5

Amy descended the staircase, blissful smile on her face. The night had felt like a fairytale, and she didn't want to leave the ball. Still, the evening had clearly ended and she had to prepare herself to leave. Surprisingly, Sheldon continued to hold her hand as they turned on the landing to the final set of stairs, stating the treads were treacherous "in those ridiculous heels," and he needed to steady her. Well, that part was certainly true. Amy's knees were weak, not only with all the dancing, but the ways in which Sheldon continued to surprise her. She didn't need an eidetic memory to have the entire night burned into her consciousness.

Reaching the last step, Amy turned to Sheldon. "I have to retrieve my coat from Penny's bed before she and Leonard return and defile it and every other surface in her apartment."

"Every other surface!" he screeched. "What are you saying, Woman?!"

Amy answered him matter-of-factly. "Most couples find having relations in a single area somewhat stifles creativity when it comes to love making. Hence, choosing different locations throughout the domicile, to engage in amorous activities."

"What kind of locations?" he questioned, as Amy noticed him visibly pale. She thought about some of the stories Penny had told on girls night.

"The sofa, the floor, kitchen counters. . ."

"That's quite enough!" Sheldon cried, looking as though he was about to be sick. "I can never eat there again. Or anything that comes from that apartment! Not that I have to worry. It will be Armageddon before she actually cooks." Suddenly, he stopped, as if a thought entered his mind. He looked blank for a second, then back at her, eyes wide with panic. "They never. . . . Not in my apartment. . . ."

Amy had never heard of any specific escapades taking place in Sheldon and Leonard's apartment, but she wouldn't have put it past her passionate friends. She couldn't tell Sheldon she even suspected Leonard and Penny's "activities" extended beyond the bedroom or he'd move. Which, on second thought, wouldn't be all bad.

"I'm getting my coat," she repeated. "I'll be right back." Amy moved to Penny's bed room as quickly as her painful feet would allow. The sooner she returned to Sheldon, the faster she could distract him from obsessing on sanitizing every surface in his home.

"Got it!" she proclaimed, holding up her jacket. At first Sheldon just stood there, not taking it from her. Wiggling it in front of him, he still didn't take the hint. Finally, Amy had to ask for what she wanted. "Could you help me put it on?" She was perfectly capable, but she wanted to feel Sheldon's fingers on her one last time. Besides, a gentleman helped a lady with her coat.

Sheldon was now staring at the floor, hands jammed into his pants pockets, looking ill at ease. Not as uncomfortable as earlier when he'd bolted for the safety of his room, but not as relaxed as she'd seen him during the dance.

"Is something wrong?" she asked. Maybe he wasn't sure of the exit protocol after a formal dance?

"Would you like to come in for a nightcap?" he suddenly blurted.

Amy felt her lips curve up into a tiny smile. "Sheldon, if I have any alcohol, I won't be able to drive. Leonard is going to be busy with Penny, and you don't drive. I'd have to spend the night. . . ."

Sheldon's gaze snapped back to her. "Oh no you don't, little lady! You promised me you weren't going to pressure me about sex! And besides, I was talking about tea!"

"'Nightcap' implies an alcoholic beverage, and possibly more," she said, feeling her face grow warm. "If you meant tea, you should have offered tea."

Sheldon sighed. "Very well. Amy, would you like to come in for some tea?"

"Why yes, Sheldon, I would, thank you." She followed him into his apartment, and waited for instruction. For all her bravado in correcting Sheldon, Amy now felt a little uncertain. Should she join him in the kitchen, taking a seat at the counter as he went through his routine? Did she wait for him to invite her to have a seat in a specific location? Just take her usual spot on the sofa? After looking around the room at her options, Amy chose the sofa, tossing her coat on the back of Leonard's desk chair. She was about to sit when Amy heard the apartment door open as Leonard stuck his head in.

"I'm going over to Penny's," he said, jerking his thumb over his shoulder. "For the night," he added, as if there was a doubt.

Sheldon bowed slightly to his roommate. "Then good evening to you, sir." Leonard cast a glance between her and Sheldon, and started to grin.

"You kids have fun!" Sheldon moved closer to him, repeating his farewell, a little louder this time.

"A good evening to you, Leonard."

"Um, yeah. Amy, great job with the party." She nodded her thanks and watched as Sheldon took another step forward causing Leonard to hastily exit. Amy struggled to keep from smiling as she watched Sheldon chase Leonard from the apartment. The knowledge Sheldon wanted to be alone with her was starting to make her feel light headed again.

Truly, when she was getting ready earlier this prevening, Amy didn't have any major expectations. She wanted to have fun, she wanted to dance with Sheldon, and she wanted her friends to witness her dancing with him so they'd lighten up on some of their teasing. The needling would never completely go away, but it would be nice not to be the brunt of the jokes for once. Sheldon's actions this night had far surpassed anything she'd imagined. Not the least of which was his matter-of-fact declaration of love.

Amy watched Sheldon straighten up, remove his suit coat and carefully place it on the back of his desk chair. He seemed to be fiddling, aligning items on his already neat work surface. She understood the way he felt. She wasn't quite sure what to do with herself either. After the all the emotional highs, she kind of felt like she was hung out, flapping in the wind, unsure what her next move should be.

Amy stood, crossing the room into the kitchen. "Let me help you with that tea," she offered. Reaching for the tea kettle, she was surprised when Sheldon was suddenly by her side.

"Are you in a hurry to go?"

She looked up at him, startled. "No! Of course not! It just seemed like you were a little distracted." He nodded.

"I am," he admitted, not meeting her gaze. "I'm just not sure where we go from here."

"I feel the same way," she quietly admitted. "Tonight was kind of a big step."

Sheldon looked at her, his eyes shining. "It was. I wasn't going to tell you. I was never going to tell you." Amy was moving towards the stove when she stopped mid-stride, turning to look back at him.

"What do you mean you were never going to tell me?"

"Just what I said. If I told you I loved you then you'd think I was ready for things to move at a faster pace and I'm not!" Amy set the kettle down on the burner with a heavy clank. She was angry Sheldon still didn't trust her enough to rein in her hormones. The only thing she could think to do was show him she wasn't some sex-crazed monster.

Taking a deep breath, she released it, gazing into his eyes. "Sheldon," she started, "I'm not any more sure of where we go from here than you are. I'm just as scared as you," she confessed. "You were braver than me! I couldn't even get the words out, and yet you said them."

A small smile began to bloom on Sheldon's face. "I did, didn't I?"

Amy felt her lips curling up as well. "You did."

"And I was the one to take care of you when you had a panic attack!"

Closing her eyes briefly, Amy agreed. "You did."

Sheldon gave a dismissive wave. "You're right. I've got this." Amy smiled at his back, shaking her head as Sheldon went about fixing their mugs. She saw him place a camomile bag in his blue mug, then hesitate over hers.

"What would you like?"

"In keeping with the theme of the night, why don't you surprise me?" Sheldon's grin grew mischievous as he plopped two bags into her cup. The kettle was beginning it's tell-tale gurgle, and Sheldon pulled it off the heat before the water became too hot. Filling their mugs, he handed Amy hers and nodded towards the sofa.

Once settled, Amy turned to see Sheldon watching her every move. It was slightly disconcerting to be scrutinized so closely, but a little flattering as well. She wasn't stupid. She knew Sheldon watched her as much as she watched him, and the knowledge he found her attractive was heady.

Sheldon blew on his cup. "Go ahead. Guess what's in your mug." He was wiggling around on the sofa, sure he'd stumped her, but Amy knew her way around tea. Taking a small sip, she allowed the flavors to play over her tongue. She could taste licorice and the slightly musty taste of camomile.

"I taste the camomile," she started, but there's something else there as well.

"Of course there is," he sighed. "You saw me put two bags in your mug. Besides, you know camomile is my 'go to' tea."

She nodded. "I also taste licorice, but it's not bitter like licorice root. I'm going to go with anise."

Sheldon was glowing with pride. "Very good, Amy! That's my smart girl!" Amy felt herself blushing with his compliment and took another sip of tea to hide her embarrassment. Definitely anise, she decided. And just like she and Sheldon, the two complimented each other nicely.

"Did you know anise has calming properties as well? That's a cup full of relaxation there, little lady," he said holding up his mug in a salute. "After the night you've had you could do with some calm," he added, drinking more of his own beverage.

Swallowing her drink, Amy leaned in a little closer, as if sharing a secret. "Anise seed is also known as an aphrodisiac," she informed him.

Sheldon suddenly sat up straighter, taking the mug from her hand. "That's quite enough of that for you!"

Amy started laughing. "You're the one who gave it to me. Are you sure you're not trying to tell me something?" she teased.

"You know perfectly well this was what I was trying to avoid!" he cried, setting her cup on the coffee table out of her reach.

"Maybe I should go," she said. The tension was growing between them again and she wanted to end the most magical night of her life on a good note. She started to rise, but Sheldon's hand on her forearm stopped her. His touch was gentle, but she felt it everywhere as his fingers absently stroked her skin.

"You don't have to go," he said so quietly she almost missed it. Somewhere in the course of their conversation, they'd moved closer together and now mere inches separated them.

Staring into his eyes, Amy felt the breath leave her lungs. "It was a wonderful night," she managed, running her tongue around her now suddenly dry lips and mouth. She saw Sheldon watching the motion through half-lidded eyes.

"Extraordinary," he agreed, closing the short distance between them. He stopped just short of her mouth. "Amy?"

"Yes, Sheldon?"

"May I kiss you?" She nodded, unable to speak. Her heart was thudding so loudly that if he said anything else, she didn't hear it for the blood pounding in her ears. His lips were soft on hers at first, then she felt the pressure increasing as he scooted closer still, wrapping his arms around her. This was as close as he'd ever been to her, outside of their last dance, and she found blood was now pounding elsewhere in her body.

Sheldon pulled back slightly, then gave her lips several small pecks before pressing his lips to hers once more. Amy was beginning to wonder if he hadn't added some anise to his own tea, as she'd never seen him so amorous. This was all so much. So much more than she'd expected a few short hours ago. His head rested against her forehead as he slipped a hand into her hair, fingers grazing her ear. The sensation was electrifying and Amy didn't realize it was her that had made the slight moaning sound.

Sheldon's breathing was erratic, but he remained where he was, so close they were sharing the same air. Amy watched hungrily as Sheldon's tongue darted out to moisten his own dry lips. What would it be like to kiss him, really kiss him, tangling her tongue with his? Just as she was sure she would never know, Sheldon pulled back slightly to gaze into her eyes, fingers still woven in her hair.

"Amy, I want to try an experiment." If it was possible, her already elevated heart rate increased.

"O. . .okay," she managed, unsure where he was going with this, and not altogether sure she was ready. He closed his eyes, as if seeking the courage to forge ahead.

"I. . .I want to kiss you."

Amy smiled. "You've already kissed me."

"No," he breathed. "I mean. . .open mouthed." Once the words were out, he looked relieved, as if voicing his request had been half the battle. Amy was shocked. She'd hoped one day Sheldon would be comfortable enough with her to move their intimacy forward, but she hadn't expected it to be this day. Not after all the hurdles they'd already cleared this night. Maybe that was his plan, she thought. Get as many big obstacles out of the way as possible.

Regardless, she wanted this. She wanted to feel that connected to him. To express all he made her feel so he would never question her commitment to him. He knew she loved him, but did he know how much?

"Are you sure?" she asked, mentally preparing herself for him to rescind his offer.

"Yes," he said, eyes closed, looking anything but sure.

"We'll start slow," she said, and wondered if she was trying to allay his fears or her own. Leaning towards him, they started the kiss in their usual fashion, with lips mashed against one another. Tentatively, Amy touched his lips with the tip of her tongue, causing him to jump. She was sure that would be the end, but after a moment, Sheldon's lips parted slightly and his own tongue tentatively touched hers. He gave another slight jolt, but didn't move away from her.

Drawing in a breath through her nose, Amy opened a little wider, and Sheldon did the same, this time their tongues came in full contact with each other. She could taste his camomile tea, and a bit of chocolate from the truffle he'd consumed earlier, and something that was uniquely him. Amy was lost. Somewhere during their kiss Sheldon's other hand had found it's way into her hair and he was cradling her head gently, but firmly, as if she was a fragile piece of glass.

He ended the kiss when he needed to breathe, looking suddenly shy considering how close they'd just been. Smoothing her hair back from her face, he trailed his fingers over her cheek, moving his hands down her arms to clasp her hands.

"Wow," Amy said, feeling the need to break the silence that had fallen between them. Sheldon gave a little swallow and nodded as he lightly squeezed her hands. She wanted to touch him, run her fingers through his hair as he had hers, but she sensed now might not be the right time. He had a lot to deal with. They both did. Maybe it would be best if she ended their evening and went home. For once she was anticipating the drive from Los Robles to Glendale, giving her a chance to reflect on all that had occurred.

"Sheldon, I think I'm going to go," she announced, standing and crossing to the chair where she'd left her coat. Before she could slip her arms into the sleeves, he was there, holding the garment for her. Flipping her hair out from underneath her collar, she turned, smiling her thanks at his assistance. He returned the grin, still looking a little off. She didn't want to go, didn't want the night to end, but her earlier judgement had been right—they both could use a bit of space at the moment.

Standing by the door, Amy bid him farewell. "Thank you for a wonderful night, Sheldon. I never could have imagined it could be so special."

He nodded. "It was for me too." He was looking around the apartment, not meeting her gaze, then added. "You looked beautiful, Amy."

Amy thought her heart would burst and it took all her willpower not to fling her arms around him and start kissing him again. Instead, she simply acknowledged his compliment.

"Thank you, Sheldon." She opened the door and was about to exit when she felt a hand on her shoulder, pulling her back around. Looking up, she saw Sheldon standing there with his lips pursed. Quelling a smile she leaned forward and gave him a quick peck.

"Good night, Dr. Cooper."

"And to you as well, Dr. Fowler."

xxxxxxx

Sheldon shut his door and gave a little sigh, surprised he was feeling a bit bereft now that Amy had gone. Six hours ago, he would have laid good odds he would have been completely relieved the night was over, with all the romantic nonsense associated with it. But he didn't feel that way. In fact, he wasn't sure what he felt. Slightly foolish for having confessed loving Amy, and yet somehow lighter knowing he wasn't keeping a secret from her.

"Must be all that pomegranate juice," he mused as he picked up their mugs. He was rinsing them out when he heard the sound of an incoming text message. Picking up the phone, he saw it was from Amy and wondered what could have possibly happened between his apartment and her car. He clicked on the message and read:

Thank you for the best night of my life!

Smiling, Sheldon imagined his cute little lump of wool sitting in her parked car, tapping on her phone, and sent a return message:

For now. . . .

The End

Thank you for reading and the reviews! If you're interested in the full song from the last dance of the prom, it's "Amazed" by Lonestar, and is available on iTunes.