And so there they were, staring at each other, both in a state of perplexity about the one in front of them. Christian smiled, then laughed at the situation. It felt odd to laugh, as if it were a thing he should not do. In truth, the mirth didn't carry through to his eyes, but the very sound felt foreign and uncomfortable. He let it die again into silence.
At length, he finished the bottle of wine and stood carefully from the bench. A gentleman did not sway or stagger, and so with every ounce of willpower, he walked to the trash can close by to dispose of the bottle. When he returned, he took a look at the box of assorted wine, then considered the Green Fairy.
"Maybe I'll see you again," he mused, picking up his purchases from the bench. "In better circumstances."