EJ was in the zone, dribbling the basketball with practiced ease as he played a game with Ben, Ted, and a few neighborhood friends on the outdoor court. Ted, not exactly known for his athletic prowess, was doing his best to keep up but mostly providing comic relief with his awkward attempts at shooting.

"Come on, Ted, you can do it!" EJ called out parentally as Ted flailed with the ball. Ben smirked, "You know, just once, it would be nice if Ted scored more than on accident."

As the game continued, Robin strolled up to the court, arms crossed and a playful smirk on her face. "Hey, hot shot! Is this where all the legends are made?"

EJ glanced over, his face breaking into a wide grin. "You know it, babe. Wanna join? We could use someone to even out Ted's skills."

Ted, panting and red-faced, chimed in, "Hey, I'm improving! I almost hit the rim that time."

Robin chuckled, shaking her head. "I'll pass. Besides, we need to get going soon. Lily's housewarming, remember?"

EJ nodded, tossing the ball to Ben. "Alright, game over for now. We'll continue fattening Ted's stats later."

They all gathered their things, and EJ walked over to Robin, planting a quick kiss on her lips. "You ready for Lily's place? I've seen it already, and let's just say it's...quaint."

Robin raised an eyebrow. "Quaint as in charming, or quaint as in I told her not to rent it?"

"Quaint as in her budget didn't leave much room for options," EJ said with a laugh. "But did Lily listen to my recommendations? Of course not."

Ted, overhearing, added, "Oh boy, I can't wait to see this. Did she at least pick a place with a working elevator this time?"

Ben snorted, "Or low expectations, my friend. Low expectations."

They tapestry of friends made their way off the court, EJ draping an arm over Robin's shoulders as they walked. "Ready to see Lily's quaint place?" he asked her. "I'm sure you'll love it."

Robin sighed, a smile playing at her lips. "Lead the way. I'm sure it'll be...interesting."

———

As they walked into Lily's new apartment, she greeted them with enthusiasm. "Welcome to my new home!"

Ben stepped inside first, looking around. "Hey, Lil."

Ted followed, his eyes widening. "Oh, wow, Lily, this is... Oh, this is all of it."

EJ glanced around the cramped space, his brows furrowing. "Lily, I know your budget wasn't great, but are you sure? This place is... tiny."

Lily sighed, her smile faltering a bit. "Yeah, I know it's small, but it's got character. Thank you. And I am learning Lithuanian from my neighbors. They're great. They're always out there in the hall, you know, cooking and gambling and giving each other haircuts. It's nice."

Ted pointed to a curious sight. "Hey, is that a toilet in your kitchen?"

Robin chimed in, half-amused, half-horrified. "Or a stove in your bathroom?"

EJ shook his head, more bemused than anything. "I'm more concerned that someone can be doing their business and making dinner at the same time."

Lily tried to defend her new place. "Oh, that's not just a stove. That's a stovenkerator: a combination of a stove, oven, sink, and refrigerator. Stovenkerator. Isn't that futuristic?"

Ben chuckled, glancing at a fold-down bed. "God, I hope not. Hey, cool Murphy bed."

Lily looked sheepish. "It's kind of a mess. I didn't make my bed this morning, so..."

She pulled the bed down, but it stopped halfway, stuck at an odd angle. Robin tried to make the best of it. "Oh! You know what? I bet sleeping at this angle is good for you. For some reason."

Ted stepped up, trying to help. "Hold on, I got it."

A man's voice speaking Lithuanian drifted in from the hall, loud and insistent.

EJ smirked. "That was 'something, something, I am going to something you like a something donkey.'"

Robin raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You know Lithuanian?"

EJ shrugged. "I'm in this neighborhood a bit."

Robin nodded. "Ah. Other cultures!"

Lily tried to salvage the situation. "Hey, let's break out the fruit basket. Hey, who ate all the...?" She trailed off, hearing a mouse squeak. "Aaaaaah!"

EJ shook his head, crossing his arms. "Lily, this place is a dump. You need a new place to stay."

Lily sighed, looking defeated but grateful for her friends' honesty. "I know. I just... wanted to make it work."

Robin put a reassuring hand on Lily's shoulder. "We'll help you find something better, Lil. You deserve a place that doesn't come with surprise rodents."

Ben nodded. "Yeah, we'll figure it out, maybe you can stay with us or something."

———

The group was gathered at MacLaren's, discussing Lily's predicament. EJ took a sip of his drink and shook his head. "She can't stay with us."

Ben immediately agreed, "Absolutely not."

Robin frowned. "Why not? Your place is big, and it's only temporary."

EJ sighed. "Robin, Lily is like my mother, a neat freak who would change everything. I love her and everything but we don't need that on a constant basis."

Ben nodded. "She can't mess up our lifestyle if you know what I mean."

Ted raised an eyebrow. "Okay, but we have to get Lily out of that apartment. Her roommate is a raccoon."

Robin nodded, "I'd offer her my place, but I've got dogs and she's allergic."

Ted groaned. "Dogs? I live with her ex-boyfriend. I think she's a little more allergic to that."

Robin turned to Barney. "What about your place, Barney? I know it's shrouded in mystery, but it's gotta have a couch."

Barney looked affronted. "The Fortress of Barnitude? No way."

Robin gave him a pleading look. "Come on. She's desperate."

Barney smirked. "Hmm, normally a prerequisite for the women I bring home, but... pass."

Ben chimed in, "Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever seen the Fortress of Barnitude."

EJ nodded. "Yeah, me neither, and I've known you for quite some time."

Barney puffed out his chest. "The Fortress of Barnitude is an enigma wrapped in a riddle, dipped in awesome sauce."

At that moment, Marshall walked in, looking excited. "One of you guys is very, very lucky because I have... Boom! An extra ticket to the Alanis Morissette concert. Who's in?"

Robin scrunched up her nose. "Absolutely not."

Ted shook his head. "No."

EJ nodded. "Why?"

Ben agreed. "I second, why?"

Marshall looked deflated. "Damn! I got these tickets like months ago for me and Lily and now I can't find anyone to go with me. This is what I miss about being in a couple. I always had someone to go to concerts with, or farmer's markets, or brunch. God, I miss brunch!"

Ted tried to offer a solution. "Well, I guess you could try going to brunch alone."

Marshall shuddered. "Oh, you don't think I've tried?"

EJ looked sympathetic. "You went to brunch alone?"

Marshall sighed heavily. "I don't wanna talk about it."

Robin's eyes lit up. "Oh, the Popover Pantry! That place is great. Can we go get brunch tomorrow?"

EJ smiled at her. "Of course, sweetie."

Marshall perked up. "Can I go with you guys?"

EJ looked a bit hesitant. "Really? For brunch?"

Marshall almost wailed. "God, I hate being single!"

Ben chuckled. "It's not so bad! But seriously, can Lauren and I come to brunch?"

———

The Popover Pantry was bustling with the weekend brunch crowd as EJ, Robin, Ben, and Lauren settled into their booth. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filled the air, adding to the lively atmosphere.

EJ glanced around the table, a grin spreading across his face. "Alright, brunch is on me. What are we all having?"

Robin couldn't contain her excitement as she turned to Lauren. "I can't believe I'm having brunch with Lauren Cohan! I loved you on Supernatural."

Lauren smiled warmly. "Thank you, Robin. That means a lot."

Ben leaned in, teasing. "You know, she's not just a pretty face. She's got some serious acting chops."

EJ chimed in, "And now she's stuck with you. Talk about a downgrade."

Ben laughed. "I don't know, man. I'm not so bad."

EJ leaned in with a grin. "Robin's been dying to ask you for an interview on Metro News One."

Robin's eyes widened. "EJ!"

Lauren's eyes lit up. "I'd be happy to! Just let me know when and where. I'd love to talk about the show and maybe share some behind-the-scenes stories."

Robin's face lit up with surprise and gratitude. "Oh my gosh, really? That would be incredible! Thank you, Lauren."

Lauren smiled warmly. "No problem. It'll be fun. And it's nice to do something a little different for a change."

As their food arrived, the conversation flowed seamlessly from favorite episodes of 'Supernatural' to bizarre brunch mishaps and the latest gossip from the entertainment industry. Ben and EJ reminisced about their wild college days, while Robin and Lauren bonded over their mutual love for the show and their excitement for the upcoming interview.

I mean after all, Robin is actually going to have the opportunity to do some major news. As a professional.

———

At the apartment, EJ and Robin were hanging out on the couch, with Ted enjoying a quiet evening. The door opened, and Marshall walked in, looking a bit tired but content.

EJ looked up from his drink. "Hey, where have you been?"

Marshall smiled. "The Alanis Morissette concert."

Ted raised an eyebrow. "By yourself?"

Marshall shook his head. "No, actually I went with a friend from law school."

Robin leaned forward, curious. "Oh, really? Who's this friend?"

Marshall grinned. "Brad."

EJ nodded in recognition. "Oh yeah, Brad's cool."

MacLaren's

Brad and Marshall were sitting at the bar, drinks in hand.

Brad was enthusiastic. "Bro, Alanis Morissette rocks!"

Marshall nodded eagerly. "Totally! I can't believe I almost didn't come tonight."

Brad tilted his head. "Let me guess: you bought the tickets for you and Lily right before she dumped you."

Marshall sighed. "Yeah, how'd you know?"

Brad shrugged, looking a bit down. "I just got dumped myself."

Marshall was surprised. "What? Kara broke up with you? I'm sorry, man. That sucks. Brad, do you like brunch?"

End of Flashback

Ted looked at Marshall, bemused. "You invited him to brunch?"

Marshall nodded. "Yeah, I invited him to brunch. Why? Is that weird?"

Ted nodded. "Yes. That's why I was all, 'You invited him to brunch?'"

Marshall frowned. "Why can't two guys who are friends go to brunch?"

EJ tried to explain. "Because brunch is kind of..."

Robin finished for him. "Girly."

Marshall looked incredulous. "Girly? Breakfast isn't girly. Lunch isn't girly. What makes brunch girly?"

Ted tried to articulate. "I don't know. There's nothing girly about a horse, nothing girly about a horn, but put them together and you get a unicorn."

EJ leaned back, grinning. "It's the combination of sweet and savory, the mimosas, the delicate pastries. It's like a meal that can't decide what it wants to be, so it decides to be everything. It's like... accessorizing your day with a meal."

Marshall shook his head, determined. "I don't care what either of you say, I am going to the Popover Pantry with Brad. We're here. We're hungry. Get used to it, brunch."

EJ chuckled. "Hey, as long as you're happy and fed, Marshall. Just remember, if Brad tries to hold your hand, you might want to set some boundaries."

Robin burst into laughter, as EJ softly pulled her in to his chest.

———

At the Popover Pantry, Marshall and Brad sat across from each other at a small table, their plates filled with a variety of brunch delicacies.

Marshall took a bite of his French toast, sighing contentedly. "God, I love brunch."

Brad nodded enthusiastically, sampling the zucchini bread. "Oh, damn... The zucchini bread is ridonculous."

Marshall glanced around, still somewhat self-conscious. "This isn't weird, right?"

Brad shook his head, smiling. "I sort of thought it might be, but it totally isn't. Oh, and by the way, you totally did not oversell the eggs benny."

Marshall's face lit up. "Right? Right?"

Brad laughed, raising his coffee cup. "I mean, why can't two single bros go out and rock brunch Sunday morning-style?"

Marshall clinked his glass against Brad's. "Exactly. Thank you, that's exactly what I've been saying."

Brad grinned, leaning in. "This must be destiny."

Marshall raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Brad's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I have two tickets for Mamma Mia! Friday night. You like Abba, right? What am I saying? Who doesn't? Anyway, I was gonna take Kara, but now it's all you and me. We're gonna do Broadway, bro style. What do you say?"

Marshall's face broke into a wide smile. "Yeah!"

As they continued their brunch, Marshall's gaze drifted across the room and he noticed Brooke, EJ's sister, sitting alone at a nearby table. She was engrossed in her book, sipping on a latte. The sight intrigued him, but he decided to put it at the back of his mind for now.

Marshall refocused on Brad, who was now going on about the pros and cons of different brunch spots in the city. "Seriously, the Popover Pantry is top-tier, but there's this place in SoHo that does these incredible avocado toast variations..."

Marshall laughed, nodding along. "I think we might be on to something here, Brad. Brunch buddies for life."

———

At MacLaren's:

Ted leaned back, his eyebrows raised. "Mamma Mia!?"

Marshall sighed, exasperated. "Mamma Mia!. You know what? It's supposed to be a great musical, okay? It won all sorts of Tonies and stuff."

Ted tried to keep a straight face. "No, totally. It sounds like a really, really fun, exciting, third date."

Robin smirked, nudging EJ. "Ooh, third date. You know what that means."

Marshall crossed his arms defensively. "It is not a date, okay? It's just two bros taking in a Broadway show."

EJ chimed in, grinning. "You bros going to get dinner beforehand?"

Marshall hesitated. "We might grab a steak, yeah."

Ted couldn't resist. "Where at?"

Marshall shifted uncomfortably. "Café L'Amour." EJ, Ted, and Robin burst into laughter. "Brad says the food is really good there, okay?"

Robin laughed. "Sounds like Brad's got quite the night planned out. You better bring your 'A' game. That means no granny panties."

Marshall huffed. "All right, you know what? You two are just threatened because I'm a single guy moving in on your couples' stuff. Well, guess what? It's my territory now. I'm peeing all over brunches, fancy dinners, and musicals. That's right. Brad and I are taking back Broadway."

EJ chuckled. "So, what are you going to wear?"

Marshall started to answer, "I was thinking like this collared shirt and these pin..." Ted, EJ, and Robin's laughter interrupted him. "Oh, you know what? Shut up."

Robin leaned into EJ, still giggling. "I think Marshall's got a thing going on with Brad, isn't that cute?"

EJ smiled, wrapping an arm around Robin. "Nothing wrong with that. Just make sure you pick the right wine to go with that steak, Marshall."

———

At the apartment, Marshall returned earlier than expected, greeted by Ted, Robin, EJ, and Ben lounging around.

Ted greeted him first, raising an eyebrow. "Hey, you're home. I didn't think we'd be seeing you until tomorrow morning."

Marshall sighed dramatically. "Ha, ha, ha. It wasn't a date. Okay, it was a date and it got way weird."

Flashback

Marshall sat awkwardly across from Brad, who was being overly attentive.

Brad insisted, "No, I insist. You're my guest."

"Thanks, Brad," Marshall replied awkwardly.

Brad leaned in, causing Marshall to squirm uncomfortably. "Bro, you got some chocolate on your chin. Still there. I'll get that bad boy."

End of Flashback

Ted's eyes widened. "Whoa!"

Robin tried to lighten the mood. "Well, it could have been worse. It could have fallen in your lap."

Marshall shook his head, continuing, "It gets worse."

Flashback

"No, I can do it, Brad. Okay, thank you," Marshall insisted.

Brad persisted, "So anyway, it's this Saturday. Do you want to come?"

Marshall looked puzzled. "You want me to go to a wedding with you?"

End of Flashback

Ted chuckled. "Okay, that's not too bad. Two single guys on the prowl. It'll be like 'Wedding Crashers'."

Robin teased, "Just keep Brad away from the bouquet."

Marshall sighed, "It gets worse."

Flashback

Brad tried to entice Marshall, "It gets better. The foliage in Vermont this time of year is ridonculous."

Marshall's eyes widened. "Vermont?"

Brad nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, the wedding's at this awesome B&B. Kara and I used to go there. Anyway, there's one room left, and we got it. Walt Whitman Suite, bro."

End of Flashback

Ted looked concerned. "You said no, right?"

Marshall nodded, a little guiltily. "Of course."

Flashback

Brad revealed his vulnerability, "I understand. It's cool. It's the first time I was going to see my college friends since Kara left me. I just... I just miss her so much."

Marshall hesitated, then relented, "I'll go to Vermont with you."

Brad brightened up immediately. "That's great! You know, uh, they're registered at Pottery Barn. I figure we could go halfsies on a gravy boat."

End of Flashback

Ted and Robin couldn't help but laugh at the unfolding absurdity.

Ted finally managed between laughs, "I'm sorry. It's not funny anymore."

Marshall sighed, acknowledging the reality. "Damn you, brunch! This guy's crazy, right?"

Ted shook his head. "Look, I don't think he's crazy. I just think he's suffering from a severe case of girlfriend withdrawal. And unfortunately, you're his nicotine patch."

Robin chimed in, "And now you have to do what every dysfunctional couple has to do: Break up."

Marshall nodded, resigned. "You're right. You're right. I promised Brad I would go to the wedding with him, and then that is it."

Ted patted Marshall on the back. "Good man."

Meanwhile, EJ and Ben had been observing the conversation with varying degrees of amusement and concern.

EJ leaned forward, trying to inject some levity. "Marshall, man, you really know how to pick 'em."

Ben chuckled, shaking his head. "Seriously, dude. How do you always find yourself in these situations?"

EJ smirked at Marshall. "Maybe you should take some dating advice from me."

Ben agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "Yeah, EJ seems to have this whole relationship thing figured out."

EJ shot Ben a playful look. "Hey, it's not that simple, Ben. You've got Lauren, you know how it is."

Ben shrugged, smiling. "Yeah, but at least I'm not going to Vermont with one of my bros."

EJ nodded, turning to Marshall with a friendly smirk. "Seriously though, Marshall, you got this. Just survive the wedding, and you'll be free."

Marshall sighed, but couldn't help but smile at his friends' support. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."

———

The Next Morning

Brad stood on the sidewalk, nervously holding a bouquet of flowers as Marshall approached.

Marshall exclaimed into his phone, "No, no... No! No! No!"

Ted, on the other end of the line, chuckled. "Hold on. Brad got him flowers."

EJ joined in the laughter. "I'm sorry. It just got funny again."

Marshall abruptly hung up as Brad greeted him, oblivious to Marshall's distress.

Brad smiled, "Oh, hey..."

"No, Brad," Marshall interrupted, frustration evident. "I don't want to hear it. I do like you. And calla lilies are my favorite flower. I don't know how you knew that. I guess you just get me, but this is not cool, man. I can't believe that you would..."

A girl arrived, breaking the tension.

"Hey, sweetie," she greeted Brad, accepting the flowers with a smile.

Brad kissed her. "Hey. Kara, this is Marshall."

"Hi, Kara," Marshall replied curtly. "So you guys are back together now?"

"Yeah, happened last night," Brad explained apologetically. "I'm sorry, bro. I should have called you."

Marshall sighed. "Yeah, you should have."

"Well, I didn't mean to hurt..." Brad began.

"Don't, Brad," Marshall cut him off, turning away. "Just don't."

Kara watched Marshall leave, puzzled. "What was with him?"

Brad shrugged, trying to lighten the mood. "I don't know. I think he's in love with me."

Later That Week

Marshall bumped into Brad again unexpectedly, and he tried to play it off casually.

"Oh my God, it's Brad," Marshall said to Ted, prompting him to laugh along.

"That was great," Ted chimed in.

"Right? Right?" Marshall grinned nervously.

"Hey, Marshall," Brad greeted him as he approached.

"Oh, hey, hey. How's it going?" Marshall replied, a bit awkwardly.

"It's good," Brad replied. Turning to Ted, he continued, "Hey, I'm..."

"Yeah, I know who you are," Ted interrupted, trying not to laugh.

Brad nodded. "What up, EJ?"

EJ greeted Brad politely, "Hey, Brad."

"Well, I gotta go. I got this thing," Brad excused himself.

"Yeah, me too, but more important," Marshall quipped, trying to regain his composure.

Brad nodded, "So, I guess I'll see you around."

"Sure, sure," Marshall replied as Brad walked away.

As soon as Brad was out of earshot, Ted and EJ burst into laughter.

"Even if you don't believe it, tell me he looks fat," Marshall requested, trying to lighten his mood.

Ted played along, nodding seriously. "Totally looks fat."

EJ added, "Fatter than fat. So fat."

———

Marshall sighed as he approached the host stand at the Popover Pantry. The host, an older man with a stern expression, gave him a once-over.

"Just you?" the host asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, just me," Marshall replied, trying to sound upbeat.

"Again?" the host muttered under his breath, leading Marshall to a table right in the middle of the bustling restaurant.

Marshall took a seat, trying to ignore the pitying glances from the other patrons. He fidgeted with the menu before deciding to embrace his solo brunch experience.

He started humming a tune, then singing quietly, "Brunch by myself... brunch by myself... just me and my eggs, nobody else..."

His attempt at a self-comforting song was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Marshall Ericksen?"

Marshall looked up, startled. Standing before him was Brooke, EJ's sister. She was beaming, looking as cheerful as ever.

"Brooke! Wow, it's been a while!" Marshall exclaimed, genuinely surprised.

"It has," Brooke agreed, taking a seat across from him without waiting for an invitation. "I haven't seen you since I visited EJ in his dorm during his sophomore year."

"Yeah, those were the days," Marshall reminisced, a bit of nostalgia creeping into his voice. "How have you been?"

"I've been good, really good. Busy with work and Max, you know," she replied, referring to her son.

Marshall nodded. "Yeah, I heard. EJ mentioned you're a big-shot private lawyer now, living out in Long Island."

Brooke laughed. "Big-shot might be a bit of an exaggeration, but yeah, I've got a good practice going. How about you? Columbia Law, right?"

"Yeah, that's right," Marshall confirmed, a hint of pride in his voice. "It's been a challenge, but I love it."

Their conversation flowed easily from there. Brooke asked about his classes, his professors, and his plans after graduation. Marshall, in turn, inquired about her work and how she managed to balance it with raising Max.

"I'm sorry to hear about you and Lily," Brooke said gently after a while, her expression softening.

Marshall shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Yeah, it was tough, but I'm getting through it."

"I know it doesn't help much right now, but things do get better," Brooke assured him. "Max's father and I didn't work out, and that was rough, but I've managed."

Marshall smiled, appreciating her words. "Thanks, Brooke. It actually does help to hear that."

The two continued to talk, sharing stories and laughing over their food. Marshall found himself relaxing, genuinely enjoying Brooke's company. She was smart, funny, and easy to talk to. For the first time in a long while, he felt a spark of genuine interest in someone new.

As they finished their meal, Brooke glanced at her watch. "I should probably get going. Max has a playdate I need to pick him up from."

"Of course," Marshall said, standing up with her. "It was really great seeing you again, Brooke."

"You too, Marshall. Let's not wait another few years before we catch up again," Brooke said with a smile.

"Definitely," Marshall agreed. "And hey, if you ever need a brunch buddy..."

Brooke laughed. "I'll keep that in mind."

They exchanged numbers, and Marshall watched her leave, feeling a strange mix of happiness and excitement. As he walked out of the Popover Pantry, he couldn't help but think that brunch by himself had turned out to be pretty great after all.

:)