Nathaniel is learning exactly what Asher wished him to; that the pain doesn't have to overwhelm, doesn't have to be strong, to break one apart completely.

He doesn't wish that tonight, however. He's curious to see if Nathaniel can come, purely from pain. He stays away from Nathaniel's genitals, knowing his history, how much he dislikes it, instead carving wide spirals into the skin of his inner thigh, just above his right knee.