Disclaimer: I own none of these characters. They are the property of the creators of The Big Bang Theory.

Like a clock set to go off, Sheldon suddenly opened his eyes. It was early on a Wednesday morning – too early, even for Sheldon. He lay on the bed straight as a board, snuggled comfortably between the sheets, barely able to move in his cocoon.

Today was a significant day for Sheldon. He was to give a lecture to graduate students on his recent research concerning string theory. He had his clothes already set out for the day – his signature plaid suit with socks and shoes, neatly folded on his dresser, where he had left them the night before.

But this morning, as Sheldon opened his eyes and turned his head, the clothes on the dresser before him were a blurry heap. Pushing his arms from the tightness of the covers, he brought balled fists to his eyes, which felt crusty under his fingers.

What was this? He blinked. The crust over his eyes was thick. He brought a hand to his forehead and gasped. He was burning up.

No! Sheldon took in a breath, and his mind began to race. Not today. Sheldon quickly sat up, sweeping his legs over to one side of the bed. He stood and almost fell back over. He steadied himself, holding on to the top of the dresser.

Dizzy. He rubbed his eyes again, removing the remainder of the goop. Sheldon squinted, looking at his closed bedroom door, and felt himself begin to sway. Sit down. He came back to the bed, trying to breathe again, hearing only a wheezing sound. He found it difficult to bring air into his clogged nose.

And then he felt the need to hurl.

Sheldon bolted out of his room, getting to toilet just in time. It was a bad scene. After throwing up what was left of last night's dinner, the shaky physicist sat back on the cold bathroom floor, leaning against the door jam. He craned his neck to look down the hall.

"Leonard!"

He waited a moment, but there was only silence. Sheldon brought his hands up to his shaking head, and realization set in. Leonard wasn't there. He was at Penny's.

Sheldon tried to take some deep breaths. He decided he could make it to his phone. It was sitting on his desk, next to his laptop. He remembered leaving it there last night, after Skyping with his girlfriend, Amy. They had been exchanging their usual news to each other about their day, and Sheldon had revealed to her that he was nervous about his lecture coming up in the morning.

"Sheldon," his girlfriend had said, in a soothing voice. "That's ridiculous. Why are you nervous?"

Sheldon had looked around the room, to make sure Leonard had already left for Penny's.

"Because," he told Amy, looking at the screen. "You know the undergraduates hate my lectures. They make fun of me. I'm very nervous about being mocked again."

"Ridiculous," Amy had said again. She reminded him of how brilliant he was, especially compared to graduate students. Then she had insisted that he go over his lecture in detail with her, which is why their Skype session had lasted for well over an hour. After saying good night, Sheldon had slowly closed his computer, feeling much better, when Amy had suddenly sent him a text on his phone. She had reminded him again of his brilliance, boosting his mood even more.

Even in his sick state, Sheldon felt a small smile form on his lips as he thought about it… as he thought about her. Amy was the only person, besides his mother, that could soothe his nerves. She really had made him feel at ease about the lecture today. He was even looking forward to it. And now it would seem that the lecture was not going to happen.

Drat, Sheldon said to himself. So much preparation, wasted.

The phone. Sheldon stood up slowly, feeling dizzy again, holding onto the wall. He grabbed a trash can as he left the bathroom, hugging it close, just in case. When he got to the phone, he saw that he had yet another text from Amy this morning.

You're going to do great today!

Sheldon smiled again and almost forgot about the queasiness in his stomach. If only she could be here to take care of him. But she wasn't. He looked at the clock, and remembered from their Skype session a vague comment from her about going to work early this morning. She was probably already heading out.

Sheldon found Leonard's name on his phone and called him, while making his way over to his spot on the couch.

Penny jumped when Leonard's phone buzzed in her ear. She groaned and reached over to the nightstand for it, knocking it to the floor.

"Balls," she said, reaching off of the bed. She saw Sheldon's name, and groaned again.

She brought it to her face. "Yes?" she said, irritated.

Sheldon coughed. "Penny, I need Leonard. I'm sick."

Penny threw herself back onto the pillows. No! Sheldon … sick! What had she done to deserve this? She threw her head back and forth, whining.

"No! Don't be sick! Please!"

Sheldon frowned. "Well, sorry to disappoint. But I am. Where is Leonard?"

Penny sighed, knowing now that her day off of work would now be hell. "He's in the shower."

Sheldon cleared his throat, which brought on more coughing, and more mucus. "Please ask him to call me when he gets out. I'm going to try and reschedule my lecture for today, but if I can't, I need to see if he can give it for me."

Penny nodded to the phone, realization setting in. Leonard would have to go to work today. Crap. Could this get any worse? "Okay, I will tell him," Penny said, sighing. She cringed, knowing what Sheldon was going to say next.

"Penny?"

She sighed again. "Yes, Sheldon."

"Do you have to go to work today?"

Penny rolled around on the bed, hitting her fists against the pillows. She lost Leonard's phone in the process.

"Penny, are you there?"

"Penny!"

She finally found it, and slowly brought it to her face.

"I'm here, Sheldon."

"Well?"

Penny gritted her teeth. "No, I don't have to work today."

Sheldon breathed and brought a hand to his chest, feeling anxiety leave him. "Oh … good. What time can you be here?"

Penny rolled her eyes. Seriously, why did she have to live across the hall from this lunatic? But before she could answer, Leonard came out of the bathroom, and stood by her, listening.

Penny threw daggers at Leonard with her eyes. What did I do? Leonard thought to himself.

She turned her attention back to the phone. "Sheldon, I can go over there for just a little while, okay? You go ahead and make a list of everything you need … ahem, want me to do. But that is it, okay? I will not be your slave today, understood?"

Even though she couldn't see him, Penny knew that Sheldon was pouting on his end of the phone. "Fine," he said. "Please try to get here soon. And bring soup."

Penny ended the call without a reply. She looked at Leonard. "Well, wackadoodle is sick."

Leonard looked down, feeling sympathy for his girlfriend. "I'm sorry, Penny. I would help, but you know I have work…" He trailed off, not sure what else to say.

"Lucky bastard," Penny said, and flew herself under the covers.

Amy carefully climbed the stairs of Sheldon's apartment building, balancing a Tupperware plate of food on her outstretched palm. It was still hot, and she could feel the heat, even through the pot holders she had to help her with transport. She suddenly stopped her ascent on the second flight, and adjusted her special plate of food in her hands. She began her climb again.

Excitement was growing inside of her, in spite of herself. She had made a promise to keep her feelings at bay, but it was not working. Last night, during her Skype session with Sheldon, she had been shocked when her boyfriend – the same boyfriend that never talked about his feelings – had revealed to her that he was nervous about his lecture today. Amy had secretly enjoyed building up his confidence – more than he would ever know. So, in the midst of their discussion, she had decided to tell him a small fib. She was not going in early to work today, as she had said. Instead, she was up this morning at the crack of dawn, in her kitchen. She had searched "Southern breakfast" on the Internet, and had gotten to work straight away. Now, here she was, delivering a special care package to her boyfriend, allowing herself to be vulnerable to her feelings.

When she reached the top of the third floor, her heart was racing. She knew that she was taking a risk—a big risk. Amy was smart enough to know that her kind gesture could be rejected, not appreciated, or even worse, ignored. She knew that Sheldon Cooper did not like surprises, and did not care much for gift giving. But, this was something she wanted to do for him, and she was hoping … okay really hoping … that he would like it. She had decided that it was a chance she was willing to take.

Amy checked her watch before knocking on Sheldon's door. She knew Sheldon's lecture was at noon, and he had convinced Leonard to leave for work late, around ten. He had said he was worried he would get hungry during the lecture, since he usually ate lunch at noon, so he was planning to eat his breakfast later than the usual scheduled time. Amy smiled, smelling her creation – eggs, bacon, biscuits and a side of oatmeal, of course, because it was oatmeal day. It was the perfect Southern breakfast for her Texan boyfriend. This would certainly keep his tummy full.

Amy knocked and stood, waiting. It was strange that no one answered. She suddenly panicked, wondering if Sheldon had decided to leave earlier than he said he would. Taking her free hand, she checked the door, surprised that it was unlocked.

Amy slowly opened it with her hip, using both hands to hold her plate, trying not to drop the delicious contents. The apartment appeared to be empty. Maybe Sheldon and Leonard were down the hall? Amy walked in, eager to set down her plate. She trotted over to the kitchen, and placed it down on top of her potholders. There was something else on the counter – cans of chicken noodle soup? Then she noticed Sheldon's mug sitting there, with a tea bag steeping inside.

Then she heard singing.

"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of fur…"

It was Penny's voice. And it was coming from Sheldon's bedroom.

"Happy kitty, sleepy kitty, purr, purr, purr."

Amy left her food, following the sound. She approached Sheldon's doorway, and slowed when she saw Penny sitting on Sheldon's bed. Penny was rubbing Sheldon's bare chest with vapor rub, making circles with her hands.

"Sing it again," Sheldon said to Penny. His eyes were closed; his head to the side.

Amy heard Penny let out a sigh. "I've already sang it twice, Sheldon," Penny said. "This is the last time."

"Soft kitty, warm kitty…"

Amy stood frozen. She felt like she should say something, but she couldn't make the words form. The scene before her made her feel… well, strange. She watched Sheldon move his head to the other side, eyes still closed, listening to Penny sing.

Amy felt a tightening in her chest. She took in a quick breath, and was about to turn on her heels and flee, but Penny had heard her.

Penny turned around and stopped singing. "Amy!" she said, smiling. "I'm sooooo glad to see you. Come in here, pleeeaaasssee."

Sheldon's eyes flew open. He saw Amy standing in his doorway, with a frown on her face. She was looking at Penny, and she seemed hesitant.

"Amy, what are you doing here?" Sheldon asked, pulling the covers over his bare chest.

Amy cleared her throat and turned her eyes slowly to his face. "I… I came to surprise you. I brought you breakfast."

At that, Sheldon started to cough. He grabbed a tissue, wiping his nose, and frowned. "I'm sorry, Amy, but it turns out I am sick today."

Amy looked back at Penny, who was already off the bed.

"I tried to knock…" Amy trailed off, noticing that Penny was wearing what looked like a tank top with no bra, and short knit shorts. Even in her disorganized state, she was stunning. For some reason, at this moment, Amy was not impressed at all with Penny's looks – the way she usually was.

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Penny said, gliding past Amy in the doorway. "The vapor rub is on the nightstand, and his soup for lunch is in the kitchen. Oh, and his tea is probably ready…" Penny called out, because she was already down the hall.

"Penny! Where are you going?" Sheldon called after her. They heard the apartment door close. And just like that, she was gone.

Sheldon brought his eyes back to Amy. He noticed how nice she looked, but she did not look happy at all. He had mixed emotions. He was glad to see her, but … he was suddenly aware that he was in his bed, and that Amy was in his bedroom. For some reason, it scared him.

Amy walked over. "What happened? Did you cancel your lecture?"

Sheldon felt himself shiver. Amy should not be in here, with him in the bed.

He blinked at her, and finally found his voice. "I woke up sick," he answered. "I have fever, nausea … everything. I'm in hell, Amy." Sheldon paused for effect. "Leonard is giving the lecture for me. I gave him my Powerpoint presentation and notes."

Amy nodded and walked closer, tentatively. She sat down on the very edge of the bed.

"That's too bad," she said. "Your lecture was so good. It's a shame you can't give it."

Sheldon tensed up, looking at Amy, so close to him on his bed. "Yes, I know. I'm sure Leonard will do an average job, but it won't be the same." He studied her, and realization set in that she was there early on a weekday morning.

"Why did you come again?" Sheldon asked, grabbing another tissue. "Why aren't you at work? And you said you knocked? I didn't hear you."

Amy looked down at her lap. "Yes, I knocked. I guess you and Penny were too busy to hear me."

"Oh."

"And…" Sheldon tried to clear his foggy mind, "you brought me something?"

Amy shifted uncomfortably. "Yes... I made you breakfast – a Southern breakfast, to be exact. I brought it to surprise you." She paused and cleared her throat.

"I made it this morning... I was planning to head into work late today," she added.

Sheldon's eyes grew large. "You cooked?"

Amy smiled. "Yes."

Sheldon thought about it, trying to keep from getting nauseated. "I wish I could eat it," he said.

"Me too," Amy said, smiling some more. Even though her plan had failed, she was happy to hear that he wanted to eat it. She looked at the nightstand and picked up the vapor rub.

"Should I finish this?" she said.

Sheldon looked at her in horror. Should he let Amy touch his chest? He had held her hand on many occasions, but this … this was a lot of physical contact … and it would be from Amy.

Before he could answer, Amy was already pulling down the covers. She gooped some vapor rub onto her fingers, and brought them down to the center of his chest. Sheldon gasped when she touched him.

"Like this?" she said, rubbing her hand clockwise, warming up the spot.

Sheldon cleared his throat. "Yes."

Amy rubbed his entire chest, covering every inch. She loved the feel of his chest hair beneath her fingers. She loved his chest, period. This was the most skin she had ever seen, or felt, of Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper.

"Do you want me to sing that song?" she asked.

Sheldon did not hear her because his eyes were fixated on Amy Farrah Fowler. He did not close his eyes and relax, as he had done with Penny. He was very tense, but at the same time, he felt tingly. And then he felt…

Sheldon grabbed Amy's hand, stopping her. She looked at him, surprised.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

Sheldon moved her hand away, took the vapor rub, and placed it back on the night stand. He pulled his covers up. "I think that is enough. Thank you."

Amy looked at him. What had she done wrong?

"Do you want me to sing?"

"No."

Amy stared at him. Sheldon avoided her eyes, and kept pulling his covers up. Amy felt hurt. She wanted to help him and make him feel better, the way that Penny did. Why did he stop her?

"Okay, well, I guess I will get your tea for you," Amy said, starting to get up.

Sheldon sunk deeper under his covers. "No! I mean, that's okay. Just go to work, Amy. I… I can get the tea myself."

Amy looked at him. Why did he not want her help?

"What about your soup for lunch? I can take a personal day from work. I don't mind," she said.

Sheldon shook his head. "No, no, it's okay. Just go to work. Penny is across the hall if I need something. I'll be okay." He paused. "Thank you."

Amy stared at him in disbelief. Was Sheldon Cooper actually saying that he didn't need help? While he was sick? She walked to the door. "I'll bring you the tea, and then I'll go."

Sheldon let out a breath, relieved. "Thank you. I'll text you later, okay?"

"Sure," Amy said, trying to keep her voice steady. She left, frowning, and grabbed Sheldon's tea from the kitchen. She brought it back, sitting it on his nightstand. He didn't look her in the eye as she did so, and continued to cover himself more with the bedspread.

What is wrong with him? Amy thought.

"Well, hope you feel better."

Sheldon didn't look at her. "Thank you."

Amy walked out, and felt tears well in her eyes as she passed the kitchen and saw her cold breakfast on the counter. She grabbed it and threw it in the trash, before practically running out the apartment door.

Sheldon heard the door slam.

He sighed. She's gone, thank goodness.

He shifted again under his covers, trying to get comfortable.

Good Lord. What has she done to me?

Just a little while longer, he thought, and hopefully … he would calm down. He was irritated at himself. He was irritated at his body. Even sick, he apparently cannot control himself.

He was determined that Amy never understand what she did to him when … when she was so close. Touching him. He didn't even understand it himself.

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