So, here is chapter 2! I didn't intend to post so soon after the first chapter but seeing as it's the weekend, I thought I may as well. I tend to be busy in the week and so my posting won't be as frequent. In this chapter Leonard's mother is visiting, this sparks some conflict between Sheldon and Penny – this is the first little glimpse into Shenny. I find it quite a challenge to write Leonard's mother's dialogue so any feedback there would be great. If she makes a return appearance I'd like to make it better than this attempt. Hope you enjoy the chapter :)

Leonard sat on his bed with his head in his hands. He didn't know what to expect. The previous night Sheldon had announced that Beverly, Leonard's mother, was coming to stay. She took a flight out in the early hours and Leonard had ten minutes before he had to leave to collect her from the airport.

He'd risen early and showered. He picked out smart black trousers and his favourite lilac and white striped shirt. He splashed himself with cologne, maybe a little too much judging by Sheldon's comments over breakfast.

Leonard had poured himself a bowl of cereal but the anxiety cause by his mother's impending arrival had put tight knots in his stomach and he couldn't take a bite.

"I don't know what you're so uneasy about, your mother is a delightful, intelligent, brilliant woman. How I envy you, Leonard." That Saturday's episode of Doctor Who on BBC America was just ending and it had put Sheldon in a good mood to greet Beverly. This made Leonard even more nervous.

He'd returned to his bedroom to calm down and consider all of the possible thing that could go wrong this weekend and how he could resolve them.

It was obvious to Leonard that his mother was coming after hearing about his engagement to Penny. Now, Beverly didn't disapprove of Penny the last time she saw her, in fact she'd been adamant that Leonard take care of her and to make sure that she wasn't responsible for her own orgasms. That was one less thing to worry about, Leonard thought, if last night was anything to go by. But since Beverly last visited, Leonard had discussed his relationship with Raj's sister Priya with his mother, and then again discussed Penny once they rekindled their romance. Leonard hoped his mother didn't think they were just on-off again, like Sheldon did.

Thinking things through really wasn't helping Leonard to put his mind at ease. He knew this weekend would be filled with conversations regarding his underachievement and he'd be subject to belittlement and humiliation. He recalled that Penny had survived Beverly's last visit and that the two of them were still a couple after Penny learned some truths about her boyfriend's childhood, but Leonard didn't take any comfort in that.

There was also the issue that not only Leonard's academic achievements were dwarfed by those of his siblings, but also his choice of spouse. His brother had married New Jersey's youngest appeals-court judge and two-time Olympic bronze medallist. Now, Leonard adored Penny, but coming from a family of overachievers, he expected his mother will have another reason to think far less of him than she does of his brother.

xxx

Leonard pulled his car up outside the airport and kept the engine running.

"Leonard, you can't stop here. This is the red zone. Only the white zone is for loading and unloading," Sheldon explained.

"Sheldon, get out. You can go with Penny to meet my mother. Be quick though, I don't want to have to circle the airport."

Penny and Sheldon got out of the car and headed into the terminal.

xxx

"Hi, Beverly," Penny greeted her future mother-in-law sweetly.

"Hello, Beverly," Sheldon said pleasantly.

"Hello to you both."

"Can I help with your bags?" Penny offered.

"If you insist, though I am capable," Beverly replied. Penny took one of her cases from her. "Oh, Sheldon, did I remember to thank you for the birthday gift that you sent?"

"You did."

"I found the witty jokes you made in the footnote very humorous," she told him.

"Thank you. I recalled Leonard saying that in your family you exchanged interesting research papers on birthdays or at Christmas. I thought it would be an appropriate gift."

"It was, much more so than the stuff bear that Leonard sent which holds a sign saying, 'I heart U, Mommy.' But that's to be expected from someone with unresolved childhood issues and those who crave attention," said Beverly.

Penny thought that Leonard's gift was sweet.

xxx

"Hello, mother," Leonard greeted once the three of them had taken their seats in the car. Sheldon had insisted he sit beside Beverly so that they could talk about science.

"Hello, Leonard."

"How was your flight?" He asked politely.

"Satisfactory, though I was relying entirely upon menial workers so I'm hardly in a position for anything better."

"I wouldn't call a pilot a menial worker," Penny states.

"Well, you would know," came Sheldon's response. She shot him a glare.

"Speaking of which, Leonard, your father is remarrying. The waitress from the University cafeteria."

"He never said anything," Leonard exclaimed.

"He never told me he was sleeping with her while we were married, what do you expect?"

Leonard and Penny exchanged an irritated look and remained silent for the remainder of the journey. Sheldon discussed the topic of his birthday research paper at length with Beverly.

xxx

They arrived back at 4A and Sheldon offered breakfast to Beverly.

"I know how unsanitary airplanes are. Not to mention how lacking the food is for one's dietary requirements," Sheldon empathises.

"Yes, I don't even accept the meals they offer anymore," said Beverly.

"Well, sit down mother and I'll tell you about my work," Leonard enthused.

"Any original work yet, Leonard?" his mother asked.

On noticing the tension Penny jumped at the chance to help Sheldon in the kitchen.

"Oh, that'll hardly be necessary, Penny. We both know your area of expertise do not lie in the culinary field. What was it that Leonard said? 'Too burnt and frozen at the same time.'" Sheldon laughs in an unpleasant way.

"I made you the spaghetti with little cut up hot dogs that you like-" Penny protested.

"Well, that's true. Okay, bring me two eggs."

Penny followed Sheldon's orders, though somewhat unwillingly. She'd rather help out than be the subject of Beverly's psychological scrutiny. Together they put together a cooked breakfast for Leonard's mother. Sheldon also made her one of his very specific cups of tea. They all gathered around the coffee table.

"So, Leonard, Sheldon tells me you're engaged," Beverly said casually between mouthfuls of egg.

"You told her?" Leonard asked, clearly exasperated.

"Of course, I texted her and then we discussed it at length on Skype," said Sheldon.

"Actually, mother, I'm engaged to Penny," Leonard announced proudly.

"Yes, I know."

"His brother married a two-time bronze medallist," Sheldon chimed in. "At best Penny made head cheerleader at High School."

"Actually, that was just a rumour, turns out they made Valerie Mosbacher head cheerleader," corrected Leonard.

Penny sighed.

"But, none of that matters because I love Penny and she has many wonderful qualities," Leonard smiled and kissed his fiancée on the cheek. His mother rolled her eyes.

"There's no need for the public display of affection, Leonard. Psychologically if you were convinced of all of her wonderful traits you wouldn't need to kiss her in front of us to prove your love. Classic overcompensation." Beverly finished her eggs and moved on to the bacon. She turned to Penny.

"Sheldon tells me that you are to move in soon, Penny. I think that's best. It is important for Leonard to be around someone like Sheldon or myself. And seeing as Leonard has some unresolved issues with me it would seem Sheldon is the more plausible solution."

"Actually, we haven't really discussed anything," Penny said.

"Well, I think you should definitely both stay," suggested Beverly, "So, Penny, the career in acting, is that progressing well, if at all?"

"I did a theatre production above a bowling alley," Penny said with a small ounce of pride.

Beverly looked unimpressed.

"It was remarkable," said Sheldon, "How she could remember all of those lines but she still can't remember 'no tomato' on my cheeseburger."

He let out a snort of derision. Penny got up to leave, she slammed the apartment door behind her. A moment later the slam of her own apartment door could be heard.

"She must be experiencing some menstrual tension," said Beverly.

"Wait, Sheldon. You just upset Penny. Don't you think you should go and apologise?" Leonard told him.

"Well, not really, but if you insist." Sheldon got up silently and left the apartment.

xxx

*Knock, knock, knock* "Penny." *Knock, knock, knock* "Penny." *Knock, knock, knock* "Penny."

The door swung open. Penny stood in the doorway, gripping frame. She appeared to be more angry than hurt. Sheldon wasn't able to read her behaviour.

"Penny, Leonard tells me you are upset. Why is this?"

She stared at him for a short while with her jaw clenched. She took a breath.

"Why? Why! How about we start with the fact that I'm a menial worker, Sheldon. Or that I can't cook and have no business doing so. Or that I'm so pathetic I can even make a high school head cheerleader when Leonard should be looking out for an Olympic medallist. Or maybe it's because I'm too stupid to remember 'no tomato' on your cheeseburger," Penny yelled.

Sheldon thought on this momentarily. He went to speak but Penny beat him to it.

"You like doing research so much, then why don't you research how to be a good friend! While you're there, write one of your silly little papers!"

She turned on her heel and slammed the door in his face.

Sheldon was puzzled. He'd merely been stating the truth, he hadn't interpreted his insights as a list of insults.

xxx

Leonard and Beverly returned from their day out early that evening. Beverly engaged in conversation with Sheldon while Leonard tried to give a valuable contribution. He was unsuccessful. After half an hour or so he gave up and went across the hall to see Penny. He felt guilty for abandoning her when she was sad but he'd promised to take his mother out and he couldn't afford for her to love him any less. Sheldon noticed that Leonard returned only two minutes later, it appeared he'd been unsuccessful in his conversation with Penny too.

As it approached nine-thirty, Leonard offered to drive his mother to her hotel. Beverly and Sheldon shared an expression to do with the lack of cleanliness in hotels. Sheldon also pointed out his dislike to keys shaped like credit cards. Leonard and Beverly left and so Sheldon went to his room.

Sheldon sat up in his bed unable to obtain sleep. He was unsure about the nature of Penny's outburst but he had a hunch it was due to the unkind things he had said to her.

He'd tried to ask Leonard before going to bed but he'd only given a sarcastic answer. Or at least what Sheldon assumed was sarcasm. It would seem that Penny had no intention of speaking to anyone after she left the apartment and so Leonard had been unable to comfort her. He was annoyed. Sheldon suspected it was due to the inability to fulfil his need for coitus, an urge that troubles him significantly when his mother comes to stay.

Sheldon pondered on what Penny had told him. 'Write a paper' she had said, to do with being a good friend. The idea came to Sheldon to list all of the good qualities he has that make Penny's life better.

He left his bedroom and went to the living room. He poured himself a glass of 2% milk and sat at his laptop. He began to type out the list which he addressed to Penny. As he was typing, the list took a slightly different turn.

xxx

When Penny woke the next morning she was still annoyed. She was also embarrassed. She didn't want to face Beverly after storming off like a teenager the morning before. She'd also have to deal with Leonard blaming himself for the whole situation and begging her not to leave him. Bless him.

She got out of bed and pulled on her robe. She picked up the empty wine bottle that had been her company last night. In her defence, it had only been half full. She didn't feel like eating breakfast and so she poured herself a large cup of coffee.

It was when she slumped down onto the couch she noticed that an envelope had been pushed under her door. She put down her coffee cup and picked up the letter. She recognised Sheldon's immaculate lettering on the envelope; 'Penny.'

Inside was a typed letter, of course, Sheldon is too technologically advanced to handwrite a letter.

Penny began to read.

Dear Penny,

I'm writing to apologise, I believe I may have upset you yesterday if your irrational outburst of sub-psychotic rage is anything to go by.

But nonetheless, you gave me an assignment and I've never been late on handing in homework. I'm not going to waste my precious hours researching friendship, I've previously designed and perfected an algorithm used to make friends, if you wish to read the paper I wrote on that then I'll send you a PDF. For now, this letter should explain how I perceive the relationship that we share.

The relationship we have is one based on giving. For example, I've brought a lot of things into your life.

I rescued you that day when you put your car key in your apartment lock and you were locked outside. Not forgetting I also introduced you to online gaming that same day and got you out of many virtual catastrophes.

I have shared in your secrets regarding your academic record and position within your relationship with Leonard. This means that I have provided you with somebody to trust, a confidante, if you will.

I also rescued you that day you slipped in the shower and dislocated your shoulder. I drove you to the hospital at the expense of a fine, three points on a license I do not yet have and I had to spend an afternoon in jail. Not to mention I missed Stan Lee's signing at the comic-book store. I also sang Soft Kitty to you.

Most importantly, I have provided you with a friend who is not only intellectually superior to perhaps anyone you'll ever meet, but a friend who is playful and witty. Plus, I provide you with an encyclopaedia of facts on almost every academic branch. Who needs Google, right?

Based on these findings, it is clear that my understanding of friendship is by no means flawed as I have proved my ability to partake in friendship on numerous occasions.

I am, of course, a scientist so I must consider both sides to this investigation. In comparison, let's recall what you have brought to the friendship.

Well, just the other day you dragged me to see that psychic fraud. Though I will admit that it was interesting to see how she tried to sell her false ideas.

You made me dress in a ridiculously dull suit to give the acceptance speech for my award. I did get a few compliments though, so maybe I'll let that one slip.

You got in the way when Leonard had the opportunity to visit Switzerland to see the CERN Hadron Collider with me as his guest. But you took care of me when I got sick. You always bring me soup when I'm sick. And you sing Soft Kitty to me. You rubbed Vapo-Rub on my chest when I had the flu and gave me a place to sleep when I was locked out and the time when I had a nightmare.

You beat up a bully for me and got my World of Warcraft items back that he'd stolen, you also made it possible for me to meet Stan Lee.

You make me spaghetti with the little cut up hot dogs, and you bring me my barbeque bacon cheeseburger at the Cheesecake Factory.

You give me acting lessons for when I have to give a lecture, and you drive me to where I need to go. You rescued me from the comic book store when you and Leonard had a fight. You cut my hair when my barber was sick and you teach me about social conventions; such as to buy someone a gift that they wouldn't buy for themselves.

Best of all you gave me a gift which possessed the DNA of Leonard Nimoy.

In conclusion it seems I have overlooked some of the wonderful things you've done for me, Penny. But let's not forget how you exasperate me. You touch my food, you sit in my spot, and you kissed me on the nose when you pinned me in that wrestling match. Your grammar is terrible, you forward e-mail humour to me, and you always disrupt my schedule.

To sum up, Penny, you are my friend. A friend I can trust and on whom I can rely. After careful analysis it is clear that I'm in your debt and I can't be in your debt because one day you might ask me to kill a man. To compensate please accept the enclosed Cooper Coupon for one of my rare Sheldon Cooper hugs.

I apologise, Penny, for not being a better friend to you, but quite frankly I'm dealing with science on a universal scale which is much more important.

I will try to be a better friend to you. I'm sorry I made you cry. Please claim your coupon before the expiry date shown on the reverse side.

Your best friend,

Sheldon Lee Cooper, ph.D.

Penny fished in the envelope and pulled out the single Cooper Coupon and she smiled to herself.

The letter was, in places, somewhat insulting and she'd get Sheldon back for that later. But the truth in it was that Sheldon had acknowledged all the things Penny did for him out of love, care, and friendship. Penny knew that Sheldon meant a lot to her too and there would be a hole in her heart if he wasn't there. He's her Whack-A-Doodle and in her own special way, she loves him.

She marches across the hall and bangs loudly on the door of 4A.

*Knock, knock, knock* "Sheldon!" *Knock, knock, knock* "Sheldon!" *Knock, knock, knock* "Sheldon!"

She yells his name in false anger. He answers the door timidly. Penny's face breaks into a beaming smile. She hold up her Cooper Coupon.

"Redeeming!" she exclaims in a way she has seem Amy do it before. Before Sheldon can say anything she throws her arms around his shoulders and hugs him tightly. He stands firm with his arms by his sides. "Sheldon, I'm not letting go until I get my hug. A proper one!" Penny sings.

Cautiously he wraps his arms around her back and then freezes in position until it's over. Penny nestles into his shoulder and smells his scent. She's never noticed it before. A mixture of man and fresh linen. She sighed and held him close a moment longer before leaning up to kiss his cheek. "Thank you," she whispered in his ear and with one final squeeze she let him go.

When she left, he smiled to himself. He was proud of his progress in their relationship and he must have said something right in his letter to Penny, ergo, his assignment was a success. Well, of course, he wrote it. Additionally, he noticed that Penny had switched back to green apple shampoo which was much more appealing to his sense of smell than coconut. She smelled nice. Sheldon smiled.