Ch. 1- The Beauty and the Braun

A hot wind blew across the ground, scattering dust and scattered papers. A wanted poster was ripped off a wall by the wind, blowing in spirals down the town's main street. It was scooped up and lifted and came to rest at the feet of a young woman. A small manicured hand reached down, lifting it daintily between two fingers. She turned to her blonde companion seated at a small round table outside of the sheriff building. She waved it in the other young woman's face like a fan.

"Relena dear, you really mustn't sit out here in the sun. You'll ruin your complexion. You know your brother would hate to see you get burned."

The other girl, Relena, smiled. "Come now, Hilde! Milliardo would never get mad at me! He's too preoccupied with what's going on here in town. Here; let's go see what's going on at the Po house. Sally must have some interesting news for us. Or at least she'll have some of her famous iced tea!"

Relena rose from her chair and glided down the porch steps. Her light blue skirt flowed gracefully around her slim figure. Hilde sighed as she watched Relena's golden hair blowing gently in the wind.

I'll never be as pretty as her, she thought. But she smiled and got up to follow her best friend. At least she's modest. She sure doesn't seem to think too much of herself. Hilde squinted at Relena as she walked. I do hope she gets elected as the Belle of the South this spring. Not only would it be amazing for her, she's so excited about it, but she would get a place in society where she can speak her mind, not just hide behind her brother like a 'proper woman'. Hilde smiled to herself and skipped ahead to catch up.

Milliardo Peacecraft, sheriff, stared out the window after his sister shaking his head fondly at her. She was growing up fast. Soon it would be time for her to start getting prepared for the election. Yes, come election time he would be running for town mayor. That's what she must always be talking about with Hilde. She keeps speaking about dresses and how she should look in public. She is so thoughtful. What a kind sister….

Milliardo turned when he heard footsteps behind him. His deputy, Duo, sauntered up to the open door and leaned against the door frame looking out. He let out an appreciative whistle. "Milliardo, your sister is a sight for sore eyes. A man could get used to seeing that after a hard day at work."

Milliardo let out a low hiss. "You keep your mitts offa Relena. She doesn't need to be with the likes of you. You'd only-"

He was cut off by the shouts of jailed criminals in the back of the building. He stomped to the door. "Ya'll shut your gobs! I don't need your yappin' ruinin' my day!" He clomped back to his desk in his boots, mumbling. He looked out the window and seemed to glare at something. He turned back to Duo. "Anyways, just don't try and go after her. You're too wild for her. She needs peace in her life. She is a delicate young lady, not a bar maid." Milliardo let out a great 'harrumph' and looked out at the retreating backs of the girls. "Now what about Hilde? She's got plenty of spirit. You two would be good together. Whadda you say?"

Duo glanced at him. "She's nice enough I guess. I don't really know her."

Milliardo leaned back in his chair and cracked his knuckles. "Well it doesn't hurt to try, right? Hey, I'll give ya the afternoon off if you go introduce yerself. Relena will be there so it won't be too awkward. You should go for it."

Duo looked back out the door. "But what do I say? I dunno what to talk about after I introduce myself. Got any tips?"

Milliardo thought about it. "Well, girls like animals and its hot here so you could talk about an animal that lives in the water. Might take their minds offa the heat. Go on, before you miss 'em."

Duo looked at Milliardo and rasied his brow. "That's how you woo the ladies? Talking about animals?" He snorted. "Well here goes nuthin. Wish me luck!"

Milliardo simply smiled. "No."

Duo stuck his tongue out. "Jerk. Here I go!" He loped down the porch and came up between the girls, draping an arm over their shoulders. He looked at Hilde. "Howdy, ma'am. M'name's Duo, Deputy Duo." He looked at both of them. "Ladies, what do you know about sea turtles?"

A shadow fell over the town as the sun hid behind clouds. On the porch of the saloon across from the sheriff's office a young man sat in a wicker chair sipping a mug of whiskey. He watched the goings on of the town from under the brim of a wide black hat. He tipped his mug back, draining the cup. He set the mug on the table in front of him. A bar maid came outside with a large pitcher. She swished her hips as she sauntered up to him. She batted her lashes at him.

"More whiskey, Master Heero?" He nodded and she filled his cup.

"Thanks."

The gruffness of his voice seemed to miff her. She sniffed and walked back inside, nose pointed up.

Heero glanced across the street at the sheriff's in time to see two young women exit the porch. The blonde one led the way, the other trailing faithfully and happily behind her. They giggled as they walked, immersed in what seemed to be a comical discussion.

Heero leaned back in his chair and looked more closely at them. The trailing girl, he had heard her name was Hilde, was wearing a light brown skirt and a cream colored blouse that hid a set of toned muscles. The other, well, everyone knew who she was. She was Relena, sister to the sheriff, beauty of the town, and caretaker to the sick and distressed. Looking closely at her, Heero saw that she was not muscled, but neither did she seem weak. Her head was held high and she walked with an air of purpose. She glanced in his direction and he caught a glimpse of cerulean blue eyes, her main asset, said to calm even to most violent of men.

Heero's forehead creased. She would be a force to reckon with, should their paths ever cross. He glanced back to the sheriff building to be met with the glare of light blue eyes. Relena's brother Milliardo was staring him down, a deep frown on his face.

Heero smirked, and then raised his mug in mock salute.