AN: My gmail got hacked and I only realised that yesterday so I haven't been checking my inbox for news from FFN until today (which is 30 July, by the way. I usually wait a bit before I post my chapters), and when I did, I saw a bunch of super nice reviews from super nice people (which is you lot). I'm starting to ramble so I would just like to say your kindness have made me smile so big my jaw is starting to hurt. Thank YOU!

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: RE: Feeling OK?

'Feeling OK?'

What kind of question is that? I'm feeling awesome! The New York air, seeing the gang again, the GNB building, Ted's lame Dad-like jokes, my closet full of suits, the chicks at the bar… My life could honestly not be more splendid right now.

Of course, I do miss you and Luke (say hi to him for me please), and London.

But, you know, this is home after all.

And back home, I'm feeling awesome, as always.

I've got some unpacking left to do so I promise I'll write later. Speak soon, okay? And DFTBA! (That is, Don't Forget To Be Awesome.)

Barnstorm

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: Slow down, tiger.

Blah, blah, blah, blah and blah.

New York, suits, GNB, be awesome, Ted's lame and chicks.

Congratulations. You are now a Barney Stinson. Side effects include being annoying and over-using the word 'awesome' – but don't worry, he can be a cool guy sometimes; I'll give you that.

Told Luke you said hello, he says 'yo' back. (Dramatic lady-like sigh.) Men.

You DFTBA.

Robin

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: So… Friends?

So… Friends?

Okay. Regarding the 'thing' I did at the airport, I hope that wasn't… Too much.

Let's just say it didn't mean anything.

(I'm sorry for bringing it up but I feel like these are the things you have to talk about no matter how embarrassing it may sound.)

Barney

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: Friends.

I know. So… Friends. That settles it.

Robin

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: But…

…Let me – if I may – just ask you a question.

Have you thought about it, ever?

B

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: This is insane.

I'm sorry, but this is insane.

R

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: Just… Have You?

I know it's insane. But I'm asking. Be honest.

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: If I had to be honest…

Yes.

But that was the past. That was before I met Luke.

I thought about it because of many reasons.

1. I was new to London and you were there for me.

2. I was lonely then and you were there for me.

3. I was afraid then and you were there for me.

4. I had new experiences, I needed someone to talk to and you were there for me.

5. You were just always there for me then.

That is all.

And that was four months ago.

Doesn't mean you're not there for me now, it's just different, I suppose.

Oh my. I can't believe we're having this conversation. We vowed to not speak of this again. Like, really.

Robin

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: It's not different.

I was there for you.

I'm still there for you.

I'll continue being there for you.

I'll always be there for you.

And you don't even have to ask.

This has been the way, and this needs to be the way it will maintain. Please.

Barney

To: Barney Stinson

From: Robin Scherbatsky

Subject: Don't go back there.

We need to stop playing games, because that's what we are doing right now. I need us to be straight up with each other because I'm tired of this whole ordeal of you trying to tell me something other than 'we're very good friends'.

I'm tired, I am. Of you acting like there's some secret underground romance that's about to surface between us because there isn't.

We're good friends, and this is how far it gets.

If I misinterpreted your messages, then I'm sorry and let's go back to square one. But if you really are telling me there's a thing between us, you should save your words because there isn't. I'm not saying there won't be in the future because neither of us will know. But right now, I'm sure where I want to be, and I want to be here in London with Luke.

We keep making the same mistakes and playing the same old games – and it's not getting us anywhere. I just needed to be honest with you on this one because it's important we're honest and we talk this out.

So… This is my take on 'us'. What do you think?

Robin

To: Robin Scherbatsky

From: Barney Stinson

Subject: I'm not trying to go 'back there'.

I've thought about it. I've thought about it for a ton, and honestly, I was content with us playing games and acting like we were secretly an item. It was what made me happy back then and I'm going to admit that I did feel that way, since we're being honest now.

My life was humdrum and I thought I needed something exciting to happen so I made us up. I made the thing between you and I up. But after reading your email… I realised it's not what I'm going for.

Let's start from square one.

But another type of square one. I realised I'm not going for some 'I don't really know what we're doing' action where we play games and have awkward sexual tension, but for the real thing. I hate to get in depth with this so I won't, but I know what I want and I'm telling you that you are what I want. I'm telling you I will wait.

Barney