Marshall had his band, Lily had karate, Ted had architecture, but what was Barney's dream? He certainly had one, and Barney always got a "yes". But what if he was never brave enough to ask the question?
That's why when Ted followed his dream to be a real architect and contribute a building to the New York City skyline, Barney was too intoxicated with inspiration to hold back any longer. He had to push himself in order to know if he ever stood a chance of getting what he wanted, and what better place to do it then at a romantic dinner together. (Okay, it technically was a professional dinner, but why would Ted pick such a romantic place if he wanted it to be 'just friends'? Or was he just grasping at straws and seeing what he wanted to see, like he always did?)
"Ted, I have something to ask you, and it's not going to be easy," Barney said.
"Okay," Ted said. He looked nervous. Did he already have an idea of what was going to happen? "Go ahead."
Barney was sweating. He rubbed the back of his hand against his forehead. "God, I don't even know how to say it-"
"-Barney Stinson flustered? Now I've seen everything."
Barney decided to man up and say what he needed to say anyway. He had been waiting so long. "Ted, we've known each other for a long time. And we've had a special relationship, haven't we? Is there not something else going on here?"
"Are you serious?" Ted asked. He was looking just as flustered as Barney.
"Yes, I'm serious, Ted. I –I… love you. And I want to know if you feel the same way."
Ted put his hand over Barney's. "Barney… I love you, too. God, I never thought I'd say that out loud. So… what happens now?"
Barney was hoping he would say that. He felt total panic and excitement now. He could barely control himself enough to get out of his seat and say, "Theodore Mosby, will you marry me?" as he knelt on one knee.
"Barney… you hate marriage! What is this? I mean this is crazy!" Ted said.
"Ted… how long have you been waiting to be married? How long have we known each other? How much time have we wasted? Please just say…" But Barney didn't have to finish his sentence.
"Yes!"
Barney didn't even get a chance to get up off his knee before Ted kissed him. It was sloppy and rough, not at all like kissing a bimbo, but like kissing someone he really cared about. It felt magic. They quickly paid the check (overpaid, actually. Barney put an extra hundred in) and rushed out of there. Barney couldn't be happier.
The "yes" Ted had given him was sure to be reiterated several more times throughout the night. The two men with beaming smiles walked out of the restaurant hand-in-hand and their dreams totally fulfilled.
A/N: Okay, so it's a little cheesy and fluffy I know, but I had a good time. Ironically, by writing this story about dreams, I've started to follow my dream of writing again. I couldn't help it, that episode just inspired me again (after giving me a small panic attack about giving up on my dreams.)
Review please?