Charles stopped when Raven changed form, and he set the hairbrush down in his lap to hug Raven from behind. He knew some habits couldn't be broken at once--he was living proof of that--but it still hurt, especially to think that he was a great deal of the reason Raven thought this was necessary.
"Raven," he said, still holding her, "I want to brush your hair. If this is--better for you, I will, but don't do this for me. Please. If I'm going to be a better brother to you I want to start here."
It was a little thing, in a way. Charles kneeling behind Raven to brush her hair had happened many times before, but with the impact of their conversation he thought he ought to change the presumptions. He couldn't be sure he was doing better with her yet, but this was the perfect place to start.
"If it feels better with longer hair," he said, squeezing Raven again, "Just give yourself longer hair. If you want to."