A/N Thanks to all those who honored me with a review. They do warm the cockles of my heart. I also just want to say that being involved in staying at home, writing and reading fanfiction has been a godsend. This chapter is a little shorter than usual, but it just felt like it wanted to end where it did.

I still own nothing.

When Leonard returned to 4B, he found Penny anxiously waiting for him, "Well, how did it go?"

Leonard went over to her and gave her a kiss. They he signaled for her to join him on the couch.

"First of all, you might be interested to know that Zack was there."

In spite of her being worried about what had happened, she was surprised and pleased, "That's great, I knew those two would be good for each other." She smirked, "Kind of early in the morning to be there, don't you think?"

Leonard smiled, "I am pretty sure he had been there all night."

Penny smiled back, "I am so happy for them." Then she got serious again, "Sorry, you were telling me what happened."

"Well, it was about what we expected, she was hurt and disappointed. But we were also right that when she found out I planned to give up the Nobel if she couldn't be in on it, she told me she couldn't let me do that for her."

He hesitated and then said, "I was going to agree with her, but then I realized that I wasn't going to let her sacrifice herself again, that she deserved it as much as I did. That if circumstance meant she couldn't be considered for the award, then I didn't want it."

Penny contemplated that. She had meant it when she said she would support Leonard in whatever he decided, but it hurt her deeply to see him not being recognized for his achievements. But she had also known his loyalty and his being willing to sacrifice himself for friendship was a large part of why she loved him so much. She was about to tell him that she supported his decision when he went on.

"But before I could tell her, Zack came up with an idea."

Penny couldn't hide her surprise, "Zack?"

Leonard smiled back, "I was surprised too but then realized we did know that outside his obsession with science, he is successful at what he does. I think he is a lot more astute then we give him credit for."

"In any case, his idea was that not only do we give her credit in our speeches, we invite her to be in the audience and have her stand up." He hesitated, "To top it off, he suggested we split the prize money four ways."

Penny was stunned. She realized Leonard was right, Zack was not stupid when it came to the real world. She was pleased that they maybe had found a compromise. She also realized this would cost Leonard a large amount of money, but that was not important.

She finally said, "What did Alex think about that?"

"She thought it was an excellent idea. But then I felt I had to tell them, I wasn't sure Sheldon and Amy would go along." He looked in Penny's eyes, "I told her even if they didn't, I would see to it she was there, that I would recognize her in my speech and," he took a small breath, "I would split my prize money with her. We would each get about $200,000."

Penny asked, "What did they think about that?"

"Alex was thrilled. She gave me a hug and told me how much she appreciated it."

Penny was gratified to find she was happy about the whole thing. She realized she cherished her friendship with Alex. She also knew that she was never going to let Leonard go. That she could never love anyone like she loved him.

Still looking into his eyes, she reached out and took his hands in hers, "I think that's a wonderful solution. I know it's not the same as her winning the Nobel, but it seems it is the best you can do."

She smiled fondly at him, "I love you, Dr. Leonard Hofstadter. There are a lot of reasons, many of them physical, but also because you are a good person."

"I love you, Penny." He smirked, "I do agree wholeheartedly about the physical, but because you are a good and loving person."

They then kissed passionately, grinding their bodies against each other." When they broke apart, Penny caught her breath and then said, "What about Sheldon and Amy? Do you think they will go along?"

"I don't know. I hope so. But in any case, I don't see how they can stop me from doing it on my own. It would mean more if they would agree."

Then Leonard smiled, "When Alex thanked me, I reminded her it was Zack's idea." He smiled more broadly, "She said not to worry, that she would see to it he would be thanked."

Penny smiled back, "That's all right for Zack, but I think you deserve some thanks as well. I don't have to be to work until the late shift, what say we see if I can find a way to show my appreciation."

Leonard rose and took her hand, leading her toward the bedroom, "That sounds like an excellent idea. But I think you deserve some thanks too."

The next day, after work, Leonard met with Sheldon and Amy. He told them what had transpired in his meeting with Alex. After he had finished, Sheldon and Amy exchanged a glance. Sheldon then spoke, "Evidently, I was not clear enough at our last meeting. It may have been that I spent too much time talking about how keeping her involved might confuse the Nobel Committee and led you to believe that was the main reason for my actions. The truth is, I do not believe that she is deserving of the type of recognition you are proposing. I was willing to have her name mentioned as having been of some help to you, but not in any way give the impression that she was worthy of being treated as an equal."

"It is apparent you still cannot face the truth. It is astounding to me that you would think we would agree with this Zack conceived concoction. I am still willing for you to mention her, but I cannot condone that you in any way treat her as an equal."

Leonard was stunned. He had worried that Sheldon and Amy would not go along with sharing the total prize fund, but would have understood. But to have Sheldon take the position that he not be permitted to take his own actions had never occurred to him.

He turned and looked at Amy, to see if she agreed with Sheldon.

Once again, Amy found herself in the middle, torn over what to do. She did agree with Sheldon that Alex should not be treated as an equal partner, but she also realized that Leonard was offering a possible solution. She remembered how she had told him they could work something out. Besides, did they really have a right to stop Leonard from doing what he thought was right? After all, he was giving up any chance for Alex to receive the prize. If she were to follow Sheldon, she had no doubt Leonard would give up his chance as well. That could not be allowed.

She finally spoke up, "Sheldon, while I do agree with everything that you have said, I also am not willing for Leonard to not get the recognition he deserves. I believe that he has found a reasonable compromise. As with any compromise, it is unsatisfactory in some ways to both sides. But I do not think that he alone thanking Alex and making the gesture of sharing his award with her will in any way detract from our moment of triumph."

She caught Sheldon's eyes, "Let Leonard do this. It is his award, his money, he has the right to do with them whatever he wants."

She turned to Leonard, "What does Penny think of all this? Have you discussed it with her?"

Leonard was shocked but gratified that Amy was apparently willing to listen, "She understands and is behind me on this."

Amy turned back to Sheldon, "Sheldon?"

Sheldon was stunned. He had never doubted that Amy would agree with him. He wanted to argue with her, show her how wrong she was. But then he saw them sitting there. These were two of the most important people in the world to him. He was still confused sometimes about how he felt for Amy, but he also knew that in his own way, he loved her.

And then there was Leonard. Before he and Penny entered his life, he had been alone. But while Penny's and his relationship had been somewhat based on both having experienced a traumatic event, Leonard had become a true friend.

Although he still did not understand why Leonard felt so strongly about Alex being involved, he knew Amy was right, they could not allow him to not be part of this.

He finally spoke, "I still strongly believe that Alex does not deserve the praise that Leonard wishes to bestow on her. But it seems both of you are determined to have her somehow involved. With the understanding that Amy and I will not be a party to it, I will not attempt to prevent Leonard from doing what he apparently is convinced he needs to do."

When he saw the look and smile that Amy was giving him, he knew he had done the right thing.

Leonard smiled, "Thank you both. I know it was not an easy decision."

He smiled broader, "Of course, we still need to win it."

With Sheldon admonishing him to not have negative thoughts, they soon broke up.

After Leonard left, Amy turned to Sheldon, "That was wonderful, Sheldon. I know how difficult that was for you, I am so proud of you."

Sheldon was shocked at how he was feeling. He was amazed how good it made him feel that he had done something to make Amy happy and for her to be proud of him. Before he could stop the words from leaving his lips, he astonished himself by saying, "I love you, Amy."

Amy was shocked and overwhelmed. It took her some time to find her voice, "You do?"

"Yes. I think I have for some time."

Amy started to tear up, "I love you, too." She then moved forward and wrapped her arms around him and gave him a kiss. She felt him tighten up at first, but then he returned her kiss.

When they broke apart, they were both still stunned at what had happened. Finally, Sheldon said, "Now that this Leonard thing is settled, we need to get started on our papers."

Amy was a little sad at the sudden change, but realized they had once again taken another important step. Once again there was no turning back. Suddenly, the thought of them living together had taken on a whole new meaning.