The pair of miniatures dangled precariously from the lion's mane, gripping as tight as possible for their small hands.
The lion ran through the museum - Larry had failed to remember to lock up the hall of African mammals, though the animals had been well behaved as of late, so could be trusted more often than not. The king of the jungle's feet pounded on the tiles, the sound almost deafening to the pair's ears.
"Hey, Octy!" Jedediah yelled, looking down slightly at the Roman. His hat had been lost towards the start of their 'ride', and his blond locks fell in front of his eyes.
"Yes, Jed?" the dark-haired man called back, his helmet falling slightly down over his face. He was unable to push it back up, and so had some difficulty looking at the cowboy.
"I'm sorry for getting us into this." the westerner apologised, looking ashamed of himself.
"It's not your fault Jedediah." the Roman consoled, throwing his head back in an attempt to right his helmet.
Unfortunately, his action caused him to lose his grip on the lion's mane, and he fell to the floor with a massive thud.
Jedediah threw himself off the animal, righting his body so that he could land safely, and, when he hit the floor, clambered up to run towards his dark haired friend.
"Octy?" He cried, throwing himself onto his knees beside the older man.
"Ugh, my body aches all over." the Roman moaned, opening his eyes. "I'm okay Jed, just a little sore is all."
Jedediah felt the relief wash over him in waves. He threw himself onto the fallen man, pulling him into a bear hug. "I'm so glad you're okay!" he cried, tears welling in his eyes.
"Calm down Jedediah." Octavius laughed, rubbing his distressed friend's back. "Now, would you mind loosening your hug, I'm still rather sore."
"Sorry." the blond muttered, pulling away.
"I didn't say let go." Octavius pulled him in for another hug, this one looser than the one before - easier on his aching body.
Footsteps echoed quietly around them, and they looked towards the source of the noise. Sacagawea was walking towards them, closer than they had expected. She was holding Jed's Stetson in one of her hands, and Octavius' cape in the other - he hadn't even realised he'd lost it.
"Hello gentlemen, I believe I found something that belongs to each of you." She knelt down next to the pair, and held out the two items. "Are you alright, Octavius?"
"Yes, thank you, I'm just feeling slightly tender."
"Ma'am, would you be so kind as to taking us back to the diorama room please?" the cowboy asked, removing the hat he had just placed back onto his head.
"Of course, Jedediah." She held out her hands next to the pair.
"Thank you kindly, ma'am."
"Yes, thank you very much, Sacagawea."
"You're very welcome."