Horror Fan Fiction ❯ Don't open the door. ❯ Chapter 1

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Disclaimer. I own everyone here! EVERYONE! MUWHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!….Ahem…Enjoy!


Steven Miller popped his back as he slid his sore butt out of the U-haul truck. In front of him his partner Paul and their son David exited the car. Steven smirked, technically David was only Paul’s son, but Steven hoped to be able to formally adopt the boy as well soon. David seemed to have taken to him well since they first met.

Taking a deep breath Steven sighed pleasantly. Life in the suburbs hadn’t been fun for any of them. David had been bullied over he and Paul, something that just broke Steven’s heart, and he and Paul had had to deal with the trouble of being a gay couple surrounded by hardcore republicans.

Granted moving out to the country didn’t really get them away from people like that, but Oregon had to be better then Kentucky. Plus they had received such a good deal for the house and property. Six acres, big farm house, that actually had central air, how sneaky. It was close enough to town that it wouldn’t be a haul to get there, but far enough that he didn’t think they would have people driving by and throwing shit at their home.

The school had also seemed a good place for David, yet another perk.

Steven smiled warmly at Paul, who did his best to return it. Steven understood why, Paul had not been a hundred percent behind the move. The brown haired man had wanted to move to a bigger city but Steven hadn’t thought that kind of environment would be good for David….and after a whole hell of a lot of persuading he had gotten Paul to agree to give it a shot. Steven was pretty sure he could get Paul to warm to the idea even further…after all…way out here they could be as naughty as they wanted and NO one would hear.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Steven yawned, what a long day….he had forgotten who tiring moving could be. Poor David had just collapsed in his bed and started snoring in under five minutes. But they had pretty much gotten everything put into its new home.

Coming down the steps Steven rounded the corner and came face to face with Paul. Flipping his wrench in his hand Steven grinned and struck a hero pose.

“The sink is working properly.” He said with mock uber manliness. Paul chuckled faintly as he sat at the kitchen table, but he still had an air of tension and nervousness around him.

Steven sighed and came behind to rub at his partners neck.

“I know your all nervous about all of this, but give it some time. Our jobs are at home and we are secure financially. Everything will be fine.” Steven said.

Paul grumbled but did relax under Steven’s hands.

“I have a bad feeling about all this, about this place.” Paul grunted.

“Paul…baby….” Steven started. They had had something of the same argument before.

“Come on!” Paul snapped, pulling away from Steven and leaving his chair. “Why was this place so cheap? Its not even a fixer, everything is fine. doesn’t that strike you as odd? The land alone is worth buku bucks.”

Steven closed his eyes in protest to the headache he felt coming on.

“Paul…please.” Steven protested. “Can’t you just accept that we caught a lucky break? Not everyone is out to scam and cheat you, you know?”

Paul leveled a stare on Steven.

“There has to be a scam. And what lucky break? My God Steven….what is your love affair with the country?”

Slightly offended Steven growled.

“I grew up there.”

Paul rolled his eyes.

“Yeee-ah. And it sucked for you. You met me in the city. Are we forgetting all the horrible things you told me about growing up there, how bad it was for you?”

Trying his best to hold his temper Steven gently set the wrench he had used to tighten the sinks pipes down on the table.

“Paul….” He grown out.

Paul stalked away from the table.

“No Steve. I agreed tot his because I’d like very much to have a warm home for OUR family. But I have a really bad feeling about this, and first and foremost David is MY son, mine Steven. I have to do what is best for him….regardless of how much you are trying to make up for your shitty childhood.” Paul said. “….It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why you liked this place so much. I’ll give it some time….but I don’t like it…and I don’t like you brushing my misgivings to the side.”

Something told Steven that where ever he slept tonight, be it the couch or their bed…it was going to be very cold.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A few months past and things had improved slightly. The house was fantastic, as far as Steven was concerned. Everything was in working order, plus the previous owner, Mr. Valletta had left several sheets of detailed information/instructions throughout the house. Steven got a kick out of that, it was very helpful yes, but cute in a way.

So detail orientated Valletta was. He’d been very helpful, eager even when Steven had expressed interest in the house.

Things had been going well for David as well, no problems at school and had made some good friends as well. All this had helped calm Paul down. Steven’s partner had been a bit cold since the move but Steven didn’t really blame him, it would take time to adjust, plus they had discovered the town was pretty much anti-gay. Steven knew Paul was afraid of small towns and their people. It was going to take time for that to dissipate.

Though Steven didn’t really consider it a overt problem so far, after all no one knew….yet.

Paul was adamant that he wasn’t going to hide who he was. Steven hoped his man would show at least a little discretion…if only for David’s sake.

But he didn’t dare say such a thing to Paul. The last time he had suggested such a thing it had caused a titanic fight between them.

Steven was just…very uncomfortable with being so…showy.

Yes he was gay, yes he was happy with himself, but he didn’t like shoving it in other people’s faces. It really wasn’t anyone’s business but their own and why bring trouble down on yourself?

Paul on the other hand often went out of his way to make sure everyone knew.

The worst fight that they had ever had happened because of such a thing.

But thankfully he didn’t see such a thing happening now, all the social events that Paul had taken him to were non-existent out here. No parties, no dance clubs, none of those -Pride- events that he hated so much.

Just peace and quiet. Low-key and private. Just how he thought life should be.

Shaking himself from his thoughts Steven headed down the basement steps, slightly embarrassed and grateful that no one had seen him just standing in the door way for God knew how long.

The steps felt thick and sturdy but creaked in a way that made them feel….homey to him.

He had set to exploring the house weeks ago, the basement was the last place he hadn’t been. The cement floor felt cool even though his thick socks.

Reaching to the right Steven ran his hand along the wall until he found the light panel. Flicking the switches Steven was please to see the basement flood with light, the last thing he wanted to have to do was stumble around in the dark with a flashlight trying to replace bulbs.

Taking a look around Steven hummed in his throat, lots of space meant lots of potential, he could set up a nice workshop down here. It was rather clean for a basement as well. Concrete floor and stone walls…kinda had a gothic feel to it.

Wandering around to the back wall Steven was more then a little surprised to find a big black door.

“Huh…” He muttered as he scratched the back of his head. “Where do you go?”

Reaching out he gave the knob a twist, only to find it was securely locked.

Odd….looking up Steven laid his eyes on the sign taped to the door.

His curiosity piqued Steven turned and began to make his way back to the stairs. Perhaps it led outside? Though he didn’t remember seeing a door anywhere around the house, he’d have to check again.

Just as he reached the first step a faint sound reached his ears, straining he could just make it out.

Scriiitch………Scriiiitch……R 30;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Strange….

Just then Steven heard the front door open and pushed the sound from his mind as he made his way upstairs.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hours later Steven had walked around every inch of the house, no door, no nothing. So if the basement door did not lead to the outside, then where did it go?

Stepping up on the deck Steven’s curiosity continued to poke at him. Every key that they had been given had been clearly marked, yet not one of them appeared to be for the basement door.

There were quite a few keys at that, nearly every door in the house had an old fashioned style lock and key, something that was a bit of a history buff amused Steven.

“What’s wrong?” Paul asked as Steven walked through the front door, shaking his head as he came in.

‘Oh…nothing.” Steven answered. “There is this door….in the basement. I thought it might lead outside…but it doesn’t.”

“Oh?”

“Can’ t find a key for it either.” Steven confessed.

“Aaaand knowing you it’ll bug you until you find out.” Paul chuckled. Steven blushed slightly. “Your supposed to give Valletta a call right? Ask him about it.” Paul suggested.

Steven nodded.

“I probably will.” Steven admitted as he planted a kiss on Paul’s soft lips. Paul swatted his ass with a grin.

“Well then get to it, I’m starting supper soon and knowing you you’ll talk for like an hour if you don’t have something to stop you.”

“Oh hush…” Steven chuckled as he headed to his office.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Four rings of his phone and a pleasant voice came through the receiver.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Valletta?” Steven asked.

“Ah! Mr. Miller! How are you doing M’boy?” Valletta asked. Though only in his mid-forties Valletta spoke and carried himself as an old time southern gentleman.

“Doing just fine sir.” Steven answered. “Nearly settled in.”

“Wonderful.” Valletta chirped. “I trust everything is in good condition?”

“Haven’t found any problems yet, thank you for keeping things in such fine shape.” Steven responded.

“Well I certainly would not sell property to anyone if it were in poor condition. But what is the nature of this call if I may ask?” Valletta inquired.

“Well…” Steven began. “I’m having an issue with the keys.”

“Oh?” Valletta replied. “Well the locks are old, they may need replacing sooner or later, but what seems to be the problem?”

“I seem to be missing one.” Steven continued. “You see…there is that door in the basement…”

A burst of sharp clacks rippled from the receiver, causing Steven to pull away for a second.

“Mr. Valletta? Are you still there? Hello?”

Steven heard a clattering on the other side of the phone before Valletta’s voice returned.

“Ah…yes. I’m sorry…phone…slipped from my hand.” Valletta informed, though his voice sounded strange, shaky. “Oak door? Painted black?”

“Yes that one.” Steven said. “It’s locked and I can’t seem to find the key. I’m curious as to where it goes.”

“Nowhere.” Valletta said hastily. “It was an old storage room, caved in on itself when I was a child. Its not safe to enter.”

“Oh.” Steven muttered. “I could have sworn I heard something on the other side…scratching at the door.”

Valletta’s breathing sped up for a second.

“Ah well….yes. An animal I’m sure, probably tunneled down. I attempted to brick over it, but something about the angle of the wall and the level of the floor kept causing it to collapse. I would suggest cement, for safety reasons of course.”

Steven mulled over it for a second.

“And the key?”

“I’m afraid I tossed it years ago, after the room caved.” Valletta answered.

“But the skeleton key would open it right?” Steven asked.

“Yes…I suppose it would. But I highly suggest against such actions.” Valletta responded. “Could be mold or mole den. You don’t need that.”

“I’m just curious that’s all.” Steven confessed.

“You know what they say about curiosity.” Valletta said. “Leave it be dear boy. I’d hate for some old rotten beam or something to injure someone.”

Hmm…made sense.

“I suppose your right.” Steven said. “Well that’s all I needed. Thank you very much Mr. Valletta.”

“Not a problem at all Steven.”

Saying goodbye Steven hung up. Odd….all of it odd. But Valletta was a very caring, cautious man, so it was probably best to listen. It wasn’t THAT important anyway.

“I’ll just ask Paul what he wants to do.”

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

A month had past since his conversation with Valletta and Steven found himself in the basement once more, which he had converted into a workshop for himself.

He liked to work with his hands and it also gave him a place to go and something to do if he and Paul had an argument and needed some space.

Which they had.

Paul had been having nightmares, of what he could never seem to remember in detail. But it was getting to Steven’s beloved, Steven himself was sympathetic, and which he could help. Several times Paul had awoken so frightened he had screamed….which had scared the shit out of Steven.

Problem was Paul insisted the dreams meant something, Paul had always claimed that the gift ran deep in his families blood.

Steven didn’t believe in things like that, but never said it out loud. However Paul had attached the so called warning to the house and was arguing that they should leave.

Steven couldn’t believe that, he loved the house, the town and the locations. Things were also going well for David, so why leave? Why ditch so much good for some stupid dream.

That had been a mistake to say, so had the ill-tempered accusation that maybe Paul was upset that Steven had been right about it being a good place to live and was making it all up to try and force them into leave.

Big mistake….

Thus Steven found himself in the basement, tinkering with a homemade birdfeeder, until his partner calmed down.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

And there it was again.

Every time he came down here and made any sort of noise he could hear something faintly scratching at the door. He generally ignored it, because whatever it was grew more persistent when he acknowledged it, told it to shut up or whatever.

So he ignored it.

It was still really annoying.

Steven tilted his head to the side, scowling at the door. He was going to dig up the skeleton key, and if the damn thing didn’t call it quits soon it was going to get a big can of poison for its trouble.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Steven ripped open the front door, slamming it shut with all his might as he stormed in.

“God damn it!” He roared to the empty house.

Why?! Why did Paul have to be so…..so….unreasonable?
It was bad enough the whole town had been beginning to wonder about them, all because of Paul’s actions, so of course the first chance Paul got he had to out them.

Of course he did, he ALWAYS did.

Steven was seething, and knowing Paul he was too, but Steven refused to be the bad guy this time.

Right in the middle of a big town meeting, the first they were invited to, Paul just had to grab him and pull him in for a very overt kiss.

In front of everyone.

Steven could still see Paul’s eyes widen, filling with anger after he had pulled away, preventing the kiss, trying to make it look like something other then it was.
Didn’t matter though, everyone had seen, EVERYONE knew what it had been. Just like Paul had wanted.
The hushed whispers had burned in his ears as he had chased after a furious Paul. Though in retrospect he probably shouldn’t have. Because the moment they were outside Paul had turned on him.

“I can’t believe you just did that!!” Paul had shouted. Steven had tried to point out that Paul was only trying to draw attention to them with the kiss, just like he always did, it was a game, one Steven didn’t want to play.

No one had known and now they all did.

Steven had been so frustrated and upset that he hadn’t been able to keep from raising his voice.

Now they would have to start all over again, if they could start over at all. He had asked why Paul always had to make things hard for them, why he couldn’t keep their business, their business?

Paul had gotten quiet, his anger turning cold.

“So…I’m not good enough to openly love. Is that it?” Paul had asked. “Your such a fucking coward Steven. If you want to go and hide then go do it, go crawl back bigoted family and your preacher father. But I will not be hiding with you. I love you Steven….you have NO idea how much I love you. But I’m not going back in, I’m out and I’m proud and I’m STAYING out. So you decide, either your with me. REALLY with me. Or your not. I’m not going to be in some back alley, on the down low, closeted relationship. So think about what you really want…think about it Steven.”

Then Paul had left.

Steven had hoped Paul would be at home, but no such luck.

Kicking the basement door open Steven near ran down the stairs. Gripping at his workbench hard Steven tried to clam down. But behind the anger there was fear.

Fear that Paul really would leave him. He could too….there was nothing legally binding them together, they weren’t married, and Steven still had not been able to legally adopt David.

So Paul really could walk right out, leaving him all alone.

Alone.

That word terrified him. His family had disowned him when he had come out tot hem, something Paul had insisted that he do if they were going to truly live together. He could still remember his father condemning him….damning him. Telling him the lake of fire would be his only reward.

Plus he didn’t think he COULD start all over….the dating scene unnerved him, and he wanted to settle down…he didn’t want to chase anymore.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch…… ;…Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Steven snarled. God damn it…not that stupid thing again.

“Shut up!” Steven roared at the door. But the scratching only grew louder, father.

Scritch Scritch! Scratch Scratch!


Grabbing the birdfeeder he had been working on Steven hurled it at the door. As it exploded into pieces Steven screamed.

“I said shut the fuck up!!”

ScritchScritchScratchScratchScritchScritchScrat chScratch!

“That’s it….” Steven growled. Grabbing his long handled hammer and the skeleton key he had brought down days ago Steven stomped to the door.

Steven smirked in triumph as the lock popped.

“Your in for it now…” Steven muttered as he twisted the door handle.

Before he could finish the door blasted open, knocking him back. He felt an ungodly sharp pain in his thighs and then he was falling, cracking his elbow sharply against the concrete floor.

Feeling dazed Steven tried to get his feet under him, confused as to why he had fallen. More importantly….why couldn’t he feel his feet?

Looking down Steven saw why…..

Two bloody stumps sat where his legs should have been.

Eyes widening Steven looked towards the open door….and screamed.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Paul ’s hands trembled slightly as he pulled the car into the drive. Steven’s truck was there and he was dreading what might happen next.

“You okay dad?” David asked. Slightly startled by the sound Paul gave the boy at his side his best smile.

“Yeah…I’m fine kiddo.”

“Did you and Steve have a fight?” David asked.

Damn…the kid was just too observant.

“Yeah….” Paul admitted weakly. No point in lying to the boy.

“Well….I’m sure everything will work out.” David said with certainty only a child could have.

“Your probably right.” Paul said, though he didn’t really believe it. He wanted so much for everything to work…but Steven, God Steven….why did he have to be so ashamed of them?

For some reason the knot of fear in his belly only grew larger and tighter as they exited the car.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

As David headed upstairs to his room Paul called out to Steven. When he received no answer he made his way to the closed basement door.

The door creaked sinisterly as he opened it, God he hated basements.

His footsteps seemed to thunder in the dark as he went down the steps. Groping for the light switch at the bottom Paul grimaced in disgust as his hand touched something wet and sticky

“Ugh…damn it Steven….what…have you been doing down here? Throwing paint? Why are the lights off?”

Flipping the lights on Paul glanced at his hand. It took him a minute for his brain to process what he was seeing but when he did his breath froze in his lungs.

Blood.

“S-Steven??!” Paul gasped fearfully as he looked around the basement.

Blood was everywhere.

There was a big streak of it across the floor, leading away from Steven’s workbench, and a bloody handprint.

His legs threatening to give out on him Paul slowly approached it. There was something near the print.

Paul nearly puked as he saw broken off fingernails laying in the cooling blood. Then his eyes settled on the floor above the print.

Had been hastily scrawled on the cement…in blood.

“Steven….” Paul choked.

So much blood….where the hell was the body…there had to be a body.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Paul turned to face the door, the one Steven had talked about, which the blood streak lead right to.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……R 30;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Paul took a step towards the door.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

A torn piece of Steven’s shirt was stuck in the side of the door.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

A key was still stuck in the lock of the door.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Paul touched the door knob, it was locked.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch…… …Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Scriiiitch… ;……Scriiiitch………Scraaaatch……̷ 0;Scraaaatch.

Scriiiitch………Scriiiitch…R 30;…Scraaaatch………Scraaaatch.

Scriiiitch 230;……Scriiiitch………Scraaaatch……&# 8230;Scraaaatch.