Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach, or any of the Bleach characters used in this fic. They all belong to Tite Kubo: the genius behind the captivating manga that started it all. I only own any of my original characters that I choose to include, as well as any of my own original plot ideas.

I Want It All For You

Prompt: If I could have one wish...

A/N: For LJ, and a challenge against St. Harridan.

"Why won't you believe me?"

Grey eyes seemed to pierce his flesh, even from such a distance. She was standing at the edge of the pond, arms folded across her chest. That was enough of an answer.

He would admit that he was wrong, just not to her. It was hard enough admitting it to himself. Besides, it wouldn't do if she got a big head and decided that she could hold this over him. Still, it didn't look like she'd give in and speak to him unless the words reached her first. And, with Rukia, not just any words would do.

"You're not sorry!" she barked, turning to take a swing at him. "You always say that, but it means nothing! What, do you think I'm stupid? That I can't tell when you're just aplologizing so I won't kick your sorry ass? Well, to hell with you!"

It was true that he'd said some things that had been overstepping the line, but he hadn't meant them at all. Like her, like all people, there were times when his anger got the better of him. It wasn't often, but, when he did lose it, he had the dreadful habit of jumping straight to the things that cut her the most. Things that she was severly sensitive about.

Shamefully, he hung his head.

"Maybe that's where you've been! Messing around behind my back! That sure as hell would explain why you're too damaged to fill our home!" Why had he said such a horrid thing? It wasn't her fault at all. There had been things in the past that had harmed her, things that had broken her, but he'd wanted her all the same. It had nothing to do with the perfect angles of her face or her large, doe eyes. He'd always been in love with her, right from the start. They'd had a bond as children, one that had surpassed anything he'd ever felt.

As she'd married him, it was certain that she had felt the same.

"Please," he whispered, now standing behind her. "I don't... I swear I didn't mean it. I just..."

She turned on him, eyes now red. "You what? Thought you'd accept damaged goods so you could feel like a hot-shot? Yes, that's very noble of you, Renji."

"That's not it at all. I just..." He glanced to the heavens, catching the tail end of a star as it fell out of sight. "I wish you'd believe me... No. I wish... you'd never been hurt that way. Not for my sake, but for yours. You suffer so much, Rukia." His hand fell on her shoulder. "I hear you cry at night, even when you think I can't. You say that it's your fault. That you were foolish to fall for such a lie. But it's not your fault. He hurt you. You hold no blame. I wish you would see that."

Her hand was in his now. "You're an idiot," she spat bitterly. "But you're right. Still, you shouldn't have said that."

"I'm sorry. Really, I am." He just wanted her to be happy. To know that nothing could tear him from her. So what if they couldn't have that perfect little family? They'd find a way to make those precious memories.

"I know you are." She turned to face him, leaning quietly against his chest. "As for your wish... I'll do my best to make it real."