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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
- 17
- 18
- 19
“Equus”

Chapter 18

Returning to the goose-neck, June and Carl gave Duo a hand to unsaddle and brush down Orion and Wing, putting their light rugs over them to keep them warm. Heero checked on Lunar and Shinigami, both were dozing contently and resting a hind leg.

Shinigami wuffled and searched Heero's pockets for carrots. Well and truly seasoned by now, the atmosphere of the shows didn't affect him any more; he knew he would be jumping soon and was quite content to wait patiently until then. Why waste energy when you didn't have to? At least that's what Shini thought.

Once he'd completed his tasks as groom, Duo thought it would be a good idea to enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack before they had to get Lunar ready for the C grade class. He also hoped to get Heero alone for a few minutes in the goose-neck so he could really congratulate his partner.

Spotting Heero coming around the back of the transport, Duo smiled. “Got time for a quick coffee before you need to get ready again?” he asked, unable to keep the hope from his voice and the hunger from his eyes.

Blue eyes twinkled with mischief. Heero knew exactly what Duo was offering and he ached to have his lover in his arms and share in a few kisses and cuddles. “I've got time,” he answered.

“That's a great idea, Duo. I'd love a coffee too,” Carl piped up.

Fortunately for Carl, his back was to Duo at that point and he didn't see the look of disappointment befall Duo's face with his words. June did though and she felt sorry for the pair. She decided to help them out a bit.

“Carl, I was hoping you would walk back to the ring with me and see what the order for the C class is going to be and get an idea of just how much higher the jumps will go and how long before Heero will need to get saddled up and warm up for the class.”

“Oh, okay, no problem,” Carl replied.

“I'm sure we can get a coffee on the way. Besides, it's not fair to expect Duo to make us coffee too, although I know he wouldn't mind,” she added in a softer tone.

Carl gave a sheepish grin. “Yeah, you're right. Sorry about that.” Carl turned to Duo and spoke again. “I'll go with June and see if we can find out what the draw is for the C grade class. Be back soon.”

Both Duo and Heero heaved a sigh of relief, Duo giving the woman a soft smile and grateful look. He was surprised when June winked at him, gave a small wave and dragged Carl off in the direction of the secretary where the draw would hopefully be available.

Duo mused over the unusual events as he stepped inside Drumstick. Did June know? He shook his head and then promptly forgot all about June, Carl, the horses and even his own name as Heero's arms wrapped around his waist and his lips were locked with his lover's in a deep kiss, one that made his toes curl.

“I've been wanting to do that since we got here,” Heero whispered, his hot breath ruffling Duo's bangs.

“I suggest we make the most of the short time we have then. Heaven knows when we might get the chance to hold each other again today,” Duo breathed and locked their lips again.

They spent the next several minutes sharing kisses, Duo letting Heero know just how proud he was of his partner and Heero letting him. Eventually they pulled apart, unsure of when exactly June and Carl would be returning. Duo quickly made them both a coffee, setting them down on the small table and stealing another kiss.

Smiling warmly at the vet, Heero sat and took his coffee, sipping at it as he contemplated the two events still to come.

“Do you think June knows?” Duo broke the silence.

Heero frowned into his coffee. “I'm not sure,” he replied slowly. “I think she might have an idea.”

“I think so too, but we've been really discreet.”

“I know. I guess it's something about the female mind, they seem to be able to sense these things. Remember Zoe and her suspicions?”

“Yeah,” Duo chuckled and then sobered. “If June does know, do you think she will be as accommodating? You think she will keep it to herself?” Duo couldn't help the small worry line that formed between his eyebrows.

“I can't honestly answer that, Duo. Maybe we should ask her?”

“Uh, no, no way. I'm not going to say a word,” Duo said.

Heero chuckled. “Let's just play things by ear and keep an eye on her. Who knows, we may get a hint or two that way and if it does look like she knows, we can always approach her then.”

“I guess so. Although...”

“Hai?”

“If she does know, wouldn't you think if she was against a same sex relationship, she would have made some sort of disgusting remark or let it be known how much she dislikes that idea?” Duo scratched his chin. “I'm inclined to think if she does know she's not bothered by it. Look at how she took Carl off for a bit so we could be alone.”

“You do have a valid point.”

“You guys in there?” June called out, bringing their discussion to an end for the moment.

“Yeah, come on in,” Duo returned. “We'll continue this later,” he whispered to Heero who nodded back in affirmation.

The door opened and June and Carl stepped inside, each carrying a take away cup of coffee.

“Nice,” Carl said as he looked around. He'd seen the goose-neck before but never actually been inside the living quarters section of it. He was suitably impressed.

“Thanks, Duo,” June said as Duo moved across a little to make room for her to sit down. Carl rested a hip against the small sink and sipped on the plastic lid of the coffee he was holding.

“Did you manage to find out anything?” Heero asked and finished off his coffee.

“Yes, we did. The class should be starting in an hour. You're sixth to jump and there's twelve in the class. I took the liberty of picking up your number for you whilst we were there.” June handed Heero the number. “I hope that was okay?”

“Thanks, that's fine,” Heero replied. “I guess I should start to get Lunar saddled up in about fifteen minutes and then make a start on warming her up.”

“Jumps are going up by around six inches,” Carl informed and tossed his empty cup into the small trash bin he spied.

“That's still well within Lunar's capabilities,” Heero stated.

Duo finished his coffee. “If we've all finished I suggest we get mobile and prepare this horse.”

“Good idea,” June said.

* * *

“What are the scores so far?” Heero asked as he brought Lunar to a halt beside the three waiting for him in the collecting ring.

“One clear round, two with four faults and one with eight faults. Rider five is in now and you're next,” Duo supplied and bent to check Lunar's jumping boots.

“You be a good girl out there, Lunar and look after Heero,” Carl said to his horse as he petted the mare.

Lunar was calm and relaxed, the excitement of the show not getting to her in the least. Whilst that was a good thing, Heero also knew Lunar needed to have a bit more spirit than what she was currently displaying if she were to become a top show jumper.

A soft groan from the crowd and the sounds of falling poles told the story of the current rider on course. Moments later the bell went and the rider exited the ring having been eliminated at jump eight when his horse flatly refused to jump anything further.

It was Heero's turn and with the usual chorus of voices wishing him 'good luck', Heero rode into the ring for the fifth time that day. He saluted the judge, collected Lunar up and cantered towards the start flags. The bell rang and Heero's attention fixated firmly on the horse beneath him and the course ahead.

The pair passed through the start flags and approached the first jump. The course was higher than it had been for the Novice event which was to be expected, but Heero still rode with skill and precision. Lunar pricked her ears and cleared the first jump. Upon landing, Heero kept a light contact with the mare's mouth and used his seat and leg to retain the impulsion and keep her balanced. The second and third jumps were also cleared.

Lunar was a tidy jumper, keeping her legs tucked close to her body and not putting in any more effort than was required.

Even to Duo's inexperienced eye he could see the difference in Lunar and her jumping as opposed to Orion, Wing and Shinigami. Lunar was neat, precise and economical; but she lacked that 'spark'. Orion, Shini and now Wing all seemed to have that little bit more. Although it was clear Lunar didn't mind jumping, she wasn't as enthusiastic as Wing and the others appeared to be. Duo couldn't really explain it, it was as if Wing, Shini and Orion's eyes lit up when they were in the ring, their paces had an extra bounce to them and they all seemed to jump for the sheer joy of it.

Now Duo could clearly see what Heero meant when he'd said that for a horse to succeed and make it into the top, International levels, they had to have that desire to win. Lunar just didn't seem to have it.

Jumps four and five were cleared, Lunar listening to Heero and doing exactly what he asked of her. With the double being the next jump, Heero was sure to sit deep and build as much impulsion as he could in the mare's hind quarters. Part A loomed ahead and Lunar strode up to it, dug her hooves in and soared over the first element. They landed and she took the two strides before pushing off the ground again, Heero riding her forward and maintaining a steady contact with her mouth.

“He's doing really well,” Carl commented, his face a beaming smile as he watched his horse and Heero in the ring.

“He sure is,” June agreed. “He's a damn fine rider, especially when you take into consideration that all the horses he's riding today are different. It wouldn't be easy to adjust to each one.”

Duo didn't say anything, he was already well aware of just how special his lover was.

Landing over the double, Heero sat deep and checked the mare's forward momentum. He took her on a slightly longer and wider track to give her the chance to regain some impulsion before attempting the wall. Lunar recovered well from the double and cantered calmly forward. When she felt the pressure from her rider's legs against her sides, she lengthened out her stride. The wall lay ahead and Lunar approached it with caution.

Three strides out and Heero began to drive the mare with his legs and seat, Lunar pushed her hocks underneath her body and launched into the air. The wall passed beneath them and once more the ground was rushing upwards.

“Two to go,” Carl muttered.

Not letting his concentration waver for a second, Heero kept his horse together and rode for the center of the oxer. Chestnut ears flicked back and forth, Lunar's eyes sizing up the jump ahead and preparing herself for the leap. Gathering herself together, she drove her hind quarters right under and rose into the air. Heero followed the movement with his hands, allowing them to slide up the neck and not restrict the horse in any way. His body came up and out of the saddle, knees tucked in tight and balancing through his stirrups. With Lunar's descent, Heero's body returned to the saddle, arms moving back towards his stomach as he maintained the contact through the reins and bit.

The final jump lay ahead and Heero was determined to clear it. Focusing intently on the blue and white poles, He rode Lunar with all the skill he had. The mare grunted as she took off, the jump being the highest and widest of the jumps in the course. It would really test the horses out as the grades advanced. Being the last jump and the hardest, by the time most horses got to it they would be fairly tired from the rest of the course and likely to make mistakes.

Heero had no intention of becoming one of those mistakes.

He held Lunar until the last moment, making sure there was as much impulsion in her hind quarters as he could get. He heard the soft grunt as the chestnut dug deep and rose out of his saddle in time with her, attempting to keep as much of his weight of her back as possible.

The mare's back cannon bones scraped across the last pole, rocking it slightly in the cups. In the collecting ring all three of the 'support crew' held their breath, eyes locked onto the rocking pole and the same mantra going through their minds.

'Do not fall... Do not fall... Do not fall... Do not fall...'

Luck was with them and the pole decided to stay where it was.

“Clear round for Heero Yuy riding Lunar Eclipse.”

June and Duo were both thrilled with Heero's performance, Carl was simply grinning like a loon. As Heero joined them in the collecting ring, he found himself being congratulated all over again. He accepted the congratulations with good grace and managed not to blush too much. Carl was overjoyed with the mare's performance and couldn't thank Heero enough for riding her in the event. Heero had responded with something along the lines of it was his pleasure and that this was what Carl was paying him for after all.

With six more riders to go before the jump off, Heero dismounted, Carl taking the mare from him and insisting he walk her around whilst the others watched the rest of the competition. Duo loosened the girth and tossed the mare's light rug over her to keep her from catching a chill.

*

The course was raised for the jump off, a total of four riders having made clear rounds. Heero would be second to ride off and having loosened Lunar up once again, he stood with Duo and the others as the first rider went into the ring.

It was clear to everyone that these horses and riders were a lot more seasoned than those in the Novice class. The first rider saluted and set off for the start. The bell rang and the young man set a pretty good pace, increasing the speed as he cleared jump after jump and maintaining the horse's impulsion. A round of applause and a few cheers indicated a clear round, a fact confirmed by the commentator a moment later.

“Clear round for James Marshall riding Spitfire in a time of 32:15.”

“Good luck, Heero. Stay safe,” Duo said and squeezed Heero's calf. He was standing on the other side of Heero, June and Carl the opposite side so they wouldn't see the warm gesture.

“I don't plan on taking any risks,” Heero replied with a soft smile.

“Good luck,” Carl and June both said as Heero prepared to enter the ring.

The judge was saluted, Lunar turned for the start and encouraged to canter. The bell rang and Heero settled himself into the mindset of clearing the course in as fast a time as possible.

Lunar did all Heero asked of her, lengthening and shortening her stride, driving her hocks completely underneath and maintaining impulsion throughout the course. Heero asked for a tight turn on the inside of jump seven, similar to what he'd asked of Orion earlier. The mare responded, although she wasn't quite as quick as Orion had been and it took extra effort for her to clear jump eight. The triple was met on the right stride, this time Lunar made sure to pick her feet well up and only the cool rush of air brushed the poles this time.

Once they were back on the ground, Heero gave the mare her head and they galloped through the finish.

Carl was cheering, June smiling broadly whilst Duo was trying hard not to bounce on the spot.

“Clear round for Heero Yuy riding Lunar Eclipse in a time of 32:20.”

Duo let go a whistle. “Wow, that's only five hundredths of a second slower,” he noted.

Heero also heard the time and although it meant he was currently in second place, he was still pleased with the mare and how she had performed. He rode out to the collecting ring and was immediately 'attacked' by what he was now calling his 'support crew'.

Carl was thrilled with the mare and couldn't stop petting her and thanking Heero. June also thought Heero deserved a lot of congratulations, Duo just waited silently by Heero's side, his eyes telling Heero just what Duo thought.

The next rider went in and also cleared everything, much to Duo disappointment. He wasn't trying to be unsportsmanlike, but he couldn't help but wish someone would knock something down.

“Clear round for Joshua Lewis riding Tigerlily in a time of 30:26.”

“That puts you in third spot for the moment, Heero,” June said as she listened to the time.

Heero wasn't all that worried about where he came in the placings. Lunar had gone well for him and that was all he'd wanted. Now he had a better understanding of the mare and how she functioned in the show atmosphere and that would help a lot when it came to the next show Heero took her to.

The final rider went into the ring, a determined look on her face. They too set off at a fast pace, increasing the speed as they went around the course. The woman also took a couple of risks, cutting in close to jump seven to try and shave a few seconds off her time. Even though Heero had already competed, Duo was still nervous as he watched the final rider tackling the course.

The pair cleared the final jump and galloped through the finish flags, the crowd cheering and applauding their efforts.

“Clear round in a time of 31:52 for Katie Banks riding Chancellor. I'll have the final placings for you in a moment.”

The collecting ring was abuzz with chatter as people were congratulating each other and pondering the out come of the jump off. They didn't have to wait long though, the commentator was soon back with his announcement.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the Grade C Table A competition are: In first place with a clear round and time of 30:26 seconds; Joshua Lewis riding Tigerlily. In second place with a clear round and a time of 31:52 seconds; Katie Banks riding Chancellor. In third place with a clear round and time of 32:15 seconds; James Marshall riding Spitfire. In fourth place with a clear round and a time of 32 :20 seconds; Heero Yuy riding Lunar Eclipse. Would those four riders please enter the ring and present to the judge for the presentation of ribbons.”

“Well done, Heero,” June offered as Heero picked up his reins.

“That was a great effort, Heero. Thank you,” Carl said, the smile on his face almost going from ear to ear. “I'm absolutely over the moon with that.”

“Go get your ribbon, Heero, you deserve it,” Duo said with a soft smile and a pat to Lunar's neck.

Thanking everyone, Heero rode into the ring behind the other three to receive his ribbon and prize money.

The judge handed out the ribbons, congratulating each person and saying some encouraging words to each of the riders. Heero accepted the small envelope with a soft 'thank you' and nodded to the judge when he commented on how close the placings had been. When the judge stepped back from Heero and gave the nod, Joshua turned his horse and led them in a lap of honor.

* * *

With Lunar's class now completed the mare was taken back to Drumstick, unsaddled, brushed down and rugged up. Carl in particular made a big fuss of his horse, feeding her carrots and petting her. He was really pleased with the way she had performed.

Heero took the opportunity to have a few minutes break and swallow a couple of glasses of water. Whilst it wasn't hot – the weather staying mild, sunny and with a light breeze – he did tend to sweat a lot when riding and was careful not to let himself dehydrate.

With June giving Carl a hand, Duo ducked inside on the pretense of getting himself a glass of water and shared a few kisses and cuddles with his partner.

Once Lunar was settled the four decided to take a walk back to the ring. Heero needed to go to the secretary and pick up his number for Shinigami's class and see where he was riding in the draw. Duo, naturally, wanted to be wherever Heero was and followed his lover to speak with the secretary. June and Carl waited ring side, opting to watch some of the B grade jumping.

There were fourteen entries in Heero's class, Heero having drawn tenth to compete. He grinned when he noted the draw. Duo also smiled, fully aware of how much Heero preferred to be towards the end of the class as opposed to the beginning.

With Heero's number safely in his pocket the two walked back to the ring to locate June and Carl. They had another hour up their sleeve before Shini's class would be starting and another half an hour after that before Shini would be needed.

They found the pair watching a very nice brown horse currently in the ring. They stood and watched for a little while before Heero decided he'd better start to get Shinigami ready for his class. The jump off for the B grade would be starting soon, there only being another three competitors to go, and that would take another half hour to get through according to Heero's reckoning. The course would then need to be raised and walked before the A grade class could start. With Heero being tenth the ride it left him with plenty of time to saddle up and warm the gray up.

Leaving Carl and June to continue watching, Heero and Duo set off for Drumstick and Shinigami. Walking past the warm up area, Heero glanced across at those horses either getting ready for the A grade event or loosening up for the B grade jump off. Something caught his eye and he paused, Duo walking on a few steps before realizing that Heero wasn't with him. He stopped and turned around, noting Heero's distracted air and retraced his steps.

“What's up?” he asked the rider.

Heero nodded in the direction of a few horses. “Look at the bay.”

Frowning, Duo turned his eyes in the direction Heero had indicated and located the bay amongst a couple of other horses.

Riders were working their animals around, most settling and moving along quite well. At first the bay appeared to be doing the same. “What about it?” Duo asked and scratched his head. “Ah,” he continued a moment later.

The bay in question would work quite nicely for a few strides, then it would start to fight the rider, tossing its head and side stepping. The longer Duo watched, the more the bay appeared to be at war with its rider.

Heero's critical eye wandered over the animal. It had nice lines and a fine hind quarter. From what he could see, the horse looked like it was a warm blood and had a good conformation, one suited to jumping. The problem seemed to be that the horse didn't want to listen to the rider. Heero's attention switched back to the rider and he studied the man carefully. To any, everyday person, the rider sat his horse well and seemed to be doing all the right things; but Heero could see different.

He wasn't sure exactly what the problem was, but he knew the rider wasn't helping it any. He had the horse in an almost brutal hold, the reins so tight Heero wouldn't have been surprised if they didn't 'twang' if you were to pluck at them. The rider's body was rigid, shoulders stiff, arms set and his seat and leg all but frozen. Given the rider position and the tension through it, it was no wonder the horse was also stiff and tense, fighting the rider every inch of the way.

Taking careful note of how the horse was working and responding to the rider, Heero began to get a pretty good idea of what the problem could be; and the way the rider was going about things, was only making that problem worse.

“It's a nice looking horse, shame it seems to be difficult,” Duo commented.

“I agree, although it's not all just the horse's fault,” Heero replied. When Duo looked at him with a raised eyebrow, Heero explained a little more. “The horse seems to have a problem, I'm not sure exactly what, but the rider isn't helping their cause any. He's holding the animal that tightly there's no way the horse can move forward freely. It's as if the rider is scared of the horse, frightened that if he gives it an inch of rein the horse will do something like take off or buck or whatever.”

Duo shrugged. “It's clear there's something wrong there, but just what that is, is anyone's guess. Come on, we'd better get Shini ready.”

“Hai, right with you.”

The pair turned and resumed their walk back to Shini and the other horses.

* * *

The B grade jump off had finished, the course was raised and open for walking. Heero walked it again with Duo at his side, not that he needed any reminder of the course itself as it hadn't changed, remaining the same for all the grades, but he wanted to see how the height difference would affect his way of riding the course.

Quietly confident, Heero returned to the collecting ring where Carl waited with Shinigami, June having left him for a few minutes to pay a visit to the toilet. They all exchanged a few words relating to the course and June soon joined them again. Heero opted to stand beside Shini and watch a few of the other riders go through before he'd take the gray off and loosen his muscles again. Shini had already been warmed up and was traveling well. Heero had been pleased with how the gray was responding, if anything he was fitter and better than he'd been for the Olympics. Heero was hoping to finish in the top two for this event.

The first two riders in the competition didn't do anything spectacular, one coming out with four faults, the other eight. With the raise in height, Heero knew the tricky parts of the course would be the turn from three to four and then from part B of the double to seven. A rider needed to have the horse full of impulsion and listening if they were to go clear. A nudge to his ribs drew him from his thoughts as Duo hissed in his ear.

“There's that bay again.”

Heero focused on the ring where the bay he's been watching earlier entered. Despite the rider having worked the horse almost non stop, the pair still out in the warm up arena when Heero had shown up to loosen Shini up, the bay was still on its toes and fighting for its head.
“Christ,” Carl muttered when he took in the sight of the pair. “They just been for a swim or something?”

The horse was soaked in sweat and a small amount of foam could be seen around the mouth and a lot more on its flanks and between the back legs. The rider looked very pale and uncomfortable.

“This should be interesting,” June commented. “They look like they're about to go into battle; against each other.”

Heero couldn't have said it better himself.

The bell rang, the bay pranced and leapt forth in the air as they made their way towards the start. Heero hoped and prayed that they wouldn't come to any serious harm.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus