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Chap. 1: "Anything for—Love,"
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So yeah…something new for the New Year. I don't know where this story is headed as of now, but I thought I would put it up to see how things went…
I'm sorry but I NEVER check my email…I did just now, and LOL to the chick who hates all my stories…mhmm….sorry? to everyone else, thanks much for reading and enjoying, and YAY!
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Standing in front of her modest yellow and white house, a young woman stared at the white front door, tears streaming down her cheeks. Sniffling, she slowly made her way through the white picket gate, feeling dreadful at having to return home alone.
Knocking on the door, she waited, trying to suppress her nerves that were raging war inside her body. She heard a man's voice, before footsteps, and slowly the door opened, "Nii—chan," she hiccupped, vision blurred by tears.
"Haru, what's happened?" the man cried, his large hand reaching out to rest on her shoulder with urgency, "Are you hurt? What's wrong?" Sorrowful brown eyes found his dark ones, her lips trembling, before she flew into his arms.
"I'm p-p-p-preg—nant!" she wailed, feeling his whole body stiffen.
"What!" he cried, feeling her wince against him.
"A—aan—and he—he left me," she went on, not seeing his eyes cloud over with red as fury seeped into his body.
"WHAT!" he thundered, his neighbors wincing in their homes while birds scattered and dogs started barking in response. "That son of a bitch, I'm going to kill him!" a cry of alarm escaped her lips, when she was swiftly pulled into the house, the door slamming shut behind her.
Several moments later, the door swung open and the man stepped in it—legs spread apart as his shotgun loaded…
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Breathing heavily, a young man heaved himself over a fallen tree, barely landing on his feet. Leaning forward, he scrambled, crying out in horror feeling a bullet whiz pass his ear. "Shit!" he cried, terrified for his life, as he whipped around a tree.
Looking at the gully in front of him, he picked up speed, and cried out jumping over it, his limbs flaying out about him. Landing in a heap, he sat up, his head spinning from his fall. The sound of barking dogs grew closer, and his forever squinted eyes widened in horror.
Scrambling to his feet once again, he continued to run, but gasped when his hood caught on a branch, almost strangling him. Struggling to get out of the offending clothing, he froze hearing the snarl of an animal, and turning slowly, he saw the dog's large teeth, its lips curled back as it lowered ready to attack.
Another appeared behind it, as black as night, following the movements of the first, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do it, I didn't!" he cried, in horror, "I'm sorrrrr—," hearing the click of a gun, he groaned, collapsing into a heap…
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Meanwhile in civilized society…
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A young man was oblivious to the going on of a small town on the border of Tokyo; instead his alert dark blue eyes focused, a frown threatening to touch his lips, when he spotted the woman of his interest. Her face was bright with laughter, and even though he was too far to hear it, he could picture the sweetness of the sound.
She walked between two friends, dressed in a brown form fitting skirt and a white silk shirt. Her brown heels seemed to float, barely touching the pavement. Her long ebony hair piled atop her head, was a contrast to her creamy porcelain skin. Jealousy ignited within him when men did double takes, tainting the image of her beauty with their lustful eyes. He would not allow them to corrupt her, because he was going to shower her with the pureness of his affections.
As she neared, he took a deep breath, saying a silent prayer. She passed him, completely engrossed in her conversation, not seeing when he stepped from beside the corner store, his guitar strapped across him. He started to play, getting the attention of strangers, harmonizing with it. "Tomoyo," he called, getting her attention at the sound of her name.
Slowly, she turned to look at him, her eyes widening in surprise and embarrassment. She and her friends glanced at the person in the back of a truck, who was playing the drums, and another off to his right, who had a keyboard. "Eriol…" she gasped, blushing, prettily.
He gave her a charming, little smile, "—ohhh her eyes her eyes, make the stars look like they're not shining—her hair her hair, falls perfectly without her trying. She's so beautiful, and I want to tell her every day…"
Her hand went to her mouth, and her friends and strangers laughed with amusement. Playing, he stood in front of her, the richness of his voice sounding once again, "Yeah I know I know, you won't believe me…"
"When I see your face, there's not a thing I would change—cause you're amazing, just the way you are…" he went on, winking at her. By now, a crowd was forming to listen to the young man sing to the woman holding his heart.
"And when you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while—cause girl you're amazing, just the way you are…"
"Her lips, her lips, I could kiss them all day if she let me…"
"Ohhhh Tomoyo!" one the girls cried, nudging her.
"Eriol, please!" Tomoyo gasped, but he only stepped closer. Her heart was racing against her chest as her eyes were fixated in his, affection blossoming to life. She thought he was amazing and to have him express his feelings so publicly with such a song practically melted her.
"When I see your face! there's not a thing I would change…" he told her, beautifully, his voice warming her soul. "And when you smile—the whole world stops and stares for a while—cause Tomoyo you're amazing, just the way you are!"
At the end of the song, the crowd applauded, but he was focused on her, a tiny smile touching his lips. Her face was flushed her breathing coming quick as her heart pounded with excitement and another emotion. "Tomoyo, do something!" her friend urged, giving her little shove that made her stumble forward.
She stared at the ground, very uncomfortable at all the attention, "Tomoyo?" her name left his husky voice, which gave rise to goose bumps on her arms. Slowly she lifted her head, her beautiful amethyst eyes finding his through her thick black lashes. "Will you—will you be mine?" He questioned, moving his guitar to rest on his back.
"Eriol," she gasped, tears glistening in her eyes. She fell into his arms, only to be wrapped tightly in them. The crowd clapped once again as he adoringly pressed a kiss to her head.
"We'll be waiting for you at the office!" one of her friend's sang, watching the couple with dreamy eyes.
"Thanks guys," Eriol told his friends, who nodded, smiling at him.
"Any time, Eli." After a while, Tomoyo moved back, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Why the tears?" he questioned, with concern. Tomoyo opened her mouth, then slowly closed it. And knowing they needed to talk, he led her towards the park. After a while, they came to a bench, where she slowly sat, her back straight and her legs crossed at her ankles. "Don't I make you happy?"
"Of course you do," She answered, trying to smile, but she appeared to be in pain.
"Then why do you look like someone has died?" he asked, trying not to frown.
"Because I can't date you—and I want to so badly!" she stressed, only to receive a confused look from his handsome face.
"I don't understand Tomoyo," he replied, refraining from raking his hand through his hair. "What's holding you back?" She turned her frowning eyes from him, and focused on the children playing on the jungle gym. "Tomoyo?"
"My brother…" she started, achingly.
"Your brother?" he knew she had an older brother and sisters, but not the exact number.
"He has a major sister complex. He's very—ruthless to interested men, resorting to unorthodox tactics to keep them away," she whispered, embarrassed. Eriol stared at her without making a sound, as he wondered just how bad she was making him out to be. "I understand…"
"Understand what?" he asked, raking his hand through his chopped hair.
"If you want to leave," she whispered, staring at her clasped hands. He seated himself, and placed his hand over hers comfortingly.
"Why would I leave when I want to marry you?" he questioned, watching the widening of her eyes at his words.
"Wh—what?" she stuttered, making him laugh, nodding. "But we've only just…"
"I know what I want—and that's you. You're the one for me, Tomoyo. If having your brother's blessing is important to you, then I am willing to speak with him, and plea my case," he explained, firmly, "I am serious about you—us," he stated, with a hopeful expression.
"You don't know my brother—he can be pretty scary," she warned, wearily . Thinking about Touya's reaction now made her shudder. Eriol grinned, knowing his girlfriend was probably exaggerating the situation.
"Come on—have faith in me. I can wi…" he broke off, when her phone started to beep. "It might be important." Nodding, she took it out of her purse, and frowned noticing it was one of her baby sisters calling.
"Excuse," she apologized, answering the call. "Nao, what's up?" Eriol watched the widening of Tomoyo's eyes. "Oh my god." … "I'm on my way!" Slamming her phone shut, she stood quickly from the bench. "I have to go!"
"What's happened?" he asked, worriedly.
"Oh my brother found out that my other sister slept with a guy—who got her pregnant, then ran off—but my other sister found him, and now my brother has him in his clutches!" Eriol sweat drop at her jumbled explanation, "I hope I can get a taxi. I knew I should have driven."
"My car is here, I can take you," he offered, making her come to a halt, seemingly apprehensive about taking his offer.
"I don't know—maybe right now isn't a good time to meet my brother," Tomoyo murmured, with uncertainty. She really liked Eriol, and the last thing she wanted was for him to get hurt by her beloved older brother.
"I'll go just as a friend," Eriol sighed, walking to her. "This way I can meet all your sisters before they know about us." A smile blossomed on her lips, and she agreed. Taking her hand they hurried off, Eriol thinking the situation couldn't be as bad as Tomoyo was making it.
As they drove to the outskirts of Tokyo , Tomoyo found herself unable to relax. "I hope he doesn't do anything drastic," she whispered, fighting the urge to bite her nails.
"Relax," he urged, reaching over to take her hand. "Relax." Tomoyo squeezed his hand tightly, repeating it in her head.
"I never thought he would react this way—he's very overprotective," she explained, making him nod, following the instructions of the GPS. Turning unto a private lane, Eriol glanced at the modest houses, wondering to which one they were going.
Turning unto a different street, he noticed the white church at the end of the road, "A church?" he whispered, raising his brow. Parking, he turned the car off and got out when Tomoyo did, still examining the structure.
"Moyo!" a young woman called, running towards her. Eriol examined the honey haired girl, whose long pigtails bounced behind her. She was dressed in jeans and a simple white blouse, "Thank goodness you're here!" she cried, with expressive emerald eyes. When his presence was noticed her eyes slowly moved to him with confusion, "Hooeee—who is this?"
"A friend from work, he gave me a ride because I didn't have my car," Tomoyo answered, smoothly, making the younger girl nod. "Eriol this is Sakura, she's the baby in the family," she introduced, watching the charming smile he gave her. Sakura happily returned it, "Is Mei here?"
"Yep—everyone is here," Sakura answered, shaking her head. "Come on." Tomoyo glanced at Eriol, who followed silently behind them. "It's not good."
"Oh?" Eriol examined the hall of the church, reaching for the door when Tomoyo hauled it open. He entered last into the main structure, hearing the voice a man, but not paying any attention to what was happening.
"Oh no…" At Tomoyo's strangled voice, he stopped his examination of the church, and focused in front of him. His eyes widened, and his mouth fell open in utter disbelief. In front of him was the most unusually barbaric scene he had ever witnessed.
"Do you, Yamazaki Takashi take this woman to be your wife…" the priest was saying, his voice very uncomfortable. The young man stared pleadingly at the priest with large black eyes. A cool metal rested at the side of his head, and hearing the click of the shotgun loading, made him swallow deeply.
His eyes slithered to his right, only to find himself staring into the wide double barrel. Trailing up to the handle, he found narrowed black eyes staring at him. "Well?" Kinomoto Touya, twenty-eight years of age, and brother to five beautiful women, hissed, giving him a nudge with the weapon.
"I—I," he cleared his throat, sounding hoarse. "I do." His beautiful bride reached over to pluck a twig from his spiky black hair, an adoring smile touching her lips. Takashi felt like he was on the verge of passing out.
"Do you Kinomoto Chiharu…" In the back of the church, Eriol found himself reaching over to grasp one of the benches. He never thought in his entire life, he would ever witness the spectacle of a shotgun wedding.
Tomoyo looked apologetically at him when he seated himself in the chair his legs feeling wobbly beneath him. When she told him her brother was a little scary, he never assumed she meant psychotic as well.
"I now pronounce you man and wife—you may kiss the bride." Eriol watched the young couple turn to each other. The young man hesitant, but the bride happily threw herself at him, planting a kiss on his lips.
"Don't be shy now—you weren't shy several weeks ago!" the gun wielder cried, causing the young man to instantly kiss the bride back. "Good boy."
Eriol felt his self-preservation instinct kicking in, but he forced himself to remain in his seat. Tomoyo and Sakura were still at his side, so he decided the two other woman seated in the front were the remaining sisters. "Oh congratulations!" Sakura cried, rushing to the couple. Eriol watched her in amusement, wondering how she could act so natural, like the bizarre scene in front of them wasn't happening.
"I told you," Tomoyo whispered, glancing at him. "It's not too late…"
"I'll take my chances thank you," Eriol replied, winking at her, showing more confidence than he held. Feeling penetrating eyes on him, he turned to find amber eyes so bright they appeared reddish peering at him. Placing her brother's shotgun on her shoulder, Kinomoto Mei Lin walked slowly forward, examining her sister. the dark beauty of the family, her eyes was of ebony, braided down her back, and her long slender body was covered with a slim fitting blue jeans and a white spaghetti strap shirt.
"Moyo," she called, eyes still on Eriol, "Whose ya friend?" On reflex, Eriol swallowed, his throat going dry.
"Oh we work together—he gave me a ride since as—I didn't have my car," Tomoyo lied, softly, looking at the ground. "How'd you find Takashi?" she asked, trying to sway the conversation away from her.
"I have connections. Aren't you going to introduce him to me?" Touya's deep voice inquired, making Eriol stand instantly turning to look at the elder in the family. By now, the remaining sisters had converged, including the couple, who held very different expressions. The bride was smiling happily, while the groom looked as though he wanted to be shot.
"El—Hirragizawa-san, my brother Touya, and sisters Mei Lin, Naoko, Rika, Sakura and Chiharu, and her new husband Takashi," Tomoyo introduced, feeling incredibly awkward. She didn't feel this was the right time to introduce him to her brother.
Eriol tried to put on a manly front, feeling the older man's penetrating gaze sweep over his form. Touya clicked his tongue holding out his hand to Mei Lin, who without a word gave him the shotgun. Eriol and Takashi shared a fleeting glance, where he swore the groom told him to run for it. "Ride with me, Hirragizawa," Touya stated, well more ordered, walking away. "We're meeting at the house."
"Nii-chan I…" Tomoyo trailed off, the rest of the words disappearing into nothingness, at his penetrating glare.
"It's…Okay," Eriol's voice started out in a squeaked, but he instantly cleared his throat. Tomoyo wisely ignored the mocking glance of her twin sister Mei Lin.
"Let's move out then, ladies," Touya called, "Thank you again, Father Honda."
"Anytime Touya-san," the father replied, in a harassed voice. Eriol followed the reluctant groom and the Kinomoto troupe out of the church. Eriol gave Tomoyo his keys, along with a tiny smile, which she returned praying her brother wouldn't hurt him.
"Nii-chan—be nice," she warned him, narrowing her eyes, but he merely gave her a wide smile, looking anything but innocent. "I'll see you at my house, Eli." Tomoyo gave her brother a sweet grin noticing his narrowing eyes.
"Yeah," Eriol coughed, feeling like a tie was strangling him though he wasn't wearing one. Opening the door to Touya's pickup truck, he climbed in, closing it slowly. Touya placed the shotgun on the dash board in front of him, slamming the door shut. "You're a police officer?" he questioned, noticing the badge hanging around the mirror.
"Yep—which means I know how to make you disappear," was Touya's clipped response, both practically, hearing when Eriol almost failed in swallowing the boulder size lump in his throat. His truck pulled out behind the other vehicles, jerking forward into drive. "So you're interested in my Moyo, are you?"
"I have good intentions," Eriol told him, feeling the temperature in the truck rise. He wished Tomoyo had told him that her brother was also a police officer.
"All the previous ones did too—I'm sure," Touya told him, grinning, and Eriol glanced at him, wondering what he had done to the previous ones. "So what do you do for a living?" He questioned, suddenly, making a sharp turn, which almost sent Eriol sliding into him.
"I'm a musician," he answered, holding on.
"Oh—like a penniless musician?"
"No, Kinomoto-san, I write songs for singers. I can take care of Tomoyo-san, though she doesn't need it because she's an extraordinary young woman," Eriol answered, putting the praising part in there in hopes it would give him points. Seeing Touya's hawk like eyes land on him, Eriol sighed, realizing it hadn't.
"How long has she known you?"
"For several months."
"What are your intentions?" Eriol's eyes glanced at Touya when he appeared to have inched toward the gun.
"I would like your permission to date her, Kinomoto-san…" Eriol answered, almost screaming like a woman when Touya swerved off the road, coming to a complete stop. His eyes darted around to find they were in the middle of nowhere. Eriol hadn't even realized they were driving through the woods.
Oh please don't shoot me!" Eriol cried, when Touya's hand reached out for the gun. "I haven't touched your sister—I love her, I really do!" he explained, pushing towards the door. Not hearing anything, he opened his blue eyes to see Touya staring at him, with a blank expression.
"When Chiharu showed up at the house in tears, pregnant and alone, I swore I would kill Takashi. However, she begged me not to, because she loved him so I placed her happiness above my desire," Touya explained, in a flat tone, staring straight ahead. "However I promised myself that I would never allow that to happen to any of the others—Ask anyone—I'm not known to make the same mistake twice, especially when it comes to the safety of my only family."
"I understand," Eriol whispered, trying to calm his still racing heart.
"So Hirragizawa—I know these woods like the back of my hand. It's not hard for me to make you disappear. And if that doesn't work, I'm sure my best friend, who is a chemist can figure out another way to make you melt away," he spoke, as though they were having a normal conversation, not involving his death.
"So are you saying that I can't date her?" At his question, a malicious grin touched Touya's lips, making Eriol gulp.
"I'm not saying that—at—all," Touya reasoned, calmly. "I want my sisters to be happy, of course—," when he paused, Eriol knew his next words would not be good on his part. "However, before I give you permission to date my dear sister, you must find my other sisters boyfriends."
Eriol stared at him strangely, knowing his request made no sense. "Wouldn't that—,"
"Is there a problem? Tomoyo isn't worth it?" he suddenly accused, making Eriol snap his mouth shut. He stared at her brother, knowing instantly that the man was trying to get rid of him. Kinomoto Touya was trying to make him leave so he would be the bad guy in crying off.
"No, Tomoyo is worth it—I would do anything for her," Eriol stated, firmly, growing a backbone. Touya chuckled…
"Good to hear…"
The house…
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"Where are they?" Tomoyo whispered, pacing the patio. Two of her sisters were on the patio waiting with her for the arrival of Touya and Eriol, who she prayed was still in the realm of the living.
"Onii-chan is probably burying him right now," Naoko, the middle sister, informed, her face buried in a suspense novel. "I wonder how he did it this time," she murmured, making Mei Lin laugh at Tomoyo's horrified face.
"It's not funny, Mei Mei!" Tomoyo cried, clenching her fists. Hearing the approach of her brother's truck, she spun around, a look of relief flooding her face when she spotted Eriol in the front seat, apparently unharmed. "Took you long enough!" she cried to her brother, walking hurriedly to him.
"Hirragizawa and I were having a delightful conversation," Touya informed, going to ruffle her hair, but Tomoyo instantly smacked his hand away. "Brat."
"I know," Tomoyo drawled, focusing on Eriol, who gave her a smile, to which she instantly returned, relaxing. She walked to his side, eyes moving over his clothing, his pant legs caked with dirt and his shirt smeared as though had attempted to clean up. "Come on inside for something to eat. Chiharu is preparing dinner, and she is the best cook out of all of us—Mei Lin being the worst. I'll show you to be bathroom to clean up. Are you—,"
"I heard that!" Mei Lin cried, in the doorway.
"I'm okay," Eriol nodded, trying to block out the traumatic experience that occurred in the woods.
"I meant for you to," Tomoyo cooed, watching Mei Lin open her mouth to retort, but Touya dragged her into the house. "She's my twin," she told Eriol, who looked at her strangely, "I know. Everyone says we're so different—but we really aren't," she whispered, the last part, making him laugh.
"I'm going to remember that," Eriol chuckled, both refraining from looking cozy in front of her brother, who was still in the door, watching them closely. "You should have told me he was a police officer."
"Oh yeah—he runs his own swat unit," she informed, with pride, 'oh great,' Eriol thought, knowing he would need to tell his close friends who to suspect if he suddenly disappeared. "Nii-chan appears ruff on the outside, but on the inside he's soft and cuddly." At the look she received, Tomoyo blushed from embarrassment, "Well maybe not so much for you guys."
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Seated on a chair, Eriol watched the movements of each sister able to see their differences and similarities clearly. The words of their brother replayed continuously in his mind, making him wonder if the man was serious.
The Kinomoto women were beautiful and apparently talented, so he could find no other reason than their brother for them being single. He looked at Takashi, who walked over to him, having cleaned up from a shower. "Hey," they greeted, each other, the young man sitting down. "Don't know what you getting yourself into," Takashi warned, with a grin.
"Why did you get yourself into it?" Eriol replied, making him laugh, resting back into the chair.
"I love Chiharu," Takashi shrugged, smiling at Eriol's look of disbelief. "I only ran because I was afraid of what Touya would do to me when he found out I got her pregnant before marriage. He almost killed me when he found out we kissed—so yeah," he explained, with a grimace.
"Why is he like—that?"
"Their parents died, while they were young, so he's been the parental figure to them for a very long time. They were able to live together because he was seventeen at the time, and their parents left them a sizable insurance policy, plus they sued the company responsible for the accident. He just wants to protect them," Takashi explained, with sadness.
"How did you get permission?"
"My mother was their mom's best friend, and she helped him out a lot," Takashi grinned, reaching up to scratch the back of his head.
"If you don't mind answering—why are the rest of them single? I mean they seem so—," Eriol didn't finish, hoping Takashi would fill in the blanks for him.
"Sometimes it's Touya—but the sisters are a little odd themselves," Takashi chuckled, when Chiharu walked over to them with two beers.
"Here you are guys," she smiled, warmly.
"Thanks." She nodded, walking away from them. "Chiharu is the homey one. Loves cooking, doesn't mind being a stay at home mother. Probably the most normal, except for the fact that she hits me a lot for lying," he cringed, then shook his head.
"Tomoyo's twin?" Eriol inquired, trying to get more information. He figured he could get the clearest picture from Takashi than Tomoyo.
"Mei Lin," Eriol didn't think it was a good thing when Takashi cringed. "The oldest twin at twenty-five—she's a stunt woman, who runs her own dojo in Tokyo. She's just plain scary—everyone in high school was always too afraid to ask her out—and guys who got too close lived to regret it. She's like the female version of Touya." Hearing that explanation, made Eriol cringe clearly understanding why she was still alone. "Very straight forward—no nonsense." Takashi grinned at a memory, "After Tomoyo there's another set of twins, Chiharu and Naoko, twenty-three. Naoko, she's very—," Both men looked over at her, to find her lost in the pages of her book, the light shining off her glasses. "Yeah, quiet, lost in the world of suspense and horror stories. The writer in the family—if it was possible to marry a book, she would have been to her book a long time ago. There have been guys interested in her, but once they see the personality behind the beauty, they never ask for a second date—she doesn't date anymore."
To Eriol, it looked like she was suffering from middle child syndrome. "And Rika—well she was heartbroken recently when her first love—who happened to be her teacher—married another woman. She's still trying to get over that," he explained, making Eriol nod. Already it appeared like all the sisters had some deformity that would turn off guys. "And finally—Sakura…"
"Those two are twins as well?"
"Oh yeah, the girls are all fraternal. After Touya, Nadeshiko-san had trouble, and had medical help to have the girls. They wanted a big family," he nodded, "So the last two are twenty. Sakura is a little odd ball," Takashi chuckled, making Eriol raise a brow. "For as long as I have known that girl she has never had any interest in any guy."
Eriol swallowed hearing his words, "In fact—I think she's considering the prospect of becoming a priestess at her grandmother's shrine."
"A priestess?" he echoed, making Takashi nod.
"In all the sense of the word. Mame is hesitant though, because she doesn't believe she's ready for such a strict commitment, and has made her promise to wait a little longer—though I think she's remained single this long because she can be a little—dense." Takashi glanced at the door, and gulped stealing his eyes away, his heart racing a little. Touya gave a nod of approval, before he continued on his way, Eriol missing the exchange because he was deep in thought.
'Great,' Eriol thought realizing what he had to work with, 'A book worm—feminist—teacher lover and pure denseness…' he wanted to groan listing out the items. When Touya appeared in the room and grinned, Eriol gave him a smile in return, not wanting him to see how frustrated he was. Now he knew for a fact that Touya had made this request of him, because he knew it was going to be almost impossible to find suitable men for his sisters. 'I don't scare that easily,' Eriol thought, with a determined face, though deep inside him he felt uncertainty take root.
There was one question that was lingering—Where the hell was he going to find men, who would be willing to date them? 'Looks like I'm gonna have to call in some favors—'
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Author's note: SO…doable?