"We're really going to go to the Capulet's party? Is that really the best idea?" Ben looked at Romeo in concern.

A few paces behind them they heard Mark laugh, "Don't worry so much Ben, it's just a bit of fun. Right Romeo?" The short blond slapped the taller young man's shoulder encouragingly.

Despite the reassuring words, Ben still looked worried, "But…" he said halfheartedly. Romeo turned his smile onto the brown haired boy walking next to him, "Look, no one will know it's us. It's a masquerade, remember? Like Mark said, we won't be there for long. I really just want to see if we can get in." he faced forward again, the side of his lip refusing to stop being tugged up into a smirk.

Ben looked at the ground and muttered under his breath, "Yeah, plus you think Rose might be there." Romeo felt his cheeks redden but refused to acknowledge what his best friend had said. He was right of course. This party was a big deal, lots of people were going to be there, so why wouldn't Rose? The only reason they hadn't been invited was the bad blood between the Montagues and the Capulets. Romeo didn't even know what it was about, so why should it spoil his chance to go to this party? Sure, they might get beat up or thrown out or any number of things for showing up, but that's what made it fun.

He strode forward confidently, his long legs covering the distance to the large wrought iron gates quickly. He turned back just as Mark pulled out the masks they had picked up for the occasion and handed them to his friends. Ben sighed again, placing the mask on his face and making sure it wasn't going to come off, resigned now that they were here. Mark grinned mischievously, putting on his own mask and shifting eagerly from foot to foot. Romeo finished with the tie on the mask, straightened his jacket and pushed through the gate, leading the way to the mansion in front of them, Mark and a now slightly less reluctant Ben following close behind him.