you really look like shit. well, lee, barry feels like shit. that information would make neither of them feel better, however, so instead of saying so, barry gives a dull glance up to lee before stepping completely out of the room’s door. barely notices that the other man is draping a shirt over his dirty clothes. all barry wants is the door, the exit. out of this cage, out of danger. was anyone looking? cameras on either end of the hall… barry coughs, and there is blood in his mouth, but he ignores it, blinks away the dizziness, shakes his head to keep himself awake.
‘i can drive,’ there’s a weak insistence in his voice, but if he really needed to, if he had no other choice, he absolutely could make it home. perhaps he’d pass out behind the wheel as soon as he reached the apartment, stay there until morning, but he could. he’s done so with worse. but lee wasn’t going to let him, and he wasn’t strong enough to argue, so he focuses, instead, on making it to wherever lee had left his own car when he’d initially brought barry to the hospital. upon sight, barry can see the blood he’s left on the seat from his wounds. barry blinks a few times, going faint, falling against lee for a moment to keep himself upright, to give himself supprt. ‘sorry, um…’ eyes squeeze shut before he reaches for the door’s handle, ready to tell another lie as he tried to open it. ‘i’m okay,’
keys in hand, his car’s unlocked well before they get there. now that they’re outside, he doesn’t worry about the staff inside. doesn’t worry about being questioned and being called officer— no. he’s still more worried about the man beside him. there’s no avoiding that. lee supports the weight of him. anticipated as much. is the reasoning behind his arm now finding its place hooked around barry’s waist. he gives it only a second before he’s opening the door for him instead. doesn’t need to be asked, not that he would have to begin with.
“ you’re not okay. ” lee doesn’t hide his disappointment well. not now as he’s helping barry into the passenger seat. ( he’s hit with the memory of finding him. of having to pull him out of his own car, only to get him into his. remembers vividly, having barry’s blood on his hands— on his clothes— ) habit has him fastening barry’s seatbelt for him. makes sure it’s secure with just a tug, or two. “ and don’t be sorry. ” it’s softer. more understanding. he waits until barry’s settled before he closes the door for him and rounds the car to get into the driver’s seat.
without another word, without another glance, lee turns the ignition. if the streets of la were kind, they’d be at his apartment within the hour.
it’s only when they’re pulling up into the parking lot that lee breaks the silence. parks, but doesn’t look at barry. “ if you want to go home, tell me now. i’ll take you and your car. ” and no, he doesn’t sound happy about it. “ but i’d be lying if i said i didn’t want you here. ” safe. with me.