In April of 2016, Barney and Robin had a decision to make. It was time to put the Fortress up for rental and move into their new home in Brooklyn. Surprisingly, it didn't take long for the Fortress to get a buyer. Unlike, the last time Barney didn't have any problems leaving his beloved apartment behind. With, Baelie almost 2 years old, their family was getting bigger. They, weren't sure if they wanted more kids, however the apartment was getting cramped and it was time. So, a month later before their anniversary they moved to their new house in Brooklyn. It was a private space, townhouse with everything they were looking for, for their family. It was big, with a backyard which would be great for their daughter and maybe dogs, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two floors. It was the perfect place for them, they also with their jobs in the city it was an easier commute to their jobs than the Westchester house was. They, moved in in the weeks before their three year anniversary, in May.
"So, I have that meeting late tonight I won't be back until probably 8." After, Barney took the job that he was offered. Ever, since then a few months passed but the job was something he already knew how to do.
"Okay, see you tonight. I will be at the studio till 6 but first I will pick up Baelie from daycare and take her to the sitter." Baelie, has been in daycare for just a few months now. They, had a baby sitter for weekends or when they needed one but since both worked, they wanted to get her into a daycare sooner rather than later. So, far it's working with their very busy schedules. Barney, would usually pick Bae up but today was one of those more busier of days, he has meetings all day, and a late one so that's why he can't pick her up today, so he can't pick her up when he usually does at 4 pm, instead Robin has to pick her up and drop her off at their sitters because she has the 5pm news cast, and can't take her to work.
He, kisses her goodbye and leaves to go to work. That's how it's been since they both decided that they can both work in the year after Baelie was born. They, just use the sitter when they really need it or in times when they want to be alone without the baby.
Valentine's Day, was equally as special as any other holiday for Barney & Robin. They, now celebrate that every year. They, are no longer single and desperately looking for a date for valentine's day because they are far past those lonely, sad, desperation days. Now, they are a family and they're happy, in love and not desperate anymore. As, much as work, Baelie and other things get in the way. They, always find time to celebrate either a holiday like Valentine's Day and/or a special occasion like one of their birthdays or their anniversary. Years, before falling in love and getting married, neither liked the ideas that people put in their heads about romance, commitment, marriage, soul mates, etc. All, the mambo jumbo that was thrown at them by their friends or other people around. They, didn't care about a first kiss anniversary or the first I love you anniversary. They, both thought it was all a bunch of bull. But, then they did kiss and that kiss turned into the start of the rest of their lives. So, after being against anything that involved celebrating something couple-y they now celebrate every major holiday and the anniversary's of their first kiss also: their first I love you, their first time admitting to themselves and each other that they had feelings for each other, their defining moment, their second kiss and most of all the more important anniversary's… their engagement and wedding anniversary's. And, all of those anniversary's don't sound bad or weird to them because after everything, they like to celebrate these things because...
They, fell in love… and so, on Valentine's Day 2016 Barney wanted to make this a special one for them. Before, Baelie it was just the two of them for two years, they enjoyed those two years but now they have Baelie to think about and that kind of puts a wrench in their plans. However, at last minute with no baby sitter to watch Bae, Barney had to call in a reinforcement for this evening.
"Sorry, I kind of ruined your plans tonight but I was desperate so you're the only person I know who is close by without any Valentine's day plans." Barney, was getting desperate. Their, usual baby sitter was busy for this night, so they didn't have anyone to watch Bae who lives close to where he and Robin lives who they can trust to take care of their daughter for the evening. So, at last minute he calls his mother to help them out, at least for this evening.
"Oh, it's not a bother. When, I hear my son asks if I want to spend some time with my granddaughter I had to jump at the chance. All, though Sam did have plans for us tonight but I told him we can do it tomorrow night." He, feels bad that Loretta has had plans for tonight he almost regrets calling her on such short notice but he is glad she came without any hesitation. In fact, they were already in the city to have dinner when Barney called in a panic.
"I'm sorry. I just, our baby sitter called canceling for tonight because she has some plans with her boyfriend… go figure, on Valentine's day no less." He, says this in a joking manner but he was really mad at Megan for canceling so close to the time they were about to go out for this evening.
"Again, no worries. I'm glad to spend the night with my beautiful granddaughter. Isn't that right Baelie?" Loretta says, as she holds Bae in her arms smiling brightly. She is really happy to be here and not at dinner with Sam, Barney slightly wondered why she came here instead of being with Sam.
Loretta, and Sam had recently gotten engaged and were planning a wedding. The, date was set… August, 6th at Sam's house in Long Island. It would be a small intimate, family affair with a reception taking place in the backyard of the house. Loretta, has been living with Sam for two years. After, Barney and Robin's wedding, they continued to date while living apart. Sam, asked her to move to his house in Long Island only a year later, then proposed to her on her birthday in November. So, at least one good thing came from that month but nonetheless they were very happy together. Sam, did plan something for the two of them tonight but when Barney called sounding manic with desperation, Loretta decided to cancel Valentine's Day plans to spend some time with Baelie, and Sam understood which is why…
"Hey, Barney it's fine I don't mind the interruption for tonight although you do owe me." Sam, winks at him and they smile lightly. Barney, is already planning and paying for their wedding so that is already covered. Once, dinner plans were canceled, Sam… even though he was a bit disappointed that their dinner was canceled. He, didn't mind just as long as he got to spend this evening with Loretta, he was okay with that.
"Oh, I know and be sure your wedding will be legen… almost as awesome as my wedding. Dary. It will be legendary. Don't worry, I got this we just have to discuss it more soon." At, that moment, Robin walks in really happy that someone put off their plans for tonight to help them out with this little pickle.
"Thank, you guys for baby sitting without getting too mad at us for ruining your plans." Robin, says walking over to where Loretta and Sam are now sitting on the couch with Bae.
"Oh, no problem I just told Barney he does still owes me for tonight but it's all good and well." Sam, says smiling at her.
She's wearing a floor length purple dress with some sparkles on it and it showed off some cleavage. Not, as much as her engagement dress but just enough to make Barney's eyes go back in his head as he looks his beautiful, but elegant wife up and down. Man, did he get lucky.
After, having Baelie. The, pregnancy weight and after pregnancy weight had taken about two months to get off but after going to the gym and going on a diet at the end of last year. She, lost all the weight but still has the scars from the birth around her midsection, so she doesn't like to show her stomach much, thank goodness it's winter, she doesn't need to. But, she does look super hot, very sexy in this dress and Barney's very glad he booked them a hotel room for the night.
"So, um I booked a room for tonight so since we aren't going to be here. Feel, free to enjoy the evening with your granddaughter, after all it is Valentine's Day. But, don't do anything too crazy or sexy..." he looks at his mother and she rolls her eyes.
"I don't make anymore promises for this evening." She states, factly. It's true, back in the day she was the life of the party but now she's old and doesn't do much in her old age. However, being old does not stop Loretta Stinson from getting it on no matter when, where or how. She is still sexy, and she is wearing the dress she was going to wear to go out tonight with Sam so her and Robin are both dressed up really nicely.
"Alright, kids we're running late for dinner we'll see you tomorrow." Barney, say guiding Robin out the door after giving a quick kiss to their daughter they are really running overtime for their dinner reservations, so they needed to get going before they lose them for running late and not getting there on time.
"I didn't want to say anything just then but… wow, you look amazing." He says, once they were outside.
Now, that they are living in Brooklyn and not in walking distance of a subway. They, both have to drive especially during the week when they both work. But, now they must drive more so Barney has been driving for 8 years now. He just never really had any reason to drive while living in Manhattan.
"Thanks, I knew you'd like this." She says pointing to her dress.
Not, only is she wearing this gorgeous dress. She is also wearing 4 inch heels, jewelry and her hair had grown in the last few months so it's a bit longer now. It's shoulder length but she likes where her hair is now, it makes her look more her age.
"Well, I will like it more once I get it off you." And, there it is she knew he would say something like that, just not this early in their evening.
"Save, it for later lover boy." They, both laugh and shake their heads before getting in the car to drive to dinner.
That night, they rushed through dinner and a quick dessert and decided to go to the hotel much earlier than planned. Barney, had booked the room for 10 o'clock but they got there at 9:30. But, neither cared much, this was the first time in months they got to go out alone, just the two of them and spend sometime without the baby. They, didn't drink as much as they did that first Valentine's day after getting engaged. But, they did drink.
2013
It, was there first Valentine's Day as a couple. Not, only are they a couple. They're engaged. They're, happy, in love and will be getting married in just four months. Barney, wanted to make this first Valentine's Day special for her and for them because they didn't get to celebrate this holiday the first time… they broke up too soon and didn't get to spend Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years or Valentine's Day together as a couple, which they thought they would be doing that year. After, the breakup. They were both unhappy, really heart broken and in pain over their recent breakup. Even though, they celebrated New Years together while everyone else was elsewhere. They, didn't get to spend it together as a couple. But, now they get to celebrate all those holidays every year for the rest of their lives and man they are going to spend this Valentine's Day in Stinson style. Or in Stinson/Scherbatsky style.
Barney, told Robin to dress up or in other words "suit up" because tonight he is recreating the night they first bro'd out together and he went bare pickled in front of her. He, wasn't sure what he wanted to do for their first Valentine's Day together tonight, but they're engaged and it's the first time they get to celebrate the romance of this holiday together, unlike the desperation day they were supposed to spend together. At first, he thought to buy her lots of gifts and take her out on the town, either go to dinner or see a show. Something… but then he thought doing this would be more their style. The week before their wedding, they are going to share cigars, the very same cigar they shared eight years earlier months after they met. So, for this Valentine's Day he wanted to make this day extra special and memorable for them both because this is their first V'day together and he wants to make it extra special. He, hoped that this would make her amazed and happy but he will see once Robin gets to the laser tag place.
They, were both members of two laser tag places in the city but this one he's at is the one they first went to 8 years earlier. He, texted her earlier telling her to suit up and meet him at this laser tag place but she wasn't here yet and he didn't get a responds from her yet either.
He, waits exactly five more minutes… he was about to call her but just as soon as he was about to turn around she walks up right when he's about to turn around. She, was going to sneak-surprise him that's why she didn't respond to his text but then he turned when she was about to hug him from behind.
"Sorry, I know you wanted me here at 7 but I had to do this right since your last text told me specifically to suit up so I figured to do this right, and go all out for you." Wow, is his first thought once he looks up and sees her standing right in front of him about to surprise him.
She, was just… stunning. Man, did he get lucky when he realized that she was the one he wanted to be with. He, knew he had to get her back for good because she could have easily slipped through his fingers again and he just couldn't let that happen. They needed to be together and both knew that, so proposing was the only way of getting them to stop this run-around they were doing and just be together, because that's what they both wanted and needed. Barney, is amazed by her appearance. She looks amazing, just perfection…
"Wow. You look stunning." She is wearing black leather pants, a black top that shows off her belly button, with a black blazer that looks amazing on her. She, really did go all out for him which means she had an idea of what they are going to do tonight for Valentine's Day.
"Well, thank you I knew you would appreciate what I thought you wanted from me. This is just the more sexier version of what I wore 8 years ago." Wow, she really does understand him. This makes him realize all over again how perfect she is for him. Not, only did she suit up she sexy suited up and that's just… everything to him.
He, grabs her and kisses her then and there because damn it she looks drop dead gorgeous. She, amazes him every single day but just knowing that she knew what he had planned for them makes him really, really happy. She's, really his soul mate and now his fiancee, he couldn't be more happier than he is to be marrying this amazing, beautiful but really hot woman in just four months.
"Okay, let's go inside… it's freezing out here in this outfit." She, tells him pushing him away a little to stop the kiss from getting too intense. When, kissing like this gets too intense there is no stopping them but tonight she wants to do his plans first then they can do each other as much as they want to… after all they have their whole lives to make love. Tonight, though is about Valentine's Day and doing this right after missing out on three years of Valentine days together.
He, grabs her hand and they go inside. They, play laser tag for two hours on this night recreating their first laser tag date. Then, Barney, takes her to the cigar bar where they sit and enjoy the fine cigars and scotch they had on their first bro's night together. They, sit and talk about their upcoming wedding and other things going on within their little group of friends. Then, Barney takes her back to Maclaren's where they share even more scotch but also eat. Now, that they're engaged they can't really wingman for each other, no matter how much fun it would be to do that. Instead, they go back to the apartment and play battleship. Yes, strip battleship… they don't leave the house for the rest of the night at all.
That was their first Valentine's day together. The second one came after they were married so that one was filled with more romance and gifts than the first one but this time they recreated the time when they dated before and took that carriage ride together that was when she was pregnant with Baelie, this one was a more home-based one but still very romantic with an end of the night bubble bath and sparkling cider since she couldn't drink.
But, this Valentine's Day was supposed to be more romantic as well but instead of romance they just couldn't wait to get to their hotel room. But, for the rest of the night they never left the bed or the room until the next morning. They, go back home to release Loretta and Sam from babysitting duties and spend the day with Baelie.
"I hope she wasn't a bother last night." Barney says, taking his daughter from his mother. "Hi, baby girl did you give grandma and grandpa a hard time while we were away?" He asks and the little girl just eyes him and blows out a bubble from her mouth.
"I guess, that was a no." He laughs and bounces Bae up and down in his arms.
"No, not a bother at all although I think she might have missed you. She, did start crying for a while after you left last night." Truth, is Baelie was an angel just a bit of a cranky angel after her parents left.
"Aw, we missed you too Bae." They, really did but last night they needed that time alone. They, hadn't been alone, just the two of them for more than a year now so that time last night was needed, desperately. But, they did miss their daughter and didn't forget about her.
"We, will get going now. It was great spending sometime with her though, she's a sweet baby not a fuss at all." They, did get lucky with her. Baelie, was a bawl after she was born. Meaning, she cried a lot in the first two months but after that she calmed more and now she's not waking them up at all hours of the night and causing them to not get sleep.
"I am planning your wedding soon, you've got to tell me what you want so I can talk to James about it all." Barney, has been planning the wedding for a month now but nothing he came up with was liked or wanted of Loretta or Sam and both have to agree and like what they want for their wedding. But, both are stubborn on what they want and like even though it's going to be a small intimate wedding at their house.
"Okay, we have an invite list and we know what we want for the reception. We can get together this weekend?" He nods, agreeing that whatever they want he will make extra awesome, legendary for the both of them.
Loretta and Sam leave after this but the following weekend they come over again so Barney can start planning their wedding. They, sit and plan out the wedding that Loretta and Sam want to have and started to write out the invitations. Two, weeks later they send out the invites with RSVP's on them. The, guest list was a bit longer than intended but they wanted to invite people on both sides, Sam's and Loretta's including new friends they made after Loretta moved to Long Island and Barney and Robin's best friends, Marshall, Lily, Ted and Tracy were all invited.
After, this Barney and Robin had to pack up the apartment and start the move to Brooklyn. The, apartment was rented and they moved a week after it was rented to someone, and never looked back.