Title: The What Happens in Vegas Complication

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to The Big Bang Theory nor am I making any money from the writing of this fanfic. Rated M for language and sexual situations in later chapters. Spoilers for Season 7.

Summary: A year after Sheldon leaves Pasadena his life is going pretty great until CalTech decides to give him everything he ever wanted. What happens when what he wants from life has suddenly changed? Sheldon/OC

A/N: Ever since the season 7 finale this thought has been buzzing in my head. Reviews are amazing. Let me know what you think!

x-x-x-x-x-x

"Oh my god."

Penny looked up from the morning paper as Leonard nearly spewed coffee across the small kitchen, startling her. He continued to gape at his phone as she pushed herself from the chair and walked behind him to see what the big deal was. "Holy crap. Is that Sheldon?"

Sheldon's name was across the top of the phone indicating he had sent Leonard a text message the night before but the text was a picture of a freshly tattooed calf now covered with a pretty bad ass looking dragon.

"I... I think so?" Leonard continued to glare at the phone with a puzzled look on his face. Surely his eyes were playing tricks on him. Dr. Sheldon Cooper would never, ever get a tattoo. "I'm going to call him."

x-x-x

After a few rings a half asleep Sheldon answered his buzzing phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey buddy. It's Leonard."

Sheldon covered his face with an arm, blocking the morning light in the small room. "Hey Leonard. How are you?"

"Good. Good... I just got your text message."

"Yeah? Pretty cool huh? It's a legendary dragon from Skyrim."

Leonard gave Penny a look that assured her it was in fact Sheldon's tattoo. The blonde's eyes went wide at the thought. Sheldon really was trying all sorts of new things on his trip.

"Yeah it looks great. I can't believe you got a tattoo."

He let his arm fall from his eyes and pushed himself up, turning his back to the window. The clock read 8:45am. "I know. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be though. V says you get "addicted to ink" after the first one but I don't think I'll be getting another one anytime soon."

Leonard was at a loss for words. His friend and roommate had changed a lot in the past few months. "Who's V?" He finally asked, curiosity getting the best of him. "V? My roommate. We met in our culinary class."

"Oh, well that's awesome. I'm glad things are going so well for you buddy. I better get ready for work but text me later alright?"

"Sure thing Leonard, talk to you later."

Sheldon sat his phone down on the night stand and pushed himself from the bed, stretching his long body towards the ceiling. Last night had been pretty amazing, meeting new people, getting a tattoo and trying Thai food for the first time. His mother would disown him if she ever found out about the dragon on his leg and he couldn't even fathom what Meemaw would say about it but this was what he needed in his life right now. New experiences.

It had been eleven months since he said goodbye to Leonard and Penny at the Pasadena train station and over nine since he'd relocated to Sin City. It was a surprise to everyone that he had stayed in Vegas for so long but he truly enjoyed the culinary classes he was taking and the new people he was meeting.

A small knock on the bedroom door brought him back to the here and now as it opened and a girl around his age emerged into the room. She was significantly shorter than him and thin, her oversized gray shirt falling off one shoulder and exposing a gray bra strap. "Class starts in 20 minutes, Shel."

Her light green eyes met his darker hues as a sly smile crept to her lips, causing his own smile to form. This girl was remarkably smart, witty, funny and friendly. Vegas was great but she was the reason he felt so alive. There was never a dull moment with this one plus she knew references to all of his favorite movies and even read comic books. Sometimes he compared her to a more interesting Penny. "Good thing I only need 10, Vanessa."

Her sweet smile faded quickly.

"Do not call me Vanessa."

"Then don't call me Shel. It's emasculating."

Just like that her perky smile was back as she moved to the door and back into the hall. "Whatever Shel, you're driving."

x-x-x-x-x-x

"Hey girls."

Penny sat down at the table with Amy and Bernadette with a smile, calling the waiter over so they could order lunch.

"So. Leonard talked to Sheldon today!" She exclaimed with a bit of excitement - causing Amy to perk up at the mention of her wayward boyfriend. They Skype once a week and sent the random text message now and then but for the most part there was no room in his new life for her. "How is he? Did he say when he was coming home? His leave will be up soon - he's coming back to the university right?"

Penny frowned a little as Amy bombarded her with Sheldon questions. "Um, he didn't say. He did however send a text of his NEW TATTOO."

"What?!"

"I know!"

Amy sat with her mouth open in shock as the two blonds squealed at the news. "Oh my god I cannot believe this. What has gotten into him!?"

Penny just shrugged.

"It's crazy but I'm kinda happy for him. I'm glad he's doing new things. Maybe he won't be so high strung when he gets back. Maybe you two can actually have a normal relationship."

Amy looked at Penny quickly - a little offended that she didn't think her and Sheldon's relationship was normal but the thought of a more mellow easy going boyfriend was almost too much to process. What she wouldn't do for a normal relationship with him.

"Well in other news I think Leonard and I are ready to get married."

Bernadette squealed again. "This is the most exciting lunch I've had in a while!" She assured with a grin. "Are we talking in the next week or month?"

"Probably month. I want us to have a girl's weekend first. I was thinking Vegas! We could visit Sheldon."

Amy brightened at the thought of seeing her boyfriend. "That sounds like a great idea."

x-x-x-x-x-x

Sheldon pulled into a parking space with ease receiving a nod of approval from his company. "See. I told you you could drive. You just needed the right instructor." Vanessa assured with a smile as he shut off the engine and removed his seat belt. "I do owe you a great deal of gratitude for not giving up on me. I can't explain how amazing it feels to not have to take the bus anymore."

This received another bright smile.

"Stick with me kid. I'll take you places."

Sheldon glanced over at her and grinned, studying her for a long moment before he answered. "Well technically I'm taking you places."

Vanessa slapped his arm and laughed as they made their way towards the building. Sheldon allowed her to guide him towards the culinary school, watching her white blond hair bounce as she moved. He had met V in this very parking lot as he waited on a bus that never showed. She had befriended him in class and then kindly given him a ride to the hotel he was staying in. Impressed that it was the Bellagio.

"It's costing me a small fortune to stay here but I'm just not ready to go back to Pasadena yet."

Usually wary of new people he found himself spilling his whole life to this eccentric girl. She was easy to talk to and strangely comforting. "Well my roommate just bailed on me last week. You could rent her room if you want. It would be a hell of a lot cheaper then what you're paying here."

In the spirit of trying new things and disconnecting himself as the Sheldon Cooper he had become he agreed and moved in with her two days later.

Now they were walking into their culinary class and Vanessa had detached herself to go talk to a few of their classmates. Their eyes met for a moment from across the room causing a sudden pull at his heart he had never quite felt before.

x-x-x

"It's that simple folks. A little sugar, extract and milk and you've got homemade frosting."

Sheldon looked down into his bowl. He had never made anything from scratch before and it didn't look half bad - despite the awful pepto bismal pink food coloring Vanessa had insisted on adding. She placed her spoon into the mixture and winked at him before placing it into her waiting mouth. He could only stare as her tongue swirled around the metal and licked it clean - his mouth opening slightly as he swallowed the lump that formed in his throat, ignoring thoughts that popped into his head. Thoughts he wasn't used to having.

Although he would never admit it to himself he sometimes idly wondered what it would be like to kiss her. To brush her soft hair from her face and taste the pink frosting on her lips. He swallowed again finally meeting her eyes. Things he should be feeling for his girlfriend.

A girlfriend Vanessa had no idea existed.

x-x-x

Sheldon stared at his computer screen without blinking - lost in a thought of dread. He was staring at an email from CalTech university that explained he would be granted permission to peruse his interests in Dark Matter and they looked forward to working with him again. His personal leave would expire in fourteen days.

Two weeks.

Suddenly his Skype account blinked on and Amy Farrah Fowler was staring at him from California. For a moment he could only stare at her on the screen. "Sheldon? Is everything alright?" Another moment of dread passed between them before he found his voice.

"CalTech just emailed me and approved my studies of Dark Matter." Was all he could say. The thought of leaving Nevada to return to California depressed him more than he could imagine. The thought of leaving Vanessa broke his heart. "That's great news Sheldon! That means you can come home!" Amy assured happily.

"Yeah. I guess it does."

x-x-x

Sheldon opened his eyes quickly as a flash of lightening filled his room, followed by a loud boom of thunder. Two seconds later there was a knock on the door. "Sheldon?" Vanessa didn't wait for him to answer as the door opened and she made her way through the dark, nudging him over in the small full sized bed. Although she didn't like to talk about it there was something about Nevada thunderstorms that seriously freaked her out and every time it rained she found herself in his bed. He made room for her and watched quietly as she laid her head down beside his and smiled.

"Hey."

A crack of lighting lit up the room causing her to yelp and move closer to him. "I'm sorry. I'm such a wimp." She assured quietly as a grin spread across his face. He reach out and brushed a strand of hair from her eye. "Yes. You are." He assured, unfazed as the thunder followed. Vanessa took his hand in the dark and clasped their fingers together. "Don't be a dick." She whispered as she closed her eyes and held his hand tightly.

They lay quietly for a long moment before she broke the silence. "I'm really glad I found you Sheldon Cooper." Her words were so soft against his lips he thought he might have misunderstood at first. She smiled at him in the dark and began to drift back to sleep.

x-x-x

That morning the rain passed and a few thin rays of sunlight filtered through the blinds - covering them in a warm glow. Sheldon opened his eyes - surprised that Vanessa was still asleep beside him. She usually returned to her own bed before morning. The hand that once held his in comfort was now abandoned and resting on his rids, warm and soft against his skin.

A year ago he would have leapt from the bed screaming at the thought of sharing his bed with someone but there was something about Vanessa that made it seem like it wasn't that big of a deal. Maybe it was the black shorts she wore to bed or the smell of her shampoo but he didn't mind at all when she crawled into his bed. Truth be known he looked forward to the rain.

"V."

His voice came out a bit rougher then he liked and he cleared his throat before trying again.

"V?"

She stirred slightly and groaned, pressing her chest against his. There was nowhere for his own arm to rest but the bend of her waist so a bit awkwardly he placed his hand on her hip and took in a deep needed breath. He could feel his own heart beating heavy in his chest - studying her long lashes and full lips as she breathed steadily in and out in a calming rhythmic motion.

"Vanessa?" He tried again, swallowing hard. He wanted to kiss her - press his lips against hers and pull her into his embrace. He had never wanted anything so badly in his life. As if on cue she opened her eyes - surprised that she was laying so close to Sheldon who was staring at her as if he were seeing her for the first time. "Hey..." She whispered, putting a bit of space between them as they untangled themselves from one another. "Hey." He croaked, finally looking away from her parted lips.

"Did we miss class?"

Sheldon shook his head no.

"Good. I'll go get ready."

Neither of them moved for a second. Possibly waiting to see what the other might do. "Thanks for letting me crash last night. You know how freaked I get."

He could only nod as she pulled herself from the bed and made her way to the door without so much as a glace his way. Once she was gone a groan escaped him.

x-x-x-x-x-x

"I can't believe we are doing this! Sheldon's going to be so surprised. He told me that CalTech gave him the ok on Dark Matter and he'll be coming home soon! Maybe he'll even come back with us."

Amy was buzzing with excitement as the girls made their way towards Las Vegas to celebrate Penny's upcoming marriage to Leonard. They had decided on a quiet ceremony much like Howard and Bernadette's in a few weeks so this was her last trip before she became Mrs. Leonard Hofstadter. Bernadette smiled over at Penny who didn't look to excited to share a four hour trip home with Sheldon but they were all pretty curious as to how much he had changed in the past few months.

"I didn't mention this trip to him the other day so he has no idea we're on our way. I can't wait to see him! Do you think he'll get mad if I give him a hug? I'd really like to give him a hug."

"Amy sweetie, I know you've missed him but try to control yourself. You know how Sheldon is." Or was. This was definitely going to be an interesting reunion.

x-x-x-x-x

Sheldon parked Vanessa's car and shut off the engine, turning to look at her suddenly. There was a somber energy surrounding them in the close space. They hadn't said much to each other on the ride over. Somehow he had to tell her that he would have to leave soon.

"V. There's something I have to tell you."

Vanessa looked up at him with those emerald eyes of hers and he felt that familiar pull at his heart. This girl would be the death of him. Before he quite realized what was happing she closed the space between them and exhaled the breath she'd been holding. "Sheldon," She whispered - searching his eyes for any hint of doubt or desire. "I want to kiss you."

His mouth suddenly felt dry as he licked his bottom lip; that was all the answer she needed as she leaned forward and placed her cool lips against his - running her fingers up his chest and to his neck, pulling him into her. Kissing Vanessa was as easy as breathing - repeating her own actions and running both of his hands into her hair as he deepened their kiss and brushed his tongue against hers. A tiny moan escaped her throat.

They continued to kiss each other until his lungs began to burn and he pulled away just long enough to take a quick breath.

"What do you have to tell me?" She asked suddenly, distracting him from her soft waiting mouth. "What?" He thought for a minute and then remembered CalTech, California and even his somewhat girlfriend. A pain of guilt washed over him as he put some distance between them and met her eyes with his own.

"My personal leave is almost up at CalTech and I have to go back to California." He said quickly with a frown. For the life of him he didn't want to leave this girl. He never wanted to leave this car. The confusion on her beautiful face turned to pain at the thought of him not being in her life. "Oh," Was all she could say.

"I'm sorry Vanessa. I… I don't want to go but everything I've ever worked for is hanging in the balance. I can't just walk away from years of research."

Vanessa dropped her gaze down to her hands and nodded. "I guess I always knew this wouldn't last forever. You're a brilliant physicist and I'm just a short order cook." She forced a smile and looked up at him – pushing the hurt and despair from her face. "I'll miss you." Was all she offered.

Sheldon signed in frustration as his phone began to buzz in his pocket. Now was not the time. With that opening Vanessa stepped out of the car leaving him alone with his phone call.

"Hello?"

"What are you doing behind the wheel of a vehicle." Penny asked with a laugh, causing Sheldon to look up as the car full of girls pull into the culinary school's parking lot. Vanessa watched them pull into the space beside them and Sheldon emerge from the car – a look she couldn't quite place on his features. Before he could explain Amy was out of the back seat and wrapping her arms around him, pulling him into a tight boa like hug. He felt his first panic attack in a year coming on strong.

"It's so good to see you Sheldon! You look great." Amy exclaimed, enjoying the hug while it lasted. They had definitely caught him off guard. "What are you doing here?" He asked, coming off a little cold. "What? What do you mean what am I doing here? I'm your girlfriend. I came – we came to see you."

Sheldon looked at Penny then Bernadette before glancing at Vanessa who was standing on the other side of the car with an equally puzzled look on her face.

"Vanessa this is my best friend's fiancé Penny and my other friend's wife Bernadette and this is… Amy.."

Amy finally realized there was someone else standing with them and turned her attention to this new, blond girl. She was small and cute. Very cute and she hated her instantly. "His girlfriend." Amy assured matter-of-factly. Vanessa looked up at Sheldon with wide eyes. She had known him for a while now and not once had he ever mentioned having a girlfriend. "It's good to meet you. I'm V. Sheldon and I take culinary together."

"V?" Penny asked, now standing beside Amy with a surprised look on her pretty face. She turned to Sheldon. "Your roommate?"

"Yes."

"I thought V was like a Vincent or Victor. Not Vanessa." She tried to shake her expression and smile at the girl, extending her hand. "It's so good to meet you - thanks for taking care of Sheldon for us. Leonard said you helped him a lot when he first came to Vegas."

Neither of them liked the thought of Sheldon needing "taken care of." He was a grown man and perfectly capable of taking care of himself. "All I did was offer him a place to stay." Vanessa assured with a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. "It was great to meet you all. I've got to get to class though. Shel, you and Amy take the car - I'll catch a ride with someone."

Sheldon could only watch defeated as Vanessa made her way across the parking lot and disappeared into the building without so much as a look back.

x-x

"You drive now?" Amy asked quietly as Sheldon pulled out behind Penny and Bernadette. "V taught me." He stated, looking to the rear view before glancing over at his girlfriend. She hadn't changed at all in the past year. Still the same long brown hair and plain dull dress. Not that he had changed much either - at least on the outside. "Oh," She frowned at the thought. Apparently this Vanessa had a great impact on Sheldon's life where Amy had failed.

She had taught him to exist in a world without the aid of his friends.

"Don't give me that look Amy. Vanessa and I are strictly friends. So she taught me how to drive? My life is considerably less stressful here. That probably had a lot to do with it."

Amy nodded looking down at her hands. "It's just surprising is all. All these new things going on with you. I feel like you are a different person now. Plus you haven't visited once..."

"The whole point of this trip was to get away from Pasadena."

"To get away from me?"

Sheldon sighed.

"Amy. Please don't take this the wrong way but not every decision I make in my life is based on our relationship. I left to take a break from CalTech and String Theory. It wasn't personal."

"I asked you to move in with me and you left the state, Sheldon. It feels kind of personal."

They pulled into the shopping complex without speaking another word. Sheldon was at a loss. He didn't want to tell his girlfriend of four years that leaving her and their friends had been the best thing he had ever done with his life. Sure he missed them and their weekly get together but being on his own had helped him grow up. Then there was Vanessa. The first person to befriend him during this new chapter of his life. The girl who couldn't sleep alone during thunderstorms, who had taught him how to cook and drive.

The girl that made his heart ache.

x-x-x-x-x-x

"So you'll be home in a few weeks?"

Sheldon nodded, "Maybe sooner."

If Vanessa kicked him out of their apartment maybe a lot sooner. He hugged Amy and then Penny as they said their goodbyes and returned to their car, leaving him alone in the Applebee's parking lot. His relationship with Amy had always been one of the mind yet no matter how many times he tried to explain that to everyone they always wanted it to be more and after Howard got married and Leonard and Penny became so exclusive he just wanted to try and fit in.

Amy was a brilliant scientist and a good friend but when it came to matters of the heart Sheldon always fell short. Perhaps it wasn't the quickest pace in the world but he had tried to feel something for Amy during their four years together. He had even kissed her on their anniversary train trip but the passion between them had died out soon after their lips separated.

For the life of him he didn't know how he could get Amy to understand that they just weren't meant to be together in a romantic kind of way. A sigh escaped him as he got into Vanessa's car and drove it back to their apartment. So many emotions were going through his head as he drove - dread, worry and excitement. They had left things so unexplained earlier he wasn't sure what would happen between them but he knew he couldn't give her up. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

x-x-x

Vanessa was sitting perched at the top of the steps in front of their apartment complex wearing tight jeans with a rip in the knee and a long sleeved white top; her hair long and curly, pulled to one side - exposing her neck and that tiny pink heart tattoo. Sheldon nearly left the car in drive as he parked quickly and hit the stairs running, taking two steps at a time when she stood to meet him. His hands found her hair as he pulled her into his kiss - holding onto her tightly as if she might disappear.

She knows what I think about, what I think about..

One love,

Two mouths,

One love,

One house.

No shirt.

No blouse.

Just us. You'll find out - nothing that I really want to tell you about.. no..

The Neighborhood - Sweater Weather.

TBC...