Fic 5 in the Equine Intervention Arc.

Commenced December 2013 – ShenLong

"Rival Riders"

Chapter 14

"Not far now, Heero," Duo said, the excitement clear in his voice as he switched his attention from the road to the GPS and back again.

Glancing at the clock set in the dashboard, Heero noted it was coming up for one o'clock. "We've made good time," he replied, eyes focused back on the road.

"I wonder if anyone else from the Aussie team is there yet or if we will be the first? I'm sure Noin will be there, at least I hope so."

"Even if she isn't we will be able to find our stables and start to unload and unpack." Heero slowed the goose-neck a little. There were a few more floats on the road now, Heero thought it was a safe bet to assume they were heading for the same place he was. From the paperwork he'd received from Noin, the program of events scheduled for the week would be very similar to the previous Nations Cup competition he'd attended.

"That's the turn off up there," Duo said, drawing Heero from his thoughts.

The Werribee Equestrian Center was well signposted so it was easy enough to find. Heero slowed down and indicated, turning the goose-neck slowly onto the entry road. They rumbled along for a short distance before the main entry came into view. Heero brought Drumstick to a stop behind a couple of other floats and waited his turn in the line. Soon enough he'd moved forward to where a steward was standing with a clipboard. Duo had already gotten the paperwork out of the glove compartment and had it ready.

"Afternoon," greeted the steward. "Do you have your passes with you?"

"Afternoon," Heero replied. "Here they are." He handed over the requested paperwork.

The steward took the paperwork and checked it against his list, ticking off names as he located them. Handing Heero the passes back, he spoke again. "Follow this main road down and take the second road to your left. You have been allocated parking bay 71 in section K for your vehicle which will be on your right. Your stable allocations are in block E stables 50 to 57. There will be another steward to guide you once you get to the second road on your left. Good luck and I hope you do well for our country." The steward gave a big smile.

"Thanks, we will certainly be giving it our best shot." With a parting wave, Heero put the goose-neck back into gear and began to move slowly along the road.

They found the second road on their left, the steward there showing them where their allocated bay was. Heero brought the goose-neck to a stop and cut the engine.

"I think we should locate block E and our stables before we unload the horses," Duo suggested.

"Good idea. We can see if anyone else has arrived too."

The pair exited the cab and after ducking their heads inside to check on the horses, they locked up the goose-neck and made their way towards several stable blocks. It didn't take them long to find block E and once they had stepped inside Duo looked around for stable numbers. Heero scanned the area left and right, eyes alighting on the familiar form of Noin.

"Up here," Heero said and tugged on Duo's arm.

"Ah, Heero, Doctor Maxwell," Noin greeted as she spotted the two men making their way towards her.

"Miss Noin," the pair replied.

"You have the horses still on the float?"

"Hai, we do. I thought we would find our stables first, then unload and settle them in," Heero replied.

"No problem. These are our allocated stables here. There's the five for the Nations Cup team and they have also put Shinigami and the other horse from your stable that are competing in the A grade in the same block."

"That will certainly make life a lot easier," Duo muttered.

"Peter has already arrived and settled Espresso in so feel free to select the stables you want and get your horses off and settled. I've got a couple of things I need to do but I won't be long. I'll be back soon and fill you in on the accommodations the EFA has booked for us all."

"Thanks, Noin."

#

By the time Heero had unloaded the horses and got them settled into their stables, Treize and Sam had arrived. Friendly chatter was exchanged between all the guys as everyone pitched in to unload horses and unpack vehicles. Noin returned and spoke with each of her team in regards to their trips to the center, how their horses had traveled and any problems they might have had. Although Duo was not officially 'on duty' as the team vet, he had already spoken with Noin and offered his services should she require them. Noin had accepted and after a brief consultation with Sam and Peter - neither of whom had any objection to Duo checking their horses or treating them should the need arise – Duo gave each equine a quick check and was pleased to inform Noin that all horses were sound and aside from a little dehydration that was to be expected, all were fit for competition.

With the horses all taken care of Noin gathered the group together to sort out the accommodations.

"The EFA has booked rooms at the Quest Hotel for all of us. Each of you will be sharing with your respective groom, or in June and Peter's case, their spouses. If you are finished here for now, I'd suggest we head into town to the hotel and get checked in. Heero, do you know when June is arriving?"

"She was planning on arriving today at some time. I'm not sure when as she didn't say, it will depend on the traffic conditions and the drive down here. She did say she was coming directly to the equestrian center though."

"I see." Noin thought for a moment. "I guess I could always give her a ring and see how far away she is from arriving. I'd really like to get you all to the hotel and checked in as soon as possible as we have a lot to discuss."

"That might be a good idea," Heero replied. With the horses all off the goose-neck and settled, Heero was looking forward to being able to take a long shower and enjoy a little snuggle time with his husband before the pressures of what they were there to do caught up with them both.

Moving off to the side, Noin made her call. Whilst Noin was on the phone, Duo double checked the horses, Heero joining him a moment later.

"Jester is the only one who is still a little flighty," Duo said, watching the big bay moving around his stall and calling out from time to time.

"He'll settle down soon," Heero replied. "Frank will be here tomorrow afternoon sometime and will no doubt take him out and give him a good workout. I'll take him out in the morning and give him a little light work on the flat to settle him a bit."

Duo nodded and raked his eyes over the other three horses. Shinigami was standing towards the back of his stable, resting a hind leg and dozing – he was more than used to all this show atmosphere by now and none of it fazed him anymore. Orion stood between Shini and Nataku, the black having taken everything in his stride. Nataku was busy pulling at her hay net, pausing every now and then to gaze out of her stable at the goings on around her.

Noin returned and let them all know that June was about an hour away from Werribee and would go directly to the hotel and meet them all there. Having passed over instructions to where the hotel was, Noin left them all to make their own way there.

"Would you mind if we caught a lift with you, Treize?" Heero asked. "I think it would be a little difficult to find parking for the goose-neck at the hotel."

"Of course, Heero. I'm parked a few spaces up from you so if you and Duo want to grab your stuff and bring it across to the car, Joe and I will go and unhitch the float." With him only having to bring Romeo, Treize had opted to use his car and float instead of bringing his own, four horse goose-neck.

"Thanks, we'll be with you shortly."

# # #

"Here are your room key cards," Noin said as she handed out the various key cards to the team members. "Go and get unpacked, freshen up and I'll meet you all in my room in two hours for a briefing. I'm in room 532."

Taking their key cards, the team and grooms all picked up their luggage and made their way across the foyer of the hotel to the elevators. Everyone piled out on floor five, quickly scanning the directory on the wall for which way to their rooms.

"Down that way, Heero," Duo said, glancing at their key card and back to the wall. The team had been allocated rooms 531 to 536, Heero and Duo's room being 536 with Treize next to them in 534 and June's room across the hall: number 535. Peter and Chrissy were in 533 whilst Sam and Greg were in 531. Frank, Zechs, Wufei and Meiran had all managed to reserve rooms at the same hotel, although what room number and floor they would be on was anyone's guess.

Duo slipped the key card through the lock and once the light turned green he pushed the door open and entered, Heero right behind him and closing the door. It was your standard hotel room, two queen beds, television, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and an en-suite bathroom. Duo dumped his bag on the floor and flopped on his back to the bed. Heero gave an amused smile before dropping his own bag to the floor and joining his husband on the bed.

Laying himself next to Duo, Heero rolled over and hovered over the prone form of the vet before slowly lowering his face and capturing Duo's lips in a soft kiss. "You have no idea how long I've been waiting to kiss you," Heero murmured before stealing another kiss.

Bringing his arms up, Duo wrapped them around his lover and returned the kiss with just as much enthusiasm. "It's going to be so damn hard to keep my hands off you over the next few days," Duo sighed.

"I know, but at least we will have some privacy at the end of each day when we return here."

"Thank goodness otherwise I think I'd end up getting us both arrested." Duo cuddled closer and began to feather kisses along Heero's jaw and neck causing the rider to moan softly. Lips continuing their assault, Duo dragged one hand down from Heero's waist and over the rider's backside, squeezing and caressing.

A groan escaped Heero's lips, his groin stirring in response to the tender caresses. "How much time do we have before we have to meet Noin?' he murmured.

Glancing at the clock, Duo noted the time displayed. "Roughly and hour and three quarters."

"Good, I want to molest you." Heero managed to work his hand between their bodies and grope at Duo's groin, rewarded with a soft gasp as he began to knead the hardening bulge he found there.

Within minutes the pair had managed to remove their clothing. Now naked, Heero pushed his partner towards the center of the bed and turning himself around, straddled Duo's shoulders with his legs. Lowering his head and shoulders, Heero pushed Duo's thighs apart, pressing kisses and light nips to the sensitive skin on the inner thigh.

Dragging a second pillow across, Duo worked it under his head and shoulders, raising himself up enough that he could easily reach his lover's assets without putting any strain on himself. His tongue darted out and began to lick along the sensitive perineum towards Heero's balls.

Eyes closing in pleasure, Heero worked his husband's cock with dedication, sucking lightly on the head before swallowing to the root. He swirled his tongue around the head, teasing at the leaking slit before drawing the organ in deep once more.

Duo's mouth was by no means idle; tongue flicking across the join of foreskin to head, sucking lightly on the tip and nibbling along the underside. Tonguing Heero's balls he was pleased to hear the quiet groans of pleasure coming from his husband's mouth. Feeling his own pleasure rising rapidly towards the point of no return, Duo swallowed Heero's length and began to work his mouth and throat in earnest.

Hips thrusting carefully, both men did their best to bring the other to orgasm first. Duo was the first to fall into nirvana, unable to take the overwhelming pleasure any longer. With a loud groan he let go, seed pumping from the slit to be swallowed by Heero's hungry mouth. The whimpers and moans from his partner vibrated around Heero's cock that was still buried to the hilt inside Duo's mouth and sparked his own end. Still drinking down his husband's offering, Heero let himself fall into the abyss, panting and moaning his pleasure to the four walls.

Duo let Heero's cock slip from his mouth, the rider managing to turn himself around before collapsing on the bed next to his equally sated lover. The vet cuddled close, Heero's arms wrapping around that lithe body and pulling his love closer and sharing their warmth. After ten minutes of cuddling and enjoying the afterglow, the pair thought they'd better get up, shower and unpack before they were needed to meet with Noin.

# # #

"The program of events is pretty much the same as what it has been for previous competitions. Tomorrow will be the Grand Parade and opening ceremony where all the teams competing in the Nations Cup Dressage and Showjumping competitions will be introduced. Thursday will also be the start of the Cup Dressage competition. Friday will have the A grade Championships along with the C grade and a speed competition. Saturday will see the first rounds of the Nations Cup Showjumping competition with the second round on the Sunday. Should there need to be a jump off that will also be held on the Sunday. Once the competition is finished there will be a break followed by the closing parade on the Sunday afternoon." Noin looked around at all her riders to make sure they were all following along before continuing. "Those of you that have entered in other events I wish you the very best of luck for those events and I will be available to assist you if you need any help. I expect you all to work your team horses on the flat tomorrow morning and present for inspection half an hour before the Grand Parade. An hour after the parade is over I want you to meet me in the stable block and we will spend a couple of hours in one of the allocated work areas. Does anyone have any questions?"

"When will we find out what countries are competing and the draw order for the countries? Also what order will we be jumping in?" Peter asked.

"I will attend the draw for the order of competition on the Saturday morning and once I know what it is I will let you all know. I'll also let you know at the same time what order you will all jump in," Noin replied. "The countries that have confirmed teams are as follows: Japan, New Zealand, England, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, Italy, France and us."

"Do you want me to attend the work session tomorrow afternoon and am I also to present for the Grand Parade?" June asked.

Noin turned her attention to the woman. "Yes, I want you in both. I expect you to keep your horse worked just in case we need you."

June nodded.

"Any other questions?"

No one had any so Noin got up and fetched the saddle blankets. Handing one to each rider she finished up the meeting with the last of her information. "As you know we don't have an actual team vet for this competition as there is a vet practice here on the grounds, however, Doctor Maxwell has kindly consented to be our personal team vet should anyone need him. Before I accept his kind offer on behalf of all team members does anyone here have any objection to Doctor Maxwell treating their horse in the event of an accident?"

Treize had already informed Duo he wanted him to treat Romeo if he needed any attention, at least until Zechs got there as Zechs was Romeo's usual vet; Heero and June were already clients so it was only Sam and Peter whom Duo needed consent from. Both men nodded their acceptance, both happier to have someone they knew act as their vet as opposed to someone they weren't familiar with regardless of how good they were.

"Thank you everyone. If there's no further questions you are all free to do as you wish. I shouldn't have to remind you all though that you are representing your country and I expect you all to act in a manner befitting such an honor. I will see you all at the stables tomorrow morning."

With that being the end of the meeting all the riders left Noin's room and stood in the hotel hallway, discussing what they all planned on doing next. After much back and forth suggestions, everyone decided to go back to the stables and check on the horses. The afternoon was getting on and it would soon be time to feed up and settle the horses for the evening.

June offered to take Heero and Duo in her car as Geoff and Max were staying at the hotel, young Max needing a nap and Geoff deciding to join him as he was quite tired after doing most of the driving to Werribee. Both guys accepted the offer and it gave Heero the chance to catch up on how the horses back at Salsbury were; it also gave June the opportunity to drop off all of Orion's gear that she'd brought with her.

#

Shini gave a low wuffle when he heard his master's footsteps, Nataku also gave a low whinny. Orion snorted when he scented his mistress and hung over his stable door in the hope of getting some apple slices. Jester was still a little on the flighty side, although he had settled a lot to earlier.

Heero fetched the poop scoop from the locker they'd been allocated whilst Duo went into each stable and removed the hay nets to either fill or top up for the evening. June checked the water buckets, filling those that needed it. Once the stables were clean, June fetched each 'team Heero' horse out and held it so Duo could do a check of each one - pronouncing them all fit and healthy. Heero made up the feeds whilst Duo did his checks on Peter and Sam's horses. Once all the horses were eating the three changed the day rugs for slightly warmer night ones. With three of them doing the work it didn't take long to finish.

One last check of the equines and it was time to head back to the hotel for dinner and a good night's sleep.

# # #

Thursday morning dawned fresh, clear and cold, so cold that Duo opted to get dressed whilst still in the bed – much to Heero's amusement. "Knew I should have packed the thermal underwear," Duo muttered as he struggled to pull his jeans up while wrestling with the covers that were equally as determined to stick to his legs.

"It would be much quicker and less painful if you were to hop out of the bed, Duo," Heero stated in an amused tone.

"Yeah, but I don't fancy having my balls try to climb back up into my body. It's bad enough dealing with the shrinkage in other areas," Duo replied. "There, got them." One last 'yank' and the jeans settled around his hips. "Now for the shirt."

Heero shook his head and snickered as his husband did his best to pull the t-shirt over his head and not take the pillow with it.

With his clothes finally on, Duo tossed back the covers and slipped out of the bed. Tucking his t-shirt into his jeans, he quickly zipped them up and reached for his sweater. One trip to the bathroom later, his hair and teeth brushed and Duo was ready to face the day.

"I'll come back up and grab my clothes after breakfast," Heero said as they left the room to find said breakfast.

"Come on then, I'm starving," Duo replied and disappeared down the hall towards the elevators leaving a bemused Heero to follow.

#

"Steady, Shini," Heero soothed as the stallion began to jog. Sitting deeper into his saddle, he checked the gray, letting the reins loosen a touch once Shini started to walk again.

"He's full of beans," June stated, walking up to stand beside Duo who was leaning against the railing and watching his husband working the gray.

"Yeah, he is, but he'll soon settle down. Shini's an old hand at all this competition thing now," Duo replied.

"Is Heero going to ride Jester for Frank afterwards?"

"He said he was going to try and fit Jester in at some stage today. He's still got Nataku to work on the flat before we start getting her ready for the Grand Parade and then there's the lesson with Noin later on too."

"I think I'll bring Orion out and loosen him up a bit. I want to give him a bath before the Grand Parade."

"I'd suggest you put on a bathing suit if you're planning on that, although given how cool it is you'd probably turn into a human popsicle," Duo snickered.

"You could have a point there," June grinned. "Believe it or not though, the wash bay area does have both hot and cold water and I plan on using the hot."

"Does it really?" Duo asked with a raise of his eyebrow.

"Sure does."

"If that's the case then I might give Nataku a bath too. I wasn't going to bother as I thought it was only cold water they had and I wouldn't put the horse through a cold bath."

"Nope, there's hot water too, but you might have to get in line as I think a lot of people are planning on giving their horses a bath."

Duo shrugged. "I'll see what happens later once Heero's finished."

"Okay, I'm going to get Orion saddled up. I'll see you later."

"Good boy, much better," Heero praised the gray as Shini settled and began to work properly. The gray traveled well, his long strides eating up the ground as he let his master guide him. It felt good to work the stiffness from his muscles, stretch them out and ease the kinks. Three days inside a float, regardless of the fact that his master was an excellent driver and took lots of breaks, still had tiring effects on a horse.

With Shini working well, Heero decided to cut short his flat work and put the gray away. He would ride him again later after his lesson with Noin that afternoon. He hoped that by then a lot of people would have worked their horses already and he'd have relative peace and lots of room to put Shini over a few practice jumps. The A grade Championship was on the following day and he really needed to have Shini working well and listening to him.

Taking the gray back to the stables, Heero left Shini in Duo's capable hands while he saddled up and took Nataku out for a stretch.

#

All team members did their best not to squirm as Noin ran her eagle eye over the assembled team. She appraised each rider from their hat to their boots and each horse from the tips of its ears to the bottom of its hooves. Tucking in a stray strap here and rubbing off a bit of dust there, she finally stepped back and gave the team a smile.

"Well done all of you, your grooms and yourselves should be congratulated. Everyone is turned out impeccably." Behind Noin the grooms all did their best not to blush at the praise. Each one of them had worked doubly hard to turn their respective charge out to perfection.

Orion shone like patent leather, June not just washing the gelding, but spending a good half an hour just brushing his coat until it shone. Sam's horse, Morning Mist, while not shining like the bays and the black, countered their darker colors with her own vivid whiteness. She was almost snowy white, slightly darker markings on her legs and in the hairs of her tail the only other color on her body. Chrissy had brushed Espresso until the bay also shone; likewise Joe had spent ages on Romeo.

Nataku positively glowed under the sun's rays, her bay coat shining with good health and constant brushing. Duo on the other hand looked a little bedraggled. He'd washed Nataku, scrubbing all traces of dirt from the mare and ended up looking like a drowned rat himself. His braid was still soggy although his jeans had dried out quite a bit. Unfortunately he hadn't thought to bring a change of clothes with him and he didn't have time to go back to the hotel to change so he'd have to suffer through the Grand Parade in his damp clothes. Seeing the team all looking so professional more than made up for the discomfort though.

The public address system crackled to life, calling for all competitors, regardless of what they were entered in to present to the collecting ring area ready for the Grand Parade.

"Okay, team, this is it. Time to present to the stewards," Noin stated. "Before we do though..." Noin stepped back into the stable block, returning moments later with the Australian Flag.

All faces turned towards their coach.

Approaching the team, Noin held the flag and glanced down the line of riders. Mind made up, she walked up to June and handed her the flag. "Carry it proudly," she said to the other woman.

Taking the flag, June felt her heart swell with pride and a beaming smile lit her face. Carefully she positioned the end of the flagpole on the top of her boot, grasping the center of the pole firmly. Orion wasn't at all fazed by having the flag flapping along his side and simply ignored it.

"Right, everyone, stay in formation and follow me."

The team all began to move off towards the collecting ring and what would be the start of several days competition.

tbc...