[The look of disagreement is not missed by Mahdi. He's frowning anyway but his lips turn down even more and his nose crinkles a little, though he doesn't say anything further for the time being.]

Maybe. [It's the only concession he makes, blowing bubbles in his drink with a troubled expression while he waits for Jack's to arrive.] Maybe I'll color it. Just a few strands.

I'm sorry about this. I've been on edge... for months now, probably. The thing with my hair really didn't help! [He laughs a little, self-consciously.]

Awhile ago, my friend's sword brought in all these shadow demons. It wasn't his fault, not really, but it was bad. Were you here for that? They'd hide in the shadows and say the most awful things. All of the most painful, disgusting things you were hiding in the corners of your heart, they would whisper right into your ear.

[Mahdi presses his hand to his chest, thumb and fingertips stretching over his collarbone.]

I helped kill those things, but I feel like... they never went away.