This is the New Year

Avery actually felt a little bit bad for Bridget; the woman had been asked to watch far too many little ones for New Year's Eve. But she couldn't complain, though, to Robin about it. Especially not once she had gotten all fancied up and donned the red dress she knew he was a fan of, and made her way downstairs. She felt a little odd about it, considering she had only had Ariadne a few months earlier, but she decided that she just didn't care that night. Luckily, they had agreed that a casual - if not party-esque - night would be their best bet. So they were headed off with Gavin and Audriana to a hotel that, more than likely, would be filled with people closer to Robin's age than Avery's. But she hardly cared, because he had picked the place and what mattered more was getting past what had happened during their previous holiday season. It was now about moving on, and moving closer together.

Ariadne had been brilliant at helping that along, but the couple really did need a little while for themselves. Avery knew, of course, that Gavin and Audriana had been just as stressed as of late - especially with their two little girls to look out for. So it had not been a question of whether or not to invite them. Despite the curious dynamic that she saw between Audriana and Robin, Avery had long since stopped worrying after them. At the beginning, she had pinned it on the fact that he had not had a choice but to marry her. But it had turned out to be a good thing for both of them, even if they sometimes teased each other about it.

So she met Robin by the doorway and tilted her head to the side, her curls falling in front of her shoulder as she smiled at him. "Hey, handsome," she offered, feeling oddly bouncy for just having said it. In truth, they got on better when they both were a little bit sarcastic and a little bit... suggestive. Reaching a hand out, she snuck under his arm and wrapped hers across his lower back.

"You ready to whisk us off?" They of course had a ride to get there, but she didn't mind. She hadn't ever begrudged him his fear, especially after he had rushed to her side, regardless. Avery stretched up, dropping her head onto his shoulder briefly before pressing a kiss to his jaw. A laugh escaped as she lifted her free hand to smudge away the lipstick she had left there. "Sorry, love. Couldn't help it. I'm even more excited than I expected. Feels strange to be more than a year into... this."

There had always been something incredibly cleansing about New Years for Robin. It probably had something to do with coming so closely off of Christmas, one of the only days of the year that the Ivanov children were all required to return from their corners of the world to sit around the dinner table together. By the end of the night a least one major fight had broken out, three old feuds had been referred to in conversation, and everyone was staring at each other in passive aggressive silence. New Year's not only symbolized a return to school but also an excuse to drink obscene amounts of alcohol.

It was pretty much the same every year. Head to a party (or two) that Elijah or Nikolay or Kendall told him about, have fun, possibly make a fool of himself, and pass out on an unfamiliar couch. It had been a glorious tradition since he was fifteen years old. Last year had been the first time in almost a decade that he hadn't taken a single drink when the countdown began. The only resolutions he had made after the accident had been unintentional ones, silent promises on the car ride home that he would work to fix his marriage.

Robin wasn't sure how he was doing. Some days felt like roaring successes with stolen kisses and eyes rolling without fear of consequence. Others he felt like he was walking on glass, playing the part of the happy couple for no audience but themselves. He had almost expected that tonight would be one of the worst yet on the anniversary of the St. Mungos trip but so far everything felt as good as it possibly could have.

Bridget was playing babysitter to Ariadne so her young parents could go out and prove once again that they probably weren't ready to be responsible adults. This thought was only reinforced when Avery made her was downstairs in the perfectly skin tight, short red dress that had always made Robin swoon. The outfit accentuated more curves than he was used to, highlighting the fact that he no longer had the particularities of his wife's body committed to heart. Since Ariadne had been born the focus had rightly been on their daughter, helping the couple's emotional relationship but harming their physical one even beyond the wreck it had been before.

Avery met him by the door and much to the younger man's surprise she slid under his arm. His hand comfortably fell over her shoulder, the muscle memory of this position quite intact despite the time passed since they had been comfortable enough to walk draped over each other. She kissed his jaw and he turned into her hand to look down at her as she wiped off the red that had transferred on to his cheek. A stamp of affection that he hadn't received in over a year. She spoke and the corners of Robin's mouth curled up in to a lazy smile as he leaned down to slowly kiss her in response.

By the time he pulled away there was a long-gone light returned to his eyes. Yeah - New Year's was good.

"You ready for this?" he asked her, eyebrows lifting with the suggested challenge.

Avery felt herself mould against him without even having to think about it, smiling into the kiss. Her spare hand reached around his torso so she was hugging him properly, not caring in the slightest that she would have to reapply her lipstick if she wanted to look all nice when they arrived at the place Robin had picked out for them. She could not have cared less, really. They needed the good in their lives, if only to make up for a bit of the bad. And this, she thought, was a brilliant way to start that.

But they had to go and meet Gavin and Audriana, so when he pulled back she didn't voice her complaints as she might have if it were just the two of them going out. "Of course," she replied, nodding even as she bounced a bit on her toes. Her hand fell away from his side so she could pull the door open and they could go out to catch the cab. Avery would have suggested that they just drive themselves, but getting back would be interesting if the night went as she expected it to, so she supposed it was for the best.

The car ride was far livelier than the one during the previous New Year's Eve, and Avery did endeavor to include the driver considering he had to deal with them instead of being home or watching the fireworks, or even drinking. But the majority of her attention - rightly, she felt - was trained on her husband. Her fingers ended up tapping across the top of Robin's knee, but by the time they pulled up outside of the pub, she had begun toying with his fingers absentmindedly.

It took her a moment to recognize the place, but when she did, it made her stop in her tracks. Avery blinked at the entrance in surprise, then furrowed her brow and looked over at Robin. How strange, she mused to herself, that he would know of this place. Perhaps Keiran had gone back again, with his friend? She wasn't sure he had ever returned, after that last year of university. Robin couldn't have known that she had been there, of course, so she just pushed the question away.

Upon opening the door, it didn't take long to locate Audriana and Gavin, if only because Audriana looked uncomfortable as she peered around at the masses of university students. She clearly wasn't sure that she could fit in among them, and though Avery understood that feeling to an extent, she cared more about who she was with than who was around them. The twins, she realized, would be home with Sophia, who had become more of a family member than an employee.

Avery reached for Gavin first, wrapping him in a hug before turning to greet Audriana, too. Then, looking at Gavin, she had to laugh. "Do you remember this place? I wasn't sure Keiran was ever going to let us leave!"

The party was more or less in full swing by the time the Ivanov's arrived. Most of the guests were around his age, students from universities in the area, as his wife was a few years above the average. The age gap was noticeable tonight - Avery's outfit did nothing to hide her mature feminity - and Robin was struck by the difference between his wife and the young girls that he used to so happily chase during occasions like this. He remembered the last time he had been here and the pretty brunette he had kissed at midnight. Back then the university girl had been older, exotic, and exciting - the perfect culmination of an evening.

How his desires had changed.

Avery spotted their double-date for the evening and made her way over, Robin trailing behind, to the pair where she hugged Gavin friendlily. As they greeted each other, Robin glanced over his wife's shoulder at Mrs. Blackmoor. Their eyes met and there was certainly no movement to go in for a hug themselves. Instead, Robin's lip began to curl every so slightly with amusement at their silent stare. The pair had barely spoken two words since their last disastrous New Years and somehow the absence of interaction said so much more than any words could have. Audriana had not angrily appeared on his doorstep since New York and while he missed the entertainment she used to bring there was a sick satisfaction that he had somehow thrown her off. After all, hadn't that always been the goal?

The smirk molded back into a cheerful smile as he shifted his attention to what Avery and Gavin were saying. His arm slid around Avery's waist, hand resting on her hip. "When were you guys here before?" he glanced down at her and then across at Gavin. It wasn't too surprising, after all she had been a student not too far from here, the educated woman that she was.

There was still something incredibly unsettling to Robin when he was reminded that Avery, Keiran, and Gavin had all been so close back in university. That the annoying blonde bodyguard had not just married Audriana Swan but had managed to work himself into the life of Robin's best friend and wife. The two men barely knew each other but sometimes it felt like they would have no choice but to. And when they did interact it was a strange relationship to say the least. After all, Gavin had been in his wedding and tried to arrest him within a period of a couple months.

It hadn't truly registered within her that she might be a bit unhelpful in her question for Gavin. After all, Robin and Audriana had not been there with them, which sort of excluded them from the conversation. And, unless they wanted to pick up something between the two of them (unlikely, given the circumstances), they would be left to wait until the conversation ended. So she did try to keep it concise as she answered Robin's question, thinking it might be the more polite thing to do.

"Oh, gosh. Um, maybe four or five years ago? Our final year at Uni. Keiran had finally convinced us to go out, so we came here and drank, well, probably a bit too much. But it was actually quite fun, thinking back on it." She explained.

Audriana, for her part, was just happy to be out of the house for something other than dealing with the Order of the Phoenix and all of the insane things that had been happening there. She wasn't sure if she could put up with Oliver for much longer, and it felt wonderful to just be at Gavin's side again, despite the tense air between herself and Robin. Well, and between her husband and Robin. But the group of four worked in some odd fashion, where each person was okay with at least one - if not two - others, and it was manageable.

"As much as I love the greeting part of going out," she began after a moment, "I'm definitely one for the drinking part of these things. Anyone want anything?"

When Gavin had agreed to going out with the Ivanovs, some part of his brain had clearly not registered that Robin would be there. It would seem that seeing the younger man socially would be unavoidable but Gavin had been doing his very best. Things had always been uncomfortable between the two men. And that was understandable considering their first formal introduction had been him snogging Robin's party date. They had met again at the Ivanov wedding and Gavin couldn't quite remember what he had threatened to do if Avery got hurt (after he had a couple glasses of champagne). There had been a couple awkward lunches, a party or two, and then.. last New Years.

No matter how much Gavin claimed to dislike Robin, no matter how much he grumbled, he couldn't deny how grateful he had been to see the man with Avery when he woke up in the hospital. Gavin remembered the way that she had been clinging on to him and while he wasn't quite sure how he felt about the match, it was clear that the pair really did care about each other. The little arse.

This party was making Gavin feel old. Less than five years ago he had been just another one of the students milling around, drinking, and trying to work up the courage to talk to the gorgeous girl who sat in front of you in physics. Strangely, the last time he had been here he had been about the same age Robin was now. Maybe that was what had always bothered Gavin.. Avery's husband really wasn't old enough to be a husband. Gavin was almost a half decade older than him and he still had moments of doubt about wether he was really ready to take on the responsibilities of being a husband and father. How could this man be ready for the same?

Gavin turned to Audriana and nodded. "Beer?" When in Rome.

---

And in that moment, Robin remembered why he couldn't help but hold some affinity for Audriana. Without hesitation he replied by raising his hand slightly in support of drinks.

"I'll come with you." Robin turned to Avery, his hand slipping to rest at the back of her arm to draw her attention in the noise. "Can I get you anything?"

Avery's gaze wandered about the pub as her thoughts ran away with her. Not five years ago, she had been in a dress that was shocking like the one she wore now, but she had carried a lot less stress on her shoulders back then. When Robin's hand found her arm, Avery blinked but smiled up at him, curling into his side a bit so she could speak over the clamoring of those around them. "A whiskey? Or a Long Island Iced Tea," she shrugged, knowing full well that the latter would do her in much more quickly. Then again, Avery wasn't sure that she cared. A wide grin stretched her cheeks and she ran her hand over his arm fondly before Audriana led them away.

"It's funny," she told Gavin once they were left standing there together, "I remember being here, but I honestly don't remember most of what happened that night. Do you?"

Audriana walked up to the bar, listing her requests before stepping aside and letting Robin do the same. It was all she could do to keep from glancing back at Gavin and Avery, half hoping she wouldn't have to have an actual conversation with Ivanov. But the bar was too busy for their drinks to be made in anything of a hurry. So she sighed and turned towards him.

"I haven't been asked to get anything back from you lately. Been keeping out of trouble, Ivanov?" she asked, lifting an eyebrow to show that she couldn't quite believe it.

"Got it." Robin smiled, his hand trailing down her arm before falling down to his side. Over the course of their relationship he had come to be pretty good at reading his wife's beverage choices. Red wine was normally to relax after long days of work, whiskey was for nights out or really long days of work, and mixed drinks were normally reserved for times she had full intention of needing to be carried home. Robin hadn't heard her order like that in quite awhile - more than nine months - and he couldn't help but feel cheerful remembering all the times they had gone out.

Robin followed Audriana through to the bar. She ordered and moved aside for Robin to place a request for an iced tea and a whiskey for himself. The bar was crowded and it became immediately clear that they were not the first in line. Resigning to the wait, Robin lazily leaned against the countertop to observe the room. As his eyes were trailing on to Audriana she spoke and he let his gaze linger on hers. Her question provoked a lazy smile and shrug.

"I've been.. preoccupied. Why, did you miss me?" An eyebrow raised slightly, mirroring Audriana's expression. Robin's head tilted slightly as if to get a better look at her. "Besides, I figured you'd be out of the game now that you've got all of.." his hand loosely gestured back towards where Gavin stood "..this". If Robin had lost touch with that lifestyle after one daughter, Audriana was sure to have done to same after two. Robin liked to think that between the pair there was really no contest about who would have the most boring life. At their peak, Robin considered himself to be more exciting. If he wasn't up to much now, she must be up to even less.

---

Gavin stared at Ivanov's back as he headed into the crowd with Aud. While it wasn't exactly the most thrilling sight, he couldn't pretend that he wasn't pleased to have a chance for a quick chat with Avery.

Gavin laughed, shaking his head slightly. "Only bits. I remember something involving a bicycle but that's about it." He paused, looking out into the crowd before speaking again. "I almost wish we'd invited Hayes. For old times sake."

Avery beamed at Robin as he left, the smile sticking as Gavin spoke. "He would have appreciated that," she agreed. "Only problem is that Melissa couldn't come with, and I don't think he would leave her at home on New Year's Eve. Not when she's expecting again. Can't exactly drink, during."

And she knew that Keiran wasn't about to go out during holiday to drink after what had happened last time. Only strife had been caused, and it wasn't fair to worry her after Keiran had finally discovered the good news - and convinced his wife to concede that he had figured her out correctly.

Audriana, across the pub, rolled her eyes at Robin's question. "I was actually more interested in whether or not Avery actually knew what your self-appointed job was. She never really reacted to the stealing, so I thought you might not have told her."

As his ending comment, she raised an eyebrow and frowned at him. "You act like you don't want yours. You would give up what you have now to get back in the game? I didn't take you for that kind of guy. And no, I'm not really doing the same old thing. But you must truly be out of the loop if you haven't heard about everything that's happened in the Order. But then, I guess you weren't really involved in such things, even before..."

When the conversation lulled, Avery took the time to glance around and try to remember how it felt to be there while attending university. She had been so open to making a fool of herself that night. So willing to just drink and talk and see what happened. But then, she recalled, her gaze had caught on a young man at the bar. Nothing had come of her noticing him, to be fair. But she had noticed him, and they had made eye contact at the very least. Avery put herself in that mindset, turned over her shoulder, and let out a quiet gasp. It was like she was back there all over again. It couldn't have been...?

But there was nothing else for it. Avery stared at her husband, a surprised smile spreading her lips to either side. She couldn't remember exactly how Robin had looked back then, but her stomach flopped as she became more and more convinced. It had been him, that night. Before he knew Keiran or had been introduced to Avery herself. Biting her lip, she watched him until he turned around to glance their way, then lifted a hand to offer a tiny wave, just as she had all of those years ago.

"I prefer to think of it as item acquisition."

Robin stared across the bar at Audriana, his eyes resting on hers almost casually, as if he had just happened to look her way by luck. Her eyebrows were raising as she spoke, the expression all too familiar. Robin had never been able to help but relish in that gaze - the perfect mix of reluctant amusement and disapproval - and he often found himself purposely attempting to draw it out. Her voice dropped off and Robin found the corners of his mouth beginning to curl slightly.

"And what kind of man did you take me for?"

The question hung in the air, his nonchalant tone contrasted with the implication of his words. Of course he didn't mean what it sounded like but Robin couldn't resist asking, if only to make her squirm.

The first drink was pushed across the bar towards the pair, signaling that the bartender was working his way through their order. Robin reached out and gracefully received the whiskey in an open hand. He let his eyes drift away from the brunette, moving back into the crowd until they found Avery and Gavin. Even from this distance it was obvious his wife was beautiful. Her back was to him, prominently displaying the wavy blonde hair that he had so quickly fallen for.

You act like you don't want yours. You would give up what you have now to get back in the game? He knew it hadn't been her intention but Robin felt slightly put off by Audriana's comment. Looking out at Avery now it seemed foolish for her even to suggest.. There was, and there would never be, anything or anyone more important than Avery and Ariadne. Just because he sometimes felt a little cooped up didn't mean he would trade things for his life before. To gain things you had to lose things. And if keeping Avery meant he had to stop 'acquiring' valuable items then that was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

Of course he wanted his. But sometimes he wished she played along with the game too.

Avery glanced over her shoulder and the couple locked eyes. As he watched a wide smile began to spread across her cheeks, filling her face as he had not seen in a long time. Robin couldn't help but begin smiling too, confused but pleasantly amused. It wasn't until she raised her hand and gave a little wave that the déjà vu hit him. Robin could barely remember what had happened (he had been a bit more than tipsy at that point) but judging by the look on his wife's face he must have been remembering correctly.

He had been sitting at the bar.. There had been a girl.. And she had had those same golden curls. Robin remembered wanting to walk over. Had he? That part was lost in a fog. But it was unmistakable. Young Avery Bishop had been here too.

With a smile that bordered sheepish, Robin raised his hand and waved back. Wow.