Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 11 ( Chapter 11 )

[ 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 11

[Itfs boots and chapsItfs cowboys hatsItfs spurs and latigo
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]  


By the time Duo arrived at the muster area, most of the cowboys and crew that were taking part in the rodeo had arrived and were milling about. Glancing over the crowd, he spotted Trowa’s palomino, Wufei and Quatre also with him and decided to make his way across. He knew Heero wasn't there yet, the other cowboy had still been saddling up when he left, but he would keep an eye out for him.

“How are you, Duo?” Wufei asked politely as he swung himself into the saddle and gave the bay neck a pat.

“Fine, Wufei. And you?”

“Couldn’t be better,” came the reply.

“How do you think you will go today, Duo?” asked Quatre politely from where he sat on the quarter horse’s back.

“I’m hoping for a good score. All the animals I’ve drawn are pretty good and Scythe is feeling on top of his form too.”

“I wish you all the best then.”

“Thanks.” Duo turned to look over the crowd and spotted a familiar black and white horse just making its way into the muster area. His face took on a softer look, especially when he noticed that Relena wasn’t with the other cowboy. For a minute there it wouldn’t have surprised him to see Relena sitting behind Heero on the paint’s back. He snorted softly to himself.

Immediately Heero arrived, he glanced back to see how far away Relena was and where the object of his confusion was. Relena was still a smallish dot on the paddock surface, but getting larger by the second. He figured he had about two minutes to locate Duo, have a quick word and scoot away before Relena could get there.

His eyes scanned the crowd and spotted Duo, his legs immediately pushing against Wing’s sides and urging the stallion through the gathered crowd and towards Duo. The cowboy was with Trowa, and the two pick up guys so Heero could always use the excuse of greeting the rodeo ‘workers’ should Relena arrive before he had time to say his piece and move away.

Violet eyes tracked the cowboy as he moved through the gathered mass towards him and he smiled. “Hey,” he greeted softly when Heero managed to pull Wing up beside him.

Having reached his destination, Heero suddenly found himself tongue tied. Visions of Duo’s shadow on the trailer curtains last night surged forth in his mind and he felt his cheeks warming. Hearing the greeting and the accompanying smile, Heero forced his thoughts away and demanded his voice return. “Hey,” he replied and then mentally kicked himself. ‘What a way to start the conversation,’ he berated himself.

“Are you okay, Heero?” Duo asked, his tone a little worried when Heero flushed and returned his greeting in a rather hoarse voice.

“I’m fine,” Heero managed to get out. Taking a deep breath, he thought he’d better start talking now; and fast. “Duo, about last night...”

‘Ah, here it comes,’ Duo thought and felt his heart plummet.

Taking a glance around, Heero leaned a little closer to Duo and lowered his voice. “Look, I just wanted to say, thank you. I had a really good time and, well,” Heero trailed off, frustrated with his lack of words to let the other cowboy know what he was feeling, the confusion running through him.

“It’s Relena, isn’t it?” Duo sighed. “I understand, Heero.”

“Yes, NO!” Heero suddenly realized what Duo must be thinking.

Duo gave him a completely lost look.

“Duo, I need to talk to you, sort some things out, but...” Heero looked around and noticed that Relena was almost in the muster area. “Shit! Duo, I have to talk to you, but right now Relena is hounding me. She won’t let me out of her sight and I don’t know if she knows what’s going on, if she’s seen anything or... Fuck, I’m making a right balls up of this, aren’t I?”

An amused smile crossed Duo’s face. “I agree, we do need to talk, Heero, but now isn’t the time. Let’s see if we can’t snatch a few minutes once the competition is underway.”

“I doubt I’ll get a minute to myself all day,” Heero replied glumly.  “Fuck, she’s found me again already.”

Violet eyes turned and noted Relena making her way through the crowd towards them. “Heero, some of the guys and myself are going to a sort of party after the rodeo. Trowa’s organizing it and I’m sure he would like you to come along.”

“I’ll have to bring Relena with me,” Heero replied sourly.

“That’s okay, bring her, I’m sure we will be able to slip away for a short time and we can talk then.”

Duo’s words gave Heero a sliver of hope. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Good. We’d better move, they’re gonna be calling us all to form up in a minute.” Rather than cause Heero any further problems with Relena, Duo turned Scythe and rode over to Wufei, the pair partnering up for the opening parade.

Watching him go, Heero felt a spark of hope grow, only to have that spark doused when Relena’s voice cut through.

“Heero, they’re calling for you to form up,” she snapped, clearly not happy with him.

“Right,” Heero sighed and turned Wing to join in with the rest of the cowboys.

The parade began, the crowds cheering as the competitors and rodeo crew rode into the arena, waving to the people. The usual music accompanied the parade followed by a couple of speeches and good luck wishes to all competing before the parade began to make its way back out and the crew moved into position to get the bulls into the chutes and ready to go.

With Relena sticking to Heero like glue, neither cowboy had the chance to converse at all during the events. They were lucky to exchange a few brief nods during the course of the day. Duo’s bull, Thunder, put up a good fight, bucking well and throwing in a few twists too. Duo managed to stay on for the full count, Trowa doing his job as clown and distracting the bull when Duo made his bail out. Quatre was right there to protect him as Wufei managed to release the flank strap and Thunder did as he was named, thundering out of the arena and back into the corral with his mates. It was a good score for Duo and put him in the lead for the bull ride.

Heero’s bull, Mafia, must have been having a bit of an off day and didn't buck as well as he normally did. There were still a  couple of close calls when Heero thought he was going to bite the dust, but he stayed with the animal for the full count. His score wasn’t as high as he would have liked though and he contemplated asking for a re-ride. Relena talked him out of it though.

The saddle broncs followed, Heero’s pick, Flash, was really feeling his oats and bucked spectacularly, managing to unseat Heero and send him sprawling in the dirt after just five seconds. Duo’s stomach fell to his feet as he watched the fall, knowing he couldn’t approach the other cowboy as he limped out of the arena, as much as he wanted to. His eyes narrowed as he watched Relena fussing over Heero and the cowboy’s obvious disdain for her concern.

Trowa managed to relay a message to him though through Quatre and let him know that Heero was fine, his leg just jarring a little but had settled down well. Duo was relieved at that.

Duo’s saddle bronc was anything but sweet, a horse not aptly named at all. Sugar was all business, head jammed between his knees and hind quarters pistoning as soon as the chute gate opened. Duo was jolted around in the saddle, his shoulders straining to stay with the horse as the animal twisted, turned and spun, continuously bucking as he did his best to get rid of the cowboy. Wufei picked him up from the saddle and set him down to wave at the crowd, his eight seconds having been well and truly earned.

The bareback broncs followed the saddle broncs. Sparks put up a good fight, but Heero was equally determined to remain on board for the full eight seconds. He knew he’d lost ground with his fall in the saddle bronc and was keen to make up for that. Despite everything the horse threw at him, Heero managed to stay on for the full time and was quite glad to be picked up by Quatre.

“How is Duo doing?” he managed to get out as Quatre hauled him off the bronc’s back.

“Fine last time I spoke to him,” Quatre replied. “You coming to the get together after the rodeo?”

“Yeah, I’m planning on it.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You and Duo have some talking to do,” Quatre smiled as he let the cowboy down to the dirt floor of the arena.

“I know,” Heero stated as he took back his hat from the clown.

“I also want a word with you at some stage,” Trowa said softly as he handed over the hat.

Heero’s eyes rose sharply to meet with emerald hiding behind greasepaint. “Why?”

Trowa shrugged. “I’m just looking out for a friend,” he replied, and before Heero could question that, the clown had walked away.

Frowning to himself, Heero headed for the muster area, only to be confronted by Relena.

“Are you okay?” she fussed. “That bronc was really rough on you.” She put her hand on his arm and began to run it over him, checking for any injuries.

“Relena, I’m fine, please stop fussing,” Heero growled and shrugged her hands off him.

“Fine!” she snarled. “Get yourself hurt and see if I’ll bother looking after you again. You’re so ungrateful, Heero, after all I’ve done for you.”

Seeing a few curious gazes and ears turning their way, Heero lowered his voice. “Save it, Relena. Here isn't the place to be discussing things like this.” Turning on his heel, he walked away, intent on putting some distance between them. Relena had been a constant presence all day, every time he turned around she was there, and frankly, it was starting to really annoy him. The only time he’d managed to get a couple of minutes peace was when he’d gone to the gents, and even then she’d waited right outside the door for him. He’d been tempted to ask her if she was intending to come in and hold it for him while he pissed.

Managing to slip off though the crowd, Heero headed for the vending vans and not the trailer as Relena would expect him to. He intended to grab a coffee and see if he could sneak into the public area to watch Duo’s bronc ride. He’d only managed to catch snatches of the other cowboy so far, Relena always managing to be right there and in the way when Duo was competing.

This time he was lucky. He wormed his way through the small crowd to the side. The view wasn’t the best, but it was enough, the main crowd being by the stands and therefore the better view. Heero bit his lip as the chute opened and a brown body charged out. Arrow was a streamlined animal and knew all the tricks in the book. His body almost bent double as he bucked and spun, crow hopping across the arena and sending Duo from side to side on his back.

The clock was counting down, Duo felt his balance slipping and gripped even harder with his knees. Heero’s heart was in his mouth as the pair in the arena continued to pit their wits against each other. Wufei was closing in along with Quatre as the clock continued to tick away. Just when Duo thought he couldn't hold on any longer the siren went and Wufei was beside him. His free hand dropped to the rig, helping to keep him on the bronc as Wufei drew alongside. Reaching out, Duo snagged the pick-up guy around the waist, Wufei’s arm grasping Duo around the shoulders and pulling him away from the horse.

He set Duo down, the cowboy acknowledging the crowd with a smile and a wave before leaving the arena. Heero watched, the smile on his face appearing when Duo made the time. Seeing the man walk off towards the chutes, he realized with a jolt that he’d need to shift his ass to get Wing ready for the bulldogging and roping events. There would be a short lunch break whilst the barrel racing took place, but that wouldn’t take too long. With a soft grunt, he pushed his way back out of the crowd to return to the trailer and Wing. No doubt Relena would also be there and demand to know where he’d been.

* * *

Relena was waiting, looking quite irate when Heero made it back to the trailer. He listened to her rant with half an ear as he fetched Wing’s gear. He glanced across to Duo’s trailer, noting Scythe still in his yard which meant Duo wasn’t back yet. When asked to explain where he’d been, Heero had been tempted to tell the woman to fuck off, what he did and where he went was his business, but he bit his tongue and came up with an excuse of needing to speak with the rodeo doctor.

That sent Relena into a full blown mother mode, insisting she wanted to check his leg and make sure for herself that he was okay. Seemed she’d forgotten about her little outburst earlier.  Whilst Heero didn’t particularly like lying to her, she had left him with no choice, and he’d rather suffer through her fussing than her snide remarks.

He managed to dodge most of Relena’s attempts to make sure he was okay and answered her questions in a vague manner whilst he got the stallion ready. With Wing all saddled up, Heero led the stallion from the yard to go and warm up. He had another half an hour before the bulldogging and he wanted Wing fully alert. With his low, and one, ‘no score’ from earlier, Heero was well aware that he’d most likely slipped into second place for the title. As he began to ride away, he noticed Duo walking across the paddock to the trailer and changed course to intercept.

Seeing the paint coming towards him, Duo’s eyes lit up and a smile graced his lips. “How’s it going, Heero? Sorry to see you get a low score in the bull ride and a no score in the saddle bronc. I don’t think anyone would have managed to stay on that horse today.”

“I’m doing okay so far; and as far as the scores go,” he shrugged, “that’s just the way it is.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.”

“I plan to more than make up for it in the bulldogging and roping though,” Heero said with a gleam in  his eyes.

“Is that a challenge?” Duo returned, raising an eyebrow.

“If you want it to be.”

“You’re on. What’s the prize?”

Heero thought long and hard, his cheeks flushing slightly as his mind told him what he’d like for the prize. Seeing the flush, Duo had an idea of what was possibly going through Heero’s mind.

Before Heero could speak, Relena was upon them.

“Heero? I thought you were going to warm Wing up? The bulldogging will be starting soon,” she interrupted and then turned to Duo. “Hello there, Duo. How are you today?”

“I’m fine, ma’am. Thank you for asking. And how are you?”

“I’ll be a lot better once this rodeo is over. I’m worried sick that Heero’s going to hurt himself again,” she replied.

Duo turned his concerned gaze to Heero. “I wasn't aware that you’d hurt yourself. Nothing serious, I hope?”

“Just a little jarring, that’s all,” Heero replied, his heart warmed that Duo was obviously concerned about him and a small smile found its way to his lips.

The concern didn’t go unnoticed by Relena either; or Heero’s response. She scowled to herself. “Heero will be fine, I’ll make sure to look after him properly,” she stated firmly, her tone holding an edge to it.

Not wanting to get into an argument and remembering Trowa’s words regarding the woman’s possessive streak, Duo thought he’d better get himself out of there. “Look, I’m sorry, but I really need to get going and saddle Scythe up. I’ll talk to you later at the party,” he said and excused himself.

“Party?” Relena turned her eyes to Heero. “What party?”

“We have been invited to a party after the rodeo. It’s a sort of get together thing for the cowboys, Trowa’s organizing it,” Heero informed her. “I told Trowa we would both go.”

“You accepted without asking me first?”
“If you don’t want to-”

“Of course I’d like to go,” Relena cut in quickly. “It’s just that it’s polite to ask first. Oh, I don’t know if I have anything suitable to wear.”

“Jeans will be fine,” Heero muttered.

“I’ll have to go see what I’ve got with me,” Relena mumbled and with her mind now firmly on the party that evening, she drifted back towards the trailer.

Heero turned away and began to ride off once more, a wide grin on his face once he knew Relena wouldn’t be able to see it. At least he would be free of his shadow for a little while.

* * *

Wing was warmed up nicely, the paint responding to the slightest touch from Heero which gave Heero a lot of confidence going into the bulldogging event. Not that Heero doubted his skills, but with the addition of the challenge from Duo, Heero was even more determined to win. Riding across to the muster area, Heero thought again about the challenge and what prize he would claim for winning. With Relena’s interruption, they hadn’t agreed on anything, but after all was said and done, Heero would very much like to have another kiss from the other cowboy for his prize.

A proper kiss.

The fleeting brush of lips against his own had been enough to stir something deep inside, but Heero wasn’t too sure exactly what that something was. He figured if he could get a proper kiss from Duo, it would help him to decide if he was, indeed, seriously attracted to the other cowboy.

Once he had his answer, then he would be able to figure out what to do about it.

He caught the movement of the appaloosa from the corner of his eye and drew rein, turning in his saddle to watch as Duo finished up his own warm up. Heero had to admit, the other cowboy was an excellent rider, blending with his horse perfectly. They were the perfect partnership, Duo seemed to have a knack with Scythe; and not just Scythe, any horse Duo seemed to come into contact with was drawn to the cowboy’s soft manner and gentle nature.

He could easily see Duo succeeding in his dream of breeding top cow ponies. ‘Actually, that was something he wouldn’t mind doing himself,’ he thought. Get out of the cattle and move more into the horse side of things. He’d had a little success with the cow ponies he and his father had bred – Wing was a testament to that. Why not go into it full time?

With those thoughts racing through his head, Heero had a mental dream of Duo and himself, settled comfortably on their own ranch and breeding top cow ponies. Duo taking care of the breeding program and the pair of them breaking the horses in, educating them and selling them off at a profit.

“You’re going to miss your turn and lose the challenge.”

Heero jumped a mile as the words hit home. “Wha-? He spun around in his saddle to see Duo watching him, an amused smile on his face.

“They’re calling us all to muster and you’re second to go. If you don’t shift it, you’ll miss out and I’ll win the challenge.” Duo added a lick of his lips to the words and barely held the chuckle when he saw the shiver pass through Heero’s body.

Heero wondered if maybe letting Duo win wouldn’t be a bad idea. “Ah, sorry, I was miles away. Better move then.” He gave Wing a nudge and the stallion moved forward.

Duo let Scythe fall into step beside the paint, noting both stallions were keeping an eye on each other, but neither one game to take a nip at the other – as much as they would have liked to, they were too well mannered for that sort of thing. But all bets were off once they were back in their yards!

“Happy thoughts?” Duo asked, referring to Heero’s absent state from before.

“Huh? Oh, yes, thank you,” Heero replied, suddenly very much aware of how close they were riding side by side.

“Where’s the leech?”

“Pardon?”

Duo chuckled. “Sorry, I shouldn’t call her that, but after the way she’s been stuck to you all day she does kinda remind me of a leech.”

Heero laughed, Duo decided he liked hearing that laugh and vowed to hear it again and again if he had his way.

“She’s probably going through every item of clothing she brought to find something to wear to the party tonight.”

“Women.” Duo rolled his eyes.

“Yeah.”

The pair arrived at the muster area and Heero headed straight for the steward by the start box. The first cowboy was already there and about to enter the arena. After being reminded of the need to be on time in future, the steward had Heero wait to the side. Duo wished him good luck and rode away to find a spot to watch.

The bulldogging was hotly contended and the end result saw the top three separated by just hundredths of a second. Heero lived up to his promise and won the event, beating Duo by just two-hundredths of a second. He smirked in Duo’s direction when the results were announced, Duo tipping his hat in recognition.

‘One event down and one to go,’ thought Heero.

The pair didn’t get the chance to speak to each other again as Relena appeared just after the placings were announced and attached herself to Heero once more. Duo had to be content to watch the object of his desire from a distance.

The arena was given a quick rake over and then the calves were herded into the corral for the roping event. Duo had drawn fourth and Heero sixth. Determined not to be late for his event this time, Heero managed to break away from Relena and be over by the start box before Duo rode in.

“Good luck,” Heero said as he rode up.

“Thanks. Same to you,” Duo replied.

Heero had a sudden thought. “Duo?”

“Hmm?”

“What happens if you win the roping? I mean, I know what happens, but what about our challenge?”

Duo’s eyes gave an evil twinkle. “If we draw, we both get to claim a prize,” he replied. “Ah, better go, it’s my turn.”

Heero just sat in his saddle digesting those words, then a grin spread over his face. Either way he would get something.

The calf shot out into the arena, Scythe hot on its heels. Duo swung the lariat and landed the loop perfectly. Scythe came to a sliding stop as Duo hit the ground running, piggin’ string in his mouth and eyes locked on the calf.  Moments later, Duo’s hands went up in the air and the calf lay tied on the ground.

It was a good time. Actually, it was a damn fast time and Heero wasn’t sure he could beat it. “Guess we’d better really give it our best, Wing.” A pat to the paint’s shoulder accompanied the words.

Wing snorted and pawed the ground. He could do much better than that spotted excuse for a cow pony!

Duo exited and Heero rode over to take his place by the entry. The next cowboy went and then it was Heero’s turn.

Wing shot out of the start box like he’d been fired from a gun. Heero’s eyes were firmly fixed on the calf and the lariat swung overhead. The rope landed, Wing slamming on the brakes as Heero jumped from the paint’s back, ran the length of the rope and grabbed the calf. The piggin’ string was deployed and Heero quickly had his calf tied. The judge inspected the calf and gave the all clear, Heero waving to the crowd as he remounted and rode out of the arena.

“Not bad, Heero. Not bad at all,” Duo congratulated. Shifting slightly in his saddle, he lowered his voice so that only Heero could hear him. “Okay, you beat me in both events, so I guess that means you won the challenge.”

Heero’s breathing became shallow and his heart pounded in his chest.

“Let me know at the party tonight what you want for your prize and I’ll deliver.” Duo’s voice was husky, his eyes promising anything and everything.

Swallowing hard, Heero nodded. “You can count on it.”

~ * ~

tbc...

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