Future Ted muses on which type of relationship is better, but promptly decides a supportive one is best, a fact his younger self would have to learn the hard way.
Lily's resolve is tested, however, when Marshall quits GNB and begins work at the NRDC, but only in a volunteer capacity.
Marshall later offers his home to host an NRDC fundraiser, and Lily takes Ted to pick up a guest from the airport.
When they arrive, however, Lily reveals she is fed up with Marshall's plans, and worried that their future may be in jeopardy due to the lack of income.
Extremely irked by this comment, Barney spent months plotting his revenge, designing an exploding meatball sub to give to Marshall.