It seems I am always apologizing in my ANs, aren't I? I know it's been months since I have last updated and I was actually considering abandoning the story since I no longer watch the show(haven't for a lonnnnggg time) but I came across this in my documents and saw that is was halfway done, so I decided to finish it. I know this chapter was short, but I'm hoping it's enough to get me back in the swing of things. I have 3 WIPs for the Walking Dead fandom, so this will not be my top priority, but I will work on it whenever I have the time!

Now, I hope you all enjoy and I hope to see you soon! :)

Chapter 10

Sheldon broke out a fresh composition notebook that night and spent an hour before bed scribbling away in it. His upcoming trip to Germany at the forefront of his mind. He knew that each of his friends would benefit greatly from the trip, but he had yet to decide whom he would take.

Leonard was his roommate and supposed 'best friend'. He took him places in his car and would engage in most of his conversations.

Raj was also a close friend and whose work probably was the closest to his own.

Howard was only considered an acquaintance. Some days, Sheldon didn't even know why he associated with him at all, but he knew that it would benefit him greatly if he went to Germany with Sheldon. Maybe while they were there, he could convince him to go back to school and get a doctorate.

Penny was the only person whose work would not benefit from the trip, but he knew that she would enjoy the trip and call it a vacation of some sorts. Even though, for him, it would not be a vacation, at all.

He nibbled on the cap pf his pen, something he would never admit to doing, and stared at the page in front of him.

This was going to be a difficult decision, even though something in his head told him that it really shouldn't be.

Suddenly an idea popped into his head. Maybe he wouldn't have to choose. Maybe he'd have someone else choose for him. Randomly, of course.

He couldn't believe that he was going to something as mundane as picking names from a hat, but he knew that it would be the fairest. Each of his friends would have an equal percentage of being picked.

There would be a twenty-five percent chance that Leonard could be picked.

There was also a twenty-five percent chance that Penny could be picked, as well.

That evening everyone gathered in Sheldon and Leonard's living room. By that time, everyone had found out about Sheldon's upcoming trip to Germany and they were all curious to see which one of them would be accompanying him.

Surprisingly, no one had tried to bribe him and Sheldon's faith in his friend's was beginning to be restored.

Howard, Raj and Penny all sat on the couch, with Penny in his spot, which he choose to ignore, and Leonard sat in his armchair. Sheldon stood before them, hands clasped behind his back like a military officer ready to give orders.

"All of you should know by now about my upcoming trip, correct?" At seeing all of their nodding heads, he continued. "And am I correct to assume that all of you would like to come with me?" Once again, four heads nodded.

Leonard raised his hand, like he was back in school, and waited for Sheldon to call on him before he spoke. "How will you choose who goes with you?"

"Will there be certain trials?" Howard piped up, looking somewhat excited. Penny looked nervous, while Raj remained silent. The look on the Indian's face showed that he was just as excited as Howard, though.

"I did think of conducting a set of trials and whoever came out on top would join me, but I was unable to think of any suitable tests that wouldn't put any one of you at a disadvantage." At their blank stares, he sighed. "No, there will be no trials or anything of the kind."

Howard and Raj both looked disappointed, while Penny and Leonard each shared a look of relief.

"I have come up with another solution. I know it's juvenile, but it provides each of you with the exact same chance of being chosen." From behind his back, he produced a baseball cap, a Christmas gift from Missy several years prior. "In this hat, each of your names are written on a scrap of paper. I will close my eyes, pick a paper and whoever's name is listed will be the one to go with me. Any questions?"

No one raised their hands and continued to look at him expectantly. Howard moved forward to sit at the edge of the couch, Raj followed suit. Penny remained where she was and waited patiently. Leonard tried to look like he was calm about the whole thing, but Sheldon could read the excitement in his eyes.

All of them wished to go to Germany and were willing to overlook the fact that they were going with him.

With one last look around the room, Sheldon closed his eyes and reached into the hat with one of his long-fingered hands. Each paper had been cut and folded to be the same exact size, so no one was at an advantage here.

Finally, he plucked a piece from the bottom of the hat and held it up. Opening his eyes, he glanced at the small piece of paper. Taking another glance at his friends, he saw that they were all on the edge of their seats now. Howard's skinny jean clad legs jingled with impatience and he almost looked like he was about to pounce from his cushion to rip the paper away.

With slow purpose, he turned to set the now useless hat on the counter and walked back to stand back in the middle of the living room.

"Just open the damn paper, already!" Howard shot to his feet and shouted. Sheldon glared at the small man, but moved to open the piece of paper. Finally.

He made sure to keep his face an unreadable mask as his eyes quickly scanned the name. Outside, he looked like he always did, calm and cool. Inside, though, was a different matter. His chest bubbled in what he thought was...excitement? Happiness?

"Well," Leonard asked. "Who is it?"

His eyes landed right on the person whose name he had picked. "Penny."

Thanks for reading!