[Klaus took a deep breath, exhaled, and rested a reassuring hand on Leo's shoulder. His tone was firm, even stern when he spoke next.]

You are not a piece of wet bread. You are a kind, compassionate young man.

[Another breath, and he softened a little, though he seemed as serious as he always was.]

...If this is how you really feel, we can talk more when you've sobered. For now, I'd just like to make sure this didn't have anything in it that might require medical treatment.