A/N: This is the beginning of a multi chapter fic. I plan to get much darker in the story. Rated M for future chapters.

Disclaimer: I do not claim ownership of any characters in this story nor do I claim ownership of the show How I Met Your Mother. All characters belong to the creators, producers, and others involved in the show. This is fiction. :)

The gang sat at their booth swapping stories of their day. The bar was crowded for a Tuesday, with scores of college girls flitting around the establishment.

"So this girl actually didn't know the difference between a colonial and federalist house!" Ted exclaimed, sipping his beer in disbelief. Everyone around him rolled their eyes. A song by Bob Dylan played softly in the background, his crooning of changing times barely heard by the raucous group.

"A toothpaste company is dumping thousands of gallons of toxic material into Oklahoma waterways a week. It's insane! We're getting on them right away, and I get to lead the charge! I get to make charts and everything," Marshall explained enthusiastically.

"Wow that's great Marshall. Way to clean up the earth," Robin congratulated. She extended her arm across the table for a fist bump.

"What happened to you today Robin at your crazy new anchor job?" Lily asked.

"Well, this magician came to visit and brought a female contortionist along. She was so flexible, she fit in this tiny little box," Robin said excitedly. However, Lily was too busy looking at the blonde man at the head of the table to care.

"Barney what's wrong?" She asked. Barney had been unusually quiet throughout the whole conversation. He perked up.

"Nothing, why would you say that?" He asked, fumbling over his words.

"Robin just mentioned both a magician and a contortionist and you didn't tell us how awesome magic is or make some pervy comment about the lady," she accused. Everyone was suddenly interested in the slight man. Ted rested his head on his hand, Marshall followed by not so subtly scooting forward in his seat. Barney smiled sheepishly.

"Just a rough day I guess," he said, downing the rest of his scotch and soda and rubbing at his ears nervously.

"What happened?" Ted asked.

A loud ring cut through the room. Lily retrieved her phone from her purse and looked at the message. Her mouth dropped.

"What Lily?" Robin asked, frightened that her friend had received terrible news perhaps about the death of a loved one or an illness in her family. Lily composed herself.

"It's Quinn," she began. Barney rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.

"Oh, well have her come join us. Maybe she'll pay for dinner," Marshall suggested. Lily shook her head slowly.

"Uh...I don't think she'll be wanting to join us, look at the text she just sent me," the red head held out the phone for everyone to see. It said:

Quinn: Wedding is off. Spread the word to Robin. Return your bridesmaid's dresses.

The group drew in a collective breath before Ted broke the silence.

"Why did you dump her Barney?" He asked quietly. Lily jumped in.

"Yeah, why?" She began. "You actually convinced me that you had changed," her voice started rising. Robin shrank in her seat, feeling the embarrassment radiate off of Barney. "I can't believe you fooled me. You're not changed. You're the same selfish, commitment- phobe, slutty Barney," she was yelling now. "This wonderful girl comes along and loves you despite all your flaws, and you have many, and you dump her! Just know that you just royally screwed up your life Barney!" She finished, downing the remnants of her beer. Barney pursed his lips.

"Lily," he started. "Um...Quinn dumped me," he stated, his voice becoming shaky. He cleared his throat and stood up, swinging his arms into his jacket. "So I really gotta go," he said, excusing himself.

"Oh my god Barney, I'm so sorry. I," Lily was cut off by the blonde man.

"It's okay. I'm just gonna go now," he said, smiling self-consciously.