A/N: There are perspective changes in this chapter, but they are very black and white (only 2 scenes). Also, THANK YOU for the reviews (they fuel my fire…I wrote 6 chapters in only 3 days), the alerts, favoriting, and messages!

Important (and tiny Season 5 spoiler alert): While episode information is presented as part of the story, little tid-bits here and there, there is no real timeline parallel to when my story happens. For instance, Priya is introduced in the Leonard portion of our tale, but in this story the reason they broke up was because of her move to India, not her cheating on him.

As always, enjoy Sheldon, enjoy Penny, and enjoy reading.

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I turned over, stretching out my arms and yawning. I was alone in my bed and the void left me mildly sad. Sheldon had left very early in the morning. I didn't even hear him leave.

What an incredibly memorable night it was. I only wonder what it'll be like seeing Sheldon now. God, I hope not awkward… He couldn't be serious about the sex thing. We couldn't continue this. What if other people found out? God, what would Leonard think? If I thought I was getting sexual advances from Howard now, it would only get worse, I'm sure.

I stopped in my tracks as I walked into the living room. I looked at the coffee table and then the kitchen area. Everything was clean. Sheldon had cleaned the table off and washed the dishes before leaving. I just smiled, shaking my head. I knew very well it was more a gesture of calming his anxiety over a mess rather than helping me out.

I looked back at my room and finally saw that my new night gown and robe were neatly draped over the door knob. I still could not believe that he'd bought something so elegant! His clothes were usually filled with mismatching colors and layers and…well…geeky elements. I wondered if he possibly researched what to buy me, like he had with most everything he included in the agreement. My mind still tried to comprehend him and his actions. Prior to me, his sexual experience was limited to a couple of occurrences, and certainly not enough to make him as savvy as he was last night or last weekend. He was either hiding something or he really did pick up things at lightening fast speeds by research and increased exposure. If that was true, he had more genius in his brain than any one realized. The thought made me shiver. If his social skills and street smarts were better, the man could probably rule world, or at the very least get laid more regularly.

Walking up to the couch, I remembered what had transpired there the night before. "That boy is a closet freak," I mumbled to myself, grabbing a pillow and sitting down with it. I was embarrassed to admit that maybe I was, too. I sighed, trying not to take what last night was and make more of it. But it was happening…the crush I had on him when we first met was coming back.

"Oh, man," I groaned, sinking into my seat a little more. "I'm such a girl."

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Well, that was a rather successful night. A very good idea on Penny's part, I must admit. I couldn't help but feel a great sense of achievement as I recalled her facial expression at her new sleepwear. I told her I had impeccable taste. Now, she knows (though doubting me never proved a fruitful venture for anyone). Though, in retrospect she probably thinks I had gotten the idea from some online source. I rolled my eyes at my own mental notion. Penny, will you never learn.

I had set an alarm on my phone to wake me up at 5a.m. to slip back into my apartment. Leaving wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, as long as I didn't look at Penny. I was more nervous about Leonard having already been awake.

I stood at the bathroom sink, trying to decide if I needed to shave or not. My mind went back to my comfortable morning routine after I had woken up, pushing my thoughts about last night to back of my mind for now. I decided not to shave. Instead I took out my toothbrush and applied a layer of toothpaste.

She dipped two fingers in the glass and caressed them down her neck. "If you won't drink any, then lick some off of me."
Sheldon made a noise that was a slight objection. "Penny, that tiny bit won't have your desired effect. I thought you knew that."
"Oh, but your tongue on my neck will…," she giggled, leaning her neck closer.

I scolded myself mentally as I held my loaded toothbrush. You have quite a busy day ahead of you. Please refrain from recounting last night's events. I began brushing my teeth.

"Yes…and it tickled. It was hot." His hands reached around and grabbed her ass, pulling her closer in response. His kisses never stopped. "You're hot," she finally finished breathily, her words coming out on their own as she was pressed into him.

I spat the toothpaste out and began to rinse.

The weight of the bed shifted as he lay down next to her. He was lying on his side, but not for long as he brought lips down to the top of one of her thighs, kissing it and stroking her leg.
"You smell pretty," he said against her leg, widening it a bit and continuing his kisses.
"Thanks." Penny blushed at the simple comment.

"Please, stop," I murmured to my own mind as I replaced the toothbrush in its holder.

"You liked sex with me."
"I loved sex with you," she said immediately.

I closed my eyes and let out a long breath.

I forced control of my mind, having to get ready for work. Wait, no I didn't. It was Sunday. Good! (I was so tired…). I opened the bathroom door, one more thought lingering in my mind before the memories were hushed by Leonard's presence.

"What did you find pleasing?"
"Your lips," she replied, bringing her hand out to place a feather light touch on them.

I paused in the hallway, smiling to myself a little before entering the main area.

"Good morning, Leonard." I grabbed a cereal box and turned to place it on the counter.

"Good morning." Leonard eyed the box I had chosen. "You in a good mood? That's the cereal with the least amount of fiber."

I looked at my choice. Well, I guess it was.

"I suppose you could say that."

"You suppose I could say that?" Leonard sipped his coffee, smiling. "Or I could say that. Or better yet, I said that." Leonard was obviously mocking me. On any regular given day I was rather particular about how things were stated. But he wasn't me so he was just being annoying.

I pursed my lips and gave him a look. "Leonard, must you be so particular?" I turned and reached into the fridge for the milk.

"Me?"

"That's what I said. Leonard, are you okay this morning?"

I wasn't as oblivious as I led on. It was just easier to act that way often times. When I did so, people included me a lot less in their crazy personal situations, which I preferred. Unfortunately, I think I have to come up with a new way to creatively avoid becoming entangled in other people's drama as, despite my intentional lack of interest and feigned naivety, I was still roped into many circumstances out of my control. Perhaps it isn't me and my behavior. Perhaps I should reduce my interaction with people or at least, reduce my friend count. Less friends, less drama. It was decided. Howard was out.

Leonard had been babbling on about something and I barely paid attention until I heard it. The name. Her name.

"Priya? Did you say Priya?" My hands rested on the countertop as I looked over at my shorter roommate.

"Yea, I said she'll be here for a few days." Leonard walked over to his laptop, placing his mug down next to him as he slid into his chair.

"Wait, what?" Finally I was paying clearer attention. "Leonard, no. I do not want her staying here. Go to her place."

"Weren't you listening? Priya is coming back from India—for a while this time. She emailed me. I think she might want to get back together. I hated the fact that we broke up because she moved…"

"Raj will never accept that." I crossed my arms, glad at the idea and hoping this time Raj could—in fact—control the situation (though his attempts have always been bleak).

"Raj is hosting two astrophysicist colleagues from England. She doesn't want to stay in a hotel and why should she? I'm here."

"Oh, this is in such violation of the roommate agreement."

"Oh, Sheldon, stop. I'm alowed overnight guests."

"Yes, guests. Not girlfriends."

"What's your deal? Why don't you like her?"

"Where do I begin?"

"Is it because you can't manipulate her like you do everyone else around you?"

I resented that statement very much. "I do not manipulate people…"

"Like hell," Leonard said. "Want me to beg Penny to get together again?" Of course he was being sarcastic as he sipped his coffee. "You seemed to tolerate her."

My heart skipped a small beat and I poured the milk into my cereal. "Please. Tolerate indeed." I swallowed. I hated lies. I hated keeping secrets. I returned the milk to the fridge but avoided my gaze returning to Leonard.

"So…Priya. Here. And you be nice."

"If I have to be nice, then I guess I won't be here at all." I dipped my spoon self righteously in my bowl. I hoped the action made my point.

"Fine by me. Go stay with Howard."

"No. Last time I did he gave me milk that tasted funny…"

I could see Leonard chuckle as he clicked away at the keyboard. He was such an odd man sometimes. I ignored him and the thoughts of Priya for now. (What an incorrigible woman.)

I took a spoonful of cereal as I sat down in my spot on the couch. I had to tell Penny the terrible news later. She'd understand.