Penny and Amy arrived back in Pasadena in Leonard's world. Amy had tried unsuccessfully to persuade Penny to go through with meeting her family. In the end, she gave up disappointed and came back with Penny. Amy was excited about the possible reunion and was looking forward to studying the behaviors, interactions and the way it will play out. To her, it was an experimental study of how human emotions might be different from other humans realities from different universes. Amy accepted defeat that she couldn't make Penny accomplish her mission. She tried but wanted the best for her new friend. They were going back, and she was excited about seeing Sheldon. She hopes the sparkle was still there and somehow Sheldon can get away with his crime and they could be together again. Amy said her goodbyes to Penny and would see her soon to go back with her and Leonard to see Sheldon. She wished Penny would be okay and makeup with Leonard. She hoped Leonard wouldn't be too mad at Penny for leaving and not talking to him about it.
Penny was exhausted from her travels; The stress was taking its toll on her. She had not regularly been eating and felt weak. She couldn't wait to see Leonard even though she was still a little mad at him for keeping secrets from her and the fear of where their relationship was going.
She got back to Leonard apartment block but couldn't bring herself to go in. She walks around the neighborhood a few times hoping it will help. Penny stopped at a coffee shop and sat in the corner away from other customers she needed to think and was frustrated it was busy; the distraction was not helping. Did she make the right decision in not going through with it, will there be regret as Amy put it. Her mind was all over the place. Once again she felt alone and not in control. She started hyperventilating. She panicked and held her breath for about ten seconds, then breathing through her mouth to try and ease the attack. After about five minutes she felt better and decided it was time to go back to Leonards. Penny walked through the door to see Leonard washing up in the kitchen, she could only see the right side of his face, but he looked sad, she hoped she wasn't the cause of his sadness.
He didn't see her a first because of the sound coming from the tv. He heard the door shut and turn round to see Penny standing there, lip trembling like she wanted to cry. They looked at each other for what felt like ages, trying to read each other's minds and not knowing what to do. "Penny you are back." he finally said and rushed towards her and grabbed her into a hug. She wasn't expecting it, but she needed it badly. She melted into him and held him close, as she began to sob. Trying so hard to hold back the tears that she had been holding back for so long but failing. They just held each other not wanting to let go; no words were need between these two, just the thought of been together again.
"I'm sorry Leonard," she whispered.
"No Penny, it not your fault, it's me that should be sorry. I missed you so much." Penny heard him say. She couldn't see his face but could tell he was crying too.
"I shouldn't have left you and went to England."
Leonard pulled back to look at Penny; he swipes the tear from her glowing eyes, he kissed her forehead and said, "There is nothing to be sorry about, I could never be mad at you." He smiled at her.
She felt at peace with herself; she was with the man she had fallen for deeply. Leonard was all she wanted. She will treasure the memories of her loved ones and never forget them; they were gone, there wasn't much she could do about their passing. Replacing them was not the way, and she needed closure. She needs to move on. She knew she and Leonard had to talk if they were going to have a future together. She wanted to be with him, she loved him, and she was sure he loved her too.
Leonard was happy Penny was back, he missed her and realized that he should have been there for her more. He now realized that she needed help and was crying out for help. Why didn't he see it, she was broken, and Penny must have felt so alone, coping with her loss on her own, grieving for her family and the pain of it. He now realized all this time. She was putting on a brave face pretending she was strong and coping, but deep down she was finding it hard. He promises himself that from now on he was going to be there for her and help Penny as much as he can to get her through the pain she was feeling. He was proud of Penny for risking all for what she believed in. He knew now he had to tell her about her family in this world. No more secrets he promised. She deserved to know. "Penny, there is something I need to tell you."
"Leonard, can we talk later. I'm so tired and jet-lagged. I just want to sleep. Will you hold me while I sleep." she asked.
"Of course I will, we can talk tomorrow." He led her to the bedroom. He climbed into his bed and gestured for Penny to join him. That night she held onto him not wanting to let go. She was content and happy; she felt this was going to be a new start for her.
Howard and Bernadette's relationship was going from strength to strength. They couldn't keep their hand of each other. They also had to keep things in check while Leonard and Penny were away. The base was on high alert as they anticipate an attempt recuse of Sheldon. It didn't materialize, but they were taking no chances.
"So any news from Leonard," asked Howard.
"Nothing so far but they are due back soon. I hope Leonard and Penny can persuade Amy to come with them." Bernadette replied.
"Hopefully, Sheldon confesses, we all go home. I hate it here." Howard grumbled.
"It's not that bad," Bernadette assured him.
"Oh yeah... The heat, pollution due to global warming and thin air, yeah it lovely," Howard said, the last part sarcastically.
"Do you think he will talk?"
"Sheldon? I don't know Bernadette, but I hope so. I want out of here."
Bernadette changed the subject because bringing up Sheldon just rub Howard up the wrong way. "What about Leonard and Penny."
"What about them.?" Howard looked at Bernadette puzzled.
"You know, do you think Leonard and Penny will get together."
"That's too late, they already have." Howard grinned.
"What! how do you know." It was Bernadette turn to look puzzled.
"I can tell and anyway Leonard really like Penny."
Bernadette pause and grabbed Howard to prevent him from walking away. "So you think he's fallen for Penny."
"I don't think. I know Leonard has fallen for Penny. They are kinda like on and off at the moment." He grinned again.
"Do you think they have slept together. Maybe the night we went to that pub, she did insist he stay at hers." Bernadette said.
"Could be that night, or even when they went back to our world, hell, they could even be a couple by the time they get back. You never know." Howard said.
"I hope so, Leonard and Penny are so cute together; I can tell Penny likes him."
"How can you tell?"
"Well, the way she always touches him or rests her arm on his shoulder. She is always so close to him too when they are around each other."
"So what about us." Howard shyly asked.
"What do you mean?" Bernadette replied confused.
"Are we close too?"
Bernadette thought about the question and answered honestly."We are, I mean, I like that you are so laid back, interesting and caring."
Howard blushed and muttered. "Err Thank you, you are also smart, beautiful and very kind."
Bernadette grabbed his hand and pulled him closer to her kissing him; he kissed her back "I like that you always ask me what I want to do, rather than pretend that you know it all." Bernadette said lovingly.
"I'm so lucky to have you, Will you marry me?" Howard blurted out without thinking.
Leonard woke the next day to the rain sizzling in the streets below and steaming the windows. He slowly climbed out of bed not to disturb Penny. Leonard went to the bathroom, and after relieving his bladder, he made himself a cup of coffee and began to make breakfast. He thought of last night and smiled. Penny just held him so tightly and just wouldn't let go. He was okay with it. He knew he had fallen for her and will cherish that moment forever. Leonard looked up to see Penny standing in the doorway of the bedroom wearing his blue robe. He exhaled deeply and said, "I'm so glad you are back."
"I have only been gone for a few days; it's not like weeks." She walked toward him, tapping his arm and giggled.
Leonard was glad she was getting back to her old self, he leaned in confidently and held out his hand, she took it and let him lead her to the kitchen area, Leonard kissed her and Penny responded gracefully.
"I want you to know, no matter what I will always be here for you and offer an open ear," Leonard said.
Penny was touched by his openness and honesty but didn't know what to say, she looked toward the window, and she blurted out the first thing that came to mind. "It seems to do nothing but rain most days." she pointed at the rain-streaked window.
Leonard didn't say anything in response, just stared into her eyes, "Penny, there is something I need to tell you."
Penny thought he wanted to talk about their feelings and the next step in their relationship. "Leonard, there is so much I need to tell you too…"
"I met your parents from this world."
Penny went silent, did she hear Leonard right, or was he joking. Her voice cracked. "Uh-uh, wait a minute, did you just say you met my parents from this world?"