A/N Have a little longer note today. First, I want to thank guest for his thoughtful review and would like to address one point. I like Sheldon too and think I have treated him well in a couple of my stories, including this one. I admit I do tend to treat him badly when the story is about him getting with Penny. That is because I don't believe that in those scenarios, he is a person that is likeable or should be admired.
I also want to thank my other reviewers who continue to amaze me and bring me joy.
I still own nothing.
One more thing. A portion of this chapter probably borders on being an M. I am not exactly sure where the line is.
One more thing. This chapter got a little long but it didn't seem to have a good place to stop.
Both Leonard and Penny were relieved when the producer of the movie contacted them and told them now that they knew she was onboard; it would be a month before she needed to report for the start of the movie.
She did receive the contract and Penny had to smile when Leonard saw the salary she was going to receive. More than ever, she realized how much his life was changing. She knew it would take work on both their parts for him to feel comfortable in this new reality.
Now that they had at least a little time, they sat down to determine where they should plan to live. They both agreed that they wanted to be near their friends. Penny also realized it might be better for them to be away from living by other celebrities and not get caught up in that social scene.
In the end, they decided to look for a secure area in Pasadena. They started to explore several gated communities.
After identifying some possibilities on the Internet, they decided to risk returning to Pasadena to visit their friends and look at houses.
Penny also had them open a joint banking account and had her business manager transfer five million dollars to it. She also arranged to have Leonard obtain credit cards with unlimited credit.
Retaking a private jet, they enlisted a security company to provide a car and act as a chauffeur. They didn't encounter any reporters and made their way to 4A, where everyone was waiting for them.
After exchanging hugs and greetings, Sheldon even joining in by hugging Penny, they sat down to catch everyone up.
Bernadette spoke up, "We are so glad you decided to live in Pasadena. We would have missed you both."
Penny answered, "It wasn't a very difficult decision. Now that I have found you guys again, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Amy broke in, "Tell us about your new picture. Who's your leading man?"
"There really isn't one. The reason I was so drawn to it was that it really centers on the woman. It tells of her journey and what happens to her. It really demands a wide range of emotions."
She smiled and went on, "But, Edward Donner is in it."
Bernadette smiled, "Wow, he's hot. Do you have a love scene with him?"
Penny was a little evasive, "I guess you could call it that."
She then changed the subject and they spent the rest of the night planning out the next few days.
Each night after work and on the weekends, Penny and Leonard, often with one or more of the others along, checked out possible areas where they could live.
It took a couple weeks but they found what they were looking for. They were especially impressed with its security.
When Leonard and Penny went to close the deal, Leonard was surprised when Penny negotiated the price down a little when she announced they would pay cash.
Penny had to smile fondly at him as she watched Leonard write a check for over one and a half million dollars. For Leonard it was another example of the new world he found himself in. He had to admit though, it was quite a rush.
They celebrated with the others and then made love repeatedly through the night. They decided that Leonard would do the furnishing, etc. while Penny was gone. She suggested having an interior decorator assist, but made it clear Leonard would make the decisions.
They agreed they needed three special rooms, a nursery, an entertainment center for games and movies, and an exercise room. Penny quickly assured Leonard he would never have to set foot in it.
The next few days, they made another purchase, trading Leonard's car in on a brand-new BMW.
With time winding down, Penny decided they should have a going away party and suggested going to Vegas.
Raj, who was not due to leave for Texas for another month, arranged to have Missy join them.
Allowing Sheldon to be the Travel Master, they set out in two cars. Sheldon, Amy, Leonard and Penny in the lead car with Howard, Bernadette, Raj and Missy in the second.
They spent the next three days in Vegas, taking in shows and taking side trips to Hoover Dam and a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. They had arranged separate rooms for Missy and Raj but after the second day, one was never slept in.
Everyone was thrilled for them and all agreed Mary did not need to find out. Sheldon complained about having to keep a secret, but after a "talk" with Missy, he decided he could handle it.
The night before they left for home, Penny took Leonard down to the Casino and led him to a Crap Table. She had always loved to play and wanted to share it with Leonard. He had of course spent time studying the odds and looked forward to doing it with her.
What Penny really hoped for, although she knew it was a long shot, was that they could be involved in a hot streak. She knew how exciting it could get at the table and wanted that for Leonard.
Even though it was Vegas and celebrities were common, they discovered they were still a topic of interest and a crowd gathered around the table where they were playing.
To Penny's disappointment, nothing exciting was happening and she decided to try out some other tables. They were at their fourth table and Penny was about to give it up. She was gratified that it had been fun and Leonard had seemed to enjoy himself. Due to his careful betting they were not down a large amount.
The crowd had followed them from table to table. Penny was about to suggest they leave when it happened. And to Penny's amazement and joy, it happened with Leonard.
She was a little worried about him when it became apparent he was on a streak, not sure how he would react. Suddenly the whole table became excited. Everyone was soon joining in. Hearing the excitement, the crowd around the table grew as everyone rushed to see what was going on.
When the guys arrived, the crowd quickly let them stand by Penny after she told them they were her friends.
Penny was excited to see that Leonard was really enjoying himself and getting into it. The crowd grew more raucous, yelling "Leonard, Leonard, Leonard," every time he rolled. There was also shouts of "Penny, kiss the dice," or "Penny, kiss Leonard for luck."
They cheered even louder when they did kiss.
As the roll continued, Penny knew she should be raising their bets, but was a little superstitious and also didn't want to take any chance of distracting Leonard.
She did however make a lot of bad odds bets, using them as a way to attempt to tip the workers at the table, along with a lot of straight tips.
When it finally came to an end, after an unbelievable ride, the crowd clapped and cheered for Leonard. She and Leonard were embraced by the guys. Missy's eyes were wide and it was apparent she was stunned by the whole thing.
Even with Penny's conservative bets and bad odd bets, they had made up all their losses and made a nice profit. She knew though that a lot of people at the table had made a lot of money. This was demonstrated when the patrons threw chips on the table to thank Leonard for his run.
To be courteous, they remained around the table for a few more shooters but then Penny knew it was time to leave. She was amazed at how turned on she was from what had happened. She realized if they didn't get out of there, she was going to take Leonard right there on the table.
When they gathered up their chips and gave one last big tip, the crowd begged for them to stay. But then someone called out, "Let them go. Can't you see it's time for Leonard to get his real reward."
That brought out laughter and a series of shouts of, "Leonard's going to get laid, Leonard's going to get laid."
At first, it bothered Penny, but she realized that is was really just in fun. Of course there were also a few, "Give her one for me," and "Are you sure you can handle her alone?" but she chose to ignore them.
Carrying their winnings, Leonard headed for the Cashier, but Penny was in no mood to wait. Telling him they could do that in the morning, they headed for the elevator.
Penny almost attacked him in the elevator, but realized there could be security cameras.
But when they got to the room, she immediately led Leonard to the bed and pulling back the covers, sat him down on it. He reached for her but in a voice so husky Leonard hardly recognized it, she said, "No, Leonard, tonight, let me do it all."
She then proceeded to undress him, not allowing him to touch her. When she removed his shorts, she saw he was definitely ready for her.
Resisting the urge to ravish him, she stepped back and did a striptease for him. The dress wasn't really made for it, but Leonard did not seem to mind.
Still resisting him touching her, she pushed him back on the bed. Murmuring how beautiful he was and how much she needed him, she kissed him on the lips and then moved down, her lips following his neck down to his chest.
Leonard was overwhelmed and yearned to touch her, but decided to let her do what she wanted.
She nipped at his nipples and then ran her tongue around them.
She then moved down, still licking and kissing, until she stroked him and then took him in her mouth.
Sucking and licking, she continued until she knew he couldn't hold out much longer. She then rose up and lowered herself onto him, sliding up and down.
Leonard could no longer resist and reached up to caress her breasts. She continued to move, beginning to ride him faster and faster. She screamed a series of, "Oh my God, Leonard," and as they shuddered together and she collapsed onto his chest, a final "YEE HAH."
They stayed that way for a time with her breasts pressed against his chest, exchanging an occasional kiss.
Finally, they broke apart and realizing how sweaty and messy they were, went to take a shower together, soaping each other up.
When they returned, they were gratified there were two beds and changing into night clothes, snuggled into each other and soon fell asleep in the other bed.
The next morning they collected their winnings and joined the others for breakfast. After talking about the night before, they decided to check out of their rooms, do some light gambling and leave about noon.
While they were sitting beside each other at the slots, people would come up and comment about the night before. Penny was amazed how people were so happy for them.
At noon they set out for Pasadena. Sheldon was still in charge, but the first car was now Sheldon, Amy, Raj, and Missy. Missy had continued to be a little nervous about how Sheldon would think about her and Raj, but she was surprised and pleased that he seemed to be okay with it. For her, there were no doubts, she loved him.
The next day, they saw Missy off at the airport. After she left, no one was surprised when Raj announced that when he went to Texas, he was going to ask Missy to marry him. They all told him how happy they were for him.
With the time for Penny to leave quickly approaching, Penny and the others decided to have a girl's night.
Fortified with wine, Penny began, "I don't want to get all serious, but I just need to say how wonderful it has been to get back with Leonard, with all of you. It wouldn't have happened except for you two. You didn't hold back and let me know what I needed to realize about myself, about Leonard and I."
Bernadette looked at Amy and then said, "We appreciate that Penny, but in the end, this was about you and Leonard, about how you feel about each other."
After that, talk turned to the new house. Penny asked them if they could kind of work with Leonard. She did trust him but hoped they could help him at least reflect something that a woman would appreciate.
They agreed and told Penny how thrilled they were about them coming and living there.
The talk then turned to kids. Penny didn't want to tell them about the talk she and Leonard had, but did say that they could especially be sure to help Leonard with the nursery in case they would need it someday.
Penny then had to talk about her new picture and how excited she was about it. She told them she just wished she didn't have to leave so soon, but that it was an opportunity she didn't feel she could pass up. She could tell they wondered how she was doing this so soon after they got back together but they all just let that go.
Although it made Penny a little nervous, they ended by playing a quick game of Truth or Dare.
When Amy answered, "Truth," Penny, who had been worrying about Sheldon's feelings about Raj and Missy, asked, "Is Sheldon going to be all right about Raj and Missy? Was he upset about them sharing a room in Vegas?"
"That is two questions, but I have been surprised and proud of Sheldon. After their talk, I think he realizes how much this means to Missy. He really does love her. As far as what happened in Vegas, I don't think he was thrilled, but has accepted it." She smirked, "He is worried Mary will find out."
When Penny decided on "Truth," Bernadette asked, "Have you ever slept with any of your leading men?"
Penny smiled, "No. I really work to stay professional. But I have slept with some names you would recognize, but am not going to tell you who they are."
Despite Bernadette and Amy persisting, it became apparent Penny meant what she said.
When Penny risked truth again, Amy took a deep breath and asked, "You don't have to answer this but I admit both Bernadette and I have wondered. Why did the miscarriage do what it did? Why wouldn't you let any of us help you? Why did you feel driven to hurt all of us?"
Penny sat back and took a gulp. This is what she had been afraid of. She knew she didn't have to say anything or could just reiterate what she had told them before. But then she realized these were her friends. They had been there for her so many times. She also realized she wanted them to know. She knew it could make them feel less of her, but she trusted them.
"When I realized I had suffered a miscarriage, I was relieved, I was happy my baby was dead."
Bernadette and Amy were stunned. But after a moment, they teared up and they got up and came over and embraced her as they all found themselves crying together.
When they recovered, Bernadette said, "Oh, Penny. Why did you carry that weight by yourself? You should have let us help you."
Penny dabbed at her eyes, "I was just so ashamed. How could anyone think that?"
Amy said quietly, "You were too hard on yourself; it was an immediate reaction. I know that you are a good person and that if that hadn't happened, you would have been a wonderful mother.,"
Bernadette spoke up, "Remember when I discovered I was pregnant again? Remember how I felt? You are not the only woman who has felt that way. And I agree with Amy. If it hadn't happened you would have been thrilled when the baby was born."
Penny was stunned. She knew this wouldn't stop her from the feelings of guilt that sometimes still came to her, but she knew she was much more ready to deal with them. She looked at these two women who meant so much to her.
"I love you guys."
They smiled, "We love you, too."
They broke up soon after that but they all knew as close as they had been, they were much closer now.
The time passed quickly and much too soon, and after making love the previous night and morning, Leonard joined the others at the airport to say their goodbyes. They all stood with Leonard as he watched the plane disappear from sight.
Between his work and getting the house ready for Penny's return, Leonard had little time to dwell on Penny being gone. The nights were the worse but it took solace in that she was doing what she loved and that when she returned they would try to have a baby.
They were not able to keep in contact as much as they liked. It turned out she was in a remote location and was very busy.
Then, after she had been gone three months, he did not hear from her for a week. When she finally called, he could tell something was wrong.
He was relieved when she did not try to keep anything from him.
"Hey Sweetie, I am so sorry I haven't called, but it has been a Zoo. We were already falling behind schedule when we were hit with some unseasonable weather. We lost a whole week of shooting and some of our equipment and sets were destroyed."
She paused, "It is apparent we cannot continue like this."
Leonard was shocked and asked, "They're not planning to cancel the picture, are they?"
"No, we were worried about that, but we have too much in the can." Her voice brightened a little, "We have done good work. We are all proud of what we have got."
After another pause, "The producers, director, and the financial backers are going to have a big meeting and decide how to proceed. The scuttlebutt is that they will make changes so that the rest of the shooting can be done on a set. But nobody knows what that will entail."
She paused again and then went on, "But, it does have a silver lining. While they are having their confab, the rest of us have a few days off. They are putting us up in a hotel in Nairobi. I was hoping you could maybe get away and join me. We would only have a couple days, but it would be wonderful to see you."
Leonard didn't need to think about it. He was so thrilled that Penny was trusting him. He also was not going to pass up a chance to be with her and to be there for her.
"I am sorry about what is going on, but I can't wait to see you."
"Thank you. I have already checked out the flights and when I have confirmed the tickets, I will let you know."
She hesitated, "This has been difficult, but knowing you are there for me has helped me through it. I love you, Leonard Hofstadter."
"I love you, too, Penny."
"Well, I want to get those tickets. Goodbye for now."
"Goodbye, Penny."
Penny waited impatiently at the gate, watching as Leonard's Delta flight arrived. She was thrilled that everything had worked out. It seemed to take forever for him to clear customs but then she saw him and rushed to meet him. She crushed him to her and kissed him passionately as onlookers stared at them.
They finally broke apart and Penny took his hand, telling him she had a car waiting. They got in and on the ride to the Hotel, just sat holding hands, just so happy they were back together if only for a short time.
When they reached their room, they discovered they both wanted to take it slow, to enjoy being with each other. They touched and teased each other, reveling in each other bodies, so grateful for the closeness. When they finally finished, they stayed in bed together for a long time, savoring each other's company.
When they finally arose, they took a shower and went down to the Hotel dining room. Leonard was thrilled when he saw Ben Samuels, one of the technicians from the movie he had worked on. They greeted each other and Ben joined them for a while before leaving them alone.
After supper, they took a walk around the city before returning to the hotel where they made love again.
The next day Leonard was a little hesitant when Penny told him she had arranged for them to go on a one-day safari, but it turned out to be enjoyable and interesting. He decided he was quickly learning to adapt to the fact he was going to have to embrace a much different life. But he also realized he was looking forward to it. As long as he could keep parts of his old one as well.
The day before he was due to leave, the director of the picture, Henry Watkins, came to tell Penny what had been decided. He said he had no objection to Leonard being in on the conversation.
Saying he didn't need anything, he began, "As you know, I have been in meetings with the producers and financial people for the last four days. I am glad to let you know that they never considered not going on with the picture and were impressed by what we have managed to finish."
Both Leonard and Penny took an internal sigh of relieve as Henry continued, "But we all agreed we can not risk having more delays. We are already dangerously over budget. The good news is that by moving to indoor sets and more civilized outdoor areas, we can recoup some of those losses. I have to admit I am disappointed at some of the planned scenes we have to cut, but am satisfied with what has been planned."
"We plan to use facilities right here in Kenya. Even with the time we have lost, we think we can finish on the original time schedule or close to it. That is, about three months from now."
"Well, that's about it. Do either of you have any questions?"
Penny asked, "How soon will we know what has changed?"
Henry smiled, "Actually, I have a first draft here. I don't expect there will be many changes from it."
He reached in his briefcase and took out a script. "This is your copy. The shooting schedule is in there. We plan to start shooting in three days. I'll let you know the exact time of departure either today or tomorrow."
As they got up, Penny spoke up, "Thanks for letting us know what's going on." She hesitated, "It sounds like a reasonable solution." She paused again, "I hope we can finish telling the story."
"I hope so too. I do think everyone wants that to happen. I have to say I am impressed with what they have created."
He started to leave, "I'll get back to you soon." He turned to Leonard, "It's been good to meet you, Doctor Hofstadter."
Leonard answered, "You too."
Telling them goodbye, he left.
After he left, Penny took a deep sigh, "Well, I guess that was about as good as we could expect. I just hope it doesn't dilute the final product too much."
Apologetically, she went on, "I hate to ask, but do you mind if I go over this? I know you will have to leave tomorrow but…"
Leonard smiled, "Are you kidding, I would be shocked if you couldn't wait to see what changes they have made. I'll be fine." He smirked, "I noticed they have a Star Trek movie marathon on view."
Penny rolled her eyes as Leonard laughed.
They spent the next few hours each engrossed in what they were doing, just enjoying being together. Leonard didn't notice when Penny sat up and reread a section of the script more than once.
She went to the end and then sat it down, deciding she needed some wine. Asking if he wanted anything and being told he would take a beer, she got the beverages and sat down beside him, taking a big gulp.
Sensing something was going on, Leonard turned off the TV and asked, "Well, how is it?"
She took another long drink before she turned toward him, "I agree with Henry, they have done a good job…"
"But…"
"They have greatly expanded one scene. Before it was just a quick shot and what happened was explained in dialogue. Now it shows what happened. Not sure how to proceed, she asked, "Have you ever seen Monster's Ball with Halle Barry?"
Surprised, Leonard answered, "No, why?"
"There is a scene in it that is pretty graphic. It shows the two main characters having sex. It doesn't show full frontal nudity but comes awfully close. Of course, they don't really have sex, but it is still quite hot."
"Is that the new scene they have added?"
"It is similar to that," she hesitated, "Except ours is a rape scene."
As Leonard absorbed that, Penny smiled, "Of course, Halle did win an Oscar for that part."
She poured herself another glass of wine and watched Leonard apprehensively.
Leonard wasn't sure what to think. From one point of view, he should not be bothered. He new nudity was often part of movies, that it was done by many famous actresses. He was a little ashamed that it seemed to be bothering him.
After waiting for Leonard, Penny asked, "Are you all right?"
He looked up, "I'm fine. I don't know why this is bothering me. I know it can be a part of the job."
After a few moments, he went on, "Maybe it's not so much the nudity, but that it is a rape scene. That seems kind of exploitative."
Penny took another sip, "I can see what you mean." She paused, "But the rape itself was always a major force in the movie. It sets the stage for much of what happens. Maybe it should be given more screen time, be more overt."
She went on, "Having said that, I would be lying if I didn't admit that I am not completely thrilled with the idea myself. But I think I need to do it."
Leonard knew he was on dangerous ground but felt he needed to ask, "Penny, what if this did bother me a lot? What if I said I didn't want you to do it? Would you do it anyway?"
Penny thought about what he said. She knew she needed to be honest with him. She realized she wasn't sure what she would do. But after thinking for some time, she realized she did know.
Setting down her glass, she took his hands in hers and looked him in the eyes. "This is my profession. I take great pride in what I do. Although I respect your opinion and do not want to do anything to hurt you, this is my decision."
Leonard nodded. He was disappointed in a way but also found he was proud of her. And he had to agree, this was her decision. She had to decide what she was comfortable doing.
He looked back at her, "If you feel this is something you can be comfortable with, that you will take pride in what you have done, then I support you completely."
Penny leaned forward and kissed him softly. Then, tearing up a little, "Thank you, Leonard. That means a lot to me. And I promise you I will never do something that I would believe is demeaning."
Then she smiled, "That is, other than Serial Apist I and II."
Leonard smiled, "You would not be willing to make number III?"
Penny pretended to glare at him, "Only if you would do a sex scene with me. You could be a killer gorilla changing into a man."
Leonard laughed, "Maybe we should rehearse that scene now."
"I don't know. Where could we find gorilla suits this time of day?"
"We'll just have to improvise."
He then stunned her by picking her up in his arms and heading for the bedroom. She was pleased when he managed it without even needing his inhaler.
Leonard arrived back home in time to wish Raj good luck as he took off for Texas. When he and Missy called back with the expected news she had accepted, he joined the others in congratulating them.
Although they wanted to get married as soon as possible, they planned to wait until Penny returned. Bernadette had told them how she had been the one to get them together.
It turned out that Henry had been right and it was almost three months to the day after they met that Penny returned home.
Two months later, with Penny and Leonard firmly established in their new home, they were preparing to join the others in a trip to Texas for the wedding. Before they left, Penny made a trip to the bathroom.
She soon reappeared with a huge smile on her face. She rushed up to a surprised Leonard and gave him a huge hug. She then stepped back and holding up a pregnancy test,
"Congratulations, Doctor Hofstadter, you are going to be a Father!"