October 13th 2005 (evening)

Rather than meet at the bar, this evening the gang had 'movie night' at Marshall, Lily and Ted's apartment. They had the usual argument about which film to watch: eventually, they all settled to watch 'The Matrix'.

"So you told that girl yet?" Ted muffled through a mouthful of popcorn.

"Ted, you're gonna have to be more specific, I have many things to tell many girls."

"Y'know what I mean...your show...that Canadian girl?"

"Oh yeah, I called her this morning. In fact she kinda helped me out of an 'oversleeping hoe situation'."

"I'm not even going to ask." Lily said.

Lily didn't have to ask; Barney told them anyway. In some weird way, Barney seemed proud of how he misused girls. The gang weren't really surprised- it's what they expected of Barney now.

"I just hope, one day, you'll settle down properly, Barney." Lily commented.

Barney was offended by Lily's remark- he was gonna be this awesome forever. Lily assured him; she thought he'd be married within 10 years.

"It will never happen. EVER." Barney said with sincerity.

...

October 14th 2005

Mid morning at SPS studios. Everyone was excited to start the new show, and even more excited to meet the three new members. Barney attempted to settle the company down.

"Alright everyone, can we have a bit of quiet in here now? Thank you."

Barney continued his 'welcome back' speech before beginning to introduce the new comers. There was Tom Hurrel who would be playing Mercutio, Gale Beckett to play Paris...

"And Robin Scherbatsky as leading lady, Juliet."

Barney walked over to Robin

"So you're pleased, huh?"

"Of course, I'm delighted! I'm still a little overwhelmed to be honest; I can't believe I'm here."

Barney explained that first they learnt the chorus dances and then there would be individual rehearsals for principles.

"You're gonna be sick of me, Robin." Barney joked.

"Okay everyone, I want you all in hetero dance couples, and pick sensibly- I want all males taller than their partners." The choreographer instructed.

Barney took Robins hand, Robin flinched in suprise.

"You're gonna have to be with me, sorry haha." Barney apologized.

This was a modern take on the play, a lot like the 1996 film version, so the dance and music was upbeat. The choreographer started with an intense warm up, and then demonstrated the dance for 'The Capulet's Party'. Robin looked a little worried.

"Hey what's up?" Barney asked her.

"It just looks a little difficult."

"Nothing you can't handle, you were great in the audition!"

As they were learning the dance, Barney couldn't see that Robin was struggling, in fact, she was pretty good. As they were held in the traditional partner position, Robin's right hand in Barney's left, his right hand on her waist and her left hand on his right shoulder, Barney found it difficult to keep eye contact with her. Every time it happened, she giggled and looked away.

At the end of rehearsal Barney pulled Robin over to one side

"Hey why do you feel so awkward around me? Is it cos you don't know me too well?" He asked her.

"Well I guess it does seem a little weird being so close to someone I just met, haha."

Barney could tell she'd not had to do much partner work before- this is where her humble side let her down. Barney was worried- if she couldn't do a dance without getting embarrassed, there was no chance of her being comfortable doing the more intimate scenes.

"I know how we can sort this, you can come out for a drink with me and my friends. Get to know me a little better. Is that okay with you?"

"Um, if you're sure...would your friends be cool with that?"

"In all honesty, it was them who convinced me to pick you, so they'll be fine with it! They're used to me doing this anyway, it's not the first time so don't worry." Barney reassured Robin with a quick hug, smiled at her and said, "I'll call you about meeting up. See you soon, you're doing great."

...

That night at MacLaren's, Barney doubled checked with the gang about Robin possibly joining them for drinks one night. They were all fine with it, just as he'd thought, but Ted seemed a little more eager than everyone else. Barney hoped Ted wasn't weird enough to have a bit of a thing for someone he'd only ever seen a picture of. But then he remembered- Ted was taking that girl to Paris this weekend, the one he'd been dating for like two days. There was no way Ted would start obsessing over Robin and distract her from work or anything.

"I really hope you don't sleep with her and ruin it Barney like the last time." Lily said.

"I am so much more professional than that now Lily! Anyway, I can have any one of these chicks in this bar, or any bar. I don't need Robin."

Barney walked up to the nearest girl and offered her a drink. Lily thought it was like he was trying to prove a point, but really, he was just looking for some fun.

How was this? It may seem like nothing 'swarkley' is happening but I'm getting there. Thanks again for reading and reviewing.