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Equus	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2855 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I do own the equines though, please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

Chapter List
- 9
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“Equus”

Chapter 10

Leaving the horses in the capable hands of Otto and Duo, Treize and Heero walked over to the steward and with the other competitors learned what the jump off course would be - and took advantage of the ten minutes the judge had allowed them to walk the course and figure out their strategy. Treize and Heero discussed their options and laid their plans. Having checked their planned route once again, they exited the arena and returned to the group awaiting them.

“Well?” Duo demanded once they returned. “What is the jump off course?”

Giving his lover a smile, Heero replied quietly, “It's jumps one, five A, five B, eight and nine.”

Duo's head swiveled back to the jumping course and he ran his eyes over the stated jumps. He let go a low whistle. “Tight course and that horror trap is still in it.”

“That's what will make it interesting,” Heero replied as he tightened the mare's girth.

“How are you and Treize planning on tackling it?”

“We're both going for clear rounds rather than speed. Neither horse is educated enough to try short cutting and angle jumping yet so we intend to play it safe. I plan to ride a track through on the inside of jump two and swing around for the double. If I pass on the inside of both six and seven, I should be able to keep Peacemaker over a bit and take the off set rails in either the center or to the right and hopefully that will bring us into the treble on the correct stride.”

“Sounds complicated to me,” Duo muttered as he tried to follow Heero's explanation with his eyes over the course.

“It isn't really.” Heero swung himself into the saddle and found the other stirrup iron with his foot. “I'm just going to loosen her up a bit.”

Duo nodded and watched his lover ride a little way off to settle the mare once more. Zechs appeared at his elbow, Otto joining them both a second or two later.

Heero noted the other three competitors also loosening their horses up and did his best to try and figure out if they would be going for speed or a slower, clear. He wasn't worried abut finishing in the placings, the mare was still very green and had a lot to learn. As long as she listened to Heero and gave him her best, he would be happy regardless of where they finished.

The steward began to call for them to marshal and both Heero and Treize turned their mounts.

The first rider in the jump off entered the arena and saluted. Moments later they were approaching the start. The whistle blew and they were off. The girl seemed happy to take a longer course, not pushing her horse at all and the horse seemed very content with the arrangement. They cleared jump one and went around the outside of jump two, the girl allowing her horse plenty of room to come into the double on the correct stride.

The double was also cleared, the horse appearing eager but calm. Both Heero and Treize watched carefully as the pair approached jump eight and noted she was riding the horse more to the outside and attempting not to repeat her mistake of the first round.

They did jump it more to the center and once it was cleared the pair were aiming for the triple. This time the horse came in on a better stride and cleared the triple easily. Heero couldn't help but admire the horse and his sympathetic rider. The woman had given the black all the help she could and it had paid off in a clear round.

“Clear round in a time of 42:54 for June Bailey and Orion,” the commentator announced. “Our next rider is Treize Khushrenada on Dollar.”

Everyone wished Treize good luck as he rode into the arena and passed on congratulations to June as she rode out. The woman looked very pleased with her horse and patted him enthusiastically.

Treize rode over to the judge and saluted, collecting his reins up and moving off towards the start flags. The whistle blew and Treize was on his way.

This time Dollar was more settled and listening to his rider. They approached jump one and cleared it easily, the raised height not affecting the bay in any way. Once the horse had landed safely, Treize rode a line to the inside of jump two, making a sweeping turn and bringing the stallion into line with the double. Dollar was a little confused when his rider asked him to bypass the jump ahead, he'd thought he would be jumping it again, remembering the course from earlier, but he played it safe and followed his rider's aids.

The first part of the double was approaching, Dollar lengthening out and picking his takeoff point. Hind quarters pushed the bay body into the air, arcing over the fence and landing clean. Treize kept the contact with the bay's mouth and as soon as they landed his seat and leg were there to push the horse together for the two strides before the second element was upon them.

Once more Dollar surged into the air, stretching for the width of the jump as well as the height. Forelegs reached out and absorbed the impact of landing, hind legs following behind and pushing away from the jump. Immediately Treize was there with his weight, seat and leg, asking the horse to turn to the left and cut inside jumps six and seven.

Trusting his rider, Dollar made the turn, the off set rails appearing ahead of him. Instinctively he was aiming for the lower end, but this time Treize was ready for him and used his inside leg hard to push the stallion back out towards the arena fence and the center of the jump. As much as he didn’t want to jump the higher end, Dollar had no choice, he came into the jump in the middle, tucking his legs up neatly and clearing it.

“Good boy,” Treize praised the stallion, eyes fixed on the final jump.

With the successful clearance of the middle of jump eight, Dollar was on the right stride for the triple and met it perfectly. Hind legs once more sent the body into the air, Dollar making sure to keep his legs well clear of any poles. Hooves bit deep into the turf as they landed, Treize sitting deep and giving the horse more rein as he encouraged him to stretch out and gallop for the finish.

Dollar was only too happy to comply and shot forth with a burst of speed. They passed between the flags, Treize shortening the reins and bringing the reluctant stallion back to a more sedate canter and riding for the exit.

“Clear round for Treize Khushrenada on Dollar in a time of 38:06,” the commentator informed them all. “That puts Treize into second place at this stage of the competition.”

Treize exited the arena, very pleased with how his horse had handled the jump off. He accepted the congratulations of the next rider as he entered and passed on his own good luck wishes. Moments later he was back amongst his friends and showered once more with congratulations.

Heero was eager to learn how the course had ridden, if there were any places he should pay extra attention to.

“The turns from one to five are simple enough, likewise the one from five to eight, but be aware, there is still loads of room for her to try and take the lower end of jump eight. Dollar tried it so you're still going to need to ride hard with that inside leg to get her to jump in the center of eight if you want to meet that triple on the correct stride,” Treize informed Heero.

“Thanks, I'll make note of that,” Heero replied.

“How do you think she will handle it now you have that extra information?” Duo asked, watching his partner who was currently running his eyes back over the jump off course.

“She should do just fine,” Heero said and gave a pat to the mare's shoulder.

Duo couldn't help himself, he rubbed the mare between the eyes and slipped her a slice of carrot. “You're going to be a good girl, aren't you?” he said in a low tone.

Peacemaker rubbed her nose against the nice human. Being a half sister to Angel, she was similar in nature to Heero's gray mare – and also liked carrots.

A groan went up from the crowd, instantly everybody’s eyes swiveled back to the arena and the rider currently on course. They had just had a refusal at jump eight. Seemed the rider had pushed his horse towards the outside of the offset rails, attempting not to make the same mistake as before and end up on the wrong stride for the triple, but he'd pushed too far and the horse had ducked out at the last minute. The rider brought the rangy bay back around and jumped it the second time, but the damage was done.

“Four faults and a time of 30:25 for Gerry Sauvage and Pipeline,” the commentator announced almost gleefully.

“I'm next,” Heero said and collected up his reins.

“Be careful,” Duo whispered and gave Heero's calf muscle a squeeze.

Intense blue eyes gazed back at his lover. “I'll be careful,” he promised and nudged the mare forward.

Calls of good luck followed him into the arena and then Heero put everything out of his mind other than the mare beneath him and the course ahead.

Having saluted the judge, Heero rode to the start flags, a look of determination on his face. The whistle blew, Peacemaker moved into her smooth canter and they were off.

“Steady, girl, it's a bit different this time,” Heero muttered to the mare who cocked back an ear to listen.

They sailed over the first jump, Heero using his left leg and right rein to guide the mare past jump two and make a sweeping turn. Peacemaker followed her rider's aids as best she could. She loved to jump and liked to please. Currently she was enjoying herself and eager for more.

They made a neat turn and came into part A perfectly. The chestnut collected herself together and surged into the air, the extra height not making a bit of difference to her. They landed clean and Heero was there to ride her forward again. Part B appeared within the two strides and once more those powerful hind quarters pushed the mare from the ground and over the jump.

This would be the crucial part, Heero thought to himself. He didn't want to push the mare too far over and risk a run out like the previous rider, but he didn't want the mare jumping more to the inside of the jump either. Keeping a firm contact with the reins, Heero made the left turn on the inside of jumps six and seven, a strong left leg making sure to push the chestnut across and line up for the center of eight.

Like Dollar before her, Peacemaker didn't want to jump the higher part of the jump, but this time her rider wasn't taking any disobedience. The pressure to her left side increased and reluctantly she moved away from it and therefore across the arena.

Once he had the mare balanced and listening properly to him, Heero lined them up for the center of jump eight, pleased when the mare responded to his aids. He risked a moment to give the chestnut neck a gentle scratch. “Good girl,” he murmured.

Resigning herself to having to jump the bigger part of the jump, Peacemaker lengthened out, reached her takeoff point and shot into the air. They made a graceful arc over the jump, Heero following the movement with his hands and body, dropping his weight back into the saddle as soon as they landed. His legs and seat came back into play and rode the chestnut together for the final jump.

Heero had no idea as to his time, and right now he really didn't care either. All he wanted to do was have the mare go clear. “Last one,” he whispered.

Duo was almost bouncing on the spot. His hands were in his pockets to stop him from chewing his fingernails and Zechs had a hold of his braid so he couldn't abuse that either. Unable to keep still with the tension, he'd started to move from foot to foot.

Treize gave an amused smile and a rise of his eyebrows to Zechs. Zechs rolled his eyes and resisted the urge to tug on that braid.

The triple sat ahead, glistening poles standing three feet three inches with a spread of four foot. Heero's legs pushed the mare together, his hands held the impulsion until the last moment. Reaching their takeoff point, Peacemaker dug deep with her hind end, forelegs coming off the ground and tucking up against her body as she left the ground completely. The poles passed beneath, those forelegs coming back out and reaching for the landing. Moments later all four feet were back on the ground and Heero gave the mare her head, urging her forward and through the finish flags.

“Yes!” Duo crowed from the collecting ring, unable to hold his excitement any longer. He went to jump up and punch the air, but as he did so, a sharp tug on his braid prevented him. He yelped and whipped around to see Zechs still holding his length of hair. He'd forgotten about the other vet keeping his hair out of harms way. “You can let go now, it's not a leash,” he stated.

Zechs gave him a sheepish look. “Sorry.”

The commentator cut in then with his announcement. “Clear round for Heero Yuy and Peacemaker in a time of 37:23. That puts them into second place!”

Riding for the exit, Heero heard the announcement and a wide grin formed on his lips. He rained pats down on the chestnut neck before him and praised the mare. “Good, girl. That was great.”

Peacemaker gave a soft snort. She'd enjoyed herself and was feeling pretty smug, she knew she'd been good from the pats and praise she was getting. Her smugness increased as she entered the collecting ring and received some of those lovely orange treats from that nice human.

“Great round, Heero!” Duo congratulated, his eyes shining as he petted the mare and fed her a few carrots.

“Yes, an excellent round, Heero,” Treize said with a smile. “I think these two are ready to start competing on a regular basis now.”

“Thank you,” Heero replied, a blush on his cheeks as he dismounted and patted the chestnut neck some more.

“The last rider is in,” Zechs announced, watching the arena where the final rider had entered and was making his way to the start. “Well done, Heero,” he added once the others had switched their attention back to the ring.

“Thanks, Zechs.”

Duo sidled up to his partner, bumping their shoulders together. “I'm sure you will be second,” he said in a low tone.

Heero shrugged.” Anything can happen, Duo. I'm really pleased with how she went though so whether we place or not I'm happy with the round.”

The rider currently on the course was aiming for a fast round. He started out at a good, fast canter, increasing the speed as he landed over the first fence and spun the horse around inside of jump two and bringing the animal in on a very short run up.

“He won't last long if he tries to keep that speed going,” Treize muttered.

“His horse is going to flatten and make mistakes,” Heero agreed. Seeing the look on Duo's face, Heero elaborated a touch. “The horse is still green, like these two are and it's not ready for sharp turns and short approaches yet. If his rider continues to push him like that, he will lose impulsion and end up either refusing a jump or taking the poles with him.”

With Heero's words in his head, Duo took a closer look at the pair in the arena. He could see what Heero meant, the horse wasn't as agile on its feet and despite being willing enough, there was only so much it could do. The approach to jump five A was very short and the horse barely scrambled over the top of it, having only two strides before part B wasn't enough for the horse to regain its impulsion and although he gamely tried to jump it, his front legs clipped the top pole, back legs completely dislodging it.

The rider didn't seem too concerned though and once the horse was back on all four feet, he rode him on the inside of jumps six and seven, still keeping a fast pace. Somehow they cleared jump eight and were closing in on the triple.

“He really should slow down,” Treize said.

“I agree. He's a nice horse and doesn't deserve to be pushed beyond his limits at this stage,” Heero ground out. It really annoyed him when people would take advantage of a horse's willingness to please and put them into situations that would only end up ruining the animal's confidence in the long run.

“And that's what you get for asking for too much too soon,” Treize said over the sounds of falling poles.

The horse had literally run out of steam by the time it got to the triple. All its energy had been spent on trying to maintain the speed his rider had demanded and thus there was nothing left in the 'tank' when he needed it to clear the jump.

“Eight faults in a time of 29:48. That was the last competitor in the Novice Table AM 3 competition. I will have the final results for you all in just a moment.”

“You should both mount up and be ready to go in and collect your ribbons,” Zechs prompted the pair.

“Might be an idea,” Duo agreed with Zechs and looked pointedly at Heero.

“But they haven't announced the final placings yet,” Heero protested. “We may not have finished in the final six.”

“Bullshit! We all know you two are in there now shut up and get on.”

Treize shook his head, his laughter barely contained as he watched Heero sheepishly mounting up. He followed suit just as the commentator came back on 'air' to announce the results.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the Novice AM 3 Jumping class. First place with a clear round, Anthony Poole riding Subterfuge. In second place with four faults and a time of 37:23; Heero Yuy riding Peacemaker. In third place with four faults and a time of 38:06; Treize Khushrenada riding Dollar. In fourth place with four faults and a time of 42:54 June Bailey riding Orion...” The commentator continued on until he got to sixth place, but the guys weren't listening, they were all too busy congratulating their two place getters.

The steward motioned for the riders to enter the arena to be presented with their rosettes, Anthony leading the way followed by Heero, Treize and the remaining three riders. They formed a line and the judge came along, placing the respective rosettes on the horses' brow-bands and shaking hands with the riders. Once everyone had their rosette, Anthony led them in a lap of honor, the spectators clapping as they rode past.

Heero slowed Peacemaker as they approached the collecting ring, Treize doing the same with Dollar. Another horse appeared on Heero's right and he turned slightly to see who it was. The fourth place getter, the black horse and his rider appeared at Heero's side.

The woman looked directly at Heero as she brought her horse to a walk. “Could I have a word with you once we're in the collecting ring, please?” she asked politely.

Heero nodded, unsure of what it was the woman wanted with him. Once they were back in the collecting ring, instead of riding with Treize across to where Duo, Zechs and Otto awaited, he brought Peacemaker to a halt and turned to face the woman. “What can I do for you, Miss...?”

“Bailey, Mrs. June Bailey. Excuse me for asking, but you are the Heero Yuy who won two gold medals at the London Olympics aren't you?”

Heero felt his cheeks redden. “Ah, yes, I am.”

“Mr. Yuy, you placed an advert in the equestrian notices of the Salsbury Times advertising that you are taking in horses to educate and campaign, correct?”

“Yes, I did.” Heero's curiosity was even more aroused now.

“I know this probably isn't the time to discuss this, but I wonder if you still have any vacancies, would you consider taking on my boy, Orion here and educating him further? I think he has the potential to make a decent A grade horse, but I don't have the time to put into him right now and it would be a shame for him not to reach his full potential.”

Heero felt a little stunned for a moment, then recovered his faculties. “Miss Bailey - “

“Please call me June.”

“June, I do still have vacancies and I'd be interested to discuss this further with you. Would you be able to give me a call this evening? We can talk about it further then and once we've covered the basics, if you're still interested in me taking him on we can arrange for a day and time that's suitable for both of us for you to come over and inspect my facilities.”

“Thank you, that would be ideal. I'll call you tonight around seven if that's convenient?”

“Perfect. I'll talk to you then.” Heero offered his hand which the woman took and shook, the pair separating, June riding off to her float whilst Heero rode over to where Duo was giving him curious looks.

Waiting in the collecting ring with Otto and Zechs, Duo frowned when Heero halted to chat with a woman on a black horse whilst Treize rode over to them. “What's Heero up to?” Duo asked as Treize halted Dollar beside them and dismounted.

Glancing back, Treize saw Heero chatting to the woman on the black horse. “I don't know,” he replied honestly.

Accepting the answer, Duo congratulated Treize again on his third placing, his eyes constantly darting across to where Heero was still talking to that woman. He wasn't jealous, Duo knew Heero well enough by now to know his partner and lover was gay through and through so he had no reason not to trust him; but his curiosity was piqued and like a dog with a bone, he wanted to know what was going on.

After a couple of minutes chatting, Heero shook hands with the woman and rode Peacemaker over to where everyone was waiting, a smile on his face.

Having congratulated Heero again on his second placing, Duo couldn't wait any longer to find out what was going on. “What did that woman want, Heero?” he asked in his direct way.

“I think I may have my first client,” Heero grinned.

That caused everyone to stop what they were doing and look at Heero.

“You do? That's great!” Duo cheered.

The other three all offered their congratulations as well and Heero filled them in on the conversation as they walked back to Treize's goose-neck. “I'll know more tonight once she's called and discussed things further,” Heero finished.

“I sincerely wish you all the very best, Heero,” Treize said. “I suppose I should start to look for a replacement rider then. If you do take this horse on, any idea how long before you will be leaving me?”

Heero shook his head. “I should know more tonight after we've spoken. Treize, if it's going to be a problem...”

“Heero, stop right there. Don't you dare start down that track again. This is something you've always wanted to do and now is the right time to be doing it. I'll cope just fine with my lot so no feeling guilty about leaving my employ. I will miss you and your talents, but it's time for you to start branching out and making your own mark in the equine world. I'll always be here to help out in whatever capacity if you need me to; and as I've said before, if it doesn't work out for you then there will always be a job for you at my stables.” Seeing the impressed faces around him, Treize thought he'd better shut up now.

“Thank you, Treize, that means a lot. I'll be sure to let you know when I will be finishing up just as soon as I know myself.”

Treize gave a nod. “That's fine. Now, I suggest we get these beasts unsaddled and ready for the trip home.”

* * *

It was past seven-thirty when Heero finally got off the phone to June and wandered through to the kitchen where Duo was sitting reading the paper. Dropping his note book to the table, Heero put the kettle on to make them both a drink. Duo glanced up at Heero's arrival but opted to wait until his partner sat down before asking how the conversation had gone.

With a mug of coffee in his hand and a few swallows to whet his parched throat, Heero fiddled with the note book for a moment before looking up into amused violet.

“How did it go, Heero?”

“Fine. It seems that June bought this horse, Orion, about a year ago. He was just broken in when she purchased him and she's been schooling him up with the view to competing in A grade competition. Today was his third show at Novice level and he's showing a lot of promise. Unfortunately, she doesn't have the time to continue his education and whilst she doesn't want to part with him, she doesn't want to leave him out in the paddock either.”

“Why buy a horse to compete on if you know you're not going to have the time for it?” Duo asked. It seemed a bit silly to him.

“I didn't want to pry too much into her reasons, but she did tell me,” Heero said with a smile. “Apparently June has only been married for a couple of years and was planning on competing in A grade competition for a few years before retiring to start a family. It seems her husband and nature had other ideas.”

“Ah,” Duo said as he twigged. “She's pregnant?”

“Got it in one. She wants me to take Orion on, educate him further, bring him up through the ranks to A grade and by the time he's there and consistent, the baby will have been born and probably at the toddler stage. Once the child is old enough that it isn't demanding a lot of her attention, she hopes to take him back again and continue her career.”

“So that would mean you'd have the horse for roughly two to three years?”

“Pretty much.”

“Well, that's a pretty good start to your business venture I'd say,” Duo congratulated.

“She seems really keen for me to take him and wasn't put off by the fees or the conditions of the contract. I told her to pay us a visit and check out the facilities. Whilst she's here she can have a look at the written contract and if she's still happy to go ahead we can sign the paperwork and arrange to have Orion brought over.”

“Great! When is she coming over?”

“Next weekend.”

Duo pushed his chair back, walked around the table and plopped himself down in Heero's lap. Winding his arms around Heero's neck, he pressed his lips to Heero's and kissed the rider. “Looks like it's all starting to come together for you, Heero.”

“I hope so, Duo. I really hope so.”

~ * ~

tbc
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Equus