Before getting into bed that night Amy checked her email to see if Sheldon had replied and she found:
To: Amy Farrah Fowler
From: Sheldon Cooper
Amy today I have been granted extra funding for my research. Gablehauser was most accommodating, and to celebrate it has been decided to meet as a group at the cheesecake factory for a meal, to be followed with some games at out apartment so that penny can join us. I would like to invite you to be my guest, and hope this email reaches you with enough time for you to make any plans necessary.
With regard to our recent misunderstanding with regards to displays of affection, may I suggest the protocol for tomorrow be hand holding, when either party feels so moved, and a goodnight kiss at the end of the evening.
I hope this temporary arrangement meets your approval.
I hope to see you tomorrow.
Sheldon
Amy's response on reading Sheldon's email was "hoooo", and she was very glad there was no-one around to witness it!
Penny saw the group enter the restaurant and smiled. She had arranged this to be her last table for the evening so she could leave with them.
"Hey guys! Congratulations again Sheldon! I have your table ready, follow me"
As the group trotted after Penny, Sheldon reached down and held Amy's hand. Holding her back a little from the others he said quietly,
"Thank you for changing your plans to join us tonight Amy..
"I wouldn't have missed it Sheldon. I am just glad we are still ok."
Giving his hand a little squeeze Amy sped up to catch the others who had turned to watch them from the table.
"Ok, I'll give you a few minutes to decide what you want. Though I'm not sure why, I can guess what you are all going to order" muttered Penny, grinning to herself.
It wasn't long before the group of 6 were settled with their meals and were happily quizzing Sheldon about his now funding, and what possibilities it could open up. As the meal drew to a close and they could see Penny getting ready with their cheque, Amy turned to Raj asking
"I thought Stewart was coming with you this evening Raj?"
Sheldon frowned.
"He had to stay at the shop until closing, he has a new trainee and couldn't leave them to cash and lock up, he is joining us later." Raj smiled "He was thrilled I asked him to join us though. Poor guy really is lonely."
"It'll be nice to see him again" commented Amy.
"Why?" Asked Sheldon his tone not at all friendly.
Turning to him Amy said "Because he is a sweet guy. It must be lonely in that shop all day."
"Nonsense he has lots of people to talk too."
Amy shrugged. "Yeah comic geeks!" she muttered, and beside her Bernadette sniggered.
Sheldon wasn't happy that Amy was so thrilled at Stewart joining them, but knew he could not do anything about it, so he shouted "Shotgun" as they approached Leonard s car, and jumped in without looking at Amy.
Shrugging Amy said "Hey bestie, lets have some girl time and let the comic book geeks ride together!"
Bernadette was less subtle in her laughter this time, making Sheldon frown all the more.
"OK what did I miss" asked Penny as the girls settled down for the trip back to 4A.
"Oh nothing, just Sheldon getting all jealous of our girl here." laughed Bernadette. "Seriously Amy you have got him in a right tizz."
"Amy again!? Wow! Sheldon has it bad. You two need to sort yourselves out!"
Amy shrugged "I only said it would be nice to see Stewart, and it will be! I meant nothing more than that!"
Stewart was late arriving, and found everyone settled in front of the TV watching Sheldon and Penny battle Leonard and Howard at halo.
Amy and Bernadette were busy gossiping about the email Sheldon had sent Amy the night before, filling Raj in on the details, but put on a pretence of cheering for their men every now and then.
As Stewart entered, Amy and Bernadette both stood to greet him and then moved to the kitchen to get Stewart a drink. The three sat back on the floor with Raj, and caught up on Stewart's news. He was just telling the girls about his latest employee, a young girl straight out of art college whom he found very attractive, when they were interrupted by Penny shouting
"Sheldon! Why did you do that jeez!"
Throwing down her controller in disgust, Penny moved to grab her glass of wine and join the others on the floor.
"I'm sorry Penny, I didn't see Leonard sneaking up behind you" Sheldon muttered, but his twitching eye didn't go unnoticed by Howard who nudged Leonard and smirked.
"He has it bad!"
Leonard grinned but signalled Howard to keep quiet. Annoying Sheldon would only leave him with the headache when all the others left!
The group decided to play wii bowling, therefore allowing everyone to join in, and soon laughter rang out as more wine was consumed and the competition hotted up.
Sitting next to Sheldon on the sofa, Amy lent over and asked
"Do you want some of your milkshake? It is a celebration after all"
"Amy, the bottle had been opened for over 24 hours, I thought it best I disposed off it."
"I would expect nothing less. I have another bottle, unopened of course, if you so wish. I don't want to force you though."
"No Amy, that would be most acceptable."
Smiling, Amy stood and asking if anyone else wanted anything, before moving to the kitchen to get herself and Sheldon a drink. Returning she sat back next to Sheldon, putting his drink on the table in front of him, then moving to take her turn at bowling.
Amy was not a natural game player, and Sheldon shook his head in amazement as he watched her arms flail wildly.
"Its a good job that's not a real ball she is wielding, or we'd all be unconscious" laughed Stewart as the controller in Amy's hand shot backwards, stopped only by the strap she had fastened to her wrist.
Glaring at Stewart, Sheldon patted the seat next to him and then put his arm around Amy's shoulder as she sat.
Penny, Raj and Bernadette nudged and giggled on seeing this interaction, then following Penny's lead all decided perhaps they should leave as they all had work the next morning.
Raj agreed to take Stewart home, and they all stood to bid Leonard and Sheldon goodnight.
Slightly confused by this sudden decision, but not too distressed as it meant he had won wii bowling, Sheldon moved towards the door. None to subtly Penny pulled Leonard towards her apartment, shouting "I'll call you tomorrow Ames" as she shut the door.
Suddenly finding themselves alone, Sheldon and Amy stood looking at each other.
"Thank you for a lovely evening Sheldon" said Amy, blushing slightly.
"Your welcome Amy, perhaps before we play wii bowling again I should give you some lessons."
Amy smiled "Yes, that may help!"
"Well... err..." stuttering Sheldon suddenly felt very self conscious, "ummm yes...wel ... goodnight Amy."
And very quickly, before loosing his courage, Sheldon leant forward and pressed his lips to hers.
Lifting his head, unsure if he had done the right thing by lunging at her, Sheldon saw Amy stood with her eyes shut, as if frozen.
Feeling a little braver, Sheldon leant back down again and gently pressed his lips to Amy's again, this time holding a little longer, and moving his hand to the side of her face stroking gently.
As he lifted his head and lowered his arm Amy opened her eyes and said "hooo", blushing scarlet, she put her head down and mumbled "goodnight Sheldon."
Outside the door Amy put her hand on her cheek, where Sheldon's had rested a second before.
"Oh boy" she muttered.
The other side of the door, Sheldon had returned to his spot. Picking up his drink Sheldon sat smiling to himself. Pulling his phone out of his trouser pocket Sheldon typed.
"Thank you for a lovely evening Amy, I hope you had as much fun as I did."