Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Time, Fault and Out ❯ Chapter 53 ( Chapter 53 )

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 53

 

Albert's knocking on the door and cheery voice awoke them the following morning. Heero yawned and stretched, no mean feat as Duo was curled up against his side, arms and legs wrapped around him.

 

"Time to get up, Duo," Heero breathed over his lover's ear.

 

"Don't wanna." Duo burrowed back under the bed clothes.

 

Heero chuckled and located his partner's rib cage. Gently he began to tickle his fingers over Duo's ribs, making the vet squirm.

 

"Stop it."

 

"No."

 

"Heero, I'm warning you."

 

"It's time to get up, Duo." Heero continued to tickle.

 

"I'm already 'up'," Duo snickered and pushed his erection against Heero's stomach.

 

Heero groaned. "I'd love to take care of that for you, Duo, but if we don't get up now, Rosie will be along and calling for us, or Albert will return and I'm pretty sure you don't want either of them to catch us in a - shall we say - compromising position?"

 

Duo shuddered and sighed. "Guess you're right." He yawned and stretched, then rolled over to pinch a morning kiss.

 

When the kiss broke, Heero smiled. "Now that's more like it." Heero got out of the bed and found the duffle bag, rummaged inside and pulled out a shirt and socks.

 

"Nice view," commented Duo from where he was still lying in the bed, ogling Heero's bent over ass.

 

Heero flushed red at the comment and quickly straightened up. Grabbing his jeans from the chair he'd dumped them on last night, he pulled them on and did them up before shrugging into the shirt and sitting on the edge of the bed to put on his socks. "I'll go feed Zero while you get dressed," he said as he leaned over his lover and took another kiss.

 

"Okay. I'll meet you in the kitchen."

 

Heero nodded, ran his comb through his messy hair and then left the bedroom to see to his horse.

 

* * *

 

Duo put a hand over his mouth to hide the yawn as he walked into the kitchen. The clock on the wall said six-twenty; way too early for Duo's liking. Rosie greeted him with a warm smile.

 

"Morning, Duo."

 

"Morning, Rosie." Duo found a cup of coffee being pressed into his hands and he gratefully took it. "Thanks."

 

"Breakfast should be ready in about another fifteen minutes. Albert and Heero should be back in by then."

 

"Anything I can help with?"

 

"You can watch the toast for me, if you don't mind?"

 

"My pleasure."

 

Five minutes later, Heero and Albert walked back inside the kitchen. Duo looked up from where he was buttering toast and gave his partner a smile. "Zero okay?"

 

"He's fine," replied Heero as he went to the sink to wash his hands.

 

"Breakfast is ready," called Rosie and the three men took their seats at the table. Rosie carried plates across and set them down in front of the men. "Dig in and don't let it get cold," she said in an amused tone at the looks on the faces of their two guests.

 

Both Heero and Duo looked at the fully laden plates, eyes widening. Bacon, eggs, tomatoes and mushrooms filled the plate to overflowing. With a grin, Duo picked up his knife and fork and dug in.

 

"This is great! Thanks, Rosie," Duo said around a mouthful of egg.

 

"I second that," said Heero as he sliced off a piece of mushroom and placed it in his mouth, rolling the flavor around his tongue.

 

Rosie suitably blushed.

 

"Looks like the pair of you could do with a good feed," stated Albert. "You're both way too skinny, just like Trowa."

Duo didn't bother to argue, he got stuck in.

 

* * *

 

The car had been re-packed, float cleaned out and now all that remained was to put Zero on and they would be on their way once more. Duo gave Heero a hand to put the float boots on Zero and after one last check they had everything and that the stable was clean, he followed the rider and his horse out to the float. Rosie and Albert stood to the side and watched as Zero walked calmly into the float and Duo put up the tail gate. Once Heero emerged from the front they turned to their hosts.

 

"Thank you again for having us," Duo said as he shook hands with Albert.

 

"Yes, thank you both. Your kindness is most appreciated," Heero said as he went to shake Rosie's hand and found himself tugged into a motherly hug.

 

Duo was given similar treatment by Rosie as Heero shook Albert's hand. Rosie passed over a large, brown paper bag to Duo who raised his eyebrows in question.

 

"Something for you to snack on," Rosie said.

 

"But, you've already done enough," Duo began to protest.

 

"Ah, piffle," Rosie snorted. "Now, be away with you, you have a long way to go. Good luck to you both and when you see Trowa, tell him not to be a stranger and drop in to see us sometime."

 

Duo smiled. "Thank you again and I'll be sure to pass on the message."

 

They both got in the car and Heero started her up, the engine firing first time. Zero neighed from inside the float and Heero let out the clutch. Waving to the couple they began their trip down the driveway and back to the main roads that would lead them to their destination.

 

* * *

 

Duo knew they were getting closer to their destination as the roads slowly started to become busier. It was one in the afternoon and both were eager to finish their journey. They'd stopped for lunch at twelve, finding another picnic spot and giving Zero a break from the traveling. The stallion was beginning to get tired and showed it by his reluctance to walk back on the float after the break. It had taken Heero ten minutes, a lot of cajoling and several handfuls of carrots before the gray gave in.

 

The bag Rosie had passed over to Duo contained enough food to feed an army; or so Duo reckoned. There were sandwiches made from the left over lamb roast, slices of ham and egg pie, fruit cake, cookies and a large bottle of soda. Heero had commented that given Duo's appetite it was just as well Rosie had packed a lot of food. Duo retaliated by giving Heero the finger and eating two pieces of pie.

 

Tracing his finger along the route they were taking on the map, Duo figured that their turn off would be coming up in a couple of kilometers. Judging by the way the open spaces were giving way to more and more dwellings, Duo hoped they wouldn't be too close to the city.

 

Heero was thinking along the same lines. Only for different reasons. The build up of the traffic was getting worse and add to that the way some people drove and Heero was seriously beginning to wonder how some drivers had gotten their licenses. He muttered a curse under his breath as another car overtook him, honking its horn at Heero's slow speed.

 

"Asshole!" Duo cursed as the driver sped past. "Don't you realize there's a living creature in the back? Not to mention two in the front that wish to stay alive?!"

 

Heero snorted.

 

"Dickheads, all of them," Duo continued to mutter. "Now I know what Trowa meant by city drivers."

 

"Huh?" Heero gave his partner a glance. "What do you mean?"

 

"Trowa told me that city drivers are shocking, no courtesy, no patience. I believe him now. After seeing how some of these idiots drive, it wouldn't surprise me if they got their licenses from a Weeties packet!" [1]

 

Heero almost choked.

 

"If they're that bad out here in the suburbs, I dread to think what they're like in the city."

 

"Thank heavens we're not going into the city," replied Heero.

 

"Amen to that. Oh, next set of traffic lights, turn left."

 

"Will do."

 

Another half an hour passed with Heero finding his way through smaller streets on the outskirts of Sydney, Duo directing him easily. The houses began to thin again and along with it, the traffic.

 

"Should be up this road about five kilometers. Turn off to your right," Duo said as he consulted his map again.

 

Heero gave a drawn out sigh. He'd be glad when the trip was over. A large, blue sign appeared on their left telling them that the State Equestrian Center was five kilometers ahead.

 

"God, I'm good," chuckled Duo as he read the sign.

 

Heero opted to remain quiet, no point in adding to his partner's swelled head.

 

The turn off appeared and Heero eased Henrietta and the float around the corner. Both men began to scan the area for the center. It didn't take long for them to spot it. Nestled amongst trees and open fields, a large, cream colored building came into view. Behind it the pair could see more buildings. As they drew closer they could make out the practice areas, stables, yards and the very large parking area. Slowing down to turn into the drive that would lead them to the center, Heero suddenly felt the enormity of the situation dawn on him properly.

 

He was here - to represent his country.

 

Where the hell had all the butterflies in his stomach just come from?

 

Seeing an official looking person up ahead, Heero began to slow even further and wound his window down. As the official stepped forward, Heero brought Henrietta to a smooth stop.

 

"Do you have your passes?" the official asked.

 

"Yeah. Hang on a sec," Duo replied for Heero and rummaged in the glove compartment again. He pulled out a small 'wallet' and opened it, getting the necessary paperwork out and passing it to Heero who duly handed it to the official.

 

Scanning the paperwork and finding it all in order, the official marked something off on the clipboard he was holding before handing the papers back to Heero. "Follow this around to the back of the stables," he began, indicating the road ahead. "Go along the back until you find the block marked 'D'. There's another official there who will tell you where to park."

 

"Thank you," Heero replied.

 

"My pleasure and good luck. I hope you bring home the cup for Aussie," the official smiled and then turned to go back to his seat under the tree and await the next vehicle.

 

Heero eased the car forward again and slowly followed the road the official had indicated. Up ahead he could see the block of stables, on the right side of the roadway were paddocks, on the left, training areas set aside for those who were using the equestrian center. Turning the vehicle to the left, Heero continued down the road, now he was behind the rows of stables. They passed the first block, a large, black letter 'A' painted on the side and continued on until they came to the block marked 'D'. Spotting the aforementioned official to the side, Heero began to bring Henrietta to a stop and wind down his window again. The official looked up and with a smile, got out of his chair and walked over.

 

"Got your paperwork?" he asked.

 

The paperwork was duly handed over again, the official looking through and marking off relevant information on his clipboard. Handing the papers back he began to speak. "Follow this track here on your right, go past all the other floats and cars until you reach the end. There's a guy there who will direct you into a spot where you can leave your float and vehicle. Your stable allocation is 'D21' which is about midway down that block there. Once you've parked bring your gear and horse down there. There's a locker area in the middle of the block for you to stow any gear you want and the number corresponds to your stable number. Any questions?"

 

"I have one," said Duo. "Once the gear and horse etc are all unloaded and we leave for the night, how do we get back in?"

 

"Keep your passes with you at all times, they will allow you into the competitors only areas at any time of the day or night. There's security patrolling 24/7 for the safety of both the horses and competitors. No pass, no entry."

 

"Thanks."

 

Heero began to let out the clutch again when Duo suddenly yelled out.

 

"Hey! There's Treize. Treize! Treize!" Duo had by now gotten his own window wound down and calling out as well as waving to the ginger haired man, who hearing his name began to look around and then spotted the pair. Quickly, he walked over.

 

"You made it okay, Heero?"

 

"Yeah. Wasn't too bad."

 

"I'll jump in and go with you to where you're parking, then I can give you a hand with some of your gear. We'd better shift as we're holding up production." Treize indicated to the other cars and floats that were pulling up behind him and waiting for Heero to move so they could get their own precious cargo to the right place and unloaded.

 

It only took a few minutes for them to drive around the back of the already parked vehicles and find the attendant who showed them where to park. Treize's goose neck was a couple of lines ahead of them as he'd arrived the day before.

 

"Which stable are you in?" Treize asked as they all exited the car and went to the float to get Zero out.

 

"'D21'," Heero replied as he lowered the tail gate.

 

"Good. Goose is in 'D20' with Duck in 'D19'," replied Treize.

 

"Is everyone else here yet?" asked Duo as he prepared to release the back chain on the float so Heero could back his horse out when he got the word.

 

"Just Zoe to come and that's it. She's due sometime this afternoon. Noin is here and prowling around. She wants to meet with us all later, once everyone is here."

 

"Right." Duo dropped the chain as Heero called out he was ready and the gray backed off the float with ease.

 

Zero's head shot up, his ears pricked and his nostrils flared as he took in all the unfamiliar scents around him. He danced a little as he jerked his head around, trying to see everything at once.

 

"Might pay to take him for a bit of a walk around, Heero. Let him get a good look at everything and stretch his legs a bit after being in the float for so long. I'll give Duo a hand to take your gear down and put it in your locker for you," said Treize as he eyed the stallion's excited state.

 

"Good idea," replied Heero. "You sure you don't mind?"

 

"Not at all. It's more important that you get him settled and happy," Treize said with a smile. He'd competed at big shows in the past and knew how unsettling the atmosphere could be to a horse that wasn't used to such a large scale operation. It didn't matter that they had been to many shows, there was something different about an international level show that seemed to spark something in even the most seasoned horses. Goose was a seasoned campaigner and yet even he'd thrown in a few snorts and danced around a bit when they'd first arrived. Duck had immediately headed for the nearest patch of grass and started to graze.

 

Heero took his horse for a walk, trying to let Zero see and scent as much as possible whilst getting him to settle down and behave like the gentleman he usually was and not some two year old colt.

 

Watching the gray tail disappear, Duo turned his attention back to the car and its contents. "Better get started," he muttered. "There's a shit load of stuff to cart down."

 

Treize simply laughed.

 

* * *

 

Finally all the gear was unpacked from Henrietta and most put away in the locker. The more valuable gear such as Heero's jumping saddle, bridle and other bits were placed in the groom's compartment of Treize's goose neck and locked away. While the lockers themselves were sturdy and each competitor put his own padlock on, Treize insisted that the valuable gear be stored in his float. It wasn't uncommon for the odd theft to take place. Treize said the gear would be safer in the goose neck, especially since Joe would be sleeping in the groom's compartment and would know immediately if anyone tried to break in and steal anything.

 

Duo agreed.

 

With all the horse gear now gone from the car, all that remained were the bags containing their clothes and Heero's jumping outfit. With no sign of Heero returning yet, Duo filled the water bucket and put it in the corner of Zero's stable, then he fetched a haynet and hung it up in readiness. With everything in place and ready for the stallion's return, Duo found himself with nothing to do. He wandered along the stable block and spotted Firefox, Alex's horse, on the other side of Short Duck's stable. With nothing else to occupy his time right now, Duo sauntered over and spoke to the horse.

 

* * *

 

Zero finally began to calm down, the sights and sounds around him no longer causing him any excitement. Heero was pleased his horse was settling, he'd been a little worried that Zero would remain excited and possibly do some damage to himself, especially once they left the gray alone in the stable. Heero knew that Joe would be staying on the grounds and would keep an eye on Zero as well, so should anything happen, Joe would contact him immediately.

 

Zero was feeling tired, all the traveling was catching up with him; besides, once he'd sniffed the air and checked out the area, there wasn't anything much different to all the other shows he'd been to with his master. He began to look around and try to snatch mouthfuls of grass.

 

“Come on, Duo will be getting worried about us if we don't get back soon,” Heero said to his horse and tugged lightly on the lead rope.

 

Reluctantly, Zero lifted his head and nudged his master.

 

“Ah, there you are, Heero,” Duo said as his lover walked into view. “I was getting ready to send out a search party for you.”

 

"Sorry I took so long. Zero wanted to check out everything and I thought it would be best if he got a good look around now rather than wait until tomorrow," replied Heero as he walked up to the stable he'd been allocated.

 

"It's fine, Heero. Car is unpacked and all your stuff put away."

 

"Thanks, Duo." Heero tied Zero up. "Ummm... where is his gear? I need to give him a brush over and change his rug."

 

Duo laughed. "Most of it is in the locker."

 

"Most?"

 

Duo elaborated, explaining about Treize insisting on Heero's saddlery being locked away in the goose neck while he showed Heero the locker and assisted him to fetch the things he wanted for Zero.

 

"Where is Treize?" Heero asked as they returned to the gray, Heero removing the light traveling rug and beginning to give his horse a brush down.

 

"I think he went to keep an eye out for Zoe. She's the last to arrive. I haven't seen Joe or Alex either, although Firefox is here so I'd guess Alex isn't too far away."

 

"Right. I'll get Zero settled and then we can go find them," replied Heero as he set about settling his horse.

 

Duo gave him a hand, pleased to see that Zero was a lot calmer now. With Goose being in the next stable, the stallion settled further. He was old friends with Treize's bay and it made a big difference to Zero having a familiar horse around. Duo mused over that. Horses were gregarious creatures and nothing was better to calm and settle a horse in strange surroundings than having a familiar equine friend around. With Zero safely stabled and eating, Duo and Heero lugged the gear they'd used back to the locker and upon emerging almost ran into Zoe who had arrived and was leading Periwinkle to her stable.

 

Alex, Charlie and Joe materialized and everyone pitched in to help Zoe with her horse, fetching gear and storing it in Zoe's locker while Zoe and Carol took care of the mare. In no time everything was sorted and the group reacquainted. Treize appeared with Noin and the coach smiled at everyone.

 

"Glad to see you are all here and that your respective mounts appear to be well. Now that your horses are all settled I suggest we head into the town and get you all settled into the hotel the E.F.A. has you booked into. Once that's done, we will meet in the small conference room where I will brief you all on the program for the next few days, cover all the necessary dos and don'ts as well as answer any questions. Ladies and gentlemen, if you would care to return to your vehicles here is a map of the town and how to get to the hotel from here. I will meet you all in the hotel lobby shortly." Noin handed out maps to each of the riders and then left to make her own way into town.

 

Heero looked at the map and then handed it to Duo. "Here, you're better at interpreting these things than I am."

 

Duo took the map with a soft chuckle and looked at it. It wasn't hard to follow. He looked up as Treize appeared in front of him.

 

"Any chance of a lift?" Treize asked. "I really would prefer to leave the goose neck hitched to the truck if I can."

 

"Can't say I blame you," replied Duo. "That must be a swine of a thing to hitch and unhitch." Duo shuddered at the thought. Given the size of Treize's goose neck float the man needed a small 'truck' to tow it.

 

"I'll be fine for transport once Zechs gets here on Thursday night or Friday," Treize added.

 

"It's fine, Treize. You're more than welcome to ride with us," Heero said. "I suggest we move though, Noin won't be too happy if we keep her waiting."

 

"Let's go then," Duo said and began to walk back to where Henrietta was parked.

 

It didn't take long to unhitch Heero's float and within a few minutes the three were on their way back into the town, Duo navigating and teasing Heero about his lack of map reading skills.

 

* * *

 

The Hotel Wellington was easy enough to find in the town and had ample parking space. Once the car was secure, Duo shouldered one duffle and Heero the other, Treize followed carrying his own bag. Once inside the lobby of the hotel, they spotted Noin at the check in desk along with Alex, Charlie, Zoe and Carol. The walked over and joined the rest of the group. Noin was sorting out their reservations, getting their respective room numbers and key cards. Once that was done she turned to the group and began to hand out the cards.

 

"You're all on floor two, rooms eight, nine, ten and eleven. I'm in room twelve. I suggest you all go and put your gear away and then meet me in the coffee shop in the lobby in fifteen minutes."

 

"Thanks," Heero said as he took the offered key card and looked at the room number. "Eight," he said to Duo who nodded in reply.

 

The group all moved to the elevators and were soon in the hall that would take them to their rooms. Heero spotted the number eight and stopped. Treize was in number nine, opposite Heero and Duo. Zoe was in eleven with Alex in ten. They all separated and went to check out their rooms.

 

“Nice,” Duo muttered as he stepped into the room he and Heero had been allocated. It was your standard hotel room; two queen beds, dresser, table, television, wardrobe and en suite bathroom. Duo tossed his duffle onto one of the beds and went to check out the bathroom.

 

Heero dropped his own bag to the same bed and went to hang up his riding gear when a groan came from the bathroom. “Duo? Are you okay?” he asked as he went quickly to the bathroom. A smile graced his features and a chuckle escaped his lips as he saw what the problem was.

 

“Just as well I brought my own,” Duo said as he held up the two small bottles for Heero to see. “Why they can't give you a decent amount of shampoo and conditioner in these places is beyond me. I'd be lucky to get my bangs clean with this measly amount!”

 

“Not everyone has hair as long as yours, Duo,” Heero said as he walked up behind his lover and wrapped his arms around Duo's waist.

 

“Yeah, well, like I said, lucky for you I brought my own stuff.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“If this is all they have you'd be lucky to get any at all to wash your hair with once I've finished.”

 

“We can always raid the housemaid's trolley,” Heero suggested.

 

“I like your line of thinking, Heero.”

 

* * *

 

Noin glanced around at her team, all sitting with a coffee and expectant looks on their faces. “Firstly, thank you all for making the trip here. I trust the accommodation is to your satisfaction?”

 

Several nods, a couple of 'it's good' and one 'would be better if they had more shampoo' greeted her. She couldn't help but smile.

 

“Right, let's get down to business. I shouldn't need to remind you all that you are here representing your country and as such you are expected to behave in a manner befitting an Australian representative. Any misconduct will be severely frowned upon and depending on the nature of such misconduct you could find yourself dismissed from the team and facing disciplinary action from the E.F.A.” Noin paused to see if her words were sinking in.

 

They were.

 

“Tomorrow is the opening ceremony and you will all be expected to attend. The grand parade is scheduled for eleven o'clock and you will ride in formation of four abreast. As we are the host nation this time, you will enter the arena last. The other competing nations will enter first and the commentator will be giving a little spiel on each nation. You will remain at the walk and complete one circuit of the arena before lining up where the steward directs you. The grand parade is expected to take about an hour all up, after which you will exit the arena and return to the stables. Once the parade is over, you're free to do whatever you wish, providing you keep within the rules. I know a couple of you have entered other events and that's fine. You're free to work your horses as you see fit. Those that aren't competing in anything else will be expected to work their mounts and I will be arranging a practice session with you all on the Friday and Saturday. I'll advise you of the time later. Any questions?”

 

No one seemed to have any so Noin continued.

 

“I have your saddle blankets in my room which I will distribute to you all this evening. To those of you competing in other events, good luck. Now, I suggest you all get settled in, check your horses and have dinner. You will need a good night's rest before tomorrow.” Noin stood up and departed, leaving the team members and their grooms to talk amongst themselves.

 

“Guess that means any wild parties are out of the question,” Alex stated with a grin.

 

“Something tells me you're going to be too exhausted to party,” replied Zoe with a smile.

 

“Oh, I don't know. I'm pretty sure Noin would let us celebrate once we win the cup,” Alex said with a smirk.

 

“I hate to remind you of this, but we have to win it first,” Treize said.

 

“That would be helpful,” Duo mused.

 

“Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I'm going to take a shower, I need to get all this traveling dust off me,” Zoe stated and stood up. “I'll probably see you all at dinner if not at the stables.”

 

“Will do,” a chorus of voices followed her departure.

 

“Actually, a shower sounds like a good idea,” Heero said softly.

 

“I think I'll get unpacked,” Duo returned, a small glint in his eye.

 

“I'm going to have a look around the town. You coming, Charlie?” Alex said as he also stood.

 

“Right with you,” Charlie replied.

 

“What about you, Treize?” Heero asked.

 

“I'm going up to my room to catch a nap before going back to the stables,” Treize said.

 

“You want a lift back?”

 

“It would be appreciated if it's no trouble.”

 

“I'll give your room a call about ten minutes before we're ready to leave,” Heero said as they all got up to leave.

 

“Thanks.”

 

“You're welcome.”

 

The three headed for the elevator and their respective rooms and once inside, safe from prying eyes, Duo proceeded to give Heero a hand in the shower.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc.....

 

 

[1] More of our Aussie humor. Getting your license from a Weeties packet translates to a driver that's so bad he must have found his license inside a cereal box (Weeties is a wheat flake cereal here in Aussie), like you get those free 'toys' in some cereal packets.