[That extra research that Ben did into figuring out how to spell Kieran's name isn't in vain! It's one of the few things he's able to recognize, even though he's only actually seen it written a few times. It also helps that Ben's name is so short. Information overload won't be an issue here.]
[He feels a little silly, holding this marker and circling letters. Like he's some little kid to be talked down to and treated like he doesn't know any better.]
[Except Ben isn't talking down at him. His calm voice is anything but patronizing. So Kieran takes a breath and swallows the pride that's gotten in his way so many times before, and landed him in this position, and circles away.]
L-Like that?
[He's gotten it right, at least. He doesn't know if he'd be able to deal with his own shame if he couldn't.]
no subject
[He feels a little silly, holding this marker and circling letters. Like he's some little kid to be talked down to and treated like he doesn't know any better.]
[Except Ben isn't talking down at him. His calm voice is anything but patronizing. So Kieran takes a breath and swallows the pride that's gotten in his way so many times before, and landed him in this position, and circles away.]
L-Like that?
[He's gotten it right, at least. He doesn't know if he'd be able to deal with his own shame if he couldn't.]