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Larry swallowed down his nausea, closing his eyes tightly against the bright New York lights as his cab wove through the streets. The constant stop and go of traffic was making his stomach flip and he almost regretted not calling in tonight.
Almost.
Because what would happen if he didn’t turn up at the museum? The exhibits could handle themselves for one night, surely…
But Larry would be the one punished if anything was out of place tomorrow.
Besides, he was being dramatic. It was just a bit of a headache (that he’d woken up with), then he hadn’t eaten much (crackers and toast made him gag), and a teeny, tiny fever (he’d started shaking in the shower, body warring with the contrasting temperature raining down on him).
But he was fine. Certainly well enough to go to work, in any case.
“Hey, buddy! This is your stop!”
He jerked at the call, blearily registering that the taxi was now parked in front of the museum. He stumbled as he exited, calling an apology to the driver past a heavy swallow. Being on his feet helped a little, even if his entire body ached, threatening to send him to the ground with every step. He fumbled for his keys at the door, shivering when a breeze swept past him.
Larry entered the silent museum with a sigh and a tremble, grateful for the brief reprieve from the sounds of the city. He knew it wouldn’t last long. There was only about ten minutes until the sun sunk beyond the horizon and the museum would wake up. He staggered, wanting to collapse in a chair (or even on the ground, he wasn’t picky), but knew if he did that he may not be able to stand again.
He had to free Ahk, then he could take a minute. He knew that every unnecessary second in the sarcophagus was akin to torture for the young pharaoh and was determined to keep his promise of unlocking it as his first task.
Head to Ahk’s room. Unlock the sarcophagus. Open the lid once everyone woke up.
Then he could go to his office for a couple minutes and barf into the wastebasket close his eyes, rest his aching head against something cool.
Like the table.
Yeah.
Larry more or less stumbled into Ahk’s room, falling against the sarcophagus with a low grunt and gagging, covering his mouth as he swallowed bile. He was fine, it was just this migraine that was messing with his body. He’d take a couple aspirin once he got to his office and be back to normal.
Larry slumped down next to his son’s coffin, unlocking the latches without opening his eyes. There, now he just had to wait to hear movement and…
Larry gagged again, this time stronger than before, and figured it wouldn’t hurt to open the sarcophagus now. It may freak Ahk out a little, but he’d rather that than risk puking on the teen. Larry used the heavy metal behind him to drag himself into an upright position, carefully opening the sarcophagus. He didn’t dare look down, it always made his stomach flip to see the boy he considered his son as nothing more than a mummy. (And that wasn’t something he really wanted to risk, given his current condition.)
Once that was done–Larry’s only truly necessary task accomplished–he wanted nothing more than to curl up in his office, alone in his misery. With luck, he’d be able to get ahold of himself before anyone came looking for him. However, when he lifted one foot to take his leave, he found himself unable to do more than crumple to his knees. The lights were too bright and his eyes fell closed just to stop the room from spinning. Every movement sent spiking pain through his entire, sore body. Larry shifted back, sitting against the stage holding Ahk’s sarcophagus and pulling his legs up, arms wrapping around his now-buried head. He just…just needed a minute. Just a minute of darkness and quiet so that he could get himself back on his feet.
Larry didn’t plan to sit there for more than a handful of seconds, but his timing must’ve been a bit more off than he thought, because it seemed indeed only a matter of seconds before he heard movement behind him. Then:
“Larry?!” He flinched despite himself at Ahk’s startled, concerned yelp. Moments later came the muted sound of bare feet hitting the tile and then there was a warm presence to his right.
“Larry? Are you alright?” Ahk’s voice was far softer this time, accompanied by a hesitant hand on his back. Larry twitched at the contact, skin hyper-sensitive, but leaned back a hair.
The last thing he needed was Ahk thinking his touch was unwelcome.
“‘M alright, Ahk. Don’t worry. Just need a minute.” He internally winced at the sound of his own voice, the rasp too loud for his head and not aiding his nausea in the slightest.
“What’s the matter, Larry? Talk to me, please.” Larry hated every time he heard Ahk genuinely plead for something and was physically unable to not comply. Not with the teen’s history.
“‘T’s just a headache and some nausea, kiddo. ‘M alright. Honest.” A soft huff and he felt Ahk stand next to him. Relief swept through him, overwhelming the tiny, nearly nonexistent voice that craved some form of help.
“Stay here for a moment, Larry. I’ll be right back.” Ahk’s voice was still quiet, for which he was grateful. Then there was the muted pad of footsteps as Ahk left the room.
The quiet didn’t last, though, as moments later he heard Ahk returning.
And this time he was speaking with someone.
Larry didn’t bother lifting his head. There was no one in the museum he was uncomfortable with having close while he was feeling rotten. Though he’d prefer hiding away more than anything, that wasn’t much of an option right now.
Besides, he trusted Ahk. He knew the pharaoh wouldn’t bring in anyone he didn’t have complete confidence in, and Ahk trusted far fewer people than Larry did.
A sharp curse with a distinct western twang attached to it and Larry knew exactly who Ahk was with.
“You don’t look too great there, Gigantor.”
A soft smack let Larry know that Octavius was also present (not a surprise).
“So you’ll go?” Ahk’s low voice asked as he lowered himself to again sit next to Larry, free hand moving to rub the night guard’s back gently.
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll rustle up some help.” Jedediah assured and Larry’s head snapped up so fast his migraine exploded behind his temples.
He grunted, closing his eyes as quickly as he’d opened them and blowing out a pained hiss, entire body rigid as he rode through the waves of pain.
He barely registered another curse and the barely-there sound of Jed rushing off. The only thing grounding him to reality was the firm hand on his back; anything beyond that was blurred in his mind. Larry swallowed hard, not realizing he’d begun pulling on his hair until he felt light fingers frantically tug at his fists. He counted his breaths, focusing on breathing through his nose and not the way his gut was spinning.
You don’t even have anything to throw up. You didn’t eat.
The thought reassured him slightly, but it didn’t subtract from the nausea roaring in his stomach.
Finally, he felt stable enough to tune back into his surroundings without puking on the recently-scrubbed floor.
“…uldn’t have come in.”
“I’m not sure if that ever occurred to him.” Though Ahk’s tone attempted light sass, Larry could detect the underlying concern. The pharaoh’s hand was again rubbing his back, now that Larry wasn’t actively threatening to pull his hair out.
“‘M fine.” Larry muttered, partly out of stubbornness and partly just to be petulant.
“You are obviously in great pain, Larry.” Octavius’ voice was uncharacteristically concerned. “The museum would have remained in good order even if you had stayed home tonight and rested. Your health is important to us, my liege.”
“He’s right, Larry.” Ahk urged quietly. “You matter to us.” Then, for good measure–because Ahk knew how exasperated the title made him–the teen tacked on a quick, “Guardian of Brooklyn.”
Larry blew out a slow breath through his nose, but this time it wasn’t because he was on the verge of being sick. Thankfully, he was saved from responding by the low buzz of Jed’s incoming car, accompanied by swift footsteps.
The ‘help’ Jed got moved to crouch on Larry’s left side and a heartbeat later he felt a warm hand on the back of his neck. He flinched, unable to hide the shiver the temperature difference caused. He didn’t realize he was so cold until that calloused hand was on his neck.
A soft tut to his left, then, “Lawrence, what are you doing leaving your home when you have a fever?”
He relaxed despite himself at Teddy’s voice, piecing together blearily that the man had taken off his gloves, hence his inability to identify the president sooner.
Ahk huffed on his other side, murmuring, “He’s nauseous and he has a headache. You’ll help me get him to his office?”
“Of course, lad.” The president soothed gently. Then, “Thank you two for your assistance. I believe Ahkmenrah and I can take it from here.”
There were a few moments of silence, but the miniatures must’ve decided that, between the pharaoh and the president, Larry was in good hands.
“Alrigh’, we’ll be around if ya need anythin’ else.” Jed offered slowly.
“Indeed. I hope you feel better soon, my liege.” Octavius added genuinely.
“Yeah, yeah, get some rest, Gigantor. Can’t have you out of commission too long.” Though the words were a touch stiff and awkward, they were no less caring. Seconds later he heard the toy car depart and quiet fell on the trio.
It didn’t last, though. (It never did.)
A soft sigh, then the hand on his nape moved to curl gently around his left arm.
“Alright, Lawrence, how about we get you somewhere a bit more comfortable, hmm? Ahkmenrah, would you prefer to change before we leave?”
Larry was silently grateful for the consideration, knowing that the teen was extremely conscious of what he wore. Though Ahk was currently in a cloth shendyt (which would have been commonplace in Ancient Egypt, even if not specifically for a pharaoh) he typically preferred covering up a little more before leaving his room. Not really for modesty (cultural “norms” in the museum were nonexistent) so much as comfort.
Beside him, Ahk hummed thoughtfully, before answering, “Thank you, Teddy, but I think…think I’m alright. There’s clothes in Larry’s office I’ll change into instead.”
Ah, looked like the pharaoh was staying with Larry for the night. He felt his lip twitch in a small, amused smile, but didn’t say anything.
Just breathing was enough of a task to keep him occupied.
“Very well. Alright, Lawrence, let’s get you somewhere a bit more comfortable.” Larry closed his eyes, mentally preparing for the way his stomach was going to swoop upon standing.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t as bad as he expected. Being bracketed on either side was certainly kinder on his body than having to force himself to his feet. Larry swallowed hard, left hand fisting Teddy’s uniform while he fought to achieve that precious balance between miserable and manageable.
“Alright?” Teddy’s question was quiet, for which he was grateful. The room was spinning, despite the fact that his eyes were closed. He couldn’t imagine any unnecessarily loud noise would be a good idea at the moment.
Thankfully, he caught himself before he nodded.
“‘M good.” A hard swallow, his next words an exhale. “Let’s go.”
Larry allowed the duo to walk him mindfully to his office, barely registering the unusual lack of interference along their way. All he could truly focus on was placing one foot in front of the other and not leaning too much on Teddy and Ahk. Even with how slowly they were proceeding, Larry struggled to keep himself moving forward in time with them.
Maybe this was a little more than just a migraine.
Maybe.
Thankfully, he was soon lowered onto his couch, a relieved breath leaving him as he sunk into the cushions. He swallowed hard, listening to Teddy and Ahk bustle around the staff room.
“Larry?” He jumped at the soft voice, not having heard Sac at any point since entering the room. There was obvious concern in her words when she murmured, “I apologize for scaring you. I just wondered if you’d like some tea? Peppermint is good for nausea.”
“And you need to take medicine anyway.” Teddy added from across the room, low voice carrying easily.
Larry swallowed hard, then dared to open his eyes. Sac was watching him with clear apprehension, though her expression softened into something gentler when she met his gaze. In her hands was a steaming mug of what he’d assume was tea and he sighed, hesitating.
“‘M not sure, Sac. Wasn’t really able to eat anything earlier.”
A tut from Teddy, Ahk–now in sweats and a t-shirt Larry kept specifically for him–watching curiously. It was rare for modern-medicine to be used in the museum, given the inhabitants, so he didn’t exactly have much experience outside of Nick’s retellings of past care.
“No wonder you’re nauseous, Lawrence. With your luck your body is exhausted and starving. Revolting like this was likely the only way it could get you to take care of yourself.”
Larry scowled instinctively at the parenting, skull pulsing and body aching more with every second he was conscious. But then he sighed, too tired to rebut the president.
“Alright, Sac, I’ll try some tea. Thank you.”
He was gifted a disbelieving look even as she offered the mug, murmuring, “Don’t let him push you too far. You know your body and what you can handle. We won’t force you, that’ll only make things worse.” The last word was said with a pointed look at Teddy, who flushed slightly under the scolding.
“My dear, I’m only saying–”
“I know what you’re saying.” Sac agreed pleasantly. “And you know what I’m saying.”
Ahk dipped his head to smother his smile, ducking past the couple to fold cross-legged onto the other end of the couch. He sent Larry a sad smile, but those blue eyes were dark with concern. Larry attempted to return what he hoped was a smile, but it felt more like a grimace. And looked it, based on how sympathetic Ahk’s expression became.
“Is there anything I can get you, Larry?” The teen asked quietly, nervously clasping his hands. Larry sighed softly, sniffing at the tea he was holding before hazarding a sip. Thankfully, it didn’t make his stomach flip, the minty flavor soothing. The warmth was a balm on his throat and the only thing that seemed able to cut through the chill the fever had so graciously gifted him.
“I’m alright, Ahk. I probably just need some medicine and some rest, like Teddy said.”
“Would Tylenol or Advil be better in your case, Lawrence?” Said man called from the kitchenette.
“Tylenol. It’s easier on the stomach.” Larry replied roughly, hazarding another sip of tea.
“Very good. Here you are, son.” Teddy’s voice was kind and soft, gaze far warmer than anything Larry received outside of the museum.
“Do you think you could eat some of this bread, if I warmed it?” Sacagawea asked from the counter and Larry grimaced.
“I…I can try. Eating didn’t go well, earlier.”
She hummed with a nod. “It’ll be here for if you think you can handle it. Allow yourself some time to adjust and rest.”
“Yes, don’t worry about the museum. I’ll make rounds while you get settled.” Teddy intoned, dropping a fatherly hand onto Larry’s shoulder, before frowning. “You must rest, Lawrence. A temperature like yours never leads to anything good.”
Worry flitted across Ahk’s face and Larry sighed. “People don’t often die from fever these days, Teddy. You don’t need to worry, it’s just a bug. I probably picked it up from Nick.”
“Regardless, relax. We’ll take care of everything.” The president murmured, watching Sac set a plate with some buttered bread beside Larry.
Ahk shifted to get comfortable as Teddy strode out and Sac moved to get a blanket, gently wrapping him in it. Larry huffed a protest, but found his desire to escape the attention waning as exhaustion began to pull him under once more.
Sipping at the tea he’d been given, relishing in the warm relief and the soothing powers of the mint, he felt like he’d finally be able to manage a bite to eat. At least enough to take medicine and hopefully get a restful sleep, something he’d missed earlier. Listening to Ahk and Sac’s soft conversation floating around him, tension leaching from his frame, Larry realized that–just maybe–there was a deeper reason he had pulled himself out of bed and dragged himself to the museum.