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

"I didn't think you'd want to go to a strange guy's apartment." That... really didn't make him seem like someone she would want to go sightseeing with. "Not that I'd - just you should be more careful. Someone might take advantage of your kindness." That might make her more cautious, but better that than have her go home with the wrong person.

"Do you want to go to the tourist spots? I don't mind. They kind of blur together after you've lived here awhile." They wouldn't with her, but he also thought she might appreciate something unique. "I could take you to some of the more unusual stops. Museums, statues, historical homes..." Realizing where she normally lived, he laughed softly, almost sounding embarrassed. "We don't have anything like what you see in Paris every day, but some of them are pretty."

An amused look flit through her eyes that even curled her lips into a sweet smile. No, she didn't need to worry about things like that. Not that he knew that, of course. He would have no idea that she had nothing to be concerned over and it was better that way. "Well, I will acquiesce to your thoughts and indicators. Though, I know such a priceless thing should not leave the home... so I lay that fact to you. I can try to figure it out by pictures as well.

"A quiet day seeing unusual stops actually sounds lovely. Even I get tired of the hustle and bustle of city life." She liked the idea. It was small and quiet in ways. Just the two of them and no possible interruptions that could take the time away. He may not be her Steve, but he was so endearing and brilliant, she wanted to do things with him... in fact, he made her feel so calm. "Would you like me to meet you somewhere or would you pick me up from my hotel?"

"I'll bring my notes and the photographs. If you want to see it after you've gotten to know me, then I'll show the rest of my work to you." God, he hoped that didn't sound like a come on or like he might be trying to trick her into being alone with him. "I know it doesn't really mean anything, but I promise that I'm not that type of guy that would do things like that. You're safe with me."

Smiling when he realized that she was agreeing with his suggestion, he started planning the best spots to show her while staying away from the Smithsonian. He loved the museum but he wasn't going to risk getting dragged into work or having Attwater see them together and having her ruin the day.

"We could do a little of both. We could visit the quieter sights." Ones that he hoped she would be interested in, if only for the novelty of something away from the usual tours. "And we can go to the memorials if - " He almost said something about someone she wanted to remember, but he thought of the sadness he'd seen in her eyes in the Smithsonian. "They're something you've been looking forward to."

They weren't places that normally Steve went to. Like certain exhibits in the Smithsonian, he had a strange aversion for some of the places that the tourists visited. "I can pick you up. I have the whole day off - " Did that sound desperate? If it did, he wasn't sure if it was because of having a true expert look at the sword or the idea that they might spend the day together. He knew which one it should be... "What time would be good for you?"

"Sounds fair." At least that way she could gauge if it was something she could do from a distance and not in person. Regardless if she could be 'safe' no matter whose home she visited, it was still better to observe some social norms. "I believe you." She paused a moment then spoke softly. "I feel comfortable... calm when you are around. Please don't worry."

Falling quiet to listen to his explanation, she felt himself smiling at his suggestions. The expression only faltered a little when he stumbled over the idea of the memorials. "I would like to see them, yes. But we can see how it goes with each." She didn't know why, but it felt like maybe he didn't wish to go see them. And she refused to do something he didn't wish to. So, she would just keep an eye on him while they were there.

Her expression lit up again as he offered to pick her up and had the whole day to spend with her. Honestly, she shouldn't get so excited. She had no right to ask him for an entire day. "How much of your day are you willing to donate to my presence. I don't want to ask too much before I know how much of it you truly wish to endure my presence."

"I'm glad that you do." Most people wouldn't have trusted him so much. It was probably strange that he trusted her so much, willing to show her something that meant so much to him and had been a vital part of his life, but no matter how strange it seemed, he felt the same way about her. It was something that he couldn't explain, or, if he did, he'd sound crazy. "Since you don't want me to worry, I won't," Steve teased. "But I'm still going to do everything I can to prove that I'm a gentleman unless you think that's disrespectful." Some of his coworkers thought his old-fashioned manners were offensive despite his attempts at explaining that wasn't what he intended.

"I'm sure it'll be okay." It wasn't right for her to miss seeing something she'd been looking forward to. She might not get a chance to visit the memorials before she returned to Paris. "If you don't mind crowds." He could handle it. It'd be no worse than the times when he was in the exhibits at the Smithsonian that unnerved him. Actually, it'd be better since she'd be with him.

"Actually, I was planning the whole day." Did she really think it would be a hardship to spend time with her? He hoped Attwell hadn't said something to make Ms. Prince think he would only want to see her so that she could look at the sword. "Enduring makes it sound like i don't want to spend time with you. I'm your willing guide until I have to report to the museum tomorrow."

"Why on earth would I think you being a gentleman would be a bad thing?" She huffed a soft laugh at the sheer strangeness at that. "If you do it for the sheer reason of being a good person and not because you see me as the weaker sex." It was simple enough a concept. The only time she thought that behavior unseemly or wrong was when someone labeled her as weak simply because she was 'pretty'. And she had a feeling that wouldn't be the case with this Steve just as it hadn't been with hers.

"I don't mind crowds." Not always. Not if the goal was worth it. Though, she kind of liked having quiet times with him so they could talk. "A few crowded sights would be fine. But quieter ones would also be wonderful as I might not have seen them and I will likely have an easier time getting to know you." And she meant it. She wanted to get to know him and see the fine line differences and know this person that looked like someone she loved. Because then, if she felt attraction to him, she would know it was for the right reasons. Not projecting another on top of him.

And well, he was doing a fine job getting her heart to flutter just a little as he admitted to planning an entire day with her. She felt relieved he was only on the phone with her and couldn't see the foolishly happy smile on her face even if it was likely evident in her voice. "Then give me an hour and I will be ready. If this is your cell phone I will send the name and address of the hotel. Will that work or would you like more time?" Perhaps she was eager, but he made it so easy to be excited about it. And well, she purposely tried not to point out the fact he promised himself technically for the night as well.

"I'm not sure," he answered, surprised by his own honesty. "Most of the ladies I work with think I'm being sexist." It was mildly offensive when they accused him of that even if Steve understood that many of them were forced to deal with chauvinistic views regularly. Holding a door for them or offering to carry something was courtesy, not an attempt to prove he was better than someone else. Most of his coworkers had finally realized he wasn't mocking them. Unfortunately, Attwater seemed to think his politeness signified an interest.

"I'll keep that in mind while thinking up places to visit." Even if Ms. Prince didn't mind the droves of tourists, Steve would try to time their visits so that the worst of the crowds were gone. For a few seconds, he was speechless, the question he was about to ask nearly forgotten. She wanted to get to know him. Did that make this a date? It was probably better not to think of it that way until later or he'd try too hard to impress her when she'd asked to play tourist. He'd think of something special for the evening but during the day Steve would focus on finding spots she might enjoy. "I'd like to get to know you, Ms. Prince." He almost asked if it was because of the resemblance she mentioned, but he was certain that she wouldn't use someone in that way.

"One hour," he promised, smiling at the excitement he could hear in her voice. "Text this number. I know better than to use my work line to talk to you." Attwater would explode if she found out he was talking to the woman she perceived as her rival. "I'll see you soon."

She had to smile at that. It was rare to see many men these days that did such things. As long as the intent was pure, she didn't mind it. And he sounded so genuine she couldn't help but want to prove to him not all women were such a way. But then, Diana knew she was not most women. "It'll be fine. Just be yourself. I am sure I will find your company delightful."

The admission to wanting to know her as well eased a little of the worry in her. She didn't want to force her company on him, but so liked the fact that he seemed to wish to get to know her as well. "Diana." She answered before she could stop herself. But then, she'd wished he would drop the last name almost the moment he'd first used it. "Please call me Diana. If you could or don't mind, of course."

Breathing in slowly, she nodded more to herself. "I will be waiting at the door, I promise." She refused to make him have to find parking or anything else when she could so simply just meet him there. If he wished to be a gentleman and walk her to the door later, she'd allow it, but for time's sake, she figured this would be easier. "Please be safe on your way." She added soft, her voice going gentle as as she spoke.

"You'll probably be the first to call me delightful." He couldn't help teasing her, hoping that she wouldn't mind and that she'd pick up the banter that they'd attempted before. "If I get to call you Diana, then you have to call me Steve."

Smiling as they finished setting up the date, he said his good-byes, promising to be safe and describing his car. Scanning his apartment for the notes he wanted her to look over, his motions slowed as he realized that he didn't want to carry them or risk leaving them in the car. He had copies, but it didn't seem right to ruin the day with that obvious reason for their meeting. Organizing them so they'd be easy to find later, he checked his phone for the address and headed out the door.

One hour later, he pulled up in front of the hotel, ignoring the valets and staff that glared at him. Unlocking the door, he rolled down the window, hoping she'd see him before he got targeted for road rage by some irate driver.

Honestly, Diana couldn't imagine anyone not thinking Steve was utterly delightful. And in truth, he was fun. Witty even. Able to pick up her subtle teasing and banter and roll with it with such ease. They were all very attractive qualities to be sure. And sitting and thinking about it only made her driven to pull everything out of her suit case and look almost frustrated at everything she found.

It took her trying everything on that she'd packed. Too casual, too fancy, too professional. She finally settled on a simpler style white dress and opted to leave her hair down. Granted she took something to pin it up later if need be. Then she hurried down stairs a bit too early and waited by the door. Truly, she felt a little silly being so excited. A little naive perhaps as well. But she just hoped her careful and quiet admissions to the staff would not come back on her should the plans to go out fall through.

Though, she had much faith in him.

Faith that paid off as she spied him through the glass windows. Instantly leaving the hotel, she bit back the smile that threatened to cross her face as she gave the valet a polite smile while heading to the door. The glares they'd been giving to Steve instantly disappeared as one of them ran forward to open the car door for him. She arched a brow at the man lightly before saying thank you under her breath. Diana knew full well that the glare Steve got now was for an entirely different reason.

Not that she cared, for the moment she turned to look at him, she couldn't bite back the happy smile any longer. "Thank you for doing that for me... Steve." She let his name roll off her tongue almost warm and thick as she took a deep breath. "I appreciate it."

Trying not to be too amused by the looks he was getting, he smiled at the valet, knowing that neither the car nor the driver fit what was expected at the hotel. That was forgotten as Diana slid into the passenger seat, momentarily at a loss for words and somehow thinking he'd seen her dressed in a similar way before. Except he knew that she hadn't. She'd always dressed in professional looking suits and dresses, not the casual white that was distracting him.

Turning this attention back to traffic before he could say something embarrassing or she could catch him staring, he focused on the road in front of them. "You're welcome." Glancing over at her, Steve realized that was a mistake when he didn't want to look away. And that he wanted to hear her say his name again. Actually, he wanted to talk to her for hours, not just hear her say 'Steve'.

"I had a couple ideas for places you might like." Some of them would probably seem strange, but she had wanted to visit the more unique places. A few museums first, then one of the gardens as the day got warmer. Later they could try the memorials. By then he should be ready to deal with the strange unsettled feeling he had whenever he visited them. "I figured we can skip the curiosity shops and the Capital. Unless you've never seen it..."

She was not completely oblivious to his gaze. Diana simply didn't mind his eyes on her. In fact, she found herself feeling relieved he thought she looked good enough to warrant such a thing. Not that she would ever say such a thing out loud. Softly pushing dark hair behind an ear, she settled into the seat and placed her bag on her lap. Her fingers played at the ends of the lasso wrapped delicately like a belt about her waist close to a Greecian style before angling her head a bit to look at him.

"I look forward to your ideas. And we need not go to the capital or any gift shops." She really wasn't thinking about shopping. At most she didn't waste money too much, except on clothes. Everything else went toward her other self and things she needed.

"I am at your leisure." She teased him softly, her dark eyes lighting up as she glanced at him again. "Or until you tire of me."

"No one to buy postcards for back home?" Did people do that anymore? He saw them in the souvenir stores but Steve couldn't ever remember sending one. He'd traveled all over Europe, seeing the sights and artifacts that had become so dear to him, but he couldn't remember if there had been someone he wrote to back in the States. The excitement of finally seeing the history he'd been fascinated with probably made him forget everything else. "You don't need a snow globe for your desk?" Steve couldn't imagine anything that tacky on her desk at the Louvre but he also thought Diana would be incredibly amused by the thought of having one.

Maybe he'd sneak off and buy her one just to see if he was right about that.

"I doubt that anyone would tire of you." Not when everything about her was fascinating. Actually, she should be slightly terrifying. She was obviously brilliant. She was the curator at one of the greatest collections in the world. And the way she smiled at him...

That didn't really make sense, but Steve wasn't going to complain. "Since you were interested in the memorials, you might want to see one of the museums..."

As they made their way to the site, he picked up the role of tour guide in earnest, still glancing over at her occasionally but mostly keeping his attention on driving and discussing D.C. and the interesting pieces of history he'd picked up over the years.

When they arrived, he offered Diana his arm, smiling when he realized his 'old fashioned' manners were becoming obvious again. "I don't think I've ever had someone at my leisure. Is there certain things we have to do if you're at my leisure?"

"Not-not particularly." She really didn't get too attached to people. Mortals are born, grow old and die. Watching Etta Candy, Chief, Sammy and Charlie die had been the hardest thing she ever had to endure. And it made it harder. So much harder to let herself love any group of people more than another. She loved humanity for all of its intricacies and decisions. She loved them and wanted to protect them. But letting herself love just one person...

Angling her head at the comment about the snow globe, it forced a huff of a laugh out of her. "I cannot say I have ever owned a snow globe." Not that she would refuse one, but she'd never even considered buying one.

Though, the compliment had her reaching up and needlessly brushing her hair back with a faint blush. How did he get to her so easily? Probably because his words sounded so earnest. Not just some on the fly compliment like Sammy used to throw at her. Turning her head to look at him, she didn't cover the blush this time just gave him a lingering look with a soft smile before looking away. "That would be interesting. I have not seen those."

She'd seen the larger museums with their artifacts and historical 'fossils' so to speak. Museums that were more based in a more recent time period like memorials, she didn't get the chance to visit. So she was very interested as she slid out of the car and shouldered her bag. Only to smile suddenly as he offered his arm to her. Without hesitation, she slid hers through his and fell into step beside him. "I think it means whatever you wish to do, I will happily go along with you. It's also your day off, Steve. I want you to have as much enjoyment as I do if I can help it."

"You should have someone waiting for you." It probably sounded like a come on but Steve didn't mean it that way. She shouldn't be lonely and he knew that was an assumption but it seemed like a correct one if there was no one to send a silly message to in Paris. Even if that person was just a friend, someone should be there that cared for her and that she cared for as well. "I didn't when I was traveling. It was lonely."

Until he'd found the sword and then he'd been too smitten with the artifact to think of not having someone to discuss his misadventures with.

"No plastic pyramids or copies of the Mona Lisa to remind you that you see the real thing every day?" As soon as he got the chance, he was going to find a snow globe for her. Either the tackiest one the gift stores had or something that would remind her of the beauty of the city, depending on what caught his eye.

Noticing that Diana's attention had shifted to him, he hoped that the compliment hadn't been too forward. They barely knew each other and he didn't want to be that kind of guy. Agreeing to spend the day with him didn't mean that she was interested in anything, even friendship.

Relieved that she didn't react the way his coworkers would, he shook his head at her suggestion. "My day off and your day to be a tourist and not worry about the museum's demands." He wouldn't worry either even if he'd probably get messages from Attwater throughout the day. "We'll figure out things we'll both enjoy." As they moved toward the steps leading to the museum, he gave her a thoughtful look. "I have the feeling your tastes aren't as elaborate as the Lourve and your conversations at the Smithsonian - " With Attwater mostly. "would suggest."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chance meetings? ( for thats_neat)

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