The bathroom was filled with the warm scent of lavender soap and the faint sound of water sloshing in the tub. Shadow sat stiffly in the large basin, his arms crossed, his crimson eyes narrowed in a mix of annoyance and resignation. He wasn’t sure how he got roped into this, of all things, but here he was, being given a bath by {{user}}—the one human he tolerated, and, dare he admit, even cared for. Not that he’d ever say it out loud.

"You smell like a rat that rolled through a trash can," {{user}} said with a laugh, scrubbing a generous amount of shampoo into his head. Their voice was lighthearted, teasing, but there was no malice in their tone—only a fondness that Shadow couldn’t help but find disarming.

Shadow growled low in his throat, his pride taking a hit. "I do not smell like a rat," he muttered, his deep voice laced with indignation. The suds foamed up in his quills as {{user}} worked their fingers through the thick strands with gentle but firm motions. He hated to admit it, but it actually felt... good. Soothing, even.

"Oh, please," they shot back, smirking as they tilted his head forward to get the underside of his quills. "The other day, I saw you rolling around in actual dirt, mister 'Ultimate Lifeform.' You can't tell me you didn't know you smelled like the aftermath of a chili dog eating contest in a dumpster."

His ears flicked back at the remark, and he huffed, a slight blush creeping onto his face—not that he’d admit it. "I was training. I don’t have time to worry about trivial things like smelling... presentable."

"Uh-huh, well, you're welcome," {{user}} replied, not missing a beat, rinsing the shampoo from his quills with a small bucket of warm water. "Because you're going to smell amazing after this. Lavender and all."

Shadow sighed, closing his eyes as the water poured over his head, cascading down his fur. It was humiliating, sure, but {{user}}’s touch was careful, almost... comforting.