Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Going For Gold ❯ Chapter 40 ( Chapter 40 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G boys, I just borrow them from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot and any other characters, especially the equines, that you will find in this fic. Please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.

 

Pairing: 2x1x2, 3x4, 13x6, H+C

 

Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, sap, angst, vet themes, AU

 

Rating: NC 17

 

Archive: www.gundam-wing-diaries.150m.com Anyone else please ask.

 

Betaed by Yami_tai *snugs*

 

Summary: Eighteen months have passed since Heero was advised he was short listed for the Olympic games team. With Zero going well and young Shinigami almost ready to make his showjumping debut, Heero looks set to reach his goal. Life though doesn't always play by the rules.

 

Dedication: To Leslie who gave me the original idea for Equinity.

 

Fic 3 in the Equine Intervention Arc.

 

"Going for Gold"

 

January. 2007 ShenLong

 

 

Chapter 40

 

Once they were back inside the stable block, Duo set up the chairs and blankets just a short way from Angel's stable. He didn't want to be too close and upset the mare, but on the other hand, they needed to be close enough to keep an eye on her and her progress. The thermos and sandwiches were left inside the duffel and placed just to the side of the chairs.

 

Heero pulled the sliding doors to the stable block closed, keeping the rain and wind outside. Zero wuffled and watched with interest from his stable. Shinigami gave a grunt and curled up deeper into the shavings that made up his bed. Scythe continued to doze quietly in her stable.

 

Heero fetched a pocket full of carrots and walked over to Zero. He petted the stallion and fed him a couple of treats. “Not long now and you'll be a daddy again, Zero,” Heero told the gray.

 

Zero just gave another wuffle and searched Heero's person for more of the orange treats.

 

With everything set up, Duo unlocked the dispensary just in case he would need anything and then went back to Angel's stable to check the mare's progress. Angel was still standing in the corner, her head low and eyes half closed as she dozed. Every now and then her eyes would open a little more and a soft tremble would pass through her body. She continued to shift her weight from one hind leg to the other.

 

Satisfied that Angel wasn't going to be foaling in the next ten minutes, Duo returned to his seat and wrapped a blanket around himself. He picked up the thermos and poured two cups of steaming coffee. Heero strode across and took the other seat, wrapping his own blanket about his person and accepting the coffee Duo offered.

 

They sat and sipped at the hot liquid, feeling the warmth steal through them as the wind and rain continued to pound outside. “Nice night she's picked,” muttered Heero.

 

Duo snorted. “Sometimes I swear that animals simply wait for the most unpleasant conditions to arise to have their offspring born. The number of times I've had to deliver a calf or litter of piglets in either a storm or during a freezing night. At least sheep tend to wait until the warmer weather of spring and mostly during the day when you can at least see properly.”

 

Chuckling lightly, Heero took another sip of his coffee. “Guess that's when it sucks to be a vet.”

 

“Yeah, that's one of the drawbacks. But it does have its compensations too. All the aches, pains and unpleasantness just seem to fade away when you look at the new born life.”

 

“How do you think Angel will go? Foaling, I mean.”

 

“Hard to say. With this being her first foal I'm glad we're here to keep an eye on her. Some mares don't have any problems at all; others need assistance of some sort. It all really depends on the size of the foal and its positioning.”

 

“Positioning?”

 

“Yes, positioning. A foal is normally born fore feet first with its head resting on those fore feet. Sometimes you do get a breech birth, hind legs first and that's when it gets complicated.”

 

“Aa.” Heero began to chew his bottom lip.

 

Seeing the anxiety creeping in, Duo was quick to reassure Heero. “The ultrasounds I've done on Angel show the foal is in the normal birth position so you don't have to worry, Heero. The only problem she may encounter is if the foal is a little large, then she may need a hand to deliver it. Sort of like we did with Scythe when she was having Shini.”

 

Thinking back, Heero recalled how Duo had had to help Scythe with her delivery, gently pulling on Shini's front feet as Scythe pushed. “I'm glad you're here,” he said softly.

 

Smiling, Duo reached out and clasped his hand to Heero's. “I wouldn't be anywhere else.”

 

Suddenly, Heero frowned. “What if you get a call out?”

 

“If I do I'll just explain I'm currently with a mare that's foaling and can't leave her until after the delivery. If it's an emergency that can't wait, I'll call Hilde to attend in my stead. I've already discussed that possibility with her and she's happy to go in my place should the need arise. I can't see it happening though.” Duo squeezed Heero's hand in reassurance.

 

“Sorry to be such a pain.”

 

“Never,” Duo leaned across and kissed his lover.

 

Heero's lips tried to follow when Duo broke the kiss and pulled away. So intent on recapture, Heero almost fell out of the fold up chair. Duo couldn't help but snicker madly. Shinigami gave a snort of disapproval at having his sleep interrupted.

 

“Careful, these chairs aren't all that stable, Heero.”

 

“I just discovered that, thank you.”

 

“Come on, let's check the expectant mother again.” Duo stood up and dropping the blanket to the chair, he walked over to Angel's stable. “She's getting closer,” Duo murmured as he went inside the stable to check more closely. He ran his hands over the swollen abdomen, noting the tightness of the skin. He checked the rump muscles and eventually looked under Angel's tail.

 

“How long?” asked Heero as he petted the mare's neck.

 

“I'd say about an hour. She's really loosened in the muscles, now the contractions should start to build in intensity and frequency. We need to keep an eye on her backside, the first indication of imminent birth will be when we see the feet starting to appear.”

 

“Ah, okay.”

 

“Come on, let's go sit back down and have a sandwich and some more coffee. By the time we finish, she should be much closer to delivery.”

 

Heero didn't think he could eat anything. He was wound up so tight, his worry over Angel now that the big event was about to happen was completely overwhelming him. He didn't understand how Duo could be so calm about it all. Then again, it was probably for the best that at least one of them was calm.

 

Sitting down again, Duo unwrapped a couple of sandwiches and handed one to Heero. His boyfriend took the offered food and slowly began to eat.

 

* * *

 

Angel shifted her weight yet again. Whilst she wasn't in any direct pain, she was certainly feeling a lot of discomfort. Contractions were passing through her belly, slowly getting stronger and lasting for a little longer too. She gave a soft grunt and moved again. Beside her, Scythe came to stand on the other side of the stable and wuffle softly through the bars separating them.

 

The older mare could sense what was going on and shifted to be closer to the younger mare. She raised her muzzle to the bars and gave a gentle snort, the gray muzzle of the other mare reaching up and brushing softly against hers. Breathing low through her nostrils, Scythe gave the other mare a little more confidence, it helped to have another horse close by and Scythe was quite ready to stay exactly where she was.

 

Angel settled a little more, the other mare's presence calming her nervous state. Another contraction passed through her abdomen and Angel grunted, a little louder this time. Moments later her master appeared at the door with the other nice human. Gentle hands petted and soothed whilst the other human stroked softly over her belly.

 

"Shouldn't be too much longer now, Heero," said Duo as he checked under Angel's tail.

 

Heero continued to pet the mare and offered her some carrots. Angel took one of the treats, lipping at it with only partial interest. Her concentration was distracted by the events currently happening to her body.

 

Another contraction began and Angel dropped the carrot, grunting as she shifted her weight and strained a little.

 

Scythe gave a soft whinny and pushed her nose towards the bars again. Angel didn't reciprocate, too caught up in what was happening to her.

 

"Easy, girl," mumbled Heero. "Duo's gonna take good care of you."

 

The contraction eased off and Angel relaxed.

 

"I'm just going to get my stethoscope and check her over, Heero," said Duo as he disappeared from inside the stable. It wasn't long before he returned with the stethoscope around his neck. Experienced hands wandered over the mare, checking her vitals. Duo seemed satisfied all was going according to plan and stepped back.

 

"Is she okay?" asked Heero.

 

"She's doing just fine. At this rate we should be seeing the feet very shortly.""Shouldn't she be lying down then?"

 

"Not necessarily. Some mares do lie down from the onset, others don't lie down at all. Most usually wait until delivery is about to happen before they lie down. Best to let her go and wander around if she wants to. We can remain just outside the door and watch. I'd prefer to let nature take its course and only interfere if and when necessary."

 

Reluctantly, Heero agreed and stepped outside the stable with his boyfriend. Zero's head was over his stable door as he sniffed the air and watched the nocturnal goings on. Spotting the stallion Heero walked over and gently pulled on Zero's ears.

 

"What do you think, Zero? Will you have another son, or a daughter?"

 

Zero really didn't care what was happening, he could smell carrots on his master and he wanted some. He gently nudged at Heero.

 

"Okay, greedy. I guess I can let you have a couple seeing as how Angel's not all that interested right now." Heero fed the stallion a couple of carrots.

 

Crunching happily, Zero let his eyes half droop with pleasure.

 

Angel began to move around her stable. The contractions had strengthened and she was getting more uncomfortable. Another tremble passed through her body and instinct told her to push. She strained a little, cocking her tail as she did so.

 

The contraction eased and Angel relaxed again. When Scythe gave a soft wuffle, Angel returned the sound.

 

Another contraction began to build and Angel pawed at the ground, turning around as if to lie down. She began to crouch a bit and then decided to remain standing. Her tail cocked again and she restlessly moved about.

 

Duo watched carefully, reluctant to interfere. He noted the mare's restless state and knew that delivery would be pretty soon. As Angel turned and pawed at the ground, Duo could see the white of the membrane encasing the foal just beginning to protrude. He smiled to himself.

 

"Heero?"

 

"Hai?"

 

"It's time."

 

Heero gave Zero one last pat and carrot before hurrying over to Angel's stable. "You sure?"

 

"Yes. Take a look, you can see the membrane with the feet inside just beginning to appear."

 

Heero waited for Angel to move again and when she did, he focused on the mare's rear end. Sure enough, there was a white membrane with a pair of hooves poking out from under Angel's tail. Heero smiled.

 

"Once she goes down, we'll go in and just remain to the side out of the way. We don't want to upset her."

 

"Okay." Heero's eyes were glued to his horse, the excitement building inside.

 

Grunting softly as another contraction hit, Angel strained a bit more, the tiny hooves in their protective sac sliding out a bit and then slipping back inside.

 

Zero gave a soft neigh, Scythe added her own whinny and Angel replied with a snort. Shinigami gave a grunt.

 

"I don't think Shini's all that impressed with having his sleep interrupted," snickered Duo.

 

"Too bad," Heero stated.

 

Angel began to move around again, another contraction gaining momentum. She paused, pawed at the ground for a moment and then with a decisive move, buckled at the knees and lay down. Several grunts and groans came from her as she rode out the contraction.

 

Waiting until the contraction had passed, Duo opened the stable door and slipped inside, Heero right behind him. They moved to the side of the stable, out of the way of Angel's hooves but close enough to help. Heero murmured soft words to the mare so she wouldn't be startled.

 

Duo positioned himself by Angel's tail where he could watch the progression of the birth. "Stay up by her head and talk to her, Heero. This foal should be born in the next few minutes."

 

"Okay." Heero shifted across and speaking softly, placed himself by Angel's head. Gently he rubbed the mare between her eyes, offering reassurances with his touch and gentle tone.

 

The touch of her master gave Angel comfort and she pushed her nose towards his hand, relaxing as the gentle caresses continued.

 

The contractions began in earnest, each one just a minute apart and building in intensity. Angel grunted and pushed as nature dictated. Duo waited patiently at the mare's tail, his eyes watching intently as the membranes appeared again, the small hooves slipping further out with each push from the mare.

 

Another push and the tiny muzzle came into view. Angel relaxed for a moment and Duo held his breath. These next couple of contractions and pushes would let him know if Angel needed help. If the head came further into view, then she would be fine. If it didn't, Duo would need to intervene as it would mean that the foal's shoulders were stuck in Angel's pelvis.

 

Angel lay on her side, panting softly for a moment. Suddenly she rose back up onto her chest and gave a loud grunt, body straining.

 

"That's it, girl. Almost there," Heero comforted.

 

The strength of Angel's push shoved the foal's head through, neck and shoulders following a moment later.

 

Duo bit his lip and let out a long breath. "She's doing just great, Heero. Head and shoulders are here so all's well. Another push and we should have a foal." The excitement lit up Duo's eyes as he spoke.

 

Grinning back, Heero shifted his position a little so he could see what was happening down the other end. He kept one hand resting against Angel, but managed to wriggle enough to see the foal currently half in and half out of its mother.

 

Angel could sense that the end to her ordeal was close. Another contraction hit and she shoved hard. The rest of the foal shot out in a wet, slippery mess.

 

As soon as the foal was out of its mother, Duo sprang into action. Reaching forward, he quickly ripped at the membranes surrounding the foal and encasing it. Breaking the sac open around the muzzle, Duo was pleased to see the little nostrils began to twitch and then the foal gave a huge snort, spraying fluid everywhere as it cleared its nostrils and took its first, proper breath.

 

Angel's head jerked around at the sound and instantly a deep rumble echoed in her chest. She sniffed the air cautiously, not quite sure where this little being had come from but knowing instinctively it was hers to protect.

 

With the snort from the newborn, Scythe whinnied deep in her chest and pushed closer to the partition separating the stables to try and see the new foal. Zero let out a neigh and began to paw the ground. Even Shinigami woke up and scenting the smell of birth in the air, got to his feet and added his own whinnies to the foray.

 

"Bloody hell!" snickered Duo. "Talk about a serenade!"

 

Heero couldn't help but join in with the laughter. "They sure know how to welcome a new foal."

 

After a few replies from Angel, the other three horses settled down and stopped their ruckus, much to Duo's relief. He glanced at the foal again. The little head was rising up and shaking to rid itself of the amniotic fluid that coated it. Angel reached around with her nose and began to sniff the new object. Her tongue came out and she gave a lick. The foal snorted.

 

Keeping an eye on Angel as she was yet to deliver the afterbirth, Duo carefully pulled the rest of the amniotic sac away from the foal and took a quick look over it. Heero moved to join him.

 

"Gray," said Duo softly. "Probably dappled, but we won't know for sure until the hair dries."

 

"Sex?" asked Heero.

 

"Not right now, thanks, but I'm sure I can accommodate you later," Duo snickered.

 

"Baka!" Heero gave his lover a smack to the back of the head.

 

Laughing, Duo bent over to lift the foal's tail and get a look at what sex the baby was. "A colt," Duo stated as he straightened.

 

Heero stood and stared at the youngster. // A colt. He had another colt. // A smile began to curve his lips to end up in a full on grin. "That's great!"

 

Angel interrupted them by getting to her feet, standing and then giving herself a bit of a shake before turning around to investigate the new arrival with a gentle thoroughness.

 

"Is she okay?" Heero asked as he pointed to the membranes that were still attached and hanging down from behind Angel.

 

"She's fine. That's quite normal and the membranes will come away once the afterbirth is delivered. I'll check her once that's happened to be sure all is fine internally," replied Duo.

 

Heero gave a grimace. He didn't envy Duo that job at all.

 

Discovering the new bundle, Angel's mothering instincts kicked in and she began to lick at the youngster. Her tongue, while gentle, was also raspy and was soon cleaning the foal up. The baby protested the rough feeling tongue and tried to move away, but his legs and body didn't want to cooperate so he was pretty much stuck there for now.

 

Chuckling quietly, Heero watched the scene unfold. He felt Duo's arms as they encircled his waist from behind and he leaned back into the embrace. Duo rested his chin on Heero's shoulder and continued to gaze at the warm scene before them.

 

"It doesn't matter how many times I watch the miracle of birth, it always brings a tear to my eye," he said softly.

 

"I know just what you mean." Heero raised his hands and placed them over the top of Duo's.

 

Angel gave another grunt, strained and then with a wet sound, the afterbirth and remaining membranes were expelled, landing in a wet and bloody heap in the shavings.

 

"Yuk!" said Heero and wrinkled his nose.

 

With a deep sigh, Duo released his lover. "Guess that's my cue to check all is okay." Leaving the stable for a moment to retrieve the empty bucket he'd left by the dispensary door for this purpose, Duo returned a minute later with rubber gloves as well as the bucket.

 

Moving slowly and talking in a low voice so as not to startle the new mother and her foal, Duo donned the gloves and quickly picked up the afterbirth. Once it was all safely in the bucket, he turned to leave, placing a kiss to Heero's lips as he paused for a moment. "I'll be in the dispensary if you need me. I'll check this all out and make certain it's intact. By the time I'm done, junior here should be starting to try and get to his feet."

 

"You need a hand?" Heero asked out of politeness more than anything else.

 

"Nah, I'll be fine. It would be better if you were to stay here and keep an eye on these two. Oh, I'd suggest you let Zero know too that he's a daddy again."

 

"Shit! Zero! I forgot all about him." Heero turned and beat Duo out of the stable, hastening towards Zero's stable where the gray had his head hanging over the door, ears pricked and scenting the air for what was happening. Duo's laughter followed him.

 

Leaving Heero to talk to his horses, Duo took the bucket through to the dispensary where he washed it off from the bits of shavings still attached and then spread it out on the small table to check it was complete. Fortunately it was all there and Duo sighed in relief. At least he wouldn't have to go fishing around inside Angel to remove any lingering bits. That was not one of his favorite jobs - especially at two in the morning.

 

Satisfied all was okay, Duo dumped the mess into a plastic disposable bag and sealed it ready for incineration. Picking up a few things, Duo headed back out to the stable block and Heero.

 

Zero had retreated back into his stable by the time Duo returned. He'd had a lot of carrots from his master and enjoyed some petting time too, so he was content. Heero was leaning over the stable door, and amused smile on his face as he watched the new born foal.

 

“How's he doing?” Duo asked as he leaned on the door next to Heero.

 

“Trying to get his feet under him if Angel would leave him alone for a few minutes,” Heero snorted.

 

Watching the scene before him, Duo couldn't help the chuckle. It was like watching history repeat itself. The foal was managing to stretch his legs out and push himself up. Once he'd managed to steady himself he'd try to stand, shoving his hind legs underneath himself. Before he got the chance to get very far, Angel was there, licking and nuzzling, knocking the poor fellow back to the shavings.

 

The foal gave an angry squeal. He wanted to get these four long things moving. He could scent milk and his tiny tummy was rumbling. With another determined heave, he managed to get his front legs out and shove his back ones up and under him. He managed to stand, rather wobbly at first and then steadied. Feeling quite smug with himself, he started to move his legs in an attempt to walk. Both front legs promptly did the splits and he fell into a heap.

 

Duo snickered. “Maybe now would be a good time to check over Angel and give the little fellow his shots.”

 

“Shots?”

 

“Yes, Heero. I'll give him a tetanus shot and a vitamin one too. That will help him and protect him until he can get a good dose of Angel's milk into him. He's going to need that first milk as it carries all the necessary antibodies to protect him against infection.”

 

“Aa. I remember all that from Shini.”

 

“Want to give me a hand?”

 

“Sure.”

 

The pair stepped back inside the stable, Angel wuffling to them but staying right beside her baby. She had no reason to fear her master or the nice human, they'd never hurt her in any way, only ever gave her lots of treats and petting.

 

Heero took hold of Angel's halter and held the mare so Duo could check her over. Duo decided against giving her an internal exam, he didn't think it was necessary given how clean Angel was. He checked her vitals and then her rump muscles. Finally he lifted her tail and checked her out under there. Everything was fine and beginning to return to normal.

 

“I'll keep an eye on her over the next couple of days to make sure there's no discharge. The placenta and membranes were all intact so there shouldn't be anything at all left behind inside her. If by any remote chance there is, we will know about it in a day or two. I'll give her a shot of penicillin anyway just to be sure.” Duo removed the needle and syringe from his pocket and fitted them together. Stuffing the wrappings back into another pocket, he extracted a bottle of the antibiotic and quickly drew 20cc's into the syringe. Dropping the bottle back into his pocket, he pulled out an alcohol wipe, tore the packet open and proceeded to swab a spot on Angel's rump. Quickly he inserted the needle and depressed the plunger, sending the antibiotic into the mare's system.

 

“All done?” Heero asked from where he was hanging onto Angel who was doing her best to get to her baby and start licking him again. Heero thought the foal was appreciating the little bit of peace and was trying to get his legs back under him again. He succeeded for a moment, wobbled and then toppled over sideways into the shavings.

 

“I'm finished with Angel. You can let her go now.”

 

“Okay.” Heero released the mare and she immediately went to her foal and began to snuffle around him.

 

“Now for junior.”

 

“Ah, okay.” Heero looked at the foal that seemed to have given up for the moment. “How did you want to do this?”

 

“If you can get your arms around his chest and rump, then hold him steady, I'll give him the shots as quickly as I can.”

 

“Right.” Heero looked at the foal and worked out his best plan of attack. Probably best to wait until junior was trying to get to his feet again. Then Heero could scoop him into his arms and hold him for Duo. At the same time it would give the youngster the chance to gain a little balance himself.

 

The foal waited for a couple of minutes to regain his breath and then with a determined effort, he thrust his front legs out and managed to get to a sitting position. He paused for a moment, then with another determined effort, shoved his hind legs under and managed to get to a standing position. As soon as the foal was standing, Heero made his move. Before the foal could register what was happening, a pair of strong arms wrapped around his frame and held him steady.

 

Once Heero had the foal firmly in his arms, Duo wasted no time. He didn't want to cause mother and baby any more distress than absolutely necessary. He'd already filled both syringes with the drugs he needed so all he had to do was slip the needles into the ends and inject. Quickly he swabbed an area on the foal's neck and gave the first injection. The second soon followed and Duo was done.

 

"You can let him go now, Heero. I'm finished," said Duo softly as he stepped back out of the way.

 

Heero released the foal, which promptly fell into a heap, and moved to stand beside his partner.

 

The arms restraining him came as a bit of a shock to the foal. This wasn't his mother! He tried to wriggle free, but his limbs wouldn't cooperate. Then he felt a small sting to his neck and he gave a squeal. Another sting followed and he tried to shy away from whatever it was that was biting him. When he found he couldn't go anywhere, he tried to kick out and bite; only to find himself released and in a heap in the shavings. He snorted his disgust.

 

Angel gave a couple of worried wuffles and tried to move in close to her baby. Her master was holding him, but she didn't scent anything other than calmness coming from him. She stretched her nose forward and shifted to see if she could get closer. The foal gave a squeal and Angel responded with her own whinny, pushing a little closer. Her master stepped away and Angel could reach her baby. Eagerly she snuffled at him, checking he was okay.

 

Even more determined than ever to gain control over his wayward limbs and avoid being restrained or bitten again, the foal made another attempt to gain his feet. This time he succeeded and stood for a second, gaining his balance.

 

With her baby finally standing, Angel shifted so her rump was closer to his head. Her udder was full and starting to get uncomfortable. Instinctively she knew the foal needed to drink and tried to put herself in the best possible position for him to do just that.

 

The foal could scent the milk and his tummy grumbled. Now if could only get all four of these things to move without falling down. Tentatively, he shifted one leg, wobbled, but remained standing. Pleased with himself, he tried moving another. When success greeted him for the second time, he decided this wasn't so hard after all and moved his back legs to follow. Unfortunately for him, he tried to move both at once and ended up staggering across the shavings sideways. His little legs went in all directions trying to retain his balance.

 

Heero and Duo could do nothing but laugh as they watched the antics. The foal ended up crashing into his mother's side and rebounding off to land once more in an unceremonious heap.

 

It took another fifteen minutes before the foal managed to gain enough control over his legs to be able to stand and wobble a few steps. Once he did though, he was in hot pursuit of the milk he could smell. His nose wandered over his mother's flank and down her hind leg. He found the pointy bit of her hock and tried to latch on. All he got was a mouthful of hair. Disgusted, he shook his little head, staggered a touch, found his balance and tried again.

 

After a few more tries, the foal's head did find its way underneath Angel's belly and locate the udder. His mouth wandered around and eventually located the teat. He latched on and began to suckle for all he was worth. The rich, warm milk flowed steadily down his throat and into his hungry stomach, his little tail swishing back and forth as he drank his fill.

 

The pair watched the scene with rapt attention, smiles playing over their faces. Once Duo was sure the foal was getting a good feed, he nudged Heero.

 

"Come on. Let's get tidied up and go back to the house and get some sleep." He looked at is watch. "It's three-fifteen and I'm pretty bushed."

 

Once Duo mentioned the time, Heero felt the weariness steal over him. "Good idea."

 

Quietly they slipped from the stable, Heero bolting the door securely. They deposited the rubbish into the bin, collected the fold up chairs and blankets, stuffing the thermos and cups back into the duffle to take back to the house.

 

With one last check on mother and baby - who was now curled up in the shavings fast asleep - they turned off the lights, slid the door shut and bolted through the rain to the house and a warm bed.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...