A/N: Hey, everyone! Been a while, eh? Sorry that it took so long to update this. I lost my HichiIchi muse for a bit. That's probably why this lacks moments between the two. Sorry about that. But, in this chapter, it introduces you to some new people and gives you a bit of insight ;D Remember the poem I wrote that was in the prologue? That's referenced.

Also, before I wrote this chapter, I began making backgrounds and random facts about the characters. I will put them at the end of end chapter as they are revealed. I'm only putting certain facts about them, though. Can't have you knowing everything!

Those will be at the end of each chapter.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Bleach and its characters belongs to Tite Kubo.

Warnings: None in this chapter.

Chapter 6: Paradise Lost

"So watch my chest heave as this last breath leaves me.

I am trying to be what you're dying to see!"

Hollywood Undead

Shirosaki pouted as a loud, deep growl sounded from his stomach. After watching the cooks, Yumichika and Kirio, cook the delicious food, he couldn't help himself from becoming hungry. The worst part was that it was all for Ichigo's evening dinner.

Of course, being stubborn, he hadn't eaten anything since he'd lost his memory. Orihime had explained to him, prior to this moment that he was supposed to stay in his master's room after his awakening and eat his meal then.

It was his mistake, really, though it pained him immensely to admit it.

"Ya hungry, Shirosaki?" One of the servants, Renji, asked him as he carried a dish to place on the huge dining table.

The human scoffed. "'Course not." However, he stomach betrayed him, letting out a loud rumble. There was a broad moment of silence between the two before the tattooed male burst into laughter.

"Ahahahaha!" he laughed. "I don't think yer stomach agrees." The redhead then bent down and placed the dish of food in Shirosaki's hands. "Here, eat that. I'll get one of the maids to prepare another plate in replacement."

The albino scowled, not liking to accept favors, but he nodded nonetheless and uttered out his thanks. Renji simply grinned and headed back into the kitchen. Shirosaki turned to face the fancy table, peering at the delicious food on the plate. It was piled with mashed potatoes, snap peas, and a big juicy steak. His mouth watered at the sight, and without a second thought, he grabbed a nearby fork and knife and dug in. Luckily, he wasn't bothered by the passing servants as they bustled about setting the dinner. He'd tried to help them earlier, but they had explained to him that his duty was to wait and serve Ichigo during the dinner.

Oh, how he was looking forward to that.

A huge, deep breath exhaled as Shirosaki finished devouring the dish, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. A maid quickly snatched his used utensils and plated just as he finished, whisking it into the kitchen to be clean. They really worked on their A game it seemed.

With a huff, he stood, dusting off his trousers. And all of the servants continued to set all of the plates, silverware, and decorations onto the long table, making sure not a single thing wasn't sparkling. It was then that Renji flipped open a pocket watch, announcing that the masters should arrive at any moment. The servants then began to bustle out of the room, leaving only the few in charge of serving the Kurosaki's and Kuchiki's left: Ulquiorra, Renji, Orihime, and Shirosaki.

"Alrighty," Renji shoved his hands in his pockets. "Ichigo and Kurosaki-Sama will be here in a few moments. Shirosaki and Ulquiorra," he acknowledged the two, "you two will greet them. Orihime and I will wait for Kuchiki-Sama and, uh, R-Rukia-Sama," the servant flushed red, "to arrive."

No one seemed to take notice at his stuttering of the girl's name. Shirosaki had the feeling that Orihime already knew. He'd ask her later. The orangette waved to Shirosaki and Ulquiorra with a smile and followed Renji to the front corridors.

It wasn't even a minute before those same doors opened to reveal Ichigo and an older man with dark hair and a beard in the works. Shirosaki stood idly picking at split ends in his hair before Ulquiorra suddenly shoved his head down to bow and mumbled, "Welcome, Kurosaki-Sama,"

The albino grunted in distaste before uttering the same words, bending back up and rubbing his neck. The dark eyes of the older man, who he assumed to be Ichigo's father, judged him and the pallid male coughed before remembering what he'd gone over with Renji. "Right this way, masters," he said, gritting his teeth at the snort that escaped Ichigo. Ulquiorra ushered the orangette's father, while Shirosaki escorted his own master to his seat, "accidently" poking the vampire in his side as he did so.

"Oh, Shirosaki, this is my old man," Ichigo introduced while rubbing his rib cage. "Dad, this is my, uh, servant that we bought yesterday."

Ichigo's father looked at the pale human in scrutiny, analyzing him for a moment before suddenly throwing an expensive porcelain plate in the albino's direction quicker than the normal eye could see. Shirosaki merely grinned, expecting that move and catching the plate with ease.

"D-Dad?!" Ichigo questioned, not expecting his father to try and harm his servant.

The man bellowed with laughter. "Ah! My son, I was only testing his reflexes! Can't have the fruit of my loins in danger, now can we?" The dark-haired vampire reached over to shake Shirosaki's hand while Ichigo merely scowled at his crazy father's antics. "Nice to meet you, Shirosaki. I am Ichigo's father, Kurosaki Isshin. You may call me whatever you'd like."

Shirosaki shrugged and shook the man's hand. "Isshin-Sama, it is."

Isshin grinned before sitting back down with folded arms. "Now, Ichigo, I expect you to be charming with Rukia-Chan. Woo her with the Kurosaki charm!"

The orangette grimaced. "Yeah, okay, old man."

Shirosaki stood, chuckling at Ichigo's embarrassment. Oh, the hilarity. He got a kick out of Ichigo's dad that was for sure. He'd have to pester his master about this later.

It was then that the great doors opened for a second time, revealing Orihime and Renji, and two oher humanoid beings. One was a man with black hair that was straight and hung down to just past his shoulders. He seemed perfectly refined with poise and elegance, and was dressed in a formal white suit and lavender tie. The other person was a petite female, also dressed to the occasion in a violet, intricate gown. Her hair was the same shade as the other newcomer and was pinned to the back of her head in a decorated head piece.

The two servants escorted the noble-like people to the table, sitting the woman next to Ichigo and the man next to Isshin. Ulquiorra bowed and so did Shirosaki, reluctantly. These two were vampires; he was sure. Why else would they be treated the same as Ichigo and Isshin?

"Welcome, Byakuya, Rukia," Isshin greeted with a smile. Byakuya, the man, merely nodded and Rukia smiled in reply.

"Uh, hey, Rukia," Ichigo murmured. Shirosaki raised a brow. Wasn't Ichigo in love with this girl? If so, why did he seem so disinterested?

Ulquiorra then went around with a glass of red wine, filling each of the vampire's glasses with the alcohol.

"Well, Ichigo, Rukia, when would you two like to have the wedding?" Isshin asked the "couple" as Ulquiorra filled his glass.

"Never," the two teens answered, sipping their own drinks.

"Rukia would like to have the wedding on the 5th of January," Byakuya murmured, giving a glare in Rukia's direction. The female gave an "hmph", looking off to the side—off to Renji's direction.

"Ah, yes. Masaki and I had our wedding in the winter as well. That sounds delightful. Ichigo and I would love that date," Isshin replied.

Ichigo gritted his teeth. This was how it always was. Both of their parents answering for them, since obviously neither of them were interested. The vampire even knew of Renji and Rukia's secret love, after finding them in a lip-lock one day. It never bothered him; in fact, he encouraged the forbidden love. He only thought of her as his friend anyways.

The four vampires continued eating and discussing the matters of the traditional wedding. They even conversed about the colors; Isshin obviously choosing the Kurosaki colors of red and black. Byakuya seemed to dislike the idea, but voiced no complaint. It was towards the end of the dinner that the spotlight was shown onto Shirosaki, who was leaning against the wall behind Ichigo and trying to take a quick snooze.

The steel gray eyes of the noble quest shifted to the albino, narrowing his hues slightly at the sight before speaking. "Who is that?"

Shirosaki's eyes snapped open. "Who, me?"

"Yes, you. Who are you? I haven't seen you here before," Byakuya looked to Ulquiorra, "or that man either."

"They are the new servants," Isshin answered before either of the servants could. "Ichigo purchased yesterday."

Byakuya once more narrowed his eyes, especially at Shirosaki. The albino found it strange and gritted his teeth. "Ya got a problem with me or somethin'?"

The vampire didn't answer and instead looked to Isshin. "Do you think Aizen-Sama would attend the wedding?" he asked.

The pallid human's blood ran cold. He didn't recognize the name, not at all. But, for some reason, the mention of that person had hatred freezing him over. He wanted to protest, but what for?

Apparently, that was Ichigo's intention as well.

The young vampire abruptly stood, scooting his chair back and digging his nails into the wood of the dinner table. "No!" he shouted, his tone seething with rage. Rukia was shocked, and Byakuya seemed smug, though he bore no smirk.

"Why not?" he asked.

"Ichigo—," Isshin tried to interject.

"You know why," Ichigo growled, leaning forward across the table. His eyes were glowing crimson and blinded by rage. "He locked up that man with no proof. Aizen is inhumane!"

"Why do you care so much, Kurosaki Ichigo?"

"Because I met him and he is no monster." Ichigo spat before kicking over his chair in anger and walking away from the table.

"Where are you going, son?!" Isshin bellowed, standing up as well.

"To my room," the teen answered coldly, not turning to face his father as he pushed the doors open and walked towards his destination. Shirosaki blinked before hurriedly following the vampire.

Who were they talking about? Locked up? A monster? The human had never heard of such a thing. He remained silent, however, as they reached Ichigo's room, the orangette kicking those doors open as well and busting the handles from the force. It didn't matter; a maid would most likely tend to the damage later.

The servant tried his best to close the doors and looked towards Ichigo who was now peering out the window. "Are ya gonna tell me about what ya were talkin' about to that guy?"

A sigh was heard and the vampire turned to face the human. He was expecting Shirosaki to ask. Why else would he have followed him out of the room? "Have you ever heard the story about 'The Hollow', or the poem at least?"

"Poem?" The other male raised a brow.

Ichigo leaned back against the glass windows, moonlight cascading off his orange hair. "'In a near century, a demon shall arise—a child cursed with glowing golden eyes. However, when the demon falls in love, it shall destroy its lover and be locked above. That is the curse of the Hollow's Love.'" He murmured. "That's the poem; it's a bit inaccurate though."

The human blinked. That sounded…horrible. "I don't understand," he mumbled.

"I, myself, don't know much about it. It's top secret information. Only those who are nobles and/or members of the Vampire Council know about him."

"About who?"

"The cursed member of the Shirayuki clan, 'the Hollow',"

Character Backgrounds Set 1

Kurosaki Ichigo: An eighteen (36 human years) year-old vampire who is forcefully engaged to Kuchiki Rukia. He is the son of Masaki and Isshin Kurosaki. He despises the way human slaves are treated and wishes for peace. Ichigo is next in line to the Kurosaki seat in the Vampire Council. He watched his mother die before him at the age of six. (vampire years= 2 human years).

Kurosaki Isshin: A vampire at the age of forty (80 human years) and is leader of the Vampire Council. He is the father of Yuzu, Karin, and Ichigo Kurosaki. He is stern when he wishes to be, but Isshin is a generally happy man. He was married to Kurosaki Masaki when she died unexpectedly.

Abarai Renji: A human servant who is eighteen years old. He works as the head of the servants and the personal butler for Kurosaki Isshin. He is forbiddingly in love with Kuchiki Rukia.

Inoue Orihime: An immortal Carrier of the age of seemingly seventeen (actually forty years old). She works as a maid for the Kurosaki's, but as well as a healer. She is in love with Kurosaki Ichigo and befriends Shirosaki.

Hinamori Momo: A human servant at the age of sixteen and works as the maid for Kurosaki Ichigo.

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez: A vampire/werewolf hybrid that is the same age as Ichigo, and is also the vampire's best friend. Ulquiorra Cifer was recently appointed as his personal servant.

Kuchiki Byakuya: A vampire of the age of thirty-nine (78 human years) and is a member of the Vampire Council. He is the father of Kuchiki Rukia and his late wife is Kuchiki Hisana.

Kuchiki Rukia: A vampire that is the same age as Kurosaki Ichigo. She is the daughter of Byakuya and Hisana Kuchiki. She is currently being forced to marry Kurosaki Ichigo, her friend, but is in love with Abarai Renji.

Shirosaki: Unknown.