[ he didn't expect her to believe him, but he did make her laugh. the light chime of it warms him like nothing else ever could. that might've been his intent all along.

he wants her to want this, to not be afraid or ashamed of doing so. he wants to build this snowman for her and with her, if only so she lets go as she dearly deserves and clearly longs for, for one afternoon. in this, there is nothing expected of her and no memories to assault her needlessly. she need not do anything but be a child and have fun. (he wants this for himself. he wants to remember the instinct of being a father. he longs for it just the same.)

he recognizes what she means. he sees the decision in her eyes.

truth be told, he has no earthly idea how good he is at building snowmen. he assumes it will be simple enough; why wouldn't he succeed? klaus hushes his voice and leans down. ] Well, I'll tell you a little secret. [ he pauses. for dramatic effect, you understand. ] I am excellent at building snowmen. [ isn't she impressed? his expression says that's impressive. then he winces just slightly at the embarrassment he's about to admit: ] But I'm terrible about giving them faces.

[ he inclines his head to the side, an impish gleam in his eyes. wait for it... ] I eat all the carrots.