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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!

Many Thanks to everyone out there for reading and big hugs to all who have left a review. I really appreciate the feedback!

“Cowboy”

October 2010 ShenLong

Chapter 30

[It’ll drive a cowboy crazy
It’ll drive the man insane
And he’ll sell off everything he owns
Just to pay to play the game

Rodeo – Garth Brooks]

With the judge's final words and bang of the gavel, the court room residents could barely contain themselves. Duo had gone very pale, Heero was looking stunned whilst the rest of their group seemed to be lost for words.

“No! You can't do that to me! I won't pay one cent to that pansy assed fairy!” roared Dorothy. “That bastard deserved everything he got, stealing Miss Relena's boyfriend from her. He should be strung up by the balls, he should be facing the courts, not me! He should have died!” Dorothy screamed.

Albroh stood in shock, the orderlies immediately diving forward to restrain and secure Dorothy who had lunged out of her seat and did her best to get to where Heero and Duo sat. The doctor grabbed for her black bag whilst the orderlies, assisted by the police officers managed to get Dorothy back into her seat.

“You're an asshole, Heero. You could have had it all but you threw it all away to be with that cock sucking faggot. You treated Relena like shit but she couldn't see it. You don’t deserve her, you don't deserve anything. I hope you're happy now you've destroyed her heart. You're scum, Heero, you and that sleazy pansy. I hope you rot in hell I hope-” the rest of Dorothy's tirade was cut off as she slumped in the orderlies' arms.

The doctor had managed to locate a sedative in her bag and had injected Dorothy with it. So caught up in her hatred and scathing attack on Heero and Duo, Dorothy hadn't even felt the prick of the needle.

Needless to say, the entire court room exploded into an uproar and it took several minutes of gavel banging and yelling for order before the people quieted.

“My judgment still stands,” said Marks with an air of finality. Turning to the defense, he spoke again. “I suggest that the defendant is removed back to the hospital immediately. Mr. Albroh, once your client has been removed, please make an appointment to speak with the bailiff to arrange for payment and the signing of the paperwork.”

“Yes, your honor.”

“All rise.”

Working purely on auto pilot, Duo, Heero and the others all stood along with the rest of the court room as the judge left. Dorothy's outburst had left them all feeling a little shell shocked. The orderlies, with the assistance of the police, carried the unconscious Dorothy from the court room and out to the vehicle that would see her safely back in the psychiatric hospital where she would await transportation to the Department of Corrections facility for the mentally unstable. Albroh followed behind them, speaking with the bailiff on his way out.

As Dorothy and her 'keepers' left, Quatre turned to look at his friends and immediately went on alert. “Trowa, Wufei, give me a hand will you? We need to get these two outside and into the fresh air,” he said with the concern evident in his tone. Both Heero and Duo were pale, Quatre noting the signs of shock and offering the best solution.

With Wufei and Trowa's assistance, the pair were guided from the court house and into the afternoon sun. Quatre found a bench in the gardens surrounding the court house and led them to it. Treize and Charlie joined them after a few minutes, the pair having stopped to speak with the DA and officers Barnes and French.

“Duo? Are you okay?” Quatre asked, keeping his tone soft. Crouched in front of his friend, Quatre was worried.

Duo blinked a couple of times and then registered Quatre's face and words. “Uh, yeah, I think so,” he replied. Dry washing his face, he shook his head. “I can't believe she still thinks that way,” he sighed. “I don't believe she turned on Heero like that. Those words, so hateful...”

“With friends like her, who needs enemies?” Wufei muttered.

“After that little tirade, I'd be surprised if she's ever released,” Trowa growled.

“I always thought she was a little on the weird side, now I know for sure she is,” Heero stated as his mind began to function once more. “I'm glad she's locked away where she can't do any more damage to anyone, especially Duo.” Heero slid along the bench a touch until he was close beside his lover and placed an arm around the long haired cowboy's shoulders. “I'm so sorry, Duo.”

“For what?” Duo replied as he leaned into Heero's side, the warmth of Heero's body helping to settle his nerves.

“It's my fault she tried to hurt you. I can't believe she wanted you dead: still does.” Heero's voice hitched a little.

“Yeah, well, I'm pretty hard to kill, Heero,” Duo replied in an attempt to lighten the mood.

“I'm grateful for that,” Heero whispered and brought his mouth closer to Duo's ear. “I don't know what I'd do without you.”

“Aw, Heero,” Duo sniffed and buried his head against Heero's shoulder. The entire episode had left him more than a little shaken and he was in need of some comfort right now.

Wrapping his boyfriend up in his arms, Heero pressed feather kisses to the top of Duo's head. Their friends melted into the background to give them a little privacy and keep an eye out so they weren’t disturbed.

Duo's arms found their way around Heero and cuddled close. “Just hold me?” he begged.

“Of course,” Heero replied and pulled his lover tighter against his body. One hand began to stroke up and down Duo's back whilst Heero whispered nonsense into Duo's ear. It had the desired effect, calming Duo and settling his frayed nerves.

Seeing the couple settling down, Quatre and the others approached again.

Treize cleared his throat and gave the pair a moment to compose themselves. Still holding onto each other, the pair looked up expectantly at Treize. “I hope you don't mind, but I spoke with the DA and the police officers to find out what will happen now in regards to the compensation.”

“Shit! I'd forgotten about that,” Duo said. “Thanks, Treize. What did they say?”

“Arrangements for the payment of all your medical bills will go through the State Attorney's office. They will contact the hospital and your health insurer to obtain copies of all your medical expenses thus far and determine what has been paid and what remains to be paid. The health insurer will be reimbursed for all payments so far and any payments you've had to make yourself will also be reimbursed. As for the payments to yourself from both women, the office will arrange for collection of the monies and once they have it they will contact you and pay the monies into your nominated bank account. You will need to speak with the bailiff, the DA and the two lawyers before you leave to arrange those details.”

“You'll be able to get a head start on your breeding program now Duo,” Quatre stated with a smile.

“I'm still having trouble believing it all,” Duo sighed.

“You'd better start believing it. There's the fifteen thousand from Relena and a further twenty-two thousand from Dorothy. That makes a total of thirty-seven thousand by my reckoning,” Quatre said with a smug smile.

“Fuck! I think I'm gonna pass out,” Duo muttered. Heero's arms tightened their hold just in case.

“If you're up to it, I'd suggest we go in and speak with the bailiff now and make the arrangements, then we can go out and celebrate,” Heero murmured.

“Yeah, good idea. The sooner I can get away from here the better I'm gonna feel,” Duo replied.

Still a touch shaky, Duo stood up and with his friends surrounding him, reentered the court house.

* * *

Once the formalities had been sorted out, Duo was free to leave the court house. He rejoined his friends and decided to go with Trowa's earlier suggestion of celebrating the victory. Treize and Charlie had left them to it, needing to return to their own lives. Treize had to report back to the rodeo board on the court's findings and learn what the board wished to do in relation to the incident. Charlie had the up coming final rodeo to begin preparations for. Bidding the others farewell and promising to let Duo and Heero know what the rodeo board's decision was when they had met and discussed matters, Treize and Charlie left. The other six went to check out the local area, finding a cafe and enjoying a hot meal accompanied by a few drinks to celebrate the victory and Duo's new found wealth. The main topic of discussion had been the trial of both women to start with and then switched to Duo and the mares he would purchase with the funds he was due to gain.

Quatre had suggested he try the sales as quite often good quality horses could be found amongst the average stock that was normally present at sales. Meiran suggested he might contact a few other studs to see what they had in the way of stock for sale.

With that thought, Duo's ears perked up. “Do many of the studs sell off quality stock? I thought most would keep their top stock for their own breeding programs.”

“That's true to a point, Duo. Most studs start out with a small band of quality mares and a couple of good studs. As they begin to produce, they take stock of what they have and sell off those that aren't up to the standards they want for breeding stock. Once a stud is established though, they do replace some of their top mares with younger stuff, or purchase new mares to infuse a different blood line in. They need to turn over breeding stock every few years otherwise their stock would become inbred.”

“That does make a whole lot of sense,” Duo stated. “How come you know so much about breeding?”

Meiran's cheeks colored a touch. “Ah. My father has his own ranch and breeds a lot of cow ponies. I was born and raised on the stud farm so you tend to pick things up.”

“Didn't Wufei say you were into trick riding? If your father bred cow ponies I'm surprised you didn't go in for the ladies' events at the rodeos,” Duo asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I did think about it when I was younger, but all the cowgirls seemed to be doing it and I wanted to do something different,” Meiran replied. “I saw a show on the television about trick riding and it caught my interest. I decided to give it a try.”

“She's very good at it too,” Wufei stated proudly and rested his arm about Meiran's shoulders.

“I wasn't always,” Meiran said with a blush.

“How long have you been doing it?” Heero asked.

“I started about eight years ago, but then I had my accident which took me a year to recuperate from. I've been back in the sport for the past three years now.” Meiran's face clouded a touch and her eyes turned sad.

“Look, I don't mean to pry or bring up bad memories for you, and I quite understand if you don't want to answer. But what happened?” Duo asked in a soft voice.

Wufei looked eager to know too. He'd only met the woman a couple of weeks ago and asked her out. He'd been overjoyed when she'd accepted and the pair had spent the past couple of weeks getting to know each other and developing a deep bond. But there was still so much to learn and Meiran's accident was one of those things. Wufei knew something had happened, something that had affected Meiran deeply and he couldn't help the niggling feeling that it wasn't all just her accident. Seeing how the woman had appeared reluctant to talk much about what had happened to her several years ago, Wufei hadn't pushed the issue. Now that Duo had brought it up, he was keen to know as much as he could about the woman that was fast taking over his life and heart.

“It's okay, Duo. I don't mind telling you about it, although it does bring up some not too nice memories. But who knows, maybe talking about it might help.”

Wufei pressed a kiss to the woman's cheek. “If you really don't want to, no one will force you to.”

Meiran smiled at him and kissed his lips. “You're so sweet.” Turning her attention back to the table and her new found friends, she took a sip of her tea and began to talk.

“My father breeds cow ponies as I've told you, I used to help him out working a lot of the stock before they were sold on. As I grew interested in the trick riding side of things I began to try some of the tricks out on the horses I was riding at the time. To be successful though, you need a certain type of horse, one that isn't going to be fazed by their rider doing crazy things on their backs. Dad said I could pick out a horse for myself from the latest crop he was breaking in for sale. There were about twenty youngsters been brought in and all were in various stages of being broken to saddle. I tried a few out but none were suitable for different and various reasons. Then I found one.”

Meiran paused in her tale to wet her drying throat. Taking another breath, she continued. “He was quite stunning to look at, completely black, compact and intelligent. He did have a slight problem though; he was cold backed. I learnt this after riding him a few times. I'd saddle him up, take him out to the work arena and get on. He'd hunch up a bit but after a few strides he'd be a little easier, although his back was still very stiff. The problem arose when I'd ask him to jog or lope, then he'd go into a bucking fit. It used to last for a few minutes or so before he'd settle down and work well for me.

“This happened every time I saddled him up and went to ride. At first I thought it might have been something to do with the gear; maybe the saddle was pinching him, or the girth? I tried several different saddles on him, different girths and even several different saddle blankets, but it didn't make any difference, he'd still be all hunched up and buck like crazy. Even when I had the special saddle I use for the trick riding on him he would still buck and crow hop. I wondered if his back may have been out, or maybe a sore spot there. I went over his hide with a fine toothed comb, but couldn't find any sore spots, wounds or the like anywhere on him. Eventually I had the chiropractor come out and check him over. There wasn't anything wrong with his head, neck or spine that the chiropractor could find and he asked me to saddle him up as I normally would so he could see for himself what Raven – that was the horse's name - was doing. I obliged and Raven went into his usual bucking fit once I asked him to jog.”

Duo let out a whistle. “Sounds like you had your hands full.”

“Yeah, I did, but he was a magnificent horse and I wasn't about to give up on him,” Meiran replied.

Duo couldn't help but note the use of the word 'was'. Past tense. I wonder what happened? he thought.

“The chiropractor had a theory that Raven could be cold backed.” Meiran looked at the group and noted a couple of faces giving her a blank look back. “Cold backed basically means that the muscles of the back are very stiff and when you place the saddle on the horse and do the cinch up it can cause discomfort, hence the horse bucks or crow hops until the back has loosened up and softened.”

“Ah, I see,” replied Quatre.

“The chiropractor suggested I try saddling Raven up and then either lunge him for a few minutes or walk him around to give his back a chance to adjust and loosen up. I tried the suggestion out and it worked. Raven was quite happy to have me in the saddle and never bucked once. Once I knew what the problem was, I made sure to walk him around for a good five to ten minutes after saddling up before getting on in the future. Once the problem was identified and I'd put those steps into place, he proceeded in leaps and bounds with his education. He was coming along so well, we'd tried out for a trick riding troupe and been accepted, and then...” Meiran stopped, tears welling in her eyes as her memories flooded back.

“So what happened?” Duo encouraged gently.

“We were practicing at home one afternoon, there was a new trick we were trying to perfect, a pretty dangerous one if you weren't careful. I had my left foot hooked through the strap on the top of the saddle pad and needed to lay my body down the left side of Raven so my head, arms and torso were pretty much free hanging. Raven was moving at a slow, steady lope in the round yard and seemed quite happy with what I was doing, then it all fell apart.” Meiran paused for a moment to regain her composure.

“I don't remember much, one minute I was hanging down the side of Raven, the next I was in an ambulance and on my way to hospital. Dad said Raven went ballistic, suddenly started to leap into the air and kick out. The jarring and jolting, not to mention the kicks were something I couldn't deal with being in the position I was. One of his hind hooves connected with my head and knocked me out. Dad saw it happening and came across to help me but all he could do was watch. From what I've been told, the kick knocked me out which was probably a good thing as with Raven still bucking I was caught up between his legs and took a pretty good beating until my foot slipped out of the foot hold and I fell to the arena surface.”

“I suffered concussion, a fractured skull, broken ankle, broken arm and wrist and had several cuts and bruises as well. I was in hospital for three months, rehab for another three and then home to recover after that. That's when I did a lot of reading up on psychology. I fell into depression and the psychiatrist was treating me for it,” she informed, confirming her words from earlier when speaking about Dorothy and Relena.

“Shit! You certainly did get put through the grinder,” Duo muttered. “Makes my accident look like a walk in the park.”

“Why did Raven do that?” asked Trowa. “From what I know of horses, they don't do something like that without a good reason.”

“I'm not completely sure,” Meiran replied. “I think he may have been stung by a bee. From what I can remember of that day, I'd fetched the gear from the barn and placed it on the corral fence whilst I went to get Raven. There was a swarm of bees around and they were hovering around the barn and corral for a bit before they moved on and set up a hive in a nearby hollow tree. I think a bee may have been on the blanket or somewhere like it and once Raven and I were moving about, it must have gotten squashed or something and stung Raven in retaliation.”

“Sounds logical to me,” said Heero. “I've seen it happen before.”

“Did anyone check Raven? See if they could find a bee sting on him?” asked Duo.

Meiran shook her head. “All I know is when dad got back to the ranch after I'd been admitted to the hospital, he deemed Raven to be wild and ordered the horse to be removed. One of the ranch hands, Hal, told me dad wanted Raven shot, said he was dangerous, but Hal managed to persuade dad not to shoot him. Hal knew how much I loved that horse and whilst he didn't know what had happened to spark the incident, he couldn't stand by and let Raven die. He managed to talk dad into selling him instead. Once I found out, I was really upset. I suppose I acted a little childish in a way. I ranted and raved, called my father everything I could think of for selling my horse without my consent, but it didn't change anything, it couldn't as Raven was already gone. That's when I sank into my depression.”

Pausing for a moment, Meiran wiped away a stray tear. “I could never forgive my father for selling Raven. I tried to find out who dad had sold him to, but he wouldn't tell me. I asked Hal if he knew, but all he could tell me was Raven had gone to the next sale. My father did eventually confirm that Raven had been sent to the sale and been sold, but he couldn't remember who had bought him.”

“That's so sad. Did you look for him?” asked Quatre.

“Yes, I did. I searched all the local studs, wrote to many more as well, I even spoke to the people that run the sales to try to find out who had bought him, but they weren't allowed to give out that information, something about privacy laws. Raven was a registered Mustang, but dad didn't let his papers go with him so I didn't even have that avenue to pursue to try and find him.” Meiran sighed. “It's been a little over three and a half years since Raven was sold and whilst I still keep an eye out just in case I may spot him, I don't hold much hope. With his cold back and all I'd say he'd be shunted from person to person if they didn't know what his problem was. He could be pet meat by now for all I know.” Meiran's voice began to hitch and Wufei pulled her closer to him.

“I'm sorry, Meiran. That was pretty unfair for your father to do that to you.” Quatre was genuinely sympathetic to the woman.

“I just wish I knew what had happened to him, if he's dead or not; and if he is still alive, is he happy, being treated right? I guess I'll never know.”

“Maybe sometimes it would be better not to know,” Duo said quietly.

“I guess, but I'd just like to have some form of closure,” Meiran replied.

“Hey, I thought this was supposed to be a celebration,” Trowa said as he attempted to bring them all from the gloomy mood that had clouded over.

“It is,” said Wufei and flagged down the waitress.

With another round of drinks – non alcoholic as most of them were driving - the six toasted Duo, his victory and the future.

* * *

It was almost dark by the time the pair arrived back at Heero's ranch. Duo had dozed a little on the drive home, the day's events having worn him out emotionally. The pickup's headlights shone through the encroaching darkness as Heero drove up the drive that would take them to the back of the ranch house. Once there, he cut the engine, the sounds of the cicadas instantly starting up again. Wing gave a loud neigh from his place in the corral. His master was late with his dinner and Wing was hungry!

“Duo? Wake up, Duo,” Heero gently coaxed.

“Uh, where am I?” Duo mumbled as his eyes began to blink open, his brain taking considerably longer to register anything.

“We're back at my ranch,” Heero said softly. “You dozed off.”

“Oh. Sorry about that,” Duo apologized and stretched his cramped muscles. A wide yawn followed before Duo scrubbed at his eyes and finally began to comprehend what was going on.

Wing neighed again, this time a bit louder.

“I think someone is hungry,” Duo chuckled.

“Yeah, I think he is, but I can't blame him, it is an hour after the time he's usually fed.”

“Then you'd better bring him in and feed him otherwise he's gonna keep that up all night.”

Heero stole a quick kiss and climbed out of the pickup. Duo also got out and followed his boyfriend to the barn. Leaning against the stable door, Duo watched as Heero brought Wing's feed out of the feed shed and put it in the feed bin, mixing it up. Outside, Wing was pacing up and down the corral, giving little snorts from time to time. With the feed now in the bin, Heero went to fetch his horse, Wing almost knocking him flat in his desire to get to his dinner.

“Steady on,” Heero protested as Wing tried to pull him along. The paint slowed a touch but kept his eyes on his stall inside the barn.

Once inside, Wing was placed in his stall and allowed to eat his belated dinner. Duo gave Heero a hand to change the paint's rug before they turned out the lights and made their way to the house. Neither man was all that hungry, both still quite full from their belated lunch earlier.

“Maybe we should have an early night?” Heero suggested.

Still feeling emotionally drained, Duo agreed.

With Duo being the guest, Heero let the long haired cowboy have first dibs on the bathroom. Once Duo was done, Heero took his own shower and joined Duo in his bed.

Snuggling up to Duo, Heero feathered kisses along Duo's jaw.

“I'm glad that's all over,” Duo sighed.

“Same here,” Heero replied. “Maybe now we can get back to normal.”

Duo snickered. “That's one thing my life isn't, Heero; normal.”

“Yeah. I kinda figured that with you, life is always going to be full of surprises. But I'll let you into a secret. I love surprises.”

“Thanks for all your support, Heero. It means a lot to me.”

“It's my pleasure, Duo. I, I...” Heero swallowed the lump in his throat. “I care a lot for you, Duo. I don't know if it could be called love, but I'd really like to find out. Now that this is all over, maybe we can start to see each other a lot more.”

“I'd really like that, Heero.”

Pulling Duo deeper into his embrace, they shared a few kisses before drifting off to sleep.

~ * ~

tbc...
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