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

Started August 18, 2018 by @Imperfect_Autumn group

tune

"Well, now I almost wish it was night time," Kasey laughed. "That way we could actually look at the stars, rather than just talking about them."

“We can go star gazing together another time… if you want to that is..” Liam said, smiling softly.

"I'd like that," Kasey replied quietly. She returned Liam's smile with a small one of her own, then looked down as she played with the bracelet she wore. It was just three thin, gold bands that looked braided together, but she treasures it because it came from her mom.

“That’s a beautiful bracelet.” Liam looked at it with interest, “Where’s it from?” He asked, looking from the bracelet to Kasey.

"My mom," Kasey answered softly. "She gave it to me for my sixteenth birthday, and I haven't taken it off since."

“It’s very beautiful,” Just like yourself “Where is she now? If you don’t mind me asking?”

Kasey looked off into the distance as she chewed on her lower lip.

"She's, uh… gone," she answered simply.

“Oh my, I am so sorry.” He replied quickly, shame and sadness pounding through him, “I shouldn’t have asked.”

"It's all right," Kasey assured him, looking up to smile gently. "She's been gone for a while, now."

“How did it happen? If you’re alright in answering that question, that is.” Liam’s face had a sad shadow crossing over it.

Kasey looked back down at her lap and took a deep breath.

"It was right after my sixteenth birthday, actually," she started quietly, twisting and twisting the bracelet around her wrist. "She was just on her way home from work, driving down Main Street. Um…" Kasey cleared her throat. "Someone t-boned her car, right on the driver's side. The doctors said she was killed on impact." By now, tears had started to form in her eyes, and she wiped her hand over them.

Liam was silent for some time for pulling Kasey into a hug, resting his head on top of hers, one hand running small, calming circles on her back.

“I am so sorry, truly I am.” He said gently before pulling back and wiping his thumb over the tears that she had let slip.

Kasey felt her cheeks warm slightly at the touch and hoped she just looked flushed from crying. She gave Liam a wavering smile.

"Thanks. It's okay, really. I just… We were really close, you know? My dad disappeared when I was five, so she and my brother were all I had left," she said, her voice a bit hoarse. "And now it's just me and Harper, but his job keeps him busy, so I hardly ever see him."

“Well, one brother is better then none at all,” Liam said quietly, “You’ve got me, too, now.” He added, giving her a soft smile and hoped his own pain didn’t show. He wiped another tear away at the same time.

Kasey smiled at him.

"Thank you," she whispered. "For everything. This has been really nice. I–"

The sound of her phone going off interrupted whatever it was she was going to say, and she frowned as she pulled her phone out to look at the screen. There was an emergency on Fifth and Main.

Seriously? Right now? Ugh, sometimes I wish I could have a normal life…

She looked up at Liam. "I have to go," she told him apologetically. Not wanting to leave just yet, she reluctantly stood. "I'm sorry. I'll see you later?"

Liam frowned slightly but it was soon replaced by a smile.

“I’m sure you will see me later,” He stood too, then slowly leaned down and gave her cheek a light kiss before pulling away and smiling that same, gentle smile, “Goodbye, Ms Mysterious.” Liam said.

Kasey blushed as Liam kissed her cheek.

"Bye, Liam," she said softly, turning and walking away. She twisted her bracelet around and around, her thoughts spiraling as she walked back to her apartment.

Did he just… Gosh, no, Kasey. You can't. You can't fall for him. It's too dangerous. What if he finds out you're Kinesie? He could tell everyone…

Once Kasey left Liam sat down on the bench running a hand through his hair, a smile still plastered on his face.

Wow, I did that. I made a move, Gods I can believe it.

He stood and paced back a forth across the garden, biting his lip as and taking glances at the bush where they entered and the other had left a few moments ago.

Go after her stupid. But she said she had to go, you can’t. You’ll see her later, you said she would and she will.

I can't believe that actually happened.

Kasey walked up the stairs and to her door, then pulled her keys out of her pocket. After unlocking the door and stepping inside, she quickly looked around, making sure no one had broken in while she was gone.

She peered into a dark corner, noticing a figure that hadn't been there before. Subtly lifting some objects with her mind, she slowly walked towards it.

"Who are you, and why are you in my apartment?" she demanded fiercely.

The figure chuckled and stood, stepping out of the shadows. "What? Am I not allowed to come visit you every once in a while?" they asked, their voice masculine.

"Harper? Is that you?" Kasey asked, dropping the things she was lifting and walking closer. The man stepped fully out of the dark and grinned, holding his arms out wide.

"Hey, little sis! Long time, no see," he said, pulling her into a hug.

Kasey held him for a moment before remembering what she was doing. She pulled back and smiled. "As much as I would love to stay and catch up, I've got work that needs to be done. Something's going down on Fifth and Main."

"Well, let's go check it out, then," Harper said, pulling a bag from where he had been sitting.

"You brought your suit?" Kasey laughed. "Taking work with you, I see."

Harper shrugged and laughed with her. "Hey, what can I say? A superhero never catches a break."

"Ain't that right," Kasey mumbled under her breath. Louder, she said, "I'm going to grab my things and then we should head out."

"Got it, boss," Harper said, playfully saluting her.

Liam was still thinking through everything when he’s phone buzzed. Hurriedly, he picked it up and a twinge if disappointment struck through him when he saw the name wasn’t Kasey.

“Hey, Matt. What’s the reason for call?”

“You’re on a roll with the stories, and there’s another for you. Fifth and Main, get there soon.” Matt said, his voice hurried.

“Alright, you’ve got it, thanks for the call.” Liam tucked his phone away and headed out of the secret grotto, he could take photos on his phone, no need to go home if Matt wanted him there quickly.

Kasey and Harper stood at the crossroads, examining the situation. A fire had started in the fifteenth floor of a fancy apartment building, and it had quickly spread to other floors. The fire department was desperately trying to stop it and get people out at the same time, but it just wasn't working. They needed more men to man the hoses, more men to carry people out, and more men to take care of said people.

"So, Mask, what's your assessment?" Kasey – or Kinesie – asked, not taking her eyes off the building.

Harper started forward, and his sister followed closely behind. "We relieve the firefighters who are getting people out so that they can help those on hose-duty, and then we take it over for them."

"Sounds like a good plan," Kinesie agreed with a nod. "Now, let's go."

Liam stood further back, taking as many pictures as he could. He then noticed Kinesie and… Mask. She had Mask with her this time. He smiled and took a photo of them both. Liam then felt a tap at his shoulder, and a guy, about his age but with sandy blonde hair and a smile was standing there.

“Matt, you came anyway.” Liam said, turning back to the fire.

“Yeah, I was… in the area and decided to come along for the ride.” He said, rocking on his heels.

"C'mon, Kinesie, we need to get the rest of these people off the floor! The ceiling's about to collapse!" The Mask shouted at the younger hero.

Kasey breathed heavily, the heat and smoke starting to get to her, along with how much she'd been using her powers. "I– I know! And quickly, too!" she called back. Quickly, before I pass out…

Matt barely spoke a word during the scene, he only had a strange smile on his face that made Liam slightly uncomfortable.
Liam tried to get a good shot of the action but with his phone he couldn’t do that well. He had enough shots, enough good shots but he still wanted to stick around.

"That's it! That's the last person in the building!" Kinesie called to her brother. Hearing no response through the roaring flames and black smoke, she called for him. "Mask? MASK? Harper! Harper, where–"

Coughing drew her attention to her left and she quickly walked closer.

"Kase, I'm here," the Mask said, his voice hoarse. "Now, let's get out of here."

"Yes, let's," Kasey sighed, relaxing at the sight of him. She blinked, and black spots appeared in her vision, but she paid them no mind. They'll go away soon.

"C'mon, Kinesie, we need to go," Harper said, moving back to help his sister.

Kinesie nodded slowly. "Right. Right, yeah…" Her voice was quiet, and she trailed off, feeling fuzzier than she had before. "Hey, Harper? Why's the room spinning?" As soon as she had asked that, she passed out, and Harper clung to her.

I've got to get her out of here…