( they have, certainly. klaus might deny until his last breath any feeling of guilt or regret for what he's done, but that doesn't change the truth: there was once a time when he was wracked by it. haunted, by his own monstrosity. mournful of the lives he stole and left behind.

his exhale is soft; it mirrors her sigh. the back of his knuckles rub absentmindedly against couch cushion. ) Particularly when you've been through it yourself. ( that, he knows, they both have. she certainly just did, not so long ago.

with another breath, he moves the hair from her neck with the sweep of his hand; his fingers brush over her pulse. ) Chloe will be all right. ( and: ) I can't imagine you didn't help her.