Epiphanies
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 4
Two weeks after Penny's meltdown the guys and Katherine were gathered in the apartment for SyFy's giant insect movie marathon. Three hours in they were watching The Beginning of The End and eating chocolate chip cookies that Katherine had baked. Everyone was having a good time, poking fun at the cheap special effects and inaccuracies such as mountains in Illinois. Everyone, except Leonard.
Leonard had hardly seen Penny the past two weeks. She was always either working at the Cheesecake Factory or auditioning. At least, that's what she told Leonard. He was starting to wonder if she was avoiding him. Katherine was sitting on the floor, leaning against Raj's legs. They kept feeding bites of cookie to each other and it was irrationally irritating Leonard. Why can't I have that kind of relationship with Penny?
During the third commercial break, Howard turned to Katherine and joked "I can't believe you chose this over a night on the town."
Katherine laughed. "Even if I didn't enjoy giant bug movies, it would be preferable to watching Penny get hit on all night."
Leonard started. "Wh-What?"
Katherine shrugged "She's a beautiful blonde at a dance club; of course she's going to get hit on. You aren't worried are you?" she teased. Leonard's face was troubled; Katherine grew concerned. "Are you?"
Leonard bit his lip and looked away. "It's just…Penny's been really moody lately."
"Hmmm." Katherine said thoughtfully.
Leonard turned back toward her. "What?"
"Nothing." Katherine said hurriedly in an overly bright voice.
Leonard was suspicious. "That's not your nothing 'hmmm' that's your something 'hmmm'."
"She's…going through a lot right now."
"Like what?"
Katherine was obviously reluctant to speak but Leonard stared at her until she finally spoke. "You should really talk to her about this."
"I've tried! She always says she too busy or too tired from working or auditioning. I feel like she's deliberately avoiding me." Leonard's frustration was obvious.
"She's not avoiding you." Katherine assured him
"Then what is it?" demanded Leonard.
Katherine began to reply, then noticed that the movie was about to resume and Sheldon was getting annoyed. "We should continue this in private."
Leonard stood and stalked down the hallway to his bedroom, Katherine followed. Leonard sat on his bed and Katherine began to pace, gathering her thoughts. She came to a stop and began to speak. "Leonard, look…it's hard for Penny; seeing her friends established in their careers and settling down when she hasn't been able to get her acting career off the ground and you and she…"
Leonard interrupted. "Hey, she knows how I feel about her." He said defensively.
"That's part of the problem." Katherine sighed.
Leonard's brow furrowed. "I don't understand."
Katherine sat next to Leonard. "It's a lot of pressure, added to what she's already feeling about her life in general. She's overwhelmed; you just need to give her some space."
"I've already given her four years." Katherine was shocked by the bitterness she heard in Leonard's voice. They sat in silence for few moments. Katherine saw that Leonard was wrapped in his own thoughts so she went back to the living room. Leonard rejoined them a few minutes later. He sat brooding through the rest of the movies.
Penny and Bernadette came in as the last film ended. After a few minutes of chatting Howard, Bernadette, Katherine and Raj said goodnight and left. Sheldon went to bed, leaving Penny and Leonard in the living room.
Penny was still flushed from dancing; her hair tousled and face alight with joy. She wrapped her arms around Leonard and purred an invitation in his ear. Leonard pulled away from her embrace.
"Not tonight. I'm really beat." He kissed her cheek and went to his room.
Penny stared after him in disbelief.
Author note: I would love to hear any thoughts, comments or constructive criticism so please review.