Barney and Robin were the last to arrive at the bar. It was partly to do with the sex escapades that had taken place that afternoon, but it was mostly because they had no idea what to tell the gang. What parts to leave in, what ones to leave out. The two would have been happy to tell them they were together but weren't labelling it but they both knew Lily wouldn't accept that as an answer.
"Wait." Barney grabbed Robin's arm before they entered the bar, "what are we telling them?"
"We just discussed this in the cab."
"Robin, you need to understand that when I'm feeling you up I'm not listening to what anyone, including you, is saying. That is, unless you're talking about things you'll let me do to you later." Barney smirked, snaking his arms around her waist and pulling her in for a kiss.
"So," Robin began as their lips parted, "you ready to go in?"
"Anything you want, baby." Robin smiled as the word fell off his lips.
They walked into MacLaren's hand in hand and walked over to their usual booth, sliding in opposite Lily and Marshall while Ted occupied the chair at the head of the table.
"So?" Lily asked, leaning in with anticipation.
"We banged." Barney blurted out, Robin elbowing him in the chest as he did.
"We didn't just bang. First we talked, then we banged." Robin smiled.
"We've decided to be friends with exclusive benefits." Barney said.
"Well, it's not what I was hoping for but it's better than you two pretending you don't want to get it on in front of us." Lily replied. "You guys should come over for a double date this week!"
"Uh," Robin looked at Barney for approval before saying yes, to which he nodded. "Sure!"
"Great! How about monday night?" Marshall asked.
"Perfect, can't wait." Barney commented.
"That went well." Barney remarked once they were back at his apartment.
"Yeah, it did. I'm proud of us." Robin replied, kissing him sweetly.
As she went to pull away, Barney pulled her back in for another kiss.
"I love being able to do that."
"Do what?"
"Kiss you, whenever I want." He smiled.
"I don't mind it too much either." She smirked.
"You want what else I love to do?" Barney wiggled his eyebrows.
"Nice try but you know I have to get ready for work."
"You want me to drop you off?"
"That's a sweet offer, and I really do appreciate it, but you don't have a car babe."
"I meant take a cab with you." He chuckled.
"Did anyone ever tell you how clingy you are in a relationship?"
"Is that bad?"
"Not at all. I like feeling this needed by someone." She said, her voice cracking.
Barney pulled her in and embraced her. It hurt him that she had never felt needed and vowed to himself that as long as they were together he would always make sure she felt needed and safe and loved.
"Is that a yes?"
"Yes." She leaned in and kissed him once again. "We should get going, I have to change at my place."
On the cab ride to Robin's, Barney didn't try anything. It was new to him, he wasn't looking to have anything hot happen in the back of the cab, which was really new to him. He simply enjoyed holding Robin and listening to her talk about her job and various other things he couldn't keep track of because his mind could only focus on how beautiful she looked that night.
At her apartment, Robin began going through drawers, trying to decide what to wear. Barney sat on the edge of her bed, not knowing what to do with himself. It wasn't like he could help, she didn't have a suit.
"You going to be okay getting home?" Barney asked once they were standing outside Metro News One.
"You worried about me?" Robin joked.
"Yes." Barney answered in a serious tone. "I can come back when you're finished if you don't want to be alone."
"I'll be fine, I promise."
"Call if you need anything, okay?"
"I will." She brought her arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. He held her tightly in his arms.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow." Barney whispered as their lips parted.
"See you tomorrow." Robin echoed as she walked into work.
