Back Draft
Wednesday was considerably more pleasant for Sheldon. His work at the university was beginning to ramp up and his new theories were coalescing in his mind. Alex, his assistant, noticed the vivid change.
"Dr. Cooper, you are much more focused lately. I can barely keep up with your calculations."
"Let's be honest Alex, that's every day. But yes, I'm finding it easier to concentrate lately. I am at loss why, but hey, don't shake the etch-a-sketch if it looks good."
"Yes, Dr. Cooper…" Alex knew exactly why. When Amy came to pick up him for lunch with the guys, Sheldon face grew 3 lumens brighter. He was kinder when she was around, more relaxed in his own skin. Alex prayed for days Amy would come for lunch, it was like working for a completely different man. Not that he lost his brilliance or even his arrogance, but he gained a sense of serenity. And lately, his happy glow would extend for hours past his "Fowler Fix."
The beginning of Halo night. The boys fell into their old routines of teasing each other and general lively smack talk. Sheldon seem to not let the snide comments bother him as much; in fact he had even more witty retorts than his usual flair. It was enough for the guys to notice.
"It's called Halo Reach, Wolowitz, not Halo 'arrive there when you bloody well feel like it'. Hurry up and get over here! You're playing like an 11 year old snot nose noob."
"Damn dude, call the burn ward!"
Leonard just laughed, and said, "I feel the heat from a back draft here."
"That's because Hot and bothered Sheldon over here took all the oxygen out of the room."
"Actually, it was the fire of my brilliance that did it." Sheldon defeated the last foe. He got up to get a drink from the fridge, "You know, Wolowitz, it's no wonder we haven't gone to Mars yet, given you commitment to a task and lack of follow through. But, I guess the writing was on the wall after you stopped at a Masters."
"Well, if Sheldon wasn't killing everything in sight and picking up the ammo, I would have a chance."
"Waah, waah! Did you save any of those space diapers? Man up!" Raj loved teasing Howard, it was too easy.
Amy was busy working in the office all evening. She put her pictures on the walls, placed some of her mementos in the bedroom and organized her files. Around 9:30, she decided to take a bath. She brought her nightgown from the bedroom, and undressed. As soon as she was naked, she heard the door open to the bath.
All Sheldon heard was a scream and "Rajesh! Get out!" He ran down the hall to find a red faced Raj with a strange smile on his face. "What happened? Is Amy okay?"
"Oh yeah, she's more than okay.." Raj had a far away dreamy look.
Sheldon didn't think, he just went into the bathroom, "Amy it's me… Are you okay? What happened? Did you fall?" Sheldon had flashbacks of helping Penny in the shower. It was not a pleasant memory.
Amy was standing in the middle of the room with a small towel over her body and bigger scowl on her face. Sheldon could see her naked back and buttocks in the mirror. He swallowed hard. "NO! Your peeping Tom of a friend Raj caught me naked getting ready for my bath. I guess I should have locked the door, I wasn't thinking."
"THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT! Oh, I am going to make Tikka Masala out of that Indian gawking Cad!" Sheldon turned to leave, his temples were pulsating; his hands so tight in a fist, his knuckles were white. He was ready to throttle the man, when he felt a soft hand on his arm, "No Sheldon, leave him be. Don't hurt him. It was just a mistake." She leaned up to kiss his cheek, he wrapped his arm around her waist. "But Amy, he saw you naked!"
"Yes, well, I'm terribly embarrassed, but I have a feeling he is more so. Also, there are worst things than knowing your friend's girlfriend is actually a girl, ya know."
Sheldon smiled and looked in the mirror at her round firm hind quarters. "Ya know, you could kill a man with that." He leaned down and kissed her again, moving his hand to her butt.
"Well, let's not have any untimely death's just yet, okay Dr. Cooper?"
"Okay, I won't kill Raj… Maim him a little..." She looked at him over her glasses. "FINE! No bodily injuries. Ya know, in Texas, it's justifiable homicide to shoot a man who even looks at another man's woman let alone see all her glory."
"Let's be honest, Tex, there it's a justifiable homicide if you don't get enough sprinkles on your ice cream."
"True, but that's worth a killin'"
"Now, go out there. I'm sure Raj is quaking in his boots. Be nice!"
"Okay…" He kissed her one more time, "Lock this door, woman. I can't have Wolowitz lose any more brain cells from eyeing your alluring form."
Amy dropped her towel, "As you wish…"
"You did not just quote Princess Bride!? VIXEN!" He gave her one more short peck, a slap on her fanny, and Sheldon went out to deal with the rogue who dared gaze upon his woman.
Sheldon hearing kicked in, Howard whispered to Raj, "How did she look?"
"Oh man, guys, Amy's a goddess. I don't think I can look at Emily again without imagining…Oh Sheldon!"
Leonard and Howard stood up and blocked Raj from Sheldon. They couldn't block his death stare. His icy glare was fixed on the East Indian man quaking in fear behind his rag tag defenders.
Howard whispered to Leonard, "We didn't need Raj as friend, really. I can find another Indian astrophysicist, easy! ."
Leonard got his inhaler as he watched Sheldon moved to the living room in panther like fashion, "Now, Now Sheldon. Raj didn't mean anything."
"I didn't mean it!" Raj was wincing.
"It was just an accident!"
"Just an Accident!" Raj held his hands to his face, while Sheldon moved closer.
"He hardly saw anything!" Leonard was doing his best.
"Nothing, just her breasts, her butt, her perfect…"
"Shut up Raj!" Leonard kicked him behind him.
"Ouch!"
Sheldon just walked up to the cowering group and stood, arms crossed behind him. "Raj, you will apologize to Amy."
"I'll go do it now."
"NO! Not now! Later! When she is properly dressed. Additionally, you'll make no disparaging comments about what you saw, got it? Or I'll knock the man outta you, and that would be a short fight, got it?"
"Yes, Sheldon… I'm sorry."
"Don't tell me, tell Amy. You think I'm scary? HA! Have you seen her cut up a brain? Boy, you better run!"
Howard and Leonard walked quickly away, "You're on your own. Sheldon is one thing, but Amy, damn man… I'll tell Bernie to send flowers to Emily."
"Oh man!"
After the threat of bodily injury was over, the boys went back to their game. Howard was the first one to notice something the other's had missed.
"Umm, Sheldon."
"Yes?"
"You went into the bath room while Amy was in there? Like you've done it a hundred times. Was she still…. Undressed?"
"Howard, let's just say I know firsthand why Raj can't wipe that stupid smile off his ugly mug."
Raj piped in sheepishly, "Lucky bastard."
Sheldon just smiled and kept playing. After a quick dispatch of his enemies both on and off screen, Sheldon retired to the bedroom. He found Amy, curled up with glasses eschewed on her head, and a book open on her chest. She didn't read the Heinlein book he was reading aloud to her; instead she was reading "The History of the Atomic Bomb." It was from Sheldon's bookshelf. She probably wanted to get in the 1940's mood, and of course she would choose a science history book.
He loved that she would go outside her comfort zone for him; reading Heinlein was just for him, he knew it. He wished he had her flexibility of mind. Sheldon was well versed in many subjects, but only in non-fiction. He did read Pride and Prejudice, but that was only for futile hunt for flaws to taunt her. He vowed he would try and make a better effort enjoy what Amy loved.
He leaned over and carefully pried the book from Amy, who moaned and turned over. He pulled the glasses off her head, and brushed her hair to the side. She smiled through her sleep and reached her hand for his side of the bed. He quickly got ready and joined her. She was turned to the side, away from him. She was wearing her thin cotton nightgown. He loved her hips and her back. She had a figure like a violin and her every breath was music to him.
Sheldon snuggled next to Amy, placing his hand on her hip. It's no wonder Raj didn't have a heart attack right then. The scoundrel!
The next morning at breakfast, there was knock at the door. Sheldon opened the door to find Raj hold freshly made scones and his proverbial hat in hand. "Good morning, pervert!"
"SHELDON! Be nice! Hello Rajesh"
"Here are some apology scones I made for you."
"Ooh scones!" Sheldon grabbed the box from Raj.
" Thank you." Amy grabbed the box from Sheldon, but not before he grabbed one.
Poor Raj didn't even open his eyes as he handed the box to Sheldon. "Amy, I am sorry I walked in on you…"
"Well, no harm, no fowl. Don't worry. And don't let them tease you too much."
"Oh, I am never going to hear the end of it." Raj still wasn't looking at her.
"Rajesh, its okay. Look at me!"
Raj blinked his eyes quickly over to Amy, and avoid the glare from Sheldon. He blinked 3 times and left quickly, and very quietly.
Sheldon closed the door, "Good lord, woman, you made him get his selective mutism back! How much did he see of you?"
"Well, everything."
"Oh lordy, he may never talk again! Although… these scones are really good." Sheldon mouth was full with crumbs falling. "You should flash yourself more often… maybe we can get donuts tomorrow?"
Amy called his bluff, "I love donuts! I'll catch him on the stairs." She walked to the door, but was quickly flung around by her hand and caught by her waist. Staring intensely in her green eyes, Sheldon voice lowered, "You're not goin' anywhere, you temptress. You could kill a man with your…" Sheldon looked her over hungrily, "Assets."
"But didn't you want donuts, Dr. Cooper?"
"Yes, but I wont share you. You're mine little lady. Donuts be damned." Sheldon plunged into her neck kissing her like she was made of frosting. He paused her up against the counter and continued to devoured her neck while moving his hands up her back to hold her hair. He pulled her head to the side, so he could get a better angle, while his free hand was moving down her chest and squeezing her breast like fresh dough through her 3 layers of fabric. Amy gasped at the sudden moves, and Sheldon dove into her mouth, filling her with a passionate kiss. He wanted to glaze her with his kisses, taste every sweet inch of her. Amy moaned and wrapped her hands around Sheldon's back, scratching down her spine. If not for his shirts, she might have left scars. Sheldon arched his head back, loving the feeling of Amy's nails on him. His eyes grew even darker than before, to a deep indigo matched only by Amy's even deeper emerald. They caught themselves and their heavy breath. They stared at each other while their forehead met.
I don't want to stop.
Me either. But we have to work.
Call in.
Can't
You're driving me mad, woman.
You already drove me there. But we have to go.
Friday?
Friday!
They pulled apart, and both took a deep breath at the same time. Then they looked at each other, one with smirk and the other with a coy grin. Sheldon smacked Amy on her butt lightly, "Come along, Vixen."
Thursday was girl's night. The girls were all a twitter over Raj walking in on Amy.
Emily was showing her fire temper. "I was wondering why Raj had such a strange look of guilt over his face while making those scones! That Bastard! I'll kill him!"
"Oh, I think he been hurt enough. Sheldon scared the Krishna outta him."
"I heard it was scarier when Sheldon said what you were going to do to him." Penny heard the whole thing from Leonard last night. Penny laughed so hard, she fell off the bed. Raj always had things for the other guy's girlfriends. Now he probably has his own Amy crush. Maybe Amy would get some Indian love poetry. She didn't want to tease Amy about it in front of Emily, Penny had some class.
"Well, it's hard to resist this pelvis. I have lifetime of beating them off with a stick." Amy smirked in her wine. She loved the teasing Raj got, and the boost to her ego. But she didn't want to talk about in front of a very displeased Emily. She was ready to discuss something else. "So, this party… Am I okay with that blue dress?"
"Oh yeah, that Blue dress is perfect. And those shoes you got are great."
" I think it's great you got contacts, you should wear them more often."
"They make my eyes dry, but they are nice for special occasions."
"Yeah, I am going to wear mine too. Howard loves me without glasses."
"OH Ames, Our hair appointment is set for 5:30. How are you going to do your hair?"
"I'm thinking Lauren Bacall."
"OH, that's perfect!"
"What are you and Emily doing? Were you able to get a hair appointment with us?"
"Yep, we are all meeting there and going to straight to the party."
"Amy can you drive us to the party? We can go home with the guys from there?"
"But that means she can't drink!"
"Oh yeah, hmm. Should we rent a limo? But you guys have to pay for it, I'm tapped out."
"No, I won't drink. I want to be sharp. There is plenty of time for drinking. Sheldon can go with Leonard. I'll bring my dress and we can dress at the salon. I might even have them help with my makeup."
"Fem it up, Ames! Sheldon's gonna Freak!"
"Well, he never 'freaks'"
Penny gave her a dead pan stare , "Really, Ames? When doesn't the boy freak?"
"Okay, yes, but not about appearances. Also, even if he likes it, he can't do anything. We have a no public display of affection clause. "
"That's stupid!" The short honey badger snapped at Amy.
Amy looked at Bernie, she was always more blunt after the 2nd glass. "What do you mean?"
"I MEAN if the time is right, you should kiss. I'm not saying ride him on the table like a bull, just a couple kisses isn't a big deal."
"It's up to him."
"What about you?"
"I don't know, I wish sometimes he would touch me a little in public. I see you guys and you get kisses goodbye and hugs. It looks nice."
"Well, you better renegotiate, sister. Tomorrow might be a big step."
Amy drank her wine and whispered, "In more ways than one..."
Emily caught her comment, "Oooooh, what ways?"
Amy didn't want to say too much, but she had been thinking ever since the night she talked to Sheldon about her past. She didn't want to be held back anymore. She was ready to cross the creek.
"I think Sheldon and I are ready for bigger things, that's all."
"Ah, the Coitus conundrum. Finally gonna take the leap sister?" Bernie was such a fun drunk.
Amy sat back and smiled. She was ready. She had been waiting all week. Tomorrow night might be the night. But Sheldon had to be ready too. She was going to play along with whatever the wind may bring. She couldn't control the weather, but she sure could prepare for it. "If the opportunity presents itself, I will not say no. Let's leave it at that."
"Well, if you sing that song at Karaoke, the opportunity will probably jump your bones on stage."
"HA! We'll see. You guys gonna back me up?"
"Yep! I can't wait to see the guys face. It's gonna be a hoot! "
"I hope Sheldon doesn't feel put on the spot, he'll hate it."
"Sheldon will love it."
Over at 4A...
"I hate it!" Sheldon howled.
"Sheldon come on! You have to dress up! Think of it as cos play for the 1940's. Zoot suits are a classic!" Howard was digging his new duds. He, Raj and Leonard rented zoot suits in green, red and blue just for the party. They wanted Sheldon to get one too, but it was a hard sell.
"My Plaid suit is just fine! Besides you three look like Donald Duck's nephews."
"Well, you could be Donald, he doesn't wear pants either!" Howard was hinting at Sheldon tendency to take off his pants. A strange quirk he has done too often for the group's taste.
"HA HA!
"Actually, his plaid suit fits the 1940's is the ONLY time that suit would be popular."
"See! I'm set, and I don't have to wear rented germy garments that are reminiscent of Los Angeles' race riots. So, neener neener!"
"FINE! But, Sheldon, you're the king of no fun. What a buzz kill, bro." Raj wished everyone was excited as he was for the party. Raj had helped Stuart plan this party and the Halloween party. This party was smaller; to celebrate his new Monkey comic he worked on with the group. The Halloween Party was the launch and signing party for a secret comic. All Raj was told was the theme was Emerald.
The guys played Zelda till around 9:30 then were ready to leave. Sheldon asked Leonard to stay back for a minute; he wanted to ask him something.
"Sure buddy." He waited till Wolowitz and Raj were gone and he looked back at Sheldon, he was sitting in his spot, his hands on his knees like that day in the car. "Leonard, I need to ask you something, and I don't want it to get back to the group, understand?"
Leonard took his traditional spot in the old beige chair and showed his heartfelt concern for his over nervous friend. He knew something was bothering him all day. Sheldon was quiet at lunch, like he was working on a problem. Every once in awhile, he would just smile, then look down. He could tell his Sheldon's mind was in overdrive. "I understand, what's up?"
"I am thinking of taking my relationship with Amy to a new level, and I am not sure how to proceed."
"We gave you that book, Sheldon."
"NO! Not that infernal book. Besides, it was wrong about a few things. I wrote the publisher."
"What things?!"
"I'll CC you on my email. Anyway, I'm not talking about coitus. Well, maybe. I am wondering if coitus should be something we save for our wedding night."
"Wedding? Are you thinking of asking Amy to marry you?"
"Well, I am debating whether or not it is necessary. I love her, we have a contract, we live together. It's like we are practically married now. There're the tax ramifications, and economic benefits. She could sign things for me if I am incapacitated. Also there is…."
"Let me cut you off there. You don't get married for tax benefits."
"Actually, being married is a hindrance to tax relief. They call it the marriage penalty. You see if I claim 1 on my W4, and she…"
"No Sheldon I don't need a crash course in taxes, I have H&R Block. What I am trying to say, marriage is for love, because you want to be bonded, permanently, and in the eyes of everyone. Being someone's spouse is a big deal. It carries more weight than boy/girlfriend. "
"But I am already bonded with Amy. I know it's not rational, or logical, but being able to call her my wife, sounds right. But I know we don't need it. Damn these Hippy feelings! "
"No one needs it. They want it. That's the difference. I don't need to marry Penny. I want to. Sure, we could live together forever, have kids, it would seem the same. But it isn't. Look at Howard, he is the happiest I have ever seen him. It's amazing."
"I read a study that says married men are 135% happier than single men."
"Well, that speaks volumes. No wonder my twenties sucked so bad."
"Oh, your twenties sucked for a myriad of reasons. And not just your twenties. For one…"
"Alright Sheldon! Now I am happier too. It's hard to explain, but it true."
"You'll also be happy to hear that a study done by the Kinsey Institute suggests that 23% of non-married men periodically go a year without intercourse, while only 1% of married men experience 12-month hiatus. Given your track record, that should be good news."
"Thanks buddy." Leonard responded flatly, before he spoke again, "But it would be good for you too, ya know. I know you and Amy haven't had sex, but getting married just so you can is…"
"No, I wouldn't want to marry Amy for that reason. That's callous. I would marry her even if we never had coitus, but I just wondering… I'm wondering if coitus after married is ideal."
"Is that you talking, or Mrs. Cooper?"
"I do hear what I am saying in a rather thick Texan accent." Sheldon's upbringing was clear on the subject of coitus. His siblings didn't hear it, but Sheldon did. Now it seems so asinine, except it's tough to turn down the volume on that old Texan voice once the recording is set in Sheldon's brain.
"What's in a Texas accent?" Amy was standing at the door, she had returned from girl's night.
Sheldon's eyes widened, and darted around. Leonard helped his buddy out, "Oh just the card game we play. When Sheldon plays, he has a thick accent, right buddy?"
"OH yep, Thicker than the hair on a rabbit's back."
"I'd love to hear that! Well, I better get to bed. Good night you two." Amy had a couple glasses of wine and needed to lay down. Sheldon could see she was a little wobbly.
"You better go check on yours, she might be drunker than a peach orchard boar." Sheldon got up and showed Leonard out. At the door he said sheepishly to Leonard while looking down, scuffing his feet, "Thanks for talking to me."
"Sure Buddy, anytime. Just do what you and Amy want, don't listen to ghosts. They have all the trappings of the past, with nothing to look forward to, ya know?"
"You're right. Thanks." Sheldon went back to Amy, armed with a large glass of water and 2 pain killers. Amy was already in bed, with the book on her lap.
"What's this?"
"Precaution."
"See? You're thoughtful. Thank you Sheldon."
"You're welcome. I take it girls night was a success? Did you braid each other's hair while listening to Wilson Phillips songs?"
"OH my god, your sister did a number on you didn't she? That is so 1990! tween girls night."
"Worse part when they wanted me to tell them all the lyrics to the songs, over and over again. God, I hate Wilson Phillips."
"Yuck me too. I was more of a Bon Jovi girl. But to answer your question, NO! We talked about tomorrow night, and Penny's wedding. She hasn't done much planning. Waiting for her brother's parole is putting a damper on the whole thing."
"They could just go the justice of the Peace like Howard and Bernadette tried to do. That seems efficient."
"Weddings aren't about being efficient. It's a special day for Penny. She has all kinds of plans that she's been dreaming about since she was little girl."
"Like what?"
"OH the color theme, the dress, the cake, the music. Everything really. Most girls plan out their weddings."
Sheldon looked at her, his head tilted. "Did you?"
Amy was walking in a mine field. She knew better than to talk weddings with Sheldon. He had made it clear in the past he wasn't interesting in getting married. Amy wanted it all, huge wedding, tons of guests, 5 tiered cake the works. She had been to so many weddings, always as a guest or a brides maid. She longed for her own, but shelved that idea during the summer. When Sheldon took off with not so much of a goodbye, she burned her wedding wish book. When he broke up with her, she threw out her bridal magazines and donated her hope chest. She resolved she would never get married. Her Tiara and necklace were the only jewelry she thought she would get from Sheldon. She said she was happy with that. She reached for her necklace; a habit she formed after Sheldon gave it to her. Anytime she had to think on a problem or navigate an emotional hell scape, she held it for strength. Now she was holding it tighter than ever.
"Amy?"
"Sorry, Zone… Uhm… No. No big plans." God, don't see I'm lying.
"Amy Farrah Fowler, you lying agin'?" Sheldon's accent was coming out. Not a good sign. Damn Vulcan Mind Meld, he can hear me.
"Well, I did once, when I was young. You know. But that's just girl stuff." Amy's eyes darted around. She saw the book on the side table, "Oh look, Heinlein! Can you read me the next chapter? The story getting a little weird, huh? Kind of a sixties love fest. What's the deal?"
Sheldon knew she was changing the subject. He didn't want to push her. Maybe Amy didn't want to get married. She seemed happy how thing are. Sheldon started a tirade about the author, the book and sixties politics. While Amy listened to his voice, watching his blue eyes sparkle, she thought about what was in the book she burned last summer.
My wedding…
It would have been in the spring...
At the sea…
At this cute chapel in Orange County built in the 1900's…
There were candles lit , the warm glow was everywhere
A harp was playing while I walked down the aisle.
My dress was pure white silk, with lace, like Grace Kelly's.
There was fresh flowers on every table.
My bouquet was made of lilies. Draping down with white roses and Ivy.
I had a veil. And A tiara. Ha, I always hoped to have one. I wonder if you knew?
The food would have been amazing. With a 5 tiered white cake with green ivy frosting roping around the layers.
It was perfect. But I don't need it.
Sheldon stopped talking about the book and looked at her. Trying to understand her distance melancholy look through her eyes. She looked sad, like she lost something precious. But do you want it? Cause I think I do…
He kissed her on the top of her head, and pulled her to nuzzled into his chest. He started reading the book, but his mind was elsewhere. At the sea.