Don't own Big Bang Theory. Howard's turn, sort of.

Dr. Wolowitz, yes Dr. Wolowitz. He had finally gotten his doctorate and the novelty of it hadn't quite worn off. Though it was a little different with the fact Sheldon was his new boss, and a small part of him wanted a little recognition for that. He was on his way to said office when Leonard seems to come barreling down the other way the hall, some what upset.

Howard held up his hand, "Leonard what's the rush?"

Leonard stopped, "one day here and he already wants to fire me…"

Howard was confused, "what, Sheldon?"

Leonard was exasperated, "he is all super formal, some how his wife…"

Howard snorted, "wait, Sheldon is married…is she hot?"

Leonard blinked, "Sheldon is going to fire me and all you care about is if his wife is hot?"

Howard eyed Leonard as he continued, "but no, she is scary."

Howard laughed, "come on Leonard, if she married Sheldon she can't be that bad."

Though the look in Leonard's eyes was not convincing, "look I got to go home, Sheldon kicked me out for the day. Apparently I have to talk to HR tomorrow. I thought it would be nice to have our friend back."

Leonard left in a huff, Howard watched him go and glanced down the hall toward the department heads office. Now he wasn't so sure and decided to maybe wait until later. The thought stuck with him through out the day, until he decided that Leonard must be exaggerating. After all Leonard is known to blow things out of proportion, like with Penny as Bernadette had explained. Apparently his wife had been privy to that conversation and set straight Leonard's story.

But now there was the matter of talking to Sheldon or waiting longer, a part of him wanted validation from the man who constantly ridiculed his intelligence. He was so much into his train of thought that he rounded a corner without much thought, and suddenly felt himself pushed against the wall and a woman sort of looking at him sideways. She had a quizzical look suddenly.

Astrid had tried to maneuver around the approaching figure she heard coming down the perpendicular hall, but had expected said person to be paying attention and had to correct herself. Bad assumption, but there was no malice in the steps and she may have been distracted. Again bad. She was assessing the small surprised man.

Astrid smiled, "you must be Dr. Wolowitz? Interesting…you haven't barged in on Dr. Cooper yet. Why?"

Howard's mind was spinning and something stuck, "your Sheldon's wife…I'm an old friend…"

The woman sighed, "and what where you expecting…perhaps a recognition for your doctorate?"

Howard swallowed, "yeah. I mean he made fun of me for years...I mean he should recognize me for my accomplishments like…"

Astrid smirked, "like crashing the Mars rover or using robotic limbs equipment to masturbate?"

Howard's face when pale white and he gaped like a fish, "…."

A smile formed on the woman's face, "don't worry Dr. Wolowitz we are good at keeping secrets. Been doing it for years"

With that the woman turned and left, Howard stood against the wall. His heart rate was slowly turning to normal. He glanced down the hallway, Sheldon told her right? But something in the back of his brain told him that wasn't the case, and why did she say we? Howard swallowed, maybe Leonard's was right. But why would…what had he been doing all these years. Swallowing again Howard vacated the area, glancing about.

So there.