"That's good. There's a little self-respect in there, then," he comments, gesturing at Alec.

He lets Alec lead the way back to his building.

"But no, I won't."

There are too many logical reasons not to. Alec is a student, and while Richard isn't a professor, it's still inappropriate. He's complex and dangerous and everything Richard doesn't need in his life. Though danger has never stopped him before, and if anything it's encouraged him.

And then there's the possibility that is just a game, that Alec is plotting a joke where he is the punch line. After all, he's made it abundantly clear that he isn't impressed by Richard or his employment history.