Chapter 12
Author's Note: A quick shoutout to the following users: abrht0907, MobyShamy4ever, natch2000, AlHc924, green-ninja05 (welcome to my story), and the rest of the guest readers for their support in the latest chapters. Enjoy Chapter 12.
Out of all the men in the world, it just had to be Kripke! Sheldon groaned in frustration.
He sat in the car with Leonard on the drive home. Leonard was concerned for his best friend. He finally decided to ask him what was up once they arrived at their apartment.
"What's the matter? Is everything alright?"
Sheldon removed his windbreaker. "I'm fine."
"You sure? You were quiet during the whole ride, you didn't scold me for texting while driving, and you keep sighing and saying Why Kripke?..."
Sheldon sighed and sat on his spot. "Very well. Can I ask you a question about women?"
"We got you that book last year. Wasn't everything in there?"
"No, I'm having some issues with Amy. And by the way, that book gave me nightmares."
Ooh, trouble in Shamyville. I guess I should get all the details so I could tell Penny later.
Leonard sat on his chair next to Sheldon. "So, what's going on?"
"Believe it or not, Amy has expressed her sexual attraction to Barry Kripke."
She what!? "Hang on. Amy likes Kripke?"
Sheldon hated hearing those words. Talking about it wasn't helping his current mood at all.
"That's what she thinks. However, she's only relying on baseless conjecture. I mean you see it too right, Leonard? Amy could never be attracted to someone like Kripke. It's impossible."
"Well, how did she come up with that conclusion?"
Sheldon told Leonard about everything Amy and him discussed earlier that night. After Sheldon told him everything, Leonard raised his eyebrows.
"Now, don't you think it's more plausible that Amy might be harboring an alien parasite?"
Leonard sucked in his teeth. "Sheldon... Based on what you told me, I'd have to say Amy's right on this one. As much as I can't believe it, she's interested in Kripke."
Sheldon was livid. "How the hell did that happen?"
Leonard could only shrug. "Beats me."
Penny told Leonard about Amy kissing Sheldon. She also told him how Amy's response was throwing up like a fire hose. So much for Shamy. I don't know if Penny would want to hear all this.
"I don't understand, Leonard. Amy told me she detested feelings such as love and attraction." She was intoxicated, but I believe those words still hold true.
"I think you just have to realize that she's only human, Sheldon."
It can't be. "How do I get her back?"
"What do you mean?"
Sheldon missed the old Amy. His intellectual equal. The person he believed was exactly like him in every way.
"Amy must not be in her right mind. I suggested Kolinahr, but she wasn't interested."
"What's bothering you so much? So she likes Kripke. As her friend, you should be able to help her sort out her feelings."
But I don't want to. Wait. Hmm... "Oh, I see what you're hinting at. You want me to help Amy realize that her interest in Kripke is nothing but baloney."
"That's not what I meant, Sheldon."
"It's the only solution. I'll show Amy why Kripke is an unsuitable mate, she'll give up on her futile attempts at romance, and I get to keep her to myself- I mean as a friend of course." Sheldon cleared his throat.
"Or you could just admit that you have feelings for Amy and that you don't want her seeing other men."
There was a brief silence. "It's getting late. It's been a long day, I suggest we both go to sleep before you continue spouting nonsense."
He's jealous alright. "Fine. Do whatever you want, Sheldon. Good night." Leonard went to his bedroom while Sheldon went to his laptop to formulate his plan.
The next day.
Amy's eyes were swollen from crying last night. She started regretting her actions. I shouldn't have said all those things. How long am I going to be able to go along with this whole Kripke thing?
Amy arrived at the office to see Sheldon already there with his laptop on her desk. It looked as if he was going to do a presentation.
"Good morning, Amy. You've come at the right time. Please take a seat."
Amy was too tired to question what he was doing so she sat on her chair.
"If you're wondering why I'm here with this formal set-up, it will all be revealed in this brief PowerPoint presentation." Sheldon went to turn off the lights.
The slide read: Why Amy Farrah Fowler PhD, should not be attracted to Barry Kripke PhD. A PowerPoint presentation by Sheldon Cooper, PhD.
Amy rolled her eyes. Oh, for crying out loud.
Sheldon showed a picture of Amy. "Here we have a highly gifted researcher in the field of neurobiology whose work has brought her second to the precipice of forever changing mankind's understanding of the universe. If you must know, I'm the first."
Next, he showed the next slide with a picture of Kripke. "And here we have a half-witted plasma physicist who has done nothing but publish scientific papers more suitable for Mad Magazine." Sheldon chuckled.
Amy interrupted his presentation. "I'm sorry. What are you trying to do?"
Sheldon ignored her. "Please hold all questions to the end of the presentation." He changed the slide.
"This is a picture of our office. Two brilliant minds occupy this sanctum of knowledge to try and solve the mysteries of the universe for the betterment of mankind." Sheldon changed the slide again.
"Now, this is the strip club Kripke frequents. They promise countless hours of booze and entertainment through promiscuous women, some of which have body glitter on. Now, let's see if we can match these two individuals together. Not a good combination, is it?"
Amy knew what Sheldon was trying to do and she wanted none of it. She stood up and closed his laptop. "Okay, show's over."
Sheldon disagreed. "No, it's not. I've got five more slides."
"Sheldon, this is something I've just come to terms with last night. It's true that it's all a little confusing for me, but I intend to deal with it on my own."
Sheldon paused for a moment. "Very well. I just hope you realize that it took me two hours to put together that PowerPoint Presentation." He pouted.
"Let's just get back to work."
Sheldon and Amy continued working on the quantum cognition experiment in their office. Much to their heated exchange last night as well as a moment ago, they tried their best to act as if everything was normal. Their efforts failed.
Sheldon couldn't concentrate at all. Being close to Amy wasn't helping. Why couldn't she just see reason in everything I just told her earlier?
Sheldon: Can you stop breathing so loud? I can hear your nose whistling.
Amy: I can hear your face talking, so we're even.
Sheldon: Alright, either blow your nose or teach it to play Camptown Races.
Amy: Fine. Fine. You want me to blow my nose? Here, I'll blow it. (blows her nose aggressively) Better?
Sheldon: No, I can still hear it. Oh, wait, that's me. Never mind, it's fine.
Amy: You know, you're exhausting. I knew working together was a bad idea.
Sheldon tried to think of a response but finally noticed something wrong with what they did. "Hold on. I see what's wrong here. We did the propagation only to the occipital lobe, not to the prefrontal cortex."
Amy widened her eyes at his observation. "That would mean that this delayed parameter should be increased two hundred and fifty milliseconds."
Sheldon replied. "Oh, that is much better. Yeah, boy, if good ideas came out of your brain the way mucus comes out of your nose, we'd be in good shape." She shot a glare at him.
Sheldon and Amy started to finally make some progress. However, they couldn't avoid moments of discourse between them.
"I had a feeling you were using the wrong computational model, but I didn't say anything because you're so sensitive," Amy reasoned.
"Hey! Just because I am easily bothered by light, heat, sound, smell and the way birds look at me does not mean I'm sensitive."
Amy came to another realization. "Oh wait, I wonder what kind of success we'd have if we defined measurement as the first moment that an action potential is seen by the visual cortex."
"That is a daring and insightful solution."
Amy was in deep thought. "We're finally making progress. I wish we could do it without fighting."
Sheldon thought about it as well. "Hmm... What if the fighting is the reason we're making progress?"
"I suppose it's conceivable that the hormones associated with our fight-or-flight response could be sharpening our cognitive processes."
"Well, if that's the case, you definitely need to consider everything I told you about Kripke."
There he goes again. "I just told you that- Wait a second. Wait. Delta T could equal alpha sub-zero." Amy pointed at the board.
"It seems we have a choice to make. Abandon all ground rules in the name of science, or give up collaborating for the sake of our friendship." Sheldon laid out their only options.
Amy: There's only one clear choice.
Sheldon: Science it is.
Amy: No, you bonehead.
Sheldon: Name-calling, that is perfect. Now, when I get to this equation here, really let me have it, you know? If it helps, I'm not the sharpest dresser.
Sheldon and Amy started revising their ground rules. They've learned to welcome and accept the fact that their arguing was significantly helping both of them. They continued working for hours.
Caught up in their work, they didn't notice Leonard knocking on the door.
"Hey, Sheldon. It's time to go home. Oh. Hi, Amy. Am I interrupting something again?"
"We're sorry, Leonard. Sheldon and I have actually started making progress on our quantum cognition experiment."
Sheldon nodded. "I believe that we're finally getting closer to a breakthrough."
"But, Sheldon. I can't wait for you. I have a movie date with Penny later tonight."
Amy offered a solution. "Don't worry. I'll drive him home. Go ahead and enjoy your date."
"Okay then. Bye, Sheldon. Bye, Amy. You kids have fun there." Leonard closed the door and left.
I guess they're okay after all.
Amy sighed. "Nope. Nothing's coming to mind again. Come on, say something offensive."
"Uh, before we became friends, I thought you were mean. Also, you dress like an old lady."
Amy was genuinely offended and looked at her clothes. "Well, before we became friends, I thought you were too condescending and how dare you comment on the way I dress? You dress like a child."
"You take that back! Oh. Hold on." Sheldon fixed an equation on the board. He looked at Amy with a smirk. "See, Amy? If we continue verbally sparring with one another, all the answers we need will present themselves in no time."
"I guess you're right." She paused for a minute. "Did you really mean what you said?"
"Of course not. You're the nicest friend I have and you dress sensibly." They both exchanged small smiles. "Did you mean what you said earlier?"
"No. I think you have an exceptional mind and the way you dress is just a reflection of who you are. Why do you dress up in superhero t-shirts?"
Sheldon put down his marker. "I suppose it's best we take a break first." They proceeded to sit down at their desks and started talking.
"Growing up, I was always a target for a lot of bullies. Whether it be in my own neighborhood or at school, I'd always watch my back in case I'd get a wedgie or get my head stuck in the toilet again. No matter what I did, I couldn't fight back. I guess superheroes provided me comfort and meaningful wish-fulfillment."
Amy felt a warm feeling in her chest. All she wanted to do was walk up to him and give him a big hug. She wondered how he managed to make her feel this way.
"I see. Well, I guess you became a superhero in your own right. You did save me from getting hit in the hall this afternoon." She giggled.
Sheldon smiled. "It was all in a day's work. I'm here whenever you need me, little lady." He winked at her and her stomach swooped.
"You know... I didn't always dress like this as well. I was also bullied in my childhood until adolescence. People would call me names, play pranks on me, and judge the way I looked. I was never as pretty as the popular girls. I hid my body as much as possible with all the sweaters and cardigans I could find so that there was nothing they could talk about. In the end, I've been accustomed to this style. I feel safer covered up this way."
Sheldon had a moment of clarity. So, it wasn't just because she was trying to dress sensibly. She's insecure about the way she looks.
He started clenching his fists. How dare they treat her that way? Has no one told her how pretty she is?
"You don't need to change the way you look just because society tells you to, Amy. You're prettier than you think."
Amy's breath hitched in her throat. She was blushing furiously. Did he just?
"Y-You think I'm pretty?"
Sheldon felt so bad for his friend. Look at her questioning her own appeal. I blame the media for imposing such fictitious beauty standards.
He stared at her intensely. He was serious. "I think you're beautiful."
Amy's heart was going to explode. She was starting to feel lightheaded and dizzy. She started hyperventilating. Sheldon jumped up and went to her side.
"Amy! Are you alright?"
Amy couldn't answer him. She placed her hand on her chest and it looked like she was having trouble breathing.
"I think you're having a panic attack." He quickly got his phone. "Oh. SoccerMom09 says to keep your feet elevated. Can you remove your cardigan?"
Amy followed and gave it to him. He folded her cardigan into a makeshift pillow and placed it on her desk. He got both of her legs and placed them there just as the site explained on his phone.
Sheldon started to notice that Amy was starting to calm down. "Is that better?" Amy nodded.
"Okay, I'll just go and get you some water. Just stay put." Sheldon left the office.
Why did she react that way? Was there something wrong with what I said? Wait. I'm never wrong. Maybe telling her she was beautiful was too much...
"But she needed to hear it," Sheldon muttered under his breath.
Sheldon gave Amy her water and her panic attack subsided.
"I think I'm okay now. Thanks, Sheldon. You saved me once again."
"No problem. You should really be careful nowadays, Amy. What if something happens to you again and I'm not there to assist you?"
"I'm thankful you're there but I'm independent enough to handle myself just fine."
"Well then. I'll trust you to stay out of trouble next time."
Oh, I think you're the trouble. "Don't worry about it. Let's continue working."
"If you insist. However, I would want you to sit down this time. You must be exhausted after everything that transpired."
"I'm not exhausted, Sheldon, I said I'm fine." Amy tried to stand up but Sheldon wouldn't let her. She chose to stay seated. He did help me after all. After he told me I was-
Amy tried to forget what Sheldon told her. How could she focus on working with him if thoughts like these were always present?
Sheldon continued staring at the board for another hour. He started feeling tired, letting out a yawn.
He looked at his watch. I can't believe it's past midnight. Are we doing an all-nighter? "Amy, do you want some aspirin? I have some in my drawer-" Sheldon turned to look at Amy who was apparently sleeping.
Her arms were crossed and her head was swaying downwards from side to side.
Sheldon stared at her and his face softened. He chuckled. Not exhausted, she says?
He panicked when he saw her head move completely to one side. If she keeps that up, she'll fall off her chair!
He ran over to her and quickly caught her head with one hand. Whew! That was a close one.
He moved her head to rest it on her cardigan that he folded. One side of her face was pressed against it and she was facing him. She still had her glasses on so he removed them slowly to avoid waking her up.
There. It's not ideal, but she'll sleep better this way. She looked peaceful in her sleep, her mouth slightly open. He knew it would be rude to continue looking at her, but he couldn't move away.
He started kneeling in front of her and observed her features. She really is beautiful. He noticed a strand of hair covering her face so he gently placed it behind her ear.
His eyebrows were raised when she started shifting. But she didn't wake up. She just smiled and muttered a word Sheldon didn't expect he'd hear. "Sheldon."
His heart rate quickened hearing his name on her lips. Was she dreaming about me? Sheldon instantly regretted seeing her smile because all he could focus on now were her lips.
Why are they so slippery? What a temptress.
Sheldon remembered how Amy kissed him. Her lips tasted like alcohol with a hint of vanilla and he didn't feel the need to wipe his mouth. His mind was too entranced by her kiss.
It was as if Sheldon was caught in some sort of spell. He started inching closer towards her. I should move away. This isn't right.
His mind telling him to back away, but his body was doing the opposite. He started tilting his head to align his face with Amy's.
Before his lips touched hers, his phone rang. Amy woke up and Sheldon moved as fast a possible away from her. He immediately answered the phone to avoid explaining the situation.
He was panting. "Hello? Yes. We're still working. Don't worry, you can go to sleep. I'll be home in a while." He hung up.
Amy stretched her arms and stifled a yawn. She then looked at Sheldon, unaware that he just tried to kiss her.
"Was that, Leonard? Sorry I seemed to have dozed off while we were working. What time is it?"
Sheldon answered, his voice a little hoarse. "U-Umm... It's three in the morning."
Amy noticed her folded cardigan and put it on. She also wore her glasses. "I didn't know we'd still be here this late. I apologize for this, Sheldon. I'll drive you home."
"Aren't you too tired?"
"As I said, I'm fine."
Sheldon scoffed. "You say that, and then I find myself rushing towards you because you can't seem to avoid making things difficult for me."
What is he saying? Amy looked at him with a confused expression. What happened while I was asleep?
Sheldon didn't say a word as she was driving him home. Amy assumed he was just tired so she stayed silent as well.
He was having alarming symptoms. It wasn't obvious but Sheldon was panicking inside.
They finally arrived at his apartment building. She removed her seatbelt and turned to Sheldon. "Thank you for today, Sheldon. You really are a superhero."
Sheldon was having difficulty responding to her properly at the moment. He looked back at all their exchanges during the day and he desperately needed to leave the car.
He cleared his throat. His mouth was surprisingly very dry. "It's my pleasure. Good night, Amy." He rushed to get out but was held back. He forgot to remove his seatbelt.
He let out a nervous laugh. "Silly me." Sheldon was fumbling with the seatbelt.
Sheldon sensed Amy leaning towards him and he froze in place. He looked at her in panic. "W-What are you doing?" He suddenly remembered what he tried to do earlier when she was asleep.
"Here. Let me." Amy went closer to help Sheldon with his seatbelt. He was trying his best not to squirm in his seat because of their proximity.
Sheldon closed his eyes and took a quick whiff of her scent. Amy leaned back to her seat. "There. You can go now. Good night, Sheldon."
"Finally... I mean... Thank you. Good night!" His voice was an octave higher. He got out of the car and ran straight inside the building.
Sheldon was pacing in his apartment at four in the morning. He couldn't sleep. He needed answers.
That was a close one! Why did I do that? What's happening to me?
He then decided to get his whiteboard and write down all his symptoms.
After doing so, he stopped and stared in shock.
Those are the exact same symptoms Amy had with Kripke.
Sheldon tried to remember every moment he felt the exact same symptoms. He dropped his marker when he came to a realization.
These strange feelings only occur when I'm with Amy. He placed his hands over his mouth.
"Oh, dear."
I'm attracted to Amy Farrah Fowler.
Everything Penny told him started to make sense. Maybe it's just attraction. It can't be anything more, right?
He got his phone again and tried searching for answers online.
He found an interesting article and pressed on it.
Signs you Like Someone:
1. You find yourself wishing for more time with the other person.
2. You're wanting to text them all the time.
3. Everything makes you think about them.
4. Everything feels more exciting
5. You start to like the things they like (even if you used to hate them).
6. You're thinking is focused on every little thing about them from the way they hold their phone to the way that they smell so good.
7. You get jealous easily because you're afraid someone else will steal them away.
Sheldon had no words. As much as he tried to deny it, all the signs were an accurate interpretation of his feelings for Amy. He enjoyed her presence in his life, he thought about her constantly, and he hated it when she was with anybody else.
What do I do now? How would she react if she found out? Sheldon placed his hands on his head.
She doesn't even feel the same way. She likes someone else, remember? His brain argued with him.
Right. Sheldon looked down.
Well, you could listen to Leonard and tell her how you feel. His brain reasoned.
Telling her how I feel- I'm not a hippie! He tried to shut his mind off and got ready for bed.
Sheldon was on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
This can't continue any longer. It's no use. She doesn't even feel the same way. We were never meant to be more than friends. I need to get rid of all these stupid emotions. Due to my carelessness, I have allowed that woman to interfere with my life and alter my personality.
Sheldon thought about ending their friendship but he was having reservations about it. She has already become a constant in his life that removing her would bring him despair.
He tried his best to sleep that night.
Sheldon woke up late. "Great. My schedule's ruined." Thanks a lot, Amy.
He was glad there was no work today. He went out of his bedroom and noticed Penny on the couch watching TV with Leonard.
"Good Afternoon, Sheldon. When did you come home? Did you kids have too much fun?" Leonard teased.
"I don't want to talk about it." Sheldon went to the kitchen to prepare something he could eat.
Penny noticed how Sheldon flinched at the mention of Amy's name. "How's everything with Amy?"
"Amy's changed. I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not I should let her go."
Leonard already told Penny what happened. She just couldn't believe that Amy liked Kripke. There was no way in hell.
She's hiding something, I just know it! I gotta get it out of her the next time she comes over. "Oh, no. Why?"
"I thought she was a highly evolved creature of pure intellect, like me. But recent events indicate that she may be a slave to her baser urges. Like you."
Penny frowned. "Just going to skip over that insult."
Sheldon looked at her. "What insult?"
"Yeah. That's why I'm going to skip over it. Are you saying that Amy is, oh, what's the scientific word?" She looked to Leonard for help.
Sheldon interjected. "Forget science. She's horny."
Penny and Leonard shared a look. "Oh! Okay. Wow."
Sheldon sighed. "It's simple biology. There's nothing I can do about it."
Penny couldn't believe Sheldon was this dense. "Are you sure?"
"What are you suggesting?"
"I'm suggesting there might be something you could do about Amy's urges?"
Sheldon: It's illegal to spay a human being.
Penny: Yeah. That's not what I had in mind.
Sheldon: Oh. Oh! You mean something I could do.
Penny: Exactly.
Sheldon: I was hoping to avoid this... But I might as well get it over with. Thank you, Penny. I'll let you two know what happens.
Sheldon went to his room with his food and Penny and Leonard had their mouths open.
Penny: Oh, Amy, you lucky girl.
Amy also woke up late in the afternoon. She couldn't sleep well after everything that happened.
I think you're beautiful.
Amy kept replaying him saying that over and over again in her head. It never failed to make her smile. Get it together, Fowler. So he called you beautiful... Big deal. Her palms were getting sweaty again.
She also wondered about Sheldon's behavior last night. He was awfully tense after she woke up.
Suddenly, her phone rang. She saw the caller ID and almost choked on her coffee. It's Sheldon! Amy rushed to get her phone.
Before she answered, she fixed her hair. Wait, he can't even see me! Why am I fixing myself?
She tried her best to regain her composure and answered the call.
Amy: Hello?
Sheldon: Hello, Amy. I take it you slept well?
Amy: A little. As expected, I woke up later than usual. Why are you calling?
Sheldon: I was wondering if you were free later tonight.
Amy almost dropped her phone. Is he saying what I think he's saying?
Amy: Uh, I have nothing planned for today. Why?
Sheldon: Would you mind having dinner later?
Is this really happening? Amy's heart skipped a beat. Is he asking me out?
Amy: No. I wouldn't mind at all.
Sheldon: Great! Wear something nice. I promise you'll thank me after.
Amy: Okay then. I can't wait! See you!
Sheldon: I'll see you later at your apartment. Bye, Amy.
Sheldon hung up and Amy went straight to her wardrobe to find some clothes she could wear later.
She didn't know what the night had in store for her. But if she was actually having her first actual date with Sheldon, she had to look her best.
Amy was wearing a sleek black dress with long sleeves. It reached down her knees and showed more of her figure than her usual get-up. She wore light make-up and added extra gloss. She also curled her hair for the occasion. As she put on some perfume, she heard the triple knock on the door. Her eyes lit up.
She opened the door to see Sheldon. He was wearing his usual attire. A superhero t-shirt, slacks, and instead of a windbreaker, he wore a blazer.
"Hi, Sheldon."
"H-Hello. You look..." Sheldon looked at what she was wearing. He already liked the way she looked before, but he couldn't help but be in awe now that her features were much more striking.
"Is this okay?"
He gulped. "More than okay. Are you ready to go?"
Amy blushed at his reaction and got her purse. They both went down to her car.
"So, what do you have in mind for tonight?" Amy smiled.
"You'll see. I planned something very special for you."
"Is it a surprise?"
"Yes. There's something I realized Amy. And I assure you that I'm going to start doing right by you. I'm your superhero after all."
She melted at his statement. You really are.
Amy stepped on the gas and prepared to go to Sheldon's surprise location.
Amy had a lot of scenarios in her head on how the night would go. She wondered which one was closer to reality.
When they arrived, she was speechless.
End of Chapter 12.
Author's Note: That's the end of this chapter. Yay! Sheldon finally realized his feelings. They're both still in denial though... Or perhaps not. First-ever Shamy date? Stay tuned to see what happens next.
P.S. I'm definitely cringing as I think about Amy and Kripke together (LMAO) I just chose Kripke to be the pawn in their relationship since he's shown an interest to Amy in the show and he's Sheldon's enemy at work.
Notable episodes I used: The Collaboration Fluctuation, The Launch Acceleration, The Large Hadron Collision, The Prom Equivalency, The Flaming Spittoon Acquisition
Again, a fav/follow/review would deeply be appreciated. Until next time, Shamy fans!