Chapter 3: Dark and Lonely world

Disclaimer I do not own Clannad

Kyou and Tomoya stare at each other's eyes in utter disgust until Kyou lashes out at Tomoya. She delivers a hard gut kick to him and brutally stops on his body. Tomoya not wanting to hurt her stands up despite being knocked down multiple times. He then hugs her and embraces her tightly, and tells her it's ok for her to cry on his shoulders. After she calms down she apologizes to Tomoya and Kotomi having recovered from being knocked out.

Kyou's P.O.V.

Kyou: Sorry about earlier; I was so lonely that seeing you with Kotomi made me furious.

Tomoya: What do you mean lonely, don't you live with Ryou still?

Kyou: Tomoya, ever since Nagisa's baby shower I've been busy with work, and I have had no rest. As a teacher I have a lot of papers to grade, but my boss has made me work two times harder than usual. The reason why is because for the past 3 years there have been lots of teachers laid off so my boss asked me to cover for 5 classes in total while he gets more positions open. Also the reason why I feel lonely is because Ryou is hospitalized in a coma. I was driving her to work and a drunk driver hit us from the passenger side. This happened 3 years ago also so I've been living life just to survive, go to my job, and pay for medical costs and bills. I haven't gone out with friends in over 3 years and honestly I've lost contact with my friends during those 3 years. Seeing you with Kotomi made me mad because you never called me or came to visit. I tried calling you throughout these three years, but it seems like you changed your number.

Tomoya: I'm really sorry Kyou for what you must be going through. I also lost my two precious people so dear to me. First Nagisa died during labor, and now Ushio died just recently. I've been away from my friends ever since Nagisa died. For five years I had no contact with any of my friends. I resulted to drinking and smoking every day because it was the only thing that kept my mind off from the painful memories of Nagisa's death. Then the Furakawa's reunited me with Ushio and we became a family again after my trip with her. However, Ushio's fate was the same as Nagisa's because she too fell ill to the mysterious illness. Shortly after, she died during the walk to the train station that would take us to my grandmother's house. She begged me to take her, and I agreed to her plea. Ushio died a little over two weeks ago. Since then I have been struggling to keep my head up. Two days ago I didn't have money to pay the monthly bill for the apartment so I was kicked out. I also quit my previous job to spend more time with Ushio. That's the reason why I'm struggling to get my life together.

Kyou: Sorry Tomoya for what I did earlier. I didn't know you were going through some tough times. I also can't believe our beloved Nagisa left us. Last time I saw her was at the baby shower. I also never got the chance to meet Ushio. Tomoya I want to let you know if there is anything you need just call me. Here's my phone number, and don't be shy when talking. After all I am Kyou and you know my personality.

Kyou: Kotomi I am also truly sorry about my actions toward you. I never meant to hurt you; I was just enraged and confused. How's your cheek feeling?

Kotomi: It's ok I am feeling better. I know you didn't mean to hurt me because right before you slapped me I looked at your eyes and I saw tears ready to come out. I know how you feel because I also felt confused, sad and angry back when I was little because my parents died in a plane crash.

Kyou: Well I guess I better get going. I have to teach my midday class in 20 mins. Here Tomoya my phone number, and don't be afraid to say hi.

With that Kyou hands Tomoya her phone number and she returns back to work. Tomoya and Kotomi also head back home to finish their lunch then they head to the local mall for some shopping.

Tomoya's P.O.V.

Tomoya: Hey Kotomi-chan, did you like my miso soup I made for you?

Kotomi: Yes, I liked it so very much. I can honestly keep eating bowl after bowl; it's so addicting.

Tomoya: Is that so, well I guess I shouldn't make it often since someone's tummy is getting bigger. He happily teases her by poking her stomach.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun please stop it tickles! Ok tell Tomoya-kun am I really getting fat?

Tomoya: I see your stomach has grown quite a bit.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun you're such a bully!

Tomoya: I'm just teasing you Kotomi-chan.

Kotomi: I know but I dislike it when people call me fat. Hey Tomoya-kun, let's go to International Style that's around the corner. I'm sure that store has some pretty neat clothes.

Tomoya: The name of the store does sound expensive, but let's go take a look.

Tomoya and Kotomi enter the store and to their amazement they find out there are 2 more floors above them. They curiously explore the store until Tomoya decides to shop since the clothes are not expensive. After an hour of shopping Tomoya and Kotomi head back home, but on their way home Tomoya finds an abandoned car with a sign that says" Whoever wants it feel free to take it".

Tomoya: Wow! This 1998 Subaru Impreza Sedan has 6 seats. Well since the sing says take it we should probably take it back home.

Kotomi: I guess you're right. We do need a car to transport us to work and we both go to the same place at work. Hold on, before you take it home, do you know how to drive?

Tomoya: Of course I know how to drive. During my 5 years of isolation from my friends I worked at parking cars for people. I took my license exam 3 years ago and passed. Well let's go Kotomi the clouds are getting darker.

The two get in car and drive off home. Kotomi then decides to have a serious conversation regarding Kyou.

Kotomi's P.O.V.

Kotomi: Hey Tomoya-kun, are you still mad at Kyou for what she did 2 days ago?

Tomoya: Not at all Kotomi-chan. I know what she must be feeling right now, sadness, loneliness, confusion, but deep inside I know that she is happy because she got to see us. I mean since Nagisa's baby shower she didn't see us or any of her high school friends so it makes sense that she acted like that. Still I care about her and I won't let anything bad happen to her. Back in high school I made a promise to Kyou. I told her I would always protect her, support her, and always be there for her. I don't want to lose another important person that means so much to me. Tomoya stops the car and lets his tears come out, at the same time Kotomi decides to drive the car instead because Tomoya is not feeling well.

Kotomi: Tomoya-kun is it all right if we go to the hospital to visit Ryou?

Tomoya: Yes, I'd like to visit Ryou. I just wish there was something I could do to help her awaken from that coma.

Kotomi: Don't worry Tomoya-kun; remember your feelings and caring nature toward Ryou can help her awaken because the heart has an unbelievable strength that amazed me. Back in my studies in America I studied the heart and brain waves for a while. I then took data and to my astonishment the data showed that the brain and heart can produce energy that can be transferred to another human body when combined. I'm not 100 percent sure because I only studied that for one month but still it's interesting to see that the heart works in such a mysterious way.

Tomoya: If that's the case will I be able to help Ryou awaken?

Kotomi: I can't tell you yes or no because only you have that decision. Any feelings or desire to have Ryou awaken will depend on your feelings that come from your heart.

Kotomi and Tomoya make their way to the hospital to pay Ryou a visit. As Tomoya boards the elevator he wonders if his feelings and desrie to see Ryou again will be enough to awaken her. Right before they enter Ryou's room, Kyou shows up and takes Kotomi and Tomoya to the cafeteria to discuss Ryou's condition.