A/N: I just want to thank everyone for their very lovely support! Your kind words and constructive input really gives me that extra boost I need to keep going!

I own nothing that is BBT or My Fair Lady, much to my chagrin.

I'd also like to let you all know that I am planning a sequel to this fic, where the relationship will develop further. We've got a bit more story to go here first though!

Chapter Three: Intermission

Sheldon now had jealousy to throw into the curious mix of unexpected and sudden emotions that he was feeling tonight. It happened during the "Ascot Opening Day" scene. Penny was doing splendidly thus far. What Sheldon had a problem with was not her performance. Rather, it was the behavior of one of her co-stars. He found that, for reasons he could not satisfactorily explain (an occurrence that was becoming alarmingly frequent), he did not care for the actor who was playing Freddy.

When "Professor Higgins" had introduced "Eliza" to the others, "Freddy's" 'How do you do' had been accompanied by an all too leering look. And he had kissed Penny's…Eliza's hand, an action which Sheldon could not remember actually appearing in the official script. To add insult to injury, his lips had lingered too long on her hand for Sheldon's comfort. He knew that Freddy's attraction to Eliza was a major plot point, but that didn't mean he had to like it.

Although Sheldon normally loved this scene—in his opinion it was one of the most humorous of the production—he found he could not enjoy himself thanks to the philanderous behavior of that other actor. All he could muster was some vague sense of satisfaction when he reminded himself that, in the end, it was the professor who earned the love of the beautiful woman.

. . .

Penny went backstage at intermission to change into her ball gown for Eliza's big debut in front of the royal court. She was feeling all a flutter. Part of it was nerves—soon would come the crucial scene where Eliza would confront Higgins—but mostly she was excited because she had the chance to dance with Sheldon again.

Sheldon. She wondered what had happened during the Ascot scene. Josh, the guy who was playing Freddy, had kissed Penny's hand. She hadn't read much into the gesture. He had been flirting with her for a while now, but she had made it clear that she was not interested a few days before. She knew it was harmless. She had noticed the death glare on Sheldon's face though. If they hadn't been on stage, she was sure that Sheldon would've tried to blow up Josh's head. She let out a nervous giggle at the thought that she was making Sheldon feel just as flustered as she was.

. . .

It didn't take Sheldon long to change into his tuxedo for the upcoming Embassy Ball scene. He was glad for the respite of intermission. It certainly relieved him of the company of that would-be Don Juan. It also afforded him the opportunity of finally saying to Penny what he had been wanting to tell her all evening.

He met Penny as she came out of her dressing room. The sight of her stopped him dead in his tracks. Her hair was once more in the loose curls she had worn earlier, though this time a tiny tiara had been placed on the crown of her head. She was wearing a long white gown that was a dead replica from the Hepburn film and looked as if it had been spun of gossamer. He could do nothing but stare.

Penny looked up into his eyes and blushed deeply. Sheldon swallowed roughly, glad that he was at the very least not the only one who was feeling slightly feverish.

. . .

He looked so handsome. Penny had to admit that he really knew how to pull off a tux. She would never let him wear his awful plaid suit again, that was for sure.

Then she met his eyes. There was that look again. She felt like he could see right through her, his beautiful blue eyes were so intense. She felt herself blush furiously. She wondered what it would be like if he looked at her like that more often.

"Penny."

"Sheldon."

He seemed to be struggling to tell her something. His face was even redder than hers was and his hands were shaking.

"Sheldon, honey, what is it?"

He sighed. "Penny, I do not know why it is so difficult to say what I want to right now. It is fact. I should just be able to say it!"

"Say what, sweetie?"

His eyes were twitching again. He screwed up his face in concentration and finally blurted it out: "Penny, you're beautiful. I've never seen anyone look as lovely as you do right now. As you always look. As you always are. Also, please don't fall in love with Freddy."

Penny's jaw had dropped. She couldn't even imagine how much it had cost him to say that. She was also moved by how adorable and open he was being right now.

Smiling softly, she stood on her tiptoes, kissed the corner of his mouth, and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"Thank you," she whispered into his ear.

. . .

Sheldon was sure his heart was going to explode. He tried to tell himself that it was a physical impossibility, but he was worried nonetheless.

Unsure of what to do in such a situation, he tentatively returned Penny's embrace. She was currently resting her head against his chest and smiling contently. He patted her back a little, relaxing more in her arms.

"You're welcome, Penny," he breathed.

. . .

Penny had no idea how long they stood there like that. She just knew she never wanted to move.

The overhead lights began flickering on and off. She knew that the show was starting up again, but she wasn't ready to budge just yet.

"Penny?" Sheldon's voice sounded all rumbly and gruff with her ear pressed against his shirt front. She shivered a little.

"Penny, I've got to get on stage. Higgins has to take Eliza to the ball now."

She sighed and stepped back reluctantly.

"Break a leg, professor," she smirked and curtsied as he moved off to take his place.

Sheldon sent an awkward little wave her way before turning and strutting out onto the stage.

Penny's heart was pounding as she watched him go.