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Cowboy	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 5572 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. Written for pleasure not profit.

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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 22

[It’s boots and chaps

It’s cowboys hats

It’s spurs and latigo

Rodeo – Garth Brooks]

Treize and Zechs moved quickly to the chutes where Reaper had been transferred to. The black stood quietly in the chute, but his eyes were never still. Even though he appeared calm, Zechs knew better. The horse was a ticking time bomb and Zechs had often wondered just what had made the bronc that way.

“I’d like your honest opinion, Zechs. Do you think he’s gone mad, or is there a chance he could still be okay? And if so, would it be kinder to put him down or should we still use him?” Treize asked, breaking into Zechs’ thoughts.

“I’ll give him a good check over, or at least, try to,” Zechs replied and approached the chute. He noted the wary eye trained in his direction and made sure to keep his wits about him. Standing on the other side of the rails, Zechs allowed his eyes to traverse the black beast, noting no injury to the horse on the body so far. The hair around the horse’s throat was roughed up, but that was from the lariats that had been used to drag him from the arena and Zechs wouldn’t know if there was any damage to the skin underneath until he was able to touch the animal.

Carefully he edged a hand forward and rested it on the rails, watching for Reaper’s reaction. The bronc remained standing still. Cautiously, he moved his hand through the rails to rest upon the animal’s shoulder. Reaper moved and laid his ears back.

“I think we will get someone to restrain him before you examine him further,” Treize said from the side. “I don’t trust him.”

“Neither do I,” replied Zechs. “Usually when I check the broncs over at the end of a rodeo the cow hands hang onto them for me.”

“Hold on a moment then.” Treize disappeared for a moment and returned with a cow hand.

The hand managed to get a halter on the bronc and hold onto the black beast. One hand resting on the horse’s muzzle and the other holding tight to the halter, he let Zechs know it was okay for him to perform his exam.

Feeling much safer now, Zechs stepped into the chute with the horse and cow hand and began his check. Ten minutes later he was done and the cow hand released the horse once Zechs was safely back outside the chute.

“Well? What do you think?” asked Treize.

“Physically, the horse is fine. I’m just not too sure about his mind. He seems calm enough now, but that could all just be a show. I really don’t know, Treize.” Zechs ran his hand through his bangs. “Given the display in the arena and knowing what he’s done before, I’d suggest that maybe you put him out for a while, spell him until the next rodeo and see what happens when he comes back for that. If he does continue to show such aggressive behavior then I’d recommend putting him down. The other option would be to geld him.”

“I see.” Treize thought long and hard. “I don’t know if I can afford to give him that chance. If he does continue with this aggressive behavior the next cowboy may not be so lucky. He’s already put two cowboys in hospital and given another four minor injuries, I really don’t need for him to kill someone before we do something. Gelding him might quieten him down a bit and that could either mean he won’t buck well enough to remain in the bronc team or he could still continue with his nasty ways.”

“I can see your point, Treize. Ultimately, the decision is yours and I’ll abide by whatever that decision is.”

“Look, I’ll do what you’ve suggested and turn him out until the next rodeo. I’ll get you to assess him again when we bring him in for that and if you think there might be a chance that he’s going to be just as aggressive then I’ll withdraw him from the rodeo and arrange to have him put to sleep.”

“Okay. I just wish I knew what had happened to him in his past to make him like this. Horses aren’t usually mean natured by birth, something, or more specifically, someone had to have done something to him to make him this vicious. Underneath all that meanness there’s quite a nice animal and it would be a shame to destroy it.”

“I know, but Zechs, I can’t take the chance of him seriously injuring or killing a cowboy.”

“If that’s all, I’d best be getting back to checking the remaining broncs before the other events get underway.”

“Thank you, Zechs. I’ll keep in touch and keep you informed on what is happening with Reaper.” Treize shook hands with the vet and walked off in the direction of the officials' rooms. Zechs turned and went to continue with his check of the rodeo animals.

* * *

Charlie had escorted Dorothy and Relena to the officials’ rooms to speak with Treize. The rodeo had started up again after the brief interlude and the last of the bronc rides were currently taking place. Treize hadn’t returned when Charlie got there, but he was happy to wait. After a few minutes, Charlie spotted the arena chief walking towards the office and with a word to one of the officials currently in residence to keep an eye on the two women, he stepped outside and cut Treize off.

“Charlie?”

“Sorry to bother you again, Treize, but I have more information in relation to Maxwell’s fall from Reaper.”

“I’m listening.”

Charlie related all he’d learned from Duo’s friends, added that to the ‘confession’ Dorothy had made and along with Relena’s words to confirm there was an altercation going on and brought the arena chief up to speed.

“Hang on a minute, Charlie,” Treize said, rubbing his temples. “Let me see if I’ve got this right. You’re saying that this Dorothy character cut through Maxwell’s rig as a pay back for Maxwell stealing a Miss Relena’s boyfriend?”

“Pretty much, boss.”

“Shit, this is getting worse than ‘Days of our Lives’,” Treize muttered.

“I have the two women inside the office now, I thought you might like to speak with them before I call the police.”

“I think I should, just to find out exactly what is going on if nothing else. If what you’re saying is true, Charlie, then this woman is responsible for Maxwell’s injuries and needs to be charged as such. I’ll go talk to them whilst you call the police.”

“Okay, I’ll make the call now.” Charlie trotted off to make his call, Treize took a deep breath and entered the office.

* * *

Relena and Dorothy sat in silence inside the office, each woman was lost in her own thoughts. Relena was still coming to terms with what her friend had done, Dorothy was trying to understand why Relena was so angry with her; after all, she’d only done what the other woman really wanted.

Both women looked up as a tall, ginger haired man stepped into the room.

“Good afternoon, ladies. I'm Treize Khushrenada, the arena master for the rodeo. I've just been speaking with one of our rodeo hands and he tells me that you both know something about the accident that happened a short while ago involving one of our cowboys. Would you care to explain?”

With a soft sigh, Relena turned her eyes to the man. “This could take a while and I really don't know where to start.”

“It's fine, I'm not going anywhere and I think the beginning might be a good place to start,” Treize prompted.

Taking a deep breath, Relena fixed her eyes on her hands and began. “Heero Yuy, another cowboy and I were a couple until recently when he broke up with me. I soon discovered that he'd left me to become involved with that other cowboy, a Duo Maxwell. As you can imagine, I wasn't happy when I found out he'd left me for another man...” Relena continued her tale, keeping things as brief as possible. "I didn't want any physical harm to come to either of them, by going to the press and having the story run in the papers, that would be more than enough to have my revenge. I wasn't aware of Dorothy's activities..."

"The papers wouldn't do much," Dorothy interrupted. "They need to be taught a lesson. Two men together isn't right to start with, but to break up an engaged couple, that's just dirty. They both needed to wake up to themselves, to know you can't go around doing this sort of thing. If you ask me that home wrecker got everything he deserved," Dorothy sneered.

Barely holding onto his temper, Treize fixed the woman with his steely gaze. "Am I correct in assuming that you decided to take matters further, to try, in some way to ensure that this 'lesson' you're talking about was handed out?"

"Damn right."

"Mr Khushrenada, I'm angry, hurt and upset that this... that excuse for a man has stolen the love of my life, I'm hurt and upset at Heero for leaving me like this and yes, I wanted my revenge, but I swear to you, I would never have gone as far as to physically hurt the man. I didn't want to see him injured or even killed, just humiliated." Relena spoke with honesty. "I had no idea Dorothy would take matters into her own hands."

"Good job I did," snapped Dorothy.

Treize began to wonder if maybe Charlie shouldn't have called the local funny farm as well as the police; this long haired blonde had some serious issues. "Did you cut the rig?" Nothing like the direct approach.

"Obviously not well enough if that fairy assed pansy is still breathing."

"Dorothy!"

"What? You want Heero back, don't you? What better way than to remove the threat?"

"Ladies, I think that is enough," Treize said and stood up. He could see shadows outside the window and gathered that the local police must have arrived. "If you would both please wait here, I need to speak to someone outside." With a nod of his head, Treize stepped outside to be greeted by Charlie and two of the local law enforcement. "Ah, officers, thank you for coming so quickly."

"That's quite alright, Mr Khushrenada. Now, could you please give us an outline of what is going on?"

Both Treize and Charlie relayed all their information to the police who took notes. When they had finished, both officers were looking a little stunned. "I don't know, the lengths some people will go to these days for love," muttered Officer Barnes.

"Thank you both for your information. We will take both ladies down to the station for full interviews and statements. If you could both also come to the station and make statements, it would be appreciated," said the other officer.

"No problem, officers. Would it be okay to come after the rodeo has finished?" asked Treize.

"That will be fine. Oh, I'll need to speak with the two cowboys involved in this matter and any other witnesses," Officer Barnes said.

"I'll get the contact details of the two cowboys affected and those witnesses that I am aware of and bring them to you in a moment if you like?" said Treize

"Thank you. We will speak with the ladies now and then if need be, lay any charges before we take them to the station." Officer Barnes stepped forward to enter the office.

"I'll be back shortly." With the officers now in the room with Relena and Dorothy, Treize turned to Charlie. "You'd best get back to the chutes, they will need a hand over there. Come and see me when we're done and I'll take you down the station with me to make our statements."

"Right you are, boss."

* * *

With the assistance of a nurse, it didn't take Doctor Po too long to treat Duo's injuries. Heero sat beside his fellow cowboy the entire time, offering his silent support. The bite was washed out and cleaned thoroughly before an application of antibiotic cream, gauze and finally a bandage. Duo's pain medication was topped up before Sally strapped his ribs, the doctor not wanting to cause any further discomfort to her patient.

The shoulder was strapped and a sling provided to support the injured shoulder. Once her patient was comfortable, Sally gave him a shot of antibiotic to kick start his immune system.

“Okay, Mr Maxwell, that's all we can do for you for the moment,” Sally stated as she disposed of the used needle and syringe. “Nurse Roberts is arranging for a bed in the ward for you and you will be moved once she has the all clear from the ward. Do you have any questions?”

“Yeah. What time in the morning can I get out of here?”

Sally patted his arm and sighed. Cowboys. “We will see how you go through the night first.”

“Can you give me an approximation? It's more for Heero's benefit as he's the one who will be picking me up and it's a little hard to find parking for a rig with two horses in it,” Duo tried again.

“I see your point. Okay, if you get through the night okay I'd say roughly eight-thirty in the morning.”

“Thanks.”

“Sorry to interrupt, but the ward is ready for Mr Maxwell,” Nurse Roberts said as she stepped back into the trauma room.

“No problem, thank you, nurse.” Sally turned her attention back to Duo. “I'll be around later this evening to check on you. Rest and recover.”

“Thanks, doc.”

“You're welcome. I'd best get moving, other patients and such,” she said with a shrug of her shoulders.

Once the doctor had left, the nurse found a couple of orderlies and began the move to the ward. Duo found himself being wheeled through corridors and into an elevator, Heero still tagging along. A short ride in the elevator and once more they were exiting and moving along more corridors. Stopping at a nurse's station, Nurse Roberts handed over Duo's file to the sister in charge.

“Ah, Mr Maxwell,” the sister said. “I'll have the orderlies take you to your room and I'll be in shortly to check everything.“ Turning her eyes to the orderlies, she informed them, “Take him through to room twelve, please.”

The orderlies pushed off again and Heero was about to follow when the sister brought him up short. “Excuse me, may I ask who you are and where you're going?”

“Sorry,” Heero apologized. “Heero Yuy, I'm Duo's next of kin and best friend.”

“Okay. I take it you wish to stay for a while with your friend?”

Heero nodded.

“That's fine. Visiting hours finish at eight and I'll expect you to be gone by then.”

“No problem, ma'am.” Heero turned and sped up his walk to catch up to Duo.

* * *

Officer Barnes had finished his preliminary investigation and arrested Dorothy. He'd charged her with 'malicious damage to property with the intent to injure or kill' and would need to make further inquiries before refining the charges. Whilst he'd interviewed the two women, the other officer, French, had located Trowa, Wufei and Quatre and had spoken with each man. He'd taken statements from each cowboy and the clown, explaining that he couldn't release any details of the case whilst the investigation was ongoing, much to Quatre's chagrin. The little blonde wanted to know that Dorothy wouldn't be getting away with what he determined to be 'attempted murder'.

With the statements safely in hand along with the contact details of the three, French went back to the officials' rooms and his fellow officer. After a brief report on the status of things thus far, French was dispatched to locate Treize and let him know the officers would be leaving and taking the two women with them for further questioning. Treize wished them the best of luck and repeated his promise to drop by the station later with Charlie to give their statements.

Relena was quite upset at being taken to the police station and continued to insist she was completely innocent in the matter; however, there was a glint in Barnes' eye which didn't bode well for her. The officer was considering charges of slander and defamation along with conspiracy for the woman, but that was yet to be proven and he would need to speak with the reporters Relena had engaged and the two cowboys she'd targeted to see if they wished to press charges in relation to the first two offenses. The remaining offense would need to be investigated at a deeper level first.

Arriving back at the station, the two women were placed in holding cells, despite their protests. Barnes tracked down and advised his superior of what was going on, stating that at this stage of his investigation he was a little concerned that the woman known as Dorothy just might be a few cards short of the deck.

After hearing the preliminary evidence and listening to both officers' recounting of the woman's story, he was inclined to agree. Knowing that they had to attend the hospital to speak with the two cowboys, Barnes suggested taking Dorothy with them and having a psych evaluation done on the woman. The captain agreed and Dorothy was once again seated in the patrol car. French called ahead to the hospital and arranged for the resident psychiatrist to perform the evaluation as soon as they arrived.

* * *

“You should be back at the rodeo, Heero, not babysitting me. You'll lose points and your chance at the title,” Duo said softly.

“I don't care about the rodeo or the title. You are more important to me than any title,” Heero replied, his cheeks covered in a dusting of pink as he admitted to his feelings.

The warmth shone in Duo's eyes with Heero's admission. Those words meant a hell of a lot to Duo. “Thanks.”

“What for?”

“For being here with me, for watching out for me; for caring.” Duo paused, unable to continue with the lump in his throat.

Taking hold of Duo's hand, Heero squeezed it gently and then ran his thumb lightly over the back of it as he spoke. “No thanks needed. I care a lot about you, Duo, I'm not quite sure if you would call it love, but it's a damn strong feeling. I really want to get to know you better, share my life with you, discover what these feelings are; and if they equate to love, then so be it.” He added a small smile to his words.

“You're too good to me.” Before Duo cold say anything further, a sharp knock to the door interrupted them and a nurse poked her head around the door.

“Excuse me, Mr Maxwell, but I have two police officers out here that wish to speak with you and your friend.”

“Police officers?” Duo questioned, clearly puzzled.

Heero's heart began to beat a little faster. 'What on earth would the police want with him and Duo? Unless it was something to do with Relena and her reporter friends. At the last check he didn't think being gay and in a relationship was against the law.'

“What do they want?” Duo asked.

“I don't know. They asked to speak with the two of you. Shall I send them in?” the nurse replied.

“Guess you'd better.” Duo wriggled a little in the bed and did his best to tug the hospital issue pajama top a little straighter.

Heero released Duo's hand and did his best to help his boyfriend smooth out the pajama top and bed clothes. Both men felt the anxiety rise as two policemen entered the room.

“Mr Maxwell? Mr Yuy?”

“I'm Duo Maxwell,” said Duo from the bed, “and this is my friend, Heero Yuy.”

“I'm Officer Barnes and this is my partner Officer French,” Barnes introduced them. “You're probably wondering why we're here to speak with you?”

“The thought had crossed my mind,” Duo muttered. Heero opted to remain silent.

“I am sorry to just drop in like this, but we need to speak to you both in relation to the incident earlier at the rodeo.”

“What incident?” Duo growled as his eyes narrowed.

“Actually, it's two incidents; the one with a woman called Relena and your fall from the horse.”

“Last I heard being gay wasn't against the law,” Duo snapped.

Officer Barnes sighed. “No, being gay isn't against the law, sir, but we do believe that the manner in which this Relena went about involving the press could give rise to charges of defamation and slander, if you chose to pursue that option. Of course we will need further evidence from all parties concerned before such charges could be laid.”

Now that little revelation had both cowboys sitting up and taking notice.

“I need to talk to you about the fall first.”

“Why? I don't see what relevance that has to the press report. It's pretty straight forward, I didn't last the eight seconds, I came off and the bronc decided to take advantage of that and get a bit of his own back,” stated Duo.

“Actually, I wish it were that simple.”

“You mean it wasn't?” Heero asked, finding his voice at last.

“We have reason to believe that Mr Maxwell's rig was tampered with prior to his ride.”

“You're saying someone deliberately fiddled with Duo's rig so he would come off?” Heero asked, his eyes wide with shock. Duo was in a similar position, unable to comprehend that someone would do such a thing.

“Yes, I am.”

“But, who...?” Heero's eyes clouded as he thought long and hard.

“Relena,” muttered Duo.

“Fuck! That bitch! I should have known better and kept a closer eye on her. When I get my hands on her I'll wring her scrawny neck!” Heero's rage was beginning to build.

“Gentlemen,” Barnes' voice cut in, a warning tone to it. Heero promptly shut up knowing if he didn't his words could be taken as literal and then he'd find himself on a charge of threatening to kill – which would then be upgraded to murder if he had his way.

“It was not this Relena person who tampered with your rig,” Barnes stated.

“If it wasn't Relena, then who? I don't have any enemies other than her that I'm aware of,” Duo whispered.

“We currently have a Dorothy Catalonia in custody and are questioning her further.”

“Dorothy? Who the fuck is this Dorothy?” Duo couldn't remember the woman.

“She would be Relena's closest friend,” Heero supplied. “She was with Relena when they sprang the press on us, the one with the long, blonde hair and weird eyebrows.”

“The one that looks like a witch?” asked Duo.

“Yeah, her. I wouldn't put it past her to pull something like this. She's just as bad as Relena when it comes to revenge,” Heero sighed.

“Gentlemen, if you don't mind, I'd like to take statements from both of you in relation to both incidents. I already have statements from other witnesses and I'd like to get these charges laid and the case set for a court date,” Barnes said.

Still shocked by the knowledge that the woman had actually gone so far as to sabotage his rig and try to kill him, Duo nodded. “I'll cooperate in any way, officers.”

“Thank you. Now, let's start, shall we?”

*

It took just over an hour to get statements from both Heero and Duo. Heero supplied the main details in regards to the fall as Duo's mind was still a complete blank in that area. Both men related their versions of the argument with Relena and the reporters, When Heero thought back to the exchange of words, he did recall Dorothy being absent for part of it and remembered the woman showing up again After Charlie and the other hands had arrived to break things up.

With statements taken, Barnes double checked he had correct contact details for both men before taking his leave. He promised to be in touch and let them know if and what charges had been laid and anything else pertaining to the case that they would need to be aware of. Having no further need to be there, the two officers left the cowboys alone and went to collect Dorothy from the psychiatric clinic section of the hospital and see what the psychiatrist had to say in regards to the woman's state of mind.

~ * ~

tbc...
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