[Ben sees the moment when Alex lets it go, and in turn lets out a breath he hadn't exactly been consciously holding. If he can't help in this way, he's worse than useless, but as long as he can maybe he can still contribute something.
And he, in turn, is calmer now too; he looks down at Alex's hands and a flicker of frustration passes through his expression because the physical is still a complete mystery to him if it's not combat. His own hands are folded in the lap formed by his crossed legs, and he doesn't move them, but he does lean forward slightly. Alex is trying to help him. Ben wants to help, too, and not just by easing the concern he helped, somehow, put there.
His voice is still low, still steady like it is when he's telling stories, when he asks:] What happened to you, Alex? [He wants to hear. He's seen the signs of it for weeks now, maybe always, and he recognizes the shape of it easily; but he wants to know, if Alex will tell him.]
[ Spam ]
And he, in turn, is calmer now too; he looks down at Alex's hands and a flicker of frustration passes through his expression because the physical is still a complete mystery to him if it's not combat. His own hands are folded in the lap formed by his crossed legs, and he doesn't move them, but he does lean forward slightly. Alex is trying to help him. Ben wants to help, too, and not just by easing the concern he helped, somehow, put there.
His voice is still low, still steady like it is when he's telling stories, when he asks:] What happened to you, Alex? [He wants to hear. He's seen the signs of it for weeks now, maybe always, and he recognizes the shape of it easily; but he wants to know, if Alex will tell him.]