3 3) The Hamburger Postulate (S1)

"Can't believe you are actually here Sheldon, I thought that the world would burn before you ate at a restaurant." Raj said as they all sat at the table at the cheesecake factory.

Howard and Leonard were next to them doing a makeshift battle of different characters in fantasy worlds, "Yeah well Penny promised to watch my food the entire time it was being made, I trust her enough to do that." Sheldon said with a shrug, he even brought his own cup from home so that he could drink something.

For the past month she had been spending a lot of time at their place for dinner, she also adapted to his habit of cooking and cleanliness, although her apartment stayed messy sometimes, at least she cleaned now and then. She also talked less about Kurt, so it was safe to assume that she was getting over it, though she might end up rebounding with the guy.

"Ahh that makes sense then, she has been a great friend to get to know, though I haven't been able to....." Raj abruptly stopped because Penny was now standing at the end of the table while looking at them.

Sheldon smirked seeing her in uniform making her whine a little, "What?! Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked looking at him.

He chuckled, "Nothing, this is just the first time that I have seen you in uniform, you just look so adorable." He said on another laugh. She was in her yellow vest with a white shirt under it, along with a jean skirt covered by a green apron that was apart of her uniform.

She blushed slightly, "Shut up. So are you guys ready to order?" She asked while looking between them.

"Hang on, honey." Howard said before going back into an argument he was having with Leonard about the fight they were having.

Sheldon rolled his eyes while handing her his and Raj's menu's, "I will have the Carne Asada Steak with a frozen iced mango drink. Raj wants the fresh grilled Salmon with a Pineapple cherry limeade. We will wait until we finish that before we have desert, and please make sure..."

"Yeah I have your back Sweetie, I will watch them the entire time that they make your meal, I will even wash the utensils like you do before you make your food, I have seen you do it many times. Seeing as these two aren't paying attention I will go get that order." She said with a smile while patting him on the shoulder before walking away not bother Leonard and Howard.

"She really does have you back huh?" Raj said as Penny left the table, Sheldon still found it funny he couldn't talk to women.

"Yeah she does. I am glad we are friends with her, this is my first time actually eating at a restaurant, I didn't even do this as a kid. They wouldn't allow me to watch the process." He explained while wiping his hands with a wet wipe.

"Well that is good, I just wish I could talk to women. It is so tiring being alone and single all the time. I am just glad I am able to stay in moderate shape thinks to you, even if I still can't play sports well." Raj said.

It was true that he was the only one who could actually work out with him or even try, Howard went with them once but all he tried to do was ask women out, which annoyed him. After yelling at him for an hour Howard never went back to the gym with the two of them, Raj however went back but only so he could stay in shape somewhat.

Sheldon knew he was trying his hardest to get a girlfriend, but the crippling anxiety and whatever else problems he had were keeping that from happening, which is why he didn't push the guy. He could have told him about drinking alcohol so that he could speak to them, but he thought it would be funnier if the guy found out on his own.

He was waiting for them to declare it was anything-goes-Thursday's before he helped the guy out, he was in good enough shape that he could get a good girl. Though he would need to probably learn to be a little independent, he was still living off of his father's money after all, which was something that he agreed the man should do but also stop doing.

Twenty minutes later Penny came back as they were talking bringing Raj's and his food, "Wait where is our food?" Leonard asked seeing that she brought everything just for the two of them.

"Well seeing as you and Howard here were busy I took Sheldon's and Raj's order since they were actually hungry. Now if you want to order then I can take your order right now." She said after placing their food down, she stood next to Sheldon while having a hand placed on his shoulder.

"Alright well I will take the burger but without cheese on it." Howard said looking at the menu.

"I'll take the smarter platter please, and one slippery nipple." He said with a wink that only caused her gag as she looked at him.

"Alright one burger without cheese and the heart smart platter, and two waters." Penny said with a sweet smile while looking at all of them.

"Hey Leonard, Hi guys." Lesley says as she walks over to all of them.

That was something else that was different he didn't actually have a feud with her, she was a smart woman so he liked her, plus her life style was a little similar to his own. Well not entirely but they were both open people so they got along better, they even almost slept together once but stopped, he just wasn't feeling it after all.

"Hey Lesley." Leonard said.

"I didn't know you guys ate here." She said while looking at the table.

"We don't this is actually the first time we are all trying the food here. Since Penny here agreed to watch over my food while it was being cooked, she is a friend after all." Sheldon said after swallowing a bite of his food.

"Lesley this is Penny she lives across the hall from me and Sheldon, she is a friend of ours." Leonard said pointing to Penny who was standing right next to her, plus she hadn't moved her hand from the back of Sheldon's chair, her hand close to resting on his shoulder.

"And walks in quiet beauty like the night." Howard said while showing Penny a flirtatious smile.

"Howard I have asked you not to do that." Penny said sternly while looking at him.

"Well he isn't wrong, you are really beautiful and it is kind of hard to believe." Sheldon added while taking a drink, with his comment though he got a big grin from Penny who looked like she wanted to kiss his cheek. She held herself back though since she knew that it would cause him to freak out, it happened once before and he scrubbed his cheek while scowling at her.

Yes he could kiss people, but that didn't mean that he just let anyone kiss his cheeks or anything it was more of him hating the feeling then actually hating being kissed.

"Hey! Why didn't you say anything to him about what he just said?!" Howard said but he was ignored by her.

"Lesley and I do research together at the University." Howard explained when it got quiet between them again.

"Oh, wow, a girl scientist." Penny said with a smile, though he comment made him laugh so she hit his shoulder playfully

"Yep, come for the breasts, stay for the brains. So, I'm glad I ran into you, the physics department string quartet needs a new cellist." Lesley said while turning back to Leonard who was looking confused.

"What happened to Elliot Wong?"

"He switched over to high energy radiation research, had a little mishap, and now the other guys are uncomfortable sitting next to him. So, are you in?" She said with a straight face.

"Yeah, sure, why not." Leonard said with a shrug not seeing a reason not to accept which there wasn't one really.

"Great, we rehearse on Tuesdays at your place." Lesley said.

"Wait! Do I not get a say in that? What if I have something planned that day? You didn't even bother to check in with me." Sheldon said with a frown wondering why she just assumed that they could use their place without even asking his opinion on it, he like to chill on Tuesday's since nothing ever happened.

They both looked over at him, "Sorry about that Sheldon, do you mind if we use it during that time, the department of energy said our regular space is kind of a hot zone so we need somewhere else to rehearse."

He looked at her before nodding, "Fine. Next time ask though."

With that he zoned out and went back to eating but he did listen to Penny talk to Leonard about him playing cello, also slightly teasing him about Lesley. Sheldon could see it they were a lot alike, though Leonard was a lot more reserved compared to her so it also might have some problems in that relationship, but he wasn't Leonard's keeper.

Penny made one last comment before rubbing his head and going to put in the others orders, Sheldon was really enjoying his meal the steak was cooked perfectly. It wasn't better then what he could do but it was really good, he would come back here when Penny was working, it was nice to take time off of cooking while also having some he knew could watch his food.

When they all finished eating he was carrying home three slices of cheesecake, something he was happy that he wouldn't need to watch since Leonard couldn't eat it. Raj and Howard already took off to go home, right before they separated Howard got a call from his mother so he needed to rush back.

At the moment Leonard and him were walking up the stairwell, "What did she mean by, you'd make a cute couple?" Leonard asked as they walked up the stairs.

Sheldon sighed while adjusting the bag he was carrying, "She meant that you and Lesley have a lot in common and that because of it you would make a cute couple. You know like to nerds getting together and it just turns out to be the cutest thing ever."

Leonard didn't know what to say to that so he simply was quiet for the rest of the time which he was thankful for, he didn't want to talk about it anymore, the guy always had something to say. Even after that 'date' with Penny he still believed that he had the chance to sweep her off her feet, which he kind of did but not at the moment, it was to soon.

They made it to the apartment and Sheldon had one slice of cheesecake before he went to sleep, he didn't want to stay up any later, they kind of made it back later then he thought. After a shower and brushing his teeth he went right to his room, after answering some messages he went to sleep.

////////

It was Tuesday and Sheldon was out driving around, Leonard and the sting quartet were practicing at the moment, he didn't want to sit there and listen to that all night. Howard and Raj were also busy so he didn't go bother them, Raj was working on a paper while he just wasn't comfortable being alone with Howard at night.

He could have gone to Penny's but she was at work at the moment, he was going to head back about the time she got off so he could just hang out at her place. He knew that if it was like the show Leonard and Lesley would be spending the night together, he didn't want to interrupt since Leonard didn't get many chances like this.

When he saw that it was close to that time he took off back to the apartment, as he said there was nothing to do on a Tuesday so he didn't have anything fun planned out.

As he made it back to the apartment it was at the same time that Penny made it, "Hey sweetie, are you just getting back?" She asked with a smile while fixing the bag on her shoulder.

He sighed looking at her while nodding, "Yeah. Penny you really need to let me buy you a new car, that thing is going to break down on day and I am worried where you will be when it does."

This was something that was brought up before between the two of them, but she had to strong of a pride to actually let him do it, so he had given up. Though that didn't stop him from worrying about her, he knew that he shouldn't really worry about her but it was something that just happened, he knew it was because they grew close.

"We have talked about this Sheldon, I won't take your hand out. But I appreciate you worrying about me, you know that I will call you if I need some help if that does happen." She said with a smile while looping an arm through one of his.

"Alright, well do you mind if I hang at your place while waiting?" He asked as they stopped at the mailboxes so she could collect her mail, Leonard finally stopped stealing it.

"Sure sweetie, we can watch a movie." she said with a smile as they went to going back up the stairs.

When they made it to apartment 4b she opened the door letting them in, he let out a sigh of relief to see that the apartment was semi clean. It wasn't as bad as it was the first time he saw it, which for her was a big improvement compared to what she usually has it, though he laughed a little at the wine bottles around.

"Drink enough?" He chuckled walking inside and putting the empty bottles in the trash, she blushed.

"Shut up! I am going to jump in the shower real quick, you can choose the movie while I am in there." She said while running off trying to hide her blush as she did so.

Sheldon chuckled but didn't work on finding a movie, instead he started to clean the place up since there wasn't a lot to do, also he could feel better about being in the apartment. When he finished he started working on cooking her dinner, he already ate but knew that she would microwave something so he decided to make her a meal.

Looking into her cabinets and fridge she was lacking in food though, sighing he took out what he could.

Twenty minutes later he had Spaghetti with hot dogs cut up in them made, he smiled thinking of his mom while he plated it. That was something he loved about being Sheldon, his family was amazing and he actually talked to them everyday, especially his MeeMaw she was just amazing, always making him smile.

"Sheldon, did you find something...." She trailed off as she walked into the living room drying her hair, "What is all this?" she asked looking at the plate of food and glass of chilled wine.

"Well you had a long day at work, I thought I would just make you some food and a drink so you can sit back and relax while we watch the movie." He said with a smile as he took her hand leading her to sit down while handing her a fork.

She smiled lightly while patting his arm, "Thank you for this. My feet were killing me and I didn't think that I would actually have the energy to make myself something to eat, I was going to make a TV dinner."

"Well this is a comfort food my mom makes me, it reminds me of home every time I eat or make it." He said with a smile while taking a seat on the other end of the couch, he already picked out a movie, "Now enjoy your meal while we watch some 'When Harry Met Sally'"

"You want to watch that?!" She asked surprised as she brought her drink to her lips.

"Of course! This movie is a classic and I love the dynamic between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in it, I could watch this for the rest of my life if needed." He said with a smile as he pressed play.

He didn't see her smile at him over her cup as she settled into the couch digging into her food, she thought that everything felt right at that moment. 'I could get use to this' She thought while looking over at Sheldon who was nodding to the opening music.

As the credits rolled on the movie the music playing softly Sheldon and Penny were sleeping on the couch cuddled together, he fell asleep half way in while her shortly after they slept together. She didn't bother to move and just cuddled into him.

That led to them hugging and sleeping on the couch, though Sheldon woke because he was uncomfortable sleeping on such a small couch. Looking down at the girl in his arms he chuckled some, he rose while lifting her not bother to clean up her plate or glass, she was snoring lightly on his chest.

Instead of waking her he took her straight to her bed, he could go home but chose not to since it was still the middle of the night. He turned off the TV and cleaned up her plate and cup before heading back to the room, he got in right next to her and closed his eyes.

Probably from feeling him getting into bed she crawled over and put her head on his chest, she was still snoring but he was able to drift to sleep since he was so tired. Though he laughed a little seeing her collection of bears in the room, it was to cute seeing that she still had a room filled with bears like a teenager.

It wasn't long before he was asleep again, her snoring put him back to sleep oddly even though he has always hated the sound of snoring, since it was so annoying. He drifted off to sleep while holding her waist as she snuggled in deeper into him sighing.

//////

The next morning Sheldon was still the first up, he smiled down at Penny shaking his head before climbing out of bed, he went to the kitchen and made her breakfast before leaving. He wanted a shower since he didn't get to take one last night, plus he wanted to congratulate Leonard on getting some sex last night.

Walking inside he did his morning routine before going to make himself breakfast, as he was digging in Leonard walked in with a big smile on his face. "Well looks like someone had fun last night." Sheldon said with a smile while eating a bowl of cereal.

Leonard scratched the back of his head but smiled brightly, "Yeah Lesley and me had a good night together, I hope you don't mind her staying over."

"Nope. I will never stand in the way of you getting some sex, that is something everyone should be able to get. I even slept at Penny's last night so I didn't have to hear you." Sheldon said then took a big bite.

Leonard paused looking over at him, "You stayed at Penny's last night?"

"Yeah fell asleep watching a movie and slept on the couch, just got back this morning."

He let out a sigh of relief that had Sheldon rolling his eyes at the guy, "Well that's cool I guess."

"Morning guys. Thanks again Sheldon for letting us practice here." Lesley said as she walked into the living room already dressed.

"Yeah no problem." He said waving it off.

She nodded, "Listen, I got to hit the lab. Thanks for a great night." she said to Leonard not ashamed at all since it was plainly obvious what they did the night before.

"Thank you, I'll see you at work." Leonard said while surprisingly not being clingy to the girl that he just slept with, though that might change by the time they got to work and could be alone.

After getting ready for work Sheldon was heading out but saw Leonard standing at the door talking to someone, "Oh hey Penny." He said as he was exiting the apartment.

"Hey Sheldon. Thanks for carrying me to bed last night, I would not have liked to wake up on the couch." She said with a smile. She was wearing a white tank top with colorful hearts on it along with some green short-shorts with red ugg boots, she was carrying a laundry basket so it was safe to assume what she was doing.

"No problem, I mean that thing is really uncomfortable though, you should change it." He said while locking the door.

"Not everyone has the money to change their furniture. Anyway, Leonard, you must have had fun last night, I saw Lesley leaving this morning." She said with a grin turning her attention to him, "So, is it serious, do you like her?"

"Wuh, I don't…. th-th-th-that's really two different questions, uh, I'm not…. Sheldon, we have to go!" He said while trying to drag Sheldon along since they were carpooling today since they planned to go to the comic book store, well Leonard, Raj and Howard were he was just checking it out.

Sheldon just rolled his eyes, "Alright, well, I'll talk to you later, but, I am so happy for you Leonard. Sheldon we should have another movie night some time, I would love to see what else you think are good movies."

"Alright sounds like a plan, but let's do it at mine and Leonard's place, your couch is way to small." He said with a smile as she walked backwards and into her apartment with her own smile on her face.

"Sounds like a plan." she nodded.

As she went inside they took off, "Leonard, I swear to whatever you believe in that if you start analyzing that conversation you just had with her and start talking to me about it I will push you down all these stairs." He said before Leonard could start reading into anything she had just said to them.

He shut his mouth cause that was exactly what he was about to do, hearing the threat and knowing that it was serious though he didn't say what he was planning on saying. The rest of the car ride to work was quiet but he could tell that Leonard was in his head about Penny and maybe even Lesley, who knew what the guy was thinking.

As they made it to the university they split up, though he could see that Leonard looked like he was about to go see Lesley, he could only shake his head at that. He knew that Lesley would say that they aren't in a relationship it was something she didn't do, he would have his chance but not now.

Looking at it Leonard was a little player, the guy had a lot of women through the show but he only kept one, and the one he kept he was only able to keep because he slowly broke down her walls. A lot of them were pretty good looking too, it was just that Leonard was a little clingy so the girls didn't keep him around long, that or he just messed up.

He didn't see Leonard again until lunch, at that time though it seemed that he was a little down about Lesley though Raj and Howard did comfort him about him being able to sleep with the woman.

////////

"Here you go two slices of Caramel Cheese cake, and a hamburger for Leonard." Penny said while putting their plates on the table, it was just the two of them since Raj and Howard needed to work again.

Despite what the TV show showed they actually did need to work when it was required, they couldn't just take off whenever they wanted. They worked for the school so they actually needed to do it, otherwise they would be fired so quickly it wasn't even funny.

"Glad to see you two coming around more." Penny said with a smile.

"Well seeing as you have access to the kitchen and can watch my food then I am happy to come here, if you weren't working here then I would keep making all my own meals again." Sheldon said while moaning as he took another deep bite of his cheesecake.

She smiled at him while looking at Leonard, "So how are things going with Lesley."

"Oh, to be honest, I don't think it's going to work out." He said with a sheepish look as he scratched the back of his head.

"Oh, oh that's too bad. Well hey, don't worry, I'm sure there is someone out there who is just right for you! See you later Sheldon." She said smiling at the both of them before walking away to another table.

"Well what did she mean by that?" Leonard whined looking over at him, but all he got in return was an eye roll.