A/N: Hello, and welcome to Part Two of Fight Number Two! Err, I mean, chapter ten! …Yeah, okay, I'm just gonna stop now. So go on – read!

Disclaimer: Bleach – Tite Kubo. OCs you haven't seen in a while – me. Any questions?

Second Chance

Chapter Ten: In the Wake of Devastation I

So much had happened so quickly that, as Orihime stood before a healing Soi Fon, watching as Ichigo and Renji battled against the man who had identified himself as their enemy's leader, she wondered if it wasn't just a nightmare.

One minute she had been talking with Ichigo in his borrowed room, and her heart had been beating so rapidly because it seemed like he was thinking about kissing her and she couldn't believe how badly she wanted him to.

And then everything had become a jumble of explosions, screams, and clashing swords.

By the time the battle within the barracks of Squad Four seemed to be wrapping up they received word that Soi Fon was in desperate need of backup.

Now here they were, with over half of the Stealth Force scattered along the ground, healing beneath Orihime's bankai. Ichigo and Renji were all that stood, now, between the enemy and their goal of rescuing their imprisoned comrades.

Supposedly there was a small contingent of skilled fighters waiting to intercept the intruders before they reached the prison, but so far nothing the Stealth Force had thrown at them had worked, and Orihime didn't want to assume that their final backup plan would be the exception.

She had thought that the attacks on her own barracks had been horrible, and disturbingly well-organized, but after coming to Squad Two, Orihime had come to realize that she had not been their priority. And everything they had done to her they had done several times over to the others.

Squad Two had some major reconstruction ahead of them, the likes of which would take months – at least – to complete.

Soi Fon had since rejoined the fight, though being forced to settle for a different opponent, when a surge of power sent both Renji and Ichigo flying. Both men crashed into the ground, and Renji's zanpakutou released a frighteningly defeated cry before collapsing around his prone form.

For a moment, Orihime was frozen in terror. She forgot how to breathe as she watched Ichigo slam violently into the hard ground. Something cold and painful suddenly had a tight grip of her heart.

And then she sucked in a gasping breath before his name tore from her lips and she was running forward. Two more manifestations of her Souten Kisshun shot ahead of her, but it didn't take Orihime much longer to reach Ichigo's side.

He was groaning as he struggled to push himself to his feet, and it was a minute before he realized that she was there, kneeling in front of him. He looked up, then, meeting her gaze as best he could through the blood that was still dripping over his eyes. I probably look like shit, he realized fleetingly. Unfortunately, he knew it couldn't be helped.

"Ichigo," Orihime gasped, her eyes brimming with unshed tears as her free hand curled over the dome that separated them.

He attempted a laugh, which came out as a half-choke, and smirked. "Don't give me that look," he said. His humor died as he remembered that his friend had also been hit with the attack that had knocked him out of the sky, and he asked, "Where's Renji?"

Orihime's eyes moved briefly to the side, several yards over, where another golden dome was visible. "He's unconscious," she said, "but he'll be alright."

"Good," Ichigo replied, shifting his weight before he realized that he couldn't stand with the dome over him. Her eyes were already back on him when he looked to her again and added, "You have to let me out, Orihime."

"Not until you're healed," Orihime said firmly.

Ichigo closed his eyes for a moment, hoping to find the words to properly articulate his thoughts. When he opened his eyes again he held her gaze and said, "Orihime, I'm the only one who can stop him right now. I have to fight him."

"And what if it kills you?" Orihime asked, her voice cracking as her eyes pleaded with him. She couldn't explain it, because it really didn't make a lot of sense, but the very idea brought a pain to her heart like she had never felt before.

"It won't," Ichigo promised. He hated himself for the pain he could see in her eyes, but they didn't have the luxury to handle this differently. He would have to apologize to her later.

Orihime opened her mouth to respond, but she cut herself off when the man Ichigo and Renji had been fighting landed on the other side of her Souten Kisshun.

"You must be Captain Inoue," he stated, his tone implying only passing interest.

Orihime pushed to her feet, her right hand clenching tightly to the hilt of her zanpakutou. "I didn't catch your name," she replied.

"My apologies," he said. "You can simply call me Shiota."

"Why are you doing all of this?" Orihime asked, doing her best to ignore Ichigo as he shifted again beneath the dome. She knew he was eager to return to the fight, but she didn't want to let him out until he was healed. His injuries were worse than he was letting on, but if she could stall their enemy for even ten minutes he would be in a better condition to fight.

"Oh, I think you know the answer to that already," Shiota replied. "And, as interesting as it would be to continue this conversation, I'm well aware of what you're trying to do. And since my ultimate intent is to kill as many Soul Reapers as possible, you'll understand why adding you to the list won't give me any pause."

Orihime narrowed her eyes in a challenge. "Then attack me. You already sent several of your men to do that, didn't you?"

Shiota lifted an eyebrow at her curiously. "You're attempting to goad me into attacking you recklessly, aren't you? You think I would assume that the only thing your bankai does is exponentially increase your healing capabilities?"

"Whatever you assume is not my doing," Orihime returned. "I just can't stand it when someone talks about attacking, but never follows through."

"I have to admit," Shiota said, "that attitude seems contradictory to the description I'd heard of you."

"Then I suppose your information isn't as flawless as you thought," Orihime replied.

"Perhaps not," Shiota allowed with a faint shrug. "It really doesn't matter at this point, because this conversation is over."

"Then make your move," Orihime said. "I won't stop healing my friends until they're better, unless you manage to defeat me."

"I suppose that's fair," Shiota acknowledged. He held his hand out, then, and an energy not unlike lightning built up his arm and shot forth, toward Orihime.

Orihime held her ground, watching the attack silently. Her Shiten Koushun would repel it; she was more interested in what he would do next.

Ichigo locked his jaw tight as he watched the attack arch toward her. He knew her shield would protect her, and there was nothing he could do while he was stuck inside her healing dome, but he hated having to just sit back and watch as she was attacked.

The energy connected with her previously-invisible shield, and for a long moment the power built but did not reverse. Everyone watched with bated breath until the power was flung backwards, but as the power shot away, the shield surrounding Orihime flared again and shattered.

Orihime's eyes widened as her shield shattered around her. She wouldn't be able to call it back – not as it had been – without completely dropping and then re-releasing her bankai. And even if she had the time for that, at this point she simply didn't believe she had the energy for a maneuver that big.

Shiota smirked and leapt into the air, dodging the redirected attack, and as he landed again he held his arm forth once more. This time, when the energy gathered, it held in his palm and curved together until it formed the shape of a sword. "Now, then," he said, "let's see what else you've got."

He surged forward, energy weapon in hand and a violent glint in his eyes.

"Orihime!" Ichigo cried as true fear slammed into him. He didn't want to see what would happen if the attack connected, and he didn't think he could handle seeing her get hurt.

Orihime ran through her options instantly. She could block his weapon with her own, but if her shield had been destroyed by his power before, then her blade – which was currently comprised of the same energy – would surely shatter as well. And if her blade shattered, her bankai would fall, and everyone she was healing would be left as they were. Not everyone would survive.

However, if she released Ichigo before he was finished healing, she knew he could stop Shiota's attack. Ichigo's zanpakutou was solid, not made of energy the way hers currently was. And the look in his eyes – not to mention the tone of his voice – told her he would prefer to take the attack himself anyway.

So, with guilt heavy in her heart, she pulled back the Souten Kisshun that had encompassed him. At least he had had a few minutes to heal.

Ichigo moved forward immediately, managing (though barely) to block the attack. Fueled by his re-ignited rage, Ichigo dug his heels into the ground to keep himself from being pushed into Orihime and swung his arms forward. Tensa Zangetsu slid down the length of the energy-blade until Shiota's fingers were a hair's breadth away before he finally pulled back, leaping away from Ichigo and Orihime.

"Interesting choice," Shiota commented as he landed easily several paces away. "So you'd rather risk the life of someone else's Lieutenant than your own. I suppose you're no better than Kurotsuchi – sacrificing your subordinates for your own personal gain."

Orihime sucked in a sharp breath as she fought to contain her tears. She felt horrible for not being strong enough to fight – and for subsequently forcing Ichigo to battle a dangerous opponent when he was already injured. Is he right? Is that what I did?

She hated to think it – she had never considered herself so selfish – but maybe Shiota was right. Surely she could have found another option – one that kept Ichigo safe, and kept her from losing her bankai.

An audible growl rumbled up from Ichigo's chest when he heard her gasp. He knew she was letting Shiota's taunting words linger too long in her head.

Focusing his glare on the enemy, he snarled, "You fucking bastard! The only one who goes around sacrificing their subordinates is you!" Ichigo leapt forward, then, and swung his sword as the getsuga began building around his hands. "Getsuga Tenshou!"

Shiota stepped backwards and braced himself, prepared to reengage the battle between himself and Ichigo.

Orihime pulled her lip between her teeth for a long minute as she watched Ichigo resume his fight. She really wanted to stay where she was, watching, waiting for the battle to end so that she could heal his wounds as soon as possible. But she knew she had other responsibilities. She had lost track of the other fights that were going on around them, and she sensed that Renji was beginning to wake up.

"Go," Ichigo called as he blocked another swing of Shiota's weapon. It was clear, though his eyes remained focused on his opponent, that his words were for her. "Take care of the others. I'll be here when you're done."

Orihime nodded, releasing a long breath, and said, "Alright." She turned without another word and flash-stepped to Renji.

What seemed (at least to Orihime) like days later the Captains and Lieutenants were all gathered in the battle-torn main courtyard of Squad One. The usual Meeting Hall – along with many other buildings – had not survived the fighting, and so they had had to regroup somewhere they could all fit semi-comfortably.

It had been several hours since the first Ryouka had been spotted, and the sun had long since set.

They had taken inventory of what they could and, as expected, structural damage was high. Unfortunately, casualties were still higher. Neither Orihime nor Unohana had been able to save everyone.

Ichigo had managed to defeat Shiota, though the fight had not been easy. Shiota – unconscious and in bad need of medical attention – had been taken into custody the moment his body had landed on the torn earth. Central 46 was now in complete control of his fate – along with those of his surviving comrades.

Ichigo had landed carefully, almost immediately hitting his knees as the pain of his injuries finally settled in. But Orihime had been there, kneeling before him, before he'd even been able to lift his head to look for her.

Neither had spoken a single word as she began healing him, their eyes locked.

It was shortly after his healing was complete that they received word that the other battles were wrapping up as well. And now they were gathered together, comparing notes for the report that Unohana would submit first thing in the morning.

When they were done, and several minutes after the group had fallen silent, Unohana quietly dismissed them. They walked out of Squad One's barracks in a large group, but after descending the final step, several of their colleagues made quiet exits.

Orihime began walking back to her barracks on autopilot, not even thinking about the devastation that would soon be before her. Hanatarou trailed after her quietly, his eyes downcast. Ichigo reclaimed his position at her side without a second thought, scowling darkly into the night as he wondered what she would do next.

Juushirou bid a quiet goodnight to Shunsui, Nanao, Renji, and Rukia before he trailed after the trio. He was morbidly curious to see how Fourth had fared, but, more so, he wasn't entirely sure what his Lieutenant was going to do. So for the moment he was content to follow quietly.

None of them spoke as they walked, passing numerous Soul Reapers along the way who merely paused to bow before continuing on. No one was in the mood for small-talk.

It wasn't until they were standing at the top of the stairs, facing the front of the barracks and the main courtyard, that Orihime stopped. Somehow it all looked worse under the half-moon light.

As she took in the sight of the destruction one hand lifted in a subconscious gesture and clamped tight over her lips. All of the sadness and fear that had tried to claim her earlier returned in force and Orihime could feel the tears burning behind her eyes. She didn't even realize she had made a choked sound until Hanatarou – standing beside her – finally broke the silence.

Voice soft and hesitant, but obviously trying to be helpful, Hanatarou said, "We don't have to start working on this until tomorrow…."

"Were anyone's personal quarters destroyed?" Orihime asked, her voice muffled by the hand still clamped over her lips.

"O-only yours, Captain," Hanatarou replied sadly.

A single tear escaped as she dragged in a breath and her hand clenched into a tight fist before returning to her side. "That's good," she said.

"Orihime," Juushirou said gently, letting one hand land lightly on her nearest shoulder. When she turned her head to look at him he added, "If your home was lost, why don't you come back with me? We've got plenty of rooms, you could stay the night as our guest. You'll be able to think much more clearly if you get a good night's rest."

"…I couldn't," Orihime replied, looking away.

"Sure you could," Ichigo insisted. He met her gaze solidly when she looked over at him and added, "You can't sleep in your office, and the squad will be fine without you for one night."

"Ichigo's right!" Hanatarou piped up quickly. "I'll still be here, so if anything does go wrong, I can handle it – or at least contact you. You deserve to get some rest, Captain, you've worked really hard today!"

Orihime glanced at her Lieutenant before looking back to Juushirou, who smiled and nodded, and then her gaze returned to Ichigo. He was right, of course – she really couldn't sleep in her office. "I…are you sure?"

"Of course," Juushirou assured her, though she wasn't looking at him.

"C'mon, let's go," Ichigo said, reaching out and grabbing her hand before he turned and began leading the way down the stairs. Over his shoulder he called, "Thanks, Hanatarou!"

"Oh, um, anytime!" Hanatarou called back, before bowing to the three retreating backs and adding, "Good night!"

"Good night, Hanatarou," Juushirou returned, pausing and looking over his shoulder to smile kindly at him.

Juushirou, it turned out, kept some of his nicer rooms open for guests, and so he gave one of them to Orihime. Being that it was the nicest of his guest rooms it was literally just across the hall from Ichigo's own quarters.

After they had shown it to her, Orihime had smiled gratefully and excused herself, claiming that she was tired. And that much had been true – it had been a long time since she had used her bankai, and never had she used it in a situation quite like the one they'd been in that day. But, despite her exhaustion, she knew it would be a while before she actually slept.

What she really needed was a good cry.

With that thought in mind, she let herself slump into the comfortable sofa, her head falling back to stare at the ceiling. Her breathing was something less than stable, and her eyes were beginning to burn, but before the tears could fall she realized that something was missing. Not in a literal sense, of course, but more that (if she were being honest with herself) she just really did not want to be alone.

That's a natural reaction, she told herself even as an image of Ichigo flashed across her mind's eye. She squeezed her eyes shut and dragged in another deep breath. I can't. I can't go to him – it wouldn't be very fair, for one thing – and I can't feel like this…I'm not supposed to. Whatever that was earlier, I was just imagining things. …Was that only earlier today? It's all such a blur now….

Her hand tingled and she squeezed her fist tightly as if she could actually capture the feeling. He had held her hand the entire way to Squad Thirteen, releasing it only when Sentarou came up to greet them. Her hand had fit so nicely in his larger one, and his grip had been so strong and yet strangely gentle – she wished she could somehow wrap that feeling around her entire body.

"If you need anything," Ichigo had said before she'd slipped into her borrowed room, "I'm right across the hall, okay?"

The words washed over her again, and again she told herself not to go. She knew all of the reasons why it could be such a bad idea, but she couldn't remember ever feeling so alone.

Before she'd come to Soul Society she, like so many others, had been a part of a larger 'family,' and she'd made fast friends in the Academy. And, of course, since then she had made many friends she knew she would never lose. But none of them were here now, and no matter what she told herself, she found she just couldn't get over the feeling of loneliness.

It was that feeling, that helpless sensation, that pushed her to her feet and had her quickly crossing to the door. She slid it open, stepped through, and slid it shut again quietly.

Ichigo's forehead was pressed against a wall, one fist curled above his hair and the other at his side, when the faintest of knocks sounded at his door. He knew it was her before he'd even pushed away from the wall, and he crossed the large sitting room quickly.

But he was utterly unprepared for the sadness in her eyes when she looked up at him almost guiltily.

"I'm sorry," she murmured. "I just…you said…and, if it's okay, can I-?"

Ichigo stepped to the side and gestured for her to enter as he said, "Of course it's okay; come in."

He said nothing more as she nodded and slipped inside, watching her carefully as he closed and reflexively re-secured the door. When that was done he opened his mouth to ask what she needed – or what he could do – but she beat him to it.

With a ragged sniffle Orihime looked at him for a long moment, clearly wanting to say something, before she made a strange, almost gurgling, sound and moved toward him. Her hands fisted in his shihakushou as her forehead found a resting place on his shoulder, and immediately her body began to shake as the tears finally poured free.

For a moment Ichigo just stared at the auburn hair (which was still somehow mostly contained in her usual bun) that was suddenly in front of his face. And then his senses returned to him and he brought his arms up, wrapping them around her shaking shoulders and holding her tightly. He hated that she was so upset, even if he understood why, but he was glad she felt comfortable enough to come to him for support.

Orihime gasped as she attempted to regulate her breathing, her tears still streaming down her cheeks and her hands still fisted tightly in his robes. She had been right – the feeling of having his arms wrapped tightly around her was incredibly reassuring, and incredibly comforting. Unfortunately, at the moment, it seemed to only be encouraging more of her tears to fall.

Ichigo took a deep breath and lowered his head enough to rest his temple against hers, hoping to help her feel better. She was practically heaving against him as she cried, and he wished he could take all of her pain away. Or at least kill it.

It was several minutes before Orihime's tears finally subsided and she was able to pull in deep, shaky breaths. And then she felt incredibly guilty for breaking down on him like she had, so the first words out of her mouth were, "I-I'm sorry."

Ichigo scowled, though she couldn't see it, and said, "You don't need to apologize. Are you feeling better?"

"Yes," Orihime replied softly, managing to faintly nod her head without actually lifting it. She dragged in another deep breath before carefully pulling back and offering him a teary, but grateful, smile. "Thank you."

This time his lips curved upwards before he replied, "You're welcome." He paused and held his hand out in offering before adding, "Come on, why don't we sit down?"

Orihime nodded and silently placed her palm over his. She allowed him to guide her to the couch, and watched as he sat before tugging her gently onto the seat beside him.

When she was sitting, still looking upset (though much less so), he asked, "Do you want some tea? Or something to eat?"

"Oh, no," Orihime insisted. "It's so late, I couldn't-" Her stomach interrupted her, seeming to have heard the mention of food and reminding her that she hadn't eaten anything in several hours. She looked back up at him and smiled sheepishly, saying, "Well, alright, maybe some tea…."

Ichigo nodded, grinning, and pushed to his feet. "Stay here, I'll bring it out to you."

Orihime obeyed quietly, allowing herself to look around as he disappeared into the kitchen.

His home was structured much like the quarters she'd been given for the night, which didn't surprise her at all. And though his decorations weren't loud, and nothing about the space was cluttered, it was still very much Ichigo. It was in stark contrast to the space he'd been living in within her own barracks.

Of course, she reminded herself. That was a temporary situation. Her throat tightened again when she realized the truth of her thought. It had been a temporary situation – and now it was over. He had done what he'd set out to do; he'd protected her, and now he was free to go home. Or, as it were, to stay home. He could return to his own duties, his normal life, and not have to worry about her.

She would see him when she came to check on Juushirou, or visit one or both of them, and perhaps he would come to visit sometimes, too. She would probably see him in passing from time to time, as she always had; and she would probably see him sometimes when she went out with Rukia and Renji. Maybe, occasionally, they would deliberately spend time together – like friends do.

Her eyes fell shut as she fought back another round of tears. It was always so hard to stop them once she let the first few fall.

"Here," Ichigo called to her gently. When she opened her eyes, flushing faintly, she saw he was holding out a cup of steaming tea and a sandwich on a small plate.

Eyes flicking up to his, she started, "Ichigo-"

"I know you're hungry, even if you won't ask," Ichigo replied. "I already made it, so there's no use feeling guilty. And, yes, I made one for me, too."

Orihime couldn't help but laugh faintly as she accepted his offerings. He'd already figured her out. "Thank you," she said again. She really was hungry.

Ichigo chuckled faintly and disappeared into the kitchen again, but this time only long enough to grab his own tea and sandwich. He returned and resettled at her side quietly, watching her eat out of the corner of his eyes.

She still looked sad, and he could admit that it bothered him. He just wished he knew how to make her feel better. But he'd never been the kind of guy who knew just the right thing to say, or do, to make anyone feel better. Let alone the woman I….

His thoughts trailed and his eyes went wide. He knew he cared about her, it was true, but did he really feel that strongly for her?

One more glance at the woman sitting beside him – eyes closed as she inhaled the sweet scent of her tea – gave him his answer.

Yes, he really did. He was completely in love with Orihime Inoue.

To Be Continued…

A/N: And, just like that, chapter ten is done! But don't hate me – the story is not! So, if you don't mind, maybe you could drop me a review while you wait for the next one?