Disclaimer: I own neither the concept nor the characters.
Summary: An opportunity for the museum takes rips its inhabitants apart. What happens when Larry realizes his feelings for the one leaving? Larry/Ahk, with some Jed/Octi. M/M slash.
The Sun Will Set For You
Chapter 3
Larry followed the flick of Ahkmenrah's cloak as he hurried in front of him. He could tell the Pharaoh was still agitated by the news and he figured the time to think had only made it worse. Ahkmenrah turned into another empty hall and Larry took his chance. "Ahk, wait!" Lunging forward, he grabbed the Pharaoh's wrist and spun him around. While the motion, as intended, caused him to face Larry, it also had the side-effect of smacking them into each other, chest to chest. Ahkmenrah fisted his hands in Larry's jacket to keep his balance; one of Larry's hands found its way to the Pharaoh's back to prevent him from falling over.
"Ahkmenrah, what's wrong?" Larry's voice was soft. He received an incredulous look, sighing in return. "You know what I mean. What are you thinking about that has you so worked up? It's not like you, Ahk."
It was as if a dam had opened and all the concerns of the 19 year old Pharaoh came pouring out. "You can't let them take me away! If I go, the tablet goes, and then everyone here will be asleep and hate me for being gone and you'll be all alone every night! And in the other museums, everything there will come to life and chaos will reign when no one knows what to do and eventually people will realize its my fault! And then they'll ask questions and realize what's been going on here! And you'll get in trouble with McPhee and..." He trailed off, his panic-filled rant running out of steam.
Larry took over the train of thought. "I know. You'll have spent the entire time trapped in that box and when they find out whats been happening here, I'll be fired and you and the tablet and probably everyone else will be sent to some research place and poked and prodded and even experimented on."
The Pharaoh gaped and Larry couldn't stop the smile that came to his face. The hand that had still be holding the other's wrist rose to his chin, pushing his mouth closed. "Now that we got all that out of the way... Listen. I am not going to let anything happen to you. The others will understand this is out of your control. They may not be happy, but they won't hate you. A two year nap won't hurt them. And I will be fine. I'll miss you, but I will be fine. The one I'm worried about is you. I know you're claustrophobic and you'll be stuck awake like that for 2 years. I'm sorry I can't be there to let you out."
Ahkmenrah dropped his head, forehead resting on Larry's shoulder. He hadn't even been this stressed when the tablet was stolen and half the museum was outside.
"Is there a way to turn the tablet off?"
Ahkmenrah shook his head. "Only by turning the middle key, but anyone could reactivate it. And if I use magic, it might turn off forever, since I won't be awake to fix it."
They stood like this for a few minutes. Ahkmenrah drew strength from Larry's calm facade, while the man gently rubbed his back.
"Can't we just leave it here and let me sleep the entire time?"
"Probably not, it's a major part of your exhibit, second only to you. I can't convince McPhee to just leave it here."
Ahkmenrah's shoulders slumped in defeat. It was times like these that Larry was reminded of how young the Pharaoh was and brought about a deeper level of caring. One hand still rubbing his back, Larry placed his other on the back of his head, fingers running through the dark curls. He pressed his lips to the top of his head and murmured into his hair, "I'll talk to McPhee and see what I can learn. Don't worry so much, we'll think of something."
~*~
When Larry arrived early for work the next night, the staff were all in a tizzy. Dr McPhee had obviously told them about Ahkmenrah and they all seemed as excited as the Curator. It was expected, seeing as how valuable an intact mummy was. But to Larry, the young Pharaoh was worth so much more. Knocking, Larry poked his head through Dr McPhee's open door.
"Ah Larry. Early I see. What can I do for you this evening?"
"The staff seems excited. Did you tell them the news?" Larry couldn't bring himself to call it 'good news', no matter how excited he had to pretend to be.
"Yes, just thrilling isn't it?"
"So what's all going?" At McPhee's confused look, Larry elaborated, waving his hand in a vague manner. "You know, like those big statues?"
"Oh, them, no. Much to large. Only the smaller display items. And the tablet, that wonderful tablet. The mummy too, of course, our star."
"Uhhuh. I bet the other museums are excited to have it?"
"Of course, they've been asking for years and we just were never able to make something work out. Of course we are taking extra precautions. Such as the tablet; it will be in a special locked case while on display. It's much too fragile. Same with the mummy."
Larry nodded. "So this is all for display, not research?"
"Display only. No touching."
"Well I need to go get ready to close up. Thanks for the update. Goodnight!" Larry waved as he headed out of the office. This might change a few things.
Larry was on time tonight, having locked and unlocked specific cases well ahead of sunset. Now, he sat in Ahkmenrah's tomb, waiting for the Pharaoh to wake. Larry had removed the burial mask, but Ahkmenrah would unwrap himself. It was something they had agreed upon, since Larry did not like seeing him actually mummified. It wasn't that he was grossed or creeped out by the sight; it wasn't good for the mummy and he just couldn't stand to see Ahkmenrah actually dead. Whereas Teddy and the others were wax or plastic, the Pharaoh was dead. It was different and made Larry's heart ache, although he was unsure exactly why.
Shortly, Larry was able to see the rise and fall of the mummy's chest as Ahkmenrah woke. Unlike the previous night's panic, Ahkmenrah was able to sit up and unwrap his bindings without any hindrance. The smile they shared was clouded with worry. Larry helped him from the sarcophagus. Once dressed, Ahkmenrah turned to Larry, biting his lower lip nervously. Larry sighed and answered the unspoken question.
"McPhee says you and the tablet both will be kept in special cases, locked when you leave here and not unlocked until you get back." Larry trailed off as the Pharaoh's eyes widened and his breathing sped up. Larry knew the thought the panic attack was stemming from; even if someone did realize the mummy was alive at night, they wouldn't be able to let him out. Larry tentatively drew Ahkmenrah into his arms, who quickly pressed his face into Larry's collar. His arms wrapped tightly around the night guard's waist, holding tightly to his rock in the emotional storm. Larry wrapped the other in a safe embrace, one hand threading gently through his curls. A thought passed through the back of his head; he really liked running his hands in Ahkmenrah's hair.
"If you're ready, we need to tell the others." Larry spoke softly, but did not break the embrace. They stood like this a few moments longer before Ahkmenrah took a deep breath and released him. Grabbing his crown, he followed Larry from the tomb, every inch the impassive Pharaoh.
As they entered the atrium, Larry was pleased to see all the necessary people gathered already. Stopping on one of the stairs above the crowd, Larry hooked his fingers in his lips and let out a piercing whistle. He beckoned them over. "Team meeting everyone."
The living figures gathered around. Larry spotted Jedediah, Octavius, and some of their men on the info desk. Larry spoke up, Ahkmenrah standing silently by his side.
"I received news from Dr McPhee, the museum curator, last night. He told me that the Egyptian exhibit would be going on tour." Murmurs broke like waves throughout the group and Larry raised his voice to be heard. "What this means is that in about 1 month, Ahkmenrah and his tablet will be leaving for 2 years."
The murmurs broke into shouts. Finally Larry was able to discern Jedediah's voice over the crowd. "What d'ya plan on doing about it, Gigantor?"
"There's nothing I can do. I can't change Dr McPhee's decision."
Attila hollered something Larry didn't need a translator for. "No you cannot rip him apart!" Larry ignored Attila's muttered response.
Dexter chittered from atop one of the railings. "And stealing the tablet won't help, you naughty monkey! McPhee will know when it doesn't arrive at the other museum."
"You don't seem very broken up about this, partner. Don't you care about 'im?"
"My personal feelings don't change anything, Jedediah. What do you want me to do? I can't just march into McPhee's office and demand he not send Ahkmenrah away because that tablet brings everyone in the museum to life. He'll certainly fire me and probably have me locked away as crazy!"
"So don't tell him about the tablet." Larry directed his frustrated stare to Octavius, standing next to the cowboy.
"So what, he can think I have an unhealthy obsession with the mummy?" Snickers and grins ran throughout the group. Jedediah's grin was a mile wide when he flashed it at Octavius and Sacajawea politely hid hers behind her hand. The look on Teddy's face plainly said 'You said it, not us." Even the corners of Ahkmenrah's mouth were turned upwards. Larry smiled at the Pharaoh before turning back to Jedediah and the others.
"What would you have me do? I cannot stop this now that it's a done deal between the museums. I don't have that much clout with the board; this is a great opportunity for everyone."
"Except us," Clark shouted from across the room.
"Dr McPhee doesn't know about any of this. He doesn't know that the tablet brings you guys to life, or what it will do in the other museums. And even if I told him, he wouldn't believe me."
"So bring him in one night and show him."
"That's not the issue right now. If no one has any helpful suggestions, then we're done here."
Larry turned away to head back up the stairs. The others began to speak quietly to themselves, beginning to disband as well. Ahkmenrah surveyed them all with a sad look and also turned but stopped when he saw Sacajawea's hand rise. Turning back, he nodded for her to speak. Seeing Ahkmenrah stop, Larry turned back as well.
"Why do you not replace the tablet with a fake one? The real tablet can then stay here, and Ahkmenrah can travel with the copy. He, and all the other museums, will remain asleep."
Larry opened his mouth to respond but stopped. The gears in his head were turning and when he looked at Ahkmenrah, who was thinking about it as well. Larry's face split into a grin; if he were close enough, he would have grabbed her in a hug and spun her around. "We'll need to take a look at the tablet..." Larry hurried up the stairs, already thinking about how to get a duplicate. Ahkmenrah pressed his hands together and bowed to Sacajawea across the room. He mouthed "Thank you" while his grey eyes sparkled. She smiled in return as he hurried after Larry.
Ahkmenrah caught up to the night guard in the tomb. Larry was examining the tablet. "May I?"
The Pharaoh waved his hand in a dismissive gesture and Larry reached for the tablet. He paused and turned back, a serious expression on his face. "Ahk, are you ok with this? I know this doesn't solve everything..."
Ahkmenrah smiled softly. "If this works, it will be perfect. I know there is no way to stop my journey, but this will allow me peace the entire time, as well as still give the residents here life."
"You're amazing Ahk, to do this for your people." Larry's eyes shone with pride, causing the young Pharaoh to blush.
"I am no such thing. This is entirely selfish, for I do not want to wake in that box every night."
"Tell yourself that all you want, but I know you were worried about leaving them lifeless the entire time. You care too much about them."
"I might... I care about you as well..." Ahkmenrah bit his lower lip nervously as he stared at Larry. He had always respected the night guard and over time he had felt that respect grow and blossom in his heart. He couldn't help but worry he was wrong about the feelings.
Larry took a step closer, gazing into the Pharaoh's grey eyes. When he spoke, his voice was soft. "I care about you more than I probably should... If I could do anything to stop you from leaving, I would."
"I wouldn't be leaving you, if the choice were mine to make." Ahkmenrah's voice was almost a whisper as he looked up at Larry. The night guard could feel his breath ghosting across his face as he stared at the Pharaoh's slightly open lips. Larry leaned in slightly but it was enough as Ahkmenrah rose up, pushing their lips gently together. The kiss was sweet and chaste until Larry seemed to realize exactly what he was doing and just whom he was doing it with. Larry stepped back, letting go of the other man, not even remembering when he had grabbed him. The confusion in his own eyes was reflected in Ahkmenrah's.
"I... uh, Ahk...I...gotta go!" Larry all but ran from the tomb.
Ahkmenrah sank onto the raised dais where his sarcophagus lay. Confusion and misery painted his face as he hid it in his hand.
The tablet glittered silently on the wall behind him.