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Constant rummaging can be heard in Sheldon's closet. His hands combed through the hangers of suit blazers. Taking out the ones that weren't so garish and striking according to Leonard’s advice.
"I suppose these will do." He tapped a finger against his lips in thought. Examining the options. Not exactly his taste but it was a better attempt at looking formal.
His hand held onto multiple hangers, outfits waiting to be constructed in their full glory. "You can leave now. So I can y'know.. change." His volume shifted into a quieter one.
"Shelly, are you shy?" Leonard tilted his head with a smile.
"No!" Sheldon blurted. "I have dignity!" He tried his best making it sound convincing as much as he could.
Sheldon pushed Leonard to the door, urging him to go outside. His hand pushed the knob forward, leaving the door slightly open.
Was that on purpose?
Leonard didn't pay attention to Sheldon's inaccuracy but it certainly didn't go unnoticed either. Tempted to open the door even more to get a peek at his body, fighting his instinct, his hand only hovering the knob.
"Sheldon, you didn't answer my question on the couch earlier." Leonard announced, coupled with the noise of Sheldon removing the layers of clothing he had on.
"Leonard, I think we should examine the chain of events one more time."
"Which is?"
"Recollection, my mother has requested me to visit them back in Texas and spend a minimum of 2 days in my hometown. The effect? I foresee myself enduring the torment of my siblings and reluctantly following social protocol."
"In layman's terms, I dislike gatherings and that is the root cause of my increased spontaneity."
While Sheldon explained his dire situation in a convoluted way, it alleviated him, believe it or not.
His hands fixed the white collar of his Windsor knot, giving it a sharp tug before donning the black blazer his light purple dress shirt.
"In layman's terms," Leonard muttered with snark. The door conveniently bridges the gap between the threshold even more, if it weren't for the hand controlling the knob. The sight of Sheldon's appearance and a glimpse of his bare skin was enough to make his eyes dilate and hum in approval.
He quickly snapped out of his trance when considering how perverted his subconscious was. He quietly pulled the door. Just enough for him to at least peek through with one eye.
"Sheldon, the last time you went there was for Christmas. That was almost a year ago."
"Well, thank you for pointing out the obvious." His hands patted the blazer, trying to make himself look more formal. Fingers combing through his hair, pursing his lips from the absence of his gel.
Sheldon was acutely aware of Leonard’s staring, his eyes narrowing towards the door. At first, he didn't mind until comprehending how ludicrous it would be to gain gratification from being watched.
"All I'm saying is that you're feeling a bit of stage fright but that doesn't mean you're entitled to shut down your family." Leonard’s eyes met Sheldon's glare, he allowed a smile.
"I'll notify the Oxford English Dictionary that the definition of an audience has been changed to four people." Leonard shook his head at the quip.
"If it relieves your body's physiological response, I volunteer to accompany you."
Sheldon contemplated, a finger pressed on his chin before replying with indifference. "I'll ask my mother about it then."
He stepped out of the bedroom, slowly padding over outside. Spinning around like he was auditioning to be in a magazine cover. With that tall and slender body of his, it wouldn't be hard.
Leonard simply got on tiptoe, his shoes lightly pressing against Sheldon's. His lips kissed his cheek, backing away and wiping it off seconds later. "Good.."
Sheldon didn't flinch at the touch. It didn't provoke him to cite their agreement about physical contact either. In fact, it triggered his nervous system, unsure if it was out of embarrassment or a mild pleasant feeling.
His ears and hands transformed in color, the contrast to his pale complexion was apparent. "Okay." Sheldon whispered, covering his ear to draw attention away from his heightened blood flow.
"I'm sorry, does that mean I look good?"
"Yes."
"I see. Thank you."