Love Bug ♥ Homunculus (Part One)
Title: Love Bug and Homunculus
Author: robothor1111 and amtrak12
Fandom: The Big Bang Theory
Pairing: Leonard/Penny
Spoilers: Spoilers through the end of season three for part one, part two includes spoilers for episode eight of season fout.
Notes: All of the spoilers are very explicit. The first three seasons of the series are mapped out with descriptions of the moments in detail.
Thanks to Roxanne (enna_xor) for helping me get video links.
Also, please remember that these moments and interpretations are ‘s and ‘s. How others may interpret the same information may be different.
The Show
The Big Bang Theory is a CBS sitcom that relies on intelligent humor and chemistry between characters to create awkward, sweet, and humorous situations. It is about four nerdy scientists who know everything about science fiction and Irwin Schrödinger, but next to nothing about social situations and pop culture. They have weekly schedules that they rarely stray from- Wednesday night is Halo Night, the third Thursday of every month is Anything Can Happen Thursday, Friday is Vintage Video Games, and Saturday is Laundry Night. In the pilot episode, a woman moves in next door to two of them, a woman who knows everything about social situations, but next to nothing about subatomic particles and Star Wars, and other things that the nerdy men love. At first, it seems that the two worlds can't fit together but slowly Penny, the woman, warms to the four guys, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. She begins to pick up on some of their habits, as they in turn learn about her world. One of the many wonderful things to come out of this show is the undeniable romantic chemistry that is between Penny and Leonard, the canon couple that doesn't need a large online community to shine.
Leonard
Leonard Hofstadter is an experimental physicist at the California Institute of Technology. He's approximately in his late 20's and has been living in Pasadena for at least 7 years. He's originally from New Jersey where his parents still reside. His mother, Beverly Hofstadter, is a renowned neuroscientist and psychologist while his father is an anthropologist. He has a sister who is a research scientist focusing on diabetes and a younger brother who is a tenured law professor at Harvard.
Leonard's childhood was very cold and clinical. His parents, particularly his mother, were extremely critical of him and rarely gave out praise. He wasn't allowed to celebrate birthdays and Christmases were spent analyzing the psychological and cultural effects of the holidays on the general population. At age 10, Leonard built a hugging machine to try to satisfy his longing for a human connection.
Despite his upbringing, Leonard grew up kind, thoughtful, and surprisingly social. When he loves something (or someone), he loves it with his whole heart. He takes rejection hard. He thoroughly enjoys his work and the game nights with his friends, but is still waiting for that someone special to share his life with. Or maybe he's just waiting on Penny.
Penny
Penny is a 23-year old waitress at The Cheesecake Factory. She grew up on a farm near Omaha, Nebraska. We know she has a mother, a father, a sister that's married, a teenaged nephew, and a brother, but ages, names, etc, have yet to be revealed in the show.
Her home life was dysfunctional at best. Penny's admitted that her sister once shot her husband while drunk, and her brother was recently on trial for being 'kind of a chemist'. It also seems her father is still bitter over Penny not being the sporty boy he wanted so badly. Perhaps it was her rocky family relations that prompted her to drop out of community college and run off with her boyfriend to California where she hoped to become a movie star.
After a few years, Penny finally dumped her cheating boyfriend and moved into the apartment across from Leonard and Sheldon. Even from the beginning, Penny has always seemed more amused than annoyed with the guys' odd and nerdy ways. She teaches Leonard that there is more to life than comic books and physics, and Leonard, in turn, helps her appreciate the works of Stan Lee and the lessons of Yoda.
And it all starts with 'Hi'.
I’ve heard so many people say that what’s wonderful about loving something is that you just do, and you feel as if you can’t explain it because words don’t do your feelings justice. That’s how I feel about Leonard and Penny.- WeBuiltThePyramids
Pilot-"Our babies will be smart and beautiful."
Love at first sight? Not quite, but there is an attraction between Leonard and Penny from the moment they meet. Their first interaction is an awkward juggling of the word 'hi,' and after being invited into the apartment that Leonard shares with Sheldon, Penny notices the complex science equations on a white board. While she has no way of knowing whose board it was, she immediately turns to Leonard and asks if it was his work. It was actually Sheldons, but upon Leonard pointing out his own board she crosses the room to check it out, obviously impressed. Later on in the episode, when Sheldon asks about Leonard's interest in Penny, Leonard replies "our babies will be smart and beautiful."
Penny takes Leonard, Sheldon, and their friends Howard and Raj out to dinner that night as thanks for being so nice to her. Knowing the type of people that are in the car, Sheldon says to Leonard, "I don't know what your odds are in the world as a whole, but as far as the population of this car goes, you're a veritable Mac-daddy."
I just loved the dinner scene and when Leonard showed the olive trick to Penny she just lit up. - LostInTime
The Fuzzy Boots Corollary-The Olive Trick
It's their first 'date', and Leonard is trying to impress the girl. How exactly does our adorkable nerd go about doing that? By spinning an olive in an inverted glass. Obviously!
The scientists and nerds in the audience were impressed because Leonard corrected Penny's comment about centrifugal force (it's actually centripetal force). The shippers enjoyed the scene because Penny seemed genuinely impressed with Leonard's olive trick. Until the olive went flying underneath the table, and Leonard bumped his head when he went to retrieve it.
The Fuzzy Boots Corollary-The first "date."
Penny drives Leonard home from their date, and he says that he had a nice time that night. Penny said that she did, too, and then hesitates before asking Leonard if that dinner was supposed to be a date. Leonard tries to look surprised. "This?" He explains that no, this was just them hanging out with their friends, who just couldn't make it due to work and a routine medical procedure. Penny says that she was just checking. However, good old Leonard isn't finished yet. His socially awkward self combined with being afraid to say the wrong thing in front of Penny renders him unable to recognize the time to stop explaining himself. "When I take a girl on a date-and I do," he informs her, "she knows she's been dated. Capital D. Bold face. Underline…da-ted." He realizes then that he is taking this too far, and excuses himself.
Penny's expression as she goes into her apartment proves that Leonard was right about one thing. She knows she's been dated. Best of all, she doesn't seem to mind.
The Luminous Fish Effect-"You know, you two make a cute couple."
Okay, we first have to preface this scene with the declaration: Mrs. Cooper is freaking awesome and arguably the best recurring guest star in the show. She is Sheldon's mother, and she is definitely a mother right down to the freaky all-knowing insight and the ability to make you do things you don't want to do or don't agree with.
And back to the scene!
The group settles down to dinner, and Mrs. Cooper suddenly looks at Leonard and Penny and says "You know, you two make a cute couple." This immediately prompts awkward and amused laughs from Leonard and Penny.
Leonard: No, we're not, not a couple, we're singles, two singles, like those individually wrapped slices of cheese that…. are friends.
Mrs Cooper: Did I pluck a nerve there?
Howard: Oh yeah.
And the gang moves on. Even though this is only episode four, Mrs. Cooper was already picking up a vibe between Leonard and Penny. And judging by the mutual awkwardness that ensued, Penny is at least aware of Leonard's crush on her by now.
It's really hard to choose only one favorite LP epi and moment. In S1 I really love the Middle Earth Paradigm. I think before that, Leonard had a "big crush" on her, but then, it becomes more. Penny is very vulnerable and Leonard could have took advantage but he acts like a friend to her-I'm pretty sure then that it's probably the first time a man treats her so well, and that Penny has been "used" by guys tons before.- fantomette
The Middle Earth Paradigm-"What is wrong with me?" "Nothing, you're perfect."
When Leonard spots Penny's ex, Kurt at Penny's Halloween party, he shocks Sheldon by deciding to go over and talk to him. He is determined to assert his dominance in front of Penny by proving his superior intelligence. He marches over, Sheldon following for moral support, and begins a conversation with Kurt, trying to outwit him. Penny stands next to Kurt smiling and nodding, and looking almost proud, every time Leonard had a comeback to one of Kurt's insults. When Leonard decides to leave the party Penny is clearly not happy; she later the party to make sure he's okay. They start to talk, the conversation turning to Kurt and his short temper. Penny says that she's an idiot, because she always dates guys like him, and she begins to cry, asking Leonard what is wrong with her. When he insists that she's perfect, Penny looks at him in surprise…and then kisses him. It's their first kiss, and after six episodes of waiting the shippers have a little taste of what they want in the duo. It can easily become more than a kiss, as Penny is drunk and vulnerable, but Leonard makes her realize that she needs to go back to her party. Upon realizing that Kurt witnessed Penny leaving Leonard's apartment, the nerd in hobbit garb sticks his chin in the air and addresses the muscular man. "That's right, you saw what you saw. That's how we roll in the shire!"
The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization-Picking out clothes
Leonard must present a paper at a particle physics convention and somehow ends up enlisting Penny to help him pick out an outfit. Or perhaps she volunteers. Either way we end up with a girl in his room, looking through his closet. Now this is usually an embarrassing situation for any guy, but Leonard seems fairly at ease. Until she finds....his bottled city of Kandor.
Penny: What is this?
Leonard: Oh, that's the bottled city of Kandor.
Penny (confused): Uh-huh.
Leonard: You see, Kandor was the capital city of the planet Krypton, it was miniaturized by Brainiac before Krypton exploded and then rescued by Superman.
Penny (fake smiles): Oh, nice.
Leonard (to himself): It's a lot cooler when girls aren't looking at it.
After telling him to toss about half his wardrobe, Penny finally finds a pair of pants that she deems acceptable.
Penny: Here, why don't you put these on while I find a shirt and sport-coat to match.
Leonard: Great, be right back.
Penny: Well, where you going, just put them on.
Leonard: Here?
Penny: Oh, are you shy?
Leonard: No, I'm not shy.
Penny: Don't worry, I won't look.
Leonard: I know you won't look, why would you look, there's nothing to see, well, not nothing….
Penny: Sweetie, put the pants on.
It's an adorable exchange. Clearly, Leonard is nervous about changing with Penny still in the room, but he tries to play it cool. Penny, meanwhile, is completely at ease, and is amused by Leonard's babbling.
What is worth taking note of in this scene is how Penny reacts to Leonard's (rather fashion-blind) wardrobe and geeky collectibles that she finds. She doesn't run off in horror. She doesn't mock or criticize any of it. She just gently but firmly informs him which clothes he should throw out, and accepts his explanations of his collectibles without judgment. She finds his oddities endearing and intriguing, and honestly enjoys being around him.
The Loobenfeld Decay-The first real hug.
Before heading off to a one-night acting job, Penny goes over to see Leonard and he tells her that she looks great. She thanks him and attempts to make conversation. It's an awkward situation due to the complex chain of events in the episode (Sheldon is incapable of telling a little white lie), but Penny ends up hugging Leonard for being a good friend. Leonard looks surprised at first, but then puts his arms around her. At that moment, Howard and Raj show up. Howard wants to get in on the hug, but with a sharp 'uh-uh!' Penny refuses to let him. The hug was especially cute because of Penny's smile, Leonard's surprise, and the fact that it lasted many 'Mississippis' (See: The Monopolar Expedition.)
The Bat Jar Conjecture-The Practice Bowl
Leonard: I knew that too!
Penny: Good for you, sweetie.
Just a small moment here. Leonard convinced Penny to help them practice for the upcoming Physics Bowl, and after Sheldon answered a question correctly Leonard, in an effort to impress Penny, quickly says he had known the answer too. Penny gives him a slightly patronizing smile and 'good job', but it makes Leonard happy and his whole face lights up in a smile.
Hey, Penny didn't have to acknowledge him. ;)
The Nerdvana Annihilation-"You are a great guy, and it's the things you love that make you who you are."
It's still season one, and Penny hasn't known the guys long; she hasn't yet made the transition into Leonard's nerdy world. When Leonard and his friends make her miss work because they are moving a time machine prop up the building's only stairway, she explodes, calling all of them "completely pathetic" and storming away. Leonard's upset, saying sadly to Sheldon later, "girls like Penny don't end up with guys who own time machines." The next day, after Sheldon defends Leonard, pointing out Penny's Care Bear, Beanie Baby, and My Little Pony collections (as well as her Hello Kitty shorts) Penny realizes what she's done and apologizes for her harsh words.
Leonard: "No, I needed to hear it,"
Penny: "No, you didn't, look, you are a great guy, and it's the things you love that make you who you are."
Howard's inappropriate comment to her apology is seemingly lost on Leonard and Penny; in fact they seem to be oblivious to the others in the hallway, only looking at each other. The kiss Penny places on Leonard's cheek certainly adds to the moment, as well as the smile that they exchange between them.
The Pork Chop Indeterminacy-Meeting Sheldon's sister.
Though on the surface this episode appears to just be about Leonard, Howard, and Raj fighting over Sheldon's sister, upon closer inspection, this episode turns out to be one of the more 'shippy' episodes of the season.
Though all three guys are vying for Missy's attention, Penny immediately keys in on Leonard's actions. Specifically in the following three scenes.
Penny: So Sheldon's sister is pretty cute, huh?
Leonard: I wasn't staring!
As Missy sits on the couch with Raj and Howard, Penny tries to casually question Leonard. Leonard, however, jumps and immediately gives himself away as he denies the accusation Penny didn't actually make. Penny seems amused by his guilty conscience and doesn't really try to push him further.
Penny: Goodbye Leonard!
Leonard: Oh, yeah, no bye Penny.
Penny rescued Missy from the creepy advances Howard and Raj were making, and the two start to leave. Everyone says bye to Missy, but no one acknowledges Penny leaving. Penny turns around at the door and makes it a point to say goodbye to Leonard. It's very much a 'Hey, hello! Remember me! The girl you're supposed to be crushing on' moment based on the tone she uses. And Leonard looks suitably chagrined when he realizes he forgot to say goodbye to Penny.
Penny and Missy manage to walk in at the tail end of the guys' attempts to convince Sheldon that they should be allowed to date Missy. Irritated, Missy takes Sheldon to his room to talk to him privately. Meanwhile, Penny slides up to the guys, giving Leonard a tight smile that implies that he is going to be in trouble later. Leonard shifts guiltily.
Leonard: We all make mistakes. Let's move on.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5635049/1/Like_They_Always_Did
The Peanut Reaction-Leonard's birthday.
After learning that Leonard has never had a birthday celebration, Penny becomes bound and determined to throw him a surprise party. When an attempt to get Leonard out of his apartment for a few hours backfires and lands Howard in the hospital, Leonard shows up an hour after the party had finished. Penny feels horrible about not being able to give him his party, and shows him a cell phone video of the event while they sit on his couch. When the video ends, she sincerely apologizes for not giving him the party. Leonard shrugs and tells her that it's okay. She looks at him affectionately. "Well, happy birthday anyways." She then gives him their first real kiss, on the mouth, without the slightly awkward tone from Halloween, and while sober. After they break apart, Leonard doesn't seem to mind missing his party anymore.
The Tangerine Factor-"The cat's alive."
When Leonard arrives for their first real date, it's clear that both he and Penny, apart from being excited, are still very nervous. They act more awkwardly around each other than they have in a long time, neither completely sure what to say to one another. After an awkward silence that really makes viewers wonder how they are going to salvage this date, Leonard tells Penny about making their restaurant reservation. Penny suggests that they talk first. Leonard agrees, and asks her if she's ever heard of Schrödinger's Cat. "Actually, I've heard far too much about Schrödinger's Cat," Penny says. Leonard appears surprised, blurts out the word "good", and kisses her.
Months earlier, when Leonard had asked out a colleague at work, she'd suggested that they kiss first to check for sparks. They did kiss then, and there was no subsequent date, since "the earth didn't move." This time, standing in Penny's apartment just in front of her closed door, it moves. The kiss, the first kiss Leonard had ever shared with Penny that he'd initiated, ends after several seconds, and with a dazed expression on her face and a quick tap on Leonard's chest, Penny announces, "all right; the cat's alive; let's go to dinner!"
The Bad Fish Paradigm-End of the date
The show returns from the summer hiatus with the end of Leonard and Penny's date. The conversation seems to be flowing, Penny is still amused by Leonard's rambling, plus she's eating some frozen yogurt so clearly dinner went well. It's now time for the goodnight kiss and the viewers hold their breath.
Penny appears a little tense, but she doesn't stop him. It could just be nerves. The kiss actually could have gone well if Leonard hadn't noticed the spy cameras in the hall (thank you Raj and Howard).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHon8sAWSxA by logicaltoast (The Hofstadter-Penny Attraction)
The Codpiece Topology-The make-out war.
When Leonard sees Penny with a new guy, Eric, he rebounds with Leslie Winkle, who wants to try out actual dating instead of just casual sex. When bidding Leslie good-bye after Date One, Leonard sees Penny and Eric coming up the stairs. Penny greets them awkwardly, and heads toward her apartment with her date. Leonard addresses Leslie loudly while looking at Penny-"Okay, well, good-night!" He kisses Leslie, which causes Penny to mimic his words to Eric and kiss him. Leslie, who realizes that she is helping Leonard try and make Penny jealous, pulls away briefly to say "that ain't gonna make your point," and then begins to make out with him. Penny is up to the challenge, and pulls Eric against her as she backs into her apartment door. After several seconds more, Leslie leaves, and Leonard goes into his apartment and closes the door. Penny watches him go, and then says good night to Eric-The Make Out War of '09 has ended.
http://amtrak12.livejournal.com/14788.html by amtrak12
The Barbarian Sublimation-Addiction
Penny has gotten addicted to online gaming, and Sheldon claims it's Leonard's fault because he said 'Hello' to her when she moved in. Of course it is.
Fearing what Sheldon meant by 'difficult to live with', Leonard heads over to Penny's to try to talk to her. When he walks in, he sees just how low Penny's sunk.
He tries a gentle approach, but Penny isn't paying attention.
Leonard: Okay, um, here's the thing, sometimes people, good people, you know, they start playing these games and they find themselves through no fault of their own, you know, kind of, addicted.
Penny: Yeah, get to the point, I'm about to level up here.
Leonard doesn't quite know what to make of this video game addict version of Penny. He points out that she has Cheeto's in her hair, and Penny simply removes it and eats it.
Penny: Oh, thanks.
Leonard: Wow.
He walks off, possibly reconsidering Age of Conan's target audience, but probably mostly taking note of all the ways he can tease her about this later.
The Griffin Equivalency-"You look very nice." "Thank you."
When Penny agrees to go with Raj to a dinner celebrating his mention in People, Leonard is upset. Raj's gloating comments of "I got a date with Penny!" and "I can't believe it took you a whole year!" do nothing to help, and all through the evening of the date Leonard's sad and nervous about what may occur between the girl he likes and his friend. He's coming up the stairs to his apartment as Penny and Raj are leaving, and Penny greets him, seeming very happy to see him as Raj is drunk already. They greet each other; Leonard looks over Penny's outfit and tells her that she looks very nice. Penny smiles and appears to blush just a little bit as she says "thank you," at the same time Raj thanks Leonard. She looks at Raj with her best he wasn't talking to you stare, and then heads down the stairs with him. Leonard needn't worry, however, as Penny has no interest in "sucking face" or doing anything else with Raj.
The Panty Piñata Polarization-Taking Sides
The war between Sheldon and Penny has escalated to junior rodeo proportions, and Leonard feels it's time to intervene. He goes over to give Penny the secret weapon.
Leonard: Look, this has to stop.
Penny: Oh, no, no, no. It is just beginning.
Leonard: All right, I really didn't want to do this, but… here.
Penny: What's this?
Leonard: Sheldon's Kryptonite.
Penny: Oh, my God.
Leonard: He can never know that I gave that to you.
Penny: Look, I said I wanted to hurt him, but, but this?
Leonard: It'll shorten the war by five years and save millions of lives.
It's later revealed that he gave her the phone number of Sheldon's mother (we told you Mrs. Cooper is awesome!). Mrs. Cooper calls Sheldon and forces him to apologize to Penny. Penny now holds a position of power within the group and is truly being seen as an equal by the others. And it's all thanks to Leonard.
The Lizard Spock Expansion-Laundry Room.
Leonard walks into the laundry room with new shirts, and that causes Penny to make the correct assumption that he has a new girlfriend, since the last time he bought a new shirt was when they were dating. Penny looks at him a moment, and then asks if Leonard has slept with Stephanie yet. When he smiles and looks away, she cries "you dog!" and slaps his chest. "Good for you!" He asks her if that changes anything, and she smiles and says no. Leonard looks confused and inquires why she'd asked then. Penny tells him that she's nosy, puts an arm around his neck, and kisses him on the cheek before leaving the laundry room.
The Vartabedian Conundrum-Talks
Ah, The Vartabedian Conundrum. Where Stephanie meets Penny, and Leonard asks Penny for relationship advice.
Penny: I'm Penny, I live across the hall. I've heard a lot about you.
Stephanie: Really?
Penny: Mm-hmm.
Stephanie: I haven't heard a thing about you. Leonard? Why haven't I heard a thing about this woman who lives across the hall and comes into your apartment in the morning in her underwear?
Leonard: She's heard about you because we're, you know, involved and you haven't heard about her because… I never slept with her, I swear!
It's always awkward when your significant other and long time crush finally meet. ;) The best part about this entire scene is how Penny just sits back and let's Leonard fumble around for a suitable explanation. Now clearly it's more fun to watch someone dig himself a hole than to help the person out (at least it is in about 95% of all situations), but Penny takes it one step further as Stephanie makes to leave.
Stephanie: Well, it was very nice meeting you.
Penny: Nice to finally meet you, too.
Penny made it a point to emphasis again that she knew about Stephanie before this meeting. Up to this point, Penny has just been the friend that is reveling in Leonard's discomfort, but with this line Penny gives away her own jealousy in her need to assert herself as a more important person in Leonard's life. Clearly Leonard opens up to Penny more than he does to Stephanie, and Penny is more than willing to point this out.
Later, Penny catches Leonard trying to destroy a pair of pants that Stephanie gave him, and she asks how the relationship is going. Leonard tries to play it off at first, but a doubting look from Penny is enough to make him admit his discomfort with how quickly the relationship is progressing.
Penny: Okay, Leonard, honey, you know, if you're uncomfortable with the way things are going, you're allowed to say something.
Leonard: Are you sure? That doesn't sound right.
Penny: Believe me, your feelings are just as important as hers.
Leonard: No that doesn't sound right either.
It takes coaching, but Penny finally convinces him to go talk to Stephanie and explain to her how he feels. Leonard returns to the laundry room some time later (it's been long enough that Penny is now folding her clean clothes).
Penny: So, how did the talk with Stephanie go?
Leonard: Well, um, on one level, really, really well.
Penny: So, you told her you wanted to slow things down?
Leonard: Not specifically, but, uh, I did tell her that I had feelings.
Penny: Good, good. And then what?
Leonard: And then the, the subject got changed somehow.
Penny: You had sex, didn't you?
Leonard: Um, little bit. (She looks at her watch) What?
Penny: Nothing.
Penny tries to be the supporting friend, but she can tell Leonard still isn't thrilled with his current situation.
Penny: Come on, Leonard, you are entitled to try and make things go the way you want them to.
Leonard: Really?
Penny: Yes, you don't always have to go along with what the woman wants.
Leonard: Huh.
Penny: What?
Leonard: Nothing, just rethinking my whole life.
Leonard admits he is afraid Stephanie will dump him if he tries to slow things down, and Penny explains it's a risk he just has to take.
We never actually see Leonard try the talk again with Stephanie nor do we see the break-up, but we got to see something more important in this episode. We got to see Penny teach Leonard a little about relationships and encourage him to stand up for himself. She taught him that he didn't have to be the only one giving, that he was allowed to have his own wants and ideas on how the relationship should go. She was partly just being a good friend, but she also had a little more selfish motives for doing this.
Kaley Cuoco: She's molding Leonard into the man that she wants to marry. ... She's literally molding him. She has to teach him a lot.
This whole shipper world is new to me, and I never even really thought of any other T.V. or movie couple, but Leonard and Penny really sold me. - Haley880
The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis-"Merry Christmas."
Its Christmas time and Penny meets David, a scientist that Leonard's working with when the former is helping the latter climb the stairs after a motorcycle fell on his foot. She pretends to love science and leaves with the guy. The following evening, Leonard confronts her in her apartment, saying he's fine with the way things are between them, but why had she said that Leonard was too smart for her, but this guy is ten times smarter than he is. Penny begins to cry, and says that David is an idiot; he had nude pictures of his wife on his cell phone. Leonard is very happy to hear that it is over. Penny asks him why he's so jealous, since he was apparently fine with them being friends. He struggles to provide an answer, and then looks at Penny. "Come on, it's Christmas, just give me this one." Penny smiles, wishes him a Merry Christmas, and slides an arm around his neck, kissing him and resting her head on his shoulder.
The following day, she gives him a present of free motorcycle lessons-having the bike not fall on him is Lesson One. Leonard gives her "100 Totally Cool Science Experiments for Kids." They smile and giggle at each other, silently acknowledging teasing each other about how crazy they'd been acting. It was a cute episode for them not only because of the kiss, but because it shows how close they have become.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2jBcsSHPMk&feature=related by rockn4ever (More Than A Friend)
The Killer Robot Instability
The guys need Howard if they're going to win at the fighting robot competition. Problem is Howard is sulking in his room because Penny finally yelled at him for being too creepy. Leonard tries to get Penny to apologize, but Penny won't budge.
Leonard: Okay, let's try it this way. Remember the day that we first met and you asked me to go to your boyfriend's apartment to get your TV back and he was nine feet tall and he took my pants off and you said… what was that? What did you say? Oh, yes, you said you owed me one.
Penny: Okay, come on, that's not fair.
Leonard: I came home with no pants!
Penny: Fine, I'll go over there tomorrow.
Leonard: Thank you.
This moment marks a HUGE development in their relationship. Leonard has always been more in awe of Penny, and while the first half of season 2 showed that he no longer had her up on a pedestal, Leonard has still never quite confronted her in this manner. Not only did he not back down when he challenged her, but he was even comfortable (and confident) enough to bring up the pantsing from their first meeting. It just goes to show how strong their friendship is by now. And everyone knows a strong friendship is the foundation for a successful romantic relationship. :)
The Financial Permeability- "Oh, Leonard, honey, if we started living together, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you."
Penny's behind on her bills, and Leonard discovers just how far behind she is when he visits and discovers that the building had cut off her electricity. He offers to help her cut corners, which leads first to a talk about Penny's dreams, then to Leonard learning that Kurt, her ex-boyfriend, owes her nearly two thousand dollars. Then Penny tosses out the idea of finding a cheaper place to live. Leonard of course does not want her to move, and he suggests that she find a roommate, say…the guy currently living with Sheldon! Penny leans toward him and says suggestively, "Oh, Leonard, honey. If we started living together, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of you." See the following episode for proof that it is becoming difficult for Penny to keep her hands off Leonard.
Later, determined to help Penny, Leonard convinces Sheldon, Raj, and Howard to accompany him to Kurt's apartment. Upon arriving, Leonard discovers that the hulking man refuses to surrender the loan, slamming the door in the guys' faces. At that, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard bail, leaving Leonard alone. He knocks again, and when Kurt answers our adorable genius looks him in the eye. "I'm not leaving without Penny's money."
When I saw them kissing I knew they were gonna be my OTP! They are just meant to be together. -TizzyGaGaBlank
The Maternal Capacitance-Lime Kiss
Leonard’s mother is over, and her condescending ways have driven Leonard next door, where he finds that the five minute conversation that she’d had with Penny the day before had driven his friend to the bottle. She invites him in, dressed casually in sweats, and opens another bottle of alcohol. Soon, they are both taking shots, giggling drunkenly. After a bit, Penny suggests that Leonard lick salt off her neck, do a shot, and then bite a lime wedge that was on the plate. Leonard agreed, and went in to lick the salt…grain…by…grain. For several seconds, however, Penny doesn’t mind. Then…
“Okay, shot, lime!”
“Right.” Leonard takes the shot, then reaches for the lime-but the plate is empty. The lime is now…in Penny’s mouth! “We’re sharing,” he says drunkenly, going for the lime wedge. Penny pulls it back into her mouth and leans forward, putting her arms around his neck as their lips meet. After a few seconds-and the audience is going crazy-Leonard leans back, spits the lime (which was now in HIS mouth) across the room, and goes back to kissing Penny.
They make it to the bedroom; Penny’s shirt is off and Leonard’s down to his boxers, when his drunk ramblings lead him to making comparisons between their relationship with each other and that of their parents. This understandably turns Penny off (for the time being) and she kicks him out.
But what you say and do while drunk…you want to say and do while sober. See “The Classified Material’s Turbulence” for further evidence of this.
The Cushion Saturation-Paintball
Penny's in trouble again. This time she's shot Sheldon's spot-accidentally-with a paintball gun. Thankfully, Sheldon isn't home. "What are we going to do!" she asks after Leonard tries and fails to clean the cushion off. "WE?" Leonard asked her incredulously. "No no no, you've had your chance to be 'we' for like a year and a half now. Right now, you are you and you are screwed. Penny flips the cushion over, thinking this simple change will suffice. Leonard points out that there is no butt print on the cushion. Penny sits on it and wiggles to create a butt print. She asks Leonard how that looks. He's still not convinced it will work. "It's too small and too…perfect." Penny's flattered at his comment.
After getting Sheldon's cushion dry-cleaned, and after Leonard buys her some shoes, Penny agrees to go participate in a paintball game. Despite the entire gang being on the same team, Sheldon shoots Penny before the game starts. She shoots him back, and he protests that since she's 'dead' she can't 'kill him.' Penny looks to Leonard, who agrees. "He's right, you can't." However, Leonard can, and he looks Sheldons way, raises his paintball gun, and shoots him for Penny.
The Classified Materials Turbulence
This whole episode has been emotional hell for Leonard. His good friend is going on a second date with the girl of his dreams, and to further rub salt in the wound, each of them turn to Leonard for advice on how to make the date go well. Could things get much worse?
Well, yeah, of course they could. But instead, things are about to get a whole lot better.
Feeling guilty for purposely giving bad advice to both Stuart and Penny, Leonard goes to Stuart to apologize. Before he say much, though, Stuart is telling him how great the date went.
Stuart: Yeah, last night at dinner, I did what you told me, I went really slow, I kept my distance, and two bottles of wine later, we were making out in my car.
Leonard: Wine? I didn't say to give her wine.
Stuart: It doesn't matter, that's where it all went to hell.
...
Stuart: Everything was good and really hot, and I said "Oh, Penny," and right where she was supposed to say, "Oh, Stuart," she said… your name.
She said LEONARD'S name.
Apparently it didn't matter if Leonard gave bad advice or not.
Somehow Leonard manages to get through the rest of the conversation and outside the comic book store before flipping out. It's better than what the fans managed. We were pretty much cheering as soon as Stuart finished his sentence.
The Monopolar Expedition- "I'm gonna miss you."
Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard are going on a trip to the North Pole. For three months. Penny is clearly upset when she discovers this, as she marches right past the informant-Sheldon-to ask Leonard about it. He picks up on the fact that she was acting different, but dismisses it when Sheldon said he didn't notice anything odd about her behavior. The night before they are to leave, Penny comes calling on Leonard, bringing him into the hallway between their apartments and giving him "a little going away present"-a blanket, but "not just a blanket, see, it has sleeves!" Leonard tries it on, and after a second or two Penny looks at him, says "I'm gonna miss you," and gives him an impulsive hug. The hug was cute in itself, but what got the shippers excited was how it ended. After a few seconds, about the length of a respectable hug, Leonard drops his arms, but instead easing out of the embrace, Penny keeps her arms around him. Leonard looks confused, and puts his arms back around her; after a few more seconds, they part with normal ease.
That night, Leonard goes into Sheldon's room, telling him that he doesn't think he can go on the North Pole trip. He says that he doesn't think Penny wants him to go. The next morning Leonard asks Penny what she meant when she said she was going to miss him. She says that it just means that she'll notice he's gone, so he then asked what the going away present meant, and she gives another vague answer. When he brings up the "really long (at least five Mississippi's!) hug, Penny cocks her head and says that it was just a hug. Leonard's disappointed that he was thinking deeper into the situation than she is, so bids her good-bye. She tells him to have a safe trip.
Throughout the first two seasons, all viewers of The Big Bang Theory had to interpret Penny's actions, casual remarks, and facial expressions and infer what was going through her head. It was all open for analyzing, and no one could be wrong, since we'd hardly ever gotten confirmation of what she was thinking and feeling. Now we finally do. Penny closes her apartment door and then stands there quietly. Then she sighs, leans her head against the door and whispers to herself, "it means I wish you weren't going."
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5140911/1/The_Letter by dksnfwm
Author: robothor1111 and amtrak12
Fandom: The Big Bang Theory
Pairing: Leonard/Penny
Spoilers: Spoilers through the end of season three for part one, part two includes spoilers for episode eight of season fout.
Notes: All of the spoilers are very explicit. The first three seasons of the series are mapped out with descriptions of the moments in detail.
Thanks to Roxanne (enna_xor) for helping me get video links.
Also, please remember that these moments and interpretations are ‘s and ‘s. How others may interpret the same information may be different.
The Show
The Big Bang Theory is a CBS sitcom that relies on intelligent humor and chemistry between characters to create awkward, sweet, and humorous situations. It is about four nerdy scientists who know everything about science fiction and Irwin Schrödinger, but next to nothing about social situations and pop culture. They have weekly schedules that they rarely stray from- Wednesday night is Halo Night, the third Thursday of every month is Anything Can Happen Thursday, Friday is Vintage Video Games, and Saturday is Laundry Night. In the pilot episode, a woman moves in next door to two of them, a woman who knows everything about social situations, but next to nothing about subatomic particles and Star Wars, and other things that the nerdy men love. At first, it seems that the two worlds can't fit together but slowly Penny, the woman, warms to the four guys, Leonard, Sheldon, Howard, and Raj. She begins to pick up on some of their habits, as they in turn learn about her world. One of the many wonderful things to come out of this show is the undeniable romantic chemistry that is between Penny and Leonard, the canon couple that doesn't need a large online community to shine.
Leonard
Leonard Hofstadter is an experimental physicist at the California Institute of Technology. He's approximately in his late 20's and has been living in Pasadena for at least 7 years. He's originally from New Jersey where his parents still reside. His mother, Beverly Hofstadter, is a renowned neuroscientist and psychologist while his father is an anthropologist. He has a sister who is a research scientist focusing on diabetes and a younger brother who is a tenured law professor at Harvard.
Leonard's childhood was very cold and clinical. His parents, particularly his mother, were extremely critical of him and rarely gave out praise. He wasn't allowed to celebrate birthdays and Christmases were spent analyzing the psychological and cultural effects of the holidays on the general population. At age 10, Leonard built a hugging machine to try to satisfy his longing for a human connection.
Despite his upbringing, Leonard grew up kind, thoughtful, and surprisingly social. When he loves something (or someone), he loves it with his whole heart. He takes rejection hard. He thoroughly enjoys his work and the game nights with his friends, but is still waiting for that someone special to share his life with. Or maybe he's just waiting on Penny.
Penny
Penny is a 23-year old waitress at The Cheesecake Factory. She grew up on a farm near Omaha, Nebraska. We know she has a mother, a father, a sister that's married, a teenaged nephew, and a brother, but ages, names, etc, have yet to be revealed in the show.
Her home life was dysfunctional at best. Penny's admitted that her sister once shot her husband while drunk, and her brother was recently on trial for being 'kind of a chemist'. It also seems her father is still bitter over Penny not being the sporty boy he wanted so badly. Perhaps it was her rocky family relations that prompted her to drop out of community college and run off with her boyfriend to California where she hoped to become a movie star.
After a few years, Penny finally dumped her cheating boyfriend and moved into the apartment across from Leonard and Sheldon. Even from the beginning, Penny has always seemed more amused than annoyed with the guys' odd and nerdy ways. She teaches Leonard that there is more to life than comic books and physics, and Leonard, in turn, helps her appreciate the works of Stan Lee and the lessons of Yoda.
And it all starts with 'Hi'.
I’ve heard so many people say that what’s wonderful about loving something is that you just do, and you feel as if you can’t explain it because words don’t do your feelings justice. That’s how I feel about Leonard and Penny.- WeBuiltThePyramids
Pilot-"Our babies will be smart and beautiful."
Love at first sight? Not quite, but there is an attraction between Leonard and Penny from the moment they meet. Their first interaction is an awkward juggling of the word 'hi,' and after being invited into the apartment that Leonard shares with Sheldon, Penny notices the complex science equations on a white board. While she has no way of knowing whose board it was, she immediately turns to Leonard and asks if it was his work. It was actually Sheldons, but upon Leonard pointing out his own board she crosses the room to check it out, obviously impressed. Later on in the episode, when Sheldon asks about Leonard's interest in Penny, Leonard replies "our babies will be smart and beautiful."
Penny takes Leonard, Sheldon, and their friends Howard and Raj out to dinner that night as thanks for being so nice to her. Knowing the type of people that are in the car, Sheldon says to Leonard, "I don't know what your odds are in the world as a whole, but as far as the population of this car goes, you're a veritable Mac-daddy."
I just loved the dinner scene and when Leonard showed the olive trick to Penny she just lit up. - LostInTime
The Fuzzy Boots Corollary-The Olive Trick
It's their first 'date', and Leonard is trying to impress the girl. How exactly does our adorkable nerd go about doing that? By spinning an olive in an inverted glass. Obviously!
The scientists and nerds in the audience were impressed because Leonard corrected Penny's comment about centrifugal force (it's actually centripetal force). The shippers enjoyed the scene because Penny seemed genuinely impressed with Leonard's olive trick. Until the olive went flying underneath the table, and Leonard bumped his head when he went to retrieve it.
The Fuzzy Boots Corollary-The first "date."
Penny drives Leonard home from their date, and he says that he had a nice time that night. Penny said that she did, too, and then hesitates before asking Leonard if that dinner was supposed to be a date. Leonard tries to look surprised. "This?" He explains that no, this was just them hanging out with their friends, who just couldn't make it due to work and a routine medical procedure. Penny says that she was just checking. However, good old Leonard isn't finished yet. His socially awkward self combined with being afraid to say the wrong thing in front of Penny renders him unable to recognize the time to stop explaining himself. "When I take a girl on a date-and I do," he informs her, "she knows she's been dated. Capital D. Bold face. Underline…da-ted." He realizes then that he is taking this too far, and excuses himself.
Penny's expression as she goes into her apartment proves that Leonard was right about one thing. She knows she's been dated. Best of all, she doesn't seem to mind.
The Luminous Fish Effect-"You know, you two make a cute couple."
Okay, we first have to preface this scene with the declaration: Mrs. Cooper is freaking awesome and arguably the best recurring guest star in the show. She is Sheldon's mother, and she is definitely a mother right down to the freaky all-knowing insight and the ability to make you do things you don't want to do or don't agree with.
And back to the scene!
The group settles down to dinner, and Mrs. Cooper suddenly looks at Leonard and Penny and says "You know, you two make a cute couple." This immediately prompts awkward and amused laughs from Leonard and Penny.
Leonard: No, we're not, not a couple, we're singles, two singles, like those individually wrapped slices of cheese that…. are friends.
Mrs Cooper: Did I pluck a nerve there?
Howard: Oh yeah.
And the gang moves on. Even though this is only episode four, Mrs. Cooper was already picking up a vibe between Leonard and Penny. And judging by the mutual awkwardness that ensued, Penny is at least aware of Leonard's crush on her by now.
It's really hard to choose only one favorite LP epi and moment. In S1 I really love the Middle Earth Paradigm. I think before that, Leonard had a "big crush" on her, but then, it becomes more. Penny is very vulnerable and Leonard could have took advantage but he acts like a friend to her-I'm pretty sure then that it's probably the first time a man treats her so well, and that Penny has been "used" by guys tons before.- fantomette
The Middle Earth Paradigm-"What is wrong with me?" "Nothing, you're perfect."
When Leonard spots Penny's ex, Kurt at Penny's Halloween party, he shocks Sheldon by deciding to go over and talk to him. He is determined to assert his dominance in front of Penny by proving his superior intelligence. He marches over, Sheldon following for moral support, and begins a conversation with Kurt, trying to outwit him. Penny stands next to Kurt smiling and nodding, and looking almost proud, every time Leonard had a comeback to one of Kurt's insults. When Leonard decides to leave the party Penny is clearly not happy; she later the party to make sure he's okay. They start to talk, the conversation turning to Kurt and his short temper. Penny says that she's an idiot, because she always dates guys like him, and she begins to cry, asking Leonard what is wrong with her. When he insists that she's perfect, Penny looks at him in surprise…and then kisses him. It's their first kiss, and after six episodes of waiting the shippers have a little taste of what they want in the duo. It can easily become more than a kiss, as Penny is drunk and vulnerable, but Leonard makes her realize that she needs to go back to her party. Upon realizing that Kurt witnessed Penny leaving Leonard's apartment, the nerd in hobbit garb sticks his chin in the air and addresses the muscular man. "That's right, you saw what you saw. That's how we roll in the shire!"
The Cooper-Hofstadter Polarization-Picking out clothes
Leonard must present a paper at a particle physics convention and somehow ends up enlisting Penny to help him pick out an outfit. Or perhaps she volunteers. Either way we end up with a girl in his room, looking through his closet. Now this is usually an embarrassing situation for any guy, but Leonard seems fairly at ease. Until she finds....his bottled city of Kandor.
Penny: What is this?
Leonard: Oh, that's the bottled city of Kandor.
Penny (confused): Uh-huh.
Leonard: You see, Kandor was the capital city of the planet Krypton, it was miniaturized by Brainiac before Krypton exploded and then rescued by Superman.
Penny (fake smiles): Oh, nice.
Leonard (to himself): It's a lot cooler when girls aren't looking at it.
After telling him to toss about half his wardrobe, Penny finally finds a pair of pants that she deems acceptable.
Penny: Here, why don't you put these on while I find a shirt and sport-coat to match.
Leonard: Great, be right back.
Penny: Well, where you going, just put them on.
Leonard: Here?
Penny: Oh, are you shy?
Leonard: No, I'm not shy.
Penny: Don't worry, I won't look.
Leonard: I know you won't look, why would you look, there's nothing to see, well, not nothing….
Penny: Sweetie, put the pants on.
It's an adorable exchange. Clearly, Leonard is nervous about changing with Penny still in the room, but he tries to play it cool. Penny, meanwhile, is completely at ease, and is amused by Leonard's babbling.
What is worth taking note of in this scene is how Penny reacts to Leonard's (rather fashion-blind) wardrobe and geeky collectibles that she finds. She doesn't run off in horror. She doesn't mock or criticize any of it. She just gently but firmly informs him which clothes he should throw out, and accepts his explanations of his collectibles without judgment. She finds his oddities endearing and intriguing, and honestly enjoys being around him.
The Loobenfeld Decay-The first real hug.
Before heading off to a one-night acting job, Penny goes over to see Leonard and he tells her that she looks great. She thanks him and attempts to make conversation. It's an awkward situation due to the complex chain of events in the episode (Sheldon is incapable of telling a little white lie), but Penny ends up hugging Leonard for being a good friend. Leonard looks surprised at first, but then puts his arms around her. At that moment, Howard and Raj show up. Howard wants to get in on the hug, but with a sharp 'uh-uh!' Penny refuses to let him. The hug was especially cute because of Penny's smile, Leonard's surprise, and the fact that it lasted many 'Mississippis' (See: The Monopolar Expedition.)
The Bat Jar Conjecture-The Practice Bowl
Leonard: I knew that too!
Penny: Good for you, sweetie.
Just a small moment here. Leonard convinced Penny to help them practice for the upcoming Physics Bowl, and after Sheldon answered a question correctly Leonard, in an effort to impress Penny, quickly says he had known the answer too. Penny gives him a slightly patronizing smile and 'good job', but it makes Leonard happy and his whole face lights up in a smile.
Hey, Penny didn't have to acknowledge him. ;)
The Nerdvana Annihilation-"You are a great guy, and it's the things you love that make you who you are."
It's still season one, and Penny hasn't known the guys long; she hasn't yet made the transition into Leonard's nerdy world. When Leonard and his friends make her miss work because they are moving a time machine prop up the building's only stairway, she explodes, calling all of them "completely pathetic" and storming away. Leonard's upset, saying sadly to Sheldon later, "girls like Penny don't end up with guys who own time machines." The next day, after Sheldon defends Leonard, pointing out Penny's Care Bear, Beanie Baby, and My Little Pony collections (as well as her Hello Kitty shorts) Penny realizes what she's done and apologizes for her harsh words.
Leonard: "No, I needed to hear it,"
Penny: "No, you didn't, look, you are a great guy, and it's the things you love that make you who you are."
Howard's inappropriate comment to her apology is seemingly lost on Leonard and Penny; in fact they seem to be oblivious to the others in the hallway, only looking at each other. The kiss Penny places on Leonard's cheek certainly adds to the moment, as well as the smile that they exchange between them.
The Pork Chop Indeterminacy-Meeting Sheldon's sister.
Though on the surface this episode appears to just be about Leonard, Howard, and Raj fighting over Sheldon's sister, upon closer inspection, this episode turns out to be one of the more 'shippy' episodes of the season.
Though all three guys are vying for Missy's attention, Penny immediately keys in on Leonard's actions. Specifically in the following three scenes.
Penny: So Sheldon's sister is pretty cute, huh?
Leonard: I wasn't staring!
As Missy sits on the couch with Raj and Howard, Penny tries to casually question Leonard. Leonard, however, jumps and immediately gives himself away as he denies the accusation Penny didn't actually make. Penny seems amused by his guilty conscience and doesn't really try to push him further.
Penny: Goodbye Leonard!
Leonard: Oh, yeah, no bye Penny.
Penny rescued Missy from the creepy advances Howard and Raj were making, and the two start to leave. Everyone says bye to Missy, but no one acknowledges Penny leaving. Penny turns around at the door and makes it a point to say goodbye to Leonard. It's very much a 'Hey, hello! Remember me! The girl you're supposed to be crushing on' moment based on the tone she uses. And Leonard looks suitably chagrined when he realizes he forgot to say goodbye to Penny.
Penny and Missy manage to walk in at the tail end of the guys' attempts to convince Sheldon that they should be allowed to date Missy. Irritated, Missy takes Sheldon to his room to talk to him privately. Meanwhile, Penny slides up to the guys, giving Leonard a tight smile that implies that he is going to be in trouble later. Leonard shifts guiltily.
Leonard: We all make mistakes. Let's move on.
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5635049/1/Like_They_Always_Did
The Peanut Reaction-Leonard's birthday.
After learning that Leonard has never had a birthday celebration, Penny becomes bound and determined to throw him a surprise party. When an attempt to get Leonard out of his apartment for a few hours backfires and lands Howard in the hospital, Leonard shows up an hour after the party had finished. Penny feels horrible about not being able to give him his party, and shows him a cell phone video of the event while they sit on his couch. When the video ends, she sincerely apologizes for not giving him the party. Leonard shrugs and tells her that it's okay. She looks at him affectionately. "Well, happy birthday anyways." She then gives him their first real kiss, on the mouth, without the slightly awkward tone from Halloween, and while sober. After they break apart, Leonard doesn't seem to mind missing his party anymore.
The Tangerine Factor-"The cat's alive."
When Leonard arrives for their first real date, it's clear that both he and Penny, apart from being excited, are still very nervous. They act more awkwardly around each other than they have in a long time, neither completely sure what to say to one another. After an awkward silence that really makes viewers wonder how they are going to salvage this date, Leonard tells Penny about making their restaurant reservation. Penny suggests that they talk first. Leonard agrees, and asks her if she's ever heard of Schrödinger's Cat. "Actually, I've heard far too much about Schrödinger's Cat," Penny says. Leonard appears surprised, blurts out the word "good", and kisses her.
Months earlier, when Leonard had asked out a colleague at work, she'd suggested that they kiss first to check for sparks. They did kiss then, and there was no subsequent date, since "the earth didn't move." This time, standing in Penny's apartment just in front of her closed door, it moves. The kiss, the first kiss Leonard had ever shared with Penny that he'd initiated, ends after several seconds, and with a dazed expression on her face and a quick tap on Leonard's chest, Penny announces, "all right; the cat's alive; let's go to dinner!"
The Bad Fish Paradigm-End of the date
The show returns from the summer hiatus with the end of Leonard and Penny's date. The conversation seems to be flowing, Penny is still amused by Leonard's rambling, plus she's eating some frozen yogurt so clearly dinner went well. It's now time for the goodnight kiss and the viewers hold their breath.
Penny appears a little tense, but she doesn't stop him. It could just be nerves. The kiss actually could have gone well if Leonard hadn't noticed the spy cameras in the hall (thank you Raj and Howard).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHon8sAWSxA by logicaltoast (The Hofstadter-Penny Attraction)
The Codpiece Topology-The make-out war.
When Leonard sees Penny with a new guy, Eric, he rebounds with Leslie Winkle, who wants to try out actual dating instead of just casual sex. When bidding Leslie good-bye after Date One, Leonard sees Penny and Eric coming up the stairs. Penny greets them awkwardly, and heads toward her apartment with her date. Leonard addresses Leslie loudly while looking at Penny-"Okay, well, good-night!" He kisses Leslie, which causes Penny to mimic his words to Eric and kiss him. Leslie, who realizes that she is helping Leonard try and make Penny jealous, pulls away briefly to say "that ain't gonna make your point," and then begins to make out with him. Penny is up to the challenge, and pulls Eric against her as she backs into her apartment door. After several seconds more, Leslie leaves, and Leonard goes into his apartment and closes the door. Penny watches him go, and then says good night to Eric-The Make Out War of '09 has ended.
http://amtrak12.livejournal.com/14788.html by amtrak12
The Barbarian Sublimation-Addiction
Penny has gotten addicted to online gaming, and Sheldon claims it's Leonard's fault because he said 'Hello' to her when she moved in. Of course it is.
Fearing what Sheldon meant by 'difficult to live with', Leonard heads over to Penny's to try to talk to her. When he walks in, he sees just how low Penny's sunk.
He tries a gentle approach, but Penny isn't paying attention.
Leonard: Okay, um, here's the thing, sometimes people, good people, you know, they start playing these games and they find themselves through no fault of their own, you know, kind of, addicted.
Penny: Yeah, get to the point, I'm about to level up here.
Leonard doesn't quite know what to make of this video game addict version of Penny. He points out that she has Cheeto's in her hair, and Penny simply removes it and eats it.
Penny: Oh, thanks.
Leonard: Wow.
He walks off, possibly reconsidering Age of Conan's target audience, but probably mostly taking note of all the ways he can tease her about this later.
The Griffin Equivalency-"You look very nice." "Thank you."
When Penny agrees to go with Raj to a dinner celebrating his mention in People, Leonard is upset. Raj's gloating comments of "I got a date with Penny!" and "I can't believe it took you a whole year!" do nothing to help, and all through the evening of the date Leonard's sad and nervous about what may occur between the girl he likes and his friend. He's coming up the stairs to his apartment as Penny and Raj are leaving, and Penny greets him, seeming very happy to see him as Raj is drunk already. They greet each other; Leonard looks over Penny's outfit and tells her that she looks very nice. Penny smiles and appears to blush just a little bit as she says "thank you," at the same time Raj thanks Leonard. She looks at Raj with her best he wasn't talking to you stare, and then heads down the stairs with him. Leonard needn't worry, however, as Penny has no interest in "sucking face" or doing anything else with Raj.
The Panty Piñata Polarization-Taking Sides
The war between Sheldon and Penny has escalated to junior rodeo proportions, and Leonard feels it's time to intervene. He goes over to give Penny the secret weapon.
Leonard: Look, this has to stop.
Penny: Oh, no, no, no. It is just beginning.
Leonard: All right, I really didn't want to do this, but… here.
Penny: What's this?
Leonard: Sheldon's Kryptonite.
Penny: Oh, my God.
Leonard: He can never know that I gave that to you.
Penny: Look, I said I wanted to hurt him, but, but this?
Leonard: It'll shorten the war by five years and save millions of lives.
It's later revealed that he gave her the phone number of Sheldon's mother (we told you Mrs. Cooper is awesome!). Mrs. Cooper calls Sheldon and forces him to apologize to Penny. Penny now holds a position of power within the group and is truly being seen as an equal by the others. And it's all thanks to Leonard.
The Lizard Spock Expansion-Laundry Room.
Leonard walks into the laundry room with new shirts, and that causes Penny to make the correct assumption that he has a new girlfriend, since the last time he bought a new shirt was when they were dating. Penny looks at him a moment, and then asks if Leonard has slept with Stephanie yet. When he smiles and looks away, she cries "you dog!" and slaps his chest. "Good for you!" He asks her if that changes anything, and she smiles and says no. Leonard looks confused and inquires why she'd asked then. Penny tells him that she's nosy, puts an arm around his neck, and kisses him on the cheek before leaving the laundry room.
The Vartabedian Conundrum-Talks
Ah, The Vartabedian Conundrum. Where Stephanie meets Penny, and Leonard asks Penny for relationship advice.
Penny: I'm Penny, I live across the hall. I've heard a lot about you.
Stephanie: Really?
Penny: Mm-hmm.
Stephanie: I haven't heard a thing about you. Leonard? Why haven't I heard a thing about this woman who lives across the hall and comes into your apartment in the morning in her underwear?
Leonard: She's heard about you because we're, you know, involved and you haven't heard about her because… I never slept with her, I swear!
It's always awkward when your significant other and long time crush finally meet. ;) The best part about this entire scene is how Penny just sits back and let's Leonard fumble around for a suitable explanation. Now clearly it's more fun to watch someone dig himself a hole than to help the person out (at least it is in about 95% of all situations), but Penny takes it one step further as Stephanie makes to leave.
Stephanie: Well, it was very nice meeting you.
Penny: Nice to finally meet you, too.
Penny made it a point to emphasis again that she knew about Stephanie before this meeting. Up to this point, Penny has just been the friend that is reveling in Leonard's discomfort, but with this line Penny gives away her own jealousy in her need to assert herself as a more important person in Leonard's life. Clearly Leonard opens up to Penny more than he does to Stephanie, and Penny is more than willing to point this out.
Later, Penny catches Leonard trying to destroy a pair of pants that Stephanie gave him, and she asks how the relationship is going. Leonard tries to play it off at first, but a doubting look from Penny is enough to make him admit his discomfort with how quickly the relationship is progressing.
Penny: Okay, Leonard, honey, you know, if you're uncomfortable with the way things are going, you're allowed to say something.
Leonard: Are you sure? That doesn't sound right.
Penny: Believe me, your feelings are just as important as hers.
Leonard: No that doesn't sound right either.
It takes coaching, but Penny finally convinces him to go talk to Stephanie and explain to her how he feels. Leonard returns to the laundry room some time later (it's been long enough that Penny is now folding her clean clothes).
Penny: So, how did the talk with Stephanie go?
Leonard: Well, um, on one level, really, really well.
Penny: So, you told her you wanted to slow things down?
Leonard: Not specifically, but, uh, I did tell her that I had feelings.
Penny: Good, good. And then what?
Leonard: And then the, the subject got changed somehow.
Penny: You had sex, didn't you?
Leonard: Um, little bit. (She looks at her watch) What?
Penny: Nothing.
Penny tries to be the supporting friend, but she can tell Leonard still isn't thrilled with his current situation.
Penny: Come on, Leonard, you are entitled to try and make things go the way you want them to.
Leonard: Really?
Penny: Yes, you don't always have to go along with what the woman wants.
Leonard: Huh.
Penny: What?
Leonard: Nothing, just rethinking my whole life.
Leonard admits he is afraid Stephanie will dump him if he tries to slow things down, and Penny explains it's a risk he just has to take.
We never actually see Leonard try the talk again with Stephanie nor do we see the break-up, but we got to see something more important in this episode. We got to see Penny teach Leonard a little about relationships and encourage him to stand up for himself. She taught him that he didn't have to be the only one giving, that he was allowed to have his own wants and ideas on how the relationship should go. She was partly just being a good friend, but she also had a little more selfish motives for doing this.
Kaley Cuoco: She's molding Leonard into the man that she wants to marry. ... She's literally molding him. She has to teach him a lot.
This whole shipper world is new to me, and I never even really thought of any other T.V. or movie couple, but Leonard and Penny really sold me. - Haley880
The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis-"Merry Christmas."
Its Christmas time and Penny meets David, a scientist that Leonard's working with when the former is helping the latter climb the stairs after a motorcycle fell on his foot. She pretends to love science and leaves with the guy. The following evening, Leonard confronts her in her apartment, saying he's fine with the way things are between them, but why had she said that Leonard was too smart for her, but this guy is ten times smarter than he is. Penny begins to cry, and says that David is an idiot; he had nude pictures of his wife on his cell phone. Leonard is very happy to hear that it is over. Penny asks him why he's so jealous, since he was apparently fine with them being friends. He struggles to provide an answer, and then looks at Penny. "Come on, it's Christmas, just give me this one." Penny smiles, wishes him a Merry Christmas, and slides an arm around his neck, kissing him and resting her head on his shoulder.
The following day, she gives him a present of free motorcycle lessons-having the bike not fall on him is Lesson One. Leonard gives her "100 Totally Cool Science Experiments for Kids." They smile and giggle at each other, silently acknowledging teasing each other about how crazy they'd been acting. It was a cute episode for them not only because of the kiss, but because it shows how close they have become.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2jBcsSHPMk&feature=related by rockn4ever (More Than A Friend)
The Killer Robot Instability
The guys need Howard if they're going to win at the fighting robot competition. Problem is Howard is sulking in his room because Penny finally yelled at him for being too creepy. Leonard tries to get Penny to apologize, but Penny won't budge.
Leonard: Okay, let's try it this way. Remember the day that we first met and you asked me to go to your boyfriend's apartment to get your TV back and he was nine feet tall and he took my pants off and you said… what was that? What did you say? Oh, yes, you said you owed me one.
Penny: Okay, come on, that's not fair.
Leonard: I came home with no pants!
Penny: Fine, I'll go over there tomorrow.
Leonard: Thank you.
This moment marks a HUGE development in their relationship. Leonard has always been more in awe of Penny, and while the first half of season 2 showed that he no longer had her up on a pedestal, Leonard has still never quite confronted her in this manner. Not only did he not back down when he challenged her, but he was even comfortable (and confident) enough to bring up the pantsing from their first meeting. It just goes to show how strong their friendship is by now. And everyone knows a strong friendship is the foundation for a successful romantic relationship. :)
The Financial Permeability- "Oh, Leonard, honey, if we started living together, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you."
Penny's behind on her bills, and Leonard discovers just how far behind she is when he visits and discovers that the building had cut off her electricity. He offers to help her cut corners, which leads first to a talk about Penny's dreams, then to Leonard learning that Kurt, her ex-boyfriend, owes her nearly two thousand dollars. Then Penny tosses out the idea of finding a cheaper place to live. Leonard of course does not want her to move, and he suggests that she find a roommate, say…the guy currently living with Sheldon! Penny leans toward him and says suggestively, "Oh, Leonard, honey. If we started living together, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off of you." See the following episode for proof that it is becoming difficult for Penny to keep her hands off Leonard.
Later, determined to help Penny, Leonard convinces Sheldon, Raj, and Howard to accompany him to Kurt's apartment. Upon arriving, Leonard discovers that the hulking man refuses to surrender the loan, slamming the door in the guys' faces. At that, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard bail, leaving Leonard alone. He knocks again, and when Kurt answers our adorable genius looks him in the eye. "I'm not leaving without Penny's money."
When I saw them kissing I knew they were gonna be my OTP! They are just meant to be together. -TizzyGaGaBlank
The Maternal Capacitance-Lime Kiss
Leonard’s mother is over, and her condescending ways have driven Leonard next door, where he finds that the five minute conversation that she’d had with Penny the day before had driven his friend to the bottle. She invites him in, dressed casually in sweats, and opens another bottle of alcohol. Soon, they are both taking shots, giggling drunkenly. After a bit, Penny suggests that Leonard lick salt off her neck, do a shot, and then bite a lime wedge that was on the plate. Leonard agreed, and went in to lick the salt…grain…by…grain. For several seconds, however, Penny doesn’t mind. Then…
“Okay, shot, lime!”
“Right.” Leonard takes the shot, then reaches for the lime-but the plate is empty. The lime is now…in Penny’s mouth! “We’re sharing,” he says drunkenly, going for the lime wedge. Penny pulls it back into her mouth and leans forward, putting her arms around his neck as their lips meet. After a few seconds-and the audience is going crazy-Leonard leans back, spits the lime (which was now in HIS mouth) across the room, and goes back to kissing Penny.
They make it to the bedroom; Penny’s shirt is off and Leonard’s down to his boxers, when his drunk ramblings lead him to making comparisons between their relationship with each other and that of their parents. This understandably turns Penny off (for the time being) and she kicks him out.
But what you say and do while drunk…you want to say and do while sober. See “The Classified Material’s Turbulence” for further evidence of this.
The Cushion Saturation-Paintball
Penny's in trouble again. This time she's shot Sheldon's spot-accidentally-with a paintball gun. Thankfully, Sheldon isn't home. "What are we going to do!" she asks after Leonard tries and fails to clean the cushion off. "WE?" Leonard asked her incredulously. "No no no, you've had your chance to be 'we' for like a year and a half now. Right now, you are you and you are screwed. Penny flips the cushion over, thinking this simple change will suffice. Leonard points out that there is no butt print on the cushion. Penny sits on it and wiggles to create a butt print. She asks Leonard how that looks. He's still not convinced it will work. "It's too small and too…perfect." Penny's flattered at his comment.
After getting Sheldon's cushion dry-cleaned, and after Leonard buys her some shoes, Penny agrees to go participate in a paintball game. Despite the entire gang being on the same team, Sheldon shoots Penny before the game starts. She shoots him back, and he protests that since she's 'dead' she can't 'kill him.' Penny looks to Leonard, who agrees. "He's right, you can't." However, Leonard can, and he looks Sheldons way, raises his paintball gun, and shoots him for Penny.
The Classified Materials Turbulence
This whole episode has been emotional hell for Leonard. His good friend is going on a second date with the girl of his dreams, and to further rub salt in the wound, each of them turn to Leonard for advice on how to make the date go well. Could things get much worse?
Well, yeah, of course they could. But instead, things are about to get a whole lot better.
Feeling guilty for purposely giving bad advice to both Stuart and Penny, Leonard goes to Stuart to apologize. Before he say much, though, Stuart is telling him how great the date went.
Stuart: Yeah, last night at dinner, I did what you told me, I went really slow, I kept my distance, and two bottles of wine later, we were making out in my car.
Leonard: Wine? I didn't say to give her wine.
Stuart: It doesn't matter, that's where it all went to hell.
...
Stuart: Everything was good and really hot, and I said "Oh, Penny," and right where she was supposed to say, "Oh, Stuart," she said… your name.
She said LEONARD'S name.
Apparently it didn't matter if Leonard gave bad advice or not.
Somehow Leonard manages to get through the rest of the conversation and outside the comic book store before flipping out. It's better than what the fans managed. We were pretty much cheering as soon as Stuart finished his sentence.
The Monopolar Expedition- "I'm gonna miss you."
Leonard, Sheldon, Raj, and Howard are going on a trip to the North Pole. For three months. Penny is clearly upset when she discovers this, as she marches right past the informant-Sheldon-to ask Leonard about it. He picks up on the fact that she was acting different, but dismisses it when Sheldon said he didn't notice anything odd about her behavior. The night before they are to leave, Penny comes calling on Leonard, bringing him into the hallway between their apartments and giving him "a little going away present"-a blanket, but "not just a blanket, see, it has sleeves!" Leonard tries it on, and after a second or two Penny looks at him, says "I'm gonna miss you," and gives him an impulsive hug. The hug was cute in itself, but what got the shippers excited was how it ended. After a few seconds, about the length of a respectable hug, Leonard drops his arms, but instead easing out of the embrace, Penny keeps her arms around him. Leonard looks confused, and puts his arms back around her; after a few more seconds, they part with normal ease.
That night, Leonard goes into Sheldon's room, telling him that he doesn't think he can go on the North Pole trip. He says that he doesn't think Penny wants him to go. The next morning Leonard asks Penny what she meant when she said she was going to miss him. She says that it just means that she'll notice he's gone, so he then asked what the going away present meant, and she gives another vague answer. When he brings up the "really long (at least five Mississippi's!) hug, Penny cocks her head and says that it was just a hug. Leonard's disappointed that he was thinking deeper into the situation than she is, so bids her good-bye. She tells him to have a safe trip.
Throughout the first two seasons, all viewers of The Big Bang Theory had to interpret Penny's actions, casual remarks, and facial expressions and infer what was going through her head. It was all open for analyzing, and no one could be wrong, since we'd hardly ever gotten confirmation of what she was thinking and feeling. Now we finally do. Penny closes her apartment door and then stands there quietly. Then she sighs, leans her head against the door and whispers to herself, "it means I wish you weren't going."
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5140911/1/The_Letter by dksnfwm