Let me in

Chapter 5 : A hint of anger.

"So... how was it?"

That's Eddie asking, looking like nothing, when they all meet in the station kitchen the next morning.

He tries to keep to himself the thought that burns the tip of his tongue. Because when he understood that he wouldn't have a visitor last night, he was at least expecting a text. But nothing. And that made him have a bad night. 

He knows it's a bit much for a simple dinner with his parents. But sometimes -and even if he'll never admit it- he acts with Buck as he might act with Christopher.

And when he sees Buck's light smile as he pours himself a cup of coffee, he has to remember that he's an adult.

It's his problem, not Buck's.

Chimney, however, doesn't seem to be in as good mood as he is.

When Buck looks rested and happy, he looks exhausted and uncomfortable.

"Honestly, better than I thought." Says Buck with a shrug.

And Eddie believes him because he looks sincere, but judging by the look on Chimney's face, he can tell something's wrong.

Bobby patted him on the back.

"I'm happy. You're looking really good today." He notes as he watches Buck bounce vigorously off his feet.

More than usual. Or more than lately.

And Eddie doesn't know whether to be reassured or worried that he's not the only one who's noticed that Buck has been a little different lately.

"Yeah, I've been sleep like a baby." Buck smiles before groping his pants pockets. "Damn, I left my phone in the car. I'll be right back." Then he's trotting up the stairs.

When Buck disappears, Eddie is quick to ask the question that interests him.

"What was it like? For real?"

Just as Hen, enjoying a bowl of cereal, asks;

"So, how are Mom and Dad Buckley?"

Chimney looks in between, blowing on his coffee, which refuses to cool, then sighs deeply.

"Honestly, worse than I thought."

Hen and Eddie exchange looks and then;

"What question are you answering now?"

"Both." Chimney sighs again.

Bobby, who has stayed out of the conversation so far, frowns a little and crosses his arms on his chest.

"What do you mean? Buck didn't seem to think it was that bad. Did something happen?" He asks before he recovers and brings his steaming cup of coffee to his lips.

"You mean between the time he called his father a premature ejaculator and the time he confessed to banging one of his friends? No, nothing special."

Bobby chokes on his coffee. Eddie's cup of coffee hangs a few inches from his lips and Hen's spoon fell back into his bowl, splashing a few drops of milk on the counter as she suddenly stopped chewing.