The Cognitive Dissonance Theory

Disclaimer: I don't own The Big Bang Theory or any of its varied characters. The Big Bang Theory is a copyright of Chuck Lorre & Bill Prady.

Chapter 1

"Leonard, I would like to stop listening to you now because your relationship with Penny does not interest me slightest bit and because I have an agenda; Paintball" said Sheldon. "Specifically, the NPPL California Tournament this weekend. Now, in order to function better as a fighting unit, I thought we should establish a chain of command. It goes without saying that I would out rank the three of you. But the question remains, by how much? Now, I don't see me as some four star general, back at HQ riding a desk and playing golf with the Secretary of Defense; but I also can't be Sergeant Cooper because that might lead you to think of me as a regular Joe."

Leonard gave a concerning look, "Sheldon as much as I love paintball, I think it's time we grow up and become more mature adults. You know, recently Penny suggested we should do more elegant things like going to a symphony concert or opera. She said they serve free wine during the intermission."

Sheldon rolled his eyes, "What's gotten to you? Since you came back from Stephen Hawking Expedition, all you talk about these days is Penny, Penny, Penny. For one thing I can assure you that I feel more comfortable just the way we are right now. Watching Star Trek, Star Wars, playing D&D… how much more in life do you want?"

Leonard, "Sheldon we are not getting any younger. The time is ticking and I want to start becoming more like a real man that Penny wants me to be. I don't know about you guys but watching reruns of Star Trek movies for the 185th time is kind of lame."

Sheldon gasps, "Leonard! Take that back!"

Howard, "Guys, Guys, 6 o'clock. Siebert is approaching."

Raj, "I wonder what he wants."

Leonard, "He doesn't seem happy so I'm guessing he wants to talk to Sheldon."

Siebert, "Dr. Cooper"

Leonard, "Told ya"

Sheldon, "Oh President Siebert. How may I help you on this fine day?"

Siebert, "Dr. Cooper for the millionth time, I beg you to please stop installing Suggestion Boxes everywhere."

Sheldon, "I'm sorry I thought I was doing something good in this universe. For example, some people might realize that they're not in matrix because of the disgusting food that the school cafeteria serves."

Siebert sighs. He debates in his head if he should keep conversing with Dr. Nutcase. He looks at his watch and decides to turn over to the guys. "Gentleman, I am sure you have heard already that our school is hosting the 100th Gala Dance. As you may know, this event occurs once in 20 years. The theme is "Above the City Lights". It is also an event where the fundraisers for the university gather so I appreciate if you could all attend this event."

Leonard smiles, "Now that sounds like something Penny and I could enjoy. Something new!"

Howard chuckles, "Yeah, by something new, getting wasted and embarrassing yourself with those dance moves of yours and pull your muscle accidentally."

Raj excited like a teenager, "Yes! I've been waiting for this event since the day I began working here. The tradition states that guys has to ask the girls to the dance. It's like high school prom all over again!"

Sheldon with a concern look on his face, "Now hold on, I believe the dance is on May 28th. That's the same day as the paintball tournament." Looks at Siebert with confidence. "We won't be attending the event."

Leonard, "Excuse me, I for once think this is an excellent event for myself and Penny. I would rather go to an event where Penny won't think of me as a… nerd."

Sheldon began being nervous, "Wha… Leonard, I've had the paintball scheduled for 2 months in advance. We can't just change our schedule."

Leonard with confidence, "Well, I'm going. I don't know about you guys but I think it's time we get out of our comfort zone and try something new for a change."

Raj, "I'm in!"

Howard, "I guess I could go too. Bernadette still has her prom dress from high school in her closet. I want to see her in that dress so that we could fool around afterwards. I'm not regretting slightest bit for not getting any during high school. She's just like my mother. Keeping a dress to remind herself that centuries ago… she was able to fit in them."

Siebert has a grossed out look like he just heard something disturbing. He states, "Well, I must head back to my office. I hope to see you all there. Good-bye Dr. Cooper, Dr. Hofstadter, Dr. Koothrappali… Mr. Wolowitz."

Howard rolls his eyes. He shouts "I have a Master's Degree!"

Siebert as he leaves, "Who doesn't!?"

"For the last time Sheldon my answer is no!" Leonard and Sheldon are walking side by side in the college hallway. From the look of Leonard's eyes, Sheldon could tell that Leonard was getting frustrated with Sheldon. Leonard was not going to let Sheldon win in this argument. He was determined to go to the dance with Penny no matter what.

"How could you betray paintball with some other ball," said Sheldon disappointed.

"Look, why don't you just join us to the dance. Take Amy with you"

Sheldon has a surprised look on his face. His eyes widened and gasped, "Amy? Why should I take Amy to the event which I, myself, have no interest in going whatsoever?"

Leonard took a deep breath trying to not kill the man who thinks of himself as a genius. "Because she is your girlfriend Sheldon!" He rushes over to his lab and closes the door before Sheldon could come in.

"That's rude," said Sheldon quietly. With Leonard gone, he decides to go back to his office. While on the way, his mind starts to think about what Leonard had mentioned. Taking Amy to the dance. When he thought about this in a logical way, taking a girlfriend as a date made sense but something about this made him feel uncomfortable.

"Amy…" Sheldon took a deep breath and exhaled. He thought to himself, what if something happens. We've been together for almost 3 years now. Our relationship is moving faster than I expected. I had to put vapoo rub on her chest, play D&D with her in my bedroom, and sing her Soft Kitty. She would always smile at me. I would've never imagined us being so… Sheldon suddenly realized that he was smiling unintentionally. What was I just smiling about… Was I even smiling?

He arrives at his office door. He shakes his head trying to shake off his thought about Amy. He opens the door and sees Alex.

"Hello Dr. Cooper. I just finished your pile of A Proof that Algebraic Topology Can Never Have a Non-Self-Contradictory Set of Abelian Groups from when you were five years old."

"Thank you, Alex," said Sheldon. He walks toward his desk and sits on his chair.

Alex glances at him to check if he is busy. He seems to be reading one of his papers. She takes all her courage and asks him, "Dr. Cooper, do you mind if I ask you a question?"

"Yes Alex, what is it?"

"I was wondering, since the ball is coming up. Who is going to the dance with Dr. Hofstadter?"

Sheldon raised his brows. "I believe, Leonard is taking his current girlfriend, Penny."

"I see."

Sheldon sees the disappointment in her face. She turns around and goes back to categorizing Sheldon's notebook. Sheldon was curious to why Alex was disappointed.

Sheldon thinks for a minute.

He grins.

"Alex, would you like to be my date to the dance?"