A Shenny Romance (Big Bang Theory Fanfic)

Chapter 7-Coming to Terms

'Hi Sheldon. ' Amy greeted polietely when he opened the door.

'Welcome to my humble dwelling, Amy Farrah Fowler. Would you like a hot beverage?'

'Actually, -'

'I'm afraid you're obliged to accept,' Penny's voice said coolly.

'Oh, here you are. You're surprisingly early. ' Sheldon said.

'I  brought someone. ' Penny smiled at Keith who was standing beside her.

'I didn't approve of this.' Sheldon frowned.

'Well, it's either me and him or none of us. ' Penny said firmly.

'Don't be silly. '

'Oh, so you can invite your date but I can't? ' Penny fired smoothly.

'You're on a roll today, Penny, getting all these questions right. ' Sheldon said sarcastically.

'Let's go, Keith.' Penny turned on her heel sharply.

'Hold on, I haven't voiced my approval or disapproval. ' Sheldon quickly said. 'As long as Keith doesn't overstep his boundaries and put on public display of affection towards you.'

Before Penny could reply, Leonard's head popped out from behind. 'Hey Penny! Come on in!'

'Leonard, I'm not sure you mean it.' Sheldon stepped aside so his friend could are Keith in front of him.

Leonard kept his cool. 'Why not? Come on in guys!'

Amy, Penny and Keith went inside, where Raj and Howard were in a head-to-head battle of GTA, trying to outwit each other every turn.

Howard dropped his controller almost immediately. 'Why hello, miss. '

'Hello Howard. This is Keith, my... friend from comm college. ' Penny smiled. When was he gonna ask her to be his girlfriend already...?

'And this is Amy Farrah Fowler, my date. ' Sheldon piped up.

'Hi, ' Howard said dismissively.

'Hey Sheldon, a moment please.' Leonard pulled aside his friend urgently. 'Sheldon, I need you to do me a favour. '

'That depends-'

'Please help me to keep tabs on Penny's relationship status with Keith. Are they together for real?'

'Unfortunately yes. I would have to admit that Penny could do so much better. But why the concern? ' Sheldon looked at his friend. 'Oh. Yes, I remember you said you would like to have a romantic relationship with her. But what if it does not work out?'

'I will give my best shot. Just be a good pal and speak well of me in front of her, ok? Try to find out her likes, dislikes... yknow the drill.'

'What will I get in return?'

'I can't believe I'm saying this but -' Leonard pretended to stifle a sob. 'My limited edition Green Lantern lantern.'

'Deal. ' Sheldon quickly took Leonard's hand and shook it. 'You can't change your mind now. ' he smirked.

'Sheldon, ' Keith came up to him. 'I just realised you're the renowned theoretical  physicist, Dr Cooper. Forgive my ignorance. But I have been following some of your works closely. I'm interested in string theory myself too.'

'You are? Of course, to say my work is excellent is an understatement.' Sheldon felt happy, and he was beginning to like him just a little.

'I don't think I got the basics well in my comm class though... ' Keith sighed. 'I think I need your help.'

'Keith?' Penny grabbed his hand lightly. 'Cmon, we're gonna have Thai for dinner! '

'Not right now Penny, your friend and I are going to have an intellectual discussion. Unless you don't mind if we bring it to the dinner table as well?" Sheldon arched an eyebrow.

"Keith..." 

"Sorry Penny, I really need his help. We'll be quick, alright?" Keith pecked on her cheek briefly before he went with Sheldon to his spot and the two sat down.

Penny sighed inwardly and slumped down next to Leonard. Leonard took this opportunity to perk her up.

'Hey, what's wrong? '

'I'm supposed to be on a date with Keith... now Sheldon's talking to him and they're skipping dinner. '

'That's a good sign actually. ' Amy who had been relatively quiet piped up. 'Our boyfriends are getting along. So it may be a sign of our friendship too. I'm Amy. '

'Penny. ' Penny smiled.

'What do you work as, Penny?'

'Just a waitress, I'm waiting for my next big break though cos I am a part-time actress.'

'That is amazing. ' Amy gushed. 'You do look like an actress type. I imagine you have been popular in school. '

'Well, I  was head cheerleader and boys seem to like me...a whole lot. '

'Good for you. I was one of the nerds sitting in a corner and waiting to get teased by one of your people. '

'Uh well, I don't do that anymore. ' Penny mustered an uncomfortable smile. 'So... how did you  get to know Sheldon?'

'Blind date. I have to say, I'm surprised we're still together. It may just work out.'

Penny found herself unable to nod in agreement. 'Good for you. I don't really think Keith is into me.'

'He has gotta be blind then. ' Leonard rolled his eyes. 'You're like, the most gorgeous girl I've ever met. I mean, apart from Megan Fox and um. You know. '

Penny chuckled. 'Thanks. '

'Sheldon isn't so mushy with me,although he does make some effort for me.' Amy blushed, looking enviously at Leonard and Penny.

'Too bad we aren't a couple. ' Leonard said lightly.

'Mmhm. ' Penny found her gaze drifting over to Sheldon. He was still talking to Keith, although Keith looked bored.

Amy is the luckiest girl alive.

Penny shook the thought from her head. What was wrong with her?

You like Sheldon. Admit it.

Very funny. He's totally my type. He's also single.

Girl... admit it. You're drawn to him... he doesn't know it though. And this is why it's real, because you feel so deeply for someone not because of their looks or that they pay attention to you for the wrong reasons.

Penny knew the voice in her head was goddamn annoying but there was no doubt it was true.

She had a crush on Sheldon Lee Cooper.

Damn.