Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Going For Gold ❯ Chapter 95 ( Chapter 95 )

“Going for Gold”

 

January 2007 ShenLong

 

Chapter 95

 

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the showjumping team gold medal has been won by .03 of a second by Heero Yuy for Australia!”

 

The crowd went wild, cheering, clapping and yelling their appreciation. Up in the stands, Zoe and Michael were hugging each other tightly, Kyle and Andrew shook hands and patted each other on the back. Treize and Zechs let go sighs of relief and then wore grins as wide as their faces as they gave each other a friendly `one arm hug'. Noin was smiling broadly with tears glistening in her eyes as she watched the gray and his rider exit the arena. She was so proud of them; and the rest of the team too.

 

And Duo?

 

Tears ran down his cheeks completely unchecked and his heart felt like it was going to break from his chest with the love and pride he felt at that moment. Not bothering to wait for anyone else, Duo bolted from his seat and ran all the way to the stairs where he almost fell he was rushing so much to get outside to congratulate his lover.

 

Seeing Duo's mad dash, Treize shook his head and smiled wider.

 

“Shouldn't we go congratulate Heero?” asked Zechs as he prepared to stand. A hand on his arm restrained him and he sat back down, looking to Treize as he did so.

 

“I think we should give them a moment alone,” he said softly.

 

Nodding, Zechs reclined further into his seat and opted to wait.

 

* * *

 

Heero passed through the finish and sat deep into his saddle, trying to bring Shinigami back to a slow canter and then exit the arena. He could hear the groan from the crowd and then applause and cheering surrounded him as the commentator announced his result.

 

Heero almost fell off when he heard the winning margin.

 

“Shit! .03 of a second. Well fuck me,” he whispered to himself and then a broad grin broke out over his face. He let his horse gallop on around the arena, stood up in his stirrups and punched the air. “Yes!” he yelled above the noise of the spectators.

 

The hand that had let the reins go to punch the air, now patted enthusiastically at the sweating, gray neck. “We did it, Shini! We won the gold medal!! We did it, boy!” Tears spilled from Heero's eyes as the reality sank home. “I'm so damn proud of you, Shini,” he said with a choke in his voice.

 

Somehow, Heero managed to see through the blur of his tears and locate the exit. Shinigami slowed his pace and by the time they were passing through the exit tunnel, he was at a steady trot. Coming out to the other side, Heero was bombarded by people congratulating him, fellow riders, grooms, stewards and the like, all were passing on their best wishes.

 

The press were there too, flashbulbs going off all over the place as reporters jostled with each other to try and get a few words from Heero.

 

Heero was overwhelmed by it all and frantically looked around for Duo and a quiet spot. As Shini pushed his way through the crowd of well wishers, Heero spotted a familiar braid of hair and aimed for it.

 

Running down the stairs and coming out into the sunlight in the warm up area, Duo's eyes began their frantic search for Heero and the gray. He spotted his lover amidst a crowd of people and fought his way through.

 

The crowd parted a little to allow Heero through and as he reached the outskirts so a welcome voice greeted him.

 

“Through here, Heero.”

 

Knowing that Heero would want a few minutes alone, Duo had spotted a place to the side of the warm up area where the press couldn't get and the other competitors were likely to get the hint and leave them alone for a little while. With Heero following him, Duo made his way towards the spot.

 

Sighing in relief, Heero brought his horse to a halt and dismounted. Immediately he was enveloped in a warm hug.

 

“I'm so proud of you, Heero. You did it! You fucking well did it! You won the gold for Australia!” Duo's voice was full of love, pride and admiration. He also didn't give a flying fuck who saw him with his arms around Heero; he could pass it off as the excitement of the moment if anyone chose to try and make something of it.

 

“I can't believe it, Duo,” Heero choked out. “We actually won. I think I need you to pinch me or something, I'm sure this is just a dream and I'll wake up any moment to find I'm back home in the paddock schooling Shini.”

 

“You can believe it, Heero. It's all true. You and Shinigami were fantastic out there and you won the gold medal.” Duo was so excited and happy for his lover that the tears flowed even faster down his cheeks and he didn't care to brush them away.

 

Reluctantly breaking the hug, Heero took a moment to wipe at his eyes and take note of the gray muzzle that was nudging gently at him. “You were fantastic, Shini,” Heero praised and gently pulled the gray ears.

 

“Your dad would be so proud of you, Shini,” Duo added and fished in his pocket to produce the requested carrot treat.

 

The stallion knew he'd done well, he could sense it. He greedily took the offered carrot and politely begged for more. He wasn't disappointed either. The carrots flowed and the gray was delighted with the number of them he got to eat.

 

The quiet moment didn't last though as the rest of the team members, grooms and Noin found them. The congratulations ran thick and fast, Heero finding himself with a kiss to the cheek and several handshakes, hugs and a couple of light punches to the arm. When Noin came forward to congratulate him, it was then that Heero really understood the magnitude of what he'd accomplished.

 

Noin's eyes were moist as she smiled at the rider. “Well done, Heero. You rode a superb round. I'm so damn proud of you and the entire team.” The coach fell silent then as her voice was threatening to crack on her.

 

Heero blushed and then with a 'what the hell' attitude, he enveloped the coach in a hug. Pulling the coach close to him, Heero whispered into her ear. “Thank you, Noin. Thank you for your coaching skills, for spending the time helping us all; but most of all, thank you for having faith in Shinigami and me.”

 

Pulling back a little, Noin swiped at the tears that refused to remain contained and gave the rider another soft smile. “I always knew you and your horses were something special. I saw it in you both at the Nations Cup when you had Zero competing. Now that has passed on to his son and you've brought out the best in him. I have no doubts that the youngster you currently have at home will also be an Olympic prospect. Heero, it's been my pleasure to work with you and your horses.”

 

Nodding in understanding, Heero swallowed the lump in his throat.

 

“Now, I suggest you get this animal back to the stabling area and clean yourselves up a bit. The presentation of medals will be in an hour's time and all of you are expected to be mounted and turned out impeccably.”

 

“Yes, ma'am!” Heero replied with a grin and turned to smile at Duo and lead his horse back to the stables.

 

* * *

 

“Isn't this exciting?” Kyle stated as he glanced to the other two teams waiting in the collecting ring. Beneath him, Marksman positively shone, a testament to Andrew who had spent the best part of the past hour grooming the palomino until he could see his face in the horse's coat.

 

“Yeah, it certainly is,” Zoe replied and gave Lion a soft pat.

 

“Looks like they're about to get started,” Treize said from his saddle. He had a slight advantage over the others. Being on Romefeller, the horse standing seventeen hands, gave him the opportunity to see over everyone else and into the arena. Moments later Duo arrived to confirm Treize's words.

 

“Noin's on her way. They're all set up and ready to go.” He paused and stepped back a little, raising his camera and snapping a couple of pictures.

 

“Duo! Do you have to?” Heero scowled. He really hated having his picture taken.

 

“Might as well get used to it, the press will be all over you during the ceremony and don't forget you have the press conference after,” Duo reminded his lover.

 

Heero groaned.

 

Noin arrived then and Duo gave the team a wave and a grin before darting off to reclaim his seat inside for the medal presentation.

 

Running her eyes over the team before her, Noin felt herself swell with pride. They were all turned out beautifully and a real credit to themselves and their country. Noin had coached a lot of teams in her time, but this one had to be one of the best she'd ever had the privilege of coaching. They had a bond there between them, not just the team members, but with their horses too.

 

The steward was calling for all teams to enter the arena and Noin moved closer to her riders. Looking up at them all, she smiled and spoke quietly but with conviction. “Come on, let's go get your medals.”

 

* * *

 

The arena was abuzz with chatter, spectators talking amongst themselves. On the arena surface, the jumps had all been removed and the podiums stood ready, to the side the officials waited. The commentator came over the loud speakers and everyone fell silent.

 

“Ladies and Gentlemen, the presentation of the medals for the Team Showjumping competition will now take place.”

 

All attention switched to the arena entry where the teams were coming in. The United States rode in first with their coach and applause rang out. They were followed by the Australian team, Noin walking proudly beside Zoe and Lionheart. Following the Aussies came the United Kingdom and the arena erupted once more into cheers.

 

Riding between Zoe and Treize, Heero was doing his best not to break out into tears of joy again. He was so proud of Shinigami, the stallion having given his all for Heero and Heero couldn't praise the gray enough. He'd been certain to give the stallion as many carrots as he could swallow when they'd gotten back to the stables, much to Shini's delight.

 

Duo'd had one hell of a job getting the orange slobber stains from Shini's foreleg where the horse had rubbed his nose whilst eating those carrots.

 

Sitting in the stands, Duo's eyes began to moisten again as he watched the teams all entering the arena and walking around to stand behind their respective podium place. Beside him, Zechs was blinking rapidly, trying to clear his own watery vision. A quick glance at the others showed that they were not unaffected either. Michael was wiping away the odd tear that escaped, Andrew's eyes looked suspiciously bright and even young Joe was swallowing a lump or two in his throat.

 

* * *

 

Back in Australia, Quatre and Trowa had watched the jump off along with Hilde and Catherine. Trowa had seriously considered tying his blonde lover down as the Inspector was in danger of bouncing himself off the couch and onto the floor.

 

The excitement of it all had caught up with the blonde and he enthusiastically cheered Heero and Shinigami on over the course. It was lucky they didn't have any close neighbors to worry about Trowa had thought as Quatre didn't give a damn how loud he got with his cheering.

 

Not that Trowa could blame him; in fact, Trowa had been cheering Heero along too - only not quite as vocally.

 

Catherine and Hilde had remained silent throughout the jump off, opting to wait and then let fly with their screams and exclamations of joy when Heero had galloped through the finish.

 

Trowa wondered where he'd put his ear plugs.

 

“Yes! They did it!” shouted Quatre when the commentator announced Heero's time and that the Australian team had secured the gold medal as a result.

 

“Woo-hoo! Go Heero!” cheered Hilde.

 

“That's the way to do it, Heero!” Catherine had cried out.

 

The excitement had continued even when the broadcast had switched to the archery competition, promising to return for the medal ceremony. With the television muted, Catherine, Hilde, Quatre and Trowa had all hugged each other and talked over the top of one another in their joy.

 

Quatre was so proud of his horsey nephew and dear friend that he couldn't hold his tears of happiness in check. The silvery trails ran like a waterfall down his cheeks, much to Trowa's concern. The blonde was quick to reassure his lover that all was well though and that they were tears of joy, not sadness.

 

Catherine and Hilde completely understood; they were also in tears.

 

“I'll have to ring up the feed merchant and get him to deliver a load of carrots,” Quatre absently said causing Trowa to raise an eyebrow.

 

Seeing the confusion on his lover's face, Quatre elaborated. “For Shinigami. I think he deserves to have several bags of carrots as he's been such a good boy.”

 

Knowing there was nothing he could do once his lover's mind was made up, Trowa made a mental note to let Heero know about the carrot delivery before it happened.

 

“It's back on,” Hilde announced and everyone was quick to sit down again and watch the medal presentation.

 

* * *

 

The arena noise settled again once the teams reached their allocated places and the commentator took over. He welcomed everyone to the arena, thanked the officials and went on to introduce the vice president of the FEI [1] who would present the medals.

 

“Ladies and gentlemen. With a combined three round total of thirty-six penalties; the winners of the bronze medal for the team showjumping competition: the United States of America!”

 

The arena burst into cheers and applause as the Americans rode forward, waving to the crowd and then dismounting. Their horses were held by four stewards and the team stepped up onto the dais to be presented with their medals, their coach remaining on the ground just behind them all.

 

Once the bronze medals were presented, the Americans waved to the crowd again before standing still as the commentator spoke again.

 

“With a combined three round score of eighteen penalties and a jump off time of 42:15 seconds, the winners of the silver medal in the team showjumping competition: the United Kingdom!”

 

As predicted, the crowd went wild. Cheering, yelling, whistles and applause practically deafened those that were standing inside the arena. It was understandable though as the host nation expressed its pride for its athletes.

 

The team dismounted and handed their horses over to the stewards. Stepping up to their section of the dais, they waved to the crowd. The dignitaries stepped forward and each rider was presented with their medal and a small bouquet of flowers.

 

Once the medals had all been handed out, the team again waved to the crowd, proudly holding their silver medals aloft for all to see.

 

The commentator had to make a couple of attempts before the crowd quieted enough for him to be able to be heard. “And now, the winners of the gold medal for the team showjumping. With a combined three round score of eighteen penalties and a jump off time of 42:12 seconds; Australia!”

 

Duo wasn't sure who was yelling and cheering the loudest. He was practically bouncing out of his seat and cheering at the top of his lungs. Beside him, Zechs was also vocalizing his support for the Aussies, and the rest of the grooms weren't silent either.

 

With the announcement made, the four riders urged their horses forward and then halted right before their section of the dais. Stewards appeared at each horse's side and the riders dismounted, handing their reins to their steward and then stepping up onto the platform.

 

Heero smiled at the young steward who took Shini's reins from him. “Thank you.”

 

“My pleasure, sir,” came the reply.

 

“Just watch him, he gets a little sneaky at times and might try to give you a nip. If he does, just give him a good smack back,” Heero warned the steward.

 

“I'll remember that, thanks for the warning.”

 

With a smile, Heero joined the rest of his team members on the dais.

 

The crowd was still going wild and the four Australians waved to them, smiling and laughing amongst themselves as tears of joy continued to make their sporadic appearance. Noting the dignitaries moving towards them, Treize nudged his fellow team members and the four lined up.

 

Heero found himself between Zoe and Treize once again, the woman receiving her medal first. Heero was next and as Zoe stepped back, Heero stepped forward. He bent a little at the waist for the vice president to slip the medal ribbon over his head and rest around his neck, then he straightened and shook the man's hand.

 

“Well done,” the vice president said in a heavily accented voice.

 

“Thank you,” Heero replied, the smile still firmly on his face.

 

“That was a wonderful piece of riding and a well deserved win.”

 

“He's a phenomenal horse,” said Heero as he glanced to where Shinigami stood behind him receiving his rosette from another dignitary.

 

“Ah, but no matter how good the horse, he cannot win without an exceptional rider.”

 

Heero blushed but nodded in understanding. The vice president moved on to Treize and Heero took the small bunch of flowers he was offered before straightening up again.

 

In the stands, Duo's camera was working overtime as he took picture after picture of Heero being presented with his medal, his bunch of flowers and also Shinigami getting his rosette. He had to chuckle to himself as he watched the gray with the steward that was handling him. Shini was a sneaky horse, not vicious or nasty, but a little on the cheeky side - as Trowa had discovered. If you weren't firm with him and let him know who was the boss, the stallion would try to pull the wool over your eyes.

 

Seemed the steward was finding that out the hard way.

 

Doing his best to hold onto the gray, Shini was equally determined to make the steward work for his obedience. He'd stand quietly for a moment and when the steward's attention wandered, he'd snake his head forward and try to get in a quick nip.

 

One minute the poor steward was watching the action, the next he was rubbing his abused arm and glaring at the innocent looking stallion.

 

Duo continued to snicker as he watched the pair, wondering how long it would be before the steward wised up and gave the stallion a smack for his trouble.

 

After suffering through four nips to various parts of his anatomy, the steward finally `grew some balls' and when Shini snuck in for his next nip, he found himself with a sharp smack to the end of his nose instead. The steward looked pleased with himself and Shinigami definitely had a bit more respect for the steward.

 

With the last of the gold medals presented, the dignitary's moved back and the commentator spoke. “Ladies and gentlemen, the national anthem of Australia.”

 

All four of the Australians stood to attention and turned their eyes to where the three flags were being raised as the band struck up with `Advance Australia Fair'; the Australian national anthem. Up in the stands, the rest of the Australian contingent all stood and turned their attention to the flags, each singing along with the tune.

 

On the podium, the tears ran freely down Heero's cheeks as he sang along, the pride threatening to overwhelm him. He could hear Treize's strong baritone booming out behind him and Zoe's soft voice, not quite a soprano, joining in in front.

 

They sang the first verse before the band wound the anthem down and then finished. The crowd again broke into a roar as they cheered the three countries represented for their hard won placings, the teams on the podiums waving madly back and then turning to congratulate each other.

 

Heero found himself shaking hands with Arnold, the man he'd beaten in the jump off.

 

“That was a brilliant round,” Arnold congratulated Heero.

 

“Thank you. I wasn't sure I'd beaten you until the commentator announced the time. You certainly set the standard,” Heero returned.

 

“I look forward to a rematch in the individuals,” Arnold said with a smile.

 

“Same here. Good luck for it.”

 

“And the same to you.”

 

They parted then as the stewards were making motions for the teams to leave the podium and return to their horses for a lap of honor.

 

Heero stepped down and took his stallion from the steward. “Thank you for looking after him. I hope he behaved himself.”

 

The steward gladly handed the reins back. “He wasn't too bad and thanks for the warning about him. He did manage to get in four nips before I could reprimand him. Once I did he was as good as gold,” replied the steward.

 

“I'm sorry he bit you,” Heero apologized for his horse, feeling bad for the steward. He turned to the gray and let him know in a few words that he wasn't happy with him. Shinigami hung his head, knowing what he'd done wrong but not regretting it in the least. He was a stallion after all and it was part of his job to test out these `rookies' that thought they could handle him!

 

“Don't worry about it, they weren't bad bites, just nips,” said the steward with a grin and then stepped back so Heero could mount.

 

With a nod to the steward, Heero slipped his foot in the stirrup and swung himself into the saddle. Once all the team members were mounted they formed up into four abreast, Noin walking off to the exit with the other team coaches. With the other teams all mounted and similarly lined up, the Aussies started off at a trot and then broke into a canter, traveling around the outside of the arena and waving to the crowds who cheered in response.

 

The rosettes attached to the horses' bridles fluttered in the breeze, gold medals rested against proud chests as the team rode their lap of honor.

 

When they exited the arena all the grooms were waiting for them, pride shining in their eyes as they took charge of their respective horses. Congratulations, hugs and tears were all exchanged again as the Aussies rode on cloud nine, still not quite able to believe they had won the gold.

 

Duo checked over each horse before the animals were put away in their stables to enjoy a bit of a rest before they would need to jump again later that afternoon. Slipping Shini's light rug over the gray hide, Duo turned sharply when he felt a pair of arms encircle his waist.

 

“Heero?” he questioned.

 

“Come with me for a minute,” Heero demanded softly and Duo followed.

 

Heero led them inside his locker area and shut the door. Reaching for the ribbon attached to the gold medal that still hung around his neck, Heero removed it. Duo gave him a questioning look and Heero smiled in return. Taking the medal he placed it around Duo's neck and then leaned in close to brush his lips over the vet's.

 

“The medal is yours, Duo,” he whispered.

 

“But... Heero. I can't...” Duo began to protest.

 

“Hush. Yes you can and you will. Duo, if it hadn't been for you then I wouldn't have been standing on that podium today. You have always believed in me, had faith and encouraged me when I was ready to give up. If anyone deserves that gold medal, it's you, Duo.”

 

Tears welled in violet eyes yet again and Duo had to swallow hard to move the lump in his throat. “You would have made it without me, Heero. I just pushed you when you needed it,” he choked out.

 

“No, I wouldn't. Duo, if I'd never met you I wouldn't have had Scythe. Without Scythe I wouldn't have Shini. Think about it, you're responsible for my success; and for that, I thank you. This medal is yours, Duo. You've more than earned it.”

 

“Oh, god, Heero. I love you so much.” Duo enveloped Heero in his embrace and kissed the rider soundly. “We'll share it,” he whispered when they broke apart for air.

 

Heero could live with that.

 

* * *

 

“Looks like they're coming out,” Duo stated and hopped from one foot to the other in anticipation.

 

“I think you could be right,” Zechs and Michael agreed, both peering over the top of Duo's head and into the arena.

 

After a successful morning and the medal presentation, the team had gone back to the stables and put their horses away for a while. The press were waiting for them in the media center and the team all sat down and suffered through the endless questions with dignity.

 

Heero had copped more questions than the others, mainly due to him being the one to have ridden the jump off and securing the team gold medal. He'd done his best to answer all the questions honestly and without showing too much displeasure in his voice or face. Duo had teased him mercilessly over his smiling ability, or lack of.

 

After ten minutes of interviews, Noin called a halt to the session, citing her team needed time to psyche themselves up in readiness for the round of individual competition that afternoon. The press were promised another interview once the individual competition was over with and once the media had accepted that, the team and their coach were free to go.

 

The sighs of relief as the five exited were more than audible.

 

Having returned to their rooms in the Olympic Village and put away their medals, rosettes and flowers, the team all met up again and enjoyed lunch in one of the cafes in the Village. Their excitement was still fresh and they talked about the course, their respective rounds and how they'd all felt when Heero had been jumping. Several athletes stopped by their table to pass on congratulations and soon Noin announced it was time to head back to Greenwich Park and get ready for the individual competition.

 

The team were all walking the course, the grooms all waiting nervously outside. Duo had spotted them coming back and was eagerly awaiting their thoughts on the course and their chances.

 

There were twenty-five riders all through to the third round of individual competition. The first two rounds of the team competition had also counted towards the individual and all riders were now sitting on whatever faults they'd scored during their team rounds.

 

Currently Heero and Zoe were sitting on four penalties and in gold medal position with two other riders. Treize had finished with a score of ten faults and was about midway down the field. Kyle had also scraped into the third round with his total faults being twelve.

 

“Well? What's it like?” Duo demanded as soon as Heero was out of the arena.

 

“It's not bad. A couple of twisty parts, but overall it flows well,” Heero replied.

 

The course would be a new one under the rules of competition. Up to ten jumps were allowed and a water jump was also permitted.

 

“How do you think Shini will go?”

 

“He shouldn't have any problems that I can see if he listens to me. The height isn't too bad and neither is the width,” replied Heero honestly.

 

“Good.” Duo breathed a sigh of relief. “How long before you have to jump?”

 

“I'm one of the last to go. They will jump in reverse order, starting with the highest penalties and working down. Kyle will be one of the first to jump as he's in the group of twelve faulters.”

 

“Ah.” Duo's mind ticked over. “In that case,” he purred, “Maybe we could steal a few minutes of alone time? I still haven't congratulated you properly for your medal win earlier.”

 

Heero groaned.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...

 

[1] FEI: Federation Equestrian Internationale.