Once his fingers remembered the rhythm of the braiding, it wasn't really that difficult and as muscle memory returned, so did speed. He was as efficient with Nile's hair as he had been storming into Merrick's compound to collect their stolen family. This brought a smile to his lips, however. Merrick had only gotten contempt.

He didn't glance up from her hair when she spoke, halfway through her second braid. If he stopped his rhythm, he'd have to go back and start all over again because no one had the ability to pick up a braid that had been stopped. That was a power that didn't exist as far as Nicky was concerned.

"You are very welcome. I enjoy it, actually. I was a little sad when Joe had me cut his hair so short.

"You should try his leave-in. It's similar consistency and you're running dangerously close to being low."