[ The tone shift might surprise him; it's not amusement or mockery. Instead, there's a wince and a sigh. ]

Ah. My apologies, then. I genuinely thought you were looking for death, given who you decided to needle. I would have distracted him. I usually can if I'm there.

I was going to ask you if it helped being here, dying I mean, but given my mistake, I can certainly accept the 'fuck you' and let you rest.