"Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open."

-Alexander Graham Bell

A week later...

It was another one of those nights when Leonard had to work later than usual to finish up an experiment. Sheldon and Penny would use his absence to their advantage, spending more time together at Apartment 4A.

Penny was currently auditioning for more acting gigs, and her agent was working her tail off to find Penny the right role. She received call-backs for commercials, but none that were as big as her role on Criminal Minds. Penny had to pick up more shifts at the restaurant while looking for an acting job, but she knew that after being exposed on television, more people will start to recognize her and she'll be offered more roles.

Wednesday night was Halo Night, and without any other players, the match was between Sheldon and Penny.

Sheldon was confident that he would easily beat Penny after the first round, but found himself struggling to avoid Penny's character in the game. At the end of the round, Sheldon realized that if he teamed up with Penny, they could enter tournaments and dominate them easily. The two put their skills into work by playing online with others. Throughout the game, they were able to wipe out their enemies as well as cover each other's backs. They were so good at the game that the rest of the players accused them of cheating.

An hour after Halo, Penny suggested they watch a movie before she has to leave. Sheldon showed her their assorted DVD collection, ranging from science fiction to action and adventure genres. Penny browsed through the countless DVDs before pulling out Spider Man with Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst. It was her favorite movie out of the several Spider Man films they owned.

Sheldon told her that it was an excellent choice before popping the movie into the DVD player and they sat on the couch.

During the movie, Sheldon noticed that Penny was very close to his body, their arms almost touching. A loud boom sounded through the speakers and Penny gripped Sheldon's arm in surprise. After she calmed her nerves down, Penny let his arm out of her grasp and continued watching the movie.

They reached the scene where Mary Jane is being followed by thugs in the middle of the night, and Spider Man saves her. Penny's eyes were glued to the screen as they shared the iconic kiss where Peter, as Spider Man, hanged upside down and kissed Mary Jane. Penny awed during the entire scene and leaned into Sheldon's ear.

"I want a romantic kiss like that," Penny whispered.

Sheldon blushed all of a sudden, but fortunately, the lights were turned off and Penny couldn't see him. "It is romantic."

As the movie progressed, Mary Jane finds out that she has a crush on Spider Man, who has saved her on numerous occasions. Before the film ended, Penny had fallen asleep on the couch, her body resting against Sheldon's.

He wasn't sure whether to wake her up or wait until she does, but he decided to finish the movie and leaving Penny alone.

She stirred in her sleep and mumbled Sheldon's name, causing him to glance down at her sleeping form. The light from the television was enough for Sheldon to see her soft features.

Something took over him, and Sheldon gently grazed his index finger along the side of her cheek. The moment was so peaceful and quiet, so serene, and Sheldon didn't pay attention to the last few minutes of the movie.

You know, Penny, you seem to be a good match for my Shelly.

Sheldon thought about his mother's words. A part of him wanted to laugh and say that he didn't harbor any feelings for her, while the other part was thinking of a possibility.

Mary was right, he was getting older and he wondered what will happen after he wins the Nobel Prize. Sooner or later, everyone around him will move on with their lives. Penny will someday find another man who she will love and want to spend the rest of her life with. Leonard, hopefully, will overcome his obsession with Penny, and meet someone new. Howard is married and thinking about having kids. Raj, well, he was sure he'll have someone for him.

What happens after that?

Sheldon was uncomfortable with the thought of being alone until he dies. Sure, he might visit Penny every once in awhile, but there's always the possibility of their friendship drifting away until they become strangers.

Why now, Sheldon asked himself. Why reflect on your life now?

It had something to do with the woman who is now sleeping on his lap. She taught him about the great things in life and how there are so much to live for. Penny would share Sheldon some of her deepest secrets, such as how much she dreamed to have at least one child to guide through their world.

They haven't known each other for a long time, but their bond seemed like they were.

Sheldon stared at Penny, brushing the hair away from her face. Why didn't he feel the same way toward Amy?

He guessed that maybe because after losing his memory and meeting Penny right after that, he had grown closer to her. Amy distanced herself and did not give him enough time to recover, and that led to their breakup.

Penny slowly opened her eyes, and found herself looking up at Sheldon. She glanced to the television, and noticed the movie ended. Penny sat up and apologized for invading Sheldon's space, to which he forgave her.

"It's late, and I better go. I have to work during the lunch shift tomorrow, and I can pick you up from work afterwards," Penny said as she stood up and fixed her hair.

"That would be acceptable."

Sheldon followed her to the front door. "Goodnight, Sheldon. I wish we can hang out more rather than waiting for a day when Leonard's working late."

"I wish that, too," he agreed. "Goodnight, Penny."

Penny smiled and headed downstairs to her car. Driving back home, she lifted her hand and grazed it softly on her cheek like how Sheldon did.

She felt his warm touch and wondered what was going through his mind the entire time.

Raj knocked on Sheldon's office door, before being granted permission to enter.

Sheldon was sitting on his desk chair, typing away on his laptop. "Hello, Raj. How may I help you?"

"I just wanted to drop by and check on you. What are you doing there?" Raj asked as he moved closer to see what Sheldon was doing.

"I'm finishing my paper on dark matter that I had started weeks prior," Sheldon showed Raj the document on his computer screen.

"I look forward to reading it. Anyways, I was wondering if you want to hang out later. No Leonard if you want."

Sheldon thought for a moment. "Sure. What do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking of stopping by the new model train store they have over at Toluca Lake."

Sheldon smiled. "I do like trains. What time?"

"Right after work if possible."

"Oh, Penny is picking me up later."

Raj nodded. "That's alright. Maybe I'll swing by your apartment at five and we'll go from there."

"Sounds great," Sheldon said.

Penny walked up the four flights of stairs with Sheldon on her side. "What do you have planned this evening?"

"Raj and I are going to a model train shop."

"That sounds like fun. You know, I should introduce you to my cousin's son, he loves trains."

The two stopped in front of Sheldon's apartment. "Would you like to come in?"

Penny smiled. "Sure."

Sheldon unlocked the front door and gestured Penny to enter first. After settling in, Sheldon sat down beside Penny on the couch. "Would you like a beverage?"

"No thank you. Listen, I have something to talk about with you."

Sheldon furrowed his brow. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah. Last night, I felt you... touching my cheek. I just want to know what that was all about."

"Oh, um... it was nothing."

"Are you sure?"

Sheldon quickly nodded. Penny eyed him intensely with her green orbs. "Sheldon..."

"I was just... brushing a piece of hair away from your face. It seemed like you were uncomfortable because of that," Sheldon instantly stood up and walked away, his face twitching uncontrollably after lying. Once he had control over his nerves, he looked back at Penny who was still sitting down.

"Well, thanks, I guess."

"You're welcome."

Sheldon's phone received a text message from Raj who informed him that he's waiting outside. He told Penny and they both walked downstairs to the lobby. Neither of them talked, suffering from an unpleasant period of silence. When they reached the entrance, Penny turned Sheldon around so he could face her.

"Sheldon, tell me what's up. You don't have to do it now, but I really want to know."

"I will, Penny."

Penny cupped his face and patted his cheek gently. "Talk to you later."

She lowered her hand and made her way back to the car. Sheldon froze, before caressing the same spot where Penny's hand touched him. His attention was turned over to the awaiting car nearby and Raj calling out his name from inside. Sheldon looked back at Penny, who began to drive away.

He could feel the butterflies in his stomach as he recalled the feel of the palm of Penny's soft hands on his cheek.

A/N:

Thank you again for all the reviews. Every time I get a notification, I smile.