STEP THREE: AIM HIGHER

He didn't want to aim higher. He wanted Penny. He might know very little about human interaction, but he was fairly certain that asking out women prettier than she was was not a very good way to get her to go out with him.

He also wasn't sure that he was quite ready to ask her out. On the other hand, early rejection would mean that he could once again devote his entire mind to physics, and little time had been wasted.

He shrugged his shoulders. He had nothing to lose.

When Penny came home that evening, he was sitting on the steps with his laptop.

"Oh." She frowned. "Are you and Leonard fighting again?"

"No."

"Then does he have a female over?" She looked confused, it was always confusing to find Sheldon where you least expected him, he always looked so out of place.

He shook his head. "No."

"Then what are you doing out here sweetie?" She asked, staring down at him with a crooked smile on her face.

"Waiting for you." He replied, closing his laptop and standing up, shoving one hand in his pocket, a curious look on his face. "Did you have a good day today Penny?" He tilted his head at her, studying her.

"No." She frowned at him slightly. "A three year old dumped milk on my shoes and the cooks screwed up half the orders, so I got barely any tips."

"Ah." He nodded, businesslike. "Well then, perhaps I'll talk to you another time." He started up the stairs.

She grabbed his arm. "Don't be silly, what do you want?"

He looked slightly nervous for a second. "I was thinking of trying out a new restaurant on Saturday, around six. It should give us enough time to have an acceptable meal and still make it back in time for 8:15."

"Us?" Penny questioned.

"Oh." His eyebrows went up. "I forgot that part. Yes, Penny, will you accompany me to a new restaurant I wish to try out this coming Saturday at six PM." He paused, then added as an after thought, "I will pay, of course. And then if you wish you can join me for Laundry night as well, that part is inconsequential." He twitched slightly.

"Wait a minute." Penny stopped mid step. "Just us?"

"Yes." He stopped as well and looked at her quizzically. "Did I forget to say that too? Good lord, what's becoming of me?"

"You're nervous." Penny stated, her head tilted to the side. This was new.

He responded by checking his pulse. "I believe you must be right. I should go have some herbal tea, perhaps one specifically meant to sooth, I believe I have some blackcurrant, or perhaps a nice mint would be better." He started climbing the stairs again.

Penny blinked and jogged up the steps after him. "Sheldon, are you asking me out on a date?"

"Would you say yes if I was?" He queried, refusing to look at her, his arm clutching his laptop closer to himself, as if in defense.

"Yes." She replied watching him warily. What was he up to?

"Oh." His lips twitched and he allowed himself a quick glance at her. "Then yes." He smiled timidly.

Penny smiled back, suddenly in a better mood. "Ok, it's a date."

"Yes." He repeated. They had reached their floor. He paused outside his door. "Would you care for some tea?"

She thought about it. "I think I'll go have a shower. But I'll come by later, for Halo. And, I'll be ready at six on Saturday." She reminded him.

He nodded and went inside.

Penny shook her head as she opened the door.

She was going on a date with Sheldon.

A DATE.

WITH SHELDON.

Huh.

She grinned. "Finally!" She whispered to herself.

She wondered if it would take another four years to get him to sleep with her. The man moved slower than molasses. Of course, dating his roommate probably hadn't helped.

She should really stop drinking.

Maybe take up tea.