Robin confidently strolled into the dimly lit bar where Ted, Barney, and EJ were already seated, their banter filling the air with humor and anticipation. She slid into the booth with a mischievous grin, immediately commanding attention.

"Say you're my bitch," Robin quipped, aiming her playful challenge at EJ.

"I'm your bitch?" EJ replied, raising an eyebrow in mock confusion. "Why?"

"Because tonight, I am getting us all into 'Okay'," Robin announced, her tone laced with satisfaction.

" 'Okay'!?" Barney exclaimed excitedly. "Awesome!"

Ted looked bewildered. "What's going on, did I just have a stroke?"

" 'Okay' is the name of a club," Barney explained, leaning in conspiratorially. "Supposed to be incredibly exclusive. My friend once waited outside for two hours, couldn't get in."

"A friend of yours named you?" Ted quipped.

"No," Barney retorted, "a friend of mine named, shut up."

Robin interjected, revealing her trump card. "The owner goes to my gym. Turns out he's a fan of my reporting for Metro News One. So now, I'm on the list for tonight."

EJ chuckled, nodding approvingly. "Nice going, Scherbatsky. You're becoming a long and difficult-to-spell household name."

"He just wants to show you his own VIP, if you know what I mean..." Barney added with a sly grin.

Robin shot him a deadpan look. "Okay, what does 'VIP' stand for in your universe?"

Barney shrugged nonchalantly. "I know that the 'P' is penis."

"Alright, so you guys are in. Should I invite Marshall and Lily?" Robin asked, looking around the table.

The group erupted in laughter, causing EJ to shake his head. "No, we will not be inviting Marshall and Lily."

"Why not?" Robin inquired.

Barney jumped in, mimicking Lily's voice. "She wants him to be mature now, wine tastings and all that."

Ted added with a sigh, "Ever since then she's been signing him up for book clubs, cooking classes..."

"All the things you do when you know where the next ten thousand lays are coming from," EJ joked, earning a chuckle from Barney.

"So, no. Lily and Marshall will not be doing this," Ted concluded.

"Got it," Robin nodded. "Anyway, Ted, part two of my story: my friend Kelly's going to be there."

"Oh? Kelly, she sounds hot." EJ raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"You are gonna love Kelly," Robin affirmed. "She's fun, she's smart, she lives in the moment."

Barney couldn't resist injecting his humor. "Translation, she's ugly, she's ugly, she ugs in the ugly."

Robin rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, and she's totally hot."

Ted shrugged, feigning reluctance. "Okay, I guess I can take her off your hands for an evening."

Barney leaned in, curiosity piqued. "So, do you have any other hot single fr..."

Robin cut him off with a decisive "No."

EJ couldn't resist a final jab. "You didn't answer the question, any other hot friends?"

Robin shot him a playful glare. "Not a chance, Bennett."

"A simple no would have sufficed," EJ chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender.

——

Ben and EJ pulled up in Ben's sleek Cobra, excitement palpable as they joined Barney and Ted waiting on the sidewalk.

"Get in the car!" Ben urged with a grin.

"Get in here!" EJ echoed, opening the passenger door wide.

Barney whistled appreciatively. "Sick ride. Too bad Marshall couldn't come."

"Still doing that fondue thing?" Ben asked, his tone tinged with amusement.

"Yep, 'being mature'," Ted replied with air quotes.

"Lily is really turning him gay, isn't she? Who knew such a straight couple could be so gay?" EJ joked, earning a chuckle from Ben.

"His loss. Let's go!" Ben exclaimed, and they piled into the car eagerly.

Outside the Okay club, the atmosphere was electric. Barney was already in his element, strategizing aloud.

"My, oh, my, there are some ferocious looking cutlets here tonight," Barney mused. "Alright, hookup strategy: find a cutlet, lock her in early, grind with her all night till she's mine."

Ben couldn't help but ask, "Do these strategies ever work for you?"

Barney grinned confidently. "Question is: do these strategies ever not work for me? Either way, the answer's 'about half the time'."

Just then, Robin appeared, and the group greeted her enthusiastically.

"My b*tches! Check this out," Robin announced, clearly excited.

The doorman, recognizing EJ, greeted him with a nod and a fist bump. "EJ, my man! Been a while."

EJ returned the gesture. "Yeah, been busy. How's it going?"

"Good, good. You bringing the whole crew tonight?" the doorman asked, glancing at the others.

"Yup, all here. Think you can get us in?" EJ inquired.

"For you, always," the doorman said, lifting the velvet rope to let them through.

Robin teased EJ as they walked in. "Looks like you've got some connections, Mr. Popular."

EJ shrugged modestly. "I helped sell his loft. You would think anyone would do that for me."

——

At the coat check, Ted looked around, clearly impressed. "This place seems great. Is Kelly here?"

EJ couldn't resist. "Yeah, what about your other hot single friends?"

Robin rolled her eyes but smiled. "Yeah, she's around somewhere. Let's go find her. Then I should probably dock into the VIP room. So stupid and arbitrary, isn't it, who gets to be in VIP and who doesn't?"

Ted, hopeful, asked, "Can we come?"

Robin hesitated. "It's... not that arbitrary."

EJ chuckled. "That means we aren't allowed in, if you can't tell."

Ben laughed. "You're funny," but his determined look made it clear he was going to try anyway.

As they walked closer to the entrance, Ted was awestruck. "Whoa... this place is loud!"

Barney, half-shouting over the music, responded, "No way, you think so?"

They entered the dance floor, where the music pounded so loudly that conversations were reduced to subtitles.

"Okay, it's a little loud," Barney admitted.

EJ nodded. "You think?"

Ben, however, had already found a girl in the middle of the dance floor and began dancing enthusiastically.

Robin, spotting her friend, waved the group over. (Subtitle) "There's Kelly." She led them through the crowd.

Barney, ever the opportunist, opened his shirt a little, ready to make his move. Robin found Kelly, and they hugged before introducing her to Ted.

Ted, trying to keep up, asked (Subtitle) "You want to go somewhere we can talk?"

Kelly, clearly a fan of the loud environment, replied (Subtitle) "Totally!" She led him to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing.

Ted, slightly bemused, sighed (Subtitle) "...Okay..."

Barney, already in his element, began dancing behind a woman who didn't notice him at first but soon accepted his presence, and they started grinding together.

Meanwhile, EJ approached the bar, where he noticed a girl sipping a colorful cocktail. He leaned in smoothly.

"Hey there," EJ said with a charming smile. "What's a beautiful girl like you doing all alone at the bar?"

She looked up, intrigued. "Just waiting for the right guy to come along and buy me a drink."

EJ grinned. "Well, I think you just found him. What are you having?"

She laughed. "Surprise me."

EJ ordered two drinks, and they clinked glasses. "I'm EJ, by the way."

"Nice to meet you, EJ. I'm Laura."

"Well, Laura, care to join me on the dance floor?" EJ asked, extending his hand.

She took it with a smile. "Lead the way."

EJ and Laura moved rhythmically on the dance floor, the music pulsing around them. The lights flashed in time with the beat, creating an intoxicating atmosphere. Their bodies were close, moving in sync, and as the song continued, their dancing became more flirtatious and sensual. Laura's hands traced the lines of EJ's arms and shoulders, and he pulled her closer, their faces inches apart. Finally, they leaned in, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.

As they continued to make out, EJ opened his eyes briefly and noticed a man across the dance floor staring intently at them. Breaking the kiss, EJ looked at Laura, confused.

"Uh, who's that guy staring at us?" EJ asked.

Laura glanced over and smiled. "Oh, that's my boyfriend."

EJ pulled back slightly, eyebrows raised. "I'm sorry, you have a boyfriend?"

Laura giggled. "Oh yeah, isn't he sweet letting us do this?"

EJ turned to the man, who approached them with a friendly smile. "I don't mind, man. I kinda like it."

EJ forced a grin. "Yeah, real sweet. Real sweet guy there."

Despite the awkwardness, EJ continued dancing with Laura, though the situation felt increasingly weird. He tried to keep the mood light but couldn't shake the discomfort.

Meanwhile, Robin, having just been rejected from the VIP room, noticed EJ's uncomfortable expression as he danced with Laura. Sensing he needed help, she approached them.

Laura noticed Robin first. "Is this your girlfriend? What the hell?"

Robin didn't miss a beat. "Yes, I am," she said, and without warning, she smacked EJ across the face.

Laura and her boyfriend left in a huff, Laura shooting a parting shot over her shoulder. "You jerk!"

Refusing to see the irony in that.

Robin turned to EJ, a smirk playing on her lips. "You're welcome, by the way."

EJ rubbed his cheek, grinning despite himself. "I bet that was fun for you, wasn't it?"

Robin shrugged playfully. "I kinda want to do it again."

EJ chuckled. "I'm sure it'll be for a good reason. Aren't you supposed to be in the VIP room?"

Robin sighed. "Yeah, about that, I guess they forgot my name."

EJ's eyes sparkled with determination. "Let's see if I can get us in."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "A little cocky, aren't you?"

"You really don't believe me? You are the worst fake girlfriend."

Robin crossed her arms, teasing. "Well in that case, I won't fake sleep with you if you get us kicked out of the club."

EJ laughed. "So much pressure."

Robin gestured towards the VIP entrance. "Okay, let's see what you can do."

——

They made their way to the velvet rope marking the VIP section. EJ approached the doorman with a confident stride.

"Hey, buddy," EJ began smoothly. "My friend Robin here was supposed to be on the list, but there seems to have been a mix-up."

The doorman eyed them suspiciously. "And who are you?"

"EJ Bennett," he replied, flashing a charming smile. "I'm sure you've heard of me. I'm a friend of the owner."

The doorman's expression softened slightly. "Bennett, huh? Wait here." He stepped inside, returning a moment later with a nod. "Alright, you're in."

Robin's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, color me impressed."

EJ smirked. "Told you. Worst fake girlfriend ever."

——

In the VIP room, surrounded by the elite of the club scene. The music thumped loudly, the bass reverberating through their bodies as they moved together on the dance floor. EJ had his hands on Robin's hips, guiding her movements as they grinded against each other. The proximity and the rhythmic motion stirred a sense of intimacy between them, and for a moment, it felt as if they were the only two people in the room.

Their faces were close, and Robin could feel EJ's breath on her neck as he leaned in to whisper something. But before he could say a word, a burly bouncer approached them with a stern look.

"You two, out. Now."

EJ pulled back slightly, confused. "Wait, what? Why?"

The bouncer crossed his arms. "You lied about knowing the owner. Out."

EJ raised his hands in mock surrender. "I thought it would work."

Robin couldn't help but laugh as they were escorted out. "Nice one."

Once outside, the reality of their failed attempt set in. Robin tried calling her friend who initially got her on the list, but it went straight to voicemail. She sighed in frustration.

Meanwhile, Marshall came running up to them, slightly out of breath and looking out of place in his casual, yet neat attire.

"Hey, guys."

Robin greeted him with a smile. "Hey!"

EJ clapped Marshall on the back. "What's up, man! I thought you were doing your little fondue tasting?"

Marshall shrugged. "Wine tasting. But I had a move and I wanted to bust it!"

EJ grinned. "Lily has no idea you're here, does she?"

Marshall shook his head, a sheepish grin on his face. "I'm dead."

EJ chuckled. "So dead."

Marshall looked at the line to get in. "Why aren't you inside?"

Robin was still frustrated. "I'm calling the owner. There's a guy in there who won't let me into the stupid VIP room. And this one," she pointed at EJ, "got us kicked out just now."

Marshall seemed hopeful. "Can you get me in?" He motioned to the doorman, trying to appear as if he was with them.

Robin sighed as she reached another voicemail. "Great, voicemail."

Marshall shrugged. "Thanks, I'll see ya." He dashed towards the entrance.

EJ called after him. "See ya!"

Robin added, "Bye."

Nearby, Phil and Bradley, other club-goers, groaned.

Phil complained, "Oh, come on! He just got here!"

Bradley speculated, "Oh yeah, isn't there a third Affleck Brother? Keith Affleck or Brian Affleck or something?"

Phil's eyes widened. "Holy Crap. We just saw Brian Affleck!" They high-fived.

Robin, meanwhile, left a message. "And it's not that I care so much about getting into the VIP room. I have been in tons of VIP rooms. Not exactly a VIP room virgin." As she talked, the doormen changed shifts. "Seriously, call me back."

She turned to the new doorman. "Oh, um... I was just in there. Robin Scherbatsky, I'm on the list. He's with me." She gestured to EJ.

Name's already crossed off, sorry."

Robin insisted, "But, I'm Robin Scherbatsky. I'm a reporter for channel one."

There's a channel one? Back of the line!"

EJ chuckled. "Shoulda snuck in with Brian Affleck."

Robin rolled her eyes but couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, what now?"

EJ suggested another club. Robin, however, shook her head and decided to sit on the curb just outside the club.

EJ joined her, sitting down on the curb next to her. "Want some company?"

Robin shrugged. "Sure? There's another club a couple blocks away."

EJ leaned back, looking up at the night sky. "Nah. Maybe another time."

——

EJ turned to Robin. "You know, for a fake girlfriend, you did a pretty good job tonight."

Robin smirked. "Thanks. For a fake boyfriend, you weren't half bad either."

EJ laughed. "We make a pretty good fake couple."

Robin grinned. "Just imagine if we were real."

EJ's smile softened. "Yeah, just imagine."

—-

Lily soon approached them, looking frustrated. "Hey."

Robin looked up. "Hey."

EJ immediately responded, "Marshall is not here."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "I know he's here, EJ. You don't have to lie. Marshall just ditched out on our own party. Can you get me in there? I kind of need to kill him."

Robin sighed. "Actually, I can't even get myself in. I was such a dork. I get recognized one time and I start thinking I'm Julia Roberts. No VIP. I'm not even an IP. I'm just a lonely little P sitting out here in the gutter."

Lily placed a comforting hand on Robin's shoulder. "You know something? I'd take a pee in the gutter over Julia Roberts any day." They both realized how gross it sounded and burst into laughter.

EJ grimaced. "That's so gross."

Lily continued, her frustration still evident. "He just left, in the middle of our own party. You don't do that. Unless, of course, you're chasing after someone who's already done it, and then I think it's okay."

Robin hesitated. "Well, I hate to take his side... but come on, a wine tasting? What's the big plan for next Saturday, Scrabble night?"

Lily winced. "Don't check your email."

EJ sighed. "Why are you becoming this person? Remember in college when you flashed that campus tour group on a dare?"

Lily laughed, albeit reluctantly. "Once on a dare. The other times were just for fun. I'm not in college anymore. I'd love to go back and be that person again, but you can't move backward; you can only go forward."

EJ shook his head. "That's bullshit, and you know it."

Lily looked taken aback. "What?"

EJ leaned in. "Lily, we can do anything we want in this life. You can choose what direction you go."

Robin nodded in agreement. "I guess the question is, where do you want to go?"

Lily sighed. "I want to go into this club and find my fiancé."

Robin smiled softly. "Well, that you can't do." There was a moment of silence before Lily stood up, a determined look on her face.

Lily smirked. "Wanna bet?" She glanced at EJ and Robin. "Follow my lead."

She walked up to the doorman. "Hey, big guy." With a quick motion, she flashed the doorman. The geeks watching outside erupted in excitement.

Phil exclaimed, "Follow my lead!"

Bradley pleaded, "Please, please, please."

Robin, catching on, followed suit and flashed the doorman as well. They both managed to slip inside.

EJ, grinning, sneaked in behind them. The night was far from over

——

Ben's grin faded as he locked eyes with the woman in front of him. It was Selena, his ex-girlfriend. The memories of their nasty breakup came flooding back, and Ben cursed under his breath.

"Shit," Ben muttered, his expression darkening.

Selena's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms. "Ben," she said sharply.

Ben took a step back, his hands up in a placating gesture. "Look, Selena..."

Before he could finish, Selena interrupted, her voice tinged with anger. "What are you doing here, Ben? Following me now?"

Ben shook his head vehemently. "No, I... I didn't know you'd be here."

"Well, now you do," Selena retorted, her tone icy.

EJ, sensing the tension, stepped closer to Ben. "Selena, right? Hi, I'm EJ."

Selena glanced at EJ briefly, her gaze still fixed on Ben. "Nice to meet you," she replied curtly.

Ben rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "EJ, we should go. Now. Get Ted and Barney."

EJ raised an eyebrow. "She wasn't too happy to see you, huh?"

"You think?" Ben muttered under his breath.

Ben glanced around, spotting Marshall nearby. "Wait, Marshall's here," he said to EJ, a sense of relief washing over him. "Let's stick with Marshall for now. Just... let's avoid Selena."

EJ nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's find Marshall."

They maneuvered through the crowd, eventually finding Marshall near the bar. Marshall looked up, surprised to see them.

"Hey guys, what's up?" Marshall asked, noticing the serious expressions on their faces.

Ben sighed. "Long story. But hey, glad you're here."

Marshall raised an eyebrow. "Okay... Should I even ask?"

EJ shook his head. "Probably not."

——

Marshall and Ben found themselves in the center of attention. Marshall, with his exuberant energy, was throwing down his signature moves, while Ben, known for his unpredictability, suddenly broke into an iconic breakdance routine.

As Marshall spun and grooved, drawing cheers and laughter from the crowd, Ben seamlessly transitioned into a series of intricate spins and flips that had everyone around them whooping and clapping. Their antics turned heads, and soon a circle formed around them, spectators filming the spectacle with their phones.

In the midst of their dance-off, Marshall caught sight of Lily across the room. She stood with a group of friends, her hand covering her mouth as she watched Marshall and Ben with a mixture of amusement and affection. Marshall locked eyes with Lily, and despite the chaotic scene around them, they shared a moment of pure connection and understanding.

She exchanged amused glances with her friends, who were equally entertained by Marshall and Ben's dance floor theatrics.

Marshall was right, they sure did know how to bust moves.

——

EJ, Ted, Barney, and Robin stood on the edge of the dance floor, watching Marshall and Lily rediscover their youthful exuberance. Marshall had just pulled Lily into a spontaneous kiss, and the two of them were clearly caught up in the moment.

EJ smiled. "Cute."

But then things took a turn as Lily grabbed Marshall's ass and they began making out with fervor.

Barney and Ted simultaneously cringed. "Ew."

EJ grimaced. "Gross."

As he was about to turn away, EJ caught sight of a young brunette girl out of the corner of his eye. He watched her for a moment, then his expression shifted from curiosity to anger as recognition set in. The girl was clearly drunk.

"I'll be right back," EJ muttered, striding purposefully toward her.

Robin, always curious, decided to follow. She watched as EJ confronted the girl, who was swaying slightly and struggling to focus.

"What the hell? Sam?" EJ's voice was a mix of shock and disapproval.

Sam's response was a slurred mess. "Heyyy, EJ... wha's up?"

EJ's frustration was evident. "You're not even old enough to be in a club, what the hell?"

Ted, who had also followed, chimed in. "Isn't she 18?"

"Barely," EJ replied through gritted teeth.

Robin, trying to lighten the mood, made a joke. "Who is that? Are you hooking up with her?"

"Ew, no!" EJ shot back, horrified. "She's my sister. And she's not even old enough to drink. I gotta get her out of here."

Sam, still holding onto her drink, seemed oblivious to the seriousness of the situation. "I'm fiiine, EJ... jus' havin' fun."

EJ tried to take the drink from her, but another guy, clearly part of Sam's newfound club entourage, stepped in. "Hey man, back off. She's fine."

Without hesitation, EJ punched the guy square in the jaw, sending him reeling backward.

"Let's go," EJ said firmly, grabbing Sam's arm.

Robin watched, impressed by EJ's decisiveness and protective instinct. She nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll help you get her out of here."