Abstinence! It sounded so much simpler than searching for a man’s soul from the bottom up.

Better yet: it asked of absolutely nothing different from Zechariah, aside to convince himself it was intentional!

He was too busy basking in this entirely new realization that he had not had since university to pick up on Dr. Wells’ offense.

“Thank you, Doctor,” he said sincerely. “How much do I owe you?”

Hashem above, he got out of this without so much as a weird tonic!

Tristan didn't want anything from this man anymore. The whole scene had left him feeling rather embarrassed and he was glad to was his hands of it. "The champagne is enough. I'll be on my way," he said, and he made his way to the door.

It was only when he had pulled the front door shut behind him that he realized he had brought his bag, but that he had left his hat in the other room. He turned back, then turned and walked away a few steps. He didn't want to make this even more awkward; he'd send for it. Then he turned again and walked back to the door. He didn't want to have to deal with this later. He looked over his shoulder. This was awkward. Maybe the hat wasn't worth it. He could just go home. He looked at the door again. It wasn't like he was rich enough to just dispense of hats.

He knocked.

There was a moment before the door was answered. Despite having seen him just minutes ago … Zechariah’s face was flushed.

“Yes?” he said shortly.

Was his voice that deep before?

Tristan's face was hot. "I... left my hat," he explained.

Zechariah leaned against the door frame, looking significantly less friendly than moments ago.

“… Where?”

His breath smelled … stronger.

"The parlor, on the table," he said. God, this was uncomfortable.

Zechariah stared.

What the hell?! "Can you give it to me please?"

He blinked, then nodded.

“Anything. Anything for-…” he licked his dry lips, as if moisture were the thing preventing him from finishing that sentence. “… Anything.”

Belatedly, he stepped aside to let him in again.

Tristan frowned, but stepped in, quickly moved to the parlor, grabbed the hat and then hurried out. Once outside, he turned. "Are you quite alright?"