i'm back, everyone! here is the second chapter of my wonderful fic. i want to thank everyone who reviewed and left nice comments (claps). i know Chap. 2 is a little short, but college is getting really hectic with midterms and finals, and there's also that part-time job (bangs head on table). why must life be so hard?

note- Ichigo and Orihime are in middle school, and this chapter takes place when Hime-chan's brother dies. Oh nooeess! also, some chapters might be AU-ish and some won't...it's just how i write.

DISCLAIMER- i own nothing! nothing i say!

"blah" - speaking

'blah' - thoughts

Day Two: Tuesday's Rainy Days

Water splashed around me as I ran down the sidewalk. I didn't care if my feet were soaked; I just needed to find you. The rain clouds drifted in the sky, continuing their downpour. Clenching my fists, I ran faster.

'Where did you go, Inoue?'

It's been over two hours since I found out that your brother had died. The moment I stepped through the door, my father grabbed me and asked if I had seen you. When I said that I had not, his face went grim. He told me that your brother was badly hurt and was being rushed to the hospital after leaving our clinic.

"They told me that Sora died in the emergency room. When the doctor came out to tell Orihime, they couldn't find her. An orderly said that she saw Orihime run out the front doors," my father's words echoed in my head.

Without thinking, I ran back outside to look for you. It started raining ten minutes into my journey. Why did it always rain when someone dies? I searched and searched but you were nowhere to be found. As I sharply turned a corner, I found myself standing in front of the park near my school. Something told me to go in, and I did. The voice kept telling me to keep walking. That's when I saw you. Your bright auburn hair stood out amongst the shadows of the rain.

"Inoue!" I cried out.

You sat underneath a large oak tree. I ran toward your small form, heart racing. You didn't respond to my shouts. I stopped in front of you, your arms were wrapped tightly around your legs. Your school uniform was sopping wet, same with your hair. I knelt down until my knees were buried in the mud.

"Inoue?"

"He's dead. My brother is dead," your voice was hushed and shaky.

"I know. My dad told me when I got home." I wanted to see your face.

You started crying; I hated it when anyone cried. Tears wouldn't bring him back. I reached out my hand and you suddenly clutched my arm. Your soft cries transformed into loud wails as you sobbed into my jacket. Trembling hands grasped my sleeve, as if you thought I would leave.

"I'm sorry, Inoue. I'm sorry that this happened."

That's all I could say to you. I know we drifted apart during elementary school, but I had a good reason. When my mother was killed, I felt that I couldn't protect anyone. I was afraid that I couldn't protect you. You deserve someone who can care for you, and someone isn't me. Then you met Tatsuki and everything changed. According to her, she stood up for you on your first day of middle school. Now, you're the best of friends. I wish we had that same connection. The rain continued its torrent.

"Kurosaki-kun?"

You raised your head and stared at me with those gray eyes. Those eyes reflected what was inside your heart, which was loneliness and pain. I've felt that way before, but I always had my family to help me. Now, you had no one. I wish...

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for saving me."

With that said, your eyes began to droop. I easily caught you as you drifted off to sleep. Despite the wet clothing, you felt very warm. I watched over your sleeping form for a while; you looked so peaceful. I brushed a few strands of your short hair from your pale face. Gathering you up in my arms, I thought about what you said before passing out.

'What did I save you from anyway?'

Shrugging, I adjusted you so that your head rested on my shoulders. The rain had finally stopped, letting the moon and stars shine through. I began my walk home, hugging you close. But unbeknownst to me, I didn't notice a large shard of glass in the mud, with only the moonlight as its witness.

and that's the end...but not "THE END"! there are still five chapters left (smiles)

hope you all enjoyed Chap. 2!