The spark of worry when Cullen flinched quickly extinguishes itself. Alistair quirks a tiny smile -- a little rueful -- and rests his head on Cullen's shoulder.

It isn't like Alistair expected everything to be sunshine and puppies as soon as Cullen returned to his family. But if he's being honest, his concern over the self-imposed estrangement has deepened considerably. Part of him did believe it would be easier than this, he realizes. Like all Cullen had to do was see, in person, that they really did love him as much as their letters proclaimed.

(And with Alistair's Calling due any year now, if that letter Alistair keeps writing and rewriting bears no fruit -- Cullen needs people who will love him. People he knows are safe.

People he can lean on when it's time to mourn Alistair's passing.)