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Cowboy	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 5573 -:- 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
- 39
- 40
- 41
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 40

[And it’s so long, girl, I’ll see you

When it’s time for him to go

You know the woman wants her cowboy

Like he wants his rodeo

Rodeo – Garth Brooks]

The flag bearers entered the main arena at a good lope, traveling around the outside of the arena in opposite directions and crossing paths. When they met again at the entry, they joined up and turned to ride at a steady jog down the center.

The cowgirls moved forward and fell into step behind the flag bearers once they began the trek up the center, the commentator managing to be heard over the roar of the crowd and music still blasting from the speakers.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome those lovely cowgirls who have kept you entertained all season and added that touch of sparkle to the rodeos!”

The crowd applauded, cheered and offered up wolf whistles as the girls all rode in, most of them waving to the crowds and smiling happily. They rode up the center, two abreast and parted right and left when they got to the other end. The flag bearers had stopped in the center of the arena, moved to the side and turned their horses to stand one on either side of the center line. The cowgirls passed between them as they continued to smile and wave to the crowd. Once they reached the entry again, they passed by each other and continued on up the other side of the arena to the top; here they formed up into pairs and split off right and left, riding back down the arena and then coming to a halt to form up in a line from entry to top behind the invisible line the flag bearers were marking.

With the cowgirls all standing behind the flag bearers, the cow hands were next to enter; most walking on foot, but those that did have their own horses with them rode into the arena.

“Please put your hands together for our cow hands. Without this dedicated band of workers the rodeo would not be possible. They are the ones that put the time and effort into transporting the animals to the locations, getting the beasts into the corrals and chutes and setting them up for the rides. Ladies and gentlemen, these are the engine of the rodeo.”

The cow hands waved their hats and hands to the warm reception. Most were grinning from ear to ear and all enjoyed their jobs within the rodeo itself. Charlie was at the front, walking with a confident stride, Hank strode beside him a smile on his lips as he bathed in the recognition from the crowd.

Once all the cow hands were standing behind the flag bearers it was time for the arena staff to enter and receive their share of the applause.

“Don't let it go to your head, Wufei,” whispered Duo as the pick-up guy prepared to enter the arena.

Wufei turned in his saddle and snorted. “We aren't all like you, Maxwell,” he huffed and touching his heels to Nataku's sides, he prepared to enter the arena with Quatre beside him.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please make your appreciation known for the skills of the rodeo arena staff. These guys are responsible for the safety of the cowboys and cowgirls as they compete in their various events. One of the more dangerous jobs is that of the rodeo clown and these men risk their lives every time they step into the arena, but without them the cowboys wouldn't be as safe as they are.”

The rodeo clowns entered the arena, most were still in their outfits complete with the grease paint some of them opted to wear. Trowa was with them, although he wasn't wearing his greasepaint and had slipped his clown outfit over the top of his jeans and shirt. He'd be ducking back out to grab Heavyarms and ride in again with the other cowboys as he was in the running for the title of Barrel Racer of the year.

The crowd all showed their appreciation for the clowns as the guys hammed it up and put on a bit of a 'clownish' display for the spectators. Whilst their job was one of extreme importance to the safety and well being of the cowboys competing and they all took their job seriously, this was one of the rare opportunities they got to let their hair down and literally 'clown' around.

With the clowns making their way to their spots in the fast filling arena, the pick-up guys were next to enter. Wufei and Quatre rode side by side, coming out last in the line up. The rodeo had six pick-up guys, all skilled in their job and the crowd began to applaud loudly once more.

“What would a rodeo be without the pick-up guys?! These men put not only their own lives on the line, but those of their horses too each time they go out there. Along with the clowns, these guys are the safety net for our cowboys.”

When Quatre and Wufei entered the arena, the roar that went up was deafening. Both men waved to the crowds, blushing slightly at the reception they were receiving. Many of the spectators were regulars and tended to follow the rodeo around from town to town. With their constant attendance, they fast became familiar with many of the rodeo personnel and the pick-up guys were top of their list after their favorite cowboys. Quatre and Wufei were obviously two of the crowds most popular of the pick-up guys if the cheers and shouts were anything to go by.

Aside from that though, the courage both had shown when dealing with Reaper and Duo earlier – and not just at this rodeo either – endeared them even more with the crowd and the welcome they got was well deserved.

“I think they like us,” Quatre said to Wufei as they continued to ride around the arena and wave.

“No kidding,” Wufei replied; but the smile didn't leave his face.

Nataku and Sandrock kinked their tails, arched their necks and stepped out proudly; they knew the applause was just as much for them as their masters and they intended to enjoy it to the full.

Once the pick-up guys had taken their places with the rest of the people in the arena it was time for the cowboys themselves to enter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you know a rodeo, no matter how well it is staffed, is not going to be a success if we don't have the competitors. These cowboys put their lives on the line, risk injury to entertain you and compete for the prize. They are a band of dedicated, hard working men who all deserve to win. Please show your appreciation for all their efforts this rodeo season. Put your hands together and welcome the stars of the rodeo, the cowboys!”

The line of cowboys began to move forward, filtering into the arena at a slow jog in pairs, they rode up the center to the top of the arena and split off to move around each side before joining back up again. It was a well choreographed movement, one all the cowboys knew by heart and the parade went like clockwork.

Trowa had managed to slip from the arena and took Heavyarms from Meiran who had kindly offered to hold the mare for him whilst he was with the other rodeo clowns. After thanking the woman, he mounted the mare and rode in towards the front of the line with the other cowboys.

Heero and Duo were towards the last of the cowboys to enter the arena, riding side by side with big smiles on their faces. When they entered, the roar of the crowd rose to deafening proportions.

Duo grinned and waved, the pain killer the medic had given him was working well and he was feeling very much relaxed and at ease, but still in full control of his faculties. Heero had been a little worried by his partner's mellow state but soon relaxed himself as he realized that Duo wasn't about to fall off or fall asleep in a hurry. Heero grinned too and waved at the crowd.

“Nice to be appreciated,” Heero said as they rode up the middle.

“Yup,” Duo replied and turned to look at his partner. “I fully intend to show you how much I appreciate you later too,” he added in a husky tone.

The shiver raced down Heero's spine with the words, but he had his doubts as to just how long Duo would be able to stay awake for once all this fiasco was over. It didn't matter to Heero though, they had the rest of their lives to explore each other and their growing relationship; for now he was simply content that Duo was alive and not seriously hurt.

Scythe tossed his head and added a few prancing steps to his jog. Not to be outdone, Wing arched his neck, lifted his tail higher and moved out with a clear bounce in his step.

Once the cowboys had all traveled around the arena and located a place to stand, the commentator called for quiet and the crowd settled down. Heero and Duo managed to slot in close behind where Trowa, Wufei and Quatre were standing, keeping both their horses back a little though as Trowa was riding a mare and with the pair of them on stallions they didn't think it would look too good if either of their horses started to try and win the mare's affections during the speeches and presentations.

Heavyarms either didn't notice the two stallions or she didn't care as she promptly rested a hind leg and began to doze again.

A small platform was brought out and set on the arena surface followed by a microphone. The commentator once again came over the loud speakers. “Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the rodeo arena manager and representatives of the rodeo board.”

The crowd again applauded as Treize stepped out and crossed to the small platform; behind him came six other men and Zechs.

Treize took his place on the podium and once the crowd had quieted, he spoke in a clear and concise voice. He introduced the members of the board and Zechs as the rodeo vet to the crowd who responded with the obligatory applause. A short speech followed, outlining the aims of the rodeo and the goals that were set for the future events. He thanked the many people involved for making each rodeo the success it was and also the fans for their continued attendance and support.

Knowing that long speeches were not warranted and that everyone was eager to hear the results of the various awards, Treize kept his speech as short as possible.

“I am sure you are all keen to learn the results of the many awards the rodeo runs through the season,” he began.

“Would help a little, after all, isn't that why we've all been busting our balls this year?” Duo muttered.

Heero barely managed to hold the snicker, Quatre couldn't help but smile, Wufei frowned and Trowa snorted.

“I will begin with the rodeo awards for the animals themselves. At each rodeo the bulls and broncs are also rated on their performances, although the scores they achieve are not announced. Those scores are added up to give the final score and it is my privilege to announce to you all the results of those scores.”

“Could you just get on with it while I'm still young enough to hear without hearing aids?” Duo muttered again. Seemed the pain killer was also bringing Duo's sarcastic tongue to the fore – a little more than was usual at any rate.

“Duo,” Heero chastised. “Have a little patience.”

“I'm trying,” Duo whispered back with a grin.

“Yes, you're very trying,” Heero replied dryly.

“And now, without further preamble, the result for the bull of the year.” Treize turned as one of the rodeo board handed him an envelope.

“God, it's worse than the Oscars,” Duo snickered. “All we need is the drum roll and we're there.”

“You forgot the red carpet,” Heero supplied.

Duo thought he would choke trying to hold his laughter.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the bucking bull of the year is awarded to Mafia.”

The crowd all applauded and cheered along with the rodeo staff and cowboys. Mafia was a popular bull, something both Heero and Duo could attest to as both had ridden him at some stage during the season and he wasn't an easy ride by any means.

“And now for the saddle bronc of the year.” Treize took the offered envelope. “This season the title goes to Sparks.”

Once again the applause and cheering rang out.

“Good saddle bronc that one,” Duo stated.

“I agree,” Heero replied. “I wonder who they selected as the bareback bronc of the year?”

Duo's face flushed scarlet as his mind decided to offer up an entirely different interpretation of 'bareback riding'. Shoving all those thoughts of naked flesh and 'riding' to the back of his mind for later and blaming the pain killer for those thoughts, Duo opted to say, “I think we're about to find out.”

“Now for the title of bareback bronc of the year.” The envelope was duly handed over, Treize opening it and his eyes widening a touch. “This year the title goes to Reaper.”

There was a moments silence before the crowd started to applaud, the cowboys and rodeo staff joining in until the noise became quite loud. When they stopped to think about it, it made sense that Reaper would score the highest for the broncs, he was the most difficult horse anyone had ever tried to ride, Duo and Heero being the only two cowboys to have ever stayed on the bronc for the full time.

“With those awards done with, it's time to move onto the other awards, this time for the human content of the rodeo.”

The crowd all chuckled politely at Treize's attempts at humor.

“Whoever he gets to write his material should be fired,” Duo muttered again.

“You volunteering to take over?” Heero asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

Duo shrugged. “I couldn't be any worse,” he said with a grin.

“It is with great pleasure I now announce the winners of the Barrel Racers of the Year. Ladies first. The title for the Cowgirl Barrel Racer of the year goes to...”

“Dun, dun, dun...” Duo whispered out in his attempts at imitating a drum roll. Heero simply rolled his eyes.

“Sherry Collins and her horse Strawberry.”

The crowd all cheered their approval as a smiling blonde rode forward on her skewbald to collect her trophy.

Treize congratulated her, shook her hand and posed next to her for a photo. Once the photo was done, Sherry was directed to stand just behind the podium as the other award winners were announced. Still smiling and waving madly to the crowd, she guided her horse around and stood where she was told to.

“The winner for the Cowboy Barrel Racer of the Year goes to...”

Heero gave Duo a glare. Duo kept his mouth shut.

“One of our very own rodeo clowns who races on the side: Trowa Barton and his horse, Heavyarms.”

“Yes!” Quatre punched the air, startling Sandrock who jumped a little and bumped Nataku, the bay laying his ears back in annoyance.

“Wooo hooo! Go, Tro!” Duo yelled out.

Trowa was blushing bright red as he gave Heavyarms a pat to the neck and eased the mare forward through the parting crowd to collect his trophy.

Treize shook hands with Trowa and congratulated him again on his win before handing over the trophy. The pair posed for the photographer before Trowa was allowed to escape and join the winning cowgirl behind the podium, the crowd all cheering and applauding the popular win.

Taking his place once more behind the microphone, Treize called for quiet, the spectators soon settling down. “Before I move onto the award you're all waiting for, I have a couple of special awards the rodeo board would like to present.”

“What is he going on about?” Duo whispered.

“I wouldn't have a clue,” Heero returned. “I've not known the board to do something like this before.”

“Better shut up and listen I suppose.”

“Might be an idea.”

“The board has decided to make a special presentation to two of its members in recognition of their dedication to their job which has gone above and beyond the call of duty. These two cowboys show compassion, caring and are always there for our cowboys no matter what the situation as was evident earlier today. If it were not for these two, we may have had several more serious accidents occur. It is with great pleasure that I call forward, Quatre Winner and Wufei Chang to accept the rodeo board's award for bravery.”

It took a moment for the words to sink into Wufei and Quatre's heads, but when it did, the pair looked completely stunned. Wufei's mouth opened and closed but nothing came out. Quatre flushed bright red and shook his head.

“Go on, you two, Treize is waiting,” Duo hissed from behind the pair, a broad grin on his face.

The crowd had all gotten behind the announcement and were making their approval known by applauding loudly and cheering. Still in shock, the pair nudged their respective mounts forward, those cowboys in front of them having parted to give the pair free passage to the podium.

“This can't be right,” Quatre muttered. “We're only doing our job.”

“I agree. There are many others who are more deserving,” Wufei mumbled.

They stopped in front of Treize who was currently holding two medals in his hand. Stepping forward, he approached Quatre first, holding out his free hand to shake Quatre's. “Congratulations, Quatre. You and your horse have shown exceptional courage and bravery. This is a small way of saying thank you from the rodeo board.” Treize handed over the medal which Quatre took, still stunned by what was happening.

“Th- thank you,” he managed to say as he looked upon the medal. “I really don't deserve this though, there are lots of other cowboys who are far more deserving than I.”

“Nonsense. What you and Wufei did out there earlier and previously took a lot of guts. The rodeo owes you a debt of gratitude for averting what could have been a very serious accident.” Words said, Treize turned to Wufei and offered his hand.

Wufei shook the hand and received his medal, his mind still trying to play catch up. “As Winner said, we're only doing our job, there is no need for special thanks.”

“And like I said to Quatre, if it wasn't for you two and your quick thinking, we could have had a serious accident or even lost a cowboy. The rodeo is lucky to have a couple of pick-up guys like you in its employ. I sincerely hope the two of you will continue to remain with us for the next season and many more to come.”

“I am honored to receive the award. Thank you,” Wufei replied and glanced at the medal. On one side there was the picture of a cowboy on his horse, on the other the engraving read: 'For courage and bravery'.

The photographer moved in again to take some photos before Quatre and Wufei were allowed to return to their former places with the other rodeo personnel.

Stepping back to the microphone, Treize cleared his throat and began to speak again. “Ladies and gentlemen, we now come to the part of the presentations that you have all been waiting for, the announcement of the Cowboy of the Year.”

“About time, my backside is starting to go numb,” Duo grumbled.

“I'm sure Scythe would complain too about having to put up with your weight if he could talk,” Wufei muttered.

Seeing his partner about to come back with a retort, Heero got in first. “Don't worry, I'll restore the circulation to it later if you like.”

Duo's eyes widened with Heero's words. At the look on his boyfriend's face, Heero suddenly realized exactly what he'd said and flushed bright red.

“Ah... Errr...”

Duo snickered. “It's okay, Heero. I know what you meant; although I'll not complain if you want to-”

“Maxwell, shut up,” Wufei hissed.

Still snickering to himself, Duo went quiet. Heero somehow managed to regain his composure.

“The judges have added up the scores from all the qualifying events at the rodeos during the season and have the final tally for each cowboy. It has been a hotly contested title with the lead changing from rodeo to rodeo and the final result has been a very close one. In fact, there are only two points separating the winner and runner up.” Treize paused for a moment and took the offered envelopes.

Returning his attention to the microphone and assembled crowd, he once again began to speak. “Ladies and gentlemen, cowboys and cowgirls, the runner up for the title is...” Treize tore open the envelope and extracted the piece of paper from within. His face took on a smile as he read the name printed there. “The runner up is, Heero Yuy!”

Cheering, whistling and clapping all burst out at once, obviously the crowd agreed with Treize's announcement.

Heero sat on Wing a completely dazed expression on his face as the words sank home.

“Well done, Heero,” Duo congratulated, the smile on his face simply huge. “Go on, you gotta go up there and collect your prize.”

“I- I- Well, shit,” was all Heero could managed for the moment.

“Great work, Heero,” Quatre stated.

“Congratulations, Yuy, you deserve it,” Wufei smiled.

“I think you'd better shift, Treize is waiting for you,” Duo prompted again with a nod in the direction of the podium.

With his mind still in a daze, Heero nudged Wing forward and through the parting crowd. The applause and cheers followed him all the way tot he podium, several of his fellow cowboys patting him on the back and congratulating him as he rode past.

“Congratulations, Heero,” Treize said as he smile to the young cowboy.

“Thank you,” Heero replied and reached forward to shake Treize's offered hand.

“And here is your prize.” Treize handed over an envelope first which Heero took and tucked into his shirt pocket. A trophy with a wooden base and a statue of a cowboy riding a bucking bull was also handed over.

Taking the offered trophy, Heero glanced at the engraving on the small plate. 'Cowboy Of The Year – Runner Up' stared back out at him and he grinned. Holding the trophy up high, he waved it to the crowd who let their approval be known with continued applause and cheers.

The photographer stepped up once more and took several photos before Heero was released to move behind the podium and stand with Trowa and Sherry.

“Well done, Heero,” Trowa congratulated as Heero brought Wing to a halt a short distance away from the clown and his mare.

“Thanks, I'm still trying to believe it,” Heero replied.

With the crowd settling once more, Treize stepped back up to the microphone.

“And now, it is my pleasure and privilege to announce the winner of the title. This cowboy deserves the title, he's been consistent all through the season, suffered some really bad luck and yet he's continued to amaze and entertain us all with his dedication and love of the sport.” Treize looked back down to the piece of paper he held in his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, cowboys and cowgirls, the winner and title of Cowboy of the Year goes to; Duo Maxwell!”

The roar that went up from spectators and rodeo staff alike was tremendous. Duo was a very popular cowboy not only amongst the rodeo personnel, but with the many followers of the sport too.

Duo had been holding his breath, waiting for the announcement. He'd known he was in there with a damn good chance, but Heero had been too. When Heero was announced as the runner up, Duo – although over the moon with happiness for his partner - couldn't help the sinking feeling in his stomach. To him, knowing that Heero, Jake and himself were so close in the points and Heero scoring the runner up meant that Jake had pretty much taken the title. To hear Treize call his name as the winner rendered the cowboy completely speechless.

“Yes!” hollered Quatre.

“Go, Maxwell!” Wufei cheered.

Behind the podium, Trowa and Heero added their cheers to the mix, Heero grinning from ear to ear as he watched the stunned disbelief register on his partner's face.

“Go on, Duo,” Quatre encouraged as he moved Sandy to the side and patted Duo on the back. “You have to go collect your trophy.”

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” Duo replied sheepishly. The announcement had taken him completely off guard, moisture prickled behind his violet eyes and he hastily blinked it away. Nudging Scythe, he rode the appy forward and through the parting, cheering crowd.

The applause and congratulations rained down on him as he rode through the arena to where Treize stood waiting. Clearly the crowd approved of the winner. Duo was so happy he thought he would burst. Scythe put extra bounce into his step as he walked calmly forward, arching his neck and carrying his tail up high.

Coming to a halt before the podium, Duo took a moment to catch his breath before turning his eyes to a smiling Treize.

“Congratulations, Duo. The title was a hard fought one and you are a well deserving winner.” Treize offered his hand which Duo shook firmly. An envelope was handed over followed by a large trophy which had a marble base and the statue of a cowboy on a bucking bronc atop of it.

“Thank you. I'm afraid it's all still a bit of a shock,” Duo replied honestly.

“Would you like to say a few words to the crowd?”

For a moment Duo looked panic stricken, his eyes suddenly connecting with the cobalt blue of his boyfriend's. Heero mouthed the words 'I love you' to him and all Duo's fears vanished. “Thanks, Treize, I think I will.”

Treize handed the microphone over to Duo and the crowd went quiet. Taking a second to compose himself, Duo raised his eyes and looked deep into Heero's. He found the reassurance he was looking for there.

“I just want to say thank you to the rodeo board and the judges for making such an award possible. Thank you also to the rodeo hands who prepare the broncs and bulls for us and to the pick-up guys for always being there to help us out of a sticky situation, especially Quatre and Wufei. These two guys are just fantastic and as I can tell you all first hand, if not for them I most likely wouldn't be here and accepting this award.” Duo smiled at his two friends who shook their heads and blushed, the crowd chuckled in appreciation.

“Lastly, thank you to the other cowboys. Without them there wouldn't be a competition and they are all a bunch of fantastic guys, each one just as dedicated as the next and that is what makes the spirit of the rodeo. Whilst I may be the recipient of the title and award, in my book, each and every one of the cowboys competing on the circuit are cowboys of the year in their own way. Thank you.” Blushing to the roots of his hair, Duo handed back the microphone to Treize.

“Very well said,” Treize stated once the hollering and cheering had died down enough for him to be heard. “Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the presentations. I'd ask you all to put your hands together and show your appreciation one last time as our winners and remaining cowboys, cowgirls, rodeo hands and the like share in a lap of honor!”

The music was cranked up, the crowd all cheering, clapping and shouting along with it.

“Come on, Duo. You have to lead the lap of honor,” Heero said as Duo joined him.

“Only if you ride with me,” came the reply.

Heero grinned. “I'd love to.” Leaning over a little, he lowered his voice and spoke. “I'm so damn proud of you.”

Duo felt the prickling behind his eyes again and this time he didn't care to stop it. Taking his reins up and stuffing the envelope into his shirt pocket, he held the trophy in his other hand and pushed Scythe into a lope. Wing joined the appaloosa, Heero mindful to keep the paint a touch behind Scythe. This was Duo's moment after all. The long haired cowboy had worked so hard for it, suffered through more than any cowboy should be asked to and still come out on top.

Wing pulled a little against the restraining hold his master had on the reins. He wanted to be up there and in front of that dotted donkey. With his master holding him in check, Wing decided to lengthen out his stride and catch up that way.

Scythe could hear and see the paint pot beside and slightly back of him. He gave a smug snort. At least that black and white splash back knew his place now.

Wing's longer stride soon had him catching up though. Scythe wasn't going to stand for that and also increased his lope. Pretty soon the pair were almost galloping around the outside of the arena.

Feeling his horse speeding up and lengthening out, Duo glanced to the side and saw the reason for Scythe's sudden increase in speed. He gave a laugh as he checked the forward momentum. Heero had also realized what his horse was up to and sat down deeper, bringing Wing back to a more sedate lope.

The crowd continued to cheer as the main body of the rodeo personnel left the arena, leaving Heero and Duo to finish a third lap of honor before also exiting to join with their friends and acquaintances for further congratulations.

~ * ~

tbc...
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