Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 9 ( Chapter 9 )

[ 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 9

[Well, itfs bulls and bloodItfs dust and mudItfs the roar of a Sunday crowd Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]

Scythe gave another piercing whinny followed by a snort and a couple of small bucks. Across from him, Wing snorted back and launched into a couple of loud neighs.

“Shit, damn and fuck it,h Duo cursed softly as he fished around in the small compartment of the trailer that held the feed for Scythe. Mixing the feed around, he took the bucket out and around the side of the trailer to where Scythe waited, nodding his head in impatience. Spotting the feed bucket, Scythe gave a loud neigh.

“For crying out loud, will you put a hoof in it?!h Duo growled. He was seriously beginning to tire of the stallionfs constant vocal emissions. Grabbing the feed bin, Duo emptied the bucket into it and gave the feed another quick mix around before hanging the feed bin on the top rail of the yard. Immediately Scythe buried his muzzle into the feed and began to eat. Duo gently pulled on a black ear. gWhatfs gotten into you, Scythe? Youfre not usually like this at rodeos.h

Scythe gave a grunt and then followed that up with a snort, sending bits of chaff flying through the air and covering his master.

“Thanks,h Duo grumbled as he did his best to dust off the bits of chaff. gGreat, you got it in my hair as well. Now Ifm gonna have to brush it all out again before I go to dinner.h

Scythe continued to eat, his jaw working methodically as he chewed and swallowed. He really didnft care at all, besides, he didnft know why his master was complaining, the chaff was good and he should be happy that Scythe had shared some of his dinner with him.

Duo gave the stallion a pat. gAt least I should have a bit of peace from your neighing for a while.h Duo knew that whilst there was food under the Appyfs nose, nothing short of an earthquake would get the stallion to move ? and even then he had no doubts the stallion would probably grab the feed bin in his teeth and take it with him to safe ground. gGuess I should go get you some water and then get myself a little more presentable for dinner,h Duo mused.

Scythe removed his nose from the feed long enough to snort in agreement, splattering Duo with more chaff, saliva and bits of chewed feed.

“Wonderful, just bloody wonderful,h Duo sighed as he looked at his appearance. Now hefd have to take a shower too. With another sigh, Duo turned and went back inside the trailer to fetch his toiletries bag and a change of clothes. Grabbing the water bucket and a water container, he headed in the direction of the ablutions block.

* * *

Heero had left Relena alone to prepare their dinner, needing to get away for a bit and clear his head. Having the other cowboy as a trailer neighbor was unsettling enough; but now Relena had invited him to dinner as well?!

Having fed Wing and checked on the stallion, Heero was pottering around just trying to find things to do and keep his mind off the upcoming dinner. He noted that Scythe was also eating, but Duo was nowhere around. He gave a soft sigh of relief at that. With there being nothing more to do outside and still not feeling comfortable with returning inside the trailer, Heero pushed his hands into his pockets and decided to take a walk.

He wandered around the grounds, eyes noting the arena, which was a permanent fixture, was in the process of having the corrals and chutes checked. It had been several months since the rodeo had been here and each time the fencing was always checked and any damage or faults replaced or repaired.

Wandering over to the fence, Heero rested his arms on the spar and let his chin drop to his forearms. Just how the hell was he going to survive dinner with both the object of his confusion ? Duo -  and the one of his frustration ? Relena - beside him?

It was going to be a trial alright. He knew hefd have to keep his wits about him. He was pretty sure that Relena was suspecting something, but if she was suspicious about his distraction with Duo or if she simply thought he was preoccupied with the rodeo or even suspect he may be interested in another woman, Heero had no clue.

He sighed, removed his hat and ran his fingers through his long bangs. This was all becoming too hard. He toyed with the notion of maybe after this rodeo telling Relena he was no longer interested in her, that he thought it would be for the best if they broke up now. At least then hefd be able to figure things out without having her constantly nagging at him.

Then again, maybe that wasnft a good idea right now. He really needed to discover first if what hefd been thinking and feeling in regards to Duo meant he was seriously attracted to the other man; and if he was, did Duo return those feelings?

“I need to get drunk,h he muttered to himself and then snorted. He rarely drank, and when he did it was only one or two beers at the most. But the thought of being blind drunk to at least allow him to forget the torment he was currently going through did have some appeal.

This was getting him nowhere. Putting his hat back on his head, he glanced at his watch. Relena would have their dinner almost ready, better to head back now. Taking a deep breath, Heero squared his shoulders. eSuck it up, Yuy,f he thought to himself. At least he would get to spend a little time in Duofs company.

* * *

Duo had returned from his shower and was feeling refreshed. He could smell something good coming from Heerofs trailer and his mouth began to water. He was glad hefd accepted the invitation to dinner; whatever it was Relena was cooking up sure smelled a lot more appealing than his planned dinner of beans on toast.

He stashed his dirty laundry in a bag and put it into the small closet. Taking up his brush, he unraveled the braid of hair and began to run the brush through the mane, removing any last bits of chaff from the strands. Hefd not had the time to wash it and decided it could wait until after the emorrowfs competition to do that as it would most likely need it with all the dust and dirt that would be flying around.

Re-braiding the mass, Duo sat on the bed and pulled his boots on, then he stood before the mirror to check his appearance. gNot bad,h he muttered to himself as he appraised his form. A silky black shirt adorned his torso, top two buttons left undone to show off his creamy skin and gold cross that nestled at the base of his throat. Tight, black jeans molded to his long, lean legs and hugged his ass in the right places. The front of those jeans showed just enough of his assets without being obvious ? thatfs if anyone dared to look. His black belt, complete with silver buckle threaded through the loops of the jeans and kept them low on his hips. The entire ensemble was topped off by his black cowboy hat which sat jauntily on is head.

“Somethingfs missing,h he muttered to himself. gAh!h Spinning around, Duo grabbed his toiletries bag and pulled out a bottle. He applied the cologne freely to his skin. gMuch better,h he stated. gAt least now I donft stink of horse or feed.h

There was a light knock on the trailer door and with one last look in the mirror, Duo went to open it. gHeero,h he said, face lighting up into a smile when he noted the other cowboy standing there.

“Duo,h Heero returned. gRelena asked me to let you know that dinner is almost ready if you still care to join us?h

“Of course. Just let me grab my wallet and Ifll be right with you.h Duo turned and moved quickly back into the depths of the trailer to retrieve his wallet.

Heero took the opportunity to have a brief glance inside the other cowboyfs trailer and maybe glean a little more information on the man. The trailer layout was very similar to his own, but Duofs was spotlessly clean, to the point of being devoid of anything at all other than the internal fixtures. There were no knick knacks about, no shirt tossed casually over the back of a chair, no shoes under the table or dishes in the small sink. Heero wondered if there was any food in the small cupboards. Seemed that Duo traveled light; very light.

“All set,h Duo said as he appeared before Heero and jolted the other cowboy from his musings.

Heero couldnft help but smile. gI hope youfre hungry, Relena has cooked up enough to feed the entire population,h he said.

“Thatfs one thing you can always count on, Heero. Ifm always ready for a feed.h Duo gave the cowboy a wide grin.

“Good.h Heero couldnft help the flush of warmth when he was bestowed that grin. His nostrils caught a whiff of the other cowboyfs cologne and he had to repress a groan. It was tantalizing, teasing even; a heady mix of spice and musk along with another scent that could only be Duo.

Dinner was going to be agony.

*

Stepping inside Heerofs trailer, Duo removed his hat and put on the charm. gThank you for inviting me to dinner, mafam,h he said politely as he took Relenafs hand and kissed the back of it.

Relena suitably blushed. Heero felt a rush of what he could only assume to be jealousy flare through him.

“Thanks for coming,h Relena replied. gItfs nothing fancy, but I hope you enjoy it. Heero, would you please seat our guest?h Relena turned back to the small stove leaving Heero to take Duo into the small dining area.

Taking Duofs hat for him, Heero placed it on a hook by his own and then gestured to the table and two bench chairs. gTake a seat,h he stated and motioned with his hand for Duo to sit.

Noting there were two place settings on one side and one on the other, Duo dutifully slid onto the bench seat where the single place setting sat. Heero sat on the other side.

“Would you like something to drink?h Heero asked, remembering his manners.

“Water is fine,h Duo replied and passed his glass over for Heero to fill.

Relena appeared and set a large basket of bread rolls upon the table, smiling she returned a moment later with two steaming bowls, setting one in front of each man. Having fetched her own, she sat down next to Heero and on the diagonal from Duo. gItfs just a simple stew but I hope you like it,h she told Duo.

“Ifm sure I will,h Duo replied as he sniffed the steam rising form the bowl. gIf it tastes half as good as it smells Ifm in for a real treat,h he added, causing Relena to blush.

“Bon appetite,h Heero said and reached for his utensils.

Duo brought a large forkful of the stew to his mouth and blew softly on it to cool it off a touch. The food found its way into his mouth and his taste buds sprang to life. It was delicious.

Heero decided to try a little subtle flirting. gWould you like a bread roll?h he asked.

“Yes, please,h Duo replied and took a roll from the offered basket.

“Salt, pepper?h

Duo nodded.

Heero picked up the salt shaker and passed it over. As Duofs fingers connected with the condiment, Heero let his own fingers drop a touch and caress across Duofs before releasing his hold. He was sure the electricity that crackled through his own hand at the touch had to have been felt by Duo too.

Taking the salt shaker, Duo suppressed the gasp when soft fingers caressed his own. He darted a look at the other man from underneath his bangs, trying to determine just what Heero was up to.

The silence returned for a while until Relena couldnft be quiet any longer. She was oblivious to the subtle flirting that Heero had been doing but she itched to know more about the other cowboy and decided to try and find out what she could.

“I donft recall seeing you on the circuit before, Duo.h

“Thatfs probably because Ifm still new to it,h Duo replied.

“It does take a bit of getting used to,h Heero chipped in.

“Yeah, it does, but it will be worth it when I take out the title of Cowboy of the Year,h Duo replied with a grin.

Heero raised an eyebrow.

“I think Heero will have something to say about that,h Relena smiled. gHefs already got that title firmly in his sights.h

“Itfs good to have competition,h Duo shrugged, gbut in the end it comes down to just how badly you want it.h

“How badly do you want it, Duo?h Heero couldnft help but ask. Inside he was trembling, the double meaning clear in his question if Duo was smart enough to see it.

Duo was. He cocked his head to the side as if thinking long and hard about his answer. Shifting slightly in his seat, his booted foot grazed along Heerofs calf. gPretty badly,h he whispered, holding Heerofs eyes with his own and letting the challenge shine in his violet depths.

Doing his best not to visibly shiver, Heero dropped his eyes and concentrated on his food.

“Heero is determined to have it too,h Relena stated, unaware of Duo nearly choking on his roll at her words. She raised her eyes. gLooks like you both may end up having to fight it out to see who ends up on top.h

This time Duo did choke.

Heero reached across the table to thump the other man on the back, dislodging the small piece of steak that Duo had inhaled. gTh- Thanks,h Duo managed to get out after hefd drawn much needed oxygen back into his lungs.

“Are you all right?h Relena asked.

“Yeah, just gotta remember not to breathe when Ifm swallowing,h Duo said and took a long drink of water.

Relena continued with the conversation. gWhat does your wife or girlfriend think of you being a rodeo rider and risking your neck? Ifm always worried that Heero is going to get seriously hurt one of these days,h she said.

Duo looked up and met the curious gaze of Heero. Keeping his eyes on the other cowboy, he answered in a low, husky tone. gIfm not married and I donft have a girlfriend either so therefs no one to worry about me being reckless,h Duo replied. Then turning his eyes to Relena, he added. gItfs always a risk though and I thank the dear Lord after every rodeo that Ifm still in one piece.h

Heero did shiver this time as the words were clearly spoken and the hint underneath challenging him. He swallowed hard.

Relenafs brow furrowed a touch as she watched the interaction between the pair, still unsure of what exactly she was witnessing. For all intents and purposes, it appeared that the pair were sizing  each other up. eYes, thatfs all it is. Theyfre taking stock of each otherfs strengths and weaknesses,f she told herself. gSurely you must have someone who worries about you; your parents?h

“Nope, no one,h Duo said. gMy parents are dead,h he added softly.

“Oh, Ifm so sorry to hear that, Duo,h Relena gasped, her nurturing side coming to the fore.

Duo shrugged, gIt was a long time ago. I never knew my mother, she died whilst giving birth to me. My father did his best to raise me by himself, but he was killed by a rogue bull on the ranch he worked at when I was just four. I donft remember much about him but the ranch owner and his wife took me in, sort of adopted me you could say. Ifve worked with cattle ever since I could throw a leg over the saddle.h

“Then why leave all that for the rodeo?h Relena asked. gSurely you would have been much better off staying on the ranch and working at that, at least itfs safer. I wish Heero would stop this rodeo nonsense and settle down on his ranch.h

Heero scowled and peered out at Duo from under his bangs. He saw a fleeting look of compassion pass through those violet eyes and knew that Duo understood.

Duo decided it was best not to give the main reason for leaving the cattle ranch and going into the rodeo, he didnft think Relena would be all that appreciative of him if he admitted that hefd pretty much been asked to leave by his adoptive parents when they discovered he was gay. Instead, he told her of his other reason.

“Well, mafam, I kinda have this dream you see. Cattle isnft what I want to work with, I want to work with the cow ponies. My dream is to purchase my own ranch and breed the best cow ponies in the States.h

“That will be quite expensive,h Heero commented.

“You don't have to tell me that,h Duo replied a little ruefully.  gI saved up quite a bit from my allowance with working for my adoptive parents, but it wasn't enough to put a down payment on a place. I thought that maybe I could earn some quick money breaking in horses and I did earn quite a bit. Someone suggested I go in for the rodeo as I was doing okay with the broncs people were bringing me to break in, so I thought about it and decided to give it a shot. I started out with the smaller ones and learnt the ropes. I did okay, but they were only the back yard type rodeos, not a large purse by any means.h Duo reached for his water and took a few swallows to wet his drying throat.

“I made enough to put a down payment on a ranch, but now I need to get the stock to breed with. I have Scythe and hefs going to be my foundation stallion, but I still need to get a band of mares. They cost money; the good ones do anyway. Ifd done pretty good on the smaller rodeos so I thought Ifd try my luck on the professional circuit. Moneyfs much better and if I do take out the title, then Ifll have enough to stock the ranch and begin my breeding program.h

“Thatfs quite the dream,h Relena said.

“Yeah, it is.h

“Itfs a damn good idea though,h Heero stated. gTop quality cow ponies are damn hard to get these days. I can see why youfre so determined to win the title.h

“Enough about me, what about you, Heero? How come you got involved in the circuit,h Duo asked, his curiosity getting the better of him and wanting to divert the attention from himself.

“Me? I guess you could say I was brought up with it in my blood. My dad used to be a rodeo rider; my mom was a cowgirl and used to compete in the barrel racing a lot. They were both young when they kinda hooked up together and... well...h Heero shrugged. gI sort of came along and spoilt the whole thing. Enough to say that my mom was too young for the responsibility of a child and  despite my dad doing the right thing and wanting to marry her, she just upped and left one night.h

“Heero, you donft have to-h Duo started to say; he could see how hard this must be for the other cowboy, despite Duofs interest in wanting to know all he could about the other man.

“Itfs okay. Ifve never hidden my past,h Heero replied.

Relena remained silent, she already knew Heerofs background, but she put a comforting hand on his arm anyway.

Heero didn't seem to notice and continued to speak.

“Ever since I could walk he would take me with him. I more or less grew up with the broncs and the bulls. I guess in some way he was hoping to see my mom again; but if he did, he never told me. As I got older, so he did too and it wasnft so easy for him to make a living from the rodeo. He retired and bought a ranch when I turned sixteen.  I worked with dad on the ranch raising beef cattle  and sometimes we'd sell a few off to the rodeo for their string. We also bred a few cow ponies, mainly for our own use on the ranch. Wing was the last one we bred, before...h Heero paused and swallowed before resuming.  gDad passed on five years ago and left me the ranch. Unfortunately, he also left me with a lot of debts too.  I still raise beef cattle but itfs getting harder and harder to make ends meet and pay off the last of those debts. I missed all the action of the rodeo and when dad was gone and I had all these bills to pay, I decided to come back to it and see if I could make a bit more money on the side.h

“He's an adrenaline freak I think,h Relena muttered. gWhy he canft work as a cow hand on another ranch and earn the money that way is what I donft understand.h

“But ain't that what the thrill of the rodeo is? Pitting your wits against the animal, trying to stay on for the eight seconds, to get the lariat around that calf's neck or bring the steer down as quickly as you can?h Duo questioned. gSure you can earn some good money working as a cow hand, but therefs no challenge in that.h He glanced a look at Heero and saw the light in those blue eyes and knew hefd hit the nail on the head.

“Thatfs exactly what I keep saying,h Heero muttered.

“Oh, you cowboys, youfre all alike. Nothing but adrenaline junkies,h Relena sniffed.

Duo began to get a better understanding of Heerofs current situation and could see why the other man treated his girlfriend the way he did at times. eShit! No wonder the poor guy seems to be confused to what he wants with her on his back all the time,f he thought to himself. He felt a sudden wave of sympathy for the other cowboy as Relena continued on her tirade.

“One day youfre going to get seriously hurt, Heero; and I donft mean just a broken leg by some stupid horse. I mean seriously injured where you could be laid up for weeks, maybe never even ride or work cattle again, and where would that leave us? We canft raise a family if you canft work,h she said, seemingly oblivious to the fact that they had a visitor and this wasnft really the time or place to be having a loverfs tiff.

“Relena,h Heero growled in warning. His cheeks were beginning to flush with embarrassment. This was the last thing he needed right now, especially when he was trying to test the waters, try to understand what these new feelings were that were raging through him.

“Errr... I think Ifd better get going,h Duo said. He was also feeling embarrassed, not just from being caught up in something personal, but he also felt for Heero.

Duofs voice drew Relena back from voicing her thoughts and she suddenly realized she may have gone a touch too far. gIfm sorry,h she apologized. gI really should remember we have a guest.h

“Itfs quite okay, mafam, but I really should be going. I need to check on Scythe and then turn in. Itfs going to be a big day tomorrow,h Duo said as he slid along the bench seat and stood up.

Relena and Heero followed suit, Heero passing Duofs hat to him.

“Thank you for dinner, mafam. It was a really nice meal.h Duo kissed the back of Relenafs hand again, all the while shuddering internally and reminding himself to rinse his mouth out with extra mouth wash later when he brushed his teeth.

“Ifll walk back to your trailer with you,h Heero announced and then spotting Relenafs narrowing eyes, he quickly added, gI need to check on Wing and top up his water bucket.h

“Okay, donft be too long, Heero. Thank you for coming to dinner, Duo. I hope we can do this again sometime soon,h Relena said with a smile.

“That would be lovely,h Duo replied. eOr better still, perfect if itfs only Heero and me.f his libido informed him.

Duo stepped outside into the cool, evening air, Heero right behind him. They walked side by side a few feet away from the trailer, then Heero stopped and turned to face Duo.

“Ifm sorry about Relena,h he began. gShe means well, but-h

“Itfs okay, Heero,h Duo interrupted. He tilted his head to the side, a small grin on his lips. gI get the distinct impression that youfre not happy with her, and I donft mean in the way she voiced her opinion,h he said softly.

Heero paused and looked deep into those indigo eyes. There were all sorts of things swirling in those depths; compassion, understanding, sympathy, desire, lust and a promise of all the secrets to the universe. Heero had to catch his breath. gI donft know what I want,h he admitted huskily.

Duo stepped closer until he was right inside Heerofs personal space. He placed a hand on Heerofs shoulder and gazed deep into Heerofs eyes. gWhen you do discover what you want, Ifll be here waiting.h Hoping he wasnft making the biggest mistake of his life, Duo leaned forth, closing the final few inches of distance between them and brushed his lips across Heerofs. gI'll see you tomorrow.h With that, Duo was gone.

Heero stood transfixed, a hand raised itself up and fingers touched his lips where they still tingled from the gentle, barely there caress of Duofs lips. gOh shit, I am so screwed,h he whispered.

Inside the trailer, Relena peeked out the window. In the darkness she could just make out the two cowboys. She saw Duofs hand rest on Heerofs shoulder and the other cowboy move close, but luckily for Heero it was too dark for her to see anything else that transpired. Her eyes narrowed and her chest flared with anger. She wasnft sure just what was going on between the two; but she sure as hell was going to find out!

~ * ~

tbc...
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