1. | CLOSE [NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM]

[ s e v e n ] TALK

[ seven ]

NICK AND ARTEMIS were sitting on the step of the museum, his father and the pharaoh were inside checking off the exhibits.

"So this is it, huh?" She asked him, smiling softly. "It's not the end, though. I'll see you tomorrow night" He grinned at her through young eyes.

"I suppose. I guess I just feel like it hasn't been so exciting in a long time that it might be another long wait before something new happens."

They laughed as the moose tried to get in for at least the third time, accompanied by Larry shouting loudly at the creature.

"I think you and Ahkmenrah need to have a talk." Nick suddenly said out of the blue.

Artemis felt her heart skip several beats.

"About what?" She played off the unfamiliar feeling in her stomach. She let her hair cascade wildly down in front of her face as he replied with a simple, "Each other. Together."

Artemis coughed awkwardly. "What?"

"He looks at you the same way that Dad used to look at Mum."

"Oh."

They stood up at the same time, Artemis looking at him with a sort of newfound respect. She watched as he walked away and leaned against the wall.

She found her mind slipping to Ahkmenrah. She remembered the way he had looked at her when they had first met, the way her stomach had felt all fuzzy and strange when he had spoke to her. She though of how when he laughed it brought an undeniable smile to her face and that she had liked the feeling of her hand underneath his and of his hand resting on her shoulder.

She got up, determined to talk to the pharaoh.

She found him talking to Larry, finishing up on checking that the exhibits were present and correct. He looked to her as soon as she walked into the door.

"Artemis." He smiled at her, placing the clipboard to one side.

"I was wondering if we could talk." She placed one hand on his arm and he looked down to it. "Of course." He nodded and she moved her hand to interlock her fingers with his, pulling him away from the scene.

"What is it?" He spoke softly. She fell back, letting her back hit the wall. "I think we need to talk. About us." She drew her eyes up to meet his.

He shifted his weight across from one foot to the other. "Us?"

"I... I like you." She murmured, before repeating it, more confidently.

"Like me?" He asked, unsure of what she was saying. Of course, he hadn't probably heard the modern terms.

She stepped forward so that their chests were touching. He didn't move away and she could feel his breath on her lips.

She placed her hands on either side of his face and brought her lips to his. She almost pulled away, slightly nervous over what his response would be but felt his arms wind around her waist and she relaxed as he kissed back.

"Well, finally." They jumped apart at the sound of Teddy's voice. He was sitting, grinning, on his horse with Sacagawea's arms around his waist.

He laughed lightly and tipped his hat to the pair.

Artemis looked over to the blushing pharaoh and burst into laughter. He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest and savouring the moment.