Movie Night
Sequel to Restoration
Her feet were curled under her legs. Her hair was loose. He watched from the corner of his eye as she clench her hands together in her lap. She gasped softly. He turned his attention back to the movie. Spock was racing to save his parents. A tear slid down her cheek unchecked when Amanda Grayson was lost. It was confusing to him, the way she reacted to this movie. She had seen it twice already, she had told him. He had also already seen it, watching it alone just days before the gala. He surreptitiously glanced at Penny again.
She smiled softly at the exchange between Spock and Nyota. She shifted her legs and he turned back to the movie. He was hyper aware of her. He could feel her warmth. Every movement, every sound she made drew his eyes to her. He had noticed a shift in his thoughts since the accursed Arctic expedition. More and more he found himself wondering what she was thinking. Did she regret that the budding romance between her and Leonard had ended before it truly began? Did she ever regret standing up for him last week? He flinched at the thought of what she and Leonard might have had. It was distasteful to him. Initially he had attributed it to residual anger over Leonard tampering with his work. Now he wasn't so sure.
He squirmed when Penny suddenly grabbed his arm. Ah. The altercation between Kirk and Spock. Her grip tensed as she got caught up in the scene. She drew her knees up to her chest and wrapped her other arm around her legs. He recalled overhearing Howard and Raj debating the reasons for the Federation having the outpost where Mr. Scott was discovered. It was 2 days after he and Penny had danced. He had been in the cafeteria for lunch when the 3 guys walked in. They had taken one look at him and chosen to sit at the table behind him. He has considered leaving the room, but did not want to draw attention to himself. He jumped slightly at her chuckle. She enjoyed Pegg's portrayal of Scotty. Her emotions flashed across her face. He only wished her thoughts were as easily read.
He felt her hand slip down his arm and lightly touch his palm. She was still enthralled in the movie, and seemed not to notice. He slowly threaded his fingers into hers. She did not look at him but she gave his hand a slight squeeze. He watched as Kirk and Spock invaded the Narada. The action was fast and furious. He twitched slightly as she edged closer to him. He told himself it was from the invasion of his person space. He felt a tick above his left eye.
When the credits rolled, he looked over at Penny. She was staring at their hands. She slowly raised her eyes to his and blushed. She gave her hand a tug but he held on for a moment, and then slowly released hers. Her blush deepened. She opened her mouth and then snapped it shut again. She looked away from him. Sheldon leaned toward her slightly, causing her to twist back around. There was a question in her eyes. Sheldon smiled softly. He answered the unspoken question with a whisper. "I have been, and always shall be your friend." Her eyes went wide with surprise. After a moment she nodded in understanding. He watched her stand and move toward the door. She opened it and turned to looked at him. Then with a smile she left. He heard her door open and close and he stood. He walked to the bathroom to begin his pre-bedtime rituals. His mind was centered on tomorrow, and the possibilities it held.