"Yeah, well..." Walter really does worry about Malcolm, no matter how much the harshness of Walter's recent deeds muddies the water. "He's certainly had an eventful time over the years here. He told me about battles he won but also eventually admitted to some times he was hurt. By nonhumans and also by humans."

Well, Sebastian's pity for Malcolm only has to stretch so far. Walter thinks this is a good opening.

"You know, Mr. Michaelis, I'd gotten the feeling something had been different for you, though I hadn't wanted to press." He spreads out his hand. "If you'd ever want to talk about it, maybe with a few others and not the whole world? I've held a couple inmate hangouts outside the speakeasy."