Blue waters. Not exactly green grass. European. Slightly dingy, like the whole town needed to be dusted off. But lovely nonetheless.

That was their new city. It was actually pretty big, much larger than their old home. In fact the only thing missing was MacLaren's, but that was one of a kind.

They had rented four houses, all in a block's radius, that was probably the biggest upside of the move. Marshall and Lily of course shared one home, which was right next to Ted's. Barney's fortress, as he liked to call it, was across the street and Robin's was about two over from him, almost directly across from Lily and Marshall. Instead of them though, she was across from a vacant building that had a huge For Sale sign on.

They were all loitering around that building today. Sure, there were many more things to do than stand around an empty building, but no one was in an exploring mood.

"Ya know what I want- no- ya know what I need? Alcohol. Buckets and buckets of alcohol," Lily said longingly and wide-eyed.

"Yeah," they sighed wistfully in unison.

"Do you wanna find a bar?" Marshall suggested.

"Aw, baby," Lily started in, "We all asked and the nearest one is… like ten miles away? Yeah, that was it."

"You guys talked to people without me?!" Lily rolled her eyes, typical Marshall, always so social.

"And with that, we should be heading home. C'mon Marshmallow." She took his hand and led him home, Lily's gentle shhhh covering his objections.

"I think I'm gonna go too." Barney voiced, walking away slowly.

Just as he had walked about halfway he glanced back. A terrible vibration went up his spine when he saw Ted's hand casually on Robin's arm. She giggled at whatever he said. Barney's body filled with an emotion he'd never felt before, he stormed towards the pair.

"Ted! What do you think you're doing?"

"Um… talking to Robin," Ted seemed annoyed and pulled Barney aside before continuing, "Bro! You are totally blocking me right now! I'm trying to flirt here." He attempted to casually shift back into his conversation with Robin, but Barney stopped him.

"Yeah, bro, don't."

"Why?"

"Ted, just… just. Okay? Just… okay?"

"Um, alright? I guess I'll go home too? Seya Robin!" Ted said, beyond confused, before walking home.

After Ted was out of earshot Robin quickly shot, "Barney! What the heck was that?"

"Me? What about you? Flirting with Ted, I thought I knew you better Scherbatsky."

"Hey! I have needs too." Robin defended, while Barney put a disgusted look on his face. "What? Don't act offended, you of all people know what I mean. Why is this a big deal anyway?"

"Because Robin, I don't want you flirting with him. I don't want you flirting with anyone." He paused and looked away, not wanting to face her as he said, "I want you flirting with me."

As she stood there, mouth open, eyes confused, he considered darting back home and pretending like nothing happened. He knew better though, and if he didn't, the little Lily in his head sure did.

Barney! I'm so proud of you! Admitting you have feelings for her, that's huge! Wait… walk away? Walk away? Are you stupid! Don't walk away! You'll never know how she feels! Oh my… man up Barney!

He obeyed "little Lily" and stood there for a small while longer, though he thought he may explode if she didn't say anything soon. Luckily, she did, it just wasn't what he expected.

"Barney… are you kidding me!?" she punched his arm.

"Ow! Am I kid- no I'm not kidding you!"

"Well, in case you haven't noticed, Barney, I have been flirting with you from day one and dropping hints all the time. You ignoring me made it pretty clear you weren't interested."

"I wasn't ignoring you; I thought all this time you were joking. Believe me, if I knew how you felt I would have made my move way earlier. Robin, you're freaking beautiful." She rolled her eyes, like she was saying yeah right. "No, really, you are. Your eyes. Your hair. Your-"

"Shut up and kiss me!"

Barney smirked with delight and headed forward. Grabbing her face with his hands he kissed her like she's never been kissed before. And she reciprocated gladly.

It all happened so fast.

Review, review, review! The next chapter will probably be pretty adult, and I think I'll need some help, so if you're willing to help please, please, please PM me!