Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 27 ( Chapter 27 )

[ 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!

gCowboyh

October 2010 ShenLong

Chapter 27

[Itfs boots and chaps
Itfs cowboys hats
Itfs spurs and latigo

Rodeo ? Garth Brooks]  



Relena chewed on her bottom lip nervously as she waited in the foyer of the large hospital. Gilbert had managed to wrangle a visit to Dorothy for her, but it was to be a supervised visit and she was now waiting for her lawyer, Dorothy's lawyer and the doctor to accompany her to see Dorothy. She had no idea how her friend was coping or what Dorothy's lawyer intended to do about the charges brought against her friend.

Although Relena understood that the charges against Dorothy were a lot more serious than those against her, she couldn't for the life of her believe Dorothy was capable of doing such a thing. Despite the supposed evidence, and Dorothy's confession, Relena's mind refused to accept the truth.

“Ah, Miss. Peacecraft.”

Relena looked up to see Gilbert, another man and a white coated doctor standing before her. She stood up. gMr. Gilbert,h she acknowledged.

“Miss. Peacecraft, this is Mr. Albroh, Dorothy's lawyer and this is Doctor Une; she's the doctor in charge of Dorothy's case,” Gilbert said and stepped to the side so the lawyer and doctor could reach out to shake Relena's hand.

“It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss. Peacecraft,” said Albroh, Doctor Une echoing the words a moment later.

“Likewise, Mr. Albroh, Doctor. Please, call me Relena. How is Dorothy?”

Doctor Une fixed Relena with her eye. gBefore we go and visit your friend, I think you need to hear a few things. If you would care to step into my office I'll fill you in as best I can.h

Relena nodded and with Gilbert by her side, they followed the doctor along a couple of corridors and into a small office. Albroh declined to join them for the moment, he would meet up with them when they were taken to visit Dorothy. They took a seat when the doctor motioned for them to do so and waited as the doctor sat herself down and picked up a file.

“Relena, normally I would not be able to disclose information on my patient; however, she has stated that you are to be considered her next of kin and therefore I am now at liberty to give you what I know. Your friend Dorothy is suffering from what we call Psychosis. She's borderline Schizophrenic that suffers from delusions.”

Relena looked quite lost with the information.

“Let me explain it in more simple terms for you.” Doctor Une went on to describe Dorothy's mind process, how it was analyzing things, how she perceived things at the moment and her complete and utter devotion to Relena and her desires.

Hearing it all coming from the doctor's mouth had Relena in shock. She had no idea her friend felt this strongly about things or her for that matter.

“I believe this may all relate back to some form of trauma the woman experienced many years ago, although what that trauma was we have yet to discover.”

“But, she seems normal to me. She's never shown any signs of wanting to hurt anyone or do anything horrible before,” Relena protested.

“That's a classic example of her problem,” Une declared. “To everyone around them they appear to be just like you and me, no change in their behavior or their personality, but underneath, deep inside their minds they are planning or plotting out ways and means to eliminate or defeat whatever it is they feel threatened by. In this case, she is totally devoted to you and your happiness and anything that gets in the way of that needs to be removed, hence her attempt at eradicating Mr. Maxwell.”

It was a lot for Relena to take in and she still wasn't sure she believed the doctor. gHow is this going to affect her in relation to the court case? And her life afterwards?h

Une studied the young girl for a moment before replying. gRight now that woman is a very dangerous person and she will need a lot of help to overcome her problems. As for the court case, I am not at liberty to speak on that.h

“Can she be helped?”

“It's my professional opinion that with constant therapy and other methods of treatment that Dorothy should improve. To what point I cannot say as I don't know. It all depends on how well she reacts to the treatment.”

“I see.” Relena thought on the doctor's words. “Can I see her now?”

“I can only allow you to spend five minutes with her. I don't need for her to be getting upset or excited.”

“That's fine. I just want to make sure she's okay and let her know I'm here for her, that I haven't abandoned her,” Relena replied.

“Very well.” Une stood. “I'll have a couple of orderlies fetch her to one of the visiting rooms. If you would excuse me for a moment?” Une stepped outside the office to make her requests, leaving Relena and Gilbert alone for a couple of minutes.

“May I remind you that you are not to discuss anything about the court case with Dorothy,” Gilbert stated.

Relena sighed. gYes, I know.h She fell silent then, thinking back on the psychiatrist's words.

“Dorothy is waiting in visiting room three. If you would care to come with me?” Une said as she opened the door and stepped back into the office.

Gilbert and Relena stood, following the doctor along several more corridors until they arrived at the visiting room.

Taking a deep breath, Relena followed the doctor into the room and instantly her eyes fell on Dorothy who was reclining in a chair. gHello, Dorothy.h

* * *

True to his word, Heero fronted up the following day to exercise Scythe for Duo. The long haired cowboy fetched his horse whilst Heero brought the saddle and bridle out from the tack room. Scythe was tied to the corral fence and given a brush down. In the corral next to him, Wing watched with curiosity, a touch jealous that his master was brushing that other pony and not paying attention to him. With any luck his master would brush hard enough that he'd brush those spots right off the backside of that full of himself, pain in the rump, stallion.

“I'd suggest you try him out in the corral first, Heero. Not that I think he would do anything and I know you're quite capable of handling him, but it will give you the chance to get used to him a bit before moving out into the paddock.”

“Sounds like a good idea to me,” replied Heero and finished cinching up the saddle.

Once Scythe was ready, Heero led the appy a few paces from the fence and prepared to mount up. Duo remained by the fence and watched.

Wing gave a snort. His eyes were fixed on his master and the spotted freak. When he saw his master put his foot in the stirrup, Wing pawed the ground. Watching as his master mounted the appaloosa, Wing gave a loud snort of disgust.

Scythe stood as still as a rock, a little confused as to why his master wasn't getting on his back instead of the other man. When he saw the display from the painted pony, Scythe nickered silently to himself. This could prove to be quite interesting. He turned his head to the paint pot and curled his lip.

Wing couldn't stand it. He gave an angry squeal, reared up on his hind legs and pawed the air with his forefeet. Coming back to earth, he whirled around and galloped off to the far corner of the corral.

“Uh oh, looks like someone's nose is out of joint,” Duo stated as he watched the paint's activities.

“He can sulk all he likes, I'm not going to pamper to him, he's just going to have to get used to it,” Heero stated with a dark look in the direction of the corner of the corral where Wing stood with his back turned towards them.

“It must be hard on him though,” Duo said softly. “I'll give him a few carrots after to try and make amends.”

Heero laughed and shook his head. gHe's certainly got you wrapped around his hoof.h

“Does not,” Duo huffed. “I just feel a little sorry for him, that's all.”

“I'd better get working this horse of yours otherwise I won't have time to work Wing after.” Picking up the reins, Heero gave the appy a gentle nudge and Scythe moved off at a steady walk.

They circled the corral a couple of times, Heero getting used to the different stride of the horse and Scythe feeling out his new rider. Wing continued to keep his back turned to them, completely ignoring the other horse and his master. He was quite put out by the whole affair. After a couple of circuits, Heero nudged the appy into a jog, Scythe responding and moving with easy strides. He was very comfortable to ride so Heero found.

Passing by the paint, Scythe put his nose in the air and kinked his tail. Wing just glowered at the other stallion.

“Wanna take him out into the paddock now?” Duo asked from where he was standing by the rails.

“If that's okay?” replied Heero.

Duo opened the corral gate and walked over to the paddock one to open that. It was still an enclosed area, but larger than the corral. Heero gathered that this must be where Duo did his training with the appy. Walking the stallion through and into the paddock, Heero settled himself deeper into Duo's saddle and decided to put the appy through his paces.

Scythe circled the paddock at the jog and lope, Heero sitting lightly in the saddle and needing only the slightest touch of his legs or hands to guide the horse. Scythe was very finely tuned and Duo had done an excellent job in educating the stallion. Once he was comfortable with the appy and deemed him warmed up enough, Heero moved on to some harder maneuvers. He had the horse moving from a halt into the gallop and then to a sliding stop. As soon as he touched his heels to the black sides, Scythe sprang forward like a bullet. When Heero shortened the reins, Scythe dug his hind feet deep into the dirt and leaned back on his haunches. Heero wasn't quite prepared for the first sudden stop and almost pitched over the stallion's head. As it was he found himself connecting with the saddle horn and felt his eyes water for a moment.

Duo winced in sympathy as he watched, knowing how much that must have hurt! Maybe he should offer to kiss it better later?

Having put the minor incident behind him, Heero tried again, this time he was prepared for the sudden jamming on of the brakes and remained in the saddle. From the sliding stops they moved onto spinning turns, Scythe listening intently for the instructions from his rider. To the side, Wing couldn't help but watch, the jealously building with each change of gait of the appaloosa.

After half an hour of solid work, Heero deemed the stallion to have had enough and brought the appy to a halt. He patted the sweaty neck and rode over to where Duo waited. gI think that should do him for today,h he said. gI'll walk him around for a few minutes to cool him off before I bring him in and unsaddle.h

“Thanks, Heero.”

“My pleasure.”

Once Scythe was cooled off and unsaddled, Heero left Duo brushing the stallion down and went to fetch Wing. The paint could do with some work on his spins, stops and such. Stepping into the corral, Heero was surprised when instead of trotting up to greet his master, Wing remained in the far corner of the corral completely ignoring Heero. gWing,h Heero called and waited. He saw the black ear twitch but the stallion never moved. With a sigh, Heero began to walk across the corral to his stubborn horse.

Wing heard his master alright, but no way was he going to walk over there, let his master come to him if he wanted him. Wing was feeling particularly pissed off, his master had ridden that dotty donkey whilst he had been forced to watch. To make it worse, spot had had the audacity to show off and rub it into Wing's muzzle.

“Wing, come here,boy,” Heero soothed as he stepped up beside the paint and ran a hand down the black and white neck. “What's up, boy?”

Wing snorted and turned his head away.

Heero sighed and slipped the halter on anyway. gCome on, you can quit with the sulking. Time to do some work,h Heero said as he began to lead the reluctant stallion back across the corral Tying the paint up, Heero fetched his brush and began to remove the dirt from Wing's coat. Duo joined him a moment later, having finished with Scythe and putting the appy back in his corral.

“What's up?” Duo asked and produced a carrot from his pocket for the paint.

“I think Wing is jealous of Scythe and me riding him.”

“You don't say,” chuckled Duo. “I thought that much was pretty obvious when you got on Scythe and he took off to the corner to sulk.”

“Yeah, well. I thought he would be over it by now.”

“Don’t worry, I'm sure he'll be just fine. Won't you, Wing?” Duo fed the paint another carrot.

Wing decided he liked this other human who fed him carrots and to show his appreciation, he pushed his muzzle gently into Duo's palm.

“I think he likes me,” Duo said with a grin and gave the stallion another carrot along with a few pats to the muzzle.

“It's the carrots he's after,” Heero grunted in reply.

In the other coral, Scythe had taken a roll and sauntered over to the rails to see what was going on. He stopped dead and snorted when he spotted his master feeding that patchwork paint carrots and rubbing him between the eyes.

“You're a good boy, aren't you, Wing?” Duo cooed to the paint and continued to feed him carrots.

Wing gently took the carrots and crunched them eagerly. He rubbed his face as carefully as he could against the other man's arm, sensing from the smell of antiseptic that came from him that he wasn't completely well. Wing had sniffed the same smell on his master when Heero had been hurt and instinct told him he needed to be gentle.

Heero watched in amusement as Wing lapped up the attention. Oh, he was well aware of his horse's jealousy, but Wing would just have to learn to live with it. Heero pulled the cinch tight.

“That's my man, you're going to be such a good horse and work hard for Heero, aren’t you, Wing?” Duo continued, his voice low and soothing as he spoke to the stallion.

On the other side of the corral fence, Scythe couldn't believe what he was seeing. His master was petting that painted excuse for a pony and feeding him his carrots! This was just not on. Scythe squealed and spun around, his hind hooves kicking out high in the air. Once all four feet were back on the ground, Scythe laid his ears flat back and bared his teeth at the other stallion.

With one eye on the other horse, Wing felt quite satisfied to see that the other stallion was getting his spots in a spin. That would teach him for taking his master. Wing turned his head and gave the appy a cheeky snort.

Scythe reared up and spun around, bucking and crow hopping across his corral, letting fly with angry snorts and squeals.

“I think someone else is jealous too,” Heero snickered as he watched the appy's antics.

“You don't say,” Duo snorted. “Too bad for him.”

The smile still present on his face, Heero swung himself into the saddle and turned Wing for the gate. Duo walked a little ahead of them and opened it for Heero. Guiding his horse through, Wing kinked his own tail and gave the appy a flick with it.

Scythe had returned to the gate to watch and caught the lash of tail hair across his nose. He was not happy and putting his ears back, he snaked his head forward to give that patchy rump a good bite.

Duo saw what was about to happen and managed to get himself across before Scythe could sink the teeth in. His good hand came down across the muzzle in a sharp smack, Scythe blinking and recoiling in shock. Wing had picked up on the scuffle and glanced behind him just as Duo's hand connected with the muzzle that was about to try and take a chunk out of his rump. Wing jumped forward and out of the way, raising a hind hoof as if to kick out. Heero just managed to stay with him and stopped the kick before it could happen.

“Wing!” Heero scolded as he brought the paint up short.

“Scythe!” Duo snapped at the same time.

Both horses looked suitably rebuffed.

Heero turned in his saddle, Duo similarly turning to face Heero. gWhat happened?h Heero asked.

“Scythe thought he'd try to take a bite out of Wing's rump. I gave him a smack to stop him,” Duo replied.

“Ah.” Now it made sense why Wing had tried to kick out. “Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't just put the pair of them in together and let them sort it out,” Heero muttered. “I thought you had better manners than that, Wing!”

The paint lowered his head, he knew his master was angry with him, but he couldn't just let that spoilt, spotted snake get away with taking a bite out of his hide.

“It wasn't his fault, Heero, he was just trying to protect himself,” Duo soothed, and then turned to his own horse. “You should be ashamed of yourself, Scythe,” Duo growled. “That's no way to treat a guest. If your manners don't improve and quickly, I'll be locking you up in the round yard permanently.”

Scythe hung his head. His master had never smacked him like that before and he knew he was in the bad books. He blew softly through his nostrils and extended his quivering muzzle towards Duo in apology.

“I'm not the one you should be apologizing to,” Duo snapped.

Scythe lipped at Duo's bangs, continuing to blow gently in his master's face and hair, his liquid, brown eyes begging forgiveness.

Duo shook his head. gDon't think that sucking up to me will change things either.h

Heero couldn't help it, he laughed. Duo raised an eyebrow in his boyfriend's direction. gOh, Duo, just look at us, scolding our horses like little kids. They don't understand, they're just jealous of each other and the attention the other horse is getting. I think we should try to give them equal attention, that might help to soothe their ruffled manes.h

Understanding what Heero was saying, Duo joined in with the laughter. gYeah, I guess you're right.h He gave Scythe a pat. gOkay, you're forgiven for now, but try it again and I will smack you harder,h he told the appaloosa.

“Come on, Wing. You have work to do,” Heero said and pushed his horse forward into a walk to where the paddock awaited.

* * *

“Relena!” Dorothy cried as her friend walked into the room. She stood up and went to give her friend a hug.

“How are you, Dorothy?” Relena asked as she hugged back.

“I'm okay, but I'd be a lot better if they would let me out of here,” Dorothy growled.

Relena took a seat next to her friend, Doctor Une, Gilbert and Albroh stood just inside the doorway, talking quietly between themselves but keeping a close eye on the two women at the same time.

“Don't worry, Dorothy, you'll soon be able to come home. Are they treating you okay?”

“I suppose so, but I still don't know why they're keeping me here. There's nothing wrong with me.” Dorothy fiddled with the hospital issue dress she wore. “They keep asking me questions, wanting to know all about my childhood, why I have such a hatred of that Maxwell fellow.” Dorothy lowered her voice a touch as she spoke of the cowboy. “They don't seem to understand that that cowboy shouldn't be allowed to get away with stealing your fiance`.”

At the mention of Heero, Relena's heart began to beat a little faster. gI know, Dorothy, but what you did was wrong. I had it all covered with the papers.h

“Wrong?” Dorothy echoed. “But, but you said yourself you wanted Maxwell off the scene, you wanted him gone from Heero's life so you two could continue on, get married and have kids. I was only doing what you wanted, Relena.”

“I know I wanted him off the scene, but I didn't want him seriously hurt or killed, Dorothy,” Relena soothed. She was starting to get a little unnerved by Dorothy's admissions.

“I did what you wanted. I did it for you, Relena, to make you happy.” Dorothy's eyes narrowed a touch. “You said you wanted him gone, I took care of that for you; pansies like that shouldn't be allowed near other men in the first place. I didn't want to see you sad, I never want to see you cry and so I did what you wanted, I took care of it.” Dorothy's voice began to rise a little.

Relena was feeling a little scared by her friend's admissions. This was a side to Dorothy she had never seen; and it frightened her.

“It was all for you, Relena; for you. And now you don't seem to care at all,” Dorothy began to yell.

“Okay, that's enough. I think we should leave now,” Doctor Une said as she moved towards the two women.

Relena went to stand only Dorothy was quicker. She shot out of her chair and with her face right in Relena's she continued her tirade. gI only ever wanted for you to be happy! Heero made you happy until that faggot assed cowboy came along. You ran to me for help and I did what I could for you. You always came to me for help but never once did you consider how I felt. I would do anything for you, Relena, anything! But you could never see past your beloved Heero. I cared for you, I cared so much that I was willing to put my own feelings and happiness aside so you could be happy, and this is how you thank me!h

“Relena, we leave, now!” Gilbert said as he placed his hand on the woman's arm and started to pull her away from Dorothy. Une and Albroh had grabbed hold of Dorothy and were doing their best to restrain the woman, Une hitting the assistance button on the side of the wall as she moved to assist Albroh.

Dorothy's words followed Relena out of the room as she struggled against those that held her. gI cared for you, Relena, cared deeply, but you couldn't see that, all you could see was your Heero!h The door closed, cutting off the tirade.

Gilbert led a shaky Relena away and back to Une's office where he sat her in a chair and fetched a glass of water. gAre you alright?h he asked.

Taking the water, Relena sipped gratefully on it, trying to stop shaking and compose herself. gI'm okay,h she whispered.

“Just sit there for a few minutes, Relena. I'm sure Doctor Une will be with us shortly.”

Relena nodded, she was still in shock, not just from Dorothy's words, but what those words had implied. Her mind was scrambling to try and make sense of it all ? and failing miserably.

After a few minutes, Doctor Une stepped into the office, a grim look on her face.

“Is Dorothy okay?” Relena asked, her first concern for her friend.

“She's been sedated for the moment,” Doctor Une replied and sat down behind her desk.

“I – I don't understand,” Relena began.

“Miss. Peacecraft, I did warn you that Dorothy is delusional and suffers with psychosis. In her case, as I said before, she is completely devoted to you in every sense of the word. She just wants to make you happy and will go to any lengths to see that happen. It's my professional opinion that Dorothy is in love with you, Relena, to the point where she would put her own feelings aside just to see you happy. She also seems to think it's her duty to make sure that nothing comes between you and your happiness, even going as far as to attempt murder if that's what it would take.”

“But, I never... I know I was very upset when I found out that Heero was leaving me for another man no less, and I wanted my revenge, I wanted my Heero back; but I never thought Dorothy would do something like that.” Relena's eyes filled with tears as she finally began to understand Dorothy's problems.

“It's okay, Relena. We will look after her and make sure she gets the best possible treatment,” the doctor said, her voice soft and kind.

“Thank you,” Relena whispered. “I think I should go now.”

“I think that might be best.”

“Could I...? Do you think I would be able to see her again? Or would it make things more difficult?” Relena didn't want to completely abandon her friend regardless of her state of mind.

“I'd wait a while, Relena. Give her some time to settle down and begin her treatment. Once she's starting to respond to that I'll contact you and let you know if a visit would be appropriate or not.”

Relena nodded. gWould you keep me informed of her progress though? Even if I can't come to see her?h

“Of course. I'll contact you each month with a report.”

“Thanks.” Relena turned to Gilbert. “Shall we?”

“No problem.” Gilbert shook hands with the doctor and escorted Relena from the hospital.

Relena remained quiet on the drive back to Dorothy's where she was still living and  taking care of the place whilst Dorothy was ill. So much had happened in those brief minutes, a lot was said and even more left unsaid. It was going to take Relena some time to come to terms with it all.

~ * ~

tbc...


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