A.N.: A few things before we start. Yes, this is somewhat of a sequel to my story A Light In The Dark. No, you do not have to read it to understand this story; Only to understand who Violet/Kolbe is. Second, Sheldon is slightly OOC in this. Mostly because it's a lot of what is going on in his head, not in reality. I hope you all enjoy this first chapter of Romancing the Android.
Sheldon stood stark still as his best friend adjusted his shirt. It was his third date this week and he was beginning to lose hope. As she got him ready, Violet drilled him on what he needed to know for this date. Despite his internal conflict, he found it easier to go with it and bicker a bit than fight the pregnant woman.
"Remember, make small talk but don't dumb it down too much. That's what ruined the last date."
"Kolbe, I-"
"But don't act super smart either. It makes them feel dumb."
"I know. Kolbe-"
"No buts! You asked me to help you find a girlfriend. I let you choose the others, now you have to go with my choice."
"Maybe I'm meant to stay a solitary creature. I enjoy being alone."
"Sheldon Lee Cooper! I am offended you think I'll lead you astray on this one."
Her hurt look was enough to make him apologize profusely, not a behavior common to him. Assured he wasn't going to back out, Violet sent him out. At least the blind date was at a coffee shop where they were on neutral ground. The only thing he knew about his date was that she knew as much about comics as he did and that her name was Lily. Once he arrived at the coffee shop, he ordered a Mocha chip Frappuccino with whipped cream and a chocolate drizzle. Ever since he became business partners with Stuart, he had become addicted to the icy drinks. Sheldon took a seat near the back, keeping an eye on the door at all times. It was obvious she hadn't arrived yet since the only other patron was an older gentleman.
She was supposed to be there at six'o'clock sharp, but it was nearing six-fifteen and he was beginning to lose hope. Then she walked in. The first thing he saw was her long legs, hidden beneath a thin layer of denim. Her shirt had 10=2 stretched over the chest and obviously straining against what was hidden. A Superman purse hung low against her hip. When he finally reached her face, he was gone. This woman wore no make-up, save for a bit of shimmery lip gloss. Chestnut locks twisted and cascaded down her shoulders, stopping just below her well-shaped breasts. And, for the first time in his life, he wondered what a woman would look like naked. Of course he shook of those dark thoughts when she sat down.
"I'm so sorry," she whispered, blushing endearingly, "I got a little bit lost. I hope you weren't waiting too long. You are Sheldon, correct?"
"N-no, not long at all. And yes, that must mean you're Lily."
Now he was freaking out inside. Not only did he think of her naked and stutter, but he lied. By now, he would either be chastising her for being tardy or twitching uncontrollably for lying. She was so perfect that he couldn't seem to do either though. Her smile made it all worth it. So, instead of asking his usual questions, he asked her about herself.
"There really isn't much about me. I grew up in a Southern Baptist household with an overprotective father and a mother that was even more so. As soon as I could leave I did. I went to college for journalism and became a model, much to my parent's dismay. Enough about me, tell me about you."
"I'm in basically the same boat. Except, I grew up in a Christian household and became what I went to college for; Physics that is."
"Really? That is so cool!"
"I wish I could show my child self this moment."
"Why?"
"An aesthetically pleasing girl saying Physics is cool? That's the equivalent of Penny going to Harvard on scholarship."
"Who's Penny? And I think you just called me pretty."
"Yes, in a sense. And she is my roommate's girlfriend. She has the IQ of an average eleventh grader."
Lily cringed sympathetically at the thought of someone so dumb. Then she rose to get herself something from the counter. Sheldon instantly jumped up.
"Please, allow me," he said like a true southern gentleman.
"No no, I can get it."
"I can be very stubborn. What would you like?"
"I can too. But I don't feel like arguing, so just a hot chocolate and a blueberry muffin, please. Here," she pulled four dollars from her purse, "Take this."
"No, it's my treat."
He was halfway to the counter before she could protest. The cashier was openly staring at her and he cleared his throat. Blushing, the teenager took his order and gave it to him swiftly. Leaning in close, he whispered in his ear softly.
"If I catch you staring at her again, I will get you fired. Got it?"
"Y-yes sir!"
Nodding once, he returned to the table with her order. She accepted it gladly, thanking him. He shrugged it off with a blush.
"So…how do you know Violet?"
You mean Bunny? She and I have worked together on a couple of modeling jobs. I guess she remembered me mentioning that I'm single. How do you know her?"
"She's my childhood and current best friend. I help her husband run his business as well."
"You mean the comic shop? Awesome!"
"Not the word most would use, but you aren't most."
"Aww, that's sweet."
Blushing, she nibbled her muffin and sipped the drink shyly. He smiled inwardly at how well everything was going. His last couple of dates hadn't lasted ten minutes. They had either stormed off for him acting like they were below him intellectually, or acted like they had to leave because his smart talk was boring. But this, chatting so casually with Lily, felt natural. Violet deserved a medal for finding his perfect match. If all went well and she wanted to be his girlfriend, he would be able to solve so many problems in his life. The guys would stop harassing him about his sexual orientation; the girls would finally quit trying to "hook him up" with their friends or Amy. Plus, his mother would be pleased by the fact that she came from a religious family. In all it was an ideal relationship. Sheldon just needed to find a way to get the girl.
Before he could say a word, Lily piped up.
"I feel awkward for asking, but are you free Tuesday night?"
"Tuesday night is comic book night, but I could move things around."
"No! I mean, don't change your plans for me. W-would you mind if I joined you?"
"For comics?"
"Uh-huh, if you don't mind…"
"I'd be honored."
"It's a date then!"
She turned bright red, realizing her words, and hid her face. He chuckled in response at her innocence. Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to find the right words to say, but simply couldn't find them. It was when he gave her his usual smirk that she looked truly mortified.
"Don't worry, I understand your meaning."
"Oh thank goodness. I was afraid you were amused by me jumping to conclusions."
"This is far from a conclusion. Think of it as a beginning."
His optimistic remark made her grin and it was right there that he made a pledge; A pledge that he, Dr. Sheldon Lee Cooper, would make her his girlfriend no matter what the cost. After a few more minutes of small talk, it was time they went their separate ways.
"I had fun tonight, Sheldon," Lily smiled as she rose to leave.
"As did I. I hope to enjoy your company again on Tuesday."
She pecked him on the cheek once, and then darted out the door. The physicist froze in place, touching the slightly sticky mark her lip gloss made. For the first time in his life, he didn't want to run to the bathroom and cleanse his face excessively. He smiled instead and went home to have the most restless night's sleep ever.
Thank you so much for reading this story! I hope y'all enjoyed the first chapter of my newest BBT fanfic!
