Chapter Text
It’s been over 7 months of renovations to the hall of miniatures. The Hall was getting a little stale, as it was one of the only parts of the museum that didn’t get an update within the recent years. So it was long overdue for a new look! The board hoped to add more dioramas to draw a more diverse crowd in, while also having the exhibit be more “life-like”. By giving it simulated weather, running water, and electricity. They even went through the effort of giving preexisting dioramas a new look and made them bigger! With the renovation and construction, all the miniatures have been staying in the basement.
The night fell in New York, and being night means the exhibits come to life. Hard plastic and wax becomes soft, bendy, flesh. Gaining all sense and consciousness, the night gives them the gift of life!
Octavius got up from a soft cotton padding that laid on a desk. He cracked his neck with a pop! He stretched his back and moved his arms and legs around, coming to life each night felt like waking up. So stretching and a little drowsiness is quite normal. Octavius turned his head and looked to his side seeing his short blond, cowboy boyfriend. Jedediah was doing stretches as well, then he yawned.
“Night, my love!” Octavius announced to Jedediah. It’s become accustomed to say night, instead of morning. Jedediah turned his head to see the tall Roman hovering above him, which made him smile. “Oh! Well, Night Octavius!” Jed. returned the greeting. Jedediah took off his hat, running his gloved hand through his blond hair. It bounced back into his face as its natural sitting place, after he put his hat back on top of his head. “Dang hair wont get out of my face!” Jed explained, blowing air out of his mouth so a strand of hair would move. He sometimes regrets getting his haircut like Andy Gibb, but hey, he looked mighty fine with it.
Octavius bent his knees to be eye level with Jedediah, reaching out he moved that strand. Pushing it behind his ear, and smiling. “There that should keep it out of your eyes, my love.” Octavius said, laying a small kiss on Jed.’s forehead. Oct. walked away with his cape flowing behind him and a smirk on his face. Octavius knew Jed. folded with any form of affection, he thought it was adorable. Jed. speed walked to catch up to Oct., “Hey! You can't leave me all flustered like that and walk away! You cheeky roman…” Jedediah jokes. Octavius shook his head as he chuckled to himself, “Ooooh, my bad. Hehe! I was in a rush to attend to the others! Were not the only ones who “woke” up, you know?” Octavius explained playing along with Jed.. “Right, right!” Jedediah said, he grabbed Octavius’s forearm. He knows Octavius isn't one for holding hands, he remembers Oct. telling him how the Romans held arms instead of hands when meeting. So Jed. guesses it's just a familiar feeling thing to him, he didn't mind at all.
The two walked to the edge of the desk they were placed on, looking over at all other Miniatures doing their normal night routines. Octavius sighed, he was glad to see they’re all getting along. For being cramped up in the basement for 7 months they've all been handling it well. They had adjusted pretty well, they even made little forts made of random things they've found around. Plus they had the other exhibits that weren't on the museum floor to keep them company. Octavius cleared his throat, he was ready to say something. “AHEM!” He said. Hoping that get the romans and other minis attention. Which it did, they all put a pause on what they were doing and looked up at Oct. and Jed. standing on the desk. “Ah! Hello everyone! Another wonderful night upon us! Nickolas should be coming down shortly to tell us some big news about our home!” Oct. yelled so all can hear. The minis cheered and roared in excitement. “Glad to hear you all are excited! I am too. So hopefully this means the diorama will be done shortly and we can all go back to normal! Please, let's take it easy on Nickolas… he’s- Um having a hard time! But other than that, that's all I had to say! So you all can go back to what you were doing!” Oct said stoically, he really was good at showing his leadership.
“Good job!” Jedediah said, patting Oct. on the back. “Thank you dear! I just wanted to keep our people in the loop! They deserve to know what's going on.” Octavius explained. Jed nodded, “ Exactly, that's why you're the ruler of Rome!” he smiled.
“EH! You disgusting cowboy!!!” was heard by Jedediah and Octavius, they both groaned. They knew only one person who said something like that! Cecily… They both ran to the other side of the desk peering over, Seeing Cecily yelling at a tan cowboy with short hair, and faded facial hair. “You PEOPLE need to learn to stay in your place! You're filthy, I don't need you ruining my silk toga!” she yelled at the cowboy. Cecily was an older woman about 47 years old, she had long brunette hair, and indeed had a stunning toga that was held up with a small rope with peacock feathers hanging from it. Cecily often started small arguments among her and the cowboys. For whatever reason, even after the truce and merge of the two dioramas; she still is hostile towards the westerns.
“Que’?” the tan cowboy said, he was just trying to get some peaches from a small crate that just happened to be next to Cecily. “Eh- I was just trying to get some peaches? I'm Sorry if I stepped on your toga!” He explained. Cecily rolled her eyes, “OOH the Romans peaches?! Those are clearly in a roman crate!” She snapped back, “You cowfolk are all the same!”. Octavius had enough of this, he slid down the side of the desk leg. Landing nicely on his feet, then dusting himself off. “Okay, Okay, Cecily that's enough of that!” he sighed. Oct. getting between the cowboy and Cecily so he could walk Cecily away. The tan cowboy nodded to Octavius as a “thank you” to him.
“Cecily, why do you feel you need to pick fights with our western friends? You gotta stop this!” Oct. explained. She crossed her arms and held her head high. “Because they're clearly lesser than! You know they lack any true intelligence, all they do is fight, drink, and cause chaos. Last I checked, all things Rome doesn't stand for!” she said in a degrading manner. Octavius could care less what she thinks, because he knew the truth. “Cecily, you know that's not true…”. She didn't care, “that cowboy of yours has you brainwashed… I hope one day you'll see the true nature of him. Hmp!” She snarled at him, tugging her shoulder away from him, as she stormed off. “That's not TRUE! Ugh… JUST STOP HARASSING PEOPLE!” he yelled at her, as a last reminder. All he could do was shake his head. He hoped one day that they could break through to her. But for now all they can do is put up with her bullcrap. Octavius turned around, he saw Jedediah waiting for him. He got down from the desk as Octavius was dealing with Cecily.
“ Is she acting crazy as she always does?” Jedediah asked, tipping his hat up. Oct. walking to him and sighing, “ You know it, dear. Well hopefully one day she’ll come around! Hopefully…” Oct. grounded, putting his hand on his cheek. Jed. chuckled, “Ya, if not you could make her live in the west for a week! Maybe that gets her around the idea!”. Octavius raised his eyebrow, “Pff! What? Hehe…You're always full of such crazy and creative ideas, Fernado!”
—------
For a bit the minis were all doing their business and enjoying their time peacefully. Until the door swung open with a big “WOOSH”. Everyone looked up and saw the skinny boy with messy hair that was covered by a beanie, he wore a night guard uniform. He looked like he was out of breath, and was sweating… It was quiet and all you could hear was his desperate attempt to catch his breath. Jed. and Oct. looked at each other, then back to the boy. He stood up, and took a deep breath. It was Nicky!
“Oh god, Really sorry about that! I was dealing with the lions, and they almost won…” he turned around, showing his jacket has ripped claw marks down it. Jedediah winced, he knew that had been terrifying for Nicky. Nicky turned back around, and sighed “hehe, don't worry i'm okay! You know it's kinda funn-” he was interrupted by Octavius. “Eh, the news?” he suggested as nicely as he could. Oct. and Jed. knew Nicky has been struggling really hard to fill his dad’s shoes, and well to say he's been making a few mistakes is putting it lightly. “Right! Thanks Octy!” Nicky thanked, as he adjusted his crooked and poorly tied tie. He clapped his hands together as he prepared himself to announce the news. “So of course you all know about the renovations in your dioramas!... Of course you do.”. Nicky began to already second guess himself, he was horrible at this kind of stuff. “W-what you don't know is that… um- not just your exhibits are getting revamps but, your uh, getting new exhibits! Hehe…” he stuttered a lot and used a lot of “um’s” and “likes”. He thought he totally fumbled the huge news… But everyone seemed to be excited with their cheering and clapping. It reassured him.
Jedediah and Octavius looked at each other, and smiled widely. New exhibits!! How exciting, new history to be learned, and dioramas to establish peace with, and of course new friends!!! “That's fantastic news! What a wonderful surprise! No wonder the renovation has been taking a lot longer than we thought!” Octavius said to Nicky. “So whos the new exhibits, anyway?” Jedediah asked, putting a hand on his hip, and smiling, showing his small tooth gap.
“Right! Well the board decided the new dioramas would be, um…” Nicky couldn't remember, “One sec, heh…”. He pulled out a small paper that was in his pocket, unfolding it and reading it off. “Alright, so, New york prohibition! Next, A medieval kingdom, then the age of piracy! Oh that's one really cool actually. Ah! Then lastly, the 1970s vietnam war!” He slipped the paper back into his pocket. “ So what do you all think? Pretty diverse time periods if you ask me!” Nicky explained, fiddling with his hands. “HAH! Ya I'd say so too!” a feminine voice said behind Nicky, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. A girl with black hair and a pink streak in it held up with a ponytail, wearing a janitor's outfit and a purple head bandana. It was Madi, she was the Museum’s janitor. After the countless messes left by the exhibits the board decided to hire a night janitor. And luckily for Nicky they just happen to hire his girlfriend.
“Oh! Hi Madi, I was just telling the Miniatures about the new exhibits!” He said, holding her hands that were wrapped around his shoulders. “Did you tell them the other news?” she asked. Nicky raised an eyebrow at her, not sure what she was talking about. But it clicked in his brain. “Oh, Ya! No not yet! Want to tell them?” He smiled at her. Nicky felt more confident with her around. Like she just put him at ease… “Of course!” She said excitedly.
She let go of Nicky, and moved to his side. “You all will get to explore your new homes tomorrow!!! They just finished up the last exhibit this morning. So me and Nicky thought we'd let you explore everything before all the new Miniatures come in.” She said crouching down. All the Minis roared with excitement, they get to go home tomorrow! They can only imagine how everything looks now, and what new things have been added.
“Dang! Oh my moon, Imagine if they added a creek or maybe another farm!” Jed. explained in excitement. Oct. nodded as he was just excited for all the stuff, but he was also thinking about Rome. “That would all be great! But picture, they added more to the city or what if a bigger palace! Oh how that would be wonderful.” Oct. could only imagine. Octavius got an idea, he crouched down and went up to Jedediah’s ear. Cupping his hand around his mouth. “I have an idea, how about we ask Ms. Moon, herself?” Oct. whispered in Jed.’s ear. Jedediah turned to face Octavius face to face, and smiled and raised a brow. He shook his head in agreement.
Octavius waved to Nicky, calling him over. “My dear friend, Nickolas. Do you mind hitching a ride for me and Jedediah? We have… Business to do!” he asked. Nicky kneeled down a little to listen. “Oh of course! Here, hop on! What about everyone else?” Nicky said as he held out his hand for the two small men to get on. Jedediah took Octavius’s wrist and they both walked on top of Nicky’s hand. They both just sat in Nicky palm, Octavius held onto Nicky’s thumb for support. “Don't worry, Let them celebrate! They can handle themselves for an hour or two, Right Oct.?” Jedediah announced to Nicky. “Most certainly!” Octavius agreed.
“Okay, Okay! So where to?” Nicky asked and he steps over and around Miniatures. Insuring he doesn't step on anyone by accident. He waved to all the minis with his free hand as he and Madi left the basement. “Take us to the window sill by the cavemen. It's got the prettiest view!” Jedediah said, looking up at Nicky. “Can do, sheriff!” Nicky said with a fake western accent, that made Jed. roll his eyes.
—-----------
Nicky placed his hand on the window sill, waiting for the two men to get off of his hand. They both got up, and were now standing on the window sill. “Thank you for your services, Nickolas.” Octavius said, doing a slight bow. “Don't worry, It's no problem, just let me know anytime you need a ride!” Nicky announced, putting his hands in his pockets. “You can count on it, Nick!” Jed. tipped his hat to him. “Alright ill leave you two alone. Bye guys!” Nicky said as he turned around and waved to them as he walked away.
Jedediah waved back to him, then turned to face the window. “Ain't she a beauty?” Jed. said, getting closer to the window. He was looking up at the glowing moon in the night sky. He let out a soft sigh, as he just admired her glow. “She truly is stunning…” Oct. said, coming up behind Jed. placing his hand on his shoulder. Jedediah looked at Oct.’s hand that was on his shoulder, then back up to him. Jedediah leaned into the touch, letting a soft smile spread across his face. “You know… without the moon giving the tablet its fancy magic. We would have never met.” Jedediah confessed. And it was true, without the moon's light, the tablet would fail to work. Then none of the exhibits would come to life, it's all centered around the moon. “You're correct, I suppose I never thought of it that way. Well I'm glad Ms. Moon blessed us. So I could meet the cutest cowboy in the west~” Oct. teased, laying a kiss of Jed.’s neck. Jedediah Giggled, “Lola! Stop! That tickles!!!”
“Does it now? Hehe…” squeezing Jedediah’s sides, then tickling. Jedediah laughed so hard his hat almost flew off. “HEY! I thought we- HAHA! H-had a truce!” Jedediah said throughout fits of laughter. Octavius let go of Jedediah, “You're right, you're right…” Oct. smiled, “but we never made a truce for this!” Octavius spun Jedediah around, Placing a kiss on his lips. The small tickle of Jed.’s stubels were felt on Oct.’s chin. Jedediah melted into Octavius’s soft lips, he could last like this forever…
Octavius pulled away, he had a soft smile. He held his hand on Jedediah’s cheek, rubbing it with his thumb. “You seem to amaze me everytime…” Jedediah sighed, he was absolutely head over heels for this man. Oct. blushed a little and scoffed, “Oh Fernando! You're just saying that!” Jedediah shook his head, “No- I mean it! You make me feel like I'm floating in space.” Jedediah leaned in to hug Octavius. Wrapping his arms around Oct.’s larger torso. Octavius sighed, embracing the hug Jedediah was giving him. Brushing Jed.’s hair with his fingers and he held him tightly. “I Love you, Jedediah…” he said softly. As the two of them just hugged and rocked in place.
Jedediah looked up at Octavius, smiling and showing his tooth gap. Which made Oct. slightly giggle to himself. “Aw, I love you too, Octavius…” Octavius placed one last kiss on Jed.’s forehead before letting him go. “ Alright… I'll let you speak to Ms. Moon. Okay?”
Jedediah nodded, as he turned back to the window and looked up at the moon. He sat down on the sill, “Oh my moon..” He said softly. “please, tell me the future of me and my lover’s fortune…” Jed. stared at the moon, waiting for the magic to do its thing. He watched as the wind blew the window slightly open. Within the wind, there was sand and leaves flowing around, wherever the wind took them. Jedediah watched in amazement, he absolutely adored the moon's magic and way of communicating. He felt like the luckiest man in the world for being able to communicate with the moon herself! Octavius stood back as he watched the wind, and Jedediah.
As the wind blew harder, a small leaf flew off from a branch of a tree nearby the window. Then a black feather blew in through the small opening of the window. The leaf and feather slowly landed near Jedediah’s knees. All the wind stopped, Jed. looked down at the two objects that laid on the ground in front of him. He raised an eyebrow at them, inspecting them both closer. He picked up the leaf first, as that’s the thing that fell off first, naturally. It was a lime green and was glossy, but had a big tear in the middle of it. It puzzled Jedediah, he wasn’t sure if he was reading the moon’s signs correctly… With his right hand, Jed. reach for the black feather. It was a crow's feather, and was extremely soft.
Jedediah felt his hand start to quiver, “the hell…” Jedediah whispered to himself. He quickly put down the feather, kicking it away from himself. He shot his head up to look at the moon. But sadly the moon was being engulfed by the dark clouds. The slight glow of the moon could be seen from it… The moon said what she had to say, and her time was done for the night. Jedediah felt some kind of weight be thrown onto him. A torn leaf and a crow feather? Why was the moon sending these messages… A torn leaf? Was something going to tear him and Octavius apart… but the crow, he didn’t know what this could mean for him or Octavius. But it was nothing good, and that’s all he could say for sure. He turned his head a little, seeing Oct. standing by himself, playing with his cape. He was clueless of what just occurred. Jedediah, turned his head back to the leaf and feather. He quickly tossed them out the window.
He ran over to Octavius, “So! How did it Go?” Octavius asked, putting his hands to his sides. Jedediah panicked slightly. “Hm?…” he tried to play dumb. Octavius giggled a little, “the talk with the moon of course! How did it go?” He smiled. Jedediah bit his lip… “um… she said everything is going to be alright!” He had to lie to Octavius, he didn’t want to make him stressed… but now he’s lying.
“Oh! Well that’s wonderful to hear!” Octavius cheered. “I’m so excited for these new beginnings in our life, Jedediah! Especially since I get to do it with you…” Octavius smiled softly. Jedediah felt this pit in his stomach brew, he didn't want to lie to Octavius. But at the same time he didn’t want to cause chaos… He wishes he could ask the real Jedediah smith for advice on this… “so am I, Lola… Just you and I. And I guess everyone else too.” Jedediah shrugged. He just had to push these feelings down. “Heh! Aren’t you a comedian?” Oct. raised a brow.
Jedediah smiled, “Hey maybe I’m actually a comedian instead of a sheriff! Who really knows. Sometimes it feels like it.” Octavius sighed, taking Jedediah’s wrist. “Maybe you are, you always find a way to make me smile. Or even rolling in the gravel dying of laughter!” Octavius encouraged. Jedediah didn’t say anything but just smiled a little. “How about we go back to the basement? We can celebrate the new dioramas with them… how does that sound.?” Oct. asked, looking into Jed.’s blue eyes. Jedediah nodded, “ya, that sounds pretty good to me. Hey, I think one of my pals got a fancy bottle of moonshine!” Jed said as the two men started to walk to the edge of the window sill. Octavius scrunched up his face, “eh! You know I don’t drink that! It tastes like pure alcohol and metal!”
Jedediah laughed, “ya, ya I forgot you’re too fancy for our moonshine and only drink your wine!” He teased. Oct. rolled his eyes. The two light heartedly argued about alcohol and drinks as they waited for Nicky to take them back.
———————-
As the night ended, and the sun rose. It was time for the museum to open for the day. McPhee fiddled around with a bunch of keys, looking for the one to open the main doors. “Eh! Stupid keys, I can barely remember what half of these are for!” He yelled at himself. A girl with a tie,burnt orange sweater vest, tan jacket, and long brown work pants. She had big 70’s glasses, framed with her short bob hair due, he was holding a tray of 4 coffee cups. She pointed to one of the keys, “Uncle, it’s that one.” She pointed out, standing back as McPhee sighed and put the key in the lock. “Thank you, Ryan… But I had it under control!” She rolled her eyes, pushing her glasses in. The two walked in, “Whatever you say, McPhee…” she sighed.
Nicky was sitting in a chair up in the front desk. He had his head leaned back and his mouth wide open; a little drool falling from the corner of his mouth. McPhee ran right up to the front desk. Snapping his fingers at Nicky, “EH! Wake up, Wake up!!! Wake up now, Larry Jr.!” Nicky jumped in his chair, being woken up by Mcphee yelling at him. What a way to start your morning… He quickly wiped the saliva from his lip and cheek, standing up. “UH, HELLO MR. MCPHEE!” Nicky said as he panicked. He can’t believe he fell asleep on the job! He feels like an idiot! He thought, why didn’t Teddy, or sacagawea wake him up!? “ Larry Jr., You know I don’t pay you to sleep! You’re just like how your father was! Careless! Oh…” McPhee rumbled as he ranted to himself again. He often worked himself up with the smallest things. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to! Won’t happen again!” Nicky promised. McPhee shook his head, and straightened his suit. “It better not, Larry Jr.” McPhee walked off, Ryan following behind. Sticking her tongue out at Nicky, and sticking his out back at her. She could be a real kiss ass sometimes…
Mcphee opened the door to his office and let himself and Ryan in. He laid his briefcase on his desk. “Uh… You know I'd rather have Larry back, at least he was a little more…. mh - Competent you could say.” Mcphee spoke up. Ryan took out one of the coffees from the cup holder she had, and gave it to Mcphee. “With how much you talk about him, it makes you seem like you're in love with that man, or something!” Ryan brought up, and winked at McPhee. He scrunched his nose, and took his cup. “I do not! I just think he did a lot for this museum, and the man got my job back. So of course I’d prefer him over his uh… unique son.” McPhee said, taking a sip of his Carmel frappe.
“Understandable! All he does is mess up!” Ryan pushed her glasses in again. McPhee sat in his chair, unlocking his briefcase. He pulled out some papers, “Ha! I’d be surprised if he decided to stay any longer!” McPhee added. “But for now, all we can do is just deal with it! In the meantime, could you make copies of these documents? I need about 20.” McPhee handed Ryan the papers. Taking them and the cup holder, she left Mcphees office.
As she walked out she saw Madi and Nicky getting their stuff to leave. She made a pit stop to drop off their drinks. “Ehem!” Ryan coughed to get their attention. The two turned their heads to see her. “Me and my uncle made a little stop at Starbucks this morning. We thought we’d get you something…” she said with a little attitude. She held out the cup holder, waiting for the two to take their drinks. “Oh! Omg that’s so nice of you Ryan! Thank you so much! Me and Nicky really needed these!” Madi said as she grabbed hers and Nicky’s from the tray. She handed Nicky’s his drink, and took a sip. “Ya… I could have guessed, especially after meeting you sleeping!” Ryan explained, placing a hand on her hip. Madi looked at Nicky, “Wait you fell asleep? I thought you got busy while I was cleaning!” Madi asked.
Nicky got embarrassed, “eh… ya. HEY! The lions wiped me out, okay! Plus I need a new coat as well Ryan! Mines well…” he held up his jacket. Big claw marks that you could see through, he awkwardly smiled at her. Ryan sighed, “Really? Fine! But it's coming out of your paycheck…” Ryan groaned. Even though she never got to see Larry in action like her Uncle, she wishes she did. She could only imagine all the amazing things he did. So it was a shame that his son wasn't anything like him. She didn't really like Nicky nor Madi, but more so Nicky. She thought he was immature and not ready for big responsibilities, like being a night guard. Madi was just an annoying girl who still worked up in the 2000s… Over all she wasnt a fan of the two but she put up with them when she had to.
“Hey! Have you seen the new dioramas in the miniature exhibit yet, Ryan?” Madi spoke up, hoping to break her tense tension with Nicky. Ryan looked up, “Infact I havent…” The builders finished up after she left yesterday, so she never got the chance to. “Great! Let us show you! Its soooo cool.” Madi said, grabbing Nicky’s free hand.
—-----
They all walked to the exhibit, it was a lot bigger than Ryan pictured it to be. All the dioramas were lowered to be closer to the ground. Most likely designed so the little kids could see better, but Nicky likes to think so the minis can switch dioramas easier. With the addition of 4 new dioramas which made the hall huge, it took up a lot more space. In the dioramas , there were roads, buildings, homes, and anything else their society needed. It was very impressive…
“Pretty neat, right?” Nicky asked, he was standing over the age of piracy diorama. Ryan was looking at the Vietnam war diorama, “very life like… you can thank me for that…” Madi raised an eyebrow. “How come…?” She playfully asked.
“Well, I put a few tips in with McPhee, and he asked the board and was able to convince them to do all this!” She said proudly, she had a little smirk on her face. “Oh really!? Well hey! That’s really awesome of you, Ryan! I’m sure more of that will for sure make you a great museum director!” Nicky smiled, holding his cup in both of his hands. Ryan pushed in her glasses, “exactly, Larry jr. it’s crazy to think they wanted to get rid of this hall!” Ryan said nonchalantly. Madi and Nicky look at each other in confusion. “Wait- get rid?” Madi asked. Ryan turned around to look at the two. She shrugged, “yay? I mean it’s probably the least visited place in the museum! You can’t blame the board for wanting to boot it.” Ryan crossed her arms. “But! I know You two, Jedediah, and Octavius have a special friendship, so I had to do something.” Ryan took a sip of her own drink.
Nicky, turned to look at the west and Rome diorama that where next to each other. He frowned a little, just thinking what could have happened if they all left… “wow… Well, let’s hope this remodel will bring In new people…” Nicky sighed. “Don’t worry, it’s not going anywhere, Nicky! It was just a thought, and it’s not going to be reality.” Madi comforted Nicky. “Ya, you’re right. I’m all worried about something that isn’t going to happen!” Nicky scoffed. Ryan shook her head, “Ya.. okay so I’m going to make copies of these papers now. So… uh bye you two.” She waved her hand with the folder of papers in it. Nicky and Madi waved, and walked out of the museum together. Just to be back again later that night.