Running wild

Wren's heart raced as she leaned in closer, her lips almost touching Ryoko's. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a moment of longing. Ryoko's eyes locked onto Wren's, her gaze burning with intensity. Just as their lips were about to meet, a cheerful voice pierced the air, shattering the tension. "Hey, what's going on here? Looks like a lovers' rendezvous!" Wren and Ryoko sprang apart, their faces flushing as they turned to face the newcomer. Dawna, the blonde girl from the camp, stood before them, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. Her tone was slightly mocking, her gaze lingering on Wren's flustered expression. Wren's voice caught in her throat as she tried to stammer an explanation. Ryoko quickly intervened, her face composed, but a hint of irritation flickering in her eyes. "Dawna, we were just... uh... discussing horse care. Wren is new to saddling up, and I was showing her the ropes."

Dawna snorted, her eyes rolling. "Save it, Ryoko. I've seen the way you two look at each other. You're not fooling anyone." Wren's face burned as Dawna turned to her, a condescending smile plastered on her face. "Sweetie, you need to be careful. Ryoko's not exactly... available. She's got a reputation, if you know what I mean." Ryoko's eyes flashed with anger, her voice low and even. "Dawna, that's enough. Wren can make her own decisions." Dawna shrugged, her blonde ponytail bobbing as she turned to leave. "Just looking out for the new girl, Ryoko. Don't want her getting hurt." As Dawna walked away, Wren felt a mix of emotions: embarrassment, frustration, and a hint of defensiveness.

She turned to Ryoko, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ryoko, I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble." Ryoko's expression softened, her eyes gentle. "Wren, it's not your fault. Dawna can be... a bit much sometimes. Let's just focus on getting ready to leave, okay?" Wren nodded, her heart still racing from the almost-kiss and the awkward encounter. She knew she had to be more careful, but she couldn't help the way she felt. And she was determined to explore these new emotions, no matter the danger. As they returned to saddling up Ryoko's horse, Wren couldn't help but steal glances at Ryoko, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. She knew she had to tread carefully, but she was ready to face whatever came next.

After finishing the saddling, Ryoko climbed onto her horse with grace, her movements fluid and effortless. She patted the horse's neck, her eyes shining with excitement. Gerndor, who was watching from a distance, approached them, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "Where are you two off to?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle. Ryoko smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just giving Wren a riding lesson, Gerndor. She's new to this, and I want to make it easier for her."

Gerndor nodded, his expression understanding. "Ah, good thinking. Be careful, though." Ryoko nodded, then turned forward, her focus on the path ahead. Wren climbed onto the back of the horse, her arms wrapping tightly around Ryoko's waist, her face pressed against Ryoko's back. She held on for dear life, her knuckles white with tension. As they took off galloping, the wind rushing past them, Wren screamed in fear, her grip tightening around Ryoko.

But as they rode on, the wind whipping through their hair, Wren's fear turned to joy. She started screaming in exhilaration, her laughter echoing through the landscape. Ryoko grinned, her eyes shining with happiness, her heart soaring with the thrill of the ride. She leaned forward, her body swaying in rhythm with the horse's gallop. Her long, dark hair flowed behind her like a river of night, and her cloak billowed out like a dark cloud. The world blurred around them, the trees and hills a green and brown blur, as they rode on, free and wild, their spirits soaring. Wren's screams of joy turned to tears of happiness, her face still pressed against Ryoko's back. As they finally slowed to a stop, Ryoko laid a gentle hand on Wren's arms, her touch soft and reassuring.

Wren looked up, her eyes sparkling with happiness, and Ryoko smiled, her heart full of warmth. She patted Wren's hands, her fingers brushing against Wren's softly. "You did great, Wren," Ryoko said, her voice low and husky. "You're a natural." Wren blushed, her face flushing with pleasure. "Thanks to you, Ryoko," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Ryoko's face softened, her eyes shining with warmth. "Anytime, Wren."

Ryoko swung off the horse, her movements graceful and fluid. She smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth, as she turned to Wren, who remained seated on the horse. "Now it's your turn to take control, Wren," she said, her voice low and encouraging. "Remember, gentle hands and a soft voice. That's the key to communicating with horses." Wren nodded, her eyes wide with excitement, as she gathered the reins in her hands. Ryoko stood beside her, offering guidance and support, as Wren urged the horse into a walk. "Great job, Wren!" Ryoko exclaimed, her voice full of enthusiasm, as the horse began to move.

"Remember to keep your heels down and your back straight. And don't forget to communicate with him through the reins." Wren nodded, her face set in determination, as she guided the horse through a series of turns and circles. Ryoko offered words of encouragement and guidance, as Wren's confidence grew with each passing moment. As they finally came to a stop, Ryoko patted the horse's neck, her eyes shining with warmth. "You're a natural, Wren," she said, her voice low and husky. "You're so... cute when you're concentrating." Wren's face flushed bright red, her eyes widening in surprise, as she stared down at Ryoko. Ryoko's face went still, her eyes frozen, as she realized what she had just said. Wren's reaction was immediate. She looked like she had been struck by lightning, her face burning with embarrassment and pleasure. She quickly looked away, her eyes fixed on the horizon, as she tried to compose herself.

Ryoko's face softened, her eyes shining with warmth, as she reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair out of Wren's face. "I mean, you're a great rider, Wren," she said, her voice low and gentle. "You have a real talent for this."

As they walked, Wren turned her head, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ryoko? Can I ask you something?" Ryoko's arms tightened around her waist. "Of course, Wren. What's on your mind?" Wren's voice was hesitant. "Did you mean it when you said I was... cute?" Ryoko's face lit up with a flirtatious grin. "Oh, Wren... I meant it and so much more. You're cute, hot, adorable, and absolutely captivating. Your smile lights up the entire forest, and your eyes sparkle like diamonds in the sunlight." Wren's face flushed bright red, her eyes dropping to the horse's mane.

Ryoko's arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer. "Wren, you're an amazing rider, a talented warrior, and a beautiful person inside and out. Don't ever forget that," Ryoko whispered, her breath tickling Wren's ear. Wren's eyes lifted, locking onto Ryoko's gaze. They stared at each other longingly, the tension between them intense. The horse came to a stop, but they didn't notice, lost in the depths of each other's eyes. Ryoko's face was inches from Wren's, her voice barely above a whisper. "You make my heart race, Wren. You make me feel alive." Wren's lips parted, her voice barely audible. "You make me feel the same way, Ryoko." Their faces drew closer, the air thick with anticipation. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their gaze.

Wren's voice broke the silence, her words barely above a whisper. "Ryoko, what did Dawna mean when she said you had a reputation?" Ryoko's face froze, her eyes glazing over like ice. She hadn't expected Wren to bring it up again. Her arms tightened around Wren's waist, but she didn't answer. Wren turned her head, her eyes locked onto Ryoko's face.

"Ryoko, please tell me. I want to understand." Ryoko's gaze dropped, her voice barely audible. "It's just... the last person I was with, I hurt them. But only because they wouldn't understand, Wren. They wouldn't stand for my boundaries, my needs. They tried to control me, to manipulate me. And I won't tolerate that." Wren's eyes widened, her face softening with compassion. "Oh, Ryoko... I'm so sorry. That must have been really tough for you." Ryoko's face twisted, her voice laced with pain. "Everyone else blames me for ending things, for being too harsh. But they don't understand, Wren. I won't be abused, I won't be controlled. I'd rather be alone than go through that again." Wren's arms wrapped around Ryoko's waist, holding her close. "You're not alone, Ryoko. I'm here for you. And I understand. You deserve to be respected, to be loved for who you are." Ryoko's face crumbled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Wren... thank you. Just... thank you for understanding."

Wren couldn't resist anymore, her heart racing with desire. She slid off the horse, her eyes locked onto Ryoko's face. "Ryoko, get down," she said, her voice husky with emotion. Ryoko's face furrowed in confusion, but she obeyed, sliding off the horse. "Wren, what's—" But Wren didn't let her finish. She pulled Ryoko into her arms, her lips crashing down on Ryoko's in a passionate kiss. Ryoko's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly melted into the embrace, her lips parting in invitation.

The kiss was like a wildfire, burning hot and fierce. Wren's lips moved hungrily over Ryoko's, devouring her mouth with a hunger she couldn't contain. Ryoko's arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her close, their bodies pressed together like magnets. Wren's fingers tangled in Ryoko's hair, her thumbs tracing the curves of her face. Ryoko's hands roamed over Wren's back, her fingers tracing the curves of her spine. The kiss deepened, their tongues dancing in a sensual rhythm, their breathing synchronized. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their passion.

The kiss was a mix of sweet and fierce, gentle and wild, a perfect blend of their desire and attraction. As they finally broke apart, gasping for air, Ryoko's eyes sparkled with wonder. "Wren... that was—" Wren's fingers traced Ryoko's lips, her voice barely above a whisper. "I couldn't help myself, Ryoko. I needed to do that." Ryoko's face softened, her eyes shining with affection. "I'm glad you did, Wren. That was amazing."

Wren's eyes sparkled with excitement, her face flushed with emotion. "Are we going to tell the others about this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, her words tumbling out in a rush. Ryoko's face hesitated, her eyes clouding over like a stormy sky. She looked away, her jaw clenched, her fingers drumming against her thigh. "I don't think so, Wren. Not yet, at least," she said finally, her voice low and husky. "I want to keep this between us for now. Just us." Wren nodded understandingly, her face softening like a summer breeze. "Okay, Ryoko. I get it," she said, her voice gentle, her eyes filled with empathy. They stood there for a while, their eyes locked on each other, their faces inches apart.

The tension between them grew, their bodies still humming with desire. They didn't need words; their eyes said it all. Finally, Ryoko broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper. "We should get back." Wren nodded, her eyes never leaving Ryoko's face. "Yeah." Ryoko slid onto the back of the horse, her arms wrapping around Wren's waist, her fingers intertwining with hers. Wren leaned back into her embrace, her head resting on Ryoko's shoulder, their bodies swaying gently in rhythm with the horse's gait. As they rode, Ryoko's face nestled in the curve of Wren's neck, her lips brushing against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. Wren's hands tightened around Ryoko's, her fingers tracing the lines of her palms. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the intensity of their passion.