[Perhaps the stiffness in itself is what makes Benedict believe him; it's a moment of bareness, with no amusement, no trace of irony.
And Benedict has learned the hard way that, sometimes, when Byerly says things, he means them.]
I want that. ...for you.
[His response is halting and careful as it has been all the while-- honesty is difficult for Benedict too, in his way. Trust and vulnerability can be misinterpreted, warped, used, the consequences landing on his shoulders.]
I'll help, if I can. If... um. If you tell me how.
[His mouth is dry; this is no offer to write a strongly-worded letter. The foundation of trust have been laid, and he is placing a brick, to see what Byerly will do it.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2021-03-16 04:15 am (UTC)And Benedict has learned the hard way that, sometimes, when Byerly says things, he means them.]
I want that. ...for you.
[His response is halting and careful as it has been all the while-- honesty is difficult for Benedict too, in his way. Trust and vulnerability can be misinterpreted, warped, used, the consequences landing on his shoulders.]
I'll help, if I can. If... um. If you tell me how.
[His mouth is dry; this is no offer to write a strongly-worded letter. The foundation of trust have been laid, and he is placing a brick, to see what Byerly will do it.]