Marshall, EJ, Barney, and Ted strolled into the bar. Marshall was egging him on about Robin.

"So you're not gonna call her? Went from 'I think I'm in love with you' to 'I'm not gonna call her'?" Marshall egged him on.

Ted defended himself, "I wasn't in love with her, okay? I was briefly in love with the abstract idea of getting married! That had absolutely nothing to do with Robin." Spotting Lily and Robin chatting at a nearby table, Ted's attention snapped to Robin. "Robin!"

Robin looked up with a smile, greeted by Lily's introduction. "Look who I ran into!"

EJ, always quick-witted, couldn't resist a jab. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the news lady herself."

Robin raised an eyebrow at EJ's remark. "Hello to you too."

Ted, still grappling with his emotions, queried the group about their acquaintance with Robin. "Since when do you guys know each other?"

Robin explained casually, "Uh, since about here," gesturing to her drink. "Lily recognized me from the news and..." She exchanged a glance with Marshall as he leaned in to kiss Lily, adding with a playful tone, "Hello, Sailor!"

Ted's hopes sank a little as Robin mentioned needing to return to the station. "Well, I should get back to the station. See you guys." Marshall, mid-kiss with Lily, managed a wave in farewell. "Nice seeing you, Ted. You too, Elijah."

Ted muttered in frustration as Robin walked away, "Damn it."

EJ, curious and a bit miffed after Ted's confession, turned to Lily. "How does she know my name?"

Lily looked amused but decided to indulge Ted. "Spill it."

Ted took a deep breath and confessed, "I'm in love with her."

Barney, taking on his role as Ted's pragmatic friend, interjected with a light slap to Ted's arm. "No! As your sponsor, I will not let you relapse. You blew it; it's over. Move on."

Ted was undeterred, convinced of his feelings. "I don't know! I just have this feeling. She's the future Mrs. Ted Mosby."

Lily couldn't contain her excitement, letting out an unexpected squeal. Ted caught her reaction, teasing, "Lily, you squeaked?"

Lily shook her head, realizing her slip-up. "She said something about me, didn't she? Come on."

Ted pressed further, eager for any hint from Lily about Robin's feelings. "Fine!"

Earlier

"So, what do we think of Ted?" Lily asked with a sly grin, her voice laced with curiosity.

Robin chuckled softly, shaking her head as she thought about the question. "Ted's something else," she replied cryptically, a hint of amusement in her tone.

—-

Ted pondered Robin's vague comment, musing aloud, "Huh... I'm gonna spin that as good. Lots of guys are 'something'. I'm 'something else'."

Earlier

"Comes on a little strong," Robin added with a smirk

—-

Ted reflected on another observation from Robin, "But... that's part of my charm."

Earlier

"But that's part of his charm," Lily remarked with a playful grin, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Robin nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful yet amused. "Oh, totally. I mean, he's sweet, he's charming, he's just looking for something a little bit more serious than I am. I mean, the most I can handle right now is something casual. This just stays between us, right?"

Lily leaned in closer, her tone conspiratorial. "Are you kidding? My lips are sealed."

—-

Lily admitted sheepishly in the present, "Oops..."

Ted processed Robin's desire for casual dating, resolving with determination, "She wants casual. Okay, I'll be casual. I'm gonna be a mushroom cloud of casual. You know why? Because it's a game! I wanted to skip to the end and do the 'happily ever after' thing, but you don't get there unless you play the game."

EJ, observing Ted's mix of frustration and determination, chimed in supportively, "You got this, Ted. Just play it cool."

Barney, ever the voice of reason, added with a grin, "Yeah, Ted. It's all about the game."

——

Marshall, Ted, EJ, Barney, and Lily were deep in conversation at MacLaren's, strategizing Ted's next move with Robin.

Marshall asked eagerly, "So, are you gonna ask her out?"

Ted looked conflicted. "Yeah... No! I can't ask her out because if I ask her out, I'm asking her out. So how do I ask her out without asking her out?" He furrowed his brow, lost in thought.

EJ, genuinely pondering the dilemma, murmured to himself, "I wonder..."

Silence fell over the group, prompting Lily to quip, "Did you guys get high?"

EJ chuckled lightly, trying to diffuse the tension. "A little. Just a little."

Ted's face suddenly lit up with an idea. "I got it! I don't ask her out... I invite her to our party next Friday."

Marshall looked puzzled. "We're having a party next Friday?"

EJ grinned mischievously. "A spontaneous party? In the apartment? I can bring Miranda."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "Who is Miranda?"

EJ explained casually, "This new girl I met last night."

Marshall, always curious, asked, "What happened to Jenna?"

EJ shrugged nonchalantly. "Haven't heard from her since that one night. On to the next girl, right?" He flashed a sly smile, earning a high-five from Barney.

Barney chimed in with his trademark wit, "Yeah, 'cause nothing says 'Casual' like inviting a hundred people over just to 'Mac' on one girl. Oh, and Lily—that's my leg."

Lily shot Barney a glare. "You waited five minutes to tell me that?"

Marshall, ever the optimist, urged Ted on. "Alright, so call her up!"

Ted shook his head decisively. "No, calling's not casual! I just gotta bump into her somewhere. If only I knew her schedule, I could arrange a 'chance' encounter."

EJ raised an eyebrow teasingly. "That seems a bit stalkerish."

Lily couldn't help but tease Ted with a smirk. "That's great, Ted. You'll be the most 'Casual' stalker ever."

—-

EJ pulled Ted aside from the group, his expression thoughtful as he spoke quietly, "Ted, I've known you for years, and I don't even remember seeing you this serious about a girl before. What gives?"

Ted looked at EJ, his demeanor earnest but calm. "It's Robin," he began, his tone reflecting a mixture of admiration and uncertainty. "She's different, you know? She's smart, she's funny, she challenges me. And there's just something about her... I feel like she could be the one."

EJ nodded understandingly, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall. "You really think so?"

Ted nodded slowly. "Yeah. I mean, I've had relationships before, but with Robin, it's like... I see a future. I want to be the best version of myself for her. I guess that's why I'm taking this so seriously."

EJ smirked slightly, nudging Ted playfully. "Well, you better hope your Gatsby plan works then. The stakes seem pretty high."

Ted chuckled softly. "Yeah, no pressure, right?"

"None whatsoever."

—-

Beep, beep, beep, beep. Target acquired! And now it's time we play a little game I like to call 'Have You Met Ted?'" Barney said, spotting a new arrival.

Ted protested, "No, come on, not this."

Barney tapped a woman on the shoulder. "Hi! Have you met Ted?"

The woman, Tatiana, smiled. "No."

Ted, slightly embarrassed, said, "Hi."

Barney introduced the rest of the group. "Do you know Marshall? Lily? EJ?"

Tatiana shook her head. "No."

Barney persisted, "Do you know anyone at this party?"

Tatiana shrugged. "I work with Carlos."

Barney turned to the group, asking, "Excuse me, anyone know a Carlos?"

Ted, Lily, and EJ all responded with a confused, "No."

EJ added, "Who the hell is Carlos?"

Ben, arriving with a group of women, exclaimed, "Party time!" lifting his beer in celebration.

Barney, seizing the moment, said, "On a silver platter! Bon appetit!"

Ted hesitated. "I don't think so."

Barney shrugged, leading Tatiana away. "Your loss, her gain. Excuse me, can I show you the roof? It's magical up there!"

Tatiana, intrigued, smiled. "Sure."

Ted protested, "Whoa-whoa-Hey hey. I got that roof reserved!"

Barney dismissed him. "Dude, Robin's not coming."

Ted, refusing to give up hope, insisted, "Hey, she's gonna show up. She'll show up."

Meanwhile, EJ attended to his date, Miranda. "So, Miranda, how's your night going?"

Miranda smiled. "It's been fun, but I can't believe how crazy this party is. Is it always like this?"

EJ winked. "Stick around, and you'll see just how exciting it can get."

——

As the party continued, Ted's hopes for Robin's arrival dwindled. The night ended, and Ted returned to the apartment, feeling dejected.

"She didn't show up," Ted muttered.

Lily tried to console him. "At least it was a great party."

EJ, a bit tipsy, agreed. "One hell of a party."

Marshall, groaning, added, "I ate like four whole cans of dip!"

Ted sighed. "You always know what to say, old friend."

Suddenly, the phone rang. It was Robin.

Lily urged, "Answer it!"

Ted, trying to play it cool, said, "No, no, no. Not right away. I gotta seem casual." He answered the phone. "Hello?"

EJ smirked. "So casual."

Robin, on the other end, apologized. "I'm so sorry I missed your party."

Ted, trying to act aloof, replied, "Who is this? Meredith?"

Robin laughed. "Robin."

Ted, feigning surprise, said, "Oh, Robin! Hey, yeah, guess you never showed up, did you?"

Robin explained, "No, I got stuck at work, but they finally got that kid out of the crane machine."

Ted, smiling, asked, "Did he get to keep the purple giraffe?"

Robin chuckled. "Yeah, they let him keep all the toys. He was in there a long time and little kids have smaller bladders."

Robin added, "I wish your party was tonight."

Ted, impulsively, responded, "It is. The party's tonight." Marshall looked horrified. "Yeah, uh, it's a two-day party. Because that's just how we roll. Uh, so if you wanna swing by, it's, uh, you know, casual. See ya." He hung up, turning to his friends. "So that was Robin."

Marshall groaned. "What are you doing to me, man? I got a paper to write. EJ, you host the party."

EJ shook his head. "I can't host another party. I'm closing on a big deal tomorrow in Queens."

Ted, apologetic, said, "I know, I'm sorry. It's terrible." He grabbed his coat. "I'll buy more dip." He ran out the door, determined to make the second party a success.

—-

Robin didn't show up. Again.

"She's just flaky, man," EJ said, attempting to console him.

Ben, ever the opportunist, chimed in, "How many numbers did you get?"

Lily, who had overheard the conversation, looked appalled. "You had a competition to see how many women you could hook up with? That's so degrading..." She paused, curiosity getting the better of her. "Who won?"

EJ smirked. "Three, plus I'm going to take her apartment hunting next week."

Ben raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. "Damn, I only got one."

"Better luck next time, pal," EJ quipped.

Despite the banter, Ted's spirits remained low. Sensing this, EJ turned back to him. "Sorry, man. I know you wanted to see news lady."

"Robin," Ted corrected softly.

"Yeah, Robin. Don't get upset, at least you know not to say 'I love you' on a first date next time," EJ said with a reassuring pat on Ted's shoulder.

Ben looked bewildered. "What?"

EJ made a dismissive gesture. "It's nothing," but he indicated to Ben that he'd explain later.

Marshall, ever the pragmatic one, clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "Alright, we threw two parties. Everybody had fun. Everybody wanged, everybody chunged. Now the kid has got to get to work, and the kid is not to be disturbed. Repeat after me, 'I will not have sex with Marshall.'"

Lily and Ted chimed in dutifully, "I will not have sex with Marshall."

EJ followed suit with a chuckle. "I will not have sex with Marshall."

Ben grinned mischievously. "I'm having sex with someone tonight and it isn't Marshall."

Just then, Ted's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and sighed. "It's Robin." He answered the phone, trying to keep his voice light. "Hello?"

"Hi, Ted," came Robin's voice from the other end.

Ted couldn't help but joke. "Amanda? Oh, Denise—sorry, you totally sounded like Amanda." He made a funny gesture at Marshall, who rolled his eyes.

"It's Robin," she clarified.

"Oh, Robin," Ted laughed nervously. "Hi."

EJ leaned in, his voice carrying a mix of teasing and frustration. "Hello, News Lady, you missed some good parties!"

Robin's tone turned apologetic. "Your friend really annoys me. I totally wanted to come; I got stuck at work again. I feel like I live there. I'm sorry I missed your party... again."

EJ, unable to resist, added, "I still manage to make time. What's your excuse?"

Ted, trying to diffuse the tension, exclaimed, "Hey, ain't no thing but a chicken wing, mamacita." He turned to his friends with a bewildered expression, whispering, "WHO AM I?"

Ben, unable to hold back, retorted, "A weirdo. A lovesick weirdo."

On the phone, Robin's voice carried a hint of hope. "I guess there's no chance your two-dayer turned into a three-dayer?"

Ted paused, a mischievous smile forming. "It did indeed. The party continues tonight." Marshall, realizing what this meant, lunged for the phone, but Ted dodged. "Yeah. Last night people were like, 'KEEP IT GOIN' BRO! PARTY TRIFECTA!'"

EJ looked incredulous. "What?!"

Ben sighed, resigned to their fate. "Welp, I'll go buy more beer."

—-

In the dimly lit apartment filled with only a handful of people, the atmosphere was subdued, almost melancholic. Barney, ever the provocateur, voiced his discontent. "Oh, this is lame."

Ted, trying to salvage the situation, countered with a hopeful tone, "Lame or 'casual'?"

Barney remained unconvinced. "Lame."

Ben, joining in with a touch of skepticism, added, "Gotta agree, kind of lame."

EJ, always the realist, couldn't help but interject, "You just sound desperate at this point."

Ted persisted, undeterred by the lukewarm reception. "Or 'casual'?"

Lily, attempting to inject some humor, addressed Marshall with a playful tease. "Hey, little old books. Ready for a little fifteen-minute recess?"

Marshall, buried in his thoughts about work, remained focused. "Sorry, baby, I gotta work. I need all my blood," he pointed to his head, "up here. Has anybody seen an introduction to contract work institution statutes from 1865 to 1923?" His query was met with silence. "Anybody seen a big-ass book?"

The murmurs of denial echoed briefly, signaling no one had seen it. Tatiana, adding a touch of unexpected drama, addressed Barney directly. "Hello, Barney."

Barney, caught off guard, responded dismissively, "Of course."

Tatiana continued, unperturbed. "You look well. Isn't it weird they invited both of us?"

Barney, visibly confused and slightly defensive, retorted, "Who? Who invited you? No one even knows who you are!"

Tatiana's response was calm and collected, hinting at a prior acquaintance. "I understand you're hurt, but you don't have to be cruel. Carlos was right about you."

EJ, increasingly puzzled by the mention of Carlos, interjected with a mix of curiosity and frustration. "Who the hell is Carlos!?"

Marshall, still engrossed in his search, suddenly exclaimed in frustration, "Okay, where the hell is my—oh!" He discovered his book being used as a coaster, damp from the condensation of a drink. "Okay, introduction to contract work institution statutes from 1865 to 1923... is not a coaster! Ted!" He turned accusingly to Ted, who looked shocked. "I'm jeopardizing my law career so that you can throw not one, not two, but three parties for some girl that you just met who's probably not gonna show up." Marshall paused dramatically, emphasizing his point. "I mean, where is she, Ted, huh? Where's Robin?"

Across the room, EJ spotted Robin. He quickly moved to diffuse the tension, urging Ted to silence. "Dude, shut up."

Marshall, not to be deterred, eagerly made his way towards Robin. "Hi! Hi, Robin," he greeted her, tossing his book carelessly aside and pulling Lily close.

Robin sought clarification. "So, you threw all these parties for me?"

EJ, feeling awkward, attempted to distance himself from Ted's schemes. "I'm gonna go over here."

Ted, now on the spot, attempted to explain himself while deflecting attention. "No! Oh, you thought that—oh, no! I c—okay, yes. You got me—I—uh, one of the reasons I threw these parties was so that I could introduce you to uh—" Barney, seizing the opportunity, thrust a random guy towards Ted.

Barney and Ted realized their mistake simultaneously. "Ohhh."

Ben, incredulous at Ted's approach, shook his head in disbelief. "Ted, what are you doing, man? That was your one chance."

Ted, feeling the weight of his missed opportunity, stammered, "I was nervous," his eyes following Robin as she engaged in conversation with Carlos.

Ben, shaking his head in dismay, continued his admonishment. "That's because you threw not one, not two, but three parties so you could meet a girl. Come on, nobody's that desperate."

Ted, undeterred and still hopeful, insisted, "Maybe I am. Maybe this is the future Mrs. Ted Mosby and you guys don't even know it."

Barney, always the provocateur, observed Robin's movements keenly. "Yeah, well, 'the one' is heading up to 'the roof.'" As Robin left with Carlos, Ted was visibly crestfallen.

Marshall, concerned for his friend, asked gently, "What are you gonna do?"

Ted, resigned but determined, replied with a mixture of resolve and uncertainty, "Nothing. It's a game. I gotta just keep playing it."

EJ, observing Ted's disappointment and Robin's departure to the roof with Carlos, made a decision. He glanced back at his friends, then at Robin, and silently resolved to take matters into his own hands.

If Ted was going to be a little bitch, he needed to take charge.

—-

EJ approached Carlos and Robin. His presence was firm, a subtle demand for privacy that Carlos initially resisted.

"Hey," Robin greeted, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity as she acknowledged EJ's arrival.

EJ wasted no time in asserting himself, directing his attention squarely at Carlos. "Carlos, can you give us a minute?"

Carlos, caught off guard by EJ's insistence, hesitated before shrugging nonchalantly. "Not now, hombre. I'm busy," he countered, gesturing towards Robin with a smirk.

EJ's patience wore thin. "Beat it, man. None of us know you. Out." he insisted firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

Carlos, sensing the underlying tension, decided it wise to comply, albeit begrudgingly. He shot a last skeptical glance at Robin before retreating into the stairwell, leaving EJ and Robin alone on the rooftop.

Robin regarded EJ with a raised eyebrow, clearly amused by his brusque dismissal of Carlos. "What was that for?"

EJ hesitated, momentarily caught off guard by Robin's direct question. "J-just didn't want him around. Not the point," he stammered, trying to regain his composure.

Robin smirked knowingly, a playful glint in her eyes. "I get it now," she teased lightly.

EJ furrowed his brow, genuinely puzzled. "Get what?"

"Why you're so mean and weird to me all the time," Robin continued with a mischievous grin. "You totally want to sleep with me."

EJ spluttered in protest, trying to regain his composure, "What, no," he protested weakly, his cheeks coloring slightly.

Robin leaned in closer, her hand playfully resting on his chest as she challenged him, "Oh, come on. It's written all over your face."

EJ, feeling the need to defend himself, shot back with mock indignation, "And what if I did? You couldn't handle me."

Robin raised an eyebrow, her smirk turning into a confident grin, "Is that right?"

EJ, not one to back down from a challenge, met her gaze squarely, "Damn right it is."

Their banter continued, a mix of playful teasing and undeniable chemistry simmering beneath the surface.

"I mean, I'm not just your average guy," EJ quipped with a grin.

"Oh, I've heard that line before. What makes you so special?" Robin challenged, her tone playful yet curious.

EJ leaned in slightly, their faces now inches apart, "I've got skills. Skills you wouldn't even know what to do with."

Robin tilted her head, her gaze challenging yet intrigued, "Try me."

EJ smirked, his confidence showing, "I'm not sure you can handle my charm."

Robin's grin widened, her eyes dancing with amusement, "Charm? Is that what you call it?"

EJ chuckled softly, enjoying their banter, "Among other things."

Their faces were so close now, the charged energy between them palpable as they engaged in their playful back-and-forth.

"You know, you're not exactly easy to impress," EJ remarked, his voice low and teasing.

"I don't impress easily, that's true," Robin admitted with a hint of challenge in her tone.

EJ's gaze intensified, a hint of a challenge in his eyes, "Maybe that's why I like a challenge."

Robin's lips curved into a smirk, "Oh, is that what this is? You chasing a challenge?"

EJ met her gaze unwaveringly, "Maybe I just like to see you squirm."

Robin's laughter rang out, breaking the tension momentarily, "Well, you're not doing a very good job of it."

"Oh, really? I think I've got you right where I want you," EJ countered playfully.

Robin's expression turned more serious for a moment, a hint of vulnerability showing as she studied him, "Keep dreaming, Elijah."

EJ chuckled, the tension easing slightly as they continued their playful exchange. "Okay, with the name thing? Really stooping that low?"

Robin didn't miss a beat, her hand lightly touching his chest in a teasing, taunting manner. "I call it playing dirty. You started it."

EJ shook his head in mock disbelief, "Touché."

EJ pulled back slightly. Ending the moment between them.

Robin's tone softened a touch, a hint of curiosity underlying her words, "So, tell me something."

EJ leaned against the rooftop railing casually, his eyes fixed on her, "Sure."

Robin hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully, "Did Ted actually throw all these parties for me?"

EJ sighed, a flicker of sympathy crossing his features, "He won't admit it, but yeah, he did."

Robin's eyes widened slightly in surprise, "Wow, that's..."

EJ finished her sentence with a wry smile, "Desperate? A bit much? On a Sunday night?"

Robin couldn't help but smile back, shaking her head lightly, "I was going to say sweet, but ouch, thanks."

EJ's expression softened, his voice earnest as he continued, "He won't tell you this, but he wants to be with you."

Robin's gaze softened, a mixture of emotions crossing her face, "He told me he was in love with me on our first date."

EJ winced, recalling the awkwardness of that revelation, "Yeah, that didn't even happen to me, and I cringe."

Robin chuckled softly, a genuine sound that echoed in the quiet of the rooftop, "Well, at least you didn't have to hear it."

EJ nodded in agreement, a shared moment of understanding passing between them.

"Listen," EJ began, his tone sincere, "I can't get a read on you yet, and I don't even know if we're friends now, but Ted's a good guy. Just give him a chance."

Robin's expression softened further, her gaze lingering on EJ thoughtfully, "That's not your place to tell."

EJ nodded slowly, accepting her words, "It's not, but as his friend, I'm just throwing in my two cents."

Before Robin could respond, Ted's voice interrupted from behind them, breaking the moment.

"Hey, Ted, just having a little chat with our friend the News Lady," EJ greeted, turning to face Ted.

"Robin," Robin corrected with a annoyed glint in her eyes.

"I know." EJ grinned knowingly before excusing himself and leaving Ted and Robin alone on the rooftop.

—-

MacLaren's

"Unbelievable. That is just a recipe for disaster, they work together," Barney remarked, watching Carlos and Tatiana passionately making out at the bar.

"You jealous?" Ted quipped, raising an eyebrow at Barney's mock indignation.

Barney scoffed, brushing off Ted's comment with typical bravado. "Oh, please, what does Carlos have that I don't?" he retorted, trying to play it cool.

Robin couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire with a pointed observation. "A date tonight?" she teased, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.

Marshall, Lily, and Ted couldn't help but react with an exaggerated "Ohh!!" synchronized perfectly for comedic effect.

EJ, seated nearby, couldn't help but admire Robin's playful spirit. "Damn!" he exclaimed, amused by the banter unfolding before him.

Lily seized the moment, playfully rewinding the scenario. "Stop the tape, rewind, play it again," she mimicked, prompting everyone to laugh again.

Robin joined in the fun, pretending to rewind like an old VHS tape. "A date tonight?" she repeated, her smile widening as she glanced around at her friends' reactions.

"Ohh!!" Marshall, Lily, and Ted chorused once more, reveling in the comedic exchange.

Barney, ever the skeptic, couldn't resist injecting his own opinion. "I'm not sure I like her," he quipped, earning a playful eye roll from Robin.

Turning to EJ, Robin decided to shift the spotlight. "EJ loves me, right?" she inquired with a teasing glint in her eye.

EJ played along, his response a mix of humor and diplomacy. "Jury's still out on that one, News Lad— I'm sorry, Robin," he replied with a chuckle.

Robin's smile widened at the correction. "Much better," she remarked with a playful nudge, moving closer to EJ as she settled comfortably beside him.