A/N Thank you for all the lovely reviews so far, they really do keep me motivated!
Sheldon was up early Saturday. He loved the zoo. He only ever went with Amy, as the others wanted to see all the animals where as he went mainly to see the Koala bears.
Amy was very observant when they went to the zoo, making smart and amusing comments, but if she had enough of the koalas she would go visit the monkeys and they would meet up for a beverage later.
Sometimes Sheldon was amazed at just how well suited Amy was for him. Obviously it was her keen intellect, that his other friends lacked, that made the difference.
Amy found Sheldon outside his apartment eager to be on his way when she arrived. Climbing into the car he smiled excitedly.
"Good morning Amy, I am glad you are prompt, I am eager to get to the zoo. They have added to the koala exhibit and I am keen to see the changes."
"Morning Sheldon, I am glad you are looking forward to the day!"
They spent the journey discussing the things they were both looking forward to seeing at the zoo. Amy was hoping to observe the monkeys and make some comparisons to those she had in her lab.
"Shall we split up straight away when we go in and meet in an hour, then we can spend some time comparing notes and maybe do a little viewing together?" asked Sheldon.
"That sounds most acceptable" smiled Amy, and together they climbed out of the car and made their way to the entrance.
Again Sheldon reached for Amy's hand and again she did not comment just squeezed gently. This time however, Sheldon squeezed back smiling to himself.
Amy felt her heart flutter. Who would have thought her emotionally stunted boyfriend of a few months ago would be holding her hand and smiling about it!
As Sheldon paid for their tickets, handing Amy hers she smiled. "Thank you Sheldon" and giving into an urge she hoped she wouldn't regret, she quickly stood on her tip toes and pecked a kiss on Sheldon's cheek. Not waiting to see his response, she scuttled off, her heart still beating fast.
Had she made a mistake? Would Sheldon consider this taking advantage and cancel the rest of their plans? Amy sure hoped not, but decided that she would worry about it later, she had monkeys to go visit.
Sheldon stood gazing after Amy as she hurried away. Her kiss on the cheek had taken him by surprise. Shaking his head he made his way to the koalas but as he stood watching them munch and climb he realised he was still thinking of Amy. It worried him a little that things seemed to be moving quickly. He had kind of got used to the hand holding and liked when she did not make a fuss, but acknowledged him with a squeeze.
Kissing however was a different matter, and one he wasn't sure he was comfortable with in public. Would that be what Amy expected tonight. If they consumed alcohol was he opening himself up to this behaviour, and if his own inhibitions lowered would he do something he later regretted.
Sheldon could feel himself begin to fret. Taking a deep breath he focused on the nearest koala and concentrated on the chewing of its jaw, and the lazy movement of it limbs. The hour passed quickly and Amy was at his side before he was even aware the time had gone.
"Hi" she said softly, making him jump.
"Oh! Amy, I am sorry, I was not aware of the time, forgive me." Sheldon did not meet Amy's eye, and she knew she had upset him. Cursing her rash behaviour she tried to think of a way to put him at his ease.
"Shall I come back?" she asked.
"No, no, its ok. I was just distracted."
"Sheldon is everything ok?" Amy decided the direct approach was the only one she could take really.
"Umm. Yes" said Sheldon, again not meeting her eye.
"Ok lets go get a drink then"
Knowing she could not force Sheldon to open up to her, and knowing he may just need time to process, Amy chatted away about the monkey behaviour she had witnessed. She kept the conversation light, not expecting a response and she felt Sheldon's tension lessen gradually as they walked.
In the restaurant they both ordered a hot chocolate, as had become their ritual, and sat at the table near the window.
Pulling out his phone as he sat down, Sheldon typed out a quick text then returned his phone to his pocket.
Amy felt her phone vibrate and frowning she opened it up to see a message form the man across from her.
"Amy, I am sorry I do not know if I should mention your kiss. I am not sure why you kissed me."
Half smiling Amy tapped out a reply.
"I kissed you because you are my boyfriend and you had brought me on a day out and I like you. I don't expect you to kiss me back and I wont do it again. I am sorry I made you uncomfortable"
Feeling silly typing when he was sat just there across from her, Amy looked at him as she hit send.
"Sheldon would you like to come see the monkeys when we have finished our drinks, then you can show me the koalas? "
Sheldon smiled and nodded, relieved Amy had accepted his text rather than talking it out with her. He replied"Yes please" as he opened her response.
He read her reply nodding and put the phone away without typing a response
"Thank you Amy" he said looking at her this time.
Although a little quiet the couple continued their visit and enjoyed sharing their observations with each other. Sheldon again reached for Amy's hand and she was relieved when he again squeezed her fingers. It would be ok.
Dropping Sheldon back later, Amy was much more nervous than excited now about the evening. She had bought the strawberry drink she had mentioned to Sheldon, plus some ordinary milkshakes. She wanted Sheldon to enjoy the evening and not be on edge expecting her to pounce. Deciding she would put her assurances down in writing for him, Amy turned on her laptop and opened the email icon.
To: Sheldon Cooper
from: Amy Farrah Fowler.
Hi Sheldon.
I wanted to apologise for my behaviour earlier. I don't want you to worry about me pouncing on you later. Rest assured it was just a small sign of affection which if I ever feel like repeating I will warn you about in advance.
I have picked up the drink I mentioned and I have pre ordered the pizza so I can pick it up on my way over.
I hope these arrangements are ok.
Once again I apologise for scaring you earlier.
Amy
x
Sheldon heard the email arrive on his laptop which was open on his desk just as he left his room with his arms full of dirty laundry. He did not stop to check it, but carried on out the door. Having set the machines to wash and having asked Penny to keep an eye on them until he returned, Sheldon returned to his desk and read Amy's email.
After some consideration Sheldon replied.
To: Amy Farrah Fowler
From Sheldon Cooper
Amy I am sorry if I over reacted today. You just took me by surprise. Sometimes I feel we are going forward very fast. Maybe if the urge for public displays of affection take you over again giving me a verbal warning, as you suggested, would be a good idea!
The arrangements you have made regarding dinner sound most acceptable.
I will see you later.
Sheldon
Going back downstairs Sheldon found Penny unloading the machines.
"Hey Moonpie you ok? You are not yourself tonight. Distracted whilst there is laundry to be done is not like you at all!"
"Penny please refrain from calling me Moonpie! Yes I am distracted, I have a few issues with Amy I need to work through"
"Can I help? I thought you two were getting on much better lately" said Penny frowning.
"We are we are, its just … Penny today Amy kissed me and tonight she has persuaded me to consume alcohol! What if she wants to take things further than kissing. Penny I do not want that. Penny what should I do?" Sheldon gabbled in a rush.
"Sweetie you say she kissed you. Was it against your will? And if you don't want to drink then tell her so. Amy is your girlfriend she wont want to upset you, believe me"
"We were at the zoo. She kissed my cheek then ran off. I guess I kind of agreed to the drinking thing, but that was before the kiss. Penny I'm scared!"
"Oh Sheldon! Amy really really cares for you! She is probably as nervous as you! Why don't you just tell her what you have told me"
" I have, I emailed her. Do you think that's enough?"
"Yes Sheldon, Amy will not want to scare you off, and lets be honest, it not as if she is vastly experienced herself is it!"
Nodding in agreement, Sheldon was a little more reassured as he took his clean folded laundry back upstairs.
Changing into his newly laundered beige pants, his yellow thermal and black batman t shirt Sheldon put on the kettle and made him self some chamomile tea to calm his nerves as he waited for Amy.
He jumped slightly when she knocked on the door . Seeing her loaded down with shopping bags and pizza boxes, Sheldon quickly relieved her of them, leading her into the room.
"Good evening Sheldon" Amy smiled, looking at him carefully, trying to gauge his mood.
"Good evening Amy, thank you for bringing the pizza"
"I have brought some strawberry quick too, as I know its your favourite, and if the other drink is not to your liking, hopefully this will be a nice replacement"
"That sounds most acceptable. Perhaps we should have some food first though, before alcohol. Having witnessed first hand the affect on an empty stomach, that is not something I wish to experience."
"Agreed"
Happy that some sort of alcohol timetable and protocol had been established Sheldon relaxed even more and sat in his spot he patted the seat next to him, handing Amy her plate and hit play on the dvd player.
Amy stifled a groan as star trek flashed up on the screen. Holding her tongue she settled down next to Sheldon and ate. Sheldon remained focused on the screen, between that and eating he was happy. He nodded as Amy asked if he wanted a drink, and barely glanced up as she moved to the kitchen.
Amy decided to play safe and made sure Sheldon had both the alcoholic and the non alcoholic version of the strawberry milkshake. Having tasted both herself earlier she was pretty sure he would like the new version, as the vodka was practically undetectable.
Sipping from his glass Sheldon looked down at it, then at Amy.
"This is alcoholic?" he questioned.
"Yes, it has vodka in it"
"Well it is much more acceptable than the cuba libre Penny has forced on me before, or the whisky I had at Howard's stag night. That was positively yucky!
"Well I'm glad you like it" Amy smiled
Without even realising, Sheldon had drunk his whole glass and had reached to refill it.
"Be careful Sheldon, you don't want to go mad with that!"
"You are right thank you Amy" Sheldon said smiling, before sipping again and replacing his glass on the table. This time Sheldon reached for Amy's hand, pulled her close, then wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Amy gasped and bit her lip. Wow! Alcohol seemed to loosen him up real quick, he wasn't kidding!
Amy rested her head on Sheldon's shoulder and closed her eyes. Star trek really was not her thing but Sheldon was enjoying it and who knew when he would agree to this again.
Amy must have dozed off as she suddenly became aware of Sheldon tapping her arm and whispering her name.
"Sheldon! I'm sorry how rude of me to sleep" Amy was embarrassed she just hoped she hadn't snored.
"Don't worry Amy you weren't asleep long, I just wanted to ask if you wanted something else to drink"
"No, thank you, I think the vodka is half the reason I fell asleep!"
Sheldon smiled down at Amy's sleepy eyes, and taking a deep breath, kissed the tip of her nose.
"You looked very peaceful" Sheldon smiled, and bent to kiss her nose again.
"Hooo" squeaked Amy.
Jumping up, her hand over her mouth and red in the face, she mumbled "I need to go, early start, bye!" and she was gone before Sheldon had even registered what she had said.