Chapter 31: Valentine's Day
"Love is in the air? Wrong. Nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide is in the air." - Sheldon
Carly did manage to enjoy her time at the conference. The only regret she had was that she wasn't able to text Sheldon as often as she'd wanted to. He was ever the patient and understanding boyfriend which she wholeheartedly appreciated.
Every day she looked forward to Skyping with him, seeing his face and talking to him as if they were together. It reminded her just of who she had at home.
Home.
It held a different meaning now. No longer was it a place, or a wish for the future. It was in a person. In a heart. Once she was back in Pasadena she never wanted to leave again. Sure, she sounded like a lovesick fool but she didn't think anyone could blame her.
On the Monday afternoon that she returned home, Penny picked her up from the airport. She was ecstatic to see her blond, beautiful friend and had hugged her tightly when she saw her.
"I missed you," Penny told her as they walked through the airport with Carly's suitcase in tow. "Los Robles isn't the same without you now."
Carly grinned, touched by her friend's words. "How's Sheldon?"
Penny led her out to her car in the parking garage. "He's been rather quiet this week, which is super rare for him. I think he missed you a lot."
Carly couldn't wait to see him again. She'd gotten him something special at the conference. He may not like gifts but when she had seen it, she just had to get it for him.
"I missed him too," she told her earnestly. "Texting and Skyping help but it's not the same."
Penny threw a knowing smile over her shoulder. "I totally get that. He'll be excited to see you."
The girls caught up with everything on the long car ride back to Pasadena. Carly had been shocked to find out that Raj's girlfriend Molly had a two-year-old daughter. Apparently, Raj had needed advice on how to approach the situation and had decided with the support of his friends to follow his heart and still see the girl. Carly was relieved to hear it. It was obvious Raj had it bad.
Carly looked down at her phone as they neared the apartment, frowning at the last text she'd sent Sheldon when she had landed. "That's odd... Sheldon never takes this long to text me back."
Penny threw a look over at her from the driver's seat. "I'm sure he's just busy at work. He'll get back to you, I wouldn't worry."
Carly tried not to and focused on the fact that she'd see him in a few hours when he got off of work. Penny dropped her off at her door and after a quick thank you to her friend, entered her apartment to get unpacked and cleaned up.
She knew that Sheldon didn't trust the germs in airports and so she took a long, thorough shower and brushed her teeth twice. She didn't think it would help if she had caught something but she figured it wouldn't hurt to try.
Carly dressed in a thin denim skirt and yellow sweater and brushed her hair out. She was a bundle of nerves. She literally couldn't wait till she saw him.
Carly left her bedroom to make some tea for herself and stopped by her phone on the way over. Still nothing.
Why wasn't he responding to her?
She texted Leonard, wondering if he knew what was up with him. The text response came back rather quickly.
"I took Sheldon home a few hours ago because he said he didn't feel well. I think he's probably resting and that's why he isn't responding. Do you mind going and checking on him?"
Carly's heart sank at the news. Sick? Sheldon was sick? Worry for him made her forget the idea of making tea and she shot a quick text back to Leonard to tell him she'd go check on him and left for 4A.
Upon entering, she didn't see anyone in the living room so she assumed he was in his bedroom. She headed back to him, concern in her heart, and was startled to see that his bedroom was empty. His messenger bag lay on the bed though so he had to have come home.
Frowning to herself, she checked Leonard's bedroom just in case but found it empty as well.
"Sheldon?" She asked into the seemingly vacant apartment. Could he be at Penny's? A shot of jealousy sparked through her and she woodenly made herself walk back down the hallway, intending on checking over at her friend's house.
She had gotten to the landing when she heard it.
"Carly?" The voice was weak and quiet but it was definitely Sheldon. She spun around, seeing the cracked door of the bathroom. She hadn't even thought to look inside of it.
"Sheldon?" She called again and approached the bathroom door. "Are you in the bathroom?"
"I think so," he rasped and she carefully opened the door, unsure of what she'd walk in on.
There he was, dressed in a gray long sleeve shirt pushed up to his elbows, his blue 73 shirt lay crumpled next to him, and he was leaning on the toilet like he had fallen asleep against it.
Alarmed by his pale, sunken in face and the way his lips were almost pure white, she jumped to action and knelt by him, taking his shoulders and helping him into a sitting position.
"Sheldon! How long have you been here?"
He looked up at her through woozy eyes, staring at her as if he could be dreaming. "I dunno... twenty minutes? An hour? A year? I emptied the contents of my stomach and must have passed out at some point."
Her heart ached for him. He'd been passed out alone on the floor of the bathroom, sick as a dog for who knows how long before she found him.
"Here come on, let's get you to your bed," she offered, putting his arm around her shoulders. He leaned on her heavily, obviously struggling, and with some effort on her part successfully got him to his feet and helped him to his bedroom.
She sat him down on the bed and grabbed his bag, setting it against his nightstand neatly. She then helped him out of his shoes. He clumsily slid his pants off to crawl under the covers in Justice League briefs.
Carly tucked him in and sat next to him, pushing the sweaty strands of hair away from his forehead. "You poor thing. How did you get sick? You seemed fine last night when we Skyped."
Sheldon weakly looked at her, his eyes unfocused. "I..." he licked at his dry lips uncomfortably. "I'm not sure. I vaguely remember a handshake with a colleague that President Siebert forced me to make unless I dreamt that. It's the only thing I can think of."
"Poor baby," she whispered, running her hand down his cheek. He looked at her silently, his breathing coming out heavily. "Is there anything I can do?"
Sheldon regarded her for a couple of beats and then slid a hand out from his blanket to place it on her hand that was resting on his face. He leaned into it and she bit her lip, gazing at him with adoration. "I'm glad you're back," he murmured, his love for her clearly in his eyes even with how disoriented he seemed to be.
Carly smiled sweetly at him. "I told you I would be. You're stuck with me now, Dr. Cooper."
Sheldon returned the smile feebly. "I'm glad."
"Do you want me to sing you soft kitty?" She offered him after a moment. She wasn't the best singer but she hoped he'd be okay with her singing it to him.
He just nodded and lay back on his pillow, still holding her hand to his cheek. She took in a ragged breath and then sang it for him, trying hard not to feel like an utter fool in front of him.
By the end, he was closing his eyes and she wondered if he was having a hard time staying awake. His hand wobbled on hers. When she went to remove her hand to let him sleep, his eyes fluttered open and he grabbed her hand tightly.
"Don't leave," he pleaded hastily, fear in his eyes and sounding like a child. "Stay."
Carly swallowed and nodded, adjusting herself on the bed next to him. "I'm not going anywhere, sweetheart. Sleep." The endearment fell from her mouth absently and she was relieved when he didn't say anything about it.
Sheldon closed his eyes and finally relaxed, soon falling into a deep sleep. His hand fell from hers and she carefully removed her hand from his cheek, caressing his jaw once before putting her hand over his chest.
This had not been the welcome home she'd expected. Poor thing was miserable.
She watched over him for a long while, not wanting to leave him for a minute because she worried he would wake up and not see her. She had promised in their relationship agreement that she'd take care of him if anything ailed him- as did he for her, so she'd do anything for him now.
Carly pulled her phone out of her skirt pocket and read a book on her phone, settling herself next to him on the bed with her back up against the wall. His head was near her thigh.
Every so often, she'd catch sight of him and she'd run her fingers over his hair lovingly. He was the best thing that had ever happened to her and she was relieved to be with him once more.
oO0Oo
Sheldon woke up to a dark bedroom, his cheek pressed against something warm and soft. His body felt sore and tense, with his stomach feeling odd, reminding him that he was sick with some sort of stomach bug. He was just glad the nausea seemed to be gone.
He lifted his head slowly and saw that it was Carly who he was snuggled against, his arm thrown over her lap, while she leaned up against the wall next to him, sleeping.
His heart lurched, relieved that she hadn't left him. He tightened his arm on her, holding himself to her and placing his head down on her thigh, needing to feel her- to remind him that she was with him again. The week had been long, too long. He'd tried to be as supportive as possible when he spoke with her, but on his own, he was unable to shake off the utter feeling of loss and emptiness. It was as if she'd taken his heart with her to Chicago.
All in all, he was rather proud of himself for not having a breakdown as he would normally. Perhaps he'd grown as a person since meeting Carly. The insecurity of the unknown had lessened to a dull roar in his mind with her there.
At his movement, he accidentally disturbed her, waking her. Her soft breathing changed in the silent room, and before he could lift his head to look at her, her hand was on his hair, running her fingers through the strands softly. He closed his eyes briefly, the feeling of security and love overwhelming him.
"Mmm," he nuzzled into her at the feeling, alerting her that he was awake. Her hand stilled on his head.
"You're awake?" She asked softly, her hand sliding down to his neck as he lifted his head warily to see her staring down at him with a gentle smile on her face. It was dark, but he could still see her clearly from the moonlight shining through the blinds on the window.
"I just woke up," he told her, his voice coming out dryly. He swallowed. "You stayed."
Carly softened and nodded. "Of course I did. Are you feeling any better?"
"Well, I don't have anything in my body to expel any longer so I think I'm in the clear so far... I am a little dehydrated though. My tongue feels like sandpaper."
Carly smiled sympathetically, her hand sliding to his back to caress him gently, making his skin get tingly goosebumps. "I'll go get you some Gatorade," she told him.
Sheldon reluctantly released her and moved over to the bed, allowing her to slide her legs down to the floor and stand. He watched her stretch slightly, more than likely tense from sitting in the same position for a long time.
"Thank you," he told her appreciatively before she left. It felt rather good to have her dote on him in such a manner. She always held him at arm's length, allowing him to make the first move in respect to his Haphephobia. However, when it came to her, she had to know that her touch didn't bother him any longer. He welcomed it. He longed for it.
She threw a smile over her shoulder at him. "Of course. I'll be right back."
Carly left Sheldon in his bed to go out to the kitchen, finding Leonard at his desk typing away on his laptop. "Oh, hello," she greeted awkwardly.
He looked up at her in surprise. "You're here? Is Sheldon all right?"
She smiled at him and went to the fridge. "Yeah, he's okay. He's got some sort of stomach bug, but he's feeling better. A lot better than how I found him. He was passed out over the toilet."
Leonard stood in alarm at the news and approached her. "What? Are you sure he's okay?"
She nodded to him and got a Gatorade out of their fridge, thankful that they had some. "Yes, he's okay. I helped him to his bed and he's been sleeping ever since. Do you have any crackers? I'm not sure if he's up to eating anything, but the option might be good for him."
"Oh, of course, yeah." Leonard walked past her to the cupboard and grabbed a box of saltines, handing it to her. "Thank you for taking care of him. You should have called me."
Carly pulled a package of crackers out of the box and handed it back over to Leonard who took it easy. "No, of course not. I'm his girlfriend. It's my job. I have an agreement that even says so," she winked at him playfully and he smiled gently at her.
"Well, still. You just got back. I'm sure you're exhausted."
She shrugged casually. "I'm fine. I'm glad to be back and I don't mind." She turned to leave him but paused with a thought. "You should probably disinfect the bathroom though. You know how he is."
Leonard jumped into action. "Oh! Yes, definitely. I don't need him lecturing me about the proper etiquette of clean bathrooms."
Carly laughed and headed back to Sheldon. She found him sitting up in his bed, the lamp now on next to him. He had been on his phone and when she walked in, closing the door behind her, he looked up at her.
"I heard laughing. Is Leonard out there?" He asked her curiously and she nodded.
"Yeah. He's cleaning the bathroom for you," she told him, sitting next to him. "I brought you Gatorade and some crackers, just in case."
Sheldon smiled at her, putting his phone down on his end table and taking the Gatorade from her. "Thank you, Carly."
She just smiled at him, looking away to let him replenish his electrolytes and blood sugar. After a long moment, Sheldon reached over and took her hand. She looked up at him from under her lashes, still so happy to be with him once more- even under these circumstances.
"How was your flight? Did Penny get to you in time?"
She smiled, her heart happy that he was always worrying about her. "It was fine. There was a little turbulence but nothing like our flight down to Texas- and yes, she was right on time."
Sheldon nodded, pleased with her response. "I'm sorry I wasn't there."
She shook her head and entwined their fingers. "Don't be silly. You had to work, and besides- you were sick."
Sheldon frowned and looked down at their hands. "I hope you don't get sick now."
Carly tilted her head with a small shrug. "I doubt it. With all the vitamins you gave me, I highly doubt I'll get sick at all for the next year."
Sheldon smirked. "You can never be too careful... unless you're too careful and you end up sick because of it."
Carly giggled lightly. "You should probably rest. You have work in the morning... or are you not going to go?"
"I'm sure I'll be feeling a lot better in the morning to go to work... are you leaving then?" He eyed her in what looked like apprehension.
She bit her lip and felt horrible. "I really should. I have work tomorrow too and it's late as it is. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."
Sheldon nodded, trying but failing to conceal his grimace. "I understand. Thank you. You... you're a good girlfriend."
Carly's heart jumped at his words, touched. She smiled sadly. "I will always take care of you, Sheldon."
He smiled slightly and they reluctantly released hands as she stood. He wanted to keep her there with him but knew that they'd be playing with fire if she stayed any longer. He honestly didn't want her to get sick because of him. "Oh, and you probably should take a shower just in case."
She smiled lovingly and walked over to his side of the bed, surprising him by leaning over and kissing his forehead. It sent little thrills through his body. "I will. You just get some rest okay? Feel better."
He nodded, saddened that she'd be leaving him again, but he reasoned that she wasn't very far this time. "All right. Goodnight, Carly."
Carly went to his door. "Goodnight Sheldon."
oO0Oo
Sure enough, Sheldon felt like himself the next day, relieved that it had only been a twenty-four-hour bug. He was thankful that Carly hadn't contracted it, as she had been up and personal with him, however, it had been a surprise when Leonard had come down with it. Then Penny.
Sheldon chalked it up to his medicine soup he'd practically force-fed his girlfriend during her trip. His brain was so much better than everyone else's.
Six days past and Carly was taken off guard by how quickly Valentine's Day had approached. It had felt just like yesterday that they'd been talking about it on their date night. She still didn't know what he had planned and he was keeping a rather tight lip on it. The only information she'd received was an email, seventy-two hours in advance, detailing how she'd need to be dressed for a day of walking and he'd be at her apartment around eleven the morning of.
Not even Penny had been able to crack him, who had insistently bothered him during a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory the week prior.
Not knowing was difficult for Carly, as she got ready. She wasn't sure if she should wear pants or a dress. She decided to throw caution to the wind and wore a dress she had been saving for special occasions. It was burnt orange and linen material, highlighting her complexion prettily. It was short-sleeved, coming to the middle of her upper arms, and had pockets. From the front, it looked traditional and only came up modestly to her knees. The back, however, dipped low to the center of her back and gold buttons rained down to the bottom.
She donned a cardigan and her white sneakers and decided to leave her hair down, tousled around her shoulders. She didn't apply too much makeup and had ditched all forms of lipgloss because Sheldon had deemed it too slippery to kiss.
At eleven exactly, she heard his knocks.
Smiling to herself, she grabbed her white long strapped purse and answered the door. There he stood, handsome as ever, wearing a brown blazer over a purple, pink, and white button up- a hint of his undershirt was peeking at the top as he had allowed two of the top buttons to hang loose. He wore dark jeans and his trademark brown shoes.
She swallowed nervously. Why did he always look so dang attractive? How was she supposed to keep her hands to herself the whole day with him dressed like that?
Sheldon took her in as well, his eyes widening at the way the color of her dress lightened her eyes, making them twinkle up at him. He licked his lips before greeting her. "Good morning, Carly. Are you ready for our date?"
He was relieved when his voice was light and casual, a stark difference from how he felt inside. His heart was pounding in his ears and he was having a hard time breathing. Would he be able to get through the date without kissing her senseless right there against the door?
She smiled at him brightly, obviously happy to see him. "Yes! I've been looking forward to learning what you have planned for today."
Sheldon curved his lips. "Well you'll be in for a treat... yo-you'll have to drive through."
She laughed lightly at his shy statement. "Don't worry. I like driving."
He relaxed at her good-natured voice. She never made fun of him for anything. It was always so comforting to be around her. "Oh, uh here," he remembered and handed her the small box of milk chocolates that he had been hiding behind his back.
Carly's eyes lit up at the sight and she trailed them up to him after taking the box from him. "You..." her eyes changed and he knew without a doubt she was remembering their chocolate conversation just as he was- and had been for a while.
"I told you I would," he told her lowly and she shivered, trying to conceal her reaction but failing miserably. Sheldon shifted on his feet. "We should go, or we'll be late."
Carly cleared her throat and nodded, placing the chocolates on her little table next to her door and then locking her apartment up. "Thank you, Sheldon. I appreciate them."
He nodded vaguely, not wanting to linger too long on the chocolate. "You're welcome."
Soon they were in her car and she was given directions. It became quite obvious where they were going once they neared the Aquarium.
When she realized this, she turned her surprised eyes on him. "Really?"
Sheldon nodded shyly, uneasy with how she was looking at him. It was as if she was demanding he bare his soul. "Yes. I... I messed it up for you the last time we were here. I want to do it right, this time."
Carly swallowed a lump down in her throat as she parked her car. She couldn't believe this. This was too moving and she almost felt like she could cry, but she was too excited.
"This is amazing, Sheldon. Thank you!"
He smiled at her enthusiasm, relieved she was on board with the idea. "Well, don't thank me yet. We have a whole agenda to get through."
Carly grinned. The aquarium wasn't busy in the slightest, as it was a holiday during the workweek and most couples weren't out on dates yet. Because of this, they were able to take their time. Carly listened happily to Sheldon tell her little tidbits of information about the creatures they saw, hanging onto every word he spoke.
Her favorite part had been when they reached the jellyfish, her favorite, and he'd taken her hand, giving her a look of absolute love on his face. Carly's heart had leaped to new heights, thinking she'd never been happier than she was at that moment.
After they had their fill of the aquarium, Sheldon offered to take her to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It was beginning to dawn on her that he was in a way, recreating their first date, the way he had intended it. She didn't comment, not wanting to make him uncomfortable with the attention and just let herself experience it with a warm heart.
Even at the restaurant, where onlookers and romantic music were playing in the background, Sheldon had smiled at her and taken her hand- caressing her wrist with his thumb and sending her swirling into madness.
She didn't think she could take much more.
Then, he took her to the park. As it was a nice day, there were a lot of mothers with their children and people walking their dogs. She had noticed his look of apprehension when they entered, but he was so busy pulling her along, that she was unable to say anything on the matter.
He did well, all things considered. He hadn't even grimaced when a group of kindergartners ran past them. She'd expected at least a comment on how unclean they were.
Yet, nothing came out of him. Instead, he pulled her close to his side and they chatted happily about the aquarium and the like.
He was doing so well, that it was only natural for something to swoop in and test him.
A big fluffy, dog bounded towards them from his owner's leash and Carly's first reaction was to coo at the cute, goofy thing, but she caught herself.
She shot her eyes to Sheldon, who had frozen still and was staring in horror at the poor animal as if it was a miniature Tyrannosaurus Rex, getting ready to pounce on him. "Carly... a big dog is coming for us," he choked on his words, terrified.
His hand released hers swiftly, his anxiety obviously taking over him, and he backed up.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! He's so strong," the owner of the dog apologized hastily to them, tightening his hold on the leash to keep his dog from going any further.
"It's okay! He's really cute," she told the man, a friendly smile on her face as she tried to cover up her boyfriend's fear of dogs.
She turned and approached him, relieved when he allowed her to take his hand again to tug him away. When they were far enough away, she stopped him and made him look at her. "Are you okay?"
Sheldon swallowed, his Adam's apple moving up and down uncomfortably. "I... yes, of course." He hardened his gaze and gave her a tight-lipped smile. "Let's continue, shall we? We haven't made it to the duck pond."
He began tugging her along but she stopped him, touching his shoulder with her other hand. When his nervous eyes met hers, her heart tightened. "Sheldon, I..." he was trying so hard, she realized, to give her a normal date. It made her heartbreak. Here she was on cloud nine, the effects of his actions, but he was struggling. She noticed that now. "You know what I'd like better?"
Sheldon blinked, staring down at her in confusion. "To take a trip to the stars, I agree but it'd take a lot of money and supplies."
She smiled softly at him, loving him more than she ever had. "As romantic as that sounds, no. I'd really like to go home and watch a movie and drink some tea. My feet are killing me for being on them all day. Do you think we could go back to my apartment and do that?"
Sheldon hesitated and looked ahead of them, seeing the duck pond just around the corner. "But... what about the pond? Or the date?"
Carly lifted up on her toes to reach him. "I want to spend some quality time with you," she murmured onto his lips before kissing him quickly in the middle of the park, sending his heart racing wildly at not only the public display of affection but the implications of what she was telling him.
"I..." His tongue got heavy and repeated himself. "But what about the date?"
She dropped down to her feet, giving him a dazzling smile. "We don't need to be here for the date. Although it's been lovely so far."
Sheldon searched her eyes, surprised by her sudden longing to go back home. He had been positive she'd want to walk around the park, holding hands, and telling each other sweet things. He hadn't even gotten to the sweet part yet.
However, the idea of not going to the duck pond was ever so tempting. It had been difficult for him to even think about going back to it after the last time he'd been there.
Her eyes held his, twinkling in the sunlight and giving her a certain glow. His heart melted at the sight and he knew he wouldn't be able to refuse her. "Very well," he conceded and let her walk him toward the exit of the park. "But just to let you know, you're missing out on some prime time romance, young lady."
Carly laughed lightly and gave him a dazzling grin over her shoulder, making him breathless. "I'm still counting on the romance," she told him lightly and he could have sworn she was flirting with him.
Heart skipping a beat, he let her lead him away, erasing all fears and anxiety from his mind.
When they returned to the apartment building, she led him up to her apartment and made tea for them. He sat on her couch and removed his blazer, setting it neatly on the arm of the chair next to him. While she collected their mugs, he turned the tv on to find something for them to watch.
A Star Wars movie was on and he couldn't help but feel the itch to watch it, as it was one of his favorites but he stopped. Perhaps she'd want to watch something else? He'd made it up in his mind the day would be about her.
Carly sat next to him and placed their mugs on the coffee table in front of them. She then slid her sweater off of her shoulders and that was when he noticed.
She had twisted to put her sweater on the other arm of the couch and revealed her exposed back to him. Had that been there waiting for him all day long?
Sheldon suddenly felt the air turn warm around him. He saw the delicate freckles along with her spine and shoulder blades, reminding him of just how soft she was to the touch.
He cleared his throat. "What would you like to watch?"
Carly looked over at him, her bareback removed from his line of sight. "Oh, this is fine. I love this one. I'm a Queen Amadala fan."
Sheldon's heart quickened and he was even more relieved when she agreed to watch Star Wars with him. "All right."
Carly grinned and took her mug of tea, kicked her shoes off, then slid her legs up underneath her on the couch. Sheldon watched her from the corner of his eye, seeing her beautiful legs tempt him.
He gingerly grabbed his mug and took a gulp, not caring how hot it was on his tongue. He trailed his eyes up to her face and saw her smile at the movie. Her perfect smile.
A sudden thought occurred to him. Was she doing all of this to make him more comfortable? He didn't like the idea of her going out of her way and not doing things she wanted to do because of him.
Carly was busy watching the movie to notice Sheldon's personal dilemma and before she knew it, he was turning the tv off and facing her in his seat, his mug sat down and forgotten on the table once more.
She looked over at him in surprise, finding him to be in a tiff of some kind. "What's the matter?" She asked him, worried now, and sat her mug aside.
"Did you want to come back here because of me?"
Carly froze at his unexpected question, shocked that he'd somehow found out what her motives were. He stared at her, searching for a reaction he had a hard time deciphering. "Of course not," she told him, her voice wobbling in betrayal. She'd never been a good liar.
Sheldon's eyebrows rose and then narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Are you lying?"
Carly swallowed painfully and then sighed. "All right, fine. Yes. But only because you went out of your way to make today so special for me. It really means a lot to me and I could tell that you were putting yourself out of your comfort zone for me. I didn't want you to keep forcing yourself and so I thought you'd enjoy coming back here and watch a movie you like. Am I wrong?"
Sheldon dropped his gaze, ashamed she had realized all of this about him. She really was too wise for her own good. Probably all those books she read. "No, you're not wrong," he admitted lowly and then whirled his gaze back up at her, upset. "But I don't want you missing out on what you want because of me. I can get over it."
Carly frowned at him, not liking where this was going. "Sheldon, I'm not missing out on anything. This is what I wanted. It's not all about me, you know. You're my boyfriend and I love you. I want you to be happy too- and if that means we stay home and watch Star Wars, I'm fine with that. In fact, I welcome it."
Sheldon stared wordlessly at her, unable to believe that she was meaning those words. No one in his life had purposefully thought about him and his happiness. Normally his friends and even his mother did things his way to avoid his temper, not because they wanted him to feel comfortable.
His love for the woman in front of him knew no bounds.
"Do you mean that? Because I was trying to make sure today was all about you."
Carly softened and she reached over, taking his hand in hers. "Of course I mean it, and I appreciate you thinking about me."
Sheldon gripped her hand. "Always. And... Thank you- for thinking about me as well."
She grinned and leaned over to wrap her arms around him. He caught her, his fingers finding the bare skin of her back easily because of the dress. Tingles ran through him. He hadn't touched her this way since she'd returned from Chicago.
Carly pressed her nose into the crook of his neck and breathed in. "I will always think about you."
He held her to him, relishing in her pressed against him and the love they had for each other.
When she pulled back, her eyes meeting his, he was curious to find her looking rather shy all of a sudden. "I do have one request though."
Sheldon's heart jumped, the way her voice changed sending a jolt through him. "What did you have in mind?" He murmured, almost afraid to find out but at the same time anticipating it.
Instead of answering, she gathered her dress to her waist and climbed onto his lap, much to his astonishment. His hands landed on her thighs and slid up to her hips. He peered up into her flushed face, making his heart race. He had a sneaking suspicion he knew what her request was going to be.
Carly's hands gripped his shoulders and she bit her lip, gazing down at him shyly. "Will you... kiss me? You haven't kissed me since I've been back."
Sheldon's eyes dropped down to her mouth as if the question pulled his attention by a string. He swallowed meekly. It was true. He hadn't kissed her. He'd been sick, then they'd been busy with work and friends.
At his momentary silence, she got more nervous, baffling him because why on earth would he not want to kiss her?
"I... you told me you'd give me romance today. Kissing is romantic," she reasoned, unnecessarily selling him on the idea. His mind spun, his love for her spiraling through him. He'd always want to kiss her.
"Kissing is romantic," he agreed in a husky murmur, his hands sliding up to her back where his fingertips skimmed the bare skin. He felt the tiny bumps of gooseflesh appear under his hands.
She drew in a shaky breath and he pulled her to him, watching as her eyelids lowered at the nearness. His heart racing in his chest, he leaned in the extra inches and captured her with his lips.
He sighed greatly into the kiss and held her close, losing himself in everything that was Carly. It had been far too long. This feeling, this amazing and wonderful feeling- it was incredible. He had needed her for the past two weeks and had made himself focus on when she'd return and then plan what he hoped was a perfect day for her. She deserved it. She gave him her love every day, never complaining, never chastising him- just loving him, more than he was worthy for.
He had intended to show his love for her that day, and he still would.
Sheldon slid her bottom lip into his mouth, earning a heavy breath from her nose and her hands to slide up to his hair- holding his face to hers as they relished in the kiss. Simultaneously, their mouths opened and he felt her tongue meet his. A long time ago, this would have disgusted him. He remembered how her very first kiss on his lips had been clumsy, awkward, and slobbery. It had repulsed him... if only he'd realized how sweet she would taste. How much he would love her.
Sheldon broke away from her, their breaths mingling heavily between them as he stared in awe of the woman who'd captured his heart and had softened him to a man that he'd never thought would be possible. Carly's eyes met his, the longing in them setting a fire inside of him.
"Sheldon..." she breathed his name, reminding him of how she'd writhe under him in his bed all that time ago and had similarly called his name. He was shocked to find that he needed her again.
He dropped his hands to her dress, bunching it into his fists. "Carly... I need you," he confessed in a low groan. "May I..."
She seemed to know what he was asking and nodded when he trailed off, then lifted her hands up in the air, permitting him to remove her dress. Sheldon's heart pounded in his ears, amazed that she would be so willing, and quickly.
He slid the dress upwards, revealing parts of her that he dreamt about frequently alone in his bedroom. She helped him remove the dress from her head, and dropped it down onto the floor beside them- not even thinking about how he'd normally want to fold it first. He gazed wondrously, taking her in. His eidetic memory never let him forget how her small, taut breasts looked, but each time he saw them it never ceased to draw an intense reaction from him.
Carly drew him out of his thoughts when she slid her hands down his chest, her eyes flickering to his anxiously. "May I... remove your shirt?" She asked in a whisper.
Oh god yes, he yielded. "All right," he gulped and tried to keep himself composed as she took the cue to unbutton his dress shirt. Each time her fingers brushed against him, it was enough to drive him crazy with desire. The fire in her eyes as she did so glittered in the light and he couldn't help but finish the shirt off for her, pulling it off of his arms and dropping it down with her dress. He still was overdressed compared to her, as she was in nothing but pale pink underwear.
Taking the initiative, he yanked his undershirt off. Carly gasped lightly at the sight of him, her hands going to his pale chest and running up it tentatively. Sheldon sighed quietly, her warm hands feeling marvelous on his skin.
Carly leaned forward, pressing heated kisses up his shoulder to his neck, running fingertips over his nipples and drawing out an impeded groan. She easily could emit reactions out of him even if he tried to conceal them.
Sheldon's hands began to move again, finding her delicate breasts and sliding his fingers over the tiny buds in the center, mimicking her own hands on him. She trembled and he felt himself harden exponentially under her.
He couldn't take it anymore. He snatched her up and turned her easily, pleased that she was small and practically weightless as he had absolutely no upper body strength.
Carly gasped, gazing up at him in amazement, her hair splayed out on the couch around her. Sheldon dipped his head and found her neck, kissing lightly down it toward her bare shoulder. She whimpered and he slid his nose along her collarbone, trailing down to where she smelled the best.
He took no time at all and dragged one hardened nipple into his mouth, causing her to clasp at his shoulders mindlessly with a large inhale of breath. "Sheldon..." She breathed out his name, sending fire through his veins.
He propped himself up with a hand and used the other to roam her body, his tongue rolling over her nipple and around it leisurely as if savoring strawberry ice cream- his favorite. He pulled away, eyes returning to her flushed face. "You're so sweet... so beautiful," he choked on his words, overtaken by how he felt.
She gazed back at him, smiling gently. "Come here," she whispered, beckoning him to lean up to her so she could kiss him again. His roaming hand ran down her soft stomach, brushing against the waistband of her underwear. His tongue met hers as dipped his fingers under the elastic.
She twitched underneath him. He inclined his head, gaining full access to her mouth as he poured every ounce of his love for her into the kiss, while his hand took the plunge into her underwear to find her womanhood- already drenched for him.
His heart jumped and he faltered in the kiss, all too easily remembering how wet she'd been the first time he'd felt her. He needed to see it again: to see her face as she lost complete control by him and him only.
She had other ideas and broke off from the kiss, throwing her head into the crook of his neck with a whimper while clutching a hand to his back. With the other, she slid her hand down his bare stomach toward his belt.
"You..." he wasn't sure what he was trying to say. Was she wanting to feel him as well?
She pressed a kiss to his neck and he shivered, her hand trying to unbuckle his belt clumsily. "I want to touch you too..." she mumbled and a spark of surprise ran through him, sending heat down to his groin that hardened further at the idea of her gentle hand on him.
"Oh yes..." he moaned, pressing his nose into her hair wantonly. When she continued to struggle with his belt, he realized he'd need to help her. He removed his hand from her womanhood and sat up, straddling her to take his belt off. He threw it down and unbuttoned his pants, his erection straining against his briefs painfully.
Carly shot her hand out, touching him through his pants. His eyes shut. "Oh dear..." he groaned. He didn't think he'd last too long this time.
When he opened his eyes he looked down to see her hand reaching inside of his pants, finding him easily with her warm hand and wrapping her fingers around it.
He struggled to breathe, watching her pull him out of his briefs and pants. Feeling it was different than actually watching it happen. It was the single most erotic thing he'd experienced thus far. Her hand looked so tiny on his long penis, yet it wrapped perfectly around him as if made to touch him. He couldn't help it. He thrust himself into her hand needily, desperate for friction, for relief.
He groaned lightly as her hand moved down, giving him what he needed. His head fell back, allowing himself to get lost in her ministrations on him. How had the tables turned so quickly?
No, he stopped himself. Today was about her. He needed to get a grip.
He dropped back down to her, her hand and his erection pressing between them naughtily. She caught his eyes, surprised by his sudden movement.
"Sheldon-"
He swiftly slid his hand back into her underwear, comically cutting her off. "You're so wet," he whined, his mouth falling open in awe that he'd been able to turn a woman on to this level.
His woman.
Carly whimpered under him, her eyes dilating as she held him more firmly with each stroke, making him frantic with how incredible it felt. His finger clumsily found her opening and he slid it inside, her tight, velvety walls enveloping him. She cried out, biting her lip painfully.
Sheldon dropped down and kissed away her teeth hungrily. She met him readily, kissing him back with just as much passion, little urgent sounds leaving her. He increased his speed on her, moving his finger in and out of her- mimicking what he'd do to her one day with his penis and drawing out as much pleasure from her as possible.
Carly gasped into his mouth, her hand moving faster on him in response. His heart raced painfully in his chest, and he thrust himself into her fist, a loud groan leaving him when her hand brushed against his testicles.
The anxiety he was beginning to feel for what he assumed was the impending orgasm she was racing him to was overwhelming. His hot breath filled her mouth and their noses pressed harshly against the other. He'd never known it could be this good.
Carly pulled back from his mouth, just barely, their lips brushing each other as they worked for their hands. "More," she pleaded to him urgently, and he didn't know what she meant.
"More what?" He breathed on her lips, their eyes heavy-lidded as they gazed at one another. Her fingers slid over the head of his manhood, making a shot of heat run through him. He closed his eyes briefly. "Oh..."
Carly breathed him in as he did his best to keep up with her speed with his finger. "Use two fingers," she urged and he just about came off the couch at her breathy demand. He pulled away slightly.
"T-two?" He asked shakily, eyes wide. "Won't that hurt you?"
Carly shook her head, her eyes tense. "No, how else do you expect your penis to go inside of me one day," she reasoned breathily and he realized she was right. "Please," she begged, a whine escaping her as she moved her hips up to capture his finger deeper. It broke something inside of him.
Unable to say anything else, he was too far gone, he carefully pushed another finger into her. He gasped at how she was even tighter with the added intrusion, and she cried out loudly. Her breaths came out in little pants as he moved both in and out of her repeatedly - quickening the speed again once he got used to it, her reactions turning him on even more. He could have sworn she had gotten wetter.
"Oh, oh yes," she moaned, throwing her head backward on the couch. Her hand on him clumsily moved up and down him, squeezing and driving him insane, while her hips moved upwards to meet his fingers for each of his strokes, practically doing the job for him.
He dropped his head to her neck, running his nose along her jugular getting lost in her scent and the moment. He bucked his hips into her hand, again and again, needing to feel more. So much more. It would be okay to ask a request from her, wouldn't it?
"Harder," he murmured into her ear timidly, afraid he was being too demanding with her. Her breath shook and she surprised him by gripping him harder and stroked him more firmly. "Ugh, oh Carly.. yes. Just like that. J-Just like that." He knew he wasn't going to last much longer but he did not want to orgasm before her. He needed her to first. He needed it.
His thumb found her clit and he tried to get her closer, moving his fingers at an alarming speed and she cried loudly, her other hand clutching at his arm, painfully digging her nails into his arm. He hardly cared. He was determined.
He latched onto the skin at the base of her neck, sucking deeply and utilizing his other hand to find her breast, squeezing it tightly.
"Oh God Sheldon, I-" She gasped and he knew from how urgent she was that she was close. Pleased with himself, he bit down while simultaneously pinching a nipple gently.
Without too much notice, Carly threw her head back and he felt the clench of her muscles as she came around his hand, loud, sexy sobs leaving her- mesmerizing him as he sucked her skin into his mouth, riding out her orgasm while his own barreled over him. He released her neck when he couldn't handle it anymore.
"Oh, yes. Yes," he gritted out, thrusting himself into her hand frantically until stars exploded behind his tightly squeezed eyes and orgasm harder than he'd ever experienced overthrew him- an agonizing groan erupting from his mouth into the silent living room.
He continued to push his fingers into her, her muscles spasming around them until he could no longer, and he fell atop her panting for breath. Her hand loosened on his manhood and fell to his waist between them while he tiredly removed his fingers from her, the wetness from her orgasm drenching them.
They shuddered against each other, unbelieving that they'd be able to create something so magical between them once again.
When all he could do was lay there, her hands slid up his back gently and he shivered from how sensitive his skin had become after his orgasm.
"You still with me?" She softly murmured, pressing a comforting kiss to the side of his head and he nodded weakly.
"Yes," he breathed heavily, unwilling to move. He let her caress him lovingly, his heart slowing from the fast pace it had been at prior and his senses became clearer.
"That was..." she trailed off and he agreed silently. That had been invigorating. She was calm for a couple of beats before she seemed to think of something. "Do you need to wash your hands?"
Sheldon finally lifted his head and it was then that he realized his hand was still in her underwear, wet from her orgasm- and that in-between they were a thick pool of semen sticking against their skin.
"What I need is a shower," he told her honestly, but he tried to ignore the itch to run to the bathroom. He didn't want to leave her just yet.
She gazed up at him with a small, adoring smile that left him breathless. "Do you want to use mine?"
Sheldon swallowed, considering her words carefully. "I appreciate the offer but I don't have any clothes here so..."
"What if you stayed the night? I have those boxers you gave me and I'm pretty sure I have an oversized shirt that you could wear."
Sheldon felt his heart jump at the idea. He'd love nothing more than to stay with her but it didn't feel right. He had work the next morning and he didn't have clothes for the next day. Or his Sunday pajamas.
He also didn't want to hear from the peanut gallery two flights above.
"Although it's tempting, I shouldn't. I have work in the morning."
Carly nodded, accepting his answer but seemed disappointed. He only assumed this because she looked away from him with a small frown.
Sheldon dropped down and kissed her sweetly, reminding her that he loved her with everything he had. When he pulled back, she was out of breath.
"You're amazing," she whispered lovingly to him and he felt a blush creep up his neck at the intensity in her eyes.
"I know," he murmured, in humor, appreciating her words.
She smiled, then took a deep breath. "Well at least let me clean you up."
Sheldon nodded gratefully and sat up, putting his penis back into his pants and zipping them. He climbed off of her so she could get up. "That's a good idea. I don't care for how sticky all this sex fluid is."
She laughed lightly. "It is pretty sticky," she agreed as she walked over to the kitchen to wet a towel. When she returned he saw his semen still on her stomach and gaped.
He stopped her by the wrist when she tried cleaning up his abdomen. "Wait, why didn't you clean up first?"
Carly glanced down at herself and then back to him with a small shrug. "This bothers you more than me. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."
Sheldon swallowed, staring at her mystified. He'd always wanted someone who cared about him more than they cared about themselves, but he had never imagined that a person like that would exist outside of worshiping undergrad students.
Carly took in his expression and bit her lip nervously. "What?"
"Where did you come from?" He whispered in awe of her.
Carly blinked and then a smile grew on her face. "I was always there... just, waiting for the right moment to find you."
Sheldon's heart clenched and he yanked her back to him, pulling her in for another heated kiss to express his astounding love for her. "I love you so damn much," he told her passionately, his forehead pressed against hers as their breaths mingled together. "I don't believe in fate but I didn't believe in love either until I met you. What are you doing to me woman?"
Carly laughed lightly and ran her hands over his cheeks. "Loving you. Always loving you."
He kissed her again, everything melting away except for them.
They cleaned themselves up and got dressed. Carly was preparing to let Sheldon leave, knowing he'd want to shower before dinner, but she didn't want him to go just yet. It was the perfect time.
"Hang on, I need to give you something."
Sheldon watched her leave for her bedroom and he felt a moment of dread fall upon him. "A gift? Really, Carly? You know I hate gift-giving," he told her loudly so she could hear in the other room.
"You'll love it, I promise!" She called back. "Think of it as a Valentine's Day gift."
He sulked. He'd have to buy her something again, he just knew it. She returned to him and found him pouting, with his arms crossed over his chest.
She paused before approaching him, smiling despite herself. "Okay, how about this. If you accept this gift, then you'll have it in the future- which means it's already yours, so really I'm just returning what actually belongs to you ."
Sheldon gaped, stunned that she would use his beliefs and science against him in such away. Oh dear, he thought, feeling a sense of pride and arousal stir inside of him at the thought. The mixture of science and Carly was just too much for him to handle.
"I... very well," he conceded because he didn't have a good enough answer for her. "But I'll have you know, using science to get your way won't work every time, little lady."
Carly grinned brightly, taking the necessary steps to him. "I'll keep that in mind- but I can't keep any promises on that," she told him, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively at him.
Sheldon coughed and looked down at the wrapped gift in her hand. "Just give it to me so I can be done with this nonsense."
She laughed and then handed it over to him. "I picked this up at the conference. I've been waiting for a good moment to give it to you. I feel like now is good enough as any."
Sheldon gingerly tore at the wrapping paper, before revealing a familiar book he'd read multiple times. Confused, he looked up at her. "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy? But Carly, I already have a copy-"
She shook her head, smiling undeterred. "Open it."
Frowning, he opened the cover and stared down. Toward the binding was a signature from Douglas Adams. He blinked. Then blinked again. "Carly, what is this...? Douglas Adams passed away in 2001. How did you -"
Her eyes glittered excitedly at him. "They were selling them at a table. Apparently, he had them signed before he died. I knew you and Leonard love this book, you talk about it often, so I thought you'd like it-"
Sheldon, moved by her thoughtful gift, pulled her into a tight hug that left her breathless against him. "Thank you. I... I love it." She smiled and held him back, closing her eyes and thankful that he had accepted the gift. He pulled back, looking down at the book with wondrous eyes, a smirk growing on his face. "Oh, I can't wait to rub it in Leonard's face!"
Carly laughed and rolled her eyes. "Don't give him too hard of a time. You remember how you felt when he got that first edition copy?"
He grinned excitedly at her. "Of course! Why do you think I want to rub it in his face?"
She supposed that while he had changed in so many ways, he still would be the same Sheldon she met and fell in love with.
The end is near, can you feel it? Thanks for sticking this out with me, if you have. Let me know what's been your favorite part in this revision! :) see you tomorrow.