Derek laughs at that, tossing his head back with the force of it. He turns to look at Thomas with a smirk, reaching out to jab him lightly with his elbow. "Must have been some damn nice rocks."

They settle into something steady, and Derek lets his breathing fall into sync with Thomas' as their shoes hit the dirt, kicking dust up behind him as they run. The sun shines down through the trees, dappling the trail with bright patches of warmth. It's peaceful out here, nearly silent except for the birds and the critters, their breathing, and the steady beating of their hearts, loud and healthy.

"I like it out here," Derek says, but he's sure that Thomas already knows.