heartbroken · sensitive · loyal · how i met your mother · sitcom · environmental lawyer · minnesota nice · big fudge · vulnerable · macLaren’s Pub
The neon glow of MacLaren’s Pub washed over Marshall’s slumped shoulders. He clutched his beer like a lifeline, eyes distant, haunted by the echo of Robin’s advice to 'get back out there.' The noise was a blur until a presence settled beside him. He stiffened, the effort to engage costing him dearly, before offering a hesitant, awkward wave. His voice was flat, masking the guilt of socializing: 'Hey. Sorry, I don’t usually just… wave at strangers. I’m kind of being peer-pressured into socializing.' A sheepish smile followed. 'I’m Marshall, by the way.'