( something bottoms out in his gut. it's rage and anguish and grief. it's the balled up remains of all three, beckoned by the threat of leopold's pressured expectations, set ablaze by the incantation of camille. his fist comes down on the bar with a soft thud by the end.

they are words he wants to hear. they are words he doesn't believe because they come at a price. leopold may not trust him. that is his truth. this is klaus': he knows leopold does not understand him.

he does not want to.

he's allowed it because it's been easier not to fight it. ) I don't want your help. I don't need your help. What I want is your friendship. ( his finger lifts in accusation. ) But that's impossible for you because all you see is someone who needs to be fixed. Someone who needs to be monitored. And you know what? Perhaps you're right. You see the lies that begat those motives.

( klaus takes a steadying breath. )

If you don't trust me, then I understand, but don't you dare invoke Camille's name to justify trying to save me out of your own selfish desire to erase the hurt I caused you. I took away your compulsion because she gave me hope in myself. Because she saw that I loved you and I didn't want to hurt you. Because she knew me for who I truly am. You are not her. ( it's only then klaus realizes he has stood throughout his scathing speech. it's only then he realizes the words he has even spoken.

with a shaking breath, he turns to leave.

he cannot be what leopold wants him to be. he will always disappoint him. )