A/N Thank you again for all the lovely reviews. I try to reply when I can but if I haven't I apologise. To the guest reviews thank you also. I wholeheartedly agree with the 'I love you' and 'nose stroking' comments, but as I wrote I couldn't think of how to do it better.

Moving forward I think I will change the rating of this to M just in case Sheldon gets lucky;-)

Sheldon knew he would need to focus at work the next day. Gablehauser had called a meeting for 10 am and wanted a summary of the 3 lectures Sheldon had been booked to give. Normally Sheldon would have felt indignant that someone felt the need to check on him, but today he decided to use it to test his presentation skills. He did not view Gablehauser as an equal; therefore did not put much stock in his opinion. However, if he could impress him purely on his presentation skills than maybe he would actually be able to do this.

Sheldon sent an email to Gablehauser saying he would like to make his presentation formal and therefore had booked a conference room and would meet him there at 10.15. Arriving early Sheldon set up his notes and his laptop. To prepare he flicked through his sideshow presentation and completed a few of the breathing exercises Penny had taught him.

He glanced down at Penny's introduction and replayed her words of correction though in his head.

Hearing Gablehauser enter Sheldon opened his eyes.

"Good morning Dr Gablehauser. Please, take a seat."

Sheldon launched into his lecture. He had decided to run through the whole of the first lecture and offer notes for lectures two and three. Completely focused on his topic Sheldon did not notice Gablehauser's expression change from mild amusement at Sheldon formal beginning, to open mouthed amazement at the smooth sharp presentation. As Sheldon drew to a close Gablehauser put down the pen he had used to make a few notes and clapped. The sound seemed to shake Sheldon out of his trance and focus on the man in front of him.

"Sheldon I can honestly say I am very very impressed and think that if lectures 2 and 3 are as concise and professional as that, you will become very much in demand on the lecture circuit.

Sheldon blanched. "No! I do not want that! I am a physicist. I am doing this to restore some balance to my reputation. I do NOT want to make it a regular thing!"

Gablehauser looked at Sheldon assessingly. "Very well Dr Cooper. Lets see how you get on at Harvard. If you still feel the same on your return we will say no more about it. However I feel compelled to note that you are depriving the scientific world of your knowledge if you make these your only lectures."

"I will share my knowledge through my discoveries and my papers. Maybe if I can really do as you suggest and get people to notice me then my papers will reach higher ears and eyes too."

Nodding, Gablehauser could see Sheldon's logic and decided to let him run with this as he saw fit. He was still a little concerned about sending him, but today's performance had certainly been a pleasant surprise.

"Thank you for you time Dr Cooper. And good luck at Harvard."

As Gablehauser left Sheldon collapsed back into his chair. Running his hand down his face he let out a relieved breath. He had done it! Now he could run through it in theatre conditions at the weekend and then return to concentrating on his real work!

73~73

Amy had not had quite as productive a day as Sheldon. Her lab test monkeys seemed to be conspiring against her today. Her assistant had phoned in sick and now she stood staring down at her soaking wet shoes and lab coat and cursed her lapse in attention. One monkey had thrown water at her as she entered the room and caused her to slip on the wet floor. Amy was now wet through and late. She had intended to leave early to go to the market to get supplies for dinner. Now she would have to go home and change first.

Pulling out her phone she sent Sheldon a quick text.

"Really sorry having a bad day. Can we make dinner at 7.30 tonight not 6 please. Will explain later A x"

Ensuring the lab and all cages were properly secured Amy returned to her office to gather her bag and coat. She placed her soiled lab coat in the laundry basket for collection and turning off the lights headed toward her car.

Arriving at her apartment Amy quickly changed her clothes before heading back out of the door. Traffic by now was building up and Amy knew she was going to be really pushed for time. After a quick dash round the store gathering the items she needed she headed home. Looking at the clock she saw it was already 7 o'clock. Dinner was on but would not be ready for another hour. Knowing she had half an hour before Sheldon arrived Amy dashed to her bedroom to find something to wear. Laying out her underwear and then her bright blue skirt and pale blue top Amy went for a shower.

When Sheldon knocked on the door 30 minutes later it was a very harassed Amy who answered. She was wrapped in just a towel and her hair was dripping wet. Sheldon stared at her with wide eyes.

"Is everything OK?" he asked cautiously.

Amy burst into tears and threw her arms around Sheldon neck.

"Oh Sheldon. Its all going wrong. I have had a horrible day. The monkeys have been a nightmare and then they threw water and I fell and had to come change, then the traffic was awful so I was late and now, to finish the day, my water heater seems to have stopped working and I have been subjected to a freezing shower!" Amy burst out as she hiccuped and sniffed and gulped for breathe.

"There, there" Sheldon was shocked and not quite sure how to deal with this Amy. He had never seen her like this before. She was always so in control and composed. Steering her backward into her room he surveyed the chaos.

"It looks like Penny's been here!" he grinned.

Amy sniffed, but was not yet calm enough to see the humour in her situation.

Sensing this Sheldon gathered up the clothes he could see Amy had left out and thrusting them into her arms pushed her towards the bathroom. "Why don't you go get some clothes on and I will sort out this mess and see how dinner is doing."

Amy took the clothes and returned to the bathroom. Catching a glimpse of her red, tear stained face she groaned. Hardly the impression she had hoped to give. Washing her face and brushing her wet hair Amy dried herself off and got dressed. She could hear Sheldon in her bedroom still tidying the clothes she had left scattered around in her haste. Amy turned to apply some make-up to cover her blotchy face and then set about drying her hair. By the time she came out of her bathroom her bedroom had been returned to its normal spotless state and Sheldon was placing dinner on the table.

"Oh Sheldon I am so sorry. I had wanted to make this evening so perfect and now you have had to do all this!"

"Amy all I have done is fill your laundry basket and put the food you had prepared onto plates. Come sit down and I will get you a glass of wine. You look like you need it!"

Amy took a long drink from the wine Sheldon handed her. She noticed he had poured himself a small glass too. As they began to eat Amy felt the tension of the day slowly leave her. She began to tell Sheldon how her day had quickly spiralled out of control, and by the end of her story even she could laugh as she described her appearance when she saw herself in the lab. By the time they had both finished eating Sheldon could see Amy was back to her normal self. They cleared the table together and stood side by side washing the dishes.

"Thank you Sheldon." Amy said as they finished the task and the last plate had been put away. "If you hadn't been here tonight I am not sure what I would have done. Probably curled up in a ball and cried myself to sleep!"

"Well I am glad I could stop that happening." Sheldon said sincerely. "I will admit I have not seen you like that before. I have seen you angry, usually at me! But never that upset. I didn't like it!"

"I think I just wanted tonight to be perfect and then things seemed to conspire against me!"

"Amy I would have been happy with pizza and Star Trek you know that! Dinner however was delicious and next time I will cook for you. I got Meemaw to send me some of her recipes so you should be in for a treat."

Amy lay her head on Sheldon's shoulder. Closing her eyes she said "Why don't you choose something for us to watch."

"Amy if you are tired I can leave. I know you have had a bad day, I really don't mind."

"No Sheldon stay, please. I like having you here and I really don't want you to go."

Nodding Sheldon picked up the TV remote and began flicking through the channels. He found the movie channel which was showing Star Wars. He had missed the first 45 minutes but it was better than nothing.

Shifting slightly Sheldon moved is arm so it was around Amy's shoulders. She was half asleep already and sighed contentedly and snuggled closer.

Amy slept through the whole of the film. As the titles rolled on TV screen Sheldon looked down at her and tried to figure the best way to move her. She had slipped slightly so her head was now on his chest. Looking at his watch Sheldon saw it was 11 o'clock. He really should wake her so she could go to bed. She looked so peaceful though. But if he left her to sleep here, even covered, she would not get a full REM cycle and Sheldon knew after the day she had described a good nights sleep was imperative.

Trying to shift out from under her Sheldon wondered if he would be able to carry her. He had seen men do it all the time on television but had never tried himself and wasn't sure he had the upper body strength. As he finally freed himself Amy awoke.

"Sheldon! What time is it? I cannot believe I have slept all night."

"Amy it is late and you have had a really bad day. I think you need to stop worrying and get a good nights sleep. Come on." Holding out his hand Sheldon pulled Amy to her feet.

"Let me at least drive you home."

"No I have arranged for Leonard to come get me. I am going to see you Saturday at the rehearsal. You will come wont you?"

"Of course I will. I really am sorry about tonight Sheldon."

"How about on Saturday after the rehearsal you come to have dinner at mine. I will cook. I will ensure Leonard takes Penny out too, then we will have the place to ourselves and maybe we can plan some day trips for Boston."

"That would be lovely. Penny said you have made great progress with your lectures. Are you nervous still?"

"I showed Gablehauser lecture one today. He seemed genuinely impressed!" Sheldon still sounded surprised at this himself. "I think I will do lecture two for you on Saturday and if OK I will book the space once more for just before we go so I can run through lecture three. I will be honest, I have found Pennys help to be invaluable. She has been very professional! and her teaching method has given me lots to focus on and thus diminished my nerves."

"Sheldon I am so excited to see you perform. And as for our trip... I don't think next week can go soon enough!"

Smiling at Amy's obvious excitement Sheldon walked to the door. "Come kiss me goodnight and go to bed. I will Skype you tomorrow after vintage video night."

Amy stood on tiptoes, she had kicked her shoes of earlier, and put her arms around Sheldon's neck. He leant down and kissed her gently.

"Goodnight Amy Farrah Fowler, sweet dreams."

Smiling Amy replied "Goodnight Sheldon."

73~73

Vintage video night was a wash out as far as Sheldon was concerned. Leonard had dropped Sheldon home after work and gone to get Chinese food and pick up Raj. Once at Raj's they received a call from Howard to say he was unable to make it as Mrs Wolowitz was ill. Bernadette was refusing to look after her alone so he would have to stay with her. Then Lucy had called to ask Raj to go to dinner. Raj, still nervous about upsetting her, agreed which left Leonard and enough Chinese food for 4 and only him and Sheldon to eat it.

Sheldon was not happy. Leonard suggested inviting Penny over as she could both play games well and would appreciate the free food. When she arrived she suggested inviting Amy too . So now Sheldon found himself logged onto his laptop waiting for Amy to accept his Skype call. When her face appeared on screen she looked ready for bed.

"Amy is everything OK? Why are you in your night clothes at 7 pm?"

"Hi Sheldon. I was just settling down to watch some TV and thought I would get comfy."

"Oh" Sheldon could not hide the disappointment in his voice. "I was calling to ask if you wanted to come here. Raj and Howard cant make it and Penny is here along with lots of Chinese food."

Leaning over Sheldon Penny waved "Hey Ames, come on, put a coat on over your pj's and come have a slumber party! Your can stay at mine tonight if you like. I will send Leonard to get you now."

Leonard snorted. He appeared to be the local taxi tonight. But getting on his jacket he was out the door before Amy could think of an excuse.

"Come on Ames, we can have another girls vs boys night! Just bring some clothes for tomorrow."

Grinning now, Amy agreed.

73~73

Sheldon felt he had been railroaded into the change of plans, but was more than happy to see Amy. It was a little disconcerting having her sat on his sofa in her night wear, but not exactly unpleasant. She had dropped an overnight bag at Pennys on the way over, and now the girls were busy discussing the clothes they would be taking to Harvard and Boston. Deciding another shopping trip was in order they quickly contacted both Bernadette and Lucy and arranged to meet up on Saturday before the rehearsal.

Not much game playing occurred as the girls just weren't interested, and before long Penny was saying she was going to bed. Sheldon looked at Amy sadly. He had spent another night in her company and yet he felt he hadn't really spent any time with her. Seeing Sheldon's sad expression Penny grinned.

"How about Amy stays in Leonard's room tonight and Leonard has a sleep over at mine?"

Leonard grinned "sounds good to me!"

Sheldon and Amy just sat staring at Penny open mouthed. "Penny I hardly think that it is appropriate for you to invite women to stay in your boyfriends room, whether he is there or not!"

"Oh I don't mind" grinned Leonard dashing to the door. "The sheets are clean Amy!"

Amy sat stunned. "Sheldon, I am not sure about this"

"I am sorry Amy, it is now my turn to apologise. If you want to go home I totally understand."

"Sheldon I don't blame you. I think Penny planned this! I think she thinks if pushed we will end up in bed together."

"Penny seems to be judging us by her standards! How about I go check Leonard's room for unsavoury items like dirty underwear and check the sheets really are clean. Then, if you don't object, you can stay here in his room and I will take up the issue with Penny tomorrow!"

Nodding Amy agreed.

Sheldon returned a couple of minutes later to say the room was indeed clean and tidy.

"As you are already dressed for bed how about we have a mug of cocoa and chat."

"That would be lovely Sheldon "Amy grinned.

Soon the pair were snuggled on the sofa. Amy had persuaded Sheldon to put his Friday pyjamas on so she wouldn't feel so self conscious, and now they sat on the sofa wrapped in a blanket Sheldon had retrieved form his room.

"I feel like a teenager!" Grinned Amy.

"I never did things like this as a teenager." admitted Sheldon.

"Well no neither did I. We are just making up for lost time!"

Feeling brave Amy leant over and kissed Sheldon. "Lets make out like teenagers" she grinned, lifting her head and looking for his approval. Soon the pair were snuggled down, drinks abandoned, covered in a blanket and kissing passionately.

Sheldon let his hands stroke Amy's back, realising the material of her night clothes were a lot thinner than the many layers she usually wore. He had on his under-shirt and pyjamas as well as a dressing gown so was much more covered. As he let his hands trial round to Amy's chest she shivered at the feel of his fingers and gripped tighter to his shoulders.

His hand held and teased her breasts, stroking her nipples and feeling them harden under his caress. He stayed playing with her nipples for a while then let one hand slide down her stomach. Amy lifted her head gasping and looked down but Sheldon's hands were hidden by the blanket so she could not watch. Closing her eyes she buried her head in his neck and kissed his throat.

Sheldon groaned. He realised his pyjamas did not contain his erection in quite the same way his pants did and was relieved the blanket kept his arousal hidden. Feeling Amy's kisses on his neck and her breathing caressing him was making him even more aroused. Trailing his hand lower, braver now that his actions were hidden, Sheldon let his fingers caress the top of Amy's thigh.

"Hoo" Amy squirmed. She shifted a little and Sheldon's fingers brushed between her legs, "HOO" this time louder Amy lifted her head from his neck and kissed Sheldon's lips. Stroking his tongue with her own.

Her fingers, that had until now been on his neck and chest, drifted down and grazed his erection.

"Amy stop!" Sheldon grabbed her hand. "If you do that I'll …"

Amy pulled back. "I think maybe we should stop. I … I ..."

"I know Amy" panting slightly, and shifting in his seat, Sheldon looked uncomfortable.

"I think we need to ban blankets from our make out sessions!"

Amy grinned. "oh I don't know, it was fun!"

"Yes it was! It made me do things I would not normally do that's for sure! Amy I think we should go to bed now. It is going to be a long day tomorrow and I already think it may take me a while to get to sleep tonight!"

Grinning Amy agreed. "Goodnight Sheldon sweet dreams.!"