The heavy warthog hit the branch... hard.

Timon shouted out as he lost his grip and he felt himself falling. For a fleeting moment, he knew it was all over, until he felt two hooves curl underneath him, catching him just in time. Looking up, he was met with the sight of Pumbaa, who was now wrapped around the small branch with his two back legs, his two front outstretched to catch him.

"I got you, Timon," Pumbaa huffed.

Despite the still seriousness of the situation, Timon smiled, relief washing through him like dam water. Pumbaa... had saved him.

"Climb up," Pumbaa ordered, ducking his head a little.

Timon nodded and reached up, grabbing his leg with both paws. Clenching his teeth together in agony, Timon pulled himself up with tender muscles and stood on Pumbaa's hooves. Reaching out, he grabbed his friend's tusk and hoisted himself up onto his snout. Exhausted, Timon sprawled himself across it and panted softly.

"Timon," Pumbaa whispered, twisted his head around. "Nuni... she's gone."

Timon rose his head up and looked up at the edge of the cliff, realizing indeed, she was no where to be seen. Weakly, Timon dropped his head back down and gave a shuddering sigh. "Probably enjoying our hakuna matata right now."

"You can't give up that easily, Timon," Pumbaa said, moving his head so Timon rocked back and forth gently. "You're not one to give up."

"Oh, face it Pumbaa," Timon sighed, "You and I... we aren't cut out for a life of hakuna matata forever. Someone is bound to come and take it."

"Together, we could..."

"Together?" Timon asked sharply, raising his head to look directly into his eyes.

Pumbaa stared back at him and frowned. A long moment of silence stretched out, each dwelling on the moment. Slowly, Timon lowered his head back down and closed his eyes, mumbling, "Wake me when its over."

Pumbaa darted his eyes around, taking in the hopelessness of the situation, before he replied, "I'm sorry, Timon, for not believing you."

Timon peeled his eyes open and looked up at the warthog sadly. "And I'm sorry for what I said about you."

"I suppose what hurt the most," Pumbaa sighed, "Was that all of it was true."

Timon stared at him, frowning, wishing he knew what to say to make his pain lessen. But, he didn't need to, for the warthog had already moved on.

"Look Timon, the sun is setting!"

Turning his head, Timon realized wryly that they had a perfect view of the sun slowly dipping behind the land. The right side of his mouth quirked, before he caught himself and he sighed miserably. "Well, get a good look, Pumbaa. That may be the last sunset we ever see."

"If it is, I'm glad I'm sharing it with you, Timon."

Blinking, Timon turned his head back around to look at the warthog, his heart welling with emotion. Slowly, his mouth rose into a smile and he whispered, "Me too."

"Friends?"

"Always and always, ya big lug."

"I promise to always believe you," Pumbaa continued.

Timon smiled a little and gave a shrug, saying carefully, "And I promise that if you do meet a non-homicidal girl, I'll be happy for you."

"Great!" Pumbaa exclaimed. "Now, let's get off this cliff!"

Timon quirked an eyebrow, staring at his enthusiastic friend doubtfully. "Really? And how do you propose we do that?"

"I will toss you up there, and then you can grab a vine and throw it down to me."

Timon's face split into a large smile. "Good idea!" His face soured quickly, however, and he asked, "What if Nuni is still up there?"

"Um... what other options do we have?"

"Good point," he said, struggling to stand up. "Alright, Pumbaa... I guess... let's try it."

"Are you ready?"

"No time to be ready," Timon gulped. "Just do it!"