Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Time, Fault and Out ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

Disclaimer: I don't own the G'boys, I just borrow them from time to time to play with and return them a whole lot happier, ne? Written for pleasure not profit.

 

Rating: NC 17

 

Pairings: 1x2x1, 3x4

 

Warnings: AU, OOC, Lemon, Yaoi, Angst, Fluff, Sap, Vet themes.

 

Summary: Set 2 years after Equinity. Heero is now riding for the Kushrenada stable as well as attempting to qualify Zero for the Nations Cup team and ultimately his dream of riding at the Olympic games. But life is never an easy ride.

 

Notes: All the information on showjumping, horses, etc is taken from my own knowledge of the sport having been a competitor and now judge for many years and is written from an Australian perspective. The rules and regulations are courtesy of the E.F.A Handbook. (Equestrian Federation of Australia) Should you have any questions just e-mail me.

 

Fic 2 in the "Equine Intervention" Arc.

 

Dedication: To Klingonpoodle who gave me the plot bunny for the first fic and has since supplied my muse with its own plot bunny farm, and to 'Teddy Bear' my own courageous little showjumper whom Zero is based upon.

 

 

"Time, Fault and Out"

 

November. 2005 ShenLong

 

 

Chapter 8

 

Despite the fact that the fences were mostly set at three feet, Duo still found them daunting. He listened to Heero and Treize discussing the jumps, angles and best line of approach to each fence as they walked the course. He found it all quite fascinating. He enjoyed the little amount of riding he managed to squeeze in when he had some free time from the practice, and Heero had patiently taught him a great deal more, but when Heero had suggested Duo try jumping, the vet had baulked. He was happy to be able to ride well enough to control the horse and enjoy himself, he really wasn't interested in learning how to jump he'd rather leave that side of things up to Heero. No, Duo was quite content to ride around the paddock or in the bushland.

 

Didn't mean he wasn't interested in the jumping side of things though. He often questioned Heero about the various things he did with Zero while training the horse and getting him fit for the season. He listened avidly as Heero explained the different competitions to him, the basic rules and what was involved in getting Zero qualified and many other little things associated with the world of showjumping. Walking the course with the other two, he found he could follow a lot of their conversation.

 

Having walked the entire course, Heero stood beside the start flags and went back over it in his head, memorizing each fence, the angles and line he would need to follow. The course was well within the capabilities of both Taurus and Sandrock, his worry was that Taurus would do his usual trick and try to get away from him in-between fences. Heero knew he would need all his skills to keep the animal under control and listening to him. His biggest problem was going to be between fences six and seven. Being what was known as 'related' fences, there was only five strides between the two, five strides for him to have Taurus between hand and leg. If the horse managed to get away from him there, Heero knew they would take a rail down on seven. He would have the opposite problem with Sandrock. Sandy being a lazier horse would need riding on firmly at that point if he was to have enough impulsion to clear fence seven.

 

Deciding he'd seen enough, Heero turned his back to the course. "Let's see if the jumping order is up yet."

 

They walked back to the secretary's tent and stopped at the board outside. Heero's jumping class was posted and they three quickly scanned down the list. Whoever had done the draw had been fair and out of a class of fifteen riders, Heero saw that he was jumping fourth with Sandrock and fourteenth with Taurus. "That's not bad," he said to Treize and Duo as they walked back to the horses. "At least I'll have a bit of time between rounds to settle Taurus down."

 

Treize agreed and went to give Otto a hand to get Sandy and Taurus saddled up ready to warm up. Duo checked Zero. The gray was dozing lightly, resting a hind leg and taking no notice of the bustle around him. Duo gave him a pat and then went to see if he could be of any assistance to the others.

 

With Sandy and Taurus saddled, Treize mounted Sandrock while Heero took the reins and mounted Taurus. The two horses walked calmly across the grass to a section reserved for the riders to warm up their mounts. Duo and Otto followed, stopping under a large tree and watching from the side lines. Treize and Heero took the horses through the warm up, starting off slowly and as the muscles warmed so they moved up a gait. Twenty minutes later,both horses were deemed 'loose' enough to take a couple of the practice jumps. Heero took Taurus over first while Treize, Otto and Duo watched. Duo's heart was in his mouth as he watched the big liver chestnut fighting for his head. Heero sat the animal quietly, holding hard as Taurus tried to tear the reins through his hands and bolt at the fence. The animal seemed to bounce on the spot, Heero remaining calm and doing his best to get the horse to settle enough to take the practice fence.

 

Treize frowned as he watched. He didn't like the look of Taurus at all. As soon as the horse saw a jump it was as if you threw a switch. Taurus would work reasonably well on the flat and then completely forget all his training the second he saw a fence. Treize had to give Heero his due though. The man had been a skilled rider when he'd joined the stable, with Treize's teaching though, Heero's riding had improved tremendously. Given the right horse, Heero had everything he needed to make it to the top.

 

Holding Taurus hard, Heero patiently settled the horse as much as he could then allowed the animal to attempt the fence. Taurus bounded up to the fence, eager to be jumping and literally leapt over it with inches to spare. Heero's arms were nearly pulled out of their sockets on landing as he fought to keep Taurus in check.

 

"Is he always like that?" asked Duo, his voice full of concern.

 

"He's head strong, yes, but not usually this bad," Treize replied. "I think the show atmosphere has hyped him up a bit more than usual."

 

"How often has he been out?"

 

"This is his first show."

 

"Ah." Duo returned his attention to his lover who was having another 'argument' with the horse.

 

After another fifteen minutes, Taurus had settled a little bit and wasn't pulling quite as much. Heero decided he'd had enough for the moment and rode over to the tree where the others were watching. "I think that will do him for now," he said as he slipped from the saddle.

 

Treize nodded and dismounted from Sandrock, handing Heero the reins and taking Taurus' reins in return. Heero mounted Sandy and took him out to tackle the practice jumps, Treize mounted Taurus.

 

"I'll work him around on the flat, keep him moving and see if I can't settle him a little more before Heero's turn to jump him comes around."

 

Duo mentally wished the man good luck and then turned his attention back to Heero. Sandrock was a pleasure to watch after the antics of Taurus. The horse was calm, moving placidly to Heero's commands and while he lacked that 'spark' he was obedient and willing. Heero took him around on the flat for a few minutes, gauging the horse's mood before turning towards the first practice fence. Sandrock approached the fence eagerly but not fighting his rider, listening and sizing the fence up. They jumped it cleanly and Sandy came back to hand, collecting himself up as Heero rode him together. Even to Duo's less experienced eye the horse was a good jumper and had a lot of potential. He reminded Duo a lot of Zero, eager and willing to please but Duo could see that Sandy lacked the one thing Zero had - the desire to win.

 

Heero had spoken of the trait in horses before and now, watching Sandrock, Duo could clearly see what Heero meant with those words. It didn't matter how good the animal was, if it didn't have that 'competitive spirit' then it wouldn't go all the way to the top. Sandy would obviously be a good horse; but he wouldn't be a great showjumper.

 

The public address system crackled into life and began to call for the riders in Heero class to begin marshaling. Popping the animal over one more jump, Heero settled Sandy to a walk and brought him back to the tree.

 

"I'd better get going to the collecting ring," he stated as he looked around for Treize.

 

The silver medallist was working Taurus just over the other side of the warm up area.

 

"I'll let him know," offered Otto. "You go on ahead."

 

"Thanks." Heero turned Sandy and began to ride towards the ring, Duo walked beside him. Once they were out of ear shot of Otto, Duo spoke.

 

"You going to be able to handle that maniac?"

 

Heero looked down at Duo. "Yeah. He's just high strung and this is his first show, he's bound to be a handful."

 

"He gives me the willies."

 

Heero laughed. "He'll be fine. All I need to do is keep him together."

 

"Rather you than me, buddy. I don't know, Heero, he seems like a stick of dynamite to me, and one with a very short fuse."

 

"Don't worry, Duo. I can handle him."

 

Duo wasn't reassured but gave Heero the benefit of the doubt. If Heero thought he could handle the animal then Duo wasn't about to argue. He didn't want to appear to be a mother hen, Heero was a strong man and could look after himself. It didn't mean that Duo had to like it though.

 

Entering the collecting ring, Heero approached the steward to let him know he was there and then rode to the side where he could watch some of the other competitors and be close to Duo.

 

"How do you think you'll go? Any ideas on the course?" Duo asked as his eyes followed the current competitor.

 

"Sandrock should handle it okay. Taurus... He's a different story. The biggest problem that I can see will be between fences six and seven. I'll need to keep Sandy well together for that one, Taurus too."

 

"Number eight? Number eight?"

 

"I'm number eight," Heero said as he turned to the steward.

 

"Ah, you're next so don't go anywhere." The steward ticked Heero's number off on his list

 

"Good luck, Heero." Duo squeezed Heero's calf.

 

Heero gave his partner a warm smile. "Thanks."

 

"You in next?"

 

At the sound of Treize's voice, Heero spun around. He'd not heard the other man approach. "Yeah."

 

"Just take it easy, there's a generous time allowed so there's no need to push it. Aim for going clear and we can worry about a jump off if and when it happens," Treize said with a confident smile.

 

"Number eight? In you go."

 

Heero pushed his helmet further onto his head, collected his reins and walked Sandrock through the entrance and into the ring. He spotted the judge and rode over to salute. The bell rang and Heero was cantering through the start flags. Standing on the side lines, Duo held his breath.

 

Sandrock listened to his rider, collecting himself together and clearing the first fence. "Good, boy," murmured Heero and stroked the satiny neck briefly before riding on to the second fence. The second, third and fourth fences were cleared in similar fashion, Sandrock remaining calm and jumping cleanly. Landing over the fifth fence, Heero turned and lined the horse up for the sixth obstacle. Heero knew he had to have his horse together on landing to successfully clear fence seven. Sandy cocked back an ear as Heero used his voice as well as his seat and legs to steady and balance the horse. Three strides away, Heero gave the chestnut his head and Sandrock soared over the fence. As forelegs touched the ground so Heero was there, riding the animal together in readiness for the next jump.

 

They timed it beautifully, Sandrock came in on the correct stride and launched himself into the air, clearing the fence easily. The rest of the course was simple enough. They sailed over the wall, cleared the triple and took the double in their stride. Passing through the finish flags, Heero gave the sweating neck a couple of pats. "Good boy, that was perfect."

 

In the collecting ring, Duo let out a relieved breath of air and released the tip of his braid. He hadn't remembered holding on to it. His face wore a big grin as Heero returned to them and he was quick to congratulate his partner. "Well done, Heero. That was a great round."

 

Heero smiled in return. "He was a good boy."

 

"Nicely ridden," commented Treize. "He jumped beautifully."

 

"Thanks."

 

"I'll take him if you like," Otto said as he reached for Sandrock's reins.

 

"Thanks." Heero dismounted and took Taurus from Treize. "If this idiot will keep his mind on me when we're out there he should also make it through to the jump off."

 

"Just be careful, Heero. I don't expect much from either of these two at this stage. This show is more for experience than anything, having gotten through to the jump off with Sandrock is reward enough."

 

"I'll be happy if Taurus listens to me for some of the course," replied Heero as he mounted the animal.

 

"How many more to go before you're in again, Heero?" Duo asked.

 

"Eight. Anyone know how many are through to the jump off so far?"

 

"Two of you so far," said Treize.

 

"Right." Heero rode away to keep Taurus moving and figure out his best strategy for keeping the horse under control when in the ring.

 

Time passed quickly and before Heero knew it, he was being called back to the collecting ring.

 

"You're next," said the steward as he again ticked Heero off his list.

 

Duo stepped alongside the big chestnut and checked the girth for Heero. He couldn't help but see the lines of tension in Heero's face, the rigid set of the man's jaw and it did nothing to quell the growing knot of apprehension forming in Duo's gut. "Be careful, Heero," he said softly. "Stay in one piece. I need you."

 

Hearing the soft words, Heero leaned over Taurus' shoulder to be a little closer to Duo. "I promise I won't take any risks," replied Heero in his gentle voice. The steward was calling his number and as Heero straightened up he mouthed; "I love you," and rode off into the ring.

 

Just to the side, Treize couldn't help but witness the exchange and his brow furrowed. He'd pondered over the relationship between the rider and the vet but never been given any indication that the pair were anything more than good friends, coworkers and house mates. He knew Heero worked for the vet, keeping the books and filling in as assistant come receptionist and that Duo had offered the accountant a place to stay. He'd had an idea that there may have been more to it but never questioned Heero. What the rider did in his own time was his business and nothing to do with Treize. Just so long as Heero showed up to work, rode and schooled the horses to the best of his ability then Treize didn't give a damn if the man was straight, gay or bisexual.

 

It looked as if gay was pretty much a safe bet though. Treize smiled inwardly. It didn't matter to him, he was bisexual but kept it a hidden fact. He could certainly sympathize with the pair if that was the case and they were in a relationship; society was pretty narrow minded. Treize had to admit that Heero had taste. The vet was certainly easy on the eyes, handsome with a quicksilver mind, strength of character as well as body and a charming personality. He was also an excellent vet judging by the snippets he'd heard around the place from satisfied clients of Doctor Maxwell's. No, if Heero and the vet were partners in the romantic sense, then Treize wished them all the best. Hearing the bell ring, Treize returned his attention to the horse and rider in the ring.

 

Duo was on tenterhooks, His stomach was churning and he was biting his nails. Hastily he grabbed the end of his braid and resisted the temptation to chew on that. In the ring he could see that Heero had his hands full as the liver chestnut fought against him.

 

Saluting the judge, Heero waited for the bell and once it had rung, he headed for the start. Beneath him Taurus tensed, every muscle coming alive as he began to pull and fight for his head. Heero sat calmly, a firm grip on the reins as he pushed the horse forward and held the energy with his hands. They passed through the start flags and were boring down on the first fence a little faster than Heero would have liked but not fast enough for Taurus. They cleared it easily, Taurus flicking his tail as he sailed over.

 

The second fence came all too soon and Heero had to sit down hard. Taurus was trying to get away from him but Heero knew that could be dangerous so he used all his skill to keep the animal together and in check. Landing over the second jump, Taurus shook his head and plunged forward. He didn't like being restrained, he wanted to jump.

 

"Easy you idiot," growled Heero as he steadied Taurus. They would be coming up on fences six and seven in a moment and if Taurus wasn't listening then Heero knew they would collect faults.

 

The third, fourth and fifth fences passed in a blur, before Heero knew it, they were aiming for fence six and Taurus was pulling like a train. He managed to steady the horse and they cleared jump six. Upon landing, Taurus gave a huge buck, unseating Heero and throwing him on Taurus' neck. The reins slipped through his fingers and Taurus took immediate advantage.

 

In the collecting ring, Duo watched, his heart in his mouth as Taurus bucked. "Shit!" He watched, helpless as Heero was thrown against the horse's neck, somehow managing to scramble back into his saddle and stay on the horse; but the damage was done. Taurus had snatched the reins and was galloping towards fence seven. Duo shut his eyes.

 

Treize also watched, the fear for the rider and anger at the horse rising in his gut with each second. He trusted Heero would be all right and stay with the horse but he could see from the way the horse was approaching fence seven he was going to be in trouble.

 

Knowing there wasn't much he could do, Heero shoved himself back into the saddle and grappled with the now loose reins. He managed to get them back but didn't have any time in which to bring the horse back to hand or balance him for the jump. The speed in which Taurus was approaching left Heero with no doubt the animal wouldn't clear the jump. All the energy had been spent in the tear away gallop, there was nothing left to propel him over the jump.

 

Taurus checked as the fence appeared in front of him, his striding was wrong but he jumped anyway. Taking off from a good stride and a half away, the horse pushed his hind legs underneath him and flew into the air. Given how far away from the jump he'd taken off, Taurus stretched his body, desperately reaching for the far side of the poles. Had the fence been a simple upright, he probably would have made it, but it wasn't. It was a spread fence. Poles at the fore and identical poles a good three foot spread behind.

 

Heero took a chunk of mane in his hands, knowing they were heading for disaster and not wanting to hit the turf. He felt the desperate reach as the horse stretched to try and clear the back poles but knew it was fruitless. Taurus came back to earth right in the middle of the back poles, sending the poles, jump wings and decorative plant pots flying in all directions.

 

Taurus pecked and stumbled on landing, his muzzle hitting the dirt before he scrambled to get his legs underneath him. Heero hung onto the mane as the horse lurched and went down on his knees, staying with him by sheer luck than anything else. As Taurus righted himself, Heero let go of the mane and took up the reins again, pushing his legs on and bringing Taurus back together. Fence eight was looming and Heero needed to get Taurus balanced and going forward again if they were to clear it.

 

Taurus had other plans though. Sending the previous jump flying had rattled the big chestnut and he wasn't happy. He fought against Heero as they approached the next fence. Five strides away, Taurus spotted the jump and slammed on the brakes, shooting Heero up his neck in the process.

 

Heero pushed back into the saddle, collected his wits and reins, then turned Taurus around in preparation to try the jump again.

 

Back in the collecting ring, Duo had cracked open one eye when he heard the crashing of poles, not sure if he wanted to witness what was happening but knowing he had to see if Heero was okay. Beside him, Treize swore. Duo looked at the man. "Difficult horse, isn't he?"

 

"You're not kidding. He's a menace. Damn thing just doesn't want to listen. Fuck!"

Duo's head swiveled back to the ring where Hero was halfway up Taurus' neck and the horse had stopped.

 

"That's the first time he's ever refused a jump," Treize said in an amused tone. "I'd say he's a little upset."

 

"Looks to me like he's throwing a temper tantrum," replied Duo as he watched his lover turn the horse around and present him to the fence again.

 

Taurus jogged, bucked and tossed his head. He swung his quarters and cantered sideways towards the jump. Heero tried everything he knew to straighten the horse up and bring him in square but Taurus wouldn't listen. He stopped again. The bell rang and Heero turned Taurus towards the collecting ring. As he exited so he rode over to where Treize, Duo and Otto waited.

 

"Sorry," he said to Treize as he dismounted and began to check the horse over for injuries. Duo was there before him though, skilled hands running the length of the chestnut's legs.

 

"There is no need to apologize, Heero. You did nothing wrong. This damn excuse for a horse is the one that's at fault. Too impatient."

 

"No, I should have been more in tune with him, anticipated what he was going to do."

"Well, the good news is, he's not damaged. A couple of minor cuts and scrapes but nothing serious," interrupted Duo.

 

"Thank you, Doctor Maxwell. I appreciate you taking a look at him," said Treize and then turned back to Heero. "We will talk more about this animal and his future on Wednesday when you come to the stables. Otto? Please, take Taurus back to the truck and see to him. Heero has to walk the jump off course in a moment."

 

"Hell! I'd forgotten about Sandy."

 

Duo chuckled from the side. "You may have been the comic relief with Taurus, but now it's back to the serious shit with the jump off."

 

Heero gave a snort. "I do not do comic relief."

 

"Could have fooled me."

 

"I hate to interrupt but we had best go walk the jump off course," mused Treize.

 

"Good idea." Heero gave his partner a smile. "Be right back, Duo."

 

* * *

 

A total of five horses had made it through to the jump off and Heero was second to go. The course was shorter, only fences one, four, seven, eight and ten being included. It was also against the clock. Heero mounted Sandy, the horse feeling like he was half asleep after the enthusiasm of Taurus, and did a couple of practice jumps. Heero had decided to try for another clear round and not worry about the clock. He didn't want to push Sandrock, better to take it slow and steady at this stage of the horse's education.

 

The first rider in the jump off came out with four faults, having pushed a little too hard for a good time and paying the penalty. Heero entered and started off slow, giving Sandrock a chance to find his rhythm. They cruised around, clearing fence after fence, Heero giving the horse plenty of room and bringing him in with the best possible approach to each fence. They came out with a clear round but a slow time of 58.37 seconds.

 

Treize was happy with the chestnut's performance and congratulated Heero on a job well done. They waited in the collecting ring for the other three riders to finish their rounds and at the end of it, Heero had placed third. He mounted and went into the ring to receive his rosette.

 

Returning to the truck with Sandrock and a happy Treize, Otto took over, unsaddling and making Sandy comfortable. They had to wait for the open junior jumping class before their next event so Duo convinced Heero to pay a visit to the canteen with him and get something to eat. On the way there, Duo suddenly pulled Heero into the toilets. The toilets were vacant and Duo quickly shoved Heero into one of the stalls and shut the door behind them.

 

Once the door was closed, Duo wrapped his arms around Heero and kissed him soundly. Heero was a little stunned but quick to reciprocate, enjoying the stolen moment. Duo rested his head against Heero's shoulder and sighed. "You scared the shit outta me, Heero."

 

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to."

 

"I know. Just be careful, okay? I love you, Heero. I don't want to see you get hurt."

 

Heero pulled his lover close and ran soothing hands along the vet's back. He didn't realize he'd scared Duo this much. "I promise to be careful."

 

"Good." Duo nuzzled Heero's throat. "I don't trust that horse, Heero."

 

"He's not vicious, just young and head strong. He'll be okay with work."

 

"I suppose you're right. You know more about horses than I do, but..." Duo pulled away a little and stared deep into Hero's eyes. "I can't help this feeling I have inside that Taurus is going to be trouble and you're going to be the one to come out hurt."

 

"There's always a risk when riding, Duo. You know that."

 

"Yeah, I know and I'm sorry if I appear to be mothering you. I don't mean too. I know you can handle him. Look, forget I said anything."

 

"I think it's sweet that you're concerned for me," said Heero as he reached for Duo's lips and kissed the vet.

 

"Mmmm. I like your kind of reassurance."

 

"Want me to reassure you some more?"

 

"Yes please."

 

They continued to kiss for a few more minutes, oblivious to everything going on outside. Fortunately, no one came into the 'gents' so they were able to make their exit without suspicion. They continued to the canteen where Duo bought himself and Heero lunch, a salad sandwich for Heero and a meat pie for Duo. Strolling back towards the truck and float, they stopped to watch some of the juniors competing on their ponies and finish their lunch. Reluctantly they dragged themselves away to go and get Zero ready. They'd taken a look at the jumping order for the Open class. There had only been ten entries, Treize was jumping eighth, Heero third.

 

Arriving back at the horses, Duo set about getting Zero ready while Heero went to let Treize know the jumping order.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc....