AN: Hardly unique, but still fun to write :) Chapter two already in the works. I disclaim ownership of all characters and settings and hair accessories in this story, for this chapter and all subsequent chapters.

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He never could have anticipated it. Sheldon despised (feared) things he couldn't anticipate. Change and new territory were his mortal enemies - "as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party" his Meemaw would say - always beginning so innocuously then suddenly throwing him for a horrifying loop. But this particular unanticipated occurrence...this one took the cake.

Someone else was to blame, of course. It was all Penny's fault. That blonde, abrasive, whirlwind of pep and disorder he called friend and neighbour. For someone with such a poor intellect, she was remarkably talented at gift-giving.

For Sheldon's own birthday earlier that year, Penny had actually procured a recorded message from THE William Shatner, a.k.a James Tiberius Kirk, Captain of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise of the Star Trek universe. Shatner had been a surprise guest teacher for one of her acting classes, and when he was shaking hands and signing autographs after class, Penny had asked if he wouldn't mind recording a brief birthday message on her cellphone to her friend Sheldon Cooper. Shatner had wished Sheldon a happy birthday, all the best, and promised to send a signed DVD collection of the first season of Star Trek, which did arrive a month later.

This assault of kindness resulted in another shameful display of emotion on Sheldon's part, one of very few in his life, as he felt compelled by a terrible sense of gratitude to embrace Penny. He even then allowed her to sit in his spot for one whole episode of America's Next Top Model, a gargantuan sacrifice on his part. When he had sobered from all the excitement, however, he realized the obligation Penny had put to him. Her birthday was only a few months after his, and while the embrace and the relinquishment of his spot were a good start he still needed to obtain a gift for her that was of equal value in both cost and sentiment. He had no issue with cost, but sentimentality was not Sheldon's forte. He spent weeks, months mulling over possible gifts for Penny. He sat listening over and over to the message from Shatner, (which he had transferred from Penny's phone to a file on his computer), trying to recall and keep fresh the feelings of pure delight and elation he had felt upon first hearing it, in hopes that it would spark some idea of what might bring Penny the same joy. Sadly, nothing he came up with seemed acceptable. He thought of perhaps paying for repairs on Penny's vehicle, or even purchasing an entirely new car, so that he no longer need worry about failing brakes and exploding engine parts when she gave him a lift. But no, that wouldn't do as it certainly wouldn't solve the issue of Penny's careless driving and total disregard for vehicle maintenance. Sheldon also considered cleaning her apartment once a week for a whole six months. While this would afford him a deeper REM cycle, he was uncomfortable with handling other people's dirt and refuse more than was absolutely necessary and anyway his previous attempt at tidying Penny's apartment had caused a week of tumult and discord he'd rather not endure again.

Finally, after a day of nearly four hours straight staring at the screen of his laptop, his brain running in circles, Sheldon developed a plan for the perfect birthday gift for Penny. And none too soon, as her birthday was only a few weeks away.

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Penny ate a birthday breakfast with the four boys at Sheldon and Leonard's apartment, something Sheldon had actually suggested. It came off as a sweet gesture, but in reality he knew Penny had other plans for later and he simply could not wait much longer to get the burden of her gift out of his life. He allowed the other's to give their's first as, frankly, he knew he would blow them all out of the water. He wanted Penny to appreciate his efforts and giving his gift last would accomplish that in the most satisfying manner.

Penny opened Leonard's first, a certificate to a salon and spa in L.A.

Howard gave her a sweater with a plunging neck line.

"For the twins!" he explained with his lecherous grin. He received a hug and a sharp swat to the head for his troubles.

Raj gave her a lovely travel manicure set and his own recording on his cellphone of himself singing her happy birthday. He blushed until it played through, gratefully putting away the phone when it did. He received a hug and peck on the cheek for his efforts.

Finally, Sheldon could barely contain his nervous energy, finally it was his turn.

"I hope you find this to your satisfaction, Penny." He announced, handing his gift over proudly.

"Oh, I'm sure I will sweety, you wouldn't settle for less after all." She joked. It was a large package and she tore it open with relish. She laid eyes upon it and her jaw dropped.

"Oh my God, Sheldon..." she breathed.

Sheldon shifted uncomfortably in his spot. He mistook her shock for disapproval and began anxiously listing off the details of the gift. With the aid of some useful contacts, Sheldon had created the ultimate Penny laptop. Everything about it was top of the line. Top of the line components, software and programs. He had obtained a custom rubber overlay to protect the keyboard from Penny's many accidents with electronics, should she choose to use it. But the best part, the part that had Penny in awe, was the casing. It was also custom made, constructed from the strongest materials out there, to withstand any scrapes or tumbles. Sheldon had designed it to be a brilliant pink, with small yellow and green flowers – Penny Blossoms, she realized – that shimmered and sparkled much like her hair accessories had. There was a laptop bag to match.

"Wow, Sheldon, that must have cost you a fortune!" Leonard exclaimed.

Sheldon didn't reply, eyeing Penny warily as she gazed upon her gift. His fear quickly abated when she suddenly squealed and began bouncing on the couch.

"Sheldon, this is incredible!" she cried, examining the laptop and its components from every possible angle, soaking it in. "Leonard's right, this must of cost you an arm and a leg!"

"A small price to pay." Sheldon pontificated. "This computer is made to stand any abuse you can put to it so you wont constantly be seeking out Leonard or myself for tech support. Not only that but it's perfect for contacting friends and family, for gaming, and for organizing your schedule. It's portable, durable and pink, your favourite colour."

Penny placed her new computer on the coffee table, turning to Sheldon.

"Dr. Cooper, you are full of surprises." She said, her smile filling the room.

And then it happened. The life-altering, throw-him-for-a-loop moment. Penny kissed him.