Chapter 8 — Atlantic City (Weddings, Wagers & Wildcards)
Ted Mosby believed Atlantic City was a place of romance.
Barney Stinson believed Atlantic City was a place of opportunity.
And Ivar Scherbatsky? He believed Atlantic City was a place where fools lost money — and he never lost.
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The Impulsive Plan
Marshall burst into MacLaren's, Lily clinging to his arm.
"We're getting married," he announced breathlessly.
"Now. Tonight. Atlantic City."
The gang froze.
Ted blinked. "What?"
Robin muttered, "Oh, this'll end well."
Barney grinned. "Road trip!"
Ivar finished his drink, then stood. "Fine. But if we're going to Atlantic City, we do it properly."
An hour later, the gang was in a sleek Northern Star limo, champagne stocked, Megan sprawled comfortably in the backseat, Yvonne rolling her eyes at Barney's karaoke playlist.
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Arrival at the Casino
Atlantic City greeted them with neon and noise.
Marshall and Lily ran straight for the chapel, only to learn the paperwork wasn't instant.
Ted wandered off, determined to find "the romance in the lights."
Barney vanished into the crowd, muttering about "high-stakes bridesmaids."
Ivar, Megan, and Yvonne headed for the casino floor.
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Megan's Chaos
Megan tugged Ivar toward the bar. "C'mon. When in Atlantic City…"
Minutes later, she had Robin doing tequila shots, Ted panicking about germs, and Marshall nervously trying not to join in.
Robin laughed. "You're dangerous."
Megan grinned. "Thank you."
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Yvonne the Shark
At the blackjack table, Yvonne sat beside Ivar, watching his calm precision as he stacked chips.
"You play like you've seen the end of the game already," she said.
"Because I have," Ivar replied, green eyes sharp.
When the dealer turned, Yvonne flipped her cards — twenty-one.
Barney appeared, gawking. "Did you just beat him?!"
Yvonne smirked. "Correction: I joined him."
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Marshall & Lily's Realization
By the end of the night, Marshall and Lily admitted defeat.
"No chapel, no paperwork, no wedding," Marshall groaned.
Lily sighed. "Maybe this was stupid."
Ivar leaned in, softer than usual. "It wasn't stupid. It was proof you're still in this. Timing just isn't on your side tonight."
Lily squeezed Marshall's hand, nodding.
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Closing Beat
As the limo carried them back to New York:
Ted sulked, declaring Atlantic City "unromantic."
Robin teased him mercilessly.
Barney nursed his pride after losing half his chips chasing Yvonne's streak.
Megan laughed the whole ride, still tipsy.
Marshall and Lily curled together, still uncertain but still together.
And Ivar? He sat calm, chips in his pocket, gaze steady.
Because Atlantic City didn't change people. It revealed them.
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End of Chapter 8.
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👉 Next up is Chapter 9 ("Slap Bet") — one of the most iconic HIMYM episodes. Do you want me to keep the Robin Sparkles reveal intact but with Ivar, Megan, and Yvonne escalating the comedy, or change it so Ivar is the one who finds the tape first?