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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"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.

Steve wasn't sure how to answer her when she said that he was wonderful. It didn't seem like it was true. He was normal, maybe more careful with others than many people were, but he didn't think that he deserved the praise Diana gave him. If he did... it made him curious about how others had treated her if kindness was such a rarity. Before he could think of something to say other than a dazed, thanks, the carousel began to move and he was to enthralled by he reaction to try to continue their conversation.

She looked like a little girl, joyous over something so many would take for granted. A ride that so many would think was silly was truly magical to her.

Noticing the little girl, he grinned when Diana waved at her, fighting back a laugh when she called Diana an actress. It was a good guess considering how beautiful and composed she could look. She seemed the type that should star in a movie or model the ridiculous clothes that Steve never really understood. Then the girl included him in her exclamation and he had to duck his head so she wouldn't see his smile.

When he could look up without hurting the girl's feelings, he leaned forward over the horses neck so she would hear. "Did you hear that?" He knew that she meant him, but he wanted to make sure that the girl didn't somehow pick up her mother's embarrassment over her outburst. "She said you and your mom are pretty too."

For a moment, he entranced her. Pulling all of her ability to notice much else as he hid his smile by ducking his head. She wanted to reach out and slide her fingers through his hair and touch the lines that formed at the corners of his eyes when he smiled genuinely. Steve just found ways to take her breath away.

Only only got better at it when he leaned over to tell the girl that. It had been so long since she'd felt so completely carried away by someone. It reminded her of her first dance in the snow and just how much her captain had completely won her over. A shift. She'd thought of it as a shift in their relationship then. And now she was sure something very important shifted in her heart now. Still... she needn't upset the girl and her mother by not adding to his comment.

Turning her head, she smiled sweetly at the both of them. "Very much so. You're so kind to compliment me, thank you." The mom looked a little stunned looking at the both of them before she looked away for an entirely different reason. On the other hand, the little girl seemed to light up like a lightbulb or a fully decorated christmas tree. It was, to Diana, radiant in all of it's innocence and genuine happiness.

"Are you two gonna get married? You should!" Children often took her breath away with how forward and honest they could be. Breathing in sharply, she bit at her lower lip then huffed a forced laugh through the slowly rising flush on her cheeks.

"You know, I never rule out any possibility." Her smile softened to something warm and gentle before she sent the mother a wink. "You have a lovely child." The woman instantly flushed and thanked her before looking away and trying to distract the little girl from her and Steve.

The little girl beamed at him and her mother seemed to relax slightly. She was probably still mortified but at least she didn't look like she was about to spontaneously combust from embarrassment. Looking over at Diana, he smiled when she picked his 'mistake' and turned it into truth. "And thank you for saying I'm pretty."

Straightening, he watched her to see how she'd react to the girl's suggestion. The blush was surprising when he knew how easily she seemed to be able to keep keep her composure. His eyebrows crept upward when he noticed that her laughter didn't sound the way it had before. He was about to answer, but Diana spoke before he could.

When the little girl looked at him expectantly, Steve shrugged, mouthing 'maybe?' to her, causing her to giggle. He wasn't quite sure that 'maybe' was true, but it made the girl smile. It was too soon for anything to be more than maybe and that was probably too soon for even that.

When the little girl looked away, chatting excitedly to her mother, Steve risked another glance over at Diana, waiting to see how she reacted to the unexpected interruption in their not-date.

Diana quirked a brow at him, part wondering if he was thanking the girl or her for calling him pretty. Honestly, where he deserved a word like handsome, he also wasn't off base for pretty. Something that made her smile just a little more. It made her want to reach across the space and just sweep his hair back lightly and touch his face. Really, he did do a number on her at some point and she didn't know how or why. Not that she felt like Steve lead her in any way other than naturally to that state of mind.

No one had every brought up the idea of marriage to her. Not even Etta Candy who stayed by her side the longest throughout the years. So to have someone point it out, an innocent child at that, made the question weighted in a lot of ways. Especially considering this was the first time in over ninety years she'd had so much fun with one person.

She dared to look at Steve when the girl turned on him, and something about him saying 'maybe' made it harder to breathe. It wasn't that she thought he was saying he wanted to. It was more that he was saying he didn't hate the idea. The idea of looking at the possibility of a relationship. Maybe was a good answer.

Drawing her eyes away for a moment, she pursed her lips before turning back to him and catching his eyes on her. And for a moment all she could do was smile warmly at him as she leaned her head against the pole. He really was a bit like a prince. Just so much better in so many way. The ride itself was in a sense magical. The up and down motion and the slow turning made it so easy to just focus on him. Like all the rest of the world melted away.

"You've given me, so far, the best day I've had in years." So many years.

The 'maybe' was probably out of line. Considering wanting to marry someone after a few meetings and an afternoon of sightseeing was like something out of a movie, but Steve didn't want to disappoint the girl. And, being honest with himself, he hoped that Diana might consider other dates

Dates and long talks and texted conversations when she returned to Paris. No one else had made him feel like he belonged beside them. He knew that she didn't need him at her side, but it was a place that he wanted, would be honored to have if she wished him to be there.

It was probably weird to want that, to imagine seeing her every day. Breakfast together while reading the paper or going over their projects before heading out for work. Afternoons spent walking through parks, enjoying being together. It was probably strange that it seemed right to want that even if it should seem stalker-ish.

It was difficult to think of it being wrong when Diana smiled at him as if she might someday think of it too. Maybe she might imagine what it was like to have those typical days and silly moments like riding a carousel together.

"It's the best day I've had in - I can't really remember when." Probably before he'd found the sword since everything before that seemed to be hazy. Steve remembered the museums, the artifacts, the awe and beauty but he couldn't remember having fun the way they were today. "Since you've enjoyed it so much, would you agree to another day of sight seeing?" It was a start, a way to get to know each other without the pressure of saying it was a date.

Her biggest regret in this moment was that her work was an ocean away from him. If they lived on the same continent she could so easily go to him. Ask him to do something ridiculous, fun, and light. Give her more chances to laugh and be herself with him. For once she felt so free and liberated. Like that girl that was jaded and broken when she saw the realities of the world after leaving Themyscira.

With a boy whose eyes were as blue as the waters that surrounded that island. So were Trevor's... but there were subtle differences that made this man so precious. He had such a brilliant intelligence about him. A softer nature with less edges brought on by so much death and war. He talked of things like gods and ancient beliefs like he could believe them. Did believe them... where her captain had placated mostly, even if she still adored him for not instantly telling her she was wrong.

This man pulled her out of the depths of a self imposed solitude and made her feel beautiful and light in a whole other way. If someone asked her if she could fall in love with him, she'd have to honestly say yes. And that was the smile she gave him, one full of warmth and timid affection as he returned that sentiment about their day together so far. And oh, it made her heart flutter in her chest.

"Not just sight seeing. Anything you want to do, I'll happily go with you." Her eyes lit up at that. Thinking of places she never would have thought to go with always worrying about work and appearances. But maybe, just maybe he would take her to places like that. Places normal people went and smile and laugh and talk. Just talk like this.

Feeling the ride come to a stop, she lifted her head and beckoned him to come to her, arms out and ready to be caught when she slid off the horse. "But for now, I think someone agreed to have ice cream with me."

After hearing that odd little laugh, Steve hadn't been sure how she would answer his suggestion for a date. Diana said she happy but one afternoon together didn't mean that she'd want another or that she'd want their relationship to change from what it had been before he'd picked her up at the hotel. He wouldn't make assumptions no matter how much he hoped that things would become more serious between them.

He told himself that until he caught sight of that smile. It was so different than the ones that he'd seen in the museum that never quite reached her eyes, polite and cool and meant to keep people distant from her. Even the smiles she had given him today, unguarded and bright, were different. This held hope that Diana might consider more, that the 'maybe' Steve had told the little girl might be true.

The thought was literally dizzying. His hand tightened on the carousel pole as the ride slowed to a stop as he gave her a tentative, hopeful smile that he knew didn't hide that he was already starting to fall for her.

"You should have some say in what we do," he teased, getting down from the horse to stand beside her. "Or at least give me hints about what you like other than Greek culture and carousels." And ice cream of course. He hadn't forgotten that. "I might choose boring places that you'll hate." He could almost imagine it becoming a game between them. Each of them thinking up ridiculous dates just to see the other's reaction.

Smiling at how she gestured for him to help her, like the princess they'd joked about before, Steve caught the eye of the little girl before he gave Diana an elaborate bow. He heard the girl giggle and say something to her mother as he lifted Diana from the horse and set her back on the wooden deck. "I did promise that, my lady. Ice cream and whatever else you wish for."

When he returned that smile, she felt like her heart might just try to beat right out of her chest. The flutter and stutter were enough to nearly take her breath away. How did someone seem so bright and drawing? Because Steve drew her in like a moth to the flame and she didn't know if she'd end up getting burned or not. Though, Diana believed that he wouldn't hurt her. He didn't seem to have a single negative vibe in his aura aside from when he looked sad and she couldn't help but want to make it better.

Following him with her eyes till he stood at her side, she smiled sweetly while arching a brow. "Something fun. Different. Are there any amusement parks or something recreational around here?" Rolling her eyes playfully at his comment about boring ideas, she leaned in closer and spoke to him in a sweeter tone. "You'll just have to find ways to make it fun for me then, yes?"

A laugh left her again, softer and sweeter as he bowed like a prince. She knew well that he was doing it for their small audience. But still, it was sweeter than she could even begin to describe. Reaching out, she curled her hands about his shoulders close to the neck as he lifted her up off of the horse to set her on her feet. And maybe, she slipped those arms a little bit tighter about his neck for a slight hug before she pulled away and took one of his hands to slide her fingers through his. "Ice cream and possibly dinner. Dessert first, I say." She smiled at that and leaned against his side gently.

When she turned to exit the ride, she caught the little girl's eyes and Diana couldn't help but smile at her and wink. "Wish me luck. I think he is the prince for me, don't you?" The girl bobbed her head and instantly waved at the both of them with a cheerful farewell and good luck.

Humming softly, he considered her requirements for the next maybe date. "There's a couple if you don't mind leaving the city." That might be good for them both. Diana seemed like the time to focus on work and ignore almost everything else, probably rarely seeing what might be outside of Paris. He had mostly done the same, traveling mostly for academic curiosity than anything that most people would consider fun. "If you don't have the time, there's a few odd sites in D.C. that we could visit."

Now that he knew that she wasn't as serious as she pretended to be, Steve could be more unique in his choices of dates or whatever they should call their tiem together.

Trying to ignore how dazed he felt at having her close, like this was something familiar but new and perfect, Steve gently lifted her from the horse. Stepping closer when she hugged him, he couldn't help thinking that this was supposed to happen. This was how they were meant to be.

Maybe acting like a prince and the girl's suggestion that they should get married was making Steve think of fate and children's stories of love found in unexpected places. It was easy enough to believe when Diana looked like a princess and called Steve a prince. "I would never deny you ice cream or expect you to wait until after dinner to have it."

That seemed to earn the girl's favor as much as Diana calling him a prince. Trying to ignore how his chest ached at the idea of being the right one for her, he waved at the girl before following her off the ride and toward the exit. As they walked away from the sites and toward the shops and restaurants, he brushed his thumb along the side of her hand. "I hope she wished me luck too. I think you might be the princess for me."

"If I can finish and confirm the work at the Smithsonian, I actually have a few days." She could work fast. They tended to allot her more time when she traveled abroad, thinking she might need it or something might come up. Perhaps this was stretching that, but she actually didn't mind. It wasn't like she did this before. "If it's not too far or too difficult to get to, I think it should be fine."

And where the hug really hadn't been planned on her part, she felt the warmth spilling through her limbs and in her chest as her heart seemed to stutter over a beat. It felt too right, too safe and warm to be real. It was part of the reason she'd not lingered long, because she knew she could drown in that feeling and not let go. Instead, she focused on his words and beamed at him while pulling softly on his hand. "I should hope not. You seem so trustworthy I'd be devastated if you did deny me that."

Not really. But she liked to tease him and carry the levity of the situation further to float on that high of happiness she so rarely got to indulge in. And she likely might have found the ground again at some point had he not added that last part to match her own sentiment. At first her eyes reflected something like surprise, a shiver running along her spine with that feeling of his thumb sweeping over her skin. Tipping her head a little she squeezed his hand and pulled him to a stop.

Tugging he down just a touch, she turned and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before whispering the words for the girl. "Good luck." She smiled against his cheek before pulling away. Hopefully if he had any doubt before, he would have none about her intentions now.

"I could help, if you'd like. It'd have to be after hours." If it wasn't, his supervisor would have a fit. If it was anyone else Steve might get away with helping. Attwater would use his willingness to assist a colleague to her advantage, but not with Diana. Attwater be furious if she found out he was working with her even if it was to help the museum. "A few days would be more than enough time for that." But not enough time with her. He never had enough time with her...

That... that was a strange thought. One that he shouldn't have but it felt familiar. So did the unexplained sadness that accompanied it. They had met a short time ago. It wasn't enough time for Steve to feel that kind of wistfulness over someone he'd basically just met.

"I'll remember to always make sure that you get ice cream when you want it." It was difficult to hide the humor in his voice. Diana was so different than the person he'd assumed she was when they met in the museum. The teasing, almost innocent banter between them was... Had they done this before? It almost felt like they had. Maybe he was too caught up in their little pantomime to entertain the girl on the carousel and he was caught up in fairy tales.

He was still thinking of the little girl and her wish that they stay together - it was too soon to think of marriage even if Diana was the one he could easily imagine that with - when she stopped. Realizing that what he'd said might have been crossing a line, Steve began to apologize, but the words stilled when she kissed him. That... that was right. This was right. Like finding the sword was right.

Swallowing hard, he ignored the tangle of strange feelings that didn't make sense and smiled at her. This... whatever this was, Diana wanted it too. Even without the kiss, the smile would have told him that. The kiss felt like a promise, one that he needed to be repeated to become true. Before she could pull away, Steve brushed his lips against her cheek. "Good luck."

That made her smile a little. Angling her head to look at him, a brow rose slowly in quiet contemplation. "You know if she finds out, she will be very angry." Attwater had a tendency to take things too far when it came to herself, and obviously the woman saw Steve as hers and didn't want to share. Flaunt him in front of her like a damn toy, sure, but not anything remotely close to sharing. Even professionally.

Though, she stopped at the idea of time and pressed her lips together. Where he was right, she wondered if there would ever be enough time. Diana let out a soft breath before returning the smile to her face to gaze at Steve. "Truly, ice cream is one of those treasures of mankind." With a soft laugh, she zeroed in on a vendor and lead them in that direction. "And a very good way to my heart for starters."

Which likely only added to her words and that kiss that she likely shouldn't have been so forward to give. But the moment she felt his head turn and his lips brushed her skin, she felt the shiver spill over her head to foot. The hand not tangled in his moved to rest on his shoulder to steady herself as her eyes fluttered closed.

It took her a moment to really gather her thoughts and focus. And then she finally leaned her head closer to him and took a shaking breath. Then she softly pulled away and sent him a small, sweet smile. "Thank you."

Shrugging at her warning, Steve gave Diana a reassuring smile. He knew that he might have to face Attwood's anger but passive aggressive behavior was the worst that she could do to him. "If she reprimands me, she'll have to explain why. It'll ruin her reputation if she has me written up for something that improves the museum's reputation. If she tries something worse..." Then Attwood would have to deal with some very embarrassing accusations. That might be considered blackmail, but his supervisor had put herself in the situation when she kept flirting and making inappropriate suggestions that were in writing and on video.

Noticing her reaction to their plans, he was about to suggest some other way to spend her time in D.C. when Diana mentioned ice cream. "Where exactly does it rank in the list of humanity's greatest achievements?" he teased. Somewhere close to the top of the list, he assumed, considering how she had focused on the vendor. She was stronger than he expected, or incredibly dedicated to ice cream. Either option was cute.

"I will remember that. If I want you to fall in love with me, ice cream every night." Steve wasn't sure if he was teasing or not but if that would help him win her heart, then he would be happy to provide whatever flavors she chose.

Their banter over ice cream was forgotten momentarily as he realized how she'd reacted to a simple kiss. The one that she'd given him was special, a gift that promised a possibility for the future. He tried not to think of it as more than that but when Diana's hand moved to his shoulder and she leaned in as if she was considering a kiss...

Before she could pull away, before Steve could even really think about what he was doing, he tipped his head, pressing a gentle kiss against her lips. He'd done this before, already knowing the softness of her lips and the way she'd sway closer as his hand moved to her waist. We should be dancing. He caught the scent of snow and smoke and something Steve couldn't name. Felt something soft brush against his wrist where their hands were twined together. It was a hint of everything good that he'd teased her about. Everything that made life and humanity good.

Blinking as if he'd suddenly moved from darkness to sunlight, he tried to ignore the rightness of the kiss, the way he wanted to draw her close and kiss her until he forgot about everything but the two of them. Until he thought he couldn't breathe because of how much he needed to be with her.

Knowing that he'd already overstepped the boundaries he'd been trying to keep in place, Steve took a step back but didn't let go of Diana's hand. "You're welcome."

The light in her eyes almost sparkled at his words as she canted her head thoughtfully. "You seem to have that well in hand." Not that she even remotely liked the idea of the woman being aggressive in any form to Steve. Even if he'd not shown any inclination to her, Diana would still likely feel the flare of protectiveness for the man. "Either way, I am here to help you any way I can." Because he need not face that alone. In fact, she planned to find him a better job opportunity.

"And I would say at least in the top five things that make humanity marvelous." She had to tease him, but she also had to admit it was likely one of the main things she loved about the world of men once she finally got there. It won that spot in her heart easily, especially when he bought it for her. But talk of ice cream soon faded away completely as the situation seemed to turn her upside down and leave her disoriented.

Pleasantly so, but still disoriented.

Diana hadn't been sure. The idea of stealing a kiss from the man more than crossed her mind, but she still figured it better not to press her luck. What she didn't expect was the feeling of his lips against hers. And like someone dying of thirst, she instantly leaned into the meeting of lips and savored that soft warm slide of lips on her own. She didn't get a chance to taste him. Or even get more than that ghost of familiarity before he seemed to pull away and took her breath with him.

Her gaze seemed lost as she stared up at him for a moment, a quiet fire of yearning burning in dark eyes. And before she could fully stop herself, she used that hand on his shoulder to pull him closer again after sliding to the back of his neck. This time she pulled him closer so she could kiss him. Maybe not as deep as she desired, but she certainly caught his lower lip in her own to nip at it softly and draw her tongue over the warm skin before she let him go.

It didn't last nearly as long as she wanted. But she could taste him now on her lips and on her tongue. It made her feel warm and safe and... home. Breathing in slowly, she lowered her head and pulled her hand away from his neck even if she didn't relinquish the hand in her own. "Sorry... that was rather bold of me."

None of this made sense but Steve didn't care. The weird sensations that seemed to be overlaid over the 'now' might worry him later, but he couldn't be concerned by that when he had Diana close. The rightness of it made his chest ache, the pain of it so sharp that he would have pulled away if she hadn't moved closer.

Fate. It was a word that few had faith in now but had been a powerful force in the past that Steve had always secretly believed in it. After finding the sword, it'd been impossible to not consider the truth in stories that hinted at destiny.

Maybe that was what had drawn him to Diana. Fate or destiny or some other force that had understood that this was where he was meant to be.

A hint of whatever had drawn them together was reflected in Diana's eyes. Something dark and heartbreaking that made Steve wish he knew a way to ease the sorrow that she felt. Moving with the tug at his neck, he kissed her softly, lips parting for her so that she could take the lead. He knew that she wouldn't mind if he deepened the kiss or wrapped his arms around her like he wanted, but he didn't understand that yearning, didn't want to possibly harm her when she looked so vulnerable.

He was probably the only one would think Diana could look that way, but whatever caused that pain had hurt her deeply.

Hissing softly before he could remember they were in public, probably surrounded by kids who thought they really were a prince and princess, he realized his hand was at her waist. They were also swaying in place. "I like bold. I think I'm the one who's supposed to be apologizing. I kissed you first."

Her hand shifted, falling back on his shoulder as she leaned just close enough that her head touched against his other shoulder so she could close her eyes. She didn't sacrifice proximity or even holding on to him. She simply hid that look on her face that told too many stories of a broken heart and nearly a century of agony in loneliness. The loss of faith in the world and hiding away until everything just felt almost a dusty gray.

She really hadn't realized just how dulled her senses had become since he died. Since she openly and excitedly took in this world. And staying so close in the warmth of his presence, she felt both terrified and safe at what all this could mean. turning her head, she let her cheek press to his shoulder while her nose brushed at his neck softly.

This movement, the closeness, it felt so much like dancing.

A small smile pulled at her lips as he tried to cast the blame on himself. Of course he would. She expected no less. Still, she'd been the one to take a soft an simple lip only kiss and take it a step further. "It was wanted." Because even if he might argue her if she stated her thoughts on the matter, those words he couldn't refute. And it wasn't like she was lying. She couldn't lie, not with the lasso curled about her waist so innocently. "I would like to again, but I don't believe this is the right time or place."

Not that she seemed all that eager to pull away from him. In truth, she wanted to stay like that, close to him. Finally forcing her head to lift up, she dared to meet his eyes. "After ice cream, take me home with you?" The sudden realization of how that sounded instantly showed as her eyes widened. "Not for... Not if..." Intimacy really wasn't something she was shy about. But she did realize how it made her sounds. Especially after his own employer likely made similar passes.

"I just don't want it to end. Not yet."

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

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