Paper Traitor (in progress)

He saved money, sidestepping the necessity of shampoo and soap and shower spray.  His trickster tongue was like a cat tongue, coated in barbs that gathered grime and dirt, polishing his hair and flesh to a gleam.  The taste was awful, gag-inducing, but finished, polished, gleaming, he felt accomplished.  Prepared for the tasks ahead.  Outlasting his doomsayers.