Leonard and Penny sat outside a small cafe drinking coffee. They had just arrived back from Leonard's lawyer's office, having gone to seek advice on obtaining a court order against Kurt. After filling in some forms explaining the events that caused Penny to file the request, citing sexual assault and threats to or inflict physical harm. A petition for a restraining order was lodged with the help of the lawyer, and a court date was likely to be set up next week, enough time to hand the injunction papers to Kurt.
"Are you okay Penny?" A concerned Leonard asked.
"Yeah, I was just thinking, that's all," Penny replied, sipping her hot coffee. Leonard had sensed her fears and anxieties since leaving the lawyer's office.
"It's going to be okay. Once the court approves the order, any violation on his part will see him arrested and charged with defying a court's order." Penny just nodded in agreement but still skeptical.
"I know I'm just worried that he might approach me before or when he receives the papers. I'm scared Leonard."
"Penny I will never let anything happen to you, I might not be as strong as him or tall, but I'll be damn if I let him lay a finger on you."
"Thank you, Leonard. You are so sweet. I'm just perturbed he might do something stupid and hurt you in anger. I don't want to lose you. She said worriedly.
"You wouldn't lose me we just have to be careful and not be alone in public until the hearing."
"I guess worrying isn't helping and there is nothing we can do now. We just have to wait and see how this plays out." She shrugged.
Leonard put his hand on her shoulder and rubbed it to soother. "We are in this together it's going to be alright. I promise." Leonard tried to assure her.
"Thank you, Leonard. You always know how to make me feel better." She kissed him softly on the lips. They sat in silence and finished their drinks. Leonard ordered some muffins to take out. Fingers intertwined tightly; they walked the short distance to his car. The level of friendship and intimacy growing between them was unlike anything they have ever experienced. Penny was impressed how Leonard knew she wanted those muffins. But it was no surprise because frequently they found that they know what the other was thinking, a look between them is all it took and even though they didn't really know how or if they were somehow communicating telepathically it just showed how in sync they were as a couple.
After a few of days of worrying about the consequences of their actions and what Kurt might do, they finally got a call from Leonard lawyer who informed them that they were unable to issue the papers to Kurt. He was in jail charged with possession of narcotics with intent to supply. Kurt was looking at five to ten years in prison. It was great news for the couple and better than a restraining order as he was safely lock up and they didn't have to worry anymore. Leonard and Penny celebrated by going to a karaoke bar and singing badly and ruining some classics songs after having a few too many.
Penny and Bernadette were at the Cheesecake factory working the early shift, the usual busy rush wasn't happening today. There was a few table and booths taken, but they weren't rushed off their feet. Penny sensed that Bernadette wasn't her usual self.
"So you've not been your talkative self, is something wrong? Penny asked.
"I am okay I just got a lot on my mind, that all."
"For someone who just got their Ph.D., you should be happy." Penny knew Bernadette was extremely reticent about her personal affairs and wasn't the type to share.
"I am, it's just…"
"Has this got anything to do with Howard? If he hurt you, I promise I will go all Nebraska on his arse."
"Penny it's okay I can handle him." she forced a smile.
"So what's the problem then? Come on Bernadette you can trust me; it might help if you talk about it."
"Howard asked me to marry him."
"What… Wait, when? Oh my god," she exclaimed. What did you say?" Penny asked excitedly clapping her hands. Ignoring the customers who suddenly looked in her direction.
"Nothing I haven't given him an answer yet." she whispered.
"Why not, don't you love him?"
"I do, but he is so attached to his mother, it's not healthy, and I can see us moving in with her. You know what his mother is like."
"Yeah, I see what you mean. So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know, say yes and hope for the best," Bernadette said sarcastically.
"Talk to him and tell him about your worries and fears and if he wants to marry you, then things will have to change. You do want to marry him. Right?" Penny inquired.
"Of course I do, I love him but also his wondering eyes worries me."
"Ha, creepy Howard I thought you tame that part of him."
"Hey he is not that bad, and at least he wants to marry me, unlike your Leonard who never wants to get married." She teased back.
"Wait a minute what did you say, Leonard doesn't want to get married?" Penny asked in disbelief.
Bernadette now realizing that Penny didn't know about this piece of information.
"Oops, you didn't know. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Bernadette, how do you know. Penny asked.
"Penny I don't want to cause any problems I think you should speak to Leonard." She said and looked away.
"Did Leonard tell you he didn't want to get married." panic in her voice.
"No Howard told me. I thought you knew and were fine with it."
"Of course I'm not fine with it." she sighed.
"Did Howard tell you why?"
"Penny, it's not my place to say."
"Bernadette, I need to know. Leonard and I are in a good place, why would he say that."
"He told Howard about it long before he met you. That's why he broke up with that girl he was dating. What was her name? She wanted to get married and have kids; Leonard didn't want that. But that was a long time ago; maybe he has changed his mind now he is with you." Bernadette tried to assure her.
Penny felt her world crashing down. She couldn't believe that Leonard didn't want the same thing as her and why didn't he tell her his concerns about marriage and kids.
"Kelly, that was her name. Penny murmured. "I knew they broke up because he didn't love her but he never told me the reason was about not wanting to get married or have kids."
Bernadette could sense the distress in penny voice. "I'm sorry Penny I think you need to talk to Leonard before jumping to conclusions. Leonard loves you, and I'm sure his attitude to marriage and kids have changed."
Penny shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah I guess you are right." She said sadly, feeling dejected. Penny walked off to serve a couple who had just entered the dining area.
Penny couldn't understand the reason why Leonard wanted to avoid marriage; she wouldn't really know until she asks him. Was he concerned that marriage might change the relationship he was in? Was that simply the reason why he didn't want to get married to Kelly or because he wasn't in love with her, was there more to it? Penny knew Leonard loved her there was no question there and in the future, marriage will be the next logical step for them. That's why addressing her concerns is equally important as is his. Their relationship was healthy and vigorous. Penny finally felt complete in her life that goes beyond what she ever thought possible. She knew they were growing closer and closer every day, becoming more and more as a whole. There was really no desire to be apart. The sex was out of the world and passionate. Penny enjoyed the physical part of their relationship as well as the emotional part and having sex with Leonard was like expressing this incredible love they feel for each other in a way they never knew before. Getting married and having kids will only make it that much stronger in the long run. She needed to talk to Leonard to find out if there are still any hesitations on his part and if he was still set on trying to avoid that commitment like the plague.
A/N: In Chapter 1. Leonard, Howard, and Raj discussed Leonard's ex-girlfriend Kelly and how they broke up because he wasn't in love with her. She also wanted to get married and have kids. But due to his traumatic childhood, was reluctant to commit to her. Hence, ending the relationship.