Cullen huffs a sharp breath -- but after a long moment, he relaxes. (Makes himself relax.)



After a longer moment, he rests his hand comfortably on Alistair's head. Absent: "The problem was that it was well maintained until you got to the front, and then it stood up. And front-combing is ridiculous. If the whole thing had stood on end, it would have -- "

Beat.

"Well. It would have still been awful. But less awful."