[It's easier to fuss over Helios than to wonder about himself, wonder what did this to him and twisted him up so badly. It's easier to give the coat a needless little adjustment so that it hangs a little better.] You're welcome, Helios. A-Always.

[Collecting himself, Giles adds in a slightly more normal tone of voice.] I'm afraid that you are going to have to come up with something else to say, of course, because I'm never going to believe "I'm fine" out of your mouth again.