Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Cowboy ❯ Chapter 33 ( Chapter 33 )

[ 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 33

[It’s the white in his knucklesThe gold in the buckleHe’ll win the next go round
Rodeo – Garth Brooks]  


That looks like the turn off up there,” Heero said and pointed.

“Yup, sure looks like it to me too,” Duo replied and began to slow the rig.

The attendant on the gate checked their respective paperwork and with the all clear, motioned them through, letting Duo know there would be another attendant further along to tell him where he would be able to park his rig.

Duo drove slowly along the gravel track until they came to the second attendant who again checked their paperwork. “Just drive on up another hundred meters and take the first track to your left. Follow that along and you will see where the other rigs are parking up. “

“Thanks.” Duo took back their paperwork, handed it to Heero and proceeded along the track again. Turning left, he continued along, spotting the other rigs up ahead parked in a large paddock area.

"Is that Wufei's rig over there?” Heero asked as he scoured those rigs visible for any sign of their friends.

"I think it is. That looks like Trowa's a couple of rigs down from it and if I'm correct, Quatre is parked next to him,” Duo replied, glancing over the line up of rigs.

"I think we should be able to park up just behind Trowa's. That will give us enough room to set up both yards, one on either side of the rig,” Heero suggested.

"Sounds good to me.” Still moving slowly as the ground wasn't exactly level, Duo guided the rig across and pulled up behind Trowa's rig. The palomino mare, Heavyarms, stood in her yard attached to the side, resting a hind leg and dozing.

Cutting the engine, both cowboys hopped out of the rig and stretched. It had been a good three hour drive and muscles were in sore need of movement. Hearing another rig pulling in, Trowa had taken a glance out of the window of his own rig and smiled when he spotted Duo's familiar paintwork.

“Looks like Duo's here,” he said to Quatre.

"I didn't think he was well enough to compete,” Quatre stated as he joined his lover at the window. “Oh, Heero's with him too. Maybe they've traveled down together and Duo is giving Heero a hand.”

"Shall we go and say hello? Then you can satisfy your curiosity.” Trowa gave his lover an amused smile.

"Might be an idea,” Quatre grinned back.

With a shake of his head, Trowa followed his concerned and nosy partner out of the rig.

“Hey, Quat, Tro,” Duo greeted as he spotted his fellow cowboys approaching. “How are you guys?”

"We're well, thanks Duo,” Quatre replied, answering for the pair of them. “How are you, Duo? How are your injuries healing up?”

"I'm fine, Quatre. The injuries have healed well and I'm fighting fit and raring to go.”

Quatre didn't miss the word 'have'. “Duo? Didn’t the doc say it would be several weeks before you'd healed enough to compete? It's only been, what, five or six weeks since your fall? Surely you're not planning on competing if you're not completely healed yet?”

Duo's face immediately clouded over and it was with great restraint that he kept the anger from his tone. “Yes, the doc said it would take a while, roughly six weeks for the ribs to mend; I've been attending my own doctor and he says I'm fine to compete.” Duo didn't add that the shoulder muscles and ligaments were still healing and the doctor had only given him clearance to compete in the less vigorous events and only then if his shoulder and ribs were strapped. Duo figured the doc didn't need to know that all the events he participated in were very physical and had simply agreed and taken the clearance certificate. Lucky for him the doc had given him a general medical certificate, one that pronounced him fit and healthy. It was enough for the rodeo board to accept his entry into the competition.

Frowning, Quatre didn't look convinced. “Are you sure? It seems a bit soon to me-”

Seeing the rising tension in Duo, Heero stepped forward to intervene and cut the blonde off before things got out of hand. “Duo has been doing all the physiotherapy exercises the doctor gave him and he is doing fine. You don't think the doctor would clear him if he thought Duo wasn't well enough?”

“I suppose so.” Quatre still looked skeptical.

Duo flashed his lover an appreciative smile. “Quat, I'm fine, I plan on staying on board the animals this time and winning that title. You just worry about being there to pick me up once the siren sounds at the end of my eight seconds.”

Knowing there wasn't anything more he could do, and still not convinced all was well with Duo's health, Quatre gave up on the line of questioning. He changed tack instead. “How is the hunt for the mares coming along?”

“Pretty good. Look, Quat, we really need to get these horses off and set everything up. Could we meet up a little later and I promise to fill you in then?”

"Of course, I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking. How about you all come to my rig for dinner? I'll throw something together and we can sit around a fire and catch up on all the news then.”

"Sounds good to me. You happy with that, Heero?”

Heero shrugged. “Fine with me if Quatre doesn't mind, but how about we bring something to contribute?”

“If you want to, that would be appreciated. It's settled then. I'll see you all a bit later on. Oh, I'll go ask Wufei and Meiran if they want to come too.”

"Meiran is here?” Duo asked with a raise of an eyebrow.

This time it was Trowa who answered him. “Yeah. Seems Wufei is pretty serious about her; and they traveled down in his rig together.”

Duo's eyes glinted. “Well, well, who would'a thought, our Wufei getting all serious about a girl.”

“Duo, he is entitled to enjoy the company of a partner just as much as the rest of us,” Heero chided.

"I know, it just seems strange to see or imagine Wufei with someone. I guess I'm too used to him being on his own, he never struck me as the sort to want to find that special one and settle down.”

"Shit, Duo! He's only just started to go out with the girl and you already have him married off,” Trowa snorted.

"Why waste time?” Duo quipped. “He must be serious if he's brought her with him in his rig. Hmmm...”

"What?” Trowa asked warily.

"Think about it. One rig, two people, one bed, Wufei and Meiran...”

"Ewww, that is so not a thought I needed to imagine,” Quatre whimpered.

Duo snickered. A tug to the end of his braid had him whipping around, clutching for the rope of hair and bringing it defensively to his chest.

“Come on, Duo, we need to get set up and off load the horses. We can chat later.” Heero's blue eyes held a touch of mischief in them.

"Sorry, guess we should be moving our butts otherwise those two nags will kill each other if we leave them for too much longer.”

With a promise to meet up for the offered dinner and catch up session later, Heero and Duo proceeded to set the yards up and get organized. Trowa and Quatre wandered off in the direction of Wufei's rig to invite the pair to also join them.

* * *

As promised, Quatre had made dinner, nothing flashy, just some ribs he'd bought at a butchers and brought with him that only needed to be cooked lightly. Trowa had made a salad to accompany the ribs, Heero and Duo brought beer whilst Wufei and Meiran had supplied dessert in the form of a cheesecake.

After filling up on the food and washing it down with a beer, the group sat back comfortably around the campfire Trowa had built. It was a reasonably warm evening, although it would cool down quite a bit later. The promise of  fine weather for the following day had everyone in high spirits.

Meiran was the one to get the conversation going in the direction that Quatre had started earlier when Heero and Duo had arrived. “Duo? How did you get on with finding mares for your stud? Any luck?”

Duo smiled softly at the woman and then turned his gaze into the flames. “Actually, things are moving quite well in that direction.”

“That's good to hear. Did you contact any studs?”

Turning his eyes to Heero, he asked a silent question. Cobalt returned his gaze and a soft nod gave him the answer. “There's been a couple of slight changes in plans,” he began and looked around the group who were all looking back at him, waiting for him to elaborate. “Yes, the stud is still going ahead as planned, but now I have a business partner as well.”

“Really?” Quatre asked.

Reaching across, Duo grasped Heero's hand in his own and received a light squeeze of encouragement. “Heero and I are officially a couple,” he announced. “Heero made a few decisions and has sold his cattle, rented out his ranch and moved in with me. Heero has also joined me as a business partner and we intend to use both Wing and Scythe to found our stud and breed, raise and train cow ponies together.”

There was silence for a moment around the campfire as each person digested the news. Quatre's face lit up into a huge grin. “That's great news,” he said.

“I knew you two were getting along, and I don't mean this is a negative way; but isn't that rather a big step to take as you haven't known each other all that long?” Trowa said.

“Yes, it is a big step to take and believe me when I say I didn't take it lightly,” Heero replied. “I did a lot of thinking, weighing up of the pros and cons, not just for the personal relationship, but the business one too.” Heero's cheeks began to flush a little. “I, I wasn't sure exactly what I felt for Duo in the beginning, but after spending time with him, learning about him, about us, I discovered that what I thought was love that I felt for Relena wasn't that at all. What I feel for Duo is so much stronger than anything I ever felt for Relena and I can only translate that into a deep caring – or love if you will. The more time we were apart, the more I missed him and wanted to be with him. I did a lot of soul searching, way too much thinking and at the end of it all, I decided to sell up the cattle and join Duo as a business partner in breeding the cow ponies. It's something I've always wanted to do but never thought I'd be able to. After explaining things to Duo, he agreed to us setting up a partnership for the stud and lucky for me, he also welcomed my affection for him and kindly accepted me into his home and his life on a permanent basis.”

Duo's eyes were fixed on Heero as he spoke. Heero's eyes turning to join with Duo's as he gave his little speech. Heero's words were soft and true, striking a chord deep inside Duo's heart and he couldn't help the swell of tears forming in his eyes as Heero declared his love for him. Hastily blinking back the water, he gave Heero a loving smile. “It made me the happiest man alive when Heero admitted his feelings for me,” he said softly.

With a smile of his own, Heero leaned across and completely forgetting all about the other four, he stole a tender kiss.

"Awww, that's so sweet,” sniffed Meiran, her words causing the pair currently kissing to break the kiss as it was brought home to them that they weren't alone.

Duo rubbed the back of his neck as Heero blushed. Quatre gave a sappy sigh and leaned into Trowa, Wufei just smirked and placed his arm around Meiran's waist, the woman leaning into him.

"Then we wish you both all the very best,” Trowa said with a smile.

"So, getting back to the question, have you had any luck with purchasing mares?” Meiran asked again.

Sort of,” Duo replied. “I've already got a couple of mares but I did do as you suggested and rang a few studs around the area. We went out and took a look at four a couple of days ago. Two were nice enough but not suitable for various reasons. The other two we were more impressed with and if they pass a vet check then we will be buying those two.”

The conversation continued for a while, Meiran asking more questions regarding the mares, Heero and Duo answering as best they could. The plans for the stud were also discussed, Duo explaining Heero's suggestion of having roughly ten or twelve mares and breeding half the mares every season. Meiran agreed with their proposal and offered further advice from her own experience on her father's stud with breeding cow ponies.

Both men learnt quite a lot from the discussion, not just from Meiran, but the other three cowboys as well. Everyone had something to offer and Duo took what he could from their words and filed them away, Heero doing  the same. One could never have too much advice or help when it came to the business of breeding animals.

The evening wore on and as the chill of the night started to slowly creep in, the six decided it was time to call it a night and retire for the evening. Bidding their farewells, they broke into pairs and disappeared in the direction of their rigs. Duo was most amused to note Quatre entering Trowa's rig for the night and not his own.

Heero made them both a hot chocolate while Duo made up the bed for them both. With the drinks finished, Heero rinsed through the mugs and set them ready for the morning. Duo slipped out to check on the horses and give them both some more hay to keep them occupied. Stepping back inside the rig, he locked the rig door and made his way to the small 'bedroom'. Heero was already in the bed, his blue eyes watching as Duo came in.

"Comfortable?” Duo asked as he began to remove his shirt.

"Yeah. The horses okay?”

"They're fine. I topped up their hay and both have full water buckets so they should be right until morning.” Duo's boots were toed off, socks removed and his jeans soon followed down his lean legs. Reaching across, Duo flipped the light switch off, plunging the rig into darkness, much to Heero's disappointment.

"Damn, I was enjoying the view,” Heero teased.

"Yeah, you and everyone else that's parked around,” Duo replied with a snort. “I know my shadow would be reflecting off the curtains and whilst I'm not a prude, I really don't want to share my body with anyone but you.”

Heero could appreciate that, he'd been privy to watching Duo's shadow once before – and it wasn't a bad show either.

Stripping off his boxers, Duo lifted the bed covers and shot inside, snuggling up to Heero as soon as he was under those covers. “Cold,” he offered by way of explanation.

Heero chuckled and wrapped his arms around his boyfriend. “Better?” he asked.

"Much, thanks,” Duo replied and relaxed into the hold. Heero's body heat soon infused into his own and warmed him through. “How do you think we will go tomorrow?”

"I don't know about you, but I'm going to be just fine and stick on everything I ride for the full count,” Heero stated.

"Really? Planning on using some form of adhesive to keep your butt on the bronc's back?”

"No, I won't need it, I have a natural ability to stay with the bucking animal,” Heero replied smugly.

"I've got news for you, buddy. I'm not planning on coming off either so you'd better start to think about what you're gonna do when I whip your ass in every event.”

"Oh, I didn't know you were into bondage or S and M,” Heero quipped.

Duo almost choked. “I think I'll forget I heard that from you, Heero.”

Heero snickered.

Duo went quiet, his mind ticking over for a moment. Just as Heero was beginning to drift off, Duo spoke again, this time it was almost a whisper. “I wonder who we will draw for the rides?”

"I've got no clue but I guess we will find out in the morning.” Heero nuzzled against Duo's neck.

"Yeah. I'm kinda hoping I get good animals, then I'll get a good score.”

"Just as long as you don't go getting hurt again.”

"I'll try not to.”

"Good. I'll hold you to that.”

"You'd better stay in one piece too, Heero.”

"I'll do my best. Sleep now or we won't be up for anything tomorrow.”

"Night, Heero.”

"Night, Duo.”

* * *

Duo blinked open sleepy, violet eyes as the first rays of the sun penetrated through the curtains of the rig. He felt warm and safe, then realized he was cuddled up in Heero's strong arms. Smiling to himself, he glanced up from his position against Heero's shoulder to observe his partner who was still sleeping. Heero's face was relaxed, his usually messy, chocolate hair mussed with sleep, his skin holding a soft, healthy glow to it. Long, sweeping lashes lay in half moons, dark against the golden skin and tiny lines were just visible around the edges of Heero's eyes and mouth.

It was a sight Duo hoped he would enjoy for many more years to come.

As if feeling the weight of Duo's gaze upon him, Heero's brain began to stir and his eyelids started to flutter. Slowly they opened to reveal a deep blue, slightly glazed with sleep. Heero yawned and then smiled at his boyfriend. “Morning, Duo.”

“Morning to you too, Heero.” Duo snuggled closer and sighed softly.

"Something wrong?” Heero asked as he moved his arms slightly, still holding Duo close to his chest.

"No, everything is perfect.”

"Why the sigh then?”

"Because I'm happy, content. I wish we could stay like this forever, just holding each other.” Duo nuzzled against Heero's neck and placed a tender kiss to the warm skin.

"I wouldn't mind that either,” Heero responded and dropped a kiss to the crown of Duo's head.

A very loud neigh came from outside the rig, followed immediately by another one.

Duo gave another sigh. “That sigh was for realizing that as much as we want to, we can't stay here forever.”

The neighs continued, building in volume as each stallion tried to outdo the other.

“I think we'd better get up and feed the pair of them before they have the entire camping area awake and annoyed at us,” Duo said.

"I wonder if they have muzzles for horses?” Heero mused as he released Duo from his embrace.

"I think they do, but I'm sure they only stop them from biting, not being vocal,” Duo snickered. “Shame, if they did I'd be sure to invest in one for Scythe. I swear that animal is part loudspeaker,” he continued as he rolled out of the bed and grabbed his boxers. Yanking them on over his legs, Duo snagged a pair of sweats and tugged them on too. “I'll go feed the pair of them and shut them up.

"I'll come do Wing,” Heero said as he fought his way free of the bed covers.

"I'll do them, Heero, you put the kettle on for a coffee. We can go take our showers after, get in before the rest of the crowd.”

Heero smiled. He knew all too well just how crowded the ablutions block got when cowboys wanted to shower, and with only six stalls available and anything up to two hundred cowboys competing at a rodeo, it was first in, best dressed. “Okay, I'll start the coffee and get our stuff ready.”

Wing and Scythe both greeted Duo with loud neighs as he stepped out of the rig. “Yeah, yeah, I hear you both and so will the rest of the people if you two don't shut up,” he muttered. Grabbing the feeds from inside the feed compartment, he quickly dropped one into Scythe's feed bin before rounding the rig to give Wing his.

Scythe grunted and gave a snort of satisfaction. At least his master knew who was the most important stud here and gave Scythe his breakfast first. Shame he had to feed that paint pot too.

With both stallions eating their heads off, Duo returned inside the rig to be met with a coffee.

* * *

“You ready, Duo?” Heero asked as he pulled his boots on and stood up.

"Yeah, just gotta grab my hat and I'm all set.” Duo picked up his hat and before Heero had the chance to step out of the rig, Duo grabbed him around the waist, pulled him close and partook of a deep kiss.

"Mmm, nice,” Heero replied, a little stunned by the 'attack'.

"Thought I'd get a kiss in now as god knows when I'll get the chance to kiss you again,” Duo smirked.

"Hopefully we will be able to sneak a few kisses in from time to time during the day,” Heero responded. “I don't think I could go all day without kissing you.”

Duo's eyes softened and he gazed deep into Heero's cobalt. “You say the sweetest things.”

A loud knock on the rig door interrupted anything else Duo was about to say and with a scowl, Duo opened the door to find Quatre on the other side.

“There's five minutes until the draw,” Quatre informed the pair. “You guys coming?”

"I wish,” Duo muttered.

Heero heard the muttered words and snickered. “Later,” he whispered into Duo's ear and with a shy smile, he stepped out of the rig.

Duo shivered and shook his head. He was beginning to like this new Heero, a Heero that was starting to feel more comfortable in his skin and actually initiating things.

“Come on, Duo. If we don't get going we will miss out on the draw,” Heero called.

Shaking himself from his thoughts, Duo stepped out and locked the rig.

*

Stepping up, Heero dipped his hand into the bag and drew out a name, glancing at the paper before handing it to the steward and returning to where Duo and their friends waited.

“Who'd you draw?” Duo asked.

"Tiny,” Heero replied with a grin. Tiny was anything but. A massive bull with the all over bulk to go with the height and he knew how to rid himself of a cowboy.

Duo whistled between his teeth. “If you can stick with him for the full count you should get a damn good score.”

The steward called Duo up to select his bull and the long haired cowboy strolled forward and dipped into the bag. He glanced at the paper and handed it over. His face remained passive as he walked back to his friends.

“Who did you draw?” asked Heero.

"Feather. If he's in a good mood I should get a good score too.”

Feather wasn't a nasty bull, but he had been known to throw his attempted riders rather heavily at times.

“Good that you've both drawn reasonable bulls then,” Trowa remarked. “It's the saddle bronc draw next, isn’t it?”

"Yeah,” Duo replied as the last of the cowboys in the bull ride drew their mounts.

Soon enough the saddle bronc draw was taking place. Heero drew a gray called Caspar, a horse that had only ever been ridden for the full count by a handful of cowboys to date. Heero intended to join those cowboys. Duo drew a bronc by the name of Dopey. Dopey was anything but, the bay being a good bucking horse and every cowboy that made the eight seconds on Dopey knew they had earned it. The horse got his name from his lop ears, those ears flopping to the sides and giving the animal a look of complete docility to the point of being a bit on the dumb side.

With the saddle broncs completed there only remained the bareback broncs, steer roping and bulldogging draws to go. Duo drew fifth in the bulldogging and Heero seventh. In the steer roping, Heero would be third to ride off and Duo tenth.

The bag once more appeared, this time containing the names of the bareback broncs.

One by one the cowboys went up and drew a name out of the bag. With each draw, Duo's nervousness increased. He couldn't help it, what he could remember of his last ride was still at the forefront of his mind.

“You okay?” Heero whispered when he noticed Duo sweating a little.

"Yeah, just a bit nervous.”

"Don't worry, I”m sure someone else will draw Reaper.” Heero did his best to reassure his partner. With there being roughly twenty five cowboys entered in the bareback bronc it was very unlikely Duo would draw Reaper. But the horse's name was yet to appear out of the bag. Heero wondered if the animal was even here after Duo's run in with him at the last rodeo.

Heero's name was called and swallowing, he stuck his hand inside the bag and pulled out a piece of paper. The name 'TNT' stared back at him and he gave a sigh of relief.

“Well?” Duo demanded when Heero returned.

"I drew TNT,” Heero replied.

"Good bronc,” Duo said with a nod. “You should get a good score from him.”

The draw continued, cowboy after cowboy pulling a name from the bag until there were only five left. Duo's name was called and with his heart thudding in his chest, he approached the steward.

'Surely he couldn't be unlucky enough to draw that black devil again?' Duo thought as he took a deep breath and prepared to put his hand into the bag.

He could only feel a few bits of paper in the bottom of that bag and he swished his fingers through them. Eyes closed, he grabbed a piece and pulled the paper form inside the bag. Opening his eyes he looked to the paper and read the name of the bronc.

His heart almost stopped and his skin paled as he read the paper.

Black letters stared back at him and he blinked, checking the paper again.

Reaper.

~ * ~

tbc...


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