[ what klaus hears is fear. that's what this is: fear of rejection, fear of being alone, fear of self and what little worth fitz places in his own. ] You can't know what she needs, or wants. You can't know what will make her truly happy, not until you admit what you need to, to her. You're afraid. You're afraid just as you were of your friends, that they would abandon you, but there is nothing to fear from loneliness. [ it was all he feared, for centuries, and still does. his hand curls into a fist in his lap. ] That is a terror you make all on your own.

Take my advice, or don't, [ he knows there's little he can do to force this kind of will, to heal this kind of damage. all he can ask is: ] but remember it.