A/N Thank you to the guest who pointed out my stupid spelling of Hawking! That will teach me for not checking.
A very very big Thank You to everyone who has taken time to review.
Sheldon stayed up late Friday night after everyone had left. First he looked up Cambridge and realised Leonard had been wrong. Amy would not be near Hawking. He shouldn't have gotten his hopes up! Then he looked up UCL. It appeared to have a good reputation and the person Amy would be working with was well respected. He couldn't look up much about location of accommodation as Amy had failed to get back to him on this; but he did make a list of places she should avoid and possible places she might find of interest.
He wondered if Amy had given any thought into what she would do with her apartment. 6 months was quite a long time to leave it empty but she would need somewhere to come back too. Sheldon added it to his list of things to mention to Amy when he next saw her. Saving his list Sheldon began to get ready for bed. Maybe he would see if Amy wanted to come over tomorrow and he would help her prepare.
As Sheldon lay in bed though his feeling changed. In 3 weeks she would be gone. These past couple of nights had brought them closer together and to think he couldn't pick up the phone to ask her round was going to be strange. Curling into a ball Sheldon hugged his knees to his chest. He was really going to miss her.
73~73
Saturday morning Amy woke early and began to read through the papers she had brought home from work. Looking at them properly she realised she would not need to take much with her other than clothes. The accommodation would be fully furnished and the location was in a building owned by the university. Doing a quick search online told Amy that April in London did not guarantee good weather so one of her first priorities was making sure she had enough warm clothing. She also realised the information she had been sent included the telephone number of Professor Greensmith. Checking the time difference Amy grinned and rang her new boss.
"Hello is that Professor Greensmith?"
"Good afternoon, yes it is, to whom am I speaking?"
"Hi! I am Amy Farrah Fowler and I will be coming to join your team in a few weeks."
"Excellent. I am assuming that the fact you have my number means you also have all the other details we sent you and everything is satisfactory?"
"Yes, thank you. I just wanted to hear your voice as to be honest this seems a little unreal."
"Well Dr Fowler I can assure you we are very real and have plenty of research here waiting for you. I hope you are well rested when you arrive as we are currently working round the clock. We would also very much appreciate any current research you are doing is complete so that this is not a distraction when you are here. I know this may sound unreasonable but I cannot stress enough how involved our current project is."
Stunned Amy nodded, then realising the woman on the other end of the line couldn't see her said "Of course that is not a problem. Thank you for the opportunity to do this Professor Greensmith."
"I will see you in 3 weeks Dr Fowler."
The line went dead. Staring at the phone in her hand Amy was stunned. The implications of getting her current research finished before London seemed almost impossible. Sighing Amy realised the next 3 weeks were going to be very busy indeed.
The rest of the day Amy spent over her laptop. London almost became incidental to the research she was now determined to complete. She had abandoned it once and she didn't want to do so again. She turned off her phone and put on some music in the background and set to work. It was nearly 6 pm before Amy stretched and looked at the clock. Standing she moved to get herself a glass of water. She had made real headway today, maybe she could do this after all. She reached to turn her phone back on and moved to sit on the sofa. Her phone beeped showing she had 3 missed calls, all from Sheldon. Grinning Amy called him back.
"Amy is everything OK? I have tried to reach you several times."
"I am sorry Sheldon I turned my phones off, I have been working. I hadn't realised how long it would take."
"Do you want to come round later, I know it is laundry night but I believe Penny is coming round and Leonard suggested we watch a film together."
"I am sorry Sheldon I cant. I spoke to Professor Greensmith today. She requires all my current research to be completed by the time I arrive in London. I need to do this as I don't want to just abandon it again. I have so much to do still."
"Oh OK" Sheldon was quiet, "maybe I can see you tomorrow?"
"I will call you. Promise."
Hanging up Amy moved to the kitchen and made herself a sandwich then returning to her table carried on with her work. It was gone midnight before she called it a night and went to bed.
She was up again at 6 the next morning and having briefly gone into work to pick up some data she had left in her desk Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday.
Her phone beeped at 6 that evening.
"Are you still working? Sx"
"Yes sorry Sheldon. Ax"
73~73
Penny had stayed over with Leonard Saturday night and watched a film and eaten pizza with them. Sheldon had told her Amy was busy so Penny hadn't called her. On Sunday the boys had gone paint balling and Penny worked. When she came back Sunday night she called in to say 'hi' and was surprised to see Sheldon sat in his spot watching star trek.
"Hey sweetie you OK?"
"Yes thank you Penny."
"No Amy?"
"No she was busy again." Sheldon said quietly.
"Oh sweetie she probably has lots to prepare before she goes to England" Sheldon nodded. "Why don't you ask her if you can help her?"
"Because she is working, finishing her research. I can t do that for her. Penny she goes in three weeks and I just feel I am hardly going to see her. I do understand. I know why she cant leave her research but Penny we don't have long left."
Penny was surprised to see Sheldon so emotional. Moving to sit next to him she gave him a hug. He stiffened but didn't pull away.
"Sheldon, Amy will be back before you know it."
Shrugging Penny off Sheldon stood up and moved to put the kettle on. He made them both tea. Returning to the sofa he sat back down.
"I'm going to miss her Penny."
"I know sweetie, I know."
73~73
Sheldon didn't see Amy over the next week. She sent him a few texts but for the most part she was so busy she barely remembered to eat. Even Penny was beginning to worry. Friday came around again and the boys had settled in for vintage video game night. Penny was working til 8 but on finishing didn't go home. She gathered up a bag of take out food and went straight to Amy's. Knocking on her door she was surprise Amy answered as quickly as she did.
"Hey Ames! I brought you some food! Sheldon says you have been snowed under so I thought you could have a little break to eat and catch me up on all your London plans."
"Hey bestie, that's so sweet. I have only just got in actually. I finished my research project today! I am so happy. I guess this trip to London was really the push I needed. Now all I have to do is get myself organised to go!"
"Have you spoken to Sheldon today, he will be happy you have finished your paper. He has missed you."
"Not today, I will call him this weekend. Penny will you come shopping with me tomorrow. I need clothes! Evidently it rains a lot in England and its cold."
Grinning Penny nodded. "shopping I can do!"
As Amy ate Penny sat chatting catching Amy up on the things she had missed.
"Amy, Sheldon is taking this quite hard you know. I was round there last weekend and he just seemed so sad."
"I will call him tomorrow Penny I promise."
73~73
Amy staggered home at about 3 o'clock the next day laden down with bags of clothes Penny insisted she needed. Amy wasn't convinced but she had had fun. Dumping them on the floor of her bedroom Amy dug out her phone and sent Sheldon a text.
"Hi Sheldon, I know it is laundry night but I wondered if you wanted to come round for spaghetti and hot dogs later?"
Leaving her phone on her bed Amy went to shower. When she came out there was no reply from Sheldon so she dried her hair and lay down on her bed.
She was woken by banging. Sitting upright it took her a minute to realise the banging was someone knocking on her door. Well not someone, that knocking could only be Sheldon!
Jumping up Amy ran to the door.
"Amy are you OK, I have been knocking for a while!"
"I'm sorry Sheldon I fell asleep!"
Grinning Sheldon said "so I can see!"
Amy realised she was still wrapped in the towel from her shower and her hair was sticking to her head where she had laid down. Groaning she moved to her bedroom. "Just give me a minute" she shouted as she quickly pulled out some clothes then tried to tame her hair.
When she returned she saw Sheldon had removed his jacket and was pulling paper work out of his bag.
"I'm sorry Sheldon I haven't even started dinner, it shouldn't take long though."
"That's OK, I was earlier than expected, Penny gave me a lift when she found out I was coming here. She told me you had finished your research!"
"Yes, its been a long week!" Amy grinned.
"Have you got everything ready for your trip?"
"No I haven't even started. Well I have bought some clothes, I went shopping today but that is all. I guess I need to focus on that now."
Working together they quickly got dinner ready and when they were seated Sheldon said "Maybe I can help you get ready Amy. You don't have to do it on your own you know."
"Thank you Sheldon. There is so much to sort out I don't really know where to start."
"Have you thought about what you are going to do with your apartment?" Sheldon asked curiously.
"Oh god, no, I hadn't even thought of that. I don't want to loose it though, guess I will have to speak to the landlord."
"Well I will happily check on it for you. It shouldn't be a problem if you keep up the payments. Just leave us with spare keys and I am sure Penny would also be happy to keep an eye on it with me for you."
"Thank you Sheldon. Its a good job I don't need to worry about where to live when I get there, that is all sorted."
Standing Amy went to retrieve the paper work she had been sent. Sheldon looked at the pictures and maps and nodded. "At least you are staying in a nice area. You will be central to work so the need for your own transport has been eliminated.."
Nodding Amy said "it is all happening so fast though, its scary."
"I have made you a list of places you might like to visit and a list of places to avoid!" Amy grinned at this. "also Leonard's information on Cambridge was sadly false, whilst England is small you are unlikely to be rubbing shoulders with Stephen Hawking whilst there."
Laughing Amy said "Oh well never mind"
Standing to clear their plates Amy said, "can I get you a drink, I have wine I think. I haven't exactly done much shopping this week which is why dinner was only spaghetti."
"I love spaghetti Amy, and wine would be nice if you have it thank you."
Sitting together on the sofa Amy sighed. "This is what I will miss Sheldon, just sitting with you, talking."
Sheldon nodded, "Me too" he said quietly.
They sat in companionable silence for a while before Amy turned and said, "Do you want to stay?"
"I cant Amy I'm sorry. Tomorrow I have to go into work and give some stupid lecture to the board. Evidently the performances in Harvard weren't enough and they want me to repeat all three for the entire board tomorrow. What a waste of a Sunday! I tried arguing but they were having none of it! Maybe I could come round after though, I should be finished by 4."
"OK, how about I pick you up from work and we can go get some food, either takeaway or we can buy something to make here."
Nodding Sheldon agreed. "I don't want to go Amy but I should. I feel like I haven't see you in ages and now I have to go."
"Well pack a bag tomorrow and stay over." Amy grinned,
Sheldon looked at her "Are you sure?"
"Yes, we haven't got long Sheldon so lets not waste it" grinning Sheldon nodded. "OK"
73~73
Amy spent a long time the next day cleaning. She did it mainly to keep busy rather than because it was dirty. She was nervous about Sheldon staying. This was silly because he had stayed before but this was planned and she didn't want it to be awkward. She changed her bed did her washing and then spent far longer than normal deciding what to wear. In the end she sent Penny a text.
"Sheldon is staying tonight. I'm nervous"
Her phone rang.
"Amy why are you nervous he has stayed before! Just make sure you have your sexy undies on and he wont worry about anything else!"
Amy grinned "Thanks bestie."
Dressed in her blue jeans that she had bought for Boston and a cream blouse Amy grabbed her jacket and went to collect Sheldon. When she arrived in the Caltech car park he was already there, sat on the curb looking very dejected.
"I'm sorry am I late?" she asked jumping out of the car.
"No it just finished early" Sheldon muttered.
"What happened?" Amy could see Sheldon wasn't happy.
"They want me to do more Amy. I don't want to lecture, I am a scientist. Now they want me to tour. Damn Penny for making me so good!"
Amy sniggered. "Sheldon you were fine in Boston, I am sure any other lectures will be equally as brilliant."
"That's what Gablehauser said, but Amy I had all of you in Harvard. You are not even going to be in the country"
Sighing Sheldon slumped down in his seat.
Amy drove to the market and parked. "Come on lets go buy some food." Sheldon climbed out.
"Amy can we have spaghetti and hot dogs again?"
"No Sheldon we had that yesterday! Lets go get some chicken and you can teach me how to fry chicken like your Meemaw!"
"OK but can we have chocolate pudding?"
"Yes OK, and if you are good I'll buy some yoohoo too." grinning now Sheldon held Amy's hand and followed.
73~73
Amy had fun cooking with Sheldon, like everything else he did he was very precise and became increasing bossy as he moved around her kitchen. In the end Amy sat and watched as Sheldon prepared the food. She drank wine and asked questions but was happy to watch him.
"Don't think I haven't noticed how you invite me to dinner then make me cook!" he commented once the dinner was prepared and in the oven. Grinning Amy laughed.
"Come on let me get you a drink as a reward for all your hard work!"
Pouring him some yoohoo Amy took his hand and led him to the sofa. Snuggling against him she kissed his cheek.
"Did Meemaw teach you all to cook?"
"No just me. My brother and sister weren't interested; they were happier running around like hooligans outside."
Laughing Amy replied,"Yes I cant see you as a hooligan!"
Sheldon grinned, "No I was happy spending time with Meemaw, cooking or cleaning or just listening to her tell me stories."
"I bet you were cute!"
"Were? You mean I'm not now?" Sheldon grinned.
"Oh no Dr Cooper now you are sexy!" and laughing Amy threw herself on to Sheldon's lap and kissed him.
"Oooff" Sheldon gasped as he caught Amy too him half laughing half shocked. She sat on his lap facing him a knee either side of his legs and leaning forward twined her hands round his neck.
Their kisses whilst playful to begin with soon became more passionate, Sheldon pulling Amy closer. He moved to kiss down her neck and then back up to her mouth. Amy could feel his growing arousal through his pants and shifted so she could rub gently against him.
"mmm Amy, that feels good but we need to stop." Sheldon moaned.
"Why?" Amy asked pulling back confused.
"Because otherwise dinner will burn! Again "Sheldon grinned. "I refuse to tell Meemaw you could not sample her fried chicken because I burnt it because we were making out!"
Laughing Amy stood up. "OK" come on lets go eat.
Dinner was lovely. They told each other stories of growing up, Sheldon telling Amy about how Meemaw always seemed to know when he was being bullied and made him special treats, Amy about how at school she had no real friends but learnt through watching others that those doing the bullying were usually scared or intimidated themselves.
They were soon finished and having devoured his chocolate pudding Sheldon was more than happy to sit on the sofa while Amy washed up "Hey I cooked" he grinned
"Do you want to watch TV?" Amy asked returning to the sofa.
"No I want to finish what we started earlier" Sheldon grinned pulling Amy down onto his lap
Laughing Amy said "you are insatiable Dr cooper!"
"Only for you Dr fowler!"
This time their kissing was light and gentle and teasing. The fact they had the whole night ahead seemed to calm them both.
"Amy I did something today I feel I should tell you."Sheldon said quietly, not looking her in the face.
Worried Amy pulled back. "You were at work all day weren't you?"
"Yes, but before work I went to the shops, I bought condoms."
"Hoo"
Sheldon did look at Amy this time. "Your not mad? You don't think I should have discussed it with you first?"
"Well I am surprised but certainly not upset. Sheldon I love you. I also love making out with you. If we do decide to make love I am jut glad we have protection if we need it."
Nodding Sheldon said "I was scared Amy. I just knew that if I stayed and we got carried away I wanted to be prepared."
"Its OK Sheldon. I'm not mad. I am impressed though, I don't think I'd have been brave enough!"
Sheldon pulled her into a kiss this time not teasing more grateful.
"Amy," again quiet voice "I don't even know if I bought the right ones I just grabbed the first packet I saw, along with a comb a tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush! I am not sure I even know how to put a condom on properly! It was probably a total waste of money!"
Amy grinned, "me either. I hope you got a big box Sheldon we will have to practise!"
This time Sheldon laughed. Maybe it would be OK.
73~73