I agree BUT the only problem I see here is that Ash used a safe word on purpose, knowing fully well that Lyle can't get himself to say it.
hmmm but wouldn't it be more useful to use a word like that? I mean if someone is truly hurt I'd say they would not hesitate to say such a word that brings them embarrassment, no I think they would not even think about how it is embarrassing anymore. Rather than ash being cruel he explained the situation throughly and he is aware that lyle wont use the word unless he feels like he was pushed to the limit and cant take it anymore. It was more smart than rash bcz ash would realize that lyle is serious immediately if he uses the word dont you think?? That's just my opinion tho (⌒▽⌒)
As much as I like how sweet Lyle is, you guys need to stop babying him. He is a grown ass man. Also Ash actually took time to explain to him, that his actions might be harsh cause it is an rp and gave him a safe word just in case he actually couldn't handle this. He is still as gentle as possible tho. Also Ash repeatedly told Lyle that he can tell him everything if it bothers him, but Lyle just likes bottling things up in himself which is not healthy and that is why most of the issues they have are because Lyle needs to actually man up and start communicating. That is why Ash thought that there was actually something wrong going on and Lyle being Lyle keeps hiding it from him. Also Lyle might be embarrassed by what is going on, but he definitely enjoys it. So stop painting Ash like a villain when he isn't.