race me! race me!

Hanako was happy to run alone. She was quick to find her stride, her form swift and graceful as she rushed over the sand. It was easy, natural and almost thoughtless, like she was finally living up to her design. Doing what all wolves ought to do; run free and wild. But more than that, whether she realised it or not, she found peace in the fact that she didn't have to pretend, there were no masks for her to wear or roles to adopt. In the here and now she was Hanako, nothing more and nothing less.

And then she wasn't alone. She had no idea where he'd come from or how he'd managed to catch up so effortlessly but there he was, a grey blur running alongside and reveling in the freedom they'd found. Hanako grinned so wide her lips hurt. His joy was infectious and even though she could hardly spare the breath she let out a laugh that made her sides heave. What a sight they must have been, rushing along as though their arses were on fire. But it was more than that, or at least Hanako thought that it could be. She wasn't exactly the competitive sort but she wanted to see what her running partner was capable of,  or in other words how fast he could go. She offered him a side glance, hoping to catch his eye.

"To..that...tree." She muttered between panted breaths, hoping he'd take the hint.

The tree in question was obvious, tall and slanted and about 200 yards down the beach. Whoever passed the tree first would be the winner, could the rules be any more simple? As to what the prize would be...she wasn't sure and nor did she really care in that moment. It all seemed so far away, almost irrelevant as she looked ahead and saw nothing but a haze of sand and the rise and fall of her slender legs.