"Two months doesn't destroy a lifetime of good instincts."

Cullen tightens his hold on Alistair. "You've done the work to get here. And it was hard work. Yesterday you did the right thing and followed the chain of command just as you ought to. And frankly, Alistair -- " Wry. "You didn't give in to me just now asking if you wouldn't change your mind and come along."

He raises his head just enough to kiss Alistair's shoulder. "Anything that might be conceivably wrong is overcome by what's very right with you."