Derek is impressed by just how well Thomas is keeping pace with him, and when he speaks, he sounds light. He sounds happy, and even if it's fleeting, Derek is glad to have helped.

"Oh, I'm just warming up," Derek calls back, but he slows down just a fraction so that he's next to Thomas. He can hear their breathing, their accelerated heartbeats, and he can smell the sweat forming at Thomas' temples. "This way."

Derek leads them into the park, winding them around the large concrete around it at an even pace. A small group of sparrows that had been picking at seeds on the ground go scattering as they approach, tiny wings fluttering rapidly, and Derek looks over at Thomas with a smile.