~OoOoO~
Kasumi

The arrangements with the press was falling into place as I confirmed everything in my email. Taking a deep breath and knowing it was either going to be hell on earth or enlightening, the image of Kyoya bursting with such animosity was really shocking. No matter what had transpired I've never witnessed him losing his cool that way.
"He really did lose it…"
Trying not to think on it and focus on the other matter at hand, her dress Kim made was far too extravagant she had no idea how to even wear it.
"She really went all out…but it's absolutely beautiful I'm stunned." Admiring the black velvet-silk dress that was intricately layered to move like the ocean currents to reveal a galaxy red theme in the tresses was indeed her best work yet. The question remained who she would dance with at the ball since she was now single.
"I could just dance with other students, or even Kim for that matter, but the host members have to dance with the opposite sex to showcase themselves." Exasperated about it and not wanting to think further on the subject, she'd just go with the flow no matter the turn-out.

"Kasumi," Kim startled her as she nearly fell out of her seat. "Sorry, but I got some good news to tell you." Excitedly coming in she grabbed my hand and smiled so wide I thought it would stretch her skin. "I convinced Grimmjow to escort you to the ball."

"…huh?!" Shocked and nearly toppling out of my seat, she laughed at me! "Kim what on earth are you plotting having Grimmjow come to our ball?"

"Think about it from this perspective. Kyoya really showed some ugly colors today and I won't be able to fight in a dress if things truly get ugly. Grimmjow on the other hand has placed a dominant foot down and showed that Kyoya can't get away with his little temper tantrum over your breakup. Also think of the publicity you're also doing with the media coming. You need an escort slash bodyguard so nothing happens to you."

"You make it sound like something terrible will happen."

"Do you blame me thinking that? Kasumi you and I have been in more shit than most people our age. After Zen's antics and seeing Kyoya's father is really no better I'm not chancing it. I've already let down my guard enough times to be considered a failure."

"Kim…"

"No. My purpose was always to be your guardian…a guard to fend off anything that comes your way and we've really diverted from that." She knelt down and took both my hands in hers lovingly. "You are my family Kasumi…giving me freedom to live my own life even when things never went according to plan. We've been together since we were five years old…it's time I hone up to my original purpose and why I was modified in the first place."

"That's in the past Kim. I don't want to continue my family's horrid practice…"

"And you won't. We've destroyed the lab and set my relatives free to live peacefully away from all this. That so-called stepfather we hired was terrible. But we learned and grew from our own mistakes."

"…so you're really stepping into the role then?" Asking tentatively as this was something she'd have to live with, Kim smiled and softly kissed my fingertips.

"I, Kim Black, from the Black family dedicated to servitude of the Matsumoto lineage, I take my place as your aid till death do us part."

"I, Kasumi Matsumoto, last remaining member of my lineage, hereby accept this contract of servitude." I got up and opened up my desk to pull out the 'collar' that will seal the contract between us. Looking at her and really thinking about it carefully, she smiled and pulled her hair up waiting for me. "Kim, if anything changes and you wish to live your own life with your own decisions, then do so."

"If the time comes when that happens I'll remember those words."
I gingerly wrapped the black choker around her neck and sealed our contract. The fabric is of a special material that is organic. It began to meld onto her skin and created a unique design that looks like a faded tattoo with both our names and crest of my family etched in. Nothing would change between us of course, but Kim would begin to act accordingly and be free to be more hostile towards anyone wishing me harm now.

"Can you help me get ready in this intricate dress of yours? I have no idea where to begin." Changing the mood and seeing how bright her complexion got, she happily assisted as we spoke of the ball and simple matters to ease our minds.