Fic: Jewels In The Crown I: Hera's Chalice (3/12)
Title: Jewels In The Crown I: Hera’s Chalice (3/12)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Steve/Diana, Etta Candy, Medea, Jamie O’Reilly, Laura McKinney
Genres: Romance, Drama, A Touch Of Mystery
Rating (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: When Queen Hippolyta sends a precious Amazon artifact to America with an Amazon guard, both cause Diana and Steve no end of trouble.
Chapter Summary: Steve joins Diana and they tour the Amazon exhibit.
Date Of Completion: March 10, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 23, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1350
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Notes: Dedicated to our hardy band of Steve/Diana fans! :)
Special thanks to
jen_in_japan , whose enthusiasm for this project kept me going with a smile on my face. :)
All chapters can be found here.
III
WORKS OF ART
Lo,
Beauty
Is
Not fleeting.
It lives on
In marble
And stone,
Sparkling
Jewels
Of great price.
And in flesh,
Forever.
Sappho?
630-570 B.C.E.
Steve tried to focus on the meeting. It did not concern one of the projects he oversaw but instead was about administrative trivia. Trying to keep his eyes from glazing over in boredom, he listened but allowed part of his mind to drift to a far better subject: Diana.
Happiness tingled through him as he thought of his Angel. He was thrilled to be meeting her later at the museum.
That brought his thoughts to Medea: an unsettling woman, but then, most of the Amazons were not the most trusting of women, and with good reason.
As Captain Prescott spoke about the month’s expenditures, Steve remembered the history that Diana had told him about concerning her people. Sadly, he was not surprised. His gender did not have the best track record when it came to women.
Feeling slightly guilty, he resolved to be even more polite than usual with Diana’s guest. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass his Angel.
Diana rarely spoke of it, but Steve could guess the reactions of the Amazons to her relationship with him. He knew that her mother was opposed, no doubt urging her daughter to find a partner worthy of her, like Black Canary or Hawkgirl.
He sighed. Sometimes he worried about the troubles he brought to his Beloved, but she loved him as much as he loved her. Surely they were meant to be together, or else why would his plane have crashed outside of Paradise Island and his presence be the catalyst to bring an Amazon to America?
His Amazon.
“Major?”
Steve replied, “Yes, Captain?”
“Summation, sir?”
Steve roused himself and made a brief statement, wrapping up the meeting. He smiled as Etta approached him.
“So, you off to the museum?”
“Yes. Sorry to leave you behind, but…”
“Hey, with Diana off on vacation, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”
Steve looked at his loyal subordinate and said, “The hell wit this, Etta. I could use another pair of eyes and ears.”
“Oh, because you’ll be busy ogling Wonder Woman?” she smirked.
“Ha, ha, Lieutenaut.” Steve shook his head as Etta laughed. Served him right for working with a woman who knew him well.
But, being surrounded by intuitive women wasn’t so bad.
“Get your cap, Lieutenant. We’re off to the Museum of Fine Arts!”
& & & & & &
Steve escorted Etta inside, getting directions from the lobby guard to the Amazon exhibit hall. They walked down the quiet hall, voices carrying as they approached the exhibit.
“I should think that this O’Reilly would welcome sisters to save his sorry derriere.”
The voice was heavily Greek-accented. Steve was surprised that Medea wasn’t speaking Greek, but perhaps she wanted to practice her English.
“Jamie has a far-from-sorry derriere.”
Etta stifled a laugh while Steve raised his eyebrow. Well, what of it? Wonder Woman could look.
Besides, Jamie did have a great butt.
Steve smiled as he and Etta entered the hall.
“Steve! Etta!” Diana smiled at their entrance. She hurried over and hugged Etta, then gave Steve a kiss that was tender and loving. He responded, happiness filling him.
Diana’s eyes sparkled as they broke apart.
“Hi, Wonder Woman,” Etta said with a smile. “Oh, hello. You must be our favorite Amazon’s friend from Paradise Island.”
“I am.” Medea seemed slightly amused by Etta’s enthusiasm. She shook hands, eyeing Etta’s slightly-chubby physique. “So, you work with Diana?”
“Both of them, actually. I’ve been on adventures with Wonder Woman and I work with Diana Prince in Steve’s office.”
Steve saw Medea’s look of faint disgust. “Yes, you work for a man.”
“He’s my C.O. Heckuva good guy.”
Steve and Diana grinned. Etta was never one to hold back.
“I’ll put a little something extra in your pay envelope this week, Etta.”
She grinned and examined Medea’s armor.
“The exhibit looks great.” Steve looked around. “Where’s Jamie?”
“On more important business, apparently.” Medea’s voice dripped contempt.
Irritation flared up in Steve but he carefully kept that emotion out of his expression. “I’m sure he’ll be with you in a moment. There are a lot of projects to oversee.” He understood that juggling act well.
“Come, let me show you the exhibit,” Diana said softly.
Steve absorbed the facts displayed on information cards and admired the beautiful objects. There were vases and other artworks, the statuary and stone fragments thousands of years old.
“Are all the artifacts ancient?”
Diana shook her head. “There are some contemporary works. There, the suit of armor and the sword…Io’s work.”
“The blacksmith?”
“Yes.”
“It’s beautiful work.”
“She is the best.”
Steve’s eye was caught by a glittering necklace in the next case. “How beautiful!” He leaned forward for a closer look. “You must have extraordinary jewelsmiths.”
“We do. That particular piece was donated by my mother years ago.”
Steve admired the yellow and white jewels set in heavy gold, the pattern almost Egyptian in style.
“Steve, I won’t be coming over tonight.” He looked at her, seeing the regret in her eyes. “Medea…”
“I understand, Angel. She’s your guest and you’ll have to host her. Besides,” he touched her hand, “we don’t spend every night together.”
She curled her fingers around his and they continued to view the exhibit.
“You will be coming tomorrow night to the reception here?” Diana asked.
“Of course, though you need no escort.”
“No, I do not. But it pleases me to have by my side a beautiful work of art that rivals these precious objects.”
Steve blushed. He had been complimented by lovers before, but Diana’s forthrightness and sincerity always touched him. He squeezed her hand.
“Steve! Hey, old buddy!”
“Jamie!” Steve smiled as his old friend approached. They shook hands and Jamie said, “I’m here to escort you to the Director’s office. Oh, and Medea, I’d like you to meet Laura McKinney.”
The slight brunette smiled and offered her hand, her ponytail bobbing. Medea shook her hand, looking her up and down. “You are Security?”
“Yes. It’s quite an honor to meet an Amazon! Oh, yeah, you, too, Wonder Woman. I mean…”
Diana laughed. “I know what you mean, Laura. Don’t worry.”
Laura smiled. She looked at Medea, who towered over her.
“You seem so…”
“…small? Let me assure you, m’lady, that I pack quite a punch. I’m a martial arts expert like the Black Canary.”
“Ah, a formidable woman. Excellent.”
“Shall we go?” Jamie asked.
& & & & & &
After the meeting, Diana, Medea, and Etta talked while Jamie and Steve caught up.
“So, life’s been treating you well.” Jamie smiled.
“It has.” Steve’s eyes were warm as he looked at his friend. “We live in the same city. We should get together more often.”
Jamie waved a hand. “We’re both busy. And when you’re not…” He inclined his head toward Wonder Woman.
Steve laughed. “Yes, I do keep busy in my off-hours, but I always have time for an old friend.”
Jamie laid a hand on Steve’s arm. “I’d like that.”
Steve felt a rush of warmth go through him. “We’ll be sure to do it, then.”
Jamie removed his hand and nodded.
& & & & & &
Steve came home, loosening his tie and draping his uniform jacket over the back of the couch. He felt tired after a day crammed with meetings, but at least he had spent time with his Angel.
He spent a quiet evening, finishing up some reports and eating leftover pizza, smiling as he thought of how fond his Angel had become of this particular food.
He decided to go to bed early. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day and late evening at the Art Museum ball.
Steve settled into bed, missing his Angel beside him, but they didn’t sleep together every night. Chaotic schedules often kept them apart.
He scrunched her pillow close to him, her scent still on the pillowcase, and sighed.
He missed her.
web counter (this counter installed 7/11/09)
Author: BradyGirl
Pairings/Characters (this chapter): Steve/Diana, Etta Candy, Medea, Jamie O’Reilly, Laura McKinney
Genres: Romance, Drama, A Touch Of Mystery
Rating (this chapter): PG-13
Warnings: None
Spoilers: None
General Summary: When Queen Hippolyta sends a precious Amazon artifact to America with an Amazon guard, both cause Diana and Steve no end of trouble.
Chapter Summary: Steve joins Diana and they tour the Amazon exhibit.
Date Of Completion: March 10, 2008
Date Of Posting: April 23, 2008
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, DC does, more’s the pity.
Word Count: 1350
Feedback welcome and appreciated.
Author’s Notes: Dedicated to our hardy band of Steve/Diana fans! :)
Special thanks to
jen_in_japan , whose enthusiasm for this project kept me going with a smile on my face. :)
All chapters can be found here.
III
WORKS OF ART
Lo,
Beauty
Is
Not fleeting.
It lives on
In marble
And stone,
Sparkling
Jewels
Of great price.
And in flesh,
Forever.
Sappho?
630-570 B.C.E.
Steve tried to focus on the meeting. It did not concern one of the projects he oversaw but instead was about administrative trivia. Trying to keep his eyes from glazing over in boredom, he listened but allowed part of his mind to drift to a far better subject: Diana.
Happiness tingled through him as he thought of his Angel. He was thrilled to be meeting her later at the museum.
That brought his thoughts to Medea: an unsettling woman, but then, most of the Amazons were not the most trusting of women, and with good reason.
As Captain Prescott spoke about the month’s expenditures, Steve remembered the history that Diana had told him about concerning her people. Sadly, he was not surprised. His gender did not have the best track record when it came to women.
Feeling slightly guilty, he resolved to be even more polite than usual with Diana’s guest. The last thing he wanted to do was embarrass his Angel.
Diana rarely spoke of it, but Steve could guess the reactions of the Amazons to her relationship with him. He knew that her mother was opposed, no doubt urging her daughter to find a partner worthy of her, like Black Canary or Hawkgirl.
He sighed. Sometimes he worried about the troubles he brought to his Beloved, but she loved him as much as he loved her. Surely they were meant to be together, or else why would his plane have crashed outside of Paradise Island and his presence be the catalyst to bring an Amazon to America?
His Amazon.
“Major?”
Steve replied, “Yes, Captain?”
“Summation, sir?”
Steve roused himself and made a brief statement, wrapping up the meeting. He smiled as Etta approached him.
“So, you off to the museum?”
“Yes. Sorry to leave you behind, but…”
“Hey, with Diana off on vacation, I’ve got plenty to keep me busy.”
Steve looked at his loyal subordinate and said, “The hell wit this, Etta. I could use another pair of eyes and ears.”
“Oh, because you’ll be busy ogling Wonder Woman?” she smirked.
“Ha, ha, Lieutenaut.” Steve shook his head as Etta laughed. Served him right for working with a woman who knew him well.
But, being surrounded by intuitive women wasn’t so bad.
“Get your cap, Lieutenant. We’re off to the Museum of Fine Arts!”
& & & & & &
Steve escorted Etta inside, getting directions from the lobby guard to the Amazon exhibit hall. They walked down the quiet hall, voices carrying as they approached the exhibit.
“I should think that this O’Reilly would welcome sisters to save his sorry derriere.”
The voice was heavily Greek-accented. Steve was surprised that Medea wasn’t speaking Greek, but perhaps she wanted to practice her English.
“Jamie has a far-from-sorry derriere.”
Etta stifled a laugh while Steve raised his eyebrow. Well, what of it? Wonder Woman could look.
Besides, Jamie did have a great butt.
Steve smiled as he and Etta entered the hall.
“Steve! Etta!” Diana smiled at their entrance. She hurried over and hugged Etta, then gave Steve a kiss that was tender and loving. He responded, happiness filling him.
Diana’s eyes sparkled as they broke apart.
“Hi, Wonder Woman,” Etta said with a smile. “Oh, hello. You must be our favorite Amazon’s friend from Paradise Island.”
“I am.” Medea seemed slightly amused by Etta’s enthusiasm. She shook hands, eyeing Etta’s slightly-chubby physique. “So, you work with Diana?”
“Both of them, actually. I’ve been on adventures with Wonder Woman and I work with Diana Prince in Steve’s office.”
Steve saw Medea’s look of faint disgust. “Yes, you work for a man.”
“He’s my C.O. Heckuva good guy.”
Steve and Diana grinned. Etta was never one to hold back.
“I’ll put a little something extra in your pay envelope this week, Etta.”
She grinned and examined Medea’s armor.
“The exhibit looks great.” Steve looked around. “Where’s Jamie?”
“On more important business, apparently.” Medea’s voice dripped contempt.
Irritation flared up in Steve but he carefully kept that emotion out of his expression. “I’m sure he’ll be with you in a moment. There are a lot of projects to oversee.” He understood that juggling act well.
“Come, let me show you the exhibit,” Diana said softly.
Steve absorbed the facts displayed on information cards and admired the beautiful objects. There were vases and other artworks, the statuary and stone fragments thousands of years old.
“Are all the artifacts ancient?”
Diana shook her head. “There are some contemporary works. There, the suit of armor and the sword…Io’s work.”
“The blacksmith?”
“Yes.”
“It’s beautiful work.”
“She is the best.”
Steve’s eye was caught by a glittering necklace in the next case. “How beautiful!” He leaned forward for a closer look. “You must have extraordinary jewelsmiths.”
“We do. That particular piece was donated by my mother years ago.”
Steve admired the yellow and white jewels set in heavy gold, the pattern almost Egyptian in style.
“Steve, I won’t be coming over tonight.” He looked at her, seeing the regret in her eyes. “Medea…”
“I understand, Angel. She’s your guest and you’ll have to host her. Besides,” he touched her hand, “we don’t spend every night together.”
She curled her fingers around his and they continued to view the exhibit.
“You will be coming tomorrow night to the reception here?” Diana asked.
“Of course, though you need no escort.”
“No, I do not. But it pleases me to have by my side a beautiful work of art that rivals these precious objects.”
Steve blushed. He had been complimented by lovers before, but Diana’s forthrightness and sincerity always touched him. He squeezed her hand.
“Steve! Hey, old buddy!”
“Jamie!” Steve smiled as his old friend approached. They shook hands and Jamie said, “I’m here to escort you to the Director’s office. Oh, and Medea, I’d like you to meet Laura McKinney.”
The slight brunette smiled and offered her hand, her ponytail bobbing. Medea shook her hand, looking her up and down. “You are Security?”
“Yes. It’s quite an honor to meet an Amazon! Oh, yeah, you, too, Wonder Woman. I mean…”
Diana laughed. “I know what you mean, Laura. Don’t worry.”
Laura smiled. She looked at Medea, who towered over her.
“You seem so…”
“…small? Let me assure you, m’lady, that I pack quite a punch. I’m a martial arts expert like the Black Canary.”
“Ah, a formidable woman. Excellent.”
“Shall we go?” Jamie asked.
& & & & & &
After the meeting, Diana, Medea, and Etta talked while Jamie and Steve caught up.
“So, life’s been treating you well.” Jamie smiled.
“It has.” Steve’s eyes were warm as he looked at his friend. “We live in the same city. We should get together more often.”
Jamie waved a hand. “We’re both busy. And when you’re not…” He inclined his head toward Wonder Woman.
Steve laughed. “Yes, I do keep busy in my off-hours, but I always have time for an old friend.”
Jamie laid a hand on Steve’s arm. “I’d like that.”
Steve felt a rush of warmth go through him. “We’ll be sure to do it, then.”
Jamie removed his hand and nodded.
& & & & & &
Steve came home, loosening his tie and draping his uniform jacket over the back of the couch. He felt tired after a day crammed with meetings, but at least he had spent time with his Angel.
He spent a quiet evening, finishing up some reports and eating leftover pizza, smiling as he thought of how fond his Angel had become of this particular food.
He decided to go to bed early. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day and late evening at the Art Museum ball.
Steve settled into bed, missing his Angel beside him, but they didn’t sleep together every night. Chaotic schedules often kept them apart.
He scrunched her pillow close to him, her scent still on the pillowcase, and sighed.
He missed her.
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