Reg was physically blocking Penny's way. Her epically long limbs stretching across the room like Elastic Woman.

"What are you doing, Reg? I need to talk to Sheldon and clear up this mess."

"And tell him, what? That you aren't interested in him? That's a lie and you know it!"

"He's my friend and he's my ex's best friend and roommate..."

"Which is why he's been orchestrating this symphony of romance and tedious monopole simulations. I don't know him like you do but I know he took a big leap here and he doesn't seem like a big leap kinda guy."

That was the understatement of the year. Sheldon playing matchmaker just so he could... What did he even want from Penny? For the past four years he'd wanted rides, advice on social protocol and submission to his absurd demands.

"We don't even know if Sheldon is interested in me..."

"I do. I know. And I know that you're interested, too. And I'm pretty sure that if you go in there and tell Sheldon he's had the wrong end of the stick the whole time you're going to slam that door shut forever. I don't know Sheldon that well but I know what's it's like to be too smart for your own good."

"Are you as smart as Sheldon?"

"Smarter. He was using a bijective base-10 numerical system to run data!"

"No!"

"He was!"

"And I thought he was a genius."

"I know! Why not apply nail polish with a mop?"

Sheldon and a dazed looking Leonard came out of the bedroom.

"Penny, can we talk for a minute?" asked Leonard, beckoning her towards his room, "Sheldon... talk to Reg."

Reg's face paled, "Oh, no, Leonard. Nothing good can come of me talking to people."

"You'll be fine," he said with a semi-reassuring smile as Penny crossed the room. Before he closed the door, Penny was sure she heard Reg asking Sheldon if he wanted to arm wrestle.

"So... you asked Sheldon what he would do if he was asked out by a beautiful sexy blonde and then you grabbed his leg."

"What? I did not... Oh, crap on a cracker, I did."

"I told him I was going to be subtle and try to determine your intentions and then give him the thumbs up if he should proceed. Should I give him the thumbs up?"

Penny knew this was the kind of decision that needed to be carefully thought out. If it went badly, and it would probably go badly, it could have disastrous effects on her friendships with Sheldon and Leonard that would ripple through to Reg, Bernadette, Howard, Raj and her BFF, Amy Farrah Fowler.

"Sure, why not?"

Leonard gave her the thumbs up.

"Wait, Leonard. Are you sure you're okay with this? I don't want to come between you and Sheldon."

"If Sheldon can't ruin my friendship with Sheldon... I'm pretty sure it's indestructible," Leonard gave an awkward laugh but turned serious, "I want Sheldon to be happy and I want him to find a nice girl."

"Do you still have those nightmares about him marrying your mom?"

"I've only two this month... but I have a feeling they might be coming back."

2.

Sheldon looked up and watched Penny and Leonard re-enter the room. Leonard gave him a thumbs up and Penny sat in the middle of the couch, next to his spot. Sheldon was officially on a date with Penny. He hoped she didn't expect it to end in coitus, he had to be up early for work the next morning.

Sheldon ducked when Reg tried to punch him. She was surprisingly unpredictable for a mathematician.

"It's just a fist bump, Sheldon! I wasn't trying to hit you! I shouldn't be around people."