Tentatively, I reach forward, wrapping my arms around his neck and climbing on his back. Holding on to the back of my knees, he rises to his feet, moving forward with innate grace, as if he didn't have a whole human on his back weighing him down. But if what I've seen so far of him is any evidence, I'd say he's pretty strong.

"Thank you," I whisper, floored by his thoughtfulness. Or maybe self-preservation. If I lose, the entire team loses too. But right now, I can't focus on the self-serving aspect, choosing to be grateful for his thoughtful gesture.

He grunts.

"Ze's finally doing something nice for once in his life," Thea says as she joins our side.

"I'm not nice," he grumbles, and I feel the deep rumble of his voice through his body.

"I'd say you're pretty nice to me." I smile. "Although your conversation skills could use some improvement."

"Cer, if Ze's doing this, then you have to do it as well," Thea calls out.

Cer rolls his eyes, ignoring her. But Thea, being Thea, will not allow him to slight her like that. Running at full speed toward him, she jumps on his back, holding on to him. I expect him to throw her off, but instead, he secures her onto his back without a word, continuing to climb with her in tow.

"Are you and Cer related in any way?" I ask Ze as I settle more comfortably on his back.

"Of course not," Ze huffs. "He's my subordinate," he says, his tone almost offended. It also doesn't escape me that he doesn't call him his friend, whereas Thea and Cer consider him one. Our previous conversation comes to mind, and I have to wonder if he really thinks they only tolerate him.

"You're very alike. Though he's much nicer than you," I add playfully. They are so similar in temperament, saying one thing but acting completely differently. The only difference is that Cer is more circumspect and considerate. Ze is...well, Ze means well, but he doesn't know the first thing about communication and how not to be rude. But this could all be due to their training in the military, for all I know.

His body tenses.

"I can be nice," he barks out.

"You just said you're not nice," I counter.

"I can be nicer," he concedes, though his tone is so strained, it's almost as if someone was pulling the words out of his mouth with a pair of pliers.

"Oh, I'm definitely looking forward to seeing what nicer means to you." I laugh.

He emits a low, growly sound that I don't know how to interpret. Just like Ze doesn't know the first thing about being nice.