Capítulo 13: Rings
After finishing with one wedding and somehow getting through Lily and Marshall's wedding, it felt like the wedding season was finally coming to an end. That was until a few months later when Barney went to meet Lily and Marshall at MacLaren's bar. It was going to be a normal hang out, Robin was on her way and Ted… well he hasn't been around lately. When he does make an appearance, he's either got a girl around his arm or has just finished getting with a girl and is taking a breather. Lily was starting to worry about him but she still couldn't bring herself to talk to him, afraid that she would spill the secrets that she knew. Marshall just assumed Ted was taking a break from finding "the One" and was just having a little fun for now. Ted was starting to see them less and less, he stopped talking to Barney altogether and Robin was becoming so busy working with her new host in uncovering the serial druggings, it felt like their little group was splitting apart and it was only going to get worse as Barney takes his seat across from the newlyweds.
"So… I'm getting married!"
"Pffft!"
"Pffft!"
Barney let the couple have their spit-take before placing his left hand in front of them. He showed off the silver band that was placed on his ring finger. A simple but beautiful and very expensive engagement ring with Josh's name in the middle of a heart engraved on it. Lily was the first to grab hold of Barney's hand and take a closer look. Barney winced a little in pain but quickly straightened his face, he was becoming used to it. Marshall leaned over Lily to also get a better look at the ring.
"Wow, Barney! You know, I have to say I am very surprised… Like very! But I'm happy for you! Congratulations! Hey, drinks on us tonight."
"Alright, thanks, Marshall. I'm actually gonna grab a gin and tonic."
Just as soon as Barney left, Lily dropped her sweet smile facade and in a serious tone turned to Marshall and spoke quickly:
"We have to break Barney and Josh up!"
…!
"What?! Why?"
"Look, I know this is gonna sound crazy but I don't think Josh is good for Barney!"
"Lily, I've been around Josh, with and without Barney around. I think I would be able to tell if Josh wasn't a good partner for Barney. Hell, I think Barney isn't good for Josh heheh."
This earned Marshall a strong love tap on his shoulder from his wife.
"Marshall, I'm serious! I don't have a good feeling about Josh! I don't like how he's changing Barney."
"How is Josh 'changing' Barney?"
* * * *
A month ago, one evening, Marshall and Lily were invited over to Barney's for a couples game night. That alone was suspicious but once they were through the door, they were completely taken by surprise. The sharp and dark decor they were used to seeing was replaced with sensible and homey furniture. The dark hardwood floors were now a warm natural brown, the grayed walls were now an off-white, and lining them were framed photos of Barney and Josh along with some family and childhood memories. Boxes labeled "Porn" were left by the side of the door and on top of them was a dismantled stormtrooper. Barney's Darth Vader aesthetic was gone, and Lily knew immediately that something was off. Just before she can speak to Marshall about her feelings, Barney comes out from the bedroom wearing a large black long-sleeve shirt and casual blue jeans with worn-out sneakers and greets his friends.
"Hey, you're early heh."
"Is-is that a problem?
Lily responded, trying to probe her friend for any signs of trouble. Barney froze, he seemed reluctant to speak any further and his lips only held a welcoming smile. It was weird seeing him without his suit, Barney was right, a suit makes all the difference as his once confidence and sly smirk now looked like an awkward shy grin. Actually, when was the last time Lily had seen him in a suit? Trying to remember, Lily stared intensely at Barney, she remembered the first time he showed up at the bar wearing only black jeans and a white hoodie, everyone thought someone had died but that was months ago. After that, it seemed like Barney just stopped with the suits altogether. Lily, being distracted with her thoughts, snapped back and noticed Barney couldn't bear to meet her eyes and once Josh walked through the bedroom doors, it was like Barney refused to speak at all that night. Josh continued their conversion:
"Not at all, we were just about to set out the hors d'oeuvre. Marshall, you were right about the Gouda!"
"It's what I always say; "Don't sleep on the Gouda!" By the way, I brought the new game I made!"
As Marshall sets the homemade game board down on the coffee table, he follows Josh as they make their way into the kitchen area. Lily stayed behind with Barney and just looked at him. Barney shifted uncomfortably from where he stood, feeling like a bug under the microscope.
"Barney, are you-"
"Barney, I'm gonna need some help here."
Before Lily could finish, Barney rushes to Josh's side. By all accounts, the evening was really fun. They laughed and played games well into the night however, Lily always kept her eye on Barney. While she was watching Barney, Barney was watching Josh and Josh was in turn watching Lily. Marshall kept his eye on the game and ended up winning. As it was getting late and everyone needed to be up early for work, Marshall started cleaning up the board game. When it was time to leave, Lily took a quick glance at Barney and saw he was biting his lower lip like he wanted to say something and he began to chip at his nails, his adam's apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed down his words. Lily quickly grabbed Marshall's hand.
"Honey, why don't we stay the night? A little couples sleepover! Doesn't that sound like fun? I mean, the night is still young, why stop now hahahah!"
Lily did her best to sound casual, but it was obvious how nervous she was. Something in her gut was telling her she needed to talk to Barney alone. If she could talk to him when Josh wasn't around, she knew she could get him to tell her what was happening to him. However, Marshall wasn't getting the hint while Josh was growing more suspicious of her antics.
"Come on, Lily. I'm sure they don't want us interrupting their alone time together. Plus you got a date with a winner tonight~"
"Haha, alright have a good night you two. Me and Barney can clean up the rest, thanks for dropping by!"
Before she could protest or at the very least make another excuse to stay later, Josh had ushered her and Marshall out of Barney's apartment. Standing outside, everything seemed fine but as she turned to leave, Lily could've sworn she heard something fall behind the closed door. It was a loud thud… maybe it was a box?...
'Please let it be a box.'
"Lily, you ready to go?"
"...Huh, oh…okay…"
* * * *
"Wait, I was there that night. There was nothing off. We played games, ate good food, and had a fun night, I thought."
"Marshall, honey, I love you but you didn't see what I saw! Okay, you work with Barney, right? So Josh must have lunch dates with him at the office, didn't you notice anything weird or off during his visits?"
"No."
"Come on, think back"
With Lily's insistence, Marshall thought back, and to his surprise, he did seem to remember one weird thing with Josh.
* * * *
Marshall and Ted were on their way to the elevators to go to the cafeteria for lunch. Along the way, they had to pass Barney's office, Marshall decided maybe they could invite him but right when he turned to ask Ted, he saw that Ted had stopped and was just staring into the office. Marshall thought that was strange but when he turned to face the window wall, he understood.
There, in the office with the windows open for anyone to see, was Barney and Josh having a very animated discussion. Josh was leaning against Barney's desk his face was more annoyed rather than angry while Barney stood a good distance away in the middle of the room. Barney's office was soundproof but just from the looks of it, anyone would guess that they were yelling at each other about something. Barney was getting really angry and even pointed at his door a few times. Just then Josh, in frustration, turned his head and saw both Marshall and Ted standing outside.
Not wanting to seem like he was a pervert peeking into Barney's office space, Marshall spun around and attempted to stare at the blank wall with great interest. As he tried to appear nonchalant, Ted just stood there, still staring at Barney. He was like a deer caught in headlights, his jaw clenched tightly and his fist began to ball up like he was ready for a fight.
Josh quickly turned back to face Barney and spoke some words to him with a sort of condescending grin, whatever he said shut him up. Barney didn't look outside, he just kept his head low making it hard for his friends to see what kind of expression he was making. Josh stood up straight and grabbed Barney's wrist, pulling him in close. With his other hand, he grabbed Barney by the back of his neck and guided him into a passionate kiss. Josh then steps back towards the desk, bringing Barney along, and manages to find the remote for the blinds and presses its button.
As the blinds came down, Ted seemed to have snapped back from his trance. Without a word he runs past Marshall and enters the opened elevator, quickly mashing a button as the doors start to close. Marshall, being a step too late, tries to reach for the elevator button right when the doors shut.
"Wait, dude! Where are you going? It's meatball sub day! Ted!"
Looking at the numbers that show the floors of the building, he sees Ted's elevator go to the ground floor. Looks like he'll be eating alone today… again…
* * * *
"Ok, I admit that was a weird moment, but they made up in the end and now they're getting married. Let's be happy for them, Lil."
Lily just looked at her husband and crossed her arms, she didn't want to tell Marshall but she was leaving out another thing she had noticed about Barney. While the weather outside was starting to get cold, Barney was wearing more layers than necessary. When she grabbed his hand to look at the ring, she saw some bruises leading up and around his wrist. Being around accident-prone and rowdy kids, she could tell a fresh bruise from a healing one, and although she couldn't be 100 percent sure, she thought she saw what looked like rope burns overlapping the fresh and old bruises.
She needed to get Josh away from Barney but with Marshall not believing in her concern and Robin out doing god knows what, she felt alone in her worries for her friend. Suddenly, she thought of Ted. She's tried to avoid speaking with Ted ever since she's returned, but this was a serious matter and if anyone could get Barney to talk, it was him. If she could get Ted to speak with Barney and maybe even help to separate him and Josh, everything would work out! But she'll have to speak with him… and she'll no doubt tell him she knows his secret. Before she could think about her decision any further, Barney sat down with his drink, looking happy as he took a sip. To have her friend keep wearing a happy smile without a care in the world, she was more than willing to have that uncomfortable moment with Ted.
***
Robin had just got into the studio, her hair and makeup were all done, and as she took her place behind the news desk, a tall shadow loomed over her. Lifting her head up from her papers, she sees a tall and very handsome older gentleman carrying a bag like he had just flown in from out of town. He held out his hand and in a soft but stern voice spoke:
"Hi, I'm Don Frank. Your new co-host. I'll also be helping in the investigation of the serial date rape druggings happening recently. I gotta say, your coverage of the incidents is impeccable, Robin."
Robin was left speechless. She hadn't known her new partner was going to be a drop-dead gorgeous hunk with years of experience in an actual newsroom! She couldn't have been more happy, but like a professional, she kept her composure and reached out to shake his hand.
"Oh my god! This is so awesome! Don, no, Mr. Frank, I am such a huge fan, you have no idea! Please call me Robin, oh I guess you already did hahaha, is it hot in here?"
"Hehehe, well I took a look at the case and I asked a buddy in the police department about it. He told me they think these incidents are actually being done by a group rather than an individual."
Ok, so she wasn't so subtle with her introductions but that's alright, once they get more comfortable with each other… no, she can't get too comfortable. She needed to focus on the investigation, on her career… on herself…there was just no place for romance, especially one so close to her workplace. She can think about that stuff later when this whole situation gets better. When she and her friends can go back to just hanging out at the bar and not have to worry about anything… When will that day come though?
***
Ted couldn't take it any longer. It was a dreary Monday morning when Ted was walking down the city streets, exhausted and haphazardly dressed. While he didn't have a problem picking up women, he felt awful just having one-night stands. After coming home from another stranger's place, Ted made his way into his bathroom to wash his face. Is this how life is going to be now? Sleeping with a different woman every night? Until when? For how long will he have to… God, he's been behaving like Barney! The old Barney! The Barney who didn't care about the women he slept with or the people he hurt. He had to stop this! However, if he stopped now, he'd have to go back to bottling everything up again… No, Ted couldn't do that. Taking a moment to think, Ted came to a conclusion. A tie. If he could steal another tie from Barney, he wouldn't have to rely on sleeping with women anymore! With that thought fresh in his mind, Ted excitedly rushes out his door, slamming it shut behind him.
…
It was around 12 pm when Ted made his way up Barney's apartment complex. It was perfect timing as he knew Barney or Josh wouldn't be around. Using his spare key, Ted walked inside, only to pause. Looking around, Ted would've thought he walked into someone else's penthouse. Everything was changing… Nothing was like how it was now. How much did Barney like Josh for him to allow this much reorganization and redecorating? What made him mad most, was he actually kinda liked it. The place felt warmer, more of a home that welcomed guests rather than trying to push them out. Ted's heart ached and he felt like crying. Pushing down his emotions, Ted makes his way towards the bedroom. Inside he saw a large king-size bed, he didn't want to think about it. Quickly, he turns his attention towards the dresser drawers, swallowing some build-up saliva, Ted begins to open the top drawers. Only socks… Opening the one next to it… Only socks again. He guessed the second drawer was Josh's as they held different colored socks he knew Barney would never wear. As he goes to close both drawers, only Barney's sock drawer shuts all the way while Josh's drawer gets stuck. Ted worried he might have broken the drawer, so he stuck his hand in and reached for anything that could be the cause. Just as he was sure there wasn't anything in the way, Ted's fingertips scraped a small velvet box. He freezes in fear of what he thinks it is. Taking in a deep breath, Ted slowly and carefully grabs hold of the box.
Yeah, it's what he thought it was… a proposal box. With a shaky hand, Ted opens it and sees two silver rings snuggled tightly in the boxes cushioned inside. He felt sick, angry and most of all, heartache like never before. His throat begins to close, suffocating him and stifling his chokes for air, tears begin to sting his eyes and blur his vision. Ted feels his legs become weak and want to give out under him so he goes to lean on the edge of the bed. The lean becomes a curl as he holds the open box close to his chest. No… Anything but this. There's just no way Barney would say… That's right! This is Barney! How many times has Barney discouraged Ted's own motivation for marriage? How many times has he ridiculed Marshall for his choice to settle down early?! Sitting back up and wiping away his tears, Ted methodically puts everything back the way it was before.
As Ted was about to leave the bedroom, the door next to it grabbed Ted's attention. Opening it, Ted saw it was a closet full to the brim with hangers that hung suits, dress shirts, dress shoes, and… a ring of ties. Without thinking, Ted swiftly takes one at random, closes the door, and runs out of the apartment, only stopping to make sure he has locked the door behind him.
Finally! He finally got one! When Ted opened his hand, he couldn't believe it. He had grabbed the same tie that he had given back before. A black silk tie with light purple and yellow blooming flowers covering it. It was beautiful and very unlike Barney's usual plain or striped ties. He brought it up to his face and sniffed it, that recognizable cinnamon and ginger scent filled his nose. God he loved this scent! He loves…Ted felt his lower stomach stir, and his face blush in excitement. He needed to get home now! He'll just call his office and tell them he felt sick… He was sick. It had been so long since he'd had his fill of that scent that he was going to need the rest of the day with it to feel normal again. Would anything be normal again? Could they ever go back to being friends… Barney wouldn't say "yes" would he?
***
Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring
"Hello?"
"It's about time, Ned! I'm here busting my ass looking after this dumbass twink and what the hell are you doing?"
Josh stood impatiently outside Barney's work building, waiting for his now fiance to get out for their lunch date. He would've waited much later to make this call but with talks about having a wedding, he needed to have confirmation as soon as possible.
"Hey, I'm working on my own stuff too! Anyway, what do you want?"
"Change of plans, I'm marrying that idiot."
"..."
Josh spoke matter-of-factly and waited for Ned's response. He knew this was going to cause a problem but for their plan to work, it was the only way. It wasn't a big deal or anything and lately, Barney's been well-behaved. Now he just needed to work out his flaws and he'd be the perfect partner for himself.
"You're fucking joking right?... You better be because that wasn't part of the plan, jackass!"
"Yeah well, if you want to isolate Barney from his friends, I'm gonna need more influence over him. As a couple, there's always the threat of breaking up but a divorce is a whole separate matter!"
"Hmm, I guess. Alright, go for it and if even that doesn't work there's always plan B."
"...Right. Oh shit, I think he's coming now! Gotta go!"
Beep
Josh quickly put away his phone before Barney could make it outside the doors. He was out of breath and was beginning to sweat a bit.
"I-I'm sorry, hah I tried to get here hah as fast as I could! Hah The elevators are down hah for maintenance and I-"
"Babe, it's fine, just make sure it doesn't happen again. Let's go."
Josh grabbed Barney's wrist and led the way down the street. There was no need to go with plan B, Josh will make sure of it!
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