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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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.

"I didn't mean to imply that you would," he said, his tone instantly apologetic. "But it is difficult to remember that you're supposed to look at my research when we're enjoying the city." The sword might capture his interest, being one of the most demanding parts of his life despite it being an 'inanimate' object, but he could easily forget while he was spending an afternoon with Diana.

"I know that we will. I'm not sure what happens after that." It was a strange thing to admit, but something Steve had been curious about every time he'd felt that he was close to understanding the artifact. Would it let go of him, letting him move on to another project or would he still hear its voice?

Squeezing her hand, Steve returned her smile even as he told himself that he shouldn't get his hopes up. She might decide that friendship was all that she wanted and he would try not to be too heartbroken over the idea even as he began to think that maybe he had a chance with her. "I'm beginning to understand your intentions. I wanted to make sure you knew mine." Gesturing vaguely, he struggled to find the right words for some of the ungentlemanly behaviors that he had been offended by over the years. "I don't want to be that type of guy, Diana. There's some people who would assume this meant that they could take liberties. I want to spend time with you and see if you want to keep being close."

The comment about the carousel caused him to give her a confused look. He'd assumed that most children had been to either amusement parks or fairs. "Then we need to correct that." It was something he hadn't done in years, but only because there had been other things to do and no one to share the experience with. Gently tugging her toward the ride, he tried not to think of how radiant she looked, focusing instead on how self-conscious Diana seemed over something everyone who wanted to should have a chance to try. "We'll find you the prettiest pony on the carousel."

"I won't forget my promise." Her smile softened at that. It actually felt warm and sweet all at once to be told that her company was so... distracting? No, the word seemed negative and Steve did not imply it negatively. Whatever it was, she liked it. "Well, whatever happens after that is yet to be seen. I would not worry for it until it comes." And part of her wanted to make sure he didn't lose inspiration. Something that pushed her to truly think about what she could do in all of this.

"Maybe, hopefully our intentions are similar." She said that with more hope than she really wished to allow herself. Even though she loved his company and the warmth that came with it, she really didn't know how he felt about her. To make any grand assumption was wrong. "In any case, you are not that type of man, Steve. Do not worry about such things.Especially when that is what I wish as well." Unlike other men that she attempted to 'see', this feeling hadn't ebbed away or made her suddenly uncomfortable. Instead it god stronger. Easier. Just like it had before with her captain.

Breathing in slowly, she started to ask him if he'd ridden one before as a child. But her mind went brilliantly blank as he stated he would take her on it. And maybe that admission made her nearly bounce with happiness. She let out a laugh as she squeezed his hand and suddenly moved closer to his side so she could curl both hands about his. "Will they let adults onto it?" She had glanced people on it. But usually they were parents with their children. Sometimes at later times she would see a couple, but it never really registered if it was allowed or not. She hoped so.

Looking to him again, she caught his eyes and suddenly found herself smiling and saying softly. "Something colored blue, then?"

"I try not to, but it's been part of my life for so long." Which was why the thought of finally finding answers was both exhilarating and terrifying. "I'm not sure what it'll be like not to hear it anymore." Squeezing her hand, he considered the idea of the sword no longer being a mystery. "I'll probably sleep for a week once we figure it out." No dreams would be a blessing even if it'd seem strange at first.

"I think our intentions are similar." He hoped he didn't sound too excited or, worse, pathetic, to her. If she had intentions that meant she was interested and that she would... he was getting ahead of himself. Being interested didn't mean that things would be serious eventually. Even if it felt like it should be. Sometimes it felt like there were steps that had happened between them that he didn't know about. It was strange, but it felt right.

Especially when she looked radiant with excitement. Breathtaking. Which is why Steve had to actually remember to tell himself to breath when he looked at her. Which he had to remind himself about again when Diana moved closer, her hands curling around his. "I'll make sure they let us onto it," Steve promised. He doubted it'd take much convincing. As soon as the people running it saw how excited Diana was, they'd let her on the ride. It'd probably be harder for Steve to get to ride the carousel than Diana.

Returning the smile, Steve knew he had to look dazed, absolutely smitten with her. "If there's a blue one, he'll be yours." Or they'd keep riding the carousel until she got a turn on her favorite pony.

"Then maybe it is time for you to get the answers so you can sleep. I'm sure you will find something somewhere that speaks to you again and makes everything make sense instead of just driving you crazy with questions." Kind of like how she felt meeting him. Her life felt like an unanswered question. Over ninety years of nothing but questions, sometimes even asking why she kept doing this. The obvious answer just felt like a mantra and not one her full heart attached to.

But Steve made her smile. He made her feel light in ways she'd not felt since Themyscira or the short span with her captain. And really, how could she wish for more than having that feeling again? So yes, she truly and deeply hoped their intentions were similar. Because if they were, she could possibly keep him in her life as close as possible.

Until then, she would enjoy this moment. A childish flee went through her as she bumped against him, head touching his shoulder as it ducked to hide the bright smile of anticipation. Not that it went away when she lifted her head to look at him. No, she only smiled more as he promised her that he'd be hers.

The carousel horse. Not Steve.

Still, the mere thought made her heart flutter unexpectedly and she rose up on her toes to drop a happy kiss to his cheek swiftly. "Thank you. I'm so excited! You must think I am so silly for being so."

"I've gotten used to no sleep," he teased, smiling at her readiness to help him with his search. Most people would assume that he wouldn't want another challenge after having the sword in his life so long but Steve knew that eventually he'd need something to take up that intellectual space in his life. "The ones that make sense are boring. Those ones never change the world or our understanding of it." The hilt might though since nothing seemed similar to it and it didn't fit neatly into any theory that Steve had read.

It wasn't something he talked about often. He was the newest addition to the Smithsonian. Until he'd met Diana and she encouraged him to talk about his work, he hadn't realized how isolated he really was. Another trait that they seemed to have in common despite Steve making sure that he interacted with the world around him no matter how deeply he became involved in his research. But that was different than the kind of closeness they had been discussing with the postcards and Diana offering to help him face his phobia.

When her head rested against his shoulder, Steve almost slipped his arm around her waist, but he knew that was crossing a line that might make him like the men that had made assumptions before. Better to be cautious and let her take the next steps than accidentally hurt her with a moment of carelessness.

Hopefully he could keep that internal promise when she kept smiling at him like he'd given her something precious. And she'd kissed his cheek. "You're - uh - " How could he keep forgetting the basics like breathing and speaking in front of her. "You're welcome. I don't think you're silly. It's a gift to be excited over the things the rest of the world forgets. Sometimes it's the little things that keep us going."

Smiling, she realized what Steve meant. Only the unknown being discovered truly opened more doors. But maybe she wasn't talking about artifacts any longer. Not entirely. Either way, she didn't want to take that ideal away from him. He had a right to wish for those kinds of discoveries and doors being opened to new understanding.

But maybe she also hoped that in his search for those things, the things that do make sense waiting to be discovered would be apparent. Instead of an artifact, someone perhaps. But that was neither here nor there. If his true wish was to learn more and make more discoveries, she could help him there and give him an out from the toxic employer he now had. Not that she disliked the museum itself, she just knew he could and would be happier elsewhere with coworkers that understood him or wanted to push him forward.

So she made that decision. She would call work as soon as she got a chance and put in a recommendation for him. As she'd never really done it before, she knew they would listen to her. They'd certainly take it seriously.

But for now the real important matter was getting on the carousel. Pulling him forward to the ticket line, she flashed him a blinding and beautiful smile. "A gift? To myself or another?" She asked the question lightly, genuinely curious even though she knew how it could be a good thing for herself.

Either way, she beat Steve to the man selling tickets and without even realizing it, she was giving the poor man the most hopeful pout she had in her arsenal. The man stared at her for a moment and she tugged Steve closer. It wasn't a bad stare, more like someone stunned. "Please? I had never seen a carousel in my entire life till I was an adult, and I truly, truly wish to ride one."

By the end of her little plea, the man was sliding them both a ticket and flushing with a tiny little offer of 'I hope you enjoy it, miss' before waving them on. Before she could stop herself she was turning to Steve and catching his hands as she walked backwards. "What a truly nice man! I never would've expected someone to be so kind." But then, she rarely got so excited or ask in such a way since she'd first stepped into the world of men. But to see someone actual be generous made her feel a little more fond of the people she protected so zealously.

"Both," he answered when he recovered from her smile. She could probably convince people to move mountains or literally offer her the world just to have Diana look at them that way, if she was that type of person. Which obviously she wasn't since she hadn't noticed the way he or anyone else reacted to her happiness. If she'd been someone like Attwater... if she had, then Steve would have had to find a new job in a hurry since he doubted that he would have been immune to his supervisor's flirting. "Too many people become jaded to the world, expecting the worst. Keeping that excitement is what keeps us good."

It was probably a strange thing to say but Steve had spent his life studying history, learning the details of the best and worst of humanity. It would have been easy to become cynical but he'd refused to let that happened. There had to be goodness in the world or there was no point in existing or trying to make life better for others.

Steve was about to approach the ticket seller, ready to ask him about the rules for adults riding the carousel when Diana set the full power of her hopeful pout upon the man. He's doomed. Just like Steve would be if Diana turned the full power of that expression on him. He doubted that anyone would be able to resist the mixture of innocent enthusiasm and pleading.

Making sure that he didn't become completely enchanted by her expression, Steve paid for their tickets, while filing away her comment about never seeing one of the rides until she was an adult. They had them in Europe so that didn't quite make sense. Maybe her family had been reclusive and she'd grown up in some isolated town. Taking her hands, he realized he was grinning just as much as she was, caught up in her exuberance over something that they both should have outgrown years ago.

She was right. The ticket seller had been kinder than Steve had expected and he didn't think it was solely because Diana was stunning when she was so excited. There was something about her that brought out the best in others, except for Attwater of course.

Deciding to make her first time on the carousel as memorable as possible, he let go of her hand to bow low when they reached the ride. "Your pony awaits, my lady." Taking her hand again, he helped her up onto the carousel and led her around to inspect the horses. "Is there one that has earned your approval?"

She took his words thoughtfully. Not because she didn't understand, but because she was trying to view herself in that light. She wasn't human. Did that make it less precious? Less a 'gift' as he called it. Honestly, she didn't really know. She thought so differently than humans most of the time, and perhaps that was why she could somehow shed some of that jaded disappointment in society if only to grab on to the things that were special like this.

Something as simple as riding a carousel for the first time.

And she did feel so terribly excited. It nearly swept her away just like so many things had in London that first time. How long had it been since she'd felt this way? Since she looked forward to something so inane and simple? It was so easy to forget she was supposed to be a prim and proper curator and not invite so much attention to herself. Because whether she realized it or not, she drew attention when she got like this. Eyes tended to turn toward her for so many reasons she couldn't label at times.

But right then? All she saw was the carousel and Steve. She nearly giggled when he helped her up on the ride, her eyes lighting up with the sheer silliness of the moment and how gentlemanly he seemed right then. Like a man out of place. But he looked so handsome smiling like that and adding on to her delight by playing right along. Removing her eyes from her, she looked at all the horses before pulling him toward one decorated in a great deal of the shade of blue she had learned to like so much. She'd hazard to even call it her favorite color.

Once they approached the horse, she turned to face him and sent him her best coy look angling her head a little as she met his eyes. Pursing her lips, she pulled on his hand gently. "Do you mind? My skirt might be a bit short to..." Diana trailed off, letting his mind fill in the problem for her as she kept her gaze on him. "I mean, if you don't mind, that is..."

Steve had never been against silliness but he'd pushed most of that aside to keep up appearances for his job. Outside of the museum he could allow himself to be less formal or be more himself but no one had inspired him to this type of over the top act that he offered Diana.

It felt right somehow, playing the courtier with her in the role of princess. A completely unnecessary courtier since Diana could obviously win hearts and 'battles' with the force of her smile but he enjoyed indulging in the silliness that made her almost radiant with excitement.

As they passed each horse, he added some comment about its tack or decorations, as if he was trying to coax her into choosing one when he knew as soon as he caught sight of the one with the most blue painting she would choose that one. "I did promise you the prettiest one and that he'd be blue."

It wasn't until they were beside the pony that he realized there might be a slight problem with Diana's attempt to ride her chosen horse. The skirt that seemed so different than her usual businesslike suits really wasn't made for carousel ponies. Not sure where to look, Steve glanced away as he tried to think of a way to remedy the situation when Diana spoke.

"I don't mind," he blurted out, relieved that she had realized the problem and he wouldn't have to suggest something that might offend her. "If you're ready, I can..." Silently asking for permission, he waited for her agreement before lifting her up, settling her on her pony. "If you don't need any other assistance, my lady." As he spoke, he gestured toward the horse beside hers. "O do you wish me to choose another horse?"

Enjoying his offers and points on the other horses, she couldn't help but laugh and smile at the way he played along. He was charming. Not in the underhanded way most men tried to win her over in. Just in the fun and sweet way. A genuine kindness about him that made his aura just glow to her. It was no wonder she was so caught up in the moment.

Though, she bit back the laugh at his quick agreement to put her on the horse. Catching his hands, she moved them purposely to her waist so he could lift her and not feel like he was doing anything she might not approve of. However, once seated in side saddle fashion, she smoothed the skirt of her dress letting it fall in a silken fall over her legs adding to that elegant look that laid upon her almost naturally.

"I would always have you ride beside me, never in front or behind." She meant it on more than just this. Because she wanted him to know he was no less, no more, but perfect at her side. Leaning down, she cupped his head in her hands and pressed a kiss to his hair in tender fashion. "You are like those fairy tale princes, but so much more. You know that?"

When her hands slipped away, she tilted her head with a small smile to full lips before shifting her eyes to indicate the horse beside her. "And a prince should ride beside a princess, should he not?"

Following her direction, Steve carefully lifted her up, keeping his attention on her amused smile so that he knew that he didn't unintentionally do anything that would make her uncomfortable. If he hadn't been focused on making sure that she was comfortable on her chosen horse, he would have been completely distracted by the laughter he knew was reflected in her eyes. How could this person be the same person who was so cool and composed at the museum? Steve knew that it was true. He'd seen her switch between one to the other throughout the day but one didn't quite fit with the other.

Or maybe something had kept her from letting this side of herself free.

The thought was depressing, heartbreaking, but Steve wouldn't dwell on it. Her past wasn't something to question and Diana was willing to let him glimpse the brilliant person that hid beneath the professionalism. That was more than enough, a gift that he hadn't expected.

Steve was about to say - something, he wasn't sure what - when he felt her hands against his hair. The world seemed to go still so that only the two of them existed. The type of moment described in ballads and stories that no one thought could be true but beside Diana, Steve could believe in those wonders. The tales that children learned about heroes, quests, and love that they were supposed to outgrow. "I didn't," he admitted, glancing up at her, hoping to catch a glimpse of her face so that he could see if she was teasing. "I hope to be better." To be worthy of the looks she gave him and the hope that he couldn't deny no matter how it defied logic, growing between them as if they had known each other for more than a few days.

Reluctantly stepping away, he almost joked about her last name, but it felt wrong when this moment felt important. Instead he climbed onto the horse she had chosen for him, placing a hand over his heart while bowing his head toward her. "Only if the princess wishes him to and be honored to have a place beside her."

"Steve..." A flutter of warmth and affection bubbled up in her chest as she smiled all the more just for him. "The world already doesn't deserve you. If you were better, I don't think I would know what to do." Because as much as she was considered loftier, 'better' than humanity, she couldn't help but be jaded. Too much had happened, she'd lost so very much. And Steve? Steve was already like an oasis in the desert.

Part of her wanted to reach out and touch him. Caress his face and reassure him that none could be better than him. But she knew that was too much. She didn't 'know' him so to speak, only knew by feeling. That simple knowledge and intuition that she'd picked up after living with humans for so long. Steve was like light filtering through trees and dancing upon the ground so darkness wouldn't overwhelm.

"She does wish it." She finally answered, her head leaning against the pole holding the horse in place. Curling her hands around it, she kept her eyes on him. "There truly is something so wonderful about you. You should know that. I can't describe it, but I just know." Her smile widened before she lifted her head again to watch as the carousel began to move. She breathed out a happy laugh as she looked around and for the first time noticed that some people were looking at them.

But it was the little girl on the horse behind them that caught her eye. Smiling softer at her, she waved at her making the girl's eyes go wide and instantly blush. Diana blinked in surprise as she turned to the woman that was likely her mother and whispered none too quietly. "Momma! That actress lady waved at me!"

"Oh honey, you don't know she's an actress."

"Yeah huh! Both of them must be. They're so pretty!" Diana couldn't help the small laugh as she turned to look at Steve again with pure fondness in her eyes.

"And you're pretty." She added to her earlier compliment just to tease him after the little girl made that comment. Her mother looked so embarrassed as she realized Diana heard, but honestly, she didn't mind at all.

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

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