I really didn't like the last few minutes of season 8, nor for Shamy or for Lenny, so I want to try to fix things :p For now I mostly want to explore what could have happened during that damned trip to the North Sea...

Here's my attempt, I hope you'll "like" it (I don't really know how this can be enjoyable because I never thought Leonard would kiss another girl while in a relationship with Penny, but, anyway, I'll try to make it less painful).


Chapter 1 : How To Have Fun Away From Her

The first days on the boat were difficults for Leonard, he had to acclimate himself to the weather, the rhythms that were differents, and he was missing Penny so much. He used to call her every night, but he noticed how the other scientists were looking at him just before and after their little chat, and now, one month later, they started teasing him a few days ago. He remembered what Howard went through in space, and he didn't want to be mocked like his friend, he wanted to blend in. After all, he was going to be on that boat for another two months... So last night he wrote a long mail to Penny, explaining that he couldn't call her every night anymore, but that she could do it, of course, if she needed it. He felt a bit guilty, but he had no choice if he wanted to continue to work in a good environment, with respect from his co-workers. He couldn't be left aside, he was part of a team. Penny seemed to have understood and didn't sound sad or upset on the phone when she called him earlier.

"Hey Leonard, come on, Jason is losing at strip poker, I think he might be naked in the next two minutes, you don't wanna miss that !" One of his wo-workers, Matt, was at the door of his bedroom, waiting for his answer.

"Yeah, I'm coming in a minute", answered Leonard with a shy smile. Up until then, he hadn't really taken part of all theses parties. He had watched, he had danced, he had sung, but he never had been drunk and he still hasn't played with them either... yet.

"Don't tell me you're depressed again because of your "girfriend" !" Matt said, using airquotes on the word "girlfriend". "There are some girls here you know ! Now come on !"

Matt was already gone. Leonard got up, sighing. It was weird how everyone here acted like their life, friends, family, didn't matter. It was like they had different standards, just because they were away. Or maybe was it to forget ? In order to avoid depression ? Leonard took a deep breath before entering the room where the party was going on, he had to fit in. When he opened the door, Jason was in his underwear, the music was loud and there was a strong smell of smoke.

"Heyyyyyyy, look who's here ! You got the authorization from the missus I hope ?!" laughed Matt loudly, joined by everyone after his "joke".

Leonard chose to ignore his comment and went straight to the bar. There, he started to take a beer, then two, then three, then four. He was in the middle of his last bottle when a girl came next to him. Of course he knew her, but they weren't working often together, and he had no idea of what he could say to her. She smiled at him and asked : "You're drinking only beers ? You don't want something a little bit stronger ?"

Leonard shrugged : "Oh... No, thank you... I don't handle alcohol that well... Plus, I have a lot of allergies and stuff, so, you know..."

The girl laughed : "Who handles well alcohol ? And.. Besides... it could keep your mind off your girlfriend and you'll have more fun here !"

Leonard thought he didn't want to stop thinking about Penny, that's not what he needed. But he didn't tell her that, or else the teasing was going to start again. Maybe it was the alcohol, but he had to ask : "So... Kathleen, that's right ?" The girl nodded, and Leonard carried on : "I'm wondering sometimes... We're smart... We're scientists... We're here to make researches, discoveries, studying theories... So... My point is... Why are we wasting our nights with these wild parties ?"

Kathleen answered without even thinking : "Do you see anything else we could do here ? Sure, we're scientists, but does that mean that we are not allowed to decompress and do stupid things ? Y'know... If you worry, your work is going to be less good. If you're happy, stress-free... Then you'll work better. Just free your mind !"

With that, Kathleen left and went dancing. Leonard sat there, thinking. Yeah, she was right... He didn't have to be smart all day. He could still have fun, even if Penny wasn't there. Where was the harm ?

"ICEBERG !" yelled Matt.

And for the first time, Leonard took a shot with everyone.


Okay, phew, that was harder to write than I thought at the beginning... It still seems out of character for Leonard, but anyway... I wanted to set a context that could explain what will happen later... Let me know what you think ! (oh yeah, I know, Matt's a jerk !)