Hi everyone. Thanks for bearing with me. It's begun. As you all read. Now, we get to build the rest of it up.

Thank you, as always for reviews. They're what keeps me motivated to write faster, so...keep it up.

Syd

My alarm goes off at exactly 5:30 A.M. and I am surprised that I wake up so easily. The truth is, I'm all kinds of excited about starting work with Charlie Spinnett today. I slip out of bed and head down the hall to grab a towel so I can shower, and let out a shriek when I see Sheldon coming out of his room at the exact same time in shorts and a T-Shirt.

Why hello muscles. It must be a workout day. Even though we're – whatever – now, I still don't think I can handle the sight of Sheldon Cooper working out with the help of a Wii without losing it. Then again, the time he attempted to go running with me, he was a lot scrawnier. Those knees are looking much less fragile.

"Hey." I say, casually.

"Good morning, Penny." He looks at the towel in my hand inquiringly.

"Oh." I realize he's probably analyzing the fact that his shower time is before mine and my scheduled time is usually around eight. Problem is, I start work at eight now, so I have to get ready now. "Yeah…I know I'm supposed to shower after you, but that was before…when I was still at the Cheesecake Factory."

"I see." Sheldon says, looking like he's thinking really hard about it. See, normal people would be like, 'Oh sure, just go ahead. No biggie.' Normal guys would be like, 'Want some company?' But it's still Sheldon. Boyfriend or no boyfriend, he's still all kinds of loony.

What have I gotten myself into here?

"We will amend the contract later." He sighs, looking at his watch. I must be cutting into his workout time. "In the meantime, we will consider this a Section seven. Bathroom emergency." I try so hard not to roll my eyes at him, even though I am impressed that he's acting slightly reasonable…for Sheldon.

"Thanks, honey." I pat his cheek and I give him a once over before heading toward the bathroom to shower. I feel slightly more awake once I am out and dried off, pulling on the black dress with the belt and the tights. Retreating to my room, I blow dry my hair (which is a huge chore lately because it's so long.) As I'm putting on makeup, I sigh disapprovingly at my reflection. I need to do something about my hair. Yes, I'm a natural blonde, but the roots are a darker blonde and I miss having lighter hair. No sex for over a year makes you kind of not care about stuff like that.

But things are a little different now.

Now, I seriously doubt that Sheldon gives a crap what I look like. I mean, I'm pretty sure I could walk out in an old Nebraska T-Shirt that I stole from Tim in high school and my dingiest sweats and he'd probably not even look. But that's the thing.

I want him to look.

If it's the last thing I do, I'm going to get that boy naked. Project Basic Instinct: Go! Time to pull out the sexy pajamas and parade around in them. I decide to just clip half of my hair back and leave it down. I wish so bad that I could tell Bernadette or Amy about this, but I'm honestly afraid of hurting Amy. I mean, I know she's with Leonard now and that's great. But she was with Sheldon for five months! I know she liked him. I don't want her to ever think that I was scamming on him while they were dating.

I also just kind of want to figure this out alone before we let other people know what's going on. It's my secret. And I really don't want to hear Howard's creepy pervy comments on what he thinks of us as a couple. Like he has any room to talk. Bernadette's told me some of the strange shit she's had to deal with. Like the fact that he still has his mother style his hair in the morning or that his mom makes them 'after sex' snacks.

At least Sheldon lives on his own. I mean, yeah, okay. He still needs someone to rub Vicks on him when he's sick and sing him baby songs. He also watches cartoons and collects toys and sometimes I worry about the fact that he has more costumes than a little girl playing dress up. But he's an adult. He can function in the real world. He pays his bills. He's never been in debt. (My ship sailed on that one.) He cleans and cooks for himself along with doing his own laundry.

I have the sneaking suspicion I'm slightly over dressed for this job, but I want to make a good impression. And really, I've had to wear a mustard yellow sweater vest with a jean skirt to work for the past eight years, so I'm enjoying looking nice. I've also never gotten a chance to wear these shoes. They're a little higher heeled, and I bought them in February, back when I attempted to go on a couple of dates with Leonard. Yeah, could never really wear heels around him. Poor, short bastard.

Sheldon is sitting at the counter as usual, eating his bowl of cereal. I cross quietly to the fridge and pull out the milk for my coffee before reaching up into the cupboard to get a mug.

"No need." Sheldon says, making me turn toward him, taken aback. "Your coffee is already here." He nods at the mug sitting beside him, not even looking up from his magazine. I stare blankly at him with my mouth gaping open like someone who just got smacked in the head. This is weird. I move beside him and sit down, putting a packet of Splenda into the coffee.

"Thank you." I finally reply. His eyes move up off of the article about…a new species of bacteria discovered in an underwater cave somewhere in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Delightful.

"Bacteria, huh?" He makes a noise of acknowledgement, shutting the magazine.

"Amy Farrah Fowler recommended the article, but as I've said before, I have no interest in biology." He responds, making me look into my coffee.

"Yeah. Got that message loud and clear." I agree. Because, according to MoonPie here, the only science worth caring about, is physics. And pretty much only what he works on. So basically, whatever Sheldon likes is what counts.

Big. Baby.

"Hey, hand me that paper." I point to the newspaper, setting my mug aside. "I wanna check my horoscope." This earns me a baleful glare as he slides yesterday's newspaper over. "If you're going to say something, I suggest you think before you speak." I glance at him knowingly over the paper. He immediately twitches and turns back to his cereal, while I read my horoscope.

Big changes are coming in your life. Keep an open mind and embrace them.

Yeah. I know horoscopes are mostly crap, but I like them anyway. They entertain me. And some of them are pretty freaking accurate. Plus, they irritate the hell out of Dr. Whack-A-Doodle and I love to see him squirm.

"You are aware that horoscopes are written so that every person who puts stock in their idiocy will find something that applies to them, aren't you?" He says, unable to hold in his opinion anymore. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smirking.

"You are aware that superheroes are not real, aren't you?" I fire back, giving him a pointed look.

"We don't know that, Penny." He insists, sounding a lot like a stubborn first grader. "They have secret identities." I cannot fathom how a man who is as crazy smart as Sheldon Cooper believes in superheroes. But it's kind of adorable. I can't help myself, I smile at the goof and smooth my hand over the back of his hair while he stares at me in confusion.

"It's called affection." I tell him and pretend to gasp. He scowls, but I notice one corner of his mouth quirk as if he's suppressing a grin, which only makes my smile bigger. Good start. "So, I need to talk to you about something." I go on. He stares at me, waiting. "My sister just left her husband and—"

"You're not suggesting she come live with us, are you?" He looks panicked and I shake my head vigorously.

"Good God, no. I lived with Darcy once. I don't think I could live with her again. You think I'm a slob." I laugh and he simply stares in horror. "No, the thing is, my nephew Brian is like super smart. He wants to be an engineer and is already getting like scholarships and stuff to M.I.T. Problem is, he needs like three recommendations. So I thought, maybe in June, that Darcy and Brian could come out and visit and maybe Howard could write a recommendation for him." Sheldon snorts derisively at this.

"And you think a recommendation from Wolowitz will ensure your nephew a place at M.I.T.?" His voice is so snotty, that I feel my hand twitch with the need to punch him in the gut.

"Well, yeah, I did." I counter, turning to face him on my stool and lightly kicking his shin. He yelps.

"And, you're planning on inconveniencing me by having your sister and nephew stay here, where there is no room for them." Sheldon finishes for me.

"Yes." I growl at him. "I figured they could sleep in my bed and I would take the couch."

"Penny." He begins patronizingly. Oh, how can I keep my hands off of him? We haven't even been dating twelve hours and I'm already on the way to killing him. "I will concede to the visit under two conditions."

"Oh, goody!" I exclaim, rolling my eyes. He frowns.

"Sarcasm?"

"Bingo." I wave my hand at him. "Go on."

"Very well." He says, watching me carefully. "One: I will write your nephew a recommendation so that he at least has a chance of being accepted into the program." How considerate of you, Dr. Egomaniac. "Two: I will make provisions for them to stay at a hotel."

"You mean like, pay for them?" I ask, furrowing my brow and playing with a piece of my hair. Sheldon rewards me with curt frown.

"Penny, please pay attention in the future." He lets out a little sigh. "Yes. Of course I was suggesting that I would pay. I consider myself a reasonable man," I snort at this and raise an eyebrow at him, making him scowl at me. (I'm telling you. A love for the freaking ages.) "But even I don't think I could handle two extra people residing with us."

"You don't say." I shake my head, but I can feel the first trickle of laughter starting to bubble up in my stomach. He is such a doofus sometimes.

"It's nearly seven, Penny. I need to take a shower." Sheldon says looking at his watch.

"Remember not to spill the beans to Leonard." I remind him, finishing off my coffee and moving to the sink. "I don't think either of us wants to deal with everyone else having their nose in our…this."

"This?" Of course he doesn't get it.

"The fact that we're…" I give him an impatient look. "You know. Dating."

"Oh, I see." He seems to consider this for a moment. "Even though I would normally be uncomfortable with keeping a secret from Leonard, I must say I concur thoroughly with your assessment."

"Okay, Sweetie, a simple 'Okay, Penny' would have been fine." I chuckle, patting his arm. "Go take your shower, Sheldon. I'm gonna get going anyway so I can stop at Starbucks."

"Very well." He nods stoically, starting toward the bathroom without another word. I watch him in quiet disbelief. Okay, Sheldor, time to learn.

Lesson Two: Goodbye Kiss.

"Oh my God! Sheldon, I think one of your posters is crooked." He whips around so fast that I'm afraid he's going to take flight. I quickly take my opportunity and hop up onto the step catching him by the arm and holding his face in my hands.

"Just kidding." I grin evilly at him, and his eyes spark with irritation.

"Penny, that's a str—"

"Shut it." I laugh, pressing a gentle kiss to his lips. He doesn't protest, but he looks like he doesn't know if he's annoyed or kind of happy about it. "All or nothing." I remind him. "We kiss goodbye." I move in and let him come to me for the second kiss, lingering for a second. He's obviously got no idea about deepening the kiss, and I'm not going to push him at this point. The fact that he's allowing me extended contact with his mouth is amazing in itself. (Even though I have the sneaking suspicion that he's going to go wild with the antiseptic mouthwash when I leave.)

I begin to pull back when I feel Sheldon's hands settle on my waist and I am so surprised and kind of thrilled, that I don't have the heart to end it. Screw Starbucks. They're overpriced anyway. Vaguely, I become aware of the door opening and launch backward just as Leonard comes into the apartment. Sheldon is still looking at me like he's forgotten his own name, so, I push him toward the bathroom.

"Have a good day, Sweetie!" I call after him, not looking back as I come into the kitchen.

Damn Leonard and his terrible timing.

"What's up?" I ask, grabbing my purse. Leonard looks around as if he's trying to figure something out.

"You look nice." He says and I shrug.

"Thanks." I reply shortly. I know I'm probably coming off a little bitchy, but I was kind of getting somewhere and I've just been interrupted.

"Sorry to barge in. I ran out of toilet paper and I was kind of hoping I could have a roll." Leonard gives an apologetic look.

"You'll have to sign the stupid Sheldon crazy waiver form." I roll my eyes. "You know the drill."

"Oh, do I." He mutters, sighing.

"Listen, I gotta get going. Today is my first day of work." I start toward the door. "'Kay, bye!" I don't wait around to hear his answer to me as I flee down the stairs.

So, Charlie Spinnett is not at his office yet when I arrive, but the main secretary Alice is already there and shows me what to do.

"So, basically, we've had a rough time finding Charlie an assistant because A. He's a little unorganized and B. He's kind of eccentric." Alice informs me, watching me with a cautious look on her face.

"Oh, I wouldn't worry about that. I think I could write a book on eccentric." I inform her, laughing nervously. "My um," I bite my lip. "roommate is kind of a whacko. O.C.D."

"Oh. So, the opposite of Charlie." Alice laughs. I like her. She seems like fun, which is a relief, because the other day when I came for my interview, I kind of got the impression she was an uptight bitch. "I'm the neat freak. Drives my husband crazy, but I can't sleep if I don't check the locks like four times or if someone leaves the toilet seat up."

"Yeah, that sounds a little bit like Sheldon." I agree, smiling as the door opens and Charlie walks in on the phone.

"No, Rob. I'm just saying, let's pool some ideas and we'll see what we come up with. I just don't think people want to see a reboot of The Brady Bunch. They need something fresh. You know, something that hasn't been done!" He notices Alice and I standing at the counter and waves. "Listen, Rob. I gotta go. My new assistant is here. Yes, I'll let her know. Bye." He hangs up and smiles at us.

"Sorry I'm late. Traffic." He shrugs. "My writing partner says to tell you he's sorry that you got stuck with me."

"Hey, as long as I don't have to bring people cheesecake, I don't care." I tell him, following him when he motions toward his office.

"Great! So, here's the deal Penny." He says, plopping down at his desk. "I have a meeting at eleven. We're working on developing a new sitcom. So, the thing is, I need you to answer the phone in here and take messages. If Andi Weston calls, give her my cell number. It's in the front of my planner. I need to somehow get this mess arranged into something I can make sense of. If you need anything like labels, or folders or whatever, Alice has the low down." I stare at him blankly, making quick notes on a piece of paper.

"Okay." I reply uncertainly. I'm starting to feel a little intimidated, but he's so nice I can't help but be grateful.

"If my daughter Nina calls, just tell her to call my cell." He adds. "And really, thanks again, Penny."

"No, seriously." I laugh. "Thank you."

And so, he leaves me alone in his office, amid piles of paper. Some of them are business documents. Some of them are scripts. Who the hell am I kidding? I don't really know how to organize anything.

Balls.

Digging through my purse, I pull out my trusty old phone and dial.

"Dr. Cooper." Sheldon answers his office phone, making me shake my head.

"Um, yes, Dr. Cooper. This is Penelope. You know, you're roommate?" I quip.

"Penny?" He sounds confused and I hear Raj in the background.

"Penny is calling you at work? Is she playing Age of Conan again?" I cringe at the memory.

"No she is not." Sheldon fires at him. "What do you need, Penny?"

"Listen. I got a situation here." I start and hear him exhale.

"You have a situation." He corrects me. I'm going to have to murder him. Perhaps by smothering in his sleep. Or arsenic. I don't know, I haven't really decided. But right now, I need his help, so I keep quiet.

"Yeah, that." I answer quickly, rolling my eyes at his snort. "The reason I called, Sweetie, is because I need your advice. I have to organize my boss's office and honestly, I don't know where to begin."

"Very well." Sheldon says. "Raj, get out." I hear him tell his friend, who begins to protest.

"I work in here too!" Raj cries.

"I see." Sheldon pauses for a second. "Please go to the vending machine and buy me a Diet Coke. Get yourself something as well." A moment later, he continues while I groan. "That boy does not know when to take a hint."

"Whatever." I grumble. "Help me!"

"Pick up the first thing you see. What is it?" He instructs and I grab the first packet in front of me.

"It looks like tax papers." I respond, biting my lip.

"Are there filing cabinets in the room?" He inquires calmly.

"Yeah…" I reply, eyeing the large black cabinets behind the desk.

"Are they labeled?"

"Um…yeah. Kind of." I tell him, peering down at the label.

Scripts

Not that one.

Accounting

There we go.

"I see an accounting drawer." I murmur into the phone. Sheldon makes a noise of approval.

"Open the drawer and see if there is a folder specifically for tax documents." He tells me.

An hour later, I'm still on the phone with Sheldon as he blindly instructs me how to organize an office. I feel really bad because I'm obviously keeping him from working, but he hasn't complained once. Probably because organization gets his blood going. It really is too bad he's not quite ready for more. Because I would so make it worth his while if he was.

Baby steps.

"Okay," I say, "I think I can take it from here."

"Very well." He says.

"I'm sorry for keeping you so long. I know you have work to do." I apologize.

"Hmm, yes. However, one of the great comforts of physics is that numbers remain constant." He replies and I can just picture him waving his hand arrogantly.

"And with your superior mind." I add sardonically, laughing a little.

"Exactly." He says in agreement and I can't really do anything other that shake my head again.

"Well, you get back to work. Thanks again, honey." I tell him.

"Penny!" He says before I can hang up.

"Yeah, Sheldon?" I ask, straightening another stack of papers and putting them neatly on the corner of the desk. They look to be ideas that Charlie is working on, so I don't think he'll want those filed. They look kind of like my legal pads, all scratched up and scrawled on.

"Remember, tonight is Comic Book night and Halo Night." He reminds me. As if I would forget after five years.

"Got it. I'll see you around five-thirty." I tell him. And this is the point when most boyfriends and girlfriends would say something sickly sweet to each other like, 'I can't wait to see you later.' Or, 'I miss you already.' Instead, this is what I get.

"Very good. I will see you then." Without another word, he hangs up. Um, okay? The phone doesn't really ring much all day, which is kind of a relief. While I'm wiping dust off of everything, my eyes fall to Charlie's list of ideas. Things he's written and crossed out and scratched new words in.

Three sisters who all have to move back home after their lives fall apart. Crossed out.

Stay At Home Dads. He has a maybe written next to that.

An undercover female cop dressed as a man. Overdone and cheesy.

Is this what writers do? They just sit around all day and throw out shitty ideas until inspiration strikes?

Charlie returns around four-thirty from his appointments and looks around his office in shock.

"Whoa." He chuckles. "I haven't seen the place like this since I first came here."

"It wasn't really mess per se." I shrug modestly. "I mean, yeah, there was a lot of paper, but once I figured out where everything went, it was kind of easy."

"Any calls?" He asks, crossing behind his desk and pulling out his appointment book.

"Not really." I admit. "Someone called trying to sell you office supplies, but I think it was just a telemarketer."

"Hate those." Charlie agrees. "Hey, Penny. Can I ask you a question?"

"Okay." I nod.

"What's your story? You from California?" He inquires.

"Oh." I snort. "Nope. Nebraska. Typical, right? I came to California to be famous. That was eight years ago…clearly you see where it went." I smirk. He looks amused.

"You're a farm girl?"

"Yep." I shrug. "Clearly not one with enough talent to get a part."

"Acting is a shitty business, kid." He agrees, adjusting his glasses.

"Yeah. Well…if it wasn't for my friends, I don't know where I'd be." I tell him honestly. "I mean, I'm not the smartest person on Earth, but I somehow ended up being best friends with a bunch of physicists from Cal-Tech. And my best girl friends are biologists."

"Geez." Charlie shakes his head. "That must have been new for you."

"Well, considering the valedictorian of my high school class went on to manage the local K-Mart, then yeah. I'd say California brought a bunch of crazy experiences. I actually started writing it all down because I couldn't make that up if I tried. I mean, there was this one time," I'm laughing already, "When Sheldon – he's my roommate – he helped me start my own business making hair accessories. And so, it was me and four physicists hot gluing little rhinestones to fabric flowers all night long to get a rush order out."

Charlie chuckles at this as I continue to babble like a moron. This is what I do when I'm nervous. I talk.

"Then, there was another time after I broke up with Leonard – he's Sheldon's best friend – and Sheldon wanted to come over and eat spaghetti with me, so he pretended like he was going for a walk because the guys were making him feel guilty for being friends with me still. Oh! And he wanted cut up hotdogs in the spaghetti because he's a two year old and he got chased down by this dog and showed up to my place all jacked up." I crack up, remembering how he'd been panting and holding the one hotdog he'd managed to salvage.

"Sounds pretty interesting!" Charlie agrees. "I'd love to read it, if you ever want another opinion."

"Like, seriously?" I ask. I mean, I've only been working for this guy for one day. Stuff like this doesn't happen normally.

"Well, honestly, I'm strapped for ideas at the moment and what you just told me is probably the most interesting thing I've heard in a while."

"Aw, that's so sad for you." I joke. "That my life is the most interesting thing you've heard in a while. It bores me."

"Well, I'm desperate." Charlie sighs. "The best idea I've had was—"

"Yeah, I saw. Stay at home dads." I quirk an eyebrow. "Kinda lame."

"Yeah. Believe me, I know." He checks his watch and sighs. "Five o'clock."

"Hey, do you drink coffee?" I ask, grabbing my purse. Charlie looks at me over his glasses in surprise.

"Uh, yeah." He smiles.

"Cool. How do you like it? I stop at Starbucks on the way in. I can bring some for you too." I offer, earning a look of surprise.

"I just drink it black. No crap in it." He tells me. "And you know you don't have to do that stuff. I'm not one of those crazy weirdoes who is gonna make you pick up dry cleaning and take my kids to school."

"No, I know. It's called being nice. I mean, you did agree to read about my crappy life." I point out.

"Have a good night, Penny. And thank you." He gestures to the office. "I forgot what color my desk was for a while."

"Well, you are paying me." I tell him, before leaving to pick up the boys and head over to the Comic Center. Raj, Leonard and Amy are all waiting in the apartment for me. Sheldon and I both kind of freeze like deer in the headlights for a sec, but neither of us say or do anything out of the ordinary.

"Hey." I say casually, smiling brightly at Amy. "You guys ready?"

"Yes," Amy replies, looking at Leonard. "Of course, it's a shame that we have to take Penny to a comic book store rather than out to show her off in that dress."

"I think she'll be fine." Leonard assures Amy.

"Yeah. I'm good." I agree amiably, avoiding looking at Sheldon. "Who's driving?"

"Me." Leonard says. "Bridget is going to meet us there. She said she's never been to a comic book store."

"That's absurd." Sheldon scoffs. "Can you imagine?" He asks, coming up beside me. I slowly look up at him and really try not to roll my eyes.

"It's unbelievable." I mutter dryly, which Sheldon assumes is me agreeing with him. Oh who cares? Let him think that. I really, really want to hold his hand like normal people, but stupid us decided to keep it a secret. Unless Sheldon spilled the beans as usual. No one is staring at us or making comments so I'm gonna go with no.

During the car ride, I'm smashed in the middle in the back seat between Raj and Sheldon. I hate sitting in the middle because of that stupid hump on the floor, so my feet have to awkwardly straddle it and to be honest, that's not really the easiest accomplishment in four inch heels. Glancing over at Raj, who is texting, I discreetly touch Sheldon's pinkie with mine and link them together. He looks at me as if I'm a complete mental case and should possibly be hospitalized. But I think deep down, he likes it. I mean, he's not pulling away. This is the most affection I'm going to get all night and I haven't had a boyfriend in forever, so anyone who thinks this is lame (which it probably is) can kiss my ass.

We manage to keep everything under wraps for the remainder of the evening. To be honest, the real show of the night is Raj and Bridget discussing the ending of Titanic and whether or not Rose was really dead or dreaming while Leonard and I whip his and Sheldon's asses in Halo. And why did Rose get reunited with Jack when she was clearly married to some dude for like fifty years who she had all her kids with? (But that's just my pet peeve with the ending.)

"I would love to hear more about Rose and Jack." Sheldon says, coming at me. I throw a grenade at him and he dies.

"Really?" Raj squeals. "Well, I've always thought that Rose might have been—"

"Bazinga." Sheldon snaps. "Now quit rattling on about that dumb movie and get your head on straight. They're killing us and Penny's partnered with Leonard."

"Hey!" Leonard protests and I give him a sympathetic look. It's kind of true, but I'm not going to tell him that. Amy shakes her head.

"He has an astigmatism, making it more difficult to focus." She says defensively. Leonard smiles a little at this, still watching the screen.

"Thanks, Amy."

"You're welcome, Sweetcheeks." She responds in her normal dry voice and I crack up, earning Sheldon a chance to blow me up.

"Ah, sweet victory." He sighs.

"Yeah, congrats. You managed to kill me once tonight. Pat yourself on the back, Sweetcheeks." I joke, while he makes a sound of annoyance.

"Penny, we never discussed any nickn—" Uh oh, he's blabbing. I clap my hand over his mouth and shake my head curtly while his eyes grow huge. I distantly notice our four friends are watching curiously.

"It was a joke, MoonPie." I tell him, removing my hand and shrugging it off while he reaches for his sanitizing wipes.

"Hmm." Sheldon says and does a quick little gasp laugh. I'm unable to contain my smile, looking back down at my controller. I'm really glad Howard and Bernadette went out for a date night together because I don't think I could handle him being an ass right now.

We wrap up around ten-thirty and Raj leaves first to walk Bridget out. They aren't outwardly affectionate, but he's definitely trying. He did have a couple beers, so at least he was talking more than normal.

Leonard stands up and holds his hand out for Amy to take. She smiles a little bit, I notice. It's really odd to me how natural they fit together. It's like this quiet, perfect balance of personality. And even though Amy is sometimes weirdly similar to Leonard's mom, she never cuts him down. In fact, she's more a constant, quiet support to him and she understands his pedantic lingo. It's not like Sheldon, who loves being the most intelligent and I know damn well the little shit gets off on confusing me.

Once they leave, I let Sheldon lock up while I slip into my room and pull out the next step in Project Basic Instinct.

Purple is so my color.

Casually, I walk back out into the kitchen and decide to make myself some herbal tea, standing up on my toes to retrieve it. It's just slightly out of reach, so I climb up onto the counter and grab it. And wait.

Perfect.

"Sheldon! When you're done changing, can you come help me?"

He doesn't respond, but I know he heard. It's Sheldon. He hears everything. A few seconds later, I hear his door open and snicker. Poor guy has no clue what he's in for.

"Penny, what impossible situation have you—" He stops dead, coming around the corner and I turn to look at him, feigning embarrassment.

"I was trying to get the tea down and I didn't want to bother you, so I got up here, and now, I'm kind of afraid to get down." I say, even though that's not true. That's so not true. I used to climb trees like it was my job. I once scaled the trellis on the side of our house and went up on the roof to pull a bird's nest out of the chimney.

"Penny, what could you possibly have been thinking climbing onto the counter? I cannot even tell you how many safety regulations you are violating. Not to mention sanitary violations." Sheldon proclaims.

"I'm sorry." I respond demurely. "I wasn't thinking. Can you…?" I gesture to myself. "I mean, I'm not too heavy, I hope but—" Sheldon sighs heavily as if I am the biggest burden in his life. I stifle a laugh as he comes to the counter and allows me to put my arms around his shoulders while gripping around my waist. Easily, he helps set me to my feet on the floor and that's when he really notices what I'm wearing.

It's not that big of a deal. It's just a purple nightie, but it's kind of short and lacy and I have matching undies that are showing a little out the bottom. You know, the boy short kind that show enough cheek to make them kind of sexy in a not sexy way.

"Thanks, honey." I reply casually, bouncing past him and putting water on the stove to heat up. Wordlessly, he uses his crazy Clorox wipe and wipes the counter and cupboard down. It's while he's bent over the counter, furiously wiping that I realize his ears are bright red.

It's a start.

Okay, here's more MATT. You aren't touching my beach house.

Seriously, buddy. Junior. Rodeo. On. Your. Ass.

:D