Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

[ 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 7

[She does her best to hold himWhen his love comes to callBut his need for it controls himAnd her backs against the wall
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]


Duo got himself over to the muster area with a couple of minutes to spare. The cowboy before him had just entered the arena for his turn so Duo took a moment to calm both himself and his horse before their turn. Beneath him, Scythe practically vibrated, ears pricked and eyes alert on the arena and the current goings on.

The cowboy before him roped his calf and came out with a time of eight seconds. Nudging Scythe, Duo rode over to enter the arena and take his place in the box. Whilst waiting for the calf to be gotten ready, Duo removed the piggin’ string from around the horn, checked the coil on it and put it in his mouth. Next, he removed the lariat, making doubly sure it was secured to the saddle horn before looping it up and holding it in his right hand; in his left, he loosely held the reins.

“Next up in the calf roping we have Duo Maxwell!” the commentator announced.

The calf was secured with a soft rope, the cow hands backing up and getting ready to release the calf once Duo gave the nod. Scythe was almost dancing on the spot, his body quivering and eyes locked onto the arena where he instinctively knew the calf would be making a run for it. Duo was a little perplexed with the stallion’s behavior. Sure Scythe was normally on his toes in these sorts of events, but for some reason, the stallion seemed to be even more excited than usual; it was as if the horse was trying to show off. Duo shrugged it off for the moment; he’d worry about his horse’s behavior later – for now he had a calf to rope and a good time to set.

Eyes fixated on the waiting calf, Duo began to swing his lariat and gave the nod to the cow hand.

The calf took off at a flat out run, Scythe tore out of the ‘box’ in hot pursuit. Duo swung the lariat around and over his head as Scythe surged forth, tossing it expertly towards the calf. The rope landed perfectly around the neck of the calf.

As soon as the rope left his hand, Duo was throwing himself off Scythe’s right side and immediately the stallion felt his rider’s weight leaving the saddle, he slammed the brakes on, haunches sliding right underneath his body as he brought himself to a sliding stop. The rope pulled taut and Scythe began to take a couple of slow steps backwards.

Duo’s feet were in motion before they hit the dirt, running along the length of the rope with one hand on it, pulling the piggin’ string from his mouth with the other and eyes firmly on the calf ahead. Reaching the calf, he grabbed a hold of it and flipped it to its side, left hand with the piggin’ string grabbing the front leg whilst his right hand grasped the two hind legs and brought them forward to meet with the foreleg. The string was wrapped around at lightning speed, Duo jumping to his feet and putting his hands in the air a second later.

Scythe kept a steady tension on the rope, keeping the calf in the one place whilst his master did the job of tying the calf up. When Duo’s hands went up in the air, Scythe relaxed and took a  step forward, the rope slackening off a touch.

“Excellent display of roping there folks! Duo Maxwell scored seven point three seconds and goes into the lead!”

Duo grinned and waved to the crowd who were all cheering madly. With the grin still on his face, he walked back towards Scythe. “Easy, boy. You can come forward now,” he soothed. Scythe relaxed further and took a couple more steps towards his master. Duo reached out and petted the appy’s muzzle. “You were great, Scythe,” he said and then moved to the stallion’s side and swung himself back into the saddle.

The judge checked the calf was tied correctly and gave the all clear. The cow hand removed the lariat from around the calf’s neck and quickly undid the piggin’ string, the calf jumped up and with a loud bellow, aimed for the opening it could see at the far end of the arena. The cow hand approached Duo with the string and handed it over, Duo taking it with a word of thanks.

The lariat was coiled up again and slipped over the saddle horn, the piggin’ string following. With a wave once more to the crowd, Duo nudged the stallion and Scythe went straight into a steady lope, cantering slowly around the arena and out of the exit so the next cowboy could have his turn.

*

“He’s good.”

Heero turned around in his saddle to see Relena standing beside Wing. “Yeah, he is,” Heero replied, wondering just how long the woman had been standing there. He felt a blush stealing over his cheeks and shook his head. He had no reason to be embarrassed; he’d only been watching a fellow cowboy.

Why then did he feel guilty?

“You’re better,” came Relena’s voice again.

“I don’t know, anything can happen and that’s a pretty stiff time to beat.”

“I don’t recall having seen him around on the circuit before,” Relena continued. “I wonder where he came from?”

Heero was wondering the same thing, but didn’t voice those thoughts. “I don’t know.”

“I suppose I could always ask him,” Relena said slyly. She was fishing here, trying to see what Heero’s reaction would be to her suggestion. She wasn’t sure just what the deal was, but Heero seemed to be interested in this greenhorn and Relena intended to find out why.

“I don’t  think that would be very polite,” Heero growled.

Relena bit her tongue, knowing to push Heero now would only result in him getting upset with her, so she let the comment slide. “How’s Wing feeling?” she asked, changing the subject and patting the stallion on the shoulder.

“He’s in fine form,” Heero replied.

“Good. Is your leg okay?”

“It’s not hurting me and I don’t expect it to give me any problem in the roping either.” Heero’s tone was short.

“There’s no need to snap my head off,” Relena huffed.

Heero sighed, realizing he’d been quite rude to her without intending to be. “I’m sorry,” he said and leaned down over Wing’s shoulder to rest his hand upon her upper arm. He pulled her closer and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. “It's my turn in a minute,” he said.

“Good luck,” Relena whispered and added a smile. “You’ll be just great.”

“Thanks.” Heero gave her a smile in return and turning Wing, rode towards the arena entrance.

Taking the piggin’ string from the saddle horn, Heero checked it over and placed it in his mouth. The cow hand was securing the calf and Heero took advantage of the few seconds to get Wing all set. The lariat was secure on the horn, loose end in Heero’s hand as he positioned Wing by the gate entry. He began to swing the lariat around and with his eyes on the calf, he nodded to the cow hand.

The calf was released and immediately bolted forward. Wing saw the flash of black at the same time as his master gave him the aid to go. Ears flat back, Wing shot out of the box and high tailed it after the calf. Heero swung the lariat a couple of times before sending it whizzing though the air where it sailed over the calf’s head and settled around its neck.

As soon as the rope left his hand, Heero was jumping off, grabbing the rope with one hand and pulling the piggin’ string from his mouth with the other. Wing stopped in  mid stride, forelegs outstretched to stop the forward momentum and hind quarters digging in deep to assist in the braking. He slid to a halt and started to back up, taking up the slack in the lariat and holding the calf in place for Heero.

Heero moved fast, ignoring the slight pain in his leg and pounced on the calf. The animal was grabbed and placed on its side, Heero reached for the front leg and both hind legs, bringing them together and tying them quickly. The string was wrapped around, pulled and Heero jumped to his feet, hands in the air.

“Well folks, that was great roping by Heero Yuy. His time is seven point five seconds and that puts him in second place behind Duo Maxwell!”

Heero waved to the crowd as he approached Wing, the stallion backing a couple of paces and pulling the poor calf along the ground a little way.

“Whoa, boy, stand up,” Heero murmured. Wing’s ears flicked in his direction as he stopped and listened to his master. “Good boy,” Heero said and picked up the dangling reins. He coaxed the stallion forward a few paces to take the pull from the rope and enable the Judge to check the calf and the cow hand to release the lariat and piggin’ string.

Slipping a foot into the stirrup, Heero swung himself back into the saddle and raised his hat to the crowd. “Thanks,” he said to the cow hand as he took the offered string and lariat. Coiling them both up quickly, he placed them over the saddle horn and pushed the paint forward. The calf had escaped out the arena to join his friends, Heero riding out the other side and back into the muster area where an excited Relena was waiting for him.

Heero dismounted and found himself with an armful of proud woman, Relena hugging him tight.

“That was great, Heero,” she said and reached for his lips, kissing him soundly.

His arm automatically wound itself around her waist as he returned the kiss, eyes closing and just enjoying the moment. As they broke apart and his eyes opened again, he had to blink for a couple of seconds and clear his head – he could have sworn the eyes looking back at him had been violet. Blinking again, he focused on the blue eyes of Relena. A cold chill swept down his spine as he suddenly realized he’d been dreaming he’d been kissing Duo.

*

Across the muster area, Duo sat easily upon Scythe’s back and watched the cowboys trying to beat his time. His attention focused even more when he recognized Heero ride in for his turn. His gaze never shifted as Heero roped the calf and tied the legs; only when Heero raised his hands did Duo’s eyes move, and then they went to the clock for the time. He let a low whistle pass through his teeth. “Shit, that’s close,” he muttered.

The commentator announced the official time and Duo couldn’t help but grin. He was still in the lead. Straightening himself in his saddle, Duo turned Scythe with the intent of riding over to the other cowboy to congratulate him - and maybe have a bit more of a conversation with the man who had captured his interest.

Scythe had only taken a couple of paces when Duo drew rein, pulling the horse to a sudden halt. His eyes watched as Heero dismounted and was caught up in a hug from a woman. He watched as lips gravitated together, the pair sharing a deep kiss. He felt like a bucket of icy water had been thrown over him and he lowered his eyes, the smile disappearing from his face. Who had he been kidding?

Turning Scythe, Duo began to ride away, desperately needing a little time to himself. Oh, he’d known the other cowboy was in a relationship, and he respected that; but he thought he’d seen something, a hint that Heero might just be interested in getting to know him better. If he was honest with himself, he liked the guy... okay, maybe a little more than like, but the all too brief conversations he’d had with the other man had left him yearning for more.

He knew he couldn’t act on those feelings, but he would have liked to have gotten to know the other cowboy a bit better – and see if what he’d noticed could possibly mean the cowboy just might be interested in guys too.

With a sigh, Duo made up his mind. He’d have to settle for friendship then, maybe get to know the guy’s girlfriend too and with any luck he may get some insight into the man. Plastering a smile to his face, Duo swallowed the lump in his throat and turned Scythe once more to the mustering area.

The final cowboy was entering the arena for his shot at the roping. Duo spotted Heero still standing to the side and with the mask firmly in place, he rode over to him.

“That was a good piece of roping,” Duo said as he brought Scythe to a stop.

Turning, Heero’s eyes lit up when they landed on the other cowboy. “Thank you,” he replied. “Yours was a really fast time and I don’t think anyone will beat it.”

Duo patted Scythe’s neck. “I’m just lucky enough to have an excellent partner,” he stated, referring to his stallion.

“He’s a good cow pony alright,” Heero said and reached out to pat Scythe’s neck.

Wing gave an angry snort and pushed Heero in the back with his nose. He didn't want  his master showing any other horse any form of affection! Those pats and praise belonged to him!

“Wing!” Heero scolded and pushed the stallion back a bit. “Remember your manners.”

Scythe blew through his nostrils and gave the other stallion a smug look

Duo chuckled. “I think he’s a little jealous. He doesn’t need to be though, he’s  a fine horse himself.”

Relena had stood to the side, watching the conversation and interaction between the two and decided it was high time to make her presence known. “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” she said stepping forward and offering her hand.

“I’m sorry,” Heero said quickly. “Seems Wing isn’t the only one forgetting his manners.”

“That’s okay,” Duo replied and dismounted, stepping to the front of his horse and taking Relena’s hand in his own. He raised the hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to the woman’s knuckles. “Duo Maxwell, ma’am. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And this big lump behind me is Scythe.”

“Duo, this is my girlfriend, Relena Peacecraft,” Heero said.

“Pleased to meet you too, Mr Maxwell.”

“Call me Duo,” Duo replied as he let the woman’s hand go. He couldn’t help but notice a touch of what sounded like regret when Heero said the word ‘girlfriend’ - interesting.

Reaching forward, Relena patted the appaloosa’s neck. “He’s a lovely horse, Duo.”

“Thank you, I think so too, but then again, I’m biased,” Duo replied with a grin.

“You ride very well, I’m impressed with your skills. Have you been on the circuit long? I don’t seem to recall seeing you around before.”

Before Duo had the chance to answer, the commentator announced the final cowboy’s time of eight point four seconds and then proceeded to call out the final placings.

“I’m sorry, I gotta get going,” Duo apologized and mounted his horse.

“That’s quite alright,” Relena said and stepped back. “Maybe we can continue this conversation some other time?”

“That would be nice.”

Heero also mounted and turned Wing towards the arena entrance. “I’ll be back in a moment,” he said, tone a little short. He couldn’t help but feel jealous with the way Relena was chatting to Duo.  Funny thing was, he wasn’t jealous in the terms of Duo chatting to his girlfriend, but rather the opposite!

That thought shocked him to the core, but he couldn’t shake the feeling. Gathering up his reins, he followed Duo into the arena to collect his prize money for second place.

Once the prizes had been given out, the cowboys all exited the arena to wait for the judges to tally up their points score for the rodeo and add them to their current, overall scores. Then would come the announcement they were waiting to hear: the current standings for Cowboy of the Year.

Duo was quietly confident he was still in the top three; he was hoping that after today’s success in the various events, he’d maybe even moved up in the standings. It all depended on how the others had fared.

Sitting on Wing, Heero waited for the standings to be announced. He was also hoping he’d scored well enough to either retain his current position, or maybe even move up a notch. His eyes wandered back to where Duo sat patiently on Scythe and he wondered if he would see the other cowboy again soon.

The loud speakers crackled into life and the commentator began his speech. “Ladies and gentlemen, cowboys and cowgirls, I’ll bet you’re all awaitin’ the current standings.”

The crowd, along with the competitors all cheered and yelled.

“The judges have tallied up today's results and the current standings are...”

Both Heero and Duo held their breath.

“We have a tie for first place! A tie, folks between Duo Maxwell and Heero Yuy. John Carsley is hot on their heels though, just a couple of points behind them so it’s still anyone’s title. There’s just three more qualifying rodeos to go and I hope we will see you all at them and supporting these guys.”

The crowd all cheered and applauded. Duo slumped a little in his saddle. Tied in first place! Just three more to go and if he could hold it all together he might just pull this off, he thought to himself.

Heero was similarly elated. He’d managed to move back up into first spot. Granted he was still tied for the placing, but with three more rodeos to go, it would be a true test to finish consistently and take out the title.

“Heero, you have to go in and do a lap of honor in the grand parade.”

Relena’s voice broke into his thoughts and Heero quickly shook himself. Looking around he could see Duo grinning at him by the entrance to the arena and he quickly rode over to join the other man.

“Congratulations, pardner,” Duo drawled, a smile on his face and a twinkle in those violet eyes.

“Same to you too, Duo,” Heero responded and held out his hand.

Taking the offered hand, Duo shook it firmly and shivered as tingles went up and down his spine. Heero felt a warmth curl in his gut as he shook hands with Duo; he smiled.

The grand parade began, Heero and Duo riding side by side into the arena behind the pick up guys and rodeo clowns. They raised their hats and waved to the people as the music flowed around them. Wing stepped out proudly and kept one eye on the appaloosa stallion to his left. Scythe also put a bounce into his step, showing off a little as he walked with confidence. He could see the paint stallion watching him and gave a cheeky snort to the other horse. Wing grunted and tossed in a  couple of dancing steps before arching his neck. Scythe flicked his tail, catching the other stallion on the flank.

Completely oblivious to their horses’ antics, Heero and Duo rode on. When they exited, Heero found himself searching his mind for something to say. Finally he managed to order his thoughts and stopped Duo just as the cowboy was about to ride away.

“Will I see you again?” Heero blushed as he realized what he’d said. “Let me re-phrase that. Will I see you at the next rodeo?”

Duo’s eyebrow quirked with the question and he snickered to himself. “Yeah, I’ll be at the next one, you can count on it so I guess we will probably run into each other.”

“Not literally I hope,” Heero chuckled, remembering his previous encounters with the violet eyed man.

“I still say you’re trying to knock off the opposition so I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for wayward buckets,” Duo teased.

“Yeah, sorry about that,” Heero began to apologize again, only to be cut off by Duo.

“Don’t sweat it, I know it was just an accident.” He paused for a moment, then fixed Heero with soft amethyst. “It’s been good to finally meet you after hearing a lot about you. You’re an excellent opponent and a great cowboy too. I’ll see ya at the next one.” Duo added a warm smile to the words then turning Scythe, he waved over his shoulder and rode off in the direction of his trailer.

Watching him go, Heero couldn’t help the empty feeling that settled into his gut. He sat motionless on Wing’s back until that spotted rump completely disappeared. With a sigh, he turned Wing in the direction of his own trailer and comforted himself with the thought that it was only two weeks until the next rodeo and he would be able to see Duo again.

And during those two weeks he’d do his damnedest to try and figure out what the hell was going on with him.

~ * ~

tbc...
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