Barney panted as he heaved the thick wooden chest into the back of a carriage. It held everything he and Robin would need for a week out of town, which sounded way nicer than it was. Instead of a relaxing break Robin would get a stressful week of awkward pleasantries and uncomfortable silences as she met Barney's mother for the first time.
Barney however was sure to have a blast.
That might have been the only reason Robin agreed to go. That and they also decided that since they were serious they had to act like it, and what's more serious than parents? Robin wasn't terribly close with her parents, but Barney on the other hand was always talking about his mom, Loretta. The way he described her, she must've had a heart bigger than the ole cathedral. She was no less than a guardian angel to him.
The horses brayed, and they knew it was time to go, but Lily was feeling extra emotional about their trip.
"I-I'm gonna miss you two so much. I'm so p-p-proud of you both." She sniffed and collapsed into Robin then into Barney who reluctantly returned her affection.
"Okay Lil, we gotta go now, yeah? We'll be back before you know it; I'll tell you everything. I promise." Robin spoke slowly and reassuringly.
Waving goodbye to the boys, they hopped up into the carriage and set of. Robin knew she should be excited, but this would be a long week.
"There's my baby boy!" Loretta rushed over and flung her arms around her son. "You simply must write more!"
"I promise I will," he said kissing her cheek. Then, gesturing to Robin, "Mom, this is Robin. Robin this is Loretta, my lovely mother."
"Oh stop!" Loretta pushed his arm; her son was always joking around. "Why don't you two come inside? I've already heard so much about you, Robin."
"Mom!"
She waved her hand dismissively and opened the door for her son and hopefully soon to be daughter-in-law. They dragged their luggage behind them and set it down in Barney's old room. They saw another chest in the room… strange.
"Mom, you in there?" a voice called knocking on the door.
"James?"
"Barney?"
So this must be the famous James… They raced towards each other and Robin's mouth raced towards the floor. More family?
"Robin, this is James," Barney said then quickly added, "My brother."
Robin didn't hear the whole conversation that the brothers quickly whispered, but she did catch bits and pieces, 'so this is her?' followed by an impressed 'broooo' and then a 'right?'
"Very nice to meet you, Robin," James said flirty, shaking her hand. It didn't feel like normal flirting; it felt a little off.
"Likewise," Robin spoke politely, and then added as an afterthought, "It's great to finally get to meet the 'legendary James.'"
"Mom's calling for supper guys, we'd better head down," Barney nestled in between them, putting his arms around their shoulders. Robin hadn't seen such a genuine smile plastered on Barney's face in a long time.
And although she wanted to scream and fight, because quite frankly she was terrified that she would be crushed by all the pressure, Robin went to go have dinner with the Stinson family.
"Sorry dear, we must be boring you to death," Loretta turned to Robin, realizing she had been going on and on about the good ole days.
"No, no, I like hearing about Barney as a kid. He must have been adorable," she reassured even though what she was really thinking was I don't care; I wanna go home! It wasn't that Robin didn't like Loretta, but this kind of thing wasn't her bag.
"He was quite cute, they both were, really. And they were always so close. You should have seen those two maniacs when I had to drag them to the public baths, kicking and screaming of course. They splashed water everywhere, on all the nobles too. Raised quite a commotion, they did."
"Mom!" Barney and James whined simultaneously.
Robin laughed despite her total apprehension to be there, "Got any more stories?" And Loretta smiled.
"'m head to bed, see ya in the morning babe," Barney leaned over to kiss Robin's cheek.
"First of all, babe? Really? And second, aren't ya gonna see me tonight?"
"Well…"
Robin crossed her arms and glared at him. "Well what?"
He sighed before letting out a really fast, "Mom decided that it would be better if James and I shared a room and you and her could share one. Pretty good plan, huh?"
"No! That's a bad plan, a very bad plan! I think I'm gonna be physically ill!"
"Whoa, calm down, babe! Ah? Ahhhhhhh, see? I made you smile," he said smugly. Robin rolled her eyes.
"Fine, fine, See ya in the morning, babe," She teased before kissing him goodnight and walking calmly to her room where Loretta was already sitting her bed.
"Oh there you are Robin; having fun?" Robin nodded. "You look a bit ill darling, you feeling alright?" Robin nodded. "You have to say something dear! Barney didn't tell me you were shy."
"I'm not, just tired I guess."
Loretta nodded and hummed softly. She's so mother-y, Robin thought.
She blew out all the lights, leaving the room pitch black, before saying, "One more thing dear, if you hurt my son the way I think you might, you'll be a lot worse than physically ill."
A threatening mother, who doesn't love it? Please tell me what you think! Any suggestions are completely welcomed! Side note, they'll be staying at Loretta's for a bit longer, so tell me if you'd prefer more writing where they're actually there or a small recap of the trip at the beginning of next chapter. Thanks!