A/N Thank you to my reviewers. You make my day. I still am just borrowing these characters.
After a few moments, Leonard spoke up, "I really appreciate you doing this, Penny."
"No problem, am glad to do it." She paused, "I am glad you weren't hurt worse." She paused longer, "I'd hate seeing you get hurt. You need to be more careful."
Leonard smiled, "You sound like Sheldon." He smirked, "After about the third kick, I found I agreed with both of you."
They drove in silence for a while, when Penny again broke in, "Kurt said he helped you, is that true?"
"Yeah. If he hadn't happened along, I am sure I would have much more than a couple cracked ribs."
He went on, "I still don't like what he did to you, but I do admit I kind of have mixed feelings about him."
Penny sighed, "He did hurt me, but I have to admit, we were about to break up anyway. I am glad he was there to help you." She smirked, "And, after all, for a long time I thought he was a great guy."
She went on, "If it makes any difference, I wouldn't be upset if you got to be friends with him."
"I doubt if that will be true, but I appreciate you saying so."
When they arrived at Leonard's parking lot, he decided to take a chance. "Would you like to come up for a while. I could make some coffee and we could talk."
Penny was surprised, was he making a pass at her? When she looked at him, she felt he was just suggesting exactly what he said.
"I'd love to, but I should get back, Steve will be waiting for me."
Leonard's heart sank; there was an awkward silence and he said, "I understand." He hurried to get out, "Thanks for the lift."
For a moment, Penny wondered what was going on, he suddenly seemed like he was in a hurry to leave. Then she chided herself, remembering how he had been the first time he saw her. She realized he was interested in her. She should have realized it earlier and not offered him the ride. She knew she had hurt him. But at the same time, she remembered how she had been when she knew he was physically hurt. Did she feel something for him as well?
She reached out and touched his arm, "Leonard, please don't be upset. I do like you, but as a friend. I didn't mean to…"
Leonard managed a smile, "It's okay, Penny. I understand. I like you, too."
Penny smiled, "So, were good?"
Leonard smiled back, "We're good. In fact, we're great."
He got out and leaned back into the window. "Good night, Penny, thanks for the ride."
"No problem." She smiled fondly, "What are friends for?"
She watched until he was out of sight through the door and then drove away. She realized it wasn't as cut and dried as she had made it. She found herself kind of wishing she had accepted his invitation. She realized she liked being around him.
She smirked to herself, maybe she should have told him that she and Steve appeared to be heading down the same path she had gone down with Kurt. Once again she had moved too fast, letting him move in after they had been going together for two months. It was like she was afraid of being alone. Or maybe it was that she needed constant reassurance. She had always felt that her looks were the biggest thing she had going for her.
Sighing, she decided she was making herself miserable. She smirked, Steve had been gone a few days, maybe she just needed to get laid.
Leonard walked into his apartment. He got himself a beer and sat down, thinking back over all that had happened. Maybe he should seriously think about giving up the tailing. Although he did feel what had happened was unlikely to happen again…
No, he really didn't want to quit like this. Maybe he should think about learning to protect himself a little bit, maybe take a Karate class or something. He smiled to himself, maybe he should hire Kurt as a bodyguard.
Thinking of Kurt made him think of Penny. He was such an idiot. You would think after he saw her with that good-looking guy, he would have got the message. But then she did seem like she did have some feelings for him.
Deciding not to go there, sensing it would just lead him to getting hurt, he turned his mind back to whether he should give up tailing.
As far as Kurt, maybe he should talk to him. He might have some ideas on how he could learn to protect himself.
The next morning, not wanting to rile up Sheldon by being late before he broke the bad news, he called Kurt and told him to bring the car to their office. He then took a cab to work.
He had just finished telling his tale of woe to Sheldon when he saw Kurt drive up in his car. He had been pleasantly surprised that Sheldon did seem to have concern for his welfare, but also had to endure a plethora of I told you so and I informed you thusly.
When Kurt came in, Leonard had to smirk when he saw Sheldon cringe a little and take a step back.
"Hey, good morning, Lenny, I got your car here in one piece. I felt it a little last night, but really noticed it today. I think it needs a good tune up. I got a friend if you're interested."
He nodded at Sheldon, "Good morning, Sheldon, isn't it?"
Sheldon nodded back and then gave Leonard a look similar to the one he had given him when he disapproved of his interest in Penny.
Leonard answered, "Thanks, Kurt, I'll keep it in mind. Do you need a ride home?"
"Nah. It's about time for me to head over to the gym and I have to go to work from there. I'll just take the bus."
Leonard felt he should offer to take him and he did want to talk to him about what he had been thinking about, but decided that he owed it to Sheldon to not aggravate him anymore.
He just said, "If you're sure. I don't know if I let you know how much I appreciated what you did for me late night, but I owe you big time."
"Don't worry about it. Just glad I could help. Well, maybe I'll see you around. Try to stay out of trouble."
He had started out the door when he turned back, "I almost forgot, how did it go with Penny last night."
Leonard could feel Sheldon perk up without looking at him. "She just dropped me off."
"Too bad, I was hoping there might be something there. Well, see you later."
Before Sheldon could say anything, Leonard quickly said, "It is just like I told you, she just gave me a ride home. I don't know what Kurt thought he saw."
Sheldon gave it up but Leonard knew it was probably not the last time he would hear about it.
In the next few months, Leonard contacted Kurt and to Sheldon's amazement and disdain, found himself spending time at the Gym. He in no way became a fighting machine, but he did gain a little bit of confidence.
It had an unexpected benefit when Kurt set him up with a girl named Joyce that came to the gym. Both of them knew they weren't interested in a relationship, but he found himself having a good time and indulging in coitus as Sheldon would say.
He found himself thinking of Penny from time to time and wondered how she was doing, but told himself it was just curiosity.
Then one night he was at the bar, sitting with Cheryl, Marty, and Kurt; who was just about to start his shift. It had become apparent that Cheryl wanted to get with him, but she was much too aggressive for him. He knew she would sleep with anyone and had in fact slept with about everyone.
Unknown to him Penny and Steve had come through the door.
Penny spotted them right away. She was astonished at the wave of emotions that hit her. There was happiness in seeing him again and a sudden surge of jealousy.
Fighting to suppress those feelings, mostly unsuccessfully, she pretended not to notice them as she sat down with Steve at a table near them.
While Leonard's back was to them, Kurt saw them immediately. He smiled to himself, this could be interesting. Although Penny had tried to hide it, Kurt saw how she reacted. He also knew that although Lenny had gone out a few times and claimed he hadn't thought about her when Kurt would ask, he still felt there was something about the two of them.
Cheryl was talking to Leonard when she saw Kurt stare at the door. When she turned and saw Penny, her eyes narrowed. Although Penny had really never done anything specific to her, she had nothing but contempt for Miss Penny Perfect. Back when, Cheryl had been after Kurt for a long time but when that bleached blond bitch had shaken her breasts and butt at him, he acted like a schoolboy.
She had felt nothing but happiness when he had cheated on her.
Kurt spoke up, "Don't look now, Lenny, but Penny just came in."
Cheryl was stunned, Lenny knew her too? Well, there was no way she was going to get her hooks in him. She had no interest in getting serious with him, but she saw him as a challenge.
When Leonard turned and saw her sitting with Steve, he cursed the fact that she still had an effect on him. He had hoped he had put that behind him.
Suddenly, Cheryl got up and walked over to their table. "Hey, Penny. Haven't seen you in here for a long time."
Penny had known this was a bad idea. Now that she was here, she couldn't imagine what had possessed her to talk Steve into taking her. But then she knew she was kidding herself; she knew exactly why was here. She had run into an old friend of Kurt's and he had mentioned how this nerdy friend of Kurt had helped him out. He had shaken his head as he said how tight they had gotten.
As the time had passed, the situation between her and Steve had not improved. They kept going, but there wasn't much left. She had to admit she was more than a little worried about telling Steve to get out. He had made it clear he would be the one to call it quits.
Penny looked up at Cheryl. She had been shocked to see Leonard with her. She wondered what Leonard saw in her. Then she had to snicker to herself, it was no secret what everyone saw in her, or did in her.
"We came in for a drink, not that it is any of your business."
Cheryl sneered at her, "Why don't you introduce me to this good-looking guy."
Steve wondered what the Hell was going on. He had wondered why Penny had suddenly suggested this place and he felt like he had stepped into something he wasn't sure he wanted any part of.
Penny said coldly, "Cheryl, this is Steve. Steve, this is Cheryl."
Cheryl leaned over and Penny rolled her eyes as her breasts practically fell out. As Steve's eyes involuntarily widened, Cheryl purred, "Want to dance?"
With his eyes definitely not looking at her face, Steve got out, "Why not?"
It was like he had forgotten Penny was there. She watched them go out, seeing the gloating on Cheryl's face. She realized how bad it had gotten when she found she really didn't care.
Knowing she was playing with fire, she got up and went over and sat in the chair Cheryl had left.
"Hi guys."
Kurt spoke up, "Hey, Penny." He looked at Marty, "You know Marty, don't you?"
"Yeah, it's good to see you again."
"You, too."
Kurt then got up, "Well, it's time for me to hit the grindstone."
As he headed for the bar, Marty said, "I think I'll sit at the bar and keep him company."
Penny looked over Leonard's shoulder and had to smile; Cheryl and Steve were dangerously close to engaging in a public sex act.
She turned to Leonard, "So, Leonard, I hear you are running with the wild crowd now."
Leonard, who had been staring at her, snapped out of it and said, "I don't know about that. Kurt has been helping me with some training, and I have had a few dates." He had seen her looking over his shoulder and saw what she had seen. His eyes widened and he quickly turned back.
"Sorry Steve grabbed your date. Don't worry, she is just trying to get at me."
Leonard stammered, "She's not my date. She was just sitting here…"
Penny was amazed to find how happy that made her. She knew she had no right to judge him, but she still was gratified they weren't together.
She looked more closely at him. He had mentioned training and she could actually see the effects of that. Oh, he was still no hunk, but his body was more defined.
"How have you been, Leonard. Hope you have avoided any more run ins. Do you still try to catch the cheaters?"
"Yeah, I decided I didn't want to give it up. Nothing has happened since that night."
Cheryl and Steve came up to the table. Penny noticed that Steve at least looked a little contrite. Cheryl spoke up, "You are sitting in my chair. Move it."
Penny looked up at her. She wondered what would happen if she stayed there, but decided she really didn't want to risk having a catfight in a bar in front of Leonard. Then she smirked as she wondered what he would think.
As she got up, Steve started to apologize. Penny decided, what the Hell, and looked him in the eye, "Don't worry about it on my account. Glad you had a good time. Besides, why shouldn't you rub up against the plastic, everyone else has."
Cheryl screeched and went for Penny's hair, but Penny had been expecting it and quickly moved back and stuck out her leg. Cheryl landed on her chest, which saved her from any injury, but the breath was knocked out of her.
As she struggled to get her breath, Penny turned to Leonard. "I find myself in need of a ride."
As Steve stared, Leonard recovered and took her arm. Kurt, who had watched everything with a huge smile, walked over and told them goodnight.
When Steve started after them, Kurt stepped in front of him, "I'd suggest you just let it go. Here, let me buy you a drink."
He then reached down and pulled Cheryl up. He did it a little too quickly and her top gave up any pretense of containing her assets. As she struggled to get them back into place, everyone clapped.
Leonard led Penny out to his car. They climbed in and drove off.
Leonard was still shocked at what happened. He looked over at Penny. He wondered what was going through her mind. What the hell were they doing?
Penny caught him looking at her. She sighed, what the hell had she been thinking. She knew she was probably going to regret this. She wished this would be the last straw with Steve, but she knew he would come back. He still needed to get the last word.
She thought of throwing all his stuff out on the street, but knew that would turn out ugly. But this had finally convinced her they were done. She was going to kick him out, even if she had to get a restraining order.
God, she was such a mess. She looked over at Leonard. Why weren't more men like him?
Leonard finally spoke, "I'm sorry about Steve…"
She smiled and put her hand on his arm. "Don't be. It's been over between us for a long time. This just was the final straw."
Leonard was torn. He was glad they were done, but was still sad for her.
They drove the rest of the way in silence, each wondering what was going on between them.
When they got to her apartment building, they rode up together in the elevator to her apartment.
As they stood outside, it was as if they had known all along what was going to happen. They came together, their lips mashing together, their tongues seeking entrance. They stayed that way for a long time, their bodies thrust together. When they finally broke apart, both breathing hard, Penny recovered and got her voice.
"I want more than anything to ask you to come in. But I just know it would be wrong. I want you, but it's not the right time. I have to get my head straight. I need to get way from Steve, to take a good luck at myself. "
She sighed, "I don't know what's going to happen between us, but I do know I want to be part of your life. Can you give me time? Can you wait for me to figure out what I need to do?"
Leonard looked at her, her hair awry, her lips swollen and he wanted to tell her she was wrong, that they belonged together. But he knew she was right. It was too soon. It was all too quick. They both had some thinking to do.
"It's hard, Penny. God knows I want you. But you're right. We both have decisions to make. We both have some thinking to do."
He smiled, "But I do want you in my life. I don't know how, but we'll figure it out."
He leaned forward and softly kissed her on her mouth, "Goodnight, Penny. When you are ready to talk, I'll be there."
Penny stared at him. Was she making a mistake? No, this was too important to rush into. She had a feeling she needed to get this right.
But as she went into her apartment, she smirked at herself, maybe just this one time?
Leonard decided to take the stairs, he needed the time to think. He knew he should be upset she hadn't wanted sex, but he knew there was something very important and precious at stake.
A week later, Leonard was at the office when he saw Penny was calling, when he answered, he was stunned at the panic in her voice and what she was saying, "Oh God, Leonard, I am so glad you answered. I need you, Leonard, I need your help, they think I killed him!"