The ventriloquist show is a bit of a surprise, but then, when is being friends with Cole not surprising? Ben takes it in stride, picking up without need for explanation that this is some past conversation where Cole was being discussed by others. Probably people from his world who know more about this sort of thing than Ben does. And it helps, hearing it the way other non-psychic non-spirit people would phrase it to one another.

When Cole is done, he gives a nod, apologizing out loud (even though he's sure Cole already feels him being sorry and concerned that the question was hurtful): "Got it. Sorry, I was confused before. I know you're not a demon."

Just so Cole is perfectly clear on that. Ben can see, though, that he's still upset - over the questions about his own nature or what he suspects of Ami's or maybe some combination. The offer to try to help Ami is a surprise, especially considering just how frightened Cole seems. Ben is swift to reassure:

"Of course. I wouldn't ask you to do it alone."

Then, because he wants to be clear, "And... you don't have to, you know. If you don't want to. I'm not gonna make you, and it's okay to decide it's too hard. No one will be mad."

Just because Cole might have the power to help Ami doesn't mean he's obligated to. That's not how it works and Ben isn't his father and he's not going to be anything like him. He'd made mistakes, pushed Klaus too hard before, wanting to make everyone alright. He hadn't helped Luther and he'd only gotten Klaus hurt and he'd learned from that. So no way is he going to let Cole think that he'll be disappointed if he changes his mind and doesn't want to go near Ami.

And when he sees Cole's hand move like that, like he wants contact but isn't sure he's allowed to initiate it, Ben reaches out and takes Cole's hand between both of his own, just holding it like it's the easiest thing in the world to do. It still is so good, to be able to touch people. To be able to give reassurance like this.