"Sheldon and Amy go to the flag con and meet an internet troll that hates fwf" - anonymous
Sheldon tapped furiously at the keyboard of his laptop. He had just uploaded the latest episode of Fun with Flags and was eagerly awaiting feedback until an unwanted message appeared on the screen.
"He's done it again Amy"
Amy stepped up behind her boyfriend and read over his shoulder.
"Just ignore it Sheldon" she muttered after reading the hurtful words printed under their video.
There was yet another comment from the same user. Every time a new video was uploaded, he would be there, lurking in the comments section. Sheldon was finding it difficult not to take his comments personally. They were always aimed at him. Sheldon had not pointed out to Amy that he never seems to focus his hate on her, but that was all the more reason to feel insecure about himself.
If anything, the troll would even compliment Amy sometimes, and Sheldon was a little jealous.
Sheldon scowled, "He can't say things like that. He just lurks in his anonymity on the internet and thinks he can say whatever he wants – on every single episode we post! Why does he even watch if he hates it so much? We need to teach him a lesson"
He stretched his arms and placed them delicately on the keys, preparing to respond accordingly. Seeing the rage in his eyes and not seeing this ending well, Amy gently placed a hand on top of her boyfriend's. He stopped typing.
"Sheldon, just leave it. Come on, you need to finish packing"
The couple were attending the annual flag association convention that was being held in San Jose this weekend. In their most recent video, Sheldon and Amy had explained their plans for the weekend and promised to film a lot of their stay to provide exciting updates and behind-the -scenes action for their followers.
Sheldon was really looking forward to his weekend away and was not going to let this troll ruin it. That was until his laptop let out a deceivingly cheerful chime. There was another comment on their video.
"Amy! Amy!" Sheldon called his girlfriend over to read the new comment, "He's coming"
"What?" she hurried over to read over his shoulder again. It was the same harasser they had had since the start of the show.
San Jose? See you there…
"This is perfect! I can talk to him face to face and bring this into the real world. No more hiding"
Amy could tell this was not going to end well, "Sheldon, there's no point getting wound up by him – don't stoop to his level. He probably won't even be there and even if he is you don't know what he looks like"
"I won't need to find him Amy because he will come to us" Sheldon cocked an eyebrow and crossed his arms firmly across his chest, a sly smug grin stretched across his lips.
"Look at this place Amy!" Sheldon had his ID badge hanging around his neck which allowed access to all areas of the convention including the exhibition on flag identification symbols and talks by representatives of the North American Vexillological Association.
The hall was huge and colourful bunting depicting flags of the world hung from corner to corner.
Sheldon ran excitedly from table to table, holding up his camera and talking into it. Amy followed on behind pleased that Sheldon appeared to be enjoying himself.
Suddenly, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she met eyes with a short scruffy man.
"Can I help you?" she asked after the stranger just stared up at her.
"You're Amy Farrah Fowler" he stated bluntly, "I watch your show!"
Amy smiled and relaxed. To meet a fan in person made her feel like a celebrity.
This man certainly seemed to be as dumbfounded as if she were a real celebrity. He was still staring at her and moving slowly closer. She could smell his musty, damp scent that was comparable to a wet dog. He was rather intimidating.
"Uh pleased to meet you. I really have to get going. We have a- uh- lecture to-" Amy stuttered as she slowly backed away from the man.
"It's true. You do blink a lot. I have been analysing your videos trying to decipher your code for months" the man looked suspiciously around with quick, flickering eye movements, "I can save you"
Amy looked down at him in confusion, "From what?"
A sharp whisper hissed in her ear, "From him"
Amy was taken aback and incredibly confused. Fortunately, Sheldon returned towing several bags of 'freebies' and collectors' items.
"Amy, you have to see this!" he ran up to her excitedly and did not even notice the small man scowling at him.
"Sheldon, I think we should go…" Amy lowered her voice in an attempt avoid attention from the stranger loitering behind her.
"Go why?"
Suddenly, the man lunged forwards and tried to point a chubby little finger in Sheldon's face. His height disadvantage meant that it only reached Sheldon's chest but the surprise attack still caused a great deal of shock.
"You!" the small man shouted.
"What? Who are you?" Sheldon's voice was high and squeaky in fear and shock.
"I don't see why you're so surprised, I told you I'd see you here" he retorted.
Realisation hit Sheldon's face and his jaw dropped down, "It's you!"
The man chuckled menacingly.
Sheldon gained new confidence after his original fluster and stood to his full height, towering over the small gentleman.
His voice rose, "Why do you insist on writing mean comments every episode. If you don't like it, then just don't watch. I'd prefer to lose a viewer than listen to whatever it is you have to say"
Sheldon was beginning to attract attention from other attendants who were all watching with wide eyes. Amy felt herself being surrounded by more and more people.
The man pierced his lips tight, trying to keep a stern expression but it was clear that he was terrified. Some members of the crowd had stepped closer to watch and this was undoubtedly causing him more grief.
"I only watch because of your hot girlfriend," he explained, "She's way out of your league. A sexy girl who liked flags. That's rare. You don't deserve her"
Amy was taken aback and expected Sheldon to respond similarly but without any hesitation her boyfriend leant down to make penetrating eye contact with his newfound enemy.
"In that case, I suggest you run. I'm from Texas and I can assure you that it's one thing to offend my show but if I catch you trying anything with my girlfriend, you may be severely injured" there was a pause, "Not just by me. I can confirm that she has a mean punch"
Amy grinned at her boyfriend. He knew she could defend herself but it always felt good to have her man fighting with her.
"I bet she does" the man chuckled, "You though? I'm not so sure"
"Are you taunting me?" Sheldon's eyebrows raised. This man better be prepared for what may come.
Sheldon saw the man clench his fists and mimicked the action, readying himself.
Suddenly, three security guards in high-vis jackets and holding walkie talkies broke through the circle that had formed around Sheldon and the troll.
"All right stand back everybody" a gruff voice shouted out.
"What's going on here?" another asked. He turned around and saw the small man.
"Didn't we already throw you out of here? How did you get back in?" he roughly grabbed the man under the shoulder with the help of his colleague. With the man's stunted growth, he swung freely between the two, barely able to touch the ground.
The last security guard faced Sheldon.
"Sorry about him. He's been trying to do that to people all day. We'll sort him out"
Sheldon nodded, slightly embarrassed that he had risen to the same level and almost fought back. He apologised to the security guard before searching the crowd to find Amy who had been lost in the swarms of people now leaving disappointed that there wasn't a show.
"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Sheldon ran over to her.
"Me? What about you?" Amy placed her hands on his upper arms and stroked up and down.
Sheldon nodded, "I'm fine. I can't believe I just did that" he said quietly.
"Me either" Amy agreed. She looked sympathetically up at her boyfriend who was looking a little lost and bewildered.
She moved her hand down to his and held it tightly.
"I don't know what came over me. He just said that you were sexy and out of my league and all I felt was anger and rage"
"Well you can forget about it now. It's in the past and he's been dealt with. We can enjoy the rest of the convention"
"But he was right. You are too good for me" he sighed.
Ever since their break up, Sheldon had been insecure about this particular matter. He was aware that Amy had gone on several dates while they were apart whereas he had tried and failed. Amy was more popular and accepted among their work colleagues and just seemed to fit better into the world. She was intelligent and beautiful. He did not deserve her.
Amy saw how broken Sheldon looked. The troll's words must have really gotten to him. Amy could hardly understand why; nothing he had said was true.
She stepped up to him and softened her voice, "Sheldon. We are equals. This isn't a competition. There's no winner or loser. There's just love. And that's good enough for me"
Sheldon's eyes hooded as if in serenity, he smiled and nodded, "Me too"
The couple smiled at each other before taking hands again and continuing to enjoy the convention. They still had a NAVA lecture to attend and several stalls to look at.
A few more fans even stepped up and introduced themselves. Sheldon was ecstatic when someone asked them both to sign a San Jose flag. They were both also able to take a photo with the famous Vexillologist Graham Bartram.
As they made their way back to the hotel, Sheldon took Amy's hand in his.
"That man was right you know, a sexy girl who likes flags is rare to find" Sheldon gave a smug little grin and squeezed Amy's hand.