Penny could not believe the email she had just read. Poor Amy! In fact poor Sheldon!

He was obviously tormenting himself over something he thought he had done and Leonard probably didn't help the situation by teasing him.

"OK Amy, tell me exactly what happened before we went to the zoo."

So Amy, trying hard not to cry, told Penny about her and Sheldon's morning.

" … Then because I was laughing and shouting so hard he stopped tickling me and let me go" Amy finished.

"hmmm... do you think this is what Sheldon thinks you are upset about? His tickling you? It doesn't sound like something he would do really if I'm honest" confessed Penny.

"Well I don't think he meant to tickle me. He didn't know I was ticklish until he tried to show me how to stand and move when bowling. He did stop pretty quick too now I think of it" Amy pondered. "Do you think that's it Penny? Surely he would know that is not groping!"

"Amy this is Sheldon we are talking about. He doesn't do physical contact. I cannot believe he touched you at all to be honest. But you need to talk to him because the boys will tease him and all the amazing steps you two have made will be for nothing if Sheldon thinks they are laughing at him."

"Thank you Penny. I know I am a coward but I think I will reply to this email rather than talk to him face to face. Penny I know I talk about wanting a more intimate relationship with Sheldon and I know on our first date I said I had had 128 sexual experiences, but Penny they were all experiments in a lab not real human encounters."

"Oh Amy. If you feel better talking to him via email than do that. In all honesty he probably prefers that too!"

Nodding Amy hugged her friend and felt a little less stressed. Deciding she would definitely email Sheldon later Amy suggested. "Penny you are definitely the bestest best friend a girl could have. Let me take you out for some lunch to say thank you, and then maybe we can have a little retail therapy!"

"You've got a deal!" smiled Penny pleased to see Amy looking a lot brighter than she had when she had arrived.

To: Sheldon Cooper

From: Amy Farrah Fowler

Good evening Sheldon. I have read your email several times and I will confess to discussing my concerns with Penny. She did not seem to know what you were talking about so I think your concerns regarding Leonard may be unfounded.

Sheldon I will admit I also do not know what you are talking about when you say you groped me.

Our recollections of our day obviously differ. I am not upset with you Sheldon but I am concerned that you feel you have acted inappropriately.

Please can you tell me what you think you did wrong?

I had a lovely day with you and I had thought you had too. I love that you now hold my hand and while it still makes me a little nervous before hand I like kissing you goodnight.

Penny said you may feel upset because Leonard teased you. She said you also were not used to lots of touching. Sheldon I need you to know I am not used to it either and I am happy that we are taking things slowly.

Your girlfriend

Amy

x

Knowing Sheldon may not like her declarations in the email Amy braced herself for his response. She knew that Sheldon did not offer words of affection, and hearing them from her may not be appreciated, but Amy knew she had to make her feelings honest and clear.

Sheldon was relieved to see Amy had replied that evening when he returned home from Caltech. He was also quietly pleased she had responded via email rather than turn up at his door or Skype.

This way his nervous ticks could not be seen as he read how she loved holding his hand.

His shudder when she asked what he thought he had done wrong was also not witnessed. Taking a deep breath Sheldon replied:

To: Amy Farrah Fowler

From: Sheldon Cooper

Good evening Amy. I hope you and Penny have had a pleasant day.

Amy, I too enjoyed our day. My concern does however stem from when we were bowling. I realised you were ticklish when I tried to correct your stance. As I moved my hands to stop the uncomfortable experience for you I realised my hands had, to use a term you have mentioned in the past, reached 2nd base.!

I have to admit your referring to our relationship as slow moving seems a gross exaggeration as in a very short space of time we seem to have moved from boy/friend/girl/friend to a 'couple' who hold hands and offer public displays of affection. We kiss on a now regular basis and it scares me that if you think this is slow. Myother fear is me reaching to touch your breasts will be something you wish me to repeat.

Amy I will be honest with you. It was a mistake! One I do not think I am yet ready to repeat.

Regards Sheldon

Amy smiled when she saw Sheldon's swift response. She was also pleased at how honest he had been. How on earth had she missed him touching her breasts though! It just goes to show how his tickling her really had messed with her mind!

To: Sheldon Cooper

From: Amy Farrah Fowler

Thank you Sheldon for your swift response. I will confess to being relieved by your reply. Also I am amazed that whilst you have tortured yourself over your perceived slight towards me I was totally unaware of said transgression.

Please rest assured I will not be expecting to add moving through the bases any time soon. I would not object to maybe adding a greeting kiss alongside the farewell kiss though if you found that acceptable.

I have today received notice via email that next week I will be expected to go away for a few days to deliver a lecture, and therefore I propose we make a date to maybe have a meal on my return.

Could I suggest we go out to a mutually agreeable restaurant therefore removing any tension that may arise if at one of our apartments.

I will contact you at the end of the week to see if this is acceptable.

Have a good week Sheldon

Amy

x