Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 24 ( Chapter 24 )

[ 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 24

[Itfs the broncs and the bloodItfs the steers and the mudAnd they call the thing, Rodeo
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]  


Heero gave up trying to sleep as the first rays of dawn made their way across the landscape. He'd tossed and turned all night, images of Duo being attacked by Reaper his only companion throughout the dark hours. Rubbing a hand over his tired eyes, he climbed out of the bed and pulled the covers up. Stretching his arms above his head, he felt his spine pop. Grabbing a pair of jeans, he tugged them on over his slender hips and did them up. A search through his duffel bag produced a clean shirt which was soon covering his slightly chilled torso. Shoving his feet into a pair of worn sneakers, he headed for the small kitchen area and put the kettle on to boil.

Whilst the water was heating, Heero stepped outside to the dawn chorus of the birds, noting the weather looked like it was going to be better than the previous day. As soon as they heard movement, both Wing and Scythe began calling for their breakfasts.

“Yeah, yeah, I'm coming,” Heero muttered and made his way to the small feed compartment. With the feeds in the buckets, Heero carried them to the side of the rig, putting Wing's in first and then moving to the other side to give Scythe his. He paused to give the appaloosa a few pats. “We're going to go pick up your master this morning, Scythe,” he told the appy.

Scythe blew through his nostrils into the feed bin, showering Heero with a few bits of chaff.

“Thanks,” Heero muttered and dusted the bits from his form. Picking up the feed bucket, he went back around to the other side of the rig and Wing. “You'd better behave yourself, Wing, we need to pick Duo up from the hospital and take him home to his ranch so you'll be in the trailer with Scythe for quite a while.”

Wing simply grunted, the exhalation of air into the feed bin sending another shower of chaff over Heero.

“What is it with horses and chaff?” Heero mumbled to himself as he again dusted himself off. Picking up the other feed bucket, he took the two back to  the feed compartment and locked them away. Coffee was next on his agenda, changing the horse's rugs to their lighter ones could wait a little while. It was still quite cool out so they wouldn't come to any harm with their heavier rugs on for the moment.

The kettle was boiling rapidly when Heero stepped back inside the rig. He quickly removed it from the heat and made his coffee. Sitting at the small table, he contemplated the day ahead, blowing over the hot liquid in the mug he cradled from time to time.

He would need to secure everything inside the rig for traveling first. Fortunately there wasn't a lot in that area to do. Then he'd need to load the horses onto the trailer, pack away their water buckets, feed bins and other bits before dismantling the yards and loading them back onto the sides of the rig. Once that was all done he'd be set to drive to the hospital and collect Duo.

Duo...

His mind switching to the long haired cowboy, Heero felt his body warm all over. He hoped Duo had spent an easier night than he had and was feeling better this morning. The fall had been a nasty one in itself, but to have Reaper take to him as well. Heero shuddered.

A glance at the clock told him time was moving by and if he wanted to pick Duo up at eight-thirty he’d  need to move his ass and get started. Downing the last of his coffee, Heero rinsed the mug through and put it away. With a soft sigh, he set about tidying up the inside of the rig and stowing everything for the drive to the hospital and home.

* * *

Duo's night had been better than Heero's, despite his injuries. Doctor Po had been back around to check on him before she left the hospital for the evening and was pleased with his progress. All his vitals had returned pretty much to normal, although his temperature was slightly elevated. She expected that though and wasn't overly concerned. His body had taken quite a battering so his temperature was bound to be up a touch as it battled to repair itself.

The headache was still with the young cowboy and knowing that despite the pain killers he was currently on, Duo would have trouble sleeping properly, she prescribed a very mild relaxant for him. It wouldn't impede his body's healing in any way and would relax him enough to sleep and let his systems do their work.

The relaxant did its job well and Duo had drifted off quite happily. He didn't dream, rather sleeping the sleep of the totally exhausted. The nurses checked him every hour, noting his vitals remained steady so there was no cause for alarm.

Duo woke up around seven, a touch disorientated. As he surfaced, his senses came on line and let him know this wasn't his bed at home, nor was it the one in the rig either and he tensed for a moment. The smell of antiseptic greeted his nostrils and the previous evening flooded back to him. He relaxed as the memories invaded his mind. He'd taken a bad fall from Reaper – or that's what he'd been told -  and been brought to the hospital. The memory of Heero's concerned blue eyes came to him, along with the promise Heero had made to look after him whilst he healed. That sent a warmth through Duo.

He shifted slightly in the bed to test out his injuries. His shoulder and ribs were very sore and there was a slight ache in his upper arm from the bite. The headache had eased quite a bit but there was quite a sizable lump on the side and towards the back of his head which is where he must have connected with the arena surface. He didn't bother to run his fingers over that lump, aside from the fact that his arms were really rather sore to move, he knew the lump itself would probably be very tender and the last thing he wanted was to have his headache get worse.

There was a soft knock to the door followed by a nurse's head peering around the jamb. “Ah, Mr. Maxwell, I see you're awake,” she said and stepped fully into the room, approaching his bedside and the monitor there. Picking up his chart from the holder at the foot of the bed, she noted down his vitals. “How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Like a horse trampled me,” Duo replied honestly.

The nurse chuckled. “I think that's exactly what did happen,” she replied. “You're a very lucky man, it could have been a lot worse.”

“Yeah, I believe so. I can't recall anything of the fall so I have to take everyone else's word for it.” Duo added a smile to the words and the nurse blushed.

“You'll be pleased to know that all your vitals are stable and you slept through the night just fine. Doctor Po will be doing her rounds shortly so if she's happy with you I'd say you will be allowed to go home today.”

“Good. No offense or anything, but I don't like hospitals and I'd rather not be here,” Duo replied with a grin.

“No offense taken. Actually, I'd rather we never had any patients at all if you get my meaning.”

“Amen to that, but I don't think it will ever happen.”

“No, I can't see it ever happening, not whilst the human race exists.”

“At least you'll always have a job,” Duo teased. “Nursing young men back to good health.”

“Oh, get away with you,” the nurse returned, the blush staining her cheeks even more. “Your breakfast should be along shortly. Do you think you could eat anything?”

At the mention of food, Duo's stomach rumbled – loudly. “Um, oops?”

“I think that would be classified as a yes,” the nurse snickered. “I'll go see if I can chase it up for you.”

“Thanks.”

“My pleasure.” The nurse departed to hunt up the breakfast tray.

When she left, Duo looked around the room. He was still attached to a drip and really needed to pee. He could see the door to what must be the bathroom on one side, but wasn't sure if he would be able to make it there with the drip. He spotted a paper covered 'bottle' sitting on the small cabinet to the side. 'Guess I'm gonna have to try and use that,' he thought to himself. 'It's either that or I wet the bed.'

He managed to shuffle himself around in the bed and reach for the bottle. His arm protested the movement, sending a few pains shooting from the bite mark along his shoulder and down his arm. Duo ignored it though as the need to relieve himself was by far greater. He managed to get the bottle and resting it in his lap, pulled the paper cover from it, sliding the bottle under the sheets. Then he came to the next problem; getting himself out of his boxers and into the bottle.

Concentrating hard, he managed to secure the bottle whilst he used his hand to pull himself out of his boxers. Settling the head of his cock into the bottle, he gave a loud sigh of relief as he was finally able to let go of his control and fill the bottle. His eyes closed in bliss as his bladder emptied itself. Once he was done, he faced a new challenge; how to get the now rather full bottle back out from under the sheets and onto the table without spilling any of the contents when he only had the use of one hand.

“Shit. Dammit!” he cursed, the bottle refusing to cooperate.

“Mr. Maxwell, are you okay?”

Duo looked up to see the same nurse from earlier had stepped back into his room. He blushed to the roots of his hair but managed to stumble out a reply. “Ah, sorry about the language, I seem to be having a bit of an argument with this bottle. It doesn't want to come back out from under the sheets.”

“Let me help,” the nurse said and approached the bed.

Now Duo was a deep shade of red as the nurse lifted the sheet a touch and grasped the errant bottle, removing it and slipping the paper cover back over it. Still blushing, Duo ignored the pain in his arm and tucked himself back inside his boxers. He really didn't need the nurse to do that for him too!

“You should have called for me,” the nurse chastised gently.

“I didn't think it would be that difficult, I only wanted to pee,” Duo defended himself.

“Next time, ring the call bell and a nurse will come and assist you,” she ordered.

“Yes, ma'am,” Duo replied sheepishly and vowed he would wait until Heero was there and collected him before he'd go to the bathroom again.

“Your breakfast is here, I'll go bring it in once I have you comfortable,” the nurse stated. She moved to the top of Duo's bed and raised it up a little, plumping the pillows and putting them behind him so he was more elevated. Dragging the tray table around, she positioned it across Duo's lap and went back outside to fetch his breakfast tray. Setting it on the table a moment later, she left him to enjoy his food, promising to return when he'd finished and remove the drip.

Once the nurse had gone, Duo lifted the lids covering the plates to see what was on the menu. The aroma's tickled his nose and he inhaled deeply. There was a small bowl of oatmeal, scrambled eggs on toast, a tub of yogurt and glass of orange juice. Picking up the spoon and working with his one, reasonably good arm, he began to eat his breakfast.

* * *

Heero had managed to secure everything in the rig and put away all the gear that wasn't being used for the horses. All he had left to do was empty the water buckets, load the horses on and dismantle the yards. His watch told him it was seven-thirty. Deciding to leave the other bits for a moment, he wandered back inside the rig to make another coffee. With mug in hand, he stepped back out and sat on the steps of the rig.

“Morning, Heero.”

Heero glanced up to see Trowa walking towards him, his bitten arm held close to his chest in a makeshift sling.

“Morning, Trowa. I see Quatre has been applying his own first aid.”

“Yeah, you could say that. Personally I think it's a little over the top, but it's easier to give in to him than argue,” Trowa sighed.

Heero chuckled. “I know exactly what you mean.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Not too good.”

“Have you had any breakfast yet?”

“No. I wasn't going to bother. Thought I”d get everything ready to go so I can get to the hospital to pick Duo up around eight-thirty.”

“You need something to eat, Heero. Actually, we guessed you'd probably skip out on breakfast so Quatre sent me over to fetch you. He's cooked up enough to feed an army and I was given strict instructions to drag you back with me. So please, do me a favor and come back for breakfast, otherwise Quatre will be on my case for the rest of the day.”

Trowa's words were spoken in such a manner and with the added facial expressions, Heero knew he'd better not refuse. Quatre could be quite scary when he wanted to be. “Okay, I'll come and eat with you, just to save you from blondie.”

“Thanks,” Trowa sighed in relief. “Wufei is joining us too and it was almost ready when I left so I suggest we move ass.”

“Okay. I'll just put my mug back inside.” Heero stepped back into the rig and dropped his mug into the small sink. Running his fingers through his messy hair, he grabbed his hat and went back outside to walk with Trowa to Quatre's rig.

*

With breakfast over and done with, Heero thanked the blonde and his partner for their hospitality. Exchanging handshakes and phone numbers with all three of his fellow cowboys and promising to contact them once Duo was home, Heero took his leave. Wufei offered a hand to load the horses onto the rig and pack away the yards, Heero accepting the generous offer.

In no time at all, the horses were inside and ready to travel, the yards had been dismantled and secured in their place on the side of the rig and all that was left was for Heero to climb into the cab and hit the road. Thanking Wufei again for his help, Heero started the rig up and began the slow journey across the paddock to the main road. As he passed by the arena, he spotted Treize exiting the offices and waved to him. Treize waved back and motioned for Heero to stop. Bringing the rig to a smooth halt, Heero wound down his window as Treize approached.

They exchanged greetings before Treize went on to ask after Duo, Heero giving what information he had. Treize also passed on his concerns regarding the circumstances of Duo's accident and let the cowboy know the rodeo board were launching a full investigation into the incident and would be in touch with both of them for statements and such. Having swapped information in regards to the police investigation, Treize let Heero leave, promising to keep in touch and let them both know what was happening in regards to the board's investigation.

Once more, Heero was moving forward and when he hit the road, he pushed down on the accelerator a little more and set course for the hospital and the cowboy he was fast becoming enraptured with.

* * *

“Everything is looking fine, Mr. Maxwell,” Sally said as she replaced her stethoscope back around her neck. “I'll give you a 'script for further antibiotics and pain killers should you need them. Here's the remainder of the ones you're on whilst in here and there should be enough to carry you over for a couple of days until you can get the 'scripts filled.” The doctor picked up a large envelope. “All your scans and x-rays are in here along with a letter from me detailing your injuries and the treatment you've been given. You will need to take these to your usual doctor once you get back home. If they have any questions, tell them to call me, my number is on the letter. Likewise, if you have any concerns at all, just ring and I'll do what I can for you.”

“Thanks, Doctor Po, I really appreciate all you've done for me,” Duo replied with a smile and shook the doctor's hand.

“It's been my pleasure, Mr. Maxwell. Just remember, the whole idea of riding a bronc is to stay on the animal.”

“Duo chuckled. “I'll try to remember that,” he replied. “Am I all clear to leave then?”

“Yes. If you could just sign the bottom of these discharge papers, you're free to leave as soon as your friend gets here.”

“Thanks.” Duo scrawled his signature across the paperwork and lay back against the pillows.

Just as Sally was about to leave, Heero arrived.

“Sorry I'm a little late,” he said with a glance at the clock. It read eight-fifty. “I had a spot of bother finding somewhere to park the rig.”

“I can imagine,” Duo chuckled.

“Is everything okay? Is Duo allowed to leave?” Heero asked.

“Yes, he's signed the discharge papers, has his 'scripts, medication and all other paperwork necessary for his own doctor so he can leave whenever he's ready,” Sally said.

“Thank you, Doctor Po,” Heero replied and shook hands with the doctor.

“It's been my pleasure. Now, I really must go, I have a lot of other patients to attend to. All the best, Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Yuy.” Sally nodded to the pair and took her leave.

Once the doctor had left, Heero approached the bed and his boyfriend, a soft smile on his lips. “You ready to get out of here?”

“More than ready.”

“Good. I really don’t want to leave the horses inside the parked rig for too long.”

“I agree with you there,” Duo replied. “Please tell me you brought clothes?”

“Would I let you walk out of the hospital in just your boxers and that paper gown?” Heero teased.

“I would hope not,” Duo snorted.

“Here.” Heero placed a small carrier bag on the bed.

“Thanks.” Duo fished around in the bag and pulled out a pair of jeans, shirt and clean boxers. “I'll go get changed in the bathroom.”

“You okay to walk in there by yourself?” Heero questioned.

“Yeah, I'll be fine. If I need any help I'll call out for you.” Grabbing the clothes, Duo made his way to the small bathroom where he relieved himself again before putting on the clothes Heero had brought. Completely dressed, he exited and found Heero sitting on the bed waiting for him.

“What do you need to take with you?” Heero asked.

Dumping his laundry into the carrier bag, Duo opened the small cabinet next to the bed and withdrew a paper bag that contained his clothing from when he was admitted to the hospital. He pulled his boots out and slipped them on before handing the bag to Heero. “Just that and the envelope with the stuff in it the doc gave me; oh, and my medication.” Grabbing the couple of pill bottles, Duo handed them over to Heero who placed them in the carrier bag along with the other things.

“All set?”

“Yeah. Let's go,” replied Duo.

As the pair were about to leave they were confronted by the nurse and a wheelchair. Duo gave the chair a funny look, Heero snickered.

“Mr. Maxwell. I'm to escort you to the exit,” the nurse stated. “If you would kindly sit in the chair I'll take you down now.”

“I'm quite capable of walking out of here,” Duo replied with a disdainful look at the wheelchair.

“I'm sure you are, but it is hospital policy. All patients leave by means of a wheelchair.” The nurse's tone told Duo if he wanted to leave it would be by her way or not at all.

Seeing his boyfriend about to open his mouth and argue the point, Heero intervened. “Duo, just humor the nurse and hop into the wheelchair, otherwise we will be here all day and the horses will be getting restless in the rig.”

That gave Duo reason to pause and with a sigh, he sat himself in the wheelchair. “Okay, you two win. Wheel me outta here.”

“Thank you, Mr. Maxwell.” The nurse took hold of the handles and began to push, Heero following along behind.

Stepping out of the chair at the hospital's entrance doors,Duo thanked the nurse and before she could insist on anything else, he bolted for the doors and freedom. Heero couldn't hold the chuckle as he chased after his wayward partner.

“Slow down, Duo,” he called.

Once Duo was sure he was clear of the hospital, he paused for Heero to catch up and gave the other cowboy a sheepish grin. “Sorry, I wanted to get away from there before they could come up with something else to keep me in for.”

“It's okay, I understand. Rig's over this way.”

The pair walked in silence to where Heero had managed to park the rig. The sounds of restless shifting came from the horses inside and Heero climbed up the side to take a quick glance through the window to see that both cow ponies were okay.

“They're fine,” he let Duo know when he climbed back down.

“Good,” Duo replied. “You okay to drive?”

“I drove it here, didn't I?” Heero stated with a smile. “It's very similar to my rig so I don't think I'll have a problem.”

“Thanks, I don't think I'm up to driving just yet.” He nodded his head in the direction of his bandaged arm and the other arm which was encased in a sling to ease the stress and strain on the torn shoulder muscles and ligaments.

Unlocking the rig, Heero hovered behind Duo, ready to assist the other cowboy should he need help in climbing into the rig. Duo managed okay with only a slight wince and settled himself into the passenger seat. Heero closed the door behind him and went around to the driver's side. Once both were buckled up, Heero started the rig and eased them from the car parking area.

Duo watched the landscape roll past as Heero navigated through the town and onto the highway that would take them back to Duo's ranch. Once they were on the country roads and Heero was comfortable with his driving, Duo began to ask his questions.

“Have you heard anymore from the cops?”

“No, not yet,” Heero replied. “Treize spoke to me just as I was leaving the grounds though. Apparently the rodeo board is also holding an investigation into the incident and will probably be in touch with both of us to take statements.”

“Dunno what good my statement will be, I can't remember anything,” Duo said. “Why can't they have a copy of our statements from the police?”

“I don't know,” Heero replied. “I agree with you though, it would make things a lot easier.”

“I guess they will all be in touch when they're ready.”

“Yeah.”

“How were the rest of the guys? I'll call them once we get back to La Grange, I need to thank them all for what they did, even if I don't remember any of it. From what I've been told if you and they hadn't stepped in, I'd be hamburger by now.”

“I'd prefer to forget about it,” Heero stated with a shudder. “It was awful watching it happen.”

“Sorry about that.”

“Don't apologize, it wasn't your fault, it was that bitch Dorothy's fault. I hope they throw the book at her. Actually, I'd like five minutes alone with that bitch,” Heero growled.

“Maybe we should chuck her on Reaper and see how she fares,” Duo suggested with an evil twinkle in his eye.

“Not a bad idea, but somehow I don't think the board would let us get away with it,” Heero snickered.

“I'd really like to know what happened to that bronc to make him this way,” Duo murmured. “There has to be a reason, horses aren't generally born mean and nasty.”

“No, they're not.”

“I wonder what happened to him, if someone was cruel to him or if he had a bad experience in his past,” Duo mused.

“I don't know, but something tells me we're not going to find out either. Treize doesn't know why he's that way and he's the one that manages the bronc team.”

“Zechs doesn't know either,” Duo replied. “I mentioned it to him once and he said he wished he knew why Reaper's got it in for cowboys too. It's a real shame though, underneath that mean temperament, there's a nice horse.”

“I guess that's something we will never know,” Heero stated.

Duo pushed the button for the radio and selected a channel. Soft music filtered through the speakers and both cowboys relaxed as the miles rolled by. Thoughts of Reaper and his background still flitted through their respective minds, each cowboy coming up with possible reasons for the bronc's hatred.

Just what had happened to Reaper to turn him into what he was, neither cowboy could have imagined.

However, despite their thoughts to the contrary, in the not too distant future, they would learn of Reaper's story.

~ * ~

tbc...

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