Disclaimer: I only own the idea, not the TV Show.

Hey guys. So, this is my first How I Met Your Mother fic and I just wanted to warn you that English is not my native language so, if there are any mystakes please forgive me. And don't be too rough on me about it.

Anyway, thank you. Hope you like it and please review it, even if you don't like it.

Love, Potter.

The gang was sitting in their regular booth, drinking the usual. Marshall and Lily were discussing some things about the baby, Robin and Ted were talking about how famous Robin now was and Barney was sitting, staring at nowhere in particular, thinking of nothing specific. Then, suddenly, his attention turned to Robin.

Since he first met her, Barney noticed how genuinely beautiful she was. Especially without makeup. And now, eight years later, he thought of how even prettier she looked. But that just couldn't be! No one could get better looking with age. Well, there was one exception… He knew a guy that had gotten more handsome. That particular guy lived in a place called Barney's mirror. And with those thoughts occupying Barney's mind, his brain started thinking of every possible thing he could have had if he had chosen a different path. Maybe we would be married by now… Not that that's what he wanted. No, no. He liked his life. He just wondered what it would be like if he had, for example, married Shannon. He probably wouldn't know his friends and would now be at home with his kids. And thinking about that, he figured he liked his life the way it was, or else he wouldn't have such an amazing family like the one he had now.

But still, when he looked at Robin, all those repressed wishes came floating all the way to his mind. And then, he knew he still had that sort of feelings for his friend. And thinking of Robin, Barney's mind started wandering through the paths of his repressed feelings…

Let's take a breath. I pull myself together. Just another step until I reach the door. And you'll never know the way it tears me up inside to see you everyday. I'm wishing I could just tell you something of the way I'm feeling. Sometimes, I wish I could save you from all the pain that every new day brings. And there are still so many things about you that I want to know. I won't give up until it's over. Even if it takes you forever, I want you to know that when I hear your voice, it's like a whisper. A whisper that warms me up inside. For the others, you're just skin and bones. But for me, oh, for me, love, you're so much more than that. But still, no matter what I do, I can't make you feel any better. If only I could find the answer that would make me understand you a bit better. And I want you to know that if you fall, stumble down, I'll pick you up from the ground. And if you lose faith in you, I'll give you the strength to pull through.

-Hey, Barney! What are you thinking about?

Robin's voice awoke him from his thoughts, making him shiever. At first, he just heard a whisper, but now, while still gaining conscience and leaving his thoughts behind him, he realized that she was talking to him and had just asked a question.

But since he couldn't just tell her how he felt, not for now at least, he did what he had always done with excellency: he lied.

-I was just watching the talent in here tonight. I guess we're going to have some auditions… What up?! –He said, faking a smile and raising his left hand so Ted could high-five him.

And, just like that, everyone returned to what they were doing. Leaving Barney all alone with his thoughts. Again.