The taste of Lucio's lips on his own was somehow even more satisfying knowing it was causing Claude to stare daggers at him.<i>He's mine, and he always will be. Don't you dare forget that</i>, Ansel thought, breathing heavily against Lucio's face, willing his silent words to blare obnoxiously through the older man's skull. Ansel didn't care that the man was his senior, or that they were attending a fancy event meant to raise money for charity; the professor was perfectly willing to use a little intimidation if he had to. Something about being around Lucio drove Ansel absolutely wild. He felt as if he were overflowing with testosterone, that the scent must have been leaking from every pore, subconsciously imperceptible to every male who might have had even the slightest interest in Lucio. One could attribute Ansel's overbearing attitude to just mere jealousy, but Ansel had never felt such intense emotions before, or the need to display his dominant attitude. It could have been simple possessiveness, or a perhaps a deep need to protect Lucio from anyone and everyone Ansel deemed a danger. The young man was used to being used and abused--he had made a life of it--but Ansel didn't want that life for Lucio anymore. As far as the professor was concerned, everyone Lucio had met before him, anyone who wanted to use Lucio for his body, his beauty, was an enemy, someone who needed to be scrubbed from Lucio's life with steel wool.<br/><br/>Lucio slipped from Claude Delou's grasp and wiggled his way into Ansel's awaiting arm. The professor held his lover gently, curling his muscular limb around the boy's body and settling his hand at his hip. Though Ansel was quite strong, he handled the young man delicately, as if he were made of crystal, not wanting to harm a single hair or leave any imprint on the sweet boy's figure. Lucio said his goodbyes and Ansel gave a polite nod, a victorious grin upon his mouth. "It was an absolute delight, Claude. Please enjoy yourself tonight." Lucio was leading him away from the ancient one now, and whispering something in his ear.<br/><br/>"At their throats? Lucio, I think you're being a little harsh. I think I was rather pleasant. Mrs. Clout seemed to enjoy me just fine." Apparently the reasoning for his little display hadn't gone over the young man's head. Ansel shouldn't have expected it to, Lucio was just as intelligent as he was when it came to deciphering the moods and intentions of others. The boy had a natural talent for reading anyone and molding himself to charm them in whatever way needed to get what he wanted. Ansel's little tactics would never get by Lucio, overt or subtle, it didn't matter. The majority of Ansel's partners had been easy to manipulate, especially Petra, but Ansel was coming to learn that things wouldn't be so simple with his prince.<br/><br/>Ansel accepted the chastisement, however, quietly agreeing to mind his manners. It would be easy enough to avoid Delou for the rest of the night, if needed. As the young man kept talking, Ansel's mood darkened. "Wait, wait, what did you say?" Ansel hissed, stopping in his tracks. "You said there would be photos auctioned off, you never said<i>anything</i>about a date." But Lucio kept tugging, and whispering sweet promises of the night he had planned for the two of them. It was difficult for Ansel to continue debating when things were already set and done. As long as one of Lucio's<i>female</i>admirers won the dinner date, Ansel could accept it. Delou, on the other hand...<br/><br/>The professor huffed but allowed Lucio to lead him into the re-purposed ballroom, weaving through tables to reach the one that had been set aside for them. A crisp white place card had been set in the middle of the table, decorated with an elegant gold font.<br/><br/><div style="text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 22px">Lucio Bane <br/>
&amp;<br/>
Guest</span>​</div><br/>Ansel picked up the card and examined it. He liked the way Lucio's name looked, though a deep part of him considered how much more lovely it would be to see "Ansel & Lucio von Essen" imprinted onto the thick card instead. "Yes, the decorations are quite stunning, my love," Ansel replied, setting the card back in its place taking his spot next to his darling at the table. Some of their glasses had already been filled with chilled water, and a server was making rounds, taking wine orders. He reached across the table and took Lucio's hand enjoying the feeling of Lucio's skin against his own. "I'm sure it will be a fantastic night, my darling."<br/><div style="text-align: center">​</div>