"I made it easy?" Klaus actually laughs a little too loudly, considering the time, and he claps a hand over his mouth, waiting to hear if little Claire or Allison stir somewhere deep within the house.

He leans his elbows on the island counter, setting the takeout down finally, to press his palms around the warm mug. His dog tags clank against the counter top and he shifts, as though even hitting the decadent marble is too much damage.

"You do realize I considered robbing both of you blind to go buy my next hit and fuck off into the sun, right? Especially those first few weeks. God, the withdrawal was awful. Not my best look, by far."

He sighs, looking down into the mug. "I'm fine. I'm just peachy. Can't sleep and might need to teach Claire about the wonders of soft, classical music instead of the crazy rock and roll shit for a while but hey, the sacrifices we make for advanced education. The words of our lord Mick Jagger ring true, one can't always get what they want."

He smiles at Patrick, a genuine smile tucked in amidst the drama. "I'll be fine. This isn't the worst thing I've been through. I had the first twenty years of my life for that, don't worry. I can help with Allison. Maybe not as well as you, but I can try. If you want me to."