[Giles is actually well aware that it does.]

Sometimes? You are. But I'd imagine that Frederic and I have been nuisances right back, sometimes.

It's part of being friends. You're allowed to be a nuisance to the people you care about every so often. It's practically expected.

Just look at Buffy and I.

[Granted, he and Buffy aren't exactly friends - they've passed that, in a way - but "friends" is the easiest word.]

But as for people caring about you enough to fret over you? Yes, you are going to have to get used to that. The sooner the better.

[But he does hear that smile in Helios' voice - Giles has gotten good at reading voices over the last of weeks, even better than he used to be.]

No, it won't. Still. Dare to dream.