[Freddie's response to Cassidy suggesting people care about him is to pull a face and stick his tongue out - almost forgetting to tug it back in before responding to the rest.]

Because. [And that should be reason enough. For a moment it almost seems like it will be - Freddie's distracted with a body between his legs and all the usual, habitual responses to that, not to mention that it's Cassidy so most of them go double. Too bad his co-ordination's bad enough just now that he barely manages to hook a knee around one thigh.]

Because it's not my house, is it. And if I've got a key and I start letting myself in then it may as well be our house. Suddenly I own a house and he owns me. I'd rather swim with the sharks.

[Cassidy tugs the bandage a little too tight and Freddie responds with a little intake of breath, his free hand pressed to Cassidy's chest as though he might push him away.

He doesn't, though. Lets it slide upward, instead, until it finds skin contact at his collar bone. Rubs slowly over his shoulder.]

You're so tense. [Might be that pebble in his stomach.] Someone should help with that.