The rest of the night went smooth as silk. Bruce raised quite a sizeable sum he would devolve to the rebuilding of parts of the town that had been damaged by their fight, Sionis was currently in police custody awaiting a formal incrimination and the rest of the gang was getting along very well. The little job at the bank actually helped them all warm up to Steve, who actually felt a little giddy about everything that was going on around him.
"Still nervous?" asked Diana swiping the keycard on the pad, unlocking the door.
Behind her, Steve let out a soft laugh that sounded a lot like a grunt, so tired he was. "No, not really. Your friends are really nice in the end, they tried their best to make me feel comfortable."
"It also helped that you came up with that plan that got us in and out that bank in a minute or less. You impressed everyone tonight." She took off her shoes with a sigh of relief. "Where did that come from?"
"You know, I have no idea. I… I'm starting to think that whatever your uncle gave me that night helped me catch up faster, I'm not averse at the idea that it also gave me an additional edge, combined with technical immortality."
"Could be. Or you're just incredibly smart and talented for this type of thing?" she proposed.
"Uhm…" he huffed. "I like that sound of that too!"
They both moved into the bedroom. There, they took off the formal and slightly uncomfortable clothes and prepared for bed. They had fallen into a habit, when it came to little things like getting ready for bed, they looked like those old couples he used to see in town when he was a kid, so used to each other's presence that they were synchronized in almost every little movement they made. It was like they were dancing around each other, even though they were just getting ready for bed. And damn he liked it. Her apartment in Metropolis was a little oasis of calm, he had no idea of it was just her presence that helped him live a less stressed life, despite having been hauled ahead in time, or if it was the novelty of having a place to call home that made him this serene.
He was in the shower while she took care of the makeup, when she asked him a question he wasn't expecting. "What were you and Bruce talking about?"
He was kind of hoping she hadn't noticed them talking, but no such luck. "Nothing, really. He wanted to offer me a job."
She pulled the shower curtain open and shoved her head in. She looked really worried and he had no idea why. "What kind of job?"
"He wants me to be the Justice League's liaison with the United States government and even with the United Nations, should need arise. I basically would be the League's face with the public and the politicians."
"He wants you to be his personal spy, you realize that?"
He nodded, drops of water shooting off the tips of hair, and moved away so she could step inside and take a shower too, then he got out of the tub. "I know. He didn't really hide it, he seemed pretty blunt about what he wanted for me. Brutally honest, in some ways. He doesn't trust the government, he's not a fan of the president, he said he's not the type of person that should be leading the United States. He wants someone with diplomatic skills, or that can fake them, to deal with him."
"Yeah well I don't like him either, and I see his point. So, when and where are you going to start?"
"He wasn't precise about it, but he said he's going to give me all the details before we leave for Paris. He said it's not going to be a nine-to-five job, but I could be called anytime and anywhere." He toweled himself dry and quickly slipped into a clean pair of boxer briefs and a cotton t-shirt. "Basically, I'm always on call. If anyone needs me, I need to be ready to fly, or answer the phone, then fly."
"Like us," she said. "It's not a good life, I tell you."
"Yeah well…" he replied around the toothbrush. "It's still better than what I did before. Maybe it's not as exciting, but I can do my part, as you do yours."
"I just wonder why he doesn't do it himself. As Bruce Wayne I mean. He's rich, he has power and influence, he could be pose as the League's liaison with any organization that would interpell us." She turned off the water, grabbed a towel and stepped out the shower. "He's not exactly known for his diplomacy but I think he can hold his own."
"I think it's more about his short temper." He spit the excess toothpaste and rinsed his mouth. "I spoke to Alfred for a moment, after Bruce and I discussed the job, and he told me Bruce doesn't trust himself much, after last year. He said he jumped to the wrong conclusions and someone died, unjustly, because of that."
"Uhm, yes, he didn't take Clark's death well. Most of what he did last year, finding the metahumans and forming the Justice League… he did it in Clark's name. He paid for his funeral, you know?"
"You mentioned it, a couple of times." With a yawn, he ran his palm over his cheek and felt a slight stubble already prickling his skin. After days of just forgetting to shave, he kind of missed the long beard. "You think I should keep shaving every morning?"
"Not if you don't want to. I don't mind the beard. Looks good on you." Diana smiled around the toothbrush. "Very good."
I need to pee…
The first thought that ran through his mind next morning wasn't exactly the most interesting one. And it was an issue that he quickly dealt with. He washed his hands and took a peek at his reflection in the mirror over the sink.
"For a dead man, you look good…" he whispered to his image. As much as the last couple of weeks had proven to him that it wasn't a dream or a vision his brain conjured as he died in blazes of glory just to make him feel better, he still couldn't exactly grasp the fact that he was indeed alive and that he had been catapulted ahead in time. It was a thought that seized his mind at random times, but most of all in the morning, when his mind was still drowsy and boggled with sleep. It often came so suddenly that the bare thought clogged his throat, it made it hard to breathe and he did feel like he was dying a little bit until, frantically struggling to fill his lungs, he turned around on the bed and saw Diana sleeping soundly beside him made him return to reality.
It was more than enough to quiet his doubts, shut them in the back of his mind and let him live this new, astounding life he had been gifted like nothing happened. That was how powerful her presence was, to him. How her inner strength was more than enough to help him deal with anything he found in front of him.
As he walked back to the bedroom, he stopped at the foot of the bed just to look at her and he felt like a warm wave of tranquillity washed over him. Looking at her during her day to day life, with her poised demeanor, one would never guess that when she slept she was a hot mess. She tossed and turned around, almost all night long. She often kicked the covers off her body and slept in awkward poses, so weird he wondered how could she not wake up with her neck constantly cricked. It was like the weight of the world rested on her shoulders and it made sleeping harder and uncomfortable for her. She didn't look tired in the morning, but he knew deep down her awkward sleeping habits took a toll on her, and he hated to see her like this.
That morning was different though. She had been quiet that night, curled up against him, and now she was even smiling in her sleep. And she was so… wonderfully gorgeous she took his breath away like the first time he had opened his eyes after she had dragged him to shore back in Themyscira.
And the best part? The black panties with the pink butterflies printed on them. It was stupid but he absolutely loved that carefree side of her that came out only if you knew her really well. Or in his case, if you were allowed to see her underwear. The white tank top just completed the look and in its simplicity, really suited her. He didn't mind the tight, form fitting clothes and the elegant dresses, but this was the Diana he knew. The headstrong warrior with a kind, big heart and a sweet spot for ice cream and dancing. Or swaying, as she called it.
"Staring is creepy…" she murmured, eyes still closed.
Steve smiled and climbed in bed beside her. "You stared a lot, back on the boat."
"You were fascinating," she replied, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and pulling him close to her. Heck, she was so hot, literally so. "And it was either looking at you or the sea. You were more interesting. Slept well?"
He kissed her cheek. "Like a baby. You?"
"Kind of. Listen…" She yawned and he covered her mouth with his hand. "Thanks. You think you're ready for an eight hours long flight above the Atlantic Ocean to Paris?"
He shrugged. "My passport came in the other day, right? Then I guess I am. What happened? They need you at work?"
"They don't exactly need me at work, but I kind of miss home. Also there's some bureaucracy we need to take care of so you can live in France on stable basis so I want to take care of it as early as I can. Also… I might have got an interesting email a couple of days ago about some artifacts and they want me to go and give them an assessment. The dealer comes to Paris next week and…"
He shushed gently pressing a finger on her lips. "Say no more. Your work is important and I'm ready to take a plane and sit for eight long hours as we fly over the Atlantic. I need more books though, you know I read fast."
"How about I get you a Kindle and we buy some ebooks for that? Less weight and less space in the carry on baggage."
"Whatever you say but… what's a Kindle?"
"Are you sure you want to go to Paris?" Bruce Wayne himself had come to bid them farewell at the airport, before they boarded. "There's so much work we have to do here and…"
Diana shook her head and smiled. "Bruce, unlike you, I have an honest job. And I have to go back to work."
He grunted, softly. "I told you I can pay you just as much if not more, if you move here."
"And idle all day waiting for something to happen? Not my style, you know that. Don't worry Bruce, we'll be here, in case something comes up."
He wasn't satisfied with her answer, but he accepted it with a curt nod. "As you wish. Captain Trevor, I've provided you with everything you need to deal with the government in case things get heated. Remember, you'll be our face and our voice when we can't speak. The day may never come, but you never know. Are you ready?"
Steve nodded. "Yes sir. I'll prepare myself in case it happens. You think I should present myself as a soldier or… simply as Steve Trevor?"
"Go forth with the Captain rank. I made sure to put a fake career in your official records. You're technically a honorably discharged Marine and a veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq. They'll be more inclined to listen to you, as a former soldier. Now go, or you're going to miss your plane." The shook hands. "Have a nice flight."
"Come visit, one day or another," said Diana. "I'm sure Paris is more than capable to handle Bruce Wayne for a week or two."
"The real question is: can Bruce Wayne handle the amount of amazing wine in Paris?" Despite the attempt of a joke, there was no humor in his gruffy voice. "I'll see what I can do, anyway. Thanks for the invitation. Now really, go, it would take way too long to pull out my private jet, gather the crew and transmit a flight plan to move your asses on the other side of the Ocean. I'll be in touch."
He turned and left. Just like that.
"Grumpy old bastard…" murmured Steve.
"Life hasn't been kind to him," she replied, a sad smile printed on her face. "A robbery gone wrong left him orphan, his parents were killed in front of him. He has two adopted sons but… He had a bad discussion with one and now they don't talk anymore."
Steve grabbed his carry on luggage and they moved towards the gate. "And the other one?"
She sighed. "Dead. Murdered, actually, a couple of years ago. He… let's say he didn't take it well. He tries to hide it behind the big tough guy persona, or the charming airheaded billionaire, but deep down he suffers, he bleeds just like anyone else. He's… there's more beneath the cowl, than just what you saw."
He felt his heart sink in the pit of his stomach and he immediately regretted even thinking something like that. "Oh. That's some tough shit. No wonder he's… well, he's who he is."
"Just wait until he warms up to you a bit more. He was kind to you, when you first appeared, remember?"
"Do I need to be worried about you and him?"
Diana hooked her arm around his and pulled him close to her. "No, definitely not. Bruce isn't my type."
"And what exactly is your type?"
"Go in the restroom and check yourself in the mirror, that's my type!"
Steve chuckled and placed his luggage on the conveyor belt of the metal detector. "Touchè." He emptied his pockets in the plastic box the TSA agent offered him then walked through another security device. Diana had explained things thoroughly, so except the nuisance, he wasn't too bothered with all the security procedures. "You did spend quite some time with him, allow me to be a little jealous."
"I spent a lot of time with Arthur too, though," she deadpanned.
"Arthur's married and hopelessly devoted to Mera!" he objected. "They could come and visit, Arthur said they've never been to France but they would love to see it."
"I bet Arthur wants to go to Eurodisney."
"And that would be?" he asked, picking up his belongings from the box.
"A theme park. Oh don't worry, I'll take you there, but only after I start and finish your Disney education. And after you watched Star Wars. And Indiana Jones… It's going to take a long while before we can go to Disneyland, now that I think of it."
Shaking his head, Steve pulled his phone out from the pocket of his jeans and started looking. "Alright, alright, I'll do my research on my own. No need to be purposely vague just to push me to seek the answers to my questions on my own."
"That wasn't my intention. I just didn't want to spoil the whole thing. We'll watch the movies I mentioned and then we'll go to Disneyland. Just… be patient. It wouldn't be half as fun, if you didn't know the theme."
Despite his best efforts, Steve kept feeling like he was too far behind to catch up. The moment he grasped one aspect of life in the twenty first century, another one came up. What was a theme park? What the hell was Disney and what did it mean that there were decades of movies he needed to watch to enjoy it? And what on earth was Star Wars?
He typed furiously on the tiny keyboard of his phone as they waited to finally step on the plane. Well, this is new! He thought as he read through the Wikipedia page of EuroDisney. It looked like a hyper technological version of the stable Luna Park in Metropolis he had visited… so long before. But it looked like a happy place, where to go and enjoy some time without a care in the world, where children could live their fantasies in the real world.
He felt a sudden lump forming in his throat, thinking about children. Would she want a kid, one day or another? Was she the type of woman? Times were different now, he had quickly grasped the notion that these days women weren't relegated to stand by and witness the great deeds of men, unable to do anything because society thought they were less than human, now women could held power if they wanted to. And she was one of those women, she was more than capable to hold her own in a world that no matter what was still somewhat hostile to women, would she even think about having children?
Deep down, he truly hoped she would, because he did want them. Not right now of course, but… one day maybe?
Truth was, he was thinking about the possibility with increasing frequency, mostly because days before, the night he got smashed drunk thanks to Hades, he had the weirdest dream that revolved around that matter and no matter how hard he tried, Steve couldn't really get the images out of his head. And he loved them! The dream was so vivid for a moment he had thought he had gone completely mad and had started hallucinating, and as he woke up that morning he got the feeling that dream was something more, like a taste of something that would come, either in the far or near future he didn't know, but it was something that could happen.
But that wasn't the time to discuss it. Not as they were embarking on the biggest plane he had ever seen, even bigger than the German bomber he had boarded back in 1918 before Flash came to rescue him.
"Damn I so want to pilot one of these!" he murmured as they sat in their allotted seats.
"You should see military jets. I bet those are more up your alley," replied Diana. "Is the battery of your Kindle ready charged?" She asked him, holding up a power bank, a small device that stored electricity to charge other devices.
"I think it is. I followed the instructions and let it charge overnight. I should be fine, I have more books than I can read in eight hours in here anyway. And you said there's wi-fi connection up here?"
She nodded. "Yes, there should be. You want to go go forth with your musical education?"
"I'd love to. Any suggestion?" he questioned, flipping through the digital pages of the Kindle to pick a book from the long list they had picked from the website.
"I would either go for Queen or David Bowie." She stifled a long yawn. "Sorry, haven't slept much last night."
"I know. I was there. It's partially my fault, sorry about that. Think you can sleep during the flight?"
"I'll try," she whispered. "Now hold on tight, we're almost ready to go."
Tomorrow I'm going on vacation. I'll stay away for about a week, so expect a couple of weeks of hiatus for this story (well, all stories actually) because I'll be camping and I doubt I'll have a stable internet connection, let alone a computer to write. Have fun everybody, I know I will. Metaldays Festival here I come!