A/N: First fic of the 2015! This was a fun one. I didn't realize it was a little Romeo and Juliet-y until I finished. Whoa, just realized Jeyna have the same initials as Romeo and Juliet. Malcolm popped his handsome head in. Reyna and Malcolm aren't an official item but they're close. May or may not continue this one. Enjoy and please review!

Prompt: Masquerade ball Jeyna - Malceyna

Behind the Mask

"So, I have a little surprise for you." Malcolm announced as he entered her bedroom without knocking. Reyna barely moved as she continued reading the faded book in her hands. The tall young man plopped down on her bed, holding something to his face. "Reyna, don't I look pretty?" The young woman looked up and laughed. An intricately decorated purple mask covered the upper half of his handsome face. It was beautiful handcrafted with a purple flower created out of light purple feathers on the right side. Rows of silver and gold sequins lined the edges as painted steaks accented each dip and curve.

"Oh my..." Reyna gasped as she plucked the mask off his face. It was way out of either Reyna or Malcolm's price range. People of their status shouldn't be able to touch masks like this one. "Where did you steal this from?"

"I'm appalled you would assume I stole it." Malcolm replied as he sat up, straightening his collar white shirt. "Lady Aphrodite saw me looking at it earlier. She allowed me to borrow a whole collection of masks just for tonight. One for you, me, Gwen and Dakota. It would be a waste just to wear this around town. So I got an idea."

"I'm weary of your ideas." Reyna countered as she held the mask to the afternoon light. It looked unreal with its deep shades of purple. She placed it on her desk, admiring the mask. Malcolm laughed as he ran his fingers through his hair, crossing the room to stand behind the girl.

"Don't be like that, love. My ideas are brilliant." Malcolm teased as he pressed a chastise kiss to her dark hair. His hands fell over her shoulders, gently rubbing them. "Now, how was your day?"

"Stressful with all the festival tonight. The highborn ladies were fluttering in and out of the shop, getting the finishing touches on their gowns. I had to refit Lady Katie because the part timer mis-measured her." Reyna retold, tilted her head to allow Malcolm's firm fingers to find the knots in her shoulders. "Lady Drew barged in, throwing a fit about how her dressed made her look fat. She threw it at poor Gwen before storming out." Malcolm's fingers hesitated for a moment before he continued kneading.

"It wouldn't happen to be a certain purple gown, would it?" Malcolm asked in a tone that was more than just pure curiosity. Reyna twisted in her seat, giving him a suspicious look.

"Yes it was. You wouldn't be responsible for her fit, Malcolm?" Her best friend had the decency to smile sheepishly. Reyna groaned and smacked his leg. "Malcolm! Lady Drew nearly bit off Gwen's head for that."

"I didn't say anything too insulting. I just casually mentioned how her bottom looked extremely prompt in that certain gown." Reyna stood up, crossed her arms and glared at him. Malcolm shrugged his shoulders. "The damage is already done. Now, that gown wouldn't happen to be at Levesque Seamstress being unused for tonight?" Reyna arched her eyebrow as she listened to his pitch. "I know you and Lady Drew have very similar body types. And Gwen has the fastest needle skills on this side of town. She can easily fit that dress to your form."

"And where would I wear such an extravagant gown? It's not exactly something made for evening strolls through crowds." Reyna countered, finally realizing why he picked out the purple mask for her. It would match the dress perfectly.

"How does McLean's masquerade ball sound?" Malcolm replied with a little smirk. She gaped at him for a full second.

"Are you crazy? The McLeans? They are literally a stone's throw away from royalty. Their party will be packed with highborn gentlemen and ladies from across town. How are we going to get in there?" Malcolm took her hands in his. His gray eyes were sparkling as he spoke.

"Exactly, Rey. People from across town will be coming to this ball. Crowds of highborn. They're not going to notice a few party crashers. I have it all planned out. Dakota and I will sneak in beforehand. If we're not thrown out in an hour, you and Gwen can join us. We'll meet up inside, mingle with the highborn, steal some of their fancy food and wine before disappearing into the night and enjoy the festival with the common people. It'll be a ball, Reyna."

"Literally." Reyna laughed at his choice of words. She always wanted to experience a ball the ladies gush about during fittings. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up on. What can happen in only one night? "Alright," she replied with a smile. "Let's."

##

Jason leaned against the pillar at the side of the huge ballroom, overlooking the whole party. Everyone wore extravagant clothing with striking masks to hide their identities. But since it was the McLean's annual masquerade ball, a majority of the highborn ladies and gentlemen was present. The estate was in the middle of the town. If Jason focused enough, he could hear laughter from the Festival of Masks outside. Wearing masks were really unnecessary with this social group since everyone knew everyone. Jason sighed, allowing the wealthy to indulge as he sipped his drink. Across the masked figures, Leo was flirting with a beautiful young woman.

"Ten coins that Leo gets slapped." Jason smiled behind the rim of his cup at the familiar lilt of Piper's voice. Her recognizable light perfume of flowers invaded his nose before he turned. She looked stunning in a simple white gown with tiny pearls sewn into the bodice. She wore a scarlet mask covering the upper half of her beautiful face. The colors complemented the richness of her skin. Her lips were curled down as she frowned at Leo.

"No faith in our friend." Jason replied, shifting over so Piper could lean against the pillar as well. She may be a McLean but she didn't enjoy this social gatherings but Piper can play hostess very well. She gave a tiny shake of her head, hair swaying with the motion.

"No, I have faith in Khione." Piper answered, blinking as she looked at Jason's face. "What happened to your usual mask? I thought Graces wore gold." Jason laughed, adjusting his mask. It wasn't his custom gold one with ivy leaves imprinted in it. Though it was still nice, a solid simple silver with intricate patterns of leaves.

"I bumped into someone when I was tying my mask on. He must grabbed mine by mistake before rushing off." Jason shrugged, unconcern. Let someone else be the recognizable Jason Grace tonight.

"A party crasher?" Piper asked, standing on her toes to scan the crowd. Jason placed his hand on her arm, trying to calm her.

"No need to alert security. It's probably nothing." She frowned, about to argue, but a sharp slap distracted the two friends from their conversation. The icy young woman Leo was chatting with stomped off in a fury of curls. They broke out in chuckles as Leo trudged over, rubbing his cheek. "Leo, pal, you just lost me ten coins." Jason greeted.

"So nothing new then." Leo countered, rubbing his sore cheek. It was strange not seeing Leo in his usual muddy overalls. Leo was a part of Jason's household as a blacksmith. He cleaned up nicely though in a charcoal black jacket, white collared shirt and wrinkled-free pants. A green mask covered his mischievous amber eyes with a tie to match. Piper and Jason often dragged Leo to their mandatory social events, not wanting to exclude their friend. "Gah, I think she scratched my cheek."

"Oh let me see," Piper ordered, grabbing his hand away from his cheek. She cradled his chin in her soft hands, looking at the redding skin. "You're fine. Ugh your tie is ruined. Such a mess."

"McLeans standards are hard to meet." Leo quipped back, rolling his eyes and traded little smile with Jason. Piper tugged his tie hard, half-gagging the boy. Leo chuckled and tilted his chin to watch her nimble fingers tame his tie. A content smile tugged at his lips. Jason took another sip of his drink, hiding a knowing smirk. His two friends have been dancing around each other for years. Leo's flirting has diminished a lot to only Piper or girls he knew would annoy Piper just enough. Leo turned, about to say something to Jason but something caught his eyes. "Whoa..."

"Hmm?" Jason hummed, turning to see what was distracting the short young man. He swallowed hard, not really sure what to say. A pair of girls descended down the steps, leading to the main floor. One was blond with her hair pinned up and curled neatly. She wore an emerald green dress with off the shoulders sleeves, revealing her slender shoulders and milky pale skin. Her mask matched her dress perfectly. If the blonde was a classic beauty, her friend was on the other side of the spectrum. Her dark hair cascaded over her shoulders in soft curls. A deep purple of her gown made her tan skin glow in the soft lights. An intricate mask hid her face but something, maybe the way she walked or held herself, was exquisite.

"Who's that?" Piper whispered as the trio and just about everyone watched the girls. Jason shrugged his shoulders. The girls appeared a little lost as they scanned the crowds for someone. The girl in the deep purple turned, zeroing in on Jason. Even across the room, Jason could feel how piercing her gaze was. She tapped her friend and took determined steps towards them. "Um... she's coming this way." Jason and Leo traded glances just before the girl in purple stopped in front of them. "Hi?"

"There you are. Come here." Before Jason could protest, the young woman grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the dance floor. Leo and Piper stared helplessly with surprised expressions. Jason quickly slid his hand over her waist, noticing the curious glances from everyone. This wasn't exactly proper to grab someone and demand a dance. Oblivious of the stares, she spun around, the folds of her dress twirling up just a bit, before taking Jason's hands without hesitation. There were tiny callus on her fingers, especially her thumbs. These weren't hands of a highborn lady and it fit her well. "Malcolm, this is a stupid idea. I feel like everyone's watching me."

Because you're dancing with a Grace. Jason bit that the urge to say that as he fell into the steps of a waltz. She was close, closer than respectable for a first meeting. Whoever this Malcolm is, they're close. Jason frowned at the thought. She was tall for a young woman. Her chin almost reached Jason's broad shoulders. A soft vanilla scent tickled Jason's nose. It was fresh and natural. Everything about her was refreshing and natural, unlike the stuffy girls he knew. Jason observed her, noting each little detail. She had a sharp chin, high cheekbones and full luscious lips. "It's because you look beautiful." She stiffened in his loose hold, noticing how her dark onyx eyes widen behind the mask. "Finally notice, huh?"

"Why didn't you say anything?" She hissed back, still dancing with him. Her warm breath tickled his neck. She didn't pull away, still close their noses almost brushed.

"I was a little shocked when a pretty girl rushed me, dragging me to the dance floor." Jason quipped back, giving her a reassuring smile. She returned it after a moment as they continued moving with the crowds. "I'm Jason."

"Reyna." She replied back, relaxing in his arms again. "Are you going to rat me out?" Jason shook his head, his nose brushing her cheek by accident. Reyna pulled back, fixing him with a heated stare. Jason wanted to know more about her in that moment.

"No, I'll even help you sneak out." She gave Jason a stare as he tapped her cheek lightly. "But only if I can follow. This stuffy party is driving my friends and I crazy. I want to see a real Festival of Masks. So how about it, Reyna? Do you think you can sneak three people out?"

She pondered for a moment, rubbing her fingers against the soft fabric of his shoulders. Her lips curled into a determine smile before looking at Jason again. "I'm sure we can work something out."