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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 28

Heero, Duo and Meiran all continued to stare at the man and the mare, simply stunned by what they had witnessed - were witnessing. Neither Heero nor Duo had ever seen anything like it in all their years of working with equines.

Nataku let her eyes drift half shut, simply enjoying the caresses and attention the softly spoken man was giving her. She didn’t know what it was about this human that called to her, but she knew instinctively he wouldn't ever harm her. A sixth sense told her he could be trusted completely, that he would protect and look after her.

“How much do you want for her, Heero?” Wufei asked softly as he continued to gently pull at the mare's ears.

Having taken into consideration the original cost of the mare, plus Duo's treatment of her thus far and what still remained of her medical treatment, Heero figured eight hundred was a fair amount. “Eight hundred,” he told the Chinese man.

Meiran couldn't help it, she snorted and caused all three men and one mare to look in her direction. “What?” she asked.

“Snorting is very unladylike,” Wufei sniffed.

“And eight hundred dollars for a mare like this is way too low,” Meiran returned.

“And just how would you know that?”

“You only have to look at the quality of her.”

“Since when did you become such and expert on horses?”

“Ever since you decided you wanted to own one as a tax dodge.”

“I beg your pardon.”

“I figured at least one of us needed to know a little more about horses if we are to be owning one so I took the time to do a little research,” Meiran replied with a smug expression.

“When did you plan on telling me?”

“Now?” Meiran gave her husband a sweet smile.

Heero and Duo watched the entire exchange pass between the Chinese couple, heads swiveling first one way and then the other. It was kind of like watching a tennis match only the ball was verbal.

Eventually, Heero looked across to Duo who gave his partner a look of complete confusion and raised an eyebrow, Heero shrugged his shoulders in response.

“In that case, if you're so smart, what price do you think is a fair one for a horse of this caliber?” Wufei questioned with an arch of his eyebrow.

Meiran frowned as she thought. “Given her current state of health, what she has been through, the further required treatment and Heero's predictions, I'd say around twelve hundred would be a fairer price to put on her.”

The Chinese man thought about his wife's words for a moment then slowly nodded his head. “I agree.”

“Excuse me,” Heero interrupted. “Do I get a say in any of this?”

“Ah, Heero.” Wufei jumped and blushed a little. “My apologies. My wife and I have had a bit of a discussion- “

“Maybe argument would be a better term,” Meiran muttered under her breath and then gave Wufei another sweet smile as he turned to glare at her, obviously having heard her soft words.

“As I was saying, Meiran and I have discussed this and we both feel that the price you are asking is far too low for a horse of this caliber. I would be happy to have her provided you will accept twelve hundred dollars as payment for her.”

“Wufei, Meiran,” Heero began, taken aback by the generous offer. “Whilst I appreciate your concern and offer, you need to remember that she still requires veterinary treatment and is as yet to be ridden. She may well turn out to need to be completely re-educated.”

“Are you trying to tell me that what you said earlier about her being a potentially good A grade horse was nothing but a lie?” Wufei asked with a smirk.

“Errr, no, but...”

“Then I suggest you accept the twelve hundred and we have a deal.”

Duo couldn't help the soft snicker seeing his lover caught between a rock and a hard place. “Might as well face it, Heero; you're beaten.”

With a sigh and shrug of his shoulders, Heero gave in. “Okay, you have a deal.” Heero extended a hand which Wufei took and shook firmly.

Nataku stepped back a little, her eyes wary once more as the humans around her shared words and touches. Unable to sense anything other than calm and peacefulness radiating from all of them, she allowed herself to relax.

“Thank you, Heero,” Wufei said quietly. “Would you mind if Meiran and I were to spend a few minutes with Nataku by ourselves before we go back and sign all the necessary paperwork and I write you out a check?”

“Of course not,” Heero replied and handed over the lead rope. “Duo and I will wait up by the stables for you both.” With Wufei now holding the mare's lead rope, Heero and Duo took their leave.

*

“I have to say, that went a lot better than I'd thought it would,” Heero said as he stood next to Duo and waved the Chinese couple off.

“I'll admit, I was quite stunned by Nataku's reaction to Wufei. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I wouldn't have believed it.”

“Me either.” Heero took Duo's hand and the pair walked back into the cottage together. Picking up the paperwork, Heero began to sort through it, putting those papers to one side that needed to be mailed off to the various societies in regards to Nataku's new ownership.

Standing by the kitchen sink, Duo gazed out the window to the paddocks, eyes finding a bay form and watching as the mare moved slowly around the paddock as she grazed. “I'm glad Nataku took to Wufei, he'll be a great owner for her. With you as her rider I think she will go far,” he said softly.

Heero paused in his task, the soft words taking him completely off guard. “It's going to take some time before she's going to be anywhere near the standard of Shinigami.”

“I realize that, and whilst I have every faith in her and you, I don't think she will be quite as good as Shinigami.”

“I guess time will tell,” Heero replied as he stepped up behind his lover and placed his arms loosely around Duo's waist.

“Look at it this way, Heero. There's no way she could possibly be any worse than what she was with Saunders riding her.”

“That's one consolation,” Heero snickered. “Nice to know you have that much faith in me.”

Duo snorted and turned in his partner's arms. “You know what I mean,” he growled softly. Leaning close, Duo took Heero's lips in a soft kiss.

“Mmmm, I do,” Heero replied, eyes half closed as he savored the touching of their lips.

“A quiet sigh escaped Duo's mouth and he sagged slightly in Heero's arms. “Why do we always get interrupted when things are starting to get interesting?” he groused.

“Huh?” Heero opened his eyes and gazed out the window where Duo's attention had wandered. He noted the car that had pulled in and the man getting out of that car.

Zechs.

“Guess I'll have to take a rain check,” Heero muttered.

“Sorry,” Duo apologized.

“Not your fault,” came the reply along with a tender kiss. “We will pick this back up later.”

“You can bet on it,” Duo groaned.

Pulling apart, Heero went to put his boots back on and return to his working of his horses whilst Duo went out to greet Zechs and the dog he was bringing with him for x-rays.

*

“Easy, girl,” Duo soothed, trying to keep his manipulations as gentle as he could. “Definitely feels like it's been broken at some stage to me. I'm not that happy with its healing either. It doesn't feel like it's been set properly.”

“That's what I thought too,” Zechs said and ruffled the dog's ears. “I'm pretty sure an x-ray will tell us more.”

“That it will.” Duo left his examining of the dog and went to wash his hands. Rummaging around in the cupboard a moment later, he returned to the consulting table and dog with a needle and syringe in his hand. “I think it would be best to sedate her a bit to take our x-rays.”

“No problem.” Zechs grabbed the small clippers and quickly clipped away a patch on Lucky's front leg. With the hair gone, Zechs swabbed the bald patch with betadine, tossing the wipes into the trash and grabbing the dog's front leg just below the elbow. He applied pressure which in turn raised the vein for Duo. The needle was slipped in and the contents injected into the dog's blood stream. Duo capped the needle and tossed it into the sharps container, the syringe going into the trash.

“You were a brave girl, Lucky,” Zechs said as he petted and praised the dog.

It only took a couple of minutes for the sedative to start kicking in, Lucky starting to droop a little and wanting to lie down.

“Good. Let's take her into the other room and get our x-rays,” Duo said and went to pick up the dog. Zechs moved ahead to set up the table and machine.

Half an hour later they had managed to take enough pictures. Duo went through to develop the films leaving Zechs to take Lucky into the kennels and settle her before returning to see what the x-rays showed.

“Definite fracture of the tibia and fibula. The fifth and sixth rib too,” Zechs stated as his eyes roamed over the images before him on Duo's light board.

“Looks like the ulna and radius were also fractured at some stage,” Duo muttered. “The injuries are consistent with a kick from a horse or a human.”

“They are also consistent with being struck by a car,” Zechs stated.

“Yeah. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we are going to be able to pin anything on him regarding the dog's injuries, there's too many variables. However, if you take a good look at the breaks themselves, although they have healed up, they are not completely in line. The ribs and the front limb are reasonably close, but the hind leg isn't. I don't know about you, Zechs, but I feel confident in saying that hind leg was never seen by a vet, rather it was left to heal by itself.”

Zechs took a very close look at the image. “I agree. The ends of the bones are no where near in the proper alignment. The original break shouldn't have been difficult to line up and set in place, even a vet student could have done it.”

“How long ago would you say the injury would have occurred?” Duo mused as he studied the x-ray.

“Somewhere in the last eight months I'd say given the amount of calcification.”

“That's what I thought. If you also take into consideration how the dog walks and what muscle groups she's using, I think it's a fair bet she wasn't treated for that break.”

“So what now?”

“I think we should have Quatre find out just how long this guy has had the dog for. If he's had her for longer than twelve months I'd say it's a safe bet he's the one responsible for the break and not getting her the proper treatment. Quatre may not be able to pin the actual break on him, but he can charge him with neglecting to have the dog properly treated.”

“At least that's something.”

“Better than nothing.” Duo tilted his head from side to side as he studied the x-rays further.

“What's up?”

“I really think this dog should undergo surgery and have that leg fixed up properly. If it isn't then this calcification is only going to continue to thicken, the leg muscles will also alter in their function to try and cope and ultimately the dog will end up unable to use the leg. If we go in now and re-break the leg, then set it properly, the dog will have a much better chance at a decent life.”

“Would Quatre go for that?”

Duo grinned. “You bet. If there's a chance for fixing this you can safely say the society will give the go ahead for the operation. Besides, I'll only charge them for the drugs, not the labor. You want in?”

“Of course,” Zechs smiled back.

“Good. I'll go contact Quatre and let him know of our findings. I'll also see when he wants us to perform the surgery.”

“Okay, thanks, Duo. I'll go check on Lucky and meet you in reception.”

Duo was just hanging up the phone when Zechs stepped into the reception area. “What did he say?”

“Quatre wants us to write up a report on our findings and pass over the x-rays as evidence. Before we do the surgery he wants to get the dog on video, record her way of walking, how that leg is moving and the effect it is having on her gait. He's hoping to do that tomorrow. Once he has that on record, then we can operate. He said to take Lucky back to Trowa's, he'll video her in the morning before heading back out to the property tomorrow to see if the cat trap has worked.”

“No problem.”

“I'll get my report done up tonight, that way Quatre can have it tomorrow. If you want to take Lucky back now, you're free to do so.”

“I think I will, then I'll write up my reports afterward. I've still got to treat those two geldings at Trowa's before I can go home so I might as well do it all at once.”

“I'll be in touch tomorrow, Zechs.”

“Thanks, Duo.”

* * *

The following morning saw Quatre get his required video tape evidence of Lucky and the way she was currently walking. Duo had done up his report and had Heero send it through by email to the Inspector. Originally he was going to drop the report over to Quatre, but Heero suggested he copy it and email it through to save time. Duo agreed on the condition that Heero was the one to do the emailing. Duo still had an issue with anything electronic and wasn't about to push his luck with Heero's computer. Knowing his effect on anything electronic the damn thing would probably send out smoke signals before disintegrating into a pile of melted chips and circuits!

Quatre returned to the Saunders property where a cat trap had been set the night before. Saunders was still in jail, the police having yet to set bail for him which suited Quatre just fine. Trowa accompanied his partner and was a touch disappointed that Saunders wasn't there, he'd been hoping to have a few words himself with the man that had dared to touch what was his.

After a quick check of the yard, Quatre walked with purpose towards one of the out buildings that the trap had been set in. He opened the door quietly and took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the gloom after the bright sunshine of outside. The cat trap sat over to one side and Quatre gave a relieved sigh when he noted the furry body within.

“Hey, kitty,” he said as he approached.

The cat gave a couple of low yowls and hissed in annoyance.

“It's okay, kitty,” Trowa said as he stood next to the Inspector and studied their captive.

“Not very happy, is she?” Quatre said.

Trowa bent down and studied the cat. “No, he's not.”

“Ah. Sorry, I guess I should have checked.”

“I don't think the cat is going to mind too much, I think he's more annoyed at being caught.”

“Come on, let's get him outside and back to the shelter. Once he's there we can put him in a kennel and hopefully he will settle down after an hour or two. I'd like Duo to check him over once he's settled,” Quatre said and bent to pick up the trap.

Quatre did his best to carry the trap as gently as he could. The trap itself was very similar to a cat carrier so it wasn't too awkward to handle. The cat didn't appreciate the movement though and let his displeasure be known by keeping up a continuous howling and miaowing.

Settling the cat trap and occupant into the rear of the land-cruiser, Quatre closed the door and prepared to get in.

“I hope he's going to shut up soon,” Trowa muttered as he got into the passenger seat.

“Don't worry, cats usually go quiet once a vehicle starts to move,” Quatre replied with a smile.

The engine started up and the cat went quiet. “See? All peaceful,” Quatre stated as he slipped the car into gear and drove out onto the road to head back to the shelter.

No sooner were they on the road than the howling and yowling started up again; this time the volume had increased ten fold and was a continuous, steady stream.

“You were saying?” Trowa said as he stuck his fingers in his ears.

*

“I thought we were going back to the shelter first?” Trowa yelled over the howling of the cat. Quatre hadn't made the turn into the road that would take them back home.

“We were. Change of plans. I'm going to stop off at Duo's surgery first and get him to check him over,” Quatre yelled back.

“Any chance we can get Duo to sedate him as well?”

Quatre glared.

“Just a thought,” Trowa muttered.

“Actually, I was thinking more along the line of anesthesia.”

“Quatre!”

Quatre simply shrugged and gave an unrepentant grin. “It's either that or we borrow a ton of cotton wool for our ears.”

“Anesthesia it is.”

The cat howled louder.

*

“What the hell is that noise?” Duo said as he exited the consulting room with the patient he'd just finished seeing.

“I'm not sure,” Catherine replied with a frown.

“Sounds like someone is being murdered,” Mrs. Billings stated with a look at the front door of the waiting room.

“I think I'd better go and see,” Duo said and moved through into the waiting room. He gave the other clients currently waiting a confident smile as he passed through and opened the front door. He shut it quickly behind him and glanced around with a frown. Spotting Quatre's land-cruiser pulling into a parking bay, he couldn't help but notice that the noise was getting louder and was obviously coming from said car.

The car's engine was cut, Trowa and Quatre both exiting the vehicle rather fast. A moment later – silence.

Trowa looked at Quatre who in turn looked back at Trowa and shrugged. Duo looked from Quatre to Trowa and raised an eyebrow. Trowa nodded in Quatre's direction and folded his arms across his chest. Duo looked at Quatre through narrowed eyes, the Inspector holding his hands up in the air in surrender. “I didn't do anything,” he said.

“What the hell was that noise? It sounded like you were murdering someone. I take it the noise was coming from your cruiser,” Duo said as he stepped forward.

“Sorry about that,” Quatre apologized. “I went back out to the Saunders property to see if the cat trap had worked.”

“It had,” Trowa said dryly. “We were going back to the shelter first, but once we were on the road the blasted animal decided to serenade us.”

“I thought it would be better to come straight here for you to give it a check over, then I'll take it back to the shelter,” Quatre carried on.

“Preferably with a dose of anesthetic in its system,” Trowa added.

Duo couldn't help it, he broke out into deep laughter. “Sorry, guys, I know I shouldn't laugh at your expense, but it really is just too funny.”

“I didn't think so,” Trowa sniffed.

“Me either,” Quatre huffed.

Getting his mirth under control, Duo faced the pair again. “Go get the cat and bring it in. I've got a couple of clients ahead of you to see but they shouldn't take too long. So if you don't mind waiting a few minutes I can take a look at the cat and see what we can do about making the trip back to the shelter a little more easier on your ears.”

“Thank you, Duo. I'll get the cat and wait inside.” Quatre turned back to the Land-cruiser.

Duo shook his head and went back inside the surgery, explaining to Catherine what all the ruckus had been about.

*

“What is the verdict?” Quatre asked once Duo had finished, his hand stroking over the cat's head.

Trowa held the animal in a gentle yet firm grip, enabling Duo to check the animal over thoroughly without the cat being able to get away or harm anyone. The cat hadn't been too pleased and began to hiss and spit when the examination had started. Once he realized that he wasn't about to be hurt, the cat settled a touch, although there was a low, menacing growl from time to time from that throat.

Leaning against the cupboards lining one side of the small consulting room, Duo turned his gaze from the cat to meet Quatre's eyes. “He's very underweight for his size and estimated age. Temperature and other vitals are all normal; there is a touch of mange which can be treated pretty easily. Overall, he's in pretty good shape for being half starved. I'd recommend several small meals a day for a few weeks and a course of antibiotics for the mange. I can't see any reason why he shouldn't make a full recovery.”

“Thank you. In your opinion, would you say this cat is a domestic one, left to fend for itself by the owner, or a feral cat?” Quatre asked.

“Most likely a domestic cat that has started to turn towards being feral due to lack of care from the owner. If it were a completely feral cat there is no way it would allow any of us anywhere near it without more of a fight than we've seen. I'd say after a few days of good food and gentle handling he will return to his domestic state. Oh, castrating him would also help.”

Both Trowa and Quatre subconsciously crossed their legs.

“That's a relief,” Trowa said. “Poor puss, for a moment there I thought we may have to have him put to sleep. If there's a chance he can be rehabilitated then it will be a lot easier to re-home him.”

“I take it the Society is going to seize him then?”

“Yes, most definitely. Saunders will also be charged with neglect and starving an animal. Once the Society has both yours and my reports the case can go to court. If we are successful, which I'm positive we will be, then I will arrange for you to de-sex the cat.”

“What about the dog?” Duo asked.

“I have submitted both yours and Zechs' reports along with my own and the recommendations from all three of us. I will be calling into the society later today to speak with the lawyers and pass on all my evidence so far on the case. I'm sure they will give the go ahead for you to perform the necessary surgery on the dog within the next few days,” Quatre said.

“Okay, just keep me informed if you don't mind, Quatre.”

“My pleasure, Duo and thank you so much for seeing the cat for us.”

“No problem. Now, did you say something earlier about sedation for this cat for the trip back to the shelter?” Duo couldn't help the snicker that followed his words.

“Ah, that would be appreciated.”

“If the cat isn't sedated then I'm taking a load of your cotton wool, Duo,” Trowa stated bluntly. “No way am I subjecting my ears to another round of that caterwauling.”

It took Duo all his self control not to break out into laughter at Trowa's choice of words. Managing to keep a straight face he moved across the consulting room to fetch the drug he would need to sedate the cat. With Trowa holding onto the cat, Duo managed to clip a small section of hair from the animal's front leg and raise the vein. A moment later the drug had been injected and Duo was tossing the used items into the sharps container and trash.

“That won't completely knock him out but it will make him very sleepy,” Duo informed them both. “It should last roughly an hour so that will give you more than enough time to get back to the shelter and settle him into his new home.”

“Thanks, Duo, we really appreciate it,” Quatre said for both of them.

Feeling the cat starting to slump a little, Trowa gently picked him up and put him back in the cat cage for the trip to the shelter.

“I'll be in touch, Duo,” Quatre said as the pair made their way back out of the consulting room and through the waiting room which was now empty.

“Drive carefully,” Duo said and stood on the front steps of the surgery to wave the pair off. Catherine came out and stood beside him, having caught up on all that was going on, courtesy of Trowa, whilst the pair had been waiting to see Duo.

“Did you sedate the cat?” Catherine asked.

“Yeah, I did,” replied the long haired vet.

The land-cruiser started up, Quatre reversing out of his parking bay and turning for the driveway that would take him back to the road. The car was just starting to disappear from sight when the sounds of a high pitched yowling came on the breeze.

Catherine snickered. “I don't think you gave him enough.”

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus