Darlington's more than able to concede that it's been difficult to keep up his morning runs this last week. Today was no exception, Alex half-asleep in a tangle of sheets and her beloved blanket, grumbling It's too fucking early, Danny into the pillow--along with a few more explicit suggestions as to how they could spend the day--as he dressed in sweats and a longsleeved t-shirt and laced up his running shoes.

It took a lot of effort, leaving her behind like that, but it was only for an hour or two. He wasn't even planning to run his usual six miles.

He's made it to Petros Park, his breath coming in white plumes as he runs down the looping trail that cuts through the heart of the park, when he hears someone call out behind him. Turning his head, his eyebrows raise a little in surprise at the familiar figure gaining on him, and he slows just enough to let Caleb catch up. At least this time, he doesn't look like he's spoiling for any kind of fight.

"Caleb," he says, his tone warm and just on the edge of pleased. "Didn't expect to run into you."