Flashback

"Dude, you gotta join us for our sports days. It happens on Fridays and it's every other week so it isn't super exhausting, trust me."

During that first lunch back, they hounded him to join them for their sports day. Aaron chuckled and sipped on his coffee. "I'll think about it."

"Nah, trust me, it's actually fun. Like we're not just making stuff up. It's great," Noah said. "We got fifteen people. We used to play ball but now we do soccer."

"You mean football," Todd corrected.

"Same thing."

Later that day, while he had been working, Iman Avesta stopped by. It was a random and borderline unprofessional visit, especially considering her position as director. He could feel the eyes on him.

"Good to see you're in one shape." Iman leaned on his cubicle wall, smiling softly. Now and then, he recognized she wanted something important. "I heard you and some security guards got kidnapped."

"We were, yeah. It was…"

"Insane." Iman had finished his sentence with a frown. "Yeah, that's Gotham for you. You're bound to run into insanity."

"Are you saying that from experience?" Aaron asked.

"Too much experience." Iman shuddered. "Anyway, I'm not here for that. I'm here to invite you again."

"Oh, you mean…" His voice had gone low. "As in a date for a function?"

"Yes." Her cheeks were shrouded in make-up so discerning the soft blush on her was difficult. Upon reflection, however, it was definitely there. "I'll tell you the details later. All you need to know is that it's happening on the twenty-seventh."

'Twenty-seventh? Right after Cass' birthday?'

"I'll open my schedule." At the time, Aaron had no reason to decline her offer. "Thank you."

Iman's small smile seemed a little more satisfied. "No problem. Good luck with work."

When she was gone, his supervisor had come around to ask what her visit was about. Aaron explained she wanted him to be her date for another function. His supervisor put a hand on his shoulder, sent a thumbs-up, and encouraged him to keep at it. Aaron nodded.

Flashback end. He returned to the world of the living.