A/N Thank you for your reviews. They mean so much to me. I still own nothing.
The next week things returned to a certain level of normalcy as everyone went back to work. Penny, who had her hours at the Cheesecake Factory reduced so she could be available for her Soap rehearsals, did spend time with Leonard and Warren, even preparing some lunches. She wondered if she should feel a little guilty being there but Leonard seemed to appreciate her presence. She would sometimes catch him smiling when she would play with Warren.
But much more frequently, she would notice how he apparently would be reminded of Monique. She would catch him smiling, but then he had to return to reality. She also could tell that Warren would often trigger those thoughts. Once she heard him speak to Warren in French which made Warren smile in return.
Monday and Tuesday night, she stayed home with Sheldon, while the others spent time with Leonard.
On Wednesday, Penny arranged with her Director so Warren and Leonard could come to the set and watch the taping. Afterwards, they spent some time at a park. Penny knew they would soon be gone and treasured the time she could spend with them. She realized how much she had missed him as a friend.
As for Leonard, he had felt a little guilty as well, but found how much he enjoyed being with Penny as a friend. He was surprised and pleased how she seemed to get along with Warren. He was also glad for her presence when he found himself being reminded of Monique.
On Thursday, Leonard heard from the funeral home. Everything was arranged. The body would be loaded on a plane leaving from Los Angeles International the next Monday. They informed him they had taken the liberty to book a ticket for him on the flight. The funeral home would bring the body to the airport where Leonard could meet it and be present when it was transferred to the plane.
They also told him everything was arranged in Paris.
Now knowing the date, Howard, Bernadette, and Raj told Leonard of their plans to accompany him to Paris. They found they were able to arrange for time off. Leonard was thrilled but asked about Sheldon and Penny.
When he heard that Penny had decided not to go because of not wanting to cause any problems, he started to object but then had to admit it was for the best. He knew Gerard at least knew about Penny.
Leonard called Pierre and Marie, who were surprised but happy for him that his friends were accompanying him.
It turned out that only first-class tickets were available, but Raj agreed to pay the difference. He also purchased one for Leonard so he could be with them.
On Saturday, everyone, including Sheldon, went to Disneyland.
On Sunday everyone gathered at Howard and Bernadette's and Leonard broke down as he thanked them all for what they had done. He began to cry again when he told them how much he wished they could have met Monique. They listened while he talked about her and their life.
Afterwards, everyone gave him a hug, even Sheldon, and Penny and Sheldon said their goodbyes.
Leonard caught them by the door and asked Sheldon if he could talk to Penny alone. Sheldon, who had surprised everyone by the way he had acted, agreed.
Leonard turned to her, "I just wanted to tell you how much it has meant to me that I was able to spend time with you. I have really missed you."
Tearing up a little, Penny answered, "I have missed you as well. I am so sorry about Monique; I know how much you loved her. I really wish I could have met her."
"Thanks, Penny, I really believe you two would have liked each other." He smiled, "She did once say though, that you were crazy to let me go."
Penny smiled back, "I was. But I am so glad you two found each other."
She looked back at Bernadette holding Warren, "Your son is beautiful, Leonard."
Leonard looked back lovingly, "Yes, he is. I just hope I can give him the love he needs."
Penny put her hand on his arm, "Don't you ever worry about that, you are the most loving person I have ever known."
Then she hugged him one last time, "Goodbye, Leonard. I hope we can at least stay in touch."
"Goodbye, Penny, I promise you we will."
The next morning Penny and Sheldon joined the others at the airport as the Hearse bearing Monique arrived. They watched as it was transferred to the plane. Then Penny and Sheldon returned to the main terminal as the others went to the boarding gate.
Penny and Sheldon watched the plane until it was gone from sight, before returning to their car.
As Penny drove Sheldon to Caltech, she turned to him, "I just wanted to say, Sheldon, that you were wonderful through all this. I know Leonard appreciated it."
"If there is one human emotion I understand, it is losing a loved one. I only needed to remember how I was affected when my Pop-Pop died. After all, Leonard was once my friend. Even though he deserted me, I still could understand how he felt."
Penny bit her tongue before she said anything about why Leonard left, "Then, you lost your father as well."
Sheldon looked out the window. When he replied his voice was tight, "Yes, of course, my father."
They drove in silence for a time, then Sheldon turned toward her, "I was surprised that you and Leonard spent so much time together. I would not have believed he would have done so after the way you parted."
"That was a long time ago, Sheldon. We have both moved on. He found Monique and I… got with you. Remember, we were good friends for a long time before we got involved."
"I suppose." He smirked, "Perhaps I should be jealous?"
Penny turned and stared at him, "Of what? Believe me, anything romantic between us died a long time ago."
As they stopped by the entrance, Sheldon exited, "If you say so. See you later at the apartment."
As Penny drove home, she thought about what Sheldon had said. Although she could maybe see why he might think that, she was glad that he was wrong. It had been much more satisfying to be Leonard's friend than to indulge in any fantasies. Instead she had felt how much he loved Monique and was happy to think she had helped him. Besides, it would be a long time, if ever, before she saw him again.
The plane landed in Paris slightly ahead of schedule. After they had gathered their luggage, they made their way to a private runway where the plane had been moved to. Leonard and the others were escorted to the cargo section. After waiting for a few minutes, a Hearse and a car drove up to them.
Pierre, Gerard, and Marie exited the car and rushed over to Leonard where they each embraced him in turn.
Marie immediately took Warren and held him tightly.
Pierre spoke first, "It is so good to see you, Leonard."
"Thank you, Pierre, it is good to be with you all."
He turned to the others; Pierre, Marie, Gerard, these are my friends. This is Howard and Bernadette Wolowitz, and this is Raj Koothrappali. Guys, these are Monique's parents, Pierre and Marie Goddard, and her brother Gerard."
Pierre spoke again, "Welcome to Paris. Leonard has told us how much it meant to him to have you with him. While you are here, our home is yours. Thank you so much for bringing Leonard and Warren to us."
Howard spoke up, "Thanks, Pierre. We are so glad to meet you. I just wish it could be under happier circumstances."
They all turned as the cargo doors opened and the coffin was unloaded. Pierre and Marie held each other as they began to cry. Leonard and Gerard stood together, both tearing up.
The coffin was loaded into the Hearse. Howard and the others said they were going to catch a taxi and check into their hotel.
Pierre told them there would be a viewing at the Funeral Home the next day. He invited them to come to their home that night.
Everyone agreed and after being sure they had all the information they needed to get around, they split up with Leonard and Warren joining the others in their car.