Leonard pretended to pout.
"Well, it's only for two days. I think I can manage," He laughed, and Penny rolled her eyes.
The building manager had sent each tenant a notice last week that this weekend they were tenting the building for termite infestation. Penny figured if they had to stay at a hotel, they might as well get one on the beach so they could make it more enjoyable.
Penny scooped some ice cream into a bowl, carrying it and a plate with cake for Leonard over to the coffee table.
"By the way, how is Sheldon taking this?" Penny asked, setting the goodies down on the coffee table.
Leonard snorted.
"Well…on the surface, he seems fine with it. But I can tell that inside he is scared to death that he will staying the entire weekend at Amy's," He said, and Penny nodded thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I get the feeling Amy feels the same way. She wasn't her normally chipper self when she mentioned it, like she couldn't wait to play house. It's odd, since he stayed with her after she came home from the hospital. I don't know why she would be worried about it. She was kind of quiet on the subject. I think she thought I would tease her." Penny said.
Leonard shoved a bite of cake into his mouth, making a face.
"That's because you probably would," He chuckled.
Penny thought about it, shrugging.
"Yeah, I guess. But it's weird. It's almost like…" She trailed off, suddenly feeling guilty.
Leonard stopped chewing and stared at her.
"What?"
Penny shrugged again, putting her bowl on the table.
"It's almost like they have turned a corner in their relationship. It's become…sacred. Deeper somehow. Haven't you noticed the way they've been looking at each other since Amy got sick? It's like you can cut the sexual tension around them with a knife."
Leonard thought about it more in depth.
"Yeah… I guess you're right. A couple of weeks ago after we won the Comic Con tickets, the guys were teasing Sheldon about the change with him and Amy. He was clearly unprepared to talk about it. I think something has happened between them and he is unable to process it, let alone talk about it with us."
Penny pursed her lips.
"It's not like Amy not to tell me; she usually comes to me with everything Sheldon related," Penny said, and Leonard raised his brows.
"Sounds like something serious is going on between them. Maybe she's just respecting Sheldon's privacy."
Penny nodded, agreeing with him.
"You're probably right. Maybe you should have a talk with him, Leonard. Find out if he's okay or if he has any questions. I know we all tease him about his lack of experience, but truthfully, it must be scary for him to come to grips with all these changes happening between them. And I doubt he'd willingly come to you for advice. You know how proud he is."
Leonard sat back and thought about Penny's words. She was right; Sheldon had been acting strangely lately. Ever since he and Penny had come back from their Palm Springs weekend, in fact. Sheldon seemed…different, somehow. Sometimes, he'd catch Sheldon staring into space for no reason. And whenever he and Amy were in the same room, the electricity between them was palpable.
Leonard had also noticed how Sheldon looked at Amy more frequently. And the way he looked at her, when he thought no one was watching…It was strange seeing his formerly robotic friend gazing at his girlfriend like he wanted to ravish her.
He doubted that the couple had engaged in sex, but it was clear something had happened. He decided to have a talk with Sheldon and let him know that he was there for him, if he needed it.
"I think Sheldon is finally growing up. He would probably deny that he's changed, but it's clear that he has. And that is entirely due to his feelings for Amy. She completes him, in so many ways. I think he's scared to admit that to himself. But his psyche can't escape the facts. My mother would have a field day with his neural scans," Leonard said, and Penny laughed at that picture in her head. "Although…I'm not extending an invitation to her so don't get any ideas."
Penny narrowed her eyes at her fiancé playfully.
"Hey, she's your mother. You should be able to keep her in line." Penny snarked, throwing her arm around Leonard's shoulder.
"Yeah…I know. But we all know how well that would go. Just don't tell Amy my mother kissed Sheldon once, whatever you do."
Penny nodded, swallowing a spoonful of ice cream.
"Agreed."
"Although…my mother would be very interested to know just how much Sheldon has changed since meeting Amy. They could have a professional discussion on all of Sheldon's quirks, one Neuroscientist to another," Leonard said, snorting.
"I know. He has changed. The other day I caught him reading poetry online. It was bizarre. He went to his room to get something, and I happened to glance over at his laptop. I almost spit my wine out all over the desk." Penny said.
Leonard laughed, shaking his head.
"Well, whatever is happening, it's certainly snowballing. It's like a flick has been switched since Amy recovered."
At that moment, Sheldon came into the apartment, throwing his keys into the bowl. He made it two paces into the room before meeting Leonard and Penny's concerned gazes.
"Hel-lo…" He drawled slowly, stopping in his tracks. Penny stood, taking her bowl to the sink.
"I'm going to go, Leonard. I wanted to do that…thing. Before we leave tomorrow."
Leonard nodded vigorously.
"Oh, yeah. The…thing. Alright." He said, walking Penny to the door before kissing her.
Sheldon stared at the couple peculiarly, knowing something was definitely up. His eyes watched Penny as she left the apartment, before his gaze swung back to his best friend.
"I know the thing Penny is talking about isn't cleaning, so that leads me to believe you both were talking about me somehow," Sheldon said forthrightly.
Leonard returned to the couch, swallowing the last bit of his cake. He beckoned Sheldon to have a seat. Sheldon stared at him a moment, perplexed, but nevertheless he sat down in his spot.
"Sheldon…I wanted to make sure that you were alright. I know that things with Amy have been more…intense…than what you are used to lately. If you have any questions or concerns, I hope you know I am here for you, buddy."
Leonard was sincere, and Sheldon appreciated that. But he still remembered their talk on prom night, and felt it was time to address something that had bothered him for months.
"Leonard…you are my best friend and I appreciate you more than you know. Your help and guidance has always been very helpful. But I need to know something. Will you be honest with me?" Sheldon asked him, and Leonard frowned.
"Of course, Sheldon. Always. What is it?"
Sheldon took in a gulp of air and blew it out.
"On prom night last year, you said you didn't think I have hormones. Did you mean that? Is that how you, Penny, and everyone else sees me? As some…machine?"
Leonard was stunned not only by Sheldon's question, but by the hurt tone behind it. He wanted to say something funny to lighten the mood, but one look at Sheldon's face told him that he was quite serious in his inquiry. Leonard felt guilty all of a sudden.
"Sheldon…no. We don't think that. But you have to admit- over the years, you didn't place a huge emphasis on emotions. Or romance, for that matter. We're all thrilled that you have found happiness, and with such a great woman. We love Amy and want nothing but the best for you both. I don't think you are a machine. You've proven to everyone that you have a great capacity for love inside. You're just not accustomed to letting it out. I understand, I do. I know you have hormones, Sheldon. I'm very sorry if I hurt your feelings. I never meant to. That night, you were very nervous about standard prom rituals. I was just trying to put your mind at ease."
Sheldon lowered his gaze, nodding his head.
"I know that, Leonard. Thank you. It's just…I know I was a terrible boyfriend to Amy all of these years. I wish I could make up for so many of the things I've done and said. But I do have feelings. And I'm trying to express them more because…she deserves that much. More than that. She deserves everything." Sheldon said with feeling, chewing on his lip. Leonard nodded at his friend, trying to be supportive.
"And…these feelings? Are you able to cope with them alright? Are you confused in any way, or do you need some advice? I promise…no teasing. I only want to help."
Sheldon smiled at his friend. He knew without a doubt that Leonard was being sincere. Perhaps, he could share with him what had occurred with Amy.
"The weekend you went to Palm Springs…I asked Amy over for dinner on the Friday night. While she was here, I asked her to spend the night. With me. In my bed." Sheldon stated, licking his lips and gulping.
Leonard's mouth dropped open so fast, you would think the hinge came loose. He closed it quickly enough, but Sheldon saw the shock that had crossed his friend's features.
"And…did she?" Leonard ventured, already knowing the answer when Sheldon blushed. But Sheldon nodded his head in the affirmative, anyway.
"Yes. She did."
"Oh. Well…that's um…wow." Leonard stuttered, assuming something entirely different. Sheldon shook his head.
"No, it wasn't like…that. We didn't engage in sex. But…we shared an intimate evening, nevertheless. We chatted all night, and I… I found 'second base', as you call it. Amy enjoyed it. Really, really… enjoyed it." Sheldon stammered out, shyly averting his eyes. He felt bad, like he was compromising his Amy in some way by discussing their private time with Leonard.
Leonard was on the edge of his seat, staring at his friend in awe as what Sheldon was implying became clear.
"Oh! I see," Leonard said, a calm tone coloring his fatherly voice. Sheldon's words painted a pretty clear picture of what they'd done. "Say no more. I understand. And…good for you, buddy." Leonard praised, making Sheldon feel a sense of relief that he didn't need to elaborate.
Sheldon nodded, meeting Leonard's gaze hesitantly.
"She wanted to…reciprocate. But…I wasn't ready. Does that mean that something is wrong with me?" Sheldon asked fearfully, and Leonard's heart actually hurt for his friend. He swallowed, forcing back the lump in his throat at the sadness on Sheldon's face.
"No, buddy. Not at all. There is nothing wrong with you because you are not ready to do…that. It's a big step. Especially for you, since you've never shared that with anyone before. I'm positive that Amy understands." He said kindly, making Sheldon feel somewhat better.
"She does," He whispered, remembering gratefully how sweet Amy was that night. She didn't push him or make him feel pressured in any way. He loved her all the more for it.
Leonard narrowed his eyes, studying his friend.
"Sheldon? I know this is personal, but…are you sure that Amy is the one you want to share this with? I'm just curious if the reason your holding back is because you aren't positive."
Sheldon knew Leonard was only being thorough in his assessment of offering him advice. But he vehemently shook his head at Leonard's question.
"I'm…positive, Leonard. I love her. More than anything. It's not Amy nor my feelings for her that are holding me back. It's that I'm…" He chewed his lip again, unsure how to voice what he knew was a major shortcoming.
Leonard smiled softly at the man who had become like a brother to him.
"Afraid of showing that private side of yourself?" He tried gently, and Sheldon stared at him with wide eyes.
"Yes," He whispered, so happy to let it out. "It's such a private matter. And…I've never felt these feelings before. It's overwhelming. My body knows I will enjoy it. My heart does, as well. But my mind…my mind keeps throwing these roadblocks in my way. It's…exhausting," He admitted.
The moments ticked by, neither man saying anything. Finally, Leonard reached out and placed his hand on Sheldon's shoulder in comfort.
"Sheldon, listen to me. I know it seems scary. It is scary. But in reality? There is nothing to fear. You'll see, when you're ready to see. There is something beautiful and fulfilling about sharing yourself with the one you love. The fear somehow falls away. Just…be patient with yourself. And remember that you're not alone. Amy is right there with you, probably fearing the same things you are."
Sheldon knew Leonard was right. He breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Leonard. You've been very helpful." He offered, rising to go to his room.
Leonard smiled at his friend gently.
"Anytime, buddy. And don't worry. This conversation is just between us. Okay?"
That, more than anything, put Sheldon's mind at ease. He nodded at his best friend, grateful for his tact.
"Thank you, Leonard."
Making his way back to his room, he sat on the bed and pondered what Leonard had said. He was right; when he was ready, it would happen. And he did want it to happen. Deep down, he knew it was just a matter of time.
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Amy was nervous.
Scratch that. Amy was terrified.
The last few weeks with Sheldon had been wonderful. They saw each other more, skyped more, texted more. She was certain Sheldon would get annoyed at their increasing conversing, but often he himself was the one to initiate it.
Looking back, she never would have guessed that he was the same man who wanted to keep her at arms- length for so long. Most notably, only wanting to see her once monthly for date night. They'd come so far over the last year, ever since he returned from his train trip. And while she knew they had made great progress, something told her that they weren't home free yet.
He was trying so hard, bless him. When she woke up in the hospital, seeing his dear face and hearing his words of remorse, she knew they had been given a second chance. She knew the road to intimacy would be fraught with pitfalls. But she loved him so much that she knew she had to put on her hardhat and push through. Things had only gotten better since then, so she was trying to remain calm.
Now, he was going to be spending the weekend at her place, while his apartment building was treated for termites. She shouldn't have been terrified as she stood in her bedroom, staring at the bed they were going to share. But she was.
When he mentioned his plight to her last week, she casually asked him if he would like to stay at her place, rather than spend money on a hotel as Leonard and Penny were opting to do. She completely expected him to balk at the idea, or make some remark about how they weren't at that stage in the relationship yet, even though she had spent the night with him that Friday that Leonard and Penny went to Palm Springs.
He cautiously asked her, as she did with him, what their sleeping arrangements would be. Amy explained that she had a king sized bed, with plenty of room, and that he could trust her to be a lady. After only a few minutes of internal debate, Sheldon graciously accepted her offer, thanking her for her kindness and generosity.
Now, she stared at her king sized waterbed, her nerves tearing her neural pathways to shreds.
It wasn't like they would be 'sleeping' together.
It was only…sleeping…together. Two adults, who were in a committed relationship, and who were both not ready to engage in that level of intimacy.
She offered to sleep on the couch if he were uncomfortable with the arrangement, and let Sheldon have the bed since he was 6'2 and he wouldn't be able to stretch out. He already suffered spending 6 painful nights folded onto her couch when she came home from the hospital. He vehemently refused to let her spend two nights on a small sofa. Her mouth dropped open at his insistence, and she was happy they were on the phone and not skype.
"Amy, we are a grown couple in a mature relationship. We can certainly share two nights in a bed together without any awkwardness. I know we are both used to sleeping alone, but I assure you- I am nothing if not a gentleman, and I promise to behave. As long as you do the same," He said, a cheekiness she had never heard before from him coloring his words immensely.
Amy blushed as she remembered Sheldon's hands bringing her pleasure that night in his bed. He promised to behave that night, as well. A shy smile crossed her lips.
"Oh, I promise Dr. Cooper. You have nothing to worry about." She said sweetly, loving the fact they had reached this point in their relationship…Yet terrified that it was becoming a reality very fast, very soon.
He was scheduled to arrive in five minutes time, and she made a final once over that everything was perfect.
Clean sheets – check.
Nightlight in bathroom – check.
Extra towels – check.
Cereal and milk for Saturday breakfast – check.
Everything was in order, and yet her insides were churning.
Knock-Knock - Amy
Knock-Knock - Amy
Knock-Knock - Amy
Here we go, she sighed.
She opened the door with a flourish, and Sheldon stood on the threshold with a bag in his hand and his wheel suitcase beside him. He met her eyes, staring at her intently before saying hello. Amy waited patiently as his eyes roamed over her face.
"Good evening, Amy. May I come in?" He asked politely, and Amy smiled softly.
"Of course, Sheldon, please…make yourself at home," She said kindly, stepping back to allow him entrance. He walked in, depositing his bag on the chair by the door and the wheel case next to it. He turned to her, his face an anxious mask.
"Thank you again for letting me stay with you this weekend- I can still go to a local hotel if you would be more comfortable," He suggested, the look on his face heartbreakingly worried. Amy grimaced as she sat down, motioning for him to join her.
"Don't be silly, Sheldon. I am perfectly happy to have you here. Unless of course, you would be more comfortable at a hotel," She offered, noting how his brows furrowed.
She hated the fact they were still so guarded around each other, and she hoped this weekend would go a ways toward closing that rift. She was more than willing to do her part. After a moment, Sheldon smiled tentatively, and to Amy's surprise, moved closer to her on the sofa.
"No, Amy. I would like to stay here with you very much. I suppose it will take me a bit of time to adapt to my new surroundings. But I'm perfectly alright with it. I promise to do my best not to make myself a burden."
Sheldon winced at the vulnerable tone of his voice, but Amy found his disarmed demeanor endearing.
Amy smiled at her boyfriend, her heart squeezing painfully from the love she felt for him. She stared at him for endless minutes, trying to convey that love, extend it so that it moved from her being into his and surrounded him in its warmth.
His face betrayed no comprehension however; he simply sat there, his wondrous eyes mapping her face and watching her every move. What does he see when he looks at me? She wondered. A besotted fool, no doubt. She sighed, reaching over to gracefully touch his hand. His eyes hesitantly left her face to follow the path of her touch.
"You are never a burden to me, Sheldon." She said tenderly, patting his hand for good measure. He could only nod, not daring to meet her eyes. She was too good to him. And too good for him. He hoped he would never let her down again, but he feared he would somehow.
"Are you ready for dinner?" She asked, and he shook his head in the affirmative.
"I'll just go wash up," He muttered, unhappy to move her hand from his. Amy watched him escape to the bathroom, feeling that while awkward, their first encounter of the night left them relatively unscathed.
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They sat on the couch watching Man of Steel after dinner, Amy leaning into Sheldon's shoulder. He was distracted, to say the least. So much had happened in the last few weeks that even his perfect, analytical mind was having trouble catching up. He felt disjointed, and he hated feeling that way.
Amy seemed oblivious to his musings, though. She stretched out, getting up to get a drink. Sheldon sat up, pausing the movie for her.
"Oh, it's fine. I'll be right back. No need to pause the film. Would you like a drink?" She asked him, and he nodded.
"Water, please."
Amy grabbed a bottle of water for him and a tea for herself, returning to the sofa promptly. She offered him the bottle, and he took it slowly.
"Thank you," He whispered, opening it and taking a huge gulp. Amy tried not to let on how nervous she knew he was.
The movie ended and Sheldon sat where he was, watching as Amy removed the disc from her DVD player before she tidied up.
"I wonder how Leonard and Penny are doing," She said lightly, and Sheldon blew out a gust of air.
"No doubt rolling around on their hotel room bed, making the other inhabitants of the establishment wonder if a 7.5 earthquake just occurred," He said dryly, sounding entirely not like the Sheldon she knew.
The words were out of his mouth so quickly, that he didn't have time to censor them. He turned slowly, afraid to meet Amy's gaze.
She was staring at him incredulously, her mouth hanging open in shock. It was not like Sheldon to say such unguarded things when it came to the topic of sex, especially about his friends. While he ribbed them often about their more than healthy sex life, discussing it frankly was something he would not normally do. Especially not with Amy. The picture his words painted were erotic and most likely true, adding to his discomfort and Amy's intrigue.
Sheldon felt the air in the room suddenly rise to a warm level, and he tugged on his collar.
"I'm sorry, Amy. That was a rude and callous thing for me to say. Forgive my vulgarity." He whispered.
She, in turn, instantly conjured up a picture of herself and Sheldon engaging in the same erotic pose. The thought of 'rolling around on a bed' with Sheldon made Amy's entire body hum with something primal. The fact they would be sharing a bed for the next two nights didn't help the situation.
"That's alright, Sheldon. No big deal." She downplayed, getting up and standing before him. His eyes followed her, and he gulped.
"I think I'm tired and would like to turn in. Are you ready for bed, or would you like to stay here and watch some more television? Help yourself to anything in the fridge, as well."
Sheldon debated in his mind. He wasn't tired, far from it. But he also had no desire to sit out here alone while she slept in the next room. He supposed that by the time his evening ablutions were complete, he would be ready for REM sleep. Decision made, he stood up.
"I shall join you for bed," He said resolutely, and the words rattled around Amy's head.
Join you. For bed…
"Okay," She said meekly, turning off the light and picking up Sheldon's bag, allowing him to carry his wheel case.
Getting ready for bed that night was as awkward as it could get. She allowed him to go first in the bathroom, while she pulled out her nightclothes and turned down the bed. She eyed the mattress temperature; it was 75 degrees, perfect for herself, but she wasn't sure if Sheldon would be comfortable enough. He liked things on the cooler side, but this was a waterbed. She figured she would play it by ear. If he were warm, he would more than likely tell her.
When he emerged from the bathroom, he was dressed in his favorite pair of pajamas and robe. Navy and green plaid, with a white undershirt beneath. She smiled at him warmly, and he returned her smile with a tentative one of his own.
"Bathroom is all yours, Amy."
She nodded, skirting past him carrying her own clothing. Once inside, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were bright and wide, her lips plump from her constant biting, and her face flushed. Sheldon's earlier comments about Leonard and Penny still rang in her ears.
She could never have imagined Sheldon saying something so…normal… concerning sex. It was a total shock, hearing those naughty words out of his mouth, but she had to admit, it was a total turn on. She wondered what other proclivities he was hiding inside his brain.
Sighing heavily, she began to pull off her clothing and jumped in the shower. After fifteen minutes, she opened the door to her bedroom to find Sheldon sitting up in her bed, legs crossed, staring at the wall ahead. He had discarded his robe and even the top of his pajama set, leaving on the pants and t shirt remaining.
She didn't want to wear something too provocative, yet she didn't want to wear her normal attire of her grandmother's hand me down nightie. She decided to wear a pretty pair of ladies silk pajamas in blush pink. They outlined her body so much more than her street clothes did, but she decided that couldn't be helped. It was bedtime, and she wanted to be comfortable.
Sheldon watched her as she moved from the door to the bed, his eyes taking in every motion she made. She looked small and feminine in those silky things, and he held his breath for a fraction. He could do this. He could do this. They were just sleeping. Nothing more. Relax, Sheldon. Relax. Just sleep. Nothing more. She shut off the light, and the darkness helped him to calm down a bit.
"What side would you like?" She asked sweetly, and he simply shook his head.
"I…it doesn't matter, remember?" He answered, his thoughts a whirl.
Amy shrugged, sliding in and angling herself to a sitting up position on the right side. After a few minutes, Sheldon tossed and turned and swatted his pillow, trying to reach a level of comfort suitable to him. This was hopeless. At home, his bed didn't rock like a boat. At home, he had one pillow, not three, and as the thought entered his mind, he turned and scowled at Amy's abundance of pillows, wanting to chuck two of them to the floor. He figured that would be rude, so he punched the pillows again for effect.
"Sheldon, would you please be still? I feel like I'm on the viper coaster at Six Flags." Amy said in amusement, but that only made Sheldon more anxious. He huffed and puffed, trying to get comfortable.
"I'm sorry, Amy. I'm just used to sleeping in the middle of the bed. Not to mention, you have an unusual amount of pillows adorning your bed. Is it alright if I only sleep with one pillow?" He asked, trying to be as polite as possible. He'd never achieve sufficient REM sleep this way.
Amy sat up further, peering at him in the darkness.
"Of course, if you wish. But you could move to the center, there is plenty of room. I wouldn't mind if you encroached on my space a little," She said, more out of concern for his comfort than as a seduction tool. Sheldon automatically rolled his eyes anyway.
"If I moved to the center, I may end up touching you," He said matter- of- fact, earning a hurt glare from Amy. Even in the semi darkness, he could tell by her face she was not happy by his caustic remark. His eyes widened at his faux pas, and he tried to backpedal.
"Oh…what I…what I meant was-"
But it was too late. Amy bit her lip, rolling over so Sheldon didn't have to see how upset his words made her.
"Yes, touching me would be a fate worse than death. I know. You know what? Just do what makes you happy. Goodnight, Sheldon." She said, hurt evident in her voice. Tears began to form in her eyes. Would she ever stop feeling so vulnerable around him? Perhaps asking him to stay with her this weekend was a hasty decision. She scooted over as far as she could to the edge without falling over, praying sleep would come quickly.
Sheldon leaned up on his elbow, watching her quiet form. What the hell did he say that for? It wasn't at all what he meant. He simply felt that he wanted her to be comfortable, as well, and 'encroaching on her space' as she put it, might be uncomfortable for her. Why could he never get it right with her? Oh dear…this was off to a bad start already. Their first night together in the same bed, and it was already a disaster of his own making. She had been nothing but sweet and caring all evening. And she tried to make him as comfortable as possible, even if it caused her routine to be changed. He felt like a world class cad.
"Amy?" He whispered, the syllables blaring in the otherwise quiet room.
"Go to sleep, Sheldon." She said quietly, her voice quivering. Clearly, she had had enough of him for one day. The thought pierced his heart and left him in a panic.
The truth was, he wanted nothing more than to touch her. Hold her. Do…other things. He sighed heavily, and lay back down, this time closer to her than before. Either she was oblivious to this, or she didn't care. And the thought that she didn't care made Sheldon crazy.
Turning, he reached his arm over, and secured it around his girlfriend. The feeling was amazing; the simple act of touching her. Tentatively, he scooted over until he was spooning her, his knees behind hers, and his arm sliding around under her pillow. The room was silent other than the steady hum of the air conditioner.
"What are you doing?" Amy exhaled, fear and longing and joy and incredulity and hope in her soft voice. She dared not breathe, as Sheldon relaxed his muscles and pulled her tightly to his chest. Her eyes fluttered closed of their own accord as he gently caressed her midsection with his hand.
"You told me to do what makes me happy. I'm doing what makes me happy," He murmured, sliding the arm caressing her around to her hip. "Is this alright?" He asked, so carefully, so fearfully, that it made Amy's eyes water further.
"More than alright," She whispered.
He smiled, burying his face in her apple scented hair. He loved the scent of her hair, loved the silkiness of it, and the length. In his secret dreams, he imagined her hair falling around him as they-…
Stopping that train of thought abruptly as it began, he cleared his throat.
"I meant no disrespect, with what I said. I just didn't string my words together correctly. I didn't know if you were particular about being touched while sleeping. I myself have no frame of reference, but I was only trying to consider your feelings on the matter. That is all I meant." He said softly, his warm breath tickling the back of her neck. The way it made Amy's flesh break out in gooseflesh delighted Sheldon. A small sigh escaped her mouth, but she made no further comments.
Sheldon kissed the back of her head three times, before leaning down and placing a tender kiss on her neck. Amy shivered in the darkness and leaned back into his embrace.
Strangely enough, even with the woman of his dreams lying so close to him and his heart pounding mercilessly…sleep found Sheldon that night sooner than later.
A/N- Thank you for reading.