Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Time, Fault and Out ❯ Chapter 54 ( Chapter 54 )

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?

 

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 54

 

The remainder of the day passed uneventfully for Heero and Duo. After taking a shower, a rather long shower due to Duo's insistence he wash Heero's back, which led to washing other body parts and not with a wash cloth either, the pair had emerged a little more refreshed and headed back to the stables with Treize accompanying them.

 

Zero gave a loud neigh when he heard his master's voice and eagerly searched every available pocket on both his master and the other nice human with hopes of getting some carrots. He wasn't disappointed.

 

Heero was pleased with how well Zero had settled down, the gray having cleaned out his feed bin and eaten almost all of his hay. Duo refilled the haynet while Heero topped up the water bucket and checked Zero's rugs were all okay and not slipping. Once both men were satisfied that Zero was fine, they joined Treize in taking a walk around the rest of the complex and seeing if they could gather any information on their opposing competition. There wasn't much to find out; the New Zealand team was probably going to be their biggest threat. Treize had done a little 'digging' on the side and managed to come up with a bit of information, mainly on how the respective team members had been going through the last season.

 

With the horses all settled, there wasn't anything left to do around the stables, so after speaking with Joe, who promised to call Treize before retiring for the night and let him know what the status was with the horses, the three left to return to the hotel and grab some dinner. After dinner, Noin met up with them all and handed over the saddle blankets. Heero took his and gazed at it. It was white with the Australian flag emblazoned in the left hand corner. Heero felt a sense of pride wash through him.

 

Afterwards there wasn't much left to do. Alex and Charlie went to the hotel bar, Treize accompanied them while Zoe and Carol decided to take a walk around the town. Noin retired to her room after instructing them all not to be too late in going to bed and that she would see them all down the stables at nine in the morning to oversee preparations for the grand parade. Everyone was expected to turn both themselves and their horses out immaculately, presenting in full competition gear.

 

Duo thanked any god that cared to listen that Heero had chosen show jumping and not dressage as his equine sport. Plaiting the horse's mane was not compulsory for jumping. While Duo was more than capable of plaiting his own mane of hair, applying that skill to Zero's mane was another kettle of fish, and Duo had no wish to learn.

 

The pair went gone back to their room to make the promised 'phone call to Trowa and check that all was okay with the horses back home and to let them know they'd arrived safely. Duo had a quick word with Catherine regarding the practice and was pleased to know that all was running smoothly. With the calls dealt with, Heero and Duo joined Treize, Alex and Charlie in the hotel bar where they exchanged stories and compared shows, events and other things equine. Duo found his eyelids drooping around ten and decided to head for bed, Heero followed almost immediately.

 

Eyeing the two queen beds, Duo raised an eyebrow at his lover. Heero quickly pulled back the covers on one bed and before Duo had a chance to say anything, Heero grabbed him around the waist and tossed him on the sheets.

 

“I'm not changing my sleeping habits,” Heero offered in explanation and then kissed his lover.

 

“But what about the other bed?” Duo inquired. “The house maid will know there's something going on when she comes to do the room in the morning and finds only one bed has been slept in.”

 

“Don't worry about it. I'll pull the covers back and mess it up a bit in the morning,” Heero replied.

 

Duo snickered and placed a kiss to Heero's nose. “Always thinking ahead.”

 

* * *

 

The next morning the hotel dining room was a buzz with chatter as many of the guests staying there were involved in the Equestrian games in some capacity. Heero and Duo found the table that had been reserved for their team and quickly joined Treize and Zoe who were already there and eating.

 

"Joe called and said to tell you he's fed Zero for you," Treize said as Heero returned to the table from fetching his breakfast from the buffet laid out on one side of the dining room.

 

"Thanks," Heero replied and then smiled as Duo sat down next to him, his plate heavily laden.

 

Zoe quirked an eyebrow at the amount of food on Duo's plate. "You're not going to eat all that, are you?"

 

"Sure am," replied Duo with a grin.

 

Zoe rolled her eyes. "How the heck do you manage to keep such a slender figure when you eat all that sort of stuff?"

 

"I have a high metabolism." Duo replied. "Oh, and the kind of physical workouts I get keep me in trim too," he added with a wink.

 

Heero almost choked on his orange juice.

 

"Wrestling with big beasts is a sure way to burn off a few kilos." Duo glanced at his partner out of the corner of his eye and noted Heero trying to hang onto his composure.

 

"It must be hard trying to treat some of the larger animals, not to mention dangerous too," Zoe said as she buttered a piece of toast, completely oblivious to the double meanings behind Duo's words.

 

"It can be," Duo said politely. "You have to keep your wits about you and know how far to push and when to back off."

 

"I wouldn't want your job for anything," Zoe smiled. "No offense, I think you vets do a marvelous job and deserve medals for some of the situations you must end up in."

 

"None taken. While it can be hard and dirty at times, it does have its rewards too."

 

"I'd better be off," said Zoe as she glanced at her watch. "Carol was going to wash Periwinkle before the grand parade and I promised to give her a hand. I'll see you all at the center."

 

"See you, Zoe," Treize and Heero said, Duo nodded, his mouth was full so speaking wasn't an option.

 

"Can I cage a lift with you two again?" Treize asked as he stirred his tea.

 

"Our pleasure," returned Heero and looked at his watch. "Better get a move on, it's eight already and knowing Zero, he's probably lain in something and will need a wash too."

 

Duo rolled his eyes. "Great! Just what I need after consuming breakfast, to wash a horse covered in shit." he began to turn a little green at the thought.

 

Heero snickered. "After all the blood and gore you deal with every day and still come in to dinner with a healthy appetite, I'd say a little shit is minor in comparison."

 

Duo shrugged. "Whatever."

 

Treize couldn't help but laugh himself. These games were certainly going to be entertaining if nothing else.

 

* * *

 

Zero snorted and shook himself, spraying both Heero and Duo liberally with water. "Thanks a lot, buddy. You're on carrot ration from now on." Duo wiped his sodden bangs from his face.

 

Grabbing the scraper, Heero began to remove what excess water remained in Zero's coat. "We've got two hours before the parade starts. Noin should be here in an hour."

 

"If you want to sort your gear out I'll walk Zero around to dry him off and then bring him back to the stables to brush him down and finish getting him ready," Duo said as he put all the washing tools away in a bucket. Heero had been right, Zero had managed to get manure stains over his gray coat and being a gray, they showed up - a lot. They wouldn't brush out, leaving behind a tell tale brownish stain when Duo had tried and so they'd had no option but to give the stallion a bath.

 

"Okay. Thanks, Duo." Heero dropped the scraper into the bucket with the rest of the items and then picked up the bucket to take back with him to the locker. "I'll see you soon."

 

Untying the lead rope, Duo led the horse away from the wash bay area and to a quieter section at the back of the stable complex. Everywhere you looked there were people and horses, some being ridden, others being groomed or got ready for competition. The place was a hive of activity and Duo found himself fascinated by it all. He was starting to figure out where the other international teams were stabled, mainly by listening to the various other languages spoken around him in passing. He was really looking forward to the grand parade where he would get his first proper look at the horses and riders from the other countries that Heero would be competing against.

 

Zero found a patch of tasty looking grass and tugged at the lead rope. "Okay, boy. I guess you can have a little pick for now," Duo said and fed out a little more rope. Zero began to graze while Duo continued to watch the activities going on at the center.

 

* * *

 

Once the stallion was dry, Duo returned to the stables where all the grooms seemed to be rushing around and getting nowhere fast - at least that's what it looked like. With no immediate sign of Heero, Duo tied Zero up outside his stable and fetched the grooming tools. On the other side of him, Joe was busy brushing down Tall Geese. "Where is everyone?" Duo asked as he set about brushing Zero's coat.

 

"Meeting with Noin," Joe returned. "They all left about ten minutes ago. I'd say they won't be too long as the Grand Parade starts in forty-five minutes."

 

Duo whistled between his teeth. "Guess I'd better get a move on then and get you all spruced up, eh, Zero?"

 

The stallion gave a soft whicker and nudged the nice human.

 

Duo set to work in earnest. If Heero and Zero were going out there in front of all those people he would make damn sure that both were turned out impeccably.

 

By the time Heero returned, Duo had finished getting Zero ready. The gray glowed with good health, his muscles rippling beneath his satiny skin. Duo had applied hoof black to the four hooves and brushed out the stallion's tail until it resembled a waterfall of silk. Heero felt his smile increasing as he observed the way his horse had been turned out. Sidling up behind his lover, Heero placed a hand on Duo's shoulder and gave it a squeeze.

 

"Thanks, Duo. He looks wonderful."

 

Duo felt himself turning red at the compliment and shrugged his shoulders. "Can't have you going out there in front of all those people and not look your best."

 

"Hey, Heero," Treize called out from beside Tall Geese. "Better get yourself changed and leave Duo to saddle up. We're expected to assemble in twenty minutes."

 

"Will do," replied Heero and then turned back to Duo. "I'll go get changed in Treize's float."

 

"I'll come with you," Duo began and then noticed the look that passed through Heero's eyes. He couldn't help but chuckle and gave his partner a dig in the ribs. "I need to get Zero's saddle and bridle, not jump your bones."

 

Heero felt himself turning red. It would appear that Duo could almost read his mind - almost.

 

With another chuckle and shake of his head, Duo turned and with Heero falling into step beside him, headed for Treize's float.

 

* * *

 

“They look good, don't they?” Joe said with pride in his voice as he ran an eye over the team that was now mounted and assembling outside the stable block for their final inspection by Noin.

 

“Sure do,” Duo replied and took a few shots on his camera.

 

The four team representatives all stood in a line as Noin went over them with her eagle eye. Zoe and Periwinkle were first in the line up, the bay mare alert with ears pricked. Alex and Firefox stood next to them, the chestnut's coat glowing almost gold in the sunlight. Heero and Zero were next, the gray standing out amongst his darker companions. Treize and Tall Geese were last, the bay's coat a deep mahogany color and bearing testament to the amount of time Joe had put into grooming him.

 

Noin had placed the team in such a manner that the gelding, Firefox, was between Periwinkle, the mare and the two stallions. She didn't need any ideas other than the jumping ahead to be on either of the stallions' minds or the mare's for that matter! She ran her eye over each competitor, making certain they were all turned out correctly. After she'd finished inspecting Treize, she turned to the team and raised an eyebrow. “No team mascot?” she said with a look in Treize's direction.

 

Treize smiled. “Short Duck is still in the stable, but I'm sure Joe would be happy to fetch him if you want a team mascot.”

 

The rest of the team couldn't help but smile or snicker. They were all well aware of the strange relationship between Treize's jumper and the mini pony.

 

Noin laughed. “I think we should be okay without him. Just as long as your horse does its job and jumps, Treize.”

 

“Goose will be fine during the parade without Duck around.”

 

“Good.” Noin looked at them again. “I'm really pleased with the way you have turned yourselves and your horses out. You are all a credit to your country.” Turning, Noin faced the grooms who were all gathered behind her. “And all of you are to be commended on the immaculate presentation of your charges. Thank you.”

 

All the grooms blushed and tried to look anywhere but at Noin or the team.

 

“Right. It's time to go. Single file as we head into the warm up area where we are to assemble. Lead off, will you, Zoe?”

 

Zoe nudged the mare into a walk and the rest of the team followed. Duo tagged along with Joe behind the horses, his eyes darting everywhere and taking in all that was going on around him. The rest of the Nations cup teams and other competitors were also filling the warm up area, so many horses, all turned out beautifully.

 

“Come on,” Joe said to Duo. “Let's go wish the guys good luck and then get to our places inside the arena, we don't want to miss anything of the opening ceremony.”

 

Duo nodded and followed along to where the team was waiting. He wished Heero good luck, patted Zero and promised the gray his carrots when he came out of the arena. Duo didn't dare give him one now, much to the stallion's disappointment. The last thing he needed was Noin on his back for Zero having carrot slobber on him.

 

Joe led them into the area set aside for the grooms, flashing their passes at the steward on the way through. A section of the seating had been reserved for the use of the grooms, it was right by the main entrance to the arena, providing them with a good view and yet easy access to the outside for when they were needed by their charges.

 

Joe found them a couple of seats and promptly sat down. The arena was empty but soft music was playing in the background and the buzz of conversation could be heard all around. After five minutes, the lights began to dim, the music faded and a silence descended on the arena.

 

“Welcome, one and all, to the Sydney Equestrian Games,” the voice of the commentator came over the PA system. The announcer went on to explain a little of the history of the Equestrian Games and four days of scheduled events. After several minutes he began to introduce the judges for the various competitions being held, thank the sponsors and organizers of the event and then got to the part Duo had been waiting for; the introduction of the various teams competing in events over the four days.

 

The parade began with the entry of the six pony club teams that had made it to the finals of the mounted games. Duo found some of them to be adorable. Youngsters, some only ten years of age on ponies ranging in height from eleven hands to fourteen hands, entered the arena and circled around. They were followed by the dressage teams; Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and Australia.

 

“I didn't know there was an international dressage team competition,” Duo whispered to Joe as he watched the Irish team walk past.

 

“Oh yes, there's also a Nations cup competition for dressage too,” Joe replied. “Although what the criteria are for qualification and competition, I couldn't tell you. I only know the basics for the show jumping one.”

 

“Ah.” Duo made a mental note to see if Heero knew anything about the rules and regulations covering the dressage, if it was similar to the jumping. His thoughts were brought to a halt as the individual competitors began to enter the arena. By now the arena was starting to fill a little more and Duo hoped there weren't too many more horses to come, otherwise he couldn't see how the show jumping teams were all going to fit in there as well!

 

Finally the commentator announced the Nations cup show jumping teams and country by country they began to enter. South Africa was first followed by England, Germany, Sweden, Italy, France and Japan. When the New Zealand team entered there was loud applause from the audience.

 

“Looks like we have a lot of Kiwi supporters here,” Joe muttered. “Makes sense, the trip isn't that far for them to make.”

 

Duo just nodded, his eyes were fixed on the entry way, the Australian team would be coming in next.

 

As the noise died down a little the commentator spoke again. “The Australian team!”

 

Duo felt a lump in his throat, tears prickle behind his eyes and a fierce sense of pride swell in his chest as the Australian team entered the arena. The four horses walked in step, each on their best behavior as if sensing the importance of the moment. Duo felt a tear slip down his cheek when he saw Heero carrying the Australian flag.

 

If the noise from the crowd had been loud with the New Zealand team entry, it was positively deafening when the Australian Team began their lap of honor. People cheered, whistled and clapped. Joe nudged Duo and leaned to 'shout' in his ear.

 

“Makes you proud, don't it?”

 

“Sure does,” Duo replied as he watched Zero being the perfect gentleman. Firefox was dancing a little, the excitement of the crowd transmitting to him and he snatched at his bit. Periwinkle remained calm, Goose seemed to look around with interest and then decide he'd seen it all before and it wasn't worth wasting any energy on.

 

By the time the team had completed their 'lap' and came to a halt in their designated spot, the crowd had begun to settle a bit and the commentator asked for everyone to be upstanding for the national anthem.

 

Duo and Joe both stood and sang along with the words, each feeling their own pride at being involved in such an event, even if it was only in the capacity of a groom. Once the anthem was over, everyone sat down again and the commentator called for the President of the International Equestrian Federation to officially open the games. A short speech from the president, thanking all the competitors, volunteers and officials, the Games were declared open and the many competitors began to leave the arena.

 

“Come on, Duo. Let's head back outside to meet them as they leave.” Joe stood up and began to move to the exit, glancing back once to make sure Duo was following.

 

Once outside it took a while for Joe and Duo to make their way through the gathered crowds to where the Australian Team were standing. As they approached they noticed a few unfamiliar people surrounding Noin and the team. Duo frowned.

 

“Reporters,” Joe said. “This is a major event so there's bound to be press hanging around.”

 

While publicity was a good thing and wouldn't do Heero's career any harm, Duo also knew it meant they would have to be extra careful and discreet when it came to their relationship. While their close friends and most of the community around Salsbury where Heero and Duo lived knew they were a couple, somehow Duo didn't think it would go down too well with the general public. It was a shame that society to the larger extent still remained bigoted towards same sex relationships. Homosexuality wasn't illegal, but there were still a lot of people around that frowned upon it and deliberately set out to make anyone's life, who appeared 'different', a living hell.

 

As they drew closer they could hear snatches of the interview. Noin was giving a small speech to the reporters while several photographers were taking pictures. Duo caught Heero's eye and gave the man a sympathetic smile. He knew Heero didn't like a lot of publicity, but in this case there wasn't much he could do about it and having reached this level of competition it was going to be a large part of Heero's life from here on.

 

Once the reporters, or 'vultures' as Joe called them, had finished, the team began to make its way back to the stables. Once arriving at their designated stable, each member dismounted and the task of unsaddling and settling horses began. Heero disappeared to get changed while Duo brushed Zero down and made sure the stallion had plenty of hay and fresh water. He also fed Zero the carrots he'd promised earlier. When everyone had finished with their respective charges, Noin appeared and gathered the group together.

 

“Thank you all for being perfectly behaved during the opening ceremony and press interview afterwards. There isn't any competition for any of you for the rest of the day so you are all free to do what you wish. Tomorrow I will be having a practice session in the afternoon with Heero and Alex. Treize, you're jumping in the A grade in the morning, correct?”

 

“Yes, Miss Noin,” Treize replied.

 

“Zoe, you're doing the Hit and Hurry late afternoon?”

 

“Yes,” Zoe replied. “I'm about three quarters the way down the draw so I'm guessing I should be on around four-ish.”

 

“Right. Alex, Heero, you two will meet me here at one tomorrow afternoon for a practice session. Saturday, we will have another brief session in the morning with all four of you. I'll advise you of the time later. I'd suggest you all try to watch some of the jumping as a few of the other team members have entered different events and it will give you the chance to see how they ride, what tactics they employ and hopefully we will gain some information to our advantage. Zoe, Treize, good luck for tomorrow. Now, all of you go and have a good time, just remember the 'rules'.” Noin smiled at her team and then turned to leave, she wanted to try and 'snoop' a little on their competition while she could.

 

Everyone soon disbanded, disappearing in various directions and going to watch or do what interested them. Heero and Duo headed back towards the main arena to pick up an official program for the games. With programs in hand, the two wandered back into the main arena, showing their passes and being admitted to watch whatever was taking place at that point in time. It happened to be the Pony Club quadrille display and Duo watched, fascinated as the team of young riders managed to perform intricate movements to music on their varied mounts. Heero began to study the program and gave Duo a nudge.

 

“What is it?” Duo asked as he turned to face his partner.

 

Heero pointed to a page in the program. Duo immediately opened his own program and began to read. The program contained a list of all the competitors in the different events, Duo could see there was a large entry in the A grade competition Treize was in the following day; twenty-five to be exact. Treize had drawn fourteen, just over the halfway mark. Looking at the class Zoe had entered, there were only twenty competitors and Zoe was jumping sixteenth. Reading through the list though, Duo could see there were quite a few of the opposing Nations cup teams' competitors entered in the same events. “Should give us a pretty good idea of what to expect,” Duo said as he read down the list.

 

“Hai, it should,” Heero returned. “Take a look further in.”

 

Duo flipped over a few pages and a grin lit up his face. Each team for the Nations cup was listed along with a brief summary on each team representative's career to date. Duo scanned for the Australian team and the grin widened when he found Heero's name. He quickly read the summary and then turned his eyes to his partner. “Seems they've given you a pretty good write up,” Duo chuckled.

 

“Copied what I wrote on the entry form is more like it,” Heero muttered.

 

“They didn't put all of what you wrote in there.”

 

“Probably saving that for later.” Heero really hated having to give information out on himself.

 

“Guess we will have to wait and see,” Duo snickered.

 

The quadrille demonstrations came to an end, Duo's stomach began to rumble and the pair decided to head outside and find something to eat. Locating a food vendor wasn't all that hard, there were several around the grounds and pretty soon Duo was munching happily on a hamburger with the works while Heero had opted for a fresh garden salad.

 

Once lunch had been dealt with, Heero decided he wanted to go back to the stables and work Zero around. He figured the stallion ought to have settled down enough in his new surroundings to accept them and he really should give the gray some exercise. If he didn't then Zero would be jumping out of his skin by the 'morrow and Heero really needed to keep the stallion focused on jumping fences and listening to his rider.

 

The pair saddled the gray up and then led him out of the stables and towards the area set aside for the competitors to work their horses. There was another, separate warm up area closer to the main arena but that was only for the use of those riders who were competing in an event at that current time.

 

Duo followed behind Heero and his horse as they rounded the back of the stable block and walked towards the open, grassed area currently used by riders to work their horses. Heero brought the gray to a halt and checked his girth. Duo stepped forward and held the reins while Heero pulled his stirrups down and did his helmet up. Slipping his left foot into the stirrup, Heero mounted and took a moment to settle into the saddle before collecting his reins.

 

"I'll work him over there." Heero nodded towards a vacant area to the left and then gave Zero the aid to walk. Zero obeyed and covered the ground with long strides. Duo waited until they'd gotten a little way ahead and then followed, picking out a spot under a few shady trees to sit and watch.

 

Zero was fresh, very fresh, and it was taking all Heero's skill to keep the stallion together and walking out. Occasionally, Zero would toss in a dancing step and shake his head. Heero kept a light contact with the stallion's mouth while continuously using his seat and legs to ride the horse together. As Zero began to relax a little and soften through his back, Heero gave the aid to trot. Zero immediately jumped forward and began to trot with huge strides.

 

Watching from underneath the tree, Duo couldn't help but snicker at the stallion's antics. It would appear that Zero was trying to get a little of his own back on his master for the long float trip and being confined to a stable. Zero's normal routine consisted of being stabled at night and paddocked during the day so it was understandable that the gray would be missing his freedom a bit.

 

Feeling the lurching gait beneath him, Heero frowned and sat down hard in his saddle. He collected his reins and applied his legs to Zero's sides, pushing the horse together underneath him whilst restricting the forward movement a touch with his hands. Realizing he wasn't going to get away with such an unbalanced trot, Zero changed tack and began to shorten his stride until it became very choppy, the result causing Heero to bounce a little in the saddle.

 

Giving a soft growl, Heero applied his leg harder and gave the gray a little more rein, pushing the stallion's hindquarters underneath his body and forcing him to lengthen his stride. Zero dropped his head and gave a buck, Heero retaliated by giving Zero a hard nudge with his heels, Zero leapt forward and threw in another buck.

 

Heero gave the stallion a sharp smack with his whip.

 

Zero decided it was time to give in and stop playing games.

 

Duo was almost asphyxiating under the tree from laughing so hard.

 

Zero settled into the familiar trot rhythm and Heero lightened his contact, keeping just a bare minimum of pressure on the reins while still using his seat to drive the horse together. They circled several times, changed rein, went from collected to extended trot and then back to working trot.

 

Soon enough Zero was traveling well, his nose lowered, head and jaw flexed while his neck rounded and his back softened. Heero gave the stallion a pat of praise and then asked for the canter. Zero struck off into the canter with smooth, almost effortless grace, picking up the correct leading leg and allowing his master to relax into the swinging motion of the gait.

 

Heero repeated at the canter what he'd done at the trot, changed directions, asked for a more collected canter and then let the horse stretch out into a lengthened canter. Zero responded well, listening to his master and trying to please him. It felt good to be exercising; his muscles were beginning to get a little tight with being confined to the stable.

 

Once Zero was calm and working properly, Heero drew rein and let the stallion walk. He spotted Duo under the tree and turned Zero in Duo's direction. Once he'd reached his partner, Heero brought the horse to a halt.

 

"Looked like he was giving you a spot of bother for a while there, Heero," Duo said as he pulled a carrot from his pocket and fed it to the gray.

 

"Hai, he was," Heero replied and patted the gray neck. "He's settled down now though so I think I'll take him down the other end and put him over a few jumps to finish off with."

 

"Good idea," said Duo as he turned to see where Heero intended to go. Down the far end of the work area several practice jumps were set up, a few people working their horses over them.

 

Giving Zero a long rein to stretch his neck out, Heero turned the horse and began walking in the direction of the jumps.

 

* * *

 

The wind was rushing past him, the adrenaline pumping through his veins and Heero felt the surge of pure joy hit his heart as he raised himself into the forward jumping position and collected his horse. Beneath him the muscles bunched and flexed, rippling underneath the gray coat while the stallion remained in complete control. Steadying the canter, Heero turned Zero towards the first practice fence, a simple upright. The stallion's ears pricked up as he eyed the fence, selecting his take off point and then lengthening his stride. Hindquarters drew underneath as Zero pushed himself into the air, soaring over the rails and landing cleanly on the other side. He snorted and looked eagerly for the next jump.

 

Heero sat down and turned the stallion towards the brush fence, shifting his body weight forward and giving with his hands as Zero lengthened out and then jumped. Three more jumps were cleared, all in the same effortless style before Heero sat down into his saddle and brought the gray to a walk, patting the sweaty neck enthusiastically.

 

Duo had watched the display from the fence to the side, noting Zero's eagerness and yet willingness to listen to his rider. Once more Duo's heart gave a tug in his chest, both pleased and proud of his partner. To one side he could hear another person commenting on Heero's little performance, the broken English telling him it was someone from the German team. Casually he let his eyes wander and ears open further.

 

"'Tis one of the Australians," the rider said to what Duo assumed to be a groom standing beside him.

 

"He has a good rapport with his animal. That one going to be hard to beat."

 

"If the rest of the team as good, then it should be a hot competition."

 

The rest of the conversation was lost to Duo as the pair moved away and Heero rode up.

 

"I think that will do him for now," said Heero as he continued to pat his horse. "What's up?" he asked, finally noticing Duo's slightly distracted air.

 

"Nothing," Duo replied and smiled. "Just doing a little eavesdropping."

 

"Huh?" Heero dismounted and ran his stirrups up while Duo loosened the girth.

 

Duo explained, telling Heero what he'd overheard. Heero suitably blushed.

 

"Maybe we will get a chance to see them working out at some stage today or tomorrow," Duo continued. "It would be good to have a little knowledge on what you're up against."

 

"I agree, but we can't exactly stay out here all the time just watching and waiting, someone might think we're stalkers," Heero snickered as he began to lead Zero back to the stables.

 

"True," Duo said with a sigh. "Maybe some of the others will have a bit of luck and catch them working their horses."

 

Heero shook his head. "Hard to say. Oh, there's Alex." Heero waved at the other man who was riding Firefox towards the workout area. "You going to give him some exercise?"

 

"Yeah, thought I'd better. He's not used to being cooped up in a stable all the time," replied Alex. "How did Zero go?"

 

"Zero's the same, he's used to being out in a paddock during the day. He worked well enough after he'd gotten the tickle out of his feet."

 

"Keep an eye out for opposing team members," Duo said and reiterated what he'd overheard.

 

"Will do," replied Alex. "Now, I'd better give this animal some work before he literally jumps out of his skin." Alex gave them a wave and continued on his way.

 

Arriving back at the stables, Duo proceeded to unsaddle and brush down Zero while Duo chatted to Treize who was getting Goose ready to take out and work. Once Goose was saddled, Heero went with Treize to see how Goose had settled as well as see how Alex was coping with an excited Firefox. Duo decided to take Zero out the stables and try to find a quiet spot where the gray could have an hour's grazing in peace. Joe grabbed Duck and joined him.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...

 

Authors Note: This chapter is dedicated to a very dear friend of mine, Jodi, who lost her horse 'Charlie' to colic resulting in a twisted bowel on Tuesday Nov 7th. Whilst Peacemillion in this fic suffered a twisted bowel and surgery was able to correct it, in Charlie's case the twist was too severe and the sad decision to have him put down was made.

 

Rest In Peace, Charlie.