A/N Thanks again for all the reviews. They make my day. To SRAM, I decided to have this Raj be able to talk to women. I really didn't want to mess with him having to take a drink all the time. I still own nothing.

Penny snuggled into Leonard, "Sheldon is right, this is a great spot." She turned to Leonard, "Although you kind of took some of the edge off when you had us put down a sheet."

"What can I say, I will never be completely free of Sheldon."

"Well, I guess it is better than trying to clean it. I should have remembered that incident with the paintball."

"We better get dressed and get back upstairs; it is almost 6:30." Just as he spoke, they heard voices outside the door. Panicking, they scrambled to dress.

Sheldon was speaking, "I told you, Amy, that this would be a waste of time. None of them really understood our theory."

"Nevertheless, Sheldon, no matter how we feel, we need them if our idea should be considered for a Nobel."

"I suppose."

Penny stared at Leonard, "Get rid of the sheet."

Leonard grabbed it and looked around. Just as the door opened, he stuffed it under one of the other cushions on the couch and quickly sat on it.

When Sheldon came in, he realized there was someone in the room, "Danger! Danger!"

Amy came by him, "Relax, Sheldon, it is just Penny and Leonard."

Then she asked, "What are you guys doing here?"

Penny stammered, "We just a…"

Leonard spoke up, "We couldn't wait to hear about your meeting."

While Amy still looked suspicious, Sheldon broke in, "Well, there isn't much to tell. As I was telling Amy, it was like trying to converse with a room full of undergraduates for all that they understood."

Amy suddenly realized that Penny's shirt was buttoned up wrong. It looked like she had just thrown her clothes on. She also noticed that Leonard's couch cushion seemed to be a little elevated.

"Have you guys been here long?"

"No, just a few minutes."

Penny started to say, "Well, Leonard, let's let them relax…" when she saw how Leonard was sitting quite high on the cushion. She stammered on, "I mean, let's hear more."

Amy smiled to herself, "Sheldon, do you want to help me in the kitchen, we should get our guests beverages." As she passed Penny, she winked.

Penny's eyes widened, but as soon as they were in the kitchen and Sheldon had his head in the refrigerator, Leonard jumped up, grabbed the sheet and headed for the door. Penny quickly followed, "On second thought, guys, don't bother, we uh have something to do."

As the door closed behind them, Sheldon said, "Well, that was rude."

Amy smiled, "I agree." She almost laughed when Sheldon complained how Leonard had left a cushion askew.

Penny was berating Leonard as they went up the stairs, "Was that the best place you could find to hide it?"

"I didn't have a lot of time. Anyway, we got out."

"Only because Amy helped us. I think she suspected something."

When they entered the apartment, Penny said, "I think I'll take a shower." When she started to unbutton her shirt, she exclaimed, "Oh God. Now I know why Amy acted so strange."

"Why, what's wrong?"

"I buttoned my shirt wrong."

Leonard smirked, "I guess it wasn't my fault after all."

"Get that smug look off your face, Hofstadter." She sighed, "God, I just know she is going to want to talk about this."

"Just tell her the truth. We had mad, passionate sex on Sheldon's spot. That your man took you to new heights of ecstasy like you have never known."

"Or I will tell her how I drove you crazy with lust. How I caused you to far exceed your normal performance in bed."

"Normal performance?"

"You know, good, but not outstanding."

He moved closer to her, "Good?"

She put her hands on his shoulders, "Well, maybe good is understating it a little."

He fondled her breast, "A little?"

She moaned, "Okay, maybe a lot."

He crushed his lips against her as she crushed her body against his. Just as they broke apart, "Penny and Leonard, Penny and Leonard, Penny and Leonard."

"No matter what you say, this time I am going to kill him."

Leonard headed for the door, "I won't stop you."

When he opened it Sheldon and Amy were standing there. Amy was smiling broadly while Sheldon seemed somewhere between shock and embarrassment.

Sheldon managed to get out, "Are either one of you missing an article of clothing?"

When they just stared at him, he held up a red bra, "I assume this is not Leonard's."

Penny turned red, crap, how could she have forgotten that?

"Yeah, that's mine, I must have left it there sometime."

Amy spoke up, "We found it at the end of the couch. I doubt we could have missed it all this time."

Penny sighed, "Okay, okay, we had crazy, wild, beautiful sex on your spot. Happy now?" She grabbed her bra and saying, "I am going to shut the door," shut it in their faces.

Sheldon stared in shock at the door. He finally got out, "Now what will I do? How can I ever sit in the spot again?"

Amy sighed, "You will sit in it. After all, we had coitus there. Besides, they used a sheet."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Now let's figure out what we are going to have for supper."

Penny and Leonard stared at each other for a few moments; then to their mutual surprise they broke out laughing. After they recovered, Penny hugged Leonard, "So, where were we?"

When Howard drove into the parking lot of Bernadette's apartment, he realized it was only six o'clock in the morning. He sat in his car wondering what he should do. He supposed he could go get some breakfast and come back later, but he really wanted to let Bernadette know the good news.

Deciding he couldn't wait, he used the key she had given him and entered the building. When he got to her door, he wondered if he should knock or just let himself in.

He finally decided he would go in and surprise her by making breakfast. Carefully unlocking the door, he turned on the living room light and went to the door of her bedroom.

He was stunned when her heard her, "Yes, oh yes. Oh, God, don't stop!"

What the Hell? He stood there, torn between ripping open the door and confronting Bernadette and (him?). He was momentarily stalled by thinking (her?) or leaving. Just then she went, "Oh God, Howard, I love you."

Howard? Slowly opening the door he was relieved and gratified when he saw she was alone and apparently dreaming. He walked over and looked down at her. Should he join her? No, he would no doubt frighten her.

Taking one last look, he reluctantly headed to the kitchen and started to make breakfast.

Bernadette woke up. That had been some dream. She felt herself breathing heavily. Relaxing, she wondered if she should get out her vibrator. But then she realized she smelled bacon. At first she told herself she was imagining things, but it didn't go away.

Finally, she put on her robe and slowly made her way to the kitchen. She was stunned to see Howard there. What was he doing here at 6:30 in the morning?

She felt herself feeling glad he was there, but also a little angry. They were supposed to be taking time apart. If he thought this would change her mind, he was mistaken. On the other hand, it was kind of sweet.

When she walked up to him, he looked up, "Good morning. I was just finishing up making us breakfast, scrambled eggs and bacon."

"What are you doing here, Howard?"

He started to say, I thought I just covered that but could sense she was in no mood for his humor.

"Why don't you make some coffee? I'll finish up and I will tell you."

Bernadette was about to demand an answer, but it did smell good. "Okay, but this better be good."

After they had eaten, Bernadette having to admit it was very good, she took a sip of her coffee.

"That was good, Howard, now what is this all about?"

"I had a little talk with my Mother this morning. She told me about your visit."

"I am sorry if I upset her, but I felt I had to try. I love you, Howard, I just couldn't give up on us without trying."

"I love you, too." He reached out and took her hands, "Whatever you said, worked." He smiled, "She gave us our blessing. I can move out and live with you."

Bernadette was stunned, she gave a high-pitched shriek and moved forward to hug him.

He hugged her back and said, "She did say though, that she expected grandchildren."

Bernadette stepped back, "She means later, right."

Howard smiled, "Right."

Bernadette headed back toward the bedroom, "When I get dressed, we are going right over and tell everyone." Her voice went up an octave, "I am so excited."

She stopped, "Then we should thank your mother."

Howard smiled, "I think she would like that."

Wayne woke up and looked over at the sleeping naked woman next to him. How had he got here? What was it about this woman? He had only known her a few days. He laid back and looked at the ceiling. What was he going to do now? There was no reason for him to remain in Omaha any longer. The longer he stayed, the tougher it would be to leave her.

Of course, he could stay and see how this worked out, but he knew he wasn't ready for a serious relationship and it wasn't fair to her to let her think he was.

It was also true he wanted to finish his trek. He had enjoyed traveling from Florida and was looking forward to finishing his trip.

Sighing and wondering if he was crazy to leave her, he decided it was better to leave sooner than later. He had always made it clear he didn't plan to stay in Omaha for any period of time.

He had accomplished what he came for. Although he had a feeling he would never be completely free of it, he did believe he was different from them.

Barb woke up. She looked over and saw him looking up at the ceiling, apparently contemplating something. She wondered what he was thinking about.

How had she got here? This was not like her. Oh, she had a few one-night stands, but that was what they were. What was it about him? She had asked him to move in after only knowing him for a couple days. There was such a contrast between his physical appearance and the kind of man he was.

In spite of the short time they had spent together, she felt more comfortable and safer with him than any man she had known. There was a vulnerability about him.

What did she feel for this man? She knew it was too early to be love, wasn't it? She just knew she loved to be with him, to have her hold her, to make love to her.

But she also knew it couldn't last. He would soon be leaving. She sighed, she would just have to settle for the time they had together. She didn't have the right to ask him to stay, did she?

When Wayne finished his thought, he saw her looking at him, "Good morning."

She smiled, "Good morning."

Just then nature called and Barb got up and headed for the bathroom, Wayne watched appreciatively as she walked away from him.

While he was wondering if he should stay there, he heard the shower come on. Deciding that answered his question, he got up and finding his shorts, put them on.

When she finished and come out with a towel wrapped around her, he gave her a kiss and did his duties as well.

When he had come out and dressed, he found her dressed and making breakfast. She turned and smiled, "I hope you're hungry, because after missing supper, I am starved."

"Sounds good to me."

She gestured to the stove, "There's some coffee ready if you want some."

He got himself a cup and sat back at the table and took a sip. He sat and watched as she cooked, realizing how comfortable this was.

But as they were eating, he remembered what he had decided in bed. Taking a deep breath, "Barb?"

"Yeah."

"I have loved being with you, but since I have finished what I planned to accomplish, I think I will be heading out."

Barb was surprised at the intensity of the disappointment she felt. She struggled to remain calm, "When were you planning to leave?"

"Thought I would get an early start tomorrow morning."

"Are you heading back to Florida?"

"No there is nothing there for me since Mom died. I was planning to finish my trip. I am going to head out to California taking the time to sightsee along the way, and then maybe think about heading up to Alaska."

Barb was about to comment on how that sounded like fun, when the crazy idea hit her. At first she dismissed it, thinking of all the obstructions to her doing it. But then she knew she would get past them somehow. Of course, it was possibly true that he would not be interested.

She paused and then gathering her courage, afraid of how he would react, "How about if I went with you?"

Wayne almost spit out his coffee. After absorbing what she said, he managed to get out, "You mean to California?" before realizing how stupid that sounded.

"Yeah, I was thinking that Steve and Mona have been after me for a long time to come out and visit them. I have kept putting it off, but this would be a great chance to do it."

"How about your job? The house?"

"I can always find a job. As far as the house, I think I know somebody that would jump at the chance to housesit for me. She hates living with her folks and this would give her some time away from them to look for a place of her own."

Wayne suddenly realized she was deadly serious, this could happen. He was stunned to realize how much he wanted it.

"That's great." He frowned, "With my stuff, there's not much room on the bike. Were you thinking you would drive?"

She stared at him, "Are you nuts? Riding the bike is what makes this so exciting. Don't worry, we'll figure it out. I don't need much."

They both suddenly realized what they were saying, Wayne smiled, "Are we actually going to do this?"

She smiled back, "I guess we are."

Deciding she needed to know about the house before anything else, Barb called Marion, who as expected, was thrilled with the idea. When Barb asked her how long she would need before she could move in, she said no more than a week.

With that out of the way and before she came to her senses, she called Steve and Mona who assured her they were looking forward to seeing her. When she told them how she was going to travel, they were a little stunned but could also tell how excited she was. Mona told her she and Barb needed to have a long talk when she arrived.

Still not quite believing what they were doing, Barb decided she would tell her boss that night she could work up to a week if he needed her to.

By the time she was ready to go to work, it had completely sunk in that they were going to do this.

Leonard met Raj at the airport. He and Penny decided he would go alone. He figured Raj knew about Penny but decided he wanted to talk to him first.

When Raj came out to the car, Leonard opened the trunk and then got out to greet him. After Raj put his stuff in the trunk, Leonard welcomed him to America and shook his hand.

As they pulled away from the pickup area, Leonard spoke up, "Hope everyone is okay in India."

"Yes, nothing has changed. My folks still argue, my oldest brother is still a jerk."

"How does Priya like her new job?"

"She seems quite satisfied. She sends you her regards."

Leonard nodded.

After they drove a while, Leonard asked, "How do you plan to get back and forth to work?"

"My parents told me to go ahead a get a car, that they will pay for it." He paused, "Do you know where a Mercedes Benz dealer is?"

Leonard sighed, "I am sure we can find one. Do you want to go straight to your apartment?"

"If you don't mind, I would like to go meet Penny first. I have heard so much about her."

"No, that's fine, she is looking forward to meeting you, too."

When they arrived at the room, Penny was waiting for them. Raj could not help staring, Priya had said she was pretty, but the woman before him was gorgeous. How did she ever get with Leonard?

Penny smiled, "Welcome to America. I am so happy to meet you."

Raj recovered, "It is a pleasure to meet you as well." He paused, "My sister said you were attractive, but you are quite beautiful."

Penny was surprised to find herself blushing, she would have to watch this guy.

Leonard spoke up, "Why don't we all sit down? Raj, can I get you something?"

"A glass of wine if you have it. I usually prefer a Dom Perignon but I will take whatever you have."

Both Penny and Leonard rolled their eyes, Penny no longer charmed. She smirked, "I am sorry, I didn't get to the store this week, I am afraid you have to settle for something a little less expensive."

"No problem."

After everyone had been served, Raj seeming to be satisfied, he brought up the car again. With Penny smirking to herself that he was interesting again, they looked up a dealership.

When Raj asked if they could accompany him, admitting he would feel better with someone from America with him, Leonard said he had to go to work. Leonard was a little surprised when Penny quickly said she would go.

As they drove toward the dealership, Raj asked, "I apologize if I am being forward, but exactly what is the relationship between you and Leonard?"

Penny smiled broadly and held up her hand, "Were engaged!"

Raj was stunned. He wondered what Priya would think of that, "Congratulations."

Penny went on, "We know we haven't been together that long but we both couldn't imagine not spending our lives together."

For the second time in his life, Raj envied Leonard, the other being his winning the Nobel, "How beautiful."

When they got to the dealership, Penny was thrilled to go on a test drive. She was then surprised when Raj called a bank and had a certified check delivered for the entire amount. She smirked to herself, he was getting attractive again.

Raj dropped her off telling Penny he would call them after he was all settled in.

That night, when Leonard came home, she told him about the cash deal. Leonard smiled and told her how rich the Kootherpalli family was. Penny couldn't resist, she asked, "How about if I married him and you could be my boy toy?"

"I suppose that could work, except you would have to sleep with Raj. After being with me, it would be tough to have to settle for something less."

"I guess you're right. You're lucky that along with being handsome and brilliant, you are the best lover."

He smiled, "Don't forget the being cute and short."

"You know, after seeing him spend all that cash, you better remind me of how good you are in bed."

"I accept the challenge." He snapped out, "Get those clothes off."

"Ooh, forceful Leonard. I like it."