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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
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“Equus”

Chapter 22

With Nataku safely in her stable and eating her dinner, Duo locked the drug room and turned out the lights. Heero gave him a hand with the sliding door after Duo had set the monitor.

“Let's go get cleaned up and have something to eat, I'm bushed,” Duo said as he turned and began to walk tiredly towards the house.

Heero's stomach chose that moment to growl – loudly. Duo snickered as he heard the noise.

“Sorry, it seems I'm a little more hungry than I thought,” Heero said sheepishly.

“Why don’t you go ahead and take your shower whilst I get dinner on the go. Once you're finished I'll take mine and you can keep an eye on dinner?”

“Sounds like a plan to me,” Heero said and wrapped an arm around Duo's waist. Duo reciprocated.

Wandering up to the back door of the cottage, Duo fished out his keys and unlocked the door, stepping inside he fumbled for the light switch and promptly went flying, crashing to the floor.

“Duo? Duo? You okay?” Heero said as he did his best to locate the light switch and find his lover at the same time. The lights went on and Duo could be seen in an undignified heap on the floor. “What happened?” Heero asked as he quickly went to his partner's aid.

“I'm okay, Heero,” Duo told the rider. “Something tripped me up.”

Heero looked around and spotted a gray feline peeking out from behind the dresser. She hadn't meant to trip up the nice human, she'd just been so ecstatic to have her masters home she'd tried to show it by rubbing and winding against the first pair of legs she came into contact with; unfortunately, Duo hadn't been able to see her in the dark and with her wending around his ankles it had given him the fright of his life followed by the loss of his balance.

“I think it was Smokey,” Heero said as he assisted his lover to rise.

“It's okay, Smokey. I'm not hurt and I'm not angry with you,” Duo said in a soothing tone to the cat as Heero helped him up. “Come here,” he cajoled and Smokey cautiously made her way from the dresser and across to her two humans. Duo picked her up and cuddled her. “Poor girl, you were only trying to say hello, weren't you?” Smokey began to purr and butted her head against Duo's chin.

“I guess we can't blame her,” Heero sighed. “She has been left alone all day and we're back later than usual due to the unforeseen events.”

“Yeah, poor girl.”

“Here, I'll take her and get her dinner for her, then I'll take my shower,” Heero said and reached out with his arms for Duo to deposit the cat in them.

“Thanks, I'll get started on our dinner.”

*

“I don't think I'll be sitting here for very long,” Heero said as he sipped on his coffee. They were cuddled up on the couch together and trying to watch a movie – only problem was, they were both so tired their eyes kept drifting shut.

“Me either,” Duo replied and stifled a yawn. “I hope Nataku is settling in okay.”

“I'm sure she is. It's going to take a lot of time to win her over, but I think we can do it.”

“I know we can. All we have to do is be very patient with her and show her lots of love and kindness. If she makes a mistake, don't get angry with her, just continue to ask for what it is we want and then lots of praise when she gets it right.”

“I agree. Thank you, Duo.”

“What for?”

“For helping me out with her, for backing me up.” Heero pressed a kiss to the top of Duo's head as the vet was cuddled against his side with his head resting against Heero's shoulder.

“There's no way I would have left her there in that bastard's care,” Duo snarled. “Speaking of which, I really should contact Quatre.”

“I thought you weren't going to do that.”

“I wasn't, but after I saw the injuries to her and the way she trembles all the time I can't let it go. My conscience, not to mention my morality won't let me. I became a vet to treat and help animals and I wouldn’t be much of a vet if I didn't do something to stop this sort of cruelty. Who is to say he doesn't have more horses on his property that he's abusing? I don’t know if Quatre and the society will be able to press charges against him or not, but at least they should be able to go to wherever he lives and check on the welfare of any other animals in his care.”

“Good point.” Heero could see exactly where Duo was coming from.

“I've got a bit of his actions at the show on my cell and I did manage to get the license plate of his car so I'm sure Quatre will be able to trace it and get the guy's details.”

“Smart thinking,” Heero praised. “I think you'd better leave calling him until tomorrow though, it is getting a little late now.”

Duo glanced at the clock and noted it was just after ten. “Yeah, I think I'd better leave it until tomorrow.” He yawned again. “Not that I'm questioning you, well, I suppose I am, but I don't mean it in a nasty way...”

Heero moved a little so he could see the vet's face and gave him an amused smile. “Just what is it you want to ask, Duo?”

“Well, I was wondering what you plan to do with this mare? You already have Wing and Shini in work, Angel is in foal again and Zero standing at stud. With the other horses you have to work as well, I didn't think you'd have time for another jumper of your own. Not that I don’t think you'd be successful with her, I know you would, and I'm starting to ramble, aren't I?”

Heero snickered and stole a kiss. “Mmm, I like your rambling, gives me the excuse to kiss you to shut you up.”

“You don't need an excuse to kiss me, Heero,” Duo replied with a grin, “but it is effective.” Duo reached to seal their lips again.

“Nice,” Heero said when they broke for air.

“Not that I'm not enjoying the attention because I am, but to get back on track, what are you planning to do with the mare?” Duo asked again and settled against Heero once more.

“Believe it or not, I actually do have something in mind for her. At the show, I wasn't thinking straight other than to get that mare away from the guy. It came to me when we were driving home. It will take some time to get her to trust again and that will be the biggest obstacle. I have no doubt she is a good jumper, I saw enough of her in action at the show to work that out.”

“You mean you could actually see something other than her trying to tear around that course as quickly as possible?” Duo chuckled.

“Well, yes, I did. If I'm correct in my assumption, the only reason she was tearing around the course was because of fear. It's my theory that if that guy beat the living daylights out of her on the ground for not doing what he wanted, I'm betting he also did the same when on her back to get her to jump.”

“I'd say you're probably right there, Heero. Those spur marks and the tearing of the corners of her mouth pretty much confirm abuse,” Duo agreed.

“I think she may have been pushed too far, too fast. She looks like she's been over faced and then when she found the jumps too big and difficult, she started to stop. The guy wouldn't have liked that and so he beat the living crap out of her to get her to jump which is why she now tries to jump as if her backside is on fire.”

“You have an elegant way with words, Heero,” Duo snickered.

Heero turned a little red. “Sorry, it just seemed the easiest way to describe what I think.”

“I think it worked.”

Deciding to ignore his teasing lover for the moment, Heero pressed on. “I still think she can and will make a damn fine A grade jumper, but again, it will take time. She will need to go right back to basics, trotting poles and such, building her confidence up as we build back up to actual jumps. That brings me to the next part.”

Duo raised an eyebrow.

“It's not going to be fair to spend all that time on her, winning her trust and helping her to start over again just to sell her off once she's competing successfully.”

“You wouldn't sell her to just anyone, Heero. I know you and I know how fussy you would be.”

“That's why I already have someone in mind for her. I think she could be the horse that Wufei has been looking for as his tax dodge.”

The words hit Duo and he had to stop and think for a few moments. What Heero said made perfect sense. Wufei needed a horse he could use as a tax deduction. Nataku needed careful and gentle handling to gain her trust and then she'd need expert handling and re-educating to bring out her full potential – something Heero was capable of doing. Whichever way you looked at it, it was a win – win situation.

“If Wufei doesn't want her, or she proves to be too much of a challenge, I'll just keep her and use her as another broodmare to breed with Zero. Either way, at four hundred, she's a bargain.” Heero waited for Duo's comments.

“You know, I think that is an excellent idea, Heero. Everybody wins, the mare, you and Wufei. Like you say, if Wufei doesn't want her she will still be a good broodmare and you can always sell the foals off and make a few extra dollars that way.”

“I suggest we go to bed now and sleep on it. We can contact Wufei and Quatre in the morning with the respective details.”

“No worries. I'll go lock up.” Duo got up to lock up the cottage, Heero wandering through to their bedroom to turn the bed down.

* * *

“Steady, girl. That's it, I'm not trying to hurt you,” Duo crooned as he checked over Nataku's injuries. The bay had survived the night and had cleaned out her feed bin, much to Duo's delight. If she was eating well then half the problem was solved. He'd coaxed her into the crush and checked the wounds, pleased with how they appeared to be healing so far. Another treatment with penicillin powder, a clean and re-bandage of the knee followed by another shot of antibiotic and the mare was all done.

“How is she?” Heero asked as he entered the stable just as Duo was finishing up. He'd been down at the other stables putting the horses out and feeding them all. He'd left the stable work until after he'd checked on Nataku and had breakfast.

“She's doing well,” Duo replied and disposed of the used items. “She can go out in the paddock if you like, no point in keeping her locked up in here.”

“Do you think she will let us catch her again later to bring her in?”

“It may be a little tricky, but I think we'll manage,” Duo chuckled.

“Okay then. I take it another soft feed for her?”

“Yes, her mouth is much better but it will still take a few days for it to completely heal. I'd keep her on the soft mashes for another two days, then she can have the harder feed but dampen it down a bit for her.”

“I'll go make one up now and she can have it out in the paddock.” Heero disappeared into the feed shed to make up the feed.

“Good girl,” Duo said and raised his hand to pet the bay. Nataku shrank back from him, her body shaking a bit as she expected a blow. “Easy, I'm not going to hurt you.” Duo kept his voice low and soothing, slowly moving his hand to the mare's neck and gently petting her. Gradually, Nataku relaxed a little. “See, nothing but soft pats.”

Heero emerged with the feed bucket in hand. “I'll go pop this into a bin in the paddock. You want to lead her out or would you prefer me to do it?”

“I'll let you do it, I'm not as confident or skilled with a strange horse as you are.”

“Back in a moment then.”

Nataku didn't give Heero any trouble when he led her out to the paddock. She remained calm and walked beside him, only flinching away on a couple of occasions Once she was in the paddock, Heero took her over to her feed bin to show her where her breakfast was and then unclipped the lead rope. He'd decided to leave the halter on her to make it a bit easier to catch her later should she prove to be difficult. Leaving the bay to her food, Heero went back up to the cottage to find Duo and his own breakfast.

* * *

“When do you plan on contacting Wufei regarding Nataku?” Duo asked as they finished their breakfast.

“I thought I'd wait until you've spoken with Quatre and we have more information on what he can do about her being abused,” Heero replied

“Good idea,” Duo mused. “I don’t know what the procedure would be in this case. I know the society usually removes an animal from the owner's care if it is being abused, but in this case, you've already rescued her so I'm not sure what will happen.”

“That's why I thought it better to wait until Quatre knows and has seen her.”

“I'll give him a call once the dishes are done.”

“Okay. I'm going back to the stables. I've still got all the stable work to do and a lesson later on with Stefan. I won't have to worry about working the other four as they're having the day off from the show yesterday.”

“I'll come down and let you know what Quatre has to say. I'll also need to check in at the surgery and let Zechs and Hilde know what's going on. I'd like Zechs to take a look at Nataku later as well, just to confirm her injuries and abuse. It would look better for Quatre if two of us are of the same opinion and Zechs has had a lot more experience with horses than I have.”

“That is fine with me. I'll see you a little later then,” Heero said and kissed his lover.

“You can bet on it.”

Once Heero had left to do his chores, Duo gave the cottage a quick tidy up. Once everything was straight, Duo headed for the phone to call Quatre.

The call didn't take long, Duo briefly explaining what had happened the previous day, including Heero's buying of the mare and his own recording of the 'evidence' on his cell phone. Quatre was very interested and assured Duo that the society should be able to pursue charges against the guy, providing all the evidence stacked up and they could get an address for him. Duo gave Quatre the license plate details, Quatre promising to track it down with the assistance of the police. With there being nothing further they could do over the phone, Quatre thanked Duo and let him know he would drop over around early afternoon to speak further, see the horse and collect the evidence.

With his call to Quatre taken care of, Duo headed up to the surgery to see how the consults were going and fill the others in on the current state of events.

As predicted, Zechs, Hilde and Catherine were all horrified by the story Duo told of the mare and her abusive, former owner. Catherine had suggested Duo call Quatre and report the man, Duo informing her he'd already taken that step and that Quatre would be stopping by later. Both Hilde and Zechs wanted to see the horse for themselves, Duo letting Zechs know he'd prefer it if the other vet were to examine the horse too and give a report to Quatre on his findings.

“That way, if Quatre needs to go to court with the case, he will have an independent vet's report on the condition of the mare. I'm not sure if he would be able to use mine or not seeing how I was there at the time Heero purchased her and as I'm, well, in partnership with Heero,” Duo said.

“No problem. I'll take a look at her once consults are finished if you like,” Zechs replied.

“Thanks, I'd appreciate that.” Duo turned to Hilde. “No offense to you and your skills, Hilde.”

“None taken,” Hilde replied. “It would be better for Zechs to do up a report anyway as he's more the equine expert here.”

Duo felt relieved at that. He'd not wanted to hurt Hilde's feelings by asking Zechs to be the consulting vet on the case as Hilde had been with the practice longer, but Zechs was more experienced in the equine side.

“I'll come back up for the closing of consults then and take you all down to meet Nataku.”

“Nataku?” asked the three.

“That's her name,” Duo chuckled.

“Okay.”

Leaving them to their work, Duo left the practice and aimed for the stables and Heero to bring his partner up to speed.

* * *

The morning passed fairly quickly and before Heero or Duo knew it, Zechs, Hilde and Catherine had hunted them down in Heero's stables and were demanding to be shown the new acquisition. After explaining that the mare was in one of the surgery paddocks they all made their way back to the surgery stables. Heero thought it would be better if everyone waited in the stable block whilst he went to fetch the mare. He had no idea how easy or difficult she would be to catch and having a lot of people around wouldn't help his cause any. Seeing the logic there, the rest all agreed to remain in the stables; they could grill Duo some more whilst they waited.

Heero set off for the paddock, a bucket with some oats in it in his hand and a few carrots. Nothing like using a bit of friendly persuasion. Nataku looked up from her grazing when she heard the sound of the new master's voice, but she didn't move from her place. She watched warily as he made his way into the paddock and towards her. In her old place her old master had kept her in a stable which had a small yard attached to it and that had made it difficult for her to evade being caught. Now she was in a green pasture with lots of room to run around and that meant she could easily dodge this new master and any attempt to catch her.

Heero walked across the paddock slowly, calling to the mare as he went. He kept the bucket beside him and watched the horse's body language very carefully. He'd had some experience with horses that were difficult to catch and found that in pretty much every case, taking food with him had been the best thing. Very rarely would a horse ignore food. He was hoping that Nataku would be the same.

Every muscle tensed in the bay hide as the human got closer. Nataku wasn't sure whether to run or stand her ground. This new master hadn’t done anything at all to hurt her, but then she'd trusted before and that had ended up in her getting beatings for what, she didn't know. She let him get to almost touching distance and when he raised his hand, her fear was too much and she spun around, trotting off a little way before turning to watch the human again. Much to her surprise, he didn't start to yell at her, he just resumed his quiet talking and approached again.

Watching the mare spin and trot off didn't really surprise Heero. He'd expected this and was prepared to be patient. Once the mare stopped and looked at him again, he resumed walking and talking to her in a soothing voice. He also decided to try out the bucket trick. Grasping the rim of the bucket, he gently shook it so the oats inside rattle a bit.

Nataku's head went up and her nostrils opened as she tried to scent the air. She'd heard what sounded like food in that bucket. The human stopped and swished his hand around inside the bucket, pulling it out and holding it towards her. She stared hard at the human's hand and sniffed the air again.

Oats!

Heero started to walk again, keeping his steps slow and measured as he spoke softly, cooing and calling to Nataku, his hand outstretched with the oats on it.

The bay was torn in two. She really wanted those oats, but she wasn't sure if the new master would beat her for having run away.

“Come on, girl. There's oats and carrots for you. I'm not going to hurt you, just want to catch you and have Duo and Zechs check you over again,” Heero cajoled.

This time Nataku stood still and allowed Heero to approach. She was shaking with fear, but the human didn't make any sudden moves and the smell of the oats was really calling to her. She began to extend her quivering muzzle out, her master stopped but kept the hand extended. Feeling a little braver, Nataku lipped up a few of the oats and pulled her head back. The master made no attempt to grab at her or even move closer. He just stood there, still talking softly and reached back into the bucket for some more of those yummy oats.

Sensing he was on the verge of a breakthrough, Heero made sure to take things extra slow. He carefully pulled his hand back and dipped into the bucket again. He brought the hand back out and extended it again, taking a small step forward at the same time. Nataku reached out again and lipped up the oats. Steadily, Heero managed to move right up to the bay until he was holding the bucket for her to eat out of. With the lead rope clip in one hand, he moved that hand to the rim of the bucket and when Nataku lifted her head out he quickly snapped the clip onto the halter ring.

The sound of the clip snapping closed startled the mare and she jumped back. Heero went with her, careful not to put too much pressure on the rope, just enough to let her know he was there and would remain so. The bucket of oats also followed and Heero kept his voice low and soothing. “It's alright, girl, it's just the lead rope. Nothing is going to hurt you and I'm not angry with you. See, here's some carrots for being a good girl and letting me catch you.” Heero held out his hand with the carrot slices on it.

Cowering and waiting for the blow that was sure to come, Nataku blinked when all she felt was a slight pulling on the rope and soft noises coming from the new master. Warily she watched as the master put something on his hand and held it out to her. It was those orange things. Unable to resist, Nataku snuck her head forwards and quickly took the offered carrots.

“Good girl,” Heero chuckled and continued to feed the mare the oats and carrots until they were all gone. He managed to get a couple of soft pats in to the mare's neck as well and was quite pleased when she didn't flinch. “Come on, you have a party awaiting your presence in the stables,” Heero told the bay and began to walk across the paddock.

Nataku followed easily enough. She couldn't sense anything other than calm coming from this new master. So far she'd not been beaten once, even if she had given this new human many a reason to. All she'd received so far were kind words, gentle patting and nice food to eat. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad here after all, she thought to herself and slowly let the flame of trust burn a little brighter.

*

“Heero, I was starting to get a little worried about you. Thought I'd have to send out the search party for you,” Duo teased as Heero finally walked back into the stables with Nataku.

“It took me a little while to catch her,” Heero explained, “But I'd expected to have a few problems, not that she did anything nasty, just kept her distance. Shall I put her in the crush?”

“Yes please.”

The other three had been standing to the back of the stable block and once the mare was safely in the crush, they approached with caution. None of them wanted to upset the mare so they were sure to keep their voices low and move slowly.

Nataku flinched when she heard all the new voices and she began to tremble when the new people approached. She didn't sense any anger radiating from them though.

“Poor thing,” Cathy murmured when she saw how intimidated the mare was.

“It makes my blood boil to see such a fine animal reduced to this because of some mindless idiot,” Hilde snarled, doing her best to keep her temper in check lest she upset the mare any further.

Zechs had stepped up next to Duo and was examining the mare's injuries. Once both vets had finished checking the mare over and Hilde had also had a chance to take a look, Duo set about treating the mare. Zechs had agreed with Duo's diagnosis and course of treatment, stating he also thought the mare would make a full recovery from her physical injuries. Her psychological ones would be a different story.

Again, Zechs could see no reason for the mare not to recover from her harsh treatment and after Duo had explained how he and Heero intended to try and win the mare's confidence and trust back, he couldn't help but agree that it was the best course of action. Simply keep their manner soft and reassuring around her, lots of pats and praise combined with gentle understanding and many rewards should soon have the mare relaxing around them.

That was the plan anyway.

Hilde and Catherine raided Duo's feed shed for carrots and once the bay was finished with her treatment, the two women were stuffing her full of carrots and making a huge fuss over her. Much to Heero and Duo's amusement, Nataku seemed to be lapping up the attention.

“You know, she doesn't seem to be half as terrified with those two as she does with any one of us,” Duo mused.

“I don't know whether to be offended or not,” Heero said with a shake of his head.

“It's strange how she seems to accept those two much easier than any of us,” Zechs said and scratched his head.

“There's a very simple explanation for all that,” came another voice from the stable entry.

Duo, Heero and Zechs whirled around at the same time.

“Quatre!” Duo all but yelled, stopping himself at the last minute as he didn't want to upset Nataku. “Shit! You almost gave me a heart attack!”

“I thought you would have heard the car when I pulled in,” Quatre returned as he strode into the stables.

“Where's Trowa?” asked Heero. It was unusual for the blonde inspector not to have his shadow with him.

“Trowa's back at the kennels, he's got a couple of puppies in; a case of neglect,” Quatre informed them all.

“I see. What was it you meant when you said there was a simple explanation for why Nataku is more at ease with those two?” Duo asked, putting the subject back on track.

“Well, most animals seem to react better to women than men, women appear to have a softer way about them and animals can sense that. I suppose it's something to do with the mothering instinct or nurturing thing that females are supposed to have that us men don't.”

“That certainly inspires confidence in my skills,” Duo muttered.

Quatre laughed and put a hand on Duo's shoulder. “I wouldn't let it worry you. It's just another of those mysterious things about women we men will never understand.”

“All I can say is thank god I'm gay then,” Heero said with a roll of his eyes.

Those words caused a chuckle amongst the rest of the group who all agreed with him, other than Hilde and Catherine that is, they were still too busy fussing over Nataku and had missed the entire conversation.

“Now that you're here, I'm guessing you want to get down to business, Quatre?” Duo asked.

“Yes, that would be good. I take it, that's the mare in question?”

“Yes, she is. Come and take a look at her for yourself and I'll explain my findings, diagnosis and course of treatment. Zechs has also had a good look at her and is of the same opinion as me,” Duo said as he started towards the crush and waiting mare, Quatre following along behind him, camera at the ready.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus