It was a step to be meeting a parent, but meeting a parent who only recently discovered her son was gay was another step altogether. Freddie was right alongside Armaan as he stressed over this moment, remaining a steady and calm companion as they headed into building. As they moved up the stairs, he noticed Armaan was walking more slowly, and taking deep breaths, and he stopped as Armaan did, reaching out to put his arm around Armaan's back, just in case he felt like falling down.
"All will be well," he promised reassuringly. "You've told her about me and she wants to meet me. I've got this. You don't need to panic." He rubbed Armaan's back and gave him a smile. "Breathe in the nose and out the mouth. Count to ten, and we'll go on."