First Sight
2015
Robin has never believed in love at first sight. Love at first sight only happens in movies, music videos and to Marshall and Lily. To say that she'd fallen in love with Barney at first sight would be ludicrous- she barely noticed him until Ted's third party. Barney himself would probably call love at first sight, "something idiots think they feel". Interest, appreciation or lust at first sight- yes. Love at first sight- no.
But right now, standing in the hospital room watching Ted Mosby in bed beside his wife, while Tracy holds the bundle of swaddling and Ted carefully strokes his daughter's almost-bald head- Robin thinks that she might have to reconsider. Because the tears in Ted's eyes and the pride on Tracy's face, and the tiny baby clutching onto the blanket - seem perfect. Robin thinks that, perhaps, this baby is the most precious thing in the world right now. She's always assumed that knowing someone is required to fall in love with them- yet none of them know this baby, because she's only squirming bundle of about three hours old. Yet, she loves her. Robin knows that she loves this person, whoever she is; whoever she'll be.
The peaceful scene is interrupted by Barney (of course) crashing in, babbling and panting. He rushes past Robin and stops abruptly in front of the bed for a second, taking in the scene. Ted half-says something, but Barney cuts him off by launching himself towards him, hurling his arms around Ted and pressing a kiss into his hair. Ted is too overwhelmed by his daughter to be alarmed, but Tracy and Robin glance at each other in confused amusement. Still with his face in Ted's hair, Barney thumps Ted on the back a couple of times.
"Dude!" Ted protests, spluttering.
"Sorry," breathes Barney heavily. He lets Ted go, gives Tracy a look so hard it's almost a glare, and drops to his knees beside the bed. He seems so weird and wired that Robin can't help but run a hand down her husband's hair and his back as he kneels on the floor. Barney doesn't seem to notice. Robin wonders if he's feeling this bizarre love-at-first-sight feeling towards Ted's little girl- but to be honest, Barney Stinson's definition of love is probably even more contradictory and confusing than even her own. So she simply strokes his neck again, and watches the baby blow a couple of saliva bubbles in her sleep. Tracy laughs tearfully and gently wipes her daughter's mouth.
Robin wonders how Tracy must be feeling- she's the baby's mom. She must be falling in love times a billion. On top of that, she has just given birth, not only the most painful human experience, but Robin reflects, the weirdest too. Ted, to his credit, seems to be coping well- he hasn't had a panic attack but is instead in tearful shock.
Robin's still clumsily stroking Barney's hair, but then he leans forward away from her and reaches across the bed. Lightly, he brushes his thumb across the baby's cheek.
"Hey, honey," he says in a clogged voice, "Welcome to the party,"
Thank you for your time.
I'm really excited for the next chapter- it's a bit of a magnum opus, which I've been working on for months. Should be up within the next couple of weeks, so stay tuned!