Telling the gang the good news

Saturday = in 4A that evening, Most of the gang are gathered around talking about what food to get, but Sheldon and Penny are conspicuous in their absence.

Howard and Bernadette are on the sofa, next to Raj and Amy in chairs by the door. On the other side Lesley has the armchair and Leonard perches on a chair next to her. Between them is a empty space, Sheldon's spot.

While they talk food people keep glancing at the gap.

Eventually Howard has to ask. "So, Has anyone seen Sheldon or Penny? they've not been round at all today"

"I've not seen them, they went out kind of early" Leonard blushes a little "They were kind of busy last night"

Howard wiggles an eyebrow with a lecherous smirk "Busy? you mean getting busy kind of Busy?"

"yeah, and kind of loud"

Howards face drops. "really?" They all look at the door, then across at Leonards room and back.

"Wow. You could hear then from over the hall?"

"yeah, Penny can get kind of vocal"

Amy judges the distance "impressive. Some sort of display of social dominance?"

Leonards phone beeps, saving him from the reply" Ah, it's Sheldon. He's coming soon and bringing food. says it's his treat, he has good news"

Raj wonders "Maybe he found his boson?" He gestures to the white boards "he was sure he was close to solving his string problem"

Bernadette shakes her head "He'd have been shouting that from the rooftops if he had. I wonder what he's done?"

A while later, a key in the door and Sheldon and Penny walk in, clutching a long white wax card box and laden down with bags.

"Wow, where have you two been?"

They lay the box on the kitchen counter. Opening it reveals about five feet of sub sandwich, stuffed with random meats and salads things. Other bags yield garlic breads and chicken wings.

"A Party sub?"

"indeed, and on hearty white. It's a compromise sandwich, not the highest fibre option, but not the worst. And no cheese because of Leonard or pistachios because of Howard."

Penny laughs "I got the tie breaker vote as I took him to the LEGO store"

Leonard gets out some plates. "A party sub implies we are having a party? what's the occasion?"

Sheldon goes to speak then stops, looks at Penny and smiles. He bows, motioning with is arm

"You have the floor"

Penny grins and proudly holds out her hand. The sparkle of the Diamond catches the overhead light.

Bernadette grabs Howard and shakes him, squealing "OH MY GOD" . Lesley looks Shocked. Leonard gasps "NO WAY" . Raj grins and gives them a big thumbs up.

Then everyone is crowding round Penny, with hugs and happy congratulations - and handshakes for Sheldon, as " this is getting too much like a bacchanalian orgy of physical contact"