"You told me to start us off!" Derek called back, laughing into the wind. "Is this not what you meant?"

He can hear Thomas closing the distance between them, heart beating fast as breath leaves his lungs in quick little punches. Derek has never encountered a human that can run like Thomas can, so fast and steady all at once. It's sort of amazing to witness.

Derek slows his pace enough for Thomas to catch up to him, but they're still running fast, and they move together easily through the trees. It's fun, and the trash talk isn't too bad either.

"Oh, glad to see you could make it," Derek teases once he can spot Thomas out of the corner of his eye. "Enjoy the view back there?"