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Equus	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 2855 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I do own the equines though, please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

Chapter List
- 73
- 74
- 75
“Equus”

Chapter 74

“Everything seems to be quite normal,” Duo commented as he gave Whiskey another check over.

“His gut is making lovely sounds,” Zechs said and straightened up with a smile. “I think he's going to pull through just fine.”

“I'd better give his owner a call and let her know all is going well thus far, although we aren't out of the woods just yet.”

“No, we aren't,” Zechs agreed. “I'll feel a lot better once he's eating and passing manure properly.”

“Heero has made up a bran mash for him, all it needs is the water adding so I'll ask him to finish it off and bring it in if you feel he's ready to try eating something.”

“That would be good, thanks.”

Just as Duo was about to step out of the stable he heard Heero screaming his name and he looked to Zechs in shock.

“Duo! DUO!” Heero yelled, running full tilt to the stable where the patient was. Just before he got there he managed to stop his headlong rush, he didn't want to frighten Duo's patient and cause any further damage.

“Heero?” Duo questioned, grabbing his lover and staring into panicked blue eyes. Zechs wondered about the commotion and urgency that was in Heero's voice too and he followed Duo from within the stable.

“It's June, she's going into labor, we need an ambulance,” Heero panted out.

“Are you sure?” Duo paled a little.

“Hai, I'm certain. She said her waters just broke.”

“Oh fuck.” Duo paled even more.

“Shit, it never bloody well rains, it damn well pours!” Zechs muttered. Not quite the best choice of words he knew, but right now he was also having difficulty wrapping his brain around Heero's information.

Doing his best to calm his own panicked brain, Duo took a deep breath. “Where is she?”

“In Orion's stable.”

“Heero, you call for an ambulance and tell them to hurry. Zechs, you come with me, we need to get her out of that stable and somewhere comfortable whilst we wait for the ambulance.”

“Me?” Zechs squeaked. “Why me? I'm a vet, not a doctor!”

“So am I, Zechs, but if you think you're going to let me deal with this on my own you're bloody well mistaken!”

“But, but... I'm gay,” Zechs spluttered. “I have no idea when it comes to females and I really don't want to go down that path.”

“So what? I'm gay too, Zechs, but it doesn't change the fact that as much as we may not appreciate the female species for that side of things, this is a female who is in labor and needs our help until the proper people get here.”

Zechs took a deep breath and did his best to compose himself. “Fine, I'll help.”

“Thank you, I knew I could count on the professional in you.” Duo didn't dare admit he was just as terrified as Zechs. “Come on, we need to help June.” Leaving Heero to call for the ambulance, Duo led the way to Orion's stable and the damsel in distress.

June leaned against the stable partition as Heero dashed out of the stable. She wasn't too sure what he was doing, but she just hoped he would call for an ambulance. She clutched at her belly as another contraction swept through, a soft moan of pain leaving her mouth.

“June?”

June looked up when she heard her name being called and noted Duo entering the stable.

“June, Heero's calling for an ambulance. While we wait for it to get here I think you should come with me to the cottage where we can make you more comfortable.”

As the pain of the contraction eased off, June was able to find her voice. “Thanks, sorry to be any trouble.”

“You're not being any trouble at all,” Duo replied in a kind tone as he approached her and gently put his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, I'll help you to walk.”

Doctor Merquise appeared on her other side and June gratefully accepted the assistance of both vets.

“Where are we going?” Zechs asked.

“Up to the cottage. She can lie on the bed in the spare room whilst we wait,” Duo replied before turning his attention back to the woman. “Do you think you can manage to walk to the cottage, June?”

“I should be fine as long as we take it slowly,” she replied.

“Good, that's the girl,” Duo encouraged. “If you want to stop at any time, just let me know.”

With June supported between them, the two vets moved slowly out of Orion's stable and after securing the door, began the trek to the cottage.

*

Having delivered his shocking news, Heero left his lover and Zechs to deal with June whilst he made the emergency call.

“Emergency. Which service do you require? Fire, police or ambulance?”

“Ambulance,” Heero stated and bit his lip as the call was transferred.

“Ambulance, what is your emergency?”

“Ah, I need an ambulance right away for a female in labor,” Heero managed to get out.

“The address?”

“Um.” For one panicked moment, Heero couldn't remember the address.

“Sir? The address?”

“Sorry, it's the Maxwell Veterinary Practice on Fern Lane, Salsbury.”

“Sir, did you say a Veterinary Practice?” There was a distinct undercurrent of disbelief in the operator's tone.

When Heero thought about it, it probably did sound rather weird asking for an ambulance for a female about to give birth at a vet practice. “Hai, the Maxwell Veterinary Practice in Salsbury. One of the human clients is pregnant and has gone into labor.” Heero figured it would probably be best to clarify the situation a little; the last thing they needed right now was an operator with a sense of humor. Spotting Duo and Zechs exiting Orion's stable and aiming for the outside, he thought it was a good guess that they were taking June up to the cottage. “She's in the residence at the back of the surgery practice.”

“Thank you, sir. One moment.” The sounds of typing could be heard in the background before the operator came back on the line. “The ambulance is on its way, sir. It should be with you within thirty minutes.”

“Thanks.” Bidding the operator goodbye, Heero closed his cell, checked all the stable doors were secured properly and bolted for the cottage.

*

Heero caught up with the others about half way to the cottage. “How is she?” he asked as he fell into step with the other three.

“So far, so good,” Duo replied. “Did you call the ambulance?”

“Please tell me you called an ambulance.” June muttered as she took a few more steps.

“Hai, I did. They're on their way, the operator said it should be here in about thirty minutes.”

“Thanks, Heero,” June managed to get out. “Errr, think we could stop for just a second?”

“Why?” Heero asked in his blunt tone.

“I can feel another contraction coming on.”

“What, now?!” Heero squeaked.

Duo gave his lover a disbelieving glare. “Of course we can, June. Here, just hold onto Zechs and myself until it passes.”

Heero realized his mistake and wisely shut up.

The contraction passed through and the three again began to move slowly towards the cottage. Heero, deciding he really didn't want to be a part of all this if he could help it, went on ahead to unlock the cottage and get the guest bedroom ready for June. Not that there was much to do, just open the doors and fold down the covers to the bed. He wondered if he should fetch some towels or maybe a rubber mat. Based on what he'd seen of animals giving birth, he knew there was a lot of fluids that came with the birth process and wouldn't it be a good idea to protect the bed mattress, linens and such? Then again, maybe he should wait for Duo before doing anything.

Moments later the trio arrived at the back door.

“This way to the guest room,” Duo said to the woman and pointed to the hallway. “Once we have you in there we can make you comfortable until the ambulance gets here.”

June gratefully sank to the bed when she got into the room and clutched at her belly again.

“Another contraction?” Duo asked.

June nodded.

“Okay, just try to breathe and ride it out. The medics should be here shortly.” Duo rubbed the woman's back in a soothing gesture.

The contraction began to ease off and June was able to speak again. “I hope they hurry up, I could seriously use some drugs right about now. These contractions are a bitch when they hit!”

“Duo? You've got drugs to help with pain up at the surgery, want me to go get some for her?” Heero asked, trying to be helpful as he hovered in the doorway.

Three sets of eyes turned to look at the rider and Heero squirmed under the intensity of the gazes. “What? I'm only trying to help,” he defended.

“Heero,” Duo began in his patient voice. “The drugs I have at the surgery may be pain killers, but they are for animals, not humans.” He added another 'look' as he paused, the look letting Heero know he'd better not suggest that humans were basically animals too or he'd find himself on the receiving end of some not so nice verbal bashing; and not just from himself. “Besides that, I wouldn't have a clue what the dosage rate would be for a female.”

“I've got news for all of you,” June growled, “No way am I taking anything that isn't prescribed by a doctor or human medic.”

Deciding it might be a good idea to change the topic, Heero shuffled his feet and spoke. “Shall I go make a cup of tea?”

“Thank you, Heero, that's a great idea. I'm sure June would welcome a cup of tea.”

Nodding, Heero fled the scene, relieved he had something to do and could escape putting his foot any further into his mouth.

“Would you like to lie down?” Duo asked and assisted June to recline back on the bed a little. No sooner had she gotten comfortable when another contraction made its presence known.

June clutched at her belly and groaned as the pain seemed to intensify and last for ages. Eventually it passed and she lay back against the pillows, a light sheen of sweat appearing on her brow. Duo felt his concern growing and glanced at his watch. Only ten minutes had passed since Heero's call to the emergency department which meant the ambulance was still another twenty minutes away at best.

“June?” The woman opened her closed eyes and looked at Duo. “How frequent are these contractions and just how intense would you say they are?”

Frowning, June thought about Duo's questions and answered as honestly as she could. “I haven't bothered to time them, but I'd say they are getting more frequent, something like about four to five minutes apart and that last one was a lot stronger than the others; it also lasted longer too.”

“Okay, thanks. You just rest easy there for a moment while I go see if Heero has that cup of tea ready yet.” Duo gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile to the woman and made eye contact with Zechs, indicating for the other vet to follow him out.

“What's wrong?” Zechs asked, pulling the door almost closed behind him

“I'm worried about the contractions,” Duo replied. “I really don't have a lot of experience when it comes to human birth, but I do know that as the baby gets closer to being delivered, the contractions are closer together and build in intensity; they also last longer.”

“You think she might have this baby before the ambulance gets here?” Zechs whispered, his tone panicked.

“Yes, I do.”

“Ah. Errr, I think I should go back to the stables and check on Whiskey.” Zechs turned to make a run for it when he was suddenly brought up short by someone grabbing his arm and holding on firmly. He turned back to see Duo clutching his arm and holding on for dear life.

“Oh no, no way, Zechs. You're not leaving me here to deal with this alone!” Duo hissed.

“You won't be alone, you have Heero here to help,” Zechs pointed out helpfully and tried to squirm out of the iron grip.

“Heero's no use in this instance, Zechs. I need someone who knows what they're doing.”

“In case it had slipped your mind once again; I'm a vet, not a doctor!” Zechs said through gritted teeth.

“So am I, Zechs, but that woman in there needs our help. She's in labor and I don't think the proper people are going to get here in time. We're all she's got!”

“Then she's in some serious trouble if we're it,” Zechs growled.

“Zechs, how hard can it be? Both you and I have delivered hundreds of babies-”

“Kittens, puppies, calves, foals and lambs, yes; but I've never delivered a kid before!”

“Yes you have,” Duo snickered.

“Eh?” Zechs raised a pale eyebrow.

“You delivered a kid from Mr. McPherson’s nanny goat only a couple of months ago.”

“Now he gets a sense of humor,” Zechs muttered and rolled his eyes. “I'll clarify that for you. I've never delivered a human kid before!”

“Think of it as a new experience then.”

'I doubt we will need the calving or foaling ropes for this.”

“Zechs!”

“Just kidding.”

“At least with this patient they can talk to us and let us know what's going on with them instead of us making educated guesses,” Duo mused.

“That is a valid point, but I still don't want to be there.”

“Neither do I, I'd be more than happy to just foist June off on the proper people. Unfortunately, we can't do that. Until the ambulance arrives, we're going to have to do the best we can for her and that baby.”

Zechs' shoulders slumped in defeat. “Okay, you win, I'll help.” Zechs raised his head to look straight into Duo's eyes. “But I absolutely refuse to be anywhere near the business end!”

“Fine! I'll act as the midwife and you can monitor the patient.”

“Speaking of patients, I really should go and check on Whiskey first.”

Zechs did have a point there. They still had to keep an eye on the horse after major surgery and he needed to ring Miss Jackson and let her know how Whiskey was. “Okay, you take a quick run back down to the stables and check on Whiskey, Heero can assist me for the moment. I expect you back here though within five minutes, if you're not, I'll send Heero down to haul your ass back.”

“Send me where?” Heero asked as he appeared in the hall with a cup of tea in his hand.

“Heero, I have a feeling that June's baby is not going to wait for the ambulance to get here which means Zechs and I will need to help her through the delivery as best we can.”

Heero's eyes widened and the cup in his hand began to rattle a little in the saucer.

“We still have Whiskey down at the surgery stables to keep an eye on and Zechs is going to take a quick run back down there to see how he's doing. Whilst he's doing that I'll need you to help me with June and if Zechs isn't back in five minutes, you can go and fetch him back.”

“You want me to help you?” Heero whispered.

Duo nodded.

“In there?” Heero whimpered.

Another nod.

“With a female about to give birth?” Heero had gone deathly white and the tea started to spill out of the cup and into the saucer.

“I believe that's what I said,” Duo replied and skilfully intercepted the cup and saucer as they started to fall from Heero's lax fingers.

Heero shook his head from side to side, the rest of his body also shaking. “No,” he whispered. “I can go and keep an eye on Whiskey, Zechs can stay here and help you,” he protested.

“Zechs needs to check his heart and breathing rates, make sure the wound is okay and that he's come out of the anesthetic without any distress. I know you're a good vet nurse, Heero, but you're not up to the standards required for this.”

“No, I don't want to,” Heero tried again.

“Heero,” Duo wheedled, “It won't be for long and all you'll need to do is sit by June's head and keep her calm. Once Zechs is back I'll need you to go back to the stables and look after Whiskey for me.”

“What about Hilde? Or Catherine?” Heero tried. “They're women and would be far better than me.” Zechs' ears pricked up on Heero's question. He'd like to know the answer to that too!

“Hilde is flat out doing consults for us. I asked her earlier if she would come in and cover them in case Zechs and I were caught up with the horse. And before you say it, Catherine will also be very busy with the reception and helping Hilde.”

“I could go swap with her,” Zechs offered helpfully.

“Sorry, Zechs. If anyone is gonna swap with Hilde to get out of this it will be me,” Duo stated.

“Why you?” asked Heero.

“Because I'm the boss,” Duo smugly replied.

“Aren't you forgetting something?” Heero folded his arms across his chest. At Duo's questioning look, Heero elaborated. “I'm a partner in this business too so technically you're only half the boss.”

Zechs snickered, Duo's mouth gaped open and closed like a landed fish.

A cry of pain from within the guest room saw the arguments between the three come to an abrupt halt. “Shit, June,” Duo exclaimed and spun around to go back into the bedroom. Heero exchanged a quick word with Zechs and before the blonde could answer, he took off out of the cottage, leaving Zechs to help Duo.

*

“June?” Duo questioned as he cautiously entered the guest room. June lay on the bed, her face a grimace of pain and her hands had the sheets in a death grip. Duo shuddered and moved to the side of the bed, placing the tea cup and saucer on the bedside cabinet. Doing his best to remember anything at all in regards to human birth, he did his best to sound reassuring “Try to breathe, soft pants I think is the best.”

June glared at the vet.

“Okay, maybe just breathing at your own pace then.” Duo spied Zechs from the corner of his eye, the blonde doing his best to become a part of the wall. “Zechs, go get a wash cloth and wet it with warm water,” he hissed. “Bring some towels too.”

Only to happy to comply, Zechs bolted from the room and went in search of the requested items.

“That's it, June, ride it out,” Duo encouraged as the woman started to relax once more.

Relaxing back into the pillows, June gave an exhausted sigh. “When will the ambulance be here?”

Duo's cell phone rang, the vet giving the woman an apologetic look as he took the call. “Maxwell Veterinary Practice, Doctor Maxwell speaking.” There was a pause for a moment before Duo spoke again. “Yes, that is correct, she's here in the guest bedroom... I see... Shit! You're fricken joking?!... Ah, sorry about the language... No, I understand... Yes, we will... Okay, please hurry... Thank you.” Duo closed the cell and his eyes and gave a long, low sigh. “The ambulance is still on its way, but there's a slight delay.” Duo opened his eyes and looked at June. “They're caught up in road works.”

“You are joking – aren't you?” June whispered.

Duo shook his head. “No. I wish I was, but I'm not. Seems some idiot had crashed his car into the side barrier just before the bridge on the Salsbury side road a couple of days ago. The road crews are out there fixing it and the traffic is one lane only, seems the ambulance is caught up in that traffic. They said it would be another fifteen to thirty minutes before they will be here.”

“You're joking,” came a voice from the doorway and Duo swiveled his head to see Zechs standing there, wash cloth in one hand, towels hugging close to his body in his other arm and hand.

“No, I'm not.”

“Well, that sucks.”

“You want to try it from my side,” June stated grimly and then grimaced as another contraction began. “Shit, I don't think I can do this.” June went into a series of moans and groans as the contraction built, Duo and Zechs stood by helplessly, only able to offer comfort and reassuring words to the woman as she rode the contraction out. Finally it ended and June slumped again into the bed.

Handing Duo the wash cloth, Zechs set the towels down on the side of the bed. Duo wiped away the sweat on June's forehead. “Better?' Duo asked.

“Thanks.”

“You're welcome. I just wish there was more I could do for you to make you comfortable.” Duo patted June's arm.

“Duo, you've already done... Ahhhh. Oh shit, another contraction's coming, but it feels different.” June moaned loudly and dug her fingernails into the bed. “I think... I think the baby's coming!”

“Oh crap.” Duo looked at Zechs who shrugged his shoulders.

“This is your show, boss man,” Zechs stated and moved towards Duo. “I think you need to be at the other end, I'll take over here.”

Before he knew what was happening, Duo found himself pushed from his place beside June's head and shoulders and towards the end of the bed. He swallowed hard and wiped his sweaty hands on his jeans. “June?”

The woman looked at him through pain filled eyes. “I don't think your baby is going to wait for the ambulance to get here to be born. I know I'm not a human doctor and I will bear no malice if you tell me to get stuffed, but I do have some knowledge of the birth process, I've delivered countless foals, calves, kittens and puppies...”

“Duo,” June began through gritted teeth, cutting off the vet's babbling. “Right now I don't give a flying fuck if you were a circus clown; please, this baby wants to be born and I need your help.”

Doing his best to hold his chuckle at the words, Duo nodded his head. “Okay. I'll be right back.”

“Where are you going?” asked a panicked voice; and it wasn't June's.

“I need to scrub up, grab some instruments and get some surgical gloves. I'm only going to the bathroom,” Duo stated with a roll of his eyes.

“Oh, sorry.”

With a shake of his head at the blonde vet, Duo shot out of the guest room to get cleaned up and ready to deliver June's baby.

*

“That's it, push,” Zechs coaxed as he held June around her shoulders to support her.

June grunted and groaned as she strained with the contraction, moments later falling back and panting in Zechs' arms as the contraction eased.

Down the other end of the bed, Duo knelt between June's legs, towels around and underneath her. “Almost there,” he encouraged. “One more push and this baby should be just about born.” Duo could clearly see the baby's head and knew it was only a matter of minutes before the babe would join them in the real world.

“Ah, ahhhhh...” June raised herself a little and grabbed onto Zechs' arms. Her fingers dug in deep and would no doubt be leaving bruises, but Zechs didn't flinch or try to pull away. He grit his teeth and bore the pain – after all, June was in far more pain than him, at least his would end very soon and fade away after a couple of days. June's would go on until the child grew up and left home.

“That's it, good girl, push,” Duo cajoled, his eyes fixed firmly on the baby's head as it bulged forth from the birth canal.

“I'm bloody well pushing as hard as I can!” June yelled.

Both Zechs and Duo blinked in shock.

“Ahhhh... shiiittt...” June screamed as she bore down.

“Yes!” Duo crowed, one hand under the baby's head as the child began to slip out. A slight twist and the shoulders followed. The rest of the baby followed within seconds. Unsure of exactly what to do, Duo grabbed for a towel that sat beside him and gently began to wipe the baby's face, nose and mouth. Usually this was where things ended for him, the mother took over then, cleaning her young and fussing over them, but this was a human child, not a kitten, puppy or such.

The baby opened its mouth and gave a lusty cry causing Duo to almost drop the thing. June, who had lain back once more, suddenly shot upright when she heard her baby cry.

“One second,” Duo said with a smile at the mother. “Zechs, I need a hand for a moment.”

Given the look on Duo's face, Zechs thought he'd better not ask why; or refuse. “What do you need?” he asked as he inched a little closer but still did his best to remain away from the 'scene of the action'.

“I need to clamp and cut the cord and I can't do it with the baby in my hands.”

“Ah, gotcha.” With Duo cradling the child and giving instructions, Zechs placed a clamp near the baby's stomach and then another a couple of inches further down. Picking up the scissors, he quickly snipped the cord.

Having checked on the baby's sex, Duo wrapped the child up in a towel and placed it on June's now deflated stomach. The woman immediately encompassed the child in her arms.

“Congratulations, you have a son,” Duo said with a beaming smile.

The tears ran freely down June's face as she inspected the bundle, Duo's eyes were also very moist and Zechs was barley hanging onto his own composure.

A soft knock on the door and Heero poked his head around. “The ambulance is here,” he began and then noticed all the waterworks in the room – and then the reason for them. He smiled.

“Now the cavalry arrives,” Zechs muttered.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus