"You are," Noah says when he feels Freddie shake his head against the crook of his neck. "I'm sorry he didn't treat you how you deserved to be treated." He continues to play with Freddie's hair, idly stroking, wishing his touch and his words could somehow convince Freddie of this truth.

"I'd never do that to you," he also says, just as quiet. It won't matter coming from him, because he isn't Sir. The damage has already been done, and it doesn't seem like Freddie is even willing to entertain the idea that not everyone is out to use him. He doesn't know how to fix that. All he can do is be gentle with Freddie, do his best not to let him down, be a good friend.