Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing, it belongs to Bandai, Sotsu and associated parties. I just borrow the guys from time to time and return them a whole lot happier. I do own the plot and any other characters, especially the equines, that you will find in this fic. Please do not take them without permission. Written for pleasure not profit.
Pairing: 2x1x2, 3x4, 13x6, H+C
Warnings: Yaoi, lemon, sap, angst, vet themes, AU
Rating: NC 17.
Betaed by Karina *snugs*
Summary: Set 2 years after Equus and Heero is doing so well in his own business that he's taken June on as a working pupil. The qualifying shows for the International teams are well underway and it looks like it will be a good year for Heero, his pupils and horses... until Mother Nature steps in.
AN: This fic, although a complete work of fiction is based partially on fact. I will add notes at the end of chapters where necessary to clarify events and provide links where needed.
Dedication: To Leslie and Karina. Leslie for giving me the original idea for Equinity and encouraging and supporting me through the writing of all the fics thus far in the arc. And Karina for not just taking over as my much needed beta, (poor woman needs a medal!), but for also poking and prodding Fred until he went on strike, refusing to work on anything at all until I let him start this. Needless to say, we managed to come to a compromise... Fred gets to write a chapter of this one week... the next week he has to write a chapter of 'Bound'... Did I ever tell you all I hate my muse? :-)
Fic 5 in the Equine Intervention Arc.
Commenced December 2013 – ShenLong
"Rival Riders"
Chapter 19
When Heero managed to ride out of the arena and back to the collecting ring he was immediately surrounded by his friends and one 'over-the-moon' husband.
"That was terrific, Heero," Duo cheered and proceeded to pull carrot after carrot out of his pocket to feed to the gray while Heero dismounted.
Shini's face lit up when he smelled the carrots and politely took all that were offered. Crunching the orange treats he glanced out the corner of his eye to that bay stallion who was looking at him with a sour expression. Shini curled his lip, nudged the nice human and quickly gobbled down the carrots that were offered.
The bay stallion glowered at him, Shini stuck his nose in the air and ignored the bay. This was his nice human, those were his carrots, his reward for being good and by the horse shoes on his hooves he was not going to share!
"That was a fantastic round, Heero. You really pulled off a few stunts there," Frank congratulated. He'd always known Heero was a good rider and excellent teacher; now he'd seen his mentor in true action and it only made Frank humble that Heero had taken him on as a pupil and even more determined to learn all he could from the man and make him proud of his and Jester's career.
"Thanks, Frank, but it was all Shini," Heero replied with a blush.
"Bullshit." Duo grinned at the stunned faces. "You always say it's Shini and while I don't disagree he's a wonderful horse, he couldn't do it by himself."
Heero's blush deepened and his mouth was about to open again in protest when Treize cut in. "He's right, Heero. Shini couldn't do it by himself so why don't you quit while you're behind and accept the fact that it took the two of you to win this event and you did it in style." Treize offered his hand to his former pupil.
Knowing he'd be far better off just accepting the congratulations and praise, Heero gave in and shook Treize's hand. "Thanks."
"I must say, Heero, that was a very exciting round," Meiran said with a soft pat to Shini's neck.
"Is it going to be like that in the Cup event?" Wufei asked.
"Not quite," Heero replied. "The Cup event is a little different as it's a team thing, not individual."
"Heero and Treize can explain it all to you later if you like?" Duo offered on behalf of the two riders.
Wufei looked from Treize to Heero and received nods in the affirmative from both. "Thank you, that would be most appreciated."
"That was a great round, Heero. I only hope that Orion and I can be as good as you and Shini some day," June said when she could get close enough to speak to Heero once Wufei and Meiran had moved to the side.
"Thanks, June and there's no reason why you and Orion shouldn't go to the top," Heero replied.
"I hope so," June muttered and then said, "Aw, what the hell." She wrapped her arms around Heero and gave him a hug and kiss to the cheek. "The kiss is from Duo since he can't give you one himself right now," she whispered.
Blue eyes tracked across and locked with twinkling violet. Duo nodded and smiled, his eyes changing color slightly and promising Heero that Duo would be sure to let his husband know later exactly how proud Duo was of him. Heero shivered slightly.
Noin arrived then along with Sam, Peter, Chrissy and Greg to pass on their congratulations. The PA system crackled into life and brought the congratulations to a halt as the commentator called for the six riders who had been in the jump off to enter the arena for their rosettes and prizes. Both Frank and Heero scrambled to mount up, Duo checking Shini didn't have any bits of carrot hanging out of his mouth or slobber to go with it. It wouldn't do for the gray to cover the judge with carrot slobber.
Collecting up his reins, Heero and Frank rode side by side into the arena, the other four competitors with them.
While Heero was certain he'd won, he wasn't too sure of the other placings and was curious to know where everyone had finished up. He brought Shini to a halt in the center of the arena where the steward gestured for them to line up and waited as the judge and a couple of other official looking people walked across the arena to them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the results of the A Grade Championship jumping competition are: In first place with a clear round and time of 37:04 is Heero Yuy riding Shinigami."
Heero waved to the crowd as they applauded and cheered and rode Shini forward a few paces to greet the judge and the sponsor of the event. A huge, red, white and blue rosette was attached to Shini's bridle, a rug laid partially folded up across his shoulders and a garland of flowers was tied around the base of his neck. Heero shook hands with the judge and sponsor, exchanged a few words and was presented with an envelope which he tucked into his pocket for later. Once his part of the formalities was over, Heero turned his horse and rode back to the line up.
"In second place with a clear round and time of 39:18 is Andrew Connigen riding Sparkle."
Once again hands were shaken, rosette placed on a bridle and the second place getter rode back to the line up and stood next to Heero.
"In third place with a clear round and a time of 39:33 is Frank Lowe riding Royal Park Jester."
Applause rippled through the area as Frank rode forward to receive his rosette and prize money. Heero could hear his friends cheering out in the collecting ring, in particular Duo who seemed to have that ability to yell louder than anyone else.
Frank couldn't wipe the smile from his face as he was handed his envelope and shook hands with the judge and sponsor. A large, white rosette fluttered in the light breeze, Jester wiggling the end of his muzzle and trying to catch the 'tails' of the rosette with his lips.
Moments later Frank rode back to the line up and stood next to Andrew. He glanced across at Heero and returned the smile his mentor gave him.
"In fourth place with a clear round and time of 42:16 we have Craig Lampend riding Liasion..."
Heero tuned out the rest of the commentator's words, patting the muscled, gray neck and murmuring softly to Shini. The gray cocked back an ear to listen and shook his head. The garland of flowers around his neck was itchy. He tried to bring his head closer to his chest and see if he could grab hold of the itchy thing with his teeth and pull it off. Heero noticed what the horse was up to and scolded him gently. Shini knew that tone and stopped in his endeavors, deciding it was probably better to put up with a few itches than suffer his master's displeasure.
Soon enough all the competitors had received their rosettes and the way was clear for Heero to lead the lap of honor. Nudging Shini forward and into a canter, Heero waved to the crowds as they cantered past, the rest of the riders following behind. Reaching the exit he slowed the stallion to a trot and led the way out, moving Shini to the side where Duo and the others waited. Once he was back with his husband and friends, He dismounted.
"Wow! Lovely flowers," Duo commented as he took in the garland around Shini's neck.
"First time I've ever received anything like that," Heero replied.
"Better take it off otherwise I just might be having to treat Shini for colic later," Duo snickered.
Heero turned back to his horse only to see the gray doing his best to try and nibble on the flowers. "Shini, no," Heero said and pulled the horse's head away from the flowers.
"Here, these taste much better than those artificial flowers, plus they're better for your digestion," Duo chuckled and offered the stallion a couple of carrots.
Scenting the carrots, Shini immediately ceased his trying to attack the flower garland and politely took the offered treats.
June untied and removed the garland from Shini's neck, carefully draping it over one arm. "I'll look after this for you until we get back to the hotel if you like, Heero?"
"Thanks, June." Heero pulled the rug from across Shini's shoulders and shook it out to take a look at it.
"What's that?" Duo asked, moving around so he could see better.
"It's a rug," Heero replied. "It must be part of the sponsor's prize for winning."
"Well shit," Duo said and gave a low whistle.
The rug was a deep blue with red binding around the edges. Across the sides in white lettering read the words "State A Grade Championship Jumping Winner 2014"
"Oh, Shini, aren't you going to be the posh one with a new rug and all," Duo said to the horse.
"It's a beautiful rug, Heero," June commented as she looked on in envy.
"It certainly is," Heero replied.
Frank and Jester appeared beside the pair, Frank looking over Heero's shoulder to see the rug and lettering. "Very nice, Heero," he said, admiring the rug.
"Thanks, Frank."
"What prize money did you win?" Frank asked. "I got a check for two hundred and fifty dollars."
"Shit," Duo muttered under his breath and offered Jester a carrot.
The bay took the treat and blew through his nostrils at the gray. Shini narrowed his eyes and extended his neck to nudge Duo in the arm. Absently, Duo reached into his pocket and pulled out two carrots, passing them both to Shini. The gray gave the other stallion a smug look as if to say: 'He likes me best.'
Heero pulled the envelope from his jacket pocket and tore it open. He read the fine print and his eyes widened.
"Heero?" Duo asked, a touch of concern in his voice.
"I'm okay," Heero replied as a smile slowly spread across his face. "It's a check for a thousand dollars," he whispered.
"Fuck! I think I'm in the wrong profession."
###
Dinner at the hotel that night was rather loud and merry as everyone was buoyed by Frank and Heero's success in the A grade event. They celebrated the pairs' placings, hoping it was an omen for things to come in the Nations Cup event. Frank and Geoff were the only ones to actually have alcohol with their meal though, the others all opting to wait until after the Nations Cup had finished before either celebrating or drowning their sorrows. With the cup event starting on the 'morrow everyone needed a clear head and all their faculties. True to their word, Heero and Treize explained the Nations Cup format and event to Wufei and Meiran, the Chinese couple appreciating that the pair put things into simple terms for them.
"I'll see you guys in the morning," June said as she carried a sleepy Max in her arms and left the restaurant of the hotel to go back to hers and Geoff's room. The toddler had worn himself out during dinner, having had many of the females cooing over him and playing with him.
"Night, June. Night, Geoff," everyone chorused as the woman and her husband left.
Once June had left, the others all started to leave too, everyone knowing how important it was that they get a good nights sleep before the competition the following day.
Treize, Frank, Heero and Duo were all contemplating getting up from their table and aiming for their rooms when a familiar figure strode into the restaurant.
"Zechs," Treize whispered as his eyes alighted on the blonde vet.
Spotting his lover, boss and friends sitting at their table, Zechs crossed the room in a few strides and smiled at everyone. "I hope I'm not too late and missed the action," Zechs said with a smile.
"No, no, not at all. Well, some of the action but not the one that counts. Err.. Maybe I should rephrase that. You missed Heero winning the Championship and Frank coming third, but the Nations Cup isn't until tomorrow," Treize said, much to the amusement of the other three sitting and watching.
"Good," Zechs replied and turned to Heero and Frank. "Congratulations to you both, I hope to hear all about it later or tomorrow."
"I'm sure you will," Treize replied and motioned for his lover to join them.
Taking a seat next to Treize and opposite Heero and Duo, Zechs looked around and signaled to a passing waiter. "I need a coffee," he explained to the others. "Would anyone else like anything?" When everyone replied in the negative, Zechs ordered his coffee and relaxed back into his chair.
"Have you checked in yet?" Treize said and discreetly pushed his knee against Zechs'.
"Yes, I have. I got here about fifteen minutes ago and went directly to the check in counter. I've been up and put my stuff in my room and thought I might find you all still in here having dinner as it's not too late in the evening yet."
"All of the others have only just left," Heero informed the blonde.
"We were just finishing up here and then heading off too," Treize said softly.
"Did it take you long to get here?" Duo questioned.
With the arrival of his coffee, Zechs added a sugar sachet to it and stirred. Sipping the hot beverage he filled the others in on his trip down and how things were going back at the practice and the stables. Duo was relieved to know that Zechs and Hilde had coped just fine these past few days and that Catherine had limited the number of consults over the weekend so Hilde would be able to manage perfectly well. Heero was also relieved to know his horses were all okay and Carl, with the assistance of Trowa and Quatre was managing perfectly well too.
After chatting for another half hour, Duo was hard pressed to cover the yawns that kept breaking from his mouth. "Ah, sorry," he apologized yet again, covering his mouth with his hand.
"Come on, Duo, it's time we headed for our room. It's going to be an early start in the morning and a long day," Heero said as he stood up.
"I'm off too," Frank said and swallowed the last of his beer. "I'll see you all at the stables tomorrow." Placing the empty glass on the table, Frank got up and left the restaurant.
"What room are you in?" Treize asked Zechs as they walked with Heero and Duo to the elevator in the lobby.
Zechs pulled the key card from his pocket. "Six thirteen," Zechs replied.
"We're all on the fifth floor," Duo said and pushed the button to call the elevator.
"Then we're not too far apart," Zechs replied with a grin and stepped through the opening doors of the elevator.
Everyone else piled in, Heero pushing the button for the fifth floor, Treize pushing it for the sixth. The little car wound its way upward and stopped at the fifth floor. Neither Heero nor Duo were surprised when Treize remained in the elevator.
"I'll see you in the morning," Heero said, stepping out.
"Have a good night," Duo said with a cheeky grin.
"You two have a good night celebrating too," Treize replied and flashed Heero a smile before the elevator doors closed once more.
When the elevator doors opened again a few seconds later, Zechs stepped out and strode along the hallway with Treize right beside him. Reaching his door, the keycard was swiped, the door opened and both men stepped inside. Treize closed the door and turned around only to find himself pressed back against that door and his lips hijacked in a deep kiss. Hands wound around his back, Treize's own wrapping around his lover's shoulders and deepening the kiss. When they finally broke for air, both men were flushed and panting.
"God I've missed you," Treize murmured and stroked a hand through Zechs' hair.
"I've missed you too," Zechs replied and nibbled along Treize's bottom lip. "It was torture to sit next to you in that restaurant and not be able to touch you, kiss you... molest you."
"We're alone now so you can molest me all you want."
"Oh, I fully intend to do just that and more."
"Oh, gods," Treize moaned.
# # #
"Is there room in there for me?" Heero asked, sliding back the glass door to the shower stall his lover and husband was currently fogging up.
"Always," came the sultry reply.
Slipping inside and closing the door, Heero was greeted with the wonderful sight of his lover covered in slick, soapy bubbles. With a soft moan, he reached for the wash cloth. "Here, let me," he said huskily.
By the time the two had washed and rinsed, both were fully aroused and panting. Somehow they managed to turn the water off and exit the shower. Fluffy towels were deployed, bodies roughly dried off before they tumbled to the bed in a tangle of partially dry limbs.
Duo located the lube he'd hidden in with his socks just in case the house maid came across it when cleaning up and flipped the cap open. Although Heero was more than ready and clearly demanding some action from Duo, the vet took his time in preparing his partner. Heero still had jumping rounds to complete the following day and Duo was determined he wasn't going to have his lover sore from rough lovemaking.
"Duo," Heero whined, "I'm ready."
"Patience, lover," Duo replied and coated his length with the slippery substance. Tossing the tube aside, he gazed down into the lust and love filled eyes of his life partner. "Do you know just how much I love you?" he murmured softly, pushing the blunt head of his cock against Heero's entrance.
"Show me how much you love me," Heero replied and opened his legs wider.
With a lump lodged in his throat, Duo gently eased himself inside his lover's body, pushing forward slowly before retreating a little and then pushing deeper. He took his time, sliding deep within Heero's channel until he was fully seated and pressed tight against his partner. They lay together for a few moments, Heero's body adjusting to the length buried inside whilst Duo fought his hormones and tried hard to calm himself.
When Heero began to flex his anal muscles, Duo knew he was ready and began a slow and torturous rhythm.
They moved against each other, bodies slowly slicking with sweat, the pleasure building steadily. Heero did his best to muffle his moans in the pillow. Both men knew how thin hotel walls could be and neither wanted to face any awkward questions or looks from their fellow competitors in the morning.
When Duo hit his prostate for the third time, Heero knew he was about to fall over the edge and into oblivion. He groaned and thrust up to meet the vet's inward slide, Duo mimicking his groan with one of his own. Two more thrusts inside his channel and Heero felt the world starting to tilt on its axis.
"Ah," he moaned long and low as his body began to tremble. He felt a hand wrap around his erection and pump. When Duo pushed inside the next time and struck his prostate, Heero fell over that edge. His body shook and convulsed as his orgasm hit him, creamy seed pulsed from his cock, the pleasure swimming over and through him.
Duo managed to hold onto his shredded control for two more thrusts before joining his husband in the throes of ecstasy. His body tensed, eyes closed and the overwhelming sense of release tore through him leaving him tingling from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.
Riding their respective climaxes to the end, they finally collapsed into a sweat heap against each other. Content to lie there for now and regain their senses, they held each other close and enjoyed the moment.
Eventually the air made its presence known by playing over their skin and cooling the sweat that still lingered. Reluctantly, Duo peeled himself off his lover and went through to the bathroom to fetch a cloth and towel to clean them both up. Ablutions taken care of, they snuggled under the blankets together and drifted off into a happy, sated sleep.
# # #
"She looks lovely, Duo," Meiran commented, patting the bay neck of the mare.
"Thanks, Meiran," Duo replied and placed the brush back into the bag of grooming tools. He'd been getting the mare ready for the past hour, her coat gleaming almost mahogany in the sunlight from the grooming and good health.
"Where is Heero?" Wufei asked, passing the mare a slice of apple.
"He's gone to get changed," Duo replied. "Noin is in the stewards' office with all the other coaches for the draw and should be back shortly."
"The draw?" Meiran questioned.
"Yeah. They draw the countries names out of a hat or something so they know which order they are competing in. She will be back soon and have a bit of a meeting with the riders to let them know the order the countries will be jumping in and also what order the team will be jumping in."
The stabling area was alive with human and equine activity and had been for some time. The first rounds of the Nations Cup would be starting in just over an hour, the course was almost finished being built and soon it would be time to walk it.
The Australian team had been at the stables early and all had a brief warm up and lesson with Noin that morning. The horses were fresh and eager, knowing that this was their day to shine. Whilst the team had been working with Noin, Duo and Joe had taken a bit of a wander around and tried to sneak looks at the other teams and gain some insight into the competition they would be facing.
They hadn't learned a lot.
The German team seemed to be as strong as Duo remembered it being in the past, likewise the New Zealanders. The French and English teams looked to have a good chance as did the Swedish team. Watching the Japanese team working around, Duo didn't think they looked to be a large threat. He'd stood and watched them for a little while working on the flat before they moved off to the practice jumps. Three of their horses and riders appeared to be quite competent, but the fourth...
Duo wasn't sure what to make of it. The horse appeared to be working quite well, but there was something a little... off? When the team went to where the practice jumps were, the fourth horse seemed to perk up quite a bit so Duo dismissed it from his mind.
"Noin should be back any minute." Heero's voice drew Duo's thoughts back to the here and now.
"Okay. I'll put Nataku back in her stable for now then."
With all the team horses back in their stables, the riders and grooms stood about chatting while they waited for their coach to return. The horses were all ready, only needing their saddles and bridles to be put on, the riders all dressed in their shirts, jackets and jodhpurs and grooms taking care of the nerves side of things for everyone.
"Noin's coming," Treize announced, his height allowing him to see over the hustle and bustle of the stabling area.
Noin wore a smile on her face which Heero thought was a good sign. The coach glanced around to make sure everyone was there before speaking. "Follow me, I'll let you all know the order in a moment."
Noin led them outside and under the shade of a large gum tree where it was a little quieter. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a piece of paper, smoothed it out and then looked to the expectant faces before her. "The draw has been conducted and I'm actually very pleased with how it came out. The draw for the countries is as follows: Italy, Sweden, Germany, South Africa, England, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and France."
"Not bad at all," Treize commented.
"Sounds good to me," Heero agreed.
"The order in which the team will be jumping is: Rider one will be Peter. Rider two, Sam. Heero, you're rider three and Treize your number four. Any questions? No? Right, let us work out our strategy..."
tbc...