Warning for those who haven't read "A Light In The Dark" and possibly for those who have, this story takes place before the epilogue, but two years after the story. Violet Kolbe is Stuart's (pregnant) wife and Sheldon is now his part-time business partner.
Sheldon knew there was something wrong as soon as Howard walked through the door. It was the way the Jewish man looked at Lily, the way his eyes widened in recognition.
"Howard, this is Lily. Lily, this is Howard Wollowitz."
"Nice to meet you!" she chimed.
"Nice to…meet you too…"
He glared daggers at his acquaintance, daring him to say something inappropriate. Instead, though, he took a seat on one of the chairs quietly. All the time looking at the newcomer. She smiled politely back.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I just think I've seen you before."
"Well, she is a model. You probably saw her on TV or something," Sheldon huffed.
"Yeah, that's probably it."
They all sat together, talking, for a while before heading out to the comic book store. He, Lily, and Howard were going in his car while Raj and Leonard took Leonard's car.
"I still can't believe it took you bribery to finally want to drive," the engineer teased.
"Bribery?"
"Didn't you know? Sheldon refused to learn how to drive, but then Violet bribed him with this car and he learned in two weeks."
"It's KITT! Of course I would learn if it meant I could be Knightrider."
"Why didn't you want to learn?"
"I had a bad experience when I was younger."
He pulled up to the comic book store, quashing any more questions. Stuart waved at them from behind the counter as they entered. They greeted him back and went straight to the new comics. Lily trailed behind at first, but was quickly caught in the allure of the anime merchandise. While she was distracted, Howard and Raj pulled Sheldon aside. The shorter man whispered to him in a concerned tone.
"Sheldon, I remember where I saw her before."
"Howard, I have no time for your foolishness."
"I'm not being foolish. I've seen her in a magazine."
"Well, of c-"
"A nudie magazine."
"It's true dude. October centerfold of Vixens," Raj added.
He stood up a bit straighter, glaring right at his friends.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because we're your friends and we're worried about you."
"Why now? Why now, of all times, are you worried about me?!" the physicist said a bit loudly, catching the attention of other customers.
"Sheldon, you're causing a scene…"
"Oh shut up. You know what? I think you're lying. I think you're jealous and are trying to pull one over on me. Well, I'm not falling for it."
"We aren't joking."
Just then, Lily hurried over wearing a cute bear-eared hat. She looked at him with unveiled confusion. It was so sweet he couldn't help but smile.
"Is everything alright? I heard you yelling…"
"Everything is fine; Just an argument over comics. Isn't that right?"
"Yup, perfect fine."
"Oh, okay. I just hate to see friends fighting."
She smiled brightly and he shot his friends an 'I told you so look' before smiling down at her.
"Are you ready to go?"
"Uh-huh. I'm going to get this hat and a bunny backpack."
"Okay, let's go pay together then."
They walked up together to the counter and greeted Stuart once more. The clerk smiled back at them tiredly.
"Kolbe keeping you up?"
"Yeah, her morning sickness isn't just in the morning. Plus all the worrying about names and baby stuff," he yawned, "But it's worth it."
"How about you take tomorrow off to get some rest and I'll watch the shop?"
"Thanks. Will you be using your discount?"
"Of course. For her too."
His partner looked at Lily for the first time and jolted.
"Oh, hello. You must be Lily."
"You know me?"
"Oh, right, I forgot to introduce myself. Stuart Bloom, Violet's husband. She told me a bit about you."
"Nice to meet you! Sorry, Violet is just so-"
"Private? I know."
He finished scanning their items and she paid before Sheldon could protest. They went outside afterward to wait for the others.
"So…what now?"
"Well, normally we go home and play Halo."
"That sounds fun, but I'm probably just gonna go home…"
"Oh, okay. We should do this again sometime."
"Maybe…"
"Is something wrong?"
"No! No, not at all."
She looked at her feet and he brushed it off as her having a long day. Once the others were finished, they headed back to the apartment. Sheldon walked Lily to her car to make sure nothing bad happened. When they reached it, he decided to make his move.
"So, uh, Lily?"
"Yes?"
"I-I was wondering if, um,well…"
He turned red, going silent as he tried to figure out what to say. She sighed softly and touched his shoulder. A forlorn look was upon her face.
"I had fun tonight. I'll talk to you later," she said, kissing his cheek like before.
Then she was gone and he was left standing in the parking lot feeling like an idiot for the first time in his life.
-1 week later-
Sheldon found himself checking his phone again for the fifth time that morning. Ever since that awkward moment outside her car, Lily hadn't spoken a word to him. No texts, no calls, no nothing. He was worried he had scared her away. Or that she had heard his conversation with Howard. Finally, after much internal conflict, he decided to call her. Much to his surprise, she picked up on the first ring.
"Hey!" her energetic voice chirped.
"Hello, Lily. It's Sheldon."
"I know. I'm so sorry for not communicating. I've been really busy."
They sat in silence for a few moments until she spoke again.
"So…is there anything specific you needed?"
"No. I was just making sure you were still breathing. Goodbye."
"Wait! Do you wanna, I don't know, grab a coffee before you go out tonight?"
He thought about it for a second before answering.
"Sure, coffee sounds good. Same place as before?"
"Yup! Is four-ish alright?"
"Certainly. I will see you then."
"Bye!"
"Goodbye, "he replied, adding after she hung up, "I love you."
Sheldon spent the next hour preparing and practice what he was going to say. He may have screwed up before, but this time would be different. Without even a passing explanation, he hurried past Leonard and left. It was just turning four when he arrived. Once inside, he ordered the same things they had gotten before and sat down at the same table. She entered ten minutes later, this time wearing a dress with a Flash symbol. His heart figuratively skipped as he found himself falling for her all over again. A blush stained her cheeks as she took a seat across from him. Her food and drink were already placed in front of her.
"You remembered?"
"I remember everything. I have an eidetic memory," he said matter-of-factly, instantly feeling irritated with himself for being a show off.
Lily simply smiled and nibbled her muffin.
"So, Lily…"
"So, Sheldon?"
"I, um, darn it. Why is this so hard…?"
"Huh?"
"I'll just ask you the way I'm used to. Would you agree to enter a symbiotic romantic relationship with me?"
"Um…that depends. Did you just ask me out?"
"Yes, in layman's terms. I wish to be your 'boyfriend'."
"Then yes, I will."
His heart raced and he felt his mouth go dry. She said yes. Lily was his girlfriend now. He felt faint, yet energized at the same time. Taking a deep breath, he leaned forward and kissed her deeply. It was the most amazing thing he had ever experienced. Her lips tasted of coffee and blueberries and fit perfectly against his. Something heated within him and caused his brain to fog over. It was as if he was drugged. Once they pulled away for air, they sat for a moment. Both had their cheeks turned a light shade of pink as they stared at each others' faces. Sheldon decided to speak first this time.
"Before we go any further, I need you to sign a few things."
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