Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I don't own the song 'Rodeo' either. It belongs to Garth Brooks and as such all rights remain his. This fic is based loosely on the lyrics. Written for pleasure not profit.

Pairing: 2x1x2, past 1xR (sorry!) 3x4

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Angst, fluff, sap, yaoi, Lemons, Lime, AU

Summary: Heero is a rodeo rider, the best on the circuit and looks set to remain there until an up and coming young cowboy appears on the scene.

AN: This fic is based loosely on the lyrics of 'Rodeo' by Garth Brooks - although it is not a song fic.

Dedication: To my lovely beta; Sakura for giving me the plot bunny and for all her hard work in editing my stuff. (No easy feat!) Thanks hun! You're the best!

“Cowboy”

October 2010 ShenLong

Chapter 5

[It’s boots and chapsIt’s cowboys hatsIt’s spurs and latigoRodeo – Garth Brooks]


“Watch him, Heero. He’s in a spiteful mood today,” Joe, the cow hand informed as Heero climbed the rails to straddle the chute and horse below.

“Thanks for that, Joe. I’ll try to remember it.” Beneath him, the appaloosa shifted his weight around, giving a couple of small jumps as the flank strap made its presence known. Heero lowered himself down, keeping his legs clear from the sides of the bronc for the moment. He didn’t need for the horse to get shifty on him and crush his legs against the sides of the chute.

Heero located the hand hold and worked his gloved hand into it, pulling the webbing tight once he was happy with his grip. The horse shifted again, kicking out with one hind leg at the rails that confined him and jostling Heero a little.

The crowd cheered as the last cowboy completed a successful ride and the judges awarded a score of seventy-nine.

“Ready, Heero?” Joe asked from his position at the horse’s head where he was keeping the animal calm.

“Almost,” Heero replied. He lowered his legs and settled his full weight onto the appy’s back. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes for a brief moment, clenched his hand in the hold and nodded to Joe. “Ready.”

The chute opened and Spot tore out. He didn’t begin bucking right away, opting to move away from the chutes a bit and then lowered his head and began a series of bucks, gaining height each time with those powerful hind quarters.

Heero hung on, his teeth gritted against the strain in his shoulders. His hand remained secure in the webbing, the other high above his head as the bronc began to whip around in circles and crow hop at the same time.

It wasn’t easy staying with an animal that was bucking non stop, but to have it spinning in a circle at the same time added a whole new dimension to the game. Heero could feel his weight sliding to the outside and did his best to correct the pull of gravity. His hand started to slip in the hold, the webbing working loose under the tremendous strain.

Feeling his rider becoming unbalanced, Spot changed tactics. He tossed in a couple of large ‘pig roots’ and changed direction with his spins, hind quarters pushing up into the air and throwing Heero completely off balance.

His leg protested the treatment when Heero tried to dig it into the animal’s side and stop his outward momentum. His spurs connected with the bronc’s flanks and sent it into an even faster bucking frenzy. Heero had no clue as to the time, but he knew he was about to part ways with the bronc.

Another twist, another leap and Heero was lost. He managed to work his hand free of the hold and push himself to the side. When the bronc tossed in another buck, Heero felt the pull of the earth and somehow managed to twist himself mid air so as not to land near those hooves.

He hit the dirt on his left shoulder, body tucking and rolling. The siren sounded for the time up a split second after he’d greeted the arena surface and Heero cursed. He’d missed the full eight seconds by a hairs breath and  his leg wasn’t too happy with him either.

“You okay?”

Heero looked up as he sucked air back into his lungs and saw the face of the clown looking down at him, hand outstretched in offer of assistance to rise.

“Yeah, I’m okay,” Heero replied and took the offered hand. “Thanks,” he said as he gained his feet and winced with the sharp pain in his leg. Spot had high tailed it for the arena exit as soon as the cowboy had departed.

“You sure you’re okay?” Trowa asked and handed the cowboy his hat which had come off when Heero hit the ground.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just a bit of a twinge.” Heero placed the hat back on his head and offered a smile and wave to the crowd.

“Unfortunately, Heero Yuy didn’t make the time for the bronc ride and thus there’s no score for him in this competition today. Put your hands together though folks as that was some ride!” the commentator called over the loud speakers.

The crowd all cheered and applauded as Heero left the arena, a slightly heavier limp in his gait this time. He exited and acknowledged the commiserations of his fellow cowboys before a higher pitched voice reached his ears.

“Heero, are you all right?” came the woman’s concerned tone.

“I’m okay,” Heero replied and did his best to give Relena a smile.

“You scared me,” she continued on and noticed he was limping a little more than before. “Come on, I’ll take you to see the doctor,” she stated and put her hand on his arm to lead him in the direction of the rodeo medic.

“No,” Heero stated flatly and removed Relena’s hand. “I’m okay, I didn’t hurt myself with the fall, just a little jarring from the bucking,” he said firmly. “I do not need to see the medic. I’ll sit down for a few minutes and it will ease.”

“But-”

“I said, I’m fine,” Heero growled. “Leave it alone, Relena.” Heero’s voice held a dangerous edge to it.

Swallowing, Relena turned her hurt eyes to his. “All right, I’ll respect your wishes, but I’m not happy with it,” she sniffed.

“Thank you.” Heero turned and hobbled away, entering the cowboys changing area where he knew she couldn’t follow him. He really needed a little time alone.

Relena began to follow, then pulled up short when she realized where he was heading. She frowned and followed that up with a glare as he disappeared inside. Her temper began to rise but there wasn’t anything she could do so she stormed off to fetch herself a cup of tea and try to settle her raw nerves and calm her anger.

Sitting down on the bench, Heero removed his chaps and boots. Propping the right leg up, he rolled the fabric of the jeans to his knee and began to massage the aching leg. It didn’t do a lot to ease the throbbing, but it helped a little bit. He was sorely tempted to make his way back to his trailer and swallow a couple of the pain pills the doctor had given him, but to do that meant he would most likely have to confront Relena again – and he really didn’t want a showdown with the woman right now.

Why the hell couldn’t she just leave him be for a while instead of fussing over him? He was a fucking cowboy for crying out loud! He was supposed to be tough and hardy, able to take the knocks and falls in his stride. The last thing he needed was a sniffling woman on his case. He knew Relena meant well, but it wasn’t helping his overall image to have her constantly hovering over him and treating him as though he was made of spun glass.

He gave a low growl. Why couldn’t she have stayed back home like she usually did whilst he was on the circuit? His fingers continued to kneed the flesh of his calf and he gave a soft yelp when he pushed a little too hard. Fuck Relena anyway, he was here and he wasn’t going to let a simple thing like a fall and jarring of his leg put him out of contention.

“You okay there, buddy?”

Heero’s head jerked up at the sound of a soft voice and he shivered when he saw who was speaking to him.

Duo had been gathering his rig together and about to leave the change rooms when he heard the muttering and soft yelp of pain. Naturally his curiosity got the better of him and he went to investigate. His breath hitched a little when he saw that dark head of hair, but his moment of hormonal interest was dismissed when he noted the cowboy massaging his leg.

“I’m fine,” Heero managed to breathe out. The husky timbre of the other cowboy’s voice had caressed his ears and stirred an unusual feeling inside Heero, one he didn’t know how to translate.

“You don’t look fine,” Duo said calmly and stepped a little closer. “Have an awkward dismount?”

“I’d guess that’s a polite way of saying I stacked it,” Heero returned. “But yes, I did land a little hard.”

“You want me to get the medic?” Duo would have volunteered to massage that leg himself – and the rest of the cowboy too given half a chance, but he’d seen the man with a woman and he wasn’t about to break up a relationship. Duo Maxwell may have been a lot of things, but a home wrecker was not one of them; so he kept his mouth shut on those words.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I’ll be fine in a moment.” Heero found himself wanting to continue the conversation with the other cowboy, but for the life of him, didn’t know why.

“If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure.”

“Okay then. I’d best get moving, my ride is coming up shortly.” Duo paused for a moment, then on impulse, he held his hand out. “I’m Duo Maxwell.”

Heero looked in surprise at the offered hand and then reached out to clasp it in his own and shake it firmly. “Heero, Heero Yuy,” he replied and barely managed not to jump as he felt a flash of  electricity pass though him with the touch. Duo’s hands were strong, calloused and yet gentle too.

“Nice to meet you, Heero,” Duo smiled and then pulled his hand away. He’d have loved to have held onto that hand for a little longer, but didn’t dare.

Heero reluctantly let the hand slip and then mentally shook himself. “Good luck with your ride,” he offered.

“Thanks.” Duo looked thoughtful for a moment. “Aren’t you the guy that had his leg broke by Reaper?” He knew he was, but Duo wanted to converse for a little longer.

“Yeah. He’s one mean spirited bronc.”

“I know. I found that out when I drew him a few weeks back. Bastard tried to take a chunk outta my ass,” Duo replied with a rueful grin.

“Lucky he didn’t succeed,” came Heero’s voice. He lowered his eyes, cheeks feeling a little hot. What the hell had caused him to say that?!

“Ah, yeah,” Duo managed to squeak out. The words had caught him totally off guard. His violet eyes narrowed a touch as he turned those words over in his head. Could his earlier assessment of the cowboy have been wrong? Unfortunately, that was one question Duo wasn’t about to find the answer to any time soon. He needed to get moving for his bronc ride or risk being disqualified.

“I gotta run, can’t afford to lose this ride,” he said. “Good luck for the rest of the competition.”

“Same to you, Duo,” Heero replied.

“Catch ya on the flip side.” With a whirl of chestnut hair, Duo was gone.

Heero sat watching the empty doorway for a couple of minutes and trying to figure out what the hell had just happened.

* * *

Duo felt quite cheerful as he approached the chutes. He’d passed his rig over to Charlie and whilst the cow hand had gotten his bronc ready, he’d slipped into the gents and made certain to stuff some extra padding down his jeans. It was a little uncomfortable to walk with his groin ensconced in a wadded up hand towel, but it was the only item he had that he could use and would offer him some measure of protection from Razorback’s prominent wither.

He hoped no one would detect anything unusual about his gait. For that matter, he sincerely hoped no one would look at his crotch either as it definitely hinted to something very large hiding beneath the denim. “It would be just my luck I’d land someone to fool around with only to have them disappear when they found out this isn’t the real package,” he muttered to himself and then snorted at his own idiocy.

“All ready for you, Duo,” Charlie called out as Duo appeared beside the chute.

“Thanks, man.” Duo climbed the side and paused. He tucked his braid down the back of his shirt, kissed his cross and took a deep breath. He lowered himself down, working his gloved hand into the webbing hold and pulled the strap tight.

Razorback shifted his weight but remained calm.

Happy with his hold, Duo pushed his hat on firmer, lowered his legs and wriggled himself back a touch so he wasn’t in such close proximity with that large wither – and it was prominent. He’d never ridden this bronc before, but had full sympathy for all the other cowboys before him that had. He felt his balls trying to claw their way up and inside his body and wished he could help them.

“You set?”

Duo’s thoughts were dragged back from his retreating assets and clenching his hand in the webbing, he nodded.

“Duo Maxwell has drawn Razorback for his bronc ride! Can he stay on for the full count?” The commentator announced.

“I fuckin’ hope so,” Duo muttered under his breath as the chute door opened and Razorback exploded beneath him.

The bronc launched into a full on bucking frenzy, head jammed between his forelegs, hind ones kicking out repeatedly into the air. When that didn’t work to dislodge the cowboy, he started to jackknife.

Duo’s grip was firm in the webbing, his other arm held high as he did his best to stay with the bronc. His legs moved back and forth in time with the bronc’s bucking and Duo dug his knees in a little tighter as he felt himself slide towards that wither a little.

Razorback crow hopped for a few strides, then spun to the right, adding a couple of good sized bucks to the mix. The crowd cheered the cowboy on.

Teeth rattled in his head as Duo sat a couple of really tough bucks, the following spin had him shifting slightly to the one side, but before he could completely lose his balance, the bronc changed direction and began to spin the other way and thus push Duo back into a good position. With those tactics not working, Razorback began a series of running bucks, hopping across the arena as he tossed the cowboy high into the air.

Feeling some daylight between himself and the bronc’s back, Duo tightened his grip on the hand hold. He continued to slide a little further forward and when the  horse put in another huge buck, he found himself connecting with that large wither.

Duo’s eyes crossed and then watered, a flash of pain traveling the full length of his body. All he wanted to do was grab hold of his crotch, curl into a tight ball and ride the pain out. Unfortunately, right now that wasn’t an option. Stifling the moan that wanted to leave, he held on hard and prayed the torture would be over soon.

Lucky for Duo, the siren went, indicating he’d lasted the eight seconds and a bay blur appeared beside him.

“You okay?” asked Wufei as he reached for the cowboy.

Duo didn’t answer right away, he was trying to free his hand and get off the damn animal before he connected a second time with that wither. He managed to release his hand and grabbed for the pick-up guy, wincing as he was hauled off the bronc’s back.

“Any chance you can drop me close to the rails?” Duo gritted out, his voice a touch higher than normal.

Wufei frowned in concern as Nataku continued his steady lope.

“My balls made a rather sharp connection with the wither,” Duo explained.

“Ouch,” Wufei replied in sympathy and turned Nataku for the rails.

“Thanks,” Duo said as he was set down, eyes still watering and a throbbing in his nether regions.

“A good ride for Duo Maxwell! Judges score is up and it’s a ninety-one!” the commentator announced. The crowd cheered and whistled, Duo did his best not to grimace as he gave a bow and flourish of his hat.

“It would want to be a fucking good score after that torture,” Duo muttered and managed to make his way through one of the chutes instead of climbing the rails. His gait was a little stiff legged, the gents being by-passed in favor of the changing rooms. Right now he wanted to inspect the damage and if he was lucky, grab an ice pack.

Fortunately the change rooms were empty when he got there, Duo didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Part of him had hoped that Heero might still be there.

‘For what?’  his conscience questioned. ‘Not like you could ask the guy to kiss  the hurt better – he’s straight.’

“I know that,” Duo growled at his conscience. “But there’s nothing wrong with wishful thinking.”

‘Yeah, and pigs might fly too.’

Duo snickered. “Actually, they do. Haven’t you seen the copper chopper?”

His conscience snorted.

* * *

By the time the saddle bronc ride came around, Duo’s nether regions were feeling a lot better. Amazing what a couple of strong pain killers and cool water could do. He’d not been game to try the ice pack, fearing his balls might completely retreat on him and never come out again.

Heero was also feeling better. He’d applied an ice pack to his leg and managed to obtain some pain killers from another cowboy, thus avoiding having to go back to his trailer for his own and risk running into Relena before he was ready to face her again. He was still getting twinges, but nothing he couldn’t handle.

Eventually he’d come out of the change rooms and found Relena; the woman had calmed down quite a bit and whilst her frown told him she wasn’t happy with him, she was prepared to tolerate his stubbornness Walking towards the chutes, he spotted that long braid of chestnut hair standing next to chute two.

“Isn’t that the cowboy that almost got bitten by that nasty bronc the other week on the television?” Relena asked as she also recognized the long braid of hair.

“Yes,” Heero replied and then turned his attention to chute one where Shotgun was waiting for him.

“I hope he’s okay after that,” she said in a soft tone.

Heero looked sharply at Relena and felt a sudden urge to protect the other cowboy from her sweep over him. He shook his head, unable to understand why he should have had such a feeling. He didn’t know the other cowboy, they’d barely traded names, but he still felt protective for some odd reason. Heero took a deep breath and cleared his head of such stupid thoughts. He needed to focus on his ride, not the mother hen tendencies of his girlfriend.

“Next up is Heero Yuy; he’s drawn Shotgun for his saddle bronc ride today!”

Heero nodded to the chute man and grit his teeth. The bronc began bucking as soon as the chute gate was open, coming dangerously close to the rails a few times. Heero could only pray and hope the horse would move away, he didn’t fancy being crushed up against the rails.

Steadily, Shotgun bucked his way towards the center of the arena, Heero managing to stay with the animal. His legs swung back and forth, upper body moving in countenance to his lower half. One hand high in the air and all his concentration focused on remaining on top of the horse.

Having the saddle and the stirrups did help a bit with keeping his balance, although it was still no easy feat to stay aboard when the horse was determined to plant you in the dirt. Shotgun’s hind legs went straight up in the air, his head tucked between his knees. Heero was almost lying on the animal’s back and hoping his time was almost up.

Quatre looked to the electronic timer. “Come on, Sandy. Time’s almost done,” he said and encouraged the chestnut forward.

“Want me to go for the flank strap?” Wufei asked as he joined his fellow rider.

“Yeah. I’ll grab the cowboy.”

The siren sounded and a relieved Heero brought his free hand down to grab hold of the front of the saddle and help with his balance. There was no saddle horn there, the horn was removed on the bronc saddles for safety reasons. He caught the approach of the chestnut on his left side and prepared himself for the pick-up.

Urging Sandy along, Quatre drew level with the cowboy, Heero reaching out and grabbing hold of Quatre and his saddle. Wufei was a split second behind and released the flank strap. With the irritation now gone, Shotgun stopped his bucking and looked for the open gate that he knew would take him back to the corrals. Spotting it, he trotted calmly from the arena.

Drawing rein, Sandy came to a walk and Quatre let the cowboy drop to the ground.

“Thanks,” Heero grinned and turned to wave his hat at the crowd. He knew he’d done a good ride and the best part was, his leg hadn’t given him too much trouble.

The judges also thought Heero’s ride was a good one and gave him a score of eighty-nine.

As soon as Heero was clear of the arena, chute two opened and a bronc came flying out. The horse took a  couple of  strides, cleared the chutes and then started to buck.

For a moment there, Duo wondered if he’d drawn a dud and would have to ask for a re-ride. The horse simply jumped forth and cantered a couple of strides before halting. But then the bronc decided it was back to business and began to buck solidly.

Holding the halter rope in his right hand, Duo made sure to keep his left hand clear of himself, the bronc and the saddlery. Whizz decided that straight out bucking wasn’t going to be effective so he began to spin in circles, bucking madly at the same time.

“Fuck, he’s got some spin speed on him,” Heero muttered from where he was watching through the rails. Relena hadn’t gotten back to him yet so he’d opted to watch the long haired cowboy’s ride.

Whizz was doing exactly that – whizzing around in circles whilst still tossing the cowboy around on his back.

Duo was starting to feel a little sick, not to mention losing his balance. When Whizz gave another half rear then followed it with a huge buck and twist, Duo decided the eight seconds could be dammed, he wasn’t going to last that long and thought it best to bail out now.

Kicking his feet clear of the stirrups, the horse twisted again underneath him and Duo lost all balance and control. He found himself flying off to the left, the arena surface coming up fast. He tucked himself into a ball and did his best to remain relaxed as he bit the dust.

Heavy hooves landed a few centimeters away from Duo’s back, the cowboy feeling the air from the close encounter. Not waiting to see what was happening, or if all his limbs were working, Duo uncurled and pushed himself to his feet, sprinting towards the fence and away from those flashing hooves.

Whizz continued to buck until the flank strap was released, then he galloped for the exit.

“What a shame, folks. Duo Maxwell just missed the count by two seconds. Still, that was a very brave ride and I'm sure he will be back to have his revenge. No score for Duo in the saddle bronc today.”

Waving to the crowd, Duo wasn’t too disappointed with the no score; at least he was still in one piece. With his hat back on his head, he gave a cocky grin and whistling to himself, he set off for his trailer to have a short break before getting Scythe ready for the bulldogging.

Heero’s heart had been in his mouth as he watched those hooves barely miss the other cowboy. His breath left him in a rush when the cowboy jumped to his feet and got out of the way. “Shit, that was close,” he muttered.

“He’s lucky he didn’t get stepped on,” Relena stated as she appeared beside Heero.

“Yeah, he is,” Heero replied in a quiet tone, his blue eyes soft as they tracked the other cowboy until he was out of sight.

Beside Heero, Relena watched the cowboy walking away and turned back to say something to Heero. She noticed the look in his eyes and where they were focused. Her own eyes narrowed and an uneasy feeling settled in her gut.

~ * ~

tbc...
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