AN: Hello, it´s me again! I tried to make that chapter a little bit longer. I don´t know why I can´t seem to get to the point where they finally talk to the group, but I promise, we are close. Tell me what you think, pleaseee.

Lily, Ted, Marshall, Robin and Loretta get seated on the dinner table while Barney follows James into the kitchen and hisses, "Why on earth did you do that, man?"

"What do you mean?"

"Inviting my friends to dinner! Are you nuts?"

"For inviting your friends to dinner?"

"Yes!"

James´ mood changes from confusion to anger, "Why is that crazy? What the hell is wrong with you?"

Barney sighs deeply. It´s not fair to be angry at his brother, but he gets more and more frustrated with the whole situation every minute. For the first time in years he deeply regrets lying and making up stories. Of course, he would never admit that, but maybe it was a mistake to hide his relationship with Robin.

He sighs again and explains, "Lily, Ted and Marshall have no idea that Robin and I have known each other for quite a while and that we are…", he stutters, "…friends."

James scoffs, "Friends? You and Robin? You´re hilarious, bro!"

"What´s that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, come on! You´re crazy about her. Every time we talk to each other there are at least two stories including Robin, every time we see each other you text her or call her and every time I see the two of you together, you are intrigued with her. To be honest, it´s sickening. However, she seems to feel the same way about you, so I didn´t say anything. It´s nice to see you happy. Although it would be nice if you two stop jumping each other at every occasion."

Barney stares at him and doesn´t say a word. The second James thinks Barney has kind of a revelation about his relationship with Robin, Barney suddenly engulfs him in a hug. Then Barney pats his brother on the shoulder and finally says, "I had no idea, James!"

"Barney, come on, even you couln´t be that clueless that…"

"The accident had obviously left more serious damage than we thought! We need to check your brain again, James!" Then he continues with a dramtic monologue, "Oh my god, my poor brother! Completely insane and consumed by craziness and irrational thinking!"

Although Barney knows quite well that his brother has a point, he refuses to acknowledge it in front of him. He hates feelings and relationships. And he sure as hell can´t let his brother call his behaviour sickening. He´s awesome and that´s that. Yes, Robin is a cool chick and he really really really likes her, but since she has met his friends and lies to them about their friendship, he isn´t sure, how much he actually means to her. Sure, she rushed to him after she heard about his mother´s and James´ accident and has cared for all of them ever since, but as soon as Ted, Lily and Marshall had arrived, she wanted to run away. So maybe this is all Robin and him can ever be: hidden friends with benefits.

James´ voice brings him back to the real world, "Barney, you know what? Forget that I said anything. It´s none of my business. You´re acting crazy, but whatever. It´s your problem and you have to deal with it. But what about your friends? Why is it a problem that Ted, Lily and Marshall don´t know about you and Robin? Just tell them!"

"It´s not that easy!"

"Why not?"

Barney feels defeated and so he tells James a short version of the last months. As soon as he is finished, James rolls his eyes, "You two are perfect for each other. Both of you are crazy! I know, you probably don´t want to hear this, but you will have to tell them sooner or later. They will find out. I think they were already suspicious, but even if they haven´t been, they surely are now! It will only get worse, Barney."

"I know, I know. But please be cool, ok? Don´t say anything. Robin and I will fix this. Please, James. Please!"

"Fine", James gives in. "Go and sit with the other ones, I´ll get the meat loaf."

Barney joins his mother and his friends at the table. It doesn´t seem like he has missed anything. There is an awkward tension in the air which everybody but Loretta is aware of. She chitchats with the gang and Lily asks her about her road of recovery. Loretta tells her that it was pretty hard at first, but it got easier with time. "I was so lucky to have my wuv-wuv with me. And I´m blessed that Robin chose to help us! To be honest, I wasn´t sure whether I will see her again after I disturbed her and Barney in the middle of their sexy time, if you know what I mean.", she chuckles. "Muuum", Barney protests and Robin wishes, she could disappear somewhere and never come back.