Howard tapped his fingers impatiently against his laptop. The North Pole expedition could give his career the boost it desperately needed. Something to stand out from the rest of his colleagues. There was no dearth of smart geeks at Caltech, and most of them had 'Dr.' in front of their names. He was simply, 'Mr. Wolowitz', something he was frequently reminded of. Simply being chosen for this expedition would add to his reputation, no matter the results of the experiment.

And of course, fate had decreed that Sheldon would be the one choosing the team. Sheldon, with his bias against MIT and engineers. But Howard was glad there was a qualifying test. If he cleared it, it would show that he was on equal footing with the rest of them. No one could say he was selected only because of his friendship with Sheldon. Howard had never been as glad of his friendship with Sheldon as he was at that moment. Because even though a team was going to sent out, Sheldon was the one who didn't have to undergo any testing to be selected. The department was well aware that Sheldon was much, much smarter than the rest of them, even if he did need a team to carry out the experiment. Sheldon was non optional in this team. He got to decide who came along. Even if Howard wasn't selected, his brilliant friend would no doubt tell him in great detail about the experiment when he got back. Being in the presence of such genius was humbling and exciting at the same time.

Shaking his head, Howard got back to the preparatory PDF Sheldon had sent across to all applicants. The test was in two days, and he needed to prepare, not just day dream.

"So, all of you have applied?"

Penny asked as she chopped onions, eyes watering.

"Forget us, half the department has applied. Its going to be a nightmare for Sheldon to go through all the test."

Raj replied as he mashed the potatoes.

"I wouldn't go somewhere that cold, even if I were offered a gazillion dollars."

Natasha said.

"You would, if it meant giving a boost to your career."

Raj said. The three of them were in Penny's kitchen. Raj and Natasha had been reminiscing about how good Punjabi food tasted back at home. They had decided to cook some themselves, and Penny had joined in. She knew she wouldn't retain anything they were teaching her, but was happy to spend some time with her friends. After all, if Raj was selected, he would be away for half a year.

So will Sheldon.

Her mind reminded her nastily. She had managed to push that thought back every time it popped up, but now, as she stood in her kitchen, chopping onions, she began thinking about what it meant.

The way he helped her manage her expenses and create a budget.

The way he had set aside a small amount of money from her wages each week because, "I know you like buying pretty trinkets unnecessarily."

The way he had asked his mother to mail her a bunch of simple recipes because he was worried about how many frozen dinners she ate.

The way he came over after dinner and worked on his own smart stuff, while she did her coursework. The comfortable feeling of time well spent together, without saying anything.

Sheldon, with his long, bony fingers, gently suggesting corrections in her work.

The single yellow Penny Blossom on his desk at work, which had prompted everyone who visited to ask about it, gaining her many clients.

Penny had been with enough men to recognize the flush of feelings creeping in on her. But this, this felt different. Because she knew that he wasn't doing any of these things to impress her. He had no ulterior motives. He genuinely cared. And that was so endearing. Penny couldn't stifle a giggle at the thought of pinning a Penny Blossom on Sheldon's hair.

"What are you giggling about?"

Natasha asked, and Penny came back to her surroundings. The last onion had been chopped a while ago, and she was just standing there, knife against the chopping board, giggling to herself. Putting down the knife, she carried the onions to Raj, muttering,

"Nothing."

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