He smiled. "Yeah, you did. You came through it better than anyone could hope. You're an amazing young woman, Faith, and no matter what you do in the future, you'll be great at it." He took a deep breath. "Don't tell Xander, but out of everyone, you're the one I'm going to miss most."
Tears filled her eyes. "I'm going to miss you too. I'd hug you, but your hair's all nasty."
"Not as nasty as it will be when it's done." He sighed. "I need you to do me a favor while I'm gone."
"Anything."
"Keep an eye on Xan for me. I know he's got your dad, but I still worry about him. It's going to be hard on both of us being apart. Remind him it won't always be that way. We'll plan a camping trip or something when things calm down. I just worry this might all hit him later."
Faith nodded. "He'll be okay. If he isn't, I'll kick his butt back in shape."
"I don't doubt you could." He looked up like he was trying to see his hair. "Is it time yet?"
"The longer we leave it on, the lighter it should get." She glanced at her phone to see the time.
"In that case, it comes off now. What do I do?"
She handed him a small tube of something. "Shower, rinse your hair really well, then use the conditioner in this tube. Don't use shampoo. Then when you get out, just comb it like normal." She started for the door.
"Hey, Faith?" Dyson called as she was about to leave.
"Yeah."
"Thank you. I needed this." He smiled since he couldn't easily hug her.
"We both did." She smiled before she walked out the bathroom door, closing it behind her.
Alone in the bathroom, he closed his eyes for a moment, hoping that somehow, he could find the strength to follow the plans. Every part of him wanted to stay with this team, but doing so would only put them all in danger. This was for the best, and no matter how hard it was going to be, he would do it, because it was the only option, and if Faith believed in him, he could believe in himself too.
