Ch. 6
The rest of the night continued without a hitch. Everyone joked around like old times and Barney even seemed to step out of his slump a bit, he went as far as to let everyone know that his number of conquests was now a shocking 352. It was disgusting, but at least it was Barney. Although, he also mentioned he had only been with one woman since Ellie was born. One girl in four years. Maybe Barney was changing a bit.
Barney and Robin were now on the train back to Manhattan and the ride was rather quite. It was late so the train was empty but Barney and Robin were also avoiding conversation. That was until Barney broke the silence.
"So, your really in New York for good now? No more traveling?"
"No more traveling. I'm here to stay."
"Are you really though? Because for the past ten years you have been all over the world. You barely spent anytime in New York, you missed all of the big moments that happened and you lost touch with us all. I'm sorry but please don't get our hopes up if you just plan on leaving again."
"Barney, I already told you I am not leaving again. I'm here for good now. Why do you even care so much. We're divorced now and not many people make it a point to hang out with their ex wife."
"Yeah but were not like other people, we've stayed friends after a break up before, why can't we do it again."
"Well to be fair, the last time we tried to stay friends after a breakup, I went crazy trying to get you back, you tricked me into falling in love with you again and we got married. We're not to good at just being friends." This got a good laugh from Barney.
"Yeah I guess so. You know what that means right?"
"No Barney, what does that mean?"
"It means we are due for another relapse sometime soon."
"Haha very funny. That's not going to happen." Robin knew Barney was joking but she couldn't help but notice a look of disappointment in his eyes when Robin said no. Robin's thoughts were interrupted when she felt her phone vibrating in her pocket.
"Hello?" Robin answered the phone without even looking at her caller id, so when she answered the phone she was surprised to hear Ted's voice.
"Hey Robin, its Ted. Did you realize you are missing something?"
"No, what do you mean?"
"Well, I was cleaning up the dining room and found your keys on the floor. They must have fallen out of your pocket or something."
"No, are you kidding me?" Robin quickly went through her coat pockets and then her purse and realized that she was indeed missing her keys. "Dammit, how am I suppose to get into my apartment now?"
"Well, I'm sure your landlord has an extra one. Just ask him."
"Yeah Ted, wake up my landlord at 1:30 in the morning so he can hate me even more."
"Well, unless you want to come back to my place to get your keys that might be your only option."
"No, I'll figure something out. Thanks."
"No problem. I'm going into the city with Tracey tomorrow for a doctors appointment so I can always drop them off to you."
"Yeah that would be great. Thanks Ted."
"No problem, I'll see you tomorrow." Ted hung up the phone and Robin followed suit, not holding back her annoyance at her own stupidity.
"What's wrong?" Barney asked, clearly seeing how flustered Robin was.
"My keys are at Teds. They must have fallen out of my pocket. Now I have no way of getting into my apartment tonight. He's bringing them back to me tomorrow."
"Well, if you need a place to stay for the night you can crash at my place. I don't bite." Barney said with a smirk, secretly hoping that she would jump on the offer.
"No Barney I couldn't do that to you. You have to take care of Ellie and I would just be in the way. Thanks anyway though."
"Robin its really not a problem. You can stay in my room and I'll take the couch. What other option do you have? The alley behind your building?"
"Well there is good airflow back there." Robin joked. "Are you sure its not a problem? I really can find another place to stay."
"Really Robin its fine. We lived together for 3 years I think we can manage one more night."
"Okay Barney. Thank you so much."
Barney flashed a grin at Robin and when she looked away he mumbled under his breath, "Of course, anything for you."