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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
- 74
- 75
- 76
“Equus”

Chapter 75

Having left the two vets to attend to June, Heero escaped from the cottage and aimed directly for the stables and the safety of the horses. He wasn't squeamish or anything like that, he'd helped Duo deliver lots of babies over the course of the years, but this was one birth he wanted no part of. Oh he wished June all the very best, but when it came down to the fine line, June was a client and a female one at that. Whilst she was a valued friend, there was no way Heero wanted anything at all to do with female humans in the respect of the sexual side of things and that included giving birth. He shuddered every time he thought about it and it only reminded him of why he was gay.

Entering the stables the smell of horses hit his nostrils and Heero began to relax. This was more like it, this was his element and he knew exactly what he was doing. His first stop was to check on Whiskey. Duo was right in saying he didn't have the proper expertize to deal with a horse, post surgery, but he did have the basic knowledge and had assisted Duo on several cases of after care. Entering the stable, he made sure to let the horse know he was there by talking in a soft tone. Whiskey blinked at him but let him approach.

Reaching under the horse's throat, Heero gently pressed his fingers to the pulse point located between the base of the cheek bones and counted off the pulse rate against his watch. Noting the rate, he scribbled it down in his notebook that he'd thought to grab on his hasty retreat from the cottage. Next came the breathing rate and whilst he didn't have a stethoscope, he could watch the ribcage and nostrils to count the number of breaths in a minute. That figure went down in his notebook too. Still speaking softly, Heero moved to the flank area and took a good look at the wound site. All the staples were intact and no signs of blood or any type of fluid coming from the area. Heero gave a sigh of relief. All in all the horse looked quite comfortable and that made Heero rest a bit easier.

“Okay, fella, I'll get you that bran mash now,” Heero told the horse as he gently patted the warm neck. Carefully closing the door behind him, Heero went to finish off making up the bran mash. Moments later he was back in the stable and putting the feed into the horse's feed bin. Whiskey shuffled across and took a sniff of the food. He lipped at a bit of it and then decided he was hungry after all and sticking his muzzle into the bin completely, he began to eat.

Giving a smile, Heero knew that once the animal was eating, that was a good sign that recovery was well on the way. He also knew it was important that Whiskey be able to pass manure, but a scan of the stable area showed nothing in that department as yet. Deciding the horse was okay to leave for the moment, Heero went to fetch the rest of the horses in and settle them for the night.

He'd just finished checking Whiskey again when he heard the sounds of sirens approaching. A glance at his watch and Heero frowned. He hadn't realized this much time had passed, and given that it had, why was the ambulance this late? Right now though, June was more important and Heero jogged from the stables to intercept the ambulance.

The lights and sirens were turned off as the ambulance entered the driveway and pulled up around the back of the surgery in the stables car park, both medics noting the man jogging towards them from the direction of the stables.

“I thought the caller said the woman was in the cottage?” one medic said to his partner.

“I hope so,” replied the other, “otherwise I'd say it could be a religious experience,” she snickered.

The male medic shook his head at the attempt at humor from his partner.

Heero reached the ambulance just as the medics were getting out. “Thank god you're here,” he said and caught his breath. “June is in the spare room inside the cottage.”

“I'm sorry we're a little later than expected, we got caught up in road works,” replied the medic as he grabbed his bag from inside the ambulance.

“Could you take us to the patient please?” asked the other medic.

“This way,” Heero said and led the way to the cottage.

*

“The ambulance is here,” Heero said when he poked his head around the door to the guest room. He blinked and noted all the water in the room, then he spotted the bundle in June's arms and he smiled. He caught Zechs' muttered words as he pulled back to let the medics into the room.

“I'm so sorry we're a little later than intended,” the first medic apologized. “We didn't know the council would be fixing the crash barrier on the bridge today.”

“Better late than never,” Duo replied, “Although, I think you missed most of the action. Doctor Duo Maxwell, by the way.” Duo extended his hand towards the medic before quickly retracting it when he realized he still wore the surgical gloves and they weren't exactly clean. “Oops, sorry.” The gloves were quickly removed and a handshake exchanged.

“Ambulance officer Greg Mitchell and this is my partner, Sherry Hillman.”

“Pleased to meet you, Doctor Maxwell,” Sherry said as she extended her hand.

“Likewise. This is my associate, Doctor Zechs Merquise, and this lovely lady here is the patient, Mrs. June Bailey.”

Zechs nodded, June gave a small smile and returned to her inspection of the new bundle.

“Looks like we're a little late,” Sherry said with a grin.

“Ah, well, the placenta still hasn't been delivered,” Duo said with a scratch to the back of his neck. “And the baby needs to be checked over. I did a preliminary check, but I really haven't got much of a clue when it comes to human babies. Oh, I'd suggest giving June the once over too, you know, make sure everything is as it should be.” Duo couldn't help the shudder.

Seeing his boss appeared to have everything in order, Zechs saw his chance to escape – and no way was he going to pass up such an opportunity. “Now that the proper medics are here, I think I'll go back and check on our other patient. If you will excuse me,” Zechs said and quickly darted from the room.

Both medics raised eyebrows at the hasty departure.

“Um, you'll have to forgive my colleague, he's not exactly into the human birth side of things either, and we do have a horse we need to monitor that's just had major surgery. Having said all that, I think I'll leave you people to it as I really should go and check on the horse too. I think you guys are better prepared to deal with this sort of thing than I am. I'm only a vet after all.” Duo - aware that he was beginning to babble - shut up and made to leave the room.

“Thank you, Doctor Maxwell,” Greg said to the vet. “I appreciate it mustn’t have been easy for you as a vet to deliver a human baby, but I just want you to know that you and your colleague have done an excellent job.”

Duo began to turn red at the praise. “It's okay,” he said with a wave of his hand. “I'll be back shortly.”

“Oh, just before you go, where is the patient's husband?”

“Oh shit!” Duo again scratched the back of his neck, the red flush of embarrassment deepening. “Errr... You know, during the entire course of this fiasco, we all forgot about him and none of us even thought to call him. I suppose it might be an idea, hey?”

“I think it would be a good idea,” Greg replied with an amused smirk.

“Ummm, might be best to speak to June about that, she'd have his number and all. Look, I should only be a few minutes checking this horse and then I'll come right back.”

“Okay, we'll take things from here.”

June gave a loud moan. “Ahhh, I thought you said this was all over now,” she stated with a glare in Duo's direction.

“Ah, June, the medics are here now and they will take good care of you, I'll be back shortly.” Seeing the window of opportunity beginning to close on him, Duo bolted from the room before anyone could stop him – and ran right into Heero who was hovering outside in the hallway.

“Come on, Heero,” Duo hissed and grabbed his partner's arm, pulling the rider rather hurriedly along with him.

Heero allowed himself to be dragged from the cottage and it wasn't until they were outside and on their way to the stables that he managed to shake Duo's grip off. “What's the hurry?” he asked with a smirk. He was well aware of what had transpired in the guest room, having been eavesdropping outside.

“Let's just say I really don't want to be in there right now, okay?” Duo huffed. “How is Whiskey?” he asked, changing the topic to one he was more qualified to deal with, not to mention comfortable.

With a soft chuckle to himself and a shake of his head, Heero pulled out his notebook and gave Duo the run down on the horse

*

Zechs was busy checking the gelding over when Duo walked in. “Managed to escape too?” he said with a grin.

“Yeah. How's the patient doing?”

“Good, really good. Have you rung Miss Jackson yet?”

“Shit! No, no I haven't. That's another thing I forgot all about with the sudden crisis. Better get onto that right away.” Duo pulled his cell from his pocket and disappeared into the drug room where Whiskey's file sat with the contact number in it.

Miss Jackson was overjoyed with the news Duo delivered. After explaining a few details and what the recovery period should be, Duo closed the call and took a moment to breathe before returning to the stables and a widely grinning Zechs.

“He passed manure!” Zechs stated rather loudly once he spotted his boss.

“That's great!” Duo replied and hurried over to the bucket Zechs held proudly in his hand. Peering inside, his eyes scanned over the pile, looking for anything out of the ordinary. Heero leaned against a stable door and snickered softly at the scene. When a pale eyebrow and a brown one were raised in his direction, Heero knew he needed to elaborate.

“You two,” he began, “are the only people I know that get all excited over a pile of shit.”

“I'll have you know you can learn a lot from a pile of shit,” Duo huffed in their defense.

Heero shrugged. “I'm all finished here, you two need a hand with anything else or shall we lock up for the night?”

“I think we're almost done,” replied Zechs. “I'll just do one last check of Whiskey for now and that's it.”

Zechs completed his check, noting down all the relevant details on Whiskey's file. The stables were checked, the sliding door closed and the monitoring system switched on. “I'll come back down in a couple of hours and check him again,” Zechs said when the three stood outside. “Now I'll pop up to the practice and give Hilde a hand to finish off with the consults if you like?”

“Thanks, Zechs, I'd appreciate that. I still have the slight problem of a woman and baby to finish dealing with and I don't know how long that will take. I'll come up to the surgery once I'm done here. The monitoring system is on so if there's any change it will notify us and we can head back down straight away.”

“Okay, I'll bring Hilde and Catherine up to speed as well, shall I?”

“Yes, please.”

“Okay. I'll see you soon.” Zechs turned and aimed for the practice building, Duo and Heero looked towards the cottage.

“I suppose we really should go back in there and see how everything is,” Duo said and scuffed the ground with the toe of his boot.

“I guess so,” Heero sighed. “I'll put the kettle on, I think we could both do with a strong coffee.”

“I could do with a shot of whiskey in mine, and I don't mean the horse either. Hey, how come you get to make the coffee?” Duo demanded.

“Because you designated me the 'tea lady', remember?” Heero replied with a smug grin.

“You just don't want to face June or anything else in that room,” Duo accused.

“Too right! Duo, I love you with all of my heart and I'd do anything for you, but, please, don't ask me to help out with a woman in labor ever again.” Heero visibly shuddered as he spoke.

“Wuss,” Duo snickered.

“And proud of it,” Heero retorted.

*

By the time the pair reentered the cottage, the medics were just about finished. Leaving Heero to play the role of 'tea lady', Duo walked cautiously towards the guest bedroom. He could hear the sound of quiet voices from within and gathered that the worst of things must be finished. He knocked and stuck his head around the door jamb, a smile reaching his lips when he saw the three, or rather four, occupants in the room.

June was lying back on the bed, the baby now wrapped up in a blanket and nursing happily. She looked tired, flushed, but happy – a far cry from the screaming, groaning, snapping, hell cat of earlier. Actually that wasn't quite true, Duo thought. Maybe a panicked pussy cat would have been a more appropriate description, but definitely the screaming, snapping and groaning sort. Greg appeared to be putting things away in his bag whilst Sherry was sitting next to June and talking softly to the woman. “Hey,” Duo called out quietly. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” June replied, “It's your home after all.”

“How are you feeling?” Duo did his best to keep his eyes trained on June's face, even though the woman was covered discreetly as she fed the babe. He'd had more than enough of the female anatomy today, thank you very much. He'd already be having nightmares for weeks without any additional memories!

“Tired but happy,” June replied. “Thank you, Duo, I really am grateful to you for all you did for me. I know it mustn't have been easy for you, but I really am grateful for everything you did to help me. Heaven knows what would have happened if you, and Zechs too, hadn't been here and did what you did.”

Duo felt himself flushing red once more with the praise and scratched the back of his neck – a habit he was inclined to do when embarrassed. “It's okay, you're welcome. I just think of it as being another day at the office. And I'm glad we were here to help you out.” A loud snort from behind him caused Duo to almost jump out of his skin and he spun around to see Heero there with a tray, coffee pot, sugar, cream and several mugs on it.

Heero gave his lover a look that clearly said 'liar', but opted to remain quiet, much to Duo's relief. He handed out mugs of coffee to those that accepted his offer of one. June declined for the moment.

“Is everything okay with the mother and, umm, baby?” Duo asked Greg.

“Everything is fine that we can tell. The baby is strong and healthy, the placenta was delivered without any problems and the mother is also well, thanks to you and the other vet,” replied Greg.

Duo waved the compliments off. “We just did what was necessary.”

“You sure you don't want to change professions and become a human doctor?” Sherry teased. She could tell that the vet hadn't been all that comfortable being left to deliver a baby. “You'd be very good at it.”

Heero almost choked on his coffee.

“Ah, I think I'll pass. I prefer my patients to restrict themselves to simple grunts, barks and meows, thanks.” Duo glared at his lover from the corner of his eye.

“Errr, is he okay?” Greg asked as he watched Heero trying to cough up the liquid from his lungs.

“He's fine,” Duo growled. He was damned if he was going to thump Heero on the back; let his lover choke!

Recovering his breath, Heero addressed the medic. “What happens now?”

“We will take them both to the hospital for a thorough check over by a doctor and then they will be left to rest and recover.”

“Did you manage to get a hold of June's husband?”

“Yes we did. He's going to meet us at the hospital.” Sherry looked at her watch. “I really think we should be getting this patient on the move otherwise her husband will be there before us.”

“Do you need a hand?” Heero asked.

“Thanks for the offer, but we will be fine. I'll just pop back out to the ambulance and fetch the gurney,” Greg replied.

With June loaded onto the gurney, baby firmly in her arms, the medics wheeled her out of the cottage and into the back of the waiting ambulance.

Once thank you's and wishes of good luck were exchanged, the ambulance left to head back to Salsbury Memorial maternity section.

Duo slipped his arm around Heero's waist, the rider reciprocating as they watched the ambulance disappear into the encroaching night. Duo gave a soft sigh and leaned his head against Heero's shoulder. “Well, that was an experience I have no desire to repeat any time soon,” he mumbled.

“Oh, I don’t know, Duo. You looked perfectly calm and in control. You assessed the situation, saw what needed to be done and organized everything perfectly. If I didn’t know any better I could have sworn you were a real, human doctor. You looked completely at home with June.” Heero couldn’t help but tease his partner.

“Yeah, well, all I can say is don’t judge a book by its cover.”

“I know you were a little uncomfortable-“

“Uncomfortable?” Duo muttered, “More like bloody terrified! Trust me, Heero when I say there is no way in hell I ever want to repeat anything remotely like that ever again. I think I’m gonna have nightmares for the rest of my days.”

“All I can say is, I’m glad I’m gay,” Heero snickered.

“So am I!” Duo protested, “but it didn’t make any difference.”

“Don’t worry, if you ever decide, or show even the remotest interest in turning straight, I’ll remind you of this evening and June,” Heero offered.

“Thanks, thanks a lot; now I know for sure that I’m going to have those nightmares.”

“If you do, I promise to wake you up and chase the nightmares away,” Heero said, his tone soft. He turned slightly and lowered his lips to meet his lover’s and kissed the vet soundly.

“Mmm, I like your kind of reassurance, Heero.”

*

Over the course of the next couple of days life returned to what passed as normal for Heero and Duo. Whiskey responded to the treatment Duo and Zechs applied and appeared none the worse for his surgery. Miss Jackson was both relieved and delighted that her beloved horse had been saved and couldn't thank both vets enough for all they had done.

June's husband, Geoff called to thank Duo for his help in delivering his son and taking control over what could have been a desperate circumstance. He reported that both mother and child were doing well and would be in the hospital for another five days. Duo inquired about visiting hours and promised to pop in and see the pair as soon as he could get away from the surgery.

The wedding invitations had all been sent out and the replies were beginning to trickle in; so far everyone had accepted. Heero contacted the caterers again to finalize the buffet menu and was more than happy with the menu he and Duo had selected. Trowa had offered to borrow some chairs and tables from the local kennel club and the caterers had advised they would supply all linen, crockery, cutlery and if the couple wished, they could also organize the drinks for the event. Heero gratefully accepted the offer.

With Duo having promised to visit June in the hospital and the wedding cake still to arrange, the pair decided to take a trip into Salsbury and kill two birds with one stone.

*

“Oh, yes,” Duo said as he closed his eyes and drew a long breath through his nose. The smell of freshly baked goods hit his senses and he felt his mouth watering.

“Can I help you?” asked the sales assistant.

“I hope so,” Duo replied seeing as how Heero was too busy eying off several cakes on display in the cabinet. “We have a special function to attend and we were asked if we would provide the cake for the event. Do you by chance have a book or photographs of cakes that you make to order?”

“Certainly, sir. Do you want a single cake, two tier or more, or a large slab type cake?” the assistant asked as she reached beneath the counter to pull out a small album.

“Ah, I think something along the lines of a two tier,” Duo replied and reached out to snag Heero's elbow as the rider drifted closer to him.

“What size?”

“Eh?”

The assistant smiled. “We have different sizes to cater for however many people you are feeding. How many guests are going to be at the function?”

Duo looked at Heero who did some rapid mental math. “There should be around fifteen to twenty,” Heero stated. “We don’t actually have the final numbers as yet.”

“In that case, I'd go for this size as the bottom tier. It serves between fifteen and twenty people. The top tier will serve another ten. That way if you get more people, or if some want a second serve, you'll have more than enough to cover everyone.”

“Okay, thanks.”

“Take a look through the album and see if there is anything in there that you think would be suitable. Once you have an idea of which one you would like, we can work out what type of cake and any decoration, icing and such.”

“Thanks,” Duo replied and pulled the album towards him.

“I'll be just out the back. Take your time and when you've decided, just ring that bell there and I'll come right back.” The assistant disappeared to the rear of the shop, leaving the two men to peruse the album.

“I think I'm going cross eyed,” Duo muttered several minutes later.

“I have to admit, they do have a rather extensive selection. I never knew you could get so many different sizes and shapes in cakes, not to mention the variety of decoration,” Heero agreed.

“How the hell are we supposed to pick one from all of these?”

Taking a quick look around him and finding the coast clear, Heero took the chance to wrap his arm around Duo's waist and give the vet a light squeeze. He leaned in close to whisper in Duo's ear. “Pick the one that calls out to your heart.”

Duo melted.

They spent another few minutes looking through the album and scaled the choice down to three. A further discussion and they had made their choice. “You sure you're happy with that one, Duo?”

“Yeah. What about you?” Violet eyes searched Heero's face.

“I think it's perfect.” With a smile, Heero rang the small bell and the shop assistant reappeared.

“Have you made your choice?” she asked.

“We both think this one will be perfect for the function,” Heero stated and pointed to their selection in the album.

“Wonderful choice.” The assistant fetched an order pad and pen. “I'll need a few details, please.”

Heero duly gave the requested name, address, contact phone number and date of pick up. The cake description was written down and then came the task of what type of cake they wanted and the icing for it. Ten minutes later and they were all done.

“I'll just read this back to you,” the assistant said. “A square two tier, size: thirty centimeter bottom, fifteen centimeter top. Bottom to be a chocolate mud cake coated in chocolate, royal icing with ganache half shells at the base. The top tier to be a white chocolate mud cake with the white royal icing and half shells at the bottom in white ganache.”

“That's correct,” Heero said with a smile.

“Thank you, sir. Would you like to pay for it in full now, or leave a deposit and pay the balance on pick up?”

“I'll pay it in full now,” Heero replied and reached for his wallet. Pulling out his card, he couldn't help but notice how Duo moved rapidly to the other end of the shop when Heero went to pay using the eftpos machine. With payment complete, Heero pocketed his receipt, a copy of the order and the pair left the shop.

The hospital was the next stop, the men picking up a small, but pretty flower arrangement from a florist on their way. They soon located the maternity section and asked at the desk for June's room. Moments later they were knocking on the door to June's room.

“Come in,” came the voice from inside.

Duo stuck his head around the door and grinned. “Hey, June. Feeling up to a visit from a couple of friends?”

“Duo and Heero!” June exclaimed. ”Of course you're welcome here, come in, come in.” June pulled herself up into a sitting position on the bed as Duo and Heero entered.

“We brought you some flowers,” Heero stated and offered the arrangement over.

“Thank you, they're gorgeous,” June replied as she took the offered arrangement and sniffed at the flowers. Setting the arrangement down on the side cabinet, she motioned to the chairs in the room. “Take a seat.”

As Duo picked up one of the chairs and brought it closer to the bed, he couldn't resist taking a peek into the crib that sat beside June's bed. Watching the vet, June couldn't help the smile on her face. “He's a lovely baby,” Duo said as he sat himself down.

“I think he his too, but then again I'm biased,” June chuckled.

Heero sidled up to the crib and took a peek at the sleeping baby. The child didn't look any different to countless others he'd seen over the course of his life, but he thought he'd better not say anything along those lines and risk the wrath of not only the mother, but his partner too. “He's got a bit of hair,” he said, deciding to play it safe.

Duo rolled his eyes, June laughed. “Yes, he does.”

The three chatted for a while, keeping the topics to everyday things such as how the horses were doing, what Heero had been doing with Orion and how the stable rebuild was coming along. The time passed quickly and soon enough the baby began to wake up and started to whimper.

“What's that noise?” Heero asked, a panicked look appearing on his face.

“Ah, that would be the baby waking up. He's due for a feed.”

“Errr, okay. I think it's time we took our leave,” Duo quickly stated and stood up.

Heero made a show of looking at his watch. “I agree we should be going, I still have horses to work and you've got evening consults.”

Knowing both men were feeling a little out of their element, June couldn't help but laugh at the two and their excuses to leave, especially Heero who having said his piece was now waiting in the doorway for Duo to join him. “That's alright, I appreciate you stopping by.”

“No problem. Take care of yourself and the baby,” Duo said as he made to leave. “Oh, I almost forgot to ask; have you given the baby a name yet?”

“Actually, we have.” Seeing Duo's eyebrow rise in question, she continued. “Considering all you and Doctor Merquise did for me, I hope you don't mind, but we've decided to call him Max.”

Duo blinked for a moment before a wide grin spread over his face. “No, I don't mind at all.”

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus