Lucio closed his eyes and relished in the gentle stroking of his rear end after the first little spat of punishment. He nodded slowly in response to the professor’s words, taking a slight bit of comfort in them at the very least. He had an out, the opportunity was there if he truly needed it, and he clung to that bit of comfort as Ansel shifted beside him, clearly returning to a tense, dominating stance. The strikes were even harsher now, Ansel was very clearly enjoying this power. Lucio knew he would, of course, but he had underestimated the effect that it’d have on his damaged psyche. Each blow of the leather strips brought deeper dismay, though the young man maintained physical arousal merely due to the proximity of the man, as well as the gentle, praising strokes he offered in between bouts of whipping.<br/><br/>Unbeknownst to Lucio tears began to flow from his eyes and down his cheeks. Perhaps that was to be expected with the impact of the flogger and the sharp sting he was experiencing in his behind, but he still would have attempted to stop it were his attention not so focused. He truly didn’t even notice his cheeks were wet until Ansel was urging him upwards onto his knees after pressing a few fond kisses to his tingling behind. He’d have wiped away the tears were he able, but he was left with salty tears trickling down his face and drool dribbling down his chin. He lifted his gaze to look Ansel in the eye when he was facing him. He seemed concerned for his well being and comfort, which certainly wasn’t unusual for him especially since he’d moved into his apartment more or less full time. Yet there was a sense of reservation in the young Englishman's face now as Ansel fretted over him, something akin to disbelief held within his gaze.<br/><br/>Lucio averted his eyes, gazing down at Ansel’s fingertips dancing over his chest and grunting softly around his gag. He shook his head and sniffled lightly. The rope bonds hadn’t caused any discomfort, and though there was still a sting in his rear end the man’s gleeful punishing hadn’t truly hurt him either. No lasting marks were made in his flesh, as they had been by a handful of his lover’s past, but some healing wounds had been prodded goadingly. He couldn’t truly blame Ansel for it, he’d willingly placed himself in the position of the submissive knowing what was going to happen to him. He’d purchased the stuff, for God's sake, and he knew full well that the turmoil within him was inexcusable. He only hoped that Ansel would chalk his tears up to the sting and continue. Still, despite all, he wanted his love to continue enjoying the entertainment he’d set up for him.