Chapter 2: The Reunion

Disclaimer: I do not own Clannad

Tomoya finally exhausted after spending all morning looking for a job decides to take a break at a nearby park. Since he only has enough money for the bus that leads to his house he decides to ponder on how he will make money for even a meal. He knew he couldn't go back to the Furakawa's since he didn't want to be a burden on them, and the fact that Ushio is no longer with him. As he looks at the sky, Tomoya hears a familiar voice and looks around and sees a familiar face. For a moment Tomoya doubted who it really was, but knowing she always wore red spheres on her head he immediately knew it was his childhood fried Kotomi Ichinose.

Tomoya's P.O.V.

Tomoya: I can't believe my childhood friend Kotomi Ichinose is back here in Japan. The last time I saw her was back when Nagisa was still pregnant, and Kotomi came wearing a kimono. That was 7 years ago now, and I'm 27 so she probably won't even remember me. I'll go sit next to her and see if she remembers me.

Tomoya: Hello wonderful day isn't it?

Kotomi: Please Tomoya-Kun call me Kotomi-Chan or else I won't reply. I know it's you how I can I forget your wonderful bluish eyes and your dark blue colored hair.

Tomoya grabs Kotomi's hands and hugs her while he cries on her shoulder remembering those past memories that keep hurting him.

Kotomi: Tomoya-Kun please tell me why you are crying.

He wipes his eyes and face with a tissue that Kotomi gave him and grabs her hand.

Tomoya: What I am about to tell you is not easy for me to say. Six years ago after the short baby shower that was held at my apartment you left to America, and shortly after that Nagisa…Nagisa died after giving birth to Ushio.

Kotomi: That can't be true she looked healthy when I last saw her. Tomoya-kun where's Ushio?

Tomoya: I'm sorry but two weeks ago I was taking Ushio on trip to the field of flowers that my dad took me to when I was young, but she died in my arms because she had a high fever. I didn't want to take her on a trip, but she kept insisting on going. I'm all alone now, the two most beautiful women in my life are now gone, and my friends have abandoned me without even calling for a simple hello.

Kotomi: I know how you must be feeling Tomoya. Remember I lost my parents when I was young so I grew up alone with no one to talk to until I met you again. There were times when I wanted to forget everything and be with them, but I knew that my parents loved me so very much. Even so don't forget you're special to me Tomoya, I would never abandon you.

Tomoya: THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU EVER CALL ME THROUGHOUT THESE SEVEN YEARS, KOTOMI! I needed someone to talk to; I've been holding back these tears all this time because I felt alone. The Fujibayashi sisters stopped visiting me on holidays after Nagisa's death, Sunohara stopped calling me shortly after the baby shower, Tomoyo went to America and we lost contact with each other, and you Kotomi never called me after the baby shower for a simple hello.

Kotomi: Please Tomoya-Kun don't yell at me you're being a bully. I know you must be so very sad, but due to my research I completely forgot about the outside world. I focused too much of my time on my research, but now I came back to Japan to stay for good.

Tomoya pushes Kotomi to the ground and leaves with a sad face. He does not turn around and he immediately returns to his job hunting.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun please come back!

Kotomi sad returns to her house and find that it has been kept very nice, flowers planted, and grass mowed. Tomoya on the other hand tired from spending all day job hunting decides to spend the night on the side of a river that was by the park earlier that day.

Tomoya: So this is how my life ends being a homeless person and possibly dying at night due to cold temperatures. Well if that's the case then I'll accept my fate and reunite with Nagisa and Ushio. I am nothing more than a homeless delinquent who is living his last hours in this cruel town.

Later that night Kotomi goes to Tomoya's apartment to check on him. The Landlord tells her that due to Tomoya not having a job he failed to pay the current month's rent, and as a result he had to leave the apartment. Kotomi decides to go look for him since temperatures are expected to go below freezing. She looks all around town, near their past high school, but she was unable to find him. Then she remembered he used to go reflect at a river near the park where they met earlier that day. Kotomi hoping for a miracle finds Tomoya covered with his light jacket and shivering while hugging Nagisa's photo.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun I know how you feel right now. There's no need to be sleeping here. You brought me out of depression and renovated my garden, and now it's my turn to do the same. You are my childhood friend I cherish you a lot. Come on Tomoya-kun lets go home.

After talking to Tomoya while he was sleeping she put his arm over her and brought him to her house. Kotomi then sets Tomoya on her bed and tucks him in. Since she was too tired to set up her futon she decides to bring a chair, places it next to her bed, and lays her head on the side of the pillow.

A couple hours later

Kotomi: Good morning, Tomoya-kun! With a warm happy smile she says.

Tomoya: Good morning, Kotomi-Chan! Did you bring me here by yourself?

Kotomi: Of course I did. I couldn't sleep earlier last night so I went to look for you at your apartment, but the Landlord said you had to leave the house for not paying rent. He also told me it was because you no longer had a job. I then decided to look for you around town, until I finally found you at the river near the park where we met yesterday.

Tomoya: I'm sorry for pushing you yesterday, I truly am. Kotomi-Chan please forgive me, I didn't mean to hurt you. I was mad that this town took the two most important people away from me, and I was afraid to lose you too.

Kotomi: Shhhh! No more Tomoya-kun it is ok everything will be alright remember I'm here to support you. For now you can stay at my house and look for a job as well.

Tomoya: Thank you Kotomi-chan it means a lot to me. I promise to take you out to eat once I am settled in with my job.

Kotomi: Don't worry as long as you're with me I'm happy. I mean it has been seven years since we last saw each other. Back in high school we only met in our senior year so we haven't really talked much.

Tomoya: How about we go on a picnic at the park and talk about our lives throughout these last seven years?

Kotomi: Sure Tomoya-kun, I'd also like to talk about my research regarding the Illusionary World.

Tomoya: Then it's settled we'll go tomorrow at midday after I come back from job hunting.

Kotomi: Hold on Tomoya-kun I remember that the job I'm in around the city district had 2 positions open. One was gardening and the other was a receptionist.

Tomoya: That's wonderful; I have experience with gardening so I would fit in perfectly there. Also since I have been keeping your house clean throughout these last seven years, I could send them some pictures of your garden and lawn.

Kotomi: I'll talk to my manager Tomoya-kun and give him a recommendation about you. Since my manager worked with my father I'm sure he'll have a soft side with me and give you the job.

Tomoya: Thank you, Kotomi-chan I appreciate your help.

Kotomi: How about we go take a walk Tomoya-kun and go buy some groceries for tomorrow's picnic.

Tomoya: Sure let me just get my coat and yours.

With that Tomoya and Kotomi made their way to the local supermarket and bought lots of delicious food. Putting his arm around her they both made their way back home while talking about the things they would do the next day.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the next ones that follow. I've been really motivated to write this story, and the ideas seem to be generating quickly.