I allow myself certain things. I can handle it. The phrases stick like barbs under Neal's skin and he can't tell if he's sick with sympathy or memory. It's how the way back to a bad place starts. Allowances that they can handle. The vicious part of himself that Neal always keeps on a short leash wants to point that out. The part of himself that remembers a mother who cried every time she failed to quit the bottle can't bring himself to do it.

He really can't make himself do it when Klaus finally stops talking. Because he knows that face. He knows that voice. Someone already has gotten hurt, maybe worse, and Klaus blames himself.

That hits too close to home for Neal to stay self-righteous. He sits up a little more in his chair, the antagonism smoothing out of his face and voice.

"No one here is going to let something happen to anyone else if they can prevent it. We just... have to help each other."