x-x-x-x-x
Two months later.
"Academic excellence is a great reason to celebrate."
Sheldon said with a smile, looking up at Penny as she explained her plans on throwing Hannah a surprise party Friday night. Thanks to Sheldon Hannah had received straight A's on her final grades and would more than likely graduate at the top of her nursing class next May.
"You guys are still going out tomorrow night right?"
He nodded, returning his attention to the model train he had been working on. Surprisingly enough Penny had been right about his relationship balancing out with Hannah and they were at a more manageable place now - especially with her schooling and his work. They still spoke to each other every day and he'd be lying if he said his thoughts didn't wander to their sexual activities more often than not throughout the week but the anxiety he felt four months ago was completely cured and he'd never been happier.
"Sheldon, try to focus. She told me you were taking her to The Royce! That's a big step from your usual Cheesecake Factory dates."
"Technically she's taking me seeing as I do not drive but yes Penny, it would seem that our relationship has evolved to a higher pallet. No offense."
Penny sighed, annoyed that Sheldon was being so aloof about his date with Hannah while his girlfriend - even though they hadn't become official - could talk about nothing else but their plans for Friday night.
x-x-x
Friday evening.
"Can you believe he got reservations for The Royce? There could be movie stars there!" Hannah squealed as Penny stood behind her with a curling iron in her hand, smiling at her in the mirror. "I tried to talk to him about it yesterday but he wasn't giving anything away."
Hannah watched herself in the mirror as Penny worked with her hair, transforming her straight blond strands into movie star quality curls. She had never been vain but tonight even she couldn't argue when Penny told her she looked gorgeous.
A few minutes later Sheldon was doing his routine knock on Penny's door and she left her bedroom to let him in. A little gasp escaped her throat when she saw the tall physicist; he was wearing the fitted black suit from his drunken acceptance speech - thankfully with pants this time but looked as handsome as ever.
"Hannah said that we would meet here?" Sheldon mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed from Penny's stare.
Just then Hannah emerged from Penny's bedroom; clasping her second earring as she looked up to meet Sheldon's gaze. Her usual tom-boy attire was gone and Sheldon nearly choked on his own tongue once she was in full view. Hannah was wearing a tight black dress that hugged every curve of her body and fell just past the middle of her thighs with Penny's borrowed black stiletto heals that made her eye level with Sheldon. It was Penny's turn to feel a bit awkward in her own apartment as everything seemed to disappear and it was just Hannah and Sheldon standing in an empty room.
"You look stunning." He whispered, touching a soft strand of her blond hair like he usually did when they were so close to each other. Hannah smiled, trying to fight the blush that spread over her cheeks as Sheldon took her hand. "You're looking pretty amazing yourself." She assured, kissing him quickly as he lead her into the hallway.
Hannah turned back to Penny who was leaned against the door frame smiling from ear to ear. She looked like a proud parent sending one of her kids off to the prom. "Thank you Penny for everything." Hannah assured, hugging her friend quickly before they said their goodbyes and made their way down the many stairs.
x-x-x
"I'm parked over here." Hannah assured quietly as she rounded the corner of the building, stopping in her tracks at the sight before her. A black stretch limo was parked before her with an older gentlemen standing at the back door to greet her. "Sheldon?" She asked, looking at him with wonder in her eyes.
"Academic excellence is a great reason to celebrate." He repeated his earlier words with a smile, ushering her to the limo. "Plus I've been told this is the only way to travel to The Royce."
Hannah slid into the limo followed by Sheldon and turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck the best she could in the confined back seat of the limo. "Thank you for doing this for me, Sheldon. It's perfect." She whispered, as he turned his body so they were facing each other and found himself lost in her sparkling blue eyes. He swallowed another lump in his throat, brushing her hair back from her face.
"I would do anything for you Hannah."
He searched her face for another moment before his lips found hers. There was something different about this kiss - since the first time their lips mad met it had always been passionate and fierce but tonight he kissed her gently, barely brushing his tongue against hers as his hand found its way into the back of her soft hair, pulling her into him. His lungs began to burn in his chest, mirroring the fire in his heart as he finally pulled away - just enough to take in a needed breath. His eyes were still closed, his breathing heavy as he spoke again.
"Hannah," The words came out a whisper on her lips as they sat completely still in the slow moving limo. Sheldon's minty breath beckoning her but she managed not to continue their kiss - desperately wanting to hear what he had to say. As his breathing finally slowed Sheldon opened his eyes, a look in his own blue hues she had never seen before. It wasn't lust, or desire or passion.
"Hannah, I love you."
It was love.
x-x-x
Sheldon watched Hannah closely, lost in her beauty and her sweet perfume that idly reminded him of Penny. He had never told anyone but his mother and his meemaw that he loved them and this wasn't the same kind of love - this was primal and protective - it made his heart beat harder every time they were around each other.
"I love you too, Sheldon." Hannah said suddenly, causing a smile to spread across his handsome face. He kissed her again, crushing his mouth to hers as the passion returned between them. If you would have told him four months ago that he would be sitting in the back of a limo with the dancing laundry room woman - contemplating the distance to the restaurant and the possibility of having his way with her then he might have laughed in your face but at that moment he wanted her, more then he'd ever wanted anything in the universe.
Luckily for the driver Sheldon calculated the miles to The Royce accurately and the limo began to slow moments after their declaration of love for one another. They pulled themselves together, straightening ties and dresses just before the driver opened the back door and escorted them out in front of the restaurant.
"Oh Sheldon, this is..." Hannah was at a loss for words as they walked into the restaurant - standing out in their black clothes against the all-white decor. He slipped his hand in hers as a waiter guided them to a secluded table, surprised at how much he enjoyed touching her. There were a lot of things about Hannah that surprised him.
x-x-x
Sheldon thanked the limo driver before he drove off, leaving the couple standing alone in front of their apartment complex.
"Before we go upstairs there's something I want to give you." He assured, reaching into the breast pocket of his jacket. Hannah stood in wonder as he handed her a slim red velvet box. "Sheldon... the limo and the resturant... this is too much..." She whispered, looking up at him as he assured her to open the box. She did as she was told and removed the lid - a small gasp escaping her lips as the piece of jewelry stared up at her.
Sheldon took the box from her and removed the necklace, smiling as she pulled her hair back and allowed him to clasp the white gold chain around her neck - marveling at the small red stone that hung from the chain.
"I hope that every time you wear this you'll remember this perfect night." Sheldon assured, cupping her cheek to kiss her sweetly. "At least up until this moment. I can't control what Penny has in store for you." He added quietly, frowning that he probably ruined Penny's surprise party. Hannah just giggled, kissing him again.
"Thank you, Sheldon - for everything. For tonight, for helping me with school - being so wonderful to me."
He placed his hand in hers as they made their way to his apartment where their friends were waiting to celebrate Hannah's success in school. "That's what boyfriends are for, right?" Sheldon asked suddenly when they were standing outside his door. Hannah looked up at him. He had told her he loved her so why was she surprised when he called himself her boyfriend? She could only nod her response as he opened the door and everyone inside yelled surprise.
x-x-x
