A/N My internet connection will be limited and erratic over the next week, do to repairs and upgrades on my house. As a result, I'm getting this out today and will not have another chapter until next Wednesday, sorry. As for this chapter, note the last comment, before the ending A/N.

Chapter 17

Cal Tech Laser Lab, Friday May 25, 2012

Leonard was putting his notes in order, to send to Geoff at Oxford. School was almost over and he would be closing the laser lab for the summer. He and Penny had made some plans for the end of June into July and he wanted to get Geoff's data, so he could combined his and Geoff's, then send the combined data back to Geoff, before starting those plans. However, he hadn't heard back from Geoff in almost a week and he was wondering if he was going to get the data as he'd been promised. At the end of the day, Leonard decided to send Geoff a message to call him Monday morning to discuss it.

Cal Tech Laser Lab, Monday May 28, 2012

Leonard was unlocking his lab on Monday morning and he heard his phone ringing. Rushing in and picking it up he said, "This is Dr Hofstadter."

"Leonard, Geoff here."

"How are you doing Geoff?" said Leonard.

"I'm doing fine," said Geoff. "You asked me to call, what do you need?"

"I'm trying to get my notes together to send you," said Leonard. "But I need the rest of the data you said you were going to send me. I'm also getting ready to close up my lab, so I was wondering if you were going to be able to send them?"

"Of course," said Geoff. "I'm sorry, but I'm quite far behind here. We're down two lecturers and one of those is supposed to also be working on research. So, I'm working my position as a lecturer and researcher, along with doing the same for another open position, and someone else is having to fill another lecturer, besides their own work. So, please forgive me, for not getting back to you. I'm getting ready to leave now, but I will get the data out to you tomorrow, you should have it when you get into the office."

"No, I understand why you're busy," said Leonard, "Of course you have other work to do, do that and get the data to me when you are able."

"No, no, I will get to it tomorrow," said Geoff, "because I want to get your notes."

"OK, thanks Geoff, bye."

"You're welcome Leonard, thank you, goodbye."

Apartment 4B, Friday June 01, 2012

Penny and Leonard had been back from New York for a couple of weeks when she got a call from her agent. Jim and Kelli needed her to come down to Warner Brothers, the next Monday, and told her she would be spending the day, something about shooting some ads.

Penny went there on Monday and found Jeanie and Dave there. They filmed several promo spots, but in between the shots, they mostly were just goofing around with each other. Penny felt extremely comfortable with these two, and was glad she was going to be working with them.

She told both of them, and tried to apologize ahead of time for any problems she may cause because this was her first time working on a series. Dave and Jeanie told her not to worry about it. They repeated that if she came in prepared and was willing to learn, even if she was making mistakes, there wouldn't be any problems with them. The both explained it was similar to their first experiences, They were unsure about all the processes and the little things about production, and made mistakes. They also mentioned they were lucky that they were only guest stars, instead of being a major part of the cast. They both said mistakes weren't as bad when they weren't expected to carry as much of the show as Penny was. Penny thanked them profusely.

Apartment 4A, Friday June 8, 2012

Leonard was working on the math for his detection idea. He had been working steadily since getting the data from Geoff, and he was hoping to get it finished by next week, so he could get the files to Geoff.

Amy and Sheldon walked into the apartment, and they and Leonard exchanged greetings with each other.

Leonard said, "Sheldon, I need to talk to you."

"What about, Leonard?"

"Penny and I won't be around towards the end of June though the middle of July. We are going to be on vacation."

"That's not acceptable," said Sheldon, petulantly, "who's going to drive me to work?"

"School's out for the summer, we don't have to be in all the time," said Leonard patiently, "so if you have to go in," he turned to Amy, "Amy, you wouldn't mind taking him to work, would you Amy?"

"Then, who is going to drive me to get food, to my dentist, to all the various places I need to go?"

I can drive you," said Amy excitedly.

"That's not good enough, Leonard, you will be here to drive me…"

"I don't know what to tell you Sheldon," said Leonard, putting some papers away. "If you want to give me a hard time, I will simply move across the hall and you can find everything on your own. Or, you can accept Amy driving you while Penny and I are gone. And I'll be back to drive you starting again at the end of July."

"No," said Sheldon, "you were already gone a few weeks ago. By the roommate agreement, you need to stay here to take care of me and …"

"OK, fine, Sheldon," said Leonard, "I'll start moving in a few days."

"And I won't take you either," added Amy.

Sheldon looked at both of them, "OK, fine," he said sounding irritated, "I guess I have no choice. Amy, come over to my desk, we'll have to create a schedule for you." Sheldon turned and headed toward his desk. Leonard smiled and winked at Amy, she smiled at him, nodded and then walked over to Sheldon's desk.

Apartment 4B, June 09, 2012

Penny, Amy, and Bernadette were finally having a girls night, their first one since Penny got back from New York. In fact, it was the first time they had all been together since Penny returned. As a result, the girls were eager to hear about the trip.

Penny told them about the dinners, seeing a clip of the show and about their room. Then she explained about the press conferences, and the presentation, explaining how nervous she had been. During her story, the other two questioned her about things they were interested in.

Amy and Bernadette talked about the articles in the various newspapers and trade papers. Amy talked about being in the New York Times, at which Penny had to smile. All she had done was mentioned her girlfriends, Amy and Bernadette, back in California. Then Penny talked about seeing the Empire State Building, Central Park, the zoo, and riding on the carousel. Amy and Bernadette were really interested in Penny getting asked for her autograph at the Statue of Liberty. They wanted to know specifics about getting asked for her first autograph. Penny was giggly as she told them everything that had happened, and how she felt.

They had been there about an hour, and were taking turns at heading for the bathroom. At one point, they met at the kitchen island to refill on their wine glasses. While they each filled their glasses, Penny told them how much fun it had been. Then she told them about the promos they had shot, how the other actors were so welcoming, and supportive and how she felt it was going to be so great. Finally, Penny asked each of them how their lives were going, as she hadn't heard anything from them.

Bernadette told her how she missed Howard, but at least she could talk to him a couple of times a week and they could exchange emails. Then she complained about having to do the things Howard used to do for his mother. She also said some nice things about Raj, as he had been helping her. Amy told Penny how her and Bernadette had gone through the wedding gifts and she explained, to Penny, about her five year plan to marry Sheldon. Although, she had been upset with him, when he not only had Raj find a place for their dinner, but also invited Raj along to celebrate the two year anniversary of their meeting.

She stopped for a few seconds and said, "Hey, Penny, Leonard asked me to drive Sheldon around for a few weeks coming up. I really don't mind, but where are you and Leonard going?"

Penny almost did a spit take, then said, "Where did you get that idea?"

"Well," said Amy, "Leonard asked me if I could take Sheldon around because you and him were going somewhere."

"Yeah, OK," said Penny resignedly, "I'm taking him on a getaway, even he doesn't know where. We're going for a week, we'll be home for a few days, then leave again for two weeks."

"So," said Bernadette conspiratorially, "where are you going?"

"Well, the second two weeks," said Penny, "we're going to visit my parents. My mom's never met Leonard, so I thought it would be a good time for that."

"Ooooooohhhhh," said Bernadette, "are you guys thinking of getting married?"

Penny thought for second, then decided not to try to explain their agreement, "No, were not close to that yet, I just wanted to go home before I go to New York, and thought I'd bring Leonard along. He's already met my dad, so why not my mom?"

"Ok, ok, what about the first week?" asked Amy

"That's a secret," said Penny. "I'll tell you when we get back."

"Awwwww, c'mon Penny," said Bernadette, "You can tell us, we won't say anything."

"Nope," said Penny, "I'm not telling. Now, how about we watch the movie I got. It's 'Sex and the City'. This came out before we would get together to watch movies. The next one should be 'Sex and the City 2', how's that?" Amy and Bernadette nodded and Penny put it in the player and started the movie.

Two hours later the movie ended and while they were cleaning up, Bernadette said, "So when do you go to New York?"

"I leave here on Sunday the 29th of July. I'll start getting settled in, move into my apartment. On the first of August, we start doing some things in the studio, I'll, get other personal things taken care of, probably shoot some promo things. Then we get our scripts the week after and then start production on the 8th of August."

Amy was looking at her phone. "That means, we will have your going away party on the 28th of July."

"You guys don't have to throw me a party."

"Come on Bestie," said Amy, "You know we do"

Penny nodded, then sighed, giving in. The women continued picking up.

For the next two weeks, Penny and Leonard made a list and went over things Penny would need in New York. Clothes, papers, toiletries, and some furniture were put on the list. Toward the end of the two weeks, they got together to pack for their trip, Leonard still not knowing where they were going.

Apartment 4B, 5 PM, Sunday July 1, 2012

Sheldon and Amy had been out buy some things for Sheldon and were climbing the stair to the fourth floor. Upon arriving on the fourth floor, they saw the door to 4B was open. "Bestie," yelled Amy as she ran through the open door. Sheldon was more subdued, but followed Amy in.

Penny was removing their clothes from the suitcases, but looked up when Amy yelled. "So where did you guys go?" asked Amy.

"I took him to Hawaii," said Penny with a smile. "We mostly did touristy things, shopping, laying on the beach, sightseeing, I took him to a volcano..."

"Geology?" said Sheldon incredulously, "why would you do that?"

"Leonard said he enjoyed it, Sheldon, so be quiet." She turned back to Amy, "I even got him out dancing." Amy tried to ask a question, but Penny said, "I'm sorry Amy, I have to get these unpacked and sorted out. Those I'm leaving, those I'm washing, and also pick out some other clothes we'll take, Leonard's washing the first batch right now, as we leave in two days for Nebraska. I'll talk to you later."

Amy looked disappointed, but she nodded and her and Sheldon left. The two days later, Penny and Leonard took off for Nebraska and two week later they were back.

Apartment 4B, 8 PM, Friday July 20, 2012

Amy and Bernadette had come over to Penny's for girl's night. First they wanted to know about Hawaii, So Penny told them about the whole wee, and after a refill of their wine, Amy and Bernadette asked about the trip to Omaha.

Penny said they basically just took things easy. She introduced Leonard to her mom, and had taken Leonard around to show him various places in Omaha, she had been when she was growing up. Her dad took Leonard around the farm, showing him how the equipment worked and how a farm was run. She excitedly told Amy and Bernadette how she had even taught Leonard to ride horse. Well, not a horse exactly, but a large pony. It had been hers when she was a a child and teenager. With a laugh she proudly told them that Leonard had only fallen off once.

They reminded her about the going away party in another week. Penny nodded and said she'd be there. Then Penny pulled out the movie for the night, and it was the one Penny had said she would get for the next girl's night, "Sex and the City 2". They all refilled their wine glasses, and then Penny put the movie in, and they began watching.

Apartment 4A, 11 PM July 28, 2012

Penny's going away party went very well. In addition to the gang, Bernadette had invited some of Penny's friends who watched Nebraska games with her, along with several waitresses Penny knew from The Cheesecake factory. The party began to break up around ten PM, while the gang stayed later to help clean up Apartment 4A. Finally, everyone was getting ready to leave and Penny, Amy, Bernadette and Raj were crying, and even Leonard looked teary-eyed. Sheldon, while not crying, looked as if even he was affected.

Raj and Bernadette left, and Leonard and Penny said goodnight to Sheldon and Amy and asked Amy to be at 4B by eleven the next day. Amy was going to drive them to the airport, since Leonard wasn't sure he would be able to handle driving after Penny left.

Then they left to go to 4B, Penny did another check of her clothes, her papers and was going back to check on her clothes again when Leonard told her everything was ready, it was time for bed.

Leonard led her to the bedroom, and no one had to initiate sex, they just started kissing as soon as they got into the bedroom. They started out gently, but their lovemaking became urgent and desperate, both finishing out of breath and sweating. They cleaned up and fell asleep with Leonard's right arm over Penny, with his fingers entwined with Penny's left hand.

They got up at nine AM, got dressed and headed off to a local restaurant named Marston's for brunch. They finished about an hour later and got back to the apartment at 10:30. Penny changed, and did final checks on her luggage and papers. Most of her clothes had already been shipped, along with a couple of small pieces of furniture.

At eleven, Amy and Sheldon came to the door. Amy grabbed Penny's small suitcases, and headed down the stairs. Penny had her purse, reached in and pulled out a keychain, with a pink symbol on it.

Penny handed it to Leonard, "I need you to hold onto my apartment key."

"Oh, an ankh," said Leonard, "Do you know what this symbol means?"

"No, I was given it and it was the right size to fit in my purse, what does it mean…"

"Leonard and Penny," said Sheldon, "come on, you're going to be late, it's time to go."

"Sheldon," said Penny, "Leonard was going…"

"Now, come on," said Sheldon, now standing between Penny and Leonard.

"We're coming," said Leonard as he closed the door. Penny, who had grabbed her small carryon, and Sheldon headed down the stairs, leaving the big suitcase on the landing. Leonard locked the door and then picked up Penny's large piece of luggage and walked down the stairs himself. They all got into the car for the 45 minute drive to the airport.

Penny and Leonard were standing just outside the terminal. Sheldon, as he had last time, was complaining about Amy parking in the red zone. He kept bugging her and she finally told Leonard, before pulling off to go around, she would continue to go around the airport, until she saw him waving her down.

Leonard and Penny took her luggage into the terminal, and dropped it off at the counter, while Penny checked in. They made their way to the security entrance, with Penny just holding on to Leonard's arm. They stopped, just holding on to each other, talking softly. Finally Leonard said, "It's time Penny, you have to go."

"I know," said Penny. "I'll try to Skype every night. If I get to bed around 11, I'll call around 7:30 here."

"Hey," said Leonard with a smile, "you got that right."

"I've been working on it," said Penny with a sad smile.

"I'm going to miss you," said Leonard.

"I'm going to miss you too," said Penny, pulling him into a hug.

They held on tightly, both of them lightly sobbing, until Penny moved her head back, they looked into each other's eyes, both rimmed with tears and she whispered, "I love you."

Leonard, looking back, replied, "I love you, too."

They kissed for a few seconds, then went back into a hug, really just clinging to each other. Finally, Leonard back off a bit, and though Penny tried to hold on, he broke the hug. Looking at her he said, "You've got to go."

"I know," said Penny, a tear sliding down her cheek. "Bye Leonard, I'll call tonight, I love you."

He wiped the tear off of her cheek, and said, "Bye, Penny, I'll be waiting for your call, I love you."

Penny, eyes started filling with tears again, but she turned and started walking away. Leonard watched for a few seconds, his own tears clouding his view of Penny, then she went around a corner and disappeared. With that, Leonard walked out of the terminal, looking to flag Amy's car down.

End of Part one.

A/N Shameless self-promotion. Since I won't be able to put up another chapter on this, and if you have to have a Penny and Leonard in Hawaii or Nebraska story, I have one of each. They are both stand alone and not tied into this story, but they do have Penny and Leonard in Omaha and Hawaii, so if you haven't read them, and want to, they are, "The In-Law Initiation-Nebraska" and "The Vacation Surprise" and both are here on fan fic.