He will

"Sure," Aaron said. Oddly enough, he received a soft glare from Jace. He didn't understand it at first but seeing the way he softened at Hadiyah's voice gave him his answer.

'Jace likes Hadiyah. Huh. Interesting.' Aaron smiled. 'That must be nice.'

She was strong-willed, quiet, and most of all, loyal. She, Jace, and Vol had known each other since boarding school and could rely on each other for almost anything. Aaron guessed she was also aware of Jace's status as the Batman of New York simply because of their closeness. In general, the two radiated chemistry and secretly exchanged meaningful glances.

'It's not entirely one-sided then. Hadiyah seems to know that Jace is crushing on her.'

There was a bit more back and forth but eventually they were dropped off in the middle of nowhere. Jace's face said that he was unsure of the idea but he couldn't do anything about it. It was Hadiyah's decision, not to mention she was in a bad mood already.

"You hate **** that much?" Aaron asked.

Her nose flared up. "The stench disgusts me."

'Well, that explains that.'

"Let's walk," Hadiyah suddenly said. "Forget the taxi."

"Can I ask why?"

"I need to stretch my legs."

Her outfit wasn't very form-fitting so she could definitely walk comfortably. Still, it was midnight and they were in the middle of Cherry Hills. Hadiyah claimed it was a twenty minute walk but still. Whether it was the north-west or the east end, Gotham was Gotham. There might statistically be less crime here but there was still enough to make any other urban city shudder.

Aaron scanned their surroundings with every step whilst talking to Hadiyah. She seemed keenly interested in him and their topics of conversation ranged from dating to Batman to politics. Weirdly enough, they tended to agree on a lot of things. Hadiyah looked impressed. A tad relieved too that someone agreed with her on so much.

Cherry Hills was exactly as he expected it to be. A range of big, fat houses with impressive lawns and lights. They weren't for the mega-rich but those who were millionaires or close to it. Doctors, high-end engineers, and higher-ups of Wayne Enterprises. They were not mansions but something close to it. Hadiyah's family was wealthy. He anticipated a temporary home with five-rooms, three bathrooms, twin garages, and a wide lawn, yet the sight surprised him nevertheless. He figured it was five times the size of his apartment unit. With the millions now in his bank account, he considered upgrading to a house like this. The neighbourhood was safe and quiet and it wasn't too far from work.

Aaron glanced at Hadiyah. He wanted to ask for advice and suggestions but now that they were at the door there was a mysterious mood. He couldn't raise the topic. His throat felt stuck.

"I guess I'll see you later," Aaron said instead. He put a hand in his pocket and was ready to call a taxi. Hadiyah, however, cut in before he could do so.

"Would you like to come in for tea?"

He glanced at the starry night. "I would love to, but it's getting late."

"Ten minutes," Hadiyah pressed. "I insist. You walked me back. This is the least I can do."

Aaron stared at her emptily. He could tell she was getting nervous.

'What in the world is happening?' Aaron asked himself. 'Why is every woman I'm meeting all of a sudden interested in me? Did having sex with Cassandra give me pheromones or something?'

He was a virgin just some weeks ago and now he was bagging women left and right. Even religious women like Tanya and Hadiyah couldn't seem to resist his charm.

'No, wait, calm down.' He looked at her again. She was different from Tanya–she wasn't an idiot. She wasn't overcome with lust or anything. She was interested in him platonically or romantically. It was different from Vicki or Tam or Tanya. 'I might as well do it. Plus, it's possible she knows something like Vicki.'

He nodded and entered. Hadiyah wasn't bristling in excitement but he could sense some trepidation. He relaxed in the living room, waiting for her to brew tea. The expensive, golden coloured table gave him something to occupy himself with.

When she returned with the two hot cups, the classic grassy, light smell of tea invaded his nose. It was amazing. He took the cup with great reverence and his tongue lapped up the brown substance eagerly.

"This is amazing," Aaron said, his voice showing more emotion than it had the entire night. "How'd you brew this?"

'I'm sure Cassandra would love it.'

"It's an adjusted brew I made from a family recipe. I suppose I could tell you."

Aaron smiled. "You suppose?"

She met his gaze with a chuckle. "Yes, I suppose. Meaning, maybe or perhaps. You'll have to prove yourself."

They shared a hearty chuckle. She pulled the cup to her lips and drank. Aaron watched. All of a sudden, he got an idea. It was disgusting and definitely illegal. But he thought of Cassandra and how it could help her and all of a sudden it didn't matter.

Their discussion wasn't deep but it was certainly long. When Hadiyah got up to go to the bathroom, he, after much deliberation...