Hey people!!! I know that it has taken forever to get this chapter out and yes it is short… but I thought I should give you a little something before I forget about it completely. Anywayz this chap is centered with Raye and the next few will also centre on the other girls. Anyway enjoy and review

Cheers angel

Chapter 10- Unmasked

The cool night air drafted its way into the ballroom, weaving between the dancing couples. Laughter and murmurs could be heard from all around the room as glasses clinked and the bands music played. The joyous atmosphere brought smiles to most faces. The moons rays made a nice backdrop to the dancing couples as the rays hit the glittering masks and each one look like a night star shining out in the sky.

Looking upon the faces of those around her, Raye felt happy at the knowledge that the ball was a success. She laughed as her partner swung her round the dance floor.

" What has you smiling so, fair lady?" he asked grabbing her attention from those who danced around them. She smiled at him.

" This has been such a wonderful evening. It's a shame that it has to come to an end soon," she said as her smile faltered a little. He laughed.

" Does that mean that the fair lady has enjoyed my company?" he asked cheekily. She smiled blushing slightly.

" Yes indeed I have for I have spent most of the evening with you kind sir," she said softly.

" Believe me, the pleasure was all mine," he said as he kissed her hand and lead her from the dance floor.

He walked her out onto the balcony and both quickly spotted friends. But they both decided to make their way to another area keeping mostly to themselves. Raye was having the time of her life and no way was she going to ruin it by gossiping to her friends, well at least not yet anyway. There was plenty of time for that later.

They found a quiet area at the edge of the balcony that was partly secluded by the trees aligning the wall. There was only one other couple occupying the area but that didn't seem to deter the pair. One couple was better then to many, right? They were seated at the very end of the wall so at least it still gave them a little bit of privacy. She winked at the blonde woman as she walked passed a knowing smile on each of their faces.

" So tell me Phobos, why is it that such a beautiful woman as yourself is coming to these things unattached?" he asked softly, as the sat on the bench. Raye laughed slightly.

" It just so happens that I am a career focused woman and really don't have time for a love life. How bout you Ares?" she asked in reply.

" I to am career focused, but I guess you could say I have been waiting for that special one to fly into my life," he replied looking directly into her eyes. His intent stare made her blush.

" Sounds like your waiting for someone special," she whispered. He smiled and gently lifted her chin so she was looking at him.

" I don't need to wait, I've already found her, Raye," he whispered softly as he lowered his head and caught her lips in a gentle kiss. She gasped in surprise at the contact, but soon found herself kissing him back. When they finally separated Ares gently lifted the mask from her face.

"No matter what you wear I will always know it's you Raye," he whispered close to her ear. She looked at him stunned.

" Are you not going to tell me who you are then?" he laughed softly.

" Is that what you really wish my lady?" he asked. Fixing her with another intent stare.

" Yes," she whispered softly. She reached out to move his mask but his hand stopped her. She saw uncertainty flash through his eyes before he began to speak.

" You know you should wait till the unmasking. Isn't that the whole point of a masquerade ball?" he asked, stalling. She took her hand back.

" What are you afraid of?" she asked. He smiled.

"Your reaction of course."

" But if you already know who I am then you would most likely know how I would react, would you not?" she asked.

" Yes that is true," he said simply, he could tell that she was fast becoming annoyed at having been unmasked while he still had his identity hidden. She reached out yet again to remove his mask but he held her wrist.

" Before you do there is something I must tell you Raye. Before this night was ever planned, I was already in love with you. Tonight was just a way of getting close to you and maybe also getting my courage up so that I could tell you how I felt about you," he explained as he let her wrist go. She held her hand on his mask as she looked at him stunned. She gently began to remove his mask and gasped when she finally pulled it free.

" Jadeite," she whispered shocked. He smiled slightly. Unsure yet of her reaction.

Around them the world seemed to stop as Raye processed what had just happened. She had waited so long to have him notice her as a grown woman and not just the younger sister of his best friend, to really see her as a potential love interest. And he had just confessed all to her, granting her wishes.

" Raye?" jadeite spoke softly, prodding for a reaction. He saw that tears began to form in her eyes and his heart sank. She didn't feel the same.

"I'm sorry I shouldn't have said anything but I do… oomph!" he was cut off as Raye threw herself into his chest and hugged him tight as she let her tears of joy soak his jacket. After his shock abated he wrapped his arms around her tightly.

" I have loved you for so long but I feared how Darien would react to this so I did nothing. But I cant wait any longer. Every time you walk away I feel as though my heart were breaking," jadeite spoke softly as he kissed her forehead and stoked her hair. She lifted her tear- stained face to look into his eyes.

" Why did you never say anything to me? I have always liked you, from the first moment when Darien introduced us. Although I know at first that we didn't get along, I realized it was because I was attracted to you and I feared my own emotions," Raye explained quietly as she lowered her head. Jadeite chuckled.

" Yes we did fight quite a bit, but I think that's when I fell for you. You have such a fiery spirit. And I couldn't help but tease you. You have no idea how beautiful you look when you're angry. But then again you are and have always been very beautiful Raye," jadeite said as he placed a chaste kiss to her lips.

" But this may have to wait seeing as the unmasking should be taking place shortly," he said as he quickly got to his feet and pulled her up with him against his chest.

" I could get used to being in your arms jadeite." He laughed as he linked her arm in his and began leading back towards the ballroom.