Pieces of Dreams
Sequel to Fractured Dreams

Chapter 1: Return To Me

The sequel took years in the making. You see, I ditched all fanfic writing after I graduated and started working. Gomen. But a promise is a promise. And I want a conclusion to this story.

New fans – go read the first part (Fractured Dreams) before starting this one.

Summary of Fractured Dreams: Tsukushi and Tsukasa got married but jealousy distanced them. A misunderstanding involving the two and Rui led to their divorce. Tsukushi left Tsukasa, heartbroken but stronger than ever to start a new life with Hanazawa Rui. But fate has other plans for the three of them.

5 years passed.

Makino Tsukushi was walking down the pavement towards her apartment in the outskirts of Hokkaido deep in thought. The yellowed leaves of autumn scattered onto the street. Fresh breeze blew trails of her hair up in the air.

It's good to be here

Here being her home for the last 5 years ever since that fateful day which separated her from him.

And I have rebuilt my life without any traces of you.

Her current life now revolves around the ski lodge she and Rui manage. Of course, not to forget her baby Ryu, now, aged five, the delightful bundle of joy have morphed into a bratty little rascal out to terrorize the neighborhood with pranks and mischief. Makino at her wits end trying to discipline that little imp but that boy knew all of her weaknesses and were not ashamed to use it.

You do not have to wonder from whom he takes after.

Deep down she knew, no matter how much she ran, she will always be reminded of him, Doumyouji Tsukasa, the man who opened her heart to love and the one who broke it into pieces.

I loved you once and probably will love you till the day I die.

That fact was the reason that at the end, she didn't marry Rui like she supposed to but chose to raise Ryu by herself. Still, Rui could not abandon her. He loved her too much to do that. Instead, he stayed true to his pledge and stood by her through thick and thin. A true friend.

I should have fallen for him.

But Makino couldn't do that, not when her shattered heart still etched with Doumyouji's name. Still, she persevered until the end. To this day, she managed to kept Ryu's identity a secret. Rui gave the boy his family name and sheltered both of them from the paparazzi that occasionally make an appearance in their town. Most people took for granted that Rui was indeed Ryu's father but Rui and Tsukushi knew the truth. The others who knew as well were Tama and Tsubaki but both have sworn secrecy for the sake of the young boy. However, Tsubaki repeatedly pointed out that it is better for Ryu's future to be the heir of the Doumyouji inheritance. However, Tsukushi objected.

Tsukasa ended up the man he is now because of Doumyouji's family wealth. Ryu is not going to end up twisted that way.

That is why the last thing she want out of life is to meet Doumyouji again. But fate has other plans for her. As she was crossing the intersection across her house, she caught a glimpse of a very familiar dark curls. She stared at the man in a car right opposite her apartment building, wearing sunglasses which hid half of his face. The man was looking down totally engrossed with the newspaper in his hand.

No, Tsukushi.. you're just seeing things.

Brushing it off, she went upstairs.

By the time Makino disappeared out of sight, the man removed his glasses. Makino should have trusted her instinct as it was indeed him.

Tsu… that red string of fate which binds us brought me here back to you. And this time, I would not let you go.

Nice short intro chapter to kick things off.

Next chapter: Does he know the truth or not?