The Digital Dating Experimentation Chapters 6-8
A mothermedusa20 , tempestjo and trippy41 collaboration
Authors: mothermedusa20 , tempestjo and trippy41
Title: The Digital Dating Experimentation
Word Count: 4, 270
Rating: R - Moving up to NC-17
Summary: Penny and Sheldon have a first date. Skype, texts and e-mail follow.
Disclaimer: We do not own.
Chapter Six
Sheldon’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out with a small grin to see a text from Penny.
Penny: Hey Sheldon
Sheldon: Good evening Penny.
Sheldon: Leonard, Raj and Howard say Hi.
Penny: Say Hi back from me
Penny: What are u guys doing?
Sheldon: They are deciding how to spend Anything Can Happen Thursday.
Sheldon: How is Toronto?
Penny: Cold. I miss you guys!
Penny: I made friends with the girls who share my trailer
Sheldon: You are easy to make friends with.
Penny: Thanks sweetie! We r going to the CN tower tomorrow
Sheldon: You should like that. I went when I was there as well.
Penny: Skype later when the guys go to the bar they always do?
Sheldon: I look forward to it.
XXXXX
Sheldon sat at his computer with his pizza. Leonard, Raj and Howard had just left to go to their favourite bar - primarily for Leonard who just needed to “get out for a while” so Raj and Howard tagged along.
Penny’s icon was flashing green to let him know she was online and waiting for him. He clicked and Penny came into sight, flashing him her smile that he now associated was for him.
“Hi Sheldon!” She was dressed in her regular sleepwear of her purple tank top - and he imagined, her Hello Kitty shorts, but he couldn’t see them.
“Hello Penny. I apologize for finishing my dinner, but I didn’t want to keep you waiting.” He put a thumb in his mouth to catch some sauce.
Penny’s eyes widened “Uh - that’s okay. I already ate.” Her belly tightened and she found it difficult to swallow. One callused thumb in his mouth and she felt a shiver all the way down to her toes.
“How is Toronto? I saw on the weather network online that the cold snap seems to be over.”
Penny tried to shake if off. “It’s still a bit damp, but bearable.” She squeezed her eyes shut for an instant, still picturing his thumb, wet and trailing her bottom lip.
“Well you should enjoy your trip to the CN Tower tomorrow - did you know that one of the elevators has a glass floor? So as long as you do not suffer from acrophobia, I suggest taking that one.” Sheldon finished and licked cheese off his fore- and middle fingers.
Penny audibly gasped. Those beautiful long fingers were coming out of his mouth slowly - and oh my god - did she see his tongue twirl on them? She could see in her mind those fingers and tongue on her. She rubbed her thighs together.
“Penny, are you okay?”
“Mmmm mmm” Words were failing her. Sheldon’s eyes narrowed.
“Penny, your face is flushed and-” He looked down, and she knew he knew. “You are showing obvious signs of arousal. Why?”
“It’s your fingers!” She blurted. “You keep putting them in your mouth-” Penny took a sharp intake of breath. “And all I can think is you touching me with them.”
Sheldon paused, a long finger on his chin. “So, to be clear - you find my fingers sexually stimulating?”
Penny closed her eyes and sighed, “Yes.”
“Noted.”
XXXXX
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny,
The weather network site informs me your weather has not improved. I hope you are dressing correctly for the conditions, in boots and a winter jacket. Leonard is behaving curiously. (More than usual) He seems to dislike being ignored, and continues to ask my opinions and actually listen. I have resolved to ignore him more often. Wolowitz and Koothrapali send their regards, they beat us at Halo last night. This is unacceptable, your filming must wrap up as soon as possible, as they have threatened to make t-shirts proclaiming their victorious streak. It does not help that you send me pictures in the middle of the game.
Sheldon Cooper
To: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
From: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
Sheldon,
It's not necessary to sign yourself with your full name. You are the only Sheldon I know. Say Hi to Raj and Howard and tell them I'm going to blow their heads up. Tell Leonard to take you to the comic book store I've got a picture I want to send you. :p
Penny
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny,
I sincerely hope you are joking about the comic book store, but I would like to see the picture nonetheless. I have noticed an increase in the twitching of my fingers when I review the past pictures you have sent me, it's very curious, I am taking notes. My mother says I sound funny, and cautioned me against coitus before marriage again. I informed her that as you are not in the same country as I, coitus is currently impossible at the very least. She responded with a squeal, which I took to mean that she used trickery to find out if I am seeing someone. This is, as you say, a heads up.
Sheldon
To: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
From: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
Sheldon,
I sent you the picture and you didn't respond? Didn't you like it? Does your mother have my mother's phone number? Because I just received a very strange call from her. Leonard emailed me that your voice has dropped an octave since I left, he's taking you to see Stephanie tomorrow to make sure it's not serious, but it's supposed to be a surprise, and I know you hate surprises. Missy phoned too, she sent me a picture of you she took last year. I think I dropped the phone because it's working funny now. Got to go, they are calling me.
Penny
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny
I did not reply to your photo but I think it is safe to say I enjoyed it very much. Which picture did Missy send you? It's not the one she took while making me swear an oath to let her date whomever she chooses is it? The one with one hand over my heart and the other raised to god? She sends it to me every time I caution her on her choice of men. I believe it may be the only picture of me she owns, excepting that paint-balling one, which was taken some years ago. I gave Koothrapali your message and he ran off to the bathroom, it was very satisfying.
Sheldon
XXXXX
Sheldon shifted in bed again. He couldn’t get comfortable. He sighed, and picked up his phone and began to type.
Sheldon: Penny?
Penny: Hi sweetie
Sheldon: Are you awake?
Penny: barely. just out of bath and trying to get warm
Sheldon: Isn’t your hotel warm enough?
Penny: I guess I’m not used to the cold anymore
Penny: I’ve been away from Nebraska too long
Penny: LOL
Penny: Why aren’t you asleep? It must be after 10 there
Sheldon: I have been thinking of you and what I miss
Penny: miss?
Sheldon: I get to see you, hear you and text
Sheldon: But
Penny: But?
Sheldon: When I first dusted and tidied your apartment after you left
Sheldon: I could still smell your scent. Your perfume.
Sheldon: Right now, I can close my eyes and smell your shampoo.
Penny: oh Sheldon honey I know exactly what you mean
Sheldon: You do?
Penny: I do
Penny: 3 more weeks sweetie
Penny: try to sleep
Penny: I’ll try to call u tomorrow
Sheldon: goodnight Penny.
XXXXX
Penny called the next night, just before he had put on his pyjamas that he’d laid out on his bed. Her name flashed on his phone. He sat on the edge of his bed to answer.
“Good evening Penny.”
“Hi Sheldon.”
“How is the filming coming along?”
“Ok. I didn’t have any lines today, but I was in two scenes.”
“While Lifetime movies are more Leonard’s forte than mine, I will look forward to seeing you in it.”
Penny laughed. “Thanks Sweetie. How’s work for you?”
“Raj is less tiresome these days - so well. Do you have a topic for tonight‘s call or shall I pick?”
“I will. My topic tonight is “getting to know Sheldon.”
“You already know me, Penny, for four years I might add.”
“That’s just it! I know the same things about you that Leonard, Raj, and Howard do.”
“I hope you regard me differently than they do.”
“Of course I do Honey. That’s why I want to know you. Part of being in a relationship is not being afraid to show who you truly are.”
Sheldon paused. “Why would I be afraid?”
“I don’t know Sheldon, but you’ve spent years trying not to be too close to anyone - hell I don’t think Leonard really knows you!”
“A valid hypothesis.”
“But I want to. I want you to be able to express your needs and wants to me. Like right now, I am telling you what I need. To understand you - not just the Sheldon Cooper you are to everyone else.”
“You’ve given me much to reflect on until our next communication.”
“I’m glad Sweetie. I should get some rest - I have an early call tomorrow.”
“I hope you have pleasant REM cycles Penny.”
“You too Honey.”
The last thing Sheldon heard before she hung up was her soft laugh.
Chapter Seven
Sheldon’s phone rang as he entered the lecture hall. He took it out to silence it and saw Penny’s name.
“Penny, now is not…”
“Sheldon?” Her voice was thick. “I want to come home.”
Sheldon stared at the phone. He motioned for his TA, a man in a constant state of panic (Lord knows why). The TA approached and Sheldon gave him the handouts and the disc containing the PowerPoint, mouthing that he should begin the lecture.
“Penny? What has happened? Are you alright? You aren’t hurt?”
There was a loud sniff on the other end. Sheldon hoped she would remember to go over it with a antibacterial wipe.
“I shouldn’t have called. I know you’re at work.” Penny’s tears started again. “You’re also no good at emotions but…but…” She began sobbing.
Sheldon paced up and down in the hallway. She was right- this display of hers was making him terribly uncomfortable; it was really more Leonard’s forte. However, he also knew that a relationship with Penny would contain moments like this and he couldn’t keep foisting her off on his roommate. “There, there.’ He soothed. “Sheldon’s here.”
“No you’re not!” Penny cried. “I’m alone, it’s freezing, and the director’s an ass!”
Sheldon chewed on his bottom lip; he tried again. “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty…”
“I’m not sick!” Penny shrieked.
Both of them were silent. Penny twirled a lock of hair and mopped her face. This was crazy. What was she doing calling Sheldon for emotional support? This should end now. Her day couldn’t get any worse.
“Penny?” Sheldon’s voice touched her ear. “I am sorry you are upset. I am even more regretful that I cannot bring you ice cream and let you blow me up in Halo,” She gave a weak smile. “ Nevertheless, “ He cleared his throat. “There have been studies that prove that when one is distressed, talking to someone who feels a deep emotional attachment to the upset individual can be cathartic.”
Penny blew her nose. Did he just tell her he loved her? She wasn’t in the mood to translate Sheldonese right now. All she knew was he was willing to listen.
“Penny?”
“Yeah?”
“I want you to know, I’m here for you.”
She began talking.
XXXX
Penny strolled down Queen Street toward the corner of Spadina. Buying the cute skirt at the designer outlet lifted her mood a little. The fun top from the quirky boutique even more but she was still upset. Everyone forgot lines or missed a mark. Why Chris, the director, singled her out an threatened to cut her out of the film was anyone’s guess.
Sheldon had tried. He really had. He even suggested the director was experiencing intestinal distress which could contribute to his ill humor. Not exactly comforting but at least he hadn’t told her to call Leonard.
She turned the corner and pulled up short. All she needed to hear was a choir of angels to confirm this was heaven. A shoe store, bigger than she had ever seen, loomed in front of her. Corbo’s. Every designer she ever dreamed about. This would do the trick. And, if she found a little something to reward Sheldon for his efforts today (Shoes. Who knew?), even better.
XXXX
It would be a few days before she’d be able to get on Skype again so she sent Sheldon a picture of one of her purchases.
Just in case he was interested.
XXXX
Sheldon was steering the grocery cart while Leonard picked out oranges when Penny’s picture came through. Upon opening it, he blushed all the way up his entire 6’2 frame. His mouth was dry. No, wait. Watering. Was he drooling? He couldn't possibly be drooling, it was just a pair of shoes, and he'd seen many pairs of shoes in his life. He checked to see if he was drooling anyways.
Not quite.
He opened the image again and stared. Blood pressure: up, heart rate: increased, palms: exuding moisture copiously.
They were boots, ankle high, and black, with a trail of tortoiseshell buttons up the side as fasteners, and he could see just the tiniest flash of red from the sole of the one shoe that was raised to show off the long, slender, outrageously high heel.
He swallowed. His mind, so good at visualising, was doing so now. His hands, sliding up he sides of the boot, his fingers, slowly releasing each fastener, stroking the stiletto heel, wrapping around the red sole to gently pull the boot off, the smell of new leather, and something else, vanilla, Penny... She would have the other boot, resting on his thigh as he kneeled before her, the spike leaving an imprint on his pants and his memory.
He rubbed his hand over his eyes and ran it down his face, taking a deep breath.
"You ok Sheldon?" Leonard asked, turning when he noticed nobody was lecturing him.
Sheldon ignored him and turned slightly, his thumbs flying over the keys of his phone.
Sheldon: why did you send me that?
Penny: my new shoes, do u like them?
Sheldon: Yes
Penny: And?
Sheldon: I'm in th grocery store
Penny: Did you just make a spelling error?
Sheldon: thumbs slipped.
Penny: I'm thinking of buying another pair.
He swallowed roughly. Oh dear lord. How to distract her.
Sheldon: nice skirt, is it historically accurate?
Penny: It scratches.
Sheldon: Have the seamstress line it with silk. I will call you when I am at home.
Penny: k will do. Thx
He put the phone back in his pocket. There. Now he could calmly walk without stumbling into things thinking about those shoes. He paused. Now he just had to think about the silk rubbing against her thighs.
His eyes widened. "Drat.”
XXXX
Penny stared at her phone until it rang.
“Hi Moonpie.” The smile was evident in her voice. As evident as Sheldon’s world -weary sigh.
“Hello Penny.”
“Did you have a good laundry session?”
“It was uneventful, “ She heard him place the basket down. “Unlike the ones where you are present and inevitably, a red sock ends up in my white load or the towels are washed at the wrong temperature or the line dry only items are sent straight into Dryer 4 which could really double as a pizza oven.”
“So, you’re saying you miss me. Again.” She practically “squeed” herself off the bed.
“The evidence would indicate such.”
“I love it when you get all Romeo on me.” She sipped her Diet Coke and clicked on the TV.
Sheldon took the phone away from his ear and shook his head, “Penny, I haven’t said one thing in iambic pentameter though Shakespeare did use it since it mimics the cadence of natural speech.”
What is he talking about? “Sheldon, Sweetie, that’s great but I was being sarcastic.”
“Drat. Since you’ve been gone, I am 0 for 6. Leonard is having a field day with me.” Penny almost snorted Coke out her nose. She listened as Sheldon opened and closed drawers, gathering her courage to ask her next question.
“Sheldon, what happens when I come home?”
“Laundry.”
“Seriously? I’ve been gone nearly six weeks and when I come home, you are going to want to wash clothes?"
“No, Penny. You should want to wash clothes.” His closet door clicked shut. “You’ll come home, suffer jet lag unless you follow the sleep plan I emailed you , hopefully garner a few more film roles or TV spots…”
“Sheldon!” Penny shouted. Coke spilled onto the bedspread. “Shit.” She hissed.
“What’s going on?” Sheldon was perplexed.
“I spilled some Coke. I wasn’t asking what I was literally going to do.” Penny took a deep breath. “I was asking about us.”
She waited. Sheldon was silent on the other end but she had learned that wasn’t a bad sign with him. He was simply processing and formulating a response.
“Well,” His words were hesitant. “I was under the impression that you and I were in a relationship and that it would continue to develop when you retuned. Have I misjudged? All the evidence- phone calls, texts, emails, moments of emotional support as well as ,” he cleared his throat, “discovering our interests- indicate that you and I have pair-bonded on a highly successful level and should continue this endeavor to its most logical and mutually beneficial conclusion.”
The man never failed to make her stop breathing.
Chapter Eight
Penny knew something was on Sheldon’s mind the moment he sat down. He kept licking his lips and his eye gave a twitch a few times. She had been gone for almost a month. They had these video chats every other night at a minimum. During that time, the conversation had ranged from silly (How does one get treed by a chicken, Sheldon?) to informative (Sheldon, today I learned what the best boy does on the set) to sweet (Penny, there is something wrong with my spot. The couch has felt different since you left). Of course, there was the night with the shoes when he spilled his tea. She still smiled at that. Wait ‘til she told him she had to wear a riding habit and boots.
“What up, Moonpie?”
Sheldon sighed, “Must you irritate me?”
Penny thought for a moment, ”Yes. You seem a bit on edge. Did Leonard rearrange the cereal?”
Sheldon gave a bitter laugh, “Hardly. He can’t reach the top of the refrigerator.” They both smiled. Sheldon leaned toward the screen.
“Penny, you said part of being in a relationship is not being afraid to show who you truly are. To express your needs and wants to another person.”
“That’s right, Honey.”
“Well, you see…I’m alone here and I was wondering…”
Oh God. Where was he going with this? Maybe he was just going to ask her to walk him through killing a spider.
“Would you put on one of your corsets for me.”
To say the request stunned her was unnecessary. The two of them hadn’t kissed, hadn’t held hands yet here he was making a pretty loaded inquiry.
As surprising as Sheldon’s question was, her answer shocked even her. “Of course.”
She walked over to her closet. There were only two there from the set and she wouldn’t be able to lace it. She pulled off her t-shirt and clasped the wine-colored satin around her. Her breasts swelled over the black lace trim at the top. She felt the stays press against her sides. The corset flared at the bottom. Penny stepped out of her white cotton panties and pulled on a pair of black lace. She then slid her feet into a pair of black heels. Her legs were bare.
“Penny?”
“Almost ready, Sweetie.”
“It may interest you to know, “ Sheldon’ voice sounded tinny at this distance from the computer. “That the so called “hourglass” corset did not appear until 1830.”
“Mm.” Penny slicked on nude gloss; she tousled her hair.
“Moreover, a woman was laced into progressively tighter corsets so eventually her age and waist would match.”
Penny strolled over to her laptop.
“Is this what you had in mind?"
Sheldon’s mouth fell open. “Sweet sufferin’ Jesus.” He breathed.
Penny ran her hands over the gathered material, toying with the gold clasp in front. “Was it your intent to get me out of the corset?”
“No…No.” Sheldon stammered then his eyes darkened. “I’d much rather lace you into it.”
Penny suddenly couldn’t breathe and it wasn’t because of the whale bone constricting her.
“That would take some doing.” She kept her voice steady.
“Not really, “ Sheldon mused. “You would grab onto a fixed object- preferably a bed post,” Penny could feel the dampness between her legs, “I would position my self behind you,“ Heart rate made an enormous jump at that. “Take -what appears to be black- laces in my hands, “ He held his hands up to the screen, “ and then, “ His voice dropped, Texas deep. “Yank!”
Sweating. She was actually sweating and he hadn’t technically said anything sexual.
“Then what?” she whispered.
Sheldon traced over her body with his eyes, “ I would have to evaluate if your waist was at a desirable circumference.”
“How would you do that?”
“I would see if I could encircle it with my hands.”
Penny let out a slight groan at the thought of Sheldon’s hands measuring her. She licked her lips.
“What if it wasn’t?” She put her hand to her throat. Sheldon leaned on his arms. His pupils were dark and dilated.
“Then I’d have to pull the laces again. And again. Which would make things…”
“Tighter and tighter” Penny whispered. She could actually see Sheldon’s pulse fluttering in his neck. He bit his lower lip, dragging his teeth over it. Unconsciously , she mimicked his actions.
“It may hurt.” Sheldon tried to sound concerned but failed utterly. Penny raised an eyebrow; she could play this game.
“Oh, I hope so.” Just saying the words made her go from damp to wet. Wet and the man hadn’t even touched her. Couldn’t touch her for another three weeks. Sheldon gave her a lopsided smirk.
‘You don’t know what you are saying.” Sheldon warned. “I assume they keep the lacings loose on the set.”
“They do.” Penny answered. She ran her hand up her leg. Too bad the webcam couldn’t let him see that.
“Another historical inaccuracy in this film.” Sheldon snorted.
“What should my waist be?” Penny looked at him with hooded eyes. Her fingers trailed over her sodden panties.
“Twenty one inches.”
“And you think you have the arm strength to make that happen?” A slow smile came to her face as her fingers found their target. She met Sheldon’s eyes. Two spots of red decorated his cheeks.
“Penny, are you…?
“Never mind what I’m doing. Answer the question , Sweetie. Can you get it that tight?”
“Penny, when you understand the laws of physics, anything is possible.”
The stars flashed behind her closed lids.
Authors: mothermedusa20 , tempestjo and trippy41
Title: The Digital Dating Experimentation
Word Count: 4, 270
Rating: R - Moving up to NC-17
Summary: Penny and Sheldon have a first date. Skype, texts and e-mail follow.
Disclaimer: We do not own.
Chapter Six
Sheldon’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out with a small grin to see a text from Penny.
Penny: Hey Sheldon
Sheldon: Good evening Penny.
Sheldon: Leonard, Raj and Howard say Hi.
Penny: Say Hi back from me
Penny: What are u guys doing?
Sheldon: They are deciding how to spend Anything Can Happen Thursday.
Sheldon: How is Toronto?
Penny: Cold. I miss you guys!
Penny: I made friends with the girls who share my trailer
Sheldon: You are easy to make friends with.
Penny: Thanks sweetie! We r going to the CN tower tomorrow
Sheldon: You should like that. I went when I was there as well.
Penny: Skype later when the guys go to the bar they always do?
Sheldon: I look forward to it.
XXXXX
Sheldon sat at his computer with his pizza. Leonard, Raj and Howard had just left to go to their favourite bar - primarily for Leonard who just needed to “get out for a while” so Raj and Howard tagged along.
Penny’s icon was flashing green to let him know she was online and waiting for him. He clicked and Penny came into sight, flashing him her smile that he now associated was for him.
“Hi Sheldon!” She was dressed in her regular sleepwear of her purple tank top - and he imagined, her Hello Kitty shorts, but he couldn’t see them.
“Hello Penny. I apologize for finishing my dinner, but I didn’t want to keep you waiting.” He put a thumb in his mouth to catch some sauce.
Penny’s eyes widened “Uh - that’s okay. I already ate.” Her belly tightened and she found it difficult to swallow. One callused thumb in his mouth and she felt a shiver all the way down to her toes.
“How is Toronto? I saw on the weather network online that the cold snap seems to be over.”
Penny tried to shake if off. “It’s still a bit damp, but bearable.” She squeezed her eyes shut for an instant, still picturing his thumb, wet and trailing her bottom lip.
“Well you should enjoy your trip to the CN Tower tomorrow - did you know that one of the elevators has a glass floor? So as long as you do not suffer from acrophobia, I suggest taking that one.” Sheldon finished and licked cheese off his fore- and middle fingers.
Penny audibly gasped. Those beautiful long fingers were coming out of his mouth slowly - and oh my god - did she see his tongue twirl on them? She could see in her mind those fingers and tongue on her. She rubbed her thighs together.
“Penny, are you okay?”
“Mmmm mmm” Words were failing her. Sheldon’s eyes narrowed.
“Penny, your face is flushed and-” He looked down, and she knew he knew. “You are showing obvious signs of arousal. Why?”
“It’s your fingers!” She blurted. “You keep putting them in your mouth-” Penny took a sharp intake of breath. “And all I can think is you touching me with them.”
Sheldon paused, a long finger on his chin. “So, to be clear - you find my fingers sexually stimulating?”
Penny closed her eyes and sighed, “Yes.”
“Noted.”
XXXXX
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny,
The weather network site informs me your weather has not improved. I hope you are dressing correctly for the conditions, in boots and a winter jacket. Leonard is behaving curiously. (More than usual) He seems to dislike being ignored, and continues to ask my opinions and actually listen. I have resolved to ignore him more often. Wolowitz and Koothrapali send their regards, they beat us at Halo last night. This is unacceptable, your filming must wrap up as soon as possible, as they have threatened to make t-shirts proclaiming their victorious streak. It does not help that you send me pictures in the middle of the game.
Sheldon Cooper
To: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
From: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
Sheldon,
It's not necessary to sign yourself with your full name. You are the only Sheldon I know. Say Hi to Raj and Howard and tell them I'm going to blow their heads up. Tell Leonard to take you to the comic book store I've got a picture I want to send you. :p
Penny
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny,
I sincerely hope you are joking about the comic book store, but I would like to see the picture nonetheless. I have noticed an increase in the twitching of my fingers when I review the past pictures you have sent me, it's very curious, I am taking notes. My mother says I sound funny, and cautioned me against coitus before marriage again. I informed her that as you are not in the same country as I, coitus is currently impossible at the very least. She responded with a squeal, which I took to mean that she used trickery to find out if I am seeing someone. This is, as you say, a heads up.
Sheldon
To: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
From: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
Sheldon,
I sent you the picture and you didn't respond? Didn't you like it? Does your mother have my mother's phone number? Because I just received a very strange call from her. Leonard emailed me that your voice has dropped an octave since I left, he's taking you to see Stephanie tomorrow to make sure it's not serious, but it's supposed to be a surprise, and I know you hate surprises. Missy phoned too, she sent me a picture of you she took last year. I think I dropped the phone because it's working funny now. Got to go, they are calling me.
Penny
To: Pennyblossoms@hotmail.com
From: DrSheldonLCooper@gmail.com
Dear Penny
I did not reply to your photo but I think it is safe to say I enjoyed it very much. Which picture did Missy send you? It's not the one she took while making me swear an oath to let her date whomever she chooses is it? The one with one hand over my heart and the other raised to god? She sends it to me every time I caution her on her choice of men. I believe it may be the only picture of me she owns, excepting that paint-balling one, which was taken some years ago. I gave Koothrapali your message and he ran off to the bathroom, it was very satisfying.
Sheldon
XXXXX
Sheldon shifted in bed again. He couldn’t get comfortable. He sighed, and picked up his phone and began to type.
Sheldon: Penny?
Penny: Hi sweetie
Sheldon: Are you awake?
Penny: barely. just out of bath and trying to get warm
Sheldon: Isn’t your hotel warm enough?
Penny: I guess I’m not used to the cold anymore
Penny: I’ve been away from Nebraska too long
Penny: LOL
Penny: Why aren’t you asleep? It must be after 10 there
Sheldon: I have been thinking of you and what I miss
Penny: miss?
Sheldon: I get to see you, hear you and text
Sheldon: But
Penny: But?
Sheldon: When I first dusted and tidied your apartment after you left
Sheldon: I could still smell your scent. Your perfume.
Sheldon: Right now, I can close my eyes and smell your shampoo.
Penny: oh Sheldon honey I know exactly what you mean
Sheldon: You do?
Penny: I do
Penny: 3 more weeks sweetie
Penny: try to sleep
Penny: I’ll try to call u tomorrow
Sheldon: goodnight Penny.
XXXXX
Penny called the next night, just before he had put on his pyjamas that he’d laid out on his bed. Her name flashed on his phone. He sat on the edge of his bed to answer.
“Good evening Penny.”
“Hi Sheldon.”
“How is the filming coming along?”
“Ok. I didn’t have any lines today, but I was in two scenes.”
“While Lifetime movies are more Leonard’s forte than mine, I will look forward to seeing you in it.”
Penny laughed. “Thanks Sweetie. How’s work for you?”
“Raj is less tiresome these days - so well. Do you have a topic for tonight‘s call or shall I pick?”
“I will. My topic tonight is “getting to know Sheldon.”
“You already know me, Penny, for four years I might add.”
“That’s just it! I know the same things about you that Leonard, Raj, and Howard do.”
“I hope you regard me differently than they do.”
“Of course I do Honey. That’s why I want to know you. Part of being in a relationship is not being afraid to show who you truly are.”
Sheldon paused. “Why would I be afraid?”
“I don’t know Sheldon, but you’ve spent years trying not to be too close to anyone - hell I don’t think Leonard really knows you!”
“A valid hypothesis.”
“But I want to. I want you to be able to express your needs and wants to me. Like right now, I am telling you what I need. To understand you - not just the Sheldon Cooper you are to everyone else.”
“You’ve given me much to reflect on until our next communication.”
“I’m glad Sweetie. I should get some rest - I have an early call tomorrow.”
“I hope you have pleasant REM cycles Penny.”
“You too Honey.”
The last thing Sheldon heard before she hung up was her soft laugh.
Chapter Seven
Sheldon’s phone rang as he entered the lecture hall. He took it out to silence it and saw Penny’s name.
“Penny, now is not…”
“Sheldon?” Her voice was thick. “I want to come home.”
Sheldon stared at the phone. He motioned for his TA, a man in a constant state of panic (Lord knows why). The TA approached and Sheldon gave him the handouts and the disc containing the PowerPoint, mouthing that he should begin the lecture.
“Penny? What has happened? Are you alright? You aren’t hurt?”
There was a loud sniff on the other end. Sheldon hoped she would remember to go over it with a antibacterial wipe.
“I shouldn’t have called. I know you’re at work.” Penny’s tears started again. “You’re also no good at emotions but…but…” She began sobbing.
Sheldon paced up and down in the hallway. She was right- this display of hers was making him terribly uncomfortable; it was really more Leonard’s forte. However, he also knew that a relationship with Penny would contain moments like this and he couldn’t keep foisting her off on his roommate. “There, there.’ He soothed. “Sheldon’s here.”
“No you’re not!” Penny cried. “I’m alone, it’s freezing, and the director’s an ass!”
Sheldon chewed on his bottom lip; he tried again. “Soft Kitty, Warm Kitty…”
“I’m not sick!” Penny shrieked.
Both of them were silent. Penny twirled a lock of hair and mopped her face. This was crazy. What was she doing calling Sheldon for emotional support? This should end now. Her day couldn’t get any worse.
“Penny?” Sheldon’s voice touched her ear. “I am sorry you are upset. I am even more regretful that I cannot bring you ice cream and let you blow me up in Halo,” She gave a weak smile. “ Nevertheless, “ He cleared his throat. “There have been studies that prove that when one is distressed, talking to someone who feels a deep emotional attachment to the upset individual can be cathartic.”
Penny blew her nose. Did he just tell her he loved her? She wasn’t in the mood to translate Sheldonese right now. All she knew was he was willing to listen.
“Penny?”
“Yeah?”
“I want you to know, I’m here for you.”
She began talking.
XXXX
Penny strolled down Queen Street toward the corner of Spadina. Buying the cute skirt at the designer outlet lifted her mood a little. The fun top from the quirky boutique even more but she was still upset. Everyone forgot lines or missed a mark. Why Chris, the director, singled her out an threatened to cut her out of the film was anyone’s guess.
Sheldon had tried. He really had. He even suggested the director was experiencing intestinal distress which could contribute to his ill humor. Not exactly comforting but at least he hadn’t told her to call Leonard.
She turned the corner and pulled up short. All she needed to hear was a choir of angels to confirm this was heaven. A shoe store, bigger than she had ever seen, loomed in front of her. Corbo’s. Every designer she ever dreamed about. This would do the trick. And, if she found a little something to reward Sheldon for his efforts today (Shoes. Who knew?), even better.
XXXX
It would be a few days before she’d be able to get on Skype again so she sent Sheldon a picture of one of her purchases.
Just in case he was interested.
XXXX
Sheldon was steering the grocery cart while Leonard picked out oranges when Penny’s picture came through. Upon opening it, he blushed all the way up his entire 6’2 frame. His mouth was dry. No, wait. Watering. Was he drooling? He couldn't possibly be drooling, it was just a pair of shoes, and he'd seen many pairs of shoes in his life. He checked to see if he was drooling anyways.
Not quite.
He opened the image again and stared. Blood pressure: up, heart rate: increased, palms: exuding moisture copiously.
They were boots, ankle high, and black, with a trail of tortoiseshell buttons up the side as fasteners, and he could see just the tiniest flash of red from the sole of the one shoe that was raised to show off the long, slender, outrageously high heel.
He swallowed. His mind, so good at visualising, was doing so now. His hands, sliding up he sides of the boot, his fingers, slowly releasing each fastener, stroking the stiletto heel, wrapping around the red sole to gently pull the boot off, the smell of new leather, and something else, vanilla, Penny... She would have the other boot, resting on his thigh as he kneeled before her, the spike leaving an imprint on his pants and his memory.
He rubbed his hand over his eyes and ran it down his face, taking a deep breath.
"You ok Sheldon?" Leonard asked, turning when he noticed nobody was lecturing him.
Sheldon ignored him and turned slightly, his thumbs flying over the keys of his phone.
Sheldon: why did you send me that?
Penny: my new shoes, do u like them?
Sheldon: Yes
Penny: And?
Sheldon: I'm in th grocery store
Penny: Did you just make a spelling error?
Sheldon: thumbs slipped.
Penny: I'm thinking of buying another pair.
He swallowed roughly. Oh dear lord. How to distract her.
Sheldon: nice skirt, is it historically accurate?
Penny: It scratches.
Sheldon: Have the seamstress line it with silk. I will call you when I am at home.
Penny: k will do. Thx
He put the phone back in his pocket. There. Now he could calmly walk without stumbling into things thinking about those shoes. He paused. Now he just had to think about the silk rubbing against her thighs.
His eyes widened. "Drat.”
XXXX
Penny stared at her phone until it rang.
“Hi Moonpie.” The smile was evident in her voice. As evident as Sheldon’s world -weary sigh.
“Hello Penny.”
“Did you have a good laundry session?”
“It was uneventful, “ She heard him place the basket down. “Unlike the ones where you are present and inevitably, a red sock ends up in my white load or the towels are washed at the wrong temperature or the line dry only items are sent straight into Dryer 4 which could really double as a pizza oven.”
“So, you’re saying you miss me. Again.” She practically “squeed” herself off the bed.
“The evidence would indicate such.”
“I love it when you get all Romeo on me.” She sipped her Diet Coke and clicked on the TV.
Sheldon took the phone away from his ear and shook his head, “Penny, I haven’t said one thing in iambic pentameter though Shakespeare did use it since it mimics the cadence of natural speech.”
What is he talking about? “Sheldon, Sweetie, that’s great but I was being sarcastic.”
“Drat. Since you’ve been gone, I am 0 for 6. Leonard is having a field day with me.” Penny almost snorted Coke out her nose. She listened as Sheldon opened and closed drawers, gathering her courage to ask her next question.
“Sheldon, what happens when I come home?”
“Laundry.”
“Seriously? I’ve been gone nearly six weeks and when I come home, you are going to want to wash clothes?"
“No, Penny. You should want to wash clothes.” His closet door clicked shut. “You’ll come home, suffer jet lag unless you follow the sleep plan I emailed you , hopefully garner a few more film roles or TV spots…”
“Sheldon!” Penny shouted. Coke spilled onto the bedspread. “Shit.” She hissed.
“What’s going on?” Sheldon was perplexed.
“I spilled some Coke. I wasn’t asking what I was literally going to do.” Penny took a deep breath. “I was asking about us.”
She waited. Sheldon was silent on the other end but she had learned that wasn’t a bad sign with him. He was simply processing and formulating a response.
“Well,” His words were hesitant. “I was under the impression that you and I were in a relationship and that it would continue to develop when you retuned. Have I misjudged? All the evidence- phone calls, texts, emails, moments of emotional support as well as ,” he cleared his throat, “discovering our interests- indicate that you and I have pair-bonded on a highly successful level and should continue this endeavor to its most logical and mutually beneficial conclusion.”
The man never failed to make her stop breathing.
Chapter Eight
Penny knew something was on Sheldon’s mind the moment he sat down. He kept licking his lips and his eye gave a twitch a few times. She had been gone for almost a month. They had these video chats every other night at a minimum. During that time, the conversation had ranged from silly (How does one get treed by a chicken, Sheldon?) to informative (Sheldon, today I learned what the best boy does on the set) to sweet (Penny, there is something wrong with my spot. The couch has felt different since you left). Of course, there was the night with the shoes when he spilled his tea. She still smiled at that. Wait ‘til she told him she had to wear a riding habit and boots.
“What up, Moonpie?”
Sheldon sighed, “Must you irritate me?”
Penny thought for a moment, ”Yes. You seem a bit on edge. Did Leonard rearrange the cereal?”
Sheldon gave a bitter laugh, “Hardly. He can’t reach the top of the refrigerator.” They both smiled. Sheldon leaned toward the screen.
“Penny, you said part of being in a relationship is not being afraid to show who you truly are. To express your needs and wants to another person.”
“That’s right, Honey.”
“Well, you see…I’m alone here and I was wondering…”
Oh God. Where was he going with this? Maybe he was just going to ask her to walk him through killing a spider.
“Would you put on one of your corsets for me.”
To say the request stunned her was unnecessary. The two of them hadn’t kissed, hadn’t held hands yet here he was making a pretty loaded inquiry.
As surprising as Sheldon’s question was, her answer shocked even her. “Of course.”
She walked over to her closet. There were only two there from the set and she wouldn’t be able to lace it. She pulled off her t-shirt and clasped the wine-colored satin around her. Her breasts swelled over the black lace trim at the top. She felt the stays press against her sides. The corset flared at the bottom. Penny stepped out of her white cotton panties and pulled on a pair of black lace. She then slid her feet into a pair of black heels. Her legs were bare.
“Penny?”
“Almost ready, Sweetie.”
“It may interest you to know, “ Sheldon’ voice sounded tinny at this distance from the computer. “That the so called “hourglass” corset did not appear until 1830.”
“Mm.” Penny slicked on nude gloss; she tousled her hair.
“Moreover, a woman was laced into progressively tighter corsets so eventually her age and waist would match.”
Penny strolled over to her laptop.
“Is this what you had in mind?"
Sheldon’s mouth fell open. “Sweet sufferin’ Jesus.” He breathed.
Penny ran her hands over the gathered material, toying with the gold clasp in front. “Was it your intent to get me out of the corset?”
“No…No.” Sheldon stammered then his eyes darkened. “I’d much rather lace you into it.”
Penny suddenly couldn’t breathe and it wasn’t because of the whale bone constricting her.
“That would take some doing.” She kept her voice steady.
“Not really, “ Sheldon mused. “You would grab onto a fixed object- preferably a bed post,” Penny could feel the dampness between her legs, “I would position my self behind you,“ Heart rate made an enormous jump at that. “Take -what appears to be black- laces in my hands, “ He held his hands up to the screen, “ and then, “ His voice dropped, Texas deep. “Yank!”
Sweating. She was actually sweating and he hadn’t technically said anything sexual.
“Then what?” she whispered.
Sheldon traced over her body with his eyes, “ I would have to evaluate if your waist was at a desirable circumference.”
“How would you do that?”
“I would see if I could encircle it with my hands.”
Penny let out a slight groan at the thought of Sheldon’s hands measuring her. She licked her lips.
“What if it wasn’t?” She put her hand to her throat. Sheldon leaned on his arms. His pupils were dark and dilated.
“Then I’d have to pull the laces again. And again. Which would make things…”
“Tighter and tighter” Penny whispered. She could actually see Sheldon’s pulse fluttering in his neck. He bit his lower lip, dragging his teeth over it. Unconsciously , she mimicked his actions.
“It may hurt.” Sheldon tried to sound concerned but failed utterly. Penny raised an eyebrow; she could play this game.
“Oh, I hope so.” Just saying the words made her go from damp to wet. Wet and the man hadn’t even touched her. Couldn’t touch her for another three weeks. Sheldon gave her a lopsided smirk.
‘You don’t know what you are saying.” Sheldon warned. “I assume they keep the lacings loose on the set.”
“They do.” Penny answered. She ran her hand up her leg. Too bad the webcam couldn’t let him see that.
“Another historical inaccuracy in this film.” Sheldon snorted.
“What should my waist be?” Penny looked at him with hooded eyes. Her fingers trailed over her sodden panties.
“Twenty one inches.”
“And you think you have the arm strength to make that happen?” A slow smile came to her face as her fingers found their target. She met Sheldon’s eyes. Two spots of red decorated his cheeks.
“Penny, are you…?
“Never mind what I’m doing. Answer the question , Sweetie. Can you get it that tight?”
“Penny, when you understand the laws of physics, anything is possible.”
The stars flashed behind her closed lids.