Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 18 ( Chapter 18 )

[ 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 18

[Itfs the ropes and the reinsAnd the joy and the painAnd they call the thing, Rodeo
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]  


The morning of the rodeo dawned cool and there were dark clouds on the horizon. Duo rolled over into the warmth of Heero and cuddled close. Heero’s eyes flickered open and he gave a lazy smile when he spotted Duo’s violet watching him.

“Morning,” Heero murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

“Mmmm. I could get used to waking up like this every morning,” Duo replied, his tone husky “May I?” he asked and reached for a morning kiss when Heero nodded in the affirmative. “Sleep well?”

“Yeah. You?”

“Perfectly. I kinda like having a teddy bear to cuddle into.”

“Teddy bear?” Heero raised an eyebrow.

“Mmm hmm. You’re soft and squishy in the right places, just perfect to cuddle up to,” came Duo’s cheeky reply.

Heero snorted. “I’ve been called a lot of things in my time, but a teddy bear isn’t one of them.”

“Would you rather I call you cup cake? Snookums? Or maybe stud muffin?”

Heero almost choked and then spotted the twinkle in Duo’s violet eyes and realized the other cowboy was teasing him. He shook his head. “Better get up and feed the nags before they start calling for their breakfast.”

“Suppose so, although I’d rather spend a little longer just cuddling here with you.”

“I guess a couple more minutes won’t hurt.”

* * *

Relena sat in the passenger seat absently chewing on a fingernail and watching the landscape roll past.

“Having second thoughts?” asked Dorothy.

“Sorry, I didn’t hear that. What did you say again?”

“I asked if you were having second thoughts.”

“No, not at all,” replied Relena. “I was just thinking.”

“Care to share?”

Relena’s cheeks pinked a little. “I was just trying to work out exactly what to say to Heero when I confront him, that’s all.”

“I’m sure you will have more than enough to say when the time comes,” replied Dorothy dryly.

“I guess so. I still can’t believe he would leave me and for another man no less.”

“He’s obviously not in his right mind.”
“But a man, Doro?! I could understand it if he wanted to spend a little time apart, or even if there was another woman vying for his affections; but a man?! It’s not right.”

“No, it isn’t, I agree with you. That other cowboy needs to be exposed for what he is. By the time we’re finished with him he’ll be lucky to find work anywhere in this hemisphere,” Dorothy growled.

The anger began to build again inside Relena as she thought about her Heero being with that long haired fairy. She shuddered at the thought of Duo putting his grubby paws on her man, and he’d seemed so polite and friendly when he’d come to dinner with them. She should have known better, he’d only shown up to get a free meal and lure her Heero away with his beguiling ways.

Well, she would show him. No one took her man away from her and certainly not another man! By the time Relena had finished with him his name would be mud.

“We’re here.” Dorothy’s voice broke into Relena’s thoughts and the woman turned her attention to the sight ahead.

* * *

Wing and Scythe had been fed and checked over, both stallions looking fit and well. Whilst the horses ate their breakfast, Duo whipped up some eggs on toast for Heero and himself whilst Heero had gone to the ablutions block and taken a quick shower. The food had been eaten quickly and followed by coffee. Heero did the dishes, made the bed and tidied up whilst Duo went for his own shower.

“Guess we should head on up for the draw,” Duo said as he pulled his boots on.

“Would help if we were there to know what animals we’ll be trying to ride,” returned Heero. “Do you know where I put my hat?”

“Over there,” Duo said and nodded in the direction of the bed.

“Thanks.” Grabbing the hat, Heero placed it on his head. “Ready.”

“Come on then, better move it I suppose.” Duo grabbed his own hat from where it was hanging on the back of the trailer door and stepped out into the current, cool morning sunshine. With hands in his pockets, Duo began to walk across the grass to the pavilion where the draw would take place. Heero fell into step beside him, glancing around to see several other cowboys also making their way across the dusty ground.

“Looks like we might get a drop of rain,” Duo commented with a glance at the sky and the dark clouds that were slowly starting to build up on the horizon.

“Could do. That will make things interesting,” replied Heero.

“Yeah, it sure will. It will make me more determined to stay on though.” Seeing Heero’s questioning look, Duo explained further. “If it does rain then the ground will turn to mud and trust me when I say it’s not easy to try and get mud out of this hair.”

Heero’s eyes traveled to the long braid of chestnut. “Ah. Well, if the worst does happen, I’d be quite happy to help you wash it,” Heero said, his tone soft. The long rope of hair fascinated Heero and he could sense it held a special meaning to Duo, but what that was, he wasn’t about to ask. He didn’t know Duo well enough yet to intrude on very personal things.

“Play your cards right and I just might let you,” Duo replied with a teasing smile.

Heero felt his insides melt and he blushed.

“There’s Quatre and Trowa,” announced Duo and grabbing Heero’s arm, he pulled the dark haired cowboy along with him. Morning pleasantries were exchanged, Wufei also joining the group after a couple of minutes and the five walked inside together and found themselves a spot close to the table where the draws would take place. They chatted quietly amongst themselves, catching up a little more on what had been going on in their respective lives in-between rodeos. None of the men saw the two women enter the pavilion and remain at the back in the shadows.

“There he is,” Dorothy hissed in Relena’s ear.

Looking over the crowd, Relena soon located Heero in a group of cowboys. She recognized the two pick up guys and vaguely remembered the clown, but it was the man with the black jeans, black and white plaid shirt and black hat that caught her interest and she scowled.

“Which one is the home wrecker?” Dorothy questioned.

Relena couldn’t help the soft giggle with Dorothy’s choice of words. She soon sobered though when she registered the question. “The one with the black hat, black jeans and the ridiculous braid of hair.”

One of Dorothy’s forked eyebrows rose as she studied the man Relena had pointed out. Her eyes raked over the slim form and she had to admit that at least Heero had taste. The cowboy was quite good looking with an equally stunning physique. If what Relena said was true and he was gay then it was a shame and a huge loss to the single female population, she thought. Dorothy wouldn’t have minded having a piece of him herself and not in the verbal sense either.

They were prevented from any further conversation as the arena master stepped up and the draw for the animals began.

The draw for the bull ride was first, Duo stepping up and pulling the name ‘Big Horn’ from the hat. He screwed his face up in a grimace and made his way back to his group of friends. Big Horn was an unpredictable bull; some days he would buck spectacularly, other days he wouldn’t buck at all. A cowboy had to be careful with him though as if they fell off they needed to get out of there quickly, the bull having gotten his name from the impressive set of horns he had on his head. Not that he was a nasty animal, but he did have a habit of catching people unaware with those large horns.

Heero’s name was called and he stepped up to pull a piece of paper out of the hat. The name ‘Mafia’ stared back at him. He gave a wry grin. Mafia was a good bull, small and compact he could buck like no ones business. If he could stay the eight seconds then he was sure to get a good score with Mafia.

“Some guys have all the luck,” Duo groused when he knew which bull Heero had drawn.

With the conclusion of the bull draw, it was time to move onto the saddle bronc draw. This time Duo drew an appaloosa by the name of Sparks and returned to his friends with a smug smile on his face.

“You should have a good ride there, Duo,” Trowa said.

“Yeah, I know,” replied Duo. Sparks was currently one of the leading horses for the saddle bronc of the year award. He could always be relied upon to buck well and if a cowboy stayed on for the time, they knew they’d earned their points.

Stepping up to the table, Heero drew out his piece of paper, a small smile on his lips.

“Who’d you get?” Duo asked when Heero returned to them.

“Arrow,” replied Heero. Arrow was a pretty good saddle bronc and most cowboys had a bit of trouble staying on him so if Heero could last the time out he should get a good score.

“They’re moving onto the bareback broncs,” Quatre said and everyone’s attention turned back to the table and the draw.

Heero drew a paint by the name of Flash. Duo gave a low whistle when he found out. Flash was a pretty good bucking horse, moving fast and not just bucking, but spinning too.

Duo approached the table and reached into the hat, swishing his fingers around and pulling out a piece of paper. He opened it up and took a look at the name there. His face paled as he read the words and shakily he made his way back to the others.

The cowboy’s pale complexion and slight shaking hadn’t gone unnoticed by the others and instantly they were on alert.

“Who did you draw, Duo?” asked Trowa.

“Reaper.”

Heero felt the blood rush from his brain. “Oh fuck.”

*

The draws for the bulldogging and calf roping were done next, Heero drawing fifth in the bulldogging and third in the calf roping, Duo had drawn second in the bulldogging and eighth for the calf roping. “That’s assuming I’m still in one piece to compete after Reaper,” he’d joked.

With the draws completed, the cowboys all began to wander back in the direction of their rigs to prepare for their rides. Heero and Duo walked back with the other three, all of them discreetly avoiding talking about Duo’s bronc draw; there wasn’t anything they could do about it so they just got on with what they had to do.

“See you guys over at the chutes,” Duo said as they parted ways.

“No worries. We will be there for you,” replied Quatre and gave a wave.

Back at Duo’s rig, the pair began to get their gear organized for their up coming rides.

* * *

Once the draws had been completed a list went up on a board so everyone could see who had drawn what animal for which event. As the pavilion emptied out, Dorothy and Relena made their way towards the board and quickly scanned down the list of cowboys and animals.

“Reaper, isn’t that the bronc that broke Heero’s leg?” Dorothy asked as they perused the board.

“Yes, he is. Nasty, mean animal it is too. Should be shot if you ask me. One day it’s going to kill someone,” replied Relena

“I think we may just have found a perfect solution,” grinned Dorothy.

“I don’t follow,” Relena said, shaking her head.

“You want your revenge on that cowboy for stealing Heero, don’t you?”

“Yes, but we were going to expose him in front of everyone for what he is, weren’t we? I’ve already arranged for the press from the papers to be there to record it all when I confront Heero,” Relena said, a little confused. Dorothy knew the plan, they’d discussed it several times and Doro had been there when Relena had contacted the papers and spoken to the editors. So what was she going on about?

“I know that,” Dorothy sniffed, “But here’s the perfect opportunity to get rid of that Maxwell character permanently.”

Relena paled a little as she realized what Dorothy meant. “Dorothy, I don’t want to get rid of him permanently as you put it, not in that sense any way. Once I’ve confronted Heero and exposed that man for what he is the papers will go ahead and publish the story and then that Maxwell character won’t be able to find work, buy horses or anything else in this country. Then Heero will come to his senses and come back to me where he belongs.”

Dorothy shrugged. “Your loss. I see he’s drawn Reaper for his bronc ride and it would appear to be the perfect opportunity to get him out of yours and Heero’s lives properly.”
“No, Dorothy. I don’t want to see him killed,” Relena whispered harshly. “I think it will be enough to destroy him with the power of the press.”

“Whatever.” Dorothy returned. “Come on, we’d better go see if these journalists of yours have arrived and work out our best plan of ‘attack’.”

Still a little put out that her friend would suggest such a thing, Relena followed. She may want her revenge and in all honesty she wouldn’t mind seeing that Maxwell fellow injured for taking what was hers, but she wouldn’t want to see him killed. Relena may have been a lot of things, but a murderer wasn’t one of them.

* * *

Duo double checked his rig, pulling on the ropes hard as he tested them and went over them for any sign of weakness. Beside him, Heero was doing the same with his own set up. Satisfied his rig was good to go, Duo put it to one side. “You nearly set?” he asked Heero.

“Yeah, almost done,” came Heero’s reply.

“Come inside the rig for a second,” Duo stated and got up to step inside the small area.

Heero stood up and followed, a little curious as to what Duo wanted. Once he was inside the door was closed firmly behind him and a pair of strong arms wrapped themselves around his waist. Duo’s eyes bore deep into his own.

“I just wanted to hold you before we go out there for the competition. Once it starts I’m not going to get the chance to hold you again for some time,” Duo offered in explanation.

Heero smiled and curled his own arms around Duo’s slender form, pulling the other cowboy close. He gave a shy smile and hesitantly reached forward with his lips. Duo’s lips met him half way and they shared a gentle kiss.

“Be careful out there,” Duo murmured.

“I will. You too,” whispered Heero.

“I’d prefer it if neither one of us has any bumps, scrapes or bruises at the end of the day, but that’s not gonna happen,” sighed Duo.

Feeling a little bolder, Heero pressed his mouth to Duo’s neck and murmured softly against the warm skin. “I’ll kiss yours better if you kiss mine better?”

A shudder passed through Duo and a soft moan escaped his lips. “That’s a deal.”

A knock to the door followed by a deep voice broke the moment. “You guys nearly ready? They’re calling for everyone to form up for the grand parade,” came the unmistakeable sound of Trowa  from outside.

“Just coming,” Duo called back and returning his gaze to Heero’s he stole another, sweet kiss. “Better move it.”

“Yeah.”

* * *

The guys dropped their respective rigs off to the cow hands at the chutes and prepared themselves both physically and mentally for the rides ahead. The bull ride would be up first and both men knew they had to try and get off to an impressive start if they wished to remain in contention for the title of cowboy of the year.

The competition was close, both men neck and neck for the title and each just as keen to win it. Both had their reasons for wanting it, it would open up many doors and also ease the financial strain both found themselves under in pursuing their respective dreams.

Duo nodded he was ready and the chute opened, Big Horn shot out the gates and began to buck madly. It seemed this was one of his better days. Grimly, Duo hung on, his legs following the motion of the bull, one arm high in the air and the other holding on desperately. The bull bucked and twisted, tossing its head around and waving those impressive horns in the air.

To one side, Trowa waited, ready to distract the bull if and when necessary; Quatre and Wufei were also present, their horses quivering beneath them as they waited for the signal from their riders.

Duo could feel his teeth rattling in his head as the violent bucking continued. He felt his hand starting to slip a little in the hold and he prayed his time was almost up. Big Horn gave a few spectacular leaps and shoved in a spin for good measure. Duo slipped slightly to the side and just when he thought the ground was going to greet him, the bell sounded to say his time was up. Relieved, he grabbed for the rig with his free hand to steady himself as Wufei closed in on him, Quatre aiming for the flanks of the bull to release the rope.

“Thanks, Wufei,” Duo said as he was hauled from the still bucking animal. Trowa appeared to their right and distracted those horns away from the pair.

“You’re welcome,” replied Wufei as he slowed Nataku and let Duo drop to the ground.

“Good ride,” Trowa said as he handed Duo his hat.

“Thanks.” Duo took the hat and with a wave of it to the crowd, placed it back on his head and sauntered from the arena with the crowds cheering in his ears.

“Great ride for Duo Maxwell! Judges score is up and it’s a ninety-one! That puts Duo in the lead for the bull ride so far today!”

“You okay?” Heero asked as Duo slipped out between the chutes. He couldn’t help but be a little concerned. “That was some ride,” he congratulated.

“I’m fine and thanks. Guess that bull decided to put on a show, I’m just glad I managed to stay on for the full time.”

“Well, you certainly deserved the score,” smiled Heero.

Feeling warmed by the kind words, Duo gave his new boyfriend a soft smile and the pair leaned against the rails to watch a few more of their fellow competitors before it would be Heero’s turn.

Mafia grunted and shifted as Heero lowered his weight to the bull’s back. Pushing his gloved hand into the hand hold of the rig, He wriggled a little and settled. Nodding to the chute man, the gates opened and Mafia exploded into the arena.

The bull bucked, twisted and spun, Heero being tossed around like a rag doll on his back. With a loud bellow, the bull began to buck harder, determined to rid himself of the cowboy on his back. Heero grit his teeth and hung on, equally as determined to stay on for the full count. Legs moved forward and back, urging the bull to buck better. Mafia did. Heero was almost flat on the animals back as he struggled to stay with the beast.

Quatre began to approach from his left side, Wufei coming from the right and the bell sounded to indicate the time was up. The bull continued to buck as Quatre reached out and snagged Heero’s shoulders. Heero grabbed Quatre around the waist and allowed himself to be dragged from the bull.

“Thanks,” he said as Quatre dropped him to the ground.

“Anytime,” Quatre grinned.

“Ladies and gentlemen, what an outstanding ride for Heero Yuy! The judges have given him a score of ninety-two. This is going to make for an interesting competition with several more events to go and our two top cowboys, Heero Yuy and Duo Maxwell neck and neck for the title of all round cowboy of the year.”

“That was a great ride, Heero. Congratulations,” Duo said as Heero slipped out of the arena and joined him at the rails.

“I didn’t think I was going to last the distance,” Heero admitted.

“Well you sure did and got a damn good score for it too.” Duo scuffed the ground with his boot. “Wanna grab a coffee? It will be a little while before we’re on again with the saddle broncs.”

“Sure.”

* * *

Sparks jumped in the chute and gave an angry snort. “Easy there,” Charlie, the rodeo hand soothed. “He’s all ready for you, Duo.”

“Thanks, Charlie.” Duo pushed his hat firmer on his head and prepared to scale the rails.

“Be careful,” Heero murmured from beside the long haired cowboy.

“I will. See you in eight seconds,” Duo smiled and grabbed the rails, scaling them quickly and standing astride the top spars. Beneath him, Sparks shifted again. Carefully Duo settled himself down from the rails and onto the horse’s back. He kissed his gold cross and tucked it under his shirt. The braid was similarly tucked down the back of the shirt and Duo worked his hand into the webbing hold. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he nodded to Charlie.

The chute opened and Sparks bounded out. He cantered a couple of strides away from the chute itself and then dropped his head between his knees and began to buck. Hind legs pistoned into the air as the animal crow hopped across the arena.

When bucking didn’t unseat the rider, Sparks began to spin and buck at the same time.

Each jolt of the horse as hooves bit into the dirt jarred Duo’s body. It felt as if his bones were grinding together. His arm began to ache from holding on so tightly, but he daren’t loosen his grip. His legs gripped from the knees and the lower calves swung back and forth, the dulled rowels on the spurs he wore enough of an irritant to keep the horse bucking but not hurt it in any way.

Sparks’ hind legs went higher into the air, Duo following the movement as best he could and hoping he bell would sound soon. Two more crow hops followed by a spin and a buck nearly had Duo off, the cowboy hanging on by the skin of his teeth. Just as Sparks was about to throw in another spin and buck, the bell sounded and Duo gratefully grabbed hold of the saddle with his free hand.

Wufei was there to help him off the animal, Duo passing on his thanks to the pick-up guy. Once Wufei had set him down, he waved to the crowd and made his way to the side of the arena and over the rails.

“Another great ride for Duo Maxwell! Let’s see what the judges thought. A score of eighty eight for Duo’s saddle bronc ride! Once more, Duo Maxwell is leading the competition.”

“You okay?” Heero asked as Duo dropped down from the rails he’d been climbing over.

“A little jarred,” Duo replied honestly.

“It looked like a rough ride.”

“You can say that again,” groaned Duo. “Shit my shoulders ache.” He rolled those shoulders to try and ease them a little.

“I can give you a massage later.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

Before long it was Heero’s turn for his saddle bronc ride. As he prepared himself both mentally and physically for the ride ahead, he felt a hand rest on his shoulder. Turning he gazed into warm violet.

“Good luck, Heero,” said Duo softly.

“Thanks.” Heero gave a shy smile in return and then hauled himself up the rails to stand astride the top spars. Arrow shifted a little as Heero let his weight drop gently into the saddle. His hand slipped into the webbing and he wriggled it around until he was satisfied with the grip he had. Nodding to Hank who was standing by the gate, the chute opened and Heero found himself flying into the arena.

Arrow didn’t waste any time, once he was clear of the chute his head jammed itself between his knees and his hind legs left the dirt as he bucked in earnest. Teeth gritted together as Heero hung on, his free hand staying well into the air and clear of the horse. He was jolted back and forth as the animal spun and bucked its way into the center of the arena.

The crowd cheered the cowboy on, legs swung back and forth as Heero’s body did its best to follow the movement of the horse and stay with it. Forelegs jarred as they dug into the dirt, hind ones shot into the air and Arrow added a twist to his bucks. Heero felt himself start to slide to the left and dug his knees in harder. Arrow felt the shift and bucked harder and higher, twisting more as he tried to dislodge the rider.

“Fuck, hurry up and ring, will you,” Heero muttered as he willed the bell to sound. His eyeballs were jolted in their sockets as Arrow gave a particularly nasty buck. He slipped a little further to the left and growled under his breath. Just as he felt himself about to reach the point of no return, the bell sounded and Wufei was beside him.

“Need a lift?” Wufei asked.

“I think it’s a little late for that,” Heero  ground out as he managed to free his hand from the webbing as his body decided it wanted to part ways. He managed to twist himself and land on his feet, Wufei and Nataku beside him in case he needed help.

Once the weight was gone from his back, Arrow spun around and charged for the open gate that would take him back to the corral and his mates.

Quatre arrived with Heero’s hat and handed it to the cowboy. “That was a good ride. Well done on staying on until the bell,” he said with a smile.

“Thanks.” Heero took the hat and placed it back on his head. “Didn’t think I was gonna make it for a minute there.”

“What a ride for Heero Yuy, folks. Just managing to stay the eight seconds. What do the judges have to say about it? Ah, score is in and it’s an eighty six for Heero Yuy!” The crowd all cheered and applauded, Heero saluting them with his hat as he left the arena.

“Congratulations, Heero,” Duo offered with a smile when the other cowboy climbed down from the rails.

“Thanks. I really thought I was going to bite the dust before the bell though.”

“Well you didn’t. You stayed on for the eight seconds and got a pretty good score too.”

“Yeah. I did,” Heero grinned.

“Come on, we need to get our rigs ready and take them over to the guys for the bareback bronc ride,” stated Duo his smile fading a touch.

“Suppose we’d better.

*

Heero and Duo checked their rigs over again before handing them to the rodeo hands for the guys to put on the broncs. Duo had been meticulous in his checking of the rope and webbing. With Reaper being his ride he didn’t want to leave anything to chance.

There was a short break between saddle broncs and bareback broncs for the rodeo hands to move the animals around and start to get them into the chutes and ready. Duo took advantage of the few minutes and dragged Heero into the gents where they shared a couple of congratulatory kisses.  Duo was nervous about his ride and Heero was similarly nervous for the other cowboy. Both men knew just what Reaper was capable of and neither one was looking forward to the ride itself – Heero because he didn’t trust that black devil and Duo because he wanted to stay in one piece.

Stepping back out of the toilets and walking around the brick wall, they started to make their way back to the chute area when a woman’s voice stopped them in their tracks.

“Ah, Heero, thought I would find you here. Mr Maxwell, what a surprise - or not. I might have guessed you’d be hanging around the gents and tainting innocent men with your faggot ways.”

Heero swallowed hard. “Relena...”

tbc...


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