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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
- 82
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“Equus”

Chapter 83

With the presentation finished, Wufei was now free to make as much fuss as he wanted of his horse. He couldn't begin to express how proud and pleased he was with Nataku. As soon as Heero rode back out to them he was at the mare's head, petting her and whispering in her ear. For her part, Nataku lowered her head and rested her muzzle in the crook of Wufei's arm, her eyes half closed in bliss as she soaked up the loving attention.

Heero had dismounted, Duo coming to his side and helping with running the stirrups up and loosening the girth. Watching out the corner of his eye, he couldn't help the smirk from forming as he noted the exchange between horse and owner. Meiran was standing next to him, Duo nudged her lightly with his elbow.

“Yes?” Meiran said, turning her attention to the vet.

“Better watch out, Meiran, looks like you have competition for Wufei's affections. I don't know what sweet nothings he's whispering in her ear, but I'd say it would have to be good given her expression,” Duo teased.

The Chinese woman looked back at her husband and their horse. “You could have a point there,” she conceded, “But despite whatever it is he's whispering to her, there's no way she would ever fit into our house, let alone the bed, so I think I'm safe.”

Duo almost choked, Heero had to bury his face against Nataku's flanks to smother his laughter. Meiran gave the vet a cheeky smile and went to stand by her husband to pet the mare.

“It's not that funny, Heero,” Duo groused when his partner finally managed to drag his face away from the bay flank.

“Oh, I don't know, the look on your face was priceless,” Heero snickered.

“Yeah, well,” Duo huffed. “Better get this horse back to Drumstick and unsaddled, the cops will be here any tick of the clock and we'll need to make statements before we can head home,” he said, trying to change the subject.

“I'd also like to stay and watch Frank compete,” Heero stated.

“Shit! I'd forgotten Frank is in the A grade. I wonder if he got here alright?”

“I'd say so. I think I can see him in the warm up area,” Heero replied as he glanced across the area.

“Come on then, I'll see if I can drag 'Romeo' away from his 'Juliets',” Duo snickered and turned to speak to Wufei.

Duo and Meiran led the mare back to the goose-neck, June and Carl walking with them. Wufei fell into step with Heero just behind the group, Heero knowing there was something on the Chinese man's mind and so staying back a touch should Wufei wish to speak to him in private.

Wufei did indeed have something on his mind and once he was sure all the others were engaged in conversation amongst themselves and not paying them any heed, He turned to speak to Heero as they walked. “Mr. Yuy -”

“Call me Heero, please,” Heero reiterated.

Wufei nodded. “Heero, I'd just like to say thank you. Thank you for finding Nataku and rescuing her from that idiot. I knew she'd been abused, both you and Duo had told me her story, but after seeing what that man did, what he's obviously capable of doing, all I can think about is how lucky she was that you were at that show on that day. I can't understand how someone can treat such a warm, gentle and giving animal like Nataku in such a way.”

“It doesn't make sense to me either, but unfortunately, there are some cold hearted people in this world,” Heero replied. He'd seen first hand some of the cruelty animals had experienced when he'd attended 'jobs' with Duo and Quatre – and he still couldn't understand how some people's minds worked.

“I'm also extremely grateful to you for selling her to me, taking her on and spending so much time with her, retraining her and gaining her trust. You saw something in her, something special and that has blossomed and grown with your careful training and dedication. Meiran, Nataku and I will forever be in your debt.”

Heero felt his face growing hot with the blush he was sporting. “I didn't do much,” he began to protest, but Wufei cut him off.

“It may not seem much to you, but to all of us it was a lot. I highly doubt Nataku would be anywhere near as good as she was today or as trusting if she had been trained by anyone else but you. You have a real gift with horses, Heero, a real gift and I am proud to call you a friend.”

Unable to argue with the Chinese man, Heero simply nodded and replied with a soft, “Thank you.”

* * *

Having made sure all the horses were comfortable with full water buckets and haynets to nibble on, the group made their way back to the collecting ring, Frank and the steward. Heero knew the police should have arrived by now but was unsure where they would need to present themselves for their statements to be taken. He figured asking the steward would probably be the best thing to do. It also gave them a chance to wish Frank good luck.

Frank had heard all about the earlier altercation, but wasn't too sure of the facts. Things tended to get a little distorted when traveling through various people. Duo took great delight in filling him in, explaining how Wufei had taken the idiot down with a couple of well placed blows. Heero also explained that they may not get to watch Frank's round as they were needed by the police to give their statements. Frank didn't mind, nailing the asshole for what he'd done was more important in his book and he wished them all well. He also said he'd stay around until they'd finished with the police and let them know how he went if they hadn't returned to watch.

The steward told them the police would need to speak with them in the larger pavilion where they'd gone to collect Heero's numbers from for the jumping. With a final good luck wish to Frank, the group all left the collecting ring and aimed for the pavilion, all eager to get this over with as soon as possible so they could come back and watch Frank.

Immediately they entered the pavilion they could see a couple of police officers and made their way towards them. Wufei stepped forward and spoke with the female officer, explaining who they were and requesting they speak with the officer in charge. The female officer smiled and asked them to wait a moment whilst she fetched the investigating officer.

Five minutes later the officer returned with another policeman. “Mr. Chang, this is Constable Verity, he's assisting the Sergeant with this case.” A young constable stepped forward and offered a hand which Wufei took.

“Mr. Chang, Sergeant Thompson is the investigating officer and I'll take you all through to speak with him in a moment.”

“Thank you,” Wufei replied.

Duo gave a small frown which Heero noticed. “What's wrong?' he asked his lover.

“Nothing,” Duo replied and stepped forward to address the constable. “Constable Verity?” The policeman turned to look at Duo. “I'm Doctor Duo Maxwell from the Maxwell Veterinary Practice,” he said and offered his hand. “I believe you were one of the officers that originally had dealings with this man Saunders when a colleague, Doctor Merquise and friend of mine, Inspector Quatre Winner from the R.S.P.C.A required assistance to gain access to some animals on his property?”

Verity thought for a moment and smiled. “Yes, I was. The Sergeant and I both attended the property and helped Inspector Winner. I am very familiar with this man and his temper,” he added. “It seems he's been busy again.”

“You could say that. I was the one that originally reported him for cruelty. I must say, I never thought I'd see him again.”

“Unfortunately, these types of people never seem to learn,” Verity sighed. “Hopefully a stay in jail might help him a bit.”

“You think he's likely to get a prison sentence?” Heero asked, his eyes wide.

“It's quite possible. He was warned last time he appeared in court and received a suspended sentence then. It all depends on exactly what he's done this time and who the judge is. For now though, I can't comment any further. I'm sure you understand?”

“Of course,” Duo replied.

“The Sergeant is currently taking another statement and should be done in a few more minutes. Once he's finished I'll start to take you all through one at a time to give your statements.”

“Thank you, Constable,” Heero said.

* * *

One by one the group all went in to speak with Sergeant Thompson who asked several questions and took statements from them all. Duo was the last to be interviewed and once he was finished he asked the Sergeant if the police would be pressing charges for animal cruelty.

“Unfortunately we can't do that, it's out of our jurisdiction,” the Sergeant replied, “But there is nothing to stop the R.S.P.C.A from pressing their own charges against him should they desire to and have the necessary evidence.”

“Thanks, Sergeant. I'm sure the R.S.P.C.A will be very interested to know what has occurred and will no doubt hold their own investigation into the matter. Would it be possible for the R.S.P.C.A to have a list and contact details of the witnesses to the attack?”

“If the R.S.P.C.A wishes to investigate the matter then they will need to contact the station directly and go through the proper channels to have access to those details. I'm afraid I cannot hand out things like that to just anyone.”

“That's perfectly alright, Sergeant, I understand and I wouldn't expect you to do something like that either. I'll be in touch with Inspector Winner from the R.S.P.C.A . He's the one that dealt with the cruelty case against Mr. Saunders before so he's familiar with him. I'm betting you'll get a call from him within the next twenty-four hours,” Duo grinned.

“In that case, I'll be more than happy to assist the Society in any way I can,” Thompson returned with a grin of his own. “If that is all, Doctor Maxwell, I'd best be getting on with the rest of these interviews. You will be contacted in due course and informed whether or not your presence will be required in court. Also if we should require any further information we will be in touch. Thank you for your time.”

“Thanks, Sergeant.” Duo shook the man's hand and left the small office the police had commandeered to conduct the interviews in. Stepping out he walked over to where Heero, June and Carl were still waiting for him. “Where's Wufei and Meiran?” he asked.

“They went back to the goose-neck to check on Nataku and the others. They said they would come back to the collecting ring shortly to see how Frank and Jester have fared in their competition,” June replied.

“Speaking of Frank, we might just catch the end of the first round of competition for the A grade if we hurry,” Heero said.

“Right with you, Heero.”

*

By the time the group made it back to the collecting ring, Duo had filled them all in on what Thompson had said about cruelty charges against Leroy. All had agreed that Duo should contact Quatre as soon as they returned to the stables, everyone more than willing to give statements to what they had witnessed.

Wufei and Meiran were yet to appear, but Heero didn't worry as he knew they were most likely spending a little time fussing over Nataku – and it wouldn't hurt the mare any to have that undivided attention either! Heero was feeling very proud of the bay and after today's performance he had high hopes for a successful future for her.

Nataku had conquered her demons and proven she was worth every ounce of confidence and trust that Heero had put into her. Heero was feeling very pleased with the outcome and grateful that he'd been able to help the mare. He was also feeling proud of Duo. His partner had finally overcome his own fears of vulnerability and whilst the past could never be changed or erased, Duo was once again a confident man.

There only remained one stumbling block for Duo now.

Intimacy.

Given the horrors that Duo had gone through, Heero was prepared to wait for however long it took for Duo to feel comfortable with intimacy again. He wouldn't push his lover, he'd let Duo set the pace. Patience was something Heero had lots of and his patience was being rewarded slowly but steadily as Duo felt more comfortable in his own skin.

Duo would once again want to be completely intimate with him, of that Heero had no doubt, but he also knew it would have to be on Duo's terms.

He could live with that.

Duo had already shown some returning interest with the couple of times he'd initiated things, and Heero had made certain not to push, crowd or demand anything from his lover that Duo wasn't comfortable with giving.

It would only be a matter of time.

Heero was drawn from his thoughts by Duo calling his name. “Sorry, I was miles away,” he apologized.

“I could see that,” Duo replied with a grin. “Frank wanted to know if you have any pointers for the jump off?”

“Jump off?”

“Yeah. Frank here had a clear round and now he's through to the jump off which will be starting soon. There's still a couple of riders to go through before they raise the course.”

“Ah.” Heero sheepishly turned his attention to Frank who was giving him an amused look. “Sorry. I'll walk the jump off course with you if you like and point out a few things as we go?”

“Thanks, Heero. I'd appreciate that,” Frank replied.

“Congratulations on making a clear round,” Heero added afterwards.

Frank blushed. “Thanks, it was all Jester though. He's really improved since I've been having lessons with you.”

“Both of you have improved. Jester had it all there to start with, you just needed a few pointers and a little help to strengthen your seat and abilities to bring out all that potential in your horse,” Heero replied. “In fact, I think the pair of you have the ability to go on and make the Nations Cup team, if not an Olympic team.”

“You really think so?” It was Frank's dream to ride for his country and he'd told Heero that. He'd never thought he'd be good enough though.

“Jester is a really good horse with tons of ability. You are a dedicated rider, someone who is eager and willing to learn. There is no reason why you shouldn't be able to achieve your goal.” Heero thought back over the years to when he'd first met up with Duo and how the vet had encouraged him to follow his dream. If it hadn't been for Duo, Heero didn't think he would have achieved half as much in his life as he had.

“Thanks, Heero. That really means a lot to me.”

The remaining riders finished their rounds and the course was raised for the jump off. As promised, Heero walked the course with Frank, pointing out where he would need to really use his seat and leg to keep Jester balanced. He also explained about cutting inside jump two to save a few seconds, but to do that he would really need to have Jester's full attention on him. Once Frank was happy with how he planned to tackle the jump off, the pair left the arena and returned to where Duo was waiting and holding Jester for Frank.

“Thanks, Duo,” Frank said as he took the reins back and patted his horse.

“No problem. He's a good boy with lovely ground manners,” Duo replied and patted the stallion's neck.

“How many of you are in the jump off?” June asked.

“Five, I'm fourth to go,” Frank replied. “I'll just go loosen him up a bit before they call us.” Frank rode off to warm Jester up again leaving the other four to keep an eye on the ring for him.

“How do you think he will go?” Carl asked Heero.

Casting his eye over the other four riders also warming up, Heero thought for a moment before replying. “They have a good chance of being in the top three. The woman on the chestnut and that guy over there on the brown will be his main competition. I've ridden against both of them before and they are very experienced. I don't recognize the brown horse, but the chestnut is very quick on its feet.”

“In other words, if Frank keeps his concentration and rides Jester properly, they have just as much chance as those two of winning this,” June stated with a grin.

“Pretty much,” Heero said with a smile.

“Well, we're all going to find out very shortly, they're calling the first rider into the ring now,” Duo informed.

“I'll go let Frank know,” June said and disappeared in the direction of the bay stallion and his rider.

The first rider in the jump off was doing very well until they reached the final jump: the wall. It now stood at five feet three inches, which was still three inches below the maximum height for an A grade competition. The triple had taken a lot out of the horse and the rider was unable to build up the impulsion enough so the horse slammed the brakes on and refused. Upon presenting his horse at the wall again, the bay had a lot more energy and managed to clear it, unfortunately the damage had been done and they left the arena with four faults and a time of 36:04.

Frank had returned and sat on his horse next to Heero to watch the other competitors, doing his best to be a good sportsman and not smile too much when the first rider came out of the ring with his four penalties.

“This one should be a good round,” Heero informed Frank as the woman on her chestnut rode into the arena. “I've jumped off against her before and her horse is very agile.”

“Right,” Frank replied and watched even more intently.

The experience of the combination in the ring showed as they started their course steady and gradually built up speed. The woman rode a neat and calculating round, giving her horse room when they needed it and shaving seconds off the time by cutting corners. She kept the horse balanced, checked back to build impulsion and brought the chestnut into each jump on precisely the correct stride.

“Shit! You weren't joking,” Frank said softly to Heero as the pair galloped through the finish flags with a clear round and time of 31:22 seconds. “That's going to take some beating.”

“Frank, you and Jester are capable of bettering that time,” Heero stated. “Just stick to the game plan we decided on and let the time worry about itself.”

“I'll do my best.”

The chestnut came out and the brown horse went in.

“This should also be a good round,” Heero said. “Like the woman on the chestnut, the rider is quite experienced and I've ridden against him a few times, although I don't recognize this horse he's got.”

Once again Frank's attention was fixed on the pair in the ring.

Like the chestnut before him, the pair started off steady and built the speed and impulsion as they went. It was clear to see that the rider was skilled, the way he rode and concentrated was evidence enough. One could also tell that the horse, whilst a very capable jumper, wasn't as experienced as the chestnut before it; but with the experience of his rider, the gelding was still tough opposition.

They cleared every jump and flashed through the finish flags to the sound of applause from the crowd.

Heero glanced at the electronic timer. “Not as fast as the chestnut,” he stated. The clock showed a time of 32:25, just over a second slower than the chestnut.

“That's close,” Duo whistled.

“Hai, it is, but I'm confident that Jester can do just as well if not better.” Heero gave the bay stallion standing next to him a pat to the neck.

“Looks like I'm in,” Frank said and picked up his reins.

“Just remember to stay calm and focused, follow the game plan and once you've cleared that last jump, ride as fast as you can for the finish,” Heero advised. “Good luck.”

“Thanks,” Frank replied and rode towards the ring entry. Duo, June and Carl all wished him luck before stepping back to watch the pair.

Frank saluted the judge before turning Jester to ride towards the start flags. “This is going to be a tough one, Jester,” Frank murmured to his horse. “Just listen to me and give it your best shot. Let's make Heero proud, hey?” He gave the muscled neck a firm pat, sat deep in his saddle and circled the stallion for the start. The bell went and with a look of determination on his face, Frank rode for the first jump.

Jester's ears were pricked, spring in his step and eager to be off. He could see the first jump ahead of him, lengthened out his stride and cleared it easily. Feeling the contact on the reins slacken a bit and his master's legs against his sides, Jester stretched out for the long canter between jumps one and four. His long legs soon ate up the ground and before he knew it, his master was asking him to shorten up again. He did as requested, his canter becoming shorter and more elevated as the impulsion built in his hind quarters.

Swinging his horse around to the left, Frank had calculated about five strides until jump four and he was spot on. Jester showed a clean pair of heels over the jump, still eager and starting to pull a bit. Frank remembered his lessons with Heero and sat down deep, using his seat as well as the reins to steady his horse, drive Jester’s hocks under him and retain the impulsion as they turned left again for the double. “This is a tricky one, boy. You need to listen to me as we've got a very sharp turn after this one.”

Cocking back an ear, Jester lengthened out and launched into the air over part A. Landing safely he pulled himself together, took the two strides and drove his hind legs underneath his body to clear the second element of the double.

Immediately the horse landed, Frank sat down hard and took a firm feel on the bit. He used his legs and body weight to get Jester to come almost to a stop before pivoting on his hind legs to the right and then driving the horse forward again.

This time it was June who whistled in appreciation. “Wow, that was some turn,” she commented.

“Sure was,” Carl agreed. “I can't believe how much those two have improved.”

“I agree, it just goes to show what a good teacher Heero is,” June stated softly, looking at Heero who had again started to blush with the compliments. Seeing her chance, she jumped in. “Heero, I know this isn't really the time and place, but I can't believe how much Frank and Jester have come along since you've been teaching them and I was hoping...” June faltered for a moment and then decided to go for broke. “Well, once Max is old enough for me to start riding Orion again, would you give me lessons too?”

For a moment Heero was stunned, but quickly found his speech skills. “June, I'd be happy to take you on as a pupil. How about we discuss it in more detail back at the stables in a couple of days?”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” June turned her attention back to the ring and tried to hide her own blush.

Heero glanced out the corner of his eye to see Duo giving him a smug look. He raised an eyebrow in question, the vet sidling up to him and whispering, “Told you that you were the best. And not just in the teaching department either.” Duo added a wiggle of his eyebrows for good measure. Heero snorted, but he had to admit, it was nice to have his teasing lover back.

Meanwhile, Frank and Jester had pulled off a very sharp turn and Frank was sitting deep and building the impulsion in Jester's powerful hind quarters. The triple sat ahead of them and following that was the wall. After discussing things with Heero, Frank knew he'd need to have Jester balanced and full of energy if he wanted to clear them both.

The bay body shot into the air again, muscle, bone, tendons and ligaments all working in harmony with each other to push the bay horse and his rider up and over the spread poles. Returning to earth, Frank was again asking his horse to shorten up his frame and drive his hind quarters under himself. Jester obeyed and made a right turn to face the wall. The solid form of gray bricks sat ahead, the sun glinting lightly off the 'bricks'.

Jester sized up the jump, picked his take off point and soared into the air again. In the collecting ring, Heero's eyes never left the pair, practically willing them over the wall. Duo, June and Carl all held their breath as the bay stallion appeared to 'hang' in mid air for a moment before the front legs began to unfurl ready to take the brunt of the landing.

Frank had followed the movement of his horse and once they were safely back on the turf he remembered Heero's words and looked for the finish flags. Seeing them dead ahead, he gave the stallion his head and pushed his legs hard against the bay's flanks. Jester shot forward, his long legs eating up the distance with ease. The pair passed through the finish and stopped the clock.

Out in the collecting ring, the four spectators all burst out into loud cheering and applause for a well jumped round. Their excitement was clear on their faces and they couldn't wait to congratulate Frank on an excellent round.

“Clear round for Mr. Frank Lowe riding Royal Park Jester in a time of 31:00 seconds,” the commentator announced.

Frank was managing to get Jester back to a controlled canter, the bay having way too much fun and wanting to continue his gallop. Bringing the horse back to a trot, he exited the arena and found himself surrounded by his friends and mentor. Jester stood quietly amongst the people, enjoying the attention in the form of pats and carrots.

“Well done, Frank, that was a great round,” June said.

“Fantastic round,” Carl stated with a grin.

“You two certainly have come a long way. That was exciting to watch. Congratulations, Frank,” Duo said and continued to stuff Jester full of carrots.

“Well done,” Heero said when he could get near his pupil.

“Thanks everyone. Jester was such a good boy, wasn't he? Heero, thank you for taking the time to walk the course with me and give me those tips, but most of all, thank you for taking me on as a pupil,” Frank said, the grin on his face simply huge.

“You're most welcome, Frank,” Heero replied. “It's a pleasure to teach you, you're both exceeding my expectations and I'm really proud of you both.”

The sound of falling poles drew everyone's attention back to the ring and the gray horse that was currently on the course. The rider had tried to emulate Frank's sharp turn and ended up sending the triple flying. Consequently, the horse was rather upset and off balance when it came into the wall but gamely tried to jump it. Seconds later bricks were scattered in all directions.

“I'm sure you've won,” June said to Frank.

“I guess we will find out in a minute,” Frank replied.

“Duo, you might want to stop stuffing Jester with carrots for a minute. Frank will need to go back into the ring to get his rosette and I'm sure the judge won't want carrot slobber all over him,” Heero snickered.

“Oh yeah,” Duo replied sheepishly and put the remaining carrots back in his pocket, much to Jester's disgust. The bay sniffed at Duo and blew softly through his nostrils at the nice human. He wanted more of those carrots. “Aww, don't be like that, you can have more when you come out of the ring,” Duo said and stroked down the bay face.

Jester turned on the liquid brown eyes.

“Shit, not the horsey eyes,” Duo moaned. “You know I can't resist them.” Lucky for Duo, Frank picked up his reins and turned his horse in preparation to enter the ring again. “Phew, saved by the commentator,” Duo muttered to himself and then spotted Heero watching him with amusement in his eyes. Duo stuck his nose in the air and turned back to the ring to watch the presentation. It was all Heero could do not to laugh, having watched the entire performance between his lover and Jester.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the results of the Table A, A Grade competition are: In first place with a clear round in a time of 31:00 seconds, Frank Lowe riding Royal Park Jester. In second place with a clear round and time of 31:22 seconds Miss Mary Gibson riding Wildfire. In third place with a clear round and a time of 32:25 seconds, Kevin Pierce riding Stowaway...”

As Frank rode into the ring to collect his first place rosette and prize money he felt so happy and proud of his horse that he thought he would burst. Back in the collecting ring, Heero was feeling the same way about his pupil.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus