He had been in bed staring at the ceiling for an hour now. Amy had said tomorrow was a new start. What had she meant? She had got up almost immediately and returned to her room. He could still feel the gentle brush of hers lips against his and he knew that that touch would haunt his dreams tonight. Her leaving though was in a way a relief. He had wanted so much more than that brief kiss. But not here. He would wait until they were home, until the emotions and drama had died down. Then he would try to reclaim some of the ground he had so carelessly thrown away. He needed to make amends. He needed to do it right.
Next door Amy was busy. Having returned to her room she began packing. Yes she had a full day left, but she did not want to have to waste it with unnecessary chores. Leaving out only the clothes she would need for the following day and her journey home Amy kept herself busy. She needed too. She had left his room in a hurry. The reason for her exit was the sudden rush of emotion that had overcome her as she had seen Sheldon's face. The pure unhidden emotion, so rare for him, showing her how much her forgiveness meant to him. In that moment she had wanted nothing more than to stay.
Half cursing her own sensible nature Amy went to get changed for bed. Maybe she would suggest tomorrow they do some sightseeing or even shopping as she realised she had failed to buy any gifts for their friends and she knew Penny would be expecting something but mainly to give something to focus on and stop her spilling her emotions out and frightening Sheldon off completely.
73
As Sheldon looked at the cases stacked neatly by the door of Amy's room he frowned.
"You have packed already. Why?"
"Because I had weeks of clothes to pack, not just a couple of days, and I wanted to ensure I didn't have to waste our last day." She smiled. "Lets go get breakfast then we can decide where we go first today."
Sheldon began following her but he said cautiously "You have already decided?"
"Well..." she grinned up at him "I thought we could compromise. I realised last night I had not bought gifts."
"Amy no! Not shopping! We are in Switzerland, there is so much we could see."
"Like what?" Amy asked, curious to know what else other than CERN Sheldon would rather do.
"Well CERN of course; but there are museums and mountains and history that even I know we would be mad to miss; especially in favour of shoe shopping for Penny!"
Amy laughed "OK how about we eat then get a bus to CERN, we cant visit like we did yesterday because we don't have tickets, but we can visit the gift shop."
"We could take pictures!" Sheldon grinned suddenly a lot brighter.
"Yes we could, then I thought maybe we could have lunch near the mountains."
Sheldon nodded "That sounds nice."
In companionable silence they walked to the café. On entering they were greeted by "Dr Fowler! Dr Cooper!" And Jake and a group of friends all waved calling them over.
"It would seem we have a fan club." Amy muttered forcing a smile onto her face and walking towards the groups of eager students.
"Dr Fowler, we are so glad we got to see you, we were worried after last night." Jake smiled. "What are your plans for your last day?"
So as she watched Sheldon move towards the counter to order them some food, Amy began to repeat the plans they had just made. When Sheldon returned carrying a tray laden down with breakfast items he found Amy grinning and Jake and his friends waving goodbye.
"Dr Cooper, it was a pleasure to meet you and to hear you talk last night." Jake held out his hand to shake Sheldon's. Amy watched as Sheldon lowering the tray to the table, shook Jakes hand and nodded "Good luck in your studies." He responded politely.
"Thank you, and who knows maybe I will one day get to visit Caltech to study."
As the group of students left, Sheldon handed Amy a mug of hot chocolate and unloaded the plates containing their breakfast he asked "Why are you grinning?"
"Because Jake informed me that Lac de Joux is not far from CERN, a bus ride away. He said it is beautiful. In the Jura mountain area."
"OK." Sheldon was hesitant unsure why Amy seemed so excited.
"We can ski Sheldon! I have never been skiing. Penny said it is fun."
"I am not skiing!" Sheldon said firmly.
"But..."
"Amy I don't care what Penny thinks of skiing; I have no intention of breaking my neck the day before returning home. The idea of visiting CERN and even the mountain range and lake sound satisfactory, and more than enough for one days activity."
Knowing she was not going to win this fight Amy continued to eat watching Sheldon who was eyeing her warily. "Its OK Sheldon I wont force you." she smiled. "I would have been good though, I have been practising on the wii!"
Rolling his eyes Sheldon decided it was safer just to eat and not comment.
Once breakfast was finished and they were once again bundled up against the cold they made their way to the bus pick up point. Once they were settled and on the way Amy said "I am kind of sad to be leaving tomorrow. I meant it when I said I would like to come back someday."
Sheldon looked at the mountains getting bigger as they moved closer towards them and couldn't help but agree. "It certainly is beautiful." he acknowledged.
The bus driver, having no other passengers, was happy to talk and answer questions, giving them a locals view on the CERN operation. Sheldon listened intently before asking "Why is it you drive a bus when you certainly have more than a working knowledge of physic and science?"
The driver grinned. "I do love science. But my knowledge has been gained driving this bus, listening to students, listening to visitors marvelling at what they have learned and listening to the workers."
"You are more knowledgeable than the poodles at Caltech!" Sheldon mumbled before saying in a clearer voice "Have you not been tempted to stop being a bus driver and work inside CERN?"
"Why would I do that?" The bus driver sounded incredulous, "sure science is interesting and I am lucky to meet the top scientists; but this job, my job, is the best in the world!"
Sheldon gaped at the driver dumbfounded. Amy coming to his rescue said "What makes your job so good?" Her genuine curiosity brought a smile to the face of the driver.
"You obviously both work in a lab or something," he grinned. "Look at this place; the space, the beauty, the shear magnificence. I am able to see this everyday. I see it in sun and snow. I see it through the eyes of strangers and those of both the old and young. Every single journey is different and every day I learn something new. Maybe instead of going to look at more science experiments you should go see the lake or the mountain."
"Oh we are!" Amy smiled, "we are going to the gift shop to buy some souvenirs for our friends, then we will catch another bus to the lake or mountain whatever we find first."
"Well I have a stop over for 45 minutes, so I would be honoured to show you my Switzerland, I am doubtful there will be many other visitors today anyway, this cold weather tends to bring out the skiers only."
"Is the skiing good here?" Amy asked, a little too enthusiastically for Sheldon's liking.
"I believe so, but why anyone would be mad enough to strap things to their feet and plummet down a mountain is beyond me!" the driver muttered. "It brings us lots of revenue though so I am happy to drive them to their crazy games." Amy glared at Sheldon as he sniggered beside her. An argument was avoided however by Sheldon grinning and pointing as the sign for CERN came into view. This time Sheldon was prepared. His camera slung around his neck he was off the bus and taking pictures before Amy had even secured her hat and gloves. Stood beside him she realised the shop was empty. Moving ahead, knowing Sheldon would catch her up when he was ready, Amy entered the shop and grinned. OK so Penny may not get shoes but the boys and Bernie would be impressed. She would look for something for Penny later or buy her some alcohol at the airport!
Quickly filling a basket with pictures and t shirts Amy moved to the confectionery and letting her sweet tooth take over loaded several large bars of chocolate into the basket also.
"Who are they for?" came Sheldon's voice at her shoulder.
"Me!" she grinned "I couldn't resist, the chocolate here is amazing."
"Oh Amy you should not buy yourself something that you will consume, you should buy yourself something to remember. Like this!" Moving to the framed pictures Sheldon gazed at them longingly before moving to the clothe as Amy had done moments before and also grabbing a few t shirts said "I like these."
"Maybe we should coordinate this present buying, I think I picked some of those for the guys too."
"The guys? Oh no, I am looking for me!" Sheldon grinned.
Shaking her head Amy moved to the counter and checking off the gifts was satisfied she had everyone covered with the exception of Penny. She had even snuck in the picture she had seen Sheldon mooning over as a surprise for him.
Purchases paid for, she took her bags and went to find Sheldon still looking at the clothes. It looked like he intended to buy everything they had in his size. Unhooking the camera from round his neck she moved take his picture amused he was unaware of what she was doing. Then noticing a viewing gallery Amy took some pictures down at the LHC. She became aware of movement next to her and saw Sheldon, now with his own bags, gazing down also.
"I took pictures," she smiled. He nodded. Then pulling his gaze away he said reluctantly "we should go back to the bus."
The driver, who told them he was named Stefan, was happy to listen to their stories of their visit so far. When he explained he was following a route that would take them to both the lake and the foot of the mountain Amy began to ask questions about the local area. Sheldon, nose pressed against the window, listened but didn't contribute. He was happy when the bus stopped and some other passengers got on.
"Sheldon is everything OK? You have been very quiet."
"Yes I am fine. I was just wondering if when we got to the mountain we could maybe have lunch. I know it would mean not going to the lake maybe, but I thought it would be nice to see the village there before returning."
"Id like that." Amy smiled.
Turning the camera back on Sheldon began to view the pictures Amy had taking shaking his head at those of him shopping. "Why would you take those?" he asked genuinely bemused.
"Because you looked cute!" Amy grinned
"Well I need to redress the balance." Sheldon grinned snapping pictures of Amy as she laughed and tried to grab the camera from him. Finally snapping a few of Amy Sheldon fired off shot of Stefan driving and the scenery as they passed. When the bus finally stopped Sheldon stood stiffly. "It is going to be worse tomorrow, strapped down for the flight home."
Amy patted his hand, "It will be fine. Lets not worry about it now, lets get some fresh air."
Thanking Stefan they climbed off the bus and began to walk slowly down the road, gazing in shop windows and the now imposing mountains surrounding them.
At one shop Amy stopped as Sheldon continued to walk and reaching to tug him back by his hand Amy said "Sheldon look!". Continuing to hold Amy's gloved hand in his own Sheldon grinned when he saw what Amy was pointing at.
"It is perfect." he nodded.
Entering the shop Amy was relieved that the assistant spoke English fluently.
"Good afternoon, can I help you?"
"Yes please," Amy grinned explaining what she was after.. "That Hello Kitty doll, the one dressed up as a scientist, can we buy that please?"
"Ah yes, a special edition. We are fortunate that the company make them only for us as CERN is so close. You are scientists?"
"Yes we are, but it is a gift for a friend. She is a big Hello Kitty fan."
"Ah, a perfect gift then." Wrapping the boxed toy and placing it in a bag the assistant accepted Sheldon's money with a smile and wished them a pleasant day. Leaving the shop Sheldon grinned, "I bet Penny will not be so mocking of my special edition toys now she has one of her own."
"Indeed!" Amy grinned. "She will love it!" As they continued to walk Amy was surprised when Sheldon reached for her hand and tugging pulled her towards what looked like a small train station.
"Sheldon what are you doing?"
"Amy look. They have a funicular railway, we can go up the mountain." As Amy looked towards where Sheldon was pointing she saw that there was indeed a rail running up the mountainside with a car that offered rides to what looked like a viewing station. "They have restaurant too," Sheldon grinned reading the notice and searching for money for tickets, "we can eat up there before returning back to the bus." Amy nodded in happy agreement, a little surprised Sheldon still had hold of her hand but not at all sorry. They sat waiting seeing the small train approaching and Amy knew Sheldon was excited as he squeezed her hand.
"We should get a great view of the mountain from here." Amy commented as she let her gaze travel up the mountain before them.
Nodding happily Sheldon tugged Amy along behind him. Waiting as he quizzed the operator while purchasing their tickets Amy let him choose the ideal location grateful they were alone, she was surprised that, when settled, he pulled her closer and held her hand again.
"What's wrong?" he asked seeing her frown.
"Nothing, I just wasn't expecting this." She nodded at their joined hands.
"I'm sorry." Sheldon quickly released her.
"No Sheldon, I don't mind, in fact I like it. It was just not expected."
"I have held your hand in public before. You used to like it." Sheldon said a little sad and defensive.
"I do like it," Amy smiled and leaning over kissed his cheek. "I like it very much." As the train started to move Amy lay her head against Sheldon's shoulder and gazed at the beautiful mountain scenery. "This is perfect." she whispered.
"It is." Sheldon replied. Amy could not see that Sheldon was in fact still looking at her not the scenery. But as he forced himself to look at the view he could feel the tension in his body leave. By the time they had reached the station and restaurant the temperature had fallen even lower and shivering Amy said "I am not sure we thought this through."
"Come on lets get in side." Sheldon said, his teeth chattering in the cold.
The heat of the restaurant greeted them and finding a table Sheldon said "I am glad we did this." "Maybe we should take some pictures from inside though rather than going out."
"Yes" Amy laughed "very wise!"
Soon, after hot chocolate to drink and a bowl of hot soup they were warmed and ready to face the return journey. Standing by the large expanse of glass Sheldon snapped a few photos.
"Sir," came a voice behind them, "would you like for me to take a picture of you and your lady?"
Amy blushed at the description but Sheldon was nodding and handing over the camera almost before she had a chance to register his movements
"Thank you!" he smiled pulling Amy close his arm wrapped around her waist.
Both smiling at the stranger Sheldon took the camera back thanking him again and looking down at Amy said "the trains coming we should go."
On the journey down they took pictures of each other and a bad attempt of one of the two of them Sheldon's long arms holding the camera out so he could get them both in the frame. "Penny does this all the time," he muttered "she makes it look easy."
Amy laughed, "She uses her phone Sheldon not a large camera!"
"My phone, of course!" and reaching into his bag he pulled out his phone and tried again. "Oh yes much easier" he said checking the picture and then grinning showing Amy.
At the bottom they were surprised to see Stefan in the bus. "You are still working!" Sheldon exclaimed
"Of course. This is my last trip. Are you returning to CERN?"
"To the university this time. Are you going that far?"
"I am, jump on and tell me about your day."
So climbing onto the bus which had a few tourists now also, Sheldon began to tell Stefan about the afternoon, the present for Penny and the ride up the mountain.
"It tired your lady out." Stefan grinned and Sheldon looked to see Amy, eyes closed head nodding as she slept. Wrapping his arm gently around her shoulders he pulled her close and was satisfied to feel her snuggle against him.
The rest of the journey passed in relative peace, at CERN the bus filled up considerably with both workers and tourists and Sheldon quickly realised what Stefan had meant about his job being the best. The conversation, completely science based. Both expert and layman exchanging views and ideas. Sheldon recognising the campus buildings approaching shook Amy gently. "We are back" he whispered watching as she slowly stretched then blushing and moving quickly to her side of the seat as she realised she was draped across him.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to lay all over you."
"It is quite OK. Although you missed a most enjoyable journey back, so many scientists, and none of them laughing at me!"
Waving goodbye to Stefan Sheldon helped Amy up and off the bus, retelling the topics he had overheard. "I really want to come back here." he said wistfully.
"Well next vacation when they are trying to get you to take your annual leave you know where to come."
"Would you come with me?" Sheldon asked shyly. "I would only want to come back with you. I have only been here a matter of days and I have enjoyed it so much."
"I would very much like to come back with you Sheldon." Amy said seriously.
Sheldon let out the breath he had been holding waiting for her response. With the answer he wanted secured he had only one thought now. "Good. Now lets go home!"
Dr Sheldon Cooper had a job to do.
73
A/N: Thank you all for you patience and sticking with this story! Your understanding and lovely words mean a lot. Ali x
