This basically boils down to the following train of thoughts: 1) What if Larry Daley began his career as a teacher instead of an inventor/business man? (and at such an idiotically and possible young age too) 2) If outside circumstances and other reasons made him get the night guard job? and 3) Maybe if things would've been tweaked about the trilogy so it wouldn't have that aggravating bittersweet ending (which I completely understand as why they did it. It shouldn't help that there really wasn't some... form of better closure for some characters. That, and RIP to two really fantastic and awesome actors who passed away that last year).

...so hence this slight... Alternative Universe-ish take on the trilogy/NatM movies (basically, the chances of this following the movie word for word is going to be on the very minimum low- again, while the events will remain primarily the same... somewhat, this is AU. Slight.)

Disclaimer: I will never own the trilogy of the Night of the Museum- the characters, plot, and entire thing was all brilliantly thought up by the director and the original people who have made these movies possible. I only own three characters (they're Larry's students).

Warning: In future chapters, there are SLASH pairings. The (SOME) characters are a wee bit (that's an understatement) out of character. Don't say I didn't warn you about who they are. (Yes, Teddy/Sacagawea is still there. Pretty obvious about one of them. The other... well, it'll show up in later chapters.)

And by the way- this is just a story. Please do not try to criticize for what I am going to write and allow other readers to enjoy this. If you really DO have some issues with this (which I am sure most of you could have since there will be chances of... ahem, some historically inaccurate facts), then by all means, feel free to message me in private instead of blatantly placing it on the review board.

So, by all of that- enjoy! (And let me know how this goes!)

Chapter 1: The Usual Introductions

Meet Larry Daley.

He has a fascination for creating things when he was young, repairing items and making them (or rather, reinventing things) for the better... or worse (depending on the kind of situation used). But it was a few years in his elementary school when he's introduced to another aspect that made his life to the way it currently is: his father took him on a trip to the Museum of Natural History in an effort to show him another side of the world (or nation).

In a way, Larry had to admit, if he sat through another teaching lesson at his school, he would've been bored to no end. What student wouldn't want to sleep through a lesson and get away with it?

(He's found this out the harder way and in consequence, hilarious results ensue since it happens to him less often than it normally should in the typical classroom.)

But in a museum, he finally gets to see history face to face- in the form of exhibits that were glorious to a child and understanding about the world's history. That one visit had Larry asking his family to come back again and again, begging to see the rest of the animals; warriors; statues that fascinated his imagination; the tombs and artifacts of the ancient lore; the miniature dioramas that depict more than every day life. Hence his fascination for history and knowing how everything begins and ends to a point- how it ripples through the past, present, and future.

His parents can't really stop him from it; even in high school he had a touch of being fascinated with two completely different ends of the spectrum: business and finances; history and the world.

After a while, after realizing in high school that he wants to teach (his first job was at a daycare center during the summer and he realized how well he can help kids listen and talk to them like a caring sibling) while learning about what actually changed the tides of the American Civil War (besides learning about the general basics that were highlighted for reasons he's sure had to do with shrouding the truth), Larry is determined to be a teacher; to help students understand how much history has transformed mankind.

He's also realized how much of a nerd he was, but it didn't stop him from having ideas about business ventures that he's be more than happy to pass on for others (who aspire to have a fantastic business- to be honest, after a few business ventures, they did flop). That is to say without having him read a book on Ancient Roman and how they've managed to build up a kingdom from the ruins of the former Greece civilization.

At that time, Larry met his (used to be, now divorced) wife Erica at a math class while he was in college. To put it plainly, it took a bit before Larry finally realized that the woman had a crush on him (actually, it probably took the assistance of a lot of people). Then to top it off, a few months later after getting to know each other and fallen madly in love, they both decide to get married at a small ceremony with just friends and family (at a pretty young age of nineteen... which was actually one of his first few mistakes to begin with).

It was good, being that he had to balance not just his schoolwork, but also a married life and his pregnant wife. It was at that time he realized that to keep at it, he had to begin taking several jobs to help Erica, paying for bills, and having an education (despite his scholarships aiding him most of the time).

When Nick was born, things were elated for him and Erica; their son was their pride and joy. At that time, Larry was at the middle of gaining a teaching degree while minoring in history. He was juggling between a job and college and marriage. Things were understandable to Erica back then- she also had school to go to; her son needed her attention, they both were able to aid each other when one needed help. When Larry finally got the job of teaching students in an elementary school, Erica was elated- so was Nick. That time, Larry had managed to graduate with the teaching degree and his minor in a tight four years (school in the summer, Larry had found out, had aided him over the stresses of the multiple jobs he's had to go through).

Then that changed when he's been asked to help teach at a high school when he was twenty-three. It was unusual, a young graduate having to teach several rowdy high school students, but he finds out (first hand) that his energy level and tolerance for chaos aided him into getting the students' attention.

At first, it was well with his family- the pay was good, he had a decent workplace, the environment was nice, he was able to balance out his work and life.

Then came the slow (and eventual) budget cuts to the teachers and other faculty members, which at first didn't affect Larry. But when the board at the school he was teaching finally mentions to Larry about asking him to be a part-time teacher, Larry begrudgingly accepts it; two classes to teach and nothing more (due to constraints from the schools' end- it was more outside circumstances).

Then he began the eventual job jumping- one month, it was one job. Another month, a contract job that actually promised to be a full-time before the company dropped him. It was like this for a few years- which made Erica fed up (at that time, while Larry was working, she met Don, her (future and current) husband) before demanding Larry to either demand for the full-time back (which he can't- two teachers got fired because of that same demand) or divorce since it seems as if Larry's life is slowly slipping out of control. Nick was wondering about how Larry was going to spend time with him, which he does (in the best way he could, given his circumstances).

Heartbroken over the idea of losing Nick and Erica, Larry manages to agree to the custody and allowing Nick to see him about two to three times a week. He's met Don a few times- a really nice, successful guy and someone Larry can tell Nick can look up to (he's worried that his son will do that and forget about his father). He doesn't even bet on his business ventures he's made up in the past- Larry knows that most of them will flop (except for that one that he's made up- the Clapper? He really didn't exactly care too much for it despite it being a popular invention).

And he's starting to think his direction in life is going nowhere.

...that is, until something unexpected came into his life.

Larry lets out a frustrated and silent sigh as he looks up to see his students taking one of their finals (from the first of his only two classes). After the next semester, The teacher can't help but realize how miserable this is going to be, I'll be forced to teach about two... then it'll be one. I can't believe it's gotten to this.

He glances over at the clock, which is ticking its way down to eleven-thirty before looking back down at the book he's reading (actually, about the Ancient Egyptians).

In most teachers' opnion in the high school, the twenty-eight year old teacher is perhaps a bit too young to be a teacher. One look at his resume, however, and any faculty will be impressed at his track record... and not just teaching.

It was recent that he had to look at other part-time jobs to help pay the bills. He's worked from a fast-food place (He grimaces, recalling the horrors of it all) to the library (it was waaaaay too quiet for him). While some of his contract jobs did help in a more temporary way (by offering his advice to some business advisors, most of them who knew him through college and connections from former collegaues), it still wasn't enough.

He can also hear it from Erica now: how he isn't having a stable enough life, how he's not going to be the father Nick is expecting him to be; how he doesn't have a lot of time for his son when in the past, it was.

Speaking of Nick, he needs to pick him up from school today- it was a part of their divorce agreement for him to spend time with both parents.

And winter break was coming.

It wasn't until he hears a scuffle from a desk that he sees one of the students hand him the final before indicating to the door, a silent permission to leave due to the half day imposed by the school.

Larry nods before motioning to the rest of the class, reminding that there are others who are still busy taking their time with their exams. The student lets out a silent frustrated sigh at being quiet, but agrees to it before grabbing his bag and leaving the classroom. One by one, most of the students left until the last student was remaining, finishing up the essay Larry had assigned to the students before standing up, handing the exam over, then leaving the classroom with a jubilated 'Whoop!'

The teacher was the only person in the class, letting out a sigh before grimacing, knowing he has a lot of papers to grade for the next night to come- after he takes Nick out on his sports game. He's already cleaned the bed and straightened it up for the next visit (which is around Saturday)- so by tonight, Erica should be able to pick up Nick easily.

"I really need to get a new job," Larry mutters to himself before grabbing all the exams and stacking them neatly before placing them into his bag.

"Dad!"

Larry grins, seeing his ten-year old son run up to him before hugging him, forcing him to stumble back a bit (Nick has a bit of equipment on him), "Hey kiddo! How was the game?"

"It was awesome! I scored a few goals- even if I was going to be mauled by a bunch of guys on the other team!" Nick beams, feeling his father ruffle his hair in relief that at least the young boy didn't get hurt, "And the coach's gonna make me one of the kickers for the team!"

"That's good news," Larry chuckles, his eyes softening at how delighted Nick is at soccer (Larry used to play a bit before... well, college took over), "So, ready to hang out for the day, Nicky?"

"Sure!" Then Nick pauses, "Can we get some hamburgers and shakes?"

How can Larry say no to his son, especially with that pout of his?

It was at their usual diner that they begin their typical conversation; how school was for Nick ("It was okay, just that we had to take a few tests before school ended pretty quickly," The young boy's face scrunches up at the thought of anymore tests, "Though I did pass math and history! ...I think?"); how school was for Larry ("More tests?" Nick asks his father, who can't help but sigh heavily at the thought of more tests to hand out- it was Tuesday... which was actually not the typical day (it should be tomorrow), but Erica has insisted on it since winter exams and school was important before winter break); and how everything else was for them... well, maybe one thing did stick to Nick's mind-

"Mom said she's not sure about your new job," Nick looks up to see his father tense before letting out a sigh of resignation, knowing that this subject was going to come up... sooner or later, "Though it sounds awesome- you're helping out with loading things!"

"It... eh, I'm not sure how awesome it is for your dad," Larry grimaces at the thought of more heavy-load lifting, "They did give me the day off since they know I'm a teacher."

"Still," His son frowns, "Are you asking the school for your full-time job back?" Then with a pout, "It was awesome, seeing you teach at the school."

That, Larry recalls pretty well. Even Nick bragged about it on career day, which really wasn't exactly a big deal for him (then again, this is his son...).

It was because Nick was sick and Erica and Don didn't have the time to take care of him (they decide to go on a business trip, which made Larry pretty ire at them- not at
Nick). So Larry had to ask the supervisor if he can bring in Nick for the entire day (well, he had two classes, but still...), since it was a teaching day and not one of the exam days for his students. For once, the principal agreed on the ground that Nick has something to do in the class- he can't leave the classroom unless Larry did.

Since his first class was his American History class for juniors, the students did treat Nick really well and left him to his devices (in which Nick did actually read a lot and did catch up a bit on his schoolwork) while Larry taught the class. It wasn't until midway through his speech turned into debate about the possible causes of the Civil War and which ones seemed more plausible along with them asking for Larry's opinion (in which he was more than happy to have his share of opinion on it) before slightly diverging to various opinions about whether or not the Civil War was even necessary that he sees how amazed Nick was at how his father taught the class.

The next class was a bit more interesting- since it was his sophomore class; AP World History (at that time, some of the students and even Larry had to admit that not only was this their first AP class, but it was pretty much a warning as to what's to come for college-based classes). This time, Nick seems more interested in hearing what his father had to teach that day (Industrialism and how it changed the world from one end to another- and no, he wasn't just covering the European and American side of things). The class also accepted Nick and even seemed to allow him to listen (despite him being sick) on their debates, note taking, and Larry's lectures; by the time the class ended, the sophomore class seemed to have 'adopted' Nick as their youngest brother.

That made Nick want to see Larry 'in action'- when he's teaching in a class and having their usual debates and lessons.

"I know," Larry can't help but let out an exhaustive sigh, knowing that it's an aggravating uphill battle to keep the classes that he has now- he's still young and in accordance to the other teachers, despite contrary actions of how open students love him as a teacher and a possible mentor, he's still inexperienced in 'the real world', "But the staff up there... it's getting annoying."

He feels Nick pat his hand in comfort, silently reassuring his father everything will be okay before flashing him a grin, "So... what else are we doing tonight? Are we gonna watch a movie?"

"Yeah, actually..." Larry chuckles, flashing out two tickets to a movie Nick has been begging to see for a long time, "How about we see it in about thirty minutes?"

"Really!?" Nick's eyes widen before grinning, "Oh man- Dad! That's awesome! I've been wanting to see that for a long time!"

Larry's smile grows wider in relief, knowing that there's one thing that keeping him in stone.

By the time father and son were done with the movies (after finishing their meals), they decide to hang out over at Larry's place- Nick was actually doing some reading from his father's books (it was about monkeys) while the television was softly playing in the background as Larry begins to grade his students' finals when the doorbell rang.

"I think that's your mom," Larry walks up to the door as Nick begins to prepare to bring his stuff, "You getting ready to go?"

"Yeah," Nick then pauses, lifting up the picture book, "Hey Dad? Is it okay if I borrow this?"

By that, Larry can't help but presume this means Nick will be reading it for a while until he finally manages to return the other two books he's 'borrowed': one on the American Revolutionary War and one on Explorers. He can't help but smile at the thought that Nick's learning something- he is a brilliant kid, "Go ahead. But remember- return them!"

"I know," Nick rolls his eyes as he goes into his room and grabs his bags. The father just smiles, knowing pretty well Nick's not going to return them anytime soon.

Larry opens the door to see Erica waiting for him, her arms slighty crossed before she sees Larry in greeting, "Hey."

"Hey," The blonde woman nods before peering in to see the pile of papers and some open books, "Grading already?"

"Yeah, well, you know me," Larry gives a chuckle, but it fades away when Erica's staring at him, "...look, I did talk with the board. They're still... considering giving me a third class for next year."

"Ah," The woman nods, "What about your other job?"

"They gave me the day off," Larry winces, knowing that look on her face again, "...though that might be a bad sign."

"You should really consider getting yourself into a more stable position, Larry," Erica sighs, her eyes filled with concern, "I mean, I know things are a bit rough on you at the moment- I'm assuming you are still making things while maintaining teaching."

"It's on the back burner," The dark-haired teacher lets out a frustrated grunt, "I really don't want to focus on any inventions or more business-related stuff while I have teacher reports and exams to grade by the end of next week."

"So, does that explain why you turned down another one of Don's business partners' job offer?"

It was partially that reason- he had to focus on getting those things done; at the same time, Larry is really thinking some of his business ventures are at a standstill- the more he pitches, the less likely it'll get anywhere. Some of it was a repeat of the Clapper- something that he's really not keen on marketing despite the patent approval. The other reasons were similar- ones that he knows Erica should realize (but she chooses not to).

"I know... he's trying to help," Larry lets out a huff, "But think about it! If I tell the interviewer the reason I heard about the position is because I learned it from my ex's husband, do you know how extremely awkward it is?"

Erica crosses her arms before sighing, "I guess I have... a few times."

"Erica-"

"Hey Mom," Nick is standing near the doorway, a bit uneasy over how his parents are; his gear bag and his luggage with his necessities are with him, "I'm ready."

"I'll get that," Erica gives a soft smile to her son, who just hands her one of his bags before facing his father.

"So, Nicky... picking you up Saturday?" Larry's forced to smile, just to ease any worries Nick has for him.

"Yeah," Nick nods before facing his mother, "I'll go to the car first."

"Okay," Erica bends down to kiss her son on the head, "Don's waiting in the car. He says he's got something for you."

"Oh. Cool."

Larry blinks, hearing a bit of indifference in his son's tone. If Erica heard it, she didn't express it until Nick disappears to go downstairs before she huffs in slight exhaustion, "...I don't know what's been up with Nick lately except he really hasn't been interested in what Don has."

"I don't know either," Larry frowns before facing her, "Look, maybe Nicky's still trying to get used to Don being around him more often. And besides... I thought he should look up to him... like a father?" He has no offense to the other man (he's met Don a few times and they get along with a good conversation along with a few drinks); and yes, his wife chose Don over him (which still stings, but he's getting over it), "...do you want me to talk to him about it this Saturday?"

"If you could," Erica then pauses before sighing, hugging her ex-husband before gently patting his cheek, "Thanks."

"No problem," Larry nods, gently hugging her back, "Make sure Nicky keeps those books safe."

"I will," Erica nods before leaving the hallway. As soon as she goes down the stairs, Larry turns around and shuts the door. Then he sighs, feeling a slight headache going on before staring at the pile of papers on his desk. As he reaches for his seat, his cellphone goes off. Looking at it, it was from the second job.

"...really?" Larry grumbles to himself before answering it, "Hello, Larry speaking."

The next morning was riddled with a bit of flurry... well, that is, until Larry found a boot on his car (in which he was about to scream with irritation since that's also combined with the recent job that booted him off- because they think his schedule wasn't going to work well with the one they had prepared for him).

He got the boot off with payment just before the guy managed to leave, which also caused him to be a bit late for the time he's supposed to prepare the exam for the students (at least he wasn't extremely late).

"All right, you all know what's to come," The next day, Larry is going to watch over the exam for his AP World History class for the sophomore class (the one class that's actually best defined as a well-behaved zoo in the words from one of his colleagues); he sees a few students squirming over the papers in front of them, but he knows most of them will make it, "Make sure you actually answer every question. I'll be counting it like one would for a regular college exam. So, any questions before we begin?"

One hand was raised and Larry nods (without resisting the urge to groan), "Yes, Porter?"

He also knows every students' names in this class; in fact, it was his duty to do so. One such that has unfortunately stuck to his mind was a troublemaker named Porter Ives (apparently infamous for angering too many football players, the popular clique, and cheerleaders in favor for dressing up in mostly grunge-like outfits and usually have the similar shade of black, grey, blue, green, anything that resembled what Larry is taking to be a much tamer version of a goth).

"Anything about this exam we need to know, Teach?" The student pauses, "Like- say, what the essay question's answer is?"

That made the class titter with laughter. Larry just lets out a frustrated sigh, mentally counting to ten before responding, "As much as I would like to entertain you today, Porter, no, I'm not willing to hand out the answer to the exams."

At least he's happy to let the tension of the finals out when the class erupting into more laughter.

"Okay, any other questions?" Another hand and this time, he knows it's from one of his top students; Naomi Yoshikawa (a hard-working student who he's realized would much rather be at the library than go to the pep-rally and does look like to be simple yet elegant), "Yes, Naomi?"

"What do we do if we are finished early?" She asks patiently, "Should we wait in the classrooms like the other teachers mentioned before the bell rings to switch classes?"

The one thing he admires about her is that she's actually not afraid to be blunt or speak out her opinion when he knows others won't, "Well... I got word that unless it's an emergency, you would have to wait in the classrooms until the bell rings." That triggers a groan from all the students, "But, if you guys behave well, then you may have permission to leave early."

Usually incentives work for them- they're high school students. Larry has learned that the hard way in his first year.

"Any more questions?" And a third hand raises up and Larry resists the urge to just ignore it (he doesn't); "...James, any questions about the exam, and no, nothing about me going to a sports game?" That actually earns the laughter from his students again.

"...eh, I have nothing," The football jock (named James Sheridan, a sports fanatic, part of the popular clique with the clothing from Abrecrombie and Fitch, and despite his slightly dense personality when it comes to anything academic, he surprisingly retains a lot of knowledge) squirms before pausing, "Actually, is it possible to print out something before-"

"No," Larry rolls his eyes, knowing what it could be (notes, for all he knows- he's seen pretty fantastic methods for cheating and he has to admit, the students are getting craftier by the year), "You had your chance when school was about to begin."

"Are you..." The teachers glares at James, daring him to protest to this, "...argh, fine."

"Actually," Larry then frowns, beginning to get a suspicious feeling about this, "James, you're staying after class... just to show me what you need to print."

Said guy squawks in horror before groaning. Some of the students snicker while some of them wisely remain silent (a very few of them were wincing).

"All right, so ready to begin?" Larry asks the class, silencing his students in preparation for the winter exams, "Remember the time limit; two and a half hours. When you're done, you can wait until all of the students are done with the exams. Despite what you all think," He can see most of the students ready to protest to this, "It's school policy."

A sea of groans made Larry chuckle a bit before placing his serious face on, "All right, test begins now."

It honestly was (and should've been) an easy exam for them; if only these poor kids can imagine what the AP exams were like (actually, comparing that to both the SAT and ACT he's been hearing his students from previous years complain about, those three are not easy).

But that's not why Larry had one of the students stay behind...

...though it was odd, seeing two other students stay behind as well.

In fact-

"You know," Larry crosses his arms, arching an eyebrow as he sees Naomi and Porter stand around, waiting patiently for the teacher, "You both could just wait outside."

"And miss out on the action?" Porter has that smirk before being elbowed by the Asian student, "...okay, okay! We might have a different reason for being here."

"...huh, okay," Larry frowns. If he knows the antics of his students, they always (and usually) never end on a good note, "...then do you mind if you guys can leave while I..." he gestures to James, who grimaces.

It wasn't until he sees the two other students look awkwardly at James that Larry begins to think that all three of them are up to something. His dark blue eyes narrow, walking up to James before glancing at all three students, "...okay. What are you all up?"

Silence reigns over before James shifts, glancing over to the other two students. Porter can't help but grimace as Naomi thins her lips. Larry frowns, crossing his arms as he thinks about what his students could be thinking in their minds, "...well?"

"Erm..." This time, James was the one who has a guilty look on his face, "Here's the thing. The thing I was supposed to print out... was something the three of us wanted to show to you."

Larry blinks before dumbly asking, "Huh?" Then he stares at the three students- perhaps the very last three students who he would even expect to partner together (well, he did force the three of them into a group for a project earlier this year) for... what?

"Yeah, actually," Naomi spoke up next, "..it's something that we wanted you to look at."

"Look at... what, exactly?" Larry doesn't like the direction this is going as he sees James take out a small flashdrive before handing it to his teacher, who takes it, "What is this..?"

"It's.. the thing I wanted to print," The football player pauses, "So... can we?"

Larry can't help but have a bad feeling about this. But then again- he looks at the time and sees that since his three students weren't moving, that meant that this was their last final of the semester.

"All right," He sighs, tossing the flashdrive back to a relieved James, "But do it at the library, got it?" Then he glances at the two other students, "But you both remain here."

"All righty, Teach," Porter shrugs as he takes his seat on one of the desks; Naomi taking another while James got up to leave the classroom to the library, "But the thing is... just hear us out about what we're gonna tell you, okay?"

"If it's another one of those 'convincing us for sponsoring for a trip' like I'm hearing about from the senior class," Larry sighs, knowing that a few of his students have came up for it recently, "Then I don't think I'm interested in it."

"...well, to make you feel better," Naomi calmly responds as she glances at Porter, "It isn't."

That bad feeling Larry had creeping in the back of his mind turns into dread. What were his students up to? Like I said, He can't help but grimace, I really hope it isn't what I'm thinking it is.

Larry is now staring at the two pieces of paper James has handed him.

At this point, anything else but... this is beginning to look much better- hell, even being a chaperone for a trip is better than-

"So?" His three students are now surrounding his desk, hoping for a response. It was from James, who actually looks a bit hopeful about how his teacher is going to react, "What do you think?"

"How-" Larry is still gawking before snapping his mouth shut, glaring at his three students, "Okay. One, where did you all get this from?"

"From the Job board website that my mom manages- it's her job. But she got it from the place itself," That's from Porter, who can't help but have that stupid Cheshire Cat-like grin on his face, "And 'sides, maybe it'll be good."

"Which brings me to my next question," Larry narrows his eyes, wondering what the hell has decided to possess his students to even look this up, "Two, how did you know about..." He flusters for the best way to put it before groaning, "-about my personal life!?"

"Well, that we all can tell," Naomi sighs, earning a surprised look from her teacher, "The fact you've only got two classes... that got most of us thinking that we could do something to help with your situation."

Larry lets out an exhaustive sigh, "You do realize that this is technically invading my private life."

"Oh, that we know," And that earns a glare from the rest (Larry included) as Porter smirks before it changes into a concerned look, "But in reality... you weren't too happy when you left class before finals began. That was when some of us debated about whether or not it was due to the budget cuts from school."

"So you all knew," The teacher can't help but darkly grumble, realizing that despite how good he's been hiding his irritation and disappointment over the class cuts, his students do notice. It probably wasn't just him- a few teachers have felt it too; either they are beginning to get stressed on taking too much classes or funding for certain classes has been slashed.

"That," James then pauses, "And the fact that you didn't look too good for the past couple of days."

More like weeks.

"So... even if I do try and tell the three of you my life isn't any of your business," Larry sets down the paper again, "It's not going to stop the rest of the students from trying to help me, is it?"

"No," Three voices respond, causing the teacher to slightly frown.

"Which brings me to this-" Larry can't help but wonder if their parents knew about this, "-while I do appreciate the... generous help you guys are giving me, I really don't think it's a good idea to sign me up for the job."

"We didn't," Porter frowns, "What? We're not that stupid to try and impersonate you."

"It's just for help," Naomi shrugs before pausing, "And... well, more like a recommendation."

Their teacher looks back down at the paper again before sighing, "...and why... this particular place, out of all of the areas you would... suggest?"

"What do you think?" This time, Naomi pauses before she smiles, "It's a part of your area of expertise."

"Maybe give us a free pass to visit? For a class trip?" Porter grins before he sees the stares from the other two students and from Larry, "...what?"

"Moocher." Naomi deadpans.

"Hey!"

"So... did you read the rest of what we got for you?" James urges Larry to read on, which he (begrudgingly) does, just to make sure he's even reading this over.

"...a job at the Museum of Natural History, could develop into full-time... eh, that sounds about right. So... the position they're looking to hire is," Larry then blinks before doing a double take at reading the job offer, "A night guard!?"

"Yeah," That stupid grin is not leaving the lanky teen's face, "You interested?"

Larry is still gawking at the thought that his students would even have the time to do this for him, despite the fact that it's finals (before winter break) before sighing, looking down at the print-out, describing the details and requirements for the job. A few minutes of looking over it later and he sets it down, "...I don't know. This... it looks like a job that maybe..." The only thing that's bothering Larry is that it takes place during thenight. And that it'll probably be one of those jobs that requires him to sit in a desk, looking at security cameras and watching over the exhibits every night.

So, it essentially boils down to another boring job in which there is a possibility that he is doing... nothing.

"...that maybe could help you?" Naomi quietly responds.

All Larry can do it to stare at the 'helping' students before looking down at the job description before groaning, "...It really wasn't your business doing this, you know." Then with a frown, "You know, this should be me doing this to most of you- recommending sites and job offers for you guys. Only for part time. Not the other way around."

"We know, teach. But just think about it," James shrugs, "I mean- it wouldn't hurt to give it a shot, you know?"

Erica tells him the exact same thing James did when Larry calls in to see about Saturday and Sunday (and how to make sure Nick's ready; he has both a soccer and hockey game coming up). Then the subject about job offers came up- some Don's even provided (and Larry shoots them down gently because apparently they all had to do with something that involves inventing and businesses or something similar... and not to mention this is his ex-wife's new husband- that is still really awkward) along with some of the ones Larry had looked into for Erica's sake (he's not going to even try modelling. Ever). Then he sighs, looking down at the paper his students handed him earlier as he hears Erica talk on and on about things that gives her grief at work before asking him about anything else on his end.

"Well," Larry then looks back down at the job offer for the Museum of Natural History, "I... did get this job offer from... an employment office," He doesn't want anyone to know that his students decide to do this for him as an act of kindness (is it?), "And it's a position for a night guard at the Museum of Natural History."

"That museum?" Erica sounds surprised before blinking, "Huh... I know Nick's been wanting to go there every since he's been beginning classes."

"He has?" Larry sounds a bit surprised, "...huh. I... didn't know about that."

"But then again," Erica pauses before letting out a soft chuckle, "You did tell me you had a love for that museum when you were young. You even went there for high school, didn't you?"

"Yeah," The teacher can't help but wonder if this was something he was mentally prepared for for a while, "Though... it's going to be at the night." He looks at the post again, this time with a frown, "Huh. Why are they hiring a night guard? I wonder if it's because there was too much chaos in the musuem."

He silently chuckles at that- nothing happens in the museum at night. Right?

"Well, I'd give it a shot if I were you," Erica then pauses, "Though... hopefully it wouldn't end up like the last job. And you did... get that boot off your car, right?"

Larry blinks before groaning, "...thanks for reminding me I still have to park the car elsewhere. I really don't want that boot anytime soon. But," He frowns, "I don't know, maybe I should?"

"You should," Erica sounds a bit tired now, "Look. Don't do this because you're obligated to from me or anyone else, but at this point, you probably have racked up several jobs that you left or failed within one week ot two that can fill up your entire resume."

"...gee, thanks for the confidence," Larry grumbles sarcastically.

"But... just for once, try to do something... and at least make an effort to keep it." She sighs, "Who knows? Maybe Nick'll be delighted to see you're working at the Museum. It wouldn't hurt to give it a shot, you know?"

He pauses, trying to make much sense from this before closing his eyes. Then again, it wasn't just her and perhaps his son who would want some stability for him. His students did it for a reason- well, some reason that he's actually not sure about. He looks down at the paper again, taking a few seconds to think about it before sighing, "...why not. I'll give this one a try."

Besides, what could possibly go wrong with this one?

TBC

Preview of next chapter:

Larry can't help but stare at the night guard he's supposed to replace, "...so you and you two," He cringed at the way one of them was glaring at him, "...are the night guards of the museum."

"Well," Cecil beams, "We are." Then he pauses, "At least for the next few days before we're forced to retire. But if you are interested in taking this position, then we're more than happy to help you prepare for the job, Larry."

The teacher can't help but wonder if he's making one of those horrendous mistake (next to the other ones he's made beginning from the last ten years of his life) signing on for the interview.