8 Lunch with Sheldon & Favors

Ali POV

**Knock**Knock**

Sheldon answered the door and all I could think was thank the lord it wasn't Leonard. Smiling I held up our food and said, "I've brought lunch. Are you going to invite me in or are you just going to stand there all day?" Sheldon snapped out of his daze quickly and said, "Please come in and might I say I like your outfit quite a bit. I have always liked plaid but none of my friends seem to agree with me on that."

"I'm glad you like it, It's one of my favorite outfits but it's a bit to formal for everyday wear so I only wear it to meeting or book signings."

Sheldon looked at me with curiosity and said, "You are a writer? You didn't mention this yesterday. Why didn't you tell me sooner? I would have ordered your books so I could read them."

I looked at him smiled and said, "While I appreciate the thought you don't have to go buy my book. I only have one out so far and if you agree to the favor I am about to ask I will give you the second copy of my first book signed."

Sheldon laughed a breathy laugh but said, "I will only agree if I have all the information and you aren't asking me to do anything illegal."

I took a deep breath to calm myself and then said, "So my pen name is Alison Hunt and the book I wrote is called The Twilight of Neptune. It's a space adventure/fantasy novel with some romance thrown in. It's the first book in a series that I have planned out. The first is not very science based so I was able to cope with my limited knowledge of the subject. The second through fourth books will have a lot of scientific theories that will need to be checked and ran past someone for accuracies sake. I already have a meeting with President Sibert of Caltech to discuss cooperation but I would like to work with you on this if your willing."

**Deep Breath**

"I don't really get along with most people when I am working because I want everything to be just right. But I have a feeling that you are the same way, even more so after getting to spend the day with you yesterday. So what I'm asking is will you help me with my book Sheldon?"

Sheldon just looked at me for a long moment and finally said, "I wouldn't mind helping you with your book but we would need a contract drawn up that we both sign outlining the terms of our cooperation. If that is agreeable with you then we can proceed."

I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding and said, "Thank you so much Sheldon, I really appreciate your willingness to help me. I will meet you at Caltech with President Sibert later this week. I have already talked to my publisher about an official collaboration with the university so of course there will be legal documents involved. I had a website designed for my book series that will have links to the papers and theories that I mention in my books, as well as a link to the university and your list of accomplishments due to the fact that you are now my Science Liaison Officer." I smiled at the end of my own info dump because Sheldon was smiling at me. 

He looked absolutely giddy when he said, "Is that my official title Science Liaison Officer or are you just pulling my leg?" I looked at him quizzically but said, "It can be if you want it to be. We can even put it on the cover of my book and on the website if you want. We have to figure out how we are putting your name on the cover soon though because I have to get it to my editor soon so she can have a draft made up. She has to move fast of we lose the prime window for the publicity launch." 

Sheldon POV

I was so happy I could have almost hugged Ali. I didn't of course but I was very excited for the opportunity to be a Science Officer like my hero Spock even if the pesky word liaison is in the middle. It's not a Nobel but it's one of my childhood dreams to be a science officer like Spock so I will do this. Plus I like Ali and don't mind the idea of helping her with what I am best at. 

She smiled at me and we finished our lunch while we talked about random facts we each found interesting. I liked that she didn't seem irritated with me for sharing facts with her. Ali even surprised me with facts of her own she has a vast and deep knowledge of literature that I am beginning to admire her for.

We were just finishing lunch when Leonard came through the door. He looked glared at me for reasons I don't know and proceeded to sit next to Ali on the couch. I could tell she was uncomfortable by the way she stiffened. I do that when people get to close to me so I noticed it almost immediately I was going to say something to Leonard when Ali stood and said, "I appreciate your help with my delivery Sheldon. If you would be so kind as to give me my key back I will sign your parcel release form for you as well."

I was confused for only a moment but instead of drawing out her time I got up to get the forms and her key. I looked over to see her smile at Leonard but it was different then how she smiled at me just moments ago. Her lips were pulled taught over her teeth and she had her arms wrapped around herself as if to withdraw into her own space to get away from Leonard. I will have to observe her more to draw any further conclusions, but I am beginning to suspect that she is uncomfortable around Leonard. I put that thought aside and walked over to my spot on the couch next to Ali and handed her the forms and her key. She sighed in relief and took the form while putting her key into the front pocket on her dress.

Ali signed the forms and said, "Thank you again for the help Sheldon I will return the favor if you ever have a need just ask. Well I'm off to go set up some shelves and finish putting away my kitchen supplies. Have a nice day bye Sheldon, Leonard." She was out the door so fast I felt the wind on my face as she left. 

Leonard just sat there for a minute and looked at me he then said, "I called dibs on our new neighbors you can't have them." 

I sighed at my misguided roommate and said, "First of all you cannot call dibs on a person Leonard. They are not a thing or property you can own and secondly even if you could call 'dibs' on them. Neither of our new neighbors would give you the time of day considering you are far from the ideal mate for a women of today." 

At my statement he just whined and said, "Why not? I could be perfect for either one of them. I just have to wear them down and make them see that I would be the best choice. Our babies will be smart and beautiful."

I simply snorted and said "Not to mention non-existent." I walked into my room unwilling to hear any more of his drivel when my phone went off, it was a text from Ali. 

Ali:  Hey Sheldon I hope it's ok that I am texting you.

I don't want Leonard to know we are working together yet he kind of creeps me out.

I know it's a big ask but just until the paperwork is signed through the college so he can't try to weasel his way into the deal. Please

Sheldon: Well I hate to keep secrets but I will not tell him until we have signed the papers.

I will treat this partnership as classified information until all legal documents are signed in triplicate.

Have a good day Ali.

Dr. Sheldon Cooper

Ali: Thank you Sheldon I will see you tomorrow in President Siebert's office with the papers.