AN: Thank you all soooo much for reviewing! They really do mean the world to me! Here's a quick little chapter!

Penny awoke to harsh sunlight that seemed to break through her eyelids. After a moment, she frowned. The sun should not be hitting her eyes, her window did not face East. Blinking against the harsh rays, she took in the situation. Ah yes, Sheldon had somehow persuaded her to stay the night. Said man still slept beside her, his mouth slightly open as he snored lightly. His hair was tousled - more so than usual anyway, and Penny found herself staring.

She allowed herself a moment before turning her gaze back to the ceiling. Penny was never one to ignore evidence, even if - rarely - it disproved her hypothesis, which is why she had to admit to herself that perhaps Sheldon was somehow able to tap into those repressed biological urges she was so sure she was above.

"Good lord." Penny mumbled as she covered her eyes with her arm. Did she have romantic feelings for Sheldon? Penny thought about last night, and the fact that they were both still thoroughly naked. She waited for the panic to come, followed by a scolding shower, but was surprised when nothing happened. Oh yes, it was safe to say she did indeed have romantic feelings for Sheldon. The thought nearly caused a panic attack. Penny had never had romantic feelings for anyone.

"Ya gotta give tha' pretty lil' head'a yours a break, Darlin'." Sheldon's voice was gruff, his native accent thick again. Penny felt her body heat up at the sound and cursed inwardly. How could someone's voice alone illicit such a strong response?

"I informed both Amy and Angie that I would be terminating my contract with you as of yesterday. An event such as last night - which happened to occur within the deadline of the contract - should not have happened. Once the void was set into motion, the act of coitus breeches those deadlines, meaning I will have to draw up a completely new void con-" She was cut off by Sheldon's lips covering hers - first thing in the morning!

Penny protested for all of three seconds before her muscles relaxed on their own, her neck losing that familiar tension. Pulling back, Sheldon smiled down at her, running a thumb over her cheek. "You know Doll-Face, we could always just try dating." He said simply.

Penny's eyebrows furrowed at the thought. It would certainly make her mother happy, and a long term contract such as a relationship agreement would be easier to maintain. "That would be acceptable." Penny nodded after a moment. "I can have the first draft of the relationship agreement drawn up by-"

"No contract, Kitten." She looked up at him as if he had just disproved string theory. Opening her mouth to protest, Sheldon stopped her with his lips. "Just trust me on this one. You might know pretty much everything about everything, Kitten, but I know relationships." With a heavy sigh, Penny agreed to forgo a contract until an undetermined later date. Sheldon just shook his head and kissed her again.

Sheldon sat in amusement next to Penny in 'his spot' as she glared Leonard down. "Did you get the chicken cut into cubes?"

"Yes!"

"Did they use a 3% vinaigrette?"

"Yes Penny!"

"Was the chicken heated to 175 degrees?"

"Penny! Just eat!"

Sheldon chuckled as his girlfriend looked at the plate as if it had offended her. Even mentally, it was odd to call Penny his girlfriend. They had not told the others yet, simply because it hasn't come up. They have only been dating a few days after all, and Penny spent most of her time at work. Sheldon wasn't sure what she was doing, but she seemed happy.

"I heard the most amusing anecdote today!" Penny declared with a small smile as she finally settled her food on her lap. Just as she opened her mouth to finish the story Sheldon would have no doubt not understand, the phone rang. "Who on earth would be calling during dinner time? A telemarketer no doubt." Penny frowned and placed her food down before answering the phone. "Dr. Penny Scott." She listened for a moment, her body going ridged. "Yes..."

They all watched in fascination as a mixture of emotions played on Penny's face. Surprise… happiness… and finally, shock. Penny's phone dropped out of her hand, hitting the floor. Sheldon stood and Leonard ducked to grab the phone, quickly speaking into it, the same emotions passing over his face as he stared at Penny in wonder.

"Hey, Kitten, what's wrong?" Sheldon asked carefully approaching her, ignoring the confused looks at the nickname.

"I got it…" She breathed, her eyes glazing over as she met his. Again, he took a careful step forward.

"Got what, Darlin'?" Sheldon asked. Leonard was no help, and the others were just as lost.

To Sheldon's horror, tears gathered at the corner of Penny's eyes. "I - I won… The Nobel…" It was just above a whisper, but they all easily heard. To say they were shocked would be an understatement. They hadn't even known Penny was nominated! "I won!" Her voice was higher this time, a smile pulling at her lips. Sheldon easily caught her as she threw herself into his arms, pressing her lips forcefully against his. The only one that wasn't smiling seemed to be Leonard.

"Uh… you guys want to catch me up?" Leonard asked as he blinked over his glasses.