"Do you want some cake?" asked Marshall.
"I want a hamburger," said Lily.
"A hamburger?"
"A cheeseburger with fries and a milkshake."
Marshall looked at Alyx.
Alyx looked at Marshall.
"You know what?" said Marshall. "I want a hamburger too."
"Me too," said Alyx. "I haven't eaten all day."
"Then let's go," said Lily.
"And the party?" asked Marshall.
"The party can go on without us. We're going to eat."
The three of them looked at each other and smiled.
"Let's go," they said in unison.
Barney's Perspective
Barney was on the rooftop drinking a scotch when Ted and Robin approached, ready to tell him their secret after keeping Barney in suspense about it.
"Barney," said Ted. "We need to talk to you."
"About what? About why Lily is so drunk? Because that has nothing to do with me. She drank half the bar by herself."
"It's not about that," said Robin. "It's about us."
"You two? Ted and Robin? The perfect couple? The one that made me gag every time I saw you together?"
"That very same," said Ted.
"What's wrong?"
Ted and Robin looked at each other.
"We broke up," said Robin.
Barney was silent. Then, very slowly, he smiled.
"Really?"
"Really."
"And it's not a joke?"
"It's not a joke."
"And you're not messing with me?"
"We're not messing with you."
Barney raised his hand. "Stop. I need a moment."
He closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and then opened them.
"I'm ready. Why?"
Ted sighed. "Because we want different things. She wants to travel, I want to stay. She doesn't want kids, I do. And she wants to live in Argentina, I want to live in New York."
"Argentina?" asked Barney. "Who wants to live in Argentina?"
"I do," said Robin.
"And why?"
"Because it's a fascinating country. Because I've never lived abroad and I want adventures."
Barney looked at her. "And Ted?"
"Ted wants a house, kids, a dog, and a quiet life."
"And that's bad?"
"It's not bad. It's different. And sometimes, love isn't enough."
Barney was silent. Then he said: "Well, then I'm glad."
"You're glad?" asked Ted.
"Of course. Because now I'm your wingman again, and we're going to pick up girls like in the old days. We're going to drink, dance, and..."
"Barney," Robin interrupted. "We're not happy. We're sad. Ending a year-long relationship hurts."
"It hurts?"
"It hurts a lot."
Barney looked at her. He saw the sadness in her eyes and the tiredness on Ted's face.
"Okay," he said. "Then I'm sorry. Truly."
"Thanks, Barney," said Ted.
"But as soon as you're done grieving, we're going out partying again."
"That's more like you," said Robin.
"I know. That's why you love me."
Outside the Historical House
The limousine was waiting for them. The three of them got in. Inside there was champagne, but none of them wanted any more.
"Ranjit," said Lily. "Can you take us to Wienerburger?"
"The burger joint at Jefferson High?" asked Ranjit.
"The very same."
"Don't you want to go somewhere more... elegant?"
"No," said Marshall. "We want regular cheeseburgers and french fries."
"And vanilla milkshakes," said Alyx.
"Three vanilla milkshakes," said Lily.
Ranjit smiled. "You are the strangest bride and groom I have ever driven."
"We know," said the three of them.
The limousine started. Inside, the three of them took off their shoes, stretched out, and sighed.
"You know what?" said Lily. "Today has been a perfect day."
"Perfect?" asked Marshall. "You got locked in a closet, I got half my head shaved, and we had to get married twice."
"And yet it was perfect because we're together."
Alyx kissed her. "You're cheesy, Lily Aldrin."
"Eriksen-Aldrin-Awesome," corrected Lily.
"What?"
"That's our last name. We decided. Lily, Marshall and Alyx Awesome."
"Awesome?" asked Marshall.
"Yes. Don't you like it?"
"I love it. I just wanted to make sure."
"And when did you decide that?" asked Alyx.
"When we were at the bar, drunk, while you were getting revenge on Scooter."
"It's a horrible last name," said Alyx.
"But it's ours."
"That's true."
The limousine stopped. They had arrived at Wienerburger.
The three of them entered. Lily in her wedding dress, Marshall in his blue suit, and Alyx in her ivory dress.
The waiter looked at them in surprise.
"Jefferson High prom?" he asked.
"No," said Lily. "We just got married."
"The three of you?"
"The three of us."
"Wow, congratulations."
"Thanks. Can we order?"
"Sure."
"We want three cheeseburgers, no pickles. Three vanilla milkshakes. And a portion of french fries. Two portions. No, three. Three portions."
"And anything else?"
"Peace, silence, and no one interrupting us while we eat."
The waiter smiled. "I assure you, at this hour, only drunks and newlyweds come in."
"We are both," said Marshall.
The hamburgers arrived. The three of them ate in silence. Only the sound of chewing and milkshakes could be heard.
"This is better than cake," said Lily.
"This is better than everything," said Marshall.
"This is love," said Alyx.
They finished, paid, and left the burger joint.
Outside, the limousine was waiting for them. And also Ted, Robin, and Barney.
"What are you doing here?" asked Lily.
"We came to get you," said Ted. "The party is over. Everyone left."
"And you?"
"We stayed in case you needed anything."
Lily hugged them. "You are the best friends in the world."
"We know," said Barney. "Now, can we go? It's cold."
They all got into the limousine, and Ranjit started the engine.
"Where to?" he asked.
"To the hotel," said Marshall. "We have a honeymoon."
"The three of you?" asked Ranjit.
"The three of us."
"Well, enjoy."
The limousine disappeared into the night. Lily fell asleep on Alyx's shoulder. Marshall fell asleep on Alyx's shoulder. And Alyx fell asleep on Lily's shoulder.
It was a circle. A circle of three people who loved each other and who had finally eaten.
Because that is the best way to end a perfect day.
Alyx's drawing at the burger joint became famous. They hung it in their living room, next to the one of the wedding under the tree. And every time someone saw it, they asked: "Why are you eating hamburgers in your wedding dresses?" And Lily would answer: "Because that's our story, and it's perfect." And she didn't add anything else because there was no need.
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