A/N: Holy shiite, guys. This right here is craziness. Longest chapter so far, and I hope it sates your need for moar ficz! It's also completely new and shiny! Oooh, sparkly! I had a bit of trouble with it though, so if it seems a bit sloppy I apologize. At least I managed to finish it! Anyway, I've started work and I'm extremely busy as of late, but I'll do my best to keep writing when I get the chance! So without further ado, enjoy the latest chapter and as always please review!

Without you I'm nothing at all
And life has the face of a morbid game.
With you nothing seems impossible,
It all seems to fit the frame.

"Roses," Poets of the Fall

The Gravitational Dynamism Revelation

Written by Amputation

Penny was somewhat subdued on the Tuesday following the Sunday L.A. premiere. The other two weighed heavily on her mind, and she found herself inert. In all her life, she'd never felt this way before. Her happiness and security had never been attached to anyone else, ever. Even as a little girl she was stubbornly independent and wildly free. She smiled to herself at the happy memories of her long-passed childhood. How she missed the simpler days. Spending hot summers with her older sister and brother down by the lake on Granpa's property, cuddling by the wood-fired stove in the winter all bound in blankets and each other until the feeling came back into frozen toes, and those bountiful springs when everything was in bloom so they could collect flowers for Mom's best crystal vase she kept on the dining room table. She never depended on anyone else to pick those water lilies from the pond with the snapping turtle in it. That sort of independence was how she approached her finances as a kid. She was stubborn, forgoing any sort of allowance because she wanted to work with Daddy in the shop or to help Aunt Tracy with the diner in town. She wanted to earn her money with more than just chores, more than menial work. She'd stuck to that until she left Nebraska.

In California, things were different. She depended on Kurt—who earned more than she did as a bouncer—more than she should have. She put her trust in that behemoth of a man and with her trust her meager earnings, both of which amounted to nothing when she finally threw in the towel as that trust shattered for the last time. She couldn't keep playing Barbie for him, dammit. She was a Nebraskan woman, born and bred to be an independent. And it had been high time to take back the reins on the unbroken stallion that was her life.

Clutching the pillow tighter to her chest, the blonde stared at the blank TV screen. She wanted to be able to say she was a proud, independent woman but somehow she couldn't. Not when she felt this way. Not when she felt the burning need to have his shoulder to lean on. Burying her face into the softness of the pillow's fabric, Penny sighed loudly. Ever since she'd attended that damn premiere with her crazy, Whack-a-doodle neighbor she couldn't get him out of her head. Just the thought of him willingly taking a place beside her, offering her his arm, and complying with her chaotic plans seemed to fill her with warmth that threatened to become a full-on fever if she wasn't careful. Since it was Tuesday, he'd be expecting her to make him his burger in only a few short hours. Her nerves tingled in excitement at the thought of seeing him again, but at the same time she almost didn't want to, her recent revelations regarding her dependence on him weighing heavily on her mind.

The loud beeping of an incoming call from her Skype drew her from her Sheldon-filled delusions of fancy gowns, sparkling champagne, comfortable camaraderie, and a staggering reliance that tinged the otherwise pleasing flavor sour. Falling off the couch in her urgency to answer the call, the blonde barely managed to hit accept on her keyboard.

"Penny? Penny, are you there?"

Hefting herself up off the floor, the disheveled blonde shot a disgruntled grin at her sister, "Sup, Aubrey?"

The wide, green eyes of the auburn haired woman crinkled with laughter, "Did you fall trying to answer this call?"

"Maybe. You'll never know."

Aubrey laughed boisterously, and Penny allowed herself to look over her sibling. Growing up, she and 'Brey were complete opposites. The older sister was the smart, studious type with glasses while the younger liked to party and have a good time. Penny was blonde, bronze, lithe and curvy in all the right places while 'Brey had that dark hair, pale skin that never tanned, and a heavier, more masculine build but with some rockin' hips the blonde always secretly lusted after. Looking at her married sister now made her heart lurch. Age had been kind to her, not to mention that magical something that happened after she married the New Englander Theodore. She radiated bliss, and that joy made her look absolutely beautiful. It was another thing Penny was ridiculously jealous of, despite her happiness and approval.

"No, so I swear there's a reason I'm calling, not that I need one even though you're a big star now!"

"Come on, 'Brey," Penny whined, embarrassed, "I'm not a big star yet! It was just one movie!"

The older woman rolled her eyes and tossed her thick hair over her shoulder, "Yeah, okay, whatever. Anyway!" an excited look danced in green eyes from behind thin, black glasses, "so I saw some pictures of you at your premiere on the internet."

Penny's jaw dropped, "They're up already?"

"Yup," her sister drawled, popping the 'p', "And oh my god, Penny! You were so beautiful. That dress was gorgeous, and you were easily the hottest girl on the carpet."

The blonde flushed, "Really? You think so? I had that gown custom made, so I'd hope I looked good."

"Custom? You kidding me?" 'Brey groaned, "I am so jealous that you can afford that! There's not much a nurses' salary can buy me these days."

Penny frowned, "You having trouble? Does Theo know?"

"No, no!" Aubrey shook her head, "Nothing like that. I just wanted to pick your brain about the night." A devilish grin crept onto her sister's face and Penny suddenly wanted to hide, "So, Pen, who's the guy you're with?"

Groaning, the blonde felt her face heat and she buried it in a nearby pillow, "How did I know you were going to ask me about him?" she bemoaned.

"Oh, quit the display, Drama Queen, and just gimme details!"

Letting out a sigh, the blonde rested her chin atop the pillow, "Well, remember my neighbors I told you about last time you called?"

"Yeah, I think so. Wait a second, you said Leonard had glasses and he didn—oh my god, that's Doctor Whack-a-doodle, isn't it?"

Penny could only nod.

"No way! Holy crap on a cracker, Pen. Jeez. Why didn't you go for him first?"

"I—what?"

Aubrey made a crazy gesture with her hands in disbelief, "Are you kidding me? The guy is smokin'!"

Penny flushed again, worrying her lower lip with her teeth, "I know that now," she murmured sadly.

"Oh no. I know that face. Pen, are you—are you in love with him?"

Another nod was the only answer the blonde could give as her eyes welled up with tears.

"Gack! Stop your crying! He's definitely into you!"

Wiping her eyes angrily, Penny sniffled in her distress, "No, he's practically asexual. He's definitely not into me that way. Maybe as a friend, but nothing else."

"That is utter HORSESHIT and you and I both know it!"

Blinking in surprise, Penny stared open-mouthed at her sister on the screen. Aubrey never swore. Not purposefully, anyway.

"Like hell isn't into you that way! For fucks' sake, Penelope! I am linking you the website with the pictures so you can see the way he was eyeing you on the carpet!"

Getting past all the angry vulgarity, Penny blinked slowly, "He was eyeing me?"

"Yup. It was crazy fluffy googol-love-eyes all over the place. If I hadn't just confirmed it from you, I'd have guessed you two were sleeping together, or at least shacking up."

"Aubrey!"

"What? It's true. See for yourself," she shrugged and a link popped up in the chat window.

The link was both ominous and inviting. Her cursor hovered over the text teasingly and finally she clicked. When she came to the webpage, she started scrolling through pictures of the stars that attended. Various oohs and ahhs escaped her before Aubrey finally snapped.

"Dang it, Penny! Just go to picture twenty two!"

"Jeez, what are you, a drill sergeant? God."

Arriving at the page made her heart stop. Was that really them? Wide green eyes stared at the image on her screen, disbelief flooding her entire being. For a brief moment she marveled over Franz's creation and how perfect it looked before her attention was honed in on the people, not the outfits. In the image, she stood before Sheldon with one hand in his and the left resting on his chest over the Lantern insignia showing through his white dress shirt. Her spine was arched and her hips tilted in his direction and it was obvious that she was only paying attention to him. He was relaxed, his tall frame curved around her body somewhat to accommodate her presence. One of his large, long-fingered hands was caressing her left wrist, and his body angled perfectly towards hers. But what shocked Penny the most were the looks that they both had on their faces. Her eyes shone with unspoken promises and secrets that were held between two lovers and the wide, pearly, quirking smile spoke of a blatant joy in being in her escort's presence. But Sheldon's … his expression was in a league of its own. Those impossibly blue eyes spoke of a love so deep and it could never be measured, of an adoration so unfathomable none but she would ever feel the entirety of. His smile spoke of a tenderness she had never known, and a trust so implicit it could never be broken.

Wetness on her face was what pulled her back to reality and the sound of her sister trying to console her. Penny closed the internet, facing her distraught sister with a disbelieving look on her face. She was still in shock and barely picked up what her sister was saying.

"—god, Pen! I didn't know it'd upset you so much! I'm sorry!"

Wiping her eyes, the blonde started to laugh.

"Penny?"

"I love you, 'Brey."

A sigh of relief from the older woman resounded through their connection, "Oh thank god. I was scared I'd screwed up my baby sister."

"Yeah, it'll take more than that. You didn't screw me up. You gave me hope."

"Hope, huh? Well then. You best get planning and try to figure out how to tell that sexy, nerdy Doctor you love him."

Penny paused a moment before an inspired look crossed her face.

"I've got it! Okay, 'Brey, tell me if this is crazy …"

T – B – B – T

Sheldon sat on the couch in the apartment, trying desperately to drown out the horrendous Alanis Morrisette that was blaring out of Leonard's room. It had finally happened. Priya had returned to India and the damnable woman had slept with her ex-suitor. At least Leonard had the sense to terminate their relationship, despite his sudden lack of date for the Wolowitz-Rostenkowski wedding that was rapidly approaching. Sighing loudly for perhaps the fourth time in ten minutes, he closed his book and glared down the hallway. He could really only tolerate so much of this nonsense.

Closing his eyes and exhaling slowly to calm himself down, he focused his thoughts on the premiere night he'd spent with Penny. It had truly been a wonderful movie, and despite the characters being distinctly alien Sheldon had found the duo easy to sympathize with. Their journey to prevent civil war had been fraught with disbelief, dark emotion, and intense moments of danger. Although the climax was everything it should have been and more, he found himself feeling bittersweet at the separation of Aiòn and Selhden. He found it unfair that the latter of the two partners needed to go back to where he was two weeks in the future, leaving his beloved Aiòn behind. However, the very end gave him hope as it hinted at a reunion between the two partners. He'd left the theatre and entered his dearest friend's brief question-and-answer panel feeling satisfied and content.

Penny had been stunning, her allure heightened more so than usual. The way she'd carried herself though the questions, artfully deflecting ones she hadn't wanted to answer showed a side of her he rarely got to see. His Penny had been poised, flawless, and beautiful. He had wanted her to remain by his side more than ever that night. He'd especially enjoyed the way she'd avoided answering questions regarding his identity. She had been correct in her assumption that he preferred to stay in anonymity for all intents and purposes. That night was her moment of glory, not his. She'd offered him a discreet wink at the end of the panel and retired to his side.

The after party she'd mentioned was both crazy and loud, neither of which he particularly wanted to be a part of. She had been considerate to him and her hostess, quickly making rounds to all her associates and complimenting the party venue and goings-on themselves before returning to him and offering to treat him to some ice cream. It had been long past his regularly scheduled eating time, but he relented for no other reason than it was Penny asking him. They'd indulged in their cones and arrived back at their respected apartments just after twelve thirty. How he'd wanted to kiss her goodnight! It had been almost too much to bear, but he'd resisted the allure of her plump—probably mint-chocolate flavored—lips and wiped a bit of melted chocolate from the corner of them instead. Those green eyes sparkled in the dim light of the hallway, and she'd quirked a smile before giving him the warmest hug he'd ever received. She'd disappeared into her apartment after a whispered 'goodnight' and he hadn't seen her since, although he knew he would see her tonight for his burger.

The lack of Penny brought up memories of her time off filming, and that feeling of isolation sent a tremor of pain up into his chest. Flinching, he fisted his fingers into the khaki fabric covering his thighs, his posture rigid as he waited for the phantom throbbing to pass. It had only been thirty two hours and twenty seven minutes since he saw her last, but it ached the same way it did when she'd been gone for all those months. He was well and truly attached and deeply in love with the blonde actress.

The sudden, obnoxious ringing of the phone brought him out of his emotional pain-ridden stupor and he turned to look at the piece of technology in its stand. With a disdainful look and a resigned sigh, he reached out and plucked it from its resting place.

"Ahoy, this is Doctor Sheldon Cooper speaking."

"Shelly? This is your Mama."

His face took on a disgruntled expression, "Hello, Mom. What has brought this call to fruition today?"

"Well, I just wanted to pick your brain about those pictures that're up on the internet your sister showed me."

For a moment, he panicked. Were there people taking images of him without his knowledge? He shook himself from his thoughts and answered his mother, "Photographs? Which photographs? I don't recall having any taken recently that would be of any merit."

Mary sighed heavily, her voice sounding tired but patient, "Oh, Shelly, you know. Surly you remember those pictures of you and that actress friend of yours?"

"You mean photographs taken by the paparazzi during Penny's movie premiere? Then yes, I do recall. I'm still surprised at how quickly information is distributed to the public these days." Oh, did he remember that red carpet walk. He'd undoubtedly never remember anything so vividly in his entire life.

His mother huffed slightly, "Yes well, I heard from Missy that you've taken a likin' to Penny?"

Sheldon let out a disappointed sigh, "I had hoped Missy would have taken my confession to be a sibling exclusive admission, but I suppose not. Yes, Mom. I have taken a liking to her, as you claim."

"Well, Lord, strike me down! I'm so happy for you, Shelly! But I haveta' ask, are you sinnin' with her?"

It took Sheldon a moment to reorient his suddenly perverse thoughts at her insinuation, "No, Mom. No. I have not engaged in coitus with Penny, nor do I think I will ever get the chance. I may find myself ensnared in the feelings commonly called love regarding her, but she does not return the sentiment the same way."

His mother let out a longwinded sigh and Sheldon could just picture her sitting at the kitchen table, knees crossed and her foot bouncing as she stared in that motherly way of hers at the seat he once occupied, "Shelly, I know you're real smart and have accomplished much, but that girl definitely loves you. Jesus has got a plan for you, Shelly, and I'll be damned if that Penny doesn't play a role in it."

"I hadn't realized we were talking about your God, Mom."

On the other end of the line, Mary huffed, "Just use that big ol' brain of yours, Shelly. Those pictures ain't hard to find, and I think you should go look at 'em. That love you two share is written plain as day on your faces. Now I gotta' go, but I'll call again soon. Love you, Sheldon."

"I love you as well, Mom. Goodbye."

Sheldon's thumb hit the end button and for a long moment he merely sat in his spot, staring at the phone in his hands. Things his mother had said stuck with him, for once. Despite his constant belittling of his mother in all things religious, he deeply respected the woman and in his life if she said she saw something, it was usually there. Suddenly determined, he set the phone back into its charging stand and rose from his seat to migrate to his XPS laptop.

Opening his browser, he did a quick search with concise keywords and easily came across the series of photographs from that night. Uninterested, he rapidly clicked through them until his gaze settled on the one of him and Penny. He swore he felt his heart lurch in his chest at the sight on his computer screen. His mother had been right; the two of them looked every bit the romantic couple. He did not oppose the match, no, that was far from the truth! In fact, he welcomed the idea with a suddenly hopeful heart. Perhaps there was a chance for him after all. A tiny, crooked grin crossed his lips as he saved the image to a folder with his other photos.

He was startled from his chair by the front door swinging open, and in his sudden bewilderment he nearly fell from his perch as he spun to face the entrance to his apartment. His breath caught at the sight of his blonde neighbor standing there, clad in meager cotton pajama shorts emblazoned with the likeness of a Japanese feline mascot and a gray, zipper hoodie with the word PINK stretched over her breasts. Blonde hair tumbled over her sloping shoulders and her face was devoid of makeup. No matter how dressed up or down she was, his heart still sputtered in his chest with joy.

"Sheldon? You okay?"

Shaking himself from his momentary idiocy, he nodded, "I am well. What brings you barging into our apartment before dinner preparation time, Penny?"

White teeth nibbled the reddened flesh of her lower lip, and one bare toe rubbed the top of the opposite, equally bare foot, "Um, I have a proposition for you, Sheldon."

"I see," he replied as he stood from his seat at his desk and moving to his spot on the couch. Tapping the cushion beside him, he locked gazes with her, "I believe I would very much like to hear your proposition."

Penny rolled her eyes and unceremoniously deposited herself onto the brown leather to his right, "Okay, so here's the thing. I have two more premieres, and they're in Europe."

"Understandable. Continue."

"Yeah, anyway I'm sure you remember that time we were both sick and you couldn't see that collider thingy—"

"You were the one who infected me, Penny. My memory does not fail me. It's the Large Hadron Collider, by the way—"

"Yeah, okay, whatever. So I've got the first premiere in London and the second in Paris. As a thank you for going with me, I was wondering if you'd like to spend a day in Geneva with me? You know, to see the Hadron thing. You can explain to me what it does and stuff."

Sheldon was stunned speechless, a feat that didn't happen often in his life. However, he was discovering a recurring theme with his speechlessness—it always involved Penny in some way. He observed her for a brief moment, noting the insecurity and hopefulness in her expression, her viridian eyes glittering and begging him to agree. The woman was devious, he'd give her that. She knew her way into his heart, tempting him with science. However, he was surprised to discover that even though she'd offered to bring him to see the CERN super collider he was more pleased she'd invited him with her in the first place, even if she hadn't offered the LHC consolation. His lips quirked.

"You strike a hard bargain. When do we leave?"

"Two days."

His eyes widened, "Good lord, woman! I need more notice next time, I have so much to pack!"

In his haste to get to his room for preparations he missed her victorious grin and eye roll. It was official; they were going to Europe together.

A/N: I hope no one is mad I ended it there. I figured it was a decent stopping point. I promise you that this will have a good direction, and don't worry about Leonard's little heartbreak. He'll feel a whole lot better soon - HINT! - Anyway, please, please, PLEASE take the time to drop me a review. Your thoughts, your flames, your anything is thoroughly welcomed and appreciated! It really helps me move my butt in getting these out faster!