Author's Note: Here is the answer to the questions you have all been asking since chapter 1. For the time being, the story will divert away from its action plot and enter into the other primary plot. Trust me on this one, this will only be the beginning. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing

Warning: very little, if any, strong language

Rivals

Solo froze at the sight of a unibanged man pointing a gun straight at his head. This may have been obvious, but by telling how the man was dressed, Solo guessed he was one of Duo's partners.

And it didn't help matters that he had Duo slung onto his shoulders, groaning in pain.

Well, shit. Wouldn't you know it? It's not the elements of L2 that killed him in the end.

However, this one-eyed man seemed to be calm and logical. "Who are you and what are you doing with Duo?"

"Da name's Wolf," he said, pausing when he saw recognition in the eye. "I'm just gettin' the Kid some help. He's pretty banged up."

The man nodded and took out a communicator, his eye not leaving him. "I found them. Duo's not in good shape and we're going to need a medic. Meet you back at base."

Putting the communicator away, he said, "I want you to come with me. Do you happen to know the quickest way to the Preventer section of the Colony?"

"I wouldn't know," Solo admitted. "But tell me where exactly ya needs ta go and I'll do me best."

Nodding, the man said, "Lets go."

---

Trowa watched the blond stranger Wolf curiously. Wolf, as he called himself, was at Duo's side, a hand gripping onto the braided one's hand. Wolf's green eyes watched Duo's drowsy form with concern, never straying far from him.

When they reach the Preventer section of L2, Wolf had led him down pathways that Trowa had never known existed. From the looks he had of Duo, Trowa assumed that his braided comrade had a concussion and worked with Wolf to keep him awake. The medics' diagnosis was indeed a concussion along with a cracked skull. How he received that last part was anybody's guess. Yet, through it all, Wolf had not left Duo's side once.

Who was this stranger? Why was he so concerned about Duo's welfare? And why did he keep calling him Kid?

It was at this moment that Trowa's thoughts were cut off as the doors to Duo's room burst open, revealing a very worried Quatre. The aquamarine eyes stopped at the sight of Wolf. The pause was only momentary as Quatre quickly settled himself on the other side, taking hold of Duo's other hand.

Glancing up, Trowa noticed there was…amusement?...in the green eyes of Wolf. That was certainly strange. Looking over to the door, he noticed two things.

One was Heero Yuy, who was glaring at the spectacle before him. Trowa frowned at that. Why was Heero, the Perfect Solider, glaring? Before he could assess it any longer, Heero had turned and left, leaving the other thing.

Now this one captivated the unibanged man. There stood the object of his affections, looking at the scene with amusement. Trowa turned his head so that Wufei wouldn't see the pink blush that he was sure was forming on his face. Damn it. Why was he losing control now? He tensed as he felt Wufei stop right next to him.

"Endearing, isn't it?" Wufei commented, his eyes focused on the three.

"Yes, it is," Trowa answered calmly, though his insides were quivering. At least he retained his outer appearance.

"I don't see any need why we would be needed here," Wufei said, now turning his dark eyes to Trowa. "How about we get something to eat?"

"Sure." Trowa was proud that he hadn't broken down yet. He was jumping up and down inside his head with glee as he followed his Chinese desire out.

---

Quatre couldn't help but be suspicious of this stranger, the blond that sat across from him, daring to hold Duo's hand as if he had known the braided one all his life. Who the hell did he think he was that he thought he could be allowed to bask in the presence of Duo Maxwell?

Damn, that sounded like he was obsessed, didn't it?

But still, there was something about this blond that put him off. He couldn't figure it out but he would know what it was when he figured it out. First thing was first though, Duo needed to be looked after.

Wait, what was that? Did his eyelid move? Yes…yes it was. It was opening! The next thing the blond Arabian knew, a violet eye appeared from the crack that the braided one's eyelid allowed. A small smile grew on the man's face and Quatre felt his heart flutter.

"Hey Q," Duo rasped. "Long time no see. How ya doing?"

"Much better," he answered. It was the truth, at least for him it was.

Duo didn't question it as his eyes moved over to the blond stranger and turn fond. Quatre then felt his heart fall at that. What did this mean?

"Hey Q," Duo spoke again. "I'd like for you to meet an old friend of mine. This is Solo. Solo, that there is Quatre Winner, one of my best friends."

Aquamarine looked up to meet green. "Nice ta meet ya Q," Solo said, holding out his hand. Since he was one of Duo's friends, the Arabian smiled as best as he was able at the moment and shook the offered hand. Was it his imagination or was this Solo grinning at him? That grin didn't look right. It almost looked…predatory.

He narrowed his eyes slightly and soon recognized that Solo knew. This blond stranger knew about his feelings and was challenging him, the prize being none other than Duo.

Now he knew what it was, what had put him off. Jealousy. Possessiveness. And the way Duo had looked at him…oh, he wouldn't let Duo go so easily. He had waited so long and he wasn't about to give up. Not now.

Not when it was just beginning.

---

Solo could feel from the firmness of the handshake that this Quatre was comfortable with him. But it was not because he was a stranger that was sitting too close to his friend, Kid, or Duo as these other people were calling him. He would have to ask about that. No, from the moment he saw the other blond sit down and take the Kid's hand, he had his suspicions, only confirmed just this moment.

So he decided to reveal a little of his hand to his opponent and flashed him a predatory grin. Quatre's eyes narrowed at him then widened slightly. He knew now and he, Solo, knew that he knew.

Oh yes, he would be a worthy opponent for the Kid's affection. And that was something he intended to get at all costs.

He heard Kid chuckle and say, "I feel like you guys are going to be sacrificing something all of a sudden."

Glancing down at the Kid then back at Quatre, Solo replied, "Ya could say dat."

Oh yes, it was on.