Title: the Strings That Bind Us

Author: Jiru-senpai

Summary: At the peak of Len's career, Kahoko leaves him and cuts off their engagement completely for reasons unknown. Five years later, she comes back bringing with her a young and talented violinist who is also her one and only... son?!

A/N:

Before I give you my second piece, I would like to thank the following for making time to review my first fanfic, "Two Words":

Pathetic Rainbow

Panzer718

IceDollSayaka

Erilin-chan

Amir Jan

'sakura-syaoran forever'

Syiidahhriis

inustorm

Thank you so much for your reviews. The reviews really helped me in becoming a better writer as well as they led me to making this second story which I dedicate to all eight of you.

A big thanks to Amir Jan for proofreading this prologue. Thanks for your unwavering support. ;)

With that, I give you my second fanfic. Enjoy!

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PROLOGUE

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A cerulean-haired man tossed and turned on his bed. His back arched as if in pain and his forehead was drenched with sweat. It has been like this for the past five years. Often times he would wake up in the middle of the night awakening from recurring dreams. Sometimes he'd be caught moaning her name in his sleep. And there are also times when he'd just stay up drinking wine or whisky by the balcony, half naked during a cold night. Some thought it was insomnia or stress but only a few knew why he spent so many sleepless nights.

It was her who was the cause of it all; a woman with red locks who haunted him in his sleep. Her sweet, peculiar fragrance still lingered in the bedroom. He could clearly see her bright eyes looking at him with accusation and hurt. He still dreamt of memories of her which he tried to lock away deep in his mind.

He tried to forget but the more he pushes memories of her away, the more she remains embedded in his thoughts. Maybe this is his curse for making her feel hurt and for him to be oblivious of her pains.

But that's how life is at the brink success. You gain it but sacrifice something in return. It is only a matter of choosing which is more important to you at the moment and then realizing in the end that you made the wrong choice after all.

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The ringing of the phone broke the silence of the household. Footsteps could be heard as Mrs. Hino walked towards the phone. She took off her cooking mittens and placed them on the table.

"Good morning, Hino residence."

Mom!

"Oh, god! Is that you, dear? I was starting to worry since you haven't called the past month! I almost took a flight to your place for god's sake!" she paused to calm her nerves and then spoke up again. "How are you?"

I'm fine. Just a bit stressed packing up all the things needed to be brought.

"Packing up? Where are you going? Don't tell me again you're moving some place else?"

Mom… I haven't told you this but I've decided to move back there.

"…"

Mom?

Mrs. Hino squealed excitedly making the person on the other side of the phone pull back from the noise emitting from the speaker.

"When are you arriving? Wait, are you sure about this dear? No second thoughts?"

Yes, mom. I thought about it for the past month and I think I'm ready to go back.

"How about Keiichi? Is he ready to move in as well?"

I told him about it and he seems pretty excited about the move. I know this will be good for both of us.

"That's good to hear. At least both of you seem to be able to adjust quickly. My, I'm so excited! When are you moving?"

Next week. Is it okay if we live with you while we look for our own place to stay?

"Heavens, of course you can! You don't have to look for a place of your own since there's still a lot of space in this house. Remember, your sister left so I'm all alone. Having both of you away made living in this house so lonesome." A sniff could be heard as Mrs. Hino was starting to get emotional.

Mom… it's okay. I'm coming back remember? You don't have to be alone anymore.

"Yes. And I'm happy you made this decision, Kaho-chan."

I'm glad, too, Mom. Listen, I have to go. I have to meet up with Keiichi soon. I'll talk to you next week before we leave, alright?

"Alright. You take care, okay?"

I will. Bye.

"Bye." The dial tone was heard once Kahoko put down the phone. Mrs. Hino took a deep breath and sighed with a look of both worry and happiness as she made her way back to the kitchen.

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A/N: Please read and review! :)