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 25
The pats rained down on Romeo, the praise flowing non stop from Treize as he let his horse know just how pleased he was with him and the efforts he'd put in. "A double clear, boy. You've more than earned your dinner tonight."
Romeo wuffled, instinctively knowing he'd done exactly what his master had asked of him and that it had been the right thing.
Treize's feet had barely hit the dirt on the collecting ring ground when he was assailed by a blonde whirlwind. "Well done, Treize! That was a great round," Zechs congratulated, doing his best not to grab his lover in a bear hug and kiss him senseless – he could do that later he figured, when they were alone.
Blushing, Treize accepted the congratulations with grace. "Thank you, Romeo was the one that did all the hard work though. He was such a good boy."
"Yes, he was, but he couldn't have done it alone. I'm so proud of the pair of you."
"It's certainly given all the other teams something to chase," Treize mused.
"That it has and the rest of the crew will be here any second to congratulate you too," Zechs replied as he pulled away to a more 'safe' distance.
No sooner had Zechs spoken than the rest of the team and Noin appeared and the congratulations started all over again. Having accepted the well wishes from his team mates, coach and the rest of the group, Treize found himself being quizzed on how he'd found the raised course, were the tactics they'd discussed earlier working and other questions he did his best to answer. Joe took the reins from Treize and began to walk the horse around, leaving his boss to deal with the technical side of things.
Once everyone had gleaned as much information from Treize as they could, they began to drift back into the arena, finally just Treize, Zechs, Heero and Duo remained outside along with Joe who was still walking Romeo around.
"I'll come back to the stables with you, Treize, I need to start warming Nataku back up shortly," Heero said and fell into step beside his former boss.
"I'll give Romeo a once over if you wish, Treize, or I can let Zechs do it if you'd prefer?" Duo offered.
"If it's okay with you, Duo, I'll get Zechs to check him, that way you're free to give Heero a hand with Nataku," Treize replied. He wasn't being difficult, knowing Duo would check Romeo over if he wished; Treize figured that Heero would need his groom's help more though and as Zechs was Romeo's usual vet it shouldn't pose a problem.
"Thanks, Treize, it will make things a little easier if Zechs checks him," Duo said with a smile.
"I don't mind checking him," Zechs stated with a shrug. "I'll have to borrow your medical kit though Duo if that's okay?"
"Help yourself, Zechs. It's in Heero's locker."
"Thanks."
Whilst Duo began to brush Nataku down and get the mare ready, Heero spoke with Treize again, discussing a little more in depth how Treize had ridden the course and what he'd found. It was much as he'd expected; the horses still didn't like keeping to a working canter when approaching the water and that you really needed to build that impulsion up before jumping the triple.
"The extra height and width shouldn't pose any problems to Nataku, Heero. She cleared them all in the first round with several inches to spare so she will clear them again. Just keep a very firm hold on her on the approach to the water and make sure to build as much impulsion as you can for the triple and there's no reason why you shouldn't also finish with a clear round."
"Thanks, Treize." Heero gave the tall man a warm smile of appreciation.
"You're welcome, Heero. I'd better get back to Romeo and see if everything is okay with his vet check. Good luck, I'll see you before your round." Treize turned and went back to his horse.
Heero walked back to Nataku who was standing quietly while Duo did up the straps to her jumping boots. "Almost ready for you, Heero. Just need to check the girth again and remove the halter," Duo said as he straightened up.
"Thanks, Duo." Heero reached out and managed to give his husband's arm an affectionate squeeze.
"You're going to do just great, Heero. Nataku is fighting fit and ready to show them all just how good she is."
"As long as she listens to me and does all I ask then I'll be happy," Heero replied with a soft smile.
"She will. She's going to make all of us proud, especially you and Wufei. Aren't you, girl?" Duo slipped the mare a carrot slice, Nataku politely taking it and crunching the orange treat with relish.
Heero shook his head and checked the girth, tightening it a couple of holes. "I'd better get down to the warm up area and start to ride her around a bit, it won't be too much longer and they will be calling for the second round of riders."
With Heero mounted up, Duo pushed his hands into his jeans pockets and followed along behind.
# # #
Duo hurried back out of the arena and scanned the warm up area for his husband. Spotting the familiar form upon a bay back, Duo aimed for his lover.
Drawing rein, Heero brought the mare back to a walk and patted the bay neck. "Good girl," he praised. A glance across the warm up area drew Heero's eyes to his partner and he gave a soft smile as the vet reached his side.
"I came to let you know what the current scores are," Duo informed and lay a gentle hand on Nataku's neck. "The last of the fourth riders has finished; the Japanese rider scored eight faults, the New Zealand rider went clear and so did the French rider. We're still tied with the New Zealand team for first place."
Heero's face turned thoughtful. "I guess we will have to give it our all then," he mused.
"Just stay safe and I'll be happy," Duo muttered.
"We will."
"Have you put her over any practice jumps yet?"
"No, that's where I was heading next."
"I'll come with you then. Once you've finished with the practice fences I'll dash back inside and see what the scores are for the riders in your round."
"Thanks, Duo."
Nataku cleared the practice fences with ease and confidence and that gave Heero the reassurance he was looking for. Duo fed the mare a couple of carrots before making their way back to the collecting ring. Entering the collecting ring they spotted Wufei, Meiran, Treize and Noin just exiting the arena and crossed the arena to meet with them. While Wufei and Meiran petted their horse and spoke in soft tones to her, Noin and Treize had a few words with Heero.
"The problem areas are still the water and then the triple," Treize reiterated. "As we discussed earlier, keep a good contact before the water and you should go clear over that. Build as much impulsion as you can for the triple and there's no reason why she shouldn't clear that too."
"Thanks, Treize."
"You're welcome, Heero. Good luck." Treize gave his former pupil a smile and nod of encouragement before taking his leave.
"It's not going to be easy, Heero. The Italian and Swedish riders have finished with four faults each; the German went clear. The South African rider is in the arena now and he will be followed by the English rider. It's still anyone's cup and we're still tied with New Zealand. All I ask of you, Heero, is that you give this your best shot, remember the first round and how you rode it, learn from that experience and apply it to this round to come out with as few faults as you possibly can." Noin gave the rider a smile and placed her hand on his knee. "Most of all, Heero, go out there and enjoy yourself."
Reaching forward, Heero ran a hand along the bay neck before him. "We will be giving this round everything we have, Noin; for our country, for you, for Wufei and Meiran, but most of all to prove some critics wrong when they said Nataku wouldn't be any good."
Duo couldn't help but overhear the conversation and felt the prickle of tears forming. He managed to blink them away and swallow the lump that had formed in his throat. Heero had really performed miracles with the mare, gaining her trust and teaching her how to enjoy her jumping again. His husband's insight had proven correct and now no one could ever say Heero didn't know what he was doing when he took the mare on – Nataku had proven herself to be everything Heero had said she would be and more.
"Good luck, Heero. I'd better get back inside." Noin gave the rider a smile before leaving him alone with Wufei, Meiran and Duo.
"We should go back inside too," Meiran stated and gave the mare one last pat. "Be a good girl, Nataku."
"Yes, we should," Wufei agreed with his wife. He gave the mare a piece of carrot and rubbed her gently between the eyes. "Listen to Heero and do your best, Nataku." Turning his onyx eyes to Heero, Wufei spoke again. "Good luck, Heero and stay safe."
"I will. Thank you, Wufei."
The Chinese man gave a firm nod and taking his wife by the arm, he escorted her back inside the arena to watch.
"You be careful in there, Heero," Duo said as he checked Nataku's girth one last time.
"I'll try, Duo." Heero gave his husband a soft smile. "I love you," he whispered.
"Love you too, Heero." Turning, Duo gave the mare a pat and a piece of carrot. "Do your best out there, Nataku and keep yourself and your rider safe."
Nataku wuffled softly, lipped up the carrot and rubbed her nose against the nice human's chest.
"Heero Yuy?" the steward called.
"I'm Heero Yuy," Heero replied and looked towards the man standing by the arena entry with a clipboard in hand.
"You're in next so please remain here."
Heero nodded in reply and began to gather up his reins. The sound of applause could be heard indicating the English rider's round was finished, a fact confirmed a moment later as the steward opened the gate to allow the rider to exit.
"Heero Yuy, you're in."
"I'll see you soon, Heero," Duo said and gave his lover's calf a squeeze.
"You can count on it," Heero replied and closed his legs against Nataku's sides, the mare walking off calmly.
With Heero riding towards the arena entry, Duo took off at a gallop for the stairs, racing up them and along the row of seats until he found his spot next to Zechs and flopped into it.
"Representing Australia, our next rider is Heero Yuy riding Nataku," the commentator announced as Heero rode into the arena, the applause, cheers and whistles greeting him as he made his way to where the judge sat.
"He looks calm and confident," Zechs muttered to Duo.
"Yeah, but looks can be deceiving," Duo muttered back. "He's very good at hiding his nerves."
"Just like Treize," Zechs whispered.
"They make a good pair, don't they?" Duo snickered.
"That they do. They're both good at hiding their nerves whilst we seem to be stuck with wearing them on our sleeves."
"Amen to that."
The bell rang and silence descended over the arena. Heero gathered his reins and rode Nataku forward and through the jumps to the start flags.
The first fence appeared before them and Nataku took it in her stride. She was feeling fit and well, and couldn't wait to jump again. She'd enjoyed herself the previous day, the rider on her back gentle and caring, never punishing her or being cruel to her and she did her best to show how much she appreciated this kind man by doing everything he asked of her.
The following oxer passed beneath the bay belly without a thought, Heero sitting down and collecting the mare up as they made a right turn to bring them into the gate. Spotting the gate ahead, Nataku lengthened out her stride and flew into the air, sailing over the fence as if it wasn't even there.
"Now for the first test," Duo muttered and crossed his fingers.
With the gate behind them, Heero dropped his weight and took a firm contact with the mare's mouth. Nataku lowered her nose and rounded her back, settling her canter to a more sedate one. "This is the first of the tough ones again, Nataku. You have to listen to me, girl."
The bay cocked back an ear to listen, at the same time she was feeling with her body the different signals being sent her way from her rider's weight and pressure to her sides from his legs.
The canter sped up a touch, the impulsion being retained but the mare was still traveling forward. They turned and began their approach to the water. Nataku noted the water jump ahead and began to pull, trying to increase her speed, but the bit in her mouth was held by firm yet gentle hands, blocking her attempt to speed up. Remembering what had happened in the first round, Nataku decided to give in and listen to her rider. She still wasn't sure about what he wanted, but she figured he would soon let her know through the aids.
"Good girl, nice and steady," Heero praised as the mare stopped fighting him and remained at a good, working canter.
"That's perfect, Heero. Keep it up," Treize murmured as he watched the mare listen to her rider and remain at a steady canter.
Keeping his concentration firmly on the water jump, Heero held the mare in check until three strides away. Giving Nataku her head, he urged her forwards and over the water. Feeling the pressure to her mouth ease and the pressure to her flanks increase, Nataku stretched out, eyeing off the water jump, picking out her take off point and then digging deep with her hind legs to propel herself across the expanse.
#
Duo held his breath, eyes never leaving the pair in the arena as they skimmed across the water. Once they were safely on the other side a poke to his ribs had him exhaling sharply and looking to see why Zechs had prodded him.
"If you don't breathe you will pass out and possibly asphyxiate," Zechs said with a grin, "and there's no way I'm gonna risk my life by giving you mouth to mouth."
"Thanks a lot, Zechs," Duo huffed. "Just remember there's a stocktake coming up back at the practice."
"Ohh, tetchy."
"Don't worry, Duo. If you do need resuscitation I'll give you mouth to mouth. I'm sure Heero would draw the line at hitting a woman," June grinned from Duo's other side.
"Thanks, June," Duo replied. "At least someone values my life," he said to Zechs.
Zechs put his hands up in the air in surrender. "Hey, is it my fault I don't wish to be pummeled into the ground by a jealous husband?"
"Who is going to be pummeled into the ground by a jealous husband?" Treize asked, coming into the end of the conversation.
"No one if Duo remembers to breathe. Oh look, Heero's almost at the barrels," June said, diverting the attention away from Duo. The vet gave her a small smile of appreciation.
#
Having cleared the water, Nataku steadied her gait, slowing a bit and driving her hocks back underneath. The rider on her back sat still, holding her together as she made a slight, left turn to face the barrels that made up jump five.
"Good girl," Heero praised once Nataku landed clean over the water. He lowered his weight and used his legs to drive the mare together, slowing the forward movement and building the impulsion. Three strides out and Heero came forward, giving the mare rein and allowing her to stride out.
Take off point picked out, Nataku launched herself into the air, front legs tucking up as powerful hind legs pushed her into the air and over the jump. They landed safely on the other side, her rider's seat and leg immediately there and pushing her together again.
The ditch and rail lay ahead, Heero determined to have as much impulsion as he could in those strong hind legs. He drove the mare's hocks under her, lightening the forehand and giving Nataku every assistance to clear jump six.
#
"She is being such a good girl," Meiran whispered to her husband.
"That she is," Wufei replied, eyes glued to his horse in the arena.
"There's no doubt that Heero is a miracle worker. He's done wonders with Nataku," Meiran continued in a soft tone.
"Yes, he has. I'm so pleased we went to him when we decided to buy a horse; and even more so that we were lucky enough to get Nataku," Wufei stated, the warmth in his voice coming through when he spoke about the horse he'd come to love so much.
"She has certainly proven the faith he had in her to be well founded."
"She is one in a million."
#
Nataku gathered herself together and cleared the double with ease. The extra height and width of the jumps wasn't making much of a difference to her. She was more than happy to jump for this rider, he'd shown her nothing but kindness and love, only asking her for what she was capable of and because of that she now enjoyed her jumping again.
The offset rails were next and again the mare showed a clean pair of heels over the jump. Within another six strides they were sailing into the air again, this time over jump nine.
#
"This is the one, Heero. Take a firm hold and get that impulsion built back up," Noin muttered to no one in particular.
"Steady, Heero, it's the triple next," Treize whispered.
"Oh, fuck. I don't think I can watch anymore," Duo moaned quietly and covered his face with his hands.
"He's doing just fine, Duo. Nataku will look after him," June soothed.
#
"Steady, girl. This one is a tough one and I need you to stay focused and listen to me," Heero murmured to his horse. Nataku cocked back an ear to listen.
"It's much bigger and wider than last time so we have to get it right." Heero's concentration never wavered, his eyes remained fixed on the first element of the triple, his seat and leg automatically working to build as much energy as he could in the mare's body. They would need every ounce of it to clear the three elements successfully.
Bay ears pricked forward, eyes spotted the jumps ahead and Nataku remembered them from the first round. They were high, wide and came up very quick. She would need all her strength and rider's assistance to clear them. But she was determined to give it all she had. Giving a soft grunt, she lengthened out her stride and arrived at her take off point.
Bay hind quarters strained as they dug deep into the dirt of the arena, pushing the body upwards and over the first element. Front legs came out and bore the brunt of the landing, hind legs following a split second later. Heero went forward with the mare's movement and as she came back to earth he dropped his weight, took the contact back with the reins and applied his leg. Two strides and they were once again launching into the air.
Back in the stands, Duo was peeking out through his fingers, his hands still covering his face. Wufei was in a similar state, unable to watch, but unable to tear his gaze away. Meiran was biting her lip and twisting her hands in her lap. Treize and June were practically riding the triple with Heero whilst Zechs was torn between watching Heero and keeping an eye on Duo – just in case his boss should do something silly like pass out. The rest of the team, grooms and Noin were either biting their nails or holding their breath.
Nataku stretched to get the width of the oxer and just managed to clear it. She reached for the rapidly approaching ground, forelegs biting deep, hind ones following and pushing her away. Heero sat deep, pushed hard with his legs and then went forward with the mare as she gathered herself for the final element.
Muscles strained and rippled under the bay hide, protesting at the surge of energy demanded of them. Forelegs tucked up underneath when the hind legs left the earth and the body arced over the wide oxer. Nataku grunted with the effort of launching herself into the air, but she put all she had into the leap. Poles passed beneath her belly, front legs barely brushing the back pole as they began to stretch out for the landing. Hind legs followed, the near hind fetlock rolling the pole a touch as Nataku came back to earth.
It was as if everything went into slow motion for Duo and Wufei. The pole rolled in its cups, undecided whether to roll out or stay put. Nataku pecked a little on landing, Heero managing to stay with her though and avoid giving her a jab in the mouth. She lurched forward, regained her balance and cantered away.
The pole made up its mind.
It stayed put.
Both Duo and Wufei heaved sighs of relief.
A collective gasp went up from the spectators.
Unaware of the pole drama, Heero gathered up his reins and began to ride the mare together again. He took her out on a slightly wider track to come into jump eleven, giving her an extra couple of strides to build her energy back up. The triple had taken a lot out of her and Heero wanted to give her every chance he could to finish the course without any faults.
#
"Fuck, that was close," Duo groaned.
"Yes, it was, but in the end the pole stayed put so he's still clear," Treize replied with a grin.
"Only two more to go. Come on, Nataku, you can do it," Wufei whispered and willed his horse on. Beside him, Meiran reached out and took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
"They're almost home," she said softly.
Approaching the hay bales, Nataku had recovered enough of her energy to clear them, but she was getting very tired.
"One more to go, girl," Heero encouraged. "One more and we're home and you can have a rest and lots of carrots." He ran a soothing hand along the sweating neck. "Let's do this girl, do it for your country, do it for me, but most of all, do it for Wufei."
Nataku rallied herself together, dug deep and found that last bit of energy. The wall was coming up fast and looked very imposing. She gauged her take off point, drew on the last of her reserves and soared into the air once again.
"Come on, Nataku, you can do it," Duo muttered, removing his hands from his eyes and grabbing the end of his braid to fiddle with the tuft.
You could have heard a pin drop, the entire arena seemed to be holding their breath as the bay and her rider launched into the air and over the wall. Nataku appeared to 'hang' in the air over the top of the wall for a few seconds before the laws of gravity took over and began to pull her back to the arena surface.
Front hooves sank into the dirt, hind legs followed. Heero gave the mare her head and urged her forward. Nataku flattened out and shot between the finish flags to stop the clock. Immediately they were through the flags, the arena erupted into cheers, whistles and applause.
Heero rained pats down on the mare's neck before sitting back down in his saddle and slowing her gait to a trot. He glanced at the clock and smiled. He was within the time allowed.
"Clear round for Heero Yuy and Nataku representing Australia," the commentator yelled down the microphone.
Wufei slumped in his seat, relief and pride shining in his onyx eyes. Meiran also sat back and fanned herself, the smile on her face going from ear to ear. The rest of the team all shouted in excitement, high fiving each other and grinning.
Duo slumped in his seat for a moment, desperately trying to slow his rapid heartbeat and suck air back into his lungs. He looked across to Wufei who smiled. Duo gave him the thumbs up and a big grin.
"That was some riding," Treize mused. "He more than deserved that clear round."
"Yes, he did. That's my Heero. Now, if you will excuse me, I'm going to congratulate my husband." Duo stood up, turned and shuffled along the row of seats. Once he was clear of everyone he broke into a run and took the steps three at a time to get outside to the collecting ring and his partner.
"You think he's pleased?" Zechs said, raising a pale eyebrow.
"Maybe," Treize returned with a twinkle in his eye. "But I also have it on good authority that you were pretty much the same once Romeo and I finished our round."
"Yeah, well... I think we should go and congratulate Heero." Zechs turned a light shade of red, stood up and began to make his own way out of the arena. Behind him Treize chuckled before following along, the rest of the team not far behind them.
tbc...