Chapter 4: Brothers

This story has been edited, revised and expanded for clarity and hopefully your enjoyment. Completed without a Beta. The characters; Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Rajesh, Bernadette, Amy, Penny, Mrs. Cooper, Meemaw, Missy, George, Stuart and Zack are owned by the Big Bang Theory.

Phallon was contemplating her next group session while sitting in her Victorian-era home office located on Carroll Avenue in the historic district of Los Angeles. She loves being a psychologist and these guys fascinate her to no end.

It amuses her that none of the guys have attempted to hit on her. I wonder if Penny made them aware that I am a lesbian. The downside of being in love with her partner Taylor, an intelligence agent, is the restrictive communications and the lengthy separations. However, the last three years have been worth all the heartache.

Phallon refocuses when she hears a knock from her receptionist. "Come in."

"Phallon your next appointment is waiting in the group therapy room."

The group therapy room is roughly nine hundred square feet with great natural lighting. It's decor consists of wood accents to include floor and ceilings. The room has comfortable zero gravity massage chairs, a huge video wall, built-in storage cabinets, a butler's pantry and a state of the art sound system.

Entering the room Phallon greets the occupants. "Hello Leonard, Raj, Sheldon and Howard, always good to see you guys." She smirks as Penny's friends scramble around looking for the controls for their respective chairs.

Frustrated Sheldon asks, "Where are the controls for the chairs?"

"The chairs are pre-programmed to activate after you sit for a duration of fifteen minutes giving me your undivided attention." Phallon smiles slyly watching the guys scramble to sit in the chairs and setting their phone or watch timers for fifteen minutes. The chairs are arranged in a semi-circle facing Phallon.

"You each asked for an appointment to discuss Penny and I thought having a group session would work best for everyone. I also have a group session with Amy, Bernadette, and by videoconference Meemaw, Mrs. Cooper and Missy scheduled for tomorrow."

"Lets hear what's on your minds with no interruptions from the rest of the group and then we will discuss how we can move forward. While in Nebraska I had the opportunity to get to know everyone except Leonard. Leonard, why don't you start us off."

Leonard squirms in his seat. He is having trouble facing the guys.

"I want to apologize to all of you. At the beginning of our friendship I thought of Raj and Howard as my minions because they looked upon me as a leader and did everything I asked without question. Sheldon I considered an inconvenience not a friend at all. As the years went by I became envious of Sheldon. I resented his brilliance and his sterling reputation within the science community. I hated that he could barely function as an adult without my help."

"Because of Penny's influence my perceptions started changing and I grew to love you all. You are closer to me than my family. While everyone was in Nebraska I had the opportunity to think and I am so ashamed of my actions especially towards Sheldon and the Arctic incident."

Phallon observes Sheldon's stone-faced reaction. The room temperature seems to have dropped fifty degrees after Leonard's statement.

Leonard explains to Phallon in detail what occurred during the Arctic incident. He then discusses what led up to Penny and his broken engagement.

Leonard was a mess complete with tears, runny nose, and asthma inhaler. The guys disgusted with Leonard gave him a few minutes to pull himself together.

"I am most ashamed that my selfish nature caused me to hurt, manipulate, and ignore Penny's cries for help. Penny and I have talked and we are back to being friends. I intend to be a better friend in the future so Howard and Raj I will not put up with your snide Penny remarks. Sheldon you and Penny have always had a special relationship but know that I will be there for her always as a friend."

Phallon hands Leonard another box of tissues and asks Raj to speak. The chairs activate and everyone looks at their devices to check timing.

Raj is stoic apologizing for his past behavior but more focused on the present and future.

"I was aware of Leonard's indiscretions but immaturely looked the other way as if it was some big joke. I stood by numerous times and watched Penny get cheated on, manipulated, sexually harassed and bullied like it was a reality TV show for my entertainment. I can't look at Leonard without being angry with myself for what I allowed in the past. However, in the future I intend to look out for Penny as a brother should. I will not tolerate any sexual or creepy remarks from Howard or Amy."

Raj turned to Sheldon. "Dude I apologize for my part of the Arctic fiasco. It's bad karma continuously weighs upon me. I delivered notarized statements explaining what happened in the Arctic this morning to Seibert and Gablehauser." As Leonard and Howard gasped, he addressed both men.

"My conscious will not let me continue to ignore the damage we did to Sheldon. Sheldon was man enough to assume full responsibility for the incident, which damaged his career and reputation. We hid behind him like kids for protection saying sorry, as if that made everything better. I am prepared to suffer the consequences for my actions. I will not protect you two from your wrongdoing any longer."

Howard for a rare moment was extremely serious, as he looked into Raj's eyes and saw his determination to do what's right.

"I agree with Raj regarding Sheldon and will add to his statement with my own. There is no excuse for how I treated Sheldon and I sincerely apologize. I was not being a friend and I hope you can forgive me because I want your friendship."

"I was devastated by Penny's loss. It really forced me to look at my life and actions. Penny has always been selfless when it came to us especially Sheldon. I treated her like a sexual object and for that I'm sorry. She gave me Bernie. I have finally grown up. Even though by nature I am a funny and kinky guy, I pledge to always look after Penny like a brother."

Sheldon appeared to deflate. He took a few moments to gather his thoughts. "I was devastated by what you three did to me in the Arctic. You almost destroyed my life's work and my reputation in the science community by your so called childish prank. I assumed full responsibility to protect my friends. I thought that's what friends do. What hurts me most, you three watched the destruction of my life's work and no one cared enough to help me. You were satisfied to see me lose everything. You did not care about me as I cared about you."

Sheldon had tears streaming down his face as he addressed his friends. Leonard and Raj could not look at Sheldon and were inconsolable. Howard was stoic with his silent tears. After a couple of minutes everyone had themselves under control and Sheldon continued.

"Penny taught me the meaning of true friendship. She stood by me during that time. She told me that you three are emotional toddlers and didn't realize the consequences of your actions. Penny said that we hide behind each other and say we're sorry and that makes our booboo's go away. When we get together we revert to six graders at recess and not holding each other accountable. She told me that I was culpable because I was dictatorial and anal. She asked me what did I truly expect taking a group of immature unsupervised sixth graders on a road trip."

I am happy that we all have reached a level of maturity and can put the past behind us with a clear conscious. I accept your apologies and hope you accept mine as well.

Amy and Penny, show me everyday what it means to be a true friend. They give me their unconditional acceptance and are willing to stick by me through the good and bad. I regret that I have not been the greatest friend to Penny." Sheldon repeated what he shared with Amy regarding his behavior towards Penny.

Sheldon caught the gaze of everyone in the room and with utmost conviction he stated, "Penny is not like a sister to me, she is my sister. She is family."

It took everything in Phallon to stay objective and not breakdown during Sheldon's discourse. The remorseful group of guys all admitted to being selfish and ignoring the needs of Penny and each other. They pledged to be better friends by being honest regarding the events of the past and to support each other in the future.

Phallon was glad that Leonard asked for help with his many issues.

She suggested Leonard continue counseling with her or she could recommend a reputable psychologist.

After hearing the guys' confessions and understanding their hearts, Phallon proposed a solution to move forward in their relationship with Penny. Phallon had the complete attention of the group.

"I suggest scheduling a HALO night with Penny and apologize for your past behavior without specifics. Tell Penny how much you need and love her. A person who experiences the loss she has will always grieve. Hearing your affirmations will help tremendously towards healing her broken heart."

Howard declared nerdishly, "The Knights of Queen Penelope will pledge our fealty on yon HALO night."

Phallon thought to herself, Oh shit, Penny has herself four knightly big brothers this is going to get interesting.

Phallon's receptionist appears at the door, "Max is here to take you to lunch."

"Okay. give me five minutes."

The guys did not want to leave the comfortable massage chairs. They were really enjoying the butt massage. Phallon caught a couple of random comments.

This would be a great game room.

I could motorize this massage chair. It would be awesome rolling into the pantry for a beer without getting up.

Phallon walked with the guys to the reception area and introduced them to her brother Max, a pediatrician.

Max having heard about the guys from Phallon smiled and shook their hands. He was a handsome guy around their age, built but not overly muscular, black hair, and gray eyes like his sister. He was a nose bleed height of six feet four inches.

As the guys stepped outside they looked at each other and smiled. They could tell by their facial expressions they all had the same epiphany. They agreed to meet in Sheldon's office to strategize.

Leonard, Howard, and Raj are seated around a whiteboard in Sheldon's office. His brother George is on speakerphone.

Sheldon begins the conversation with glee, "Gentlemen, our mission if we choose to accept, will be to find Penny a mate."

All yell excitedly, YES!

George asks, "Before we start should the women be included?"

"Let's include the girls after we find a candidate that meets our requirements."

All agree.

Leonard asks, "What shall we name this mission?"

Items in parenthesis are the guy's general comments

Howard: "Operation bone picking" (get it, Howard wiggles his eyebrows...to crude)

Raj: "Operation if the shoe fits" (to long)

George: "Operation seek and destroy" (seek mate and destroy his life ha, haa)

Leonard: "Operation Homo Novus" (if overheard the girls will think of Sheldon)

Raj gushes, "I think we have a winner…Operation Homo Novus."

George states, "Sheldon it has been awhile Homo Novus means new man, right?"

"That's correct."

Sheldon takes charge as team leader.

"Okay we have our mission's name, let's develop requirements for Penny's Homo Novus."

As the guys settle in to collaborate and brainstorm Sheldon uses the whiteboard as a visual reference for their requirements. Forty-five minutes later they are finished.

Items in parenthesis are the guy's notes.

1. Provider (excellent credit rating, meals, and COFFEE)

2. Communicator (able to understand us, verbally communicate and listen to our advice)

3. Protector (able to defend himself and his man-parts against Penny)

4. Repairman (Penny's car)

5. Family-oriented (loves kids and must spend time with us)

6. Faithful (self explanatory)

7. Adaptable (Penny's mind is all over the place)

8. Trustworthy (able to pass our background investigation)

9. Compromise / Humility (Can admit he is wrong at all times)

10. Confident (able to handle himself in the bedroom)

11. Sense of humor (can laugh at bazingas)

12. Level-headed (down to earth can handle her cornhusker ways)

13. Responsible/dependable (will accept consequences of Penny's actions)

14. Likes Penny's hobbies (shoe shopping, gaming, sports, mani-pedis,…)

15. Supportive (can lie about her singing skills to not hurt her feelings)

16. Loves her flaws (singing, snoring, man hands and feet…)

17. Loves her (makes Penny happy)

Sheldon establishes tasks and assigns responsibility. The guys select their individual code names.

Leonard: (code name – Lancelot) With Raj and George's help will enter Penny's profile onto three dating sites using an alias to obtain candidates.

George: (code name – Uranius) To contact candidates and initiate random dialogue with each to make sure candidate has no hidden agenda.

Howard: (code Name - Wolowizard) Conduct background checks on candidates to include surveillance of work and home.

Raj:(code name – Marmaducus) Act as an undercover operative and find out from Penny and/or the girls if she has an interest in anyone. Arrange the initial contact and first date location.

Sheldon: (code name – Sheldor) Oversee mission, obtain and review health records of candidate, convince Penny to go on date, monitor birth control and PMS.

Candidate/ potential mate: (code name – Peter) Howard's idea.

Penny: (code name – Queen P or Queen Penelope)

Phallon's brother Max would go to the top of the candidates list. The guys felt great that the air had been cleared and that they had a sense of purpose and responsibility.

They knew that going forward they would always have each others backs and felt a new sense of brotherhood.

Sheldon decided, "Our motto shall be Penelope's family forever." Standing they placed a hand over their hearts and yelled "PENELOPE'S FAMILY FOREVER."

They then proceeded in making the "pff" sound laughing at the camaraderie.

Phallon and Max are sitting outside at their favorite lunch spot Honey Butter café.

Max asks Phallon, "How is Penny?"

"Max you are wearing your heart on your sleeve."

"I know I know, since Penny came into my office selling pharmaceuticals I've had it bad."

"Well you could date her I know you've been hurt and you are apprehensive about stepping back into the dating field."

Max sighs, "It's always the same sis, when the ladies discover I have money the relationship goes downhill fast. They are either intimidated or man trapping goldiggers and let's not mention the plastic chicks that's another category."

Phallon laughs, "Max I can tell you that Penny is genuine and kind. I really like her and I know she is a healthy heterosexual. To get to Penny you must go through her self-appointed big brothers. The four men you met earlier at my office. They are geniuses and have all sorts of gadgets and computer technology at their disposal. You will not be able to hide your assets from them."

Phallon is pleasantly surprised at Max's attentiveness regarding her friend. Conversation continued to flow as they ate and enjoyed the delicious smells of fresh baked desserts.

"There are some tough mothers, a sister, another brother and two "bestie" female friends between you and Penny. Don't try to initiate a relationship with Penny if you are not prepared to be honest and serious because it will not be easy."

Exasperated, "I hear you but how can I make that determination when we haven't been introduced or on a date. When she comes to my office she speaks to my office manager not me."

"That's where I come in big brother, Penny and I eat dinner every Monday and Friday. Friday's we try different restaurants and I will simply tell her I invited you along because you received complimentary meal vouchers for the Last Resort restaurant."

Max apprehensively states, "I am not comfortable starting off with a lie."

"You are not lying if I give you the free meals."

They both smile and finish lunch discussing family and work.