As long as it takes Chapter one

To get back at her wealthy brother, Rukia picks up a commoner off the streets to take home. Her brother, disapproving, she makes a bet with him; stating he couldn't get this man off the streets and back on his feet within only three months. Not being one to back down, Byakuya accepts the offer, bringing the rebellious red head into his home. Little did he know what he was getting himself into.

A/N: This chapter has been REVISED.

Warning: Rated M, violence, male/male sex in later chapter, attempt at rape.
Disclaimer: I do not own Bleach, nor do I own the characters.

-X-

"No."

"What do you mean 'no'?" Rukia's eyes narrowed as she watched her brother walk past her, sitting calmly on one of the cushions next to the small calligraphy table. She breathed out threw her nose as she huffed out a small breath. "Nii-sama? What do you mean no?" She glared daggers at the back of the elder's head, as he gracefully dipped then pen into the ink and began to write onto the paper, ignoring her. She was about to open her mouth to hurl insults at the stoic man, when his mouth opened and he calmly re-stated his answer.

"No."

Rukia felt a pulsing ache in her forehead. How could he be saying no? Well, in all honesty— she should have expected this. Ichigo did tell her, oh-so-many-times, that her older brother would not approve of them getting married. She almost wondered if she should have stuck to what the orange haired man said and not even bothered asking. But she admired her step brother, loved him, cared for him. Ever since his wife died—her older sister, he had never been the same. Sure he had been quiet before, always silent, and emotionless. But Rukia could tell he was happy. Being with Hisana; he never felt the need to put his guard up, or at least, he didn't show it. Although her sister never loved him, she could tell he didn't mind, and her death hit him hard. Sighing Rukia bowed respectively and turned, exciting the large study, slowly shutting the sliding door behind her. Leaning against the wall Rukia rubbed her temples. She could always ignore her brother. She didn't have to have his permission, as the orange haired man so kindly stated—she was only a sister in law, not blood related. But no matter how many times she tried to use this excuse, she couldn't. She believed even though that was in fact the truth, that they were more than that. Not something blood type could ever reveal.

Smiling sadly to herself she walked through the long hallways of the mansion, looking outside to the lightly swaying sakura trees in the garden—she began to think quietly to herself. If only she could find someone for her brother, maybe he wouldn't be so cold-hearted. Yea, right. She could hear her fiancé laughing at her right now. No, she could do it, she could find someone. She would have to be strong, brave, smart… Someone like her sister. Even though no one could ever replace Hisana in her brother's heart—she was sure that someone could fill in that gap, be it with other things; one namely being love.

Picking up her pace, she hurried down the steps and past the maids— grabbing her handed stuff and muttering a quick 'thank you' as she made her way to the door. If she couldn't find someone to make her brother happy, she would still have to do something. She couldn't get married knowing he did not approve. But it didn't mean she would have to play fair. No, she could think of a way to make him approve. Whether he liked it or not…

-X-

"Get back here!"

No! Don't fail me legs, I need you. He panted, running down the damp alleys. Cars could be heard in the background, the faint honking of horns, the screeching as women were being mugged by men, the people after him, shouting for him to stop. He sped up, picking up his pace. His legs ached and begged for him to rest, but he couldn't. He had to get away, somewhere else, anywhere.

Turning a corner, he used his unoccupied hand to wipe some of the excess rain off his face.

"Hey shit head! We said stop!"

"Yea we ain' gonna hurt ya!"

"Much!"

Renji scowled as he ran down the steps leading to an underground tunnel, ignoring the insults some of the drunks yelled at him. The laughter and yelling started to fade and Renji grinned as he ran up the steps leading to outside. The rain poured down on him and he cursed his luck as his running slowed. Stepping outside his eyes widened at the six, over weighted men, staring back at him.

"Thought ya could out run' us, eh bitch?"

"Ya, were' gonna make yer life a livin'" a hiccup. "Hell!"

Renji glared and took a step back, only to bump into another's belly. He must not have been paying attention, but now he was surrounded. Shit.

"What do you want with me?" His words were hoarse and shaky, he cursed himself for it. He couldn't let them win, but he was just too weak. He couldn't run. His legs ached to drop, and that's just what he did, fell onto his knees into the mud as the rain poured down on him, soaking his hair, and fraying the already messy braid that was held together by a cheap elastic.

"Nothin' much, since you aint a looker like the last one."

"Yea, and that bitch was pretty loud."

"Yea, even with the gag."

Renji's eyes widened as he contemplated what these brutes were saying. Last one…Bitch…Gag? Renji looked up to be met with an ugly face pressed against his, now vaguely aware of what exactly these men were after.

"I don' know, this one's kind of cute!" The man laughed as he yanked Renji's hair back by the braid, inspecting him more.

He winced as the rough hand in his hair tightened only to loosen slightly before throwing his head forward— making it so that his face smashed into the muddied pavement. He screamed as his nose snapped and leaned back quickly. His hands went to reach for his nose as tears rose to his eyes but they were restrained behind him, with something that felt like leather.

"Shit, this one's louder than the last one!"

"Don' worry, he'll shut up soon enough!" They laughed loudly and Renji cringed.

Blood trickled down his nose as he felt someone lift him roughly by the hair. He stood on shaky legs as the man in front inspected him, giving a few nods and weary glances. Renji cringed when the man's hand went to his belt and he spit in the guys face; and with the little effort he had—lifted his foot to kick him in the gut.

The man toppled backwards and fell to the ground with a dull thud. Taking that as his silent cue, he ran. Ducking beneath some of the punches as best as he could with his hands restrained, he moved forwards, nearing the train station. He panted heavily, as his lungs threatened to burst. He couldn't hold out much longer. If only I can get to the train. His hope was shattered as he tripped, falling face first into the pavement. "Ahh!" Struggling to get up so that he could continue moving forward, the red head's teeth grit as something—no, someone grabbed him from behind.

"Got him!" One of the taller men grabbed him by his ankle pulling him back until they reached a bench.

"Now shut up and be a good little bitch!"

Renji struggled to get free but was picked up and thrown brutally against the bench. He let out a strangled scream and was kicked in the face. He couldn't help it anymore. Tears streamed down his face as he tried to call for help. His voice wouldn't work and his sobs only got louder. He could feel the men tearing off his clothes and yanking at his hair. Bruising his body, and handling him with brute force. He clenched his eyes shut as his pants and undergarments were pulled down to his knees. He felt something big and wet rub against his entrance and his eyes snapped open. No…please…don't… "Please…"

"Oh look our bitch is begging!"

"Seems he still has some fight in him!"

"Nah, he jus' wants some!"

"Don' worry bitch, we'll all have a turn!"

Renji's heart was erratic, as big meaty hands slid up his thighs and one grasped roughly at his member. He gasped. "N-No…Please!" For a plea his voice was extremely low as the tears dripped off his nose and landed softly on the bench. His voice was growing weaker by the second, as were his attempts at getting away. He felt—what could only be the man's cock press against his buttocks, trying to gain entrance. He clenched as much as he could but it was no use. Big hands grasped at his cheeks, and spread them as they pushed forward.

"HYA!"

The man was suddenly off of him and Renji let out a thankful sob. He kept his eyes clenched tightly as he could hear the fighting going on around him. It sounded like a girl, the scream. But it couldn't be. No girl could take on three big men on their own. He tensed as he heard bones cracking and screams being ripped out of some of the men, and then it was quiet. He wanted to open his eyes to get a better look, but for some reason—he kept them shut for a moment longer. Almost as if he were afraid to see which side had one…

Soft hands dragged up his pants and turned him over, buckling him back up. They helped him to sit up and lean his face against the head of the bench as the warm hands continued to untie the knot at his wrists. He let out a breath as they broke away and someone rested on the bench beside him. He couldn't help but let out a silent as the warm hands reached for him and brought him to lean against a chest as they stroked his mud-stained hair.

"Shh…its ok, they're not going to hurt you now."

Renji shivered as he opened his eyes and blinked up at his saviour. A small girl sat in front of him, her smile warm, and her eyes big and gray. His eyes searched her face and he sat up straighter only to wince in pain. She caught him as he fell forward and rested his face against her shoulder once more.

"It's ok; you're going to be alright. I'm going to call the—"

"No." He choked out. He was certain that he already guessed who the female was referring to.

"Huh."

"Please. Don't call the police…" He opened his eyes and looked up at her pleading, however for considering how weak he was—his voice was quite stern.

"Why not! You almost got raped baka! You look like a mess! You probably haven't eaten for days! You—"

The girl went on and on and Renji blinked, his jaw slacking as the girl started to rant.

"Baka are you listening to me?"

He chuckled softly, but it hurt his side and he groaned. "N-Not really."

She sighed and sat up straighter. "Fine. I'm Rukia Kuchiki, it's a pleasure to meet you."

Renji nodded and gave her a half smile. "Renji Abarai."

She smiled brightly at him and opened her phone. He quickly placed a hand over the send button and she looked up at him confused.

"Don't—"

"It's alright, idiot. I'm calling a friend. You obviously don't want the police so I'll take you somewhere else."

"No hospitals…?"

"No hospital. Although, you look like you could use one….And a bath."

"Gee, thanks."

The girl giggled and she pressed the phone to her ear. "Hey Ichigo? Yea, it's me. No I'm fine. Yea. I need you to come to the north train station….Don't worry about it baka, I'll tell you when you get here!" The girl huffed as she shut her phone.

"You know…"

"Hm?"

"You say baka a lot…"

The girl stared at him for a moment before she laughed and Renji couldn't help but smile at the sound. It had been a while since he actually talked to anyone or anyone that actually wanted to speak with him, that is.

When she settled town and wiped away a stray tear she smiled at him. "Can you stand?"

Renji tried to move but his back cramped and he let out a pained gasp.

She quickly stood and pressed at his chest to sit him back down on the hard bench. "Hm, I thought so…"

He watched as the girl rested a hand under her chin and she sighed. "A friend of mine is coming to help me. We're going to bring you to my brothers to get you all cleaned up. You can stay the night if you wish, and I highly recommend you take me up on that offer."

"Will I be allowed?"

The girl smiled deviously and he shifted uncomfortably on the bench. "Nii-sama won't have a choice whether he likes it or not."

Renji gulped and peered over the girls shoulder as the train skidded to a stop. Watching as she followed his line of vision and threw her hands up in the air—he heard her shout:

"Finally! What took you so long, you moron?"

Renji watched as an orange haired man, who looked into his early twenties came sprinting towards them. He skidded to a stop by the girl's side as he spotted the red head, and placed an arm over her shoulder protectively.

"Why, what's wrong? Did this guy do something to you?" The orange haired boy took a step forward only to be smacked in the back of the head by the female.

"No you moron! He was almost raped! I need you to help me take him over to Nii-sama's!"

"Byakuya? Are you sure he'll let you?" The man gave an incredulous look, before glancing at the man on the bench—out of the corner of his eye.

"Ichigo, he may not like you but that doesn't mean he hates me!"

He heard Ichigo mutter a 'yea yea' under his breath that earned him another smack and he sighed.

"Wow, you look like shit."

After he had realized the comment was directed at him, Renji snorted. "Thanks."

"Sorry." Ichigo walked forward and bent slightly in front of him. "Tell me if I'm hurting you." Renji nodded as Ichigo grabbed his arms gently and wrapped them around his neck. Slowly he picked Renji up bridal-style into his arms and shifted him slightly.

Renji sucked in a breath. "Ah...Shit…" He panted as his leg rubbed against the orange hair's stomach.

"Sorry."

"Ah…it's ok…Everything hurts anyways."

Ichigo gave him a half smile and turned to the raven haired girl. "Ready to go?"

Giving the two another glance as the man had spoken to her—Rukia glanced at the red heads face. Seeing the man's pained expression, for some reason flooded images into her mind—giving her a couple of ideas. "Yeah..."

-X-

"What?" Byakuya set his pen down as he looked over his shoulder at his sister, turning slightly.

"I said; I brought someone in who needed help. He's poor and—"

"No." He stated and turned back to his work, picking up the next page and re inking-his pen.

Rukia fumed. He was doing it again! This man was as cold as ice! What did her sister ever see in this man, she'd never know. Then an idea hit her—the same ideas involving the images she had seen not too long ago. This man needed help, and she would give it to him, this 'Renji'. In return he would be helping her. Yes, it would work, she knew it would.

"Nii-sama?"

"Hm?" He hummed not even turning to face her.

She kept her anger down and shook her head, trying again. "Nii-sama. Are you saying that you can't help this man?"

She watched as he turned slightly, peering over his shoulder at her—a confused look graced his features which showed her that he was interested.

"I mean, how about this…You don't want me marrying Ichigo, help this man."

Byakuya turned at her fully and watched as she smiled. Setting down his brush, he eyed her questionably. "And…?"

"If you can't get this man off his feet, clean, an apartment or house and a steady paying job in let's say…three months? Then I get to marry Ichigo, with or without your permission."

"And if I succeed?"

Got 'cha! She internally grinned and applauded herself for her intelligence and—brilliant idea."If you succeed, Nii-sama, I will continue to work under your roof or whatever you please."

"And Kurosaki?"

"Out of your sight for good." She knew it was a risky step she was taking, but the man she brought with her was hopeless. He wouldn't want help—he was probably one of those 'men do everything for themselves' type. That, and the whole way here on the train, the man had been complaining how it would only be one night, and he would leave first thing in the morning. But if she knew her stubborn step brother—which she did quite well—he would not back down to the challenge; only pissing the man off more, thus being her victory.

"Fine. Show me to this commoner."

"He is already waiting upstairs for conformation in the thirteenth guest room." Rukia bowed her head, smiling to herself.

"Good." He nodded and stood, carefully placing his pen in the appropriate holder and walking towards her. "You may leave; I will see to it that he is well taken care of."

"Yes Nii-sama." She bowed once more, turning to leave. "His name, by the way." She stopped at the door for a moment as she spoke—looking over her shoulder to meet her brother's grey irises.

"Hm?"

"Abarai Renji."

"Arigato."

Rukia nodded and left, walking swiftly down the hallways to her lover. Ichigo sat smiling at her and waved as she walked closer. This is going to be good. She thought. He probably won't even last the night. With that, she laughed softly to herself, earning a confused glance from her boyfriend as they walked out into the cold night. Yes, Nii-sama. How long will you last?

-X-

To be continued.