"It's my job," Derek says easily, leaning in to give Barry a soft kiss before he tears into the protein bar. "And I take my work very seriously."

Barry's eyes seem brighter, his smile easier, and Derek lets out a breath. He hates seeing Barry upset, but he knows that Barry feels things so deeply. They're alike in that way, and all they can do is try to pull each other up when they get too low.

"Food is just the first part of the plan," Derek assures him, leading Barry out of the lab and through the station. He checks his phone to make sure they're still good on time before the roast is done. Once they're out on the street, Derek sidles up to Barry and wraps an arm around his waist as they walk. "The first step is feeding you dinner, and the final step is feeding you breakfast. Everything in the middle is a surprise."