Chapter Text
Amy prepared herself for possibly one of the most nerve wracking days of her life. She was beginning a job at Caltech, surrounded by people of equal to greater intelligence to her.
One of them being her, formerly, long distance boyfriend.
Amy had been dating Barry Kripke for approximately three months while she finished receiving her doctorate in neurobiology at Harvard University. She had met him on an online dating site.
XxX
*3 Months Ago*
She rarely was paired on the site due to, well she wasn't entirely sure. It could've been her goals, or passion for academia, maybe her looks, but so far there just hadn't been that many interested suitors for her on that particular site. She agreed to sign up for online dating due to constant nagging from her mother. Her mother believed that if Amy was not careful, she would surely end up as a spinster her entire life. So Amy had compromised, agreeing to attempt one date per year. Amy had actually stopped checking because of the rarity in in messages hoping to seek her out.
Until one day, her mother's deadline was approaching, she made a fateful decision to set her interest location to California, instead of Massachusetts. She was simply out of options in Boston, it appeared as though the dating pool had dried up. She figured that even if she where matched in California with anyone she could reason with mother that she was moving back anyway.
Amy had no real interest in an actual relationship at that point. Just a way to keep her mother off her back as she finished her studies. At most, maybe a bit of fun. Maybe finally ridding herself of her arbitrary virginity. Its not like she had ever been asked on second date before, anyway.
"Amy Farrah Fowler
Location Boston Massachusetts
Location Preferences Pasadena California
Age 24
Height 5 ft. 4 in.
Student at Harvard University
Currently trying to obtain PhD in neurobiology, open to meeting new people. Hopefully"
She recieved a message from someone about two hours after updating her profile.
Incoming Message from: B.K. "Hey, read your bio, it's crazy to see such a cute girl passionate about pursuing the hard sciences. Let alone a single one. Maybe you could teach me a little about neurobiology or just regular biology. ;)"
She was surprised to say the least, and even more so after reading the man's bio.
"Barry Kripke PhD.
Location Pasadena California
Location Preferences U.S.A.
Age 32 yrs.
Height 5 ft. 8 in.
Theoretical Physicist at Caltech
Looking for someone to have some fun. Perhaps an interest in rock climbing. Hit me up!"
She was actually applying for a position at Caltech, upon receiving her doctorate, in their neurobiology department at the end of her semester. She hesitated to reply to his opening message because what if he actually was not interested in her, and if her plans followed through, she was asking for an awkward situation.
He was a tad forward, but wasn't this what she had been looking for? Something fun, and possibly sexual. Also, if his picture was to be trusted, he was not unattractive, even if he wasnt her typical type. She decided to reply.
Outgoing Message from: A.F.F. "Hello, I don't have my doctorate just yet, but I can try ;)." Amy tried to be flirty, something she did not have much practice in.
Barry replied fairly quickly. Amy hoped that that was a promising sign.
Incoming Message from: B.K. "Awesome! I was going to ask to meet up somewhere but your bio says your located in Boston? Little hard to have fun if your so far away.. :/"
Uh oh. Amy hadn't really expected to be matched so quickly. She hadn't really thought what that would mean should someone actually reach out, and want to meet her in person.
Outgoing Message from: A.F.F. " Yes, I am. I am going to be relocating to California in the not so far future. According to you bio, I could potentially be your colleague. I've applied for a position at Caltech. I will also be visiting family in California in a few weeks as well. I understand though if you are no longer interested."
There. Amy was as upfront as she could be. Even if Barry no longer wished to continue their conversation, she really hadn't lost much, she rationalized.
Barry's next response was a bit slower.
Incoming Message from: B.K. "I'm still interested. Your too cute too pass up so easily. Maybe we could meet up when you visit? I could even give you a tour around Caltech, I'm pretty much the top physicist here."
A bit arrogant there at the end, she thought, but screw it. He was still willing to see where things would go with her. She reminded herself that beggars could not be choosers. This had been the most optimistic conversation she had in very long time, so she would be as open as she could be to see where things would go as well.
Outgoing Message from: A.F.F. "That would be enjoyable. Here is my number so that way we can text each other. 617-993- 4947 :)"
About three minutes after Amy sent her message her phone vibrated, alerting her to a message.
1+661-496-6483: Hey ;) It's Barry
Amy felt a bit strange saving someone's number she had never met in person in her phone, but she was the one that gave it to him.
To Barry: " Hello again :)
XxX
*Three Weeks Later*
Amy and Barry had communicated via text atleast twice a day the following three weeks. It had been mostly friendly chat that almost seemed mundane to Amy. A few times Barry had suggested something akin to potential sexting, but Amy had been able to make excuses as to why she was unable to.
She would say that she was on FaceTime with her mother, or in the middle of a lecture, but she honestly had no real desire to. She did not consider Barry a stranger at this point, but also she still had never met him face to face.
She had offered to call him before, hoping that maybe if she heard his voice, that it might alleviate some of the hesitance, but he had told her that he would like her to wait until they could me in person.
She didn't completely understand why but he had seeming respected her boundaries thus far, and was never overly aggressive when attempting to initiate sexting. So she respected his request as well.
Amy was currently packing clothes for a three day trip to California for her father's birthday when she heard her phone chime.
From Barry: Hey Amy.
Amy instantly knew something to be off with Barry. He typically texted in a more upbeat and flirty fashion. Also, he rarely texted her at this time of day, because he was at work. Worry twisted in her stomach. She was due to meet him tomorrow.
What if he was backing out? What would she tell her mother then? Her mother had been doubious that Amy was with Barry. She believed Amy was faking another relationship like she had once in high-school. But if Amy could just take a picture with him that would be all the proof she needed. What was she going to do if she didn't even get the chance?
To Barry: Hello Barry, how are you today?
Her nerves seemed to increase as the message read delivered.
From Barry: Honestly really fucking annoyed. The other physicist I'm co-writing a paper with has been a complete pain in the ass all day.
Relief flooded her. Atleast it had nothing to do with her.
To Barry: Oh I'm sorry to hear that. Atleast you will not be working with him tomorrow :)
She reminded him that they where due to finally meet on the scary chance he may have forgotten.
From Barry: Yeah! Of course! Sorry for complaining, but Cooper is just impossible to work with. He found a couple tiny mistakes in my work and hasn't stopped harping on it.
Cooper? That name sounded familiar to Amy somehow. She was finding it hard to remember why.
To Barry: Yes, I see how that can be bothersome. Is there not anyone else you can ask to co author your paper?
From Barry: I wish! But no, I had already brought the paper to the president, but he wouldn't let me publish it without Cooper's work on it. Just because he graduated college at 14 the whole university thinks he is a genius, which is obviously ridiculous.
It was rare to Barry as worked as he appeared, but Amy could sympathize. Constantly being compared to a child prodigy was probably a bit difficult.
It was then that the name clicked in her head. She remember taking a brief class in theoretical physics her junior year, and she was assigned to read a paper by Doctor Sheldon Cooper. She remembered being completely overwhelmed by his understanding of quantum mechanics. She had difficulty understanding it. She had probably recieved on of her lowest grades to date because of that paper. Of course Barry would be annoyed, if Amy where in his position, she assumed she would also feel intimidated. Her professor had described Doctor Cooper as one of the brightest minds of our generation.
Unknowing of how to further comfort him, she decided to end the conversation to continue packing for tomorrow.
To Barry: I'm sorry that has been your experience today, but the work day is almost over luckily! I will have to leave you, to finish packing, but I am excited for tomorrow! Goodbye Barry!
From Barry: Me too! Finally I can put a body to the face! Bye! ;)
XxX
*The Following Day*
Amy was feeling a bit jetlagged from the 6 plus hours long flight but was feeling jittery above all else. She would finally meet Barry, for lunch, and then he would give her a tour of Caltech.
She had rented a hotel room, mostly to be able to have somewhere to retreat to if her mother became to overbearing, but also just in case things went really well with Barry.
The thought made her stomach spin.
She planned to spend tomorrow and part of Sunday with her family before heading back to Boston, but today was about exploring possibilities.
Amy had also rented a car for her trip, as to not inconvenience anyone while she visited. She retrieved her bags from the terminal and her keys from the desk before exiting the airport.
She arrived to Pasadena rather early and had time to check in to her room before she was due to meet Barry at a local Cheesecake Factory.
She arrived at the Cheesecake Factory, her body almost shaking from anticipation. She surveyed the restraunt hoping she might be able to recognize Barry, but to no avail.
Deciding to wait at the bar, she sat at a stool across from a blonde bartender. She quickly checked her phone, realizing he hadn't messaged her so she decided to send a text to him.
To Barry: Hello I've arrived at the agreed upon restraunt, I am located at the bar.
Tucking her mobile device away she looked up to see what she could only describe as one of the most beautiful woman she had ever been witness to. If she were into woman sexually; she was sure she'd be drooling.
"Hey! Welcome to the Cheesecake Factory! I'm Penny, I'll be your bartender. Can I get you anything?"
Maybe it was nerves that Barry seemed to be late, or just being caught of guard by the sheer beauty of this woman, but Amy decided she needed something alchoholic.
"Hello, yes may I get a glass of red wine please?" The woman nodded to her, and began retrieving her drink.
Amy felt her phone go vibrate so she decided to check, and saw a text message from Barry.
From Barry: "Hey so sorry running a bit late, but I'll be there in about 10 mins! See ya soon ;)
Amy sighed. Could it be he might be standing her up? It would not have been the first time she had been mislead like this before. Her body practically shuddering at the thought of yet another cruel joke. Well she figured she would just have to wait and see.
The bartender, Penny placed the glass of wine in front of her, and gave her a questioning look. A possibly sympathetic smile danced on her lips. "Look it is none of my business but I've seen that look before. Are you waiting for someone that isn't coming?" Her voice was soft, and oddly comforting.
Amy couldn't exactly explain why, but she felt like she could trust this strange enchanting woman.
"Maybe?" Amy hesitated. " I don't know. I haven't exactly met him yet, but he is apparently running late" She shrugged.
"Oh sweetie, it'll be okay either way. If he does come, great, if not you are better off never meeting him." The woman sounded reassuring, but Amy was still upset about the turn of events.
"Thank you." Amy replied. The woman smiled softly at her and then her faced changed to one of what she assumed was possible annoyance. Amy then realized that she was looking at the seat to Amy's left that had recently been occupied.
"Shouldn't you be at work?" The bartender questioned the man next to her in a tone that spoke of familiarity.
"Why should I Penny? You know I've finished my part. If my coworker can leave early without finishing his end I see no reason why I should have to wait there." The man's voice instantly ran through Amy's body like electricity. It was smooth yet haughty, and it settled in the pit of her stomach.
Amy carefully turned to view the man and then realized that she had undoubtedly made a mistake. He was like sex on a stick. Immediately checking all her boxes of appearance. Long legs that touched the floor in the tall barstool he sat upon. Red superhero shirt with another undefined yet thicker long sleeve deep blue shirt underneath, but she could tell, even from just his bare forearms that the clothing cover sinewy muscle. A long neck that led to a defined jaw line. His side profile of his face were very handsome, with short dark brown hair atop his head.
"Hoo" the word popped out Amy's mouth calling attention to her from not just the bartender, but the attractive man next to her.
The man's head swiveled to her instantly and she almost gasped at how blue and penetrating his eyes were on her. She was able to force down another embarrassing reaction and lowered her eyes. Her face felt as if it were lit a blaze.
After a weighted moment the bartender finally spoke again. "Look Sheldon, I'm not gonna stand here and listen to you complain about work again. I do have to work, so I'm going to go check on some of my tables." She rolled her eyes at the man, but seemed to also have an endearing smile on her lips. She turned to look back at Amy.
"Hey, I'm sorry about your date, but you never know, when one door closes another one opens" She said directing he gaze to Amy, her smile almost mischievous now, and glanced back to the man, before sauntering away.
Amy wished the floor would open up and swallow her. The man next to her had clearly heard that she had basically been stood up. After she had made a completely awkward noise interrupting his conversation with his friend. Or, even worse, girlfriend?
She sat in silence contemplating just how pathetic she must look right now, and then forced her self to take a large swig of her wine. If she was going to go through this atleast she could be a bit buzzed, while it happened.
She felt the man's eyes on her again as she sat her glass back down. His eyes burned into the side of her, and she had to resist squirming under the scrutiny.
"You know, if you are upset, the best beverage is a hot tea", the man spoke catching Amy off guard.
"Oh.. uhm, thank you?" Amy said, not breaking eye contact with the red liquid in her glass. What a strange remark she thought.
"Of course," he replied seemingly nonplussed. "Are you new here? I have never seen you here before." The way he talked made it seem like it was normal for everyone in this area to to patronize this chain restaurant. But Pasadena California was a larger place and if everyone in the area came through it would be impossible to remember all their faces.
"I wouldn't actually call myself new, I've been to Pasadena before, I have family that live here." She saw his head nod in her peripheral.
"Have you eaten anything? Correct me if I'm wrong but I have seemed to have overheard that you were supposed to meet someone here and it appears that they may not make it?" He spoke as if it were a fact, and for some reason that really irked Amy. Did she reek of loneliness and desperation?
"Why would that matter to you?" She bit back, her tone a little to harsh to be talking to a complete stranger. Surely this man, 'Sheldon' as bartender/ waitress had called him, must've known how embarrassed she had been. She rose her head to look at him.
She had felt stunned. He had a smirk play across what she had figured where very kissable lips. His body angled a bit more to her side than she had realized. She felt herself match his posture, angling herself toward him as well. His small smug chuckle broke her out of her reverie.
"I was only going to suggest that you order something to eat. You can't survive on red wine." His voice felt like he was almost taunting her. Her body flushed with heat.
"I don't think that a perfect stranger should presume to know anything about another." She felt anger and maybe defensiveness, but also something that was harder to name just below.
"Maybe not" he agreed easily, " but that doesn't mean I won't try."
She leaned closer to him completely forgetting her surroundings. She had somehow felt challenged by this man. " And what is it do you think you have you surmised about me in the past approximate four minutes, Sheldon?" She dared him. She felt a rush run through her as his eyes widened slightly at the use of his first name. He hadn't been the only one eaves dropping.
He leaned minutely closer as well. She could practically feel his breath on her lips. "I have surmised that a very attractive, possibly pent up woman had been stood up by a man who clearly has no idea how to treat a lady. I have also surmised that she is very much so attracted to me, and if I continue to let her drink on an empty stomach I may not get the chance to try any of the various things I would like to do to her." Sheldon's voice was low and perhaps gravely. "Tell me, am I correct?", he taunted her again.
Amy immediately felt all the tension in body drop to her pelvis. She knew with out checking that she was soaking wet. If she had just leaned in a tad bit more, she could easily push their lips together. They stared at each other almost as if daring the other to make the move first. Even if she could could make her mouth move to reply she was not entirely sure what answer she would give. She had a feeling that it would be a dangerous one.
Then as if an ice bucket dropped on Amy's head she heard her phone vibrate once again. Pulling back into her stool completely she broke eye contact with Sheldon. She grabbed her phone, the screen lighting up almost too brightly, and saw another message from Barry.
How could she of forgotten her whole purpose of being here. She felt shame and guilt.
From Barry: I've just pulled in now! See you in a moment!
As she made eye contact with her sexy confused stanger, another weighted moment between them, she heard a man with a distinct lisp yell out her name. She recognized him immediately. He only looked a couple years older than his dating site picture.
"Amy Farrah Fowler!" Hey clearly recognized her as he made his way over to where she was seated. As he came closer she saw his eyes glance over to the man next to her. "Cooper?" He questioned, his voice changing to one of almost disgust.
Amy stood up as her stomach dropped. They knew each other. Her mind raced as she tried to piece together what was unfolding. Barry's full attention turned back to Amy as he pulled her in to a hug. Her arms dangled at her sides fo a moment before she was able to register that she was being embraced. She hesitated, but then wrapped her arms around him as well.
It didn't matter who this stranger was, or how he knew Barry. She told herself that right now it was just important to make a good impression with Barry, which she would be doubtful if he had knew what had maybe just transpired.
She forced a smile. " Hello Barry." She said as he released her from his hug.
She saw the man, Sheldon, her brain reminded her, stand up and turn to exit the building. He paused before stepping away and spoke with his back to them.
"See you Monday, Kripke, hopefully with your half of our paper finished correctly." His voice gave away no emotion. Another elongated moment passed. " It was a pleasure meeting you ma'am." Sheldon's voice was much colder then, a curious bit of twang along with it. He then continued to leave.
"What an ass," Barry muttered as Sheldon's form disappeared from sight. "Was he bothering you?" Concern edged his voice.
Amy couldn't stop the heat that rose to her cheeks. "Oh, uhm, no, he wasnt." She knew she had lied, but there was no feasible way she would let on just how much he had bothered her with any possibility of this date going successfully.
"Good," Barry nodded satisfied. "Did you want to find somewhere to sit and eat?" He asked.
Amy was feeling a bit hungry but she could not stay here any longer. It felt wrong somehow. "Actually I'm not too hungry do you think we could head over to Caltech? I'm really excited to check it out?"
"Oh, yeah we can." Barry seemed a tad thrown off, but she could see that he was trying to stay agreeable.
Amy quickly placed some money next to her not close to empty glass of wine on the bar, and moved to leave the building. Her face burning with shame. She realized Barry was right behind her as she went.
XxX
The drive to Caltech was short, but Amy was grateful for it. She and Barry didn't say much on the ride, but that gave Amy a moment to clear her head some more.
Barry had referred to the man, Sheldon, as Cooper. So the only logical explanation was that he was in fact the same Cooper that Barry had been annoyed about. That meant that the man whom turned her on more than she ever had been was none other than Sheldon Cooper. Theoretical Physicist, kid prodigy, colleague to Barry, potential colleague to her, one of the greatest physicist to our generation, and pure sex magnet Doctor Sheldon Cooper.
Well, Amy was attached to an another object by an inclined plane wrapped helically an axis.
Amy and Barry toured the building in under an hour and a half. At some point Amy was able to put what had transpired earlier to the back of her mind as she looked around in amazement, hoping to one day be able to work there. After about half way through the tour Barry finally reached out and grabbed a hold of Amy's hand.
She had seen him attempt to a few times but it had seemed as if the courage was still evading him. She didn't necessarily want him to, but she was also not completely against it either. When he finally did, she hadn't felt sparks or anything, but it also wasn't uncomfortable.
They continued the rest of the tour, becoming mostly just hallways towards the end, because everyone's offices where locked at such a late time in the day. Her heart did beat a bit harder as she passed Doctor Cooper's door, but she decidedly ignored it.
Barry hadn't said much, letting her soak in the environment she supposed. He seemed more shy in person, but at the moment she was not too fussed about it. It was nice to slowly work toward being comfortable with each other.
Before leaving Amy had requested a picture of the two of them together outside of the entrance to Caltech. Barry obliged, as she took a quick selfie of them smiling together. He only requested that she send the picture to him as well.
Barry had driven her back to the Cheesecake Factory parking lot after. As he parked the car he seemed to hesitate, something clearly on his mind. "Thank you for this afternoon Amy." He sounded genuine. "I gotta admit I thought I'd be all over you today, but honesty this was nice. I like you. I don't want this to be just a quick hook up or something."
Amy was stunned, once again today, for a completely different reason. "What are you saying Barry?" She questioned.
He gave her a nervous smile. "I was hoping that maybe you would consider being my girlfriend. I mean I know it'll be long distance for a while, but I'm okay with waiting."
So this was it. She needed to give him an answer, but today had shaken her up. Sheldon Cooper had shaken her up. But who was to say what, if he even still did, want with her. But Barry was nice, clearly interested, and safe. The moment was pregnant as Barry awaited her answer.
"Yes. I will be your girlfriend." She said slowly, as if willing herself to fully understand what she was agreeing to.
Barry beamed back at her then suddenly shot forward in his seat. His kiss missing the majority of her mouth, barely the corner. Surprised, Amy pulled back a bit. Seeing his face fall, Amy pushed her self more directly head on on.
Their lips met and almost immediately, Amy felt Barry's tongue attempt to gain passage into her mouth. After a moment she had let him, and it felt a bit sloppy. She dared not move her own tongue, for fear that it would only get in the way of his. This lasted for about another minute before Barry sat back and smiled at her. It was certainly not the best, but maybe people just needed more time with one another for things such as this to get better for both. She forced another smile and thanked him for the tour.
"So, uh, you wanna go back to my place?" Amy could see that he was trying to appear confident. She really had no desire, feeling suddenly very drained from the day.
"Actually, I have a really early day with my family tomorrow," She lied. "Perhaps another time?"
He seemed disappointed, but agreed.
"Goodnight Barry, thank you for a wonderful evening." She moved to exit his vehicle. "Goodnight baby thank you for a wonderful evening," he parroted back to her. She nodded and exited the car. Baby? Not necessarily a favorite pet name, but she supposed she could live with it.
She drove back to the hotel in silence, as she replayed the day back in her mind. It was hard for her to get past her encounter at the bar.
She hadn't been nearly as sexually adventurous as she thought she might have been, but she was almost more adventurous in a way she hadn't expected.
If she arrived back to her hotel and masturbated to a sharp tongue and piercing blue eyes it surely didn't mean anything. That would remain between her and her electric tooth brush, Gerard.
XxX
*Present Day*
That weekend had felt like ages ago. She hadn't seen Barry in person since that day, but they still texted almost daily, and talked for about an hour over the phone about twice a week.
Amy had moved back to California over a long weekend, feeling lucky that she didn't have too much to move from her small dorm room. Because of this, she still had yet to see Barry since arriving.
Amy had been nervous for a while that Doctor Cooper would mention to Barry just how awry things had gone before he arrived that day but she guessed he never had. Barry never mentioned her and Sheldon in the same sentence. He would occasionally only complain about him to her, and about fifty percent of the time Amy felt like it was Barry being the unreasonable one. Of course she never told him this. She mostly just tried to pacify him, knowing that he was typically past it in a day or two.
She finished loading her messenger bag. She was excited of course to see Barry, she had felt closer to him then when she was last in California, so surely that was a positive sign.
They hadn't discussed moving in together or anything of the sort, which Amy felt was for the best. They had not even come close to sex yet.
Amy had found a quaint one bedroom apartment that she was very excited to make as her home.
They did eventually sext a couple of times, no dirty pictures or anything, but the dirty messages didn't really do anything for her. She mostly just told him she orgasimed and left it at that. She hoped that maybe now they could actually explore more things. Maybe it just took being in person to get her motor running.
She wondered how things would go at Caltech. She felt her stomach toss when thinking of running into Doctor Cooper again. He might not even remember who she was, and maybe that was for the best.