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 1

Larry Daley stood in the lobby of the Museum of Natural History, watching the days last few patrons exit. Sunset was approaching and soon Larry would make one final sweep to check for any stragglers. He would then make his usual rounds to the exhibits, readying the museum for night. Larry turned as he heard his name shouted, seeing Dr McPhee crossing the lobby towards him.

"Larry! Readying for the night? Good good. Come with me, everything's just been finalized and you'll be the first to know. I'll share this with the rest of the staff tomorrow!" Never had the museum's curator seemed so excited.

"So, what's going on Dr McPhee?"

"Big news! We finally worked out all the details. The Egyptian Pharaoh is going on tour, so the exhibit will be gone almost 2 years. They'll be moving it in about a month. The museum will be paid for it, of course. Can't let one of our prime exhibits go gallivanting all around the world without compensation, you know."

Larry was stunned and his brain was processing slowly. Turning slightly, he saw the sunset out the window. Only minutes until the exhibits began to wake. "Wow, Dr McPhee, that's really great. Seems like you've had a long day and it's getting late, so you better get going." McPhee nodded his agreement, too excited about the closed deal to notice Larry all but throw him out the doors.

Larry ran across the hall, entering the Hall of Miniatures. He was so late! The figures were already stirring and Larry just barely made it, quickly locking the Mayan exhibit right before one of the warriors managed to escape.

"Howdy Gigantor!"

"Hey there Jed. Sorry I can't stay, I'm running late tonight. Say 'Hi' to all the boys for me." Larry called back, heading out of the room. Hurrying through the rooms, Larry unlocked some exhibits while checking that others were secure. He reached Sacajawea just as Teddy did.

"Good evening Lawrence!"

"Ah, evening Teddy. I'm running a bit late tonight." Unlocking the door, he offered a hand to help her step out. Usually the door was unlocked before she even awoke, so he was feeling a little guilty.

"No trouble, I hope?" Teddy turned to take Sacajawea's hand, placing a light kiss on the back of it.

"Nothing big. McPhee wanted to talk to me about Ahkmenrah... oh crap! Sorry, gotta run! He's still locked in!" Turning, Larry dashed down the hall, skirting quickly around the animals milling about. Skidding into Ahkmenrah's tomb, Larry ducked past the agitated Jackal Guards. Ahkmenrah's sarcophagus was shaking and Larry had to shout over the Pharaoh's noise.

"Ahkmenrah!! Hey hey I'm gonna get you out. Just hang on... There!" Larry's key fumbled slightly as he hurried to open the case. Usually, this was his last stop as the sun set and he could let the young Pharaoh out of his tomb and burial clothes. Grabbing the burial mask, Larry pulled it off. Ahkmenrah shot up as soon as he was able, one wrapped hand grabbing the night guard's wrist. His chest was heaving as if he had been running...or having a panic attack, Larry realized. Gently setting the ancient mask aside, Larry knelt and unwrapped the young king's face with one hand; the other was still caught in his tight grip. Expecting wide eyes, Larry was surprised to see Ahkmenrah's eyes closed, a shimmer of tear in one corner, as he controlled his breaths and reigned in his panic. He opened his eyes as Larry gently cupped his cheek.

"I'm alright."

"I'm sorry. I, I know its no excuse, but Dr McPhee wanted to talk to me and it made me late. But I need to talk to you about that." Standing, Larry pulled the young man up with him. "Once you're dressed, we can talk about it."

As they did every night, Larry helped him remove the ancient wrappings and dress in his proper Egyptian clothing. Wearing his tunic and cape, Ahkmenrah sat on a bench to slip on his sandals. His crown was next to him.

"What was it you wished to speak with me about?"

Larry took a deep breath. "Dr McPhee said that you'll be touring the world, visiting other museums as a traveling exhibit. I suppose the other museums wanted a chance at an Egyptian Pharaoh." He paused, biting his lower lip. "You leave in about a month."

Ahkmenrah picked up his crown, not meeting Larry's gaze. "How long will I be gone?"

"Two years. And then you'll come back here."

"And the tablet?"

"Going with you I suppose. It's part of your exhibit."

Long moments of silence followed, as Ahkmenrah studied his crown, Larry studying him. He noticed the shadow pass the Pharaoh's face and how young he looked without that crown on; how young he really was. A thought struck him. Kneeling in front of the young man, Larry gently took the crown from him. His voice was soft when he spoke.

"Hey, Ahk... Are you claustrophobic?"

He refused to meet the other's eyes, biting his lip. That provided answer enough for the night guard, who gently patted his knee.

"I'm sorry."

"If you don't mind, I should like some time to think about this."

"Of course. Come find me if you need me. I'll be around." Giving him one last pat on the knee, Larry stood and exited the tomb, leaving the Pharaoh to his thoughts.