EJ was deep into a game of Halo, his fingers flying over the controller with practiced ease. The sounds of gunfire and explosions filled the apartment, the familiar chaos a comforting distraction. Meanwhile, Ben was in the kitchen, busily preparing dinner.

"Dude, you've been quiet tonight. Something going on?" Ben called over, stirring a pot with one hand while glancing at EJ.

EJ didn't look up from the screen. "What are you, my mom? I don't have to share everything with you. I'm just in the zone," he replied curtly. The truth was, he had a lot on his mind, but he wasn't ready to spill his guts just yet.

Ben shrugged, accepting the deflection. "Alright, man, keep your secrets, I guess," he said, turning back to his cooking.

But EJ's mind was far from the game. The memory of last night's conversation with Lily kept replaying in his head, weighing on him heavily.

Last Night

EJ and Lily had met up at a cozy bar outside of Manhattan, it was strange not being in McLarens but Lily had asked him here specifically. They'd been deep in conversation, initially about a video game EJ and Marshall were obsessed with.

"You set the record? That was you?" EJ had exclaimed, animatedly discussing their favorite game.

Lily had smiled, but there was a tension in her eyes that EJ couldn't ignore. "That can't be why you invited only me out to drink, is it?" he asked, chuckling nervously.

Lily fell silent, her expression turning serious. EJ felt a knot form in his stomach. "Right? Lil?"

Lily took a deep breath. "You can never tell anyone what we say in this booth. Not even Marshall, and probably not Ted because I already told Ted."

EJ raised an eyebrow. "Is that when you almost ruined his date?"

Lily shot him a look that silenced his teasing. "EJ, you can't tell anyone. Swear right now, on your parents."

EJ's amusement faded. "I won't."

"Swear. Swear on the lives of your unborn children."

EJ nodded solemnly. "I probably won't have children but sure, I swear. Now, what's up?"

Lily hesitated before speaking. "About a month ago, I started getting insomnia. Marrying Marshall had been all I wanted for a long time. But now that it's really happening, it seemed kind of huge and scary."

"Did you talk to Marshall about it?" EJ asked gently.

Lily shook her head. "He wouldn't have understood. He's not exactly nervous about tying the knot."

"Okay, go on," EJ urged, sensing there was more.

"And then I started thinking about Victoria and how she followed her dream to Germany," Lily continued. "I found this art fellowship that looked really cool."

"Oh no," EJ muttered, realizing where this was heading.

"It's in San Francisco," Lily revealed.

"Oh no," EJ repeated, louder this time.

"And it conflicts with the days of the wedding," Lily added.

"Oh no," EJ said again, his voice almost a whisper.

"Can you stop saying 'oh no'? You're freaking me out!" Lily exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, but how could I not? This is huge, Lily."

"I know, but it doesn't mean I'm going to do it!" Lily protested. "But—"

"There's a 'but'?" EJ interjected.

Lily nodded reluctantly. "After Ted fixed my tire, I drove to New Haven. The interview was there."

EJ looked confused. "Lily, I want you to answer me something."

Lily nodded, bracing herself.

"Do you not want to get married?"

Lily shook her head vigorously. "Of course I want to get married. I... It's not like I was ever going to do it. I just... I just really wanted to see if I could get this."

EJ sighed, understanding her dilemma. "I get it, I really do, coming from someone who doesn't even want to think about marriage yet. But you need to tell Marshall this. How do you think he's going to feel knowing you're doing this behind his back? Besides, we live in New York City. I'm sure there are plenty of art fellowships you could do around here."

Lily looked down, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love Marshall. But I realize how much I'm missing out on in my life, and I don't know if I'll ever get those opportunities again. You must think I'm stupid."

EJ shook his head. "I don't. I get it. These big life changes are scary. Even marriage. Come here," he said, pulling her into a comforting hug. "You need to talk to Marshall. He needs to know what you're thinking. And you need to make a decision so you don't end up hurting each other."

Lily nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thanks, EJ. That means a lot."

"You're one of my best friends, Lil. Of course I'm going to have your back. Talk to Marshall. Seriously."

Present

Back in the apartment, EJ's focus wavered as he replayed the conversation in his mind. He knew he had done the right thing by encouraging Lily to be honest with Marshall, but the weight of her secret was a heavy burden to bear. He hoped Lily would find the courage to speak her truth and that Marshall would understand.

——

Metro News One

The Metro News One set was bustling with the usual end-of-day energy. The weatherman was finishing up his segment with his signature humor.

"And so, tropical storm Willy is going to be with us at least until Monday. It's gonna rain cats and dogs, folks. So don't step in a poodle. Sandy? Robin?" he said, with a grin.

Robin smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Lou. Boy, too bad. Our big Metro News One camping trip was going to be this weekend."

Sandy sighed. "Yeah, but camping out in the rain? No fun. Muddy. Yuck."

"Guess we'll have to take a rain check," Robin added, turning back to the camera. "And we'll check in with you tomorrow, New York."

"Have a great night," Sandy chimed in, as the camera light blinked off.

The director's voice came over the intercom. "And, we're clear."

Sandy turned to Robin with a smirk. "Bummer. I was hoping to finally have sex with you this weekend, Scherbotsky."

Robin rolled her eyes. "Well, I'd give you the 'I don't date coworkers' speech again, but, God, you must have that sum'bitch memorized by now."

Sandy shrugged. "Shame, though. It was a pretty hot show tonight. The rhythmic give and take of our improvised banter there at the end really got my freak juice flowing."

McLarens

The familiar booth at MacLaren's was filled with the usual gang: Marshall, Barney, Ted, EJ, Ben, and Lily. The atmosphere was lively, with Barney talking about one of his many attempts at deducting women.

EJ however was lost in thought, his mind replaying moments with Robin over and over again. He had feelings for her, that much was clear now. It went against every narrative and value he held dear to himself, but he couldn't deny it any longer. He enjoyed spending time with her, they clicked well, and there was something about her that drew him in.

Barney noticed EJ's distracted demeanor. "I see where this is going. EJ, waiting naked in a girl's bed wearing whipped cream undies does not work... usually. The setting-- Martha's Vineyard, 1999. The characters: Yours truly and a raven-haired au pair by the name..."

Lily slapped Barney's arm. "Universe. So, this plan you speak of?"

Ted chimed in. "Remember the first night Robin and I went out? I stole a blue French horn for her and it almost worked."

EJ nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yeah. Dude, that was awesome, but I don't do those big romantic gestures like you do."

EJ then remembered his parents had a place in the Hamptons, where he used to throw parties in high school and college. An idea began to form.

Marshall and Ted exchanged glances, recalling the wild parties they had at EJ's Hamptons place.

EJ's eyes lit up. "Maybe I'll invite her up. I mean, her camping trip is supposed to be cancelled anyways. Maybe this could work."

Ted grinned. "See, now you're thinking, Mosby."

Barney, however, was skeptical. "EJ, this won't happen. Remember when you went out with Maria Menounos last month? She's much hotter than Robin."

EJ shook his head, determined. "I don't care, Barney. I've never felt like this before with anyone else, not even Naomi."

Ted, Ben, EJ, and Marshall all sighed in unison, their thoughts briefly drifting to Naomi.

"Ahhhh, Naomi," they chorused.

——

EJ had made up his mind. He was going to ask Robin to his parents' house in the Hamptons. A weekend getaway by the water.

The idea filled him with a mix of excitement and nerves. He wanted to make it special, so he decided to surprise her at her apartment before she left for work.

What could go wrong?

Well, the subway, for one.

EJ arrived at the station to find the platform packed with people. As the train pulled in, it was clear there was barely any standing room, let alone a seat. He squeezed his way onto the train, holding the flowers aloft to keep them from getting crushed.

In the middle of the car, a lady was sprawled across two seats, a bag on one and her own considerable presence on the other. EJ, already on edge from the cramped conditions, decided to confront her.

"Excuse me, ma'am," he started as politely as he could manage. "Do you think you could move your bag so someone else could sit down?"

The lady, who was clearly not pregnant despite the conspicuous "Baby on Board" button pinned to her blouse, looked up at him with disdain. "I need the extra space," she declared, not making any move to comply.

EJ glanced around the packed car, filled with tired, irritable commuters. He took a deep breath, determined not to let this woman derail his plans. "I'm sorry, but there are a lot of people standing who could use that seat. Your bag doesn't need it."

The lady raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying my baby doesn't deserve a seat?" She patted her very clearly non-pregnant belly.

EJ blinked. "Uh, I think your bag can stand for the duration of the ride."

A few passengers nearby snickered, and the lady's face turned red with anger. "How dare you! I am pregnant, and I need this space!"

EJ, trying to keep his cool, said, "Look, I just need to sit down for a few stops. I have somewhere really important to be. Please?"

She crossed her arms, resolutely refusing to budge. "Not my problem. Maybe you should have planned better."

EJ sighed and looked around, seeing no support from the crowd. "Okay, how about this," he said, "if you move your bag, I'll give you one of these flowers." He held out a bright, beautiful daisy from the bouquet.

The lady glared at the flower as if it were a poisonous snake. "You think you can bribe me with a flower? How sexist! This is New York, buddy. We don't fall for that crap."

EJ, now desperate, replied, "Alright, how about I move the bag myself?" He leaned down to grab it.

She slapped his hand away. "Touch my bag and I'll scream harassment!"

EJ threw up his hands in frustration. "Fine! Fine, keep your precious two seats!" He turned to the crowded car. "Does anyone else have a seat they'd be willing to share with a guy who's just trying to get to Brooklyn?"

A middle-aged man near the door, who had been watching the whole exchange with a bemused expression, stood up. "Here, kid. Take mine. I was getting off at the next stop anyway."

EJ gave the man a grateful smile. "Thank you. You're a lifesaver." He collapsed into the seat, holding the bouquet tightly.

As the train continued its bumpy journey, EJ tried to calm his nerves. This was not how he had envisioned the morning going. The woman continued to glare at him, but he ignored her, focusing on his plan for the day.

Finally, the train pulled into Park Slope, and EJ stood, eager to escape the confines of the subway car. He squeezed his way through the crowd and onto the platform, taking a deep breath of relatively fresher air.

He made his way to Robin's apartment building, rehearsing what he was going to say. He buzzed her apartment and waited, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Hello?" Robin's voice crackled through the intercom.

"Hey, it's EJ. Can I come up?"

"Sure, come on up," she replied, sounding surprised but pleased.

EJ made his way up the stairs to Robin's apartment, his heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. He held the bouquet of flowers tightly, hoping they weren't too crushed from the subway ride. When Robin opened the door, he greeted her with a bright smile.

"Hey, Robin. I brought you these," EJ said, handing her the flowers.

Robin's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Wow, EJ, these are beautiful! What's the occasion?"

EJ took a deep breath. "So, I was thinking... how would you like to spend the weekend at my parents' house in the Hamptons?"

Robin blinked, clearly taken aback. "The Hamptons? That's some rich stuff, EJ. That's really sweet and cool of you."

EJ grinned, feeling a rush of confidence. "I thought it might be a nice way to escape the city and relax. What do you say?"

Robin's smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of regret. "EJ, I'm really flattered, but I can't go. I'm going camping this weekend."

EJ's brow furrowed in confusion. "Camping? But the weather is supposed to be really bad."

Robin sighed. "Well, it's back on."

"Since when?" EJ asked, perplexed.

Robin glanced at her watch. "Since like an hour ago."

An Hour Ago

The weather man on the TV screen was animatedly gesturing at a weather map. "...sending the storm back out into the Atlantic. So it's blue skies this weekend. Sandy? Robin?"

Sandy turned to the camera with a smile. "Thanks, Lou, but that blue sky isn't without at least one cloud. I'm sorry to announce that one week from today I will be leaving Metro News One. It has been an honor to bring you the news each night, and read the paper to you each morning. I will always treasure it. Good night, New York."

As the broadcast ended and the cameras stopped rolling, Robin turned to Sandy. "You're leaving?"

Sandy nodded. "There. I quit my job. We're not coworkers. Will you please have dinner with me? I'm joking. I got offered a job at CNN."

Robin's eyes widened. "Oh, congratulations."

Sandy smiled. "Congratulations yourself."

Robin looked confused. "What do you mean?"

Sandy leaned in slightly. "Well, Joel asked me who I thought should replace me as lead anchor. I told him you. They're announcing it next week. Act surprised."

Robin was stunned. "Wow. Thanks. And, yes."

Sandy blinked. "Yes, what?"

Robin smiled. "Yes, let's go get dinner."

Sandy chuckled. "How about this weekend on the camping trip? I roast a mean weenie."

Back to Now

EJ ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Jesus Christ."

Robin tried to explain. "EJ, I have to go. It's a company camping trip."

EJ looked at her incredulously. "Really? Because it also kinda sounds like a date. With Sandy... and his weenie. I mean, is this not a date?"

Robin stammered, unsure. "I don't-I don't know."

EJ's temper flared. "So, what? You actually like this guy now?"

Robin's eyes flashed with irritation. "I don't know."

EJ pressed on. "Are you gonna hook up with him?"

Robin's frustration boiled over. "I don't know."

EJ leaned in, his voice low and intense. "Yes, you do."

Robin's temper flared. "No, I don't! This is all just... complicated!"

EJ's voice was heated. "You're scared, Robin. Because every relationship you've ever been in has been a mess."

Robin shot back, her eyes flashing. "And you think this is easy for me? You think I haven't thought about this? You know that I have, but let's look at this, okay? We only just started being friends again. What if we do this and I lose you as a friend for good? I can't do that."

EJ felt his heart sink. "You've made your decision then?"

Robin's voice was shaky. "I—I don't know. I need to think about it."

EJ's voice was cold. "The weekend is literally tomorrow, Robin."

Robin swallowed hard. "Then no. I'm going camping this weekend."

EJ's face hardened. "Fine."

Robin bit her lip, trying to stay calm. "Fine! Maybe you should take someone else to the Hamptons. My friend Kelly might be interested. I can give you her number."

EJ shook his head. "Nope, no more Hamptons. The Hamptons is a no go."

Robin sighed, frustrated but trying to stay composed. "EJ, maybe it just wasn't meant to be..."

But she was lying to herself, and they both knew it. EJ's words had struck a chord. She was scared of being with him. What if it didn't work out and she lost him for good?

EJ's voice was soft but filled with resignation. "Whatever, have a nice time with Sandy, Robin."

Robin watched him walk away, her heart heavy with regret and fear.

——

At the bar, EJ sat with his friends, nursing his wounded pride after his failed attempt to invite Robin to the Hamptons. Barney, always the provocateur, tried to lighten the mood with his usual antics.

"Nice try, buddy," Barney quipped, slapping EJ on the back.

Ben, ever the empathetic one, chimed in, "Good hustle out there." But his expression betrayed his sympathy for EJ's plight.

Marshall attempted to console him. "Look at the bright side. At least you got some closure. She's made her choice, and you can move on."

EJ sighed heavily, contemplating his next move. "Listen, if Robin doesn't want to be with me, that's fine. I'm probably done with women for a bit. I've got some big commissions to focus on."

Barney, never one to miss an opportunity to stir things up, interjected. "Come on, EJ. Remember Maria Menounos? You can't just bury yourself in work."

Ben shot Barney a disapproving look. "Can it, Barney. He doesn't need that right now."

Ted, always the optimist and fiercely loyal friend, wouldn't let EJ give up so easily. "Screw that. This ain't over."

EJ looked at Ted quizzically. "What are you talking about?"

Ted leaned in, his voice earnest. "I've known you for ten years, EJ. You've never been one to run from a challenge. If it's meant to be, you'll make it happen."

Barney, sensing an opportunity for a grand gesture, chimed in again. "EJ, she's going on that camping trip. Dude, barring some act of God, Robin's gonna be with Sandy this weekend. You need to get yourself laid. There are plenty of women in Manhattan who would love to partake in those activities. Let me show you—"

But EJ suddenly had a different idea. His eyes widened with a realization.

"No," EJ interrupted, his voice unusually resolute. "If an act of God is what it takes, then an act of God it is."

Barney raised an eyebrow skeptically. "What are you talking about?"

EJ's face lit up with mischief. "I'm gonna make it fucking rain."

Ben looked bewildered. "You what?"

EJ explained his plan, his determination unwavering. "How do I get her to not go on that camping trip? I make it rain."

Barney shook his head, trying to reason with EJ. "Come on, EJ, that's crazy. You can't control the weather. Let's focus on getting you—"

But Ted cut in excitedly. "I think it's a great idea! It's bold, it's romantic..."

Ben remained skeptical but stayed silent, clearly unsure about the feasibility of EJ's plan.

EJ ignored Barney's protests and turned to Ted urgently. "Do you still know that girl, Penelope? The one studying Native American culture?"

Ted nodded enthusiastically. "Penelope, yeah!

EJ stood up abruptly, a newfound determination in his eyes. "We're finding Penelope!"

Barney rolled his eyes dramatically. "You're forcing me to be the voice of reason, and it's not a good look for me!"

As EJ, Ted, and Ben hurried out of the bar, Barney followed close behind, shaking his head but secretly hoping EJ's wild plan might just work.

——

Inside the library, Ben, Barney, Ted, EJ, and Penelope found themselves in an unexpected negotiation.

"Why the hell should I help you?" Penelope demanded, her arms crossed defiantly.

Barney tried to plead his case. "Come on, I know it didn't work out between us, but we did... have a relationship."

Penelope scoffed. "We had sex twice in your car, and then you dumped me. How is that a relationship?"

Ben, incredulous, chimed in, "Twice! Twice in the car?"

Penelope shot him a glare. "Barney, there is no way—"

"Shh!" Barney interrupted, looking around nervously.

Penelope turned her attention to EJ. "Seriously, come on. Why do you need me to make it rain?"

EJ stepped forward, earnestly explaining, "Penelope, I really need to make it rain this weekend."

Penelope raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Ted jumped in, trying to smooth things over. "There's this girl..."

Penelope finished his sentence mockingly. "'There's this girl.' You know, the traditional rain dance is a sacred prayer to nature. I don't think the Great Spirit looks too kindly on white dudes who co-opt it to get laid."

EJ pleaded with Penelope, desperation creeping into his voice. "Penelope, this is a girl I like, a lot. If it doesn't rain this weekend, she's gonna end up with the wrong guy. Please."

Penelope considered EJ's words carefully, then turned to Ted with a skeptical look. "This wrong guy, is he a huge jackass?"

Ted nodded emphatically. "Absolutely."

Penelope glanced at Barney, smirking. "Kind of like Barney?"

Ben couldn't help but interject with a chuckle, "He's literally the father of Barney."

Barney defended himself weakly. "Hey."

Penelope turned back to EJ with a mischievous grin. "You hit on my mom!"

EJ was taken aback. "You hit on her Mom?"

Barney tried to explain, "We weren't exclusive!"

Penelope sighed, shaking her head in amusement. "Fine, I'm in."

The Vet

Robin sat in the veterinary clinic, her dog anxiously panting beside her. She recounted the recent events to the vet, who listened attentively as she explained.

"And she's been throwing up ever since," Robin finished, gesturing towards her dog.

The vet nodded understandingly. "Let's get her checked out. But why are you so uptight?"

Robin sighed, her frustration evident. "Remember that guy I was telling you about? Well, he came to my apartment and invited me to his family's place in the Hamptons, and he got mad at me when I said I couldn't go. I mean, can you believe that? He was so angry."

The veterinarian paused, looking at Robin thoughtfully. "A place in the Hamptons? And you turned that down? For a company camping trip?"

Robin nodded, crossing her arms defensively. "Okay, yes, it's sweet in theory, but isn't it also kind of crazy? You didn't see the way he acted."

The vet shook her head slightly, a small smile playing on her lips. "Nobody does that."

"Exactly," Robin replied, relieved that someone understood her perspective.

"No, honey," the vet continued, leaning in closer. "Nobody turns down a weekend in the Hamptons, in a secluded cabin, by the water, with a handsome man. Nobody in the history of anything has ever done that."

Robin was taken aback by the vet's blunt assessment. She tried to defend her decision, but the vet cut her off gently.

"You turned down a weekend. In the Hamptons." She raised an eyebrow. "I mean, come on, it's like you're trying to stay single forever."

Robin stuttered, but the vet cut her off once more.

"I'm going to check your dog now," the vet said, taking the leash from Robin's hand.

As the vet walked away with her dog, Robin sat there, contemplating the vet's words. Suddenly, another voice chimed in from across the clinic.

"Hey Lorraine! Would you turn down a weekend in the Hamptons for being here at work?

Lorraine, a veterinary assistant, looked up from her paperwork with a grin. "Who is it and when do I leave?"

This gave Robin a lot to think about.

——

The Apartment

Inside their apartment, Marshall and Lily found themselves in a heated argument that seemed to ebb and flow like a stormy sea.

Lily, her voice tinged with frustration, confronted Marshall. "So you're saying you would forbid me from going?"

Marshall, taken aback, quickly defended himself. "Forbid? Who said forbid? I was just reminding you that there's this wedding coming up in a couple of months, and I was kind of hoping you'd save the day. Look for me... I'll be the guy in the awesome suit. Come on, Lily. It's what you've always wanted."

Lily sighed, her resolve firm. "Yeah, but there's a lot of things I've always wanted, and I haven't done any of them. I'm sorry. I just need to do this before settling down forever."

Marshall, feeling the weight of her words, struggled to understand. "So now we've gone from 'I was never gonna do it' to 'I need to do this'? Did I leave the room at some point? When did that happen?"

Lily's frustration peaked. "Oh, maybe when you said you wouldn't let me do it."

Marshall shook his head, his emotions raw. "I never said that! You know, if you're having these kinds of doubts now, what's gonna change in three months? Maybe we just shouldn't get married at all."

Lily hesitated, the gravity of their conversation sinking in. "Maybe not."

There was a tense pause between them.

Lily attempted to lighten the mood. "So, are you just, like, starving?"

Marshall, trying to shift the atmosphere, replied eagerly. "Totally. Red Lobster?"

Lily's face lit up. "Oh, lobster, lobster, lobster, you are delicious!"

Marshall's eyes gleamed with delight. "Oh, God, I love butter sauce! There's nothing bad about it. Say something bad about butter sauce, I dare you."

Lily chuckled softly, her affection for Marshall evident. "I wouldn't dare." But then, unexpectedly, Marshall started crying.

Lily was taken aback. "Marshall, no. We're on pause. There's no crying in Pauseland! Pauseland is a magical place, with... with popcorn shrimp mountains and butter sauce rivers! Damn it!"

——

In a makeshift attempt at a rain dance, EJ, Ted, Barney, and Ben found themselves in a hilarious yet futile situation.

Barney, initially amused, started to feel a pang of sympathy. "Ted, this is funny. Still funny. Still fu... And now it's sad."

Ben, unable to contain his laughter, chimed in. "I can't believe this. We've been up here for the past hour making complete asses of ourselves."

Ted, ever the skeptic, was starting to doubt their methods. "Hey, Penelope, you sure I'm doing this right?"

Penelope, confident in her theoretical knowledge, replied, "I think so. I've read extensively on the subject: firsthand accounts, theoretical criticism, the anthropological..."

EJ interrupted her with a pointed question. "Does it, uh, look anything like a real rain dance?"

Penelope paused, realizing the gap in her practical experience. "I think so. I've seen a film strip."

Ted couldn't help but prod further. "Have you ever actually seen a rain dance performed?"

Penelope sheepishly admitted, "No."

EJ and the others exchanged bemused glances, realizing the absurdity of their situation. Ben, still chuckling, tried to lighten the mood. "Terrific. Uh, look, I should run. I'm getting brain surgery from some guy who's seen a couple of episodes of E.R."

——

Ben and EJ stood atop the building, the sky ominously darkening above them as they waited for a sign that their makeshift rain dance might actually work.

Ben couldn't help but voice his skepticism. "I still don't get why you care so much about this, EJ. Remember when it was us picking up women left and right? Now you're up here, wasting your golden years on some girl you met a few months ago."

EJ's expression turned serious, a rare intensity in his eyes as he responded, "Because I love her, dammit!"

Ben was taken aback, not expecting such a declaration. "Love? You love her?"

EJ nodded firmly. "I love her. I'm in love with her. I've never felt this way with anyone else before."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing with a monologue. "Robin, she's... she's the most amazing woman I've ever met. She's smart, she's strong, she challenges me in ways I never thought possible. And she's got this fire in her, you know? She's passionate about everything she does. When I'm with her, I feel alive. Like I can be the best version of myself. I can't let her slip away because of some camping trip."

Ben listened quietly, realizing the depth of EJ's feelings. "Okay, but what if this doesn't work? What then?"

EJ looked up at the gathering clouds, determination etched on his face. "If this doesn't work, then I'll give up on it for good. But until then, I'm going to keep trying."

With a sudden burst of frustration and hope, EJ shouted at the sky, "Make it fucking rain!"

And then, as if on cue, the heavens opened up. Rain began to fall in heavy sheets, soaking them both within seconds.

Ben's jaw dropped in disbelief. "No way, man."

EJ threw his arms wide, soaking in the rain, exhilaration and disbelief mingling on his face. "Dude! I made it rain! I am the God of Thunder!"

Ben chuckled, shaking his head. "Okay, you're pushing it. That's Thor."

EJ grinned wildly, feeling triumphant. "I am the Rain Man!"

——

At the bar, Barney and Ted stared in amazement as the rain poured down outside. "How about that? He did it," Barney said with a mixture of admiration and disbelief.

Ted shook his head, still processing the recent turn of events. "He actually did it." Just then, he spotted Grace entering the bar and hurried over to her. "Grace, your brother made it rain."

Grace looked puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

Ted waved it off, realizing it would take too long to explain. "You know what, I'll tell you later."

They found a booth and sat down, Ted still buzzing with excitement. Meanwhile, Barney and Penelope were engrossed in a passionate kiss, oblivious to the world around them.

In the street, EJ and Ben drove through the downpour. EJ couldn't contain his excitement. "I can't believe it, man, I made it rain!"

Ben nodded, smiling at his friend's triumph. "You sure did, buddy, you sure did."

They pulled up to Robin's apartment, the rain pounding on the car roof. Ben looked at EJ, giving him a supportive nod. "Go get your girl."

EJ stepped out of the car, rain immediately soaking through his clothes. He made his way to Robin's apartment door, determined and hopeful. Inside, Robin watched him from her window, her mind racing with memories of their time together. Despite her fears, she knew she had strong feelings for him, feelings she couldn't ignore any longer.

She took a deep breath, made a decision, and headed downstairs. As she reached the front door, she opened it just as EJ was about to knock. They stood there for a moment, drenched and speechless, the rain falling heavily around them.

"Robin, I was gonna—" EJ began, but Robin interrupted him with a knowing smile.

"I know."

Without another word, they moved closer, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. The rain poured down on them, but they didn't care. They broke apart, looking at each other with a mix of joy and relief, then kissed again, more deeply this time.

From the car, Ben watched the scene unfold, smirking and chuckling to himself. Deciding to leave them be, he pulled away and drove down the street.

EJ and Robin finally broke their kiss, both of them laughing. "We should probably get out of the rain," EJ suggested, his voice breathless.

Robin nodded, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, come on."

They hurried inside, dripping water all over the floor as they climbed the stairs to her apartment. Once inside, they paused for a moment, looking at each other with renewed intensity. Then they moved towards each other again, kissing fervently as they made their way to the bedroom.

The door closed behind them with a soft thud as EJ kicked it shut. They continued to kiss, their wet clothes clinging to their bodies. The passion between them was palpable, each kiss deeper and more urgent than the last.

Afterwards, as they lay naked together in her bed, their bodies still damp from the rain, they shared a quiet, intimate moment. Robin traced her fingers along EJ's chest, her head resting on his shoulder.

EJ looked down at her, a soft smile playing on his lips. "So, does this mean we're together now?"

Robin chuckled, a light, happy sound. "I guess it does."

EJ laughed softly, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer. "I'm okay with that."

Robin looked up at him, her eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and amusement. "Me too."

They lay there in comfortable silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence. The storm outside had turned into a gentle rain, the sound of the droplets against the window creating a soothing rhythm.

EJ broke the silence with a playful grin. "So, does this mean I get to go on the next company camping trip?"

Robin laughed, shaking her head. "Don't push your luck."

EJ joined in her laughter, feeling lighter and happier than he had in a long time. He leaned down to kiss her forehead, then her nose, and finally her lips. "Fine, but I'm holding you to that Hamptons weekend. No backing out next time."

Robin smiled, her heart swelling with warmth. "Deal."

——

EJ and Robin woke up together, sunlight streaming through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. EJ smiled as he watched Robin sleep, her hair tousled and her breathing steady. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open to meet his.

"Morning," she murmured, her voice soft and sleepy.

"Morning," EJ replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "How'd you sleep?"

"Better than I have in a long time," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

They lay there for a few moments, enjoying the peaceful quiet, before Robin's stomach growled, making them both laugh.

"Sounds like someone's hungry," EJ teased.

Robin chuckled. "Yeah, breakfast sounds good. Let's go."

They got out of bed, their clothes still damp from the night before, and made their way to the kitchen. Robin put on a pot of coffee while EJ rummaged through the fridge.

"I hope you like scrambled eggs and toast," EJ said, holding up the ingredients.

"Perfect," Robin replied, setting the table.

As they cooked together, the conversation naturally turned to their friends and how they would share the news.

"So, how do you think they'll take it?" Robin asked, pouring them both coffee.

EJ shrugged. "I think they'll be happy for us. I mean, they've been rooting for us for a while now. We should tell them together."

Robin nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Yeah, I guess you're right. It's just... it's a big step, you know?"

EJ reached over, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "I know. But it's a good step. We'll figure it out together."

Robin smiled, her worries easing. "Yeah, together."

When they were done, they threw their clothes into the dryer and settled back at the table, finishing their coffee.

EJ took Robin's hand across the table, his thumb gently stroking her palm. "I'm really glad we're doing this."

Robin smiled, her eyes soft with affection. "Me too."

They shared a sweet kiss, savoring the warmth of each other's lips. "I should get going," EJ said reluctantly. "I'll see you tonight?"

Robin nodded. "Definitely. I'll text you when I'm done with work."

EJ kissed her again, then got up to grab his now dry clothes from the dryer. He dressed quickly, and they walked to the door together.

"See you tonight," Robin said, giving him one last kiss.

"Can't wait," EJ replied with a smile.

He left her apartment feeling lighter than air, a wide grin on his face as he hailed a cab. The ride to Marshall and Ted's apartment was quick, and he practically bounced up the stairs, still buzzing with happiness. But as he entered with his spare key, his cheerful demeanor changed instantly.

Inside, Ted, Ben, and Marshall were sitting on the couch. Marshall looked absolutely depressed and shattered, his eyes red and puffy from crying.

EJ's heart sank.

"What happened?"

End of Season One