The next few days went undisturbed. The five of them, Raj, Howard, Leonard, Sheldon, and Penny, still met every night. No one seemed to notice, but Sheldon and Penny internally avoid each other. She made sure to sit across from him, rather then her usual spot beside him on the couch.

And, as much as she hated to admit it, he had been right. Leonard had come the next morning, knocking on her apartment door. And she had forgiven him, like Sheldon knew she would.

And it killed her.

And Sheldon didn't want to admit it, but that small kiss had awoken something in him. During their dinners, he couldn't help but stare at her. He never really noticed, but she had the most beautiful green eyes. And, when she walked by him, he noticed she smelt a great deal like vanilla and sugar, just like he thought she would. She kept him entranced, something which was new to the brilliant mind of Dr. Sheldon Cooper, PhD. He promised himself he would Google the appropriate behaviour later this evening, perhaps when Leonard was sleeping. Sheldon wanted so bad to put down his food, walk calmly over to Penny's chair, and kiss her softly on the lips. Then, he would take her in his arms, and they would escape quickly to her apartmen-

"Sheldon? You alright?"

Leonard's voice awoke Sheldon from his dreamlike state. The three boys were staring at Sheldon, a confused look on his face. Penny kept her eyes on her food.

"I'm fine, Leonard. Just...tired." He managed to briefly smile at his friends before continuing his food. He prayed Leonard would leave it at that and a new topic would emerge.

But Leonard wouldn't have it.

"Sheldon, you always get a perfect's night sleep. You're never tired unless you're up working. Don't lie." He was smirking now, putting down his food to wrap his arm around Penny, who twitched uncomfortably. Sheldon felt something snap in him.

"For you information Leonard, I happen to be losing sleep. I'm lucky if I get one hour in. With the addition to work, I seemed to be very stressed. I certainly do NOT need you hounding down my back, saying I'm lying when I'm telling the perfect truth." He hissed, reeling with anger. Leonard quickly nodded and kept his eyes on his lap. Sheldon took a deep breath. "Penny, a word in the hall, please?"

She nodded quickly, eager to escape Leonard's tight grasp on her shoulder. She opened the door for both of them, and they slipped outside into the hallway. They quickly heard Howard's voice before the door slipped shut.

"What the frack was that?"

"Sheldon-" penny began, but Sheldon swiftly cut her off.

"No, Penny, you listen to me. What I told Leonard is very much true. I have been losing sleep for days because of you, and I don't understand why. I haven't been able to stop staring at you, thinking about you since we...kissed." He paused. "I have researched it thoroughly and..."Another pause. "I think I may have devolved feelings for you, Penny."

There was an awkward silence. Penny stared at the floor.

"I'm sorry if I have said the wrong thing Penny, I-"

This time, she cut him off. With her arms wrapped around his neck, kissing him softly. She was standing on her tip toes, using his shoulders for balance.

They didn't realize how good it felt, until now.