Chapter 56- Long Nights


It's 10pm and he's awake. It's the lack of his sheets, his mattress, and the lack or Robin's arms next to him keeping him awake. She may only be across the room, but even so, it's too early to sleep.

He feels restless, and all he really wants to do is roam the halls. He doesn't really want to leave Robin or the baby, but he feels the need to go get something to eat.

He sneaks out, and down the hallway towards the vending machine.

And there before him at the coffee machine is a familiar head of black hair.

"Ted!"

"Barney! Oh my god!" They quickly embrace in a bro hug, complete with the compulsory back slaps.

"Congrats bro," Barney says, pulling away from him.

"Same to you?" Ted says tentatively while grabbing his coffee. "I don't really know what happened with you guys."

"Yeah. She's finally here," he beams proudly. "What are you doing out here?"

"Same thing you are?" Ted shrugs. "The baby is asleep on Tracy, and Tracy's asleep. It was kinda getting boring just watching them."

"Ditto. Only Bri's in her bassinet."

"Bri?" Ted asks curiously.

"Brianna."

"Wow," Ted chuckles. "That's perfect."

"Thanks. You guys have a name yet?" Barney asks as he fiddles with the coffee machine.

"Not quite. We couldn't agree on one yet." Ted takes a sip. "We did pick a middle name, though."

"Yeah? What's that?"

"Leia."

"Nice! Awesome middle name five!"

"Yeah, I suggested it for her first name, but Tracy wouldn't go for it," Ted bemoans.

"Geeze, She's no fun." Barney takes his cup out of the machine and takes his first sip.

"Nah. She still loves Star Wars, and she did give birth, so I think she wins," Ted shrugs. "By the way, how's Robin doing?"

"Pretty good. Tired, but she seems good," Barney answers.

"Tracy's wiped out from the drugs, honestly. She got a little crazy before she fell asleep." Barney can't help but chuckle. Tracy's quite crazy as it is.

"Robin didn't have that problem."

"Of course she didn't," Ted laughs. "She's quite the opposite of a lightweight when it comes to drinking and medications."

"Oh yeah she is," Barney agrees, "but in order to have some effects you kind of have to have the drugs."

"What?" Ted snaps, clearly still processing that thought.

"She was trying to be her typical tough Scherbatsky, and refused them," he explains. "Then, when she decided that she wanted them, it was too late."

"Yikes," Ted cringes.

"Yeah. I still don't know how she did it."

"I don't either."

"I take back what I said," Barney says.

"What's that?"

"I'm glad that we aren't like seahorses."

"You mean that we can't have children on our own?" Ted questions.

"Umm, yeah," Barney draws out. He is very glad he didn't have to do half of what Robin had to do today.

"That's a very good point," Ted chuckles. "Any chance I can sneak in and see them?"

"Only if I can sneak in as see yours as well."

"Deal."


"How weird is it that we ended up having babies on the same day?" Ted whispers as they sneak into Tracy's room.

"Pretty weird."

"This is her," Ted says, reaching the bed and stroking the baby.

"She's gorgeous," Barney says. "Not quite as gorgeous as the baby down the hall but-" Ted reaches out and punches him gently in the arm, interrupting his train of thought. "Owww! What was that for?"

"Come on, Barney. I can't agree with you on that one." Ted says. "Even if she's all Robin, she's still no contender to this little gal."

"See, no Ted. You've got this all wrong. Bri's like 200% awesome, so that makes her the best baby ever."

"Agree to disagree?"

"Yep."

Barney turns to the baby, touching her like Ted had.

"Hey there, Leia. Sometime, your Aunt Robin and I are going to have to teach you how to live. And it's almost time for our Star Wars marathon, so..."

"I guess it is almost time for Trilogy Time," Ted murmurs.

"Yes it is," Barney confirms.

"It's amazing how much things have changed this time," Ted starts to gush. "I mean, we never would have guessed that we would both have babies and be married the next time, right?"

"Not at all," Barney agrees. "I would have never believed this in a million years."

"I don't think any of us would have," Ted says. "Alright. You have something to prove to me. Let's go see your baby."


"This is Brianna," Barney says once they are over the bassinet. "You're going to say she looks like Robin aren't you?"

"Well, she does, but I think she looks more like you. She got the things that are more obvious from Robin, like the nose and the hair. But most of her is you. Her chin, her forehead, her eyes, the way her cheekbones curve, did I mention her eyes?"

"You did."

"Hmmmm, Barney?" Robin begins to murmur from the bed.

"Yeah?" Barney asks, turning to her.

"What time is it?" she asks, starting to flutter her eyes open.

"Somewhere around 10:30."

"Oh." She looks around the room, and notices they aren't alone. "Ted?"

"Yeah, look who I found roaming the halls," Barney jokes.

"You caught me," Ted concedes. "Congrats."

"Thanks. Congrats to you too," she answers.

"Thanks. I hope you don't mind that I stopped by."

"No. Not at all. Just don't mind if I doze back off."

"That's okay," he smiles. "You deserve the rest."

"So how are things over at camp Mosby?" she asks.

"Actually, we are only about two doors down."

"Nice."

"Right? Anyway, Tracy is asleep with the baby on her, and I got thirsty," Ted explains.

"So you just left?" she questions.

"Yeah? It's not like I didn't find Barney in the hall doing the same thing," Ted explains.

"Barney?" Robin glares accusingly.

"What?!" Barney tries to defend himself. "You two were doing the exact same thing."

"But, but... You left me alone with her," Robin responds, clearly worried.

"Yeah, and?"

"Something bad could have happened."

"Nothing bad happened," Barney tries to comfort her.

"But..."

"Robin, it's okay. Nothing happened," Barney responds yet again.

"But something could have happened."

"We are in a hospital. And you are a wonderful mother. You know what she needs. Trust yourself," Barney explains. "I trust you."

"Yeah, and she's sleeping. How am I supposed to know?"

"You'll know," Ted jumps in. "You know what? Why don't I head back to Tracy? That way we can all get some rest."

"That sounds good," Barney agrees.

"Thanks for stopping by."

"Sure. Goodnight guys." Ted leaves the room quietly, leaving the three of them alone once again.

"I'm sorry I left. I didn't know that it would be such a big deal," he apologizes.

"I didn't know it would be either," she sighs. "I just kinda panicked. I don't want to panic, but do you remember the first time I was alone with Marvin and how much of a disaster that was?"

"I do." Robin sighs, letting her head fall in her hands, "No, Robin, that's not what I meant. It was a disaster back then, but think about all you've learned since then. Would you ever consider handing her to a stranger?"

"No."

"Of course not," he explains. "That's your parenting instinct now. Just do what you think is best and it will all be okay."

"Are you sure?"

"I promise." He pulls her in for a hug and a kiss. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"You think there is enough room on this bed for the both of us?"

"Why? Are you feeling lonely?" she asks, highly amused.

"What? No!" he squeaks. She can't help but laugh.

"I think we can manage. Come here."

He snuggles up closer to her, and she uses the button on her bed to turn out the lights.

"Goodnight Barney."

"Goodnight Robin. And goodnight to you too, Brianna."