"...you're not doing anything wrong," Drake says firmly. That wasn't his life back home, but their worlds were similar enough culturally that he understands. For all its flaws, Duplicity society is freeing in some ways -- this is one of them.

Unfortunately that response doesn't solve anything either, so Drake puzzles through it for another moment. What specifically bothered him. It was the collar, he's figured that much out. But why?

Maybe if he just. Starts talking, they can sort it out.

"I don't want you to feel like you've gotta be careful how you are with other guys around me. I don't wanna ever make you think you have to hide part of yourself. It's... just a sign, right? Like the game's on when you're wearing it for him?" Another pause after the confirmation, Drake's brow furrowing as he thinks. "Maybe I just got in my head about it, after talking to K about all this? How things look. How I can't -- shouldn't -- ever do anything that could look like I own you, because that's not true and the contract makes those games more complicated. But I saw you and fell into the same trap of thinking it was what it looked like. It's not rational, I just..."

Ah, fuck it.

"Are you? Happy, signed with me? I know it hasn't been easy."