"What are you doing?" I blink in confusion.

"You washed me. I will now wash you."

"But why? I'm not dirty, and these clothes are clean," I point out the obvious.

"I want to," he answers casually.

"But you don't have to," I say as I attempt to get up. He pushes me back down, starting the shower and placing it over my hair, getting it thoroughly wet.

I let out a surprised gasp.

"Your hair is so soft and long," he murmurs as he threads his fingers through my locks. "And it is such an odd color. Sometimes it reminds me of sunburnt sand, while other times it gives off a brownish hue, almost like the ancient rocks that have been eroded by time and the elements."

"Did you just say my hair is the color of a rock?" I ask as I stifle a laugh. I know he meant it as a compliment, but I think we've ascertained that Ze is not the best at giving compliments.

He suddenly stops the shower.

"Is that all you have understood from my words?" He tsks at me. "You are an odd human." He shakes his head at me.

"I rather think I am the only human you know."

"That does not mean you are not odd," he continues in his authoritative voice. "But do not mistake my meaning. I happen to like your brand of oddness. You are welcome." He nods to himself, satisfied.

My lips tremble with amusement, but I fear I may offend him if I burst into laughter. Despite his supercilious demeanor, Ze is quite the sensitive soul, isn't he? I know his words are all well-intended, which is why I'm going to give him a wide berth when it comes to his...unusual proclamations. If there's anyone here who is odd, it's most definitely him!

Done with his explanation, he shampoos my hair just as I'd done for him, carefully massaging my scalp.

My eyes flutter closed as a sigh escapes me. That does feel so heavenly.

He washes my hair thoroughly, rinsing it before adding a thick layer of conditioner.

He's so good at this that I can't help the way my body relaxes, sleep courting my lashes. I'm lulled into such a deep sense of comfort that I barely realize as I lean back against his legs, slowly falling asleep.

But it was too good to be true.

The jet of water hits me in the face, making me scramble in surprise. The shower head is right above my face as he sprays me.

"What are you doing?" I sputter, bringing my hands to wipe the moisture from my eyes.

"You cannot fall asleep yet," he tells me in a stern tone. "I am not done."

I blink at him, not understanding.

"Does it matter if I'm awake or not? You can continue what you were doing." I wave my hand at the shower.