Challenge Accepted(A Barney Stinson/HIMYM Fan-fiction) BOOK ONE

Chapter Four: Ted

I sat in Marshall, Lily and Ted's apartment, on the couch, while Marshall and Barney played Wii Tennis. It seemed now that we were friends, much like everyone else, I spent more time at their apartment than I did my own.

"Aw!"

"Yes! Advantage, Ericson!"  Marshall cheered.

"Don't get cocky. Wimbledon lasts a fortnight."

" 'Fortnight.' British words are so cool."

"Everything about the British is cool." I corrected, not looking up from my law text book.

"Touché."

"Did you know their lawyers get to wear wigs? I wear a wig to work, I'm an idiot." Ted came out of his room, walking across the floor.

"Alright, I'm ready, Let's hit it."

"We can't go. Tournament."

"What? We agreed. I suited up."

"You take too long to get ready.' Barney said, taking another swing.

"What are you talking about? I got the low-maintenance, 'just-rolled-out-of-bed' look."

"That takes you almost two hours of teasing, pulling, and two gallons of hairspray to complete." I said.

"Then he starts on his hair. Ace!" I  high-fived Barney.

"Ha ha, look, are we going or not?"

"Just go without us. We'll be there in five minutes." I stood up, sneaking past them.

"I'll go with you." I told him.

"Thanks. All right, I' going down to the bar. I'm ordering four beers, I'll see you guys in five minutes. Three beers, five minutes." We walked down to the bar. "Thanks for coming with me."

"No problem. I needed a break from that stupid law book anyways." He chuckled.

"How's that going, by the way? I always forget to ask." I sighed.

"It's going...I guess. I mean, it's not really where I saw myself ten years ago."

"Where did you see yourself?" He asked.

"Honestly? I saw myself as a writer."

"A writer?" I nodded.

"Yeah. I've always loved to write."

"What happened?"

"My father was a lawyer. Said he wouldn't pay for my schooling unless I was in Law School, so here I am."

"Well, that's not fair. He shouldn't keep you from following your dreams."

"It's ok, I mean...I don't hate it."

"But it's not what you love. Your career should be something you're passionate about. Something you love doing."

"Like architecture?" I asked.

"Exactly! I love architecture, and wouldn't give it up for anything. It's my passion. I saw my dream and I followed it. Maybe you should follow yours too." I nodded.

"I might do that. Thanks, Ted."

"No problem. Hold on, I'm gonna go call Barney." I nodded.

~~~Barney~~~

"Stinson." I answered as my phone rang.

"Hey, the beers are here."

"Yeah, we're not gonna make it."