#mysmefictober2022

[elvendara]

MYSME-FICTOBER 22 OCT '22

Bat Cave

October 22nd 2022

“Are you sure about this?” Vanderwood asked again. The darkness beyond the entrance was oppressive. Practically physically heavy. His gun was already out, honey coloered eyes scanning from cave wall to cave wall, including the ceiling and ground.

“Yes, how many times do I have to tell you? Don’t you trust me?” Seven chuckled, securing his backpack and taking out a flashlight. “I’ll lead the way, just try and stay quiet.

“Sure sure, go ahead, I’m right behind you.” The man kept a watchful eye on the younger man, making sure he didn’t set off any possible traps. Although the young agent was good at his job, he was annoying as a human being. Always teasing and getting under his skin. Vanderwood had tried several times to change his assignment, babysitting had never been in his career plans. Seven had only been 17 when Vanderwood had been assigned to mentor and protect him. 707 hadn’t been his first mentee but he had been the youngest.

A teenager needed different handling than an adult but Seven wasn’t the typical teenager. He was focused and driven. It had been an easy assignment. Because of his age, Vanderwood had stayed with him and a few years later, the boy changed. He was still skilled and did the best hacker work Vanderwood had ever seen, but he suddenly began to rebel, to sneak away, to begin playing pranks on his mentor. The older man had chalked it up to puberty/teenagehood catching up to him, but it had never subsided and now he felt stuck with a perpetual, immature, teenager with no sense of self preservation.

“Uh oh.” Seven whispered and knealt, Vanderwood stopped his reminiscence, berating himself for not staying alert to any dangers around them. However, he could see none.

“What is it?” he asked just as quietly, his neck swiveling around.

Seven turned his flashlight off, the sudden darkness made Vanderwood’s skin crawl with the encroaching blindness.

He heard Seven rummaging in his bag, then something hard jabbing him in the belly. “Put this on.” He fumbled with the item as he still held onto his weapon. Holstering it he finally held the item in both hands and could tell it was a pair of night vision goggles. Smart thinking, as always. He slid them over his head and turned them on. Seven’s greenish outline appeared, and he pointed upwards. Following the line of his finger he looked up to the cave ceiling, a small gasp escaped his mouth before slapping his hand over it. The ceiling was covered in bats. Sleeping of course. They made his skin crawl just looking at them. The thought of them waking up and surrounding him made him sweat. A sudden thought entered his mind, and he quickly switched his gaze to the young agent. Sure enough, even through the visage of the night goggles, he could see Seven’s grin from ear to ear. If it wouldn’t waken the wrath above them, he would tazze that insolent smirk off his face!

Seven simply shrugged and stood, continuing further into the cave. Once this mission was over, no matter that 707 was an adult now, he was going to take him over his knee and teach him once and for all, not to mess with his mentor!

[elvendara]

Mysme-Fictober 12 Oct '22

Not really Halloween related at all, and really nothing to do with a black cat, but, hey, it's cute!

Black Cat

12 Oct ‘22

Yoosung laughed, his blond hair flying around his face. Saeran simply rolled his eyes but of course he wasn’t surprised. A small smile crept around the corners of his mouth, the dark freckles highlighted under the sun. They stood on the sidewalk, ready to walk into the new café.

“Only Jumin.” Yoosung said as he walked inside. Saeran silently agreed. They entered and looked around. The décor was cute, unbelievably cute, with cats all over the walls, mostly photos of Elizabeth 3rd.

“To be honest, I’m surprised he didn’t name it the White Cat, or Elizabeth 3rd.” Saeran said.

“True. The Black Cat is surprising.” Nothing inside was black. Mostly it was wood and white with accents of pink. There were cat trees and beds all over the café, including water bowls and food bowls.

“Oh, hello you two. What do you think about my new cat project?” Jumin walked out from the back, Elizabeth 3rd in his arms. He set her on one of the cat trees and she began to bat at a dangling mouse.

“Amazing! Makes me wish I had a cat to bring.” Yoosung answered.

“You should do it. A cat is a wonderful companion.” Jumin said as he stroked Elizabeth 3rd’s back, making her purr.

“I wouldn’t mind a cat.” Saeran said as he too began to pet the silky white Persian. She took to him easily, pushing her head into Saeran’s hand eagerly.

“Really?” Yoosung asked. He noted how gentle Saeran was with Elizabeth 3rd, nothing like his brother, who every cat ran away from. Suddenly all he wanted to find a cat to adopt.

“Mhm.” Was Saeran’s only response.

“Well, maybe, we’ll think about it.” Yoosung said softly. “I do have one question though Jumin, why did you name this place the Black Cat? I would think you’d name it something like ‘The Grandest Elizabeth 3rd’s Regal Palace’.” He chuckled.

“That does have a beautiful ring to it, but although I believe my beloved cat is the best looking cat in the world, Assistant Kang suggested the ‘Black Cat’ because of its notoriety and commonality. I want this to be a place anyone can bring their cat too, even if they are…common. All cats are obviously beautiful and deserving of pampering. I wanted to be inclusive and not have my darling Elizabeth 3rd outshine all other cats.

“Ok, but…uh…if that’s what you were going for, maybe you shouldn’t have so many pictures of Elizabeth 3rd on the walls and have at least one picture of a black cat.” Yoosung said.

“I agree. Maybe you should add more photos of different cats. I like calico cats myself.” Saeran offered.

“Maybe an orange tabby?” Yoosung grinned, thinking about how cute a cat would be if their fur was the same color as Saeran’s hair. He saw the other man blush at the inference, but he didn’t disagree.

“I shall take your suggestions into consideration. I suppose you are correct that I overdid it with the photos. Yoosung, I’d like to get your opinion on the menu and hear any suggestions you have about coffee and bakery items.”

“Sure, will you be OK out here with Elizabeth 3rd?” Yoosung asked Saeran. The other man nodded and picked up the furry cat, she didn’t seem to mind, snuggling into his arms easily.

Yoosung followed Jumin into the kitchen. It was state of the art, he wasn’t surprised at all that Jumin had spared no expense in the cat café.

“Wow! Those ovens are HUGE!” Yoosung ran to the wall where there were several ovens and racks full of baking equipment. “This is incredible! Look at this…oh my god…I’ve always wanted one of these! And this…” he ran his eyes and hands over the equipment, eyes wide with wonder and jealousy.

“I thought you’d like it in here. I was hoping to ask you if you would consider becoming the pastry chef. And you know more about coffee making than anyone I’ve interviewed so far.”

“M…me?” Yoosung stuttered, honestly surprised beyond belief. “Y…you want me?”

“Yes. I understand if you’d rather finish your Veterinary degree and work with animals. I don’t want you to feel pressured to do as I ask. If nothing else, would you help train new staff? And I would love to put those lemon pastries you make on the menu, with your permission of course, and I would pay you for its use as well.”

“I don’t know what to say Jumin.” Yoosung was flustered.

“Think about it, no need to give me your decision this minute, we don’t open for another month or so.”

“I’ll do that. You’ve given me a lot to think about. Running the Black Cat would be a dream come true to be honest. One I never thought I’d ever get.”

Yoosung spent about 30 minutes talking with Jumin about the menu and how to streamline and focus on a few items done well instead of too many choices. Once they were done, they went back out and found Saeran asleep half in one of the cat beds with Elizabeth 3rd snuggled up against him.

“I wonder how my lovely Elizabeth 3rd’s fur would look black.” Jumin said, cocking his raven-haired head as he watched the two sleeping.

“Interesting idea. I think I like mine the color he is though.” Yoosung laughed, Jumin looked confused for a second but he too chuckled.

[elvendara]

MYSME-FICTOBER 8 Oct '22

Haunted Woods

October 8th 2022

“Cut!” the director shouted and sighed in disgust. “Why is this so difficult for you? You’re running through the woods, its dark, shadows are everywhere, you’re being chased by an unknown entity that is hostile, it’s throwing rocks at you, swirling wind around you, and who knows what else! It’s not a stroll in the park with your boyfriend!” his voice rising after every word.

Zen saw the negative effect on his costar but felt powerless to intervene. It was his first movie, an Indie film with limited budget but the director acted as if he was in charge of a big budget blockbuster. He was on a power trip and the crimson eyed actor was ready to just walk.

At the end of the day Zen was exhausted. He leaned against a tree and wiped his face. He knew he should go to the trailer’s and get cleaned up, but he really didn’t want to talk to anyone. With the lights off and the moon only half full it was absolutely eerie. The script was good, not a regular hack and slash film but truly psychological and terrifying.

Something clicked behind him, and he jerked in surprise. It had sounded as if it was right behind his left ear. When he scanned the area, there was nothing there. He shook his head and decided it was time to go. Before he could take a single step there was another clicking sound, this time, the back of his head felt as if it had been tapped.

He spun, scanning the area, crimson eyes wide as he realized all the equipment was gone, as were the trailers. He was alone. Silver hair flew as he twisted and turned, trying to find something familiar. A touch on his back sent him running further into the woods and the encroaching darkness.

He ran for a long time, whenever he stopped something else seemed to be closing in on him. It was only a feeling as he never saw anything, but it was enough to keep him going. He thanked the stars that he was in good physical condition. Endurance wasn’t an issue, at least not this soon, yet even he wouldn’t be able to last long. He ran on, headless of where he was growing, whatever was after him seemed to keep pace and perhaps was even catching up, he could feel it on the back of his neck, the hairs rising in alarm.

And yet he ran. Whatever specter chased him not giving up an inch. His legs slowed, beginning to ache, breathing becoming labored, he was at his end and he knew it. Heart racing he tripped on a tree root and fell. Before he could regain his feet a darkness fell on him, heavy, the stench almost unbearable. He screamed as something dug into the flesh of his back, blood pooling around him. He fought to push himself upwards, knowing it was a losing battle. Once more he screamed into the void, only to hear nothing in return.

“Uh, Zen?” he heard his costar, her voice worried and confused. Suddenly the weight was gone as was the pain. He easily stood, looking down at himself, dirt covering his frontside, his hair in disarray. He looked around, the other actors watching him with uncertainty, as did everyone else who worked on the project. Everything was still there, and he stood in the exact same spot he had been in when the nightmare began. He felt foolish as he turned to look into darkness of the woods. He should feel safe now, yet something still lurked in the dark.

[elvendara]

MYSME-FICTOBER 5 Oct '22

Bump in the Night

October 5th 2022

He sat up straight, sweat springing through his pours, amethyst eyes wide with fear. Blond strands stuck to his forehead and when another bump sounded he screeched, clutching the sheet to his chest. His head swiveled on his neck inspecting his darkened bedroom but finding nothing amiss. The sound that had awakened him was a loud thud as if something heavy but soft had hit his wooden floor.

A crash in the kitchen, glass breaking, had him scrambling under the covers, body shivering with fear. Was someone in the apartment? Were they going to just steal things or were they looking for something more? Would they get angry when they found nothing of real value in his humble home? Or was it something more sinister? He heard scrapping sounds, as if something was walking through broken shards.

The tension was intense, the fear unbearable. He scooted quietly off the bed and onto the floor wondering if he would be able to fit under it. If he stayed under the covers, would any would-be thief believe him to be a pile of laundry? Another thud had his already racing heart beating even faster. As he began to hyperventilate, he slapped a hand over his mouth, trying desperately to cover any noise he might be making. Tears sprang to his eyes stinging them painfully, but he was barely aware.

The shuffling he’d heard before seemed to be coming closer and getting louder, if it was someone trying to be sneaky, they failed their saving throw. If it was something supernatural, it obviously didn’t need to be sneaky. He tried to stop shaking but he backed up against the nightstand as the first creak of the opening bedroom door reached his ears. A small squeak escaped his mouth and the door stopped, the room enveloped in dead silence.

“Yoosung?” the whisper was low, the mere sound of it terrifying the blond. He pulled up his knees to his chin and wrapped his arms around his legs, trying not to breath.

“Yoosung?” the voice was louder now, steps less quiet, now quickly approaching the bed. Something slid across the mattress, as if someone’s hands searched for him. “Babe?” the tone was now fearful and worried. It was also familiar.

“Saeran?” Yoosung poked his head from under the sheet, eyes large, relief drowning in them.

With a sigh Saeran threw himself across the bed and grabbed a hold of Yoosung as he crawled back on.

“You scared the shit out of me!” Yoosung huffed, playfully punching the other man on the shoulder.

“Sorry babe. I didn’t want to wake you, but I guess I made a lot of noise huh? I broke a glass in the kitchen, but it’s all cleaned up now. Just be careful in the morning, in case I missed any shards.”

“What were you doing sneaking in? I thought you were spending the night at home?” Yoosung lay back down, his head on the pillow and pulled the red-head into his arms, his heart beating rapidly for another reason now.

“I was, but, I missed you. Thought I could just come in and slip into bed with you. Forgive me?”

“Of course, I’m just relieved it wasn’t some ghost.” Yoosung chuckled.

“Go back to sleep then. I promise no more bumps in the night from me.” Saeran wrapped his arms around Yoosung, the warmth seeping into his body delightfully.

“Mmm…” Yoosung murmured, already falling back to sleep.

[elvendara]

MYSME-FICTOBER 4 Oct '22

Haunted House

October 4th 2022

“I can’t take it anymore!” Yoosung growled as he wolfed down his breakfast.

“OK, but you know if we leave we’ll have to go with just what we have on our backs. Anything else and they’ll know.” Saeran sighed. He felt the same, it was getting wearisome.

“Ugh, Maddie is going to have a meltdown! You remember how she got when the toilet overflowed! I still think she peeks when we’re in there. It’s so uncomfortable.” Yoosung shuddered.

“Zander won’t be any better. He’s going to smash all my collectables.” Saeran shuddered, biting his lower lip anxiously and running a hand through his red hair.

“We have to do this! Right? It’s for the best!” the blond squared his shoulders and stood from the table, ready to do battle.

“Yes! No turning back! We head into the house and just…say we’re spring cleaning! Yeah, we’re just spring cleaning and have to pack away some things, or…or, maybe need to take some things to get professionally cleaned!” Saeran also stood, his heart racing but with enthusiasm now. “Let’s go!” Having already paid the bill they simply walked out and towards their apartment.

Their steps got slower as they neared the building. Yoosung reached out for Saeran’s hand, amethyst eyes meeting mint green eyes, both nodding and getting strength from each other. They rode the elevator to the third floor in silence, sweat trickling between the palms of their intertwined hands.

As they reached their door Yoosung pulled out his keys and shakily opened it. As they entered the lights went on and softly dimmed a sweet smell permeating the air. Maddie’s favorite perfume. Underneath the overwhelming smell was something savory and mouthwatering. They entered the apartment, shutting the door behind them. The kitchen table was set, a savory meal on lavish plates, candles lit, and a bottle of wine already decanted and breathing.

Music played through speakers that Saeran had installed on the walls, romantic and soft. There was teasing laughter wafting in the air and then silence from their unexpected roommates.

The men looked at each other, tension washing away. If they had to share their home with a couple of ghosts that haunted the apartment, it could be worse.