Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

[ 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 8

/And itfs so long, girl, Ifll see youWhen itfs time for him to goYou know the woman wants her cowboyLike he wants his rodeo
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks /


Heero was finding it difficult to settle. He had been back home on his small ranch just over a week now and was no closer to understanding what he was feeling than when he’d said goodbye to Duo. To say he was frustrated with himself would be an understatement.

He was beginning to think he was going mad – his entire life as he knew it was beginning to fall down around his ears and he hadn’t a clue why or how to fix it. He’d thought that once he got back home and into his familiar routine, his usually analytical mind would sort things out and present him with a clear cut answer.

Nothing had been further from the truth.

He’d only ended up even more confused.

Drawing rein, he patted the hard muscle under the black and white skin of the paint’s neck. “At least I can still rely on you, Wing,” he muttered.

The stallion gave a snort and tossed his head.

Looking over the valley below, Heero dismounted and stood with one foot resting on a rock, reins held loosely in a hand as he scanned over the countryside. It was beautiful out here, nothing but plains, trees and bushes for miles in each direction. A gentle breeze blew, taking the sting out of the sun’s rays and up above an eagle wheeled in the sky, searching for a meal.

Peaceful.

It was just what Heero needed to try and sort out his confused mind.

He’d returned home with Relena, expecting to continue on as he’d done so many times in the past, tending the small herd of cattle that ran on his ranch and everything slotting back into its place.

He didn’t count on the unfamiliar ache in his chest.

Things had gone from bad to worse as the days progressed.

Relena was trying to be understanding, assuming it was either the adrenaline let down or his still healing leg  that was causing his distracted air and abnormal behavior towards her. He knew he’d been treating her with nothing short of contempt – but he couldn’t stop himself. He felt uneasy in her presence.

That in itself had him worried.

The final straw had come over the last couple of nights.

They had retired for the evening and feeling guilty with his shortness towards his girlfriend, Heero thought he’d better try to make it up to her. Usually he enjoyed holding her, exchanging kisses and caresses, but since his return, he’d found himself restless. Holding her didn’t feel right anymore. Her soft curves that fit so well against his hard planes no longer stirred any form of emotion in him.

When they kissed, he continuously found his mind wandering to a pair of violet eyes and ruby lips. Running his fingers through her hair had him thinking of long, chestnut tresses. Her hands had begun their exploration of his body, stroking and touching him in ways he usually enjoyed and drove his own libido to unbidden heights. His own fingers had returned those caresses and touches, but no longer did they hold the same fascination for him as they had. Instead, the soft curves became hard muscle, those soft mounds a flat expanse of chest and when he reached for her folds he couldn’t help the disappointment in the lack of equipment.

She’d done her best to excite him, and for a while it had worked. He’d gotten hard and moaned in all the right places – but somehow, every time he closed his eyes it was a different body that occupied his mind. Opening those eyes again had brought back the confusion. Confronted with her body and obvious want for him, his erection had dwindled, and despite all she’d done to raise his interest again, he remained soft.

She’d been understanding, letting him know that this did happen from time to time and not to worry about it. He did worry though, it wasn’t just the fact that he’d disappointed her, but his entire ego was at stake here.

Last night they had tried again...

and succeeded.

She’d been ecstatic, showering him with love and affection, telling him that; ‘See, it was only a minor hiccup, probably from stressing himself out too much over the rodeo competition’.

But Heero knew different – and he didn’t dare confess that he’d been thinking about a certain long haired cowboy during their joining.

He couldn’t ignore his body’s physical reaction to the thought of Duo and had experimented with his thoughts a little whilst Relena had been absent with her grocery shopping. He did note that when he thought of Relena, or any other female for that matter, his interest was slightly piqued, but not enough to have a tingle in his nether regions.

When he thought of other men, the reaction was different. Nothing at all sparked in him.

But when he thought about Duo...

His gut twisted, his lower half reacted almost violently and the ache in both his balls and chest was one he’d never felt in his life before.

Heero sighed and sat on the rock, releasing Wing’s reins so the stallion could graze a little if he wished, knowing the horse wouldn’t move away as he was too well trained for that. Settling his head in his hands, Heero began to take a good, long look at himself and his inner turmoil.

Did this mean he was gay? Or bisexual?

His mind began to break down the pieces, sorting through all the information and filing it under the appropriate ‘heading’.

Bisexual meant he would react equally in attraction to either sex, male or female. Heero had to admit, that wasn’t happening. Okay, that ruled out bisexual then.

Straight was the next thing to enter his mind. Being straight meant attraction to the opposite sex only – in this case, females. He frowned. He’d always thought of himself as straight, wasn’t his relationship with Relena proof enough of that? If he was completely honest with himself, that attraction had begun to decline, to the point where he wasn’t interested in touching Relena any longer. Come to think of it, he wasn’t interested in any female really, other than to chat with on a friendly basis. Hmmm... he’d put the heterosexual on hold for a moment.

That left gay. Heero sighed. His interpretation of gay was to be attracted to members of the same sex. He thought of all the male friends he had, even just passing acquaintances or men he’d seen in magazines, on the television, but nothing stirred in his gut. He didn’t find any of them attractive enough to want to pursue a relationship with other than friendship. In fact, the thought of being intimate with some of his male friends was just plain repulsive to him. It would appear that homosexual wasn’t on the scale.

He ran his hands through his bangs. This was getting just too hard.

Maybe he was asexual?

Heero snorted at that thought.

Wing, sensing the inner turmoil of his master and hearing the snort, took a couple of steps closer and nudged his master.

Liquid brown eyes gave him a curious stare. Heero reached up and rubbed the stallion between the eyes. “Geeze, Wing, you don’t know how easy you have it. None of this confusion for you. You’re a stallion and only have to think about the mares or if your dinner is going to be on time.”

Although he didn’t understand his master’s words, Wing again nudged softly and lipped at Heero’s shirt.

Giving one last pat to the paint, Heero returned to his mental wanderings. Asexual was not on his list so he dismissed that thought. That only left Duo. When he thought of Duo his entire being took on a warm flush. He was interested in getting to know the other cowboy better, he did want to learn his background, what had drawn him to the circuit, his favorite color, what he liked to do in his spare time, where he lived, was he attracted to Heero...

His thoughts came to a screeching halt.

He’d just admitted he was attracted to Duo, but he’d dismissed himself as being homosexual. So, if he wasn’t gay, why the hell was he attracted to Duo? The man was obviously male, but Heero wasn’t attracted to men. He had to admit that the thought of being with men repulsed him to a point, but when he thought about being with Duo in an intimate way, his body reacted strongly.

Just thinking about kissing Duo, having the other cowboy in his arms sent a flush of heat through him and lodging in his groin. The more he thought about those mesmerizing eyes, that lithe body and all that gorgeous hair, the harder he got.

There was only one conclusion then...

He wasn’t heterosexual, bisexual, asexual or homosexual...

He was Duo-sexual.

Fuck.

Still not completely convinced, Heero decided to try out his theory at the next rodeo. He’d try a little subtle flirting with a cowgirl or two, maybe even another cowboy and see what his body’s reactions were. He’d even try a little flirting with Duo – if he could - and analyze the results of his experiment.

Satisfied that he was at last beginning to make some sort of headway with his emotions and the conflict there, he picked up Wing’s reins from the ground and swung himself back into the saddle. “Come on, Wing, time to head back home,” he said and urged the stallion forward.

Wing didn’t need any encouragement. He knew it was getting close to his dinner time and he could sense his master a little less troubled; he moved off into an easy lope back towards the barn.

* * *

Duo took his eyes off the road for a brief glance at the map beside him. Another couple of turns and he should be on the road that would take him directly to the grounds for the rodeo. He grinned to himself as he thought about the competition ahead.

During the last couple of weeks, Duo had spent time honing his own skills and Scythe’s. He knew they were both at the top of their form and depending on what his draw was for the bulldogging and roping, and which animals he drew for the rides, he had every chance of making it to a clear lead.

Having thought that, he also knew the other cowboys would be doing their best to win as well, and his placing was never a forgone conclusion. Too many variables existed. Despite all the facts pointing in his favor, he had to remember the other cowboys out there too.

That thought brought his mind back to a certain blue eyed cowboy he’d met at the last rodeo. He let his mind wander at will, recalling his conversations with the other man. Heero Yuy was just as determined as he was to take out the title and no doubt about it, the other cowboy was good... very good.  It was going to take a lot to beat him. But Duo had faith in his own abilities and the competition only served to make him even more hungry for that title.

He had to admit, the other cowboy was hot and Duo would seriously love to get to know him better. It would appear though that the man was straight, his being with that girl and all – but Duo had picked up on an undercurrent and despite not wanting to come between the guy and his girl, Duo couldn’t help but hope there might be a chance there.

Over the past couple of weeks, Duo had done a lot of thinking too and formed a plan of sorts in his mind. One way or the other, by the end of this rodeo he was determined to learn more about this intriguing cowboy and find out if the confusing signals he’d seen could possibly mean the other man just might be interested in men; or in him to be more specific.

Duo had never met anyone quite like Heero and was having a hard time figuring him out. Normally, Duo didn’t have such problems. He could read most people quite well by their body language and way they spoke; but Heero? He was a completely different enigma.

The guy was with a girl, showed affection towards that girl and yet his eyes betrayed his inner feelings. Duo was certain he’d seen something in those eyes, something that indicated Heero might not be as straight as first seemed. Then there was the tinge of regret when he’d introduce the girlfriend, the short, clipped tone Duo had heard him use towards the woman, combine that with the couple of times Duo had seen those eyes soften and body relax when around him and that all added up to confusion.

Yeah, confusion for him.

Duo shook his head and brought his mind back to the current task at hand. He’d arrived and needed to get his paperwork out.

Having passed through the two stewards check points, Duo was driving the trailer carefully across the grass to where the parking area for competitors was. A few trailers were already there and parked up, Duo grinned to himself. This time he was lucky and would get a spot pretty close to the ablutions block. Sometimes it paid to arrive early.

He swung the trailer around and parked up, cutting the engine. In the back, Scythe gave a loud neigh. “Yeah, yeah, hold your horses, Scythe,” Duo muttered as he undid his seat belt and exited the trailer. Stepping to the side of the trailer where the metal gates that would form the yard were hanging, Duo spotted another trailer making its way across the grass. He paid it no heed, undoing the secure straps and beginning the task of getting the gates down to slot together for the yard so he could get Scythe out of the trailer.

The other trailer bounced a little as it moved slowly but steadily over the grass. The steward had indicated where Heero was to park and he spotted the trailer on the end of the line. Even at this distance, Heero could tell the other trailer had not long parked there, the cowboy fetching his gates off the side to set up a yard for his horse.

Maneuvering the trailer across, Heero swung it around to park up beside the other trailer, leaving enough room between them for each to have the space to set their yards up and still have room to pass between. He also noted they were close to the ablutions block, something Relena seemed very pleased about.

“At least I won’t have to walk miles for my shower in the morning,” she said with a touch of satisfaction in her voice.

Heero had to agree, only for him it meant less distance to carry the water bucket for Wing. Cutting the engine, he undid his seat belt and gave a soft sigh.

“Do you want a hand to set up the yard for Wing?”

Whilst Relena’s offer was genuine, he could see that the woman really wanted to use the bathroom and freshen up a bit at the same time. “Nah, I’ll be fine to do it by myself,” he replied.

“Okay. I’ll take the large water container with me and fill it up whilst I’m there, then I can at least make us a cup of coffee,” she said and got out of the trailer.

Heero followed and set to the task of getting the gates down. Inside the trailer, Wing had scented the other stallion and gave a couple of high pitched whinnies. Heero ignored the horse for the moment.

Duo had finished setting his yard up and moved inside the trailer to unload Scythe as the other trailer pulled up alongside him. He took a glance out the small window and was pleased to note the other person had been considerate when parking and left a good deal of room between his yard and their trailer. There was nothing worse than having the trailers parked practically on top of each other, but unfortunately, there were still some people out there that didn’t think about others, only themselves.

Scythe gave a deafening bellow, Duo putting his hands over his ears. “Scythe! Cut it out,” Duo scolded and proceeded to remove the stallion’s floating boots. He left the light rug on as there was just a slight chill in the air. Grabbing the lead rope, Duo led the stallion down the ramp and into his small yard. As soon as the rope was unclipped, Scythe aimed for the side of the yard closest to the other trailer and began a series of neighs.

Those neighs were returned a moment later tenfold.

Duo scratched his head as he did up the gate. Scythe didn’t normally behave like this when he arrived at a rodeo; usually the stallion sniffed around and then demanded food. Maybe the horse in the trailer next to me is a mare, Duo thought. That would explain Scythe’s behavior.

The sound of a crash followed by a few choice curses a moment later and Duo was moving to the other side of the trailer parked next to him to see what was up. As he rounded the back, he came to an abrupt halt. His heart began to flop around in his chest and a knot formed in his stomach. Before him, sprawled a little undignified on the ground with a couple of metal gates atop of him, was Heero.

“Want a hand?” Duo grinned as he walked forward, having gotten control over his heart and body.

Heero looked up when a shadow fell over him and a voice he recognized spoke. He blushed to the roots of his hair with embarrassment. Forcing his voice to work, Heero managed to reply without stuttering. “Yeah, if you don’t mind.”

Still chuckling, Duo reached out and grabbed at the top gate, pulling it easily off the prone cowboy and setting it against the trailer side. He reached for the next one, hauling that one up too and scolded his mind for thinking about what a delicious position the other cowboy was in.  With both gates off Heero, Duo extended his hand, Heero taking it and allowing himself to be pulled back to his feet.

“Thanks,” Heero said as he dusted himself off.

“No problem, glad to help,” Duo replied. I wouldn’t mind helping a bit more either, maybe dusting that nice ass off, his libido informed. Smacking his libido upside the head, Duo fixed his attention back on the other cowboy. “You okay?”

“Yeah, just my pride a little wounded,” Heero replied with a smile. God, he’s got warm, strong hands, Heero’s mind supplied.
“I see we’re going to be trailer neighbors,” Duo remarked, a cocky grin on his face and hat sitting slightly to one side.

Heero  couldn’t help but think how adorable that hat looked sitting just the way it was. In fact, the entire cowboy looked adorable, from his red, plaid shirt, over his tight fitting, blue jeans with the brown leather belt and silver buckle to his dusty boots. Delicious, his mind told him. “Fuck off,” Heero muttered to his conscience.

“Pardon?” Duo questioned, not sure what he’d heard.

“Ah, sorry. I meant, funny that, us being trailer neighbors and such,” Heero quickly covered.

Duo was a little confused, but let it slide. He was talking with the leading man of his latest dreams and wasn’t about to stop now if he could help it. “You want a hand with that yard?”

“That’s okay, I can manage. You’ve got your own horse and stuff to see to,” Heero said.

“I’ve already got Scythe in his yard, only need to fetch him some water and feed the loudmouth and he’s all done,” Duo replied with a genuine warmth.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind?”

“I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t mean it,” Duo snorted. “Come on, the sooner we get this set up the sooner you can get your horse off loaded and maybe the pair of them will shut up.”

“They are being rather vocal, aren’t they?” Heero mused as he moved to begin slotting the gates into place. “Wing doesn’t normally carry on like this.”

“Neither does Scythe. I dunno what’s gotten into him lately, it’s as if he’s trying to impress a mare or something,” Duo muttered, passing another gate over to Heero.

“I’m sure they will both settle down shortly,” Heero replied and continued to set the gates in place.

Within five minutes they had the yard set up and Heero disappeared inside his trailer to fetch Wing out. The two yards were between the trailers; Duo’s set on the right side of his trailer and Heero’s set on the left of his. The two horses would be able to see each other, but not make contact as there had been a couple of meters space deliberately left between the yards for the cowboys to move between.

Wing came bounding down the ramp, tail kinked over his back and nostrils flaring. He gave a couple of loud snorts and tossed his head. Scythe raised his head and arched his neck, blowing loudly through his own nostrils and prancing around his yard.

Heero let the stallion go in his yard and stood back to watch. Duo joined him and the pair observed their respective horses in amusement. Wing pranced a couple of steps and gave a half rear; across from him, Scythe also pranced a couple of steps and then turned his rump to the other stallion, giving a small buck and flicking his tail.

“You know, If I didn’t know any better, I’d say these two are trying to show off to each other,” Duo said, his voice holding a slight chuckle to it.

“I think you could be right. Wing does like to be the dominant horse so I can see him doing his best to either impress or intimidate your Scythe,” Heero replied with a snicker.

“You can bet Scythe won’t like that. He’s used to being top dog too so he’s bound to retaliate and show Wing he’s not that easy.”

“What’s going on?”

Both Heero and Duo jumped at the question and whirled around to see Relena standing there, water container in one hand and her small bag in her other. Her hair was wet which indicated she’d taken a shower.

“Ah, we’re just watching the horses trying to impress each other,” Heero said, then turning back to Duo, he remembered his manners. “You remember my girlfriend, Relena?”

“Of course I do,” Duo replied. “Nice to see you again, Relena. Here, give me that, it looks a bit heavy,” he continued and reached for the water container.

“Thank you, Duo. It’s nice to see you again too. Do you mind bringing that inside the trailer please?”

“It’s my pleasure,” Duo said and followed the woman to the living quarters section of the trailer and set the water container down just inside the door. He took the opportunity to have a quick look around. The trailer set up was very similar to his own. A bed down the far end, small table with two bench seats on either side which no doubt would fold out and up to make a second bed and the tiny kitchen just inside the door.

Heero had followed along behind Duo, not wanting to leave the other cowboy alone with Relena if he could help it.

“I’m going to put the kettle on in a minute, would you care to join us for a coffee, Duo?” Relena offered.

“Thanks, but no thanks. I really need to finish getting my own shi- errr, stuff organized,” Duo said, only barely catching the curse.

“I’m sorry, you shouldn’t have helped me with the yard for Wing, it’s put you behind now,” Heero apologized.

“Nah, it hasn’t, but I do need to get Scythe his water and feed him,” Duo stated.

“Then you must join us for dinner, Duo,” Relena offered. Seeing the hesitation, she continued. “Think of it as a thank you for helping Heero.”

Duo wasn’t too sure if being with the object of his interest for the evening would be a good thing or not; he wasn’t sure if he would be able to keep up this pretense. Then he decided to hell with it. If nothing else he would at least be able to spend a little time with the man and who knew, he might get to learn a little about the other cowboy.  “Okay, thank you for inviting me, that’s  most kind.”

“Not at all. I’ll call out to you when it’s ready then.”

“No problem. I’d better shift my butt. Ma’am.” Duo tipped his hat. “I’ll catch ya later, Heero.” With that, Duo was gone.

~ * ~

tbc...

Converting /tmp/phpaibxls to /dev/stdout