Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 25 ( Chapter 25 )
[ 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 25
[Well, itfs bulls and bloodItfs dust and mudItfs the roar of a Sunday crowd
Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]
“This way, ma'am,” Officer French directed as Relena stepped out of the patrol car. The pair walked inside the police station where French escorted Relena to the front desk. Barnes came in behind them with an armful of paperwork. “If you would take a seat just over there, I'll be with you in a moment,” French stated.
Relena sat where indicated, the scowl still firmly on her face. She was tired, hungry and more than irritated at being kept in the cells overnight. She had contacted her lawyer who had arranged to meet with her later that day to review the charges against her and prepare her defense.
Barnes and French went over the paperwork they'd brought back with them from their visit to Judge Marks' at the local courthouse, locating the papers they would need. With the paperwork on the counter top, French called Relena over.
“I need you to sign the bottom of these,” Barnes informed Relena whose eyes narrowed.
“What are they?” she snapped.
Patiently, Barnes explained the paperwork to the woman. gThis is a statement of the charges brought against you along with the court date and time for you to present to court for the hearing. This one is a list of the items you came into the station with which you need to sign to say you have received them all back in the same condition. The last one is the bail conditions. Feel free to read through them all and then sign here, here and here,h Barnes said and placed a cross on each of the three places Relena would need to sign.
Taking the papers, Relena skimmed over them. gDo I get a copy?h
“Of course. One will also be forwarded to your lawyer who can contact us for further information in relation to the charges.”
“And my possessions?”
French placed a paper sack on the counter top. gAll your things are in there. I suggest you check them over.h
“I intend to,” Relena huffed and glared at the officer.
It took Relena fifteen minutes to read through all the paperwork and check her possessions. Finally satisfied, she signed and handed the papers back.
“Thank you. I'll go photo copy these and give you your copy,” said Barnes and disappeared into the bowels of the station.
“When can I see Dorothy?” demanded Relena.
“I'm afraid you can't,” replied French.
“Why not?”
“Your friend is facing similar charges to you as I told you last night. Aside from the fact that you are both charged with crimes similar and against the same person, under the law you cannot interact at all. Also, I'd say your friend will be remanded in custody until the court date.” French gave the woman a smug smile.
“Remanded in custody?” Relena whispered.
“Yes. Given her current mental state it is usual for the accused to remain in custody until their court appearance. After speaking with the judge earlier and providing the paperwork and charges brought against your friend, once the judge has had the chance to fully read and understand all the relative information and speak with the accused herself, it's highly unlikely she will be released before the court hearing. Mainly for the safety of the defendant as well as herself.” French took great delight in informing Relena of her friend's status right now.
“We will soon see about that!” Relena snarled. Her mind was already working in overdrive, one of the first things she intended to do when she met with her lawyer was to organize to speak with Dorothy, and see if she couldn't get the woman released too.
Barnes returned with the paperwork and passed Relena's copies over to her. gThose are yours ma'am. We will see you in four weeks time for the hearing.h
Relena all but snatched the papers from the officer's hand and shoved them in her purse. Without a backward glance, she spun on her heel and stormed from the station.
“I thought that went okay,” stated Barnes.
“Better than I expected,” French returned. “Want a coffee?”
“You buying?”
“Yep, my treat. I think we deserve one after dealing with her, not to mention the other psychotic one.”
“I agree with you there. We still have to deal with the other one when we take her to Judge Marks, so caffeine would be a good idea.”
“Tell me about it,” snorted French. “I'll be right back.”
“I'll start to get all the paperwork together for the transfer of Catalonia to the Psychiatric hospital whilst you're fetching coffee as I'm pretty sure that's where she will be going once the judge has read that psychiatric report.”
“Okay.”
* * *
Duo dozed lightly in the rig during the drive back to La Grange ranch. Despite having slept well the night before, the warmth of the sun through the window and the gentle rocking of the rig soon lulled him into a light slumber. Heero continued to drive, relieved to have his boyfriend beside him and safe.
The miles rolled by and it was mid afternoon when Heero turned onto the road that would take them to Duo's ranch. The rig slowed as they drew closer, Duo opening his sleepy eyes when he detected the change in the rig's vibrations.
“Almost home,” Heero stated softly.
Duo smiled in reply and yawned. gThanks for driving me and Scythe home.h
“It's my pleasure,” Heero replied with a slight frown.
“What's the frown for?” Duo asked as Heero turned into Duo's driveway and passed underneath the sign stating 'La Grange Ranch'.
“Nothing,” Heero hedged.
“Heero, I know you better than that. Something is on your mind now tell me what it is, please?”
Knowing he was defeated, Heero sighed. gI was hoping I could stay a while, help you out, you know, with the ranch and all. You're gonna find it a bit difficult to cope with your injuries.h
Duo's face lit up. gYou mean you'd be willing to stay and give me a hand?h Secretly he'd been hoping Heero would offer. He really wasn't sure how he would cope by himself and as Heero had already done so much for him, and with their relationship still in the early stages, Duo didn't feel comfortable with asking the other cowboy.
Heero nodded.
“But what about your own ranch? You've got your own cattle and all to see to, I can't impose on you to that extent.”
“The cattle will be fine. They're all out grazing with a natural stream running through the property. I'm not due to take a load to market for another two months as they won't be ready, so all I'll be doing is basic work around the place, fence checking that sort of thing. I can call my neighbor, Alex, and ask him to check the cattle from time to time when he's out checking his own. I know he wouldn't mind and if there's a problem he'll let me know and I can soon head back to sort it out.”
“Looks like you have an answer for everything,” Duo chuckled.
Heero ducked shyly behind his bangs. gI'll only stay if you want me too though.h
“Oh, Heero, I'd love to have you stay and thank you for offering, I really appreciate it. I don't think I'm gonna be able to do a lot with these injuries for the next week or two, but I'll have to try.”
“Then it's settled. I'll stay until you're capable of carrying on without my help.” Heero slowed the rig and brought it to a stop in the area behind Duo's home.
Both men climbed out of the cab and went to the rear of the rig. gYou want to bring them off first, or get the stables ready first?h Heero asked.
“Better get the pair of them off first, they've been in there for a while and whilst I dunno about Wing, Scythe will soon start to create if he's not allowed off.”
“Put them in the corrals?”
“Yeah. I'll go ahead and open them up if you're okay to bring them off?”
“No worries.” Heero slipped the bolts free and began to lower the ramp. Inside the rig, both horses started to grunt and neigh. Scythe had scented his home and wanted out of the confining rig, now! Wing also smelt the tang in the air and whilst it wasn't his home, he did remember the ranch he'd stayed at with the spotted equine.
“Okay, I'm coming,” Heero grunted and stepped inside the rig. He thought it would be best if he took Scythe first and headed for the lead rope to untie the appaloosa.
Scythe stood still until Heero gave a gentle pull on the rope then he began to step calmly and quietly backwards and onto the ramp. He gave the patchwork rump to the side a slight nip as he moved out of the rig and onto solid ground.
Wing squealed with the nip to his rump and laid his ears back. He'd get that spattered freak for that!
“Wing, be quiet and behave yourself,” Heero scolded; he'd missed the swift nip from Scythe so didn’t know why his horse was carrying on in such a manner. Scythe looked at the cowboy, an innocent expression on his face as he blew softly through his nostrils. “Come on, Scythe,” Heero urged and led the stallion towards the corral gate where Duo was waiting.
Scythe kinked his tail over his back and put an extra spring into his step as he strode obediently beside Heero to the corral. Wing craned his head and watched the smug display. His ears flattened against his skull as jealousy flowed through his heart. Eyes narrowed and Wing decided he'd soon wipe that smug expression off that dotted donkey's muzzle. By the time Wing was finished, that excuse for a pony would be as pale as the stupid spots he sported!
Having deposited Scythe in his corral, Heero went back for Wing. The paint barreled down the ramp, snorting and looking around. gSteady on there, Wing!h Heero admonished and gave the rope a hard tug. Wing stopped his antics and pushed his muzzle to his master's chest in apology. Heero rubbed the stallion between the eyes. gThat's better, boy. What's gotten into you lately? We're going to be staying here for a few days to help Duo out so I suggest you learn to get along with Scythe and behave yourself. Remember, we're guests here so I expect you to act like one.h
Wing didn't understand a word his master was saying, but he lapped up the attention. Following his master across the yard and into the corral next to Scythe, Wing made sure to keep close to Heero, rubbing his face against Heero's arm in an affectionate gesture. Heero responded by patting the black and white neck. Passing through the gates, Wing kept his hindquarters well out of range of Scythe's teeth. Heero passed him a couple of carrots and Wing crunched them up eagerly, going so far as to curl his lip at the other stallion in a gesture that clearly said; ' I'm loved more than you.'
Scythe snorted and turned his nose up at the paint pot. This was his territory and he fully intended to let that patchwork pony know it too!
Watching the antics of the two stallions, Duo let go a soft sigh. gI wonder if they will ever settle down and accept each other?h
“Too bad if they don't, I'm not about to give up on learning more about you just because my horse has a hangup regarding your horse,” Heero snorted.
Duo snickered. gI hope they sort themselves out soon too, 'cause I don't plan on letting you go any time soon either.h
A soft smile graced Heero's lips with those words and he turned to face the cowboy that had captured his heart. Leaning close, his breath brushed over Duo's cheek as he looked to Duo's lips and then eyes, asking for permission. Duo answered by closing the distance and sealing his mouth to Heero's in a tender, yet decidedly hot, kiss.
The kiss left Heero a little breathless and his eyes were bright when they parted. gGuess I should clean out the trailer and park it up before it gets too dark to see anything,h he mumbled.
“I'll start to put feeds in and fill water buckets for the nags,” Duo replied as he licked his lips.
“Mmm, okay.”
The pair separated to complete the various tasks that needed doing before they ran out of daylight.
* * *
“I don't understand why I can't go home,” Dorothy complained for the tenth time. “Miss Relena has been released, so why aren't I?”
“The judge refused to grant you bail due to your, shall we say, 'obsession' with Miss Peacecraft and her boyfriend,” Officer Barnes explained again in his patient voice. He was seriously thinking about recording his answer and just pushing the play button every time the woman opened her mouth!
I demand to see my lawyer,h Dorothy started again.
“Your lawyer has been contacted and will meet with you a little later once you have settled in,” Barnes stated.
“Where are you taking me? This isn't the way we came.”
“No, this isn't the way we came and we're not going back to the police station. We are taking you to a government facility where you will be held until your court date.”
Dorothy scowled and looked out the window. gAre these really necessary?h she asked as she shook her wrists that were handcuffed together. gThey're cutting into my wrists.h
“Unfortunately, yes, they are necessary. All people that are accused of a crime such as yours are required to be transported in handcuffs. Just think yourself lucky we didn't put the leg irons on too,” Barnes growled. He was starting to get a headache. “How much further?” he asked French who was driving.
“About five minutes,” replied French.
“Good. I think we will need Valium by the time we get there.”
“She's not been bad enough to require sedation,” French replied.
“I didn't mean for her, I meant for me.”
French snickered.
* * *
Once Heero had finished backing the rig in, Duo unlocked the house and gave the other cowboy a hand to bring all their things into the house. Unpacking and putting away the horse's gear came next, Heero placing what he wouldn't need back into his own rig, but putting his saddle and bridle into Duo's tack room along with Duo's gear. He'd need to keep Wing fit whilst staying with Duo.
With the rig now emptied out, Duo locked it up. gGuess we should feed the nags and settle them for the night before we get ourselves something to eat.h
“Yeah, it's starting to get quite dark and I am getting rather hungry,” Heero replied. It had been a long time since breakfast and neither man had felt like stopping to grab a bite on the way back so they were pretty hungry by now.
“I need a shower too,” Duo stated and wrinkled his nose as he sniffed at himself.
Heero laughed. gCould be a touch tricky with all those bandages.h
“I could always get you to give me a bed bath,” Duo suggested, a wicked gleam in his eye.
Heero went bright red and didn't know what to say. Fortunately for him, Wing interrupted by giving a loud neigh. gBetter get the horses sorted out, we will worry about personal hygiene later,h he mumbled.
Snickering, Duo followed along to bring his horse in for the night.
*
“That was delicious,” Heero said as he sat back and rubbed a hand over his satisfied stomach.
A soft belch escaped Duo. gOops, sorry,h he excused himself. gI wouldn't call it gourmet cooking, but it did fill the spot.h
“Surprising how good beans on toast can taste when one is really hungry,” Heero smiled. Standing, Heero collected their plates and moved to the sink. “I'll get these done.”
“Thanks. Want a coffee?”
“Only if you're making one.”
“Sure am.” Duo shuffled around the kitchen area, using his bitten arm to fetch the mugs, sugar, milk and coffee. It was a slow process, but he was determined to do things for himself. Heero watched from the corner of his eye but didn't step in to assist. Duo had his pride and needed to be able to do things for himself.
With the dishes done, Heero carried their mugs through to Duo's lounge room and flopped onto the sofa next to Duo who grabbed the remote and turned the television on. They had just settled down to watch a documentary when Duo's 'phone rang.
“Bugger,” Duo cursed and wriggled himself off the couch. “I'll be back in a tick,” he told Heero.
Making his way to the hall where the phone sat, he picked up the receiver. gLa Grange Ranch.h
Heero remained in the lounge room, his ears picking up on the odd word here and there of the conversation, but not trying to eavesdrop. When Duo returned after several minutes with a thoughtful look on his face, Heero's curiosity rose several notches. gImportant?h he asked as Duo settled himself back on the couch.
“I suppose so,” Duo replied absently and reached for his half full coffee mug.
Deciding it wasn't his place to push for information, Heero returned his gaze to the television.
“Sorry, Heero,” Duo began, only to have Heero interrupt him.
“No, Duo. That's quite alright. It's none of my business,” Heero smiled with his words.
“Actually, it is. That was Officer Barnes from the Canadian police station. He was calling to let me know what is going on in relation to those two women. He was going to ring you too but when I told him you were staying here with me to help me out whilst I'm healing, he asked me to pass the information on. Apparently the paperwork will be in the mail very shortly."
“I see.” Heero's heart began to pound a little faster in his chest. “What did he have to say?”
“Pretty much that both Relena and Dorothy have been charged with Defamation which could be upgraded to Libel if the papers decide to print the story. Relena has also been charged with Instigation of Attempted Murder...”
Heero's eyebrows shot up into his hairline.
“Dorothy has the same Defamation charge but also attempted murder and tampering with private property with the intent to cause harm or death.” Duo paused for a moment. “Relena has been released on bail but Dorothy is currently a guest of the Canadian Facility for the Mentally Disturbed; or the local nut house in simple terms. She's to remain there under psychiatric observation and care until the court date, which incidentally is in four weeks time.”
“Well, shit!” Heero exclaimed. “I always thought that woman didn't have both oars in the water, but it must be really serious if they are keeping her under psychiatric watch.” [1]
Duo snickered. gBoth oars in the water?h
“If you prefer; she's got kangaroos in the top paddock?” [1]
“Could always go with: Somebody please call the farm and tell them one of the turnips has escaped.” Duo replied. [1]
Heero dissolved into fits of laughter, Duo joining him and holding onto his ribs as best he could.
When they had both calmed a little, Duo continued on his original track; relaying what the officer had told him. gSeriously though, Barnes said they took her to the hospital and had a psych report done on her and the psychiatrist diagnosed her as being Psychotic or Delusional or whatever. He mentioned her having an unhealthy obsession with Relena and her happiness, which would explain why she went after me with such venom.h
“I assume she's remanded in the hospital for her safety and yours?”
“Pretty much, although from what Barnes said, she doesn't think she's nuts, she thinks what she's done is quite normal.” Duo shuddered.
Heero leaned closer and mindful of Duo's injuries, he pulled the other cowboy closer to him. gDon't worry, I'll make sure she won't ever hurt you again,h he murmured.
Duo shivered, but this time it was with warmth as tingles ran down his spine. gI think I should try to take that shower now,h he whispered.
“Mmm, might be an idea.” Deciding to be a little bolder, Heero continued, “I can help you if you want?”
“Oh, god,” Duo groaned.
“If I recall correctly, I did promise to kiss all your hurts better once you were out of hospital.” Heero lowered his voice to what he hoped was a husky purr.
“Ahh, so you did.”
“Then let me help you to get clean first.”
*
Duo's shower was easier said than done and in the end, the long haired cowboy had to settle for a bath. The strapping on his chest and shoulder wasn't waterproof and Heero didn't have enough first aid knowledge to be able to re-wrap it once Duo had showered. Rather than put Duo at further risk of hurting himself, Heero suggested the bath. Duo had agreed and Heero willingly gave him a hand. As much as he would have enjoyed joining Duo in the bath, it wasn't practical given Duo's injured state and so Heero had remained on the dry side of the tub.
Once Duo was in the water, Heero had carefully and gently sponged the dirt away from Duo's skin, or rather, those parts of it that weren't covered in bandages. Not feeling quite comfortable enough in their relationship at this point, Heero had left Duo to wash his own more personal parts, opting to fetch a fresh, fluffy towel instead.
Having gotten Duo as clean as he could be, Heero left him to dry off and took his own bath. Stepping out of the bathroom several minutes later, Heero pulled on a pair of boxers and loose sleep pants. Hanging up his towel, he went in search of Duo and found him in the master bedroom struggling with a pair of sleep pants.
“Having a spot of bother?” Heero asked as he tilted his head to one side and leaned against the door jamb.
“You could say that,” growled Duo and looked up. His throat went dry as he took in the strong, muscular chest of his new boyfriend. “Ah, ummm... “
Knowing where Duo's eyes had traveled, Heero couldn't help the smirk that broke forth. gNeed a hand?h he asked and pushed off the door jamb.
'More than a hand if I have my way,' Duo thought. gYeah, that would be good if you don't mind. I usually sleep in the nude so it's been a while since I've struggled with these things. I can't get the drawstring to pull through tight enough and even when I do manage it, I can't tie it.h
Duo sleeping in the nude was a startling revelation to Heero, but when he thought more on it, he wondered why Duo was putting on sleep pants then. Sleeping nude could be quite interesting. gWhy put the pants on if you usually sleep nude?h Heero blurted out as he neared the edge of the bed Duo was sitting on.
“Ah, well, I kinda figured if you're sharing a bed with me I didn't want to make you uncomfortable.”
Heero felt his cheeks heating a touch. gThat's rather sweet of you and I appreciate your thoughtfulness, but I don't expect you to have to change your sleeping habits just because I'm here with you,h Heero explained. Actually, the thought of having a nude Duo next to him in the bed was rather exciting.
Duo blushed softly. gAre you sure?h
Heero answered him by closing the distance between their mouths and pressing a soft, tender kiss to Duo's lips. gPositive,h he murmured as he pulled away a touch. gNow, I do believe I have some hurts to kiss better.h Gently, Heero eased Duo to his back on the mattress. He kissed the other cowboy again, brushing his tongue lightly over Duo's lips and when those lips parted, he delved inside.
Groaning softly, Duo lay back and got as comfortable as he could. He opened his mouth and heart to the other man, giving him unhindered access to whatever part of his mind, body and soul Heero wanted. His sensitized skin came alive as Heero's tongue and lips worked teasingly across the various muscle groups. True to his word, Heero kissed gently over the bandages that adorned his injuries, and the many places in between.
Slowly but surely, Heero worked his way from Duo's shoulders, along his collarbone and down to the rib cage. He would have liked to nibble on Duo's nipples, but right now they were underneath the wrapping around the cowboy's ribs. Butterfly kisses were pressed to the taut muscles of Duo's abdomen, those muscles shivering under the skin. From the corner of his eye, Heero could see Duo's excitement tenting the sleep pants which still remained loose about the long haired man's hips. Raising himself a touch, Heero's hands caught the hem of the pants and he tugged gently. gMay I?h he asked.
“Feel free,” Duo moaned and did his best to raise his hips and assist in the removal of the soft garment.
Moments later the pants were history and Duo was completely bare to Heero's eyes. Heero couldn't help it, he took a long, intense look at his boyfriend. He was more familiar with the female anatomy, but the only dealings he'd had with the male form were his own experiments on his own body. To look upon another male was generally frowned upon for obvious reasons, but this was different, this time they were a couple and thus Heero took his time to appraise his boyfriend.
Duo was all lean planes of hard muscle, completely the opposite to Relena's soft curves and Heero found that he much preferred the look of Duo's body to that of a woman. His blood heated as eyes perused the rigid length protruding from the thick shadowing of hair at Duo's groin. Even though he was completely new to all this, Heero was getting turned on to lengths he'd never thought possible. Yes, Relena had excited him, but Duo... Simply gazing upon the bared flesh sent his hormones into a frenzy, his blood boiling and his own cock pulsing with heat and need.
A small droplet of dew beaded at the slit of Duo's cock giving Heero a small reminder of what Duo had done to him just a few short days ago. He wondered if he would be able to return the favor. The musky, male scent of Duo drifted up and into his nose, teasing his senses. Deciding he had nothing to lose, Heero leaned in close, licked his lips and with a hand holding the shaft steady, he pressed a gentle kiss to the swollen crown.
“Ahhh,” Duo moaned, the kiss to his cock causing heat to flare in his groin. He bit his lip to stop from crying out further, the one arm that he could use being forced to remain at his side and not bury itself in Heero's hair and push the other cowboy onto his aching need. Duo was well aware that all this was completely new and alien to Heero and the last thing he wanted was to frighten the other man off by being too eager. Closing his eyes and allowing soft moans to escape as a form of encouragement, Duo relaxed and let Heero move at his own pace.
Mind made up, Heero took a deep breath and lowered his mouth to the pulsing head.
~ * ~
tbc...
[1] The three humor references to Dorothy's state of mind were courtesy of Presser who in a review compiled a list entitled: 'The top ten one-liners from the psychiatrist in the next chapter.' and kindly gave me permission to use any/all of them. Thanks, Press!! *snugs*
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