Class was dismissed for the semester!

Things were rather rocky for a while concerning Dahlia's school performance, but overall she felt her final grades would be fine. She also recognized that it didn't matter so much to her anymore.

At Crane's house, Dahlia was helping to bring in a couple stacks of paperwork and some assorted crates of supplies. Once the last of several box hit the floor, Dahlia closed the door and joined Crane in the living room, who had slouched down in his favorite chair. Nightmare was resting quietly on the perch behind him, her feathers rustling briefly before settling again. Dahlia noticed that some of the other chairs had been replaced by a chaise sofa. "Nice furniture. Comfy?"

Sluggishly, he motioned for her to try. With a gentle belly flop, Dahlia fell into it. Very soft and comfortable, indeed. Rolling onto her back, she added, "I like it! Anyway, what's the update?"

There was a hesitation. Crane said, "Have you ever heard of a man named Richard Dodge?" She shook her head, and he clarified, "Dodge is an infamous name. He owns several shipping and logistics companies, some of which are headquartered here in Gotham. He can move anything anywhere. To boot, one of his companies is contracted with the city and provides the fleet that accounts for half of Gotham's waste management."

"So, someone we should be close with?" Dahlia questioned.

He nodded slowly. "He's a brute that's half as clever as he believes himself to be. But we need him on our side right now. And if he's looking to hire outside help, he's desperate. Which is why I want you to talk to him."

That sentence startled her. "By myself?"

Crane assured while rubbing his left temple, "He's more agreeable when dealing with strong women. My men will be with you, at your beck and call, and will pull you out if there's any turn of events. I have an urgent matter to attend - something that affects our livelihood - otherwise I'd be there." He awaited some sort of confirmation before continuing. Eventually, she nodded, still listening intently. He continued. "The harbor, western basin, at dock H, tonight at midnight. Not that you need to know any of that - The driver will be familiar with the area. Just make sure you get the facts out of Dodge and letting him know that we'll be in touch."

It didn't sound so bad. "Okay." A few signs indicated to Dahlia that Crane may not have been feeling well. "Are you okay? You seem tired."

After an exhale, he nodded. "Been busy for the last several days, and I've been experiencing insomnia." His cheek rested against his knuckles.

"Want me to take off so you can rest?"

"Up to you. I'm not going to be able to sleep regardless, but our work for the day is finished."

Dahlia had an idea. "Do you ever get tired of working?" Crane's response was in the form of a questioning stare. "I mean, don't you ever take a break, go have some fun?"

With a tinge of humor, he replied, "I don't know the meaning of the word."

Dahlia asserted as she stood, "Well, then I'll teach you for once. C'mon. Let's go grab a bite to eat and do something."

He couldn't help but chuckle, and shake his head. After another pause he chuckled again before asking, "What company could I possibly be to you?"

Boy, he seemed to be of a strange mood lately, she thought. But it didn't put her off. Whatever he seemed to be distracted by lately was something she wanted to help with. With affectionate emphasis, she returned a question. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Another sigh, of playful defeat. "What exactly did you have in mind?"

First they had lunch at a Jewish deli near the Museum District. She ordered a Greek salad. He got a Reuben sandwich and a cup of coffee. After getting some protein down , Dahlia noticed his energy pick up. During a break in conversation, Crane took a sip of his half-finished coffee and asked, "So, how's social life been lately? Any new observations?"

Taking a moment to finishing chewing and swallowing, she replied, "It's awesome. I'm not getting any special attention, no jabs, people actually apologize if they bump into me. I mean now that the semester's done, it's hard to tell if it'll stick. But ... I think I've changed too, for the better. And I think that's helping how I carry myself in public. Maybe influencing the way people perceive me."

"I'd agree with that." She smiled warmly. "People are generally intimidated by those who exude confidence. There's some validity to the phrase 'fake it 'til you make it'."

She mused. "Hm. I still can't tell if I'm faking it or not."

"You're not." He answered.

Confident or otherwise, she still didn't like talking about herself that much. While she had him at ease, she wanted to broach a subject she had been curious about for a while. A cautious glance around to make sure no one was in earshot, then she asked, "So where did the 'Scarecrow' come from? What inspired it?"

He took another sip of coffee before answering nonchalantly. "Once when I was sixteen, I was tied up to a wooden post and my clothes were stuffed with straw. I'm guessing they found out I grew up in the country and took inspiration. It inspired me to bring it full circle."

She took pause to take that in, feeling a bit bad for asking. But hoping to turn things around, she carried on. "Is that when you began developing your formula?"

With eyes fixed in the distance, Crane shook his head. "Hmm, nah. I only began developing that perhaps ten years later. So ... two years ago now."

Their age gap was suddenly placed into perspective for Dahlia, who was just shy of legal drinking age. She moved along. "Did you ever get back at them?"

He smiled suggestively as he took another bite of his sandwich. "Mm hm."

Ah, he would make her ask. She went for the bait. "How?"

After swallowing, Crane replied dryly, "Smith & Wesson."

A pause. He didn't seem to feel an ounce of apprehension towards the implication that was set in front of them. Dahlia couldn't tell if he was being serious or not. It felt genuine, but threw her with how casual it came across. It was as casual as dropping a brick on the table. Maybe he wasn't kidding. Either way ... she guessed it didn't matter. Because after a few moments, she realized she didn't actually feel bad.

"Sounds like they deserved whatever came to them."

The science center wasn't too busy on this day, only a few scattered groups of visitors were roaming the exhibits. Although Crane's specialty was in psychology, he still surprised Dahlia with his general knowledge across other branches of science. He was able to elaborate on half of the displays that they read, and could name every element in the living periodic table.

Near the end of their self-led exploration was the planetarium. They caught a laser show and lucked out in having the entire auditorium to themselves. Classic rock and psychedelic music blasted as the domed screen displayed all kinds of visual wonders from sweeping views of nebulas to rhythmic geometric patterns. Dahlia couldn't help but lean forward in awe.

And Dahlia's senses were so dazzled that she hadn't noticed Crane observing her for nearly the entire duration of the show. After a bit of time, she finally reclined back and felt something resting on the back of her chair. Glancing to her free side, she saw Crane's outstretched hand adjust and rest on her shoulder. His slender fingers gently played with a section of her hair.

When she cautiously looked towards him, heart aflutter, he was looking at the screen, his eyes reflecting the changing colors of the presentation.

After the show and in the presence of a setting sun, the two found themselves in line at a nearby coffee shop. Crane's tired body was craving more caffeine and she was happy to have any excuse to be around. Once he received his beverage and was dressing it at a nearby counter, she asked, "Want to head back?"

He shrugged as the cup lifted to his lips, other hand resting in his pocket. "Dealer's choice. I'm yours for the day." His elbow moved outwards, creating a suggestive gap between his arm and body. Dying of girlish embarrassment, Dahlia looped her arm under his. There were so, so many questions she wanted to ask. But she wanted to enjoy this day for what it was.

Once they stepped outside, a frozen jolt shot into Dahlia's chest. Her father was outside speaking with another police officer, a cup of coffee in each of their hands. She unhooked her arm from Crane's quickly, and after an excruciating second of rapid problem solving, decided to say hello.

"Hey, Babygirl!" Lou called with a wave once he noticed her approaching.

She gave him a hug from the side. "Hey, Dad!" Then a nod to the officer he stood with. "Hi, Jay."

Jerome Munroe was Lou's partner, and one of her favorite people. He was young and sharply inquisitive, and a great pupil for her father. A long time ago, she suspected that he may have felt one way or another about her. Nothing was ever hinted at, so she never had given it a second thought. But strangely, she remembered it now. Jay replied to her greeting, his voice bright and friendly, "Good evening, D. What're you up to tonight?"

"Oh," she began, casually, "not much. Had a free day, figured I'd celebrate the semester finishing." Acknowledging finally that she couldn't brush her company under the rug, Dahlia turned back and motion to Crane, who had stayed back. As he approached, she introduced him. "This is, uh, Jon Crane. A friend."

Like a switch, Crane was alight with warmth and smiled to the group. He offered out his hand. "Officers, nice to meet you." First he shook Jay's hand, who had no adverse reaction.

Then he shook Lou's, who didn't smile but rather stretched the corners of his lips outwards. "Yeah, I remember you." The tone was friendly enough, but Dahlia knew her father's subtleties better than anyone. She could tell right away that he didn't like Crane. He continued, "You found her cat a while back. Said you were a school pal?" For a brief moment, he looked Crane up and down. "Good-looking young man, I'll give ya that, but you're too old to be a student."

There wasn't an ounce of resistance in Crane's voice when he replied. "I'm a university instructor. I teach and study psychology." With a smile, he added, "Among the youngest of Gotham's faculty staff, I'd bet. The young will always stand in the shadows of their elders, huh?"

Lou didn't react. "Uh huh."

Dahlia wasn't sure what to think or how to react, but she knew she wanted to separate their groups immediately. She interjected with just a bit too much cheer, "It was nice to bump into you guys! Gotta catch the train home before it gets too late."

Jay offered sincerely, "We could give you a lift if you need?" Dahlia noticed that Lou and Crane had been watching each other.

"It's okay, we'll catch our own ride. But thank you." A soft brush of her elbow against Crane's arm called him to follow her away. "See you later!" Another big smile emerged from Crane as he bid them farewell, then he and Dahlia turned to walk in the opposite direction. She didn't see Crane's face revert back to stone.

Lou called after, "See you home later tonight?"

Dahlia glanced over her shoulder hurriedly and stuttered, "Y-Yeah. See you later, dad."