THE FIVE SENSES OF CHRISTMAS

THE SMELLS OF CHRISTMAS

He takes note of the menu that's still in front of him. He's skimming through the options again, just as clueless about what to get as he was before.

"What are you drinking?" he finally asks Buck.

"Oh, mulled wine," Buck slides his mug over, "you can try some."

Eddie lifts the mug. Long before it touches his lips, he's already assaulted by the smell of cloves, orange, and cinnamon above the slightly acidic smell of wine. It smells good, and once he nips at it, it tastes just as well, but he knows he won't drink any more of it.

"Oh, you need to drive," Buck remembers, pulling the mug back. "Apparently the hot chocolate is not too bad here, if you want something festive."

Eddie nods. "Sounds good."

Just then, a waiter comes up to their table, leaving a few platters of food behind. It smells delicious, and Eddie's thinking of getting something to eat too. But he'll ask Chris about it first. For now, he merely catches the waiter before he leaves and asks him if he can order a drink.

Buck digs into his own plate, as do all those who have ordered food. It's quieter once half of their table is eating, but the conversation is still lively and Eddie notices that he doesn't mind any longer. They're his family, and even if he arrived not feeling well, he enjoys their company enough to be in a slightly less foul mood.