He couldn't remember the last time that he'd seen Bagheera move so quickly. The panther seemed to be in their natural element as they ran through the grassy fields. Occasionally, they'd stop and look back to him with glinting eyes and a toothy smile only to vanish once again like a blur. Eventually, Lazarus took to running after them. The action distantly reminded him of the storybooks that he'd read where a boy would happily run with his dog through fields of flowers until it was time for them to head home. The only differences being that he was a grown man and Bagheera was far more interesting a domestic dog.

The panther eventually collapsed in a heap after they had their fill of running and Lazarus slowed his pace.

"That was fantastic!"

He rolled his eyes and knelt down to brush his fingers through Bagheera's fur. His companion purred and rolled over this way and that to give his hand purchase to the desired spots on their stomach.

"You've been very supportive this week, it is the least I could do."

Bagheera opened one eye and purred, tail swishing from side to side.

"Well, as long as you're cognizant of my efforts, I suppose this is good enough."

Lazarus sat down and looked to the sky. They spent many of their days like this, working hard in the morning until the sun disappeared beyond the horizon and then relaxing during the night. Perhaps it was because if he worked off his energy he wouldn't be restless at night or if he worked hard enough, he could stave off the thoughts in his head.

"You're thinking too hard again," Bagheera reminded. "Just be at peace for now. It's a beautiful night and we're both alive. Isn't that enough?"

Honestly, he wished that it was. And if he could convince himself for a moment that it was then that'd be enough. The pair sat in silence for awhile only moving slightly to adjust themselves every few minutes.

"Did you hear that?"

Bagheera's ear perked up and they grumbled and settled down.

"Probably more stargazers."