A/N Thank you again for your reviews. I would also like to take a moment to thank those that have favored and followed my story. I still own nothing.
When Leonard let himself into 4B, he was relieved that Penny had apparently left for work. He needed to have some time to himself. He also knew that Alex was expecting a call from him.
As he sat on the couch going over what had just occurred, he realized there appeared to be no good answer. Sheldon and Amy were right in saying that if they continued with four names they could affect their chances for a Nobel. He remembered reading that the three-person limit had been under attack. The truth was that many modern breakthroughs were the product of contributions from not only teams but from different scientific persuasions.
He remembered specifically that there had been six men involved in the papers on the Higgs-Bosun. It appeared that those picked was based on who wrote the leading papers. He realized it might be possible that the committee could pick any three of them, that either Sheldon or Amy could be left out.
Amy had also been right. What would Alex think about all this? He knew she would probably be willing to step aside but he wasn't willing to let her do so. She had already done that with him and Penny.
Penny. What would she think about all this? What would she think about him giving up a chance of a Nobel for Alex? He had to smile, what would she think about giving up a possible $400,000?
Sitting back, he tried to place all the possibilities in front of him and at the same time, determine what results were untenable.
First, he could not risk that neither Sheldon or Amy would win the prize. That meant they could not proceed with four names. He suddenly realized that also meant he and Alex could not print their paper separately.
He now also knew he could not just decide on his own to do what he felt what was the right thing and eliminate both him and Alex from consideration. He needed to learn how Penny felt. If they were to be a couple, he needed to take her into his confidence and respect her viewpoint.
Taking a deep breath, he called Alex and told her that the meeting had been postponed for a couple days and he would call her after they met. He could tell she was surprised since Sheldon and Amy had seemed to be in such a hurry to proceed. He told her something had come up. She said all right and then told him she would probably see him when she came over for girl's night.
After he hung up, he wondered what to do about that. It would be awfully awkward for Amy to spend time with Alex. Alex would surely ask Amy what had changed.
Finally, he called Penny at work and told her she needed to cancel girl's night and that he would explain everything when she came home. He told her to make up some excuse that did not involve him.
He could tell she was not happy and wanted more but just said she needed to trust him. She finally reluctantly agreed.
Alex hung up the phone after Penny called. She sat back in her chair and went over all that was happening. It was apparent something was going on. She somehow had a feeling she was involved in it. She also had a feeling she wasn't going to like it. But she decided she just had to believe that whatever it was, she could trust Leonard.
As Penny approached the apartment, the found herself feeling more and more apprehensive. Although she had no real reason to believe what Leonard had asked her had anything to do with him moving in, she could not help but worry. She had remembered Leonard had met with Sheldon and Amy. Had Amy changed her mind?
Before entering she cleared her mind, deciding she would not overreact. It could be something entirely different.
When she entered, she had to smile as she saw Leonard sitting on the couch with a wine bottle and two glasses in front of him. She walked over and leaned down and kissed him on the mouth. Telling him she was going to shower and change, she headed for the bedroom.
She came out wearing a top with no bra and shorts. She smiled inwardly as she saw his eyes widen. She knew she was probably cheating, but she decided she could have gone all the way and come out nude.
Seeing he had poured the wine, she picked up her glass and took a sip, "Okay, Leonard, what's going on? What was so important I had to cancel girl's night?"
Leonard took a big gulp and sitting down his glass, turned toward her, "When we got together for the meeting, Sheldon and Amy told me we needed to drop Alex from the project."
Penny was stunned, no wonder Leonard had told her to cancel. She finally got out, "What did you say?"
"I told them I couldn't do that to Alex, that she deserved to go forward with us."
"Good for you. What did they say to that?"
Leonard took another drink and proceeded to explain about the three-person limit for a Nobel. He told her the only way he could stand by Alex was for him to give up a chance for the prize.
Penny suddenly realized what he was saying. He felt so much for Alex that he would give up what would be the highlight of his career, his crowning achievement. In spite of herself, she felt a surge of jealousy. Did she mean that much to him?
Before she could say anything, he went on, "The thing is, this is no longer just my decision. I love you and am about to move in with you. I need to have us be on the same page. I need to know what you are thinking." He hesitated, "You should also know, that if I give it up, we will lose approximately $400,000."
Penny was shocked. So much was happening so fast. She was happy that Leonard wanted and respected her opinion, that he wanted her to be with him on making the decision. She also realized it brought a great degree of responsibility. The more she thought about it, she realized how difficult a decision it could be. It should be a no brainer but one of the reasons she loved Leonard was his kindness and his loyalty. She also remembered how Alex had stood aside even though she loved him. She could understand why he did not want to do that to her again.
She finally got out, "I assume you have not told Alex about this. Shouldn't she have a say in this? I don't think she would want to stand in your way."
"You are right, she will probably agree to step aside." He looked imploringly at her, "But I don't want her to have to do that again. She has contributed a lot to this project, she deserves the recognition."
He went on, "How about you, Penny, what are you thinking?"
Penny took a big gulp from her glass, "I love you, Leonard, I want you to get what you have earned, what you deserve. I know what a good man you are, that you want to do the right thing, but I also believe although I am sure she was a help, that you are responsible for your success. I will admit that the money is a factor, but I am not deciding based on that. You, Sheldon, and Amy should be the ones to receive the award. You can give all the recognition you want to Alex in your speeches, but you need to think of yourself. It is the situation that means Alex cannot be involved." She hesitated, "I will also admit it bothers me a little that Alex is this important to you, but at the same time, it also makes me love you more."
She reached out and held his hand, "But whatever you decide, I will understand and stand with you."
Leonard was overwhelmed, he moved over to her and took her in his arms, kissed her passionately on the lips which she eagerly returned. After a time, he pulled his head back, "I love you, Penny." Then taking a breath, "I want for us to be together; I can't imagine being without you."
Penny was stunned and then she happily kissed him again before saying, "I feel the same."
He then rose and taking her hand, led her into the bedroom. They both now knew, that whatever he decided they would be comfortable with it, that they would depend on and trust each other.
Leonard spent the next day wrestling with his decision. He finally decided he needed to talk to Alex before meeting again with Sheldon and Amy. But when he called her, she said she was going out with Zack so they agreed to meet the next morning.
Since Penny didn't have to work, they went out on a date themselves, enabling Leonard to forget about everything for a while.
Alex had awoken the morning after all the phone calls and decided she needed to do something to take her mind off of everything. She also realized she wanted to see Zack. Although he had talked about the next Friday, she decided to call him. She was gratified when he was excited to hear from her and said he would love to go out that night.
After supper and dancing at a dance club, they returned to her apartment. Alex suddenly realized how much she liked him and that she wanted to be with him. He did not need much encouragement and they spent the night together.
In the morning, they made love again. They had just finished breakfast when there was a knock on the door. Alex suddenly realized she had forgotten all about Leonard coming over. She hesitated for a second and then berated herself. She had nothing to be ashamed of.
When she told Zack who it probably was, he looked inquisitively at her, but she smiled and leaned in for a kiss. She then opened the door and let Leonard in.
When Leonard saw Zack he stopped for a moment, but then smiled and told him hello.
Alex asked if Leonard if he wanted anything and when he said no she sat down next to Zack as Leonard sat across from them.
Leonard spoke first, "I called you because I want to tell you what has been going on with the project. I should have talked to you earlier, but I had a lot of thinking to do."
Before he could go on, Zack spoke up, "This sounds important. Do you guys want me to leave?"
Alex quickly answered, "No, Zack, I would like you to stay." She looked at Leonard, "Unless you have a problem with that?"
Leonard really wasn't sure he wanted Zack there, but Alex wanted him to stay. It was pretty apparent their relationship had become intimate. "No, it's fine with me."
He took a deep breath and then explained what had been said at the meeting. He also told them that he had talked it over with Penny but didn't say what she said.
Both Alex and Zack were shocked. Her next reaction was one of anger, once again it looked she was the one who was being ignored, the one who was being left behind. But then she was struck by how Leonard had stood up for her. How he had actually said he was willing to give up the Nobel. But at the same time, she wondered if he still felt the same. She had a feeling Penny would not be thrilled with his decision.
Zack just stared. He wasn't sure he completely understood, but he could see Alex was upset. He reached out and took her hand and she smiled gratefully at him and squeezed it.
She finally spoke up, "Do you still feel that way, Leonard? Do you still plan to give up the chance for a Nobel?"
Now that the moment had come, that it was out there, Leonard realized he had made his decision. He just could not let Alex be the one who sacrificed herself, "Yes, Alex, I do. If you aren't going to get the recognition you deserve then I don't deserve it either."
Alex was stunned. She wondered what Penny would think about his decision. Then she had what she thought might be a solution. "You know what, Leonard, we could prepare our paper separately. Who knows, we might win the Nobel ourselves."
Leonard was stunned and found himself wondering if he really knew Alex, but then he realized she felt no loyalty to Sheldon and Amy. And why should she, after all, they were willing to drop her.
He quietly said, "I understand what you are saying, but just like I cannot turn my back on you, I will not endanger Sheldon and Amy getting the Nobel. It is their idea and they did not have to ask me to help at all."
Alex realized she had made a mistake. She should have known that Leonard would no more hurt them than he would her. Here she was in the same predicament she had been with Penny. She also knew she had to make the same decision. Besides, she knew that if she was honest with herself, Leonard was the one who was necessary for their paper. She was proud she had helped but knew she couldn't have done it without him leading the way. That, on the other hand, he could have no doubt done it alone.
She was about to speak up when Zack surprised them both by speaking up.
"Let me see if I got this straight. You guys want Alex to quit because this Nobel prize thing can only have three winners?"
Getting a surprised nod from Leonard, he went on, "So what are we talking about here? What's this thing worth?"
Leonard wondered where he was going, but answered, "The recognition, a medal, and a share of about 1.2 million dollars."
Leonard had to smile as he saw Zack's eyes widen. "You mean, Leonard, you are giving up a chance for all that money? What does Penny think about all this?"
Leonard could see Alex's interest had perked also, "She wants me to get the recognition and she admitted the money was important to her. But she also said she would abide by whatever decision I make."
Alex knew it was time to end this, "Leonard, I appreciate what you want to do more than I can ever say, but I can't let you do this. We know that there is not a scenario that I can be part of a winning team, so it is insane for you to give up your chance. We both know it is true that it was your brilliance that enabled us to succeed. I am proud of my help but we both know it was just that. I love you for your friendship, but you are with Penny, you need to do what is best for you and her."
She smiled and turned to Zack, "Besides, I have Zack now. I will be fine." He smiled and squeezed her hand. "Go win the Nobel, Leonard." She smiled, "But I do expect you to mention me in your speech."
Leonard wanted to argue with her, to tell her she had done enough, but he knew she was right. That didn't stop him from feeling guilty. He was about to tell her that when Zack spoke up again.
"So, there is some kind of speech that goes along with this?"
Leonard answered, "Yes, at the presentation. All the winners speak.""
"Is this presentation a big deal?"
"Yeah, it's broadcast all over the world. There is also a live audience. The king of Sweden even takes part."
Zack eyes widened again. Then as Alex and Leonard exchanged quizzical looks, Zack seemed to be thinking hard about something. Finally, he said, "Do you think you could get the others to talk about what Alex did too?"
"I hadn't thought about it, but I am pretty sure I could get them to."
"Then, how about this? You guys could have Alex in the audience. You could all praise her and have her stand up."
Leonard, a little surprised, "That's a great idea, Zack. Do you agree, Alex?"
Alex looked stunned then gave Zack a look that made Leonard realize that Alex had more than casual feelings for him. She finally managed to say, "I think it's a wonderful idea."
Zack smiled broadly and then smirked, "Do you know what would be even more impressive? If you guys said you were going to split the prize money four ways."
Both Alex and Leonard just stared at him. Then after a few moments, Leonard said, "I am not sure that I could get Sheldon and Amy to agree, but how about this. Whatever they say, I will say that I am going to split my share with her." He smiled, "I know that would only be about $200,000…"
Alex who had been overwhelmed by what had been going on, interrupted, "You would be willing to do that for me?"
Leonard smiled and looked in her eyes, "I would be proud to."
She impulsively got up and gave Leonard a hug. He returned it and then smiled, "Thanks for that, but it was Zack's idea."
She got a seductive look on her face, "No worry, I'll be sure to see that he gets a real thank you."
She had to smile when she saw Leonard blush.
After they talked some more and finalized everything out, Leonard bid them goodbye and told Alex he would call them as soon as he had talked to Sheldon and Amy.
After he left, Alex turned to Zack, "Are you ready to be thanked?"
Zack smiled and thrilled Alex when he swept her up in his arms and headed for the bedroom.
