The Verbal Variant - A sequel to The English Element

Disclaimer: In no way, shape, or form do I own anything to do with The Big Bang Theory (except DVDs). CBS, Chuck Lorre, and Bill Prady have that honor. I am just a fan.

Chapter 2 – The Party Predicament

Leonard

Leonard stood in his apartment with his hand on the doorknob. I don't think I was this nervous the first time I asked Penny out he thought. He had decided to invite Penny to the costume party but nerves had him frozen in place. If he and Penny started dating again, the stakes were so much higher than before. If they broke up again they wouldn't be able to stay friends this time. Dating Penny again had the potential for a Charlie-Foxtrot of epic proportions…but it had the potential for a lifetime of happiness as well. Our babies will be smart and beautiful. He smiled at the thought, took a deep breath and crossed the hall to Penny's apartment.

Knock, knock

Penny opened the door. "Hi Leonard."

"Hey Penny."

"What's up?" Penny asked, noting Leonard's nervousness.

"Would you like to go to a costume party?"

"It's not at the comic book store is it?" Penny grimaced as she thought of the last costume party she had attended with the guys.

"No." Leonard replied, wincing at the memory. "It's at the university. The English and History departments are hosting a fundraiser."

"The English department? Oh, is that the party Katherine is working on?"

"Yeah." Leonard suddenly realized how awkward it was to be asking one ex-girlfriend to a party thrown by another ex-girlfriend. "She stopped by at lunch to give us all tickets and said I should invite you."

"Are you asking me to go with the group or to go with you?"

"With me." Leonard held his breath, waiting for her answer.

"I'd love to go with you Leonard." Penny smiled.

"Okay good." Leonard was almost giddy with relief

Penny

Penny closed the door behind Leonard feeling more excited than when she'd been elected to the Corn Queen's court. Finally she and Leonard were taking the first steps toward getting back together. Replaying the conversation in her mind she recalled that Leonard had said Katherine had told him to invite her. Penny sat down on her couch, shoving several pieces of clothing aside, as she considered what that could mean.

Penny and Katherine hadn't really spoken since Leonard and she had broken up. Penny still got a little sick to her stomach when she thought of that night. Katherine had kept a low profile with almost everyone since then. Penny knew she and Bernadette hung out quite a bit, and Katherine had attended a few Girls Nights, but mainly movies and plays they had already made plans for. She would show up just before the performance and refused to go for drinks or food afterwards, limiting the time available for conversation. Penny thought I need to talk to Katherine, really talk to her, before the party. I know she and Leonard want to try to be friends and if he and I are dating Katherine and I need to be okay with each other. She went out of her way to be nice to me when they were dating; I owe her the same courtesy. Penny summoned her courage and dialed Katherine's number.

"Hello?" Katherine answered the phone.

"Hi Katherine, it's Penny."

There was a slight pause and then Katherine spoke. "Hi Penny, how are you?"

"Good, and yourself?"

"I've been fine. Listen, Leonard just asked me to your party." Penny blurted out.

Katherine laughed "It's not my party. I'm just one of the committee members."

"You know what I mean."

Katherine sobered. "Yes, I do."

"Leonard said you suggested he ask me."

"I can't believe he told you that."

"You know Leonard." Penny said wryly.

"Yeah. Did you say yes?"

"I did." Penny admitted softly.

"Good." Katherine said sincerely.

"Are you really okay with this?" Penny was doubtful.

"Yes, it's time for all of us to move on." Katherine said firmly "Listen, have you decided on your next Girls Night yet?"

"No, did you have something in mind?" Penny asked.

"Yes, why don't you all come over here and we can have a costume planning session." Katherine suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'll call Amy and Bernadette."

"Okay, Wednesday still good?"

"Yeah."

Katherine

Katherine hung up the phone and reflected on her conversation with Penny. Since the break-up she'd been avoiding talking to Penny; she was grateful Penny had called her and forced a conversation. Despite all the awkwardness she enjoyed spending time with Penny. Leonard certainly has great taste in women Katherine thought smiling And in friends. I've missed hanging out with everyone. Usually you have to endure your boyfriend's friends but Leonard's friends were a bonus. Leonard used to joke I was only dating him for his friends.

Katherine sighed. It is so hard to find people who properly appreciate giant insect movies. The other professors in the department find sci-fi too "low brow." Katherine snorted Like there aren't dirty jokes in Shakespeare and Chaucer...I'm glad everyone is coming to the party. It will be nice to socialize with them all again…I wonder if we can talk Amy into wearing a costume. Katherine giggled at the thought. I better start coming up with some "scientific" arguments. Maybe I can get her to view it as a social experiment...I wonder what the guys will wear? Howard will probably coordinate with Bernadette, Sheldon will probably be The Flash or Spock, Leonard…since he's going with Penny I'm not sure what he'll pick, Raj…hmm I don't think I can guess. He has unexpected depths. Katherine got lost in thought as she considered a few things Raj had revealed in their IM conversations.

Raj

Raj couldn't get over seeing Katherine that afternoon. It had been two months and he would have thought the reality couldn't live up to his fantasies. She is even more beautiful than I remembered. Raj thought. It's a good thing no one ever found out I had a crush on her when she and Leonard were dating…I'm glad she stopped by today. It hasn't been enough just IMing her…Raj looked at the ticket Katherine had given him. A costume party. That should be fun…and maybe I can take advantage of it. Raj thought about how he could make use of the opportunity fate had provided him.

Author note: I would love to hear any thoughts, comments or constructive criticism so please review.