undeserved_protector | Chance meetings? ( for thats

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

Flying from place to place became the normal for her. The acquisition of artifacts and maintaining relations with other museums was just the two main points of her job. Well, the job that kept her in touch with the world around her and not secluded to the other persona. The real her that protected humanity and kept them safe. Not that she disliked this job or living as Diana Prince. In fact, she loved it as much as the Amazon from Themyscira because he gave her that name and started her life in this world.

But she didn't wish to think of him right in that moment. Not while she stood perusing the displays of weapons from Ancient Greece that Emily Attwater insisted that Diana fly over to see and give her expert opinion on. Not that Ms. Attwater seemed to be so keen to keep her appointment at this rate. Normally the bubbly blonde that wanted so desperately to 'one-up' Diana would be there immediately the moment she walked into the entrance of the Smithsonian. Today, she was asked to wait by the reception.

A task she chose to do with notebook in hand, notes being taken as she went through each. She had only been sketching and noting details in her book for about twenty minutes, but it still caused a frown to furrow her brow. Perhaps her fellow curator had something else in mind today?

Whatever it was, she at least found it easy to continue her cataloging and notations of the items around her. It felt a little like glimpsing home in so many ways. It was one of the few things that did give her that chance to pretend she was nearer to her mother and friends back on the island by doing this work. And well, it gave her time to drift off and write notes in other languages about the page. Sometimes quotes from great philosophers of the time period and sometimes notations on who might've been the metal worker that forged the weapon. Regardless of what she inked on the page, she really wouldn't have even noticed if Ms. Attwater entered the room at that moment or not she was so engrossed in her work.

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It's not the first time she's heard someone say something similar. She's been asked repeatedly why she's never had anyone. Lately the only person she contacted was Bruce Wayne. And all of that contact was rather impersonal on her part. Always through emails and sometimes she picked up when he called. Only when it was an emergency. He likely even knew she was state side at the moment. Which meant it was likely she'd be stopping by Gotham before heading back to France. "Then I will send you a post card next time I go somewhere."

It was a silly notion. The idea of doing that for someone she just met, but really, he seemed so genuine in caring about her well-being. It was hard not to teasingly offer to do such a thing. Smiling to herself, she looked on ahead and tried not to laugh at his offers. "I have onyx pyramids on a shelf somewhere. They sold them with the King Tut Exhibit that stayed at the Lourve for a while. One of the people moving with it, insisted I have something." It was more because he was flirting, and it was simply an item that the hieroglyphics actually made sense. Not that she really wanted it. But they were cute enough to set up.

She tipped her head, looking amused and pleased as she hummed a thoughtful sound. "I buy 'tasteful' clothes as they are expected of my position. But I admit, I like things more..." She rolled a few words over in her mind before letting out a sigh. "A taste of the part of humanity that are good, warm and happy. Because those are the things that make life beautiful, are they not?" Like love. Innocence of children and laughter. You couldn't find those things in fancy things.

You found them in the everyday... or something as simple as ice cream for the first time. "But don't tell anyone. It would ruin my reputation." Because as long as she seemed unapproachable, people would not notice her. Not get close. And she could easily disappear once one more 'life' passed her by.

"It will have a place of honor on my desk." As he spoke, he couldn't quite believe that Diana was willing to make him the person to send little notes. It was mostly a joke, teasing between the two of them, but it did seem odd when they'd only spoken a handful of times and this was the first time they'd been together outside of work. Before he could push aside the thought, he wondered if it was because of person she'd lost that he reminded her of. It wasn't fair. She didn't seem the type to 'replace' one person for another but it could be a reason why she seemed so quick to trust him. It was something he'd have to be careful of, for her sake.

"I never got to see that exhibit. I have little replicas of statues all over my office at home." Not in his space at work. It seemed too unprofessional when he was already thought of as odd. He tried to imagine her office, just as elegant and composed as Diana had seen until she walked out of the hotel in the white dress that made her seem younger, more willing to smile. The pyramids fit that image perfectly, but she needed something to fit the person who would be spending the day strolling with him through museums and parks. He'd make sure that there was a snow globe to put next to the pyramids.

"Most of my statues are terrible copies. Are they the better ones or - Wait, why did they have pyramids for King Tut?" Steve already knew the answer but the scholar in him still had to ask. "The tomb wasn't in a pyramid." He was almost embarrassed over how indignant he sounded.

"Things that are expected of your position," he repeated, not really liking the sound of that but not knowing why. Maybe because she was showing him that there was more to her than the image she presented to the world. "There is more to you than being curator, Diana." His steps slowed briefly as she continued with her explanation, confused by how she referred to humanity, but not sure why. "They are and if you like things that are warmer, happier, then you should have those not just what fits your titles and position at the Louvre."

Why would she hide those aspects of herself. It seemed terribly wrong, tragic in a way that Steve didn't understand. It hurt to know that she was so isolated, but it shouldn't when they just met. "That's not how to live, Diana. If you hide from the world then you slowly quit being a part of it."

"If you are going to go that far, I will be sure and send it with a frame." This time she was over the top teasing, her voice lilting with that comment even if it was just silliness. But then, it had been a while since she bantered with anyone. Even her banter with Bruce lacked this sort of levity. The only thing she appreciated about Bruce was his knowledge of who she was and that she could trust him with it. And be herself. Not that she particularly enjoyed too much of his nay-saying attitude.

She might have commented on his never being able to see it, but instead she got caught up in the laugh as he asked why they were even with that exhibit. It was a very logical thing to be upset about, sure. Part of her wanted them just because of the irony of them being in the gift shop. "I suppose tourists don't care about those details and only identify Egypt by the pyramids?" Which was likely the truth. Capital exceeded the need for realistic at times. "They're still cute?" As was he for his indignation, but she kept that to herself.

"Is there?" She asked the question quickly, almost too curious to know what he meant by that claim. Dark eyes fixed on him as she waited for him to continue. And part of her was disappointed and relieved all at once as Steve seemed to not touch on the things that truly made her different. Looking away from him, she squeezed his arm softly. "It's hard to open up to people." Because people grow old and die.. and she always ended up alone.

"I stay a part of it by watching." Why was she even saying this? "You can still be a part of it even if you are not directly attached to just one person." Getting attached to just one person ended in pain for her. Shaking her head, she bit into her lower lip. "It's... hard to explain." But he wasn't wrong either. Sometimes he felt like she was window shopping. Staring at the world through a pane of glass with no way to reach out and make some sort of connection.

"Then it'll be appreciated even more. I'll make sure that Ms. Attwater never sees it so that it doesn't 'disappear' while I'm at lunch." Steve probably shouldn't think like that about his supervisor, but he knew that anything related to Diana made his boss do illogical things that made little sense considering the two ladies were supposed to be professionals.

"I know they do. I have silly little tourist things to but that - " He shook his head, realizing that he was going to go on a tangent and maybe offend her. "I'm sure they're pretty if they're onyx. They don't sound like the usual tourist souvenir. Is the hieroglyphics correct?" That would salvage the affront over the inaccurate tomb placement. "And I'm sure they show the side of you that you should let others see more."

That might be a safer subject than insulting her cute, onyx pyramid set. "Of course there is. You offered to help a historian with no reputation who most people think are crazy. You're willing to wander around obscure museums and gardens just so we can talk." It still seemed amazing that she'd do all that. Diana barely knew him but she'd wanted to help and to get to know him. "The polished person that I read about before you visited the Smithsonian would not be here with me or enjoy all those 'human' things that you described."

Realizing he may have said too much, he whispered an apology, placing his hand atop Diana's in hopes that she wasn't so hurt by his words that she pulled away. "That's not staying a part of the world. That's observing it the way we look at pot shards and papyrus." Sighing, he knew he was probably going to offend her but it wasn't right that she kept herself distanced from the world. Steve wasn't sure why but he knew that Diana shouldn't be isolating herself. "You don't have to be attached to one person. Your life isn't defined by one person, but it is defined by all the people that touch yours."

"Would she really go that far?" Scrunching her nose a little, she finally rolled her eyes. "I don't know why she finds me so threatening, I truly don't recall what started all this or why she decided I was the bane of her career." And existence, considering the way she'd flared up at her for talking to Steve back in the museum. Really, she knew the woman wasn't absolutely horrible, but she truly had her moments. Especially with Diana.

"They were very well composed actually. Only reason I decided to take them." She nodded once. "Even if they didn't belong in the gift store, they were well made and accurate for what they were. Just... not accurate for the exhibit they accompanied." She smiled just a little at him and bumped their shoulders together. "If you ever come to Paris, stop by and I will show them to you."

He truly was pushing it. Maybe she'd made an error in letting more of herself come through with him. Frowning softly, she lowered her gaze to the ground as they walked. Where she didn't pull away, she also had no idea how to explain it. Not without giving it away. Biting at her lower lip, she found herself at a loss on how to even begin explaining it. "That person in the books is just the job and the position. I'm... I'm actually a giving person, I just prefer to keep it quieter." She wasn't unknown to help people, she just never helped so directly or personally like this. Unless she had to.

"I'm sorry I can't explain it better." Because how would anyone explain that having someone whither away and die right in front of you was one of the me heart wrenching things she'd ever done in her life. It made her miss Themyscira so much more. And when she finally did say something, it was quiet and thread bare. "No, not one person. I am defined by all people." And it got so easy to get lost in that. It was the only thing that made sense to her. She protected humanity, therefore they defined her in so many ways.

"If it was on my desk, yes." There was more to that particular rivalry than just professional pride. Even if Steve had turned her down, Attwater was persistent and he was too much of a gentleman to make his refusals more forceful. Diana might not be the reason he'd said no, but Attwater would use his kindness to her as another reason to dislike someone who should be thought of as a colleague.

Smiling at how she described her trinkets and bumped her shoulder against his, he wished he could go to Paris. It had been years since he'd traveled without his research being the main reason for leaving the country. "Now I have to go back to Paris. How can I pass up a chance to see the pyramids?"

Immediately chastised by her reaction, he stopped so that she hopefully would look at him. "Diana, I know you aren't the person in those images. That's why I said that. If you distance yourself from the world, you risk becoming the person in that photos instead of the person who is standing here with me."

Without thinking, he reached up to touch her hair and then realized he shouldn't take those kinds of liberties. "There's nothing wrong with that but don't distance yourself so much that you can't make contact with the rest of the world when you want to. If you're defined by all people, then sometimes you should reach out to them occasionally like you did with me."

"She wishes to be in a relationship with you." She stated it bluntly at that, not entirely sure why that bothered her so much. Still it made her lips press thinly together at the mere thought of her cornering him or trying to regulate him like that. Regardless of her intentions when sending something like a postcard to Steve, she would have no right to violate his privacy. The idea of it, just made her huff.

At least his humor about her pyramid set brought a smile flitting back over her lips. "As you shouldn't. It's a once in a lifetime experience to be offered to go sight seeing in my office." She had to tease him about that. She truly preferred to work alone, but that didn't mean no one made it into her office. But the, how else would she goad him into coming to visit?

The bad thing is, he's not wrong. In the last century, it's gotten harder and harder to connect with people. To even trust people with who she was. And it felt more and more isolating and lonely the further she went into this world. In fact, she likely latched onto the idea of Bruce and his 'team' idea because she just wanted someone to talk to. But even they would all die eventually. Still... it was better than being alone.

However, the touch to her hair had her eyes fluttering closed and her head tipping into that touch unconsciously. Breathing in slowly, she reached up with her other hand to catch him and keep it close. Dark eyes lifted up to him, a touch wider than before and her lower lip ever so slightly forming a small pout. None of it was intentional, but she just wanted so much and knew she couldn't have any of it. And he was... so good at reaching into the core of who she was while knowing nothing at all.

"Maybe -- maybe I am taking that first step here, with you? I know I'm not perfect, Steve. I'm sorry. I'm trying... I promise." She had her flaws and missteps, and one large barrier that stood between her and people. Funny how that same barrier was the reason why she needed to love and protect humanity. "Thank you." Because no one really tried to argue with her before. No one really tried to pull her out into the open and just be. And he was someone with that sort of tenacity given the right drive.

"I don't think you'd call what she wants a relationship." Maybe that would eventually be Attwater's goal, but Steve assumed from the awkward attempts at flirting and the not so subtle hints, that his supervisor only wanted a fling. If it could even be called that. "It doesn't often interfere with our work so I can ignore it most of the time." Others, he managed to deflect, keeping enough witnesses around that Attwater couldn't suggest anything improper about his future at the museum. "It's easier if I keep everything at work professional so the postcard would stay at home, next to my laptop."

Laughing softly, he tried to imagine what her office was like. Clean lines and as composed as she seemed while talking to the curators at the museum. Even the little pyramids would add to that image despite how whimsical they would be compared to the neatness he envisioned. "Do I get to see the rest of the Louvre? I've heard it's pretty neat." And one of the few great museums that Steve hadn't had a chance to visit.

Maybe the liberty was more welcome than he expected. He had the feeling that Diana could make her displeasure at being touched clearly known, probably emphasize with a broken jaw or black eye, but she leaned in closer. Another detail that didn't quite fit considering how she had said she wanted to keep her distance when she seemed to want him to slip past the walls she had built around herself.

And she really shouldn't be so beautiful when she pouted...

Or make him feel guilty when he'd been trying to help, even if that advice had been unasked for. "I'm honored that I'm the first step. I don't expect you to be perfect. No one is and you don't have to try because of me. You should try because it's what you want." Relieved that she hadn't been angered by his words, he let his hand linger longer than it should, trying and failing to ignore how right it felt for them to be standing so close, his fingers lightly tangling in her hair. It was almost like they'd done this before... "What are you thanking me for?"

That just made her jaw drop and her brow furrow. If she ever caught her acting in such a deplorable way, she was certain that she would give that woman a piece of her mind. Finally, she closed her mouth, pressing her lips together in a very thin line of anger. "She doesn't deserve you as an employee." Huffing softly, she then shook her head. "I will not send something that would only get you in trouble. I don't wish to be a bother."

It's a good thing he was pulling her thoughts away from that with questions about the Lourve. That and his smile was enough to make her forget some of the irritation coiling up in her chest. "If you come to visit, I will not only give you a tour of the Lourve, I will gladly return the favor and take you around Paris. If you are interested, of course."

Honestly, she didn't know why she so easily gave into being touched. Normally she pulled away or at least gave a look that warned them to let go. But Steve's touch felt like a ghost of the past and it felt so warm. So welcomed. Breathing in a slow breath to calm her heart in her chest, she squeezed that hand she hadn't yet released from where his fingers seemed to effortlessly coil in her hair. "Don't assume it is only for you... rather that it is with you." Her lips pulled into a smile as she made that correction.

She went quiet a moment before softly clarifying. "For being willing to actually speak you mind. For challenging me. Not many are brave enough to do that. Or even brave enough to try to understand me." Granted, he'd realize how much deeper that ran if he knew about her dual life. Still, her hand slipped down his arm to curl softly just under his elbow. "I don't know why... but you are... a warm presence to me. I think it makes me a little too brave."

"Probably not," he admitted, pleased that Diana thought that even if it wasn't for the reasons he hoped for. Being indignant over Attwater's flirting wasn't quite the same as thinking he was good at his job. "But the museum does. Until somewhere else is willing to hire me." It was probably impossible, but he kept hoping for an opportunity in Europe. If he was there, he'd be closer to the information he needed to help him understand the artifact.

Now, he might have another reason to want to visit Europe again. "Why wouldn't I be interested? One of the greatest art collections in the world in one of the most beautiful cities in the world with one of the most brilliant women in the world as my guide?"

Watching her, realizing how easy it was to fit in this space where it seemed like nothing could separate them, he tried to understand why it seemed right. They had just met but it seemed like he should be by her side, showing her the world, helping her take that step. With him instead of because of him. "I'd be worried if it was only for me."

Ducking his head, he tried to imagine how others must see him, how he'd seen her at first. Most people probably didn't speak up when they were around her unless it was to agree with whatever Ms. Prince thought. She was awe-inspiring in a way that was rarely seen in this day. She was like the characters in epics or the charismatic leaders that became part of myth. Which probably meant that he was either foolish for being the one who wasn't inspired to silence or he was meant for... Maybe it was best not to think of those old stories and the trials that heroes and their friends had to endure.

"I can see why they'd hesitate to speak their mind, but that's only one side of you. And not brave of them. There's no reward without risk." And even an day's worth of her time was worth the danger. Reluctantly, he stepped away, still remaining close but beginning to escort her toward the museum. "I doubt you could ever be too brave. I feel the same way about you, but we can pretend I didn't say that if it's too forward."

She paused at that, her mind zeroing in on his words before she sent him a small smile. "You're a credit to the Smithsonian. At least by what I have seen of your abilities while we talked in the exhibit. Any museum would be lucky to have you in their staff." She meant it, too. She picked up on a lot of sharp thinking and an observant eye. He knew what he was talking about and what he was doing. That she was sure of.

Running her hand through her hair, she laughed softly, head ducking at those description. "I am certain, I am not that brilliant. Though, I know that I am good at my job." She just didn't think she was a genius. Especially not with computers. Which was part of the reason why she'd given Bruce the intel he stole because she was not able to break the encryption. Luckily... he'd had her back in that. "Come visit me then. If you get enough time off. You have my number now, you could give me a call to let me know when to expect you so I can make sure I am around."

She waited for him to speak, to work through his thoughts and hoped he fully realized what she was trying to say. And it seemed he mostly realized that she didn't do anything just for someone else. She knew it had to be her heart in it as well. And she liked the idea of him being willing to do it with her.

It was a little forward, she knew, but she slipped her hand down his arm as he lowered it from her hair and slipped her hand into his. She didn't dare go so far as to lace their fingers together. No, she just clasped them together, he other hand moving to press over the back of his hand. "Please don't ever feel the need to hesitate to speak your mind with me. But you are wrong.. I can be entirely too brave or bold when given the freedom to act and speak as I please."

Because even now as she pulled him forward to keep walking, she felt like she was taking too many liberties by holding his hand like that. Gods, it was hard not to slide her fingers through his. "It makes me feel less alone if you say it, too. So no, you're not being too forward." Tugging him softly, she got them to move forward, walking through the first sight he picked for them. And maybe, she stayed close enough their shoulders continued to touch the whole time.

"Thank you. Someday I hope to move on to another museum." Having her compliment his skills gave Steve hope that he really might have a chance at the work that would get him closer to figuring out the sword and the strange dreams that kept following him since he found it. "Somewhere with more Greek artifacts, maybe things that are older." Since he couldn't date the sword, he really wasn't certain if his guesses for the era were correct but if he had more to work with...

He almost protested that his description was correct, but Steve decided to let her deflect it since it had done part of what he'd hoped. It would be easy to focus on her beauty, to say that he'd want a beautiful guide to show him one of the most fascinating cities in the world, but that wasn't what drew him to Diana and it wasn't what had earned his respect before they had met. "I'll make the time or find an assignment that will get me near Paris."

As they walked toward the ornate building, he barely managed to hold back a grin when she took his hand. "I won't, but I do want to see that brave and bold side of you since you seem that way already." He couldn't quite imagine what that would be like unless she really would be like the heroes from those old tales.

"I will do everything I can to make sure you don't feel alone." It was a strange, almost promise to make when they had barely met. But Steve was almost as alone in the world as she was. He had friends, but no one close, no family left. No one to send postcards to or text regularly.

As they went through the museum and then another, he shook off the melancholy thoughts of their own isolation, showing Diana the more unique sites that he could think of, treating her to lunch at some place that had good food and perhaps questionable atmosphere. Eventually, they made their way to the memorials she'd spoken of.

He didn't hesitate as they moved with the crowd, but he paled slightly as he moved from one war memorial to another, hating the odd feeling he always got when he read those names. He didn't have anyone listed there, no one to mourn, but it still almost overwhelmed him with loss every time he saw all the proof of how many lives were lost during those battles.

She made a mental note of that hope of his and started to weigh it in her mind. Where he was now, even if it was something as grand as the Smithsonian, the environment was toxic. He needed to go somewhere he would be promoted on merit and not cause his boss wanted to get 'cozy' with him. Though, he did catch her attention with the mentioning of needing older samples for comparison.

Later. She'd consider it later.

"I look forward to that." She said the words soft and genuine as she nodded her head. She really would look forward to a visit from him. Especially when he seemed to have such a good gauge on her as it was. He made such remarkably good calls about her personality that she didn't really expect from him. Or anyone.

Though, what hit the hardest of everything he said was that one line. He'd try not to make her feel alone. It instantly reminded her of over ninety years of missing someone so much she thought she might lose her mind at times. But as hopeful as that made her, she couldn't really think about it. Not when he was still human and one day, he would leave her, too. Just like her captain did, just hopefully not as soon. Either way, she whispered a soft sincere "thank you" that only he could hear as they continued to walk.

As their journey progressed, she truly did enjoy it. Even going so far as to pull him quickly like a little child to look at things. She'd not seen some of this in person and each thing was new to her. By the time they made it to lunch, her spirits were up and he was getting to see far more smiles than anyone else had in years.

Everything felt easy and warm until they hit the inner walls of the war memorials. At first, she slipped her fingers over the names on the stone, gauging where she might find his name. But then she realized how pale Steve had gotten and the look on his face that clearly stated he wanted to be anywhere but there.

Abandoning her walk along the wall, she walked up to Steve and lifted a hand to softy touch his cheek. "Steve, if you don't like it here, we can move on. I don't need to see a name chiseled in a stone to remember someone. So let's just go, okay? I'm fine moving on to the next place." And besides, the pallor of his skin truly worried her. He was always usually so happy and warm...

Steve couldn't remember an day that he'd smiled so much. Her enthusiasm was contagious but not as unexpected as he thought. She should have that brightness around her, enjoying the little details of the world that most people forgot. He doubted that many people had ever really seen this side of Diana and, at times, he felt a little dazed by the idea that he was the one she was sharing that with.

Which made it even worse when he felt the familiar but disorientating sense of loss that always darkened his thoughts when he was at the memorial. As Diana looked over the names, he couldn't bring himself to move toward the chiseled stone. It was stupid. There was no reason to be afraid of words, but the thought of reading them was almost terrifying.

He'd done some reckless, idiotic things during his travels, especially after he'd started his research related to the sword. There had been times when he could have easily been killed as he investigated some isolated site for some hint of the truth he searched for. None of those moments of 'This could kill me' compared to the dread of moving toward the names, waiting for one to take over his awareness and...

Diana. Blinking at her, he realized he'd zoned out until she had touched his face, bringing him back to reality. Catching her hand, he forced a smile. "I'm okay, Diana. You wanted to see someone's name and I shouldn't be the reason why you don't. " Holding her hand made it easier to deal with but he still couldn't look at the names. "You should confront the things you fear, right? I won't get over it unless I stay."

Both hands moved up to cup his face gently, one shifting just a little to sweep his bangs aside so she could look over his face. Worry creased her brow even as he slipped his hand over hers and tried to reassure her. Pressing her lips together in the thin line, she moved closer and tipped his head down to touch their foreheads together. The slight touch told her he didn't have a fever and he wasn't 'clammy' either.

That meant there really was some sort of aversion to this place. Lifting her head again, she rose up on her toes and softly pressed a kiss to his forehead. "People don't exist in names on stone walls. Or in monuments in honor of sacrifice. They exist in your heart. Whether I see a name here or not, that person will always be important to me and in my heart. What's important right now is how you are in this moment. Facing your fears is good, but not always necessary. There is no monster here. No goal of greater importance to be won if you make yourself overcome it now."

Her smile was soft as she smoothed her thumbs over his cheeks. "We all overcome things in our own way. And sometimes it's just not the right time and that does not make any of us less." She'd had to face her own demons and confront things she never wanted to. But she had to. Because there was always something more important that needed to be done. Then there were other things she slowly, step by step dealt with. "How about... you and I go get us some ice cream? I find it always makes me feel better."

Beginning another protest, the words vanished as Diana moved closer, her forehead pressed against his. It should be colder. He should be cradling her face between his hands not the other way around. The thought caused vertigo to catch hold of him so that the rest of the world felt fuzzy around the edges and the only thing solid was Diana. He had to trust her. He'd always trust her. Whatever was going on, she'd help him through it.

Taking a deep breath, their surroundings finally began to come into focus and he managed a weak smile at the kiss. "Some cultures would disagree with you about that. Names carved in stone guaranteed immortality." Focus on details like that. The history that he loved and kept him going whenever he wondered about the dreams and the disorientation that sometimes accompanied visiting sites like this one. "I have to overcome it someday," he added softly, unsure if it was today and hating that he hadn't been stronger for her. How could he explain the wrongness he felt whenever he was near the memorial or the way his heart seized up whenever he got too close to the names so that he might actually read the letters inscribed in the stone.

"It's an embarrassing fear." But one that he didn't mind admitting to her when she seemed not to be fazed by it. "I don't know what causes it but I've always had it." His smile became more genuine at her suggestion of ice cream. "Isn't that one of the universal remedies for heartache and emotional distress?" He didn't want to step away, but he knew that the should. They couldn't stay like this until twilight dulled the names to smudges and the stars began to take over the skies. "But only if you're sure that you don't need to see their name."

She waited. Quiet and patient as she watched his face. Her hands stayed soft and pliant against his face waiting for him to come back into focus. She'd seen it. It reminded her a lot of PTSD that she'd seen in Sammy or Charlie or even Chief. The blemishes of something horrible or a sadness that couldn't quite be left behind. Like something that haunted them and wouldn't let go. She couldn't put her finger on what bothered Steve so much, but she could guess. If he was so sensitive that even artifacts spoke to him, why wouldn't he be sensitive to the memories and reality of so very many dead?

"Sometimes the most immortal way to write a name is on the immortal soul." She carefully worded that. Not quite giving away just how immortal she was. "Someday. But if you want, I can come along when that day comes and you have to." Slipping her hands down to cup the sides of his neck, she gave him a warm smile. "Maybe you don't have to do it alone."

Shaking her head slowly, she slipped her hands down his arms to catch his hands. "It's not embarrassing. Whatever the root cause, anything related to a brutal and horrible war like these are... Steve, a good heart would feel the horribleness of that. But whatever the cause or reason, it's not something to feel shame over." Squeezing his hands softly, she smiled at his description of ice cream. "I don't need to see a name. Who would I be if I put such a thing before someone else? On the other hand, I do think I need ice cream."

So many people didn't understand. Hell, he didn't understand why he couldn't be around the memorials and exhibits without having some kind of episode. It taken days and more effort than he liked to admit to be able to go through certain areas of the Smithsonian without feeling like he was going to have a panic attack. He still didn't like it but he could tolerate it. But the memorial, the names...

Something terrible would happen if he looked at those names...

"Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." It wasn't the reference he meant, thinking of tombs and words that had been sung or spoken to preserve life, but the words seemed right for whoever it was that Diana mourned. "You would fly back to D.C. just so I can conquer whatever this is?" The comment should have sounded like a joke or at least held a level of of skepticism but Steve had the feeling that she would return to the States to stand beside him as he fought this particular mental demon if he asked. "Maybe we both don't have to be alone."

Automatically, he threaded his fingers between hers as he laughed softly. "Says the one of us who didn't have an anxiety in front of a memorial for no reason." Steve wasn't even sure what to call it, but the description fit well enough for now. He almost made a flippant comment about his reaction, but he realized Diana was right. The war was horrible. The War to End all Wars even if they'd been terribly, tragically wrong when they had described it in that way. "So many lives were lost," he said softly, "Women, children... we remember the children but not the innocents that were caught in the middle."

Shaking off that thought before he slipped into another one of those 'episodes', he decided that leaving was better than ruining the rest of the day for her. "You'd be someone who cared deeply about someone you lost, but if you won't be disappointed then we can leave. I'll buy you ice cream and show you the carousel to make up for having to skip the memorials."

Dark eyes widened at that quote. She'd read it before. She had so many years to learn and read and watch the world fade by. Sometimes she even read some of the myths and believes of the after life according to the Ancient Greeks. The idea of keeping those you loved alive through memories and never forgetting. That's something she'd lived by. A thread of hope she clung to for countless years. She could feel the warmth filling her eyes and burning just slightly before she rubbed lightly at them to will it away.

"Yes, I would. You need only ask and I will come." She could save the world with her fists, but sometimes... sometimes she wanted to save people with her hands held out to them. To be needed for more than being the shield the world crashed down on to keep those people from being crushed. Breathing in slowly, she gave him a small smile. "Maybe we don't."

Squeezing his hands as he threaded his fingers through hers, she couldn't help but grin softly, her eyes lighting up through the sheen of melancholy finally starting to shake it off. "I feel the pain and agony behind so much that was lost. I do not live in the past solely for intrigue. I do it to learn. To remember the sacrifices made. To remember the lives through out time that deserved to be remembered." And to learn humanity as it took each step from the time the Amazons hid away. To know them now, she had to know them every step of the way.

"Good. It's been a while since someone else treated me." Perhaps Steve wasn't the last, but Etta, Sammy or the others were. So it had been really a very long time. And really, who better to try it one more time with than the first person that could make her feel alive and actually enjoy small things again. Only releasing one hand, she pulled him toward where they parked. "A carousel? That sounds like fun." The smile that pulled on her lips lit up her whole face, dark eyes nearly sparkling as she tipped her head. "We should go before it gets much later."

"I'm not sure the Louvre would approve," he teased, but he was pleased by the answer when he knew that he shouldn't be. Diana couldn't just drop everything for him, but the idea of her wanting to felt right since he'd do the same for her if she asked. Which was probably strange considering how long they'd known each other but so was how easily they agreed to keep each other company so that they weren't alone. "There's no maybe, Ms. Prince."

Maybe what she described, feeling that pain was what caused the anxiety or why he had heard the sword when to others it would be dull metal. "Most people don't live in the past even for that reason. Glory and treasure and their names in journals that no one reads." As they walked away from the crowds, Steve tried to remember why he'd become fixated on history. "I'm not sure why I started studying it. Maybe the fear that we'd repeat the horrors of the past if it wasn't remembered. That might have been it at first. Curiosity and knowing that the past had to be protected. Then I stumbled over that artifact and I couldn't ever imagine doing anything else."

Glancing over at her, he lightly squeezed her fingers, ridiculously pleased that she hadn't pulled away. "Does that mean that you don't date?" It was probably a question that he shouldn't ask, but he had admitted to being curious about many subjects. "Or are there no ice cream shops in Paris or carousels?"

"They tend to let me set up my own schedule and I am sure I can arrange a good reason if they don't let me have a vacation day." She knew they wouldn't mind. She was very good at her job, so why would they deny her such a simple thing? Pausing though, she arched a brow elegantly at him then smiled. "Diana. Remember?"

Angling her head a little at his reasoning, she finally shrugged one shoulder lightly. "There are few that think like I do." Glancing at him with a small smile, she tugged him to catch up so their shoulders could touch again. "I like that reasoning even if it was only just to start out. Though, I want to know what artifact has you so enamored. Is it something that is so distracting it would make someone jealous?" She's mostly teasing now. Diana shouldn't be pushing her luck so openly, but really, Steve was someone she wanted to be around. And sometimes she could even push aside those attempts to find the familiar and just enjoy who he was in the moment. Which was getting increasingly easier to do.

"Actually, no. I haven't dated in a very long time. Too long ago to count really. And even that wasn't exactly... dating. Not in the typical sense of the word. I just haven't been... interested. Not until now really." Her dark eyes glinted with a teasing nature that didn't say she was lying, but that she might actually be flirting with him. Something that surprised even herself in a way. "There are all kinds of things to do in Paris, just no one I've truly wanted to do them with."

"It takes more than a day to fly to the States. I'm sure they'd miss you if you were gone a few days. The whole museum would probably fall apart without you." The exaggeration might make her smile or at least keep them from thinking about the past that had brought her to the memorial and the episode that had forced them to leave. "I remember, but I wanted to be sure you knew I was serious about making sure that you aren't alone."

It shouldn't be difficult to keep up with Diana. They were near enough in height but Steve didn't have the presence that she had. Crowds parted for her or people stopped in front of her to stare, which he couldn't blame them for since he was prone to doing the same thing if he had the chance. "Different paths to the same location." Making sure that they stayed near enough that they occasionally brushed against each other, Steve considered how best to answer. "I honestly don't know what it is. I know what it looks like but I can't classify it. It can't be dated. I haven't been able to find anything similar..."

Realizing that he wasn't proving that the sword wasn't something to be jealous of, he muttered an apology. "It's not something to be jealous of, especially for someone who understands how the past can draw us in and change us." Knowing that any attempt at being less obvious would look foolish, he continued on. "And she may be helping me understand it so that means she'd have no reason to worry about being upstaged by research."

Steve was silent for a moment, thinking of Diana's comments about being alone and her isolation from the world. It was obvious that it would continue to dating but it seemed incredibly unlikely that she hadn't dated anyone. "You've never been on a date?" Maybe that wasn't what she meant. It probably had been a long time since someone had asked her out. "And now you're interested?" Steve had to have heard that wrong. She couldn't be interested in him even if they had talked and flirted. "And want me to visit Paris so you have someone to play tourist with?"

"I am sure that they will survive a few days without me. I am here now for a few days, am I not?" Laughing softly, she shook her head. She knew full well that Steve was just teasing her, but she also figured it was fine to play along. Though, she did pause at his trying to make her realize he was serious and finally she nodded. "I know. But this goes for you as well. If you are there for me, I will do the same for you."

It should be strange. To make such offers and wish to have a chance to make good on them. She wanted to get to know him. Exchange silly postcards and perhaps even talk on the phone about research or projects either might work on. Not so much in the capacity of 'work' but... to talk to someone that seemed to be of a like mind in the area of history. Maybe he just had a magnetic personality like that, but she couldn't avoid the brilliance of his humanity in him that was more than most. He stood out amongst other humans, but not solely because he was so handsome. "I am very intrigued to see this artifact. I can tell you have pretty extensive knowledge. To be so stumped, raises my curiosity."

Then she had to smile. Brightly and so luminous she drew attention from those they walked by unknowingly. Granted that smile was really only for the man at her side. "I don't mind research, as long as I am not completely ignored in favor of it. Doing it together is also acceptable." Still, she was smiling beautifully at the idea. How did this man managed to make her smile so much? He wasn't even trying to flirt or impress her. Not that she could tell.

"I suppose I have done coffee with people. Dinner. But sometimes I didn't realize that was how it was viewed or I realized pretty quickly I wasn't interested. Nothing... has held my regard in a long while." Glancing back at him, she sent him a wink at his realizing what she meant and that she honestly did mean to take him sight seeing. "You are a very interesting person, Steve. I am truly enjoying getting to know you." And where it was neither confirming nor denying anything, she was making sure that it made it clear enough that she was interested in him. Just him. But to be more forward was likely inappropriate. And she still wanted to see if he would or even could wish to be with someone like her.

"I'm sure everything is chaos without you." There were probably highly skilled people who could cover for her, but Steve had the feeling that it wasn't the same as having Diana at the museum. She probably captivated everyone just as much as the artifacts she researched. Diana had captivated him, more than just captivated considering how they both offered the other comfort and companionship. Most people wouldn't make the offers they had, at least not as quickly or as sincerely as they had.

It didn't quite make sense, but he couldn't imagine not offering her that, to be her bridge between the world and the isolation she had discussed. Steve wanted to make her smile and discuss research or the crazy things that occasionally happened at the Smithsonian. It was like he had always been expecting someone to be beside him and suddenly she was there.

Which was highly inappropriate and definitely creepy if he put it into words. She'd probably punch him and storm away if she knew he'd thought that. But it was difficult to think of how wrong it might seem when she gave him a brilliant smile that caused every thought to momentarily vanish until he gave himself a mental shake and remembered what they were discussing. "I doubt I could ever completely ignore you. And you did say you'd help me and I'm going to make sure you keep that promise."

Glancing away before he got completely distracted again, he considered his project and the dead ends he'd encountered. "Not extensive enough or I would have figured it out by now." Despite all the frustrations, he only sounded fond of his obsession. "I'm beginning to think I'm looking at it from the wrong angle. It may look Greek but maybe it's older. I could be so stuck on it being 'Greek' that I'm not seeing other possibilities."

As Diana described her coffee and dinner encounters, Steve wasn't sure if he should be amused or embarrassed. Did she think he was like those people. Yes, he'd like for this to be a date, but that wasn't why he was with her. If she was only interested in friendship, he would think that she was giving him something special that he'd appreciate for as long as she wanted to stay in contact with him. "I hope you don't think I'm like those people. I didn't expect this to be more than what we discussed. I wanted to spend time with someone interesting and show you around D.C.

"I'm enjoying this too. It's more than I hoped for." There was no reason to not be honest with her, especially when there had been times when she hadn't realized others had wanted more from her. As they moved past the memorials, he caught sight of their next stop, nodding in the direction they should head next. "Have any of those not-dates included a carousel?"

"Pure exaggeration, Steve." She pointed out with a soft laugh shaking her head. She knew very well they could make it without her even if they did prefer her there. Most dignitaries and important visitors seemed to like her a great deal and preferred it when she was there to be their guides or just talk with them about whatever contribution they wished to make. Most times they simply waited till she returned.

And normally going home promptly had never been an issue. She would often times finish her work swiftly and return. But now, she didn't know if she wanted to leave. His presence felt almost magnetic to her, letting some of that former blunt behavior bubble up from her as she touched or got too close. None of which he seemed to veer away from. It made her... happy. He made her happy. "A promise is sacred and should not be broken." She'd said those words before, but they came so easily when he called her on that. "I will not break my promise to you, Steve."

Shaking her head, she squeezed his hand gently. "Do not question your gut instinct. I'm sure we will figure it out when we sit down with it to give it a look." Something told her whatever he had must be important, and where she felt the driving urge to see it, she would not ask to rush their day. Not when she wanted to see the area more with him.

Still, she turned her head quickly to him at his thoughts on her previous mishaps. "You misunderstand me, Steve. Where those meetings were never what I wished for, or did not realize the intent, that does not mean I view this moment here with you in this way. Perhaps it is my intentions that are unclear to you." The thought made her smile softly at that. "My wish was to spend time with you and know you. To whatever depth of relationship that may be." Whether friendship or more. She wanted to see how deep it would go. "Because I admit, you-- you are someone I want to be close to."

Her eyes nearly glowed with the smile his words put on her lips. Not that she needed to repeat her words again. Though, she treasured them. So much so, the happiness that bubbled up from them had her eagerly pulling him along to get to the carousel. "No! I have never been on a carousel." The idea was so exciting in ways she didn't understand. She had seen beautiful ones in the time she'd been in the world of men. But she never found it in herself to ever get on one. However, she paused and looked at him almost sheepish cause she realized he may not want to get on something like this so she refrained from asking.

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

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