[Ben winces in empathy with the noise, because he understands that much at least, but makes no move to either pull away or lean closer.
Then she says thank you and he smiles, because he didn't do anything but give her what was hers from the beginning, the story he told himself to amuse himself and explain her to himself. But it's an actual smile - just a small one, quiet and warm, starting in the mildest curve of his lips and ending behind his steady eyes.
His hands stay folded in his lap, at least until he begins to shift his weight, moving to the front of the chair and putting his feet back on the floor.]
[ Spam - Infirmary this time! ]
Then she says thank you and he smiles, because he didn't do anything but give her what was hers from the beginning, the story he told himself to amuse himself and explain her to himself. But it's an actual smile - just a small one, quiet and warm, starting in the mildest curve of his lips and ending behind his steady eyes.
His hands stay folded in his lap, at least until he begins to shift his weight, moving to the front of the chair and putting his feet back on the floor.]
I should go. You should rest.