Apart from the Shamy-fluff, this chapter is tying up a few loose ends, since the next chapter will already take place in California, so I hope you can forgive me, for throwing in a few conversations that I really wanted to happen before leaving Medford.

Other than that, again, not much story but lots of fluff. I hope you'll enjoy it!

We got everything we need right here
And everything we need is enough
Just so easy when the whole world fits inside of your arms
Do we really need to pay attention to the alarm?
Wake up slow
Mmm-mmm, wake up slow

As It Is In Heaven
Chapter 28 – "Banana Pancakes"

Sheldon slowly opened his eyes.

It took him a moment to comprehend where he was and why, but then he couldn't help but smile as he remembered the events of the previous night.

It felt surreal. But also, wonderful. All of it.

He turned on his side and scooted up to Amy who was sleeping on her side, facing the opposite wall.

She hummed softly, as he wrapped one arm around her naked body and pulled her close.

He was in heaven. Waking up naked with this exceptional woman. Feeling her body warmth, inhaling her scent, hearing her even breaths as she slept peacefully in his arms.

He couldn't resist lifting the covers a bit and taking a good look at her.

And then he was grateful for his eidetic memory, knowing he would always remember what he saw in this moment.

Her chest moving a little with each even breath. The beautiful curves of her body nestled against his. Her long hair sprawled across the pillow.

So beautiful. Irresistible.

And she was all his.

He, who had always been logical and rational, with Amy, he felt something he just couldn't quite explain. Love, yes, but it was more than just that.

It was such a warm feeling.

A sense of comfort and belonging. Unlike anything he had ever felt before.

He traced his fingers lightly over her bare skin, starting at her neck, then down the ridges of her spine until he reached her shapely rear, marveling at the softness of her curves.

Sheldon couldn't help but smile to himself. He had never thought that he would be the type of person to enjoy physical intimacy.

But with Amy, oh, it was so different to anything he could have imagined.

Not just because he was almost insanely attracted to her – which he was. To her body and to her brain.

But because with her, he felt safe and secure. It was because of this, that he was able to let go of his inhibitions and give into his urges. No other person could ever make him feel this way.

He leaned closer to her and pressed a gentle kiss to the back of her neck. He just loved the feeling of her skin against his lips.

Amy stirred and turned her head to look back at him.

"Good morning.", she said, her voice still husky with sleep.

"Good morning.", he replied and kissed her neck again, while resuming his exploration of her skin.

"Mhmmm.", she hummed. "For a man who told me less than two weeks ago he had difficulties with physical intimacy, you sure like touching me a lot."

"Well…", he whispered into her ear still caressing the back of her thighs, "I have a whole decade to make up for. And I intend to do that. Thoroughly."

She giggled lightly and turned around in his arms and pressed a soft kiss to his jaw.

"I am really, really happy about last night.", she whispered and again, there was this warmth in his chest.

"Me too.", he told her and pulled her closer, savoring the way her body melt into his.

For a few blissful moments, they were lost in each other again, exploring each other's bodies with eager hands.

Until there was a new, unexpected sound, among the symphony of moans and sighs.

A deep growl coming directly from Amy's belly. A growl that was answered by his own body right away.

It seemed they weren't just hungry for each other.

Sheldon checked his watch and groaned. It was already past lunchtime. No wonder they were both starving.

"I guess, we should get up.", he whispered regretfully.

Amy nodded in agreement.

"I suppose we cannot stay in bed all day, tempting as it may be.", she sighed.

Sheldon reluctantly released her from his embrace and sat up, running a hand through his disheveled hair.

He looked down at her and couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, still flushed and breathless from their earlier activities.

"We will continue this later.", he promised, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "But now, let's go take a shower and then I will make you breakfast."

"Sounds perfect.", she whispered.

As they headed to the bathroom together and stepped into the shower, Sheldon decided, that this was a new routine he very much wanted to get used to.

As the warm water cascaded over their bodies, Sheldon couldn't resist pulling her into his arms again. It felt like he was getting addicted to the feeling of her skin against his.

Amy giggled and pushed him away playfully.

"We will starve to death if we continue like this.", she scolded him as she grabbed the soap and lathered it up in her hands.

Sheldon rolled his eyes but complied, allowing her to wash his back and hair. He couldn't help but admire her skillful hands, before he did the same for her.

After finishing their morning routines, they quickly put on their robes and went to the kitchen. Sheldon started rummaging through the cabinets and scowled at Amy when she refused to be sent to the living room.

"It is customary for the boyfriend to provide the girlfriend with a hearty breakfast after she welcomed him into her bed for a night full of amorous activities. Or so I've heard.", he protested.

"Next time.", she shrugged. "I'm starving. Plus, if I help you, we can get back to bed for more 'amorous activities' sooner."

Well, he couldn't argue with that logic.

Sheldon got started on pancakes while Amy made tea and set up the table.

Soon, the kitchen filled with a wonderful smell.

Just as they sat down together, their plates piled high with food, there was a knock at the door.

"Are you expecting anyone?", he asked, and Amy shook her head.

Another knock.

"Start eating. I'll go see who it is.", Amy sighed and got up.

But just as Sheldon was about to take his first bite, he froze as he heard a familiar voice.

"Mother?", he exclaimed just as Amy came back into the kitchen with his mother in tow.

Her gaze wandered from Amy to the kitchen table to him.

Sheldon knew exactly what it looked like. Both of them dressed in only their robes and two plates filled with pancakes on the table in the early afternoon.

Amy quickly offered to bring her a cup of tea and his mother nodded absentmindedly before she took a seat.

"I…", she stammered. "I just wanted to see if you two needed anything. I haven't heard from you, and I was a little worried because Amy has been sick for a while now. Or at least that's what I thought."

Sheldon cringed.

So his siblings hadn't told her anything about the date last night.

"Amy got better a few days ago.", he mumbled, not really sure how to explain the fact that he hadn't come home.

"I see.", his mother said calmly. "I didn't mean to pry, I really just wanted to see if you needed help. You did not answer your phone this morning, so I came here. I'm sorry."

She accepted the mug filled with tea from Amy and took a sip.

"Look, Mary, I know this is a lot to take in…", Amy started but his mother waved for her to stop.

"You two are adults. Like I said, I did not mean to pry. This is none of my business. I'm just… well… a little surprised right now."

Even Sheldon could see how uncomfortable his mother was.

"Mom…", he said. "You are right. It is none of your business. Regardless, I think you should know, as of last night, Amy and I have decided to officially enter a relationship together. And…", he gathered all his courage. Better rip off the band-aid right now. "What you are seeing right now will be a regular occurrence if you like it or not."

He almost didn't dare to breathe, and as he side-glanced at Amy, he noticed her looking down at the floor uncomfortably.

This was it. His mother would probably lecture them now, about premarital relations, sinning and damnation.

But he would have never, not in a million years, guessed the next words that came out of her mouth after she put her mug back onto the table and swallowed deeply.

"I want you both to know, I am very happy for you. And for our entire family. Even though I would have preferred to hear about this in a different way, I have to say, it is the best news I have gotten in a long time."

Amy finally looked up again. "R… Really?", she stammered. "You are happy about this?"

His mother nodded.

"I understand why this might sound strange to you. And I want you both, but especially you, Amy, to know that I am terribly sorry. I know this is no excuse, but a few months ago, when you two became friendly with each other, I was not in a good place. Sheldon's heart attack… and then my mother's death. It was just…"

"It's okay, Mary.", Amy whispered. "I understand. You already apologized, remember? It's in the past."

"No.", his mother insisted, directed at Amy. "It is not okay. I know I apologized for the part I played during the family dinner when you were insulted under my roof. But I never apologized for everything else that I just assumed about you two. I was so worried about Sheldon, I failed to see clearly what you two meant to each other. I guess I was always very protective of my son, but after his heart attack, I just couldn't stop thinking about everything that could go wrong. I want you to know, I always loved you, Amy, but Sheldon was so fragile when he came here. I was afraid you would break his heart and make everything worse. By now I am sure you know he wasn't exactly… experienced when it comes to women and…"

"Mother!", Sheldon protested, not liking the fact that his mother was talking about him as if he were not in the room. "My inexperience has nothing to do with this. I trust Amy and she never gave you any reason to doubt her."

"I know.", his mother said in a small voice. "And now, after all the things that happened, after everything you two have been through, it is very clear that you are supposed to be together. I just hope…", she sighed. "Amy, I hope that someday, you will find it in your heart to forgive me and that we can leave the past behind one day."

"I've already left it behind.", Amy said firmly. "Mary, this past year wasn't easy on any of us. Let's just move forward now."

"Thank you.", his mother said and put her hand on Amy's arm. "Amy, I want you to know, I think you are a wonderful woman and I respect you very much. I couldn't imagine anyone better for my son and I hope you will always feel welcome in our family."

"Thank you, Mary.", Amy said softly. "I really appreciate this."

Both women got up and hugged each other tightly, and Sheldon released a deep sigh.

This went much better than he had expected.

"I'm going to leave you two alone now.", his mother finally said. "I did not want to interrupt your day. But if you want to, you can come over for dinner later after your choir practice."

With that, she left, and it was only the two of them again and finally they were able to enjoy their breakfast.

Once their bellies were filled, Sheldon wrapped an arm around Amy and pulled her close.

And when he leaned in to kiss her and he felt her soft lips that tasted of pancakes and syrup, he realized that this was how he wanted to start all of his days from now on.

"I'm kind of surprised you did not tell your mother I had about as little experience as you had.", Amy whispered, as she pulled away from him after a while.

"Should I have told her?", he asked surprised. "I felt it was not my place and apparently, you did not tell her either, back when you two had your talk after that horrible family dinner a few months ago."

"I hadn't even told you back then.", she shrugged. "But after you found out, I thought you might tell her, if only so she would stop worrying about us dating."

"I did not even consider it.", he admitted. "And honestly, we should not have to. It should not make a difference."

"Does it… not make a difference to you?", she asked and like usual, Sheldon couldn't really figure out what answer she was hoping for. So, he decided to just tell her exactly how he felt.

"Amy, I love that we were each other's first. It means a great deal to me, that we get to experience all of this together. But honestly, even if you had been with every man you dated, you would still be Amy and it would not change the way I feel about you or how much I want to be with you."

Apparently, this had been the right thing to say, because she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

Well, who would have thought. He was really good at this boyfriend-stuff.

"Let's go to the living room.", she whispered. "The couch is more comfy."

He grinned as he realized, he had heard those exact words once before.

"Why are you grinning like that?", she implored. "Did I say something funny."

She did not remember. Of course.

He chuckled and got up, extending his hand to her.

"You did.", he said as he led her to the living room. "The couch is more comfy. – This is the exact thing you said the night you kissed me for the first time. When you were luring me into the living room to kiss me."

"Luring you in?", she protested. "Sheldon, now that I know you better, I am pretty sure you were a very willing participant in everything that happened in the living room that night."

He did not have to reply, it was too obvious.

They sat down on the couch together and he pulled her into his arms to kiss her again, but after a while, she pulled away.

"What is it?", he asked, slightly concerned, as he found himself unable to analyze her facial expression.

"This is the place where we shared our first kiss.", she whispered.

He smiled at her. Well technically, it was the place where they shared several 'first times'.

"It is.", he nodded. "But why did this thought make you stop right now?"

"I just…", she sighed. "I hate that I do not remember our first kiss. I don't remember what I said. Or what you said. And what led to it. I hardly remember anything about that night.", she admitted.

"Oh yes, that is a shame.", he agreed. "Because it was quite spectacular."

"Oh really?", she said sultry. "Then remind me, please."

Well, she did not have to ask him twice.

"Alright. Let's see. We walked home from the bar, and you lured me into your home with Yoo-Hoo."

"Lured you in?" she asked incredulously. "Again, with that phrase."

"Yes. Lured me in.", he emphasized. "I was completely unaware of your alcohol-fueled intentions and your inability to control yourself.", he insisted which gained him a playful slap on his arm. "So, we sat down here on the couch. I asked you for advice… on the whole Missy situation."

They both winced a little. It was painful to think about this part.

"And I gave you advice?", she asked.

"Yes. Surprisingly sound advice, considering you were so drunk you don't even remember any of it."

"And what happened then?", she asked impatiently.

He smiled. He liked that part.

"Well, you said 'That brings us to our next order of business.' And then you threw yourself at me and kissed me. On the lips. I was shocked."

"Like this?", she asked and kissed him softly, which made his brain shut off for a second.

Oh, had he known then what he knew now… he wasn't sure if he would have been able to remain a gentleman.

"Yes.", he whispered. "But then you pulled away and for a second, it looked like you were about to puke."

"But I did not puke, did I?", she whispered back.

"No.", he smiled again. "And I have no idea why I did what I did, because before that night I had never even considered this… but…"

He decided to show her instead of just telling her and pulled her body close to his before he dove in and kissed her deeply.

It felt so good. Knowing that she was his official girlfriend now and that he would get to kiss her as often as they felt like it, made everything even more intense.

He took his time to kiss her softly, enjoying every second of feeling her soft lips on his. And the way she kissed him back, oh, he was almost overwhelmed with the amount of love and passion she was showing him.

"And… and then?", she mumbled as she pulled away. "What happened then?"

"Well…", he grinned. "You burped. Loudly."

Her eyes widened in shock. "I did no such thing!", she all but shouted.

"Oh yes, you did.", he chuckled. "It was quite an amusing show you put on that night."

"O God, why did I ask you to tell me?", she was burying her head in her hands.

He gently lifted her head up, so she was looking at him again.

"Don't you want to know what happened next?", he asked.

"Well, that depends. Are you going to tell me, that's when I farted?"

He had to bite his lips to keep from laughing at her.

"You did not.", he promised. "You got up, but you looked wobbly on your feet, and I was afraid you could fall and hurt yourself, so…"

He got up and pulled her up with him.

"So… I did this.", he whispered and picked her up from the floor like he did that night.

"I think I remember this part faintly.", she whispered back and caressed his chest lightly. "You were wearing a Superman shirt. And I was completely baffled by you being able to carry me just like that. I felt so safe in your arms. It felt like you really were Superman."

He couldn't help but kiss her lips again and she wrapped her arms tightly around his shoulders as she kissed him back passionately.

This was not what had happened that night. But Sheldon did not care. Carrying Amy in his arms, their lips still connected, he made a few steps towards the bedroom.

"I… uhm…", he told her as he sat her down on her bed. "I tucked you in then. Kissed you good night. And then I left. Like a gentleman"

"But you're not trying to be a gentleman now, are you?", she asked teasingly, already loosening the knot of her robe. "You have no intentions to leave right now."

Sheldon chuckled and shook his head as he took off his own robe. "No, I am not.", he told her as he lowered himself on top of her. "I don't ever want to leave your side. I am sorry to say that, Dr. Fowler. But you're stuck with me."

And then, finally, he got to pick up where they had left off earlier.

There they were. Sheldon and Amy. Boyfriend and girlfriend. Spending a huge portion of the afternoon in bed, entangled with each other. Savoring every touch, every kiss, every sound, every taste.

"I love you so much.", he whispered into her ear, once they were finally sated after finding heaven together more than once.

"I love you too.", she mumbled back, running her fingers over his chest. "And I hope you don't mind, but moving forward, I want to spend a lot of our free mornings – or afternoons – exactly like this."

"Noted.", he answered firmly. This was a request he definitely could agree on.

Maybe they could put it into the first draft of their relationship agreement that he was already writing in his mind.

But unfortunately, they had to get dressed again shortly after that.

They did have other responsibilities after all.

In the early evening, they walked to the choir practice just like so many times before.

They held hands on the way and talked about the upcoming competition.

It wasn't necessary. The program was set in stone, everyone knew their parts. But it was what they usually talked about, and he liked having this routine with her.

Once they entered the little room, everyone else was already present, apparently waiting for him and Amy to arrive.

The whole room went silent as they entered though, and he could see Missy trying to hold back a grin.

Only now did he realize, he was still holding Amy's hand.

After exchanging a look with his girlfriend, during which she nodded, he sighed. Now was an as good time as ever.

"Can I have anyone's attention?", he asked loudly, even though everyone was already looking at him anyway. "I know what you are thinking, and it is true. As of last night, Amy and I have officially entered a romantic relationship."

He did not know what he had expected, but probably not the round of whistles and applause directed at them.

"Finally. It's about time you two figured it out.", Jared nodded, smiling brightly at both of them.

"But do not worry.", Sheldon resumed his speech. "Amy will not be receiving any special treatment just because she's now pair-bonded with the conductor."

"Well, I bet she's getting enough special treatment at home.", Jeremy joked, and everyone laughed.

"So, let's see who bet on yesterday. Or... today? Sheldon, did you make it official before or after midnight?", Olivia asked, and Sheldon groaned as Missy took out a spreadsheet.

"I was way off anyway.", Jeremy said regretfully. "I had 'Sheldon professes his love on stage in LA'."

"They bet on our relationship?", he whispered incredulously, but Amy just grinned at him and squeezed his hand.

"Give them a break. That's how families are.", she stated. "Let them have their fun for a while."

Sheldon smiled at her softly. 'Families'. Yes, it was fitting. He did think of the choir as a family.

He was about to assemble everyone and start practicing, when he saw Daniel and Ruth whispering to each other before Daniel stepped forward.

"Now that we received this wonderful news from our beloved choir leaders, I think it is time to share some our own news.", he started. "So, I want y'all to know, that Ruth and I have been seeing each other for some time."

Amy looked at Sheldon as the others cheered. Of course, they had known already, and he was really proud of himself for not spilling this secret.

"Wait, there's more.", Daniel continued and took Ruth's hand. "Do you want to share the news, darling?", he asked her gently.

"Well…", Ruth started. "As you all know, things between Daniel and me haven't exactly been easy. We talked about a lot of things. About the time we lost. About mistakes we made. About the things we were afraid of. As you can imagine, both of us had many regrets. But in the end, we decided to leave the past behind us and make the most of the time we have left. So… To make a long story short: Daniel asked me to marry him. And I said yes."

Sheldon heard Amy gasp loudly before everyone clapped again.

"We will be getting married this autumn.", Daniel continued. "And of course, you will all be invited."

Sheldon watched as Ruth wrapped one arm around her fiancé. It was clear, she had forgiven him for everything that had gone wrong before.

He admired the old couple and their ability to look forward to however much time they had left with each other.

And also, he started trying to figure out, how long he would have to wait until he could make a similar announcement. He couldn't stop wondering, what Amy's reaction would be if one day soon, he would present her with the ring he had in his possession.

The choir did not get to practice that night after all.

Instead, they opened the bottles of champagne that had been stored in the fridge ever since they had gone to Houston – with what had happened to Sheldon, no one had been in the mood to really celebrate back then.

Afterwards, he walked home with Amy, who was still overjoyed with the happiness between the old couple and after having dinner with his mother and Missy, they went back to her place.

Already, he loved this new routine of ending the evening at her place, and as she fell asleep in his arms, he was thinking about all the events that had happened since he had arrived in Texas.

So many things had changed since then. For the better. Even if, at times, it hadn't seemed that way.

He had lost someone close to him. Someone he would never stop missing.

But he had found love too. So much love.

He was happy. Truly happy and content.

And when he thought about how miserable he had been before his heart attack, it really was a miracle, the place he was at right now.

But something kept bothering him.

Now, that he was in a relationship himself, and planning a future he never thought he could have, he finally was able to understand the things that had been happening around him these past years in California.

He saw them from a different perspective. From the perspective of a happy man who had found the love of his life.

And from this new perspective, he started to regret the way he had acted towards the people who once had been like a family to him.

Maybe it was time to restore some of the bridges he had burned. Maybe, hopefully, it wasn't too late.

So, he got out of bed, went to the living room and started up his laptop to look up the website of the competition.

There it was. "Contestant 7: Medford Church Choir. Conductor: Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper"

He copied the link and opened his E-Mail Account.

Hello Leonard and Penny,

I want to formally invite you to come and listen to the upcoming choir competition "Everyone Can Sing - Nationals" held in Los Angeles on Saturday four weeks from now. I would be honored, if you could find the time for it. You are welcome to extend this invitation to everyone you think could be interested in it.

Sincerely,
Sheldon Cooper

He hesitated as he reread what he had written. It was exactly how he had wanted to write it. Formal. Detached. Ambiguous. But then he heard Amy's nose whistling from the bedroom and he smiled as he thought about the woman he had fallen in love with. She had taught him that sometimes, you had to take a chance and let people see your vulnerabilities if you wanted them to know how important they were to you.

And he knew, despite the things he had said in the past… Leonard and Penny had always been extremely important to him.

So, he erased the last three words and added another paragraph.

I know it has been a long time, but it would mean a great deal to me if we could meet up and talk while I am in California. A lot of things have happened in my life since last we spoke and me being the conductor of a church choir might be the least surprising of it. I want you both to know, I deeply regret the rift between us. Recent experiences have made me understand why you had to make changes in your life, and I know now that I handled the whole situation poorly. I hope it is not too late to find a way to mend our friendship.

Love, Sheldon.