Apartment 4B late evening Saturday night

Penny walked through the door into her apartment in her black coat over her very short black dress.  She was surprised to see Leonard sitting on her couch.  She started to speak when she noticed he was asleep. Penny dropped her keys and small clutch purse on the table by the door.  She kicked off the very high black heels then leaned down and picked them up.

“I love these shoes but boy can they get to you after three or four hours.”

She set them on the coffee table then sat down next to Leonard who still had on his clothes from earlier.  Penny just stared at Leonard for several moments, a smile spreading slowly across her face. She leaned over and kissed Leonard softly on the cheek.

Leonard stirred and opened his eyes, “Hi, sorry I must have dozed off.”

Penny leaned back but her hand stayed on his shoulder, “What are you doing here trying to double dip tonight, play your board game and have sex with your girlfriend?”

Leonard snickered, “I came over and hung our stockings on the fireplace, see?”

He pointed toward the cardboard fireplace.  His stocking which Penny had given him on their first Christmas was next to her old stocking she’d had when she was a child.   Penny looked over her smile wide again.  When she looked back at Leonard she had put on a more stern face.

“Still not getting into this little black dress, you.”

Leonard grinned and looked sideways at her checking out the short dress and her long legs.

“I just needed to decompress from the game.”

Penny had a soft smile on now, “Didn’t it go well?”

Leonard shook his head, “Well everything was going great until Sheldon fed Santa to the ogres?”

Penny looked puzzled, “He what?”

Leonard pushed his glasses up his nose, “I wrote up a really good dungeon with a Christmas theme for the guys.  Though Raj died right away the rest of them made it all the way through.  It was pretty cool.  I made them figure out and sing a Christmas carol.  Sheldon even had eggnog then I got them all to play jingle bells on the hand bells.”

Penny looked puzzled again, “Okay sound pretty festive in a nerdy sort of way, what happened?”

Leonard rolled his eyes, “Sheldon, The point of the adventure was to rescue Santa Claus who had been kidnapped by ogres and therefore saving Christmas.  They got to the final room and Sheldon paralyzed the other guys, threw the key to Santa’s chains in a chasm.  Then he kicked him in the gut and left him to be eaten by ogres.”

Penny face went to shocked, “Wow, that’s pretty cold, even if it was only a silly game.”

Leonard nodded slowly frowning, “Then he explained why he hated Santa.   When Sheldon was little he told a mall Santa that for Christmas he wanted him to bring back his Grandfather who had died that year.”

“Oh, that’s so sad.  No wonder Sheldon doesn’t like Christmas.”

Leonard agreed, “Yeah but you think he’d get over it after he found out Santa was made up?”

Penny leaned over and pulled Leonard into a hug, “I still believe in Santa Leonard.  It’s the being good all year I’ve always had the problem with.”

Leonard chuckled, “Yeah I think he only brings gifts to people that have been in a coma all year.”

Penny ran her hand up his chest and kissed him, “You are a funny man.  I changed my mind I guess I’ll let you double dip and get me out of this little black dress, but just this once.”

Leonard looked surprised, “Really that will be a first, the dungeon master actually having sex after a game.”

Penny snickered, “Just leave your dice here.”

She pulled him up and led him toward her bedroom.

Double Dipping Chapter 2 Missing Shirt Fascination

Penny’s Bedroom later that evening

The little black dress lay on the floor where Penny had slipped it off for Leonard.  On top of it lay her very small black g string and black lace bra.  He was lying bare chested in the bed with Penny’s comforter pulled up to his waist.  Penny could be heard washing in the sink in the bathroom the door open.   Leonard looked around for his socks then realized they were still on his feet.  He leaned over the side of the bed and retrieved the orange t-shirt with a white design he’d been wearing earlier then slipped it on.

Penny came out of the bathroom her face clean of makeup and hair back in a loose pony tail.  She had on Leonard’s white Paradox molecule T-Shirt and pink short pajama bottoms.

Leonard looked at her surprised, “Hey that’s my shirt I was just wearing that on Thursday.”

Penny got that oh crap look on her face, “Okay you caught me, I took your shirt on Thursday night I was planning on wearing it to bed tonight because you wouldn’t be here.  I would have snuck it back into your laundry on Sunday.”

Leonard got a puzzled look on his face his eyebrows raised he looked at her through his glasses, “Okay, but why?”

Penny seemed very self-conscious for a moment then slid into bed beneath the comforter beside him.  She slid up next to him facing him.

“If you really need to know I miss you sometimes, so if we’re fighting or I know I won’t be sleeping with you I steal one of your shirts to sleep in.”

Leonard smiled softly, “You could take a clean one you know I wouldn’t really notice.”

Penny snuggled into his shoulder, “I tried that it doesn’t work it has to be one you’ve worn.  They’re softer and they smell like you so it’s like you’re here wrapped around me.”

Leonard gulped, “Wow that’s kind of sweet and gross at the same time, you like my sweaty shirts.”

Penny giggled, “I wouldn’t take a really stinky one Leonard just one that smells like you, your deodorant, shampoo and you.”

“You could always just invite me over.”

Penny shook her head, “We’re not ready for every night yet and then there are the times I’m mad at you.”

Leonard lay back looking at the ceiling, “You really do love me.”

Penny just nodded, “Yep, I told you so.  Ever wonder what happened to that black Superman t-shirt you had when we broke up?”

Leonard turned toward her, “Yeah I even asked you about it.”

Penny snuggled more, “I lied, I still have it and wore it when things got real bad.  You know, Priya bad.”

Leonard pulled her even closer, “Are you ever going to give it back?”

Penny kissed his cheek, “Nope it’s my just in case shirt.”

“Just in case of what, you break up with me again?”

Penny ran her hand up and down his chest, “No in case you finally get tired of me and find somebody else.”

Leonard looked disturbed, he sat up on one arm looking in Penny’s face, “Penny I asked you to marry me.  I don’t even consider going out with anyone else.  You should know you’re the love of my life.”

Penny nodded solemnly, “Am I Leonard, how can you be sure.  If someone comes along prettier than me and smarter than me will you still feel that way?”

Leonard looked very determined, “Yes, I’d prove it to you and ask you to marry me again if it wouldn’t make things weird again.”

Penny looked in his face, “No need, I’ll just change my answer to yes will that work?”

Leonard started breathing shallowly.  He reached for the inhaler behind him on the nightstand.  He took two puffs off the inhaler and looked back at her, “ Do you mean that yes you’ll marry me.  I really wanted to ask again in a better setting.”

Penny gave him that beautiful teasing smile of hers, “This seems like a pretty good setting.”

Leonard controlled his breathing, “Alright, Penny will you marry me?”

Penny continued to smile, “Let me think about it.”

Leonard looked utterly deflated.  Penny brought her hand up to his face, “Okay I thought about it, Yes Leonard I’ll marry you but I want us to wait awhile.  We keep it between us for a while and just keep dating for the sake of the children.”

Leonard looked confused, “The children?”

Penny laughed, “Sheldon”

Leonard got a look of understanding on his face, “Oh yeah I see that.”

Penny ran her hand up and down his chest, “Are you going to be able to sleep now?”

Leonard thought about it, “No I really am too excited to sleep.  I kind of want to go up on the roof and yell she said yes.”

Penny sat up and started to peel off his t-shirt, “I guess I’ll just need to relax you again.”

Leonard just smiled and started taking off his shirt as well.

Penny smiled at him again, “Sweetie take your socks off this time okay.”

Leonard blushed

Just a little bit more to keep my hand in, the first two chapters of the new book are on the blog its called The Golden Ring Thread,  SOK

Chapter 3 The Geiger Reoccurrence

(So no new episode until Jan. 3 let’s fill in the blank)

Leonard awoke before Penny the next morning he rolled up on his left arm her right hand still resting on his chest.  She had put his stolen white paradox t-shirt back on afterward to sleep in last night.  Leonard had pulled back on his socks but not his shirt.  Leonard watched Penny sleep for a few moments.  He probably would have continued to but as he reached for his glasses off the night stand her eyes fluttered open.

“Leonard what time is it?”

Leonard picked up his phone off the nightstand and put it back down, “It’s 9:45 we slept kind of late.”

Penny sighed then snuggled into Leonard, “Late if you’re a drill sergeant maybe, it’s Sunday we have the whole day.”

Leonard lay all the way back down with his arm around her shoulder, her head resting on his chest.

“I still can’t believe you said yes.”

Penny smiled, “Well you did things in the right order this time, had sex, asked then had sex again.  If you do the steps in the right order things work out better.”

Penny giggled for second then ran her hand up his chest.

“Leonard can we do something different for New Year’s this year, maybe go somewhere there’s no costume party.  We already did that at Halloween.”

Leonard stared at the ceiling, “I’m sure Sheldon is looking for another trophy.  Let’s see we have Christmas Eve with the gang, Christmas morning drinking lactose free cocoa in front of our corrugated fireplace.”

Penny smirked, “Let’s go with Baileys and coffee.”

Leonard nodded, “Okay, there’s always the big faculty New Year’s Eve party at the university.  Maybe we can get everyone to go to that.”

Penny rolled her eyes, “Great a long evening with a bunch of scientists is there a lecture too.”

Leonard chuckled, “Actually it usually gets pretty wild I’ve heard.  They have a band and dancing.  A lot of the donors show up.  Last year I hear the campus police had to be called twice.”

Penny looked surprised and looked up toward Leonard, “Really”

Leonard just nodded again, “You get a lot of really tightly wrapped people and their spouses at an open bar for six hours and things tend to get pretty rowdy.”

Penny smiled, “Okay I’m in.  I still remember Sheldon mooned the people at the awards dinner last time, could be a hoot.  So what should we do today?”

“I don’t know about you but I’m starting an anonymous blog called She Said Yes”

“There is just going to be no living with you for a while is there?”

Leonard took his glasses off then snuggled down so they were face to face, “You could always make me relax again”

Penny’s face got serious, “Take your socks off.”

New Year’s Eve

Leonard in his best jacket and shirt watched as Penny walked off the dance floor.  Behind her on the dance floor Dr. Gablehouser had a large grin on his face.  Penny had on a short red dress with sequins that sparkled as she walked back to the table.  She had red matching high heels that she took off when she danced with Leonard.  Penny sat at the table next to Leonard.

“Okay I took one for the team and danced with your department chair.  He seems nice.”

“Yeah he’s a nice guy, you look beautiful Penny of course you always do.”

Penny blushed, “Okay Leonard that’s the fourth time you’ve told me tonight.  I get it.”

Bernadette in a black strapless dress was sitting beside Leonard and smiled, “You do look wonderful Penny.”

Amy in a green evening gown on the other side of Bernadette agreed, “Fabulous is more like it.”

Penny continued to blush then looked up as she heard her name.

“Penny is that you?”

Penny turned to see a tall woman in a short blue dress and black heels walk toward her.  She had long curled blonde hair and large bright blue eyes.  Behind her was a tall man with black hair in a dark blue suit, white shirt and red tie.

The look of recognition came onto Penny’s face then a mild shock, “Kathy Geiger?  Wow it’s been forever what are you doing at Caltech?”

Kathy Geiger had a rather large mischievous smile upon her face, “My husband Hank and I are teaching here this year we’re on loan from Nebraska’s department of advanced mathematics.  You remember Hank don’t you?  Oh maybe not he had his eyes corrected with laser surgery.  So he’s no longer four eyed stank as you used to call him.”

Penny was really looking uncomfortable now.  Kathy Geiger’s smile didn’t change but her tone became mocking, “So what are you doing here, are you the escort of one of these gentlemen.”

Kathy motioned toward the table.  Penny looked really shocked.  Amy leaned over to Bernadette, “Did she just call Penny an escort?”

Bernadette nodded and leaned toward Amy, “I think so.  Remember Penny telling us about the girl they tied up and left all night in a cornfield.”

Amy’s eyes got big, “With the corncob in her mouth?”

Bernadette just nodded.

Penny turned and wrapped her arm through Leonard’s, “I’m here with my fiancé Leonard.  Dr. Leonard Hofstadter, he’s and experimental physicist.”

Around the table the entire gang looked shocked.  Amy mouthed the words “fiancé” to Bernadette.

Leonard leaned over to Penny’s ear as he extended his hand to Kathy and Hank, “I thought we were keeping this to ourselves for a while?”

Penny said through a clenched smile, “Things change”

Leonard shook hands with Kathy then Hank, “Nice to meet you guys.”

Kathy continued to smile, “Penny come on up to the bar Hank and I would like to buy you a drink.”

Sheldon looked over at them, “It’s an open bar you could get her a drink but the university is paying the bar tab.”

Penny stood, “I think they just want to have a chat Sheldon.”

Penny stood and followed then toward the bar.

Amy was looking over at Leonard, “Fiancé Leonard, when were you two planning on telling us?”

Leonard looked confused, “We weren’t not until later I just asked her again right before Christmas.  Who is Kathy and Hank?”

Bernadette looked over at Amy questioningly.  Amy shrugged, “Well Penny and some of her friends once tied up Kathy and…”

When the story ended Leonard looked appalled, “My Penny was a bully?”

Bernadette did her best Penny impression, “Little bit, yeah”

Leonard looked around for Penny.  She wasn’t at the bar. Then he saw a small flash of red was going out the door.  Leonard jumped to his feet.

“Come on you guys Penny’s in trouble.”

The entire gang followed.

Parking lot at Caltech

Kathy was wrapping the rope around Penny who had a napkin shoved in her mouth and the light pole she was standing in front of as Hank held her shoulders.  Leonard leading the entire gang came running up to a sudden stop.

Leonard was irate, “Stop that! Stop that right now!  This is not high school.  We all got picked on in high school and even college.”

Hank let go of Penny’s shoulders and stepped toward Leonard.  Amy and Bernadette both stepped toward Kathy who dropped the rope and stepped back.

Leonard looked up at Hank who of course was several inches taller than himself, “You’re a math nerd do the math.  Six against two how do you think this nerd rumble will end?”

Hank backed up and took Kathy’s hand.  They turned and started walking away from the parking lot.

Sheldon piped up, “Just keep walking Cornhuskers”

Everyone stared at Sheldon for a moment except Leonard who went to Penny.  He removed the napkin from her mouth and started to untie the rope holding her to the pole.

“Are you alright?  Should we call the campus police?”

Penny’s arms went around Leonard’s neck and she pulled him into a hug, “No it’s okay I probably deserved it.”

She pulled back from Leonard looking into his face, “Leonard sweetie you’re my hero I never told you that before but this isn’t the first time.  I love you sweetie”

Penny kissed him and Leonard held her tight for a few moments.

Howard looked pleasantly happy, “Well that ended well let’s get back to the party.”

They turned back toward the party walking as couples Raj next to Howard and Bernadette.

Leonard’s arm was around Penny’s back.  She in her high heels four inches taller than him had her arm around his shoulder.

“Well that’s the first time logic ever won a fight for me.  You know when we get back to the table the questions from Sheldon will start.”

Penny stopped kicked off her heels and leaned over to pick them up in her right hand, her left arm going around Leonard as they started walking again.

Penny leaned over and kissed Leonard on the cheek, “You’re one tough nerd Leonard.”

Leonard blushed, “Thank You. I always wanted to rescue a damsel in distress.”

“Just as long as it’s this damsel feel free.”

Okay that gets us to New Year’s, hope you all had a gala time, SOK

In Focus

Leonard’s Bedroom

Penny snuggled into the left side of Leonard’s chest her hand reached up and took off her “Sexy Scientist Glasses”.  She handed them to Leonard.

“Put these on the night stand please sweetie”

Leonard took her glasses and set them on the night stand to his right retrieving his own and putting them back on his face.

Penny’s head disappeared below the covers then her arm appeared holding first one boot then the other dropping them on the floor.  Her head reappeared and she cuddled back into Leonard’s chest.

“Umm much more comfortable, that was amazing by the way.”

Leonard got that goofy little smile on his face, “I was inspired by my beautiful girlfriend to new heights.”

Penny smiled even though she knew he couldn’t see her face.  He would have been amazed at the smile.  It radiated happiness and fulfillment, a closeness achieved only a few times before.  The insecurity was gone she was comfortable and happy.

Penny leaned away and propped her head up on her hand so she could see Leonard’s face.  He turned and stared at her green eyes.  They were very soft right now.  Leonard thought Penny’s bedroom eyes.

“You know Leonard this was a real first tonight.”

Leonard got a puzzled but happy look on his face, “You’re not going to tell me you’ve been faking it all the other times are you? “

Penny giggled, “No, but we have kind of got back to where we used to be in bed.  It’s something else.  This is the first time you’ve ever drug me off to the bedroom to have sex.  I almost always have to initiate things.  Though a lot of the time we both know its time, you kind of took the reins tonight.  I liked it.”

Leonard sat back and stared at the ceiling for a moment.  Penny finally reached over and ran her hand down his chest.

Leonard tuned back to her, “I guess your right it’s really the first time I’ve taken the lead in the bedroom.  What do you suppose that means?”

Penny shook her head softly, “Don’t over think it Leonard, but it means were a lot more connected this time than we were before.  I have a hard time saying it but we’re in a real relationship now.  We both know it and it’s special were not just dating anymore.”

Leonard looked awestruck by what she had just said.  The smile came slowly to his face but got wider each second.

“My first real relationship.  I hope it’s my last relationship, aw not that it’s the last one I ever have but that it lasts forever because it’s with you.  I mean”

Penny moved her hand to his mouth, “I know what you meant Leonard, me too.  I want this to last and grow and get even better.  A few months ago I didn’t even know where we were at and know we’re here.  I thought I’d be panicking and scared but I’m not.”

Leonard nodded, “So what do we call this new phase of our relationship, if were not dating?”

Penny furled her eyebrows for a moment then hesitated, “I guess we just call it love”

It’s short but really only one scene, hoped you liked it.

SOK

The Great Escape

Apartment 4A

Penny finished placing the last comic book back in its plastic sleeve then handed it to Leonard beside her on the couch.  Leonard slid the comic back into the box full of comics on the coffee table.  He turned toward the hallway.

“Okay Sheldon they are all put back in their sleeves and back in the container.”

Penny was still dressed in the outfit she had been in when Leonard had gotten home.  He had changed into his jeans and a light blue t-shirt with a dark blue and black stripe running across it.  Sheldon came down the hallway in his grey checkered pajamas and robe.  He gave them both a withering look.

“Are they in the proper order, alphabetical by character, genre, publisher and publishing date?”

Penny rolled her eyes and started shaking her head.  Leonard looked up through his glasses raising his chin, “Of course”

Sheldon walked up to the table and picked up the box, “I’ll check them later.  It’s been an exhausting day I’m going to bed.”

Sheldon turned and headed back up the hallway.  As he turned the corner Leonard quickly grabbed Penny’s hand and hurriedly pulled her toward the door.

Penny looked at him and the panicked look on his face, “You didn’t put them back in order did you.”

Leonard got her to the door then opened it, “Of course not.  Who can figure out what crazy order Sheldon would want them in.  We have to make a break for it.”

He pulled Penny through the door as he heard Sheldon yell “Leonard, these are not in the right order.  How am I expected to sleep if my comic books are in a mish mash condition?”

Leonard quickly pulled her to the stairs.  Penny looked confused, “Where are we going?”

“We can’t go to your apartment it’s the first place he’ll look.  Come on we’re going out for a while, maybe a very long while.”

Penny protested as she followed him down the stairs, “I don’t have my purse.”

“Do you have your apartment and car keys?”

“Yeah”

“Okay, we’re good to go”

The Westin Hotel lobby bar, Pasadena

Penny sat at the table in the bar sipping on her martini waiting for Leonard to return.  The bar was nice, soft chairs around light wood tables with a tan and maroon color scheme.  The young bartender was watching her closely trying to make eye contact.  Penny frowned and looked away.  Leonard at last came around the corner then sat at the table.  Penny went to all smiles.

“Hey you, I just realized I got you out of the house in jeans and a t-shirt for a drink on a Saturday night.  Go team Penny.”

Penny did a fist pump then laughed.  Leonard sat down then looked over at Penny and smiled, “You’re not half as excited as I am that you like comic books.”

Penny pouted her lips into a small sneer, “Okay I guess you’ve got me there, they are kind of fun to read and discuss.  So what order do you keep your comic books in Leonard?”

Leonard moved his hand across the table and placed it on hers, “I used to keep them in the order I read them.  I always would put the last one I read in the back.  But I’ve decided to keep them in more random order so you can read them.”

Penny smirked then finished off her drink, “So when do you think we can go home?”

Leonard got that little grin on his face, “I thought we might stay here tonight.  Our year anniversary is on the 19^th that’s next week.  We could celebrate it tonight?”

Penny got a funny look on her face.  She didn’t look convinced.  Leonard went on quickly, “They have in room spa treatments.  You could have a massage and a mani-pedi in the morning?”

That did it Penny seemed excited now, “Okay I’m in.”

Leonard seemed pleased with himself, “Great because I already got the room.”

Penny shook her head, “How are you paying for this, your wallet was in the car?”

Leonard held up a credit card, “I just had my debit card and some cash in my wallet.  Now that I’m not going to spend money at comic-con I can spend it on my favorite girl.  The insurance should cover everything else.”

Penny leaned over and kissed him, “That was a better plan all along.”

The Westin Hotel, Room 234

Penny snuggled up into Leonard’s shoulder in the white sheets of the hotel room bed.  Her bare shoulders exposed with her left hand in the middle of Leonard’s bare chest.

Penny smiled into his chest, “You know Leonard that January 19^th is not our anniversary?  That’s just when you asked me out again.  Our anniversary is in four more months.”

Leonard got a puzzled look on his face, his eyebrows knitted together thinking.

“What do you mean our first time together was in September when I came back from Texas?”

Penny sat up on her right hand and looked at him, “Leonard Hofstadter our first date was May 15^th 2008, it was a Thursday.  Weren’t you listening when I told Alex we had been going out for five years?”

Leonard looked concerned, “I remember the word experiment?”

Penny shook her head then snuggled back into his shoulder, “You kissed me, I said the cat’s alive and that was the start of our relationship.”

Leonard smiled now remembering, “You had on that short pink dress, I was sweating like a pig and nervous.  Yeah I remember now.  Penny the cat’s still alive.”

“I love you Leonard”

“I love you Pen”

Knock, knock, knock, “Leonard and Penny”, knock, knock, knock, “Leonard and Penny”, knock, knock, knock, “Leonard and Penny”

Sheldon’s voice came through the door, “You two have some unfinished work to do.”

Penny looked horrified, “How did he find us?”

Leonard thought for a second, “Did you leave your cell phone on?  He tracked you through your cell phone”

Penny got an astounded look on her face, “Crap, how is that possible?”

“He would have had to have help, I’m going to kill Howard.”

The best laid plans can sometimes fail when your roommate is bat crap crazy.  Hope you enjoyed it.

SOK

Being Complete

Apartment 4B

Penny started to get out of bed. Leonard looked to be asleep beside her, the comforter pulled midway up his bare chest.  A look of surprise came upon her face as Leonard’s hand wrapped around her wrist.

Leonard butchered an English accent, “Where are you off to missy?”

Penny turned and looked back at Leonard who was laying there without his glasses.  She smiled a crooked little gin, “I need to wash my face and brush my teeth before we go to sleep.  Watch that, you just sounded like my father.”

Leonard laid his head back on the pillow letting her wrist go, “Really? I was going for more of a Doctor Who thing, I should brush my teeth too but I don’t want to go back across the hall.”

Penny started to get up again, “Well it’s your lucky day.  I bought you a toothbrush and a razor at the store yesterday,”

Leonard got his glasses off the nightstand then slipped them onto his face, “Really, what made you want to do that”

Penny was wrapped in her short pink robe now standing beside the bed.  She had a puzzled look on her face, “I don’t really know why.  I thought about it when I got home.  I was in the store and it hit me that Leonard needs a toothbrush and razor.  So I picked both up and put them in the basket.  It just seemed natural somehow that you needed those things here. Well at least it did when I was there.  When I got home I tried to figure out what it meant.  That’s when I realize I do it all the time now.”

Leonard was pulling on a white t-shirt now, he seemed puzzled, “What do you do all the time?”

Penny walked in the bathroom and turned on the sink.  Leonard sat on the bed in his boxer’s and t-shirt listening as she talked.

“I think about the things you’d like or need when I go shopping.  I buy lactose free cream for our tea.  I look for the crackers you like and get them along with my favorite.  I buy that one red wine you like that doesn’t give you headaches.”

Leonard was grinning, the sounds of Penny washing her face could be heard then she started talking again, “I do the same thing in the mall.  I’ll think wouldn’t Leonard look nice in that jacket or pants.  I wonder if Leonard has that game at the game store or how you’d look in this or that set of glasses.  It’s a good thing I’m broke most of the time.”

Leonard heard Penny start to brush her teeth. She gurgled out several words then he heard her spit.  “Sorry, what I was saying is, I don’t know why it happens but it happens.”

Penny walked out of the bathroom in a pink camisole and white shorts with a little red teddy bear print.  She slid into her side of the bed.

“You can have the bathroom now, would you mind shaving for me.  I like a smooth face to snuggle up to”

Leonard leaned over and kissed her lips, “Sure, did you happen to get shaving cream.”

Penny nodded then Leonard was up moving to the bathroom.  She heard him start to brush his teeth.  A soft smile covered her face.

“You want to know something else?”

She heard Leonard reply with a gurgled yes the toothbrush still in his mouth. Penny’s smile widened.

“Okay, I never sleep on your side of the bed anymore when you’re not here.  It doesn’t feel right for some reason.  I also find myself reaching for you in the night sometimes too.””

“Ouch”

Penny sat up slightly, “What happened?”

Leonard voice came from the bathroom, “I cut myself, nothing major.”

Penny laid back into her pillow, “So then I wonder what it all means and then I get scared.  I stop trying to think about it but it happens all the time.  When I’m at work at the same time you are I wonder what cool experiment you’re working on.  Of course I wonder if that little bitch Alex is sniffing around.”

Leonard came out of the bathroom, a piece of toilet paper stuck to his chin.  He slid into his side of the bed.  Penny moved naturally into his left side, her head tucked into his shoulder.

“No need to worry about that.  Sheldon keeps her super busy these days and ever since the little talk he had with her she keeps her distance.”

She smiled a comfortable smile and snuggled into him, “That’s good to hear, I wouldn’t like to let Amy use the monkeys.”

Leonard scrunched his face up in a confused look down at her, “Monkeys?”

Penny eyes got a little wide, “It’s a girl thing.”

Leonard bought it and laid his head back, “Well I think everything you told me just tells me that you should say yes next time I ask.”

Penny looked confused now, “Ask what?”

Leonard was quiet, the look on Penny’s face changed, she’d got it, “I’d still say no Leonard.  We are in a really good place right now and I think it’s going to get better.  Over time I’m sure we’ll be living together.  Then when I’m ready I’ll say yes or maybe I’ll ask you.”

Leonard was frowning at first but was nodding his head now, “When will you know when we’re ready?”

Penny scrunched up her face as she thought it through, “It’s not a matter of us though we need to work on us some more too.  It’s a matter of me Leonard.  Think about it Leonard, you’re older than me.  You have graduated from college and graduate school.  You have a position at a great university.  You’re really smart and successful.   I need something like that in my life too.  I need successes Leonard.  I need to finish college, or get my acting career off the ground.  I need to feel like I’ve accomplished something before I get married and settle down.  I need to be complete.  I’m still a work in process.”

Leonard sat up slightly looking at her, “You mean work in progress.  I can tell you something though Penny.  I was never complete until I met you.  I’m a work in progress too.  When you’re complete I’ll be complete too. I love you.”

Penny felt herself tearing up, “Does that mean you’ll wait for me until I’m done?”

“Penny I’ll wait forever if we’re together.”

“Good”

The smile that spread across Penny’s face was wide and happy.

Leonard laid back into the pillow.  Penny ran her hand over his chest and plucked the toilet paper from his chin.  She leaned upward and kissed his chin.

“There, all better.  I love you too Leonard, always.”

She ran her palm over Leonard’s cheek, “Smooth, I like it.”

There you have it.  I need a small break from other writing to just do a little Leonard and Penny.  It felt so good.

SOK

Golden Heart, Silver Key

This is one final scene after the end of episode 6.15,

Leonard dressed in jeans, a yellow t-shirt with orange stripes peeking out from his tan khaki jacket and red hoody rounds the corner of the stairwell onto the fourth floor. He stops in front of the door to the apartment digging in his pocket for his key.  The blue door to 4B behind him opens a little at first then all the way open to revel Penny.  She has on her dark purple pants and royal blue top.  Her hair is straight with small barrettes on each side.

Her voice is quiet and sullen, “Hey you, how was work.  Want to come over for a glass of wine, maybe talk things over?”

Leonard looks nervous, his key is now in his hand, “I got a couple of things I need to do.” He stutters out.

Penny steps toward him and places both hands on his right arm and hand that holds the keys, “Come on Leonard, please come talk to me.  I love you and don’t want you to be hurt.”

Leonard looks at her, he weakens then let’s her lead him into her apartment.

Penny drags him to the couch. Two glasses of white wine are on the coffee table. Leonard let’s himself be pulled down onto the couch beside Penny.  They are each on an end.

Leonard lifts his head, “What’s that smell?”

Penny smiles, “I made lasagna. The ricotta cheese is lactose free.”

Leonard smiles now.  Penny reaches over taking his hand, “Leonard like I told you in the hall, I love you.  Notice how I can say that now, no hesitation or worry.  I know you love me too.  Here’s the deal.  When you moved in the other day it was because you were mad at Sheldon.  We didn’t talk about it, it wasn’t about us.  I tried to tell you it was a big step remember.  Then you used logical arguments on me.  That wasn’t fair by the way.  You know I can’t win that argument.  Maybe that’s the point.  We shouldn’t live together because it’s logical.  We should live together when it’s what we both want and when we both want to take that step.”

Leonard looked first angry but it faded as she talked, “Your right, I was mad and being pushy.  It is something I want though.”

Penny smiled then leaned over and placed her head on his shoulder.

“I know and I will too when it feels right.  This time didn’t feel right even though I’m sure it made perfect sense to the scientist just not the waitress.”

Leonard turned and straightened her up, “You mean college student and actress don’t you.”

Penny smiled and hugged him, “Yeah that’s what I should’ve said.”

Leonard held her tightly, “Though it really was fun to watch Sheldon squirm over Amy wanting to move in.”

Penny giggled, “You know I actually think that would have worked out.  I think after a couple of weeks he’d have found that Amy was a better roommate than you.  She’d put up with all his rules and schedules.”

“I’m sure she would be.  She doesn’t want to kill him as often as I do.  But that comes with time”

Penny grimaced, “You may be right, she does have access to severely addicted animals”

Leonard sat back into the corner of the couch.  Penny went with him her head beside his, her left hand on his chest.

Leonard let out a large breath, “I’m glad that’s over, I hate fighting with you. What should we do now?”

Penny raised her eyebrows for a second, “Lasagna’s got another 45 minutes, want to go have make up sex?”

They both almost jumped off the couch toward the bedroom.

A short while later

Leonard and Penny sat across from each other at the table. Penny was in her pink short robe, Leonard in his boxer’s and the t-shirt he’d had on earlier.  They ate slowly looking at each other over their plates.  Penny got up and went to her purse.  She came back to the table, dangling from her hand was a gold heart shaped key ring with a single silver key.

“Here, this is your key to the apartment.”

Leonard took the key ring and key with a perplexed look on his face, “I already have a key.”

Penny smiled, “That was the key I gave you a long time ago for emergencies.  I assume you are still hiding that from Sheldon?  This key is different. It’s for my boyfriend and the person I love.  Just so you know you’re always welcome here with me.”

Leonard smiled softly, “Except when you’re mad at me right?”

Penny smiled and shook her head, “You’re a genius so you’ll know when not to use it.”

Leonard leaned forward suddenly his stomach could be heard rumbling.

Penny looked shocked, “Oh damn”

She leaped up then moved to the kitchen looking in the fridge, “I god I’m sorry Leonard. I used the wrong cheese in the lasagna.  The containers look the same.”

Leonard sat back and held his tummy, “It’ll be okay I didn’t have too much.  It’s going to be a long night though.”

Penny wrinkled her nose, “Yeah for both of us.”

Leonard got up then walked over to her.  She wrapped him in a hug, “I’m sorry sweetie”

Leonard just grinned, “Not as sorry as Sheldon will be, I’ll sleep over there tonight.”

Penny hugged him tighter, “I love you”

A large flatulence is heard.

There you have it one last scene for 6.15, hope you liked it.

SOK

Learning Your Lines

This is a single scene from late in Season 6, enjoy

Apartment 4B early evening

Penny is on the couch in her apartment in blue jeans with a light yellow long sleeve t shirt with small buttons half way up the front.  Her right leg it crossed over the other, her bare foot rocking gently as she reads from the folded over script in her lap.

She reads the line forcefully, “I don’t say he’s a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper… But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person.”

Leonard opens the door as she reads the line again this time softer with sadness to it, “I don’t say he’s a great man. Willy Loman never made a lot of money. His name was never in the paper… But he’s a human being, and a terrible thing is happening to him. So attention must be paid. He’s not to be allowed to fall into his grave like an old dog. Attention, attention must be finally paid to such a person.”

Leonard has stepped through the doorway with it open behind him.  He’s dressed in his red pants and green shirt, the shirts design obscured by his khaki jacket and grey hoody.

“That sounds familiar.”

Penny looks up at him, a slightly annoyed look on her face, “It’s from Death of a Salesman.  My acting class is putting it on and I’m trying out for Linda Loman.  What are you doing here?  I thought it was video game night with the guys?”

Leonard closed the door and moved toward the couch, “It was but Sheldon is being well Sheldon. I needed a break so I thought I’d come check on you.”

Penny seemed even more annoyed, “I really have to learn my lines Leonard.  You should be used to Sheldon’s quirks by now.”

Leonard shakes his head as he sits beside her on the couch, “I used to use the word quirky but I think full blown crazy in more like it. He’s insisting that we play the new Hobbit game on the net but he has to be Bilbo.  I’ve pointed out that we could all be dwarves.  He says that’s fine we can all be dwarves and he’ll be the hobbit.  Raj said okay, but Howard won’t let it go so they are fighting it out.”

Penny nodded her head slowly pursing her lips, “So let me guess you wanted to be Bilbo and just how are they fighting it out?”

Leonard blushed slightly looking down, “Yeah Howard and I both wanted to be.  They are playing classic Ms. Pac-Man to settle it.  It’s only a two player game and they’ll probably play best out of 21,”

Penny picked her script back up, “So instead of spending time with your girlfriend tonight you picked video games and now you’re trying to go back on that?”

Leonard smiled, “Yeah that pretty much covers it, can I help you learn your lines?”

Penny smiles now then turns the script back several pages, “Okay you be Willy”

Leonard moves closer to her so they can both read the script, Penny points to the line.

Leonard reads, “WILLY: I gotta overcome it. I know I gotta overcome it. I’m not dressing to advantage, maybe.”

Penny giggled, “Don’t read the Willy part, that’s the character, again.”

Leonard nodded and read, “I gotta overcome it. I know I gotta overcome it. I’m not dressing to advantage, maybe.”

Penny looked at Leonard and not the script, “Willy, darling, you’re the handsomest man in the world…”

Leonard looked up at her with a grin.  Penny tilted her head slightly, “Next line.”

Leonard looked back down at the script, “Oh, no, Linda.”

Penny continued to look at him her face soft and caring, “To me you are…The handsomest.”

Leonard leaned over and kissed her.  Penny looked at him as their lips parted, “It doesn’t say Willy kisses her.”

Leonard smiled, “But he should have.”

Penny smiled back, “Well you’re not helping.  You have to stick to the script”

The knock on the door made them both look up.  Howard stuck his head in, “Not getting busy are we?  It’s decided Leonard, Sheldon is the hobbit come on let’s get started.”

Leonard started to get up, Penny caught his hand, “You really are to me.”

Leonard leaned down and kissed her one more time then headed for the door, “Dibs on Thorin.”

Penny watches him leave with a small grin on her face. She set down the script before pulling a notebook out from under the couch.

“Let’s see that would go just about here.  Leonard Hoftstader you are handsomest man in the world to me.  You’re kind, gentle, funny and smart and I want to be your wife.”

Penny looked at the notebook for a minute, “I’ll need to finish that and learn those lines soon.”

That’s all, hope you enjoyed it, let me know SOK.

Thanksgiving Recoupling

Ever wish the show went on for just a couple more scenes?  Here ya go.

Penny led the way up the last flight of stairs to the 4^th floor landing.  Sheldon supported between Leonard and Amy following closely behind.  Sheldon was disheveled his tie hanging loosely about his neck.  His eyes were glassy he leaned heavily on Amy and Leonard softly singing Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

Amy shoved him upward on her shoulder, “Quit singing that Sheldon, you had a great time.”

Sheldon got a whimsical smile on his face, “Even the vomiting was fun.”

He laughed in almost a giggle as Penny opened the door to 4A.  Leonard an Amy moved through the door as Penny stepped aside.

Leonard looked over his glasses at her, “We’ll get him into bed then I’ll be back.”

Penny just smiled knowingly as they led Sheldon down the hallway.  A few moments later Leonard was back walking down the hall.  He smiled at Penny as he walked up.  Her arms went around his neck as his hands went to her hips.  They shared a short kiss staying nose to nose a moment.

Amy could be heard from the bedroom, “Sheldon I’m just helping you off with your jacket”

Penny nodded her head back toward the door, “Let’s head to my place.  I’ve had enough of beer busted Sheldon.”

Leonard nodded and followed her out the door.

Apt. 4B

Penny sat back on the couch as Leonard poured them two glasses of red wine at the kitchen island.  He brought them over to the couch sitting his on the table and handing the other glass to Penny.  Leonard sat down on the couch then Penny slid over close to him with her right arm going around his neck snuggling her head into his shoulder.

Leonard was about to speak as Penny spoke, “I know you’re sorry about being such a douche today.”

Leonard was taken aback, “Well, yeah.  I don’t know if I’d have used the word douche.  I think over reacted but.  Okay I acted like a douche.”

A smile crept across Penny’s face, “I would have over reacted much worse than you did if you were the one that was suddenly married.”

Leonard smirked, “I think we’d have had a much larger issue if I had been married to Zack”

Penny slapped his chest lightly with her hand, “You are so not funny.  I’m actually not sure what I ever saw in Zack.”

Leonard leaned back looking at her sideway, “Oh let’s see, tall, good looking, and great hair.  Did I mention tall?”

Penny just snuggled into his shoulder harder, “Well there is that.”

Leonard tilted his head to lay on hers, “I can see why you would like Zack.  He’s a big gentle giant.  The stuff that comes out of his mouth is hilarious though he has no clue.”

Penny’s face grew serious for moment, “After we broke up I think I was looking for someone I wouldn’t get attached to, a guy that wasn’t going to break my heart again.”

Leonard was very thoughtful for a moment, “I always thought I was the one with the broken heart.”

Penny was no longer smiling, “It cut both ways Leonard.  I was lost for a long time.  Then you were with Raj’s sister.  I had a really hard time with it.”

Leonard lifted her chin so she faced him and kissed her softly.  He looked into her eyes with concern on his face, “I never knew that.”

Penny smiled at him, “Well now you do.  How would you feel about having sex with a recently divorced woman?”

Leonard’s smile appeared, “Recently annulled.”

Penny chuckled, “Sounds as if I got fixed or something”

Penny unwound herself and stood extending her hand to Leonard, “Come on then.  By the way that is the one thing I liked about Zack.  He rarely corrected me and when he did he was usually wrong.”

Leonard stood picking up his wine then took her hand, “Oh I can be wrong.”

Penny just nodded as she led him toward her bedroom, “Oh you’ve been wrong plenty, it was the correcting me part I was talking about.  Now shush.”

Apt 4A

Amy got Sheldon under the covers at last.  A surprise look came to her face as Sheldon’s hand reached behind her head and pulled her face close to him.

He was about to kiss her, his lips right next to hers.

Sheldon softly said, “I love you”, and then his head fell back down on the pillow the last words escaping his lips.

“Memaw”

Amy’s face showed her chagrin but then a smile spread on her face.  She leaned down and softly kissed Sheldon on his now unconscious lips,

Amy sat up with a large grin on her face, “Screw that, I’m counting it.”

Hope you all enjoyed this short ending. SOK

Valentine’s Day Massacre

Leonard walked in to Penny’s apartment to find her sitting on the left edge of the couch.  She had a cute yellow top on with her jeans and matching yellow flip flops.  Penny had a rather sad contemplative look on her face as she turned toward him.

She managed a “Hi Leonard”, in a low key sad tone.

Leonard moved to the couch and sat down a concerned look across his face, “What’s got my girl so down in the dumps today?”

Penny looked at him sarcastically, “Really Leonard, I just destroyed another Valentine’s Day and you have to ask me what I’m down about?”

Leonard was about to speak when Penny was suddenly standing up and pacing about the couch in front of him.

Penny’s speech became more strident, “Let’s see our first Valentine’s I got the flu and missed a trip to Europe.  Last year I was a total bitch and made everybody miserable.  This year I’ve poisoned Raj’s dog and spent the evening at the vets.  I don’t even want to talk about Thanksgiving and that nightmare.  Leonard I should just skip holidays especially Valentine’s Day.  It’s just a recipe for disaster.”

She fumed for a few seconds more under her breath then came and sat by Leonard on the couch.

“Really I’m not sure why you put up with me.”

She looked over at Leonard who had a soft toothy grin on his face.

Penny smiled back, “Okay I know why you put up with me.  But will you be like that forever?  Will you love me so much that one day you won’t decide to bag it?”

She continued to look at him with worry on her face now.

Leonard continued to smile, “I promise I will love you and not decide to bag it.”

Penny seemed placated then leaned into Leonard for a hug resting her head on his shoulder.

Leonard spoke softly to her, “In your defense you really couldn’t help getting the flu, though I think I did say something about getting a flu shot that year.”

Penny grimaced as he continued, “Then last year it all ended up pretty well.  We got things where wanted them though you still need to work on your proposal timing.”

Now Penny rolled her eyes but smiled almost laughing.

“Now this year we tried to keep it low key and if it wasn’t for the gas station chocolates we would have had a great day and besides we always have a good Christmas.”

Penny seemed to consider this for a moment then nodded her head in agreement.

She turned toward him, “What about Thanksgiving?”

Leonard grimaced now, “Nope, nope that was a nightmare.  No real upside there except the annulment.”

Penny got a thoughtful look on her face, “Well at least we took care of it before we got married?”

Leonard smiled now.

Penny touched and twirled the heart shaped locket around her neck between her fingers then in a very quiet voice, “Leonard let’s get married.”

Leonard looked stunned for a second.  He didn’t stutter this time, “Okay let’s get married.”

Penny closed her eyes with a tear slipping out and down her cheek, “Well that’s settled then.”

Leonard was almost in tears as he heard Penny’s phone ding on the coffee table in front of her.  She reached for the phone looking at the text message.

“Oh my god, Sheldon kissed Amy and he liked it.”

Leonard raised his head, “Oh yeah, that’s what I came over here to tell you.”

Penny slapped him hard on the arm, “You should have told me right away.”

Leonard looked stunned again, “Well if I’d done that we wouldn’t be engaged right now and beside Sheldon couldn’t decide if kissing Amy was better than a nine fingered banjo player.”

Penny just looked at him in disbelief and confusion.

That’s how I would have liked to see it end, a quiet moment.  SOK.

Driven to Distraction, A new tag scene for The Friendship Turbulence Episode

Penny walked into her living room from the bedroom wrapped in her short pink robe.  Her purple teddy peeked from underneath as she walk over to the kitchen island.  She reached onto the top of the island picking up the key to her new car then stared at it.  A small smile appeared on her face as she pulled her key ring from her purse.  She worked the key slowly onto the ring then held it up by the car key looking at it.  Penny slowly set the keys back on the counter, “What would I do without Leonard?  I’m at the point where I can’t really remember life without him.”  She had almost whispered it but the apartment was so quiet she quickly looked toward the bedroom.

Penny tilted her head from side to side listening, no sound or sign of Leonard having heard.   She opened up the fridge pulling out a half empty bottle of white wine.  Penny poured her glass about half full then moved to the couch sitting on the far cushion nearest the kitchen.

Penny’s Bedroom

Leonard sat up in bed his head resting on his left hand, the elbow pressing solidly into the bed.  He ran has hand over the warm sheet where Penny had been earlier, a smile slid slowly onto his face.  Leonard held very still not wanting to let her know he was awake.  He could feel a tear welling up in his eyes then reached up and wiped it away with his right hand.  He turned his head and listened.

Penny’s words were very soft floating in from the quiet living room.  The conversation she was having was quiet in almost a whisper.

“He didn’t get it for me because he wanted something or even to make me feel better.  Leonard bought me a car because I needed it.  He did know it would make me feel better I guess.  I was so surprised I couldn’t even say anything then he told me I didn’t have to.  Bernadette it was the most perfect moment I can ever remember.  He smiled at me the whole time.”

Leonard heard the pause, he hadn’t realized she was actually on the phone with Bernadette but then he heard more.

“Well call me when you get this message, but no before nine, night.”

Leonard tried to lie back down but it was too late, Penny had moved too quietly for him to hear.

Penny walked into the bedroom and saw him.  Her face suddenly showed embarrassment then she scowled at Leonard.

“Well I suppose you heard that. I thought you were asleep.”

Her scowl was almost an embarrassed smile now.  Leonard’s face was the same smile he’d had earlier when he’d produced the keys to her car.

He tilted his head slightly, “I already knew you appreciated the car but it was still nice to hear.”

Penny put her robe on the chair then slid in next to him across the sheets into his chest.  She kissed him as his right arm went around her lower back.  Penny pulled back then snuggled her head into his shoulder.

Penny eyes were open though Leonard’s had closed,

Her voice was very soft, “It’s not just the car Leonard, but the thought and caring it represents.  I need you to know that I appreciate you.  It was something I’ve always been afraid of but it’s happened.  Leonard I can’t live.  No that’s not it, Leonard I never want to live without you.  I could but I don’t ever want to.”

Leonard never said a word but his eyes opened wide.  Penny waited then smiled wickedly, “Who’s got commitment issues now?”

Another final scene I’ve had liked, hope you enjoyed it, SOK

Casting About

Stairway outside Apt 4A and 4B

Leonard rounded the last flight of stairs onto the 4^th floor landing.  Sheldon was close behind him.  In Leonard’s hands was a bouquet of daffodils.  Instead of heading toward 4A he went to the door to 4B.  Sheldon looked over at him with a rather irritated look.

“Really Leonard, first we have to stop to get Penny some flowers and now you have to deliver them before letting us into the apartment.  This is not the first time she’s came home disappointed from an audition.  She should be used to failure by now.”

Leonard turned from the door to 4B toward his roommate.  There was a look of exasperation on his face.

“You know Sheldon there are days, no make that at least every day, that you really are thoughtless.  Penny had three auditions today.  If none of them worked out she’s going to be pretty down.  So use your own key and let yourself in.”

Sheldon pulled his shoulder bag toward him and started looking in it for his keys.  They were of course in a pocket toward the top where they always were.  He pulled out his key and started to unlock the door as Leonard entered 4B.

Leonard was shocked to see Penny sitting on the couch.  She was still dressed to the nines as she’d gone out this morning for her auditions. A mid length black dress still on her but her heels sitting on the coffee table next to a half empty bottle of white wine.  She had half glass of the wine in her hand.  Leonard could see she hadn’t been crying she was close.  He quickly closed the door behind him then walked toward the couch.  Penny just stared at him and the flowers in his hand.  She gave him a small smile.

“Those for me sweetie, were you going to try to cheer me up for a bad day?”

Leonard swallowed hard then just nodded, “I thought you’d be later and flowers are good to celebrate with as well.”

Penny shook her head, “Nope no need for the other auditions the producer offered me a part on the first audition.”

Leonard advanced taking a seat beside her on the couch.  He smiled and was about to say something but Penny continued to just stare at the flowers then take another sip of wine.  Instead of talking Leonard got serious.

“Well I’d say that’s great but something tells me there’s a problem.”

Penny finished the wine in her glass setting it on the table.   She then reached over and took the flowers.  Penny looked at them and then up at Leonard.

“Some days I forget how really ugly this business can be.  I could have had the part today, it had lines and several scenes but there was a catch.”

Leonard looked over his glasses at her, “Nude scene, sex what?”

Penny smiled for a moment before looking back at the flowers, “Oh I could handle that, besides it was a part on a TV show.  No Leonard it was the price I would have to pay to get the part.  The producer was sleazy.  To get the part all I had to do was sleep with him and his girlfriend.  A little three-way and I’d have the part.”

Leonard’s eyes had grown large.  He shook his head several times, “He can’t ask something like that, that’s, that’s well wrong but it’s got to be illegal. What piece of sh”

Penny reached over and touched his arm, “It’s not the first time I’ve been asked to give to get Leonard.  There are people in this business that really try to take advantage.  I didn’t get upset or blow up at him.  I simply declined and left.  I don’t want the reputation of an actress that actually might have some prissy morality or anything.”

Penny reached over and poured herself another glass of wine.  She brought it to her lips and took a large sip. Then looked back at a speechless Leonard, “It really kind of soured my day so I cancelled the other auditions then I went shopping.”

Leonard struggled for what to say, “I um you must really be mad”

Penny looked like she was thinking about it for a second then smiled, “I was but I’m really just sad that there are people like that guy.  Then I thought that maybe that kind of thing is what it takes to be a star.”

Leonard started to protest but she leaned in suddenly then kissed him. She pulled back and looked into his face.

“If that’s what it takes I think I’ll just be a waitress.”

Leonard smiled softly at her, “You’ll be successful Penny because you’re not like that.  I guess to be a star a lot of things have to line up just right.  But I believe in you, just keep trying.”

Penny moved her hand to his and held it, “I’m going to, but people like him make me wonder if it’s worth it.  I mean this wasn’t some little show on cable Leonard.  This was a network show.  This guy must have that reputation.  I’m beginning to wonder why my agent sent me.  She’s pissed at me as well for cancelling the other auditions.  The next audition was for a part on a commercial for tampons I just couldn’t get out of being angry.  So I bagged it.”

Leonard was starting to get angry himself pulling at the collar of his green recycle shirt and twisting his neck.  He continued to hold her hand with his left hand.

Penny watched him, “It’s alright sweetie nothing you need to get upset about.  This is not the first time I’ve been offered a part for sex. I can handle it.”

Leonard looked shocked, “Have you ever made the trade?”

Penny looked aghast for a second, “You know me better than that and of course I’m always sober at auditions.  No I’ve been tempted to once or twice but the guys and yes women who have suggested it were always creepy, especially after suggesting it.”

Leonard seemed to relax a bit, “Isn’t there anything you could do about it?”

Penny took another sip of wine, “It is what it is Leonard.  If I knew someone high up in the business I could let them know and the word would get around.”

The three knocks at the door startled them.  It was followed by, “Penny”, then three more knocks.  They waited until Sheldon was done knocking then Leonard got up and moved to the door.  He opened the door wide.

“What is it Sheldon?”

Sheldon was standing in the door with a cup in one hand and a note in the other.

He walked in and took Leonard’s place on the couch then set the cup on the table.  He looked over at Penny with his cute little grin.

“Here’s a nice cup of hot chocolate for you Penny.  Leonard said you might be having a bad day.”

He held out the piece of paper to her, “This is a phone number of my friend James Earl Jones.  I called him and told him about you.  He looked at your picture on Leonard’s Facebook page and think’s you might be perfect for the show he’s helping to produce.”

Penny was speechless, her mouth hanging open.  She looked first at Sheldon then Leonard then back at Sheldon.

Sheldon seemed happy with himself then frowned, “There’s a catch though.”

Penny was taken aback.  Leonard at last closed the door and started walking over.

“Penny is not sleeping with James Earl Jones Sheldon.  My god what were you thinking.”

Sheldon looked very confused then turned back to Penny, “Oh no there’s no coitus involved.  He said they were thinking the part might require a woman with dark hair and would Penny be alright with wearing a wig.  I remembered that she wouldn’t wear the wig for the Wonder Woman costume so I told him I’d ask.”

Now it was Leonard mouth that hung open.  Penny threw her arms around Sheldon.  He patted her gently on the back saying.

“It’s only a wig Penny it will be okay”

Not sure why this came to me but it did.  Hope you enjoyed it, SOK