The bathroom of the upscale hotel room was swathed in soft, ambient lighting, casting a warm glow over the polished marble surfaces.

Mencken leaned casually against the sink, the glint of mischief in his eyes matching the glimmer of his tailored suit. The bathroom was small, and their proximity made the interaction almost intimate.

“Do you think the presidency’s worth all the fuss?” Mencken asked, his voice carrying a teasing lilt. He flicked a bit of condensation from a can of Coke he’d just taken out of the mini-fridge, the droplets dancing in the light.

You met his gaze in the mirror. “Well, it’s certainly not boring, if that’s what you mean.”

Mencken chuckled, moving a step closer. “You always have a way of making politics sound more exciting. Maybe you should consider a career change.”

You arched an eyebrow. “And give up the excitement of working with you? Never.”

Mencken’s smile widened, his eyes twinkling with something that was both playful and a touch condescending. “Flattery will get you everywhere, especially when it’s from someone who can appreciate the finer things in life.”

You gave a half-smile, trying to ignore the warm flush creeping up your neck. There was a touch of flattery in Mencken’s voice, but it was wrapped in an almost condescending tone that made you both flattered and annoyed. “And what exactly are the finer things you’re referring to?”

Mencken's gaze lingered, his smile turning into a grin. “You, for starters. I mean, who else could make a debate sound like a love story?”

As Mencken continued to speak, his tone remained light, almost as if he were trying to get a reaction. He moved to open the can of Coke, the hiss of carbonation punctuating his words. He tilted the can and let a few droplets spill onto his shirt.

The droplets clung to his shirt, glistening against the fabric. Mencken laughed softly, then brought the can to his lips, pressing a quick, theatrical kiss to the top before passing it over to you, anointing you with a Coke. “Here you are, my liege.”