Yeesh, I said, "Don't feel obligated," fool. Almost sounded like you meant it.

[he follows the comment with laughter that's so warm, it might actually heat the coldness of reality itself. in fact, klaus probably hasn't sounded (or looked) this happy during his entire time here-- and it's completely quentin's fault.

maybe in the beginning, it would've all still been for nothing: he'd put himself through this hospital visit, get out and dive headfirst back into his old habits, but seeing such a sincere smile on the other male's face almost makes what he's asking less surprising. almost being the keyword there.]

What? Quentin, no, I-I can't— [i'm not strong enough for it, he wants to say, but the rest of the words die in his throat for two different reasons altogether. klaus steels his expression the best he can, slowly withdraws his hand, drops it to fidget with the velcro on his shoes after he downcasts his gaze.] Write it down for me anyway and if it helps, the least I can do is try, hm?

[just like how he's hoping his voice doesn't sound as tight as his throat feels (and hell, isn't it selfish of him to blame quentin for that, too?)]