For a long few moments, we're howling together. I mix it up a little, barking between howls, trying to make something a little musical out of it and grinning when it seems like Derek's playing along. Or at least it feels like I'm grinning. My tail certainly won't stop wagging.

I'm a little winded when Derek cuts me off with a sharp, playful bark and then he's knocking into me again, sending me falling into a pile of leaves. We wrestle, toppling over a hillside and some part of me thinks it should probably hurt -- there are sticks and stones poking me in the back the whole way down -- but it doesn't. It barely registers at all, really.

We come to a rest at the bottom, my heart still pounding, and my whole body rocked with adrenaline, like coming off the ice after a great game. Derek's on his back, his head resting against my leg and I curl enough to nuzzle the side of his head, licking gratefully.

I feel so good all over. It's easy to let my eyes close for just a moment, to enjoy the feel of Derek against me, warm and happy.