Author – Hey fellas! Sorry, this chapter took some time. Although Bernadette hasn't been mentioned yet, she will be present in coming chapters perhaps. Alex too will be there .And although it is a Shenny fiction, reaching there will take its time. So, on with the story now, I guess...

Chapter 4

Aftermath of "The Monopole Expedition"

Sheldon was on Cloud Nine. He had found the monopole! The Expedition was a big success. It was the best time of his life. He was so close to winning his dream, The Nobel Prize. This was his moment, he felt as if nothing could make him sad. He wouldn't admit it to anyone, but he missed Penny. A lot! He missed the way she smiled at him, their usual banter about pretty much, everything. He missed those laundry nights. He missed having spaghetti with hot dogs with her. He missed those soft kitty renditions. He was awful and wanted to see her at once.

Penny went mad. She missed Sheldon so much. And the guys, yeah. But she couldn't get her mind off Sheldon. She tried to deny the fact that she was indeed attracted to Sheldon but she failed miserably. This has to be it. She was freaking attracted to Sheldon. And he wasn't there with her. He was thousands of miles away. Days after days she went to 4A and sat on his spot on the couch, watched start trek as much as she could and slept on Sheldon's bed. She couldn't believe the mess she was becoming. Where was he when she needed him so much. She was livid with herself for declining him the other day. Why couldn't she see that they both cared for each other so much. She liked him and he liked her. She will make this work. She just hoped that he still liked her, and that she confesses her true feelings for him. They will work as a couple. She will make it work. He will be coming back in a week now. She was practically counting down hours to see him. Little did she know that life really isn't free of hurdles and the road to Sheldon's heart would not be that easy.

Apartment 4B

Sheldon rushed to her apartment to see her. And then he saw Leonard hugging her. He felt a pang of sadness as he wanted to meet her privately.

'SHELDON!' cried penny and hugged him like her life depended on it.

He melted on her touch. He needed this. He patted her back and heard Leonard cough.

"Sheldon, I missed you so much! You have no idea. It feels so good that you guys are back.'

'I missed you too penny. And thank you for taking care of the apartment.' Sheldon smiled.

Penny felt so ecstatic that she wanted to kiss him right there. But she won't ruin her plan. She wanted to court him properly, as Sheldon would say. She didn't want to do this in front of Leonard, though. She decided to come clean with her feelings during their laundry night where no one could disturb them.

'How was the expedition sweetie?'

'Oh it was marvellous! We did it penny. I found the Magnetic Monopole. Now I am so much closer to win the Nobel Prize.'

She was short of breath. Her Moonpie has done it. 'Congratulations Moonpie! And to you too Leonard', who was starting to feel missed out.

'I am so proud of you guys. I am guessing Caltech will have a grand homecoming for you boys' she giggled.

'I don't know about that. Although I have mailed everyone our findings, I am sure that some congratulations are in order from gablehauser.' Sheldon beamed.

'Wait, you mailed them the findings!' Leonard said in a horrific voice.

'Yes. What's wrong in doing that?'

'Sheldon, come. We need to talk.'

He bid penny goodbye and went to 4A and waited patiently for what Leonard had to offer.

Apartment 4A

'Sheldon please don't get mad, but the experiment was unsuccessful'

'What are you talking about Leonard? I found the monopole!' Sheldon became serious.

'It was a static from an Electric can Opener that we kept turning on and off. Please forgive us Sheldon. You were giving us such a hard time. It was either this or our plan to eventually kill you. I am so sorry for this Sheldon.' Howard pleaded.

'Who got the idea for using the electric can opener?' Sheldon fumed.

'It was me, Sheldon. Please, I am so sorry. You don't know how difficult it was to handle you. But, I apologize.'

'APOLOGIZE? You have destroyed my career Leonard! My dream for Nobel is gone. It's gone Leonard. BECAUSE OF YOU! How could you do this to me? You call me your best friend?' Sheldon was in tears.

'Sheldon please listen to me. We are so sorry. We messed up. Please forgive us. Your career is not over. You are still a great physicist.' Leonard tried to calm him down.

'A great physicist who just got betrayed by his so called friends. My reputation is gone forever. I mailed the success of the expedition to the WHOLE UNIVERSITY!'

'Now I will be mocked forever for my failure. Why Leonard, just Why? And you two? I considered you guys as my friends. Does friends do this to each other? I was the one who picked you people in my team and this is how you repay me?'

'Sheldon please calm down. It was just a prank. We all are sad for you buddy and will share the failure of the experiment. Just be calm, now.' Leonard tried unsuccessfully to contain Sheldon for another bout of anger.

A Prank! This was it. The last nail in the coffin. He had enough. Of Leonard, of his friendship. He would apologize to the university and everyone. But, he had enough of this so called friendship.

If this is how friendship works. Then he was better off alone. He went to his room, slammed the door and cried. He was destroyed, betrayed by his friends. Suddenly, Penny was the last thing on his mind. He needed to get out of this apartment. He wanted to stay as far away from them. It meant staying away from penny, but he was sure of it. He wanted some space from the guys. The friendship with the guys was all but over. He considered moving to other apartment. Things with penny can wait. He needed to get out and get out NOW!'

He took out his cell phone.

'Alex?'

'Sheldon? You're back! Congratulations on your success. I am so happy for you!' Alex's voice hit him like rocks.

'Alex, can I stay at your apartment for a while? I need some space from … Please can I come?' Sheldon's voice made her worry.

'Of course Sheldon. I am waiting. Come fast.'

With this he took his emergency bag and hurriedly went out avoiding everyone.

Next Up – Penny's reaction and Sheldon and Alex's arrangements.

Author – Well, here you go. How was it? It took some time. But, I gave everything into it. It's difficult getting new ideas, though I will definitely complete it. Also, the angst stuff is more in the story, I guess. Should I change the genre? One more thing, do you guys want Leonard bashing? Or should I go easy. I really thought the episode was weak in that sense. Leonard did mess with his experiment and got away. Reviews are appreciated and thank you everyone for reading. Stay on with this story. Thanks!