~Far from Heaven~
The boy's youth was a chip in his favor. Slender to the point of near emaciation would not do, he thought, looking over his new acquisition with a frown. The boy was clothed in an overlarge shirt that hung baggily to his scabby knees, perhaps a result of the beatings he had received while in the orphanage's care. Children could be so cruel to one another.
Stark drew the collar of his woolen coat higher up, stopping in his stride to turn back to the boy who hadn't moved a muscle since passing beneath the double doors and out into the dry grassy area. "Come...Ichigo," the name rolled off easily from his tongue, even though he had only heard it an hour ago from the director. Strawberry? Weird name for a kid. Maybe I should change it.
A defiant stare challenged him, one of Stark's brows rose and haltingly the boy began moving again with slow steps crunching across the gravel in worn sneakers. "I'm sure you're wondering who I am," Stark began conversationally, shooting a quick look to see if there was response. Nothing. He fought an internal urge to sigh. Instead, continued in bright cheerful tones, "the director told me you'd gotten into a lot of fights with the other kids your age. Most likely because of the color of your hair. I've never seen such a vivid shade." he glanced in time to catch the glare of two honey-colored eyes. Obviously that's a sore subject with him, Stark thought, surprised yet not quite displeased with the reaction he had thus far engendered.
He decided to let a few moments of silence follow while they walked to the dark blue Mazda parked beneath the sole light-post in the small parking lot. The boy's feet dragged as they neared it, Stark frowned, withdrawing his keys. "Passengers side, m' boy," he instructed kindly. The boy's stare was blank, "why should I listen to you?" the voice was low, sounding as if rarely used. He wore a scowl to match the impertinence in his tone.
For not the first time that day, Stark wondered if he'd made a mistake in choosing this child to be his son. He sighed and slowly inserted the key into the lock, choosing his words carefully.
"Because...I am now your father."
~To be continued~
Disclaimer: don't own Bleach.
AN: is it going to be twisted? Oh, hohoho! Quiets down...we'll have to wait and see. ;) Thanks for reading.
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