forum Behind The Mask [One-On-One // Closed]

Started August 18, 2018 by @Imperfect_Autumn group

tune

Kasey's nose crinkled as she made an amused face.

"Very true," she agreed. "It would have been so awkward."

Just then, her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she jumped a bit in surprise.

Liam laughed slightly when Kasey jumped.

“You should probably check that.” He said, gently taking his hands off the others waist.

"It's probably not important," Kasey said, shaking her head. "I want to continue what we were just doing."

Her phone vibrated again, and she glanced down to glare at her pocket.

“Kasey, you’ll have time to kiss me later. That sounds important.” Liam said, giving a small smile.

"I meant picking flowers and walking!" Kasey laughed.

She shook her head as she pulled her phone out. There were two texts from her brother, and she frowned at them.

HARPER: Hey, I know you're probably enjoying yourself right now, but I need you to come home.

HARPER: Sis, seriously, please. You need to get back here now.

"I… have to go home… Something's come up." She looked up at Liam again. "I'm sorry. I wish we could continue, but that was my brother. It sounded urgent."

Liam gave Kasey an understanding smile.

“Hey don’t worry about it, we can continue this another time.”

Kasey nodded, putting her phone back in her pocket.

"Right, yeah. I hope so," she said, giving him a small smile. "Walk me back?"

“Of course my dear.” He said, taking her hand in his and starting the walk back to the apartment.

Kasey sighed as they walked.

What could possibly have happened that he would sound so urgent? Nothing too bad, I hope. I hope he's just overreacting. But… Harper never overreacts…

Liam looked over at Kasey and frowned.

“Everything okay?” He asked.

I hope she’s okay. Please by okay.

"What?" Kasey's head shot up, and she looked over at Liam. "Oh, um, yeah… I'm just kinda worried. Harper never gets this frantic…"

Liam nodded and by this point, they were back at the apartment, ”I hope everything is alright.”

"Me, too," Kasey breathed. She turned to give Liam a quick kiss before dashing upstairs to her suite.

Liam watched her go before turning and heading to the building where his boss worked. He figured he’d drop by and pick up a few things while he was out. Sighing he walked to work.

When Kasey reached her apartment, Harper was already there and waiting for her. She hadn't even knocked when the door was yanked open and she was pulled inside.

"What's going on?" she demanded, giving her brother a confused look.

Harper ran his hand through his hair, trying to figure out how to word what he needed to say. Taking a deep breath, he started, "After you left, I decided to go out onto the balcony to just sit and think about some things. When I came back inside a few minutes later, I couldn't find Ginger. I looked everywhere. Your room, under the couch, the guest room, the bathroom, everywhere. Or… I thought I looked everywhere. I forgot to check under your bed, and when I did–" His voice cracked, and he looked away. "When I did, Ginger was there, but her eyes were closed. I called to her and she didn't move. She didn't even meow at me. I reached in and pulled her out and– I'm so sorry, sis." Harper gestured to the dining room table, where the all-too-still form of Kasey's cat was laid.

Kasey walked over, her hand over her mouth and tears pooling in her eyes. She reached out a shaking hand to Ginger and stroked her fur, usually so warm, but now so cold.

"No," she choked out, sitting in one of the dark wood chairs.

(Ooft)

Liam walked into the offices, the familiar smell of pine and hand sanitiser hitting him like a bullet. Men and women sat and typed at their desks, not bothering to look up as Liam passed their desks. He looked over at the empty desk that was Matt’s, a frown forming on his face. He then felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see his friend.

“Why do you look so concerned, Liam?” Matt asked, moving past him to sit at his desk. Liam shook his head.

“I was just wondering where you were was all.” He answered, forcing a smile.

Harper pulled his sister up and into his arm, where she cried bitterly. When all that was left in her was dry sobs, she pulled back and wiped the tears from her face.

"I– I'm going to my room…" she declared quietly.

Harper nodded and let her go, and Kasey slowly made her way to her room. She changed into pajamas, then laid on her bed, curled into a ball, and fell asleep.

“Where did you go after the fire?” Liam asked crossing his arms.

Matt shrugged, “I had work to do.”

Liam frowned, “Work that was more important than a fire?”

Matt looked up and frowned, “Liam, can you please leave me alone? I have work to do.”

Liam took that as an indication to leave and leave he did, a frown still on his face as he walked out of the offices.

Kasey's dreams came and went. Some consisted of Ginger, some of past battles she had fought, and some of her parents…

Harper sat beside Kasey's bed and watched her toss and turn in her sleep, wishing he could do something for her.

Liam walked to his apartment and looked at Kasey’s door. He wondered if she was okay. Taking a breath, he knocked on the door, hoping she would answer.

With Kasey still sleeping, Harper walked to the door and opened it.

"Yes? May I ask who you are?" he asked, tiredly running a hand through his dark hair.

“I’m Liam, Kasey’s boyfriend. I was wondering if she was okay?” He asked.

Harper frowned and gave Liam a look.

"Kasey… doesn't have a boyfriend…" he said, confused. He shook his head. "Well, whatever. No, she's really not okay. Her cat just died, and neither of us has any idea why or how."

“Can I see her?” Liam glanced into her apartment for a moment before drawing it back to the guy standing in the door.

Harper studied Liam for a moment before reluctantly opening the door for him.

"If she's awake," he said. "She had been sleeping when I left her."

(300th post!)