Ansel spared a casual glance at Lucio when the youth sat down next to him, admiring his exquisite sense of style. A fitted suit with characteristically messy hair was a vision that Lucio did so properly, so correctly, it was as if he had invented the look himself. Ansel took another sip of his bourbon, savoring the slight caramel flavor that followed, and offered Lucio a warm grin. "You're quite welcome, Mr. Bane. I consider it a great dishonor to keep my students, colleagues and business associates waiting. Maintaining my professional reputation is paramount, after all. I'm glad that I didn't have to wait too long to experience the joy of your company."<br/><br/>Lucio moved, and Ansel followed. It was apparent that Lucio had been here multiple times before; Ansel had to wonder where Lucio received the money to pay for such a lavish establishment. He was ignorant to Lucio's financial situation, but had quickly learned that many of the students who attended the university were blessed with wealthy families who could afford the astronomical cost of attendance. Perhaps Lucio was no different. A monthly stipend, depending on just how much his family was worth, could be more than enough to indulge in a night at The Langham.<br/><br/>A comfortable silence was shared between the two men as they climbed the hotel floors in the elevator. They were experienced, learned, understood that awkward small talk wasn't necessary to begin their night. Ansel appreciated it. He had always found it displeasing when an inexperienced toy allowed nerves to get the best of them. Words about nothing would always fill the air and bore Ansel to tears, typically causing him to end their romp earlier rather than later. He didn't want to do that with Lucio. Petra would be gone all night, and even if she arrived home and did not find Ansel waiting for her, he could come up with an excuse.<i>I decided to visit my sister</i>, he could say. She lived far enough away that whenever he did visit, he often spent the night at her house. Or he did as far as Petra was concerned.<br/><br/>When Lucio led Ansel into the room, the professor had to admit to himself that he was pleasantly surprised. The boy had taste and class unlike anyone his age. The furnishings were enviable, as was The Langham's appeal, but the characteristic touches Lucio had placed around the room did not go unnoticed. Ansel's eyes settled on a bottle of bourbon and champagne, sitting on a table next to the appropriate glasses. He even had stellar tastes when it came to alcohol. It was as if Lucio had tailored this all just for Ansel, but he couldn't possibly have known about the professors own preferences beforehand. Right?<br/><br/>"You've gone above and beyond, Mr. Bane," Ansel purred, setting his almost empty glass down at a table framed by two expensive-looking loveseats. "Is there a hot tub hiding in this suite somewhere? A private masseuse lurking in the closet? Are the desserts from room service sprinkled with edible gold?"<br/><br/>He chuckled to himself and reached out, taking Lucio's hand and pulling him close once the hotel room door was shut and locked. "For all this money, perhaps you should have just bought your grade. It would have taken you less effort."