I sometimes get disappointed when stories end the moment they kiss, like that fixes everything that was wrong just moments before. What I wanted to do with this story was play with how wrong I think they sometimes treat Barney in the show (grrrr - final), but also look at what happens after that kiss. How they work on what was wrong, and how it over time gets to a better place... So now starts the part of the story where Robin (and Barney) has to deal with the consequences of her actions.
— Chapter 10 —
When they got their breath back a little bit, Barney rolled over, bringing her with him, so that she was laying on his chest.
«That was amazing.» She told him, her fingers running slowly over his chest.
«It really was.» He said back while kissing her forehead.
«I love you!» She kissed his chest as she said it. She just couldn't get enough of him.
Barney was silent for a long time, and Robin turned her head to look at him, concern evident on her face.
Barney looked uncomfortable. «I…» He took a deep breath. «I'm not ready to say that yet.»
Robin felt her heart beat faster. «You don't love me?» The fear was evident in her voice. When he kissed her earlier, she just assumed that it was his way of answering. That it was his way of telling her that he loved her to. But what if it wasn't? What if this hadn't meant the same to him as it did to her? What if this was to little to late?
Barney pulled away from her and got out of the bed. Robin was left clutching the sheet, a feeling of panic rising in her.
She watched as Barney paced back and forth a couple of times before turning towards her.
«I… I have feelings. I'm just not ready to jump right back into things with us.» He tried to explain.
«You really hurt me Robin, and I'm not sure I trust you enough to be totally open with you again just yet.»
That hurt. The pain was now evident on both of their faces, as Robin realized she had done this to him. She had hurt him so much that he now wasn't ready to tell her he loved her. Or to be with her.
«I'm so sorry Barney. I'm so sorry I hurt you! I cant stand to think that I did that, because all I want to do is love you.» She got out of the bed and walked up to him.
«I know that. And you don't have to keep apologizing. You already did that. I'm not saying this to get you to apologize, or to make you feel bad in any way. I'm just trying to explain how I feel. Why I can't say it back right now.»
Robin let this all sink in, not really sure how to react.
«So where does this leave us?» She asked him.
He looked at her, probably seeing the worry on her face. Walking over to her, he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her closer to him.
«I hope it leaves us with being in a relationship.» He smiled down at her.
«I want to be with you Robin. I just need us to take things slow. I need to learn how to trust you again. How to trust us again.»
Robin felt relief rushing thru her. «I understand. And I swear to God, I won't ever do anything to make you doubt us again.» She smiled back at him.
«Good!» He said leaning in to kiss her again. And just like that round two was a go.