Hey, Hey, Hey! What's this? A New Chapter :O *Gasps* With a hint of plot beginning to form? Awesome! This one is dedicated to the awesome writer-folk hanging out on Sage Thrasher's discord server. Without whom, I never would have learned the approximate weight and size of a box of ice-cream containers, or which american chain stores are best to shop for cheap but beautiful formal dresses in. (I am a kangaroo, I have no idea about these things

A Big Warm Thanks to everyone who gave this story a favorite, a follow or a review! Y'all make my day just that little bit brighter. ^^

Oh, almost forgot!

I DON'T OWN BATMAN... as much as I would like to.

Beware Of Flying Ice Cream:

Chapter Three: A Simple Favor

(Alternate Chapter Title: Tiana agrees to something without really knowing what she agreed to.)

"Grayson."

Dick turns, withholding a sigh. Despite visiting the manor for the first time in a few months, he was definitely not in the mood for the antics of his youngest brother. But that wasn't Damien's fault, he reminded himself. That was just Bruce and his unrelenting… 'Bruceness.'

"Damian!" He smiles, reaching out to ruffle his brooding little brother's hair. "How've you been kiddo?"

Damian retreats, shooting Dick's hand a look of utter contempt as Dick stifles a laugh. It never got old.

"I have been well, Father has allowed me to participate on patrol once more." Dick smiles again, gentler this time.

"I'm glad you're happy Dami. Was there something you needed me for?" His smile widens and his brother takes another weary step back. "Perhaps a hug?" Dick opens his arms, beaming brightly as Damian scowls, burning holes into the broad expanse of his chest. "Come on little bro', you know you want to!"

Diving forward, and ignoring Damian's angry shouts of protest, Dick scoops his smallest brother into a hug, laughing. They both knew Damian could have easily evaded him, but neither mentioned it.

"Grayson, cease your tomfoolery this instant! I demand that I be put down immediately."

He laughs again, one hand coming realising his brother to pat the seething boy on the head. "Never." Dick winks cheekily, releasing Damian to dodge the incoming strike, with a practised ease.

Damian looks almost pleased with the attention and something uncomfortable pools in Dick's gut. This was one of the many reasons that he and Bruce fought. To Bruce, Damian was a trained asset and a loyal and valuable family member. To Dick, Damian was a child. His baby brother. His baby brother, who if he had his way- would not be going anywhere near the bat cave until he was at least fifteen… not… christ, twelve.

"What are you doing here, Grayson?" Ah there it was. The inevitable truth as to Damian's appearance.

"Ah I'm just visiting, Dami. I needed to talk to Bruce about something."

If Dick were anyone else he might have missed the brief flash of disappointment that seemed to pass through Damian's eyes, and with a sigh he explained. "There's been evidence that some of the local thugs in Blüdhaven are engaged in an arms deal with one of Gotham's gangs. Normally I wouldn't bother alerting Bruce, but it's becoming a bit more of an annoyance…" Dick idly wondered if Damian realised how dejected he was looking, probably not, otherwise he'd be trying harder to hide it. "...and whilst I do have to go back today I promise I'll see you at Bruce's next party, whenever that is, okay?"

Damian huffs, turning around and striding away. "The next event Father will be holding is on Sunday. I expect to see you there with one of your-" His lip curls up into a sneer "-dates."

Dick laughs, watching his brother round the corner and disappear. Wait. Sunday? Oh crap. That was… four days away according to his phone. What was that his brother said? Bring a date? Shit. The only 'dates' he could think of were busy… he could always not bring one. But then that opened him up to the sharks, and if there was anything he hated more than bullies, it was being subjected to the endless stream of proposals that always came from one of Bruce's parties.

There had to be someone he could take. Babs was busy this weekend, and he couldn't really ask one of his work colleagues…

Dick racked his brain, thinking. There had to be someone. Someone who wouldn't crack under the pressure, or back down against Gotham's upper class. Someone who was down to earth, someone- Ahah!

He'd owe her big time for this. But, she was always so lonely by herself. (Not that she'd admit it) It would be good for her, to get out of Blüdhaven for a day. Granted there was the off chance that she would kill him for this, but Dick'd gladly take those odds.

"No."

Tiana's arms fold in front of her like a protective shield, no, not today, she refused.

Dick laughs, heedless of the danger he was willingly placing himself into. "Aww come on Green, It'll be fun." His fingers wiggle in front of her face and Tiana lightly smacks them away- She was making a conscious effort to be more gentle after what had happened the week before. It wasn't like she meant to leave a bruise on his face.

"Still No." She was absolutely not going.

"Tiana~" His voice adopts a playful lilt, dangling something in front of her face. It was a little blurry without her glasses and Tiana has half the mind to slap it away again, just to spite him. "Who was it again that saved you from the chief?" Oh damn him. That was a low blow.

"I said no. I'm busy." Hah. She was not going to be guilt tripped. She was much too hard-headed for that.

"Please?" He smirks, and Tiana has to wonder if he'd always been this devious and she's just never noticed. "I'll even let you drive." The bouncing of his hand distracts her- the clanking of a set of car keys knocking together, clears up the blurred image in her head.

She rolls her eyes. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little busy right now." Her voice drips with sarcasm as she hefts the boxes of ice cream containers out of the freezer, lugging them one by one to the display case. They weren't exactly heavy, and Tiana liked to consider herself to be 'In Shape' but she was small damn it! And carrying them out was awkward, especially since her crappy excuse for a manager, didn't believe in changing them during the off hours of her shift. No. So now Tiana had to switch out, every single tub. With a fresh flavour.

She cuts open the first box with a pair of upside down scissors- peering inside. Ah. Boysenberry.

Dick raises a brow, and curiously peers down at her; huddled over the boxes like a dragon guarding its treasure, sorting out a neat and orderly row of 16 different flavours. "You know you could have just sorted them out in the freezer, before you had to carry the boxes out right?"

Tiana's hackles rise and she grumbles. She wasn't an idiot thank you very much! "The lighting is better in here." She didn't need to explain herself.

Dick hums, noncommittal. "Right. So anyway, please Tiana? Everyone else I asked is already busy with their own plans, and I really don't want to have to go alone." Tiana stifles a small tiny twang of something. Of course she'd be the last one he asked. It wasn't like they were close or anything else. They were just, friends. She was just the angry girl he'd met in an ice-cream parlor. That was it.

She switches out the tubs, picking up the still almost-full box with a sigh. It would probably do her some good to get out of the apartment and it wasn't like she had any other pans anyway. "Fine. But you owe me." And he did. She'd make sure of it.

"Great." His smile is practically gleaming, and Tiana's thrown off balance by his change of mood. "I'll see you at seven then?" He glances at the box, and then at the display -like he's trying to decide if he wants to help- but seems to think the better of it.

Tiana nods, rolling her eyes again. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just scram already."

He's halfway out the door, when he chuckles, tilting his head back over his shoulder. "Can't wait until Sundae, but just a heads up. You might want to wear something nice or you'll be treaten alive."

He's out the door before the first scoop splatters against the window. And Tiana groans with regret. She was going to have to clean that up now. Her lips tug up, and Tiana tugs them firmly down again into her perpetual scowl. No. She was not allowed to find enjoyment in dumb puns. It was beneath her.

She's thirteen flavours in when the doorbell rings again and Tiana's popping up from the floor like a jack in the box. Her brain occupied with nothing but the endless desire to finish work. With a small tiny traitorous part of her mind, that was screaming about the teensy tiny problem with this whole 'Fancy Gala' thing. She had nothing to wear.

Tiana wasn't a fan of hunting for clothes. Actually, she wasn't a fan of shopping in general, but damn it- she made a promise and she's going to stick with it, even if it killed her. Which, looking at the price tag and running the numbers in her head, on her budget it probably would.

Her fingers run over the satiny burnt orange fabric, a plan forming. She didn't have to keep the dress. She only had to wear it. Once. All she had to do was claim the fit was wrong and she could return it tomorrow! And, it also meant she didn't have to keep holding the tags up inches from her face- Seriously, why were all these labels so damn small?

A quick glance around at the gaggles of excited teenage girls, and Tiana was sold. Anything to get her out of here.

Making her way to the back of the store, Tiana slipped into one of the changing rooms and tried it on. The fit was fantastic, and the colours were stunning. It's decided then. One dress down, everything else to go.

Forking out the bills of her wallet, and steadfastly ignoring the dirty looks from the rest of the line. What was their problem anyway? She was paying at least, just because she was taking a little longer than everyone else to find the right amount of cash didn't mean they had to stare damn it.

At last! She was finished. Flashing the girl behind the register a quick grimace- not bothering to hide her displeasure, Tiana is off. Fleeing the store one hundred and twenty dollars lighter- Thank god for the big tips she'd had lately- and on a mission.

The next item on the agenda: Shoes.

Shoes, as it turned out, were incredibly hard to find. Well, at least to find a decent pair that matched her dress.

It wasn't that she didn't come across plenty of shoe-stores. It was just that, most of the good pairs had a price range upwards of two hundred or more, and Tiana wasn't ready to fork out that kind of cash for a favor.

As it was, her funding situation- or lack thereof, meant that whenever she found a bargain bin like this one, she would go through, right to bottom, searching for something useful.

Some brown flats? No. Too boring. Pink sneakers? No thanks, My hair is as unicorn-rainbow-glitter-sparkles as it is going to get. Red heels? Nice- But too small.

And so, the search continued.

Black suede brogues? Not for her. Floral mules? Too casual. Tiana was getting closer, and closer to the bottom of the bin, and with a heavy heart, realised that this was yet another bust.

Irritation built, she strode out and into the next shoe store. Belatedly realising that this was probably going to be fruitless, but nevertheless, Tiana rolls up her sleeves and starts digging around through the next bargain bin.

It was around the fifth store, that Tiana hit the jackpot. Tapping the sales clerk on the shoulder, and gesturing at the display with a grim smile.

"So all of these are half-off yeah? Fifty percent discount right?"

"Yes mam." The sales clerk nods in her direction politely, before returning to assisting the next person in line.

Awesome. She could work with that. The promise of a fifty percent discount was enough to soothe her irritation.

Browsing through the section with a rapid, but keen eye, Tiana was quick to discover (Much to her delight) the perfect pair of boots. Or almost perfect. Truth be told, the perfect pair had been discovered long ago, but this was a good substitute. A good, fairly-priced substitute. Sixty was still a little expensive for her tastes, but it would do.

Black, leather lace-ups. Two inch block heels- sturdy, but classy enough that Tiana wouldn't feel underdressed.

That was the second item on her list. The next item? Make up.

Make up. As it turned out- was the easiest item on her list. Tiana was able to find some on her weekly trip around her local grocery store.

Two dollar lipstick? Check.

Five dollar blush? Check.

Twelve dollar mascara? Alright.

Eye shadow? Nah.

Hmm, what about something for my hair? Maybe a hairpin or something? Nah. I'll just leave it out, I do need to pick up some more apples, maybe some pears or something if I really feel like splurging today.

With a half-hearted groan, Tiana continued to shop for her groceries, inwardly wincing at the amount of her savings she'd spent today. Maybe I should've just taken Dick up on his offer. It probably would have been the smartest choice, but Tiana was want to let anyone else pay for anything. Even if it was for her own favor. She was stubborn like that.

Onions? Did she need onions? She could make a nice stir-fry, she'd already managed to score some mince- last day before the best before date. Perfect. She'd cook it up and stick some take away portions in the freezer, make herself lunch maybe- it would beat two minute noodles for a change.

Yeah, alright- Into the basket go the onions, along with some carrots, a bottle of home brand soy sauce and some frozen broccoli.

She'd be eating like a king tonight, and with that happy thought in mind, Tiana made her way to the register, altogether pleased with herself. She'd completed a few errands, picked up the groceries, and, whilst she hadn't managed to find time to get a new pair of glasses, she had picked up the 'perfect' outfit for Dick's friend's party, or ball… or whatever it is.

She probably should've paid more attention, he was a cop so maybe she was going to be a bit overdressed. Oh well. A little bit of style difference never hurt anybody.

A knock on her door, brings Tiana out of her musings and she's padding to the entrance, blinking sleep blearily out of her eyes, to yank it open. Perhaps a bit more aggressive than intended.

"Whatever your selling I don't want it- Dick?" Tiana blinks, surprised, the dark circles on her face deepening with the action. "What the hell are you doing here?"

He's dressed casually, faded jeans, and a dark blue hoodie. "I came to pick you up remember? I wasn't about to let you take the bus to Gotham."

It takes a while for Tiana's brain to process this, but in her defense it was four in the bloody morning. Oh shit. "Sorry I forgot. Come in, or something. I'll just grab my stuff." The door is pulled open a bit wider, and Tiana's shuffling back into her apartment, fluffy ugg boots scuffling against the wood.

He takes a seat and Tiana busies herself with throwing together the rest of her stuff with a yawn. They'd agreed that it would be best to leave early Sunday morning, whilst the drive would only take thirty-five minutes to reach the city, neither of them had really had any interest in getting stuck for hours in traffic navigating their way through the city, and both of them had business they planned to attend to.

Dick planned on spending the afternoon with his little brother and Tiana planned to catch up with some of her old friends, maybe visit her mother in the asylum if she had the time. Or at least that's what she'd told Dick . In reality, Tiana didn't have much of a plan, besides wandering aimlessly around the city for the day, before taking a taxi and meeting up with Dick at his father's house. Blüdhaven was much more of a home to her than Gotham had ever been.

Tiana clamps down on another yawn threatening to escape, shoving the last of her necessities into an overnight bag and throwing it over her shoulder. Before wandering out to the sitting room, and switching the kettle on. "Lousy coffee, or shitty tea?"

Her question breaks her guest out of his reverie, clearly he couldn't shut off his cop side, studying everything. Especially the sole photograph, situated high up on her bookshelf. Not that it bothered Tiana, she'd probably do the same to him. "Coffee please, you have a nice place." The compliment is insincere- they both know it's pretty crappy but Tiana takes it anyway. It was a mercy that he was content to ignore the bags under her eyes already- a fact she was thankful for, she was too tired to deal with it this morning- she wasn't going to make a fuss.

"Thanks." She hands him the cup, dragging herself into the bedroom to change outfits. Hmm, maybe she'd sleep in the car. A quick half hour nap, might make her feel better at least, and then she wouldn't have to be stuck in one of those awkward-car silences again.

Exiting the room, she's only marginally surprised to find that Dick had already carried her bag to his car and is waiting for her, leaning against the car door, sipping at his coffee- Tiana had thought ahead to let him borrow her travel mug- and breathing out puffs of fresh-morning air. "Ready to go?"

"Yep." Tiana slides into the passenger seat again, buckling the seat belt, and tapping her fingers rhythmically against the dashboard.

He turns the key in the ignition, and the car roars to life with a quiet pur. Tiana takes a moment just to marvel at the beauty of such a machine. Briefly wondering once more how he'd managed to afford the thing- even as a police officer, a car like this wasn't cheap.

"So-" His voice is curious and Tiana groans, because she knew this one. It was his detective voice. "-was that your sister in the photo with you?" Dick pulls out onto the street as Tiana lets her head thunk against the headrest. This was going to be a long drive.

Rightyo! That was it! The Third chapter of BOFI, complete with a special guest appearance from none other than the angsty demon ninja himself! Damian! And another special guest appearance from THE PLOT! Which has finally decided to show itself! Say hello PLOT!

Plot:

...

Me:

"Thanks Plot. Love your work."

Right another special shoutout to Shejams! And Guests #1 and #2, for their wonderful reviews!

In Response to The Guest Reviews:

Guest #1: Thankyou! And you I hope you won't be sad any longer! Here's some more, and there'll as always, be more to come!

Guest #2: Aww, thankyou! I'm glad you're enjoying it ^^

And that's all we have time for today folks; I apologise if you've found a spelling or grammar error that greatly offends you- let me know where it is and I'll have it swiftly eradicated. There may be a few, I've tried my best, but alas, with no beta reader I find my skills to be lacking in the editing department. There's always something I will miss.

Thankyou! And see you next time!

~Tap