Chapter Text
The sun set over New York, shadows stretching across the city from the towering buildings. For most, it was time to turn in and get a chance to rest underneath the stars. Inside the Natural History Museum, however, the fun was just about to begin.
A night guard might be viewed as a boring job, but for Larry Daley it meant much more than watching over a quiet building filled with wax figures. As the last rays of light slipped from the windows above, the golden tablet began to glow within the chamber of Ahkmenrah. With its light, the exhibits within sprung to life as they have for decades.
From Attila the Hun, to Teddy Roosevelt, and even the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex, the empty halls were soon filled with the sounds of life. Lion roars, Neanderthal grunts, and for one miniature diorama, the whistle of a train.
Jedediah Smith blinked, feeling his joints turn from plastic to meat and bone. He stretched his arms, hearing a satisfying pop from cracking his neck. Standing on the higher level of the western diomara, Jed watched as his fellow miniatures roused from their slumber, already eager to start the night. Several waved to him and called out in greeting, and he tipped his black hat in return.
Grabbing some rope, Jed fastened it to a post tight before climbing down to the museum floor. He couldn’t really see into their neighboring diorama from his angle, but he could hear the sounds of horses and military drills. One voice stood out, authoritative and familiar.
“Hey, Octy! Ya gonna make me wait ‘til sunrise or what?” He called out, cupping his hands around his mouth.
A moment later, Octavius peered over the edge, red garb standing bright and dramatic as ever. Even from the height, Jed could see him roll his eyes.
“The night has just begun, Jedediah. Surely you’re not this impatient?”
Jed put his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow at him.
“Right. Stupid question.” Octavius admitted, a small smile gracing his face. “Just a moment, my friend!” He disappeared from view for a moment, returning to slide down a rope much like Jedediah had. His cloak had become momentarily tangled in the rope, and Jed tried not to laugh at watching him sort it out. Given the glare he received, Jed wasn’t entirely successful.
“I’m surprised that cape of yours don’t getcha into more trouble. How do ya not have that thing flappin’ in your way all night?” He asked as the two began the short walk to retrieve their car. Larry had hidden it behind a display case just beyond the diorama, close enough so they could reach it by themselves and out of view of curious eyes during the day.
“It’s a cloak, not a cape.” Octavius corrected without missing a beat, though it wasn’t nearly the first time he’s had to do so.
“Eh, tomato, tomahto, friendo.” Jed waved his hand dismissively. “Why do ya wear it anyway?”
“It’s a part of myself. What if you were asked to put away that ridiculous hat of yours?” He countered as they reached the hiding spot.
“At least I don’t look like a rooster.” Jed teased, laughing at Octy’s eye roll. “Don’t lie, you only keep it ‘cuz you love lookin’ dramatic.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The car cruised through the halls, weaving through the wandering inhabitants with ease. Jed let out an enthusiastic ‘yeehaw’ every time he made an aggressive sharp turn, making the Roman clutch the hand rail for dear life. And no matter how much Jed insisted, Octavius refused to acknowledge any squeaks he made during such moments.
Finally, the two made it to their destination for the night. In the lobby, Larry had set up a large, white bed sheet with a projector facing it. He and Nicky were setting up blankets and pillows across the floor when the two drove up.
“Hey! You guys are early!” Larry called out, his arms filled with a stack of blankets.
“We couldn’t let you have all the fun, now could we?” Jed climbed out, parking by the front desk. Octavius followed suit.
“It would be our pleasure to help you set up, my liege.” He said, Jed rolling his eyes at the serious in his tone. Larry raised a brow at them.
“Oh really? You’re just here to help?”
Both nodded. Larry set the blankets on one of the nearby pillows.
“You’re sure this has nothing to do with wanting to get a head start on the donuts Nicky and I brought?”
They nodded again, the picture of innocence. Larry knew better. Last week’s movie night M&M Incident (Or, the M&Mcident) was still fresh in his mind. The next day he had to make up an excuse to McPhee as to why two of the figures were missing from the exhibits. The truth was that the two had put away a whole package of M&M’s between them and had terrible stomach aches afterwards. The sunrise had them frozen over the edge of a small cup in Larry’s office mid dry heave.
“Well that’s good, because I forgot to bring them.”
The looks on their faces was worth it, Larry grinning in spite of himself. “Gotcha. Tell you what. Help me set up the seats for the rest of the figurines and I’ll get you two first dibs on whichever one you want. BUT!” He hastily added as their faces lit back up. “ But, that’s all you’re gonna have for the movie. So you need to pick wisely, alright?”
“Of course, my liege.”
“Whatever you say, Gigantor.”
Reaching into a box, Larry pulled out doll sized blankets and pillows he bought from a nearby craft store, handing them down to the small men. Given the height difference, the diorama figures were all given first row seats.
After a few minutes of throwing pillows at one another (“Hey, watch it! Ya nearly knocked my hat o- Ow!” “Never let your guard down during a battle!”) the miniature seats were ready to go. Jedediah was just about to settle down onto one with a good view when Octavius grabbed his arm and began leading him away.
“I have a better spot for us, my friend.” He said, pointing to the front desk sitting behind all of the cushions spread along the floor.
“I asked Nicky for his assistance, what do you think?” From their viewpoint, Jed could barely see one large pillow (Well, large to a three inch cowboy) sitting atop the surface, the corner of a soft looking blanket peeking out from the edge.
“It’s a mighty fine spot, Octy, but why not sit with our buddies like usual?” Jed asked, eyes narrowing when Octavius began fiddling with the red rope hanging off his shoulder. He knew the Roman well enough to recognize one of his nervous ticks.
“It’s just that we haven't spent as much time together the past few nights, and I thought- If you don’t wish to, I ca-”
“Now, hold it there, partner, I never said I didn’t like it. I think it’s real nice of ya.” Jed clapped him on the shoulder, deciding to just go with it. He sure wasn’t about to refuse spending some extra time with his best friend. Octavius visibly relaxed.
“Oh, good. I was worri-”
“You coulda just said you missed me like crazy.”
“I did NOT say I-”
“Admit it, ya can’t live without me.”
“Well now I’m considering sitting up there alone.”
“Ow, Octy. You’re more cold than an ice cube in a snowstorm.”
The next few minutes had Larry running around making sure everyone was seated, that the cavemen didn’t try to eat the pillow stuffing (again), and making last minute tech checks with Nicky. He sat beside Ahkmenrah, the young pharaoh holding his own small box of donuts on his lap, fingers already covered in icing and sugar.
“I’m guessing ancient Egypt didn’t have a rule on waiting for the show to start before digging in?” Larry asked, snagging a chocolate donut from the box.
“There’s always an exception for royalty.” Ahk declared, shoving the last bits of his donut in his mouth with a satisfied grin.
“All set, dad.” Nicky said, his own mouth showing evidence that impatience was a trait not limited to the museum residents.
“Alright, everybody!” Larry called out, grabbing the crowd's attention. “The show’s about to start, so if you have to go, go now. We’re not going to pause the movie because you drank too much water, alright?”
As they waited for the return of some of the residents, Jed and Octavius made themselves comfortable atop the desk. The pillow was a bit soft for Jedediah’s liking, but it was large enough for him to lay down and stretch without worrying about getting into anyone else's personal space. His hat sat off to the side, Octavius doing the same with his fancy helmet. Jed tousled his helmet hair, yelping indignantly when Octavius did the same to his own blond locks.
“Do you think you two can behave tonight?” Larry asked, setting two doll sized plates before them. They had agreed on sharing a pink iced donut with rainbow sprinkles and Larry had chopped one up into multiple bite sized pieces for them. The rest were handed out to the other diorama figures.
“What, you don’t trust us, Gigantor?”
“I did, until I had to take you out because you wouldn’t stop yelling at the screen.”
“Alright, alright, I getcha. I promise ya won’t hear a peep from me tonight.”
“Thank you. Octavius?”
The general furrowed his brows. “Yes?”
“Don’t give me that, you were the one who started it.”
“I was not yelling , I was just...enthusiastic.” Jedediah snorted beside him. Octy elbowed his ribs.
The lights dimmed and Nicky began the movie. Tonight the film was supposed to be a classic, apparently something based on a real event. Jed swore he heard Larry say something about finding a way to send Nicky out of the room when ‘the car scene comes on’, whatever that was supposed to mean.
Jed watched as they revealed the massive steel ship and couldn’t help but let out a whistle, causing a wave of giggles throughout the room.
“Boy, ain’t she a beaut.” He whispered, leaning closer to Octavius. He nodded, eyes wide in fascination.
“If Rome had something like this, just imagine how far we could have expanded.”
“Ya think you could’ve made it to America?”
“Yes, but we’d probably turn right around if the natives were anything like yourself.”
“Why, ‘cuz I’m so intimidatin’ and handsome?”
“No I just don’t think we could handle listening to those unbearable cowboy songs you insist on screeching.”
“Those’re American classics!”
“A mistake is still a mistake.”
Jed launched a piece of donut at him, missing by a long shot and landing unnoticed onto Teddy’s hat. Both men tried to stifle the laughter bubbling up inside, threatening to burst. They did make a promise to Larry, after all.
The movie continued, with the heroine settling onto the large ship as she finally set sail. Jedediah found himself laying on his stomach, head resting in his hand. The ocean, weather real or fancy computer magic, looked incredible. The vastness was enough to make his jaw drop, not to mention the ship herself speeding through the water like a hot knife through butter.
“Have you ever seen the ocean, Jed?” Octavius whispered, laying beside him on his belly as well.
“Oh yeah, every Friday me and the boys go up and ride out to the beaches. Want me to bring ya a seashell next time?”
Octavius rolled his eyes. “I meant before...this.” He clarified, eyes far away, lost in memories. “I remember spending time on the shores of the Mediterranean. It’s very faint, almost like a dream.”
“Yeah? Was it like this here?” Jed pointed to the screen. Octavius shrugged. “The only things I remember clearly were the sounds of waves and the smell, carried on a faint breeze. I may have even swam at one point, but as I said, it’s very faint.”
“Me and swimmin’ go together like a cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs.” Octavius stared blankly at him, making Jed shake his head in exasperation. “Can’t swim, partner.”
“Really?” Jed let out a short bark of laughter at seeing his brows fly up into his hairline. Several inhabitants shushed them, both men making lowering their voices.
“Jedediah, I shall teach you how to swim.” Octavius proclaimed, his tone as serious as if he were giving one of his soldiers orders.
“You don’t gotta do that, Octy.” Jed insisted, but the general stubbornly shook his head.
“No, my friend. I insist.”
“Octavius-”
“I shall not know peace again until I know you will not be in danger should you find yourself in water.”
“When’s the last time we had to ever worry ‘bout that?” Jed sighed, knowing that once Octy made up his mind he wouldn’t let it go. He’d have better luck tryin’ to move a mountain.
“Okay, okay, fine. Go ahead and teach this old dog a new trick.”
Octavius nodded, satisfied, and Jed just affectionately bumped his shoulder, grinning. The movie continued, but after some time the two figures found themselves laying down fully side by side, whispering back and forth, stomachs pleasantly stuffed with donuts. The rest of the world faded away as they shared quiet chuckles, swapping stories, and occasionally commenting when they did pay attention to the movie.
Jedediah didn’t mind they were missing the show. Octavius was much more interesting in his opinion. He listened while the man went on about a conquest he had done in his past life, paying more attention to the sound of his voice more than the actual words coming out of it. It was deep and warm, like a cozy bonfire. Even in the dark his eyes were just as beautiful and captivating.
Sometimes Jed wondered why he shouldn’t just reach out and hold Octy’s hand, or why not lean forward just a bit and finally know what his lips felt like. He spent far too much time wondering if they were as soft as they looked, or how it’d feel being wrapped up in his arms.
If someone had told him just a few years back he’d be swoonin’ harder than a maiden in a romance novel over Octavius, he’d have rolled around in the dirt laughing ‘til his sides split.
'Well hell, if I’m gonna fall head over heels for somebody, there ain’t no better man to fall for.’
---
Hours later, the lights were brought back to life, the inhabitants stretching and chattering amongst themselves. Sacajawea wiped a tear from Teddy’s face and Larry had to pry a sobbing Attila off of him during the end credits.
As he, Nicky and Ahkmenrah set about cleaning up the lobby (Mostly Larry and Nicky. Ahk 'supervised'.), he realized two typically loud viewers had been very quiet for the past few hours.
“Jed, Octavius!” He said, approaching the front desk. “Thanks for keeping it down tonight, what did yo-” He cut off as he reached their pillow, a fond smile growing.
Laying on their backs, the two men were slack jawed and drooling, deep in sleep. Their snores were just as loud as their personalities as Jedediah occasionally twitched and muttered in his sleep. Octavius was curled around his cloak, snuggled up like a kitten in a blanket.
“You two have come a long way from those stupid territory fights, huh?” Carefully picking up the pillow, he made his way to the security office.
“I’ll make sure you two are back before sunrise.” He promised, leaving them on the desk. Jed grunted in his sleep, rolling over until he had one arm slung over Octy, curling around his back and nuzzling into his shoulder. Larry quickly snapped a photo on his phone before letting them get some rest in private, a cheeky smirk on his face as he returned to the lobby.
“What’s up, dad?” Nicky asked, he and Ahk quickly scarfing down the last donuts that somehow remained untouched. Larry held up his phone, the three of them erupting into giggles.
“Be careful with that, Larry. I can only imagine the rage that little cowboy would express if he found that.” Ahk warned, licking sugar off his thumb.
“Well, I figured if he keeps on dancing around his feelings maybe I could use it for blackmail. I think threatening to hang a giant copy of it in the diorama room might get him to finally do something about his little crush.”
“Have they really not said anything yet?” Nicky asked, sitting on top of the desk. “I figured even if Jed didn’t want to say anything, Octavius wouldn’t give up a chance at being all...you know. Flashy?”
“Dramatic?” Larry offered.
“I’d argue he’s passionate, but I suppose those work as well.” Ahk chimed in, standing beside the night guard. “I understand we’re all eager to hear that they have finally taken the next step, but there are some things we should keep in mind.”
Larry thought about it for a moment. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. It’s got to be rough going from hating a guy for 50 years to…” He cleared his throat, avoiding making eye contact with Nicky. “Not...uh, hating him.” He finished lamely. Nicky rolled his eyes.
“Mom already gave me that talk, dad.”
“What? When ?”
“Back to the point, gentlemen.” Ahk interrupted, steering them back to their conversation. “Even though they became friends quite easily, entering a relationship is always a delicate matter. Hopefully, giving them time and PATIENCE-” He turned his gaze to Larry. “-I believe they will come around when they’re ready.”
Larry and Nicky nodded. “Fine, yeah. You’re right. But if the day I retire comes around and they’re still just friends I’m gonna lock them in a drawer until they sort things out.”