A/N: This is kind of a horrible chapter. I really don't like it, but I cbf rewriting it again. Besides, it would just take longer.

EDIT: Guess who's a giant fail? MEEE. Posted the wrong chapter for the wrong story. Here is the right one :)

Barney expected a knock on the door at nine that night.

What he didn't expect, was Marshall.

"Hey," Barney said, his eyes widening.

Kim stepped up beside Barney, wrapping her arm around his waist. Bill peeked curiously over the couches.

"Hey," Marshall said softly, his eyes travelling to where Barney's arm appeared on Kim's side.

There was a pause, just long enough to make everyone uncomfortable.

"Can I do anything for you?" Barney asked, as politely as he could. Even so, Kim nudged him in the ribs.

"Aw, be nice. Do you want a cup of coffee? Come in!" she stuck out her hand. "I'm Kim,"

Marshall shook it and accepted the invitation, uncomfortably stepping inside.

"Hey Bill," he gave a small wave and Bill returned it.

Kim moved behind the counter and filled the kettle, placing it on the holder and switching it on. Barney stood near the door, glancing around the room. Bill remained hung over the couch, switching his gaze between Marshall and Barney. Marshall's arms were folded, glaring at the floor.

"Look…" Marshall started, but retracted his statement with a shake of his head.

Barney's phone buzzed and he pulled it out, glaring at the text.

Kim (21:14) Apologize first! It's obvious he's unsure of what he's doing.

He glanced up, watching her put her phone away.

Marshall opened his mouth to talk again, but Barney cut him off.

"Look, I'm sorry,"

Marshall's eyes looked like they were about to pop out as his jaw hit the floor.

"I'm sorry for what happened to Simon. I'm sorry – but I still don't believe it was my fault," there was a dull thud as Kim's head hit the counter. "Anything could've happened that day…and obviously I think it could've gone better. But…it could've been worse. I've learned from this experience, even though I had to go through hell and back to do it,"

Barney was proud of his accomplishment. He glanced at Marshall who was smiling slightly.

"I'm sorry too…" he started. "I'm sorry what we…what I put you through,"

Barney waited for him to continue – his mind was visibly ticking, deciding what to say next.

"I guess…I guess…oh, I don't know. I had a speech prepared as I came up the elevator but I can't even remember it," he laughed and Barney grinned. "So are we bros again?"

"I never stopped being your bro…you just didn't realize it," Barney said softly and Marshall nodded seriously.

"Thanks."

"Here's your coffee," Kim grinned, passing him the steaming mug.

"Are the three of you going to join us at the bar?"

"We're going to have to find a bigger booth," Barney joked. It was still a little bit weird.

Marshall laughed and nodded, sipping the coffee.

"The others don't hate you…I'm kinda here on their behalf," Marshall added, and Barney nodded.

"Well, I better go…thanks for the coffee," Marshall placed the half empty cup on the sink. "Seeya,"

He left without another word, and Barney planted himself on the couches, next to Bill.

Shit.

It was still awkard.

A/N: There are two ways this story could go from here. Either finish in about 2-3 chapters, or go on for a little while. I'mma let you guys vote. If you vote 'Finish soon', I have plenty of other storylines that I will end up doing as probably oneshots later, so if you like my version of HIMYM, you can go read them when they're up. And as a sidenote, to someone who asked me a little while ago if I had changed my mind about Bill and Barney getting together - I have not. They will NOT end up together in THIS fic. But...I have written a oneshot where they are together :P