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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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“Cowboy”

October 2010 ShenLong

Chapter 34

[It’s boots and chaps

It’s cowboys hats

It’s spurs and latigo

Rodeo – Garth Brooks]

Reaper.

The word stared back at Duo.

Of all the broncs, he had to draw that black demon again.

Swallowing roughly, he handed the paper to the steward and slowly turned around to walk back to his friends.

Heero took one look at his partner and was immediately on alert. Duo was pale, a slight sheen of sweat graced his skin and Heero detected a faint tremble in Duo's body.

Wufei, Trowa and Quatre all took one look at their friend and knew something wasn't right.

“Duo?” Heero questioned as Duo stepped back into their circle. “Who did you draw?” Heero had a pretty good idea what the answer was going to be, but he could hope he was wrong.

“Reaper,” Duo whispered.

“Fuck.”

“Shit!” Trowa scowled.

“You're joking?” Quatre said, hoping he'd misheard Duo's words.

“Of all the rotten luck,” Wufei sympathized.

“Who is Reaper again?” Meiran asked. She'd only briefly spoken with all the cowboys previously when they'd first met at the court house and in the discussion regarding the bronc that had hurt Duo, Reaper's name hadn't really come up.

“Reaper is the bronc that put Duo in hospital at the last rodeo,” Wufei informed his girlfriend. “I'll explain more about him later.”

Understanding that Wufei really didn't want to elaborate whilst Duo was still there, and knowing just what had happened to the braided cowboy, Meiran nodded.

“Jeeze, Duo. I'm sure the stewards will allow you a redraw if you ask,” Heero said softly. Knowing just how vicious the bronc was, Heero really didn't want his partner on board that animal; given what had happened the last time, Heero was pretty sure the stewards and rodeo board would accommodate Duo and give him another bronc. He also made a mental note to try and speak with Treize at some point to find out why Reaper was still in the string. Given the horse's history he had been confident that Reaper would have been dropped from the broncs.

Raising his violet eyes to meet Heero's, Duo set his jaw, straightened his spine and took a deep breath. “No. I'm not going to ask for a redraw. The draw was fair and square, anyone could have drawn that devil; just so happened it was me.”

“But, Duo, that animal is mad,” Quatre started to say.

With steely determination in his voice, Duo turned to face Quatre, Trowa and the rest of their friends. “No. I am not asking for a redraw. I drew the bronc, I will ride that bronc and I will fucking well stay on for the full eight seconds! Pardon my language,” he added with a nod towards Meiran.

Meiran didn't look the least bit offended.

“Are you sure?” Heero questioned.

“Yes. Trust me on this, guys. I'll admit, I'm not thrilled with the idea of riding that demon again, but I have to do this.”

“I understand,” Heero replied and gave Duo's shoulder a squeeze. Heero did understand. After the last ride on Reaper, Duo's confidence had taken a battering and the only way for his partner to regain that confidence was to go out there and ride the bronc. All Heero could do was wait and watch, be there for his boyfriend when the siren went and hope to god that Duo was still in one piece.

“Thanks, Heero.” Duo gave the other cowboy a tiny smile.

The other three men also understood Duo's reasoning and whilst they weren't overly happy, there wasn't anything they could do about it either.

“We will be there for you,” Wufei said in his quiet tone, his black eyes serious.

“I damn well hope so!” Duo chuckled. “I'm gonna need a speedy pick up once the siren sounds.”

“Don't you worry about that. Wufei and I will be right beside you each second of the way,” Quatre affirmed.

“And I'll be there for you too,” Trowa added with a firm nod.

“Thanks, guys. I appreciate it,” Duo said with a smile to his friends.

“I'll put the beer on ice to chill for the celebrations at the end then, shall I?” Meiran asked with a grin.

Duo laughed. “Yeah, that would be great. I'll probably need a dozen or so once I'm finished.”

“I think I'll need a stiff scotch before you go out for the ride,” Heero muttered.

Snickering softly as he overheard Heero's muttering, Duo wrapped his arm around Heero's waist. “Don't worry, Heero. I'll be fine. I'll be sure to double check my rig before I hand it over to Charlie and again before I go out for the ride.”

“I'd still feel a whole lot happier if you didn't ride him,” Heero replied. “But I know why you want to and I want you to know that I'll be there for you.”

“Awww, Heero,” Duo sniffed.

“Come on you lot, we'd better be heading back to the rigs and start getting ready. This show is due to start in a couple of hours,” Quatre informed them all.

“Suppose we'd better.” Turning, Duo began to walk back towards the area where the rigs were parked, the rest of the group right with him.

* * *

“That should hold it,” Heero said as he tossed the tape to the side of the bed and checked his handiwork.

Duo gave a few flexes of his arm and shoulder, the strapping Heero had applied holding up well and supporting his still healing muscles, tendons and ligaments. His ribs were tightly bound as well and despite being tight, Duo knew he would need all the support he could get. “Feels good,” Duo replied. “Thanks.”

“My pleasure,” Heero replied. “I'll check the strapping after each ride and if need be, I can reapply it.”

“That would be good, Heero.” Duo shrugged his shirt back on and did up the buttons. “Best we head on over, the parade will be starting soon.”

“Right with you, Duo.” Heero stole a quick kiss, Duo returning it a moment later.

“Love you,” Duo whispered. “Hopefully we will be celebrating tonight.”

“I certainly hope so.” Heero paused for a moment before lowering his voice, his eyes becoming hooded. “Either way, I fully intend to celebrate something tonight with you,” he husked out.

Duo groaned, a tingle of excitement traveling from his head to his toes. “I promise you a night you'll not forget,” he returned.

“Good.” With a shy smile, Heero moved closer and brushed his lips across Duo's. “Guess we should go saddle up and get moving.”

“Mmmm, guess we should.”

*

Duo could feel the adrenaline starting to course through his body as he approached the chutes. The rodeo was about to start and all the cowboys were preparing to enter the arena for the opening parade. He could see Trowa up ahead on Heavyarms, beside him was Quatre on Sandrock. He had yet to spot Wufei, but had no doubt the other pick-up rider would be somewhere around on his bay, Nataku.

“Looks like a full house,” Heero commented from where he sat astride Wing just to the side of Duo.

“Yeah, it does,” Duo replied and edged Scythe a little closer to the paint. Scythe laid his ears back and gave the paint pot a glare. Wing stuck his nose in the air and ignored the spotted freak.

“Guess they're all just as eager to see who will take out the title as we are,” Heero mused.

“I'd say so. Dunno why though, I'd say it's already a certainty.” Duo gave a smug smile.

“I think I may have something to say about that,” Heero shot back.

“All the talk in the world ain't gonna win you that title, Heero. You need to put your butt where your mouth is.” Duo blinked. “Errr... that didn't quite come out right.”

Heero snickered.

Further banter was cut off as the stewards began to open the gates to the arena and a rider carrying the flag entered the arena at a fast canter.

*

“Got everything?” asked Heero as he picked up his rig.

“Yup. All set,” Duo replied and locked the door to the trailer, checking the other compartments were also locked.

“Behave yourself, Wing,” Heero told his horse who was standing in his yard attached to the trailer. The paint gave a soft wuffle.

“You behave yourself too, Scythe. I don't want any more shit from you,” Duo stated as he gave the appy a stern look. “I still don't believe he did that,” he said to Heero as they moved off towards the chute area where the bulls were being prepared for the bull rides.

“Don't worry about it, Duo. Wing didn't get hurt so there's no harm done,” Heero replied.

During the grand parade, Scythe had decided he really didn't want to be walking alongside that excuse for a canvas. He suddenly laid his ears flat back and snaked his head forward, teeth bared and about to take a bite out of Wing's shoulder when Duo picked up on what was about to happen. Duo had given the appy a sharp tug on the reins and a smack to the shoulder, the intended bite glancing off the paint's hide. Heero had checked his horse as best he could seeing as how they were in the middle of a parade and found the paint to have nothing but a bit of ruffled hair where Scythe's teeth had grazed across.

Duo had been shocked and in-between scolding his horse, had apologized profusely to Heero and Wing. Wing had played the part of the 'victim' well, sensing he could get a lot of attention out of this while his rival copped all the chastising. All the praise and petting the paint got once out of the arena only made the appaloosa glower. Scythe had to figure out another way to bring his enemy down.

“I see that Jake got a no score for his bull ride,” Duo commented.

“Not good for him, but great for us,” Heero said.

“Only if we manage to go the eight seconds.”

“True. Has Cody ridden yet?”

“Not that I know of. I think he's up after us.”

“It's still anyone's title.”

“Yeah, ain't that the truth.”

Arriving at the chutes, the pair handed their rigs over to Hank and Charlie. Five minutes later, Heero was being summoned for his ride.

“Good luck and be careful,” Duo said softly, resisting the urge to snatch Heero up in his arms and kiss him.

“I'll do my best.” Heero gave a smile before turning to the chute and climbing the spars. The bulk of Tiny waited below, several hundred pounds of raw beef that Heero hoped wouldn't try to turn him into hamburger.

Gently he lowered himself to the bull's back and worked his hand into the webbing hold. Once he was comfortable with the grip he had, he rested his legs a little lower and took a couple of calming breaths. A nod to the chute guy and the chute door opened, Heero dropping his legs and hanging on for all he was worth.

Tiny exploded out of the chute, hind end twisting in the air as he began to buck. The large head went down, the rear end spinning and bucking in an attempt to dislodge the cowboy on his back. Heero hung on grimly, His jaw set and hand gripping tight within the webbing for all he was worth. His upper body was jerked back and forth with each buck and twist of the bull underneath him. His shoulder began to protest the movement, his arms ached from the fierce grip he had, but Heero wasn't about to let go for anything.

Changing tactics, the bull tried a couple of spins, hind legs still pistoning in the air, but Heero dug his knees in tight. The crowd began to cheer wildly as the seconds counted down. From the corner of his eye, Heero could see Wufei closing in on him and knew his time was almost up. Tiny gave another twist and particularly nasty buck, sending Heero slightly off balance.

'Gotta hang on, almost there,' Heero thought to himself. Another spin pushed him further off balance and despite digging his knees in as tight as he could get them, he felt himself starting to slip off the bull's left side.

Out in the chute area, Duo watched with his heart in his mouth as Heero began to slide from the bull's back. “Hang on, Heero, almost time,” he muttered to himself.

Another twist followed by two sharp bucks and Heero felt the daylight increasing. Wufei was almost beside him and with a relieved sigh, he heard the siren sound indicating he'd made the eight seconds. Immediately he lowered his other hand to the webbing and grabbed on tight, hauling himself back as much as he could. Tiny continued to buck as Quatre came up along the other side and reached across to release the flank strap. Wufei appeared on Heero's other side and reached out. Grabbing hold of Wufei, Heero was part lifted, part dragged from the bucking bull and deposited to the arena surface when they were a safe distance from the bull.

“What a ride for Heero Yuy, folks! He just hung in there long enough, now, let's see what the judges thought. That’s a score of ninety for Heero Yuy.”

The crowd cheered and roared their approval, Heero removing his hat and acknowledging the audience. Moving quickly to the side of the arena, he climbed up the spars and over the other side to where Duo was waiting for him, a big smile on his handsome face.

“That was a great ride, Heero,” he said and gave the cowboy a one armed, 'buddy' hug.

“Thanks. For a moment there I didn't think I was going to make it to the full count,” Heero replied.

“Main thing is, you did and got a damn good score too.”

“Yeah, I did,” Heero replied with a grin. “You're up shortly, aren't you?”

“Yep, gotta go shift my butt and get aboard.”

“Good luck and stay safe.”

“I'll try,” Duo returned and with a warm smile he turned to head for the chute where his bull was waiting.

“All ready for you, Duo,” Charlie stated. “And I've double checked the rig as well,” he added.

Duo gave the cow hand a nod. “Thanks, Charlie. Not that I think anyone will be tampering with anything anymore after all the extra security measures, but it's nice to know you're on the ball.”

“I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if I didn't look out for you guys.”

Duo climbed the spars and lowered himself carefully onto Feather's back. The bull shifted slightly and gave a low bellow. Kissing his cross, Duo tucked it under his shirt and pushed his braid down the back of that shirt. He worked his hand into the webbing hold and pulled the rig tight. Once he was satisfied he had a good grip, He pushed his hat down hard and prepared to drop his legs. A nod to the chute guy and the gate swung open a second after.

Feather stood for a moment, then launched himself out of the chute and into the main arena. His hind end began to shoot into the air, the bucks gaining height and ferocity with each upward push. Duo held on tight, his back lying almost flat against that of the bull as his legs swung back and forth. His hand gripped tight in the hold, his shoulder screaming at him with the strain it was put under. Duo ignored the shoulder and did his best to stay with the bull.

Feather tossed in a few more bucks, then decided a couple of spins wouldn't hurt either. A soft moan escaped Duo's throat as his shoulder was put under further strain. He clamped his knees in tight and did his best to stay with the bull and take some of the pressure off his injured shoulder.

Heero watched carefully from beside the chutes, his eyes never leaving his boyfriend and looking for any signs of pain or indication that Duo was hurt.

Feather began a series of twists and bucks, shaking his head from side to side as he did his damnedest to get rid of the irritation on his back. Equally as determined, Duo hung on harder. The crowd began to cheer as bull and cowboy continued their struggle against each other, Quatre and Wufei began to close in on the animal and its rider as the clock counted down. Trowa stood beside his barrel, ready to spring into action and distract the bull should the need arise.

“Fuckin' hurry up and sound,” Duo gritted out to the siren. He knew he had to be close. Spotting Wufei and Quatre homing in on him, he knew his time was almost up.

The siren went and Duo gave a relieved sigh, dropping his good hand to the webbing and taking some of the strain from his right shoulder that was currently feeling like red hot pokers were being shoved into it.

“Ready to hop off?” Quatre asked with a grin as he rode alongside. Wufei releasing the flank strap on the other side.

“Boy am I glad to see you,” Duo muttered and reached out for Quatre. He was hauled from the bull and carted a short distance away, Quatre dropping him to the arena when they were away from Feather. The bull had shot off into the corral once the flank strap was loosened and the cowboy gone from his back.

“Great ride for Duo Maxwell there. Let's see what the judges thought. It's an eighty nine. Good score for Duo and there's still more action to come.”

Duo dutifully waved his hat to the crowd, grinning and waving before sauntering to the chutes and spotting Heero on the other side, made a beeline for his partner.

“Great ride,” Heero congratulated. “How's the shoulder and ribs?”

“Thanks, Heero. Ribs feel okay, shoulder's a little sore though,” Duo replied honestly.

“Come on, I'll take you back to the rig and re-strap the shoulder. I'll see if I can get it a bit tighter for you and give you a bit more support. I also think you should take a couple of pain pills.”

Duo offered a small smile of appreciation and followed Heero back to the rig where he got a bit more attention than just the strapping and pain pills.

*

The rodeo had a short break in-between the bull rides and the start of the saddle broncs. During the break, Heero and Duo caught up with Trowa, Wufei, Quatre and Meiran. Meiran was very impressed with the skills of both cowboys in their staying the full time on the bulls and was quick to congratulate them both. She was also in awe of Wufei and Quatre in their role of pick-up guys. Whilst she'd known something about the role they played from what Wufei had told her, she hadn't expected it to be quite as dangerous or as artistic as it was. She suddenly had a new admiration for her boyfriend, and let him know it too with a searing kiss.

Wufei had blushed madly and did his best to ignore the wolf whistles and friendly teasing from his fellow cowboys.

Trowa hadn't escaped the praise either. Meiran declaring his job was by far one of the hardest she'd ever come across. “You must be so brave to face off with some of those bulls,” she'd said. “Nothing more than a barrel and your own wits to keep you safe. I think you deserve a medal,” she'd told a blushing Trowa.

Trowa had mumbled something about it not being all that hard and disappeared behind his boyfriend.

With the break over, the guys all headed back to the chutes, arena and wherever they were supposed to be. Meiran returned to the grassed spectator area to continue to watch. With the new security in place she wasn’t allowed anywhere near the chutes or staging area and she didn’t particularly want to sit in the grandstand either.

Heero and Duo had recovered their rigs and checked them both over for any wear or tear. Both were fine. They wouldn't need them again until the bareback bronc ride, but safety was a premium and neither cowboy was about to skip over checking their gear.

With the saddle broncs getting underway, the pair walked back to the chute area.

*

“All set, Heero?” asked Hank.

Heero shoved his feet fully into the stirrups and grabbed hold of the halter rope. Settling himself into the saddle, he deemed himself ready and nodded to Hank. The chute opened and the crowd roared.

Caspar jumped cleanly from the chute and moved a couple of strides away before lowering his head between his knees and starting to buck. Hind quarters shot into the air, kicking out as the bronc bucked for all he was worth. He gave a series of crow hops across the arena and tossed in a couple of twists as he bucked.

The rope was fairly loose in his hand, the other hand held high above his head as Heero did his best to stay with the bronc. He swung his legs back and forth, spurring the bronc on. A cowboy could gain a better score by moving his legs to encourage his bronc, not to mention keeping the hand up high.

Duo's face broke into a wide grin as he watched his partner sticking like glue to the gray's back. “Go, Heero!” he yelled in encouragement.

Jaw set and teeth clenched, Heero hung on. His arm ached fiercely from the jarring and jolting it was receiving, his mind flicking to Duo and just how much his boyfriend's shoulder must have hurt after his bull ride. “Fuck!” he cursed as Caspar came back to earth with a particularly nasty jolt. A couple of spins were added and when that didn't unseat Heero, the bronc went into another series of crow hops.

Just when Heero was beginning to feel himself slowly sliding to one side in the saddle, the siren went and he grabbed the rope with both hands. Quatre appeared at his side and gave him a sunny smile.

“Want off that thing?”

“Please,” Heero replied and reached out for the pick-up guy. He was pulled from the still bucking bronc and once a safe distance away, Quatre dropped him to his feet. Trowa sauntered over and handed him his hat, Heero thanking the clown and waving his hat to the audience who were cheering madly.

“What a ride for Heero Yuy! That's gotta be a good score, folks. Yep, the score is in and it's a ninety for Heero Yuy!”

Heero couldn't help the wide grin. 'Two down and three to go. His scores were pretty impressive if he did say so himself.' he thought. With one more wave to the crowd, he jogged across to the rails and began to climb out of the arena so the next cowboy could have his turn.

That was fantastic, Heero,” Duo congratulated just as soon as Heero's feet hit the dirt on the other side of the arena. “Good score too. I'd say you've taken the lead in the race for the title after that ride.”

Smiling shyly at his partner, Heero spoke in a low tone. “I don't know, Duo. Yes, they were both good rides and scored well, but there's still the bronc, bulldogging and roping to go. It's still anyone's title. Besides, you've yet to have your rides and I know you're breathing down my neck as it is.”

“Yeah, that's right. I'm gonna get me a damn good score in my saddle bronc ride and see if I can't beat yours.”

Heero noted that Duo didn't say anything about his bareback bronc ride. He had to admit, he was more than worried about Duo riding that black beast again, especially as he wasn't completely healed from his last encounter with the animal. But Heero knew better than to voice his concerns. Duo knew how he felt without him saying anything; besides, Heero knew that if the shoe was on the other foot and it was him that had gotten hurt, he'd be just as determined and stubborn as Duo in his intent to compete and take that title.

“You'll have to try really hard to beat me,” Heero teased. “I don’t have any plans to let anyone better my scores.”

“Is that so, buddy? Well I suggest you sit back and watch the master at work.”

Heero chuckled to himself. The teasing was just what they both needed.”I think Charlie is looking for you.”

“Shit!” Duo spun around to see the cow hand waving in Duo's direction. “Looks like I'm up in a few. Better shift.”

“Good luck, Duo.”

“Thanks. I suggest you watch carefully, you just might learn something.” With a saucy wink, Duo spun on his heel and headed for Charlie and his saddle bronc ride.

*

Dopey stood quietly while Duo settled himself into the saddle, his lop ears flopping to either side of his head and looking for all the world like a pair of jet airliner wings. The bronc's eyes were half closed and he rested a hind leg, completely relaxed. Duo didn't let the animal's appearance distract him though; he knew Dopey would come to life just as soon as the chute gate opened. Kissing his cross and tucking it down his shirt, the braid of hair followed suit and Duo pushed his feet home in the stirrups. The halter rope was picked up, a couple of deep breaths taken and Duo nodded he was ready.

The chute opened, Dopey taking a minute to gaze out into the arena and giving Duo a moment of panic when he thought the bronc wasn't going to move. Suddenly, Dopey lunged out and immediately jammed his head between his knees and began to buck.

“Frickin' hell,” Duo muttered as he was jolted around. Legs did their best to spur the bronc on, hand waved madly in the air whilst the other one clung to the halter rope for dear life. Dopey didn't let up for a minute, his head was constantly between his knees and his hind quarters pistoned repeatedly into the air.

The bronc bucked and crow hopped across the arena, tossing Duo around on his back like a rag doll. Knees jammed in hard as Duo's feet connected with the horse's flanks and then shoulders. The jarring caused his ribs to protest and he found it hard to keep breath in his lungs. Duo sent a silent prayer of thanks to Heero for insisting on strapping his ribs as tight as he had, if he hadn't, or there had been no strapping, Duo knew those ribs would have reopened the cracks. As it was he wasn’t too sure if they were still in one piece.

The strain on his shoulder and still healing muscles wasn't as bad as it had been in the bull ride, but it still hurt like a bitch. Dopey changed tactics and began to jackknife, Duo barely managing to stay with the bronc. Dopey continued to try and dislodge his rider, alternating between straight out bucking to twisting and turning, crow hopping and anything else he could come up with. Duo managed to hang on and stay with the animal, sweat running down his face with the effort. The siren finally sounded and Duo gave a relieved moan. His left hand grabbed the front of the saddle to keep him there until Wufei managed to get alongside him and pick him up.

Both Wufei and Quatre were well aware that Duo's right shoulder was the still recovering one and made certain to pick him up from the left side and therefore not aggravate his healing body. Gratefully, Duo reached for Wufei and snagged the pick-up guy around the waist, Dopey slipping from beneath his legs as Wufei carried him to safety.

“Thanks, Wufei,” Duo said as he was dropped to the dirt of the arena, Trowa appearing moments later with his hat. “Thanks, Trowa.”

“You okay?” Trowa asked when he noticed the slight wince as Duo took his hat.

“Yeah, I'm fine, just a little sore after that ride,” Duo replied.

“That was some riding there by Duo Maxwell, folks. Let's see if the judges thought as much of it as we did. Score is in and it's a ninety two for Duo!”

“Well fuck me,” Duo said as a broad grin lit up his face. The roar of the crowd grew to deafening proportions and Duo acknowledged the crowd with a sweeping bow and wave of his hat. Still grinning like the Cheshire cat, he hightailed it out of the arena to where an equally excited Heero was waiting to drag his partner off to the gents for a few congratulatory kisses and hugs.

* * *

“All set?” Hank asked.

Heero nodded. “As ready as I'm ever going to be.”

The chute opened and TNT charged out into the arena. The crowd cheered the cowboy on as the horse did his best to rid himself of his rider. Heero's hand was jammed into the webbing hold, his shoulder and arm taking a beating as he hung on as tightly as he could. TNT bucked high and fast, twisting his hindquarters in the air and throwing in a couple of crow hops.

Hero was jolted and jarred as the beast connected with the ground and then launched into the air again. His free hand remained in the air, despite his body's natural instinct screaming at him to grab hold with everything he had. Knees jammed in tight as TNT gave a quick spin to the left and threw in a series of big bucks. A half rear followed and the bronc jumped forward, front legs hitting the dirt, jarring Heero yet again as the hind legs shot into the air with a particularly nasty twist added.

“Shit, I hope that siren goes soon,” Heero ground out. He could feel his balance starting to shift and it wouldn't be much longer before he bit the dirt if the bronc kept bucking like he was.

“Cowboy or flank strap?” Wufei asked Quatre as the pair began to ride towards the cowboy and bronc.

“I'll take the cowboy, you can have the flank strap, Nataku is a little quicker on his feet than Sandy and I don’t fancy getting caught by one of those flying hooves,” Quatre replied.

“Okay.” Wufei glanced at the timer. “Best we move in now, time's almost up.”

The pair began to close in on Heero, the cowboy gritting his teeth in the effort to remain aboard the bucking bronc. The siren went, Heero grabbing the webbing hold with his free hand and starting to work his other one out of the hold. Quatre appeared beside him and with a sharp tug, Heero managed to pull his hand free and grab hold of the pick-up guy.

“Good ride,” Quatre said as he dropped Heero off by the chutes.

“Thanks.” A cow hand gave Heero his hat back, the cowboy taking it and thanking the man.

“Another great ride for Heero Yuy. Judges score is in and it's a ninety-two for Heero!”

Heero let a whistle pass between his teeth at the score. It was a good one and would no doubt put him right up there with the leaders for the title. With a wave to the crowd, he scaled the rails and landed on the other side where Duo was waiting to congratulate him.

“Fantastic ride, Heero. I'm sure you must be up there in first place by now.” Duo's face was lit up, his happiness for the other cowboy evident in every line of his body.

“I hope so, although I had my doubts there for a minute that I wasn't going to stay the distance,” Heero replied with a grin. “As for the title, it's still anyone's. You're in there with a great chance too, especially since Cody got a no score in the saddle bronc and Jake didn’t score that high with his saddle bronc ride either.”

“It's gonna be a real nail biter, that's for sure.”

“We still have the roping and bulldogging to go, and don't forget your bronc ride. I'm certain you'll get a great score there,” Heero said.

Duo fell silent, Heero realizing what must be going through his partner's mind.

“Duo, if you're not sure about this I know the stewards will give you a re-draw.”

Duo shook himself. “Nah, it's fine, Heero. If I don’t do this now, I'll never do it.”

Knowing exactly what Duo meant with those words, Heero stepped a bit closer. “Please promise me you'll stay safe. If you know you can't stay with him for the full count, bail out and get outta there. No one will think any less of you.”

“I know, Heero.” He gave the other cowboy a tight smile. “Wufei and Quatre are both gonna be there with me and close enough to help me if I need it. Trowa's also there so I think I'll be well looked after.”

“I can’t help but worry though.”

Glancing around, Duo took the chance to envelop Heero in a warm hug. “Just promise me you'll be there for me after the ride is over?”

“Of course I will.”

“Thanks.”

“Duo? You got a few minutes before you're up,” Charlie said quietly from the side.

“Okay. I'm coming,” Duo replied and turned his attention back to Heero.

They broke apart, the worry clearly visible in Heero's blue eyes. Duo's shoulders were tense, his own eyes a swirl of differing emotions, all passing through those violet depths so quickly that Heero couldn't identify them.

“Guess I should get going.”

“I'm coming to the chute with you.”

Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Duo set his jaw, squared his shoulders and began the walk to the chute where Reaper awaited him.

~ * ~

tbc...
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