Sorry for the delay. I decided not to wait until the weekend and instead to post this chapter now as soon as it was ready. I might be diverting from my schedule more often for the remainder of this story and post during the week at times, because I don't want to stress myself by having to push out these chapters on the weekend and at the same time, I don't want to delay them more than necessary.

As I mentioned, I played a concert on Saturday, and despite some minor hiccups, it went very well. Today, I learned that our concert was covered by a local TV station, which is a bit intimidating but also very exciting. I am a bit down though, because I won't be playing music with these amazing people for a while, but already looking forward to the next project in June.

Anyway, I just wasn't able to focus on writing for a few days. But now, I am ready to get the honeymoon started. Currently, I am not sure, how many chapters will be about the honeymoon. This first one is from Amy's POV and the last one will be from Sheldon's POV. Both of them of course very much M-rated, and maybe, since this is their honeymoon, a little spicier than my usual chapters.

Maybe, if I find the courage to post it, there will be one more chapter in between. I am not saying more right now, because I don't want to spoil the chapter and also, I don't want to get your hopes up if I won't be posting it after all. It's… a bit different from my usual M-rated chapters and quite frankly I am a bit nervous about sharing it. So… let's see.

By the way, I just realized that I posted the first chapter of this universe almost exactly a year ago. Crazy, right?

So, now, after this much too long wall of text full of my ramblings, I hope you will enjoy the beginning of Sheldon and Amy's honeymoon.

… I've been really tryin', baby
Tryin' to hold back this feeling for so long
And if you feel like I feel, baby
Then, c'mon, oh, c'mon, whoa

… Let's get it on

Balancing Heaven And Earth
Chapter 26 – "Let's get it on"

Amy's POV

~About two and a half years ago~

"So, tell me, Amy. How is she really doing?"

Amy deposited the two big bags she was carrying on the floor and scanned the room, looking for her friend.

Connie seemed to have made good on her promise to lie down first immediately after getting to the cabin. Still, she did not know how to answer Ruth's question.

"She's… fine. She has really been looking forward to this weekend."

"And… the cancer?", Ruth implored, looking at Amy seriously. "Come on. You can tell me. I know you two are thick as thieves, but I am her oldest friend."

"She'… uhm…", Amy cleared her throat. "Look, Ruth, Connie's symptoms are manageable. Her form of cancer progresses very slowly. So… considering her a…"

"That bad, huh?", Ruth asked softly.

Amy looked down on the floor, feeling ashamed. She knew, Connie wanted her to keep quiet about the fact that her health was getting worse, and here she was… not even able to cover for her friend.

"Is there anything I can do?", Ruth asked, her voice strained. "Connie means the world to me. I… really want to help."

"You are helping already.", Amy insisted. "Look, Ruth, I think what helps Connie the most is if we let her pretend as long as she still can. She does not want to be seen as a sick person who needs care. For this weekend… and for as long as possible... She just wants to be herself, you know?"

Ruth's eyes softened.

"I understand.", she said. "I think… maybe at one point in our life… that's really all that's left to want."

Amy sighed relieved.

She had to admit, although she was always worried about her friend, the timing of this weekend could not have been any better.

With Connie's blood transfusion only a week ago, she was feeling as well as possible at the moment. She actually had energy and was able to enjoy her time.

After her friend woke up from her nap, the three of them decided to take a walk through the nearby forest.

Connie walked in the middle, with both Ruth and Amy next to her, ready to lend her an arm if she grew tired. But the old lady surprised both of them with her energy.

"I was here before.", she said gleefully as they sat down on a little bench close to the lake. "My Charlie liked to come here to fish. I used to go take a walk and then sit down right here on this bench to watch him. He was so… calm and focused. And I used to wonder what thoughts were going on in his mind."

"That is so romantic…", Amy sighed. "Watching him from afar… You must have loved him very much."

Connie did not say anything. She did not have to. There was a softness in her eyes, that spoke volumes. A longing in her gaze as she sat there and looked at the spot by the lake where her late husband used to sit.

After returning to the cabin and having a nice birthday dinner, Connie insisted on teaching Amy how to play poker.

Amy could only be grateful for the fact they were not playing for real money, because Connie's poker face was completely unreadable.

But even if it weren't, Amy would not have been able to focus anyway. It was such a joy, seeing her friend in such a good mood. Gone was the frail woman who had to spend most her time in bed, and she was replaced with a lady that seemed even younger than all these months ago when they had first met.

After cleaning up their glasses, Amy went to the room she was sharing with Connie. Her friend was already lying in bed when Amy prepared the futon for herself to sleep on.

"This was an excellent day.", Connie said, her voice full of contentment. "Thank you, Amy, for agreeing to this weekend."

"Oh, Connie, I have to thank you.", Amy said and slipped under her blanket. "I have travelled the world. I have seen so many things many people can only dream of. But I have never been to a place like this. The view. The calmness. The beauty of the landscape. And of course… the company."

She smiled at Connie, who looked at her seriously.

"You should do this more often.", the old woman told her.

"Sure.", Amy said. "Let's come back here in a few weeks. I am sure Ruth would be on board."

"No, Amy.", Connie said urgently. "I mean in general. After I'm… You have to find joy in your life. Not just in your achievements or in all the big journeys you like to take. But in these little moments. With the people you love. Admiring a beautiful view. Finding calmness in a moment like this. Life is… too short to just rush through all of it."

"Oh, Connie…", Amy said, her eyes filling with tears. She had not really thought about Connie's sickness all day.

"I wish… I had taken more time… When Charlie was still alive. Our lives were so busy. We had our jobs and our children. All these social obligations. Later our wonderful grandchildren. At least… for a while."

"Did he…", Amy gulped. "How long has he been dead?"

"He died thirty-three years ago.", Connie said softly. "We were so young. We thought we had all the time in the world. But… one day, he wasn't feeling well. He went to the doctor… and then, only weeks later, he was gone. Just like that. We still had so many plans…"

"Oh, Connie. I am so sorry."

"But you know, I do not regret the things we did not do. I regret not taking more time out of our busy lives. Not coming here more often. Because… those are the moments I remember clearly. It is what I am most grateful for in my life. For getting to experience this wholesome feeling of being with that one person. The one who understands your soul and speaks your own private language. If I could have one wish… I just would want one more day with him."

"Wow…", Amy croaked. "I had no idea."

"It's all good, sweetie.", Connie said, still smiling at her. "Even though I miss him very much, I managed to have a fulfilled life. I am at peace with everything that happened. But I learned that… we have to appreciate what we have. For however long we can."

Amy's eyes filled with tears.

She didn't know if Connie's memories were clouded. Was it really possible to meet such a person? Someone who was one's one true love?

She wasn't sure. Most likely it was not possible. At least not for her.

But there was one truth to Connie's statement.

Appreciate what she had. For however long she could.

She was determined to do that. To appreciate this friendship for as long as Connie was still here. To care for her and make her feel loved and needed until her last day.

She did not want to plan beyond that day. Already, the thought of life without Connie felt so dark and hopeless… but she knew, she would always remember this time in her life, when she had one person who loved her exactly the way she was.

Even if deep inside, she was convinced, she would never be this lucky again.

~ Back in the present ~

Amy blinked her eyes open lazily.

A beam of light from between the curtains fell on her face, tickling her nose.

She felt warm and cozy and… oh yes… happy. So, so happy.

Her head was lying on something soft. Something that was moving slowly. Up… down… up… down.

Amy smiled, as she listened to the steady heartbeat against her cheek.

It belonged to her husband. Her husband!

Amy buried her face deeper into his chest and took a deep breath.

Oh, he smelled… heavenly. Almost as good as he felt.

And… he was all hers. Every piece of him. Forever.

Amy reached out her hand and caressed Sheldon's face. He moved slightly, but did not wake up.

Of course. He must still be exhausted from all the dancing from the day before. And not to mention their nightly activities.

She closed her eyes as she thought about the tender way, Sheldon had made love to her. For the first time as her husband. It was crazy how much she could feel his love in everything Sheldon did. How cared for. How desired.

And something else was crazy too. No matter how satisfied she felt every time she was with Sheldon. She always wanted more.

Just like in this beautiful moment, after waking up in the arms of her husband. Surrounded by his strong arms. Her heart overflowing with love. And her body… oh, already, it was craving his touch.

A delicious tingle appeared in her belly.

This was it. Her opportunity. To give him what he so often gave her in the early mornings.

Carefully, she wiggled out of his embrace and turned to him fully. She let her fingers run from his face over his neck to his upper body, caressing the small patch of hair on his chest.

His face, still beautifully relaxed, twitched a little bit at the sensation, but other than that, he was still soundly asleep.

"Wake up, Sheldon...", she whispered and kissed his cheek.

"Mhmm…", was the answer.

Amy grinned. This was going to be good.

She caressed his body slowly. Just a little bit, but another soft hum escaped Sheldon's mouth and his eyelids fluttered slightly.

Amy pressed a soft kiss on his lips, and then another one on his jaw while her right hand traced his side down from his chest over his ribs to his hip.

"Amy…", Sheldon, now pulled out of his blissfull slumber, whispered as he gazed at her through half-lidded eyes.

"Good morning, husband.", she murmured and winked at him.

His eyes lit up, sparkling at her.

"Good morning, wife.", he answered, his hand moving to her head, pulling her down for a sweet kiss.

For a moment, she allowed herself to kiss him back, but she was determined not to let him distract her from her mission too much.

She had barely been allowed to touch him the night before after all, and she intended on making up for it.

She shifted and turned, so she was lying on top of him, her knees resting between his open legs. Already she could feel his erection brush against her belly and the tingles in her body multiplied.

Then she licked her lips before moving them to his neck, letting her tongue run down his Adam's apple, feeling the way it bopped up and down as Sheldon swallowed deeply.

His hands were roaming over her back to her shoulder blades, stroking her gently.

"Getting a head start on our honeymoon, are we?", he chuckled as she suckled on the tender skin of his neck.

Their honeymoon.

Oh, she couldn't wait for two weeks of this.

She did not give him an answer, after all, it was very obvious what she was doing.

She kept kissing his neck, nibbling at his skin while moving her hands to his front, drawing circles on his chest, touching his nipples fleetingly, each time eliciting a low moan from him.

It was her turn to moan though when she felt Sheldon's hand moving from her back to her ribcage.

"I've got to say, you chose a very neat way to start this morning.", he grumbled into her ear.

This wouldn't do. He was still able to speak coherently. And even more than that, he was distracting her from her goal.

She firmly took his hands into hers, intertwining them, before moving further down, denying him access to her body while gaining full access to his.

"Amy! That's not fair.", he muttered in protest.

She grinned wickedly. "All is fair in love and war. Now just lie back and accept the fact that you are mine and I will do with you whatever I please to do."

The next thing she heard was a sharp intake of breath.

"Oh Lord have mercy…", Sheldon groaned as Amy's hands started exploring his upper legs, touching him everywhere but bypassing his erection.

She took a good look at the view in front of her and like every time she did this, she could only admire how beautiful her man was. All of him.

His gentle face. Masculine and boyish at the same time. His well-defined but not overtly muscular chest. His soft, gentle hands. His long legs. He was lanky, yet strong. Even his genitals were aesthetically pleasing. And only she would ever have the privilege to know what joy it was to behold them.

Oh, how she wanted this man. Every fiber of her body was yearning to touch him. And to hear him cry out for her.

Finally, she let her fingers run over his length. Only gently. She smiled to herself when Sheldon bucked up his hips.

"What's wrong, Dr. Cooper?", she whispered and grinned up at him.

"Please…", Sheldon whispered back. "More."

Amy's heart swelled. She would never get enough of being wanted like this. And of this brilliant man who she alone was able to turn into a moaning mess just with the touch of her fingers.

"Is this what you want?", she asked teasingly, as she caressed him again. Softly stroking him from the base to the tip.

"Amy…", he groaned. "Please. I need… more."

She bit her lip. As much as she enjoyed teasing him, she enjoyed giving him what he wanted even more.

She tightened his grip around him and moved her hand. Up and down. Repeatedly. Sheldon's hands grasped the sheets, and she watched as his chest moved up and down rapidly. He was staring at her in wonder.

"God Amy…", his breathed out between labored breaths. "You vixen. You are… magnificent. You have no idea how much I want you. And I… I love you… So much."

"I love you too.", Amy whispered softly. "Now brace yourself. Cause I will make sure you will remember this first morning as my husband for the rest of your life."

With that, she lowered her head to where her hand was and winked at Sheldon, before she placed a soft kiss on the tip of his length.

His eyes widened, and then he released a strangled cry, when she took him further into her mouth, tasting the saltiness of his skin, tracing the veins and ridges of his manhood with her tongue.

Amy closed her eyes for a second to revel in the sensation of doing this to him. One hand still holding him steady, the other caressing his hip, she wetted him with her tongue before moving her head up and down slowly, reveling in the feel and taste of him.

Already he was moaning repeatedly, his hands grasping her head, running through her hair. Amy loved the sounds he made. The groans. The sighs. The inability to form full sentences.

"Dear Lord…", Sheldon panted. "Amy… oh… you are… so… oh…"

She smiled and hummed against him in response, the vibrations eliciting another loud groan from him.

"Amy… you need to… I cannot…", he said and tried to pull her head away.

But she was not having it. Sheldon did not allow her to pleasure her as often as she liked. He always put her pleasure above his own, apparently unaware of how much she enjoyed doing this to him.

Because she did. As much as she loved his attention on her, she craved making him feel as good as he made her. This man, who kept giving her so much. Kept expanding her world and her mind. Kept showering her with unconditional love. She craved to spend her life pleasing him as much as he pleased her.

She hollowed her cheeks, sucking him into her mouth even further, squeezing his hip, signaling him to just let go. Just give into the pleasure.

It was his undoing. With a loud yelp, he bucked up his hip one last time.

"Amy…", he moaned, as he came undone. "Dear Lord, Amy…"

It was incredibly erotic, hearing him like this. The trembling of his body. The sound of his sobs and grunts. The way he twitched and throbbed and pulsed inside her mouth as he came. All because of her.

Her chest swelled with pride when she looked up to him and saw the expression of his face. The look of disbelief and pleasure. The way his chest was still heaving. His hands still balled up in fists as he came down from his high.

Amy wiped her mouth with the blanket, then crawled back up to him, lying down by his side, resting her head on his chest again.

"Good morning.", she said cheekily.

"Uh-huh.", Sheldon croaked, still out of breath.

Sheldon wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.

"Amy", he panted. "I am not complaining. Believe me. I couldn't even if I wanted to. But this is… Not the right way… to make a baby. As a biologist you should know that."

Amy couldn't stop giggling.

"Well, as much as I want to start a family with you, I hope not all our lovemaking in the future will center around that."

He turned on his side and cupped her face, smiling at her sweetly.

"No, you're right. Our lovemaking will always center around us and how we feel for each other."

With that, he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "For the record, I really enjoyed this."

"So did I.", she said softly.

"You did?", he clarified.

"Very much so.", she nodded. "There is nothing sexier than seeing you lose your mind because of me. The way you react to me is… the most arousing thing I can imagine."

He gave her a weak smile.

"Well, in that case…", he continued, raising his eyebrows at her. "We might have a little problem. Because you just very efficiently took me out for at least twenty to thirty minutes here. Which – as a biologist – you should also be aware of."

Amy blushed slightly. Yes, she knew that. And she also knew that this was why Sheldon usually stopped her from doing what she had done.

"Well, I mean…", she said sheepishly. "We could just get up. Have breakfast and get on our way. You'll definitely be good to go again, by the time we arrive at our destination."

"That's one solution to our dilemma.", Sheldon nodded. "But…"

His hand moved down to cup her right buttock as he moved his mouth to her ear.

"But I have a better idea.", he continued. "I propose a little experiment while my body recovers from your vicious attack."

"Vicious…", she started to protest, but then gasped when Sheldon moved his hand between her legs, feeling her wetness.

"Wow…", he breathed out in wonder. "You were not kidding. You really did enjoy this."

"Of course, I did.", Amy said softly. "Sheldon, do you have any idea how good it feels to know how much you want me. And how much I am able to bring you pleasure?"

"I feel the same way about you.", he murmured against the skin of her neck, while pushing one finger into her. Amy barely heard his next words, her mind clouded by desire. "Which brings me back to my experiment."

"Ex…", she stammered. "Experiment?"

"Yes.", he replied as he let his tongue run down her neck to her breast, circling her nipple. "Experiment. Let's find out…", he started pumping her slowly, making her moan again. "How often I can make you cry out my name in pleasure during the next twenty-five minutes."

A thrill coursed through Amy. "You… you mean…"

"Brace yourself.", he parroted her words back to her. "Because just like you did before, I will make sure you will never forget this first morning of being my wife."

With that, he disappeared under the sheets and pushed her legs apart with his hands determinedly.

He started out slowly. Exploring her folds. Touching her in all the right places. Gently at first, but adding more and more pressure, just when he felt she needed it. Oh, he was so good at this. And when he added his tongue into the mix, there was nothing left for her to do, but grasp the sheets for dear life and cry out his name, as the pleasure washed over her.

He lifted the cover and winked at her.

"One.", he whispered. "And wow, that was fast."

Amy would have chuckled, if she still had the energy. But Sheldon did not give her any time to react, already he was under the sheets again.

He was both gentle and thorough. Bypassing the parts of her that were still too sensitive, taking his time to kiss, caress and worship her body, peppering her lower belly with sweet kisses while tracing her hipbone with his fingers, and when he felt she had enough time to recover, he was there again, stroking her carefully. Licking and kissing her until she couldn't take it anymore.

Her climax hit differently this time, not as sudden and explosive, more like long waves of pure bliss as her body shook under his touch.

"Two."

She did not hear his voice as much as she felt it against her core, and she was barely able to comprehend it anyway.

How much time had passed? She had no idea. Just as she had no idea if she could ever take more of this sweet torture. But when Sheldon started up again, pushing his fingers into her while kissing the sensitive skin of her lower belly, she knew she had no choice but surrender to his relentless onslaught.

All she could do was lie back. Enjoy her husband's attention. His love and affection. His focus on her. And his ability to make her feel things that not too long ago had been nothing but a mystery to her.

There was nothing else left in her brain. Nothing but desire and bliss.

She had no sense of time anymore. And she had lost count of how often she had come undone. It was not possible to say anyway, because at some point, her climaxes had started blending into each other, barely leaving her time to come down from her high.

She was trapped in a world of pleasure. A moaning, sobbing, blubbering mess. Unable to keep her brain working. Unable to know or feel anything than the insane, delicious high she was experiencing.

Just when she was about to beg for mercy, because she simply could not take it anymore without going crazy, Sheldon finally reappeared from under the blanket and lowered himself on top of her.

He kissed her mouth sweetly, letting her taste herself on his lips, making her shiver in response.

"Oh, Sheldon…", she moaned, completely out of breath, sweat pouring down her neck. "That was… oh, my God."

Again, he kissed her, and caressed her hair. "You look marvelous.", he whispered.

"Mhmm…", she breathed out, unable to answer more elaborately. "I feel like a puddle of goo. I don't think I can move… oh!"

She was surprised when she felt his erection twitch against her leg. It seemed he wasn't done with her yet.

"Do you need a break?", he asked, cupping her face again. "Because I can go take a cold shower. And we can continue this later."

Amy blinked.

A second ago, she had felt completely spent. Unable to move even her little finger. But feeling his arousal sent a shiver down her spine, and she realized that no, she did not want a break. She wanted…

She moved her legs a little, stroking Sheldon's shin with her feet.

"Don't you dare.", she whispered. "I don't want to continue later, Sheldon. I want you. Right now. Take me. Make love to your wife."

Sheldon did not have to be told twice.

With a sigh of relief, he sank into her in one smooth motion, filling her up completely.

Amy shivered again, the stimulation almost too much after what Sheldon had done to her just now.

She grasped her husband's face, running her fingers over his cheek, admiring the lovestruck, pleasured expression in his eyes.

This new form of lovemaking still felt so intense. Not having to interrupt in order to get a condom. Knowing they were joint fully. Their union felt even more complete like this.

Sheldon was breathing in and out shallowly, still not moving inside of her.

"Are you feeling alright?", she asked, slightly amused.

"Mhmmm… Oh Amy…", he sighed. The tone of his voice filled Amy's heart with joy. "I will never get used to how amazing you feel. So… tightly wrapped around me. So hot and smooth and… oooh…"

Amy moved her hips a little, desperate to feel more of him. Desperate to see the pleasure unfold in his eyes again.

He lowered himself fully, both his hands intertwined in her hair as he pressed another soft kiss on her mouth.

Then, finally, he began moving his hips. Languidly. Pulling out almost entirely with every thrust and burying himself in her fully.

"Yes…", she hissed. "Yes, Sheldon. Just like that. Don't stop. Please."

After Sheldon's thorough experiment, she did not think she had it in her, but her body surprised her. Slowly, she was building up to something, maybe not quite as intense as before, but still in a way that made her stomach swoop deliciously in anticipation.

They kept moving together. In sync like in everything else they did together. The sounds of their moans meeting in a perfect symphony. Their breaths mingling between their open mouths, their gazes locked through it all.

And then, she felt it. Her climax hit her like a tidal wave rolling over her, buzzing through her, making her tremble with joy and pleasure, as she felt Sheldon's release deep inside of her.

He collapsed on top of her then, resting his head on her shoulder, beads of sweat dropping on her skin in the process.

Amy wrapped his arms around his back, not wanting to let go of him yet. Staying tied to him, just for a few moments, feeling his breath on her skin and his heartbeat against hers.

"Let's do this as often as we can.", she heard Sheldon mumble into her ear.

"Sheldon, I don't think I can survive another round of this.", she chuckled and squeezed his body to hers.

"No, I mean in our marriage. Let's never stop taking our time in the early morning. Maybe not every day, maybe not even every week, but often. No matter how stressful our lives may be. I want to feel like this as often as I can."

Amy's eyes filled with tears.

"Seconded.", she croaked.

Sheldon lifted himself up on his elbows and gazed at her lovingly.

"There are no words that can ever express how much I love you.", he told her sincerely. "Or how special this is to me. How… unexpected and miraculous that I found you and that we get to experience this together."

"Oh, Sheldon.", she breathed out and caressed his face. "There might not be words. But I know exactly how you feel. Because it's what I feel as well. Ever since I met you… it's like I am living a dream."

They shared a soft smile, before Sheldon finally slipped out of her, lay down beside her and pulled her into his arms again.

For a while, they stayed like this, basking in the afterglow of their union. Fully relaxed and unimaginably happy.

"Come one.", Sheldon whispered finally. "Let's take a shower together, have breakfast and then be on our way. So, we can get to our destination soon and resume our honeymoon."

Still dazed from the events of the morning, they washed each other under the shower stream before starting their sweet morning routine of preparing breakfast together and talking about all things under the sun while drinking their morning tea.

It was almost too much for Amy. The happiness because, while some things did feel different now than they did the day before, this was proof to her, that the important things still were the same. As they would always be.

They loaded their pre-packed suitcases into the car then. It was a short drive. One that was familiar, because it was only about twenty minutes away from the place where they had spent their first date almost exactly a year ago.

Their destination lay a short distance to the East from there.

As Amy parked the car, she was hit by a familiar view. One she had not been sure she ever wanted to see again, too bittersweet were the memories of it.

But now, that she saw it again… the little cabin in the woods, just a short walk from Lake Tyler, she was hit by all the happy memories she had made there. And it felt so fitting to share this place with her husband. To share her memories and to show him all the beautiful places surrounding it.

Still, her heart felt heavy. After all, the last weekend she had spent here was the last happy weekend with Connie. Before her health had taken a turn for the worse without ever getting better again.

"Wow…", she whispered, as Sheldon unloaded the suitcases from the trunk.

He turned to her and smiled weakly.

"Are you okay?", he asked.

"Yes.", she nodded firmly. "I am okay. It's… it still looks exactly the same. And… it's not as hard as I thought. In fact… being here with you… is exactly what I need."

"Good.", he told her and pulled her close, brushing his lips against hers. "It was very nice of Ruth to offer us the cabin for our honeymoon. But if this could have hurt you in any way…"

"It does not.", Amy said quickly. "And you are right. It was incredibly nice."

They had spoken about honeymoon destinations for a while. And while their first idea – Switzerland, mainly because of their talk all those months ago after Sheldon had told her his secret – sounded appealing, neither of them had wanted to travel so far or spend that much money at a time when they still thought they could barely afford to buy a house.

Sheldon would have just booked a vacation at a beach somewhere for Amy's sake, but Amy knew, he would not enjoy that as much as she would.

In the end, they agreed that they only wanted a little bit of uninterrupted time together. After all the drama that had been following them ever since they met, they just wanted to be together, somewhere quiet. Preferably somewhere close enough to drive themselves. Preferably not at a hotel where they would have to interact with the staff and other guests.

Lake Tyler seemed fitting to them. Spending time in a cabin. Lots of opportunities to take walks. Close to a little store where they could buy groceries to cook for themselves. And also close enough to the city where they had spent their first date. Close to the beautiful concert hall and the comfy little restaurants where they could spend some of their evenings.

"Come one.", Amy said. "Let's go inside, so I can show you around. And later, maybe we could go for a little walk."

"Sounds perfect.", Sheldon replied as he let her take the lead.

The cabin was small, so it did not take long for Amy to show Sheldon around. There was a small kitchen with a gas stove and a little fridge. A cozy living room with an open fireplace. A chaise lounge by the window next to it. Two bedrooms, the big one she once shared with Connie and a smaller one. A little bathroom with a bathtub-shower combo using the limited space efficiently.

It was not a fancy location. But it was cozy and warm and calm. Exactly what Sheldon and Amy needed.

Finally, they entered the big bedroom and Amy stopped in her tracks as she took in the room.

"What's that?", Sheldon asked as he pointed to the little basket on the bed, decorated with a cute little pink ribbon. "Do you think…"

Amy stepped closer and picked up the card attached to the basket.

"Dear Sheldon and Amy.", she read. "Please accept this little care package on behalf of all of us. We wish you both a beautiful honeymoon and hope you will enjoy this special time together. We all know how much you deserve it."

It was signed by all the members of the choir.

Sheldon picked up the basket and together they admired the contents.

There were enough groceries to last them at least a few days, so they would not have to think about interrupting their peace and quiet for trips to the store. A bottle of champagne and a box of gourmet chocolate included. Then there were bath oils and scented candles "for cozy nights" as the card said. A guidebook about hiking trails and sights in the area, as well as bug spray and sunscreen. Matching mugs for their morning tea that said "Husband" and "Wife", complete with a few packages of their favorite kinds of tea.

"Wow, that's really thoughtful.", Amy sighed.

"Agreed", Sheldon said softly, a pained expression showing on his face for a few seconds. "They have been so kind over the past years. To both of us."

Amy leaned her head against his chest. She did not want to be sad. Not today. But she knew the clock was ticking. And while she also knew, they were headed into a future that would only hold the best things for both of them, she couldn't help but regret the people they had to leave behind.

"We will still see them and do projects with them.", she whispered, not entirely sure who she was trying to reassure. Herself or Sheldon. "Let's not think about this too much right now."

"You are right.", Sheldon responded and squeezed her to him tightly.

The remained like this for a few minutes. Holding each other close. Giving each other comfort.

"Now why don't we go freshen up? And then maybe we can prepare something to eat. I am starving."

Amy chuckled. Of course he was starving. Considering how much exercise they had gotten in the morning.

They ended up cooking together and after a pleasant meal consisting of baked potatoes, grilled chicken and steamed vegetables, they went on a walk, exploring their surroundings.

On their way through the forest, they talked about the newest research that was being conducted at CERN right now and how it connected to what Sheldon wanted to work on next.

When they passed by the lake, their conversation shifted to Amy's first project back at CalTech. She excitedly told him about the new lab equipment she was getting, with Sheldon listening intently to her musings.

"I was thinking… maybe I will take Siebert up on his offer and teach a class next schoolyear.", she told Sheldon, carefully watching his face. After all, she knew exactly what his thoughts on teaching were.

"I think you should.", he said to her surprise. "Maybe somewhere down the road, you could become a professor."

"Really?", she asked in awe. She had not expected him to answer this way.

"I've been thinking about it ever since you struggled so much with your decision about your career.", he admitted. "Honestly, I would have been shocked if you didn't want to look into teaching at CalTech."

Amy smiled to herself. Again, she realized how well Sheldon really knew her. Not just the things she told him, but also the things that were running through her mind, keeping her awake at times.

They kept walking for a long time. Hand in hand. Sometimes talking, sometimes just enjoying the beautiful landscape silently.

It was already dark outside, when, finally, they returned to their cabin and curled up on the chaise lounge together, two mugs filled with tea on the coffee table next to it.

Sheldon squeezed her body tightly to his. He did not have to say anything. Amy knew exactly what was going on in his mind.

This whole day had been so beautiful. Their early morning activities. Going back to this place where everything reminded her of Connie. The anticipation of starting to read her journal the next day.

And of course, the prospect of being here for two weeks. Just the two of them. No cell phones or other electronic devices. No TV. Just endless hours of talking about everything and nothing. Playing board games. Having tea. Cooking together. Going out on dates. And – her heart skipped a beat at the thought of it – spending hours of uninterrupted time in bed, bringing each other endless pleasure.

"Let's go to bed.", she suggested, suddenly eager to get her hands on Sheldon again. "It is getting late. And maybe tomorrow, we can get up early and enjoy the sunset by the lake."

"That sounds lovely.", Sheldon agreed.

They quickly finished their nighttime routine. And once they were snuggled together under the sheets, hearing the wind whispering through the trees from the open window, Amy sighed contently.

"This is exactly what I envisioned our honeymoon to be.", she mumbled into Sheldon's chest.

"Good.", Sheldon said and smiled at her.

She pursed her lip, waiting for her good-night kiss and Sheldon leaned down to kiss her sweetly.

"I love you so much.", he whispered, tenderly stroking her cheek with his knuckles.

"I love you too.", she murmured back, starting to unbutton his pajama top.

"Really?", he teased her. "You haven't gotten enough this morning?"

"I will never… never get enough of you.", she replied sultry, her hands already playing with the drawstring of his pants. "Unless… you are not… interested."

"Oh woman…", he groaned. "You have no idea what you do to me by wanting me like that. There will never come a time when I am not interested."

He kissed her again, not letting up this time, his mouth moving over hers slowly and at the same time hotly.

There was no rush in their kisses. No urgency. No impatience. But a lot of underlying passion and desire.

One by one, they removed their nightclothes. Hands caressing each other's bodies.

Ending this day together like it had begun in the morning. Worshipping each other. Causing each other pleasure. Enjoying each second of being together.

Connected. Not just their bodies, but their hearts and souls as well.

Filling the rooms with sighs and moans and expressions of love.

They fell apart together. Staring into each other's eyes as if they still couldn't believe that this was not a dream. That this was their reality. Forever.

"Wow…", Amy said a while later as she was lying in Sheldon's arms again. "I don't think I have ever felt this satisfied and spent before."

Sheldon chuckled.

"I think you will be saying this a lot during the next two weeks.", he promised.

"Oh yeah?", she asked, raising her eyebrows at Sheldon.

"Yes, little lady.", he said and winked at her. "Because let me tell you, I have plans for this week."

"P… plans?", she asked intrigued.

"Yes. Plans.", he confirmed, his voice sounding strange. Mysterious almost. "Plans that go way beyond our little experiment from this morning."

Her stomach constricted at his words.

"I cannot wait to find out."

Missy's POV

"A 3" – "Oh no, you sank my last Destroyer." – "Haha, I win. Again. Mommy, look, I win again."

Missy smiled to herself as she came back to the living room after putting her daughter to bed. She simply adored the image in front of her. Joshua was beaming with joy and Raj was playfully burying his head in his hands, because he had lost again.

"Good for you, Joshi.", she said and patted her son's shoulder. "Now go put on your pajamas and brush your teeth. It's time."

"Awww, man…", Joshua sighed and then turned to Raj. "Could you tell me the rest about that story? The one about Thor and Loki?"

"Sure.", Raj nodded, before Missy could protest. "Come get me once you've done what your mother told you to."

With a big smile on his face, Joshua got up and went to his room.

"I'm sorry.", Missy said, a little embarrassed. "I promised to keep you company and show you around in East Texas, and here you are taking care of my son."

"I don't mind.", Raj shrugged. "I like playing board games and talking about superheroes. It's where I shine."

Missy shook her head amused.

"Still.", she said. "It's probably not what you had in mind when you chose to stay here for a few days."

Raj looked at her strangely for a second, before averting his eyes.

"It's… fine.", he mumbled.

She had no idea what to make of this. Of the fact that Raj was staying here in Medford without any of his friends. Or of the fact that, instead of doing things he enjoyed on his vacation, he was here, spending time with her and her children. Baking pecan pie with her mother. Letting Joshua teach him about trains. Watching cartoons with Ellis.

It was almost as if… he wanted to be here. For her.

"Let me at least take you out to dinner before our movie.", Missy offered. "There's this neat little place around the corner from the movie center where they serve the best chili in the world."

Half an hour later, they were on their way.

Missy couldn't help but feel amazed, how easy this night felt. How the conversation was flowing. How familiar it was, sitting in the movie theater with Raj, sharing a bowl of popcorn and a pack of gummy bears.

And although she was a little nervous about the way her heart fluttered in her chest, she did not feel afraid or panicked.

They drove back to her mother's house where Raj had parked his car.

"So, tomorrow.", Raj said as he turned to her before getting into his car. "Joshua has asked if I could take him to the comic book store. He wants to get his first Avengers comic. I wanted to run it by you first, but I think it's a great idea. I've been wanting to pick up a few comic books myself."

"Raj…", Missy said softly. "That's sweet of you but… you don't have to do this. I can take Joshua myself so you can have a day to do what you want. Without thinking about us, you know?"

"But spending time with you and your family is what I enjoy doing.", Raj protested quickly. "It's why I stayed here. Unless…", he avoided her gaze. "You don't want me to be around this much. Which would be fine of course."

Missy blinked. Although she had not been in a situation like this in a long time, she was almost certain that she was recognizing something… a certain vibe coming from the man in front of her.

Was it possible? Did he like her?

For one second, everything felt clear to Missy. Only for one moment, she forgot about her fears and her trauma and about everything else that complicated this situation.

She took one step towards Raj and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek as she hugged him tightly.

He seemed to freeze for a moment, before he lifted his arms and put his hands on her back, holding her tight, his fingers softly running over her spine.

Missy sighed deeply. It had been a long time, since it had felt so good, being close to someone, and she couldn't stop the tears assembling in her eyes.

"I…", she croaked and shook her head. "I do want you around this much. I do."

"Good.", he whispered, tightening his grip around her. "Comic book store it is then."

She pulled back and looked at him. There was a new expression in his eyes. A soft one. Affection. And acceptance too. Acceptance of her and her situation that was keeping her from saying the things she really wanted to say.

Maybe he already knew them too.

"I should go.", he told her, finally pulling away from her hug. "But I'll be here again tomorrow morning. Your mother has invited me to breakfast again."

"She has?", Missy asked.

But then again, she should not have been surprised. Her mother had always wanted to have a close relationship with Sheldon's friends.

"Alright. See you tomorrow then.", she said, waving at him as he finally got into his car.

He drove away and she released a deep breath.

This was all getting confusing.

Confusing and… also a little bit… exciting.