[He would do the same for Helios. In a heartbeat. Hell, Giles would insist on it, if only because it would make it easier to keep an eye on the other. He would want to help Helios in any way possible.

...hypocrisy, thy name is Rupert Giles. And he has the decency to feel a bit ashamed at it, albeit just a bit. It doesn't take a genius, let alone a best friend, to figure out the words unsaid at the end of that sentence.]

Yes, there is. So I will.

But, um, just the once. I'll just resist my baser impulses and, um, leave it at just the once. If you really insist. [A tone of theatrical, slightly teasing surrender is in those soft words. He's not a vengeful bundle of emotions just yet. He's still Giles, after all, and he does have a sense of humor, no matter what the rest of the world might believe.

But. All ghostly matters should wait until Helios is fed, and has a roof over his head. This is the stalling tactic he silently decides on. Giles hasn't been in town long, but enough to know that people seem to sincerely fear the dark, here. For now, yes. Time to change the subject while they both get their thoughts in order.]

I did speak with a girl that's, um, been staying in the castle for the last few days, at least. As I was walking back this afternoon, I, I also noticed a few homesteads that looked as though they might have room. A couple of places that looked like inns that would probably have the decency not to charge you, o-or at least not charge you much. If, um, if you don't mind the walk, I think I can find my way back to those places, at least.

Unfortunately, um, I did only just get here today, myself.