Following along, Ashley looked at the collars on display, and the idea of the welded ones were pleasant when it connected in his mind. However, with how many troubles him and Jacob had, and without them knowing for sure this would solve their problems. neither of them could promise each other it would be for life.

His gaze flickered over the ones with words and he obviously wasn't very amused with them--but he didn't like such names, labels. He'd looked over the plain ones, liking some of them, but he didn't want to wear anything that would stand out too much at work, but he didn't particularly want something that was just... black. So plain. Then he noticed Jacob take one into his hands and he curiously watched him look it over.

"I think the one you have there looks nice." His voice was a little softer than normal, but still loud enough to be heard, his cheeks flushing over a little bit when he realized this. His fingers traced along the edge of the leather curiously, he liked the colours and it was a nice size--nothing too wide like he'd seen for some of the others; some of them looked like they wouldn't allow too much movement for the neck, and at the moment, he didn't really understand the purpose for such a thing.

The fact that Jacob had been looking at it told Ashley that the man thought it was a good choice. His finger trailed inside the collar a moment to feel the padding, pleased with it's design, he didn't want something he'd ahve to wear constantly to hurt him or leave chaffing when he took it off for meetings, that wouldn't look very professional either if it did.

"Go ahead," Max said watching the two with an amused look. Jacob was still a beginner in this type of relationship, many learned to be Dom's by first being a sub themselves. All Jacob knew had been taught to him, but he never played the true sub so he still looked at it all as new. Max knew this, and a look at Jacob told the blond he should have accepted his offer, even for a time. "Try it on him, he won't know if it's truly comfortable otherwise."

Jacob nodded as it was a plan, he was rather wanting to be certain to see if Ashley would have preferred some that was merely black or a plain solid color. When Ashley told him he liked it Jacob stepped in behind Ashley pressing his lips lightly to the pale neck before wrapping the collar around it, buckling it securely making certain it was loose enough for comfort without choking his love. Walking to the front a smile twitched on his lips, the collar actually looked good on Ashley and seemed to belong on his neck. "How does it fit?" His fingers still made certain it sat properly and wasn't digging in any spot of his neck.

Ashley glanced up towards Max curiously when he told Jacob to have him try it on. He was getting a bit more comfortable with the fact the man was there--he was used to the people Jacob knew, especially from work, which he assumed this was the case, to be like Andrew was before the deal.

He wondered exactly what this change would do, now knowing that Andrew probably wouldn't break the rules of his own Lifestyle, but... would it really be the end of it all in the long run? He supposed they'd find out.

Ashley smiled softly as Jacob kissed hisneck, blushing faintly as he felt the collar slip around his slender throat, his eyes closing briefly. They opened as Jacob rounded him again to look at the collar, glad to see him give a smile at the sight and he shifted his head a bit to make sure it didn't hurt him when he moved, letting Jacob fiddle with it all he wanted.

"It feels like it fits good." Ashley replied, reaching up with one hand to feel the leather and the back to feel the buckle. His short curly hair was jsut long enough to brush along the top edge of the collar, making it tickle a bit, but it didn't bother him. He'd jsut push his hair out of the collar's way now and then. "I like how it feels." He added gently, his gaze shifting curiously in search of a mirror to look at the collar while it was on him.

"Good," Jacob breathed, he'd found nothing wrong in the way it sat and was pleased it was well manufactured to be comfortable and possibly forgotten about by the wearer once the feel of it became normal. Max who had watched the two in the silence that was his norm, he wasn't a big talker but he read people well. When Ashley looked for a mirror he had one in his hand for the shy man to look at his reflection through.

"It's a good make," Max said to Jacob nodding at the collar around Ashley's neck. "Made for comfort rather than something to remind the sub that he's owned. It won't wear down quickly and will seem to be a second skin once the padding isn't so stiff to his movements. It's an expensive one but you get what you pay for."

Jacob nodded, he'd expected it to be on the expensive side of things but it didn't make him bat an eye. He would rather Ashley be comfortable than go for something that would be painful. He watched Ashley curiously, wondering if the man would change his mind after seeing himself. He had to admit it was odd taking his lover to fit him for a collar.

Ashley blnked when a mirror was presented to him and he quietly looked at himself with the collar on. It was a strange thing for him, it felt a little funny, he'd never worn anything around his neck in his life, but it was nice because he knew it'd really make him Jacob's.

When he heard it was expensive, his instinct was to protest that maybe they should get a different one, a cheaper one, but he bit his tongue slightly and kept himself quiet. He knew Jacob was not worried about the price, and he could tell by the way they talked and the way it felt, that it was definitely probably worth the amount it would cost.

When he'd finished looking at the collar on his neck, Ashley looked back up at his lover and smiled. Seeing it didn't change his mind at all. It was different but he liked how it looked.

"It's the one we'll take then," Jacob said once Ashley smiled at him in assurance that this was the one he wanted and liked. Max nodded setting the mirror back to where he'd grabbed it from. Looking around Jacob set a hand on the small of Ashley's back making no motion to remove it. "Are you wanting to look around now?"

Max taking his cue and smiled at the couple he was certain he'd end up seeing every once in a while. He would have to give up on trying to coax the blond to be his now. Stepping away he left the two alone in the small shop only pausing to look at them once more. "If you have any questions about the merchandise or even the Lifestyle don't hesitate to ask." His smile was friendly, his blue eyes settling on Ashley briefly making it known that he meant him as well.

Jacob smiled and said his thanks to Max and turned his attention back to his lover. He'd let the man wander and follow, some of the items he wasn't too certain about but if they were ones that Ashley asked him about he would take up Max's advice and ask. They would have further chances to look around again in the future if Ashley wished. Jacob would appreciate the man's tutoring when it'd come to some things, as he hadn't had the proper training that he should have had before falling into the relationship with Ashley. "Lead on.."

Ashley nodded a little at what Max said, though it'd probably take a couple of visits before he opened up too much--he'd probably ask Jacob first anyway. The hand on the small of his back made Ashley relax a little more as he looked at Jacob again, though he was still sore. He couldn't wait to get home, but at the same time, if he didn't at least wander a little bit, his curiosity would drive him insane all night.

When Jacob told him to 'lead on', Ashley looked around a moment before deciding upon a direction and heading that way slowly. He mostly wanted to see what things were sold there, and he found that despite his sheltered life, he was able to tell what certain things were and understand their purpose. Things such as gags, cuffs and pretty universally known toys were obvious to him, and while he blushed, he still gave them curious looks, like he wondered how they felt when used on someone.

He came across a chastity device for men, and Ashley couldn't help but be curious about just what it was. It looked like a cage for... His brain clicked with the connection to what it was for before he even got the question out of his parted lips and his cheeks flushed a brief but deep red. "Nevermind" he mumbled, "I get it."

His gaze left the device and he blinked as he got distracted by a poster, furrowing his brow. He didn't like how humiliating they where, and while at the moment he said nothing, he hoped Jacob would not treat him in such a manner. Rubbing his eyes as he looked away from it, he glanced at Jacob. He was getting tired and he still wanted to spend time at home with his lover. "Can we get this and go home now?" He asked and he felt over his collar again."We can always come back another time and look, right?"

As well as looking at the merchandise that Ashley was looking at Jacob also watched Ash, watching the reactions that the toys brought forth from the man. A smile met his lips when he noticed curiosity on those easy to read features. His smile turned amused when Ashley examined the chastity device, a small chuckle escaping him at the blush. He was noticing Ashley beginning to tire as he stopped to look at the poster. Stepping up behind him he pressed a kiss below the back of the collar. Now would be the best time to ask.

"Is that something that interests you?" Jacob asked in a voice only for Ashley to hear, letting his hands give a light massage to those sore muscles once more as Ashley looked up at it. He couldn't see himself doing it but it was safe knowing what might peek Ashley's interest.

"Of course," Jacob said as Ashley made mention of wanting to go, answering both questions at once. "Wait by the door and call a cab, I'll go pay for it and say my farewells."

Ashley breathed out slowly as he felt a kiss to the back of his neck, closing his eyes gently and he bit back a tender noise as Jacob rubbed at his sore lower back again. He was becoming quite fond of when Jacob did that to him, it was nice. The question got an immediate response from Ashley, shaking his head slowly. "No... I'm not." He replied softly.

Opening his eyes again, Ashley looked at Jacob and smiled a bit again and he nodded, fishing out his cell so he could go and call for the cab by the door. He hung up after a few minutes and watched Jacob a moment before his gaze wandered through the store once more while he waited for his lover to pay and say goodbye, for the time being.

"Good," Jacob said as Ashley had said no, stepping away to head to pay for the collar. "I'm not that much of a saddist.."

Glancing back at Ashley as he headed up to the front counter where he found Max looking through a magazine that had much similar pictures as the posters. Biting his lip he gave a friendly smile at Max as he told him they were finished for that night. Paying the man the money for the collar he thanked him and ignored Max's flirtations.

"You don't think your pet would like to share then?" Max asked as he gave Jacob his change. "Or to be shared?"

Jacob's eyes narrowed slightly but he shook his head as he glanced back at Ashley. "No, it's just him and me."

Knowing not to press that it'd be simplest in learning by it Max didn't press anything and said goodbye to Jacob. Jacob left the man at a counter returning to Ashley. He knew it was common for some Dom's to share themselves or their 'pet' while the other was in the room to watch, but that was not something he was interested in.

Heading out to the cab that had arrived he once again helped Ashley in and told the adress to their home.

Ashley was glad to hear that from Jacob, waiting patiently for his lover to return to him after he'd paid for the collar. He was tired, but still looking forward to the rest of the night. After a night like this, he wasn't about to just go to bed, he wasn't sure he really could until he was sure everything really would be alright now.

He smiled at Jacob as he came back over to him and lead the way out to waiting cab, breathing in as he sat down inside of the vehicle, looking at Jacob again when the man was settled with him and had given the address.

The cab ride was silent, they both had a long night and though they weren't heading home to relax it would still be nice to be home. He helped Ashley out of the cab once more and headed into their place. Only then did he realize he hadn't eaten at all and he was starving. Giving an apologetic look to Ashley.

"You hungry?" Jacob asked as he walked in, he knew Ashley was tired and was planning to make love to the man but after merely two bites of a sandwich when Ashley had first arrived to check on Alex it was catching up on him.

Ashley didn't mind that quiet ride, but it made it hard to stay awake. He'd dozed very breifly in the cab, starting awake as the cab stopped and Jacob moved to get out. He slid out wiht his crutch and walked with Jacob back up to the little studio apartment.

"Mm? No--but you probably are, huh? I'm gonna wash up a bit while you do." He smiled, moving to head for the bathroom after they'd gotten inside, he wasn't a mess anymore from Andrew, but just the stress of the day and all the crying, he wanted to wash his face off at least.

Jacob nodded with a small smile and watched Ashley's slow progress to the washroom before making himself a fresh sandwich, and promptly eating it. He felt bad for again postponing but he felt as if he was going to pass out from hunger going over twenty-four hours without food. Licking his lips of the remnants he gave a small sigh, he was hoping this would work with Andrew.. he doubted the beating would really persuade the man not to.

Walking over to the table in front of the futon he moved it out of the way, wanting the futon down in a full bed size for tonight.

Ashley took his shirt off after he'd washed his face, taking the cold rag to his body with a sigh. He was sweaty and warm, he'd never been quite so nervous as he had been that night--outside of going to the doctor... but right now, he tried not to think about it anymore. Not until the time would come to return for the testing.

When he was done, he threw his shirt into a small laundry basket, rubbing his lower back with his free hand as he used the crutch for support still, eyes searching for his lover to see if he was finished eating yet, realizing that by the time he'd gotten out there, the man had gotten the futon into a bed position.

Jacob looked up from his bags when the bathroom door opened, smiling at the half nude brunette as he set out the jar of massage oil and a square packet on the dresser that was now visible with the futon down. He slid onto the futon kneeling down to wait for Ashley to approach.

"You alright?" Jacob asked concerned, so much had happened that he could hardly keep up with everything.

Ashley blinked and smiled at Jacob, moving to the bed and setting his crutch aside so he was standing on his own at the edge. "I'm fine." He replied softly, rubbing his arm a bit shyly. "Wow... I don't think this has been set up as a bed... in a long time." He chuckled, nlooking his lover over slowly.

"You... you aren't too sore for this, are you?" He asked softly, his voice shaking breifly. He felt bad, if he hadn't been sleeping with Andrew, Jacob wouldn't have gotten in that fight and wouldn't be beat up.

"No.. I'm fine," Jacob assured Ashley. He was sore admittedly, but it wasn't something that was going to stop him from completing the task of claiming the man as his own. But first he was going to give Ashley his promised massage. "It's just bruises and scratches.. Andrew doesn't look much better."

A smile twitched on his lips, he was pleased with himself able to hold his own against Andrew. The man was stronger than him but clumsy when angered. "Now.. take off the rest of your clothes and come lay down on your stomach."

Really, he was surprised they hadn't fought to the death out there. He was glad they hadn't, he wasn't sure what he'd do if someone died because of him. THat'd be horrible.

Ashley had to sit on the edge fo the futon to get the rest of his clothes off, but he nodded and did so. Once undressed, Ash crawled the rest of the way onto the futon and laid down on his belly as told to do, resting his good cheek against the mattress and trying to relax again.

Jacob smiled as Ashley obeyed, ghosting his hand over Ashley's back gently and cupping a cheek he leaned down and kissed Ashley's shoulder. It would be nice to have a normal way to end the night for Jacob, it was hard to focus otherwise. Swinging his leg over Ashley he rested his jean clad bottom on Ashley's bare one, straddling the small brunette.

"You're beautiful.." Jacob murmured pouring massage oil into his palm and set it down once more. Rubbing his hands together briefly his hands started at Ashley's lower back and slid upward following the swine and butterflying out along the shoulders, his thumb digging in only at the juncture of the neck briefly before they parted. He repeated this twice before leaning forward to massage at Ashley's neck then shoulders, his hands following the lines they'd merely slid over before, kneading out any knots of tension.

"My pet.. My Own." Jacob whispered in Ashley's ear. He was going to make the man very much cherished and very well owned. He bit down where jaw meets neck just below the earlobe as his hands continued to do magic. They drifted downward following the muscles and he had to sit up properly again.

Ashley swallowed slowly as Jacob settled on his thin thighs those simple words making him blush, and his body jolted slightly at the sensation of oiled hands touching his pale skin. His body relaxed as Jacob began to work over his sore flesh, settling down intothe soft, old futon, eyes half-open. He was so tired, but he wouldn't allow himself to fall asleep, no matter how soothing his lover's hands were.

Jacob's skilled hands elevated Ashley's breathing a bit, biting his lower lip as his lover worked the knots left by Andrew out, and he could feel the tension in his body easily worked right out of his body by his lover. It was wonderful, sensual.

Hearing Jacob call him his 'pet' made Ashley smile softly to himself. He wasn't entirely sure what was so appealing to him about the idea, but knowing that Jacob was not just his lover, but his owner made him feel better, a little more secure. Ash gave a tender gasp at the bite, eyes fluttering open the rest of the way to look at his lover with flushed cheeks.

It didn't take much work to get Ashley's body heated up again, two toned eyes watching him as the man sat back up and never stopped rubbing over his skinny little body. Perhaps now he'd be easier persuaded to eat enough that he might actually put on some much needed weight. "Nnh.."

Jacob gave a loving smile toward Ash, when he spotted him watching. The tiredness was apparent to Jacob and he wondered if they should keep it at the massage for the night. He knew though that Ashley was eager for him to take him and he wasn't going to deny him the right to feel loved. His hands worked the knots away easily finding their way to Ashley's lower back. Paying more attention to the spot that pained Ashley he took his time to ease away the pain to the point if the man didn't feel like limp jello he'd be surprised.

He slid down Ashley's legs so his hands could rest on the semi-globe that was so perfect. His hands squeezed possessively, fingers sliding down the cleft teasingly but his hands slid all the way back up his body following them leaving kisses along the trail. Part of him regretted not buying any toys that night, the ones he had he'd left behind, leaving them with his old life. He wanted new ones for use with Ashley, and Ashley alone. He'd have to make do without for tonight.

Nipping at Ashley's earlobe he chuckled huskily. "You still awake pet? Still wanting me to claim you as mine once and for all?"

The more relaxed Jacob got him, the harder it was for Ashley to stay awake. Eventually his eyes had closed, and while not really asleep, it was somewhat restful. The younger man found himself drifting in and out at one point, only waking up when Jacob's fingers found that spot that had been killing him all day long, jolting him out of sleep and he made a faint noise, displeased at first until he felt the tension beginning to loosen up with each push and prod and stroke of his lover's hands.

God, it was really almost as good as any orgasm he'd ever had, but he'd never really had someone work his muscles into a state of practical numbness. The feeling ebbed away from his mind as he felt Jacob moving down again, his relaxed body free for those roaming hands to feel and grab and do whatever they wanted to. Ashley trembled a little as he felt those hands squeeze and then trail down, such teasing! The massage had left Ashley a little over sensitive, and it was evident in the way his back quivered under the light trail of kisses back up.

His eyes fluttered open again as Jacob spoke near his ear, the sound of his voice and feel of his breath forced another shiver down his slender back. "Mmnh... Y-yes.. please.." He gasped softly, his cheeks a nice pink, brown curls a bit of a mess against the futon as he didn't lift his head to shift it, but dragged his head to look at Jacob a little better in his current position, breathing in and out slowly as he tried to contain his anticipation. He wasn't sure if he'd ever wanted something more than he wanted this right now.

Jacob smiled a bit as he carried Ashley to the bathroom. He knew the man was tired though and he planned to make the wash quick. Setting Ashley down gently he quickly disposed of the latex protection in the trash and washed himself clean quickly. Turning to Ashley he began to wash away the mess gently, and swiped away the sweat that made Ashley's skin glisten. It might not have been quite a thorough job, but Jacob wanted to lay Ashley down as quick as possible. Once satisfied he lifted the tired man once more and returned to bed.

Laying Ashley down and lying down beside him, pulling him in close to hold on to during the night.

Ashley was struggling to stay awake as Jacob cleaned him up, watching him sleepily as he wiped his sweaty body down and cleaned him up of the evidence from their love making. He seemed a little distant, but it might have been just becuase he was so tired. He had something on his mind, or rather, someone on his mind. He was happy with their new situation, he really was, but for some reason... knowing that Andrew would no longer have access to him left him feeling a little.. empty in a way, like something was missing. He didn't understand. Why couldn't he just be happy with Jacob?

When Jacob picked him up, he leaned against him again and fell asleep on the way to the bed. Ashley curled into his lover as Jacob pulled him closer, breathing out slowly as he slept quite peacefully for what had all happened that day.