AN: Getting a head start (I hope that still stands true when I upload this chapter). As maybe some people might've realized, i write the beginning AN at a different time than the AN at the bottom so i may contradict myself a few times. heh.

Disclaimer: Digimon is not mine.

Chapter 10 – Fate

It would be another two nights until Taichi would find himself waking to the sound of persistent pounding at the door. This time, he silently thanked God, Sora was there to answer the door, so he simply yawned loudly, pulled the covers up, and fell into a deep sleep while Sora rushed clumsily down the stairs, favoring her bad leg and cursing beneath her breath. Holding out her arms and narrowing her eyes in the dark, she managed to make it safely to the door with minor injuries.

"Janine!" Sora whispered loudly the moment she opened the door. Without another word, she ushered Janine upstairs to her bedroom and closed the door behind her. Sora leaned against the oak door, noted her friend's tousled appearance and waited patiently for her to speak first— as Janine usually required little persuasion.

Janine's eyes were wide and she began pacing restlessly as there were just too many things she wanted to say at once. It finally came out in a jumble of words. "Catherinemanorballinvitationprincebride—"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh, Marianne and Sam wish you well," she said casually and plopped down on the small bed in the corner of the room."

Sora stared at Janine with a baffled look stamped clearly across her features. "That's… delightful… I wish them well, too."

"Aren't you the least bit concerned about what I told you?" Janine asked, sending Sora accusing looks.

The auburn haired woman choked out a laugh and ruffled her hair nervously. "Would you care to repeat it once more? It seems to have slipped my comprehension."

With a deep intake of breath, Janine began again, this time (thankfully) slower than the first. "The day I met you here, Catherine Grant was at the mansion when I returned." She dismissed Sora's surprise easily with a wave of her hand. "That's not even the half of it, turns out, she's not staying at the palace anymore. Needless to say, when she blamed it on you, Miss Miyako and her got along rather well and she invited the whore to dinner—Marianne and I gave her dinner a good spitting for you."

"Of course."

"She didn't mention why she's no longer staying at the palace, but Marianne, Sam and I suppose that it's too embarrassing to say—obviously the Prince cast her out, Marianne's very fond of him right now for doing that." Janine paused and smiled smugly, catching the smirk and quick glazing of the eyes that Sora attempted to hide.

"So, Miyako knows that I stayed at the castle."

"And the cow's absolutely livid! Put on a pretty good show right after Catherine left, throwing everything she could get her skinny little witch hands on—course, we had to clean up everything later, but it was all well worth it since she threw that expensive vase that Lady Inoue loved so much and then accidentally stepped on it while running around in her nightgown. Very entertaining really."

Sora's smile didn't reach her eyes and when she spoke, it was in a careful whisper. "Janine?"

"Yes?"

"Miyako hasn't turned any of that anger on the three of you… has she? God, if any of you were hurt, I'd never forgive myse—"

"Sora!" Janine hissed loudly. "Stop it! None of us are hurt, and trust me, Miyako wouldn't dare hurt any of us—not after what happened with you. If, in the case that something does happen, do not blame yourself. You are not responsible for what Miyako does, understand that."

Sora bit her lip and nodded. "I just feel awful for not having gone back to the mansion—"

"Oh please, I probably wouldn't have gone back either if a gorgeous Prince was waiting on me hand and foot all day." Janine smiled when she heard Sora laugh. "But that reminds me, Catherine asked the two cows if you were a Takenouchi. They avidly denied that and insisted it was a rumor."

"It's all right, didn't expect anything different—"

"And the Prince sent invitations for a ball to be held in two weeks so he may announce a bride there."

Sora's dark ruby eyes grew to the size of dinner plates. "Excuse me?"

"Invitations have been sent to all the noble families. I should also mention that the Prince visited the mansion as well—it's been quite busy there actually. He asked to see you and the cow told the truth for once, said you weren't there and she hadn't the slightest hint where you were. Then she asked him what color she should wear to the ball. He looked at her and said, 'On you, Miss? I'm sure you'll be quite a catastrophe no matter which color you choose.'"

"You didn't tell him where I am, did you?" Sora asked once the giggling subsided.

Janine gave her a sly look and glanced away. "I was going to, but Marianne told me that I shouldn't. She said 'lovers' quarrels are best not disturbed.'" She paused to watch Sora's skin begin to resemble the color of a cherry before she continued, "He stayed behind to talk with me and Marianne in the kitchen for a few moments. Told us how much he wanted to find you—that's when I almost let it slip—and then said that he really didn't care about the other noblewomen, he only cared if you were at the ball or not. When he found out that you were gone, he asked that the ball be three balls, on three separate nights and then he asked that masks be worn—and strictly not taken off during the ball. Told us that if he were forced to take a bride, he'd choose one on personality. Also mentioned that he'd know which one was you even if you were horribly disfigured."

Sora moved to sit by Janine on the bed as she listened to Janine's retelling of Yamato. A dreamy smile made its way onto her lips where it lingered, "What more did he say?" she asked, trying hard to hide her eagerness.

"Only that he was talking too much and he had to leave."

The dreamy smile left.

"Don't you see how much he loves you, Sora?"

"But… we don't—"

"I will throttle you if you say something along the lines of 'we're too different' or 'we're not meant to be' or any other related rubbish. Obviously you are meant to be, and people who are that different don't end up falling in love!"

"But—"

"For someone so smart, I thought you'd have more common sense," Janine mumbled through clenched teeth. "I swear, I'll throttle you!" she threatened, making twisting motions with her hands.

Sora leaned back and laughed. "Then the Prince would find you and behead you."

"You admit it then! Please, why are you running away from fate?"

"You've never believed in fate."

"I believe in it now. Sora, would you tell me to hide my face if I fell in love with someone in a much higher class than I?"

"I'm not hiding my face…" Sora rationalized, instinctively straightening her back and shoulders.

"No? Tell me, would you ask me to do what you're doing now?"

"…No, I wouldn't."

"Attend the masked ball. On all three nights. Please, Sora."

"I… can't, I don't have an invitation."

"Miyako leaves hers in a box on her vanity. I could—"

"No. You believe in fate now, right?"

"Yes."

"Then if Fate agrees, hopefully I'll have an invitation in my hand before the ball starts."

"That is the most rubbish—"

"I'll go."

"…You're really going?"

"If I have an invitation." Sora thought for a moment and added for good measure, "One that did not belong to someone else."

"Ah, but can I do it for fun? I'd love to see the look on that cow's face when she finds her precious piece of paper gone. Oh, be sure to have a mask. No one is allowed entrance without an invitation and a mask."

"I'll be sure to remember that."

Janine stood, reached her arms above her head and stretched, groaning loudly as she did so. She proceeded to dust herself off and straighten her clothing. "I'll be on my way now. Had to wait until they went to sleep before I could come, and who knows when I'll be sent to the markets again." They descended the stairs and slowly reached the door where Janine stalled to say a few words. "Good luck, Sora. I'll visit as often as I can, yes? Don't hesitate to ask me, Marianne, or Sam for help!"

"Thank you, Janine. I'm sorry, I don't have anything—"

"Excuse me, what are you talking about? We know each other much better than that. Be safe, take care!"

Sora watched as Janine walked out into the darkness and slowly closed the door. She turned and suppressed a scream. Tai stood behind her, his hair messier than usual and eyes drooping with sleep depravity.

"Tai! Since when did you get so quiet?" Sora bit out with a hand placed protectively over her heart, afraid it would fall out on any given second.

He yawned loudly to Sora's dismay and shrugged. "Two of you should learn. Heard the entire conversation, you two were so loud."

Sora stayed silent and bit her lip with embarrassment. "So… you—"

"Prince Charming's waiting for you at that ball. Don't want to break his heart any more than you have already, do you?"

The auburn haired woman giggled gleefully as Taichi turned around with another yawn and trudged up the stairs.

"You know, you're pretty stupid for a smart lass," Sora heard him say just as he reached the last steps.

§

Yamato hadn't been sleeping well. Dreams were filled with images of the short-lived euphoria with Sora, nightmares were haunted by reality. Everyday and every time he woke, it would be the same routine: get up, take out the piece of paper Sora had left and read it, go back to sleep. It would continue on for a few more times, until finally, Yamato was forced to take Squall before the sun rose and rush off in search for Sora.

Now, as he glanced towards the pinkish hues in the horizon, the Prince could deny his defeat no longer. He had visited the forest spring, the mansion, the markets, wandered the kingdom like a petty thief, looking to steal back the one treasure he held dear. He asked any denizens he came across if they had ever seen an auburn haired woman, as Sora's specific hair coloring was quite unique, but the answer was always the same disappointing reply. Despite his own searching, Yamato wouldn't send out soldiers or people of any sort—Sora was no criminal and he'd die before he forced her against her own will, even if it meant breaking his. He could only pray that he'd find her and be able to persuade her to marry him.

But Yamato had searched long and far for her, always on an empty stomach and with tired eyes. Squall shook his mane, gaining the Prince's attention.

Yamato leaned forward. "Yes? Something you'd like to share?"

The horse's reply was another shake of its ivory mane and a neigh.

"I guess not, huh? You wouldn't by any chance know where she'd be, would you?" asked Yamato, with an odd hint of hope in his tone.

To his surprise, Squall seemed to grow restless and trotted in a neat circle.

"I should… keep going?"

Squall settled down.

"Keep my mind on other things?" Yamato leaned forward once more and whispered into the stallion's ear, as if there was a spy in the bushes eavesdropping. "Tell me," he hesitated for a brief moment but continued, slowly, "Do you think she might love me?"

Squall, who seemed to have the most common sense of all, raised and lowered its head in what could be made out as a "yes."

Having his stallion's confirmation seemed to be effectively satisfying for Yamato, and the prince immediately straightened his back and shoulders. "But not as a prince, no! As a man! Or perhaps," a gleam entered his cobalt eyes, "a lover."

A neigh.

"Good enough," said Yamato, who was genuinely pleased. It was then—believing that Sora loved him—could he think with a clear mind once more. "What am I doing?" he asked aloud. It was not only invasive in a way, it was also futile to search for Sora. Different than giving up, it would be better to keep faith in Sora. A day without her was pain, but if he was to bring her any distress, that would be far worse. He loved her; he'd most likely continue loving her, and if she did not wish to return to his arms quite at the moment, he would then spend eternity waiting for her—and if I'm forced to, I'll simply marry a distant cousin ten years from now." He shuddered at the latter thought.

Yamato gave Squall a light nudge in the direction of the palace, signifying the decision to return.

§

Sora sat in an old wooden chair, hunched over and working meticulously in the brilliant sunlight that streamed through a modest window. Richly dark fabrics, vibrant decorative beads, ribbons, fashionable laces of white and silver, and a generous amount of ornate feathers were littered about on the oak tabletop—all purchased by Sora when she had finally dared to venture outside.

Of course, during her adventure in the markets, whom else would she see but the prince? Sora had paid the merchant in record-breaking time, begged that he not give away her whereabouts to anyone who asked (this took a few more coins), and proceeded to make a mad dash for the butcher shop—limping lightly but nevertheless looking like an idiot in the process.

Gazing down at the sparkling beads and thread on the tabletop now, Sora could have laughed at her own behavior. She was hiding from the very man she was jumping stone walls to see. Then again, she mentally scolded, she wouldn't have to be jumping anything if she'd just stayed at the palace. Why did God have to give me a broken conscience?

Sora was beginning to think that Janine and Taichi were right, she really did seem to lack a lot of common sense when it came to matters pertaining to herself. But there was no way to change what already happened, one had to look forward to and work to change the future. She stared down at the fabrics in her hand and frowned, coming to terms that as gifted she was with crafts, she had absolutely no idea how to make a mask. Sora suppressed a groan, no doubt would the others attend the ball with masks of the most dazzling fashion. As the prince had declared no desire to see their faces, it was only logical that the masks represent their radiance.

Sora had inherited her father's stubbornness and resolved to continue on with the mask. Obviously, she could not afford one that the other ladies such as Catherine Grant could. Simply, Sora reasoned with herself, unlike the masks of the others that would be molded and crafted to fit onto their features, Sora's would have to be tied and cut to snuggly fit onto her face. A few more ribbons, that's all; everyone loves ribbons.

Hours later, Sora had decided that ribbons were silky death traps for the foolish. She stretched her arms and stood to lean lazily out the open window, resting her elbows carefully on the ledge. It was late in the afternoon, noted by the reddish-orange tones in the sky that blanketed the small town in a warm glow. Taking a deep breath and smiling languorously, already forgetting about the traitorous ribbons, Sora glanced down upon hearing joyous shrieks coming from the ground.

Hikari and Takeru were playing, running around like wild animals, much like Sora once did with Taichi in the gardens of the mansion. She leaned against the window and watched the two play like "lost maggots" to use Taichi's odd wording. Unawares of how much time had passed, Sora started staring off in a daze until a sudden cry broke her out of the romantic daydreams. Alert, she scanned the ground from the window and realized with ease that Kari had simply bumped into a stranger while lost in their games.

Sora relaxed when the lanky blue-haired man bent down to help Kari off the ground and returned to her daydreams, noting in the back of her mind that blue was startlingly familiar. She was interrupted once again when a sharp pain jolted up from her bad leg. That's odd, I may limp, but after Joe healed— Sora stuck her head out the window once more at an alarming speed and glanced down into the streets to find that the blue-haired "stranger" was currently what seemed to be tending to Kari's leg. Though there didn't seem to be any wounds, Sora supposed there must've been if Kari, who seldom even uttered a whimper, was bawling like a newborn.

At that moment, as Sora leaned over the window and reflected how oddly things were starting, Joe decided for no particular reason, to glance heavenwards. As their eyes met, Sora did the first thing that came into her mind; she waved.

§

"Hiroaki!"

The king suppressed to shudder at the sound of the booming voice in the halls of the palace. His wife rolled her eyes discreetly and busied herself with some of the flowers in a nearby vase.

Lord Grant's behavior was nothing short of what King Hiroaki had expected. When he learned that his son had cast Miss Catherine out of the palace, Hiroaki knew her father would come to settle things. He groaned and brought up a hand to shield his eyes as the double doors were flung open with such a force that a few of the nearby vases shook.

"My daughter has shut herself in her chambers and has been doing nothing but cry. She tells me, that your son, the prince, told her she had outstayed her welcome and demanded that she pack her bags. Of course, this is after I learn that there is a ball—no, three balls to be held for the very prince to take up a bride." Lord Grant's voice was loud and commanding as it echoed through the room in thunderous waves.

King Hiroaki's voice was quite the opposite and had in fact, risen an octave if anything. "Lord Grant, you must understand, they're young, they like to do as they—"

"Do you not have any control over that son of yours!"

Queen Natsuko was prepared to let her husband drown, but talking in such tones of her son? That was unheard of.

"You're a king for God's sake!"

"I'm glad you're aware of that." Natsuko's voice cut Lord Grant short. "Seeing that you have skipped on the formalities."

Hiroaki was positively beet red in the face and if one didn't know any better, he could have easily been mistaken for one who had overindulged in wine.

Lord Grant sent the queen a glare (one that she made a mental note of), but nevertheless leashed his anger and ego long enough to take a bow and greet the king and queen formally.

"That wasn't too hard, was it?" Natsuko continued on, giving no regards to Lord Grant's ego. "I trust that I do not have to remind you that this son of ours is in fact, the prince who will one day rule in Hiroaki's place." She paused and added, "And Yamato will not simply bend over like some kings would," beneath her breath, just loud enough for her husband to hear and turn an even darker shade. Forget the beets, prune juice was more like it.

"Queen Natsuko, I am simply a father concerned for his daughter's well being. She is most distraught at the moment," said Lord Grant. He had wittingly taken a new approach to the situation.

"The question is now this: is she too distraught to marry him now?" the queen continued, easily dismissing the quizzical looks she received. "True, she may not be on good terms with Prince Yamato, but may I remind you, the ball is to be an engagement ball. He has not yet announced a bride. Your daughter still possesses an invitation, am I correct?" She paused, not nearly long enough for Lord Grant to confirm the statement. "She's not banned from the palace. If Miss Catherine so wishes, she is still welcome to come to the masquerade. Everything else is unfortunately out of our hands."

Taichi's ceiling was much plainer than the gold leafed ceilings of the palace, Sora dully noted in the back of her mind as she continued to stare. The bed she was sleeping on was harder and had a faint mucky scent, unlike the luxurious pillows and covers in the palace. Though, as heavenly as the palace life appealed to be, that was the least of her concerns. Scented pillows meant nothing if Yamato wasn't the one who would be lying next to her. The thought that followed made Sora blush to her toes.

The prince had been the only thing on her mind for the past week. It did not help, that Joe had mentioned how miserable and low in spirits Yamato had appeared when he was called to the palace. The king had positively swore that his morning tea was drugged, no doubt Lord Grant's doing. Queen Natsuko, who had grown steadily more tired of her husband's hysterics, summoned for Joe in order to hopefully put his nerves to rest once and for all.

As fate would have it, Joe was returning from the palace when Hikari had run into him in the streets. The next thing, he was sitting upstairs nursing a cup of tea in his hands and listening to Sora's explanations. His eyes fell on the small pile of crafting materials on the worn tabletop and hid a smile behind the rim of his cup.

"Did you hear about the ball?" He asked casually.

At his words, Sora became suddenly interested in the hardwood floors of Taichi's home. "I have been hearing of little else," she answered.

"I'm sure it will be most grand. The palace was buzzing with anticipation." Joe continued on, observing Sora's reaction closely.

"Actually, er… I was hoping to go."

The young doctor's smile widened, "I'm sure the prince would be ecstatic upon hearing the news."

"Oh don't tell him please!" Sora pleaded uncharacteristically.

"No?" Joe asked, but then nodded, as he understood her intentions. "Ah, you'd like to see how genuine his love is for you?"

She blushed. "I'd just… like to know if we're meant to be."

"There's no doubt about it, but tell me, how do you plan on going?"

A frown marred Sora's features.

"If his royal highness does not know of your plans, how can he possibly send you an invitation?"

"Uh… I'm still pondering on that."

"No worries, as I am sure things will work out." Said Joe, a different, more mischievous smirk on his lips this time. "Is that the mask?"

Sora turned her head in the direction of his gaze and blushed lightly at the sight of the mess. "That is a great misconception, but hopefully with time it can pass as one."

"Would you like me to buy you one?" The doctor offered.

"No!" came Sora's fervent reply. "I couldn't possibly."

To her surprise, Joe only chuckled. "I may not live like a king or so to speak, but I have made a small fortune, luckily, I am a much better doctor than I am a conversationalist. The matter is simply, would you like one?"

Sora merely smiled and shook her head. "Actually, I was hoping of designing it myself. It seems so much more… meaningful that way. I do wish, however, that I could make it into a mold of a face instead of a limp piece of cloth." With a lot of ribbons, she added mentally.

"I think I may be able to find an undecorated mask." Joe touched his chin as he thought.

"Could you? That would be most wonderful."

"I would be honored to be entrusted with the task," said Joe as he set down his cup and stood, brushing his clothing and smoothing them out. "I must be on my way—no, don't stand—I am very capable of showing myself out, don't worry."

Once outside, Joe walked along the road, thinking how exciting it would be for a change to play matchmaker.

§

"Sora! It is so unlike you to sleep in late!"

The maiden in bed stirred and sluggishly brought up the covers above her head. Having been thinking of Yamato and the encounter with Joe that had taken place almost a week ago, sleep did not come until the sun had started to rise. "Go away Janine, I've had a restless night," she mumbled half-heartedly.

Her friend however, seemed to know exactly what was on her mind and smirked triumphantly. "Thinking about the prince, I presume?"

"He is perfect. I hate him for being so."

"No you don't."

"No, I love him for it. Now let me sleep."

"But—"

"Sora!"

Suppressing a groan, Sora lifted the covers and yelled, "Yes Kari?"

"Someone's here to see you!"

Hikari's footsteps were heard pounding up the stairs and into the small bedroom. She ran to Sora's beside and plopped down besides her. "It's the man with blue hair!" she whispered excitedly into Sora's ear.

She sat up like an arrow and directed her immediate attention to the doorway where a bashful Joe was standing, looking anywhere but the bed and the improperly dressed Sora in her nightgown. The embarrassment only lingered for a second when she realized Joe's gaze had found Janine, currently giggling at the situation.

The brunette's giggles ceased instantly at the sly smirk that found its way onto Sora's lips. She looked away from her friend, met the eyes of the tall stranger, and blushed.

"Janine," Sora said in an overly sweet tone and added a wink as well, "This is Yamato's good friend and brilliant doctor, Joe Kido. Joe, Janine is one of my best friends from the mansion."

Joe bowed politely and seemed to have lost his voice. It sounded as if Sora had an underlying meaning in her words, but at the moment it was hard to comprehend anything.

The redhead exchanged looks with an equally amused Hikari and yawned. She stretched her arms and lied back down on the bed, pulling up the covers to keep her modesty. "You two can keep staring at each other as I get some sleep."

Janine blinked. "Wh-what? Sora! You have a guest!" she stammered.

"I'm sure you can attend to his needs, Janine."

"What!" She blushed at the words. "Sora, it is much too late to be sleeping!" When there was no reply from her friend, Janine grew frustrated and gave an adorable pout that did not go unnoticed by the good doctor. "Fine! I'll leave."

"Well actually, I cannot stay for long. I only came to drop off these," said Joe. He held out the promised mask and a card when Sora opened her eyes.

For the second time since Joe arrived, she shot up from the bed. Sora merely stared at the items, more specifically, the card that appeared to be almost illuminated in the sunlight. "Is that…"

Joe chuckled and placed the mask and invitation in her hand. "It appears that I have a cousin that would just die to go to the palace ball. Being on such good terms with the prince does have its rewards."

Sora lowered her head to examine the invitation she held, not daring to believe her good luck. When she lifted her head to thank Joe, he was startled to find unshed tears in her eyes. "Thank you," she choked out.

Hikari stared up at the young woman and misinterpreting her strained voice and shallow breaths to be signs of sorrow rather than joy, began patting Sora on the back with her small hands. More to Joe's surprise however, he heard laughter from the corner of the room where Janine was seated.

When she realized his attention was focused on her, she blushed and moved to Sora's side to give her friend a warm hug. "I've never heard seen this girl get so emotional like this, and I've known her for ages," she explained with mirth in her eyes. When Joe replied with a chuckle, her blush only darkened. "You've really learned how to live, Sora," said Janine, her attention back on her friend.

"What is that supposed to mean?" The wide grin she wore dismissed any notions of unpleasantness in her tone. Sora gave a loud sniff, but her eyes were amazingly dry. "Now, I don't think I should keep you two longer than I already have. As you've mentioned, you both have places to be—"

"I was just—" Janine interrupted, guessing what Sora had on her mind.

"No, no, both of you have things you need to attend to. It is only right that I show you to the door, together, of course."

Joe coughed and tried to hide his burning ears as he moved obligingly to the stairs. Janine followed closely, being pushed out of the room by an all too eager Sora. "Excuse me for not walking with you to the door in my nightgown. Have fun children and remember, play safely!" she yelled loudly before slamming her door shut and leaving the awkward couple on the stairs.

Inside the room, Kari watched with interest as Sora ran her fingers along the neatly handwritten words on the invitation card. Could it be real? Not a figment of her imagination that she had worked up in her daily daydreams, but real.

"Kari, am I still asleep?"

The little girl frowned, confusion etched in her adorable features. "I don't think so. Do you sleep with your eyes open?"

Sora laughed; from anyone else, the words would have sounded crude. "No, I'm quite sure I sleep with my eyes firmly closed. But I feel like I am still dreaming."

"No you are not—see?" she reached over and pinched Sora on the arm. Noticing the look she was receiving, Hikari quickly explained, "Taichi does it all the time to me when I don't pay attention to him."

"Oh does he now?"

"Yeah, but I bite him."

"Well good for you, he deserves it, you know."

Hikari giggled and skipped to the door where she announced that she had made plans with Takeru. Sora watched as the little girl grinned and closed the door behind her with a firm click. The moment she left, Sora released a wistful sigh and fell onto the bell with the invitation card pressed firmly onto her chest. She could allow herself to procrastinate and dream a few more hours, optimistic that the mask couldn't possibly take that long.

§

Yamato sat in the throne room with his mother as people entered regularly, asking for their preference on aesthetic matters.

"You've been looking better this past week, Yamato." The queen stated. "Have you found her yet?"

"No. I've decided to love her until I grow old and toothless," he said with a sigh.

"As romantic as that sounds, I would much more prefer you continue the plan once she has become your bride. But, oh! How will she attend?"

"I should simply stand with the guards for the entire night, waiting for her."

Natsuko glowed with pride. "My son is such a romantic."

"But the oddest thing, Joe came and asked for an invitation the other day."

"Really? For whom?"

"His cousin."

"Oh, really? Well, I'm sure she will be a lovely lady."

"The odd thing is, I've never heard him speak of this cousin. I've never heard him speak of any cousin."

"I see. Perhaps then, Joe is slightly more mischievous than we gave him credit for."

"My thoughts exactly."

AN: I hope I did not disappoint! Well really, not very exciting, ha! I decided to make this chapter longer so I could get straight to the ball in the next chapter. Let me just say now, there is a fairy godmother. It was just too fun to not write one in! It's almost the end of the story, I think some lightening up would be good, no? Though I must admit, adding a fairy godmother is a bit sudden and brings the story a little off pace—well, a lot off pace actually.

if anyone doesn't think there should be a fairy godmother, feel free to tell me please!

Thank you for 200 reviews! Oh, i'm going to cry. ;)