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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.

Chapter List
- 36
- 37
- 38
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I don't own the song 'Rodeo' either. It belongs to Garth Brooks and as such all rights remain his. This fic is based loosely on the lyrics. Written for pleasure not profit.

Pairing: 2x1x2, past 1xR (sorry!) 3x4

Rating: NC 17

Warnings: Angst, fluff, sap, yaoi, Lemons, Lime, AU

Summary: Heero is a rodeo rider, the best on the circuit and looks set to remain there until an up and coming young cowboy appears on the scene.

AN: This fic is based loosely on the lyrics of 'Rodeo' by Garth Brooks - although it is not a song fic.

Dedication: To my lovely beta; Sakura for giving me the plot bunny and for all her hard work in editing my stuff. (No easy feat!) Thanks hun! You're the best!

“Cowboy”

October 2010 ShenLong

Chapter 37

[His eyes are Cold and Restless

His wounds have almost healed

And she’d give half of Texas

Just to change the way he feels

Rodeo – Garth Brooks]

Once the group had all left Treize's office, the questions and concerns ran thick and fast. Wufei was mostly worried for Meiran's safety, as were the others. All were well aware of Reaper's hate for the 'cowboy' and not one of them wanted Meiran to be hurt or god forbid – killed.

Meiran remained stubborn, she knew in her heart that Reaper was her Raven and despite all she'd witnessed of his behavior in the arena, she couldn't abandon him to his fate. She had to try. In the time she'd had the black horse they had developed a close bond of trust. All she could hope for was that Raven's memories of her and their time together would still be in his mind and help her to win him over.

“I can't let you do this, Meiran,” Wufei stated.

“You go in that corral with that bronc and it will be like committing suicide,” Duo muttered.

“Surely you can see for yourself that this bronc is mad?” Heero added.

“Meiran, please reconsider. I know how much that horse must have meant to you, but he's not the same animal that you once knew,” Quatre tried.

Trowa remained silent. He could understand where Meiran was coming from, he'd had a couple of experiences with animals in the past along similar lines, as had several of his friends; but Reaper was the worst case he'd ever come across and although he sincerely hoped for both Meiran's sake and Reaper's that the woman could get through to the animal, he had serious doubts it would happen.

“If you have all quite finished?” Meiran snapped and glared at the group of cowboys who fell silent. “Please, I understand that you are all concerned for my safety and well being and I appreciate that, I really do, but try to put yourselves in my place. Wufei, what if what happened to Raven had happened to Nataku? Wouldn't you be doing your best to get your horse back? Or Duo, if it were Scythe, or Heero's Wing?”

The cowboys had to think on that for a moment.

“I know it's not the same, that you all think Raven is mad, that he will turn on me as he has done with all of you and others too. I can't blame you all for your hatred and fear of him, but there is a soft side to him. He was the kindest, most gentle horse I ever had the privilege of owning and riding. Since leaving me it's obvious he's had a very hard life, something really bad has happened to him to make him turn like this, but I have to try, I need to see if he remembers me, if the gentle horse I knew is still there somewhere and can come back to me.”

“I still don't like it and I don't want you to do it,” Wufei repeated. “Meiran, please reconsider.”

“Oh, Wufei.” Meiran's eyes softened as she took in the obvious concern for her in those onyx depths. Reaching a hand to cup Wufei's cheek, she continued. “I know you are concerned and I know you want to protect me, and I appreciate that. I think it's so sweet of you to want to look after me like this, but you have to trust me. This is something I really need to do. If I walk away now and Raven is put down, I'll be forever asking myself if I could have made a difference, if he could have recognized me. Can you understand that? I would never forgive myself if I didn't try.”

Wufei lowered his eyes and nodded. “Yes, I can understand what you're saying.”

Meiran leaned in and pressed a kiss to the pick-up guy's lips. “Just promise me you will be there with me?”

Wufei looked a little startled by the request.

Understanding where Wufei's mind was going, Meiran smiled. “I don't mean come into the corral with me, I don't think that would be a good idea at all. No, just promise me you will be there on the side lines.”

“Of course,” Wufei replied, his voice sounding relieved at not having to be in the actual corral with the black demon.

“Meiran, I hate to interrupt, but if you're really going to do this, we need to shift butt,” Duo said softly.

With a nod, Meiran set off for the corrals, Wufei's hand in hers, Duo and Heero following. Trowa and Quatre headed off to the rigs to fetch Nataku and Sandrock, promising to meet the others shortly.

*

True to his word, Treize had Reaper moved to another corral on the outskirts of the main ones. He'd spoken to a couple of other cow hands who were on stand-by to assist if the need arose. Zechs was also there, his black bag present along with drugs and the humane killer – whether he used them or not depended on the outcome. Treize carried a revolver, discreetly tucked under his shirt and in the waistband of his pants.

Inside the corral, Reaper eyed the humans around the outside with wariness. He snorted and tossed his head from time to time, his instincts telling him something was up.

Meiran and her friends all arrived, Trowa and Quatre a few seconds behind them with Nataku and Sandrock. Meeting with Treize, the rodeo official had one last chance at trying to change the young woman’s mind.

“Are you sure about this?” Treize asked.

“Yes,” Meiran replied.

“Okay. I will be beside the rails at all times as will Zechs. I warn you, should that beast take to you I won't hesitate to shoot, whilst I do value any and all life, I will not put an animal's life above that of a person, especially if that animal is trying to harm you. Am I clear?”

“Perfectly. May I suggest that the others all stay back away from the rails as it may distract Raven from what I'm trying to do. I really need for him to focus only on me,” Meiran stated.

“As you wish.”

The others weren’t at all happy with the idea, but after thinking about it, they did agree it made sense. Glancing around, they found a place where they could watch and be of assistance within seconds should they need to and yet remain a discreet distance so as Reaper wouldn't be focused on them. With their last wishes for success, the five moved away to take up residence on the rails of the runs used to drive the animals from corral to corral.

Zechs positioned himself where he could scale the rails and be inside the corral as quickly as possible, keeping his body as much out of sight as he could. Treize joined him, gun drawn and ready to fire; although Treize hoped he wouldn't need to.

Taking a deep breath, Meiran approached the corral gate. Resting her hand on the latch, she paused to calm her racing heart. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea,' she thought.

Reaper shook his head and pawed at the ground. He felt uneasy, scenting his enemies on the breeze but unable to locate them visually. The gate to the corral began to open and his attention was quickly diverted.

Hearing the sounds of the black horse moving on the other side, Meiran's mind was made up. She straightened her back and with a determined look on her face, opened the gate. Her eyes scanned over the area until they found the horse, she paused, half in and half out of the corral. A soft breeze caressed her skin and blew her scent over the dusty ground to quivering nostrils.

Spotting the gate opening, Reaper fixed his attention to who would dare to enter. A small person slipped inside the corral, Reaper snorted. The breeze carried the scent of the person to his dilated nostrils and he sniffed the air. The scent was familiar, although he hadn't smelt it in a long time. He sniffed again, a memory stirring in the recess of his brain.

Watching the horse intently, Meiran noted him scenting the air and could only hope her scent was awakening memories. Quietly closing the gate behind her, she took a couple of steps into the corral and stopped. Keeping her eyes permanently on the bronc, her mouth opened and she spoke softly.

“Hey, Raven. How are you boy? Do you remember me?”

Ears shot forward, a black head jerking up as the sounds reached sensitive hearing. Reaper gave a snort of anger.

“It's okay, boy, it's just me; remember me? Meiran, I broke you in, taught you to be my trick horse.” Meiran took another couple of steps forward.

Reaper tossed his head and snorted, front hoof pawing at the ground.

“Come on, Raven, surely you haven't forgotten me? I've been looking for you for years.” Meiran chanced another couple of steps forward and reached out a hand.

Reaper gave a squeal of anger and stamped his hoof. His upper lip curled back and he snapped his teeth together. Meiran paused, but held her ground. Reaper screamed again and gave a half rear.

“Fuck! I wish she would get out of there, that bronc is going to charge at her any second,” Duo whispered from where he was watching.

“I hope Treize has that gun ready,” Wufei muttered, his heart in his mouth.

“Easy, Raven. I'm not going to hurt you, I want to take you home with me, make everything better again,” Meiran cajoled and hesitantly slipped forth another step.

Reaper was quivering in rage, he wanted to charge forward and flatten this person into the ground, his hatred of humans burning through his blood; but something held him back. Deep in his brain there was a memory, the scent and sound of this person was familiar and connected to days long gone when he'd been happy and cared for. He hesitated.

“That's it, Raven. Nice and easy,” Meiran soothed as she took another step forward.

The war inside Reaper was continuing and when the human took another step forward, the hatred won out. Reaper had long ago learned that his teeth and hooves would help to ease a little of the torment of his life. With a cry of fury, he reared up and pawed the air. Once all four feet were on the ground again, he lunged forward, teeth bared and a look of hate on his face.

Meiran paled as half a ton of horse came right at her. She couldn't move, feet rooted to the spot, her brain screaming at her to get out of there. Fear welled up in her gut, along with sadness. “Raven!” she cried out in one last, desperate attempt to get the horse to recognize her.

“Shit! He's going to charge her!” Zechs called to Treize. “Shoot him!”

Treize fumbled with the gun for a second, positioned it and looked down the barrel to get his aim in. Locating the bronc, he locked onto his target and pulled the trigger.

The gun remained silent.

“Fuck!” Treize tried again with the same result.
“Shoot, Treize!” Zechs yelled.

“I'm trying, but the gun won't fire,” Treize returned, frustrated with the lack of help he was giving. Pulling the gun back, he gazed down at it. “Damn! I left the safety on,” he cursed, quickly rectifying that and raising the gun again. But it was too late, Reaper had already reached Meiran.

The black bore down on the helpless human, anger showing in every line of his body, eyes wild, nostrils flaring and ears flat against his skull. Watching from their position in the run to the side, the other five cowboys couldn't believe what they were seeing. Duo felt the fear lodge in his gut as he was assailed by memories of his own run in with that demon. Heero was having similar thoughts, the pain and shock he'd experienced when Reaper had turned on him foremost in his mind. Trowa and Quatre were both in stunned shock whilst Wufei felt as if his very soul was being ripped out.

“Get out of there, Meiran!” Wufei screamed as his body scrambled into action.

Despite the fear and instinct to flee running through her body, Meiran had no choice but to stand her ground; her legs were frozen and unable to move with the shock of the situation. In a last ditch attempt to save herself and her horse, she reached out again and kept her voice as calm and steady as she could. “Raven, you wouldn't hurt me, would you?” she pleaded.

The bronc was confused. Usually his tormentors ran as soon as he started for them, but this one, this one remained in place. He came to a sliding stop within inches of the human, teeth snapping in the air and angry squeals coming from his throat. The human continued to talk, soft words and the tone, something about it was familiar.

Treize managed to get the safety off and lined up the gun again all ready to shoot when Zechs spoke up. “Wait a minute, Treize,” he whispered.

Keeping the gun trained on the bronc, Treize looked up from taking aim and blinked. Reaper had stopped mere inches from the woman and looked like he didn't know what to do. Oh, he was still pawing at the ground and making a racket, but he had yet to strike the woman.

Trowa had grabbed hold of Wufei as the man tried to scramble towards the corral and his girlfriend. “Wait, Wufei. Something's happening.”

Wufei ceased his struggles and along with the other four, turned his eyes back to the corral.

Carefully reaching into her pocket, Meiran pulled out a piece of apple and lay it flat on her palm. “Here, Raven. It's an apple, you loved apples, remember?”

The horse stopped all movement for a moment, looking at the human before him. There was that scent again, tickling his nostrils and teasing his mind. Another scent hit his system as the human continued to speak and held something out.

The memories that had been locked away in his mind suddenly burst forth. Apples. He remembered those, they tasted sweet. This voice, that scent. Reaper cautiously extended his nose forward and inhaled deeply. His mind was flooded with memories of better times. This human, she had been with him since he was a colt, she always spoke softly, cared for him, brushed him, fed him, rode him and gave him those apples. She'd never been cruel or hurt him; and then, one day she had been hurt and his life had been turned upside down.

“That's it, Raven,” Meiran soothed, her courage returning, eyes watching the body language of the horse before her. She wasn't a hundred percent sure, but she was pretty confident that Raven was starting to remember her. Swallowing deeply, she extended her hand further until the slice of apple was directly in front of Raven's nose.”Take it, Raven, there's lots more if you want them,” Meiran coaxed.

Reaper looked wary, but the memories were too strong. His muzzle inched a touch forward and he lipped up the apple slice, crunching on it and savoring the taste.

“Good boy, that's my boy,” Meiran continued and slowly retracted her hand to dip into her pocket and pull out another apple slice. She offered it to Reaper again, only this time she edged a little closer. As the black took the offered slice, she slowly brought her other hand up and ran it gently along his neck a couple of times. A third slice of apple was offered, Meiran's hand moving to Raven's ears and scratching gently behind them.

“You used to like having the base of your ears scratched,” she said to the horse.

The gentle touches, soft voice and apples convinced Reaper that this was his mistress, the one he'd served happily and suddenly lost. He gave a low snort through his nostrils, lowered his head and rubbed his muzzle against Meiran.

“Oh, Raven,” Meiran cried and flung her arms around the horse's neck, sobbing tears of joy into his mane as she hugged him. Raven simply stood there and blew softly through his nose.

The rest of the rodeo group all watched in stunned silence as the once mad bronc changed before their eyes.

“I don't fucking believe it,” Duo said, summing up everything in those few words.

* * *

After Meiran managed to tame Reaper, Treize and Zechs were keen to speak with the woman, Treize honoring his promise to allow the woman to have the horse back. He refused any payment for Reaper though, citing that since Meiran had risked her life to save the bronc's and the circumstances in which she'd lost her horse to start with were payment enough.

Meiran accompanied Treize back to his office to draw up the necessary paperwork before returning to the corral to spend more time getting reacquainted with her long lost horse. The rest of the guys had no choice but to wait until later to speak with the woman as the rodeo was starting up again and they were all needed.

The commentator welcomed everyone back and apologized for the enforced break. Before continuing on with the remaining bronc rides, he called for silence as there were a couple of announcements to make. Wufei, Quatre, Trowa, Heero and Duo all found themselves suddenly in the main arena with everyone's attention on them.

The commentator gave a brief run down on the heroics of Heero and Trowa in their quick thinking and opening the corral gates. Wufei was also congratulated for his actions in assisting Quatre and Duo in drawing the bronc away. Quatre found himself blushing bright red as he was singled out for praise in his role of picking Duo up and getting him to safety.

Duo was left until last.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you see, our brave cowboy, Duo Maxwell is still standing after that courageous ride and following aftermath. We have been assured he's quite okay to continue with the rodeo and we will see him in action again shortly in the bulldogging and roping events. Please, show him your appreciation and support by giving him a round of applause!”

The rodeo crowd went wild, cheering, hollering, whistles and applause all raining down on a blushing Duo. He took his hat off and bowed to the crowd before waving madly, a huge grin on his face.

“Now, before we continue, there's one last thing we need to say.”

Duo wondered what the hell was left to say, hadn't they all been embarrassed enough?

“With everything that went on, we haven't been able to give out the score for Duo Maxwell's ride!”

'Oh, shit!' In the excitement, Duo had completely forgotten about his score.

“Duo Maxwell managed to stay on for the full count, ladies and gentlemen, that makes him only the second person to have ever ridden Reaper for the full time. The judges have scored the ride and I'm pleased to announce that Duo Maxwell scored a ninety-six!”

“What!?” Duo exclaimed.

“Ninety-six, Duo! You got a score of ninety-six!” Heero cheered, his face lit up and the grin from ear to ear almost splitting his face.

“Fucking hell! No way!” Duo couldn't believe it.

“That is the highest score ever for a rodeo bronc ride; not only did Duo stay the distance, survive the wrath of the bronc, but he gained a new record score in the process! What a cowboy people!” the commentator all but yelled down his microphone.

The crowd cheered and showed their approval, Duo unable to really believe what he'd heard.

“Now, on to the rest of the rodeo!”

The guys all managed to slip away to the edges of the arena, Duo and Heero climbing over the rails and into the staging area.

“Ninety-six, shit,” Duo exclaimed again, still unable to believe what he'd heard.

“That's fantastic, Duo. I'm sure that score will have put you way out in the lead for the title,” Heero said as he smiled at his boyfriend.

“It's not over yet, Heero,” Duo replied, barely able to contain his excitement, “but it's sure gonna be a close finish.”

“Yep, that it will. Come on, I think we should go back to the rig and start to get Scythe and Wing saddled, warmed up and ready for the bulldogging and calf roping. Besides, I'd like to congratulate you again, a little more personally this time,” Heero added in a husky tone, one that sent shivers along Duo's spine.

“I'm right with you, Heero.”

The pair sauntered off in the direction of the rig and their horses.

*

Duo whistled as he fetched Scythe's gear and saddled the appy up. “You need to be on your toes out there, Scythe. These two events are really important and we need to give them everything we've got if we're to succeed.”

Scythe cocked back an ear, half listening to his master, the other half of his mind on what he knew would be coming soon.

On the other side of the trailer, Heero was similarly saddling up Wing and having the same conversation.

“These last two events are really important, Wing. We have to be top of our game if we want any chance of winning that title.”

Wing blew softly through his nostrils and rubbed his muzzle against his master's chest. His sharp hearing picked up on similar tones being spoken by the other nice cowboy to that polka dotted freak.

Wing was an intelligent horse, so was Scythe and both knew they would be competing soon enough in the same events. Neither cow pony intended to let their master down.

“All set?” Heero asked as he rounded the trailer with Wing.

“Yup,” Duo replied and led Scythe out of the yard.

Both cowboys mounted up and checked they had all their gear with them.

“There's an open space over there that should do for us to warm up in,” Heero said and pointed to a flat area off to the side of the trailers.

“Looks good to me,” said Duo as he settled deeper into his saddle, his ribs and shoulder giving him a bit of a twinge. Ignoring the discomfort, Duo pushed Scythe forward and the appy began to jog along.

Having ridden their horses around for a few minutes to loosen up the muscles, both cowboys decided it was time to move onto harder work. Duo pulled his lariat from the saddle horn and moving Scythe to the side, brought the appaloosa to a halt and began to twirl the rope above his head. Scythe quivered beneath him, waiting for the signal to go. Duo leaned forward and pushed his legs against the appaloosa's sides. “Go, Scythe,” he called out, the appy jumping forward into a gallop.

The rope swung a couple more times before Duo released it, the noose falling to the ground ahead as Duo made to dismount. Scythe slammed the brakes on as soon as he felt Duo's weight moving.

Duo didn't bother to get off, he gave the appy a few pats and praised the horse as he wound in the lariat.

“Not bad,” Heero said when Duo returned. “Now, let an expert show you how it's done.”

“Expert?” Duo snorted.

Heero just grinned.

Scythe put his nose in the air as he walked back past the painted pony, Wing gave a flick of his tail that caught Scythe across that nose. Before Scythe could retaliate, Duo had turned him and moved to the side to watch.

Heero uncoiled his lariat and began to swing it in the air, Wing trembled beneath, a coiled spring ready to unleash as soon as he was told to.

“Go,” Heero yelled and dug his heels into Wing's sides, the paint shooting forward as his master swung the lariat around.

The instant the lariat touched the ground, Wing sat back on his haunches and came to a sliding stop.

“Good boy,” Heero praised and reeled the lariat back in. Returning to where Duo sat, he couldn't help the smug look on his face.

“The theatrics may be all well and good out here, but just remember you have to get the lariat around the calf's neck,” Duo snickered.

“Don't you worry about that,” Heero returned. “I'll have that calf roped and strung up before it knows it's left the holding pen.”

“Confident, much?” Duo cocked an eyebrow.

“I have a title to win.”

“Too bad it's already been won then.”

“Really? By whom?”

“You're looking at the new Cowboy of the Year,” Duo said with a grin.

Heero snorted. “Dream on, buddy.”

The sounds of the commentator drifted across the expanse, alerting them both that the bulldogging and roping events would be starting in five minutes.

“Better head on over,” Heero said and began to turn Wing.

“Suppose we should mosey on down to the corral,” Duo replied in a put on drawl.

Heero shook his head and laughed.

* * *

Wufei took advantage of the few minutes break they had whilst the cow hands were moving the broncs back out and the calves in for the next series of events to pay a visit to the corral and Meiran. Tying Nataku up a short distance away, he walked quickly to where the corral stood.

Closing in, he could hear soft sounds coming from inside and walked cautiously up to peer through the rails.

Inside the corral, Meiran stood with Reaper, the black wore a halter and stood calmly tied up to the corral fence whilst Meiran ran a brush over his black hide. Wufei had to blink twice to believe his eyes weren't playing tricks on him.

As she brushed, Meiran kept up a continuous stream of conversation with the horse and Wufei couldn't help but smile as he heard part of the conversation.

“That's a good boy, Raven. I'll soon have all these knots and tangles out of your mane and tail. Feels good to be brushed again does it?”

Raven gave a soft snort through his nostrils. Meiran patted him and slipped him another slice of apple, the black nuzzling her palm as he took the slice.

Smiling to himself, Wufei walked quietly around the edge of the rails until he was a little closer and Meiran would be able to hear him. “Meiran? Are you okay?” he asked, keeping his voice calm and soft.

Raven's ears went back as he heard the cowboy's voice, but he didn't move.

“I'm fine, Wufei, just getting reacquainted with Raven. Why don’t you come on over and say hello, I'm sure he won't hurt you.”

Wufei wasn't too sure about that. “I don't know,” he began.

“Don't worry, I'll protect you,” Meiran laughed. “Look, just stay on the other side of the rails but come close so he can see you and smell you. He won't do anything.”

Still having his doubts, Wufei inched closer, eyes watching the bronc and not trusting the animal at all. Raven was similarly watching Wufei, his distrust still present but tolerating the cowboy's presence only because his mistress seemed to be at ease with the cowboy.

Finally Wufei was standing directly in front of Raven; granted it was on the other side of the rails, but this was close enough for him right now. The pair eyed each other warily.

“Raven, this is Wufei, my boyfriend, so you'd better be nice to him as I don't plan on giving him up any time soon,” Meiran said to the horse. “You can pat him through the rails, Wufei. I promise he won't bite you.”

Still doubtful, but warmed by his girlfriend's words, Wufei slowly brought his hand up and then hesitated.

“Look, you two are just going to have to learn to get along and share me. I don't intend to give either one of you up so you'd both better get used to the idea,” Meiran said in a strong tone.

With a sigh, Wufei brought his hand to the rails and eased it through to where the black bronc stood. Hand trembling, he took a deep breath and reached forward to run his hand down the black face. Raven warred with his inner turmoil, instinct telling him to bite this hand, but the soft voice of his mistress insisted he play nice. He could smell his mistress' scent on the cowboy so he knew this human was connected to her in some way.

He let himself relax and allow the gentle pats.

Wufei heaved a sigh of relief as his hand remained attached to his wrist.

“See, I told you he'd be fine with you,” Meiran smirked. “I'm so glad you're going to be friends, especially as you're going to be transporting him home for me.”

“I'm what?!”

“I have to get him home somehow, Wufei. You have room for a second horse in your trailer and you're dropping me off anyway, so what's the problem?” Meiran gave him a pair of puppy eyes and a warm smile.

“Fine.”

~ * ~

tbc
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