No More Stripes (Beastars)

Whoops

The chill, early morning breeze was exactly what Bill needed to wake himself up and get his mind off everything. Added with the empty running track, he could freely jog at his leisure. Well, his and someone else's leisure.

He stopped and turned around, still jogging in place. Far behind him was Jack, panting and heaving, sweats pouring down his body as he tried to catch up to the tiger.

"C'mon, tired already?"

Between heavy breaths, he answered, "I... I can't..." Jack stopped and bent down on his knees. "Oh god."

Bill ran over and rubbed his back, hoping it'd provide some comfort. "Wanna catch a break?"

He shook his head. His legs were shaking, though his voice stayed firm. "I want to keep going."

"You say that, but you look like you're about to pass out."

"That's... cause I am." Jack stood up, wiping his sweat away with the sleeve of his shirt. "But at least I want to get one- no, two more laps in."

Bill grinned. He could see the determination in his eyes. "That's what I like to see. Chicks love muscles. Wait, I guess it's guys in your case." He stroked his chin, then shrugged. "Eh, I'm sure they like their bottoms toned."

Jack chuckled. "Still going to be awful compared to yo- Did you just call me a bottom?"

Bill started jogging in place. "I'll run ahead while you catch your breath." And with that, he ran. He waved his hand without looking back. "Hope you don't mind eating my dust!"

"Screw you!"

"But you're the bottom!"

He was already on the other side of the field, too far to hear whatever Jack shouted back. He couldn't help but snicker as he turned on the curved path.

It was great, being out and about like this again. The past weeks have been filled with nothing but studying for that damn test he couldn't put in time to work on his body. And who knew someone else wanted to join in?

I want to get stronger.

Bill couldn't be any happier after hearing Jack utter those words. He knew the lab had problems with being weak, always comparing himself to his ancestors, being an 'artificial'. Engineered to be weaker but smarter than the wolves, as he told him. So it gave Bill motivation to do the same, seeing him trying to improve himself like this. It was attracti—

He shook himself out of that train of thought.

The turn ended, and he was running in a straight line again. To his side across the field, he could see Jack jogging again. Determined indeed.

Jack caught him staring and stuck out his tongue. Bill only smirked back, earning a pout. Oh, it was to tease and play with him.

It didn't take long for Bill to reach the next turn. Before he knew it, he saw Jack running in front of him.

"Hah, slowpoke!"

Jack shot a glare back at him. "At least I'm trying!"

Bill chuckled. He was ready to overtake him, but... He gulped, biting his lower lips as his gaze lowered.

He didn't want to lose the view.

Each cheek swayed and lifted, giving Bill a perfect look of what an ass like that does in motion. Even with his tail swaying in the way, it was still a sight. It didn't help that the gym shorts were hugging them tight, giving every curve a unique detail.