Dedicated to all the SouKao fans on the planet... and to my reviewers!

Author's Notes: I'M SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG TO UPDATE. I HAVE MY REASONS, I DO. And that was exactly as how I said it. Oh, and I've decided on putting my notes at the end of the story so you all may be able to get on with the fic without reading my 'crappy' nonsense.

Disclaimer: Roses are red, Violets are blue. I don't own anything... so please don't sue.

Have fun reading!

My Snow White

Chapter Five: When You Know What You Don't Want to Know

It's been a few months since Kaoru met Soujiro and she was starting to get used to living the palace life. Yet… she still hasn't learned how to cook, and she is in desperate need of entertainment. With those as her reasons, every now and then Kaoru would go down to the kitchen and she would watch the chefs do their work, sometimes planning tricks to get Megumi in trouble as well.

But today was different.

"Kaoru-chan, will you PLEASE stop moving around?" A girl in braids stated, gripping onto Kaoru in hope that she would stay still.

"But, Misao-chan…" Kaoru began.

"No 'buts'! We need to get you into this dress and that's final!" the one referred to as Misao demanded, leaving Kaoru to stop moving and let out a sigh.

Kaoru had met Misao a few weeks ago when she was wandering aimlessly around the palace. She was searching for something to humor her when she stumbled across a room filled with spinning wheels and threads of all types; be it silk, cotton or even cloth.

Obviously interested in what someone would be doing if was surrounded by such… tools, Kaoru began to sow a habit of 'disturbing' Misao whenever she was at work. And, considering that they were both of the same age, they instantly became friends.

"Misao-chan…" Kaoru said, after Misao finally finished putting on her corsette. (AN: sorry if the spelling is wrong.) "Why am I wearing a gown instead of the usual clothing the maids would put on me?"

Misao stared at Kaoru for a few seconds before replying, "Because, Kaoru-chan, Soujiro-sama's birthday is today and you will have to wear a gown if you want to attend to the ball"

Kaoru showed a hint of confusion before smiling in agreement. "I suppose I'll understand when I'm in that ball you're referring to… but… why aren't you wearing a… gown as well?"

"Kaoru-chan, you and I are not of the same position." Misao began. "You are a princess and I am a tailor."

"…So I suppose you're not going to this… ball with me?"

"No…" Misao replied, her thoughts drifting far away. "Although… wouldn't it be nice to get to see him again…"

Misao's eyes turned all dreamy and her features showed glints of hope as she emphasized on the word 'him' and Kaoru noticed this. She instantly understood that this 'him' Misao's referring to must be someone special and Misao would have to go to the ball to meet this 'him'… and apparently, Kaoru has the perfect idea on how to make that happen. "You know what, I think I'm going to find Soujiro and see what he's up to."

"Well, Kaoru-chan, you will just have to wait until you finish…" But before Misao could finish her sentence, Kaoru was already halfway to Soujiro's room.

"I suppose that it can't be helped…" Soujro sighed. "If that's how the King wants it… then so be it"

"You know Souji, being too hard on yourself isn't good don'tcha think?" Sanosuke confronted his best friend. "I mean, like, you can't just find yourself a woman in just one night. It took me 7 years to finally find Megumi when she has practically been standing right in front of me for all of those 7 years, you get what I mean?"

"I understand that Sano" the prince replied, with a mysterious grin on his face. "I understand that very well. But you know how the King is. Once he says something, he wants it to be done as perfect as how he wants it"

"Well, why don't you just stand up to the man for once in your life. He's not even your father for Pete's sake!"

Soujiro's smile faded at Sanos' remark. "I don't need this right now Sano"

"Heh." Sanosuke said rolling his eyes. "Whatever you say then"

The messy brown haired boy stood up and muttered a 'tsk' before continuing his remarks, "Well, one last advice for you pal. If you really HAVE to get yourself a bride by tonight's midnight, then I suggest Jou-chan should be your first candidate." He added sarcastically. "She's perfect for you. A purely untainted woman who you can toy around with whenever you feel stressed or bored… and that's just how you'd like it isn't it?"

With that, Sanosuke made his way to the door and was about to step out of the room when he realized that a half dressed Kaoru was standing there.

'Oh shit—'

To Be Continued.

Author's Notes: Once again, I'M SO SORRY FOR TAKING SO SO SO SO SO SO SO LONG TO UPDATE. Yet, like I said before, I HAVE MY REASONS. But bear in mind that I am now FINALLY able to update my fics routinely. Let's say, every once a month or so. So, no worries k'. :) By the way, I had to cut this chapter short because the next one will be coming up SOON and I simply could not resist my chance of putting a cliffhanger. Oh, don't forget to drop me a review k. ROQ ON YOU GUYS! Love ya!