Notes: AU - Set in the English countryside just before the war against Napoleon.  Bitchy heiresses, arrogant suitors, sexy servants, betrayal, love, death, and humor.  Pairings of all kinds appear and characters from many animes will be making appearances.  There will of course be some OOCness, but that is expected with an AU fic. R/R appreciated.

Disclaimer:  I do not own Gundam Wing or Samurai Troopers or any other anime contained herein.
 
 

Moodily Sage made his way through the garden, having finally gotten away from his beautiful entourage. Irritated he fluffed his perfect hair with a white-gloved hand. His blonde locks settled, concealing one lavender eye despite the wind’s attempts to move them. “Where has that annoying bitch of an heiress gotten off to this time?” he muttered to himself.

Well used to females falling at his feet with just a glance, he was angered to find Dorothy Khushrenada still standing. Not only that, but insulting him. Him! She should feel honored that he, the most desired of catches, was prepared to ask for her hand. Who did she think she was calling him a dandy and ordering him around like some servant?

Her brother, now he had been much more receptive to Sage’s advances. Unfortunately that was a dead end. He would have much rather seduced Quatre, but he had debts to pay, and it was painfully obvious that Dorothy would be getting the bulk of the inheritance. So, to further his own cause, he had encouraged Quatre to pursue Trowa. If Dorothy happened to catch the two boys together that would eliminate Trowa from the competition.

Sage’s anger was not a result of Dorothy not being around, but the fact that she took the stable boy with her. He planned to have that black haired beauty on his back as soon as possible. Having abstained for the five days he had been a guest, he was looking forward to a good roll in the hay, literally.

Distracted, he turned a corner and stumbled into Heero Yuy. Sage’s angry retort caught in the back of his throat as he found himself looking down the barrel of a pistol.

“My Yuy,” commented the tall blonde at Heero’s side, “jumpy aren’t we.”

Sage looked over the newcomer. Tan breeches tapered down long legs, the burgundy and gold coat showed off the width of his shoulders to perfection. An elegantly tied cravat at his throat put him at the peak of fashion. A black ribbon at the nape of his neck pulled his blonde hair back, but many strands had escaped the silken prison and fallen to frame his face. Sage recognized a fellow rake immediately.

“I don’t believe we have been introduced,” Sage said offering a gloved hand, “I am Sage Date.”

“I know,” the stranger replied taking Sage’s hand in a firm grip, “but only by reputation. Yohji Kudo.”

Knowledge dawned, that name was very familiar. Their paths had never crossed due to differences of their prey. Yohji Kudo and his best friend Akira Mimasaka were known for their pursuit of experienced women. While Sage hunted the young innocents during the Season, Yohji pursued the widows and married women.

“What brings you here, Kudo? I didn’t think young heiresses were your style.” Sage inquired.

“Oh, I’m not here for Dorothy Khushrenada. My current lover shall be attending the ball this weekend. I thought I would arrive early and enjoy the relaxing country atmosphere.”

“And what better way to throw off a suspicious husband,” Sage replied with a knowing smirk, “than to hang about an heiress?”

Heero snorted in disgust and headed back inside, leaving the two dandies to their discussion of lovers, clothes, and other foolishness. He didn’t understand these foppish men. As soon as this betrothal business was over, he was heading back to his troop. The war against Napoleon was imminent, and he intended to be on the front-lines. Heero had momentarily forgotten why he had been in the garden, but he was soon forcefully reminded.

“HEERO!!”

If he had been less of a soldier he would have groaned aloud. Many of the visiting females found him attractive and mysterious, but his cold personality kept them away. All accept one. Heero successfully ignored the irritating blonde until she placed herself directly in his path.

“Heero, where have you been? I’ve looked everywhere for you.”

Heero remained silent, but Serena latched onto his arm unfazed.

“I want to introduce you to my friends. Anthy, Miaka, this is Heero. Doesn’t he look like the perfect soldier in his uniform?”