Leonard watched as Bernadette frowned at Amy. The two women were locked in an intense debate. He grimaced. This plan required the participation of both of them. He'd orchestrated it all down to the smallest detail, but Bernadette was being far too difficult.

"It wouldn't hurt him." Leonard inserted himself into their conversation. "Right?"

"There were no notable side effects." Bernadette crinkled her nose. "But that isn't the point. We shelved the drug because it removes all inhibitions. There are just too many risks in using it. What if he decides to fly or poison Penny for breaking a rule? A Sheldon with no inhibitions might ride the bus naked. Is that fair to the public?"

"I need this, Bernadette." Amy grabbed her arm. "I'll do anything. I'll help find a way to make the drug work as your team originally intended, but I need it now."

"Amy, I know this is hard for you." Bernadette's shoulders slumped a bit. "But this is the wrong way to get Sheldon into bed. It would be forcing him."

"Sheldon's inhibitions would just be gone. He could still say no if he wanted." Leonard sputtered. "Amy's taking a huge risk to further her relationship. I think we should support her."

"And what do you get, mister?" Bernadette turned her glare on him.

"I get a Sheldon that will let me move across the hall without so much fuss." Leonard shrugged. "He's so resistant to change."

"I get that, but I still have to say no. It would be unethical." Bernadette crossed her arms over her chest and stared sternly at them. "Please, go."

Leonard grabbed Amy's hand and pulled her out of the lab. This wasn't working. It would have been easier if Bernadette had simply agreed, but plan B was almost as good.

"Come on, Amy." He sighed as they made their way out of the building. "I have a back up plan."

"What? Without that drug Sheldon will never give into his burning but caged desires and lascivious lusts. I need him." Amy sulked and stomped along beside him through the parking lot.

"I'm already getting that fertility drug for you without Bernadette's help. I can get this drug, too. I wanted to get it from her because I wanted her help with dosage, but we can handle this." Leonard patted Amy's shoulder. "We can both get what we want."

Five Days Later

Leonard was heading out of his office when Gablehauser clapped his hand down upon his shoulder. He stiffened as the man's fingers dug into him slightly.

"Just the physicist I need." The man smiled. "The department needs you, Dr. Hofstadter."

"I'm busy tonight." Leonard pulled free of the other man's grip.

"Not if you want to keep working here. The woman that funds your grant is thinking about pulling her money out. You might be able to save your job if you can get her to commit to this department again." Gablehauser shook his head. "As I recall, you have a way with the little old ladies, and we need every advantage."

"But I had plans." Leonard looked up into the taller man's eyes.

"Cancel them." Gablehauser smiled. "This is your career."

Leonard nodded sadly and pulled out his cell phone to call Penny.

"I have to be quarantined?" Amy stared in horror at the men in the yellow suits. The soft hum of the equipment irritated her. "It isn't enough that you euthanized nine months worth of research?"

"It's only three days." The man smiled at her through the plastic guarding his face. "We will contact your family."

Amy flopped into her chair and frowned. This was not supposed to happen. They hadn't prepared for this contingency, and she didn't even have a chance to call Leonard. all her possessions were being autoclaved or destroyed. She fingered the paper scrubs she was stuck wearing and frowned. All of their careful planning destroyed by one diseased primate. She slumped in her hard plastic chair and sighed. It was only three days. They would regroup.

Then her life would be perfect.

Sheldon took another sip of his beverage and frowned. The chocolatey treat hit the spot. Amy's mother had called to let him know not to expect her tonight, and he felt like celebrating. These endless date nights frustrated him. He needed some time to unwind.

He looked at his game consoles and smiled.

Halo.

He wanted to play Halo.

He wanted to play Halo with Penny.

He guzzled down the rest of his drink and grabbed two more before heading over to Penny's.

He just knew it was going to be a good night.

Penny smiled at Sheldon's signature knock. It was good to have him home. His little trip had left her far too much time to think. Thinking about marrying Leonard and surrendering her dreams had made her panic. Nothing proved a better distraction from the train wreck of her life than Sheldon.

Being around him was easy. Even when he was off his gourd and declaring relationship superiority. She considered the fact that her relationship wasn't working and frowned. Maybe he was right. He usually was.

Penny flung the door open and smiled up at her neighbor. His blue eyes seemed particularly merry tonight.

"Would you like to have an impromptu Halo night with me, Penny?"

She smiled and nodded. A little battle with the beautiful mind was just what she needed after a long day trying to grasp the intricacies of her new job.

"Here have a beverage." Sheldon handed her one of his precious bottles of Yoohoo. "I believe we should order some food as well."

"Sounds good, Sweetie." Penny smiled up at him and followed him over to his apartment. "Do you want Pizza or Thai?"

"I want to try something new." Sheldon smiled. "It isn't even anything can happen Thursday. I'm feeling wild tonight."

"Okay, wild man. What have you done with my friend?" Penny smirked up at Sheldon.

"I missed you, Penny." Sheldon patted her shoulder awkwardly. "The others are familiar and can understand some of what I say, but I missed talking with you while I was gone. It may be little more than talking to a pretty chimp, but I enjoy our time together. I must admit to liking your new hairstyle as well. I was against it at first, but it flatters you. It must be far easier to maintain."

"It is." She shook her head, letting her shortened tresses fly free. "We both needed a change. You went on a train, and I went to the salon."

"To change." Sheldon clinked his bottle against hers and they both took a long pull of the chocolate beverage.