Chapter 19

Author's Note: Shoutout to the following users: redhead59901, abrht0907, TLWtlw, AlHc924, green-ninja05, Avihptbbt73, olivia25, MobyShamy4ever, and to the rest of the past/current/new guest readers. Thank you for the continued support. Sorry for the late update. Enjoy Chapter 19.

The gang was having dinner at 4A when Howard shared the exciting news.

There were rumors about Howard calling off his engagement to Bernadette. It turns out, his team's design for the deep field space telescope was picked by NASA and he was asked to go to the International Space Station as a payload specialist.

Everyone went to congratulate Howard.

Bernadette: So, you weren't going to call off the engagement?

Howard: No! No! What made all of you think that?

Bernadette: I don't know... It felt like you were hiding something- that you were getting cold feet about marrying me.

Howard: I'm not getting cold feet. I just didn't know how to tell you because I'm not even sure if I'll say yes. My mother would have a heart attack if something happened to me in space.

Leonard: Wait, Howard. This is a big opportunity for you. If you go up in space, you're technically an astronaut.

Penny: Yeah! Isn't that what all you guys dreamed of when you were kids?

All the guys nodded collectively.

"I guess I do." Howard looked at Bernadette. "Do you think I should go?"

Bernadette had her reservations about Howard going to space. "Is it safe? And if you do say yes, when will you go?"

"Well, they did say I was gonna go through several space simulation tests and they said there was nothing to be worried about the Soyuz Rocket."

Leonard: Oh, you're going to space on a rocket built by the Russians?

Howard: Yeah, why?

Leonard: Nothing, nothing.

Howard reassured his fiance. "You don't have to worry about our wedding. The launch will be a week after that. Hmm... How about we think about it a little more? I don't have to make a decision right now."

They all went to get seated to eat their food. Amy leaned in and whispered to Sheldon. He shivered at the contact.

"I don't understand. The original piece of gossip indicated an impending breakup. Who'd have thought it would actually be Howard going to space?"

Amy tried to gauge his reaction to Howard's news but she noticed that he wasn't responding to her. "Sheldon?"

"I'm sorry. I need to void my bladder." Sheldon left Amy with a puzzled look on her face. What's his problem?

Sheldon didn't go to the bathroom. He headed straight for his room. He hid there the whole night. This was noticed by all of his friends including Amy.

While he was away, the new topic was Raj and Sheldon's assistant. Howard shared with the girls what Raj told him while Raj smiled dreamily, thinking of his crush.

Howard: It's really weird. They communicate through text even when they're together.

Amy: That's interesting. Raj can talk to women via online chat.

Penny: Why didn't we think of that?

Bernadette: This Alex sure is a keeper. She handled Raj pretty well.

Howard: Raj wishes she handled him a little more differently.

Raj widened his eyes and silently cursed at Howard for blabbing too much.

Bernadette: Howard!

"Kidding! At least I hope I was."

Howard's mother called. Bernadette and Howard decided to continue their discussion on his space trip in the car much to a reluctant Raj who didn't want to hear them argue.

Bernadette: Where's Sheldon?

Howard: Probably dying with jealousy now that I'm an astronaut and he's not.

Penny: You just said you weren't sure if you were going.

Howard: Well then he's dying of jealousy because he can't do what I might or might not do.

Bernadette pushed Howard out of the apartment with Raj following after them. "Walk!" She turned to Penny. "Don't mind him. I'll text you what happens. I hope Sheldon's okay."

Penny left for her apartment, leaving Amy and Leonard behind.

"Leonard, is Sheldon alright? He's been gone for almost an hour."

"I'll go check on him." Leonard headed for Sheldon's bedroom. He knocked and opened the door when Sheldon told him to come in.

"Sheldon? You haven't eaten anything yet."

Leonard noticed Sheldon on his bed, lying on his side with his knees bent.

"I've lost my appetite."

"Is it because of Howard going to space?"

"No. I just needed a place to clear my head."

"You can go outside for that."

Sheldon snorted. "Please. It's after nine o'clock, at this hour the streets of Pasadena are teeming with drunken sailors and alley cats."

"Come on, Sheldon. Amy's worried about you."

Sheldon didn't reply. Leonard got the hint that something was wrong.

"What happened?"

"Nothing important. Fine, I'll eat." Sheldon got up from his bed and exited his room while Leonard followed after.

He widened his eyes and froze as he came across Amy who was waiting for him on the couch. When she saw him, she quickly stood up.

Amy noticed Sheldon's exasperated expression. "Sheldon, are you okay? You were gone the whole night. We were all worried."

"I'm doing okay. I just didn't feel like it." Why is she still here?

Strange... He never skips his meals. "Why is your eye twitching? Is it about Howard?"

"No. Why is everyone assuming it's about Howard?"

"I'm gonna leave you two alone." Leonard proceeded to go to Penny's.

"So, it is about someone... Tell me."

Sheldon glanced at Amy. He noticed something different about her. "Did you change your appearance by any chance?"

"Oh. Penny told me to try wearing my hair down. Do I look okay?" She nervously looked down and played with her hair.

Sheldon noticed a strand of hair on her face and he tried his best to stop himself from fixing it.

Amy took his silence as a sign of disapproval. "I'm sorry, Sheldon. It was silly for me to do this. I'll wear my barrette again tomorrow."

"Good." Sheldon cleared his throat. It's too distracting...

Feeling a little dejected, Amy excused herself to leave. "Good night, Sheldon."

With her hand on the doorknob, Sheldon came closer and stopped her. "What?"

Sheldon tucked the strand on her face behind her ear. She inhaled sharply.

"There. That's better." He said softly.

"Mm. Thank you..."

Amy and Sheldon exchanged their goodbyes.

(Author's Note: I agree, this UST is killing me too! Curse my slow-burn writing!)

Sheldon was back in his office. He was going mad, talking to himself.

"What's the matter with me? Why did I just automatically assume that the only conclusion was love? Surely, there are other explanations for what I'm feeling..."

If I was in love with her, it would only make things worse! What happens next? We become boyfriend and girlfriend, I'll be forced to do hippy-dippy things like holding hands or celebrating Valentine's day... While we're at it, we'll eventually end up living together, get married, start a family, enjoy our sunset years together.

Do you hear yourself, Cooper? You'll have no more time for science when that happens...

Then there's that other possibility. I tell her I love her and she says she doesn't feel the same way. I avoid her due to the embarrassment and we break off all contact.

No! Unacceptable!

Sheldon found himself walking to Amy's lab.

I need to set things straight. If she heard me, I have to tell her it meant nothing. For the sake of my Nobel and the future cities named after me, it's best I keep our friendship intact.

He entered Amy's lab with conviction. Amy was startled but her eyes instantly lit up.

"Oh, Sheldon! Welcome back to Caltech. What can I do for you?"

"Amy, there's something I wanted to ask you about."

"I'm all ears." Amy stopped what she was doing and gave him her undivided attention.

Before he could say anything, a tall man appeared by the entrance.

"Hi, Amy. I'm sorry to interrupt. I brought you a tourmalinated quartz we got in the lab."

"Aww, that's sweet of you. Thanks, Bert."

Sheldon crossed his arms. "So, this is Bert?"

Bert looked at Sheldon. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you had company." He paused for a second. "Anyways, Amy…"

How rude! Sheldon felt insulted that Bert ignored him just like that.

"You know what, uh, geologists and Bon Jovi have in common?"

Sheldon interjected, rolling his eyes. "You're both into rock?"

Bert sighed. He ruined my joke.

"Yeah. So, Amy, there's this big, uh, rock and mineral show next week in Santa Monica."

"Oh… Bert, before you say anything else, I don't think my friend here wants me to go out with you." She turned to Sheldon. "Happy?" Sheldon nodded.

"Ah, I see. Is he your boyfriend?"

"No, no. It's not like that." Amy shook her head violently. Sheldon stayed quiet.

"So, if he's not your boyfriend, why would he feel uncomfortable with you going out on a date with me?"

"Hmm… That's a good point. Maybe he can answer that. Sheldon?" Both Bert and Amy looked at Sheldon expectantly.

"Uh… He studies Geology, Amy! I don't make the rules." He looked away.

Bert: What's wrong with Geology?

Sheldon: Geology is the Kardashians of science if you get what I mean.

Amy: You know the Kardashians?

"Not important. The point is, Geology sucks." Ugh. Penny and her reality shows.

Amy: Sheldon, I think you're being a little rude.

Sheldon: Rude? He started it! I was about to tell you something until he showed up. Why don't you go back to whatever bridge you live under?

Amy: Sheldon.

Bert: Don't worry. I'm used to it. I mean, I'm big and weird and funny-looking and no one ever wants to do anything with me.

"Yes, at least you're aware. Now leave us alone." Sheldon scowled in annoyance.

"No. Bert, come on. I'd love to go to the mineral show with you."

What!? Sheldon flinched.

Bert: Sweet. It's a date.

Sheldon: No, it's not!

Bert: Too late!

Bert exited the lab and left feeling victorious.

"Why'd you do that?" Sheldon felt betrayed.

"Because you were being a jerk for no reason."

"You told me you'd tell him to stop seeing you."

"Well, he did make a good point. Why do you care so much about who I'm with? Considering the current parameters of our relationship, I decide whoever I can and cannot see."

"Do you really expect me to believe you'd be interested in the likes of him?"

"Well, at least he showed interest," Amy muttered under her breath but Sheldon heard her.

"What does that mean?"

"Never mind, Sheldon. You know what? Whatever you came here for? Don't even bother telling me. I think you should leave."

"But Amy…"

"I'm not in the mood right now. Goodbye." Amy pushed Sheldon out of her lab and locked the door.

"Amy!" Sheldon tried opening the door but it wouldn't budge. He wanted to knock but he stopped himself, contemplating the situation. That's when it hit him.

If she did hear what I said, she wouldn't have slammed the door on my face. If she knew I loved her, she wouldn't even think about saying yes to Bert or any other guy for that matter.

She has no idea. Or worse… She didn't love him back.

Why do you care? Aren't you glad she doesn't? Now, you can focus on your Nobel." His brain told him off.

"Shut up, shut up, shut up!" Sheldon tried to stop this dreadful train of thought.

"Sheldon? Are you okay?" Raj noticed his friend hitting himself in the head.

"I-I'm fine. If you'll excuse me."

Sheldon left Raj, who had a puzzled look on his face.

Raj knocked on Amy's door.

Amy opened it in annoyance. "Sheldon, I just said I'm not in the- Oh. Hi, Rajesh."

"H-Hi."

"Oh my gosh. Did you just speak to me? Are you drunk?"

Raj shook his head. He brought out his phone and typed something.

Amy heard her phone ping in her pocket and she checked her messages. It was a text from Raj himself.

(text) The sessions with Alex's family therapist have been helping. But so far, I'm limited to saying only one word at a time.

"Oh. That's great! You're finally getting some progress."

Raj smiled. "Thanks."

Raj typed on his phone again.

(text) I saw Sheldon a little while ago. Did something happen between you two?

"Uh, we just had a bit of an argument."

(text) Would you like to talk about it? I'm the perfect sounding board. Also, there's been something I've been wanting to tell you.

"Come on in."

Amy let Raj into her lab. She had a lot she wanted to get off her chest and she wanted to know what Raj wanted to tell her.

Hours later.

Sheldon decided to go to Amy's apartment and apologize to her for what happened.

"Knock knock knock, Amy. Knock knock knock, Amy. Knock knock knock Amy."

Amy opened the door. It was already late at night. "Sheldon, what are you doing here so late?"

"I couldn't sleep because I kept thinking about what happened earlier between us. Also, I had one heck of a bus nap."

"What do you want?"

"Amy, I wanted to apologize for my behavior. It has been pointed out to me that all the things I said were out of line."

Amy reiterated her earlier question to him in her lab. "Why are you so bothered about who I'm with?"

"Amy, this isn't easy to say. All friendships are difficult, but even more so when you're friends with a person who struggles with everyday social interactions. And frankly, who can strike some people as being kind of a weirdo."

Amy felt bad. "Sheldon, you're not a weirdo."

"I wasn't speaking about me. I mean, honestly, why do you feel the need to find someone? I didn't know geologists were your type now."

"You're being out of line again. What's your point?" Amy wanted to slam the door on Sheldon's face and go to sleep.

"My point is, I'm your best friend, and it's my job to stop you from getting hurt."

"Getting hurt?"

"Yes. What if they take advantage of you? What if they break your heart? What if they can't make you happy?"

"Sheldon, you're being ridiculous."

"No. You are. I don't understand why you need to find this 'right person' you speak of, Amy. Why do you need to do all this dating nonsense when you can just spend time with me. Like before. When all we cared about was science and logic."

"I don't know what to tell you, Sheldon. People change. I deserve romance. I desire things like love and intimacy. But how can I find that if you won't let me?" Amy's voice was starting to sound funny. It sounded as if she was going to cry.

Sheldon noticed this and looked down.

Oh no, she's getting weepy. I don't like weepy.

He finally relented. "Is that really what you want?"

"Yes."

"Fine. I won't stop you then." Sheldon clenched his fists.

"Sheldon, you said something to me that morning I visited you when you were sick…" Sheldon froze. "You weren't aware because you were asleep, but you told me not to leave you and that you loved me."

"Oh."

"I understand that you're scared of losing me as your friend once I find someone else, but you don't have to worry about that because I love you too."

Sheldon's heart skipped a beat. "Y-You do?"

"Of course. I value our friendship to a great extent. Me being with another guy won't change things."

"Ah, I see…" That's what she meant. Sheldon figured that Amy misinterpreted his feelings as platonic. The real problem was whether or not he would tell her what he actually meant but for some reason, he couldn't because he wasn't entirely certain of what he felt.

Sheldon started mulling over Amy's words. Was he actually in love with her or was he simply afraid of losing Amy as his best friend? Was he just protective of her and their friendship? He was starting to get confused.

"You look exhausted. Come on inside. I'll make you some tea."

Amy motioned for Sheldon to sit on her couch. Sheldon continued thinking it over.

While waiting for Amy to make tea, he decided to figure out once and for all how he felt about Amy.

"Amy, can I use your laptop? There's this problem I have that I need to research on."

"Oh, is it something I can help you with?"

"No, it's okay. I don't want to trouble you."

"Alright then. Go ahead."

Sheldon went to Amy's desk and opened her laptop. It was already on with the browser window already on the screen.

He discreetly searched about how he would be able to distinguish what he felt for his best friend.

He came to find an interesting article about the different kinds of love.

Intriguing. I didn't think that there would be variations to such a subject.

Let's see… There's Pragma, Ludus, Philautia, Mania, Agape, Storge, Philia, and Eros.

Pragma - the kind of love grounded in duty, commitment, and practicality

Ludus – flirtatious and fun

Agape - pure and unconditional love

He noticed that in a few minutes, Amy would be finished making the tea so he skimmed over the rest. He still had no idea how he felt.

Okay, what's next?... Storge, Philia, and Eros.

Storge - the love shared between family members, and sometimes close family friends or friends.

Interesting… I do feel as if I'm comfortable with Amy like how I'm comfortable with my mother or Meemaw. Could I consider my love for her as familial in nature?

Sheldon started looking at Amy. It seems as if she dropped something because she was bending over to pick something up. He glanced at her posterior and his face immediately flushed.

Okay, that's a no on family…

Eros - all about romance, passion, and attraction.

Sheldon looked at the last word… Philia.

The site read: Philia is the love that develops over a deep, long-lasting friendship. It's platonic, but nevertheless, you feel very close to those you have philia toward and can confide in them, trust them, and respect them on a very personal level. These friendships can be just as impactful as romantic relationships.

Sheldon resonated with everything Philia described.

Can my feelings for Amy be considered solely platonic?

Ugh. This was no help at all!

"Sheldon? The tea's ready. Have you searched for what you need? What is that about anyway?"

Sheldon freaked out. "Just a sec. I'm almost done."

Sheldon wasn't stupid. He knew he had to delete his search from her search history. He quickly removed all traces of what he did and closed the browser window only to find something very interesting.

"Amy? Why is my picture on your desktop?"

Then, he heard Amy yelp in pain. He quickly rushed to her side. "What happened?"

"Oh, some tea fell on my hand. It's nothing."

Sheldon helped her place the mugs on the side.

"Here. Let me help you with your hand." He took Amy's hand and led her to her kitchen sink.

He opened it so that the cold water could cool Amy's burn.

To Amy's surprise, Sheldon was taking care of her.

"Do you have petroleum jelly and a sterile bandage somewhere?"

Amy was speechless. All she could do was nod. She told him where it was and he asked her to sit on the couch and wait for him.

He came back with the items and rubbed the petroleum jelly on her burn. Amy hissed in pain.

"Sorry. Am I hurting you?"

"No, it's okay."

After applying the petroleum jelly, he wrapped the sterile bandage around her hand, making sure it covered the burn.

"There."

"Thank you, Sheldon."

"No problem. Thank you for being a responsible patient."

"I'm sorry about the tea…"

"No worries. So, back to the matter at hand. What was I doing on your screen?"

Amy stammered. "Uh, that could've been anyone."

Sheldon didn't believe her. "But it was me with Lovey Dovey on my arm. How'd you get that photo?"

"I got it on Facebook… I'm sorry, Sheldon. Having a picture of you there makes me feel less lonely, especially during those times when we don't see each other."

Sheldon felt his stomach do backflips. "It's okay. I understand. If it helps, I made you my screensaver."

"You did?"

"Yes, in part. It's a slideshow of superheroes, swamp things, scientists I admire, and yes, you."

Amy melted at his admission. She bit her lip and managed to say that she was honored.

Suddenly, the atmosphere around them became more serious. Sheldon turned to face her.

"Amy, I hold you dear to my heart as well and I don't want to lose you in my life. Do you really promise you won't leave me when you find someone?"

"Yes. In fact, here." Amy used her uninjured hand and extended her pinky. "We'll pinky promise. We'll always be best friends no matter what. Nothing will change whatsoever."

"I like the sound of that." Sheldon smiled and he and Amy pinky promised.

"It's getting late. Do you want me to drive you home?"

"I can't let you do that, Amy. You can't drive in that condition. I'll take the bus. I'll be fine."

"Okay. Text me once you arrive safely. I'm sorry I kicked you out of my lab. I know you were just concerned for me."

"No. I'm the one who should be sorry. You're right. I shouldn't care about who you go out with. From now on, I won't interfere with your personal life or relationships. As long as you're happy, I'm happy." He gave her a lopsided grin.

Sheldon stood up from the couch and prepared to leave. Amy walked him to the door.

"Thank you for everything, Sheldon. Uh, can I do something before you go?"

"What is it?"

"Oh." Sheldon felt Amy's arms wrapped around him. He tensed up at first with his arms hanging awkwardly in the air but after a few more seconds, he slowly started wrapping his arms around her as well.

Her embrace felt so warm and comforting that he didn't want to let go.

This was the first time he and Amy ever hugged. It was an alien feeling, but all he knew was that he was enjoying it.

He rested his chin on her head because of the height difference and smiled. When they parted, Sheldon could've sworn he saw Amy with misty eyes.

"Good night, Sheldon."

"Good night."

Sheldon stayed outside her door for a whole minute. He felt his heart palpitating again.

He also felt like he was joined to another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically around an axis.

Amy closed the door on Sheldon and let out a huge sigh. Did I do the right thing?

When Amy talked to Raj in her lab, she told him about everything she felt for the past few days and her lingering feelings for Sheldon. And Raj revealed to her something very interesting.

"Alex told you what!?"

She was more than surprised to find out several things:

1 – Sheldon records himself every time he sleeps. That morning, when he told her he loved her… It was all caught on a voice recorder which he then asked Alex to transcribe.

2 – Alex overheard everything that Sheldon said.

3 – She told Sheldon and he asked her to throw the recording away.

Amy was crushed after hearing Sheldon react so negatively about it.

After Raj comforted her, she pondered on the next thing she should do. She had a feeling that Sheldon was panicking at the moment and that he planned on telling her that whatever he said meant nothing. Or he'd maybe pretend that he had no idea of what he said. Either possibility broke her heart.

Amy decided it would be best to convince Sheldon that she did hear what he said but would explain to him that she understood his words differently. That once and for all, she and Sheldon would remain best friends forever.

She opened her laptop once again and looked at her picture of Sheldon.

"That's what you'd want, right?"

She didn't want Sheldon to feel confused about his feelings anymore and she didn't want to pressure him into something he didn't want to do.

She shut her laptop and went to bed, hoping that she wasn't going to make a mistake.

A week later.

Penny heard someone knocking at her door. Who the hell wakes up at six in the morning?

She wore her robe and opened it to see Leonard.

"Leonard, what did I say about waking me up in-"

"Sheldon's gone. He's in a nearby park."

Wait, what? "How do you know where he is?"

"Oh, I know his password, so I can track his phone."

"You do that?"

"Not always, but ever since he wandered off at the swap meet chasing a balloon, I get worried."

"He can take care of himself. Look, we went over stranger danger and gave him that whistle."

"I don't know. I have a feeling it's got something to do with Amy."

Trouble in Shamyville yet again, huh? "I see. What are we waiting for? Let's go there and confront him." Operation Shamy isn't over just yet.

Penny wore a sweatshirt so that she could look decent enough. She locked her apartment and went downstairs with Leonard.

"It's sweet how you look out for him. You're a good guy."

"It's not just that. My mother would kill me if I let something happen to him."

Leonard and Penny saw Sheldon sitting on a bench with his head down.

He doesn't look too good. "Sheldon," Leonard called out.

"You tracked my phone?"

Leonard and Penny nodded.

"Boy, you chase one balloon for three miles."

"We were worried about you," Penny replied.

"I took Leonard's advice and went outside to clear my head. I reckoned there wouldn't be anyone around at this hour, so I walked here and found a place to sit. You can sit if you want. I brought with me some alcohol and sanitized it clean. Who knows who sat or slept here?"

Leonard and Penny both sat on the bench with Sheldon in between them.

"Why? What's the matter? Tell us what's wrong, sweetie."

Sheldon sighed. "No matter how many times I tell myself otherwise, I'm in love with Amy."

Leonard and Penny were slack-jawed. Sheldon being in love with Amy was no surprise. However, Sheldon finally acknowledging his feelings was indeed a shocker. They didn't think it would happen so soon.

Penny: Holy crap, you just acknowledged your feelings.

Leonard: How'd you find out?

Sheldon: I did some research on the different kinds of love to figure out how I felt towards her.

Penny: There are different kinds of love?

Sheldon: Yes. There are 8 to be exact.

Leonard seemed to get what Sheldon was saying. "So? Which one was it?"

"That's the thing! I have no idea. As much as I care deeply about Amy and our friendship, I can't help but feel discontent with that arrangement."

Sheldon continued rambling, Leonard and Penny noticed the bags under his eyes, seeing as how he didn't get that much sleep.

"I was convinced that my love for her was purely platonic. But then I just read that if it were indeed Philia, touching Amy would decrease my blood pressure. Yet every time I'm with her, it's like my heart's being stabbed with a needle full of adrenaline. It's like she's Pragma, Ludus, Philautia, Mania, Agape, Storge, Philia, and Eros all at once. Oh, wait, let's leave out Storge."

"Pragma what?" Penny looked at Leonard for help. He just shrugged.

Leonard: Sheldon, slow down so we could understand.

Sheldon: You know what? I shouldn't be bothered by any of this. She said she wouldn't leave me if she found the right person. Why do I still feel like I'm being ripped to shreds?

Leonard: Because you want her to love you the way you love her. It's because you want to be the right person.

Sheldon: But I'm not. And I have to spend the rest of my life accepting that. And even if she did love me back, I don't think I could handle it.

Penny: Why not?

Sheldon: Penny, ever since I was a child, I dedicated my life to pursuing science. What if everything I've worked hard for goes to waste? I'm one Nobel short of eternal happiness.

"No, it won't. You know why, Sheldon? Because Amy's the key to your happiness."

"Hogwash. Anything she's doing lately makes me far from happy. She's even hanging out with that geologist. I'm starting to think I've must've done something wrong in a former life to be punished like this. I mean- a geologist? Surely you can't tell me that he's the right person." He crossed his arms and pouted.

"You mean, Bert? He's a real sweetie. You know, Amy and him just went to a rock show last... Oh, now I get it."

"I just can't believe I was surpassed by a geologist. I mean, rocks. He studies rocks. If rock is so great, how come paper beats it?"

Sheldon noticed something on the ground and picked it up. "Leonard, Penny, I'm having a primal urge to throw this rock."

Leonard: Do it. Visualize it as your anger and, and toss it out of your life.

Penny: Yeah, Sheldon. This is something I also do when I'm having a hard time letting things go.

Sheldon: Perhaps I will. This rock encapsulates all my negative emotions. I will cast you far away. Feel free to take out a pigeon while you're at it.

Leonard: Let it fly.

With a determined expression, Sheldon closed his eyes and visualized all his problems. He threw the rock as hard as possible only to find himself yelling in pain.

End of Chapter 19.

Author's Note: Hi! I'm so sorry for the very late update. I'm actually busy with my first year of college now so my updates might be erratic.

Anywho, I do hope all of you enjoy this chapter. Let me know what you think. Their relationship right now can be quite frustrating, but I assure you that this fic will reach a satisfying conclusion. I hope this chapter doesn't leave you all hanging that much since I don't know when my next update will be.

Also, I'm in a serious case of writer's block so yes please bear with me.

Notable episodes I used: The Workplace Proximity, The Geology Elevation, The Occupation Recalibration, The Russian Rocket Reaction, The Status Quo Combustion

Please continue leaving a review! A fav and follow would also be appreciated, so if you haven't, what are you waiting for? Until next time, Shamy fans!