Matchmaker chapter 2
A/N: Thank you so much everyone who read, followed, and reviewed! It means so much to me, and as promised, here's an update! Please enjoy, story time! Sorry it took so long, I have very limited internet access.
Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters, I'm only borrowing, because if I did own them...well...;)
"Alright," said Howard. "How do you suggest we start? We have to this with subtly, we don't want them to find out and freak."
"You're right," Leonard agreed. "Sheldon probably won't realise what we're doing until the last moment, but Penny will unleash all of her junior rodeo skills on us." All three men shuddered collectively at the thought.
"Well we don't really know how either of them feels about the other, for all we know they could already like each other and we may just be helping them by bringing it out into the light," piped up Raj.
"Yes," countered Howard. "But that's based entirely on speculation, we can't go off of a 'what if.'"
After they had mapped out various methods and chose one with the best possible outcome, they decided to first gauge each of their feelings for the other. "I know he may not like it and denies it most of the time, but Sheldon does have feelings," said Leonard when they packed up.
The plan was decided on. Trick Sheldon into thinking he and Penny were dating. It would be relatively easy, since he had no previous experience.
The plan was to be set into motion. Leonard would first have to find out how Sheldon feels about Penny, who would then talk to Penny about it.
Soon after their meeting Leonard returned to their apartment to find a most welcome sight. Penny and Sheldon were sitting side by side on their spots playing Age of Conan, teaming up against a group of pillagers. "Hey guys," Leonard greeted them, but they were too far into the game to even notice he had come home.
Patiently he waited until they had finished their quests and Penny decided to go. Finding an opportune moment to talk to Sheldon, he decided to take it. "So, uh..." he didn't really know where to begin. He had forgotten to go over this part with Koothrapalli and Wollowitz. Damn!
Sheldon stared at him, bemused. "Leonard, I may not be as understanding of social protocols as you, but I find that conversations proceed quicker if the one who initiates said conversation were able to hold a steady train of thought."
Leonard realised he had been staring into space for several minutes. He looked up, and the look of waning patience on Sheldon's face confirmed it. "Sorry," he said. "Anyway, you and Penny sure are spending alot of time together, huh?"
Sheldon mulled it over for a few seconds. "Yes, I suppose you're right," he finally said. "Why do you feel the need to bring it up? You are aware I dislike banal chitchat."
"It's just that, well I was wondering...why?"
"Why what?"
"Why have you been spending so much time with Penny lately?"
"What a ridculous question, that's because-" Sheldon stopped himself short. Why was he spending so much time with the woman across the hall? "Well..." he said slowly. "I don't really know, I simply have been enjoying her company lately."
Leonard grinned.
"Anything happen new between you two?"
"Like what?"
"I don't know, you tell me. You're the one spending time with her."
"Well...she has been rather agreeable lately. And she seems to enjoy my company as much as she does mine."
"Where is she?"
"She went home, we finished playing Age of Conan for the day. Leonard I don't really see this conversation being very beneficial for the either of us, it's going in circles."
Leonard got up from his seat on the armchair and crossed to the fridge to get a diet coke for the two of them. He smiled at his roommate and handed him a can. Sheldon acccepted a thoughtful "Thanks".
"So," said Leonard. "What are your thoughts? Perhaps Mr. HomoNovus isn't all that evolved? Maybe he really does need human contact? With someone...?"
Sheldon sat in thought, and answered automatically, "It's Dr. HomoNovus, and I'm trying to think, Leonard."
"About what?"
"I'm not sure yet...I'm trying to figure out what sort of social custom you're trying to refer to."
"Well," replied Leonard. "You two hanging out so much, people might get the wrong idea. Some people might think you're dating. I just thought I'd let you know."
Sheldon thought for a few more moments. Dating was something lesser beings did. He wasn't sure what dating would consist of. But surely he, Sheldon Lee Cooper, PhD could figure it out. Dating seemed to be comprised of a plethora of physical contact. Penny did seem to be a bit more affectionate towards him lately. She had been hugging him more often and touching his arm. Surprisingly he had not accepted it nor outright rejected it. Couples went out to dinner. They had gone to the regular chinese restaurant together, and having being a gentleman drummed into his head from an early age, paid for both their meals. Looking back on it, he could see how people could mistake them for a couple, the way they laughed, shared private jokes and sparred verbally. But did he want them to be a couple? Would it really be that bad?
"Sheldon? Sheldon? SHELDON!"
Sheldon jumped in surprise. He hadn't realised how long he had sat their, ruminating over his and Penny's interactions lately and what they meant. To himself and to others. "My apologies, Leonard," he said. "But may I ask you a question?"
"Of course."
"Are Penny and I dating?"
"Well..." Leonard replied, pretending to give it actual deep thought. "Do you want to be?"
Sheldon thought this over, before jumping up and running across the hall before Leonard could say another word.
Knock knock knock. "Penny!"
Knock knock knock. "Penny!"
Knock knock knock. "Penny!"
A/N: That's right, I'm ending it here for now, in a cliffhanger! Mwa ha ha. Hope you're still with me, I'm sorry if the plan wasn't very smoothly executed nor smoothly written, I just find it hard to segue into things like that. Reviews are much appreciated and make me happy! Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed it!
