"It was.. distressing." Andrew muttered after a moment, he'd wished he'd been able to tell the difference in Jacob as easily as he had been tonight earlier when he'd unknowingly raped Alex. "He doesn't believe me... I don't really blame him." He looked down, his voice had remained quiet noting the man had a headache.

"Truthfully hadn't thought it'd be any good.." Jacob said slowly with a small nod that made him wince and hold his head again. He stood up finally a hand grabbing the counter to keep his balance as the world spun.

"Perhaps we should go up to my apartment anyhow," Max said standing up and moving to the door. He flipped the sign to closed and locked the door, it wouldn't be the first time he closed shop for a while many didn't complain when he returned. Many of the times it had been for consults being the local 'expert' when people had questions. "I have pain meds up there for you Jacob."

"Alright," Jacob muttered but Max was to him before he could try walk properly and was lifted up. Andrew watched the red head curiously but he offered his arm to Ashley to follow the big red head upstairs, where they could hopefully talk and afterward look around.

Ashley nodded a bit in agreement with Andrew. He knew that Alex probably wouldn't have taken it all with perfect stride, it would take time for him to forgive the man, if he ever could. Ash's worry for Jacob was evident as the man got up and had to brace himself against hte counter. He watched Max close up the shop for the time being and pick Jacob up, glad the man wouldn't be trying to walk on his own.

Looking up at Andrew, Ashly took the man's arm gently and followed with him up to the red head's apartment. Giving Andrew's arm a small rub, he glanced up at the man again, hoping he wouldn't beat himself up inside too much over Alex. He'd tried to make things as right as he possibly could. He didn't think Alex would have forgiven him even if he'd graveled before the frightened man and begged for it.

Up the stairs his living room was the first room they entered, it was crudely decorated with the bare necessities. For a bachelor the place was very neat and not one thing out of place. Sitting Jacob down on the couch Max went to the medicine cabinet to get a couple Excedrin for Jacob and grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge in his kitchen nook on the way back.

"Thanks." Jacob said as he took the medicine and bottle from the redhead, taking the medicine quickly and prayed for quick relief. He shifted as Andrew sat down on the other edge of the couch and Max sat down on the chair leaving the last spot on the couch for Ashley in between Jacob and Andrew.

"I'm.. not sure why I've got such a headache," Jacob muttered when he wasn't certain what to say now. His fingers lifted to massage his temples giving temporary relief. "I've never had one before.."

"Perhaps it's the stress that both of you had gone through today?" Max suggested with a frown. "Alex didn't seem to take everything very well as soon as Andrew shown up." His eyes flicked to Andrew with an apologetic look, but a part of him was still unsure if he liked everything he heard down there.

"Perhaps.. Alex was trying to force you out? Not wanting to remain awake?" Andrew suggested, drawing everyone's eyes to him. Licking his lips he shrugged. "I know if I was in his position and able to hide within my own mind I'd try to find a way to run in that form.. you didn't wake right away."

Ashley set his crutch aside and carefully took the few steps left to slide into the space available for him on the couch. As he listened to them talk, he stifled another yawn. He was so tired! But he wanted to be able to look around again, he hated how his exhaustion got in the way of things.

Listening to them theorize about what had happened, he shifted. both ideas were plausible, really. Looking up at Andrew when the man had spoken, he nodded a bit and glanced at the other two men. "That's possible too... Alex drew you out at the office before--" He bit his tongue briefly as he quieted himself. he didn't really want to bring up why Alex had run to his office, as it occured to him that that was a much more recent time that the man had nearly forced himself onto the small brunette, his cheeks flushing over a bit as he looked down.

Jacob slid an arm around Ashley, wanting to touch the man as the medicine began to get to work. He nodded carefully, he remembered waking up in the office to find Andrew with Ashley once more in a scene of would be rape if he hadn't walked in. His grip around the man tightened wondering idly how Andrew could be sorry for previous times if he was going to do it again hardly a week earlier. "I suppose it is possible.. perhaps both could be the reason.. I don't remember having such a headache last time."

Andrew blinked at the two remembering the time in the office that Jacob had pulled him off of Ashley. His cheeks flushed and he looked away. "If it's happened before without the headache, perhaps he wasn't trying to force it. It happened because you're the stronger of the two and in agreement of what to do in the situation. Now perhaps he forced it, causing the pain afterward."

It mad sense, if Alex could force him out the boy would be safer if dangerous circumstances occurred when out on his own. Migraine or not, at least he'd manage to get Jacob to get in control of the situation he was in without getting injured himself, perhaps this was for the best.

"Well since we got that settled, perhaps it'd be smart carrying migraine medicine around from now on if he deems it needy to hide from a circumstance," Max suggested sitting forward. He was a curious man but he knew when secrets are wanted to be hidden. "Another matter is.. I'd gave him a job here, I could try help him get over his fears to stand up for himself."

Jacob blinked at the man startled but he gave a small smile. He had worried how Alex reacted to the man but if he took anything that put him in the public eye because of Max perhaps it wasn't so bad. "So.. he wasn't scared of you?"

"He was at first.. but he just needed a commanding hand to get him to look at things as they were and not what they were in his head," Max replied with a shrug. Unlike Jacob Alex was a true submissive and the man responded better than could be expected for someone who was traumatized for so long. Perhaps the child mentality was part of it however. "You could work here too Jacob if you wish though, you'd both be earning the same money and paycheck though."

"Thank you Max." Jacob said again with a sigh, he disliked the idea of living off of Ashley and even with the guarantee of a paycheck with Alex working he needed something to do when Ashley was at work anyhow.

As Jacob slid an arm around him, Ashley leaned into him, smiling a bit at the embrace. Remembering that this week hadn't been all good with Andrew did bring another question to mind, and Ashley wanted to ask it, but not right then and there with Max listening. He'd rather confront Andrew about it without anyone else there.

The brunette rested his head against Jacob and rubbed at his eyes a bit, trying to stay awake. He'd been fine when they were standing and moving around, but now he was finding himself becoming quite comfortable. Sleep was starting to become overwhelming.

He blinked a few times however at mention of Alex taking a job there at the shop. He surprised him, Alex working in a place like this! From what he'd seen of him so far, that had seemed like the last think he'd ever do, work at a leather shop. Max really did make him feel safe, he supposed. He was glad then, that Alex had seemed to come across someone who could handle him. It'd be good for him.

He wanted to look around still, trying to keep from losing to the battle he was having with his need to rest. He sat up a bit again, one hand resting gently over the one Jacob had around his shoulders, rubbing the top a bit in a soothing gesture, smiling a bit again. "I hate to say it..." He started quietly, chewing his lower lip a bit, "but I'll fall asleep right here... if I don't get up soon."

Jacob looked over at Ashley as he sat up and chuckled some with the other two at Ashley's announcement. "I suppose the trip of looking around the shop has been postponed once more." Jacob said softly stroking his back lightly his fingertips brushing over Andrew's hand that had settled at the man's waist. He remembered idly that Andrew had wanted to get him a collar. "That is.. after Andrew picks me out a collar."

Max stood up and gave a gentle smile to the three of them, there wasn't anything else to talk about it seemed. He was still just an outsider to their relationship and they would need to talk amongst themselves later it seemed. "Well if it's collars you shop for, you know I have quite the selection."

Andrew nodded and followed suit standing up once more to offer an arm to Ashley. "Are you well enough to walk properly Jacob?" He gave a small smile, he was concerned the man would end up falling down the stairs.

"The meds are working now." Jacob replied standing up and wasn't rewarded with a spinning room.

Ashley sighed a bit at that. He was tired of being tired! They'd have to come by earlier in the day sometime, when he didn't ahve the chance to grow so sleepy before they could look around.

As everyone got up, Ashley took Andrew's arm for support and got hold of his crutch so he could walk wiht the man without putting weight on his casted leg. He was however, a bit interested to see what collar Jacob would wear.

On the way downstairs Andrew was careful to make certain Ashley wouldn't fall and they all made their way to the display of collars. Andrew looked them over as Jacob done so for another time but Andrew was focusing on the metal lockable ones and Jacob paid more focus to them after a moment of hesitation, if they were lockable Alex would be forced to wear it.

"Andrew.. Sir," Jacob said slowly shifting to look at him now. "I think I should be able to remove it freely whenever I go to sleep.."

"I was just thinking of that," Andrew said truthfully, yet he picked up one of the nicer metal ones that had a soft leather shield to keep from chaffing. "But I prefer the niceties of metal, so I'd thought before I leave to remove it and leave a key if need be, this one is a front lock so it'll be simple to unlock yourself if the need arises."

"I could suggest one of the turian styled ones," Max suggested carefully mentioning ones that looked like a simple circular ones that would sit at the collar bone, locking with a normal lock or number lock depending on style. There was a nice black one on display along with a couple silver ones. "It sits along the base of the neck like a stiff necklace of sorts. He may take less notice of it without needing of removal."

"I don't want to deceive him like that though.." Andrew said looking at the ones Max had mentioned anyhow sliding his fingers around the smooth edges. He liked them though and picked up the black one examining how it locks, it was better than the one he'd had at home. "I do like them though.." He looked at Ashley, instead he felt he could get away with this type for Ashley, it'd sit low enough to be hidden by collar of shirt taken some adjusting with tie.

"Andrew's right.. besides it'd be like he owned Alex and that's not how to gain the boy's trust," Jacob said shaking his head some he looked at the smooth surface and actually didn't like the idea of it sitting at the base of the neck. Instead he looked at the one Andrew had first been holding, it was complete with hoop in front and didn't seem like it would be uncomfortable.

"You're both right.." Max watched the two, knowing that the two were going to combat collars now that he'd stepped in. He was curious if Andrew was looking for a collar for Ashley, generally a master remained to one style of collar for both pets if it was in such a relationship, but there was no rule towards it. The submissive had to be comfortable after all.

"You like that one?" Andrew asked sliding the collar from Jacob's fingers gently. Max offered him the key and he opened it fingers sliding over the leather padding a moment, the size looked like a good fit as a medium. He slipped it around Jacob's neck and tested closing it without force, it fit loosely enough to be of comfort it seemed. "How does that feel?" He held it closed, not yet risking locking it.

"Seems to sit perfectly, but not sure if it's your hands holding it there, Sir." Jacob said. He was used to wearing the accessory type collar that had become a fad, but they weren't quite as stiff, a reminder that this was a slave collar not an accessory. Andrew set the lock in and drew his hands away leaving it unlocked. Jacob turned his neck feeling the leather slide across skin not uncomfortably. Max was holding the same mirror and he looked at himself, he liked the look of the tempered steel that had a blue sheen in it. "I like it.. Is it the one you would like me to have, Sir?"

Andrew's hand moved to the lock and snapped it shut as his answer, a curt nod a simple agreement. He returned to look at the black turian collar for Ashley and turned to the other man holding it out to Ashley to look at. "I had said I had one at home for you, but I think this one will be best for you. Would you still like your own collar from me?"

Ashley kept quiet as they debated what kind of collar to put on Jacob, listening and learning more about them more than anything. He was definitely eager to learn things. He could see the differences in the types of collars, and as he looked over the wall, he found some of them rather curious. Especially the posture collars, he couldn't imagine having his movement restricted so much just by his collar. Though he did enjoy other types of restriction it seemed--he'd loved being told not to let the blindfold fall the other night with Jacob, having to limit his body to be nearly completely still.

His attention returned to them as he heard the small noise of a lock locking shut on the metal collar Jacob now donned. It looked quite nice. As Andrew turned to him with something, Ashley took it as the man handed the collar over for him to look it over. He ran his fingers along it slowly, smiling gently. "Yes, Sir." He replied in his usual gentle tone. He liked the turian style's look, and he hoped it would be comfortable with the other collar, imagining it would sit plenty low enough, but he wouldn't know how it felt on until he tried it on.

Jacob's fingers lifted to brush against his new collar fingers lightly pulling at the ring available if Andrew was the sort who lead them around on leash, sliding to feel the padlock that hung beneath it. It was odd, he was used to wearing collars around his neck, but it was a different story when he couldn't take it off. He looked at Ashley with a small smile as he glanced at the one Andrew had picked out for Ashley.

"The one I've got at home is a chain one, looks a lot like one of those choke chain dog collars," Andrew said as he took another proffered key from Max who stood silently watching the interactions. Sliding the key into the pad lock he unlocked it, taking the collar from Ash's fingers and opened the collar at the two hinges. He slipped it around the man's neck slowly sliding it closed once making certain it was as loose as it should be. He slid the padlock through the hole at the front to hold the collar closed and shifted out of Ash's way to look at it in the mirror. It sat at the base of Ashley's neck, resting partially on the tops of his shoulders and collar bones, the padlock like a pendant sitting in the front. "It shouldn't interfere with the leather one at all I don't think.." He noted at the back there was a few centimeters between where the leather ended and where the turian sat, perhaps the only time the two would bump was if Ashley shrugged.

Ashley allowed him to take the collar from him and open it to slide around his neck. Once it was on and the man had moved out of the way, he looked in the mirror and ran his fingers over the collar slowly with another smile. He liked it, the way it set, moving a little to make sure it wouldn't bother him with the small amount of movement his job required.

"I like this one, Sir." It felt nice, comfortable and set low enough he was sure it wouldn't matter what he wore to work, less he wear something casual, it would be hidden during meetings.

"Good," Andrew said his fingers moving to close the padlock locked and slid both keys into two different pockets to be certain he knew which was which. He'd fashion a necklace proper with them later. His hand slid to rest on Ash's lower back and a hand reached out to Jacob who carefully took it within his own, he'd noticed the man fidgeting with the collar. "Everything all right Jacob?"

"Yes Sir." Jacob's eyes drifted to the floor as his head bowed gently. He looked back up when Andrew's hand raised from his own to his chin. He gave a small smile and elaborated. "It sets a different mentality than the ones I wore as accessories."

Andrew chuckled and nodded. "Indeed, I would think it does." He looked up at Max his mind set that the collars would be perfect for each one. "I'll take the two.. Ash, you wanting to head home now?"

Ashley smiled as the padlock was locked up and he felt over it curiously again. He looked to Jacob when Andrew asked the man if everything was alright, watching them quietly as Jacob explained about the difference between his accessory collars and the one he was now wearing.

When he was addressed next, Ashley glanced around briefly before looking up at Andrew with a tired smile. "I'd like to come back soon, Sir, but yes." He nodded slowly, he was in much need of some sleep, as much as he really wanted to look around for a while, it would have to wait for another day.

"Perhaps we could come by on the weekend then," Andrew suggested walking towards the till, Max leading the way once he noted they were ready to leave. "That way you won't already be tired from work... Oh.. you work on weekends as well don't you?" Andrew looked over at the man curiously, the weekend was a couple days away, and though he himself rarely worked weekends he knew Ashley used to live at the office before Jacob.

Paying for the two collars, not batting an eye at the total it had come to. Thanking Max for everything he lead the way out and to the car.

Ashley blinked and blushed at mention of the fact he worked on the weekends as well. "I uhm... I can not work this weekend." He nodded slowly, chewing on his lower lip a bit. He never thought about how much he'd really worked 24/7. He couldn't do that so much anymore--he had Jacob and Andrew now! He didn't have to live at the office anymore.

As they walked out to the car, he quieted again, unless Andrew said much more, getting in carefully.

"Good," Andrew said taking the driver's side as Jacob sat in the back. He looked curiously at Ashley for a moment and brushed his hand over Ashley's arm. "I want the weekends free for the three of us to do things together Ash. I know you've gotten used to working 24/7 but the weekends should be your days off."

Jacob listened to the two talk, it seemed like they were close already and he didn't have anything to contribute to the current conversation. He was oddly tired though, remembering the last time he figured he'd be out for a few hours without Alex even taking control of his body. "What is the sleeping arrangement going to be tonight?" He asked finally speaking up. "Last time I'd fallen asleep shortly after and Alex hadn't woken to take over .. it should be safe for a night spent together if you wish it."

Andrew glanced at the back, he was planning to drop the two of them at the apartment and head home himself. It wasn't something he liked, he would have liked to sleep with Ashley in his arms but it was too soon to try move them into his place what with Alex. Even though he had a plan, he wanted Alex to be remotely comfortable with him at least. "I was considering dropping you two off and going to my place.. I don't want to make it awkward for Alex at all. Are you certain he wouldn't wake? We could go to my place then.."

Ashley looked up at Andrew again as he felt him touch his arm, smiling gently at him mentioning he wanted the weekends free for them all to spend time together. He nodded in agreement, he wanted that as well, to have free time for them all. He'd just gotten so used to it, he'd practically forgotten what weekends were!

He turned his head to look back at Jacob as he heard that familiar voice finally speak up again, smiling a bit as he mentioned sleeping arrangements and the fact that Alex probably wouldn't be waking again anytime soon. He was surprised to hear him perhaps suggesting they all sleep in the same bed, that meant things were slowly getting better, right? He knew things were still awkward, but Jacob could have easily said nothing and he and Ashley would have just gone home and slept together without their other dominate.

"You really think he wont' wake?" He smiled at Jacob, the idea of them actually all getting to sleep in the same bed through the night excited him! He hated waking up alone, with the man he'd fallen asleep next to gone and his replacement for the day unwilling to linger beside him any. He always woke up to a cold spot beside him rather than a body--or even the lingering warmth that would signify his lover had beat him on waking up.

"I'm feeling the same as I had last time.." Jacob said uncertain he'd be able to guarantee that Alex wouldn't wake once he fell asleep. He fidgeted in his seat though, he was trying to be a good sport for Ashley. The man seemed to like being able to sleep with another.. and even if Alex awoke perhaps the boy would know enough to leave and he wouldn't get injured, and Ashley would remain next to Andrew at least. "I had woken up as myself that time hours later with you."

"We won't know until we try.. perhaps leave a note for Alex if he does wake that he could move to the living room unbothered.." Andrew suggested looking back at Jacob through the rear view mirror. He was nervous if Alex did wake though, and he was going to make certain it was Ash in the middle so the boy would realize he's not alone with him, and whatever trust he had in Ash would cause him some calmness to not freak out.

"That's true.." Ashley looked quite happy at the idea. He hoped that Jacob remained asleep, but he hoped that in the even that Alex did wake, he wouldn't freak out. He just wanted a nice, peaceful night with the two of them.

He settled down again with a small yawn, realizing again how exhausted he was. He leaned against the window slightly as they headed off to Andrew's place, smiling contently as he looked out, attempting to not fall asleep in the car, but he was quickly failing as his eyes drifted closed and he began to drift off.

Andrew nodded and headed towards his small house instead, he was growing quieter as he began to notice tiredness getting to him. Pulling into the drive he got out and walked around before Ashley could do more than open the door. Smiling he passed the crutch to Jacob who took it without question along with the right key to open the front door, and lifted the tired man up and out of the car.

Jacob frowned but didn't say a word. Andrew was doting on Ashley much more than he was on him, and though he didn't mind he hated the fact it seemed he acted as the third wheel all the time. Closing the car door he followed Andrew up the walk and unlocked the door and opened it, allowing Andrew to go in first and trailed behind through the house to the master bedroom.

Ashley had ever intention of getting out of the car on his own when his crutch was taken from him and handed off, looking sleepily up at Andrew as the man lifted him from the seat and carried him to the house and bedroom instead. Wrapping his arms about the man's shoulders, he held gently to Andrew, closing his eyes again, but he remained awake for the most part. He'd have to get out of his clothes, he thought, at least most of them.

Andrew smiled down at Ashley and lay him down on the bed. His fingers gently began to undress the small brunette, having full intention of tucking the small man into bed. He leaned over the man and pressed his lips to Ashley's. Looking up to Jacob he gave a gentle smile as the crutch was laid aside. "Come, sit down Jacob."

"Do you mean to undress me as well Sir?" Jacob asked surprised he wasn't just left to his own devices. Perhaps it sent a tingle of joy through the blond to actually get attention for once. Biting his lip he looked at his lap, he had to stop being jealous that the small brunette got all the attention as well it seemed.

"I do." Andrew replied making slow and gentle progress with Ashley. After setting the shirt aside he brushed his hands over Ashley's flesh gently, fingers pulling the man's nipples to stand erect. He wasn't looking for any sexual acts from the man he was just enjoying himself with the gentle teases to Ashley's body.

Ashley let Andrew begin to undress him, keeping himself awake as best as he could as he did. He smiled gently into that kiss, pressing tenderly to it while it lasted. His two-toned gaze flickered to Jacob as the man was beckoned to sit down, giving him a small smile as well.

As Andrew tugged at his sensitive nipples, Ashley bit back a tiny moan and shivered. He watched the man as his cheeks flushed over a bit of a nice red, shifting against the bed a little bit. "Nnh.."

Jacob leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Ashley's lips only glancing briefly at Andrew before he did so. He didn't need permission to kiss the smaller man, at least he had thought so. Andrew didn't say a word but continued, his fingers finding Ashley's pants and undid the fastenings. His fingers grabbed the hem of the pants and the underwear beneath and pulled them down exposing the smaller man for them all to see. Jacob ran a hand over Ashley's chest as he pulled away from the kiss, his eyes drinking in the thin body.

"We need to get some weight on you." Jacob said with a gentle smile, he knew the brunette disliked him fussing over how well he ate but seeing rib just wasn't healthy.

"I agree," Andrew said a finger tracing one exposed rib gently as he slid onto the bed. "We'll get him to eat properly together. Now, your turn."

Andrew drew the t-shirt off over his head and gently pressed Jacob back as he kissed him. Jacob's responded slowly to Andrew's lips but they responded all the same as he shivered beneath Andrew's touch a small moan coming from his throat as Andrew played with his nipples. Licking his lips as Andrew pulled away his cheeks were a little flushed as Andrew pulled down his pants and underwear, tell tale signs showing he'd begun to get aroused.

Looking up at Andrew he pushed himself up onto his elbows. "Do you wish aid in undressing as well Master?"