"I need to get fitted for my dress for the ball."

He narrows his eyes at me.

"The day after the day after tomorrow."

"I don't know. It's the day before the ball..."

He can't take a hint, can he?

"Human," he growls. "You will accept," he decrees, his eyes flashing dangerously at me.

It strikes me that he's too insistent about this. Maybe he has something planned that he's looking forward to. The man's never had fun in his life, and that thought always makes my heart clench painfully in my chest. I cannot even imagine the type of life he must have led, or the loneliness he experienced. The more I note the determination in his features, the more I question whether I should just grant him this one small wish. He's already done so much for me; it wouldn't be that hard to show him how to have fun and unwind. This would be a first for him, too. And he wants to do it with me. Because we're a team, right?

"You really want to do this?" I ask slowly. I can't believe I'm entertaining this idea. But as long as he realizes that it's a friendly date, not a romantic one, it should be all right.

His jaw is locked tight as he nods.

"Do you have a plan? Something in mind?"

"Yes. I have given it much thought," he states, though he doesn't elaborate further. "The day after the day after tomorrow is mine. I will come for you in the morning. Be ready."

"Okay... Sounds good." I smile.

He doesn't reciprocate the smile, merely gazing at me intently. Moments pass, and he's still rooted to the spot.

"Now you can go," I say when he doesn't make to move. Pushing at his shoulders, I gently guide him to the door. "Good night, Ze. Go put the vial somewhere secure."

"I have already taken care of it," he scoffs. His eyes pin me to the spot, the colors swirling in a tempestuous whirlpool. "I will see you soon, human, for it seems you cannot wait to be rid of me."

His words give me pause, especially the tone of his voice.

"No, Ze, I..." I open my mouth to explain.

"It is fine," he cuts me off, a harshness underlying his words. "I am well accustomed to the sentiment."

With that, he vanishes from my sight.

My chest rises and falls as I stare at the spot he just vacated. I run our conversation through my mind time and time again. I offended him. I could tell in the way his demeanor suddenly changed, a veil of sadness underlying his otherwise biting words.

I hurt him.

Without intending, I hurt him.

I take a deep breath, squeezing my eyes shut. It appears that even the big block of ice that is Ze can get hurt. And for some reason, that makes it even worse.