Author's Note: I have to give a shoutout to your Muses, Archsage Soren, they have been very generous to me lately.In fact, let me spread the love and ask the Muses to bless everybody who reads this. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing

Warning: slight language, slight shounen ai, angst

Stalkers in the Air Tonight

Quatre had to steel his nerves as he set out to confront Solo later that night. When the blond had returned, he had seemed a bit distressed and quite tense. While his father hadn't noticed anything, Quatre kept sneaking glances at his cousin, wondering what could be going through his head. However, before he could corner him off, Solo had disappeared after dinner and it was only now, a couple hours later, that he had managed to track the blond teen down.

Right now, the blond seemed to be working off some steam as Quatre had found him in the home gym, working up a sweat while pounding at a punching bag. It was obvious that something was on his mind but what it was, Quatre was determined to find out.

As he drew nearer to the sweating teen, he was able to get a good look at his body. The only visible clothing Solo had on was a pair of sweats and some wrappings on his hands, but other than that, he was bare-chested. He had to admit that his cousin looked good right then and there. If he hadn't been in a happy relationship with Trowa, Quatre knew that he wouldn't have been able to resist rubbing himself against that strong, muscular, and sweaty torso, incest be damned.

Solo hadn't noticed Quatre's presence yet, leading the smaller blond to think that whatever Solo was thinking about, it was something deep. Exercising his patience, he sat down on a nearby bench and just let himself watch his cousin, waiting until the other blond noticed him.

He was almost disappointed when Solo finally did stop and notice him but held back his complaints as the blond took a seat next to him, wiping the sweat off his face with a towel.

"Something on your mind?" Quatre popped.

"That obvious, huh?" Solo replied, glancing at him.

Nothing else was forthcoming at the moment and Quatre began to wonder if he needed to partake in a more active questioning when Solo asked a question of his own.

"Do you know why I'm staying here?" Solo asked, looking straight ahead and not at Quatre.

To be honest, Quatre had no idea why Solo was staying with them. It was just something he had taken in stride, knowing that his father would handle anything that came up because of it.

"I don't know," was all he could answer. Was this what Solo was thinking about?

"I don't really know either, but I'd like to know," Solo continued, still not looking at Quatre. After a bit, Solo admitted, "Well, I guess I might know though."

"What's the reason?" Quatre prompted.

"Would you believe me if I told you I'm a bit of a problem child?" Solo answered, now looking at Quatre.

"A problem child?"

"I was a part of a different crowd back home," Solo explained. "Even though I haven't really thought about it, now that I look back at it, I guess they weren't the best people to be hanging out with. I just realized that today."

"Does this have anything to do with Duo?"

Solo's green eyes stared at him, piercing through flesh to look at his very soul but Quatre remained strong and continued to give look for look. He was almost certain that Duo had something to do with this. Solo didn't really seem to be acting like himself, at least from what he knew of the blond.

"He kinda put things in perspective for me," Solo sighed. "I guess I've really been taking things for granted. I'm lucky that I have a dad that does care about me."

"So he told you?" Quatre asked quietly.

"Not everything," Solo answered. "I know there's more that he's not telling. He even told me that it was only a little bit."

"I guess you know the same stuff that I know then," Quatre sighed.

Solo shot him a glance. "He told you about it?"

"Once, after I pressured him a bit," Quatre admitted. "If I went any further, he would have kicked my ass. I guess you know what's that like, right?"

"It was just a lucky hit," Solo grumbled, trying to hide his embarrassment at that comment.

"If there is really anybody who knows the whole story, I guess it would be Master Deng," Quarter voiced aloud. "I tried asking him about it but the guy wouldn't say a word. Told me it was for Duo to say and not for him to divulge."

"Seems like everybody seems to know but us, huh?" Solo speculated.

"Not everybody. I'm the only person at the school that knows as much as I do," Quatre explained. "If everybody knew, don't you think more of them would be sympathetic to Duo. To think of it, I never told Trowa any of it."

"Has he asked?"

"Well, no…"

"Then it's not your problem if he doesn't know."

"I guess…"

They both fell into a companionable silence, neither attempting to disrupt it since they were both deep in thought. They were both fortunate at being born into such wealthy with parents that cared about their welfare and took positive roles in their lives, not because it was obligation but because they simply wanted to. Admittedly, they saw less of said parents as they grew older but they were maturing, becoming adults in their own right. More were unfortunate, such as Duo, who didn't even have such comforts.

"What's up with that Wufei guy anyway?" Solo suddenly spoke up.

Quatre cast a glance at the blond. "Not really sure. When Wufei first came, he was tolerant of Duo, though he didn't bother to speak with him. He just started hating Duo one day. I haven't really figured out what his reasoning is but I've heard he's done terrible things to Duo and Duo won't tell me what."

Solo raised an eyebrow. While his cousin was telling the truth, he wasn't telling the whole truth. He knew more about the matter; he was just omitting certain facts. "What about that other guy, Heero? What's up with him?"

"Now that's an easy one," Quatre replied. "Ever since I first met him, Heero's been determined to be the best in everything. Duo said it once…what was it…that's it, 'to perfect perfection' or something like that."

"Why's he hanging on to Wufei's every word? They going out or something?"

"I've always wondered about that myself. If Wufei doesn't like something, then Heero doesn't like it either and he's more physical when it comes to his own bullying. I know that because he tried it on me once. Luckily, Trowa stopped him and that was the first time I met Trowa."

"Ah, so you fell in love with your knight in shining armor, huh?" Solo smirked.

"Don't laugh," Quatre mock pouted.

As if he was deliberately doing it, which he was, Solo laughed at his cousin, his laughter slowly becoming obviously fake. Quatre punched him in the arm goodheartedly to make him stop but Solo retaliated but getting him into a headlock and giving him a noogie.

"Say uncle!" the blond demanded, refusing to release his squirming victim.

"Let go!" Quatre protested, fighting against Solo's strong hold as best as he could, not willing to give in despite the knuckle that was digging into his skull.

"Not until you say uncle," Solo replied, not letting up with his physical abuse.

Despite being in such a position, Quatre could only wonder if Solo was serious about hanging out with a bad crowd. From his current antics, it was inconceivable. He seemed less like a bad boy and more like a good natured, teasing teenager.

Okay, enough with the moral thoughts. Time to get out of this. While Solo was physically stronger than him, no doubt about that, Quatre knew his own little tricks. One of which was when he let his hand go down to a sacred place on Solo's body, causing the larger blond to freeze up.

"That's not fair!" Solo grumbled.

"All's fair in love and war and we certainly aren't in love with each other," Quatre said cheekily. "Let go of my head and I might consider sparing you."

Muttering obscenities, Solo complied and once Quatre was sure that Solo wouldn't retaliate, at least immediately, he freed the blond of his threatening hold.

"That was cheap," Solo stated, no trace of humor in his voice.

"All's fair," was all Quatre said as he stood up, leaving his cousin in a foul mood.

However, that mood didn't last long as a memory of a certain braided teen soon replaced the thoughts of what had just transpired only moments before.

---

Duo had woken up that morning, thinking that today was going to one of those days. He promptly forgot all about that when he found himself ambushed at his front door by the sight of Solo leaning against the wall right next to his door, looking as if he had been waiting there all night.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Duo exclaimed, disbelief all over his face.

"Thought I'd walk ya to school," Solo replied. "It's not far from here and I could use the exercise. So what are you waiting for? Lets get going!"

It was at that moment Duo began to wonder if it had been a mistake telling him all that stuff yesterday. If this was Solo's way of pitying him, then he could take a hike for all he cared. He didn't need anybody's pity! Though, it might be nice walking to school with someone at his side. Hadn't done that before. Still, he needed to be sure of Solo's intentions. He still was wary. Who knew if Wufei might have gotten to him behind his back and he was leading him into some sort of trap or ambush.

"This isn't because of yesterday, right?" he questioned.

Now Solo had the decency to look guilty. "A little bit."

Duo's eyes narrowed. "I don't need your fucking pity, Tree Trunk."

"Hey, I just thought you might like some company," Solo snapped, losing his composure temporarily.

"Fine," Duo sighed, not feeling up to getting into an argument this early in the morning, "you can do what you want. It's a free country."

"That's more like it," Solo grinned as he put his arm on his shoulders and pulled him out of his apartment, closing the door behind the braided one before escorting him away from the complex.

Duo managed to successfully hide a blush from the taller blond, unused to such a situation. Never had he walked with someone to school, least of all had someone put their arm on his shoulders so casually…and forget to release him. Not that he minded. He did, however, resist the temptation that nearly floored him to lean in and relax against the blond's larger body. If he guessed correctly, drawing back from yesterday's experience, it would be quite comfy using Solo as a vertical pillow.

"You okay? You're looking a bit red," Solo commented.

Oh crap. Get a hold of yourself Maxwell! Now's not the time to dive headfirst into thoughtless desire!

"I'm fine," he answered, noticing the slightly high pitch in his voice and wincing at it. If Solo noticed it, he didn't give any indication as he continued to escort him through the town.

If there was anytime that Duo intensely hated the sight of school, it was now. He was really beginning to enjoy himself and the mood killing sight of that imprisoning building was enough to slaughter the butterflies in his stomach. Wait, he had butterflies in his stomach? Damn it!

However, Solo didn't seem to give a sign that he was going to retract his arm anytime soon as he boldly ventured ahead with the braided one at his side. It was only when they got to the front gates that he realized the position he was in with Solo. This could not be good. As if he had read his thoughts, Solo's arm that laid casually on his shoulders tightened, as if telling him that he wasn't going to be letting him go free anytime soon.

And to make matters worse, somebody was waiting for them.

And no, it wasn't Quatre or Trowa.

It was Dorothy.

It was obvious that she had been waiting for them, or should he say Solo, for a while, though she tried to make it seem as if she had just got there. Her eyes fixed on Solo, glancing momentarily at where the blond's arm was currently located but nonetheless ignored Duo altogether. My, wasn't he the popular one today?

"It's nice to see you again, Solo," Dorothy greeted, her eyes only for the blond.

Now Solo's couldn't-care-less demeanor returned, his, by now, trademark bored look back in action. "You again," he stated.

"You remember me," Dorothy replied and Duo could tell from her eyes that that was enough to make her giddy.

"What do you want?" Solo asked bluntly, cutting straight to the chase.

"Whatever makes you think I want something?" Dorothy asked, feigning surprise.

"Last time we talked, you asked me out and I refused," Solo drawled.

"Is it a crime if I just want to get to know you better?" Dorothy countered smoothly.

"It ought to be," Solo muttered under breath. Duo had to reign in a snort of laughter. It seemed Dorothy hadn't heard that as she looked expectant, waiting for Solo to answer. "Well…" Solo began, looking as if he was thinking but Duo had caught that mischievous gleam in the blond's eyes and he braced himself for whatever Solo was up to. "You haven't yet said good morning to Duo here. He's my best buddy."

Duo caught Dorothy's eye twitch at that. The braided teen had to admit that the blonde girl had yet to actually greet him, at least in a civilized fashion. This must really be rankling in her keister. In fact, it looked like she was having trouble doing so as her mouth would open then shut, making her difficulty known to the two males.

"Dorothy! There you are! I've been looking all over for you!"

Now whether that was divine or satanic intervention for Dorothy (it had yet to be seen) she was rescued by a fellow blonde, one Duo knew all too well. If he never saw the sight of Relena Peacecraft, it would be too soon! Ignoring both of them completely, Relena latched on to Dorothy and dragged her into the building, her mouth going off a mile a minute.

For once, Solo's bored façade didn't hold up as he was visibly staring at where the two girls had once stood. Looking down at him, his green eyes questioning, Duo decided to generously relive the blond of his confusion.

"That was Relena Peacecraft, the snobbiest, brattiest, prissiest, spoiledest, pinkest girl on the planet," he said before elaborating more on the subject. "If you think she going to be following you around because you've got a pretty face, guess again. She had her sights set on one person and one person only: Heero Yuy. She takes the image of a stalker to a whole new level. Unless your name is Heero, then you don't have to worry about her."

Solo simply nodded, taking in the description. Oddly enough, that seemed to be all the explanation he needed. Or maybe it was because his mind was stuck on a certain phrase that had come from the braided one's mouth. "…just because you've got a pretty face…" Did Duo just say he had a pretty face? Did he think he had a pretty face? He wasn't narcissistic or anything, but that was the first time he had heard anybody say that about him. Usually, it was "handsome," "big, tall, and dreamy," or "is it true what they say about big feet?" Never before had he heard anyone associate him with the word "pretty."

"You okay Tree Trunk? You know we can't just stand out here all day, much as I want too…"

Coming back to himself, Solo smirked at his short companion and escorted Duo (against his will) into the building. Because of the fact that Solo still had his arm on his shoulder, Duo's face was lit up like a red Christmas light. And that was what he looked like when Quatre spotted him at their usual morning meeting place.

"Are you okay Duo?" the blond asked worriedly. "You're very red."

As if that was some sort of magic spell, Duo's blush vanished instantly as he sputtered, "What do you mean red?"

Quatre looked confused but didn't voice his confusion. Sometimes it was best not to say anything and hope for the best.

"You sure you're okay?" Solo breathed into his ear. "I can take you to the nurse if you like."

Snorting, Duo shot back, "Don't expect me to let you walk all over me, Tree Trunk. Just because Dorothy and everyone else lets you doesn't mean I will."

"Dorothy?" Quatre asked. "What does she have to do with anything?"

"You haven't heard? She ambushed Solo at the front door, saying she wanted to get to know him better. Then Tree Trunk here got her into a corner by telling her to say good morning to me."

"Did she?" Quatre inquired, caught up in Duo's bit of gossip.

"Didn't get the chance. Ms. Stuck Up, Pink Princess saved her at the last second, probably trying to get her to help her get Heero's undying love or something like that."

"Wouldn't be the first time," Trowa commented, using up most of his word quota for the day.

"So what are you going to do about her?" Quatre inquired.

"Don't know yet," Solo answered.

"Well, you better think of something," Duo advised. "Dorothy ain't giving up on ya yet. She doesn't give up until she gets what she wants."

"Truer words have never been spoken," Trowa said.

"I'll get to that bridge when I cross it," Solo answered, despite Trowa's comment.

"Better think about it before," Trowa replied. "Dorothy is a very devious person when she wants to be."

"I'll keep that in mind," Solo stated dryly. "But first I got to get to class. C'mon Short Stuff, lead the way."

Duo sputtered at the new nickname as he was led away by the blond, the taller teen's arm still resting on his shoulders seeing as how it hadn't been removed yet.

Quatre couldn't help but smile at the sight. Perhaps there was really something there…