Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
Ri-
"Barney ?"
"Ted, hey, I…"
"Dude, what the hell ? It's three in the morning."
"I… I need your help, bro…"
"What is it this time?"
"I might have… been mugged."
"…"
"Ted?"
"You've been mugged."
"Yes."
"And how big was that monkey?"
"Wha-? Ted, I'm…"
"Did he say 'stick 'em up'? Did he trick you with a banana?"
"I'm serious, bro, I'm… I'm kinda bleeding right now."
"Right. Look Barney, you're obviously just trying to lure me out so I'll follow you on God knows what crazy stuff again. No thanks. Go prank-call someone else."
"Ted, wait!"
Click.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
"Barney."
"Marshall, I—"
"Dude, we're trying to sleep. And you should do the same."
"Marshall, I-I think I'm dying here…"
"Sure you are. Goodnight Barney."
Click.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
Ring.
"Hi! You've reached Robin Scherbatsky. I'm not around, so leave a message."
Beep.
"Hey R-Robin, it's Barney. Listen, I… I've just been m-mugged and… one of them had a knife… Tried calling the others but they didn't… didn't believe me. G-guess that's what I get for all the l-lies… but I… I need you, Sch-Scherbatsky… I… I think I'm… s-slipping…"
Tears ran down Robin Scherbatsky's face as she listened to the message on her answering machine again. And again. And again.
Marshall Eriksen put on a brave face, tryin to be strong for his wife, when all he wanted to do was breakdown and cry.
Lily Aldrin sobbed silently, her small frame shaking in her husband's embrace.
Ted Mosby paced the hospital hallway, running his hands through his hair, trying to keep himself from falling apart.
If only Robin hadn't left her phone on vibrate in the living room.
If only Marshall had listened to what Barney was going to say.
If only Lily hadn't mouthed 'Just hang up' to her husband.
If only Ted had believed his best friend.
If only…
If only Barney didn't feel the need to lie all the time.
I'll leave the ending open, you can choose whether Barney dies or not.
First time HIMYM fic, sooooo... what do you guys think?