[He exhales one long, relieved breath as Cullen speaks, nodding along. This is more charitable a response than he was anticipating, but he does tend to expect the worst even from the best of people.]

Seems we're of like mind in more ways than I anticipated. It is difficult to disengage from things your entire life has revolved around, particularly when you were doing good in the world.

[He quirks a lip, making his next move. There's more thought behind where he places his piece, this time.]

Thank you. Honestly, I thought I'd irreparably damaged our relationship, which would have been a great loss. There aren't many people I would consider able enough to even subconsciously give the role of my leader. [He swipes a hand through his hair, leaning back in his chair.] Which is to say, you've made a good impression.