The Aftermath Realization

by AllHailTheDirtySock

A Shamy fanfiction that deals with the aftermath of the famous SIK. It takes place right where we left of at the end of episode 7x15. Like, literally right after. I am spoiler-free, so I have no idea what will happen in the next episode, so this is just my imagination and Shamy-feels having a rave-party! Enjoy! ;)

12. Chapter 12

*Clears throat*

I honestly don't even know what to say here. This chapter has been on its way for so incredibly long that it actually feels a little weird to post it. And I know I have been keeping you wonderful Shamy-fic reading people waiting for way too long and for that I apologize! If you are still following Shamy down this road I've laid out for them, I can't thank you enough! Your patience and the fact that you are still reading this 12 chapters in is just... Off the hook!
Okay, before we get to the story, I would just like you all to know that every plotline in this story and pretty much every single chapter has been thoroughly planned out and ordered before I wrote chapter one. Just throwing that out there. Hopefully you will see why very soon ;)

Aaaaaand! I would like to once more thank Vamplover669, ShamyBabboos and Drummergirl66 for their relentless help, support and encouragement during this hell of a ride! You ladies rule the world - Beyoncé said it.

So... Are you about ready for the story? Are ya? Huh? Okay, I'll stop blabbing now.

Oh, and by the way... You look super adorable right now. Whoa. Cutie.

*Ahem*

STORY-TIME! Shamy, take it away!

---

"Hello, Moonpie! To what do I own this delightful surprise?"

Sheldon smiled involuntarily at the raspy, familiar voice.

"Hello, Meemaw."

Sheldon heard her familiar breathing across the line and felt more at ease immediately.

"It sure is good to hear your voice again." She said, and he could hear the smile on her face, picturing it crystal clear in his mind.

"You too, Meemaw." He said, wishing that she was with him in person. But a phone call had to suffice for now.

A moment of silence arose before Meemaw spoke again.

"Call me a liar, but I have a strong feeling that this is not just a friendly phone call for you to check up on your old grandmother?" She said, clearly awaiting an explanation.

Sheldon averted his eyes downward, eyeing the fabric of his pants, absentmindedly playing with it.

"You are not a liar." He said, his voice low.

Another moment of silence travelled from each end of the line, a low hum of static noise the only thing to be heard.

"Then what is it? Lay it on Meemaw, Moonpie. Maybe my wrinkled brain can come up with a little help for my favorite grandson."

Just hearing her voice was soothing to Sheldon. The way her thick Texas-twang coated each word with the unmistakable southern pronunciation, the way the word Moonpie rolled over her tongue with an emphasis on the moon, the way she sometimes paused in the middle of a sentence for no particular reason – it was like a consoling hug sent from Texas, travelling through the telephone wires all the way to Pasadena, seeping through the phone he was holding in his hand.

Sheldon opened his mouth to answer, but found himself unable to do so. Having to explain everything to his Meemaw was proving to be a much greater task than he had initially expected. His guilt and what he could only suspect to be embarrassment accumulated in his throat, blocking any attempt he made to talk, to explain. He was never getting through this. How could he, when he couldn't even make himself explain his conundrum to one of the only people who could help him? He sighed into the phone, wrinkling the soft fabric of his pants under his fingers.

Meemaw seemed to be aware of his struggles, since she put it on herself to try and assess the damage.

"Let me guess." She said in a more serious tone. "This has something to do with the currently idle state of your relationship with your girlfriend?"

Sheldon gulped down his nervousness as his hand stopped its movement momentarily - How could she already know? His Meemaw was a clever lady, but unless her name was Sherlock Holmes and she was an expert in the science of deduction she really had no way to know about his problems with Amy. Unless... He pressed his lips tightly together as an answer presented itself. Of course. He should have seen it coming from a mile away.

"So she told you?" He asked in a low voice, not knowing whether he should be mad at his mother for blabbing about his problems or relieved that she had freed him from the burden of having to tell Meemaw about his unnerving troubles.

"Oh, you know your mother. She worries about you constantly. She has been waiting by the phone and sighing every other minute ever since she returned from visiting you." She said with a hint of sadness to her voice. It was quickly replaced by a tone of determination as she returned to the problem at hand.

"So. According to your mother this whole ordeal is your fault? You did something bad that hurt Amy?" She said, clearly eager to get to the bottom of this.

Sheldon gulped as he mentally pulled himself together, sitting up a bit straighter. He could do this.

"Yes." He answered with newfound willpower.

"And she want to end the relationship?" Sheldon gulped again.

"Yes." He answered, his voice losing a bit of its bravado.

"But you are going to apologize and try to make amends in the hopes that she will forgive you and your relationship will prevent termination?" Meemaw was getting closer.

"Yes." He answered for the third time.

A moment of silence arose, as Meemaw sighed heavily.

"Then I am confused, Moonpie." She said and he could almost see her shaking her head with a little smile on her lips like she always used to do.

Sheldon furrowed his brows, not quite knowing what to say.

"Confused about what?" He asked in an attempt to make her elaborate.

"If you have problems with Amy and you already have decided to try and fix the situation, then what are you calling me for?" She said in a soft voice. "There isn't much I can do here from Texas now is there, son?"

Sheldon remained quiet for a minute.

"You could offer some advice?" He said then as the seriousness of what he was about to say weighed down on his shoulders.

He heard something ruffle in the phone, it sounded like Meemaw was taking a seat. Another moment of silence went by before she spoke.

"Well... go on, then. What do you need my advice for?" She probed, her tone optimistic. If only he felt the same way.

Sheldon felt his heartbeat quickening a little and his mouth grew dry as he formulated the exact sentence he was going to ask, but his head was filled with unanswered questions - questions that were threatening to drive him out of his mind. Finally he narrowed it down to the one thing he needed the answer to the most, the one question that he simply had to get out of the way. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes as he spoke, his voice low and uncertain.

"What if she doesn't forgive me?"

He awaited her answer anxiously, his eyes closed. He was preparing himself for the answer, for harsh truth that he one way or another already knew, but never could tell himself. He was prepared for the worst, for her to voice his biggest fear in this moment.

You're going to lose her. You're going to lose her. You're going to lose her.

The nagging voice in his head was merciless, as the silence prevailed and he pressed his lips tightly together. All he could hope for was that his Meemaw would be merciful, that she would somehow offer him a way out, a tiny silver lining in case of the worst of all evils should befall him.

But nothing Sheldon told himself, nothing he thought of in order to prepare himself could have prepared him for Meemaw's answer. Not in a hundred years.

She giggled.

Not a happy giggle, not the giggle of someone who just heard something amusing. No, it was a sad giggle. The giggle of someone who knew something he didn't, of someone who was about to reveal the real truth to him. And in that instant Sheldon knew that the reality he was about to hear was going to be so much more harsh than he hard originally estimated.

"Oh, Sheldon. I'm afraid you've got it all wrong." She said, her voice melancholic.

Sheldon's eyes flew open as he let out the breath he was holding and his shoulders slumped in defeat. Wrong? He swallowed the lump in his throat, gripping the phone a bit tighter in his hand as he waited for her to continue. But she didn't.

"Wrong how?" He asked after a moment of nerve wracking silence, his voice cracking a little. "I apologize and make amends, correct? Isn't that what I'm supposed to do?"

"It is. But why?" Meemaw asked, emphasizing the why, obviously trying to make a point. A point that was eluding Sheldon completely.

He gulped, now completely lost.

"Why what?" He asked, his confusion reaching new levels.

"Why are you apologizing and making amends?" She asked, as if that was all the explaining he would need.

"Well, so that Amy will forgive me." He answered, very sure of himself.

"See? That's where you've got it wrong." Meemaw said in a low voice, causing Sheldon to slump further into his spot as that nagging pain in his chest cavity announced its return and his hand mindlessly found its resting place on top of it.

"What do you mean? I don't understand." He said, his tone frustrated and his mind dizzy.

Meemaw sighed heavily as her raspy voice reached his ear in a hushed whisper. "Oh, Moonpie."

He gulped hard, needing her to enlighten him, to make sense.

Another sigh crossed the phone wires.

"You are apologizing for the wrong reasons. You are trying to fix this with the wrong goal in mind." She stated, causing Sheldon's nervousness to peak.

"Whether or not Amy forgives you is subordinate, that is her decision. You shouldn't apologize for forgiveness, you shouldn't make amends to get her back. You shouldn't be doing this to sooth your own guilt; then you would be better of not apologizing at all. You are being selfish."

Meemaw's explanation made no sense to him. He was still lost as ever. How could apologizing to someone in any way be a selfish act?

"If not for forgives then whatfore?" He asked, something telling him that he wouldn't like the answer.

"For righteousness." Was her simple reply.

"Because you owe her that, Sheldon. You treated her wrongly, you hurt her feelings and you caused this trouble. Amy has nothing to do with this. The only reason you should be apologizing to her is to right your wrong. To try and undo the damage you caused. Your attempts may be futile, mind you, but Amy deserves that much respect and honesty from you. You should do this for her, Sheldon. Come hell and high waters."

Sheldon's mind went blank as Meemaw's voice faded. He didn't know what to say, what to do, what to think. Of all the possibilities he had went through for this conversation he never expected this scenario. She was right. Absolutely right. It all made sense, it was all so very obvious. Maybe that was the thought that had been lurking in the back of his mind lately, that stealthy feeling that had accompanied the nagging guilt in his chest. Maybe it was the realization that he had no control; that it was all out of his hands at this point.

He exhaled slowly, resting his hand on the armrest as his mind slowly cleared. Clearing his throat he looked down.

"So it's already lost?" He asked, knowing that she would answer truthfully.

"I didn't say that." Meemaw said with great determination. "There is still a chance that Amy will find it in her heart to forgive you. But no matter what, you have to correct your error; I have never met her, but Amy seems like an amazing woman. She don't deserve this sort of treatment."

Sheldon nodded his head slowly, his mind now regaining its full alertness as the realization truly settled in his consciousness. He looked up and eyed his laptop, facing a challenge he never wished to exist and yet here it was.

Meemaw was right.

She don't deserve this sort of treatment

His mother was right.

And God knows how much Amy has given you. Now is probably the time for you to stop taking and start givin' a little.

Penny was right.

Amy has been through enough already, that's the least you can do.

They were all right.

He sighed deeply, momentarily forgetting that he was on the phone. Meemaw's voice brought him back to his senses.

"Where did you disappear, Moonpie?"

With his eyes still fixed on his laptop, Sheldon cleared his throat silently before speaking.

"I'm still here, Meemaw." He said in a low voice.

"Oh good!" She said in a relieved tone of voice. "Your mother bought me a new phone and I'm still learning how to use this godforsaken thing."

Silence prevailed between them for a while; a thick and deafening silence.

"I don't know what else to tell you, Sheldon." She said, letting out a long sigh.

Sheldon gulped hard and nodded his head a little.

"I don't think you need to, Meemaw." He said, his voice low but steady. "Thank you for your help and advice."

"Anytime, Moonpie. I just hope everything works out for you and Amy, she seems to make you very happy." Meemaw said, trying to lighten the mood a little, but Sheldon couldn't find the necessary energy to reciprocate her positivity.

"She did. Goodnight Meemaw." He said, preparing to end the phone call.

"God's speed to you and goodnight, Moonpie." Was her cheerful responds and then...

Nothing.

Only the beep of her phone disconnecting from the line, leaving Sheldon with a clear tone in his ear and a heaviness in his heart as his eyes remained plastered to his laptop.

It was time.

---

As Leonard tentatively made his way into his apartment 2 hours later, he prepared himself for the worst. He tried to remain calm and on top of the situation, but he could not deny the ever present worry for his best friend and roommate. His recent behaviour did not sit well with him at all and it troubled him a great deal.

A worked up Sheldon was bad enough - but experience had taught Leonard to be much more worried about a silent and thoughtful Sheldon. A thoughtful Sheldon was like a little ticking bomb waiting to go off. Like a tidal wave slowly retreating from the beach before crashing into the shore with yet unknown force and destruction.

As he stepped inside he took a deep breath, ready to face whatever ragnarok Sheldon had unleashed. But to his surprise he stepped into a much less dramatic scenery - and quite frankly, a much more troubling one as well.

Sheldon had not bought a tiny feline zoo and he had not embarked on any crazy experiments, nor was he playing ominous music with an afghan over his head or locked himself into his room in defiance.

Instead, Leonard found him sitting in his office chair, dressed in his windbreaker, one hand on his knee, the other resting on top of his closed laptop as he stared into the void with a seemingly lost expression on his face.

Leonard let out the breathe he was holding, silently closing the door behind him as he took a few hesitant steps towards his roommate and best friend.

The silent click of the door caught Sheldon's attention as he looked to his side, meeting Leonard's gaze with slight surprise and a stoic expression.

"Hey buddy..." Leonard said in a low voice, unsure of what to say. "Are you ready to go?"

Sheldon furrowed his brows a little, averting his eyes to the floor next to him, as he nodded his head apprehensively. After another moment of silence he rose from his seat, slowly picking up his messenger back and placing it around his shoulders. Leonard tried to catch his eyes to reassure him, but it was no use. With a sigh he turned around and grabbed his keys from the bowl next to the apartment door, silently contemplating over a way to make Sheldon feel better, but under these circumstances and with Sheldon being Sheldon he knew his vague attempts would most likely be futile.

"I would like for Penny to drive me."

Sheldon's low statement was met with surprise by Leonard as he turned around again, a confused frown on his face. Sheldon was still averting his eyes, but he seemed very determined in his expression.

"But... Why?" Leonard asked, not knowing what he had done. "I was going to drive you. Are you okay? Did I say something, do something?" He took another step closer to him, knowing that the tiniest thing or the simplest word could trigger Sheldon's dismay and discomfort.

The tall physicist just shrugged his shoulders ever so slightly, shaking his head.

"No. You haven't done or said anything. I would just prefer Penny to drive me." Sheldon said, his voice low, as he found himself caught between not wanting to upset Leonard and really needing someone else to drive him. He waited, but his short companion did not answer. After another short second of silence Sheldon gazed up at him and met his confused eyes.

"Please?"

Leonard eyed him for a moment before slumping his shoulders and letting out a sigh.

"All right." He said, tossing the keys back where they belonged. "Your call."

Sheldon nodded his head once before making his way to the door. Opening it he shot Leonard a tight smile.

"Thank you."

"Sure, buddy." Leonard said, returning his tiny smile.

And with that Sheldon closed the door behind him and trotted across the hall. He lifted his fisted hand and knocked silently at her door.

Knock knock knock

Penny.

Knock knock knock

Penny.

Knock knock knock

Penny.

He waited for a short second before the door swung open. Penny met him with her familiar smile and happy mood, but that soon disappeared completely as she saw Sheldon's serious demeanor.

Her face grew serious as she eyed him a little uncertainly.

"What's up?" She asked, watching him avert his eyes to his shoes for a short second before meeting her gaze.

"I need you to drive me to Amy." He said, grabbing the strap of his messenger back a little tighter.

"Oh... Okay." Penny said, clearly a little confused. "Was Leonard not going to do that?"

Sheldon bit his lip lightly in discomfort. All these darn questions.

"He was. But... I would prefer if you drove me." He said, hoping that she would not demand more of an explanation from him.

Penny eyed him for another short moment, her eyes cautious, before turning and grabbing her keys and purse.

"Let's go." She said without any further discussion, much to Sheldon's relief.

They began descending the stairs in complete silence, Sheldon seemingly deeply engulfed in thought and Penny trying to come up with a smooth way to disarm Sheldon and make him reveal the true reason behind his odd his behaviour. Not to mention that she was dying to know what he was going to do when he reached Amy's apartment. With Sheldon it could truly go both ways.

The fresh breeze that swept through Pasadena this evening hit and enveloped both of them the moment they stepped outside the building. Penny shot Sheldon a sideways glance, trying to determine if he was up for a talk, but based on his slumped shoulders, furrowed brows and pouted lips the answer was probably a no.

As they reached her car, she decided to go for it. Sheldon was completely and utterly miserable, there was absolutely no doubt. Her tall and genius friend looked like he was carrying every burden from every galaxy on his slender shoulders.

"So Sheldon." She began, taking a seat in the driver's seat as Sheldon joined her on the passenger side. "Why didn't you want Leonard to drive you?"

She started the car, slowly pulling into traffic, as Sheldon kept his gaze fixed straight ahead.

"You forgot to put on your seat belt." He stated, avoiding the question.

Penny quickly dragged the seat belt across her torso and clicked it into place before letting out a small sigh.

"Thank you for reminding me. But you did not answer my question."

Sheldon gulped down his nervousness and attempted to pretend like he was very interested in the almost non-existing traffic around them. But Penny was not one to give up so easily.

"Sheldon?" She probed, causing the silent enigma next to her to let out a small sigh of his own.

"Fine." He said, looking out the window to his side. "I didn't ask Leonard to drive me because he cares too much."

Penny furrowed her brows a little as she changed lanes.

"What do you mean he cares too much?" She asked in confusion.

Sheldon pressed his lips tightly together, knitting his brows together.

"I mean that Leonard would spend the entire drive pushing on for me to tell him what I'm going to do and say when I'm alone with Amy. He would want to talk about it and give me all sorts of advice and encouraging words." Sheldon explained.

Penny nodded her head as she listened to his explanation, but her brows remained furrowed.

"Okay, but isn't that a good thing?" She asked in a hopeful voice.

"No. It's not." Sheldon responded, his voice rather dark. "He pampers me. He shouldn't pamper me. Not to mention that once he would get me to talk about it he would undoubtedly protest and reason with me until I would change my mind. And I can not change my mind on this matter."

Penny found herself completely lost as she stopped at a red light, finally getting the chance to look at Sheldon, but he did not return her gaze. They were only a few blocks away from Amy's apartment. They were running out of time.

"I don't get it. Why would Leonard change your mind about apologizing to Amy?" She asked in a puzzled tone of voice.

"He wouldn't." Was Sheldon's mysterious respond as he pointed to the road in front of them.

"It's green, go."

Penny pulled her self together and set the car in motion, getting a very strong feeling that something was very wrong. Sheldon was acting very peculiar - more peculiar than usual.

Not a word was said as they soon reached Amy's apartment building. Penny barely had time to park the car before Sheldon moved to get out.

She stopped him, placing a hand on his arm.

"Wow, hey. Hold on, Sheldon."

Sheldon contemplated and turned to look at her.

"Is everything... okay with you?" She asked hesitantly.

Sheldon looked at her with a blank expression.

"Why?"

"You just seem a little... odd." She said, observing him closely. But she got nothing - the man was like a closed book.

He remained silent, wordlessly asking her to finish the conversation. Penny let out a long sigh.

"Look, I know you are worried and scared, but I'm sure everything is going to work out just fine. Believe me, I'm sure Amy is going to forgive you and then you will go back to normal."

Sheldon looked at her like she was a lost child who did not comprehend the superior problems of grown ups.

"Normal is overrated." He stated before stepping out the car. As he closed the car door he leaned down and eyed Penny through the window. She quickly rolled it down.

"Thank you for driving me." He said in a polite tone, like a toddler repeating the words his mother had taught him to say on occasions like these. Penny responded with a small smile.

"And don't wait up. I'll find my own way home."

And with that he turned to leave.

"But Sheldon, wait!"

But it was too late, the lanky physicist and his long legs had carried him too far away from the car - or he simply refused to listen to her.

Realizing that there wasn't anything more she could do, Penny slowly started her car and made her way home.

---

Sheldon heard the hum of her car engine slowly fade away in the distance as he reached the door for Amy's apartment building. He halted for a second.

His heartbeat was erratic to say the least and his mouth dried out instantly. Letting out a shaky breath he looked into his messenger bag, making sure that he had everything. Then he looked at his watch, trying to determine whether or not he was too early - maybe he should stay here for a while. But Sheldon knew himself too well - he never left time for procrastination when planning something important. His timing was always impeccable and tonight was no difference. He had exactly four and a half minute to reach Amy's apartment for their scheduled time. There was no way around it.

With a last look at his watch, Sheldon clutched the strap of his messenger back tightly in one hand as he opened the door with the other. He climbed the stairs with heavy and yet determined steps, inching closer to his destination, as he felt nervousness overwhelm him. But he kept on walking. Because he knew that if he stopped and considered for just one moment what he was about to do, he would undoubtedly be unable to go through with it. He would cave, nervousness, doubt and second thought would get the better of him and he would chicken out in the last minute like he had done so many times before.

But not this time.

He climbed the last few steps and walked towards his destination, halting in front of the familiar apartment door. The numbers 314 had an oddly homely atmosphere to them, causing Sheldon to let out an inaudible sigh as his pale blue eyes roamed over them momentarily.

Then he checked his watch again.

24 seconds left.

He kept his eyes fixated on the tiny second hand as it crept closer to the little twelve, sealing another minute in time.

15 seconds left.

He wanted to stop the little ticking machine on his arm, to stop it from ever reaching six o'clock. But at the same time it felt like the longest 15 seconds of his life.

10 seconds left.

His heartbeat slowly matched the relentless ticking of the clock as nervousness made his palms sweaty. He had to do this.

5 seconds left.

Because he needed to do this. For all the right reason all though it felt wrong. He had to do this.

Come hell and high waters.

Knock knock knock

"Amy."

Knock knock knock

"Amy."

Knock knock knock

"Amy."

He closed his eyes as he counted the seconds that went by. Finally he heard her shuffling from the other side of the door and as the little click sounded from the lock he opened his eyes, just as the door swung open in a silent movement.

And there she was.

Sheldon felt his heartbeat peak as his eyes met hers in a wordless battle of emotions.

She returned his gaze with equal confusion and surprise. He noticed how her throat moved slightly as she gulped and she seemed just as nervous as he felt.

They eyed each other for another silent moment. Amy looked him over, trying to determine his state of mind. He looked like himself - his hair perfectly combed to one side, his t-shirt hugging his slender frame alongside the strap of his messenger back, currently held in a rather tight grip as she witnessed his adam's apple bob as he swallowed. From there she moved her eyes to his face - his familiar and stoic face. She finally met his eyes, feeling herself getting more nervous by the second. They were still as blue and mysterious as ever. And maybe with a hint of sadness? She couldn't quite pin it down.

Sheldon's mind was working on full blast, desperately trying to decipher Amy's body language and demeanour. She stood there, one hand on the door knob, the other one hanging lazily by her side, her hand clenched into a loose fist. She wasn't looking at him with soul-crushing despair or anger - but she was most certainly not happy to see him either, as she looked at him rather apprehensively, her lips pressed lightly together. It was nothing like she usually looked at him. But then again, he could've sworn that there was still a trace of Amy's ever present tenderness in her eyes as they locked with his own.

Amy was the first one to talk.

"Right on time." She noted, taking a tiny step aside, allowing him access.

"It's not a coincidence." He answered, stepping over the threshold.

She closed the door and turned to face him once again, as they both stood there in awkward silence. Sheldon recked his brain for something appropriate to say. He finally cleared his throat, shuffling a little on his feet.

"Thank you for seeing me." He said in a low voice.

"Thank you for coming over." She answered with a polite nod, gesturing towards her couch. "Shall we?"

And with that they took each their designated seat on each side of the couch. Sheldon manoeuvred his messenger back over his head before shimming his jacket off as Amy shuffled a little on the other side, nervously playing with the hem of her skirt. After that followed yet another moment of awkward silence - a moment Sheldon used to attempt to gain even the slightest control over the situation. He took a deep breath and turned a little towards Amy, eyeing her carefully. She absent mindedly mirrored his movement, turning to face him better.

He looked at her in apprehension as he placed his restless hands on his knees, trying to remember everything he had planned to say earlier that day. Not knowing exactly where to start but knowing that he had to say something, Sheldon cleared his throat and sat up a little straighter.

"Amy." He began, earning her undivided attention.

"I have come to offer my apologies." He paused and tapped a finger against his kneecap, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.

"I have come to realize not just how wrong my actions were, but also how immensely they must have hurt your feelings. I realize now - and I believe I've really known all along - that I acted selfishly. I told Kripke those lies only to further my own cause and to avoid facing what would undoubtedly have been professional humiliation. I never meant for that to affect you in any way, I promise, and I fully believed that my lies in no way would bring you any harm."

He paused, locking his eyes with hers. Amy was looking at him through her glasses with clear apprehension and just a hint of hope, her head crocked slightly downward. Sheldon inhaled slowly, looking down at his now folded hands.

"But now I know that they did indeed do just that. And I know that my lies to Kripke isn't the only reason you have been so mad at me and upset. You were kind enough to offer me a chance to redeem myself, and I didn't take it. That was a mistake. I was..." Sheldon gulped, pressing his lips a little together. "Convinced that I was in the right ...and my stubborn ways did not allow me to admit my wrongdoing or correct my error."

He looked up again, catching her gaze with determined blue orbs.

"And for that I am truly sorry."

Amy gulped hard, feeling the heaviness lighten a little in her chest. She didn't know what to say or do and sensing that he wasn't done talking, she settled for a little nod of her head. Sheldon mimicked her gesture before intertwining his hands together in a nervous manner, his eyes now shifting a little.

"I would also like you to know that... I talked to Kripke. And I came clean about everything. He now knows that none of those... degrading ... things I said about you are true and that we never engaged in any of the... activities... I claimed we did." His voice grew more nervous and low as he spoke.

Amy saw him gulp visibly as he cleared his throat, trying to regain his voice. He looked a little to the side, his hands fidgeting and his face a little flushed. There was absolutely no doubt that Sheldon was very embarrassed by the situation and the delicate subject at hand. Amy felt her own cheeks grow warm, but her eyes never left him. The way he felt at this moment was exactly the kind of embarrassment she had felt herself upon discovering the nature of his lies. She never liked it when Sheldon felt uncomfortable and she had always tried her best to secure his comfort, but this particular situation called for him to have a taste of his own medicine, to have his pride and feelings on the line.

Sheldon rubbed his intertwined hands tensely, remembering the smug face on Kripke's face as he so easily had told him lie after hurtful lie, completely oblivious to the extend with which they were going to come back and haunt him, make him pay for his dismay. And he was paying for it in this exact moment - even looking at Amy was difficult at this point. He had seldom felt so embarrassed and unworthy.

Because that is what he was.

Unworthy.

Unworthy of her trust. Unworthy of her affection. Unworthy of her kindness. He could only hope that he was worthy of her forgiveness, all though his hopes were very limited.

He let out a shaky breath and forced himself to look back up at her. He could see the slight worry in her frown, which only made his guilt feel that much heavier. He held her gaze for a second, before absentmindedly inching closer ever so slightly.

"Amy."

His voice was warm with a hint of hoarseness.

"I am sincerely and truthfully sorry. I find myself incapable of fully comprehending the stupidity of my own actions and words, and I promise you that I have done everything in my power to right my wrong and hopefully ease your hurting - even if only slightly.

I hope that - perhaps with time - you will find it in your heart to forgive me."

He grew quiet, watching her intently, with a trace of melancholia in his otherwise blue eyes.

Amy sucked air into her lungs through her mouth and let it out as she released her knees from the death grip she had been holding them in for the past many minutes. She felt her heart beat slow down a little and her mind clearing for perhaps the first time in days.

All though she had never really seen this redeeming side of Sheldon in all its glory, she had always hoped it was there. She knew that he was being completely sincere, both with his words and his actions, and that was all she needed. That was all she had ever needed from the very moment she had asked him to right his wrong. Nothing more, nothing less.

She cleared her throat silently, almost bursting with relief, as she prepared to let him now that he was forgiven - to finally put an end to it all.

But it would seem that Sheldon had her beat to it.

As she watched, she saw him reaching into his messenger back and pulling out the single bundle of paper she had never wished to see again.

The Relationship Termination document.

Amy felt the air leave her lungs momentarily as she saw her name and her signature at the bottom of the document, wishing to every known deity that he was going to tear it to pieces.

No such luck.

Sheldon put it down on the coffee table and pulled out a pen.

He didn't look at her. He didn't flinch for a second.

It felt like the seconds went by in slow motion as Amy watched the pencil and his hand lower down to the paper, to the dashed line under his own name and initials.

As it was merely inches from making contact with the paper she finally managed to pull herself together, her words leaving her throat in hurt and disbelief.

"Sheldon. What are you doing?"

It would seem that he didn't hear her, since his hand continued its merciless descend to the paper. Amy could sense her heart beat in her ears, thumbing away like she was running a sprint, as she found herself unable to do anything but stare. As the pen was millimeters from making contact with the paper a rush of panic shot through her, making her place a determined hand on Sheldon's arm, halting his movement.

"Sheldon. What are you doing?" She asked again, her voice nervous and confused, but a little louder this time.

He kept his eyes securely sealed to the paper in front of him, letting out a small sigh, causing Amy's nervousness to rise even further. When she received no answer, her hand fastened its grip on his arm, urging him to talk.

He seemed to understand her silent request as he gripped the pen a little tighter, the muscles in his neck tensing up in apprehension. He moved his head slightly towards her, but still not looking at her.

"I am doing the right thing." He said in a determined whisper.

He gulped down and returned his attention to his task, but Amy grabbed the paper and pulled it forcefully away from him as she rose from her seat in frustration and fear.

"What are you talking about?!" Her voice was shaking nervously, a frown of confusion and hurt on her face.

Sheldon was still staring at the table in front of him, not saying a word. Then he ranked his back a little straighter, placing his hands on his knees.

"Amy, you were right. I should probably have done this a while back." His voice was terrifyingly single-minded and stoic. It caused her heart to beat faster in her hands to get clammy.

Why was he acting this way? Was this some sort of evil payback?

"Right about what?! You are making no sense!" She had seldom felt this frustrated in her entire life time. She was so sick and tired of this entire situation, she just wanted it to be over. She had thought his apology would allow them to return things to how they used to be so that she could finally be with him again. Drinking tea, discussing, date nights, laughing and enjoying just being in his presence. And now this?

What on earth was going on?

Sheldon turned a little in his seat, his slim fingers cradling the pen impatiently.

"Please give me the paper, I need to sign it. Your attempts to change my mind are futile." His determination and steadiness from before was still ever present, but where it had earlier been used to offer her the most heartfelt and true apology he had ever given her, he was now using it to make everything lose its meaning, to make it all moot and to take the one step she had never hoped he would take.

Amy felt anger overtake her entire being in a single second; she was not going to take this laying down. If he wanted to do this he would have to explain himself, he would have to give her a reason.

"So that's it!?" Her voice was shaking with frustration. "You just sign the piece of paper, easy breezy, no need to explain yourself?! You just get an easy way out?"

He didn't answer, he didn't move a muscle. It was almost as if he had anticipated her anger, which only worked to fuel Amy's frustration further.

Why did he always have to act like a fortress of silence and solitude?

"Is me being your girlfriend such a burden for you? You just choose to apologize and put your name on a stupid piece of paper?!" Her voice grew louder, more intense, as he remained silent and stoic, not turning to face her completely.

"No! If being in this relationship is such an agony to you, if I annoy to such a degree that you can't wait to get rid of me, if you hate me as your girlfriend, then the least you can do…"

But she got no chance to finish her sentence as Sheldon quickly rose from his seat, effectively silencing her. He turned to face her, finally meeting her eyes, and took two steps closer to her, his chest heaving.

"That is NOT true!"

Amy gulped, not knowing what to do or say at this point. Her silence seemed to evoke some response from Sheldon. He took another tiny steep towards her, his voice now silent and serious.

"That is NOT true."

Amy took a deep breath, her hands shaking a little.

"What is not true?" Her voice matched his low tone.

Sheldon breathed heavily a couple of times, his eyes slightly wide as he clenched his fists on each side of him, a hurt expression on his face.

"You don't annoy me. You being my girlfriend is not a burden. Being in a relationship with you is not an agony. I do NOT hate you!"

Amy wished she could feel relieved, but she only grew more confused.

"Then explain this." She demanded, holding the crumbled piece of paper a little in front of her.

Sheldon held her gaze for a short second, gulping hard, before averting his eyes downward, not able to look at her.

"You deserve better." He whispered.

Amy felt like her heart plummeted towards the floor beneath her feet as his words caused her to swallow nervously, her throat dry as sand.

He was right. She did deserve better, but this was not the solution she wanted. How could he possibly think that?

"How can you have all the right information and still reach the wrong conclusion?" She asked in disbelief, her voice hoarse. Just when she thought she had him figured he went ahead and did something like this.

Sheldon looked halfway up from his shoes, a confused wrinkle appearing between his eyebrows but he remained silent.

Amy took a few slow but resolute steps towards him, further crumbling the paper in her hand. She felt like slapping him square across his face to make him realize that all this trouble was unnecessary, that he was only making everything harder than it had to be - for both of them.

She tried to catch his eyes, but he refused, as she pondered over what to say, how to make him understand. Finally she summoned some courage, standing a little straighter against his tall frame.

"Yes, you are right. I do deserve better. I deserve better from you, Sheldon." She emphasized the last part, staring intently at his halfway stooped head, as if she could force him to look at her using only the power of her mind.

He slowly raised his head, his eyes finally leveling with hers. He looked at her with slight doubt, the frown on his face becoming more prominent, as if she had misunderstood something. Pressing his lips together, Sheldon wetted them by quickly darting out his tongue, crocking his neck slightly to one side as he kept his gaze locked with Amy's.

"Amy, don't you understand?" He asked, a little impatiently. "What if repeat my error? I cannot be trusted to not commit such a hurtful action again in the future. It is unforgivable."

Amy shook her head, letting out a long breathe.

"I forgive you."

Sheldon sucked in air through his mouth, a surprised expression spreading over his face.

"But you can't…" He said, his voice low and disbelieving.

Amy didn't allow him to finish his sentence.

"I just did."

Her voice was unwavering, matching her emerald eyes.

Sheldon gulped hard, eyeing the paper in her hand.

"But you signed it…" His voice was barely a whisper.

"No." Amy said resolutely, tearing the paper into pieces with determined and forceful movements.

"You are not going to hide behind this stupid piece of paper. There. It's gone." She threw the pieces on the floor next to her, catching his gaze once again. "Talk to me."

Sheldon took a deep breath, trying to gather his chaotic thoughts, his eyes on the shreds of paper on the floor. Nothing was turning out the way he had planned. He didn't sign the paper. She didn't hate him. She was forgiving him.

That meant everything would go back to normal. But then why did it feel like it never would?

"You… you are forgiving me?"

The words left his lips in a strained and disbelieving tone as he looked up, meeting her eyes.

Amy held his gaze in a moment of silence, seemingly pondering, looking for the right approach. Letting out a long breath she finally spoke.

"Sheldon, did you understand your mistake fully? Did you understand why your actions were wrong?" Her voice was low and patient as she took a step towards him.

He eyed her carefully, nodding his head.

"I did." He answered with certainty.

"And did you attempt your very best to right your wrong?" She took another step.

"I did."

Amy stopped, their eyes still locked.

"Did you realize how… hurtful… your actions and words were?" Her voice gained a hint of nervousness.

At this, Sheldon felt his guilt act up again, causing his heart to beat a little faster and his cheeks to grow warmer. He clenched his right hand into a nervous fist, pressing his lips tightly together as Amy held his gaze, causing him to stoop his head ever so slightly.

"I did." He whispered, nodding his head slowly. "And I'm sorry."

Amy took another step towards him, bringing her but inches from him.

"In that case… Are you going to try your very best to not to repeat this situation again?" She looked at him with stern and expecting eyes.

Sheldon unclenched his hand, nodding.

"I am."

Amy eyed him carefully for another moment, slowly nodding her own head and swallowing the newly formed lump in her throat.

"Then, yes… I forgive you." Her voice quivered a little as she breathed out.

Sheldon felt his shoulders slump down, his heartbeat slowing down and a rush of relief wash over him, causing him to take a deep breathe.

He was forgiven.

Finding it hard to come up with something to say he just let out the first thing that came to mind.

"Thank you."

He did indeed feel humbled in that moment, still not quite sure that it was actually happening. But it would seem that Amy once again found a way to render him completely speech less, an ability she mastered to perfection.

She nodded her wordless response, as they now stood facing each other in complete silence. Amy saw a warm expression spread across Sheldon's face and she finally allowed the muscles in her neck and shoulders to relax, the tension leaving her in a wave of consolation.

"One more thing." She said after a moment of enjoying the silence. Sheldon nodded at her in a questioning manner, urging her to go on.

She moved over to her desk and came back with her copy of the Relationship Agreement. Standing in front of him once more she met his eyes with a nervous yet steady gaze.

"We need to talk about this." She said in a low voice, raising her eyebrows.

Sheldon gazed down at the contract he had constructed years ago, feeling apprehension sneaking up on him as he met Amy's eyes again, swallowing nervously.

"What about it?" He asked tentatively.

Amy gripped the papers firmly in her hands, deciding that now was as good a time as ever to say what she had been carrying around for a while.

"Sheldon… Let's sit down." She said, walking over to her couch and taking a seat. After a moment of not moving, Sheldon followed her, taking his seat on the opposite side of the couch and observing her with great care.

Amy flipped through some of the pages lazily, reading for less than a second on each page before slowly closing it again, turning to face Sheldon better with a serious look on her face.

"I think we need to get rid of this agreement, Sheldon."

Her words hit him with unexpectedly hard, making his mind go blank and his mouth to dry out instantly. He could do nothing but stare at her completely befuddled, his eyes wide and his mouth slightly agape. He tore his eyes from hers to the papers in her hand and he could almost feel the walls of security and comfort crumble around him into a swirling vortex of chaos. Without rules and without guidelines then what was left?

Chaos. All-consuming and terrifying chaos.

He finally managed to pull himself together enough to create a coherent sentence. Closing his eyes momentarily he took a deep breath, swallowing hard.

"We can't get rid of the agreement." His voice was hoarse as he tried his best to remain calm. "Without it we have no rules, no regulations, no idea of what to expect and no order."

He waited patiently for her response but it never came, causing him to open his eyes again. She just sat there, a strong grip on the agreement and a steady look in her eyes but not a word left her lips.

Without thinking about it he turned to face her more directly, scooting a little closer, feeling himself getting anxious by her lack of response. It almost felt like the decision had already been made. But she had to understand that this was simply not an option.

"Amy, we can not get rid of the Relationship Agreement." His voice grew steadier, veiling the panic rising within him.

But much to Sheldon's frustration she remained silent.

"I need the agreement, you know that. Why this sudden need for its removal? Is it some sort of punishment? I already apologized." He was getting desperate now, clinging to every reason he could possibly think of to keep the agreement installed.

"I am not punishing you." Amy said in a low voice, her words accompanied by a silent sigh.

"Then what is it? I thought we agreed to build this relationship on that agreement. I thought you found it romantic?"

Amy let out a long breathe, looking at Sheldon with a hurt expression on her face.

"I did find it romantic, Sheldon. Three years ago." Amy turned the agreement a little in her hand, gazing down at it before looking back up. "When you just pulled it out of your messenger back, a complete legal document to solidify that we were going to be in a relationship together – of course I found that romantic. And yes, seeing that we are both very new to this whole relationship thing, it was really nice to have some rules and regulations to go by, to know what to expect."

She hesitated for a moment, allowing Sheldon to take in what she said. After a minute of contemplating he cradled his hands together in his lap, attempting to see reason where there seemingly was none.

"But?" He probed, urging her to go on.

"But now it seems more like a hindrance than anything. We constantly argue about it, we regularly change it and it just never stops getting in the way." She said a little impatiently.

Sheldon inhaled deeply, mulling over her words. The Relationship Agreement had been the focal point of a number of arguments lately. And it did tend to cause them both trouble in the most unwanted ways. The current situation being a perfect example.

But in spite of those points, Sheldon was still very uncomfortable having to move on without an agreement. It was his holding point; it was what he needed to be comfortable.

He felt Amy ruffling a little on the other side as he snapped out of his momentary haze. She looked at him with a very peculiar look in her eyes – a combination of sadness and determination – as she took a deep breathe, locking her eyes with his.

"Sheldon. I am going to ask you something and I need you to think carefully and answer me completely honestly, okay?"

Sheldon didn't like where this was going. But he suppressed his nervousness as he nodded his head slowly.

"Okay."

Amy moved her head a little to the side as she summoned the courage to voice her thoughts.

"If it wasn't for the Relationship Agreement… would you still want to be in a relationship with me?" Her voice was meek and paper thin as she awaited his response.

Sheldon felt a rush of blood flooding through him, the beating of his heart sounding before his ears, eyeing her with a shocked look in his eyes as he racked his mind for an answer – trying to comprehend a scenario in which he was no longer legally bound to be the boyfriend of Amy Farrah Fowler.

But his mouth spoke before his mind had time to react.

"Yes." He whispered, his tone giving away his confused state of mind.

Amy ran the pages against her finger, swallowing.

"Would you still hold my hand? And go on Date Nights with me? And play Counterfactuals with me? Would you take care of me when I'm sick? Or kiss me?"

Her voice never rose above a whisper, but to Sheldon it seemed like she was jelling her questions into his ears with great force as he fought the urge to end the conversation immediately. Because just the mere thought of having to go by his life without Amy holding his hand now and then seemed insufficient. The thought of going through week after week without spending his evenings in her company – both Date Nights and regular nights – seemed dull. The thought of not having her around for a consoling hug, a cup of tea or a game of Counterfactuals seemed unthinkable, incomprehensible.

Because the thought of not being with Amy terrified him more than anything he had ever encountered in his entire lifetime.

Once again he didn't need much time to think before his vocal chords formed his predestined answer.

"Yes."

Amy let out a sigh of relief, her eyes roaming over Sheldon's sincere features, solidifying his words further. To say that she hadn't been anxious about what he would answer to her question would be a bold faced lie. There was no doubt in her mind that Sheldon cared about her, that was clear to anyone, but she had in all honesty feared that his affection was rooted in nothing but the comfort of routine and the safety of her signature on a piece of paper.

Until now.

She held out the Relationship Agreement between them, hoping that he was now able to see reason.

"Then what do we need this for?" She asked, delivering her point with brows knitted in apprehension. Sheldon looked at her outstretched hand, swallowing what felt like a rock in his throat, as he desperately tried to make his brain function properly.

He knew he needed the safety of the Relationship Agreement, but at the same time everything Amy said was logical and made perfect sense. His reasonable mind was set out of function as he found himself unable to form a single rational argumentation to counter her proposal, any argumentation at all.

It was true.

He had grown so accustomed to her presence in his everyday life that the Relationship Agreement only came into play when something extraordinary crossed their path. And when that happened, it usually resulted in an alteration of the agreement. The words in the agreement, establishing the perfect order in which he found himself capable of functioning in a relationship, had now grown out of the pages and settled into both their lives as a familiar and natural rhythm.

She knew exactly how he preferred his chicken soup when he was sick. She knew when his schedule was available for Date Nights and impromptu activities. She knew his laundry schedule, his bathroom schedule, his breakfast schedule and his activity schedule by heart. She had memorized his medication and she knew exactly what kind of food he liked and what he hated. She never failed to respond to his communication, because she knew how it would drive him crazy. She knew when he preferred to be left alone and when he needed her to be there. She knew what kind of physical contact he was comfortable with and she knew all of his phobias. She had learned and embraced every minor and major quirk that made up Sheldon Lee Cooper, some of which were not even mentioned in the Relationship Agreement, but she respected them anyways.

Sheldon found himself now realizing that except from the last few days, they hadn't revisited the Relationship Agreement for quite some time. Was it true? Did they really not need it?

Perhaps so, but Sheldon was still a creature of habit, and the thought of adding such a distinctive change to his life overwhelmed him in a way he couldn't possibly ignore yet alone agree to.

He shifted his eyes from the Relationship Agreement to Amy's face, inhaling through his nose.

"Amy… Please understand…" He began, attempting in every way possible to get his message through, to let her know that if they were to take that step, he would surely lose his mind completely. He would fail. At everything.

"No, Sheldon… You have to please understand." She cut him short, placing the agreement back into her lap, placing her hands on top of it and looking at him with a warm gaze. "I didn't finish."

Sheldon gulped down as his jaws shut closed and his heart raced away in his chest. Was there more?

Amy seemed to choose her next words with great care as her gaze wandered about the silent room before settling back into Sheldon's eyes.

"I'm not trying to punish you. Or make you feel bad, or force you into doing something you don't want to." She paused for a short second, making sure that he knew her proposal was selfless and harmless.

"I know how much you struggle with change, how important rules, regulations and order is to you, I really do, Sheldon. And I would never suggest we did this if I didn't believe you could handle it. Because I know you can." Her voice was warm and stern, causing Sheldon to relax just the tiniest bit, but the change was barely noticeable.

Amy paused for another moment, running a hand over the papers in her lap and taking a deep breathe.

"We won't get rid of the agreement all at once; that would be too overwhelming. We'll do it in stages, one step of the time." She began, raising her eyebrows in a questioning manner.

Sheldon unclenched his jaws that up until now had been locked into an almost painfully rigid position, wetting his lips nervously, but not protesting. Amy took this as a silent permission to go on.

"I'm not going to touch a single thing in this agreement." She looked at him reassuringly. "I'll leave it all up to you. But whenever we encounter a situation or a rule or anything that is now rendered unnecessary in the Relationship Agreement, we have to get rid of it."

Sheldon mulled over her suggestion for a moment, contemplating every word – they were, after all, walking a tightrope here.

"So… It's all up to me? I decide which parts to get rid of and when?" He asked in trepidation.

Amy nodded her head in silent determination. "Yes."

He slowly rubbed the sides of his thighs in a thoughtful way, his mind working in warp speed, trying to allow the idea to settle into his consciousness.

"So, in theory, I could decide not to get rid of a single thing?" He asked, surprised that Amy would leave him such a glaringly obvious loop hole in her otherwise well thought out proposal.

Amy furrowed her brows, pressing her lips together as a rather apprehensive and hurt expression crossed her features. Letting out a tiny exasperated sigh she eyed the agreement once more.

"In theory, yes." She said – she knew he would catch up on that bit, of course he would. She shifted her eyes back up, hoping that her trust was not misplaced.

"But… would you do that? Even after everything I just said?" She asked, her voice low and hesitant.

Sheldon gulped down at the sight of her hurt expression and he quickly remembered where he was, what was going on and the seriousness of the situation – something he had briefly allowed himself to forget. Dismissing his initial thought of keeping the Relationship Agreement untouched and installed in all of its glory he changed his thought pattern to really try and embrace Amy's proposal, realizing once again how selfless he sometimes could be.

But not Amy. Never Amy. No, she was anything but selfless. Even now, after his incredibly hurtful actions she still found it in her heart to forgive him. And even when she suggested a paradigm shifting step in their relationship like this she still took his comfort into account – she had put him first. Like she always did.

Sheldon remembered why he had decided to sign the termination formula this evening; because Amy deserved better. Because it was his turn to put her first for once. Remembering the determination that had accompanied him as he walked into Amy's apartment at six o'clock, he decided to apply it where it was mostly needed.

Locking his blue orbs with her green ones he tried to send her what he hoped would be an apologetic look as he shook his head slightly.

"No. I won't."

His voice was determined and Amy felt a little of her anxiety leave her, her hands slacking the death grip she had on the Relationship Agreement in her hands and an inaudible sigh of relieve leaving her lips, as she returned his gaze.

"So you agree to do this? It's not too much?" She then asked, eyeing him carefully.

Sheldon inhaled slowly, observing the way her hands cradled the Relationship Agreement nervously, before looking back up.

"It's... a daunting task, admittedly. But I promise to do my best." He said, his voice holding a great deal of conviction as the idea of what he had agreed to do settled completely in his mind - and in that moment the Relationship Agreement, currently occupied in Amy's hands, seemed more fluid, more changeable. It seemed less as a contract and more as an actual agreement; an agreement open to interpretation. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense. His relationship with Amy was nothing like it had been when they had first met - so why should the one document that defined their relationship be?

Amy shuffled a little in her seat, causing him to focus his eyes on her once more. She removed a few stray strands of her from her chin as she caught his eyes with a small nod of her head.

"I'm so glad you feel that way." She said earnestly. "I really think there's a lot in here we would be better off without." She tapped the papers in her hand to emphasize her words, and once again Sheldon found his eyes glued to it as a thought presented itself.

"I know one thing we are better off without." He said in a low voice. Reaching over he carefully took the agreement from Amy's hands, their fingers brushing against each other for the shortest of seconds, as she observed him with a rather surprised look.

Sheldon looked down at the papers in his hands, making up his mind. Then he carefully flipped the immaculately ordered pages, recognizing every page as he went by. He finally reached the page he was looking for, his hand brushing over it gently, before he with first hesitant and then determined movements slowly ripped the page out of the agreement. Looking at it for a short second he then averted his gaze upwards, meeting Amy's eyes with the kind of relentless certainty that always settled into his features when he had made his mind up about something.

Handing her the paper in his hand he swallowed down his unnecessary apprehension.

"We don't need this." He said, his voice low and with a hint of a question hidden somewhere in there.

Amy tore her gaze from his eyes and down to the paper in front of her. The sight made her heart skip a tiny beat as she immediately recognized the page, reading the headline.

Section 14 - Termination of Relationship

She nodded her head in agreement, slowly but steadily crumpling the paper in her hands before looking up, meeting Sheldon's eyes once more.

"I absolutely agree." She said, answering the question he never really asked.

Sheldon saw a tiny smile play on her lips as she discarded the paper in her hand with an elegant and determined swipe of her wrist, causing him to feel truly at ease for perhaps the first time that evening. Returning her smile with a faint one of his own he kept their eyes locked as silence prevailed between them.

But not the dreadful and tense silence that had hovered between them like a dark cloud of awkwardness and discomfort these last couple of days. No, this was the sort of comfortable and peaceful silence that had existed from the very beginning of their acquaintance - it was the silent communication of two similar minds. A silent communication that most recently had begun including two like minded hearts.

After another moment of wordless conversation, Sheldon took a deep breath - his scheduled mind needing to know where to go from here. He was forgiven, they were good again and they had agreed to work on the removal of the agreement. How did they proceed from here?

Clearing his throat lightly he folded his hands in his lap, a little lost for actions.

"So...What now?" He asked, his eyebrows raised in a mimicked question.

Amy rubbed her thighs with thoughtful movements, bopping her head slightly from side to side. She finally reached a conclusion and turned to face him a little better.

"I propose that we agree to return to the way our relationship was before this whole ordeal - but of course we implement the things we agreed to tonight. You are forgiven and we will try to slowly remove the unnecessary things in the Relationship Agreement?"

Sheldon felt relieved by her words, it was exactly what he had hoped for - it was exactly what he wanted.

"I agree, that would be the prefered approach from this point forward." He answered, nodding his head and shooting her a tentative smile.

She reciprocated, crooking her neck a little to the right, her eyes roaming over his face for a short second of admiration and content.

"I'm really glad this is over." She said, her voice low. There was truly nothing she would hate repeating like she would hate repeating this horrible situation with Sheldon.

He looked at her with equal redemption, wetting his lips with a nervous dart of his tongue.

"Me too." He said, his voice barely a whisper.

After that there wasn't much to say. Amy scooted a little closer to Sheldon, eyeing him carefully, before reaching out and grabbing his much bigger hand in her small one. His warm palm enveloped hers, his slender fingers closing around her hand in a tight grip.

Amy relished the feeling - it was so easy and carefree. Looking up into Sheldon's eyes she was met by a dazed gaze as he watched her intently. It almost felt like he was trying to remember how she looked, like he was trying to soak up every detail of her face - mapping it out, categorizing it, studying it.

It seemed unlikely that a single look could make a heart beat faster, but never the less that was what happened as the warm green orbes locked with the fascinated blue ones - one look and a pair of hearts sped up their pace, excitingly thumping awaying in each their chest cavity.

Sheldon Cooper was not a stupid man; he knew exactly what that thumping meant. All though he wasn't ready to embrace it in every single heartbeat, he was ready to embrace some of it. Hopefully, one day, the rest would follow.

Leaning in closer, he kept his eyes on her, kept her in sight, right up until the point where he could feel her warm breath on the side of his lips. In that moment he closed his eyes, allowing his lips to come in contact with hers, kissing her gently.

Amy closed her eyes as well, tightening her grip on Sheldon's hand, as she gladly returned the kiss. Moving her lips a little against his, she marvelled at their structure, their texture. Feeling slightly emboldened and for some reason needing to seal everything that had transpired into one single kiss, she pressed her lips more firmly against his, pushing his head a little backwards, as the new sensation made her heartbeat speed up further. Sheldon seemed surprised and stunned beyond action, but his passiveness was short lived. Squeezing her hand as she had his, he turned his head slightly to one side, allowing him to deepen the kiss further. Mimicking her movement, he pressed his lips against hers with a newfound determination, moving them tentatively. This caused Amy to exhale slowly through her nose, enjoying every second of it. Sheldon mimicked her reaction, letting air out of his nose in a moment of complete surrender.

When they finally broke away, it felt like the kiss had lasted somewhere between a couple of seconds and a millennium. With their faces still in very close proximity to one another Amy looked upwards, her eyes meeting Sheldon's through her glasses that were currently slightly askew. He gulped hard, his eyes quickly darting from her lips to her eyes, his head tipping slightly towards her as a tiny nervous breathe left his throat. He didn't know what to do, what to say. He didn't even know what to make his brain function properly again. After a short moment he managed to return to his mental faculties as he cleared his throat quietly, needing order restored.

"What…What time is it?" He asked, his voice uncharacteristically weak.

Amy didn't answer for a couple of minutes as she kept her eyes fixated on Sheldon, observing him very closely. She finally managed to force her gaze downwards, checking her watch, before returning her attention back to his blue pools of slight surprise.

"Almost ten to nine." She answered, their hands still intertwined.

Sheldon nodded once, fumbling with the fabric of his pants as he averted his gaze downwards. Amy immediately sensed that something was on his mind, and with a silent tug on his hand she made him look back up at her. He was met by a pair of questioning eyes and furrowed brows.

He contemplated for a short second before speaking, not sure if it was the right thing to say.

"It's almost my bedtime." He explained, eyeing her familiar posture cautiously.

To his uttermost relief, Amy shot him a warm smile for this comment, inching a little closer, with a nod of her head. He really had missed spending time with her – it was so easy, so effortless.

"Do you have to go right away?" She asked in a hopeful tone.

"No." Came his far too quick answer, she almost didn't make it to the end of her sentence before the words left his lips in a hurried response.

Her smiled widening a bit, Amy leaned a little back into her couch, tugging Sheldon hands with her as she went. He absentmindedly followed her lead, leaning his back into the soft cushion on her couch as he felt Amy's thumb trace the outline of his index finger.

"Tell me about the Fermi Paradox." She said, her eyes on their hands.

Sheldon looked down at their hands as well, currently resting on Amy's thigh.

"Pardon me?" He said in a confused voice, his brows furrowed ever so faintly.

Amy looked up from their hands, meeting his eyes with a lazily lifted eyebrow.

"The Fermi Paradox." She repeated. "I read an article about it about a week ago. It seemed very fascinating, but the information was pretty scarce. I want to know more."

Sheldon looked down at her in dazed awe as she once again reminded him of what wondrous thoughts and genius ideas lay resting in the depths of her mind – she was a genius, a source of endless fascination and prospect. Smiling down at her he nodded his head in approval.

"The Fermi Paradox." He said, savoring every word. "That's a very interesting topic indeed. Now, many believe that this paradox holds within it the explanation to famous questions such as "are we alone in the universe?" and "how special is the human race really?". So, if we do some quick calculations, we find that there are approximately 500 billion billion sun-like stars in the Universe. The question is now, how big a percentage of those sun-like stars might possibly be orbited by an Earth-like planet? There is a lot of discussion about this hot topic, but let's just go with the number that was most recently obtained from a PNAS study – 22%. That number then advocates that at least 1% of the total star mass in the universe is orbited by a potentially-habitable Earth-like planet, which gives us a total of 100 billion billion Earth-like planets…."

Sheldon kept talking, and Amy kept moving her thumb lazily against his fingers as she soaked in every word of new information thrown her way, a fascinated and focused frown settling into her features.

After a while of thorough explanation and discussion about possible intelligent life in outer space and what options the human race had in terms of evolving to a Type III Civilization, it was time for Sheldon to leave. He half heartedly let go of her hand in order to pull on his jacket and messenger back as she stood watching him silently.

"Is Leonard picking you up?" She asked as he secured the messenger back around his slender shoulders.

"No." He answered, almost a little surprised himself.

"Penny then?" She asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

Sheldon shook his head meekly, tightening his grip around the strap of his bag.

"No. I told her I would take the bus." He answered, now completely forgetting why on earth he would suggest such a silly thing.

"Without your bus pants?" Amy asked in a surprised tone, as if Sheldon had just told her he wanted to run around outside naked, covered in mud and with a chicken on his head.

He looked at her and around him for a short second, his face tensing in apprehension.

"I...I suppose I can make an exception." He said, his voice reaching a nervous register as his hand fumbled with the zipper on his jacket, his jaw muscles tensed up at the mere thought of all the germs and odd smells he would have to endure to get home.

"Nonsense." Amy said with determination, picking up her jacket and purse from her dining room table. "I'll drive you."

Sheldon relaxed immediately, his shoulders slumped in relief.

"Really?" He said, his tone hopeful.

Amy swung her purple jacket around her shoulders swiftly, shooting him a toothy smile.

"Of course." She said with a certain nod of her head. "I know you hate those things, I'm happy to help you out." And with those words she opened the door, allowing them both to exit.

As they began their descend, walking side by side, Sheldon shot a quick glance towards Amy.

"Thank you, Amy. You're the best." He said, his words expressed with the highest sincerity, as he subconsciously stepped the tiniest centimeter closer to her, their shoulders now touching ever so lightly.

She looked up at him, her keys rattling rhythmically with every step she took, her shoulder brushing the side of his arm.

"You're welcome, Sheldon." She said, wondering if he knew to what extent she would go to keep him happy. A single lift home was only a drop in the ocean of things Amy Farrah Fowler's loveable nature was willing to do for Sheldon Cooper.

They kept descending the stairs in silence, Sheldon still coming down from his high of not having to take the dreadful bus home, a tiny smile of contempt plastered on his lips. Amy Farrah Fowler was truly the best. This was a very nice gesture indeed, a gesture he knew she would gladly repeat if need be. Not to mention her most generous action of that evening - forgiving him. Contemplating for a few steps, Sheldon came to realize that he should probably find a way to repay her for her kind actions.

The question remained, what should he do?

He knew that Leonard would usually buy Penny a gift or a bouquet of flowers whenever they had had a fight in order to get on her good side once more. But Sheldon knew himself - he was horrible at gift giving. Just the mere thought of having to pick out a present that not only would fall in Amy's taste but also reciprocated what she had done for him was overwhelming. And flowers weren't any better. What color? How many? What was her favorite flower? What kind of flowers would be appropriate to offer one's girlfriend?

No. He would have to come up with something different. Something he was good at and something Amy would enjoy. And then it hit him. It was brilliant, simple and if he had understood the convention correctly, even a little romantic without it being sappy and hippy dippy. And what day more suited to perform such a gesture than tomorrow evening? It was perfect.

"Amy?" He said, getting her attention just as they stepped outside her apartment building, the windy weather immediately playing with their jackets and hair.

"Mhhm?" She answered lazily, quickly checking each side of the road before crossing it.

"I would like to cook for you tomorrow." He said, his voice both nervous and oddly proud.

Amy stopped her movements, her hand on the car door as she looked at Sheldon with a surprised expression.

"You want to cook? For me?" She asked, her tone disbelieving.

Sheldon felt his nervousness grow stronger as she shuffled a little on his feet from the other side of the car. With a slight gulp he looked up and across the front window, meeting her eyes.

"Yes. If you'll let me." He answered, hesitating for a short second before entering her car. Amy followed his lead, a confused frown now appearing on her face.

"Oookay... But why?" She asked a little apprehensively.

Sheldon rearranged his messenger back, clearing his throat and shrugging his shoulders as if him offering to cook her dinner was something he did every other day and not once every blue moon.

"Do I really need a reason to cook my girlfriend a meal?" He asked, trying to keep his voice nonchalant and indifferent, but failing miserably.

"If you were any other man, then no, you don't need a reason." Amy said, reaching over her shoulder and grabbing the seat belt. "But you're Sheldon Cooper - you don't just cook for your girlfriend. So yes, you need a reason."

Sheldon licked his lips timidly, feeling his heartbeat fastening against his ribs. Eyeing her from the corner of his eyes he lowered his voice to a an almost whispering register, trying to talk past the little lump in his throat.

"Well...Leonard always does something nice for Penny when they've had a dust up. You're always so nice to me. And you forgave me and you are offering to drive me home... I suppose I would like to make it up to you by doing something nice for you."

Amy slowly clicked the seat belt into position as he spoke, her heart melting a little as his sentences progressed. Looking up from her dashboard she met his gaze with a sideways smile and a neck crooked to one side in delight.

"That's very sweet of you, Sheldon. I would love that." She said, nodding curtly as Sheldon returned her smile and securing his own seat belt with happy movements.

"So, what did you have in mind?" Amy asked, slowly pulling into traffic and heading for Los Robles.

Sheldon tapped his knee as a thoughtful expression spread on his face.

"Well, tomorrow is Date Night." He begun, earning a knowing nod from Amy. "And normally I arrive for a meal at your apartment at 6 pm. But since I will be doing the cooking tomorrow, I will leave work early, go grocery shopping and then return to your apartment and cook the meal. What time are you off tomorrow?"

Amy made a turn, checking her side mirror. "Uhm, around 5." She said, returning the steering wheel into an upright position.

"Perfect." Sheldon said, his eyes roaming over the road in front of them, his brain now planning every minute of the upcoming evening. "Dinner will be ready when you arrive at your apartment." He stated, satisfied with his plan.

Amy smiled a small excited smile - the prospect of Sheldon cooking her a meal in her apartment was a very comforting thought indeed.

"Sounds like a plan. I can't wait." She said, just as she turned into the street of his apartment building.

Bringing the car to a halt, they both unclicked their seat belts at the same time, but they both remained seated. Sheldon stole a glance from her, shifting a little in his seat. For some reason the drive home had seemed far too short for his liking. He had really missed her, that was for sure, and leaving the car seemed like such a tedious task.

Amy straightened the fabric of her skirt with slow strokes, wishing she could go up to Sheldon's apartment and have a cup of tea with him or maybe discuss some science news. Anything, really. Spending time with him was always a welcomed distraction. But since his bedtime was quickly approaching she knew her plans were futile.

After another moment of silence, Sheldon moved a little in his spot, securing his jacket a little tighter around him. He had tried his best, but he couldn't come up with a single reason to stay in the car or to invite Amy up to his apartment. Shooting her small tight smile he moved to open the door.

Just then Amy placed a hand in the crook of his elbow, stopping him from exiting her car.

"Sheldon, wait."

He halted and turned to face, a questioning look in his eyes.

Amy opened her mouth, but had suddenly forgotten what she wanted to say. Looking down at his slender hands she tried her best to remember, but it was no use. That thought was long gone. She opened her mouth again, but shut it closed immediately. Looking back up, meeting his eyes, she gulped in anticipation. Without another word she leaned across the space between them, planting her lips on his in a soft kiss. Sheldon didn't waste a second to pucker his lips, returning the kiss the best he could in the aftermath of the surprise that had just hit him.

Slowly pulling back, Amy returned to her seat, her eyes not leaving Sheldon's face.

"Goodnight, Sheldon." She said, a little out of breathe.

Sheldon closed his mouth, his lips pressed to a thin line as he felt his heart thumping and his brain working on full blast to try and make sense of the words she had just said to him. For the second time that evening he begged sanity to return to where it belonged, allowing him to function properly. Clearing his throat in determination he returned her look with a soft gaze.

"Goodnight, Amy." He said, shooting her a smile before exiting the car and offering her a tiny wave as she turned the car around and drove away.

Exiting Los Robles, Amy looked in her rearview mirror, but she was no longer able to see Sheldon's tall frame. Returning her gaze to the road in front of her she let out a long sigh. It was a sigh of relief, a sigh of contempt and a sigh of exhausting. One less thing to worry about - but her worries were nowhere near over. Sheldon was just no longer one of them; he was now where he had always belonged. With her and not against her. That thought brought her a small amount of comfort as she mentally prepared for the difficult next days that lay ahead.

---

Sheldon watched as Amy's car disappeared down the street with a low hum before turning towards the building door in front of him. Reaching into his pocket he dug out his keys, opening the door swiftly. He felt nothing short of exceptional as he stepped into the warm lobby, escaping the merciless wind outside.

The paralyzing fear and depressing mood he had experienced earlier that evening as he had been heading for Amy's apartment - a termination of their relationship the only possible and fair solution in his mind - was now all but gone. For the first time in days everything felt like it should, everything felt in place and in order. Everything felt right. He hadn't lost Amy, he had stood up to Kripke, he managed to redeem himself, Amy had forgiven him, he had figured out a nice gesture to do for her all by himself and they had kissed. Twice. Things were finally turning around for the better.

And hopefully tomorrow was going to be even better. Nothing like a scheduled Date Night, Amy's company and a home cooked meal to boost the mood. A small smirk sneaked into his lips as he ascended the first flat of stairs with light and steady steps.

He knew exactly what he was going to cook for her. She was going to love it, of that he was certain.

Pausing halfway up the third floor, Sheldon furrowed his brow for a short second, going through the archive in his brain, making sure that he could remember everything he needed for tomorrow.

Yup. It was all there.

Satisfied, he bounced up the last steps and jingled his keys as he now found himself in front of the apartment door he had come know as home. His shoulders slumped down in relaxation and he took a deep breathe as he placed the key in the door.

Everything was going to be fine.

Opening the door he stepped in cautiously, seeing that Penny and Leonard were cuddled up on the couch, seemingly watching a movie.

The moment he closed the door, they both turned to face him with wide and expectant eyes. Leonard paused the movie as Penny threw the blanket she had shared with Leonard off her legs and stood up.

They both watched him in tenseful silence, unsure of what to say, as he walked over to his desk, taking off his messenger back and jacket with slow movements. As he turned around to face the, his face was stoic as ever as he eyed them both, nodding his head slightly.

"Good Evening." He greeted, knowing that they were probably bursting with anticipation.

And rightfully so.

Leonard was more patient than his girlfriend, trying to respond to Sheldon's greeting with an "good evening" of his own, but he was cut short by Penny who stepped closer to Sheldon, wringing her hands.

"So?" She probed eagerly. "How did it go?"

Leonard stepped behind her, eyeing his best friend with worried eyes as he fumbled his hands nervously.

Sheldon looked at both of them, their faces contorted into scared grimaces, clearly expecting the worst. With a slow exhale he prepared to ease their minds.

"It went well." He informed, fixing the hem of his t-shirt in a thoughtful movement. "She forgave me."

Penny let out a deep breathe, whispering a low "thank god" as she stepped closer and threw her arms around Sheldon, who was very surprised by the gesture. As he awkwardly patted her two times on the back, Leonard stepped closer as well, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder with a relieved smile on his lips.

"That's good to hear, buddy."

As Penny freed him from the hug, they all three walked over, taking their seats - Leonard and Sheldon on the couch and Penny in the armchair.

"What happened?" Penny asked, her voice now impatient.

Sheldon pressed his lips together, considering his options.

"Well, I went over to her apartment. Then I delivered my apology…." He halted for a moment, unsure if he wanted to let them know that he had almost signed the Termination Formula himself. It never really happened, so it seemed insignificant for his friends to know.

"Which she accepted. After that we talked about the Relationship Agreement and the Fermi Paradox."

Penny eyed him with furrowed brows as Leonard inched a little closer to him.

"Hold on… The Fermi Paradox?" Leonard asked in confused, having a hard time imagining why they would talk about such a thing in the middle of a critical discussion about their relationship.

Sheldon looked at him with a straight face, as if he hadn't heard him.

"Yes. The Fermi Paradox. Amy read an article." He explained, looking back at Penny.

She looked at him like he had gone mad. But then she shook her head, biting her thumb as she leaned in.

"Did you kiss?" She asked, her voice low, almost as if telling him a secret.

Sheldon huffed and crocked his neck, eyeing her with a classic look of haughty derision.

"Penny, please…." He said in a disapproving tone.

Penny jumped a little in her seat, looking at him with wide eyes.

"Oh, come on, Sheldon! We've been waiting for hours, I want to know everything!"

Sheldon held her gaze, trying to wordlessly tell her that he was above all of that, but she stared back at him with equal determination. Finally he looked away, sighing heavily.

"Fine." He concurred, shaking his head a little. "Yes, we did kiss."

Penny smiled a wide smirk, shaking her head a little from side to side in pure delight.

"Bottom line, Sheldon. Are you guys back to normal." Leonard asked, trying to steer the conversation back to a more serious direction.

Sheldon looked at him with a serious gaze, rubbing his hands a little together.

"Yes, we're back to normal. We're fine." He answered, his voice low.

But Penny wasn't done.

"So you kissed and made up." She stated, earning her Sheldon's attention once more. "Aaaand… Did you tell her?" She asked, her voice very suggestive.

Leonard eyed Penny from his spot on the couch, unsure if she should really be bringing that up now. They had talked about it earlier that evening, whether or not Sheldon would vocalize his feelings during these anything but normal circumstances, but it was probably the wrong time to talk about it. They were back together, they were happy - no need to change that.

Sheldon furrowed his brows, looking at her in curiosity.

"What do you mean? What should I have told her?" He asked, going through the entire conversation with Amy in his mind, searching for any possible faux pars.

Leonard desperately tried to shake his head behind Sheldon's turned head to make Penny end the conversation.

But no such luck.

Penny waved her hands in tiny circles, her eyes widening a bit as she tried to explain herself.

"You know… It. Did you tell her?" But all she got was a further deepening of the lines in Sheldon's forehead.

"We...uhm… just thought that… You know… This would be a perfect time for you to tell Amy that … you know…" She stuttered, now feeling incredibly embarrassed and panicky, shooting Leonard a desperate look, trying to make him save her from this horrible situation. This was not going well at all.

Sheldon started feeling panicky himself, shifting his gaze from Penny to Leonard. What was he missing?

"Leonard? What is she talking about?" He asked in a nervous tone, needing him to make sense of Penny's incoherent sentences.

Leonard gulped down, shrugging his shoulders in a dismissive manner.

"She means nothing, Sheldon. Really. Just forget about it." He said, trying to keep his tone light.

But Sheldon was now fully and truly nervous. Seeing that he wasn't going to get any explanation he turned back to Penny, now sitting on the edge of his spot.

"What did you mean by that? What should I have said?" He asked, his voice growing louder.

Penny got up from her seat, slowly heading for the door, as she blew a tiny raspberry.

"It's nothing Sheldon, I meant nothing. Leonard is right, just let it go." She said with a reassuring smile before hurrying out of the door, leaving Leonard with a confused and nervous Sheldon.

He turned to his best friend, holding his hands out in a deprecatory manner.

"Sheldon, everything went perfect, you are back with Amy and your relationship is fine. So I am begging you to go to sleep, okay?"

Sheldon eyed him carefully, taking a few deep breathes. He opened his mouth to say something but was cut short by Leonard.

"Just… go to bed, Sheldon." He said in a stern voice with a friendly smile on his lips, trying to defuse the upcoming panic attack that Sheldon would undoubtedly have.

And with that he got up and moved to his bedroom, leaving Sheldon sitting on the couch. But Sheldon was not done yet. Getting on his feet he followed Leonard to the back of the apartment.

"Clearly she meant something by it. I'm not good with facial or vocal cues, but I've known Penny long enough to know when she is lying." He argumented, just as Leonard closed his bedroom door.

Sheldon knocked on the door three times in a row, repeating Leonard's name.

"Let it go, Sheldon!" Sounded the response from behind the closed door.

"Not until you tell me what she meant?" Sheldon stated, putting his foot down.

After short moment of silence Leonard opened the door, dressed in his robe.

"Sheldon… She meant nothing by it. So stop thinking about it, and go to bed." He said sternly, pointing a finger towards his bedroom.

Sheldon opened his mouth to argue, but the look on Leonard's face told him to remain quiet. With a silent nod he accepted defeat - he was not getting any answers tonight.

"Good night, Leonard." He said in a courtly tone before making his way to his bedroom.

As he changed into his pajamas, Sheldon couldn't prevent his brain from going rampant, coming up with every possible meaning to Penny's mysterious words, but as he placed his head on his pillow moments later, he had still found no answer.

He laid there in the dark, thinking, mulling and contemplating for hours, his heart beating fast and making it impossible.

It. She had called it it. What did that mean? What should he have said?

He had had a fight with Amy. And then he had apologized. She had forgiven him and they had agreed to return to the relationship they had before the fight. It was all there. What was he missing?

Truth be spoken, he had very few incidents like these to compare with, so instead he turned his attention to the couple he knew best: Leonard and Penny.

They had plenty of arguments in their history as a romantic couple, and Sheldon had been unfortunate enough to experience most of them. What would they say after something like that? What would they say that he hadn't?

I'm sorry?

Did that.

I forgive you?

Did that.

I will work harder?

Did that.

Then what was it?

….

And then it hit him.

Of course.

What else?

But that was not possible? She couldn't possibly have asked him about…. that… could she?

Sheldon felt his heartbeat quicken tenfold as he slowly sat up in his bed.

It was the only explanation. It made sense, it matched Penny's odd behaviour, it matched Leonard's dodging arguments and it would explain why she was being so cryptic about the whole thing. Because it was truly a delicate and complicated matter.

Needing answers, and realizing that sleep had eluded him once more, Sheldon swiftly swung his legs over the side of his bed, putting on his slippers and throwing his robe around his shoulders.

With silent steps he made his way through his darkened apartment and across the hall. He stood in front of apartment 4B, he contemplated one last time. Maybe they were right. Maybe he should just forget it? But Sheldon Cooper was not one to forget anything.

With a beating heart and sweaty palms he knocked on the door.

Knock knock knock

Penny?

Knock knock knock

Penny?

Knock knock knock

Penny?

He waited patiently, biting his lip apprehensively. Finally he heard muffled sounds from behind the door and moments after, Penny swung her door open, squinting her eyes closed as she tried to adjust them to the harsh light of the hall.

"What the hell, Sheldon? It's the middle of the night?" She said in a groggy and accusing voice.

Without much consideration and desperately needing to know the answer, Sheldon blurted out his question.

"Are you suggesting that I love Amy Farrah Fowler?"

---

So? What did you think? Like Sheldon Cooper, I don't need sleep. I need answers. So for the sake of my sleeping cycle and my sanity, could you please leave a review? I can make one hell of a cup of tea, but I can't read minds - and your thoughts about my story is like... Mana from heaven. I need it! :D

Also... You still look adorable. I like your hair a lot. Rock that.

UNTIL NEXT TIME MY BELOVED READERS!

LIVE LONG AND SHIP HARD!