This was written while watching my boyfriend play Fallout 4 and Forza Horizon 2, while chatting to my mother on the phone, and wondering where this story is going. I have a few plans, but nothing is concrete. Ideas are always welcome!
Sheldon did indeed have a plan, a plan to kick Leonard out. It was not a short term plan, no. This was to be his masterpiece. He just needed to get Raj on board, and then his plan would be complete. Yes, this was going to be magnificent, and he would help himself, Penny, Howard and Raj. Sheldon knew he was somewhat annoying, but his friends understood him better than they did Leonard – he was falling from the pedestal he had created for himself, now. Finally, they're seeing him for what he is, the tall genius thought to himself. And it really was about time.
Meanwhile, Leonard was formulating his plan to get Penny back, thinking about wonderful, grand romantic gestures, and how to get Raj on board with his plans. But when he cornered his 'friend' in a corridor, he was sorely disappointed. "Dude, I really don't think you get it. Howard and Penny, and whatever they're doing is none of your business. Penny isn't yours, and the sooner you get that through your thick skull, the better!" And then Raj had stormed off. So he decided to go it alone.
For a few days now, Leonard had tried, and failed, to get Penny back. He had sent flowers to her apartment and her work, he had a case of her favourite wine delivered to her, even had jewellery delivered, only to watch her either throw them in the bin, or give them away. He was furious, why couldn't she accept that they were made for each other? That they were meant to be together? He had drunk himself into a stupor, in some seedy looking bar, this is the sort of place Penny comes to, no doubt, and had walked home, only to find himself locked out. It was rather strange; he had his keys, but his door key just wouldn't work! He kept trying, but to no avail, and eventually gave up. He sat on the floor, and slowly fell asleep.
This was how Sheldon found him the next day, slumped against a wall, chin touching his chest, snoring softly. It pleased him, seeing Leonard in such a position; unable to work a lock, unable to see what an idiot he was. It pleased Sheldon to no end, mostly because he had arranged to have the locks changed while he was at work yesterday, and he walked downstairs to meet Howard for his lift to work with a wide grin on his face.
The ride to work wasn't full of idle chatter, which could only mean there was something on Howard's mind. The question was, whether to wait, or just ask, but Howard opened his mouth before Sheldon could decide. "Sheldon, I need some advice, and I think that you're the best person to help me right now." He paused, waiting for Sheldon to object, and then continued, "I like Penny, and I want to take her out, but I need Leonard distracted, and Raj out of his way so he doesn't suspect anything, and I was hoping you could do something about that?" He looked quite nervous, and Sheldon felt bad for his friend. "Howard, here's what you do. You make a point of telling us all that you have to help your mother with something or other, and then ask Penny out. She will come up with an alibi also, and Raj and I will amuse Leonard. If he's still living with me, of course." He shrugged, and Howard couldn't believe it! If he's still living me with of course? I don't even wanna know. "That's actually a pretty good idea. Thank you" and he left it at that.
Howard took Sheldon home that evening, and then knocked on Penny's door. "Oh, hey Howard, how are you?" she smiled at him, while opening the door enough for him to walk through. "Penny, I've been thinking, and I'd really like to take you on a date. A real one, this time. Sheldon is going to keep Leonard occupied so we won't be harassed, and we'll have to have alibis, but would you like to go out with me?" he rushed through his carefully rehearsed words, hoping that she actually understood him. "Ok, so you want me to deceive Leonard, in order to go out with you? Why does this have to be so complicated?" she lamented. Why should I have to lie and sneak around? Well, it's not really sneaking around – everyone else will know… Is this worth it? Penny couldn't help but question herself; Leonard had been the best boyfriend she'd had, he was sweet and kind, but in the end, they just didn't have enough chemistry. He obviously hadn't taken the break up well, but she had soon realised that this was a him problem, not a her problem. "Screw it, we're going out on Friday. Screw Leonard and his misguided notions of love. We're going to go on a proper date, and we're going to have fun." Her determined tone just made her sexier to him. "I don't like having to lie to him, but it's necessary, at least for now. But I want this, I want you." She placed her hand on his shoulder, touching her forehead to his. "I want this, too. And as for lying to Leonard, at least we have the added thrill of finding lots of secret places for making out!" he grinned, and she laughed, finally somewhat content with their situation.