I don't own HIMYM, obviously, since the finale didn't involve a Robin and Barney moment alone, maybe a kiss, maybe in a closet, maybe. . .
Anyway. This just popped into my head one rainy day.
Someone he truly loves.
When Lily had mentioned it, he didn't bat an eye, continued staring at his sharp swords and hoping he wouldn't give himself away. Because they were right, of course. The thought of losing Robin, really losing her, scared him even more than when he fell in love with her the first time. He never thought he would have to let her go. Even after they had broken up he always assumed it wasn't forever. He'd get tired of one night stands, she'd turn 39. All he had to do was fend off any serious relationship on her front.
And contrary to what he'd told Ted, he'd take her anytime, any age.
Robin Stinson. It sounds right. It sounds better that Robin Mosby for sure.
He and Ted and Robin are at the bar. Celebrating Marshall and Lily's baby decision, Robin staying and Ted's return to brunette. Although he has another reason he keeps to himself.
'The blonde thing just wasn't for me,' Ted shrugs. He and Robin glance at each other; Barney catches it and sips his beer, cautious. 'It was good, for awhile.'
'Ted, it takes a lot of awesome to be able to pull it off. I'm afraid you just haven't reached my level.'
'Yeah, Barney's right. Red cowboy boots and blonde hair just aren't your thing.'
'Hey, I was pulling it off!'
'No, you weren't,' they answer together. He smiles.
Marshall and Lily burst into the bar and slide into the seat across them, giggling and staring at each other. He's constantly in awe at how connected they seem to be, years into their relationship, though he'll never say it.
Barney looks at Robin. There was a time they had been that happy, that in love.
'Guys, Lily and I have been talking—'
'Among other things,' Lily interjects, smiling into her drink. Marshall nudges her elbow with a grin.
'Anyway, we've been talking and we've decided—'
'Before we get serious about this baby thing—'
'All five of us should do something together—'
'Quit finishing each other's sentences!' Barney yells in frustration. They stare at him silently. Though he'll tell anyone Barney Stinson does not have a shame gland in his body, he can feel her eyes cutting through his skin, seeing him, and he has never felt more embarrassed. 'Sorry, guys. I'm just running late for a meeting with some Koreans, that's all.'
Marshall shakes it off. 'So we were thinking we should have a—drumroll please—roadtrip!'
And, he thinks, it isn't the worst idea the big guy's had at all.