That was normally a very excellent idea. Head pats and the like had always been very appreciated forms of contact. They had sort of come to be like quasi-hugs for him. The feeling of fingers in his hair was a very comforting experience. This was generally a good thing. Generally. Most of the time.

A time that might not have been right now. The touch made him stiffen for a moment, surprised. He'd been so caught up in thinking about things that he had only been partially aware that Char had woken up. The hug was somewhat shakily tightened, and Bulba's ears flicked down and back. Well, that was definitely an encouraging indication of things. (Except no. No it wasn't.)

"... Does your talking offer include things you won't like?"