Chapter 16

I wanted to say, my heart goes out to the readers in France due to the terrible tragedy. I know I have a lot of readers there, also those still reeling from the Russian Plane crash in Egypt and numerous tragedies that have happened this week. I hope you are well, and as a global family, we can support each other. Here is a little distraction for you.

Thanks again to ShAmy4evr for Beta Reading. As Always!

Now Let's find out those results, shall we?

Amy looked down at the paper and it felt as if her heart had stopped. The results were clear, and could not be ignored: She was in love with Sheldon Cooper. Not just a passing infatuation or some teenage crush. The part of her brain that reflected love was a firestorm. It revealed a deep affection that Amy had only seen in scans of couples that had been together for years. Amy dropped down into her chair and released a large sigh of relief. Her suspicions were justified and the results both excited and terrified her. She looked over with a slight smile to Gladys who just shook her head and tapped the pen she was holding as if it were the cigarette she craved.

"You've never been in love before, have ya?" Gladys gave her a thoughtful look loaded with sympathy stemming from a deep recessed pain.

Amy shook her head, "Never. Not even close. I can't even say it to him, I had to be sure first." Amy looked again at her test results and ran her finger over the edge of the paper. She expected it to cut her, but it didn't.

"It's always harder to say when you never heard it said you." Gladys scanned Amy's eyes for an acknowledgment she knew was forthcoming.

"I've never heard it from a man, and my family was less than… loving… let's just say." Amy's mother showed her love in many ways but mostly by being controlling as if rules were her only hugs. Saying I love you, was not a phrase bantered about in the Fowler house.

Gladys nodded her head in agreement, "I know that song."

Amy thought of Sheldon and couldn't help but smile, "With him… It's different. I can't explain this connection to him. It's as if I've known him before, like a lost friend, or even…" Amy's voice trailed off but the grin remained.

Gladys gave a half smile that looked out of place on her grim face, "Or even a lost piece of yourself."

"Yeah…" Amy looked up at Gladys and smiled, but this time wider, warming her face.

However Gladys's expression did not change, she looked as if she had informed Amy that she had cancer, and it was terminal. "With scans like this, I don't think you'll get over this too soon. I've only seen it this bad once before."

Gladys pulled out a folder from the pile next to her and took a document from it. Amy saw a scan so similar to hers, she almost thought it had been Xeroxed. The name on the top said, "Sheldon Cooper."

There was a heavy silence weighing down in the small booth. Amy looked out at the lab beyond the mirrored wall and let out a breath. "It seems too good to be true. It's like someone found my ideal mate, wrapped him up in a delectable package filled with dreamy eyes, haunting smells, and dropped him off at my door. I've never had that kinda luck. If this is a dream, I don't know if I want to wake up. I know soon though, things might change." Amy looked down at her hands grasped in a tight grip.

Gladys waited a moment, then asked in a hushed tone, "He doesn't know about the surgery, huh? You haven't told him?"

Amy sat back and shook her head, "No… As a matter of fact, I don't even know yet. I mean, the insurance just got the referral a few weeks ago, you know how long they take. I won't hear for another few weeks."

Gladys gave a scornful snort, "Good thing you're not dying, the way those damn companies take their sweet time. I told you, it will be hard the first few months, but you will get over it."

Gladys took the scan back and glanced at it as she looked over to Amy who was studying her face.

Amy asked, "Why did you say you were sorry for me when you saw my scans?"

Gladys chuckled and said calming, "When you fall in love, you lose a bit of yourself. It's almost like the death of your former life."

"That's a good thing, Gladys." Amy bent her head thinking of her previous lonely life and how much it had changed in the few weeks since meeting Sheldon.

"Yes. For a while, it's a good thing. It fills in the spaces in your heart that you didn't even know were there, like water through gravel. I know you, Dr. Fowler, and I know you're scared to death of letting down your guard, and I don't blame you. If it gets taken or drains away, it leaves a sink hole in your heart." Gladys swallowed and looked away.

Amy shook her head with a smile, "And here I thought my shields were invisible, you are very perceptive Gladys."

Gladys laughed and said with a chuckle, "Oh honey… We always see easily what we've seen before. Wish I had had these electrodes strapped up to my ex. If only I saw results like this." Gladys looked at Sheldon's scan once more before putting it away, "I'd be…"

Eddy's voice echoed the room making Amy jump as he finished Gladys's thought, "You'd be picking out your wedding dress, Glady-poo! Make no mistake." Eddy had quietly snuck into in the room. His feline like ability to move about without ever being heard made Amy wonder if he was related to a mouser since he could also be quite catty at times.

Gladys's ice like glare froze him, "I did have my dress picked out... I was GOING to say... IF I'd seen these scans, I'd know it wasn't for me but for the blond he was seeing on the side. I'd have been saved years of aggravation and thousands in divorce lawyer fees." Gladys looked down at the pen, she now more than ever, wished was a cigarette.

Amy just smiled, "Oh, I already got rid of the blond." Amy sat back in her chair and crossed her arms in victory. "I don't think I have to worry about that."

Eddy was elated, "You are feisty, girl! I love that." Eddy pointed accusingly at Gladys, "Now don't you scare her with your doom and gloom Gladys! With scans like this from Dr. Beef Cake, he ain't goin' nowhere. I want to see his scan after you put on those jeans, honey. Your ass is fierce!"

"Eddy!" Amy just put her head in her hands, "Oh, why do I bother!"

At their now regular gathering in the cafeteria for lunch, Sheldon immediately noticed the change in Amy. Usually she was guarded when she stared at Sheldon, almost shy or embarrassed as if worried that if she looked at him for too long he could see her soul. But that afternoon, it seemed as if the guard was off duty. She was more relaxed, smiling longer and had a comfortable self-assuredness. But most of all, it was her eye contact that told him what he needed to know, and a sense of calm befell Sheldon every time he looked into her eyes. It was a calm that he had not felt since his mother and grandfather were alive. It was the sanctuary that they had provided against a chaotic and unreasonable world. It wasn't his mother's voice or her presence. It wasn't his grandfather's encouragement or his Meemaw's hugs. It was a quintessence of home in the truest sense of the word. It was the feeling of being loved unconditionally. This he now saw reflected in her unguarded green eyes. She hadn't said it, she may never say it, but he felt it anyway, and it was enough for him.

Now that he had some friends, he found that more of his routine revolved around the social gathering of the group, and Tuesday night at the Cheesecake Factory had become a staple in his new predictable lifestyle. A fact that Sheldon made sure everyone knew from his regular email updates to the group. That night, as usual, Amy drove them to dinner, eager to see her new friends as well, though tonight her gaze was never far from Sheldon.

Raj and Leonard ignored Sheldon and Amy's lingering eye coitus, because they now had a new couple with which to contend. Having bonded over the topic of domineering families, Howard had been quick to invite Bernadette to the Cheesecake Factory as they had left the apartment the previous night. Their smiles didn't abate as Howard spent the dinner shamelessly flirting with Bernadette, who in turn seemed to think everything out of his mouth was the funniest thing she had ever heard. Raj was melancholy as he watched the couples giggle and flirt, a feeling that Amy knew all too well.

While the group was occupied with another joke from Howard, she leaned over and giving Raj a sweet smile whispered to him, "You look like I did at the 8 weddings and numerous parties I've been to. I know that face Rajesh."

"Yeah… I guess I will never find love. I didn't even have a date when I won the People's Choice Award. I had to take Howard's mother who spent the whole evening flirting with the bartender and gobbling down the appetizers. I guess I will always be the odd man out. I will always be stag…" Raj pushed his fries around, making designs in the ketchup and let out a large sigh, "Even Leonard is leaving me. He is going to move in with Sheldon, then I will really be alone." Raj looked up to see Leonard's doe eyed gaze as he chatted to Penny who was standing next to their table, and noted that Penny had the same look as, totally ignoring the other customers, she smiled down at Leonard. Discouraged, he just shook his head once again.

Amy had an idea, and she hoped Rajesh would think it was brilliant.

"Get a pet! There is a veterinary emergency hospital by Sheldon's apartment and I noticed there was a free pet adoption this Friday. With Leonard leaving, you will only be subjecting him to the potential for a chronic asthma attack for short while." Amy smiled but Leonard, overhearing his name, and the reason for it glared at her. Amy ignored him and just added, "Love comes in many forms."

Raj's face lit up, "Hey! That's a great idea! I always wanted a little doggie, maybe a cat or…"

"A turtle!" Amy interjected and beamed, but Raj was less than impressed with the suggestion.

It was at this point that Sheldon joined the conversation with his usual lecture like tone, "Ya know, the use of a spirit guide or power animal is an ancient practice in numerous indigenous cultures. The concept is absolute hokum, but I must admit, in an attempt to increase my creative juices, I tried sleep deprivation for a number of nights. During that time, I myself was known to converse with a lovely armadillo named Isaac."

Amy shook her head at Sheldon's schizophrenic delusions, "Sheldon… he needs a pet for a companion, not a spirit guide."

"Oh… well in that case… an armadillo is a poor choice. They are scratchy." Sheldon smiled, Raj just rolled his eyes as Sheldon continued his thought, "Well…a pet may be a panacea for your lovelorn feelings, but don't stop lookin', Raj. My PopPop once said, 'when love comes, you're not prepared, you're never ready. You just know it, and the instant you see her, you'll feel it in your bones.'" Sheldon smiled at Amy and tapped her knee.

Amy was as confused as ever. Sheldon had told Amy his PopPop had died when he was five, and that form of wisdom seemed out of place for toddler. "When did he tell you that?"

Sheldon shifted in his chair, "Um… he left me a message… with a friend." Sheldon thought back to number Three relating his grandfather's words as if from beyond the grave, and the meaning became clear as he looked over to see Amy's kind eyes. "He was a smart man."

"Yes… it sounds like it." Amy gave Sheldon a long look that was only interrupted by Raj clearing of his throat.

"I can't wait till I get a girlfriend! I will make you all pay for flaunting your love!"

After dinner, Amy drove Sheldon home. He had spent the ride pontificating on the prudence of some such subject or another, but Amy wasn't listening to his words, just the sound of his voice. Arriving at Los Robles she put the car in park and turned to look at Sheldon.

"And after that day, I determined that there wasn't a snowball chance in a toaster oven that I would… ever…." Feeling her piercing eyes on him, Sheldon was unable to finish his tale "Whacha staring at, Amy?"

"You." And before he could question her further, Amy leaned over, gently kissed his lips and pulled away, smiling.

"Not that I'm complainin', but what was that for?"

"I have been wanting to do that all day, and much as I love your voice, and your mind and everything about you, I could not wait any longer." Amy's smile broadened to a fully-fledged grin at Sheldon's stunned expression.

Sheldon drew in a short breath and shifted toward her. "You love… Are you… Really? You do?"

"Yes…I love you, Sheldon. I know it for a fact. It has now been scientifically proven." Amy felt like a weight had been lifted from her. The fact she was in love should have confused her, even terrified her, but there could be no doubts now and she was calm with the accepted knowledge. She was now finally being honest with herself, and it felt glorious, like butterflies were setting off lasers in her stomach, but still glorious indeed.

Sheldon placed his arm across the back of her seat and pulled her closer to him, "Well, who are we to argue with science, huh Dr. Fowler?"

"Not I!" Amy leaned back in to meet his lips with a smile. They kissed in the car like a couple of teenagers for what seemed like seconds, but the minutes drew on until finally Amy had to catch her breath. She patted his shirt, as if to touch him to see if he was real. Though his hot breath on her neck, as if he was unwilling to let her go after that admission proved that he was very real indeed.

"I should let you get some sleep."

"I don't think I am going to sleep much tonight." Sheldon muttered, and added despondently, "but I won't see much for the rest of the week…"

Amy smiled, "Yes, but you love your new comic night and that Cloud game you play on Thursday's sounds fun."

Sheldon tried not to roll his eyes, "Halo, Amy… Not Cloud…"

"Right… Halo… Sounds very peaceful."

"Anything but…" Sheldon outlined her jaw with his fingers and let out a sigh, "My only solace is I will see you tomorrow morning. But I wish it was the moment I woke up."

Amy sat back in the driver's seat, and looked at her hands, then smiled up at him "Um... well I am looking forward toward our date this weekend, let's see where we go from there."

Sheldon played with the back of her hair mindlessly while he thought through the weekend events, "I got that Paintball practice on Saturday morning and the battle Sunday afternoon, but it won't affect our date. I was thinin' we could go to a nice Italian restaurant. Brotastic said, "Chicks dig nice food and great appeteasers…" He thought that the Men…."

Amy cut off his rambling with a searing kiss that shut up him once and for all. "I love how your mind works. It's like it's never turned off. I am going to miss you this week."

Sheldon sighed, "Well it is going to be a long week. Good night, Amy. And just to be clear… I love you too."

"I know, I guess I should get used to hearing it."

"Yes you should." Sheldon ran his fingers once more down the side of her face and gazed into her eyes. He wasn't used to hearing those words either. His mother had said them to him almost every other day, and he had missed the sound. This time, hearing Amy say them to him, he felt joy, relief and also a strange sense of responsibility as if she had given him a delicate gift he should never squander.

"Good night Sheldon." Amy smiled at him as he exited the car with a spring in his step. As he watched her pull away, he had to suck in his bottom lip to hold back his grin, but it didn't work. He was too elated. He had told himself he didn't need to hear it, but the words off her lips had given him a new life.

"She loves me…" Sheldon whispered to the wind, as if to record it for time's sake alone.

The next morning, Sheldon was as high-spirited as his driving companion. Amy had had a wonderful night's sleep and was buzzing about a new idea she had for the grant money from her study. Sheldon had never considered changing the parameters for grant funding, and thought back to all his unrequested funds for loop quantum gravity research. If he could prove the same idea, but with a different theory, what would be the harm?

As soon as they arrived at work, Sheldon went straight to Gablehauser's office to make his bid and much to Sheldon's surprise, Gablehauser was elated. Sheldon's new ideas were leaps over what the rest of the department was proposing and so he had agreed the change. He told Sheldon about yet another grant opportunity, but still insisted he work with Kripke on the MacArthur grant. The thought of having to share any of his work with that louse Kripke was repellant, but he thought he would try and throw him some kind of bone to get him off his back.

Sheldon acquiesced, and spent the remainder of the work day rethinking all his old theories with a fresh mind set, that of the new Dr. Sheldon Cooper, unjaded and ever buoyant. Sheldon was finding new avenues of research he had never considered. His old way of thinking just wasn't good enough for him anymore.

However, certain personality traits were hard pressed to change in his character profile, and one was dealing with people. After years of being alone and setting his own schedule, Sheldon was now establishing a new routine dependent on others. But the transition from hermit to socialite was not as simple as he had hoped. When Howard canceled his Wednesday trip to the comic book store at the last minute, so he could go out with Bernadette, Sheldon was perturbed to say the least.

"How can Wolowitz cancel at the last minute? This kind of lackadaisical adherence to commitment is what cost Napoleon the campaign with Russia! We should form the Sixth Coalition and send him to Elba"

Leonard looked over to Sheldon to see if he was joking, but Sheldon was shaking his head and fuming. Though Leonard was not yet used to Sheldon's brand of humor, it did seem that he was serious, "Sheldon! Howard not coming to the comic book store is in NO way comparable to a war that cost the lives of 400 thousand people!"

Sheldon shrugged as he continued to look over the comic books, "You see it your way, I'll see it mine!"

Raj was having none of it, "Sheldon, you of all people should be encouraging him! You set this up! He has a chance at love! That trumps comic books!"

Sheldon looked up. "But their marriage is forgone conclusion! So unless their nuptials are tonight and he has a heated night of socially approved copulation, I don't see why we should have our routine disrupted." He shook his head in disgust.

"Dude! Your confidence in Howard is compelling, but this is Howard we are talking about!" Raj shook his head and looked to Leonard to back him up.

Leonard glared at Sheldon over the stacks and said flatly, "Yeah… The success verses failure ratio speaks for itself. Besides… you are the one who canceled my move this weekend so that you could be with your girlfriend! I think the pot is calling the kettle black here, buddy."

Sheldon's face immediately softened as he thought about his upcoming date with Amy, but his joy was overshadowed by Leonard's glare. Though they had discussed the idea of Leonard eventually moving in, in fact it was another bespectacled brunette that Sheldon hoped to be able to share his personal space with. Clearing his throat, he shifted on his feet and immediately refocused on the comic books he was thumbing through, "Color comparisons of cookware aside… I see your point. Howard needs all the help he can get. Maybe our impending victory at paintball will show Bernadette that Howard is a suitable mate. Couldn't hurt…"

Raj beamed at the two guys, and said with a huge smile, "If it doesn't work out with Bernadette, Howard can always come with me to find a new love of his life! I'm finding my little princess on Friday!"

Leonard rolled his eyes, "Raj… I told you, you won't get anywhere finding a girl at the roller skating rink!"

Raj scoffed, "Finding a girl? No way! I have given up on that! I'm getting a puppy! And I will shower her with love and affection like the princess she is! She will get all the benefits of my culinary skills, too, since you are leaving me for some tall Texan!" Raj glared at Sheldon, who wasn't paying attention to a word of the conversation since Stuart was putting a new shirt on display: A black Batman shirt with brilliant royal blue logo.

The following night Sheldon had the guys over for a game of Halo and pizza. Howard had spent most of the night telling the guys about his date, thrilled that he had got to first base. Sheldon though still irritated over Howard not keeping to the established schedule of 'Wednesday night is Comic Book Night' was pleased with the success of his matchmaking skills with Howard and Bernadette, and was tempted to relate Howard's sexual innuendo to the positional notation base number systems. However he decided instead to impress the group with his knowledge by repeating verbatim number Five's advice on driving. Having shared his, albeit, third hand knowledge on foreplay, he moved on to explaining Babylonian numerical systems as he continued to trounce a group of 12 year olds in an online Halo match. Despite his odd ways, the guys were warming toward Sheldon, and the fact that their winning scores for their on line games were increasing was just an added bonus.

Earlier that day, Amy had contacted Penny with an odd request. She had asked Penny to show her some yoga poses that would help her stretch. Penny readily agreed and had invited her over that night. When Bernadette was invited to join them, the exercise sessions quickly turned into a girl's night instead.

Amy had tried to explain why she needed the exercise, "Penny, I'm going to have get used to having my legs spread open wide... and I am not…"

Penny almost spilled her wine, "Holy crap! Are you talking sex positions? Well, there is this one position that I learned from a guy at a Dave and Busters…Funny… his name was Dave! Or was it Buster? Um…"

"No Penny! I mean I mentioned to Sheldon this morning that I would like have a ride on his motorcycle! That's why I wanted the jeans, but I am worried I might not be able to get on as I can't open my legs more than 23 degrees."

"That's a bunch of crap Amy and you know it! You just need to loosen up in more ways than one, and you'll be just fine." Penny handed Amy a glass of wine which Amy sniffed at, and quickly put down in favor of her sparkling water.

Bernadette picked up the wine for herself and sipped it as she asked, "So, is he gonna take you this weekend?"

"No he promised a nice Italian dinner, so I think I should wear my new dress."

Penny looked ill, "THAT DRESS!" Bernadette shot her disapproving look, and Penny added, "The jeans are nice enough for fancy dinner, Amy!"

"I know, but jeans to dinner? I don't think Miss. Manners would approve."

Penny snorted, "If she saw that dress, she sure the hell would!"

Amy ignored her friend, "I know! That dress is perfect for Italian! However I am hoping that he takes me for a ride on his bike for our weekly date next weekend. I might wear the jeans then and see what he thinks. Ya know, when I told him I might be interested in a ride, he got a strange look on his face and then took a measurement of my head."

"Oh that! You need to have a helmet. It's the law. Howie took me for a ride on his scooter!"

Penny just shook her head at Bernadette's love sick look. It had only been three days since Bernadette had met Howard, and they had already been on a date. Howard seemed particularly eager to pack as many dates in the week as possible, and another had been scheduled for Saturday evening and she wondered if things were going to heat up for the new couple.

Penny rolled her eyes and exclaimed, "Howie? You already call him Howie? Dear god, what has Sheldon done!?"

"He introduced you to you Leonard! You don't seem to mind that!" Bernie winked at Amy who also had a sly grin to match her friend.

"Yeah, Penny. You seem to getting along with Leonard. Are you going to go out with him?"

Penny slumped back on her chair, "I don't know… I mean, he hasn't asked me."

Amy shifted in her seat, "He's probably afraid you will turn him down flat because you're a goddess and he is well… Leonard."

Penny swirled her wine and gave a little grin, "Well… I wouldn't say goddess…"

"I would." Amy smiled sheepishly as Penny looked away and sipped her wine. Thankfully, Bernadette changed the subject before Amy could say much more.

"Would you go out with Leonard if he asked?"

"Ya know…a few years ago, I never would have thought to date a guy like Leonard. I mean, he is so not my type… Like at all. But, even though I've been on tons of dates, and such, there were times when I still felt lonely. Maybe it is time to change my MO, ya know? Your Doctor Wackadoodle was the one who told me that!"

"Sheldon? What did he say?"

Penny laughed, "Frankly, I don't know what he said! He came over here, that first night after I met you guys at the restaurant. He started spouting off all kinds of statistics about my love life. Like I had over 39 guys or something. I told him that he was crazy, but he said he had been tested or something. He also said his math was unrefutable."

Bernadette smirked at Penny's mistake, "That's irrefutable."

Penny nodded, "Yeah, he said that too."

Amy got a dreamy look, "Yeah, it would be right... He's thorough that way." Amy thought back to an earlier conversation with Sheldon, "So that's what he meant when he said you lacked understanding of basic statistics theory! It all makes sense now!"

Penny rolled her eyes along with her wine in the glass, "No, it still doesn't... but he didn't care that I told him it was rude to comment on my love life. He said, given I hadn't found love after going through nearly 40 guys, it might be time to change the object of my affection and alter the parameters of who I thought would be a good mate. He started to say something about Leonard but I shoved the door in his face."

"Wow… Sheldon is right! I mean 40 guys? Maybe it is time to mix it up!"

"IT WASN'T 40 guys!"

Bernadette swallowed her wine and looked over to Amy, "Sure it wasn't. Anyway, you think he could be right about switching things up?"

"Maybe… I mean...with Leonard, it's weird. It's like, I know if I was with him, I wouldn't be wasting my time and frankly, that scares the crap outta me."

"Preaching to the choir sister." Amy lifted her glass to Penny who smiled.

Penny let out a sigh, "I mean, look… what do I have to offer a man like Leonard? I am a waitress for Christ sake. I haven't had an acting job in months. The acting gigs are drying up since that hemorrhoid commercial, and I can barely make my rent. He has his life so together, ya know? He knows what he is supposed to do! He is so smart! I mean like really smart…"

"Oh, he's not that smart! I mean the other day…" Amy got cut off with a glare from Bernadette and she looked at her sparkling water to shut up before she said anything else.

Bernadette leaned over to Penny, "Look, you got traits that Leonard doesn't have! He is shy, you are outgoing. From what you say, he's comfortable in his career, but you are more adventurous. You could help each other."

Amy agreed, "Leonard is a good guy. I have known him for a while. He is loyal and true blue. Sounds like a gift to me. If you like them a little short, that is…"

Penny smiled, "You know, if I had met him when I was younger, I would have just strung him along and probably ended up hurting him in the end. Now… the way I feel about things, I don't know. Other things matter more than just money or good looks. Although, he is kinda cute when he gives me that look over his glasses."

Amy and Bernadette looked at each other, bemused at what Penny seemed to notice about Leonard, but it didn't matter. Penny was too wistful to notice their smiles, "I think a guy like Leonard, he's special. I get that he is not just after me for my looks. He actually seems to be genuinely interested in me. Its…refreshing..."

Bernadette set out a little laugh, "Make no mistake, your looks help!"

"Well, it brings them in the door, but they don't stay for dinner, ya know…"

Amy brushed off her concerns, "They just need to get to know you. Having Leonard living next door, you could really see how he is!"

"Yeah… what's the deal?" That reminded Penny about the impending moving date. She had thought that he was supposed to move that weekend. "When is he moving in?"

Amy shrugged, "I don't know… Sheldon said something about Leonard moving in the following weekend. Like you, I had thought it was this weekend, but he keeps putting him off. In a way I suppose it is understandable. After all Sheldon has lived alone for over 15 years and it must be a hard transition. You should see the contract he wants Leonard to sign! I mean so many clauses and rules. It is really… hot…" Amy curled up her mouth and licked her lips as she remembered how comprehensive Sheldon's roommate agreement was. She had found it exhilarating that he was that precise.

She still had a dreamy look when the ladies yelled out: "HOT!?" Bernadette and Penny looked at each other confused.

"Oh yeah… I mean the planning alone… the attention to detail… the forethought… Oh dear lord, the section on temperature setting was enough to set me ablaze!"

Bernadette smiled, "Maybe you should move in with him! He'd love that! Then you can put to use these downward dog yoga poses we are supposed to be doing! Le Grrr!"

Amy's mouth curled up to the side as she thought about the various positons she'd like to try with Sheldon, starting with that exercise bar he has, but Penny interrupted her thoughts.

"Oh, I got much better poses for sex. Come on; Let me show you guys a little something I like to call the Omaha Orgasm!" Penny got on the ground and contorted into a pose that would make Amy's inner thighs ache for a week.

"Oh my!"

After girl's night was over, Amy and Bernadette said their goodbyes just as the guys were leaving 4A. Amy shyly walked over to Sheldon, hoping for a goodnight kiss before she had to drive Bernadette home for the evening.

"Did ya enjoy your hen party, Amy?" Sheldon licked his lips, gazing intently into her eyes. It had been two days since their heated kiss in the car on Tuesday, and he had a new feeling burning in him: yearning.

Amy had the same hopeful gaze but tinged with disappointment, "Yes. I wish I could stay, but I have to drive Bernadette. The joys of being the only non-drinker in the group." Amy smiled at Sheldon, knowing that he admired the fact that she didn't drink. Given his history with his father, and Amy's low tolerance, she thought it would be best that she didn't succumb to that particular social convention with her new gal pals. Not yet anyway.

Sheldon, who had been hoping to steal a few moments with her himself, suddenly had a brilliant idea.

Within earshot of Howard, Sheldon said loudly, "So Amy, Bernadette is in need of a chariot? Too bad a brave knight couldn't offer his services instead." Sheldon opened his eyes wide to Howard, who quickly took the hint with a gleam in his eye.

"At your service m'lady. I would love to take you home!" Howard gave Bernadette a dramatic bow, which evoked a high pitched giggle from the tiny blond and the two made their way to the elevator with the rest of the group.

"Amy, ya coming?" Leonard held the elevator for Amy.

"I'll catch you guys tomorrow, I just want to say good bye to Sheldon." Amy turned toward Sheldon and grinned at his vulpine leer.

After the elevator closed, she tapped Sheldon's chest playfully, "You crafty fox." And she reached up to give Sheldon a quick kiss on his cheek, but he grabbed her by the waist, and turned his head in time to receive her kiss with his mouth.

For Sheldon, each kiss with Amy was both bliss and torture. Bliss over the feeling of her soft lips and subtle moans, but torture when they had to break apart. Now as he felt her lips against his, he was unable to control his hands as they moved up inside the back of her sweater, and he felt the heat of her body through the thin material of the blouse. He didn't want her to leave that night, or any night. The need to have Amy by his side was becoming so intense that there were times he could barely think straight when he saw her. It was only two days to their date, and though he did not want to assume, he did hope that she would spend the night again. He felt that he had to take his time with Amy and not pressure her. But once his lips were on hers, he knew exactly how he would like to take his time with her and none of it could be voiced with a modicum of propriety.

He broke free of her just with enough air to say, "Seems almost silly for you to go home, tonight Amy… I mean, you'll be back here in about 9 hours." Pulling her body closer to him, Sheldon dipped his head to her neck and glazed her skin with his lips and tongue as if licking the powdered sugar off one of her pastries. She was melting, crashing tumbling into his arms and was about to utter the word yes, when the door to 4B opened. Penny was off to the laundry to wash her uniform, but the scene before made her stop.

"Op! Sorry guys. I just will…"

Amy jumped back and hurriedly fixed her sweater as if the view of straight buttons would remove from Penny's mind the sight of Sheldon attached to her neck. "Oh my! I better go! I'll see you tomorrow Sheldon!" Amy rushed down the stairs, not even waiting to call the elevator.

Penny looked at Sheldon with a guilty look, "I'm sorry… I didn't mean to interrupt you guys."

Sheldon smiled as he looked at the empty stairwell, "That's okay. She'll be back tomorrow. I am hoping to arrange a movie marathon. You should come. Leonard would love that."

Penny took a moment to think over the invitation. She adjusted her basket on her hip and said confidently, "Ya know what… I think I will!"

"Good! Prepare yourself for hours of epic battles, heroic rebels and dastardly villains!"

Penny jumped up with excitement, "COOL! Are we watching 300? That guy is hot! Those Greeks man.. Oh boy!"

Sheldon frowned, "Oh! Not 300! Star Wars!"

Penny almost dropped her basket, "Oh crap!"