Ronan went this fast whenever he possibly could. This made him feel alive. Like he couldn't be touched by anything. He left the demands of the life his family name forced on him behind and there was nothing but the horse, the wind, the ground churning under the powerful hooves. Faster. Faster. The word echoed in his head with every beat of his heart.

This time he wasn't alone. The arms around his waist and the heat of another body against his back changed the usual dynamic. He couldn't help but to think about what not feeling lonely might feel like. What having this other boy around day in and day out might feel like. Would it feel like it felt right now?

Maybe he did need a friend. Maybe.

The horse slowed as they reached the end of the path. The trees around them opened up and faded into a sandy beach. He slipped from the horse and looked up at Adam, offering a hand to help him down.