Oh no. He's being patient and understanding, Arthur's own personal kryptonite.

He obliges with a deep, slow breath, and then blows it gradually out again, and he wonders how on earth he went from zero to coming apart at the seams so quickly. He can feel himself starting to tremble. He had shaking hands when Parker talked to him like that as well, though not for the same reason.

"I-is Giles here now?" Arthur would very much like to know who he's having a normal one in front of. "I'm sorry, I... christ, you- you didn't ask for this."