Chapter 1

Diana wasn't really sure why she was working with Dr. Erskine more than she was with Mr. Stark, but she couldn't say that it bothered her. Howard was the one who was directly involved with researching the Tesseract, but he also didn't see women as equals to himself. He did not acknowledge her comments or suggestions and shrugged off her offers to help.

Diana stormed into Abraham's office in a fury and began aggressively turning pages in the chemistry book Abe had loaned her.

"What has got you in such a fuss, my dear?"

"Stark," she spat. "He treats me as if I am some… some whore he can just have his way with! I am -"

"Diana! Most women that Howard Stark interacts with are trying to sleep with him. It is not a problem he has with you, it is a problem he has with himself. Do not let him affect you so."

"I just don't understand. He doesn't act this way towards Agent Carter."

With a sigh the doctor removed his glasses to massage his brow. "Ms. Carter nearly broke Mr. Stark's arm when he got to... friendly for her liking. She demands respect and is not afraid to take it when it is not given."

Three days later Diana was called to the Colonel's office and given an 'unofficial' reprimand. Howard Stark returned to work a day later sporting a limp and a new fear of women.

The first time Diana met Steve Rogers, she snorted at the choice Dr. Erskine had made for the Super-Soldier program. This 'man' (if he could even be called such) had no physical attributes to speak of! He was no warrior. What he did have, was spirit. She could give him that.

But as she got to know him, he endlessly surprised her.

Like his drive to help people. To protect his people. His belief that he could help stop the war by joining the army. That he would break the law if only it meant he could help. It reminded Diana, of herself. Of course she didn't tell Rogers this.

Abraham thought it was quite funny, until he couldn't find his "secret" liquor supply. He quickly apologized and never spoke a word of it again.

"What do you mean I cannot go with you for the experiment," Diana exploded at one slightly ruffled Colonel.

"You are only a consultant with us and therefore do not have the clear-"

"I have spent most of my time and energy in this project because Stark won't allow me to help with what I was signed on to do! I need to be there in case- in case," she trailed off biting her lower lip.

"In case of what, Ms. Prince?" he asked, noting the suddenly sad and desperate look on Diana's face. He couldn't help but feel that it looked very out of place on the normally strong woman's face.

"The," she swallowed, "The last time I didn't show up, he died. I WASN'T THERE AND NOW HE IS DEAD!"

Her outburst shocked the Colonel greatly. "I'm sorry Diana, but this matter is closed," he said in a firm voice. "The orders came from my superiors, and if I was to disobey them, we would both get in more trouble than you can imagine. Now, If I could do something I would, but as it is, my hands are tied."

With a single nod, she spun on her heel and slammed the door.

The night before the procedure Diana received a note from Colonel Phillips saying that there was a nice antique shop in Brooklyn that she might find interesting. She was given the 'opening' time and the "deepest apologies for not being able to join them".

Diana arrived just in time to witness a little old lady pull out a hidden machine gun, and unleash a torrent of bullets before collapsing to the ground.

A/N:

WOW! Thank you to everyone who reviewed/followed/favorited! It means so much to me that you all like it! Special thanks to WonderStarLord, chase manaena, aemelia113, and Storm0719 for your reviews! (Even though I had to google translate one of them!)

Also, sorry for the shortness of the chapters.