You're right AJ, overanalysing is my big problem. And indeed, no matter what the outcome, it will be up to his (momentary) mood how he takes it. And I may hear several different versions, even during one conversation. So, I should not think about it much.
But you made me realise one important thing (thank you!): "he's asking for help from somebody he thinks he can trust".
I must admit, after all those "I don't trust you anymore" etc. it did not occur to me what his asking ME really means...
