Chapter 12 — First Time in New York (Siblings, Streets & Scherbatsky Overdrive)
Ted Mosby believed New York was about romance.
Barney Stinson believed New York was about conquests.
And Ivar Scherbatsky? He believed New York was a battlefield — and his kid sister wasn't going to step foot on it without an escort.
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Katie Arrives
Robin introduced her sister at MacLaren's.
"This is Katie. She's visiting for the weekend."
Katie beamed. "I want the full New York experience! The subway, the Empire State Building, Times Square—"
"Correction," Ivar interrupted, sliding into big-brother stance, "you're not going anywhere without me."
Katie groaned. "Oh god. Here we go."
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Ivar's Over-Protectiveness
As they walked through Manhattan, Ivar:
Blocked Katie from stepping off curbs.
Glared at every guy within a five-foot radius.
Lectured her on muggers, scams, and subway etiquette like he was briefing a SEAL team.
Katie finally snapped. "You survived the Canadian wilderness alone for a year, but you don't think I can survive Times Square?"
"Correct," Ivar said flatly.
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Megan & Yvonne Roast Him
Megan laughed. "Relax, Mr. Overkill. She's not going to get kidnapped between Starbucks and Sephora."
Yvonne added, "You're acting like she's being hunted. It's Manhattan, not Taken 4."
Ivar growled. "I am the sequel."
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Barney's Side Plot
Meanwhile, Barney decided Katie was "the perfect challenge."
"College girl, wide-eyed, ready for adventure. She needs a guide!"
Robin stepped in with her dad's glare. "You so much as breathe near her, I'll end you."
Megan smirked. "I've got dibs on holding him down."
Yvonne raised a hand. "And I'll build the cage."
Barney paled.
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The Ted Arc
Ted tried to impress Katie with architecture tours, but she bailed halfway. "Honestly, you're like a talking brochure."
Robin cackled. "Now you know how I feel."
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The Emotional Core
Later, Katie admitted: "I just wanted to prove I can handle myself here. You don't need to hover, Ivar."
He softened. "You're right. But being a brother means you hover anyway. You don't stop caring just because they grow up."
Katie hugged him, smiling. "You're still the weirdest big brother ever."
Megan leaned on Yvonne. "Weird, yes. But sweet."
Yvonne deadpanned. "Correction: annoyingly sweet."
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Closing Beat
By the end of the visit:
Katie got her New York adventure — slightly over-supervised.
Robin relaxed (a little), seeing her siblings bond.
Ted pouted about not being anyone's favorite tour guide.
Barney sulked under "protective sibling lockdown."
Megan and Yvonne laughed their way through it all.
And Ivar? He went home, finally unclenching.
Because protecting family wasn't a choice. It was instinct.
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End of Chapter 12.
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👉 Next is Chapter 13 ("Columns") — Ted's boss steals his design. Do you want me to go all-in with Ivar destroying Ted's boss using Northern Star leverage (like in Chapter 4), or keep it subtle this time, where Ivar helps Ted build the confidence to fight back himself?