The day flew past. Sheldon could not believe it was time for his first lecture. He had enjoyed walking round the university with Amy. The weather was freezing and Sheldon had purchased Amy a hat with the Harvard H on it too keep her warm. They had met the others for lunch before returning to their rooms to get changed.
Now Sheldon stood in his room, re tying his tie for the 5th time. The knot would not sit right and the more he tried the more frustrated he became. Knocking on Amy's door he called. "Amy could you come help me?"
Amy answered the connecting door and grinned when she saw Sheldon with his hair all messed and his tie crooked.
"Come here" she grinned, and standing on her tip toes she reached up and tied the tie perfectly first time. Not letting go of the tie though she lent forward and kissed Sheldon gently on the lips.
"Looking good Dr Cooper!" she grinned.
Sheldon relaxed a little at her words. "You look delightful Amy" he smiled shyly as he looked down at her. She was wearing another new outfit. This one a smart dress in a bluey green shade that made her eyes sparkle. It took a second for Sheldon to realise she wasn't wearing her glasses.
"You haven't got your glasses on" he remarked, looking at her curiously.
"No. I have contacts in. I don't wear them often but I thought tonight was a special occasion and warranted them!"
Sheldon moved back to his room to finish getting dressed but left the connecting door open between them. Looking in the mirror again he began straightening his hair. He was glad Amy was here as, even though she was a big distraction, it was a good distraction. His mind was now seemingly always half focused on her eyes or her dress and therefore not going into full melt down at the thought of the lecture he was about to give.
Amy had finished getting ready, completing her outfit with low heeled navy court shoes and a shoulder bag. She moved back to Sheldon's room and watched him go through his notes, checking they were in the right order and all present.
"What time did you arrange to meet Penny?" Amy asked.
"7 o'clock" said Sheldon glancing at his watch.
"We still have plenty of time" Amy noted, "Lets play counter-factuals to waste some time."
Nodding, Sheldon placed his notes carefully back in his bag and moved to sit next to Amy on the small sofa in the corner of the room.
"Sheldon before we start, have you eaten anything? I know we are having a meal later but lunch was hours ago."
"Amy I don't think I could eat. My stomach is churning as it is."
"Stay there." Amy jumped up and ran through the connecting door only to return a minute later with arms full of snacks. "I thought of this yesterday, I have crackers and little packets of cheese. I have red vines and also some mini wine bottles. I figured the crackers should ease any nausea and the rest should line your stomach. The wine will take the edge off your nerves!"
"Thank you Amy" Sheldon moved to take the packets from her. As he lay them out on the table Amy moved to get a couple of glasses. They sat down on the sofa and began opening the snacks. The time past quickly with food being eaten and Amy beating Sheldon soundly at counter-factuals.
"You have me at a disadvantage" Sheldon sulked. "I am not able to give the game my full attention when I know I have this lecture to deliver."
Grinning Amy lent over and planted a quick kiss on Sheldon's lips. "I have to take my victories when I find them." she teased standing to put their rubbish in the bin. As she passed him, Sheldon grabbed her round the waist and pulled her onto his lap. "You are a vixen Amy Farrah Fowler! The next round will be your downfall"
"We will see." she challenged laughing. Grinning she went to stand up but holding her tightly round the waist Sheldon moved his head forward and kissed her. Sensing Amy was not going to pull away Sheldon moved one hand from Amy's waist up to her head. Stroking her long hair gently he groaned and buried his head in her neck.
"Why don't we just stay here and do this!" he pleaded.
Amy grinned "As lovely as that sounds I can guarantee Penny will be hammering on that door if you are not in that theatre on time!" This time Amy did pull away and checked her hair in the mirror to ensure it is not messed up from Sheldon's stroking she picks up her bag.
Sheldon was reluctant but followed non the less. He grabbed his bag and locked his door. Waiting for him Amy held out her hand and together they walked to the theatre.
73~73
Penny was already waiting for them when they arrived. She gives Amy her belongings and almost ushers her away. Dragging Sheldon with her Penny introduces him to the tech crew and explains they have 10 minutes to test lighting so pushing Sheldon on stage they go straight to work.
Looking out at the vast space in front of him Sheldon can feel the sweat building on his brow. Penny is calling out directions to him but he can feel himself loosing focus. Walking on stage Penny grabs his shoulders.
"Look down there Sheldon. You can see Amy. Soon Leonard, Raj, Howard, Bernadette and Lucy will be there too." Lifting her hand the house lights go off and Sheldon is lit. He can still see Amy, just.
"Now say your first line" Penny commands.
Moving to the podium Sheldon looks down at his notes and says "Good evening. I am Dr Sheldon Cooper"
Nodding at the tech crew Penny moves back to stand next to Sheldon.
"OK listen, I can either stay here at the side of the stage or sit down there. What would you prefer?"
"I think down there, next to Amy. That way I can still see you. It will be like when we practised at home."
"It is going to be just like that Sheldon. You can do this!"
Sheldon had his back to the auditorium so hadn't seen people begin to spill in. Guiding him gently to the side of the stage Penny kept his focus on his talk. As they began the deep breathing Penny saw their friends fill the front row. She also saw the familiar faces of Leslie Winkle, Barry Kripke and Dr Gablehauser, all sat about 5 rows back. There appeared to be a large contingent from Caltech here and Penny knew if Sheldon saw them before he went on he would freeze. Penny signalled to the tech crew that lights needed to go down before Sheldon went on stage. If she could just get him on without seeing them he would be fine.
"OK here is what we are going to do. I will wait here right by your side until you go on; then I will go join the others. You need to focus on the science Sheldon and we will see you afterwards. I asked around and found out there is a really nice Chinese restaurant just off campass what say after this is over we all go out."
"Can we get takeaway?" Sheldon asking in a small voice.
"Of course we can sweetie. It'll be like home!"
As she saw the lights go down she turned Sheldon round gently. "OK Sheldon. Go talk science."
Sheldon took a big breath. He walked carefully towards the podium and looking up saw his friends sat smiling at him.
"Good evening. My name is Dr Sheldon Cooper..."
73~73
An hour later Sheldon found himself surrounded. Amy was firmly attached to his side an arm wrapped round his waist and Penny was bouncing up and down next to them.
"Dr Cooper," Sheldon turned and saw Gablehauser smiling at him. "although I have seen this lecture before I just wanted to come congratulate you. I speak on behalf of the Board of Caltech to say we are honoured you are here representing us."
Sheldon nodded. He was unaware of the other representatives from Caltech who had seen the lecture. Leslie and Barry on seeing Sheldon's polished performance had left immediately and the other board members decided they would let Gablehauser represent them.
Relieved it was over Sheldon smiled and nodded at the people who came to talk to him but made sure he kept one arm around Amy and the other hand holding a glass of water, thus meaning he did not need to shake hands but could just nod and smile.
Looking pleadingly at Amy she grinned "1 down 2 to go!"
"Can we go, please. I can't do this any more. I just want to go home, failing that back to our room."
nodding Amy signalled to the others they were leaving.
Back in their rooms Amy and Sheldon opened the connecting doors and moved the chairs into one room so everyone would have somewhere to sit. Penny and Leonard had gone to pick up food and the others had gone to change. Sheldon now sat on his bed staring at his Saturday pyjamas wishing he could put them on. Amy returned wearing a black skater skirt Sheldon had not seen before and a green blouse. Sighing he stood to change.
"Are you OK Sheldon, you seem very quiet? Id have thought you would have been pleased the evening had gone so well."
"I am please Amy. I am just tired. I wish I could do some laundry put on my Saturday pyjamas sit in my spot and have a little time to regroup."
Nodding understandingly Amy said "We will keep it short tonight. The others will understand."
As she spoke they heard knocking and Amy went to answer the door to their friends whilst Sheldon went to change.
Amy grinned when he returned. He was wearing his blue and white plaid pants, green and red stripy socks, a yellow thermal and his green lantern t shirt. He couldn't have had more colours on if he tried!
Soon the group were sat eating and laughing and arguing over what to watch on TV. Sheldon claimed he should be allowed to choose as it was all about him this weekend plus it was his room. The others pointed put they were his guests so it should be their choice. In the end they spent so long arguing nothing was decided and they began tidying up and moving back to their own rooms.
Sheldon sat on his bed once they had left. Amy was in her room next door but the connecting door was still open.
"Sheldon are you OK?2 Amy asked again looking at him sat not moving.
"Amy I am just a little overwhelmed and over tired too I guess. I should just go to bed."
Moving Sheldon picked up his pyjamas and moved to the bathroom.
When he came out he heard the familiar strains of the star trek theme tune coming from Amy's room, popping his head round the door he saw Amy sat on her bed grinning.
"I brought along the DVD box set you gave me! I thought you might like to watch for a while."
Grinning Sheldon went and sat on Amy's bed. "I hadn't thought to bring any with me. Its a fantastic idea Amy thank you!"
Soon Sheldon was relaxed, watching the programme he had watched hundreds of times before. Amy wasn't watching really she just lay her head on Sheldon's shoulder and was glad she could be here with him like this. Before long Amy had fallen asleep. Her head was on Sheldon's chest and her arm around his waist.
Sheldon didnt even notice Amy wrapped around him or her being asleep until star trek had finished. As he hit the stop button on the remote he glanced down and his eyes widened in shock. 'how long had they been like this?' Amy looked so peaceful. She had removed her contact lenses when they had returned to the room earlier and now her familiar glasses were back in place. Gently Sheldon removed them so she did not hurt herself while sleeping. Carefully he tried to move her arm without waking her, so he could slip out from under her and back to his room.
As he looked down at Amy Sheldon realised he really wanted to sleep here, he knew he couldn't though. Standing beside the bed he bent and kissed Amy gently on the head and placed the covers over her. Returning to his own room Sheldon decided to leave the connecting door open. He wanted to know Amy was close.
73~73
When she awoke the next morning Amy was surprised to discover she still had her clothes on from the previous evening. Replaying the events of the night before through in her head she realised she must have fallen asleep on Sheldon. She saw her glasses neatly folded on the bedside table beside her and a glass of water also. As she sat up she saw the connecting door was open. Leaning sideways she could see Sheldon was still asleep. Looking at the clock Amy saw it was 7 am. Quietly, so as not to wake Sheldon, Amy moved to the bathroom and showered. Putting on fresh underwear she came back into her room and froze. In front of her stood Sheldon. Amy was stood in front of him in nothing but a pale pink bra and panties!
"I... err.. I" Sheldon stammered. Blushing bright red.
Amy stared at Sheldon then looked round desperately for something to cover herself with. Seeing her cardigan on the chair she grabbed it and wrapped it round herself.
"Sorry I didn't know you were up" she stammered.
"No, no its my fault I shouldn't have just come in to your room"
Turning quickly Sheldon fled, this time shutting the door behind him.
When she was fully dressed Amy sat on her newly made bed. Sheldon had seen her in her underwear! Logically she knew she was fully covered. Logically she knew if they went swimming she would not have been wearing much more. But for him to suddenly be stood in front of her like that!
Amy could still feel the heat in her cheeks from her embarrassment. Looking at her watch she saw it was 7.45 and they should really be going to breakfast with the others. Would Sheldon want to avoid her now?
On the other side of the door Sheldon was stood under a cold shower muttering to himself. Why had he just walked into Amy's room like that? Reciting the periodic table in his head and trying to forget the image of Amy stood in front of him in just the smallest of coverings Sheldon groaned.
'damn his eidetic memory'
73~73
Sheldon and Amy were very cautious with each other when they met in the hall way at 8. They did not hold hands; but just made polite conversation about the weather. On joining their friends they moved apart and sat at opposite ends of the table. Penny saw this and raised her eyebrow asking Amy "You two had a row?"
"No" Amy blushed.
Penny grinned "You two had some sexy time!?"
"NO!" Amy said louder this time causing the others to look at her and her cheeks to go even redder.
Standing she moved to get some fruit and a coffee. Penny quickly followed her.
"I'm sorry Ames I didn't meant to embarrass you. You and Sheldon though, what gives?"
Amy turned to her friend and whispering answered "He walked in to my room this morning as I was coming out of the bathroom. I was only wearing my underwear."
Penny grinned "Which ones?"
Shaking her head Amy answered "the pink ones!"
Laughing Penny said "well at least he saw you in the best ones!"
Amy hid her face in her hands. "Penny I was so embarrassed!"
"I bet Sheldon was too!" Penny grinned "no wonder he cant stop looking over!"
"What!" turning Amy saw Sheldon quickly turn away. "has he really been watching?"
Penny laughed "Yes. It is so cute. Come on lets go eat and then we will all go out together."
Amy was pleased to hear they would be spending some time as a group. Hopefully this would ease the tension a little between her and Sheldon. By 9 o'clock the group of 8 were all wrapped up against the elements and on there way into town. Penny had got some information from the university and had arranged taxis to take them. Now they strolled around the town until they found a little coffee shop open. Drinking coffee and eating cakes made a pleasant change from their normal routines. The girls began to get to know Lucy better and found she was really sweet and funny once she opened up. Raj was clearly smitten and it was lovely to see him so relaxed in her company.
Sheldon stayed away from Amy. He sat with Leonard in the car, and in the coffee shop wedged himself between Penny and Leonard. He didn't want to have to take the only other space next to Amy.
Turning to him Penny said quietly in his ear "If you keep acting like such an ass Amy will think you find her unattractive! We both know that is not the case so get over yourself and go sit with her"
Sheldon shook his head.
"Sheldon we both know you want too. Thin k about it. You have seen Amy in next to nothing now. With your brains and eidetic memory you should have no problems. You are almost at 3rd base!"
With a squeak Sheldon shot up and sat next to Amy.
She looked at him frowning."What's wrong." then looking up and seeing Pennys grin "What did Penny say?"
"She said now I had seen you nearly naked we were almost at third base!"
"Oh god!" Amy burred her face in her hands.
"Amy I am not ready for that" Sheldon whispered.
"Nor am I don't worry. Penny is just has fun teasing us I think. Believe me Sheldon I am as embarrassed as you about this morning. More so probably! Can we just forget it."
"I cant Amy! My eidetic memory wouldn't allow me too even if I wanted too!"
"What do you mean even if you wanted too?"
Sheldon realised what he had said "I … err.. Oh dear lord. Amy I am not going to deny I was shocked. It took me by surprise when you appeared. But I am also not going to deny I liked how you looked."
Sheldon was whispering so the others wouldn't hear and also staring at his knees he was so embarrassed. "Amy I needed a cold shower after I returned to my room. And if we keep talking about it I will need another!"
This time Amy grinned. "Thank you Sheldon that's the nicest thing you have ever said to me." and leaning over she kissed his cheek.
Sheldon was confused as to why Amy would say that, but just wanted to change the subject. Looking at his watch he glanced at Penny.
"Penny we need to go "
73~73
Today's lectures were in the afternoon. Sheldon had arranged for his to be first as this would give him time to then join Amy at the Q&A for Yaşargil after. They had arranged dinner for 7 at a local restaurant and Sheldon knew Amy may want to freshen up before then.
His second lecture was the one he had practised in the theatre conditions in Pasadena. He had his notes waiting in the room and so having changed into a pale blue shirt, navy suit pants and a blue and red stripy tie Sheldon was ready. Amy had said she would see him there, so now he found himself walking to the theatre with Penny.
"Did you and Amy sort yourselves out?" she grinned.
"Penny, really, now is not the time. But for your information Amy agrees with me. We are not ready for 3rd base so kindly keep your opinions to yourself"
Chuckling Penny followed Sheldon into the theatre and helped him set up.
Watching him she was amazed at the difference in her friend. When they had first met Sheldon couldn't look her in the eye he was so shy. Gradually with the help of his friends and now Amy too, he had the confidence to stand up and deliver these lectures and do so with such command even Penny was in awe.
Last night she had not understood much of what Sheldon was talking about but she could tell those around her, those other beautiful minds, all looked at her friend and neighbour and were impressed.
Now if only he could transfer this new confidence into his love life with Amy he would be made for life!