Context: 6x19
Prompt: #010 Lies
Word count: 200
Comment: Thank you all for reviewing! :) I'm trying to fulfil the requests I got, and one of it was for "Legendaddy", so here it goes :) (BTW, it's unbelievable that NPH didn't get nominated for an Emmy for this episode...)
The basketball hoop is heavy as he carries it into the street, the night air cool on his cheeks.
Lily is the first to get out of the car. She takes a confused look at the hoop. "What –?"
"His son's name is Jerome Junior," is the only thing he says, trying to hide the tears behind his lids.
Next thing he knows, Lily's got her arms around his neck. He hears Ted's soothing voice as he takes the hoop from him to put it into the trunk and feels Marshall's strong hand on his shoulder. "Let's go home, buddy," he says.
Robin stands next to the car, her eyes carefully searching his. When he meets her gaze, she can see that the weight of the hoop is nothing compared to that of the lies he's been carrying around all his life.
The ride back is quiet (except for Bon Jovi's Greatest Hits coming from Ted's iPod to lighten Barney's mood). Lily's holding his hand while Robin has her arm linked through his. "I'm here," she says eventually, only for him to hear.
He doesn't reply; instead, he leans his head against hers.
It's all the answer she needs, really.