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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

He might be relatively knew to the position, but Steve knew his supervisor well enough to realize that something unusual was going on between Ms. Attwater and her afternoon appointment. Whenever he asked if he should escort her in to begin the meeting, she put him off with some excuse. At first they seemed appropriate, tasks that needed to be wrapped up before Attwater saw the expert from the Louvre. Then as five minutes became ten and then twenty, the excuses became more inane.

It was highly unprofessional and rude, but every time he started to rise from his chair, she gave him another document to revise or requested that he find another artifact for the collection Ms. Prince was supposed to appraise. Finally tiring of his boss' power game, Steve slipped out of the office to fetch another sword, but instead went to the reception area.

He hadn't been told what the expert from Paris looked like, but he assumed that the lady who was studying the display so intently must be her. Smiling at her focus, he couldn't help but be pleased that she was so interested in their collection.
He hadn't found any of the rare artifacts that captivated her but they were part of the museum and a greater history that Steve knew needed to be shared with the world. "Excuse me. Are you Ms. Prince?"

Diana really hadn't thought much of this game. She tired of it, but rarely called the other woman on it. There was nothing that the American could have that could possibly make her 'jealous' as she fully expected was the cause of the long delay. As lovely as the artifacts were, she'd already found some discrepancies with the dating and time periods and truthfully, she had acquired some better in her own collections at the Louvre.

By the time someone entered her notice, she was knelt down beside a case trying to get a look at the metal work on the underside of a shield to get a definite idea of the smelt of the item. Jotting down a few more notes, her pencil went still on the page as the other finally spoke. That voice sounded so achingly familiar. Like a ghost of an echo from her past that she couldn't banish from her mind.

It took her a moment to even bring herself to lift her head and look at the bearer of that voice. And when dark eyes met blue... blue as the sea that surrounded Themyscira, her heart knotted up tight in her chest. Lips parted with a surprised inhale as she thoughtlessly stood quickly, her pencil and notebook tumbling gracelessly to the floor with a dull thud and echoing clatter. She even nearly lost her balance on the pin heel of her shoe only barely catching herself on the corner of the case.

Which, it was a miracle she didn't break it with her grip alone. It felt like a few seconds ticked by before the shock of the moment began to ebb just enough for her to finally breathe. And gods, her heart hurt within her chest as she wanted to reach out to him and see if he was really real. Or just do something. Pain filled her dark eyes and for a moment, a weak and terrible moment, she feared tears might fill her eyes.

But before she could dare breathe that name, she ducked down to try and collect her things flushing slightly. "Je suis désolée..." Normally the wrong use of a language wouldn't happen to her. She didn't forget herself. She didn't make such foolish fumbles. But then, she didn't usually run into men that looked and sounded like the only man she'd ever loved and watched die, either. "Ah, pardon... Yes, I am." Biting into her lower lip, she reached for her book trying not to look at him.

Tipping his head to once side, Steve watched Ms. Attwell's expert as she studied the shield in the lower case. He had the feeling that she would find one of the errors that he'd attempted to bring to his supervisor's attention that had been stubbornly ignored. Maybe if Ms. Prince brought it to the museum's attention they would make the changes that Steve had suggested.

Used to being surrounded by scholars who focused more on history than being polite, he waited for their guest to look up, surprised when his gaze met hers. She was stunning, making him think of the greatest of treasures he'd seen during his travels, but that wasn't what caused his breath to ache in his chest. He'd never seen so much sadness reflected in someone's eyes. For some reason, he wanted to brush it aside, find some way to make her smile.

He'd barely registered that wish before he realized he'd moved forward, reaching out to catch her as she stumbled. Slowly, he lowered his hand, realizing that his help would probably be unnecessary. Awkwardly sifting from one foot to the other, almost kneeling down to pick up her things when she reached for them herself.

As he waited for her to collect herself, Steve tried not to think of the strange way Ms. Prince watched him or the way her eyes seemed too bright when she looked at him. "Tout va bien." He waited a beat, realizing that her English was impeccable, he shifted to that language as well. "Forgive me for startling you. I wanted to apologize for Ms. Attwell's tardiness."

She slowly closed up the notebook, smoothing out the pages that had been bent in the fall before carefully leaning over to grab the pencil up as well. Diana carefully went through her emotions, pressing them down as she schooled her features and did her best to erase most of the open raw feelings that had been in her gaze just moments before.

It's not him. Don't think this is, him.

Taking a shaky breath, she started to put on the same politeness she'd always worn for her job until it suddenly occurred to her why Attwell had made her wait. It wasn't the display that she'd wanted to flaunt before her, but rather who. And something about that made her jaw clench and before she could stop herself, the fancy mechanical pencil encased in silver suddenly snapped in her hand.

Blinking out of her thoughts, she hurriedly pushed the remains of the pencil into her pocket and turned to face him once more. "It's fine, I am sure whatever is keeping her is important." Which in short, meant she knew it was absolutely nothing at all keeping the woman. Still, Diana smiled very faintly, a forced expression as she found herself not quite able to hold his gaze too well. Not right then. Not when all she could think about was a man over ninety years dead she'd give anything to see again... but not like this. Not when he barely knew her name or who she was.

But whether this was a trick of reincarnation or simply someone too near to his appearance, she couldn't treat him poorly. So she tried to distract herself instead by turning away from him to look once more at the items. "It gave me time to take notes and get acquainted with the collection. Sometimes the quiet allows them to speak for themselves."

As he watched Ms. Prince, Steve couldn't help feeling frustrated by his supervisor's antics. It was obvious that it had bothered their guest, and he had become caught in the middle of whatever game Attwater was playing. It was offensive and would hurt both of their reputations. They were supposed to be better than treating people like this because of some professional rivalry or whatever it had been that caused Attwater to act like a child instead of the scholar she claimed to be.

Unfortunately, the museum and Steve would look just as unprofessional as Attwater.

"It's not fine," he muttered under his breath, hoping that Ms. Prince would hear the comment that he couldn't express to his supervisor. If he hadn't been taught to be a gentleman and his position wasn't so tentative, he would have told Attwater exactly how improper her treatment of their guest had been. But he needed to stay at the Smithsonian, for a few months more at least, so that he could complete the research that had been driving him for years.

Noticing how Ms. Prince kept looking away, Steve felt another thread of hope slip away. From the way she had been studying the artifacts, he had thought that she might have been able to help him, or at least offer a few minutes of intelligent conversation that wouldn't be framed in the context of 'entertaining the newbie'. Maybe she would have even been interested in the discrepancies he'd found or his translations of the texts that Attwater had given him to work on as she tried to decide if his skills matched his references' claims.

And Emily Attwater had ruined all that with her silly, schoolgirl antics. Giving Ms. Prince a polite smile, he wondered if he could salvage part of their meeting so that she might at least consider discussing his research with him at some later date. "And sometimes they scream, demanding that we try to understand them." At least that was how he felt sometimes, especially when he looked at one particular artifact. "There's more to the collection, Ms. Prince. If you would like to take a look, I can direct you to the correct gallery." But Steve wouldn't accompany her unless she asked since he seemed to have earned her dislike along with his supervisor.

That caught her attention. The soft words under his breath that drew her eyes back to him. She made sure to be careful as she ran her gaze over his profile and over familiar features that made something coil up and flutter inside. She missed Steve. Missed him so much she could almost close her eyes and be back in that moment over ninety years ago for that one night she got to be with him.

But just as quickly as the memories took over, she carefully pushed them back down wanting to put them away and out of the way. Because she could tell her reaction to him bothered him. And she shouldn't be taking her emotions out on him. "Perhaps not, but don't worry so much." She gifted him with a soft true smile before reaching out to dare resting her hand on his shoulder.

Though, his description of the artifacts made her stop, her head cocking to the side in curiosity at that. "This must be quite a wonderful piece if it is crying out in such a way." Finally relaxing a little bit, she added softly. "Perhaps you could show me what is begging so loudly for your attention, Mr...?"

She angled her head waiting for a name as she swallowed back any reaction before slipping her arm gently through his even if he did not offer it. "Please lead on, I will follow." Where she was still angry at Attwater and still on edge about Steve's perfect copy being before her, she decided to look on the positive. Maybe this way, she could indulge in a moment of memories that threatened to fade about the edges.

Her reactions to him seemed weird. First she seemed angry then she smiled at him in a way that didn't quite match her cool, elegant persona, resting her hand on his shoulder as if she wanted to reassure him that her annoyance wasn't directed at him. Maybe she had realized that Ms. Attwater was the one playing games, not Steve. "I shouldn't worry about someone being treated unfairly?" It had been more than unfair, but the descriptions that came to mind wouldn't endear him to his supervisor if she ever found out. He was already taking a risk by mentioning that Ms. Attwater wasn't being professional to a colleague.

Someday he would publish the papers he was working on and earn the reputation he'd been wanting for years. Then Steve wouldn't have to worry about whether his supervisor was rude to guests.

"It's been demanding my attention for years," he answered, surprised that he told part of the truth so easily instead of deflecting the observation. Steve rarely told anyone about that particular piece, always telling others that his passion for antiquities came from some other, less interesting, artifact. "That particular piece is in a private collection, but someday its owner might allow you to see it." Steve should let her. He'd read enough about Ms. Prince to know that she was the leading expert on... more subjects than Steve could comprehend. But the piece was his and he wasn't sure if he was ready to let anyone else know about its existence.

"Taylor. Steve Taylor." For a moment, he was dazed by the change in demeanor, and by having her so close. She was magnetic, stunning, reminding him again of the statues that had awed him when he'd finally stood in front of the beauty that he'd only seen in photographs. Smiling at the old fashioned gesture that accompanied her request, he rested his hand on hers before beginning to lead her to the Greek gallery. "Are you only interested in the Greek exhibits or are there others you'd like to see?"

"I am quite used to it when I visit. I find that people behave strangely when they feel they are threatened even if there is no real threat." She pointed that out softy, a truth she'd learned slowly over time as she's met different people. Especially with his boss. Attwater always saw Diana as a threat. "I am thankful that you are concerned, but I promise you I can take care of myself."

Not that he sounded so much like he wanted to charge in and save her. Cute as that thought might be, this subtlety was more attractive and well, more like him.

"Perhaps you should listen to it then and pay it the attention it deserves. Are you having trouble with something in the identifying process?" Her eyes flicked from him back to watching their path ahead of them as she kept up that polite persona careful not to let herself get reeled in by things like his voice or eyes. Because the moment that happened, the polite warmth and soft smile would melt away in the pain in her chest.

A pain that intensified tenfold at the knowledge of his name. Dark eyes cut back to Steve, her heart tangling up in painful knots as she bit hard into her lower lip. And god, it only made the feeling of his hand on hers that much more moving and painful. "It's-- it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Taylor." As per manners though, she needed to answer, even if her voice seemed weakened as her accented tones wrapped around that far too similar name.

"I--" She paused a moment, trying to gather her thoughts before trying again. "I am an expert in many fields with a specialized interest in Greek artifacts. Though Roman artifacts draw me in as well. But most history I can understand well enough to look them over and understand."

"Being used to something doesn't make it acceptable." He probably shouldn't be so annoyed by it. It sounded like Attwater's rivalry with Ms. Prince was long standing, even if it seemed unnecessary. They both had their specialties and there was no reason for his supervisor to be so petty when they each were respected in their fields. "Fear is the reason behind too many wrongs and the excuse for them." Glancing over at her, he smiled wryly. "I'm sure that you can but that doesn't mean I should ignore that she's being disrespectful to her guest and a guest of the museum."

There was too much of such behavior and worse in the world. If he could make a difference, even by simply apologizing for Ms. Attwater's childish actions, then he should.

"I do listen to it. I have for years, but I can't find the clue I need." For a moment, Steve debated how much to tell her. For some reason, he felt that he could trust her with this secret. She couldn't take the hilt from him. No one would believe he had such a relic. He was a mid-level assistant, struggling to gain the credentials that would get him access to the sites he needed to investigate. Ms. Prince had seen the greatest artifacts in the world. She might have some insight that would help him understand his obsession. "It's unique. I've never seen anything like it before. I've studied every text I can find, looked at thousands of photographs, but nothing matches. All attempts to date it have come back inconclusive."

Actually most of the labs said that the few shards he'd been willing to part with shouldn't exist.

Realizing that he was getting lost in his passion, he gave himself a mental shake and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry. I don't get to talk about it often. I can get caught up in it if I'm not careful."

His apology turned to concern as Ms. Prince stumbled through her attempt at introductions and her suggestion of what galleries to visit. "Are you all right? We can find somewhere to sit down if you'd prefer and visit the Greek exhibits later."

Edited 2017-06-10 04:41 (UTC)

"You are a good man." She said that simply with a nod. It seemed like something so Steve like to do just saying sorry for something like that. Like a small fine detail that would concern him had they actually gotten the time to live together for even one lifetime. And god, just thinking that hurt all the way to the center of her being. "Thank you for worrying about me, I do appreciate it."

Glancing at him, she took in his description of the item he was speaking of before angling her head a bit. "As it is my primary field of study, perhaps I could help you learn about it? I have yet to find one that I have not been able to identify with accuracy." She wasn't necessarily bragging. Just, offering to give him a hand while he was stumped. Especially since it seemed to mean so much to him. "Is it here in the museum?"

And if she could focus on something like that, maybe she could ignore the surge of pain that made her heart throb in her chest like it did right then after Steve went and said that. Steve. His name was also Steve. Diana didn't know or understand all the laws of reincarnation, but she was sure the nearness of his name was almost a cruel joke against her. "Please, feel free to talk about it or anything else all you like. I am a good listener."

She paused as he looked so concern for her and lightly squeezed his arm where she held his bicep. "I'll be alright." She weighed the ideas in her head of maybe giving him something, anything to help him understand what Diana was reacting to. "I am just-- you remind me of someone I knew. And I lost him in... a terrible way. Please forgive me for my behavior. It is no fault of your own." She looked to him with a sweet smile that really did reach her eyes this time. "You are truly a delight and your presence is desirable so please do not think otherwise."

"Not good, but trying to be." Which wasn't the smartest thing to say when he was trying to reassure her that not everyone at the museum would act like a child because of petty rivalries. "That's the best anyone can do." The words were accompanied by a smile at her thanks. "Then I'll continue to do so when my supervisor is being rude when she should appreciate that you agreed to view our collections."

For a moment, he struggled to decide how much to say. Steve had hoped she might be interested in helping him with his research, but he'd only let a select few individuals see the artifact that meant so much to him. Those rare cases had taken months, even years, to win his trust. He had the feeling he could trust her, but after being cautious, it wasn't easy to let another see something that he had hidden for so long. "There are pictures of the artifact and a few other things that were found with it," he began, still unsure of how much to reveal. She could demand that he return the sword and shards to... whichever country that she identified as its origin. "It's not at the museum but it's safe."

Laughing softly, he knew that one of them would be in trouble if he started rambling about the hilt or the other strange artifacts that he'd tracked down that he thought might be connected to the weapon. "You should be careful about making offers like that. I could talk for hours about my current research or the projects that I want to complete someday." Eventually, he'd be able to work on his theories. Steve just had to be patient and he'd be given the chance to prove himself.

But that was the future. He needed to focus on the present and the woman beside him that seemed so sad, hurting for some reason that he couldn't fathom. Steve began to protest that 'being alright' might mean that they should find somewhere out of the way for her to compose herself when Ms. Prince began to explain the reason for the strange looks she had been giving him. "I'm sorry that I unintentionally hurt you. There's nothing to forgive Your behavior is better than mine probably would be if our situation was reversed."

He would have said more but she smiled and for a few seconds he felt... something but he wasn't sure what. It was more than just the elation of having someone look at him that way even if he did have the feeling he'd do almost anything to have her smile like that again. "Thank you. You're - Is there a way I can say I feel the same way about talking with you without it sounding like I'm being completely inappropriate to someone I'm slightly in awe of?"

She actually did chuckle softly at his words as she smiled to herself. If was flattering really, but not in the typical way that people tried to flatter her. So she said nothing more of it and simply smiled to herself. Instead, she shifted her attention to his comments about the artifact and tipped her head curiously. "Then this piece is in a private collection of your own? It is no wonder you can't escape it's call."

Not that she thought anything of it. And she didn't necessarily want him to worry over that either. "I have a small private collection of my own passed down through my family that I will never part with." And a new sword as hers was lost in the torrent of battle against Hades. She missed that sword. A great deal at that. Even if it was not the powerful piece she thought it to be. Maybe it was more because it reminded her of her aunt and mother than anything else.

Shaking her head, she sent him a soft coy look. "You say that under the assumption that I might not wish just that. You have a pleasant tone and I can tell that you have a great deal of knowledge you wish to sort out. It would be no bother at all to hear you out. Sometimes working through things aloud helps a great deal."

Even if hearing him talk endlessly was more because she wanted to hear his voice. The voice of the man she missed with all her heart, but also of this man that seemed to love things she did. Things, she was sure her captain didn't truly know before. It was a nice change. A subtle enough shift that helped her get past the pain of remembering the past too harshly. "Do not apologize for something that is not your fault."

Though, she instantly ducked her head and laughed softly at his question, eyes lighting up as she couldn't help the mirth that flit over her face. Still, the faintest hint of red spilled over her cheeks as she pressed her lips together trying not to smile so brightly or so obviously with attraction toward him. "I think you just did, Mr. Taylor. Thank you. However I am not so sure what I did to put you in such awe."

For a moment, Steve almost felt guilty for having the remnants of the sword. It wasn't something he should own and he still wasn't certain how he managed to smuggle it back to the States but it was his now until someone forced him to give it up. He was protecting it and trying to understand its history so that he could share it with the world. It wasn't a selfish desire that made him so cautious of his find. "It's not much of a collection, but it is mine." Until someone told the authorities...

"Sometimes I think it drew me to it somehow," he admitted, hoping that the comment didn't make him sound crazy. "I wanted to study history before I found it but after that..." He probably did sound crazy. His friends had thought he was when they saw the piles of books and the meticulous notes. Someday he'd understand the broken weapon and hopefully it would quit calling out for him and he could let that particular quest go.

Half expecting Ms. Prince to revoke her offer of help, he stared at her dumbfounded for a moment at the thought of her still wanting to help him. She was famous, one of the leading experts in a half dozen fields, and she wanted to help him with the research that most people bolted away from the moment he started discussing his project. "Sometimes it does and sometimes people don't really want to to listen to you discuss metallurgy or carbon dating." Ms. Prince would probably find that interesting, but he doubted that she'd be as curious as Steve was over the discrepancies he'd found.

Would she really want to help? If she did, he might finally find the clues that he'd been searching for. He'd read enough about her work to know that she probably was the greatest expert in Greek history that he'd ever speak to.

Although he knew that she was right and it wasn't his fault that he reminded her of the person she'd known, Steve still felt slightly guilty for the reminder. He wasn't sure how he could have softened the blow even if he had known that he looked like someone from her past, but he would have tried to make this easier for her.

Noticing the blush, he tried, and failed, to speak. Usually he was not this inept. He had been around enough scholars that he'd respected deeply to know how to speak in front of them... and enough beautiful women to be able to sound civilized instead of acting like he'd never had someone like Ms. Prince. No, there was no one else like Ms. Prince. Maybe that was why he was making a fool out of himself. She was as rare as the shattered sword that he had protected for so long.

"You're welcome." Arching an eyebrow, he didn't realize that he'd covered her hand more securely with his. "I don't know what it was, Ms. Prince." Despite trying to keep the situation professional, a hint of teasing crept into his voice. "You've published dozens of articles, found priceless artifacts, and you're a head curator at the Louvre. Why would anyone be in awe of those accomplishments?"

"You have a passion for it, it seems. Not many can claim such an asset to the field." Even the best she worked with didn't have a zeal or an open ear so great that he could and would hear the subtle voice of the craftsmanship of history. Part of her tried to remember if her captain ever knew so much, but she honestly didn't know. And maybe that was for the best so she could focus on this person now and not that person then.

"I am glad it found you then. Your mind is an asset to the work and you will make the Smithsonian more grand and possibly worth visiting from time to time." Since she started working with Attwater, all desire to see the museum left her. Maybe at once time she'd loved it. Now? Now she only went because of professional courtesy. But with this Steve there, she just might come more often. "In any case, I will be happy to listen to you talk about your findings. I think I will find it very enjoyable. Just be sure and provide coffee."

Smiling to herself, she found it nearly impossible now to fall into the sad feelings when Steve so carefully prodded her to the positive. And honestly, he made her smile more than most did and in a short time period. Gently pulling him closer just for a second, she tightened her hand on his arm just a touch before reveling in the feel of his hand over her own.

She couldn't help rolling her eyes though at his little snide remark about her accomplishments before sighing a little dramatically. "And here I was hoping it was just my intelligent aura or perfect posture." She had to tease him in return before giving him a teasing wink. After all, he did start it. "It seems you've done your homework on my regardless."

"You're one of the few that seem to think of it as a strength. Most people think I'm odd." That didn't faze him. Scholars were supposed to be strange. The only difference was that most didn't claim to 'hear' an artifact demanding to be understood. "But we all should have that passion. The past deserves to be recognized and honored."

As he led her toward the exhibit, he automatically took his favored route, one that avoided all mentions of the WWI exhibits and the National Air and Space Museum. For some reason he couldn't quite understand both unnerved him more than anything he'd encountered in all his museum visits and even his limited experience in the field. "You don't think the museum is worth visiting." He pretended to give her a shocked look. "I'm disappointed, Ms. Prince. It is the greatest collection our nation has."

Giving her a smile to prove that he was teasing, Steve tried not to be too excited over Ms. Prince's offer to discuss his research. It was probably just politeness given to an underling that she felt sorry for. Even if she didn't seem the type to make hollow offers that she had no intention of following through with. "All the coffee you want if you're willing to look at photographs and my notes. I promise that they're well-organized."

At least that trait might impress her. Attwater couldn't keep track of anything without Steve's help.

Easily moving with her pull, he tried not to be distracted by the movement or her proximity. They were both professionals and it shouldn't matter that she was brilliant and... and he should not think of anything except that. Even if she had winked at him. "Those were factors as well but I didn't know about the posture until I saw you. That could have just been good photography." For a moment, his expression turned serious, wondering if the list of accomplishments had bothered her. Maybe that wasn't what mattered to her, unlike Ms. Attwater who liked to make her successes painfully obvious. "I didn't want to make a fool out of myself when we met. And you are the authority on Greek history. I've been following your career for awhile."

"What sort of person would I be, Mr. Taylor, if I discredited you for something that I also feel when working with some artifacts." She knew she said that they spoke to her as well, so she had no issues redirecting his attention to that with a small smile. Her dark eyes turned to stay on his profile a long before before she canted her head just a little. "This is true of all things in the past. Not just artifacts." Because god, her memories of Steve and her mother and aunt were the only things that got her through some days.

Shaking her head a little, she instantly laughed at Steve's teasing admonishment about the nation's treasures. Diana hummed a soft sound and spoke rather honestly if a bit teasingly. "Perhaps I should reword it? I will now have a reason to visit that overshadows the negative presence that keeps me away." Because she liked the displays of the Smithsonian. She loved the international exhibits and sometimes just walking through the war exhibit just to sit and remember all she had and lost.

"You drive a hard bargain, I suppose I have no excuse now." She paused a moment then lightly handed her notebook to him. Sliding her hand into her pocket, she dug out one of the customary cards she was required to have and hand out to those she met she'd need as a contact. With some effort, she found the pen that matched her now broken pencil before shifting to write on the back of her card. Once she was done, she slipped the pen back in her pocket then offered the card in trade for her notebook. "That's my cellphone number on the back... if you truly want my help with it."

Lifting her shoulders in a slight shrug, she gifted him with another small smile. "I have been told I photograph well." Not that she liked having her picture taken. She tried to avoid it when possible. Because no one needed to know what she looked like or something to compare her to when she never aged. But he didn't need to know that. "I am proud of my accomplishments for what they do to help the world understand the past. It is for no other reason. But I am flattered that you seem so fond of my work. I can't say I have had a... fan before?" The prospect made her eyes dance with amusement as she looked up at him. "I hope that I can live up to whatever expectations you might have."

"You're the first person I've met that admitted that you could hear them." Which might be strange considering their work, but few scholars wanted that particular stigma. It was why Steve rarely talked about the hilt in terms that made his passion so obvious. Most thought he was captivated by the fame it would bring him, not realizing it was something deeper that that. "It is, but it's the artifacts that most people focus on. They need a tangible link to the past to be able to even try to understand it."

Fighting back a smile, Steve waited to see how Ms. Prince would react to his chiding tone. As he hoped, she didn't seem annoyed by his banter, flowing with it easily as if they were old friends instead of having just met. "You shouldn't let her bother you. Most of the time she isn't so..." He left the rest unsaid, both because of loyalty to his supervisor and because he didn't want anyone overhearing and reporting back to Ms. Attwater.

"You have no excuse not to visit or to look at my research." Why did that excite him so much? He felt like he'd been promised everything he'd ever wanted, but he wasn't sure why. Maybe because she might give him the last piece to the puzzle or at least a piece he hadn't been able to reach that would allow him to understand the mystery he'd been carrying with him for years.

The thought distracted him enough that he automatically took her notebook, looking down at it curiously but not really realizing what Ms. Prince was doing. Momentarily, he was tempted to flip through it but he reigned in that impulse, holding the book for her while she searched for something. Giving back the notebook, he stared down at the seemingly innocent card, slowly registering that she had given him her private number. "I do want your help. Thank you. I know that you have other projects and I won't take up too much of your time."

He knew he sounded like an idiot, but he didn't want Ms. Prince to think he would take advantage or that he wasn't appreciative of her offer... Too bad he probably seemed dumbstruck by her smile. "You do," he blurted out, mentally wincing at how his attempt at being professional could easily shatter with those words. "They focused on the exhibits, not you. Which seemed to be right somehow." Maybe that would make him seem less idiotic or at least like he wasn't trying to make a pass. "That's why I'm fond of your work. Other scholars want the glory. You want to help us understand history, to help link the past, present, and future."

Mentally wincing when he realized that she was right - he did sound like some overzealous fan - he shrugged, hoping to downplay it somehow... while trying not to be caught up in the way her eyes lit up when she looked up at him. "I have the feeling you will always live up to my expectations and surpass them."

"It's a shame people think that it is a detriment to the field." She never weighed her worth on what the others thought. She knew her work and she did it. The praise of her colleagues was accepted gracefully, but Diana did it more to stay in the past in some small way and to never let it fade away. Which only made her feel a pang of sadness at those words. "You are right. Humanity believes seeing is believing."

Arching a brow slightly, she added to that statement for him. "Just when I am here, yes? I know. I hear good things about her from other museum curators and the Smithsonian itself. I know her work is good and she is good at her job." Professionally, Emily Attwater was the best for her age. She simply took the fact that Diana looked about the same age and was attractive, it meant she was someone to compete against and one up. It was a world that forced that sort of competition. Especially among women. A game that Diana had been forced to play far longer than Attwater had. Which was why she simply avoided it with the woman than every complained or brought it up. "I am not bothered by it. Please don't worry. It is simply a choice to avoid rather than stoke the fire."

She noticed the way he looked at her notebook, almost hesitating and pushing him to look, but instead she traded the items. Dark eyes watched him as he realized what she had given him and she couldn't help a soft huff of a laugh at his excitement. "I wish to help. You are earnest in your passions, it's only right I help you in achieving your goals." And where he did draw her in at first for his uncanny resemblance to her captain, his politeness and kindness made her happy. Where she might not have given it so soon, it would have happened anyway. She simply found his presence far too endearing.

Especially when he so quickly affirmed that she looked good in photos. Ducking her head with a soft laugh, she tried not to look so happy about his words. Normally, that sort of flattery was met with something cooler, but still polite. From him, it just made her smile. "Mm... acquiring honor and glory is a part of the ancient times. It was believed that the only way to always exist in this life and the after life was that your name was always remembered. Just that simple reality would sustain the spirits of the dead in underworld. And what better way to be immortal than to never be forgotten?" It was a truth in some ways. Where she had not met her uncle in the Underworld, she knew the tales to be truth. Which was part of why she never let go of her memories of Steve from that time. Hoping beyond all hope that he would find happiness even if she couldn't be part of it.

"I think it's very flattering that you feel that way about my work. I thank you." She bowed her head slightly, still looking pleased with the entire exchange. However, Diana didn't expect those last words to hit her so deeply in a way that even forced her to flush brilliantly as color spilled over her cheeks. For a moment, she reflexively covered her lower face just a little with her free hand before she took a slow deep breath. "You are... too kind, Mr. Taylor."

"I'm not sure if they think it's a detriment or if I sound crazy when I talk about talking metal shards and mythology." There were times when Steve began to doubt his sanity, but he knew he was right. The sword had been something important. It still was but now it was fragments that could only tell a few pieces of their story. "I don't think it's so much 'seeing is believing'. We need the link, but there's still faith. The past is something distant that most of us can never understand but certain things, we can only accept as intangible."

Realizing that he was starting to drift toward philosophy or perhaps theology, he forced himself to ignore topics that he knew he could never find conclusive proof of. "You usually bring out that behavior but there's a few others that cause her to act like this." Pausing, his expression turned to annoyance before he realized that she would notice. "She also gets a little odd around me." Odd wasn't the most truthful description but Steve didn't think that Ms. Prince needed to know that his supervisor occasionally made very obvious passes at him and was annoyed whenever he ignored them. "When those individuals aren't around, her work is exceptional. It's too bad that avoiding her means that you also have to avoid the museum. You could help us a great deal. Having a fresh point of view would help improve our exhibits."

It was almost painful to hand back the notebook. A quick glance at its pages and he'd know if he was right in his assessment of the dates and references used in the displays. Carefully, almost reverently, pocketing the card after memorizing the number on the back. If it didn't seem rude, he would have added it to his cell phone just in case he lost the slip of card stock. "I don't know if it's right or not but it is appreciated." Ms. Prince didn't even know what the artifact was and she wanted to help. He could be a lunatic or have nothing more than a few pot shard yet she believed in him.

Was it really surprising that he might be a little awed by her and crossing the line to fan?

Trying not to be too pleased by her reaction, he was relieved that he hadn't crossed a line that would make her want to find a polite excuse to leave. She had to have men constantly flattering her and Steve didn't want to seem like that was his only reason for wanting to be near her. "Do you believe that, Ms. Prince? That we can only be immortal if we're remembered?" It wasn't something that Steve had thought about since writing papers in college. Why consider the afterlife when there was so much for him to accomplish now?

It was a sad subject, and one that he didn't want to consider when there were more pleasant topics they could discuss. Slowly his steps, he watched her, curious when she started covering her face. "You're welcome. Are you - " His voice trailed of as his curiosity over the gesture turned to understanding. "Are you blushing?" Immediately regretting his words, he mentally flailed for a moment, trying to figure out how to save her from more embarrassment. "I - uh - have to admit, that was not something I expected."

"If it is any consolation, I do not think you are crazy." Like she would have any right to think that. If anything, her interest is piqued in other ways. Such as whether or not the artifact is dangerous to the other with how it seemed to consume his thoughts. It only served as a push to help him even more. Her eyes moved back to him, a quiet look falling over her face before she looked away again. To hear such a thing from the lips of someone that looked so much like her Steve. A man that only fully believed here that at the very end. But he believed her. Believed in her.

Breathing in slowly, she shook the thoughts away and refocused on what he was saying. An elegant brow rose slowly as she caught that look on his face. And then he said that. Those words echoed her earlier sentiment that had her breaking her pencil and feel a sudden sense of anger she'd not dealt with in years. "I'll do my best to help you." She said her words carefully, making sure he realized that if she went above and beyond, it would be for him. The museum as well, but him most importantly. The last thing he needed was for his boss to rain hellfire down upon him simply because Diana didn't lend her aid.

A simple nod was the only response to his gratitude, because her mind was still drifting on the lore of the underworld. Something he called attention back to. "I believe to lose faith in such things is to lose an important part of hope." It wasn't a direct answer, but in a way it was more personal. The moment she thought that it wasn't true, was the moment she'd have to let Steve Trevor go forever. "I remember the ones I love still even though they have passed on."

Rubbing her face softly, she could feel the heat in her skin that she couldn't quite remember ever dealing with before. Not even the first time she'd slept with Steve. But something so simple. Something that made her feel like all of her works would succeed made her heart flutter a little. No one had had such unshakable faith in her since him. "Nor did I. I am not-- I'm not accustomed to blushing. I'm sorry. Your words struck very genuine." She said the words softer that time, her hand still covering the heated skin as she moved a little ahead of him to look at the exhibit they were approaching.

Clearing her throat, she fought down the blush so she could meet his gaze. "Do... you have another pencil? The faster I get to work the less likely your boss will be angry with you, yes?"

It did help to know that she didn't believe he was crazy. He knew that his research bordered obsession, but Steve always made sure he didn't cross that line. If it did, then he really would mentally ill and probably should give up the broken sword. As long as he could keep some distance and view it from an academic standpoint, he was sure that he was safe.

Giving her a curious look, he wondered what he had said that had effected her so much. Even the resemblance to someone she knew didn't really explain her reactions. The sadness, yes, but not the rest. Reminding her of someone from the past didn't explain the way she kept glancing at him or her promises to help him. The offers could be kindness, but it felt like there was something else behind them. Although he knew that she had promised Attwater to help, he knew that she would now be helping because of him, not his supervisor.

"I appreciate that." Even though he didn't understand all the reasons for her assistance or why she was helping only because of him. "Maybe you'll find the same errors I have." Attwater wouldn't acknowledge that he was right, but if Ms. Prince pointed them out, she would have to believe that the mistakes were there.

"That is the best way to be remembered, even if it brings those left behind pain." As they neared the exhibit, Steve gestured toward the antiquities that surrounded them. He began to say more, and then realized that it might hurt her to discuss those she had lost. Instead, he turned the gesture into a welcome of sorts. "I'm sure you've seen more elaborate displays but we're proud of what we have."

Before he realized what he was doing, Steve stepped closer, wanting to gently pull her hand away so he could see the delicate color spreading across her cheeks, but knowing that would be improper and that a hand on his arm didn't mean he could touch in more intimate ways. He did smile, mischief brightening his blue eyes. "They were genuine." Stepping away, he let her compose herself while promising himself that he'd try to make her blush again, if she allowed it. "And deserved."

Glancing away as she composed herself, Steve pulled a pencil from his pocket and offered it to her. He was tempted to tell her his own findings, but it was better to see if she saw the same things he did without his suggestions. "Is there anything else that you'll need, Ms. Prince?"

Nodding once to his words of appreciation, she started to open her notebook again. Flipping past the pages from her previous notes, she angled her head a little. "It is a possibility. Some were listed incorrectly for date and the make was wrong." Not to mention some of the projected 'smiths' listed for the work wasn't right either. Still, she didn't want to cause too much of a fuss and would just simply write a report of for Attwater to look over later.

Angling her head at his comment about remembering the dead, she couldn't bring herself to look at him as she saw the explosion of the plane in her mind again. Closing her eyes for a moment, she finally cleared her throat and brushed past it to the idea of the exhibits. "It's not how decorative or elaborate it is, it's how fitting it is. The Smithsonian does a good job with it's displays." That really wasn't the issue.

Then he had to add that to his statement. She pressed her lips into a thin line as she felt the heat in her cheeks increase. A soft line furrowed her brow as she lifted her notebook almost like a child to cover her face. Even though she kept her eyes over the top at the displays, she couldn't bring herself to be such a child about a simple, yet genuine compliment. "Thank you. I-- It's appreciated."

Clearing her throat, she took the pencil gently from his hand and and finally lowered her hand and notebook to get to work. Not that the blush was gone completely, but maybe if she started to work it would fade quickly. Pausing as she wrote the room down at the top of the page, she glanced over at him and considered the question. Generally she did this work alone. She did much of her work alone. But the idea of him leaving seemed like a loss in and of itself. "I shouldn't keep you from your work. I'm sure I've already been a bit of an inconvenience as it is."

Sometimes, she hated that she chose to be morally right and unselfish.

"That's what I thought. I found those errors months ago, but Ms. Attwater said I was incorrect. She didn't think someone with my limited experience would be able to make those types of claims." Later she'd suggested a few other things, which had put them at odds for awhile. Now he just expected the flirting and kept their discussions as professional as possible.

Looking over the displays, he smiled at the compliment. Steve might not be the one that had set them up, but he was proud of the knowledge the museum preserved and how accessible it was to the world. But that didn't mean he wouldn't tease her to see how she would react. "Better than the Louvre?"

Deciding not to comment more on the blushes, he moved to one of the displays so that she could begin to work, knowing it well but still curious to see if there was some detail he hadn't noticed before. Looking over his shoulder, Steve knew she was right. He'd have to go back and deal with his supervisor. "I doubt that you'd ever be an inconvenience, but you're right. Ms. Attwater will be looking for me soon."

As he left to get the files he had been ordered to fetch, he glanced over at her one more time after he'd said his goodbyes, hoping that she really would be a interested in his work as she seemed.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject