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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
- 83
- 84
- 85
“Equus”+

Chapter 84

Once Frank had returned from collecting his rosette and prize money and everyone had congratulated the pair once more, Heero announced it was time to start loading up the horses and heading for home. Wufei and Meiran had remained at the goose-neck keeping an eye on all the horses whilst continuing to make a fuss of Nataku. Duo was quite surprised to find that between the pair they had managed to put all the traveling rugs on the horses along with their floating boots and packed away all of the gear that wasn't needed.

“Thanks guys, but you shouldn't have done all that,” Duo said when he observed how little he had left to do.

“We didn't mind in the least,” Meiran replied, “Actually, I quite enjoyed it.”

“Well thanks again, it certainly makes things much quicker now.” Duo began to collect up the water buckets, empty them out and pack them in the feed compartment. Fresh haynets were dug out and tied up inside Drumstick before the almost empty ones the horses still had were taken down and also packed away.

Heero had slipped inside to change out of his shirt and jodhpurs into jeans and a t-shirt for the drive home. He'd also made a quick cup of coffee for Duo and himself and the pair sipped on their beverages while filling Wufei and Meiran in on Frank and Jester's jump off and subsequent win of the A grade competition.

“How long do you think it will take Nataku to compete in the A grade again?” Wufei asked.

“Now that we know how she is going to respond to competition we can enter her in more shows. If she continues to jump along the lines of what she did today, I'd estimate it would take about half the season for her to be upgraded back into the A grade. The current season is drawing to a close so it won't be this year I'm afraid, but I'd say somewhere around mid season next year should see her go back up,” Heero replied honestly.

“Thank you. I can see I have a lot more to learn yet about the intricacies of showjumping and how things work,” Wufei said with a shake of his head.

Meiran elbowed her husband lightly. “I suggest you purchase a few books on the subject, that will give you something to read when you're sitting by the fire in the evenings.”

Wufei snorted. “And just when do I get time to sit by the fire? I'm usually working.”

“I'm sure you can find the time, just so long as it's not when you're supposed to be cooking.”

Wufei rolled his eyes.

Deciding to give their Chinese friend a break, Duo smoothly cut into the conversation. “I think we should start to load these horses up and get going home. There's still going to be a lot to do once we're back at the stables.”

With nods of agreement, everyone moved to begin the loading process.

* * *

Evening was just starting to creep over the landscape when Heero pulled into the stable yard in the goose-neck. Frank had just finished unhitching his float, having already put Jester in his stable and all his gear away. He graciously accepted the congratulations from Wufei and Meiran before offering to help with the other horses.

With everyone's help it didn't take long to get the horses off and settled into their stables, travel rugs changed for the heavier night rugs and floating boots removed. Duo found himself with many sets of willing hands to unpack and put away the mountain of gear from the show while Heero had help in bringing the horses all in and feeding up for the night. In record time everything was done and Heero was locking up for the night.

After thanking everyone for their help and waving them off, the pair began to trek between the paddocks towards the cottage. Heero took hold of Duo's hand and moved closer to his partner, Duo smiled and continued walking.

“It was a good day,” Duo murmured, “Despite the bit of a problem we had for a while there.”

“Hai, it was.”

“I'm so proud of Nataku, that mare showed so much courage and trust to go back out and not just compete, but finish second after that asshole showed up.”

“She's certainly come a long way.” Heero turned his blue eyes towards his partner. “So have you.”

Duo blushed.

“I'm so damn proud of you too. You stood up to that bully and put him in his place.” Seeing Duo about to protest, Heero carried on. “It takes a lot of courage for someone who has gone through all that you have to be able to stand up for themselves, and you did it admirably.”

“I couldn't have done it without your help.”

“I didn’t do anything,” Heero protested. “If you remember, I was on Nataku's back trying to keep her calm.”

“I know that. What I meant was, all those lessons in self defense you gave me. I know I froze for a moment and then when Saunders lashed out it was like everything came back to me and my body just took over and worked on auto pilot. Does that make any sense?”

“It makes perfect sense.” Heero paused in their walking to wrap his arms around Duo and kiss him deeply. “I've been wanting to do that all afternoon.”

“I'll happily let you do it all night too once I've taken care of a few things,” Duo replied with a smile.

“What things?” Heero asked as they resumed walking.

“Well, there's a certain cat that will need feeding and fussing over after leaving her alone all day, dinner to cook and I need to call Quatre and let him know what happened at the show.”

“Okay, I suppose I can wait to ravish your lips until after we've completed all the chores,” Heero sighed.

“I promise to make it up to you,” Duo teased.

“I'll hold you to that.”

*

Wandering into the lounge room with two mugs of coffee in his hands, Heero set the beverages down on the coffee table and sat himself on the sofa. Duo was still on the phone to Quatre and knowing the blonde, Duo would probably be stuck on the phone for at least another half hour. Heero reached for the remote and turned the television on. Relaxing back in his seat, Heero crossed his feet at the ankles and began to search the channels for something to watch. Smokey had followed her master into the lounge and seeing the empty lap the temptation was too much. She crouched, wriggled her backside and took a flying jump to land in Heero's lap.

“Make yourself at home, why don't you?” Heero muttered as the cat turned a couple of circles in his lap and then settled down. She purred as Heero's fingers gravitated to her head and back of her neck, massaging gently.

Having settled on a documentary, Heero was quite involved and didn't hear his lover step into the lounge room. He almost jumped out of his skin when a hand dropped to his shoulder. As it was he did jump enough to send Smokey tumbling from his lap - much to her disgust.

“Sorry,” Duo apologized, “I thought you heard me walk in.” He moved around the front of the sofa and sat down next to Heero. Smokey gave him an affronted look and went to sit on the empty chair to the side. At least that wouldn't toss her off in a hurry.

“That's okay,” Heero said and shifted so he could put his arm around Duo's shoulder, the vet snuggling against his side with a happy sigh. “What did Quatre have to say?”

“Quite a bit,” Duo muttered. “As much as I love the guy and I know he's only doing his job, he can carry on at times.”

Heero snickered, knowing exactly what Duo meant. “What is he going to do?”

“He's not at all happy, that I can tell you,” Duo snorted. “I told him what happened, about how Saunders approached us, the insults he was dishing out and then how he punched Nataku in the side of her head. I let him know that Wufei took him down-”

“I'll bet he was interested in that!” Heero interrupted.

“He sure was and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't contact Wufei and have him repeat what happened several times over,” Duo grinned. “But getting back to it, he intends to take this up on behalf of the R.S.P.C.A and file another cruelty charge against the guy. I told him we'd already spoken with the police and that they would be charging him, but I don't know what the charges will be at this point. I gave him the contact details for the police officers investigating the case so he can get in touch with them for the legal side of things and to seek out other witnesses. He asked if we would give him statements of what we saw and did, plus I have to give him a full veterinary report on the damage to Nataku.” Duo finished his explaining and glanced at the mug on the coffee table. “That mine?”

“Hai, although it's probably gone cold by now,” Heero replied.

“No problem, iced coffee is just as good.” Duo reached forward for the mug and missed the grimace on Heero's face at his words.

“I take it Quatre will be around tomorrow for our statements?”

Duo nodded. “Yeah, he will. Said he wants to get things moving as quickly as possible. I guess he doesn't want to have Saunders skip out on him.”

“He wouldn't be able to do that I don't think. Surely the police would either hold him in custody or he'd need someone to bail him out.”

“I guess so,” Duo shrugged, “But enough about him, I want some snuggle time with my boyfriend.”

“Now that’s something I would be happy to accommodate.”

* * *

True to his word, Quatre rolled up at Duo's cottage at nine the next morning. Heero was still down at the stables, Duo was busy catching up on some laundry and didn't hear the blonde arrive.

Humming softly to himself, Duo placed the soiled clothes in the large tub, added a scoop of washing powder and closed the lid. He turned the dial and pulled it out. Nothing happened. “Huh? Come on, Gertrude, you can do this,” he said to the machine and pushed the dial in again before pulling it out once more. The machine made a whirring noise followed by a sort of thump and went silent. “Look you piece of shit, don't give me any crap. You worked just fine a couple of days ago so what the hell is wrong with you now?!” Duo pushed the dial in again, turned it to another setting and pulled it out.

Another whir, click and then silence.

“Why you useless hunk of junk, I should do what Heero says and trade you in on a new one,” Duo growled to the machine as he viciously stabbed the dial in again and twisted it. He yanked it out again. “Work will you!!”

Gertrude once again made a whirring noise followed by a click, thump and went silent.

“You fucking stupid-”

“Duo?”

“Arrrggghhh! Shit!” Duo whirled around, his heart racing. “Fuck, Quatre, don't sneak up on me like that,” he all but yelled and collapsed against the washing machine, desperately trying to slow his wildly beating heart.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I thought you were talking to someone.” Quatre peered around Duo and looked around the small laundry. “There's no one here.”

“I know that,” Duo huffed, the adrenaline starting to leave his body at last.

“Then who were you talking to?”

“Gertrude.”

“Gertrude?”

“The washing machine.”

“Oh.” Quatre looked at his friend as if he'd finally lost all his marbles.

Duo sighed. “Gertrude doesn't seem to want to wash the clothes; we were having a little argument over it.”

“I see.” Quatre thought it best to try and humor his friend. “And what exactly is it that it's not doing?”

“It won't fill up with water.”

“Okay.” Quatre looked at the machine and blinked.

Duo lifted the lid. “The clothes are all in, the powder too, but when I turn the dial and pull it out to start, it just gives a weird whirring noise a sort of clunk and then nothing.” Duo demonstrated.

Having watched the display, Quatre moved forwards and reached for the taps that the hoses were connected to and turned them. Suddenly Gertrude gurgled and the sound of rushing water could be heard.

“Quatre, you're a genius!” Duo cried and gave his friend a hug.

“Um, all I did was turn the water on at the faucet,” Quatre stated and tried to pry the vet off him.

“Good girl, Gertrude,” Duo said and gave the washing machine an affectionate pat. “Daddy didn't mean what he said.” Gertrude gurgled again, the water turned off and the machine began to swish the clothes around.

Quatre shook his head.

“I take it you're here for the vet report on Nataku and to get mine and Heero's statements?”

“Yes, that's right, but if I've come at an inconvenient time...” Quatre eyed the washing machine.

“No, no. It's fine. Heero's just finishing up down at the stables and should be back up any tick. Come on, let's go into the kitchen and I'll make us a drink, then I'll give you the report and you can take my statement. What did the R.S.P.C.A say about things?” Duo rambled on as he led Quatre from the laundry and into the kitchen. Quatre gave the machine one last, subtle glance and followed Duo.

“Um, they intend to pursue the case and go after him with all they can, mainly because of his previous convictions for cruelty.”

“Good.”

*

Heero returned from the stables to find his lover and the blonde Inspector sitting at the kitchen table, beverages in front of them and laughing uncontrollably. Quatre had tears running down his face while Duo was talking in-between snickers and waving his hands around in obvious demonstration of whatever it was he was relating to Quatre.

“Oh my, I really wish I had been there to see that,” Quatre managed to say between chuckles. “Oh, hello Heero. I didn't see you come in.”

“Obviously,” Heero replied with a look of amusement. “What's so funny?” Heero padded to the tea pot in socked feet and poured himself a cup.

“Duo was just telling me how Wufei took Saunders down. I have to admit, it sounds very dramatic.”

Heero snorted. “No wonder. With Duo explaining it, it would sound dramatic.”

“Hey! I only told Quatre what happened as I saw it,” Duo defended himself.

“I did call Wufei last night and he also told me what happened, but you know how reserved Wufei is. All he told me was, and I quote: 'He'd only used enough necessary force to take the man down.' I think I prefer Duo's version.”

“He was spectacular to watch, he just jumped forward smacked him one and then applied what looked like the Vulcan Nerve Pinch. Saunders went down like a shot of whiskey at an alcoholics convention,” Duo reiterated with a smug look at his partner.

Heero rolled his eyes. “I told you that you're watching far too much Star Trek lately.”

“Yeah, I know, I know,” Duo waved his hand in dismissal. “But you have to admit, it was very spectacular the way he knocked him out cold. I wonder if he'd teach me a few tricks?”

Deciding a change of topic was in order before his partner started debating on the possibility of the, 'Beam me up, Scotty' thing becoming a reality, Heero turned back to Quatre. “Have you come to take our statements?”

“Yes, yes I have. I've already gotten Duo's statement and his vet report, all I need is yours and then I can pay a visit to the Chang's and get their statements too. Oh, Duo said that Carl and June were witnesses to the assault as well. Could I possibly get their contact numbers from you so I can take statements from them? I have a list of other witnesses from the police, but it's easier to get June and Carl's from you.”

“Sure. I'll get them as soon as you've finished with my statement,” Heero replied.

Turning on his voice recorder and picking up a pen and paper, Quatre proceeded to take Heero's statement down. After half an hour he was finished and tucking things back into his briefcase.

“I'll know this afternoon when the court date is. Our lawyer was contacting the police this morning to find out if they have a date set yet for his court appearance on the assault charges and to see if we can have the cruelty charges dealt with at the same time. Once I know what is happening, I'll call you and let you know. Oh, Duo, depending on how the case goes, I may need you in court as an expert witness; is that okay?”

“That's fine, Quat. If you can, give me a day or two's notice though so I can rearrange consults and such if necessary.”

“No problem.” Quatre shook hands with both men. “I'll be in touch.”

*

The following day Quatre called the surgery to let Duo know that the court date had been set for the following week on the Monday and that the cruelty charge would be heard immediately after the assault charges. As it would be Duo's rostered day off he wouldn't need to reschedule anything should he be required to turn up on behalf of the R.S.P.C.A.

The police had also been in touch with the same information, but advised that their presence would not be required at this stage in the court. Duo was more than relieved he wouldn't need to face a court room again, he still carried unpleasant memories of the last time he'd been in one.

*

“Catherine will be able to book Squiggles in for surgery and explain the procedure, cost and such for you, Mrs. Hendrick,” Duo said as he placed the client file on the desk for Catherine. Turning to the receptionist, he quickly explained. “Mrs. Hendrick wishes to book Squiggles in for neutering. Would you take care of it for me, please?”

Catherine nodded and picked up the client file, handing Duo another one. Before the vet could call his next patient through, she spoke quickly to him. “Heero dropped by a few minutes ago and said to remind you about your appointment at two in Salsbury.”

Duo frowned for a moment and searched his memory. “Ah, yes, I remember. Thanks, Catherine.” Opening the waiting room door, Duo stuck his head in. “Mr. Carmichael?” An elderly gentleman got to his feet, an equally elderly dog standing stiffly at his side and following his master through to the consulting room.

“What can I do for Bob today, Mr. Carmichael?”

“We're just here for his check up and some more of those arthritis tablets, Doc. Only got a couple of days worth left,” Mr. Carmichael stated and started to bend down to pick his dog up.

“Here, let me,” Duo said and stepped forward.

“Thank ye, Doc. I'm afraid my arthritis is playing me up a bit lately too,” the older man replied with a chuckle and rub at his lower back.

Duo lifted the dog onto the table and ruffled his ears. The dog was a cross breed and quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what heritage he had in him, but there was a little bit of fox terrier, a touch of staffordshire bull terrier and possibly some spaniel too. The dog's age was clear in the gray hair appearing around the eyes and muzzle and Duo knew he didn't need his stethoscope to know what he would find when listening to the dog's insides.

He duly pulled the item from around his neck though and ran it over Bob's ribs and abdomen. He could clearly hear the rasp and whistle of air passing into and out of the lungs and the swish and swoosh of blood flowing through the heart – although that was starting to make a few funny noises as well, indicating that Bob's heart wasn't as strong as it used to be. He ran his hands over the dog's body, the slight enlargement of the joints a testament to the arthritis the old dog now suffered with.

“He's as well as can be expected for a dog of his age, Mr. Carmichael. The arthritis doesn't appear to be any worse which is a good sign and there's nothing new I can detect either. I'll get you some more of those tablets. Is he still eating and drinking okay?” Duo turned to the cupboard to fetch the tablets he used to treat arthritis and began to count them out into a small packet.

“Aye, he's still eating well, loves his dinner, he does. He's drinking a little more than usual though. Not a lot, but I have noticed a slight increase.” Mr. Carmichael patted the dog's head, Bob's tail thumping on the table as he wagged it.

Duo sighed softly to himself. The increase of fluids was to be expected given the dog's age. It was a sign that Bob's kidneys were starting to slow down in their efficiency and there wasn't anything really that Duo could do about it. Unfortunately it was all a part of the aging process, along with the heart, arthritis and the wheezy lungs.

“Here you are, Mr. Carmichael.” Duo handed over the packet of pills. “There's another three months supply in there for you, same dosage rate as before. If you have any problems with him just give me a call and I can come out to you and save you the trip here.”

Mr. Carmichael took the offered packet and put it in his pocket. “Thank ye, Doc.”

Duo lifted Bob back down from the table, gently setting him on the floor and handing the lead to Mr. Carmichael. Opening the consulting room door, Duo moved to the side to allow the elderly man and his dog to pass through first. Shuffling along, the pair made their way back to the reception area. Handing over the client file to Catherine, Duo spoke to her in a low voice so the client couldn’t hear. “Special rate for Mr. Carmichael.”

Catherine nodded as she took the file and opened it up to see Duo’s neat handwriting. “That will be fifteen dollars, sir.”

“Are you sure lassie?” Mr. Carmichael questioned.

“That’s what Doctor Maxwell has written here. There’s no charge for the consult, just the tablets and that’s fifteen dollars in total.” Catherine smiled at the elderly gentleman.

“But that’s not right,” Mr. Carmichael protested.

“Actually, it is,” Catherine began. “Doctor Maxwell doesn’t charge clients that are simply returning with their animal for a prescription refill.”

Mr. Carmichael still wasn’t convinced and knew that although the vet practice gave discounts to pensioners, they couldn’t afford to not charge a consulting fee. Shaking his head, he pulled his wallet from his pocket and carefully counted out the cash. “That vet is too kind,” he said softly.

“He’s a good man,” Catherine replied with another smile. “He understands how difficult it is for people to make ends meet when all they have for income is the pension. Besides, all you needed was a refill of tablets so technically there isn’t a consult.”

“Well, when you put it that way,” Mr. Carmichael chuckled.

“Thank you, Mr. Carmichael. You have a good day,” Catherine said as she handed over the receipt.

“I will and a good day to you too, lassie.” Pocketing the receipt he turned and shuffled to the door, his dog following beside him.

Catherine watched them leave, a warmth washing over her. It was true, times were tough and Duo knew this too. Whilst he still had a business to run, he wasn't about to overcharge clients and as far as pensioners went, it was a known fact that they were doing it tougher than most. Many elderly people only had their pets for company and when those pets got sick it could be quite costly. Duo did all he could to keep fees and charges to a minimum for those who were battling along. No wonder the vet was so popular, not only was he kind and compassionate to his patients, but to their owners too.

*

It was close to one fifteen when Duo shot into the cottage. Heero looked up from the kitchen table where he was sitting and lacing his shoes. “Sorry I'm late,” Duo apologized as he dashed down the hall towards their bedroom to change. “Got caught up in surgery,” he yelled as he disappeared.

Blue eyes blinked as the braided whirlwind shot past him and Heero shook his head. He'd anticipated Duo might get held up and had already put Duo's change of clothes out ready for him.

Five minutes later Duo jogged back into the kitchen, hands deftly reweaving his braid. “Thanks for putting my clothes out,” he said and pecked Heero on the cheek.

“You're welcome,” Heero replied and patted his pockets, checking he had his car keys and wallet. “All ready?” he asked as Duo slipped the band over the end of the hair and tossed the braid back over his shoulder.

“Yeah, all set.”

They walked out to Heero's car and got in. Fortunately the traffic was light and they made it into Salsbury with five minutes to spare. The GPS system informed Heero they were arriving at their destination and both men looked at the small house in anticipation.

“This is it,” Heero said, stating the obvious.

Duo rubbed his suddenly sweaty palms on his slacks and released his seat belt. “Looks like a nice place,” he commented as they walked up the small path to the front door and Heero rang the bell. Moments later the door opened and a middle aged woman stood just inside.

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so,” Heero replied. “Mr. Yuy and Doctor Maxwell. We have an appointment with Mr. Howard Sweeper.”

“Ah, yes.” The woman opened the door a little more to admit the pair. “If you will follow me please gentlemen?” Both men followed the woman along the hall and into an office of sorts. “Please, take a seat, I'll let Howard know you're here.”

Sitting down, Duo took a long look around the cluttered office. Papers were strewn across the desk, several pictures hung on the walls and the bookcase to one side was overflowing. Before Duo could make any sort of comment to Heero, the door opened again and a middle aged, balding man wearing sunglasses and a very loud Hawaiian shirt entered.

“This is the celebrant you've booked to marry us?” Duo whispered to Heero in disbelief.

Equally as shocked by the outlandish appearance of the man, all Heero could do was nod in reply.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Equus