Barney was by all accounts an unremarkable man. He lived a normal life, worked a normal job, and never rose too high or low in his social life. It wasn't until he put on the suit that people started to notice him. Was the suit a purple anthropomorphic Tyrannosaurus rex costume? Yes. Was it also a striking purple with a green oval on his belly? Also yes. But life changed for Barney once his was inside. Most would say for the better. People no longer avoided him in the streets. He wasn't some no name on his way to a desk job to do business again for the fifth day this week. He wasn't trying to kiss his boss' ass trying to be considered for the promotion that would ultimately go to an outside hire. He no longer blended into the crowd as a stereotypical white male. The suit made sure of that. But how did he end up here in the first place?

Years before, Barney lived a decent life surrounded by friends. He didn't need many. Quality time with this close group was more than enough. Together they would sit around reminiscing of the past. As so often friends do, they tended to share alcoholic beverages together and stay up until all hours of the night. Without a care in the world for what else was happening. The news wasn't even on their mind unless someone had left the television set on. Blaring its social commentary loudly into their hungover state the morning after a night out. Life was good, if a little repetitive. But what's wrong with routine?

Still life couldn't continue in this way. One of the friends, Jackson had to move back home to take over the family business. His father had been getting long in the tooth and wanted to make sure his successor was in place. Jackson was trying to make a living on his own, but couldn't pass up this lucrative opportunity and the well-intentioned wishes of his father. He quickly packed up his things and said his sad goodbyes to the friend group. The sad nature of growing up was a tough lesson for all. 

Jackson had just begun seeing a wonderful lady by the name of Hope. She quickly befriended the rest of the gang, but found rapid chemistry with Barney. It was far too early into their relationship for Hope to move away with Jackson. They had planned to continue their relationship from afar. With any luck, they would eventually be reunited in a common city. In the meantime, Hope was fully intent on pursuing her own personal career goals. She also just been introduced to the local friend group with some of her own still around. It was with heavy heart that Jackson left her behind to learn the business, but knew she would be in good hands until then. 

Barney was sad to see Jackson go. They had become close over the months preceding the move. They shared a lot of the same interests. He promised to take care of Hope and wished him the best in his new journey. He had every intention of doing so until Jackson's time was replaced by Hope's time. Barney couldn't help by develop a crush on this wonderful, beautiful girl. They frequently found themselves separating from the rest of the friend group. Simply enjoying the company of each other and the drinks that flowed freely. A dangerous combination in the right situation. But Barney was respectful of Jackson's wishes and never wanted to break that trust.

It wasn't until one fateful evening. In the weeks leading up to it, Hope had begun to doubt her relationship with Jackson would last. The communication between the two had been a struggle lately. Barney was there to comfort her and reassure her that it would bounce back with time. On the inside, he was secretly hoping it wouldn't. Something he would never admit aloud. Barney was so sure that nothing would ever happen, that he began seeing a different woman. A woman from his past that his friends had a love-hate relationship with. That's a story for another time. But once the drinks were flowing that evening, things changed forever.

Caught up from a long day of work, Hope arrived at Barney's house later than usual. The drinking commenced as usual, heavy and freely. It wasn't until the evening was winding down that Hope noticed the time. Far too late and far too drunk to consider a return trip, Hope opted to stay. She joined him in bed, following a drunken, but convincing argument. It wasn't the first time they had shared a bed. Granted, this night felt different for some reason. Safely in the confines of bed, Barney put his arm around Hope. She initially rebuffed his seemingly over-friendly advances. Then, succumbed to them shortly after. After some sensual kissing, they agreed to continue this in the morning.

As Barney awoke in the morning, the hangover was tremendous. He stared at the ceiling as the bright lights flooded into the room. It quickly came back to him the events of the night prior. Turning to his left, Hope was doing the same. Then noticing he was awake, burst into tears. It was a mistake and couldn't be rectified. She was meant to be with Jackson. She was promised to him and announced her plans to move. How on earth would they tell their partners? Hope glared at Barney. She wanted pure honesty. Barney wanted to lie. One would have to follow the other's lead ultimately. It was a fight that Barney lost. Hope's relationship survived. Barney's did not. He was happy that Jackson and Hope were reunited. He was also extremely jealous. 

It wasn't until weeks after Hope had skipped town that Barney spoke with Jackson. He was angry, of course, at Barney's actions. He knew that Barney was a better man than that. Unfortunately, it wasn't the reason for their conversation. Hope felt victimized that night under the influence of alcohol and was considering pursuing legal action. Their collective friend group had been informed and Barney was shunned. Jackson ultimately talked Hope out of it as a undeserved courtesy to his now former friend. Barney had lost it all in the blink of an eye.

That was until he found an ad in the paper for an acting gig. It was for a children's television program, fortuitously named Barney. Most actors wanted their face to be seen on the television screen. This was quite the opposite. Buried inside of a dinosaur costume where no one could see their face? The perfect opportunity for an ostracized man. Barney showed up to the audition. Poured his heart out. Landed the job. Put on the suit. Began a new life. He proudly wore the purple dinosaur suit to cover his face from the visible shame of others. Now he would only bring joy to those who saw him. It was a welcomed change.