[He glances over, flicker of a smile back on his lips at the haircut comment.]

Actually, I'm thinking about growing it longer and braiding it. Loops upon loops of braids, all very modern, very complicated. What do you think? Could you stand behind me and look stern instead of bursting into snickers if I wore it like that?

[It's strangely nice to be able to talk about something and have it treated lightly. Not dismissed. Not ignored. But considered and then addressed in a relaxed way. It's different, too.]