sumi

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ MASTERLIST

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT

To avoid confusion, the format of this novel is switching POVS. It will be mostly Li's POV written in white. It will switch to Rei's POV, which is written in green. The purpose of this is to allow readers to understand more about the character.

₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ INTRODUCTION

Aliens don't exist. Well, that is also what Li assumed until he discovered a pestering voice in his head. That voice eventually became tangible to Li and went by the name of Rei. With the ability to actually see and touch the tormenting thoughts in Li's head, Rei did the obvious thing. Take out all his anger on Li within a random alleyway. Despite their clear differences, Li being a human and Rei being an alien, they begin to tolerate each other. Unable to withstand the feeling of an empty home, Li allows Rei to shelter in his home. Rei stays within this newfound home with the hopes of fulfilling his mission. Slowly, things start to look up for the two of them. But of course, when two worlds collide, at least one of them, is going to be destroyed.

CHAPTER ONE - A BURNING MEMORY

CHAPTER TWO - SCHOOL SPIRIT

CHAPTER THREE - ITS ALL IN YOUR HEAD

CHAPTER FOUR - WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

CHAPTER FIVE - I COME IN PEACE

CHAPTER SIX - DINNER FOR TWO

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ CHAPTER 6 - DINNER FOR TWO

I hung up Rei’s dress shirt after cleaning the blood stains from it. Glad the stain came out. I head to my room, opening my laptop to begin my research. I don’t know how many hours passed. I suddenly snap out of my grind by a whiny voice.

“Hey. When are you making.. um. nutrients? Doesn’t your kind consume sustenance around this time?” The alien shouts from the living room. 

Right. There’s an alien in MY apartment. Complaining about dinner. Ungrateful. 

“I do hear your thoughts, for the record,” I roll my eyes internally and step out of my room. I walk over to the green freak. Seriously, what the hell?

“Grab an instant noodle from inside the cupboards. There’s hot water in that container over there,” I explain, pointing to let him know where the noodles and water are.

“What? What is that?” The alien said, with a confused look in his face as he looks towards the cupboards.

“You take one of the pre-packaged noodle cups and add hot water. Once you wait about 3 to 5 minutes, the noodles are ready for you to eat,” I explain.

“What? That sounds dreadful.”

“Dude, you literally have no place to be complaining right now.”

“What, I thought people normally make their own meals. Instant noodles sound shabby and cheap. I know you guys have appetizing food on this planet. Don’t try to humor me with this… rubbish made for vermin .”

This guy is beginning to get on my nerves again. “I’m not cooking for you. I don’t even eat dinner anyways.”

“Oh, you must be the subspecies that cannot provide standard needs for themselves, like cooking. I think you call them.. “losers..” Oh, whatever. What can I do then? You sound anorexic from the fact you stray from the routine of consuming three meals a day. No need to lose weight, you’re already skinny.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Can you cook? Make something yourself.” He doesn’t reply. I let out a chuckle. A heavy glare sets on me. I cover my mouth with my hand.

Did he just laugh in my face? I’m not sure if he knows who I am. I’m meant to be laughing at him! I know this scum can cook. I saw it in his mind! He won’t be laughing when his apartment is burning down-

“Alright, alright, I’ll make something. Anything you want in particular? Or foods you like?”

“Well on Anlet I would eat gilners and mijon, my favorite was-” I began, before being cut off by the human.

“Uh…hate to break it to you but I have no idea what any of that is. Let’s go to a different question. What sort of tastes do you prefer? Spicy, sweet, salty?” I say.

I thought about it for a while. What do I prefer? I mean, I’m quite used to the pampered life of luxury and eating high-end pallets for every meal. But, I do like sweet things. “I’d say sweet,” I say, after thinking about it for a while. 

“Alright, I’ll go drop by the grocery store to pick up some ingredients,” I say, walking over to grab a light jacket as it was nearing night time. “Don’t go anywhere.”

“Yeah, yeah…” I grumbled. Yeah right, like I’m going anywhere.

一一一一一

What should I even make? I haven’t really made dinner for myself for a while. Sweet…huh. Distinct memories of a sweet yet slightly sour dish my mother made for me when I was younger flooded my mind. I let out a small smile. 

I go over the meat section, glossing over the various porks, deciding which would be the best for this dish. Ultimately I choose pork shoulder over pork tenderloin, as the shoulder would be more tender. After putting the pork into the basket I was holding, I went over to the vegetable aisle. I scout the vegetables, looking for onion, garlic, and ginger. Once I found them, I put them in those plastic bags used for vegetables and added them to my grocery basket. 

I should probably also pick up some other vegetables to cook on the side. I can’t just cook us meat. Do I still have rice in the house? I probably do…

Before leaving the aisle, I pick up some broccoli, mushrooms, cauliflower, and bok choy from the vegetable section. What sauces do I have at home? I don’t remember what auntie left me with…I try to think back. I definitely have soy sauce and sesame oil…maybe I’ll pick up some chili oil. Oh I’ll probably need some tomato paste to make the sauce. I also grab some vinegar, potato starch, and cornstarch. This should be enough. I walk up to the register, putting the food from my basket on the conveyor belt and taking out my wallet to pay. I scrunch my face up looking at the total price.

Damn, grocery shopping is expensive. 

一一一一一

“I’m back,” I say, after closing the apartment door behind me. I’m greeted by the whacking of Benji’s tail against my leg. “Hi Benji.” I walk over to the kitchen, unpacking the bags full of the ingredients I just bought. I open the fridge door. My eyes avert to the two bottles on the upper righthand corner. Two bottles of beer. 

I still have those? 

I stand there, staring at the two bottles. I…I thought I had drunk it all. When did I get this? How long has it been in there? You can’t Li…you can’t-

“Butler! The refrigerators beeping,” I yell, snapping the boy out of his trance. “What are you even doing? How long does it take for you to cook?”

“A little over an hour, probably?” I say, beginning to put the various vegetables I won’t be using for tonight's dinner into the fridge. 

“What?!” I shout in frustration, turning around from the couch looking at the human in disbelief. “That long? Are you joking ? It better be up to par.”

“Yeah,” I say absentmindedly, scooping a few cups of rice. I wash it and put it in the rice cooker. I take out a cutting board from under the cupboards and begin to chop up the onions. Once chopped, I put the onion in a separate bowl. After, I wash the knife I used to cut up the onions. I begin to cut up the pork into small one-inch pieces. I leave the chunks of pork in a separate bowl after cutting. I begin to put together the sauce for the pork to marinate. I grate garlic, ginger and onion into the bowl I left the pork in. I add an ample amount of soy sauce and mix it together. I put some plastic wrap over the bowl and leave it on the side. After doing so, I began to make the sweet and sour sauce for the pork. 

I began heating up a frying pan and added some oil to it. I add some tomato paste and let it simmer with the oil until it turns a red-orange color.  Once the sauce has turned this color, I added some vinegar, water, sugar, and soy sauce. I let the sauce cook for five minutes. As the sauce was cooking, I began to dissolve cornstarch in a bowl with cold water. After five minutes, I began slowly pouring the cornstarch mixture into the sauce, stirring the mixture until it thickened. 

“Rei,” I begin, the alien turns around quickly in surprise. “Could you test the taste of the sauce for me?” The boy frowned.

“Why? Are you trying to poison me or something?” I say, venom lacing my voice. I look at the sauce, skeptical. “Why can’t you do it yourself?” 

“What? No, it’s nothing like that. It’s just…just my taste for sweetness isn’t really all that strong anymore. I want to make sure it’s sweet enough.” I explained. I want to make sure it’s sweet enough for you. I took a spoon and scooped up a bit of the sauce for Rei to try. He takes the spoon and eyes it suspiciously.

“...Alright,” I say. I mean he’s not thinking of anything that involves harming me. I guess what he’s saying is true. I guess…it wouldn’t hurt to try. I bring the spoon up to my lips, testing the flavor. 

“How is it?” I ask, not being able to help being a bit nervous. I haven’t cooked in a long time, I hope it’s alright…I did just eyeball the measurements anyway.

“It’s good,”

“Really?”

“Yeah,” I say, in a genuine voice. “It’s sweet, flavorful, with a hint of sourness to it.” I look up to see the human grinning in front of me. Like a child. As if he’s just gotten approval from his mother…or something of the sort. 

“Perfect,”

一一一一一

“The food’s ready,” I say, turning off the stove. I watch as Rei swiftly gets up from the couch, eyeing the food. “Can you help me set the table?” The alien doesn’t reply, yet he grabs two bowls and utensils for the both of us. 

“There’s rice in the rice cooker, help yourself. I really don't eat much so take as much as you want. It’s okay if there’s rice leftover.” I can use it to make meals for tomorrow. I set the table with the sweet and sour pork I made alongside a plate of stir-fried vegetables. Rei comes over with a bowl of rice for the both of us and sits down across from me. 

“Try it,” I say, picking up multiple pieces of pork and vegetables with my chopsticks and placing it in Rei’s bowl. He hesitantly picks up the piece of pork and puts it in his mouth. He chews. I hope it’s good…I did make him wait an hour for it. Rei swallows.

“Wow, it’s quite nice ,” I say, picking up another piece. “Truly, it’s quite tasty. I’m surprised..” I said with a soft smile. It’s sweet but…it’s not overwhelming. It compliments the other foods in the dish. 

“Really? Do you mean it? Truly?” I say in excitement. Rei raises an eyebrow. 

“Why don’t you just, I don’t know…try it yourself?” I watch as the boy in front of me reluctantly picks up his chopsticks to eat. I watch as he takes his first bite, his eyes opening slightly at the taste.

“Yeah, it’s…nice,” I say, after chewing. “Maybe I should cook for us more often.”

I nod my head, continuing to eat. This is…nice in the sort. I could get used to this. Human food is truly…tasty. I wonder what other types of meals humans can cook. 

“I’m glad you like it,” What should I cook tomorrow? Maybe I should get up earlier to buy some bagels. I think that would be nice. I’ll buy some smoked salmon and some cream cheese as well. 

“That…sounds pleasing,” I say, taking the last bite of the meal the human had cooked, savoring the taste. 

Maybe this human world…isn’t so bad.

[ A/N ] this chapter was so fun to write!! rei and li interactions without them trying to kill/put down one another :D

yes we do! :D here you go!! rei on the left and li on the right! glad you're interested in our ocs :3 chapter 6 on its way!!

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ CHAPTER 5- I COME IN PEACE

Does he really have to keep holding onto me? This is a little.. awkward.. Plus it makes it harder for me to walk like this…

Are you kidding me? You think it’s not hard for me to walk too? You caused this.. Well, technically you didn't because it’s just a facade to make you feel bad, but like..in your perspective, you assault a random creature you don’t know, and it begs for help and it’s leaning on you for support, then all you care about is the social atmosphere?! 

Okay.. My apartment is just a few blocks down- 

Right in the midst of my thoughts, I was abruptly interrupted as his entire body weight collapsed into me, crashing me to the ground. He stumbled awkwardly, struggling to regain his balance after knocking me over.

“What is your problem?! I didn’t even do any damage to your legs!”

Jackass. You hit me in the head! Of course I’m a bit dizzy?!

“Ah, sorry…are you alright? I just lost my balance there..” I laughed awkwardly as my sentence trailed off, a sheepish awkward grin on my face as I looked at him fallen on the ground.

I looked up at his soft smile, slightly showing off his weird-looking teeth. 

Why does he have some stupid little sharp teeth poking out from the top and bottom rows..? It looks like the ones that those ugly Japanese ogres have…onis or whatnot..his pink eyes still shined even though his black bangs covered them. Hopefully nobody sees me with…whatever he is. 

I sigh, whatever.. I need to stop taking it so personally.. It’s not like he meant to do it on purpose..

“...It’s okay.” I muttered, trying to just suck it up. I groaned as I tried to prop myself up with my tender hands, fully feeling the hard little rocks on the sidewalk. I take a glance at my hands, taking a look at the circular scars that litter my fingers. I can still hear her laugh…I scrunch my face up in disgust. 

“We’re almost there, just hold on, yeah?” I said in a forgiving tone, trying to force a smile as I brushed off my hands on my dull muted red sweater, dirtied with the blue blood of the creature beside me. 

“Thanks.”

I continued to “stumble” next to him until we reached the entrance of his shabby apartment. I observed him as he fumbled with his key to unlocking the door, then he gently nudged it open for us to enter. We both walked towards his living room, awkward tension already filling the room. I watch as another creature goes to visit the human.

“Hey boy, I’m back,” I say, scritching Benji behind his ears and chin. He gives me a heartwarming lick on my hand. I quickly shift my attention back onto the alien. Benji doesn’t go up to him. Odd…maybe because I’m the only person he’s seen for a long time. The only other person he’s seen is probably auntie…

“Um, I’ll get the bandages..” I quickly shuffled towards my bathroom, leaving him alone in the living room. Ugh.. Why did I invite him over again? I didn’t know it’d be this awkward. I should probably grab a change of clothes for him too. I take out the first-aid kit that sat in the cabinets under my sink. I open it, and stare at the bandages for a while. 

Haven’t taken these out for a long time. I glance at my wrist and immediately glance away. The scars still haven’t faded…maybe they won’t ever.

You’re better than that now. You promised her, Li. I stop my train of thought and begin walking back to the couch.

I mean, at least he feels bad. Now I sort of feel bad. I glance around. Isn’t this sort of a big apartment room for just one person? How did he even afford this? I thought housing was expensive on this planet. Oh he’s back. 

“Hey, here’s a clean shirt,” I say, handing him a gray t-shirt. “I can wash your other shirt for you. Once you change I can help you apply bandages and ointment.”

What’s with the change of heart? I glance at the clothes hesitantly. I take the shirt and head to the bathroom to change. 

Where should I leave my shirt? I say, talking to him through his mind. 

How the hell are you doing that, Mr. I’m-not-the-voice-in-your-head? I rolled my eyes. Get a load of this guy. Leave it on the sink counter. I’ll hand wash it later. Alright. I leave my dress shirt on the sink counter and put on the shirt the human handed me. I start walking back to the living room. I sit beside the guy, awkwardly. Haven’t been so close to a…human before. 

“Can you lift your bangs up? So I can see the injury?” I say, beginning to unravel the bandages. The alien in front of me begins to halfheartedly lift his bangs, revealing his eyes more clearly. They’re so…pink. I slowly wrap the bandages around his head, gently. I secure the bandages with a safety pin. I take out band-aids and examine his face, looking for cuts. I gently place one on his cheek, and one beside his right eye. 

Is it really necessary to have him be so close… It feels like he’s invading my personal space. I can’t really back up or push him away, can I? I mean.. He’s just trying to accommodate me.. I glance up momentarily but I quickly dart my eyes back to the floor. Does he have to stare at me like that?! His gaze is so intense… Must he have such a piercing stare on his face? What a peculiar being… 

“Anything I missed?” I say, beginning to put the bandages back into the kit. He shakes his head ‘no’. “I never caught your name, by the way.” Oh, that’s right. 

“Rei.” I’m not really the conversational type unless I have to, like how the press always pesters me so I just comply for the sake of reputation.

“Cool, cool…I’m Li,” I have so many things I want to ask but…is this really the time? Maybe I should let him rest first. I do also have that project I need to work on. 

“Since it seems like you’re too incompetent to realize, I know what goes on inside your head.” I sigh. “Just ask me the questions. Your sympathy is irking me.” Like seriously. Stop this act already. I know what you’re thinking already. 

“Well…alright. What is…an alien like you doing on Earth?” I ask. He raises an eyebrow. He stays quiet for a bit.

“It doesn’t concern you.” I said in a cocky manner, brushing his silly questions off.

Seriously? Forgot how much of an asshole he is. Does he have an on and off switch in there or something? Something is seriously messed up in his brain. 

Ugh, I forgot he’s a crybaby. Why is he so offended over my response? I’m not an asshole for not answering such a question. He’s not entitled to my answer. No way I’m telling him shit now. Can’t believe these are the species that are sought after. Clearly nobody from my planet has actually met a human before. Humans, truly such an inferior kind in almost every way.

“Um…well then, how are you exactly talking to me in my brain?” I say, whilst fiddling my thumbs. Seriously? Rei scoffs. Are you serious…I’m trying to be nice here! Why is he getting angry? He wanted the questions!

“Well basically, I just use my magical alien powers to transport soundwaves through your ears!” I say in a sarcastic tone and a grin.

“Yeah right..” I scoffed and rolled my eyes. This guy can’t be serious. He offers to answer my questions, and pulls these shenanigans.

“You really thought I would answer that question out of all things? How foolish I would be to do so. Nobody just shows their hand of cards to another. You’re just the antagonist to my kind.” I say, voice laced with venom and obviously annoyed. The human’s face scrunches up, unable to conceal his anger. Yeah, enough with that fake sympathy. 

“Then what the hell am I supposed to ask you? And what are you saying? Antagonist? You’re really considering me an enemy here? You’re the one who started it! If anything, I should be calling you the enemy!” I lash out. Of course I’m going to ask him about why he’s on earth! He’s an alien for god sake!

“Did I ever say I was going to answer them?” I say with a sly smirk. This blasted fool. Humans get agitated so easily. I chuck to myself. The human facepalms in clear frustration.

“Cause it’s…I don’t know… implied?! You know what? Forget it. Go ahead and leave, I don’t owe you shit anymore. I should’ve never invited you here in the first place.”

Pardon? This entitled selfish human thinks he can just evict me like that? Oh please, I need to stay here for my one mission. He happens to fit the criteria as my perfect victim for it, so unfortunately for him, I can’t let that happen. I’ll stay here, but if it were up to me, I’d gladly leave this shithole.

“You would rather be alone in this echoing apartment than have me? You’re gonna kick me out, and leave me in the wild foreign area? What would I do..? Do you really think a homeless shelter would take in someone like me? A foreigner? An alien?” I ask him, watching as the guilt sifts into his body. The unease on his face. This was going to be easy.

“I…forget it,” I groan whilst facepalming. “I still have to work on that project…just give me some silence and don’t mess with anything, okay?” I can’t argue with him right now, it’s not worth it. After the stunt I pulled at Kenzie’s house I have to make sure my part of the project is pristine. Not waiting for a response from Rei, I go back into the bathroom. 

I stare at the boy confused. I thought he needed to work on his project? Why is he going to the bathroom? What use could that place possibly possess for his project?   I could hear faint noises of scrubbing and the faucet running in the bathroom. My eyes widen. He’s cleaning my shirt…

Maybe I have been too harsh on him. 

Stupid humans. I never understand their kind. 

[ A/N ] do ppl actually read our story?

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ CHAPTER 4- WHEN TWO WORLDS COLLIDE

As I reach the end of the road, I can’t bring myself to look ahead, and I can only look down with a blurred vision of my trembling hands. My breath can’t help but come out in shaky momentum as I leaned onto the wall behind me within the alleyway. Why did I... why did I let my emotions get the better of me again? I could’ve finally had some new friends in this dump.

I sigh as I couldn't help but let the tears flow down into my shaking hands as I slid my back down slowly against the wall. I sat down on the floor leaning against the wall within an alleyway. 

Sitting next to a garbage can…God.. I really am pathetic.. The voice was right…

“Mm…wrong, right, and right again!” I chuckle. This will be fun.. 

“Leave me alone...” I sniffled as I buried my head into my own arms in hopes of finding a source of comfort. 

.

.

.

Wait a damn minute…I darted my head up and met my blurry eyes with the figure looking down on me. I know that voice like it was five minutes ago..! Because it was..

“Wait. You’re that fucking voice in my head!” My anger spiked.

“What? You’re hearing voices? You should get that checked out..” I expressed my concern for him with a soft smile. Voices in his head? I wonder how that happened…

“Don’t play dumb with me, asshole!” I quickly get up, slightly tumbling over my shaky movements. I wiped my eyes and stood in front of this jerk, facing him. Who does this guy think he is? The more I examined him, the more I realized I could probably knock this guy out. And what’s with his stupid getup? What’s this guy doing dressed up all nice in this dump…What a freak…

“What? I’m just worried for you, that’s all man..” I grinned as I stood my ground. Does this guy think he intimidates me just because he happens to be taller? Yeah right…

I stood there in silence, my vision slowly clearing up. I examined him, his eyes with a pink glow to them beneath his black bangs. What the hell…why does he have those stupid green antennas…wait- what the hell?! Why is he green?! Maybe I couldn’t hold a good poker face or something, but he noticed that I probably realized he’s..a bit abnormal.

“I know you’re lying.”

“...”

 I stayed silent, he’s smarter than he looks for a guy who’s been held back in basic education. I mean, it’s not hard to put two and two, but like I thought these people forget about logic once their emotions get the better of them. Maybe they’re not so soft after all. Either way, I needed to change the subject, like right now…

“Are you always this pathetic?” I flashed a passive aggressive smile towards him. 

“What?” I snapped back at him. I clenched my fits, I’m about to punch this guy if he doesn’t shut up. We don’t even know each other and he’s trying to pick a fight. What is wrong with people these days?

Stand up for yourself Li. Or it’s just going to end up like her again. Weakling.

“I mean, are you always pitying yourself and crying in an alleyway while you tremble?” I said, remaining calm with my smug smirk that always irks people for some reason. I mean, it’s just a smile though so what’s the big deal?

I grabbed him by his collar on his stupid white button up shirt with my left hand. This prick really thinks he’s all that, huh? I don’t need this…thing telling me about how pathetic I am. 

“What the hell is your problem? I mean, you’re green. Why are you green anyways? You fucking freak, get out of here.”

“Really? Seems like you’re the only one with a problem here.” I sneered. He won’t do anything brash, he’s not that type of g–

I’m tired of his jackass.

 My fist crashed into his face, the impact causing blood to spray out from his mouth, spewing blood onto me. I grab his head and crash it onto the brick wall behind him. Wow, that's what takes him to shut up? Blue blood? What the hell? This guy is for SURE not human. His head rammed back into the wall, leaving sickly blue markings onto the wall. 

“Wait!” I coughed out blood as I tried to deescalate the situation. It wasn’t that serious! I guess this asshole is that type of guy!

“Shut up!” I snapped, my voice laced with anger. I pounded his face into the wall again, hearing the crunch of his bone and the feeling of his warm spray of blood splattering onto my hands and clothes. His eyes went wide. Was he tearing up? Yeah, who's the pathetic one now, bastard? I pressed him harder against the wall. “Not so high and mighty now, are you?!” 

“Calm down, no need to fight me!” I coughed as I wiped the blood dripping out of my unwavering smirk. He thinks a few little punches can get me to quit? He can put two and two together, but I guess he’s not smart enough to realize I’m not from here and can probably beat him to a pulp if I wanted to…but I won’t! Because I’m super nice today. And because if I killed him then I’d have nothing to work with…humans are so difficult, I swear.

“You insult me and you really think I’m just going to let you go huh?” I laughed in his face. Yeah right…

Ugh.. Do I really need to act soft to gain some sympathy from this guy? Guilt is the strongest emotion, right?

“Okay, okay..! I get it..!” I said, wiping the blood from my lips with a now softened, frightened expression. Crocodile tears welled up in my eyes. This ought to make him pity me. 

“You got y-your point across.” I mumbled through exasperated coughs of blood. 

Oh, shoot..did I hit him too hard? I glanced at the brick wall, looking at all the blood. Blue blood. Seriously? There’s no way he’s calling me pathetic when he’s like this…hypocrites I swear. I gave him a weird look. 

“Uh- are you okay? Sorry.. I didn’t mean to hit you that hard.. I– Umm.. I’ll help you, okay?” I spoke gently, my words laced with concern. I mean, I did mean to hit him that hard. But he’ll never know that.  

Are you demented?! I can read your mind y’know? Well- I guess he doesn’t know. But I literally talked to him in his head! Stupid bitch…

“Mhm..yeah..th-thanks..” I coughed even more, concealing my irritation with him.

“Yeah...my fault...I have bandages at my place,” I offered as I let go of him, as he leaned against the wall, trembling. Did I really hit him that hard? I guess my anger got the better of me…I kinda owe one to him now, right? I really don’t want to let this punk in my place though…

I leaned against the wall ‘trembling’, as I looked back up at him. I put on a sad, pitiful, tearful face, trying to hold back my smug smile. I stood back up properly, grabbing the side of my face where he hit me. This imbecile fell for it.. My facade’s working perfectly. 

“Can you lead..the way..?” I slurred over my words as I stumbled on my feet, then slung my left arm onto his shoulder for ‘support’.  

“Oh.. Um.. yeah, of course..” I mumbled, a little taken aback from his sudden neediness. Maybe he just looks tougher than he is. I thought he could handle a little more but I guess he can only take two haymakers to the face…

Is he stupid? Obviously I don’t cough that much, I can handle more than that. I guess guilt really does eat up someone from the inside. He really is soft…

As we walked towards my apartment, he was clinging onto my shoulder for support. He stumbled the entire way there and I had to slow down my regular walking pace just to match his. How’d he change so fast? He went from all cocky to like all pitiful and begging for me to spare him. Whatever…I just need to get him fixed up because I caused it. I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me again…I already let it happen twice today…

Get it together, Li. 

[ A/N ] oh yeah how'd u guys like that? i think this was peak!! chap 5 incoming

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ CHAPTER 3- IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD

Li's POV

Guess this is her place…I look up from my phone to the address Kenzie sent me. Hesitantly, I ring the doorbell. What if I’m at the wrong place? My thoughts end as the door suddenly opens.

“Hi Li! Come on in!” Kenzie says, cheerfully. “Jordan’s already here! I made tea and some sweets, would you like some?”

“Oh, thank you for the offer but I’m alright,” I say, with a slight smile. 

“Well if you do get hungry, feel free to take some anyway! You can ask for tea whenever- just let me know!” she says. I nod my head.

I follow her to the dining table and take a seat across from Jordan. We start discussing potential topics for the project. It starts off pretty good at first, but the more the other two talk, their words start to slur. I try to focus on their voices but the words keep mixing together. I keep blinking, trying to regain my focus. 

“...Sorry, could you repeat that again?” I say, sheepishly.

“Yeah, no worries!” Kenzie says with a smile. “Can you take care of researching the religion and beliefs of the Ancient Greeks? Oh! And the Olympic Games.” 

“Sure,” I say, writing down what to research. “Anything else?”

“Oh, could you also take care of their architecture and buildings? Like some of their temples and the Parthenon,” Jordan says, adding on. I nod and add that to my list of topics I needed to research. 

“Yeah-”

“Ooh! Li! Are you good at drawing?” Kenzie blurts out, standing up excitedly. I look at her, startled. Am I good at drawing? I haven’t drawn in ages!

“I’m alright at it…I haven’t drawn in a long time though. It was a hobby I used to have- I used to draw a lot with my little sister.” I explain. 

“That’s fine! Do you think you can draw something similar to the architecture of the Ancient Greeks? We get extra credit for a creative component! Jordan and I can take care of the actual timeline part.” Kenzie says, almost yelling. 

“I can try, I’ll try drawing something this weekend and let you know by next week,” I say, fiddling with my necklace. 

“Thanks,” Jordan says, giving me a thumbs up. “Oh- and you have a sister? You seem like an only child to me.” 

“Is she younger or older! What’s her name!” Kenzie asks, question after question. “Are you guys close?” 

“She’s seven years younger than me,” I start. “Her name was Yuming. She was super chatty and hyper. I think you would’ve liked her.” 

“...Was?” Kenzie says. Realization finally hit me. I just killed the mood didn’t I? Wow Li, you just HAD to bring up your dead sister. You barely even know these people! You could’ve at least made it sound like she was alive. 

Yeah, are you always like this? Why are you always making yourself a sob story? What an attention seeker… Not everything has to be about you and the accident. 

What the hell was that?? Who said that?? I look around confused, almost forgetting the less than ideal situation I’m in.

“Sorry for your loss,” Jordan says, slowly and quietly. 

“..It’s alright. Let’s continue discussing the project,” I say, trying to keep a lighthearted smile on my face. I don’t look creepy do I?

Kenzie and Jordan look at eachother hesitantly, but continue discussing the project. They discuss what their project title will be and events they plan to cover. 

Now you have the spirit, yeah, smile at the death of your family, jackass. You’re such a burden you know? Are you always this useless? Can’t you contribute? I don’t even think you’ll get that extra credit with your dried out art “skills..” If you can even call it skills.. You were drawing with a ten year old.. Tch.. Sounds like they’re doing all the work, Li. Do you always piggyback off the people around you? I mean, you piggyback off that little sob story for empathy right?

Who the hell is that?! I look around frantically, trying not to get Kenzie and Jordan’s attention. Of course they notice it. Get yourself together Li, you look like a freak. Oh god, now I’m sounding like this god damn voice. 

“Li? Is something wrong?” Kenzie asks, concerned. 

“Oh- it’s nothing, please continue,” I say. Wow this couldn’t get more awkward. I just hope this is over soon…

Tsk, Tsk. Always ruining the mood you know? You probably made those dear humans so uncomfortable. They probably want you to leave just as much as you want to leave. They must be thinking, “Why’d we choose this loser to work with us?”. Jeez.. Are you always this paranoid? You’re totally ruining the vibes here… Those poor unfortunate humans have to endure your lack of social skills now because they pitied you. Why are you hoping it’s over soon? You caused this, y’know.. They should be the one saying they want to leave, not you. It’s your fault it’s so awkward. It’s always your fault, isn’t it? I mean, they’re probably regretting their decision and asking themselves, “Why’d we even choose to associate with him..?”

Just ignore it, just ignore it… I try to focus on whatever Jordan’s saying. His words keep blurring and mixing together. It’s just too hard to follow. Kenzie is saying something too, but I can’t make out the words at all. 

“We should incorporate these events into the timeline, right? They seem important enough..”

“Oh, what evtens do you natw to rechsxrea?”

“I can rrchesa thee s aentndev yoau cnel hp men fid ssuoerc and paase trapehrhm!”

“kOO col olco”

What if they’re saying something important? I don’t want to be a burden to them…

Are you even trying to listen to them? Wow, useless on top of being disrespectful? You’ve got no shame, don’t you? Absolutely disgusting. Are you going to ignore me too? Just like you’re ignoring them?

Were you dropped on the head as an infant? How are you possibly incapable of listening and following simple social skills? Pick a struggle.. You can’t be useless AND disrespectful. Do you have no shame? They’re trying to help you with the project, I mean, they had enough pity to let you join their clique.. I’m just trying to help you fit into that clique.. No need to ignore me.. Kind of rude, don’t you think? I thought your subspecies were the nicest.. 

Shut up! I clench my fists under the table. Who does this guy think he is?

You’re just denying it because I’m correct. You know deep down that they already dislike you, that they think you’re weird. They gave you the honor of inviting you to work with them and this is what they get? You’re no better than her. Just as sickening as her.

You can’t keep denying the truth, Liiiii.. You know deeeppp downnn that everyoneeee hates you.. They think you’re weird. They offer you open arms to fall back on and now you’re just ruining that opportunity. Why did they invite an imbecile like you if you won’t even put the effort into repaying the favor? You’re no better than her. You’re using them just like she used you. 

“SHUT UP!” I scream, closing my eyes and standing up from my chair. My breaths, slowly becoming more and more audible. I open my eyes only to realize them staring. Kenzie- staring hurt and confused. Jordan, staring with his eyebrows furrowed. My hands tremble.

“I need to go,” I say, under my breath- but audible enough for them to hear. I quickly pack up my things to leave. I jam all my belongings into my bag and run to the front door, slipping on my shoes. Footsteps follow behind me, trying to catch up to me. I need to get out I need to get out-

“Wait! Li-”

I rush out the house and sprint down the block. I turn the corner and swiftly check that nobody’s following me. As soon as I realize the coast is clear, I collapse, trying to steady my breaths. I watch as my fingers tremble and as my vision blurs.

God damn it. 

[ A/N ] more slow updates.. but new format!! both of us agreed that this format is better since you dont have to go through the same events in two sections, and instead, you just read it all in one read!! it's more consecutive so its easier to read :) hope u guys like it! chapter 4 coming soon!!

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦ CHAPTER 2 - SCHOOL SPIRIT

Li's POV

God this is so embarrassing. Everyone already has their own friend circles from previous years. But there was no way I was going to stay in that school after-

[bell noise]

I quickly collect all my supplies and shove it into my backpack, hurrying to my next class. I don’t remember school being this long…it’s only the third period. I take out my schedule, trying to figure out where my next class is. I barely make it to my history class, as soon as I step in the bell rang. Wow, I must look stupid. I find a seat and take out the supplies I need for the class. The teacher goes through the curriculum. So boring… I rest my head on my hand, trying not to fall asleep.

“...Oh! For your first assignment you will receive a project…” 

I sit up from my desk. What? On the first day? But who the hell am I going to work with?! I look around, other people also giving each other confused glances. 

“You will be making a timeline about one of the global history topics listed on this sheet. You will be working in groups of 3-4! I will give you the remaining time to find a group and discuss the topic you want to research. You must let me know your group topic by tomorrow!”

I look around as everyone goes to ask their friends to be in their group. I sigh. I bury my head in my arms on the table. Do I have to wait until the teacher asks if everyone has a group? Wow, that’s really embarrassing. Loser. I raise my head quickly as I feel someone tap my shoulder. I turn around confused.

“Hey! You alright?” the girl says. I furrow my eyebrows. There’s some guy behind her.

“Yeah…” I say. Well this is awkward. 

“That’s good! Do you have a group yet? I haven’t seen you around,” she asks. 

“Nope,” I pause to think about what to say next. “Is it okay if I join yours?” Hope that wasn’t too risky. What if that guy behind her is her boyfriend? That would be REALLY awkward. 

“Yeah of course! I’m Kenzie and this is Jordan!” Kenzie says, pointing at the guy behind her. “What’s your name?”

“Oh- I’m Li,” I say. “Nice to meet you guys.”

“Yeah me too,” Jordan says with a grin. “Can we get your number? So we can meet up sometime to work on the project.” Oh yeah, we don’t get class time for this. 

“Yeah of course,” I say, pulling out my phone. I open my contacts to show them my number. They both whip out their phones.

[bell noise]

“See you around, Li!” Kenzie says, packing up her things and waving goodbye. I wave back. I also pack my things up. 

-

             The moment I step into my apartment, I collapse onto my couch. I seriously forgot how exhausting school can be. I guess not going to school for a year really screws you up.              I get up from the couch and take my homework out of my bag. I put my earbuds into my ears and start with my algebra 2 homework. 

             [ping]

             I look up from my school work to see a message from an unknown number. Who could that be? I opened the text message.

Unknown: heya li this is kenzie from global history

Unknown: the other number in the group chat is jordan

Unknown: Hi

Oh yeah, the project. I add their numbers to my contact before I reply.

You: Hey, what’s up?

Kenzie: jordan and i were wondering when u r available to meet up to work on the project

You: I’m free whenever, it’s up to you guys.

Jordan: Cool cool wanna meet up at Kenzie’s place next week?

You: Sure, that’s fine.

Kenzie: cya tmr li !!

I set a reminder for next week and closed my phone. I try to continue my homework as a light throbbing begins in my head. I groan. I guess I’ll take a shower and head to bed early tonight.

Rei's POV

He seems a little too old compare to the typically observed 'junior' year... A little abnormal, no? Was he held back or something? He seems less orderly than the others, more sloppy..... He looks like he's a social outlier, with no companions, no 'friends', nobody that likes him, how sad.

"...Xil'ka! For your first Vro'thak zel'quar, you will receive a tek'lar zhor'vath xin'dar project..."

Is my translator breaking..?

I roughly tapped the back of my ear, hoping that some buttons were just broken.

Ugh… The budget could not be utilized to get me a better translation unit? I have done everything they ask of me, and they can't repay the favor? assholes…

"You will be making a zog'tar blimmo timeline about one of the global zylo'vaq history topics listed on this glib'nar sheet. You’ll zerk in grob'no groups of 3-4! I’ll squib your xarn with the remaining jort'lix time to find a klor and jibble the topic you want to quorpl. Glarx me your grob's zyx topic by zort'la tomorrow."

Seriously? You're kidding me, right? They want me to learn their languages but can not provide me with a sufficient translator? Ugh! Stop thinking like that, Rei! I'm lucky to even be here right now.. Stay focused. Focus on him. Remember why you're here. Okay.. He has a group project and he can't find any person to work with him. He seems distressed, panicked. I almost feel bad for him. Awww.. He's burying his face into his arms, sulking as he pities himself for being a social reject. What a loser.. He's just pitying himself, instead of trying to just fix such a simple problem. All he needs to do is just talk to other people. He can't do it on his own? Well, I mean maybe he has too because he's already on his own. Oh. Forget that thought. A person is talking to him. “Hey! You alright?” "Yeah..." Yeah? Seriously? Obviously not. You're sinking into your seat like you're about to break down.

“That’s good! Do you have a group yet? I haven’t seen you around,”

Really? Nooo way.... You haven't seen him around because he is not supposed to be here. He's an incompetent outlier. He was held back. What a moron... The more I think about it, the more miserable this guy is.

“Nope," . . . Is he going to say anything else? Does he know how to keep a conversation going? “Is it okay if I join yours?”

“Yeah of course! I’m Kenzie and this is Jordan!”

“Oh- I’m Li, nice to meet you."

“Yeah me too, can we get your number? So we can meet up sometime to work on the project.” “Yeah of course,”

Oh. That's how they communicate. I heard about this. They're all too reliant on their phones to think for themselves. Sure, my planet is a more technologically advanced than theirs but at least we can think. Half of the people here are looking at the screen for almost the entire d-

[bell noise]

Oh goodness! What the f̸͚̀ũ̴̧c̶̥̾k̵̡͝!? Ugh.. Those noises are agitating.. Do they really need to be so loud that they're ringing in my ears? If I could block out this sound, I would. “See you around, Li!”

-

Okay.. He's already collapsed on his couch. How lazy do you have to be? I was watching him the whole day and this stuff seems pretty easy. He's weak if he can't do this.. I watch him as he sighs and gets up from his couch, and takes out a worksheet labeled "ALGEBRA II" Algebra two? Seriously? He looks like my age and he's still learning algebra two? That's simple. This should be easy for me.

[ A/N ] slow updates.. sorry guys!! this is just a chapter to introduce more characters. next chapter might get better (*^_^*) hope u liked!

[ TAGS ] toxic dynamic, unreliable narration, manipulation, trauma, abuse of power, DEAD DOVE ; DO NOT EAT !

✦❅✧───✧❅✦

CHAPTER 1 - A BURNING MEMORY

𖦹 ׂ 𓈒 ⋆ ۪ ﾟ ˖ song for this chapter!

Li's POV

"Hey mom, I'm back! Did you start making dinner yet?" No one responded. Weird. I went to the kitchen only to find it empty. "Are you guys home? Yuming? Mom?" I asked, again met with silence. "I brought back the groceries you wanted!" I yelled. Are they home? I took my phone out of my pocket- I should probably call them. Before I could press call, I felt a tap on my shoulder. "AGH! Mom you scared me! Why didn't you reply?" I asked her. No reply. "Mom?" The house started to smell really weird. The air became foggy. I couldn't see her anymore. "Mom!" I cough from the smoke. "Mom, we need to get out! Mom-" She was burning. She was burning. I can't do anything- I can't move. It's like something was holding me back. "MOM!" I screamed. Why couldn't I move?! I stare as she mumbled something. I couldn't hear her. "Mom?" "It burns," she says, before the flaming roof collapses on her.

Rei's POV

i was greeted with a burst of flames and a blow of smog into my face, while the screams of agony echoed around me. the abrupt shift from the quiet, dark bedroom i was just into this tragic scene. little stray sparks from the inferno land on my white button-up shirt, leaving small burn holes. i walked toward the burning building, fully engulfed in flames, delicately stepping over debris and the remnants of this dingy home. as i cautiously approach the collapsed kitchen, i see the burnt remains of what i can only assume is a mother. 

the heat has reduced her once loving caring arms into a dark crispy layer… her wrinkly charred skin was barely clinging onto her flesh, her flesh barely clinging onto her bare brittle fragmented bones. her bones were exposed, calcified, and fractured. her corpse was crushed by the wooden debris of the ceiling. her corpse was basically fused with it. her corpse fused with the remnants of her clothing, obscuring her body. she became one with the place that will haunt her baby. the once tender and nurturing warmth of her could never be recovered. the feeling of a motherly bond between her and her baby could never be brought upon her son again, leaving him to hold onto the fragments of suppressed memories about his mother. “MOM!” i heard in the distance behind me. who is that? i turned around to pathetic crying mess of a boy.

… i don’t think i should be interfering. this was unfortunate timing for me to invade his little nightmare. i sighed, opening up the extraterrestrial portal back to the mortal realm, and away from dreamland. i go through the portal, which is covered by smoke. i step through the portal, enveloped by smoke. the screams echo around me, gradually fading as i pass through.

Li's POV

“It burns,” a sickeningly familiar voice says in my ear. She sounds so different, though. “MOM!” I scream, waking up from the nightmare. I clutch my shirt, slowly regaining my breath. I open my eyes to find my dog in front of me. “...Good morning, Benji,” I say, scratching underneath his chin. My smile fades when I hear my alarm go off—a reminder that I have to go to school today. It’s been—what, a year since I last went? A year since the fire. I shudder, pushing the thought away. I hurry to get ready, not wanting to be late. I put on a random red sweater and some green cargo pants. I brush my teeth, and comb my hair—making sure I look presentable. Wow, I never really realized how short my hair is now. I look so... different from last year. I glance at the time, 7:30 AM. I should be heading out soon. Finally, I pour Benji his breakfast and a fresh bowl of water. “See you later, Benji,” I say, petting him one last time before I walk out the door. As soon as I step outside, my phone rings. Who could be calling me this early? I pick up the phone. “Hello? This is Li.” “Good. You’re going to school, correct?” “...Dad?” I say, surprised. The last time I heard from him was when he gave me the apartment. “Don’t be late. Study hard,” he says. He hangs up before I can even respond. I sigh. In all honesty, I don’t want to go to school. I’m scared. What if— I take a deep breath. I can’t be freaking out already. I rub my fingers over my jade necklace, calming myself. I take one last deep breath before I start walking to school.

[ A/N ] hope u guys liked the first chapter!! it'll obviously get more in-depth from here, this is just the beginning of the story

we hope as this story progresses, our writing improves! ╰(*°▽°*)╯