"Barney!" Robin ran into his house, slightly annoyed. They were leaving now, and he was the only one not ready by the carriage. "Barney! Come on!" she pined. Zipping in and out of rooms and darting around the home, she at long last reached the right chamber.
"Finally!" She sighed out.
He jumped up and slammed something shut. Sounding mad, he sputtered out, "Robin! Don't you knock?!"
"What's that?" She walked towards the rectangular thing on his desk, attempting to pick it up. He hastily jumped between the two.
"Nothing." He tucked it under his arm and started to march out. Turning back, he said "You coming?"
Robin was shocked, stopped dead in her tracks. "Barney, tell me the truth, what is that?" Her tone was stern, and he knew she wasn't going to let this go. His expression dropped and he passed the book into her expecting hands.
"The bro code?" She looked up and he mused, "Not so loud!" in a hushed tone. She gave him a confused look, what was this book and why was it such a big deal. She opened the manuscript and started to read.
"The bro code, by Barnabas Stinson? 'Whether we know it or not, each of us lives a life governed by internationalized code of conduct. Some call it mortality. Others call it religion. I call it The Bro Code.'" She rolled her eyes and continued softly. "Blah blah blah… okay, article one 'bros before hoes. The bond between two bros is stronger than that of a man and a woman because on average, men are stronger than women. That's just science?'"
She held the book back at arm's length, somewhat offended, and pushed it back towards Barney. She wasn't sure if this was just some elaborate joke of his or if he was indeed serious, but she was almost certain it was the latter.
"Oh, don't give me that look Robin, I can't stand that look! One day I was at the bar and… needed rules… so I…" he sighed before ending with, "Bro code. But, one of the rules of the bro code is bros only. So… just, just… okay?"
"Mmm hmm, so what you're saying is that you're writing a book of rules for dudes, and I have to keep it secret for some insane reason?"
"Well… yes. Just promise you won't tell. Ever."
Robin rolled her eyes again, it all seemed ridiculous. "Promise. I really don't see the big deal though."
Barney's eyes smiled, but then grew serious. "Yeah, that's the thing. I don't think I ever told you this, or anyone for that matter, but my writing a book is, well kind of illegal." Blended shock and confusion crossed her face when she heard him say illegal. How could it be illegal? He must have seen the questions written on her face.
"Surprised?" he asked laxly amused. "A while ago I got in some hot water at work for authoring a book."
"Really? What do you even do for work? I mean, what's your job?"
"Please."
She was already feeling pretty sentimental and a bit sympathetic that day; it wasn't easy leaving. She placed her hand on Barney's forearm, looking into his crystal eyes. "Your secret's safe with me." Before standing up she kissed his check gently. As much as Barney would hate to admit it, it made him feel tender inside. He was almost afraid he'd get a partial just from that small gesture.
"Ready to go?" He held out a hand to help her up. She reluctantly took it. They slowly made their way out of the old house and into the 'escape vehicle.' The carriage crept forward and the gang was off. And no one looked back.