AN: So yeah, this is my first published story on here. There was a time not too long ago when I thought I was done with this fandom. I was wrong. Then one night I couldn't sleep and produced this. I rarely ever write fanfic, so if it is rubbish, feel free to tell me. If you like it... well reviews feed the hungry muse.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Were I to own HIMYM most of Season 5 wouldn't have happened.

AN2: Being that I rarely write, I have no beta. Take this as it is.

ENJOY!


ONE

He kept trying to tell himself that this wasn't planned, wasn't intentional.

It was all that damn music video's fault.

(fear)

But now he is sitting in a limo with Ted and it has all come crashing down.

His best friend doesn't want to be friends anymore. All over one stupid night with Robin.

Barney gives him a free punch which he chooses to use on his groin.

Who punches someone in the groin?

Deep down he wants to believe this isn't his fault.

It is.


TWO

He's exhausted.

Running across Manhattan will do that to you. But all he can think of right now is his best friend is hurt and needs him.

(dying)

Stepping off the sidewalk, Barney looks both ways... and promptly steps back as a bus comes speeding the wrong way down the street.

He allows himself a moment to ponder what might have been, before heading into the hospital.

Ted needs him


THREE

He's barely into Ted's room when he realizes he's made a mistake.

Ted is fine. It's him that needs the care.

(shattered)

Three steps past the threshold, his former best friend gives him a glare that could melt steel.

Barney doesn't even give him a chance to shout.

He turns and leaves.


FOUR

He's lonely.

Ever since the hospital he hasn't even tried to keep contact with the rest of the gang. It's too awkward and painful.

(scared)

He just wishes that things could be the way they were before. Before he lost the people he loved most.

He misses them so much. All of them.

He wonders if they will ever miss Barney.

Maybe they already do.


FIVE

He's startled awake.

Who on earth would call at this time of night? He wonders to himself.

(awake)

Ted answers the phone.

In the years that would follow, he would try to tell himself it wasn't his fault. It had been five months since the limo, he wasn't Barney's friend anymore.

In reality, he knew it probably was.


SIX

He's cold.

It's Halloween, but he could really care less. The slutty pumpkin just doesn't matter anymore.

(lost)

Barney is gone. Not just shunned, but completely gone.

He never realized how much it hurt till now.

Kneeling by the headstone, he traced the lettering with his fingers.

Can you ever forgive me Bro? He whispers.

There is no reply.


ONE

He's exhausted.

Running across Manhattan will do that to you. But all he can think of right now is his best friend is hurt and needs him.

(living)

Stepping off the sidewalk, Barney looks down the one way street.

*END*