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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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."

Even if she had wanted the kiss, something about it had bothered her. Despite not wanting to consider it, Steve couldn't help thinking of the person she'd mentioned when they first met. He had reminded her of someone. Was that what was bothering her now?

No, she wasn't the type to do something like that. Diana wouldn't pretend to be interested in someone, let alone kiss him, because of a memory.

Or even something that almost felt like one. Looking around as they swayed together, Steve tried to ignore the deja-vu that kept trying to displace reality with something he didn't understand. Looking down at her in amusement, he chuckled when she argued with his interpretation of their kiss. "I know it was. You'd punch me if it wasn't." He doubted anyone could lay a hand on Diana unless she wanted them too. "When we're at the right place, I'd like to do that again."

It was tempting to kiss her, but she'd basically said no even if they both had admitted that they wanted to. Which was why he stared at Diana like she had lost her mind when she asked to go home with him. He tried - and failed - not to hope that it was for the obvious reason and then snapped out of his shock. "No, I wouldn't expect - " Hoping was completely different than expecting. "I know that's not what you meant, Diana."

Before he realized what he was doing, he reached up to brush a curl away from her face, letting his fingers linger against her cheek. "I don't want it to end, either. We can go home. You're welcome to stay as long as you like."

A breath of a laugh left her at his comment and she couldn't help but nod her head in agreement. "You are not wrong, I would." It amused her a great deal that he already picked that up from her. It made her smile more than usual as she dared to curl her hand back around his neck affectionately. "I agree. I would like that." Even if doing something like this was terrifying in a lot of ways, she wanted that feeling again. She wanted to feel the warmth of his lips and how he felt close to her in such an intimate way.

Blinking a few times when his look shifted to something more surprised at her request, she internally winced. Too forward. She spoke her mind too easily and obviously offended him. And honestly, even if he did rush to say that he knew she didn't mean it that way, she just as over zealously wanted to correct him. "I may not have meant it that way, but I'm neither against it if things felt right."

Not a force of closeness, but it wasn't a withheld offer either. Why she felt like he needed to know that, she really didn't know. Maybe she simply didn't want him to think her interest was completely innocent. The possibility was there and real. And she wanted to offer that to him. If it felt right. Biting into her lower lip, she tried not to smile too much when he said he'd extended the invitation in that way.

"Careful Steve, I may just show up on your doorstep with all my suitcases and decide to save my employers the money on the hotel." By then, the attempt to hold back the smile all but faded away as she beamed up at him playfully. "And if I dared impose upon you like that, I'd fully return the offer of the same in Paris."

Giving her a pleased smile at having guessed correctly, he wondered how long it had been since she'd been so open with someone. He'd observed her while they worked at the museum and the times where she had been at the Smithsonian as a guest and she had never been this open and young. It was like she was becoming a different version of herself, one that Steve was lucky to see.

Which was why her offer and the amendment to it seem endearing instead of like the flirting he dealt with at work. Diana hadn't asked to go home with him for the same reasons as Attwater. Honestly, he wasn't sure if he'd mind if it was. But whatever was developing between them wasn't simple attraction.

"I wouldn't be against it either." He'd have to be crazy to ignore whatever it was that was pulling them together. "When things feel right." That might be difficult to figure out since he couldn't imagine anything related to Diana not feeling right. Every time they were together, it felt like they were supposed to be at each other's side.

"I'm sure the Louvre would appreciate you saving them money." He tried to remain serious as he teased her, but her smile was infectious. Actually, it was heart stopping. For a few seconds, Steve wasn't sure he could remember how to complete a sentence. "You can dare if you want." Steve knew it wasn't normal to offer that but he couldn't think of any reason why she couldn't stay. If she didn't mind the size of his apartment. "But I doubt that I'll be in Paris even if I'd like to see what you've been working on."

Her smile brightened when he agreed to what she said. Good. They were on the same page and she liked it that way. Because they were just too in sync in so many ways. He made her feel things she'd thought long buried and she wanted to continue to figure out just how well they fit together. They felt right. So very right.

But his answer to her proposal of moving in with him made her huff a sweet surprised laugh. Ducking her head, she smiled brilliantly before looking back up at him with an arched brow. "I am a very daring person. Don't think I will back down." If he only knew just how brave she was. But then, that last part dampened that happiness a little at the thought he'd not go to Paris.

She wanted to instantly offer to pay his way. Drag him off and promise it would be worth it. But that sounded like a whirlwind of crazy to people that didn't understand her. Or that life... life was too short to wait for too long. Human life was too short. "That's sad to hear."

Diana tried to take it gracefully. Understanding didn't make it easier, but she had put on a mask for the world for so long, she could force herself now as well. So she squeezed his hand and finally stepped back starting to pull him again in the direction of the ice cream stand. "What's your favorite flavor, Steve?"

"I'd be shocked if you did. I doubt you've ever backed down from anyone or anything." Maybe that was why Attwater didn't like Diana. She didn't play the games that most people did. She was direct in a way that Steve hadn't seen before, but somehow he seemed to be able to anticipate where their banter might lead as if these conversations had been happening for years.

Which had to be why he felt guilty for not being able to visit her in Paris. Someday Steve might be able to make the trip but not until he'd finished his projects at the Smithsonian or Attwater finally drove him to find a job somewhere else. Even then it would be years before he'd be given leave to go to Paris. "Eventually I'll get there, Diana. Things are just complicated at the museum." Even as he tried to explain, he knew it sounded like an excuse or like he couldn't take the initiative to see her.

Knowing that the only way to prove that to her was to showing up in Paris, he set that topic aside. "Strawberry." Smiling at her persistence he tried to ignore how disappointed she'd seemed. Ice cream seemed to fix most problems for her. "What's your favorite?"

"I would if you asked me to go. Then I would respect your wishes. But you are right, I don't back down on matters of beliefs or important issues." Not that matters of the heart weren't important. But if someone said they didn't wish you in their home, that is their right. It didn't mean she would give up on how she felt or making that feeling clear. Still, she had a feeling that Steve understood what she meant.

However, she didn't mean to upset Steve with that reaction. Truthfully she did understand. She knew that just because she was the type to pick up and go when there was something she wanted, not everyone could. Because to them, finite time was simpler. Loss was easier to accept. And Diana would just have to accept it time and time again. It just felt so much harder when she considered that here and now with him. "It's all right, Steve... I understand." And it only drove it in harder that she needed to call the office and talk to them. Even without dealing with growing feelings for him, she knew that he deserved so much better than this.

For now, she would deal with the moment. "Mm... I love so many. I have yet to try one I don't love. But." She gave him a serous look as she practically walked backwards as she drew him there. "Vanilla will always be special to me because it was the first I tried and also you can mix nearly anything in it. That makes it a very important flavor." Nodding assuredly at that, she finally turned as she smiled at the young man behind the counter. Behind him, his female coworker also stopped as two sets of round and wide eyes set on the both of them.

"Good evening." Diana smiled at them both then tugged Steve up closer. "Oh, can I try flavors?" She was already looking away to the different ones she'd not tried before while the man nodded almost dumbly. Honestly, before Steve could even ask for his order, she was dragging the poor teen up and down trying at least five new flavors looking more excited than she really should be at her age.

"Sleeping at my apartment doesn't count as beliefs or important issues." At least not in the context that Diana meant. It was important to them but Steve didn't think that she'd take over his apartment if he told her to leave. She was too conscientious of others to stay without permission. "If I asked, you'd pack up and go back to the hotel." He doubted he'd ever want her to leave. The thought of her going back to Paris was more painful that it should be.

"It's not all right," he said softly, surprised by how much he wanted to see her again even though he knew she'd be staying in D.C. a few more days at least. "I'll find a way. It just - " Just what? He sounded like someone in a bad movie or Romeo and Juliet. Star crossed lovers when they had only known each other for what probably actually had been a few days.

Promise made, to himself at least, Steve kept an eye on the people behind Diana so that she didn't accidentally run into anyone. It seemed almost impossible that this was the same person that drove Attwater crazy. "I will make sure that there's vanilla ice cream in the freezer." He was about to ask what toppings she'd want him to keep in his apartment, just in case she was serious about staying, when he saw the shopkeepers' reactions.

He completely understood the looks of shock and awe. Diana was stunning, especially when she was excited. Automatically, he moved toward her, almost looking as dazed as the shop's employees. Eventually the girl noticed him, surprising him when she looked almost as awed by him as she was over Diana. Before he knew it, she was offering him samples as well. Between the two of them, they were probably going to try every flavor in the case and maybe a few that the owners were still trying to get right.

"I would. Without question." Smiling at that, she was relieved he seemed to understand what she meant. Where she had no shame or worries about anything or usually how it made her look, she still held respect for the desires of others. Which was part of why she felt bad for upsetting him over the idea of not visiting Paris. Still, she didn't push or prod even when he trailed off. She simply gave his hand a squeeze and sent him a warm smile.

Besides, she had lovely distraction in the form of a very helpful young man that was willing to let her try any flavor ice cream she pointed at and even suggested a few. Regardless, she smiled for ever new taste and bounced a little when she found one she particularly liked. Finally she asked him to give her a cone with vanilla with strawberries mixed into it. He seemed more than happy to oblige.

Turning her head to Steve, she laughed lightly at the sight of the girl giving him his own crash course in multiple flavors. Moving to his side, she curled one hand into the crook of his elbow and leaned in to rest her chin on his shoulder softly as she watched. She really meant nothing really by it. She just wanted to be close to him and feel him against her. It didn't matter even when she smiled at the girl, because she flushed and lowered her head a little like she'd done something wrong.

"What do you plan to get?"

As the clerk helping Steve kept offering him different flavors to try, he kept glancing over at Diana. She seemed so happy over things that most people would take for granted. Even with the employees willing to do almost anything to please her, she didn't take advantage of their kindness. There was something almost old-fashioned about it. Manners from another era that Steve had read about but rarely saw.

Somehow it seemed to fit Diana. Fit both of them even though Steve hadn't realized he sometimes had the same sort of politeness. His mother called it being a gentleman but sometimes it felt just as out of place as some of Diana's actions.

Trying to ignore how his heart skipped and how right it felt to have Diana so close... and how tempting it was to kiss her, he tried to focus on the display in front of him. "You stole my flavor so I'll have to get another." The clerk who had been helping him looked offended, but Steve wasn't sure if she was offended by Diana's 'theft' or that he was 'complaining' about it.

"Pomegranate." The young woman looked less annoyed as she scooped ice cream but she kept giving the two of them covert looks that made him smile. He almost laughed when she added red and blue sprinkles to his ice cream as if she somehow needed to make his special. Thanking her for the treat, he paid for their ice cream while ignoring how both employees staring at them.

Once they were out of the shop, he found a bench away from the crowds where Diana could see the memorials and far enough that they didn't give Steve the unsettled feeling that proceeded his panic attacks. Gesturing grandly for her to take a seat. "Does this meet my lady's approval?"

"It isn't technically strawberry ice cream." She pointed that out softly in amusement and gave a soft laugh. A laugh that drifted off when the girl serving him looked as though she had been affronted. Furrowing her brow just a little, she pressed her lips together before biting the lower.

She waited till he got his own order before daring to lean to speak again. This time she spoke to them, giving her utmost thanks with a warm smile before following Steve away to the bench that afforded them a little privacy. She settled in close to his side, her arm still curled through his, but carefully slipped down his forearm to catch his hand. She didn't immediately thread her fingers through his. Instead she gently slipped the fingertips over his palm and along his fingers before slotting her own between him to clasp it gently.

Diana was slowly working at her ice cream as her eyes moved out to the memorials in the dying light of the day. She didn't need this place to remember things. But she did like knowing that those people dear to her were remembered. In some way, any way...

Tipping her head to look back at him, she leaned closer to place her chin on his shoulder and lift a brow sweetly. "It does, thank you." Her hand squeezed his gently before looking away again and just let her body lean against his lightly. "Today was the most fun I've had in a long time."

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

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