Leonard had been staying with friends – yes, Leonard had friends other than the three he usually spent time with. Well, work friends, anyway. Since Sheldon had changed the locks at their apartment, it had become clear that he wasn't wanted, at least for now. Sheldon was angry about something, but Leonard was positive he would get over it. It was this foolish notion that led him to stay with Leslie Winkle. He had been hoping to share her bed, but she had made him take the couch. She was no longer interested in Leonard, sexually speaking. Although he was a halfway decent experimental physicist, and a mediocre lover, Leslie had always had a soft spot for Leonard. Until now, anyway. She had listened to his bellyaching about the blonde waitress and her half pint suitor, and realised that Leonard genuinely believed he deserved the best of everything, which was simply not true. As a woman, she had had to work twice as hard as the men in her field just to be taken seriously. She understood that you have to work, to fight, for what you want in life, which meant that Leonard didn't deserve Penny, or a nice house, or a good car, or a pay rise. He simply didn't. When Sheldon had approached her to warn her that Leonard would want to stay at her apartment, she had listened. She hadn't even made a snarky comment, which she felt deserved praise, considering the hostility between her and the beanpole scientist. And as much as it truly pained her to admit it, he was right about Leonard. He really was, and she could see that he needed help, he just had to admit it first.
Raj and Howard had taken to eating their lunch in Raj and Sheldon's office, even though Sheldon was still eating in the cafeteria. It allowed them some privacy, to talk about all things Penny, but also meant they could avoid Leonard. Mostly. Raj had lit a scented candle – vanilla, of course – and he and Howard were sat either side of his desk, lunches before them. Howard had tuna pasta salad – tuna, green peppers, red onion, pasta and mayonnaise – and Raj had pizza that Sheldon brought from the cafeteria earlier. Just as they were about to start eating, the door opened, and Raj froze, pizza slice halfway to his mouth. His short friend turned in his seat, and couldn't restrain an audible sigh at the sight of Leonard. It was going to be a long day.
Penny's shift couldn't end quick enough, as far as she was concerned. She had come in that morning, to be told she had to work a double, her first few customers hadn't even left a tip, one customer had actually left a receipt in lieu of a tip, she had to deal with screaming children (shouldn't they in school?), and she had just been soaked wet through by some idiot waving his (full) glass of water around. She was so looking forward to Friday, to three days off, and her date with Howard on Friday night. She had thought about going shopping after her early shift on Friday, but had decided against it, because Howard didn't seem to care what she wore. In a good way. He thought she was beautiful no matter what, if his texts were to be believed. And believe she did, for Leonard had never made her feel like his words were true. But Howard did. Howard meant it. She wasn't just arm candy – sure, Howard loved having a hot date to show off to his friends, but he still valued women for more than their bodies. He loved to talk to his dates, to get to know them, even if it was only ever going to be a one date affair, and Penny really respected that. The majority of her life had been spent in the company of men who wanted nothing more than what they saw – they saw her as a thing to be used, or looked after, or exploited. No men apart from Raj, Sheldon and now Howard ever seemed to want to really want to know her, know her likes and dislikes, know what makes her tick. Her new friends had seriously boosted her confidence, and it showed in the way she carried herself, the way she dealt with people and most certainly in the way she dressed. The low cut top and high rise jeans, the short shorts, and the rest of her 'old' wardrobe, as she liked to think of it, was still there, don't misunderstand. But she felt more confident in herself. She didn't have to use her body to get what she wanted, and she worked harder now than she used to, so she could afford not to use her body to get free drinks, or free meals. She didn't dress conservatively by any stretch, but just a little classier. Instead of short shorts and a tank top, she would wear dark jeans, or knee length shorts and a tank top. And she always made sure she felt comfortable, so her heel collection had dwindled. She'd made a mint on eBay from those puppies!
She had just returned from getting changed when she saw her full her section was, and she smiled. Maybe today could be turned around.
Leonard was not happy. He had a face like a slapped arse, and this was not going to turn out well for Raj and Howard. 'Do either of you know why Sheldon had the locks on our apartment changed?' He glared at Raj, briefly flicking his eyes over to Howard. 'I don't think he wants you living there anymore, buddy' was the reply.