A/N Thank you for all the wonderful reviews. They are of great importance to me. I still own nothing.
Howard was bummed out when Bernadette had the cab take him home instead of staying with her. But when he had recovered in the morning, he decided that with the condition they were in, it was probably for the best. It did make him think about their relationship though. He knew he loved her but although he knew she had strong feelings for him too, he didn't know if she felt the same. He knew that her parents were not thrilled with him to say the least. He wasn't confident how his mother would feel about it either. In any case, they couldn't stay where they were. They needed to make some decisions.
Alex awoke with a splitting headache. It was dark and she was disoriented and wondered where she was. Then memories from the previous night came roaring back. She remembered how she had come on to Zack, but remembered nothing after that.
She was suddenly very nervous, scared of what might have happened. She relaxed a little when she realized she was alone in her own bed. She heaved a sigh of relief when she realized she still had her underwear on. But then she realized someone had undressed her.
Suddenly Mother Nature called and putting on a robe, she made her way to the bathroom. After relieving herself, she managed to take some painkillers before heading back to bed. But then she felt very thirsty and headed out into the living room. When she turned on the light, she was surprised to see Zack sleeping on her couch.
She headed into the kitchen and getting a bottle of water, took a huge drink. She jumped a little when Zack said, "Good Morning."
She turned and saw him getting up and stretching. He had apparently slept in his shorts and she stared at his muscular body. She managed to answer, "Good morning, Zack."
He quickly got dressed before he turned back toward her. She finished off her bottle and moved over toward him.
He looked at his watch and said, "It's six o'clock in the morning. Why are we up?"
He then headed for the bathroom.
Alex sat on the couch and wondered how to handle the situation. She assumed Zack had been the one who got her ready for bed. She found herself both relieved but maybe a little disappointed that nothing appeared to have happened. After all, she had thrown herself at him, maybe he didn't want her.
He came back and stood by the couch. "Do you have any coffee? I need to wake up."
She quickly got up, "I'll make some."
When she went into the kitchen he followed behind her. As she started to prepare the coffee, he asked, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay." She hesitated, "About last night…"
Zack interrupted, "I hope I didn't cross a line. I just didn't think you would want to sleep in your clothes."
"No, that's fine." She went on, "I'm sorry I came on to you. I am not usually like that."
"I understand, you had a lot to drink." He hesitated and smiled, "Although, I must tell you, you were hard to resist. I am a little surprised I managed to."
He went on, "It certainly wasn't because I didn't want to. You are a beautiful woman. I just discovered I really have feelings for you and if we do get together, it will be something we can both enjoy."
She blushed and turned back toward him, "Why did you sleep on the couch?"
"There was no way I could gotten into bed with you. I barely got out of there when I undressed you. As far as staying, I just wanted to be sure you were all right."
Suddenly, Alex moved up to him and gave him a kiss on the mouth. He took her in his arms and returned the kiss. They stayed that way for some time before they stepped back. Zack smiled, "That was nice."
She blushed a little and said, 'It was."
After a moment she turned and said, "Why don't you sit down, I'll bring the coffee over."
They sat on the couch, sipping their coffee, neither sure of what to say.
Finally, Zack spoke up, "I wonder how the others made out, they were all pretty drunk."
"It was your fault, you kept buying the champagne."
"I was just so glad you invited me. It was great to be part of what happened. I just want to say how impressed I am by you all. I'd give anything to be able to do what you guys did." He smiled ruefully, "I just wish I could understand it."
"Thanks, Zack, but don't sell yourself short, you are pretty special, too."
"So, what happens now? Are you guys all done?"
"In a way the real work starts. We have to write papers expounding what we've done. There is still a lot of follow up testing to do."
"Everyone was talking something about a Nobel Prize. Just think, I could have a girlfriend that won a Nobel."
Alex stared at him, "Do you mean that Zack, am I your girlfriend?"
"Well, I guess I did assume that. If you don't want…?"
She smiled, "Oh, I definitely do."
He put his arm around her and they sat back on the couch, occasionally exchanging a kiss. After a while, Zack looked at his watch, "I hate to say this, but I better head out. I have several deliveries I need to make and I still have to go home and shower and change."
She stood up with him.
As they walked toward the door, he said, "I suppose you will still be busy with this stuff, but do you think we could go out on Friday?"
"I don't know what my schedule will be. Why don't we talk after I check with Leonard and the rest?"
"Okay." When they reached the door he turned and embraced her as they passionately kissed, their mouths opening.
Finally breaking apart, he smiled, "I better get out of here now or I won't be leaving."
She smirked, "Would that be so bad?"
He smiled and giving her a quick kiss, "Be sure you call me."
"Don't worry, I will."
After he left, Alex sat back on the couch, thinking over what had just happened. Suddenly, she was Zack's girlfriend. Was she sure about this? She had hardly just met him. Did this have anything to do with Leonard?
Even if it did, it was just because in many ways Zack reminded her of him. He was kind, gentle, and heaven knows she was attracted to him. She enjoyed spending time with him. No more thinking, she was just going to go with whatever happened.
As the adrenaline drained from her, she realized she was exhausted. Grateful that everyone had decided they would take the day off; she made her way back to bed.
Zack had the cab take him to his car. After he had returned home and got ready for work, he sat down for a moment to reflect on what had just happened. He had not realized until he said she was his girlfriend, how much he had grown to like her. He realized he just flat out enjoyed being with her. He knew part of it was her connection to Leonard and her love of science. The fact that she was so smart was a big turn on. Was he moving too fast? Well, if he was, it was fine with him. He liked and admired her and was definitely attracted to her.
Deciding he was overthinking it, he headed out to start his deliveries.
Amy had finally headed home and Sheldon made his way to bed, reflecting on all that had happened. How had he got into this? Apparently, he was about to have Amy for a roommate. He supposed he could blame it on the drinking or that Leonard was betraying him by choosing Penny over him, but he knew he would be lying. He found he was looking forward to sharing the apartment with Amy. He knew he should be concerned about what this could lead to, but although he wasn't sure he was ready for it, he no longer considered it out of the question.
Amy was so excited, she couldn't sleep. She had taken a cab and retrieved her car. When she got home it was after midnight and she knew she should wait until morning, but she quickly put in a call to Penny.
Penny stirred in her sleep. What the Hell was that noise? She cursed as she realized it was her phone. She should have shut the damn thing off. They had just got asleep a couple hour before. She untangled herself from Leonard, envying his not waking up and grabbed the phone.
"Hello."
"Hi, Penny, this is Amy. I know it's late but I couldn't wait to talk to you."
"Damn it, Amy, are you sure it can't wait until morning?" Penny noticed that Leonard had awoken and was looking at her, he managed to mumble, "What's going on?"
Gesturing for him to be quiet, she listened as Amy went on, "I just thought you would want to know that Sheldon has agreed for me to move in with him. That is, if you still want Leonard to move in with you. You do, don't you?"
Penny was fully awake now, "Oh my God, yes! Oh, Amy, I am so glad for you. How did you ever get him to agree?"
"It wasn't really that hard. Once I convinced him that Leonard would want to be with you, he went right along with it."
Penny was smiling happily and signaled for Leonard to wait a second as he was staring at her, "I can't believe it. Okay, I need to tell Leonard, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Penny."
Penny turned to Leonard, who was looking inquisitively at her. She leaned over and kissed him and then blurted out, "That was Amy. Sheldon has agreed to have her move in with him." She had to smile as Leonard eyes widened and then he broke into a huge smile. "You sure it was Amy? I can't believe that Sheldon Cooper would agree to this without making a major scene."
"I know, right. But maybe he has changed. You have to admit things have been different since Amy came into his life." She smirked, "Or maybe he was still drunk."
Leonard smiled at her, "So, I guess we are roommates." He reached up and pulled her down and kissed her, "I love you, Penny."
"I love you too." She smiled, "Now that we are officially living together, I think we should christen OUR bed."
"That sounds like an excellent idea." As they joined in a passionate kiss, Leonard's massaged her left breast. As she moaned, he leaned down and sucked her nipple softly. Sometime later, they laid back. Now completely exhausted, they were both soon sound asleep.
The next morning began with a series of phone calls. One between Alex and Leonard, one between Sheldon and Leonard, one between Amy and Sheldon, and a return call to Alex from Leonard telling her he was meeting with Amy and Sheldon and he would let her know what the next steps would be.
Penny had to work in the afternoon and decided she would spend her time before then cleaning THEIR apartment. Everyone decided to wait on the actual moving until it was decided what was going on with their schedules. Amy was moving from a furnished apartment, so there wouldn't be a lot of furniture moving.
Penny also talked to Amy, Alex, and Bernadette and set up a girl's night for that night. There was a lot to talk about.
It was about eleven when Amy, Sheldon, and Leonard sat down in 4A to discuss the status of the project and how to proceed. After he had talked to Alex, Leonard wondered if he should have wanted Alex to join them, but then Sheldon said that wouldn't be necessary. Still marveling at Sheldon going along with the move, Leonard decided it would be okay to fill her in after they met.
Sheldon opened the meeting and made it clear he had no intention of wasting time discussing the coming move. "Alright, I took the liberty of drawing up an agenda for the meeting. I do not think we need to spend time on what has happened, but determine a path forward; to be sure that everyone knows what they need to do."
While Amy and Leonard knowing there was nothing he wanted to hear, they let him continue.
"First, we need to determine what papers we require and who will prepare them. I have indicated what I believe but am willing to hear some other suggestions. Although I cannot imagine what they could be."
Leonard looked over the list. He had to agree it seemed to make sense. But there were a couple things. He thought the time given to him was probably a little too generous. He was sure Alex and him could get them out in a shorter time frame. Sheldon had also neglected to put Alex's name with his. He agreed everyone knew she would be involved, but he thought it would be better to have her included on the document.
He spoke up, "It looks good, Sheldon. The only thing is, although we all know Alex will be working with me, I think it would be nice to have her name on there with mine."
He was looking down at the paper and missed the look between Amy and Sheldon. Amy took a breath; this was what she had been dreading.
Sheldon turned to Leonard, "It is not an oversight. Amy and I have agreed that although we appreciate that Alex has been of help to you, there is no need for her to be involved with the project from now on."
Leonard stared at him, not believing what he was hearing. "What are you saying? You want to kick her off? Just throw her aside?"
"Really, Leonard, must you be so emotional? From now on, what ever actions we take will be part of the consideration for a Nobel Prize. As you know, only three people can be considered for the Prize. She is not part of the team."
Leonard turned to Amy, "You agree with this? You think we should just say thanks but no thanks?"
Amy was torn, but she had agreed with Sheldon it was necessary, "I'm sorry, Leonard, but Sheldon is right, it is time let her go. After all, she was just your assistant. I assume she was of help, but in the end it was your work."
Leonard shook his head, "No, this is all wrong. She has been of enormous help to me. We cannot just now toss her aside. Do you know how this will hurt her?"
Sheldon continued, "Look at it this way, Leonard. If we are considered for a Nobel Prize, she would not be included then. Is it not better to do it now, before she invests more of her time and energy? There is also the fact that the longer she is involved, the more confusing it may be for the Nobel committee if four names continued to be associated with the project."
He hesitated, "If you wish to have her assist you, I guess that would be acceptable, as long as she gets no credit on the papers."
Leonard didn't want to admit it, but it did make some sense what they were saying. He sighed, whatever he tried to do, he just kept screwing her. First, choosing Penny over her. Then, taking this project without taking her into consideration. Hell, even trying to make it right by having her assist him was going to end up hurting her. Sheldon was right, he needed to keep his emotions out of this. The goal was the Nobel. How often would they get this chance? After all, she could still assist him. Even as he thought that he knew it was still a slap in her face.
He was about to agree but then realized he couldn't do it. Alex was his colleague, his friend. He couldn't do that to her. If circumstances meant she couldn't get the Nobel, he didn't deserve it either. They were a team.
He took a deep breath, not believing what he was about to say, "I'm sorry. I cannot do that to her. She and I are a team. If you still want us to, we will prepare the papers, but it will have both our names. If this does become considered for the Nobel, you can submit it under your names, using our papers as supporting data."
Amy and Sheldon just stared at him. Finally, Sheldon got out, "Do you realize what you are doing? You are giving up a chance to win a Nobel Prize. For what, that you are afraid to hurt someone's feelings? I guess I was right when I have said you lack the initiative to be a real success in science."
Amy couldn't believe what was happening. Everything was going wrong. She was as shocked as Sheldon, but he had no right to speak like that to Leonard. "Sheldon doesn't mean that. It's just that he is as shocked as I am. We want you to share this with us. You deserve to be part of this."
She hesitated, "And how about Alex? Do you think she would want you to do this? To give up a chance for a Nobel Prize because of her? At least discuss this with her."
She went on, "How about this? Why don't we let this go for the time being? Why don't we get back together in a couple days? We could all probably use a break."
Sheldon acted like he was going to object but saw the look on Amy's face.
Leonard just wanted to get out of there. He was a combination of angry, sad and confused. Amy was right, he needed to take some time, to clear his head, to think about it.
He got up, "That sounds good to me." He hesitated, "I'm sorry to cause problems but this is important to me"
Amy quickly spoke up before Sheldon could say anything, "We understand, Leonard. I am sure we can work something out."
