Btw in my heart past Jon falls into the beholding WAY faster than in canon. And maybe even More into it or at least more before fearpocalypse comes around. Does he have a corruption arc? Who knows. But he’s definitely getting way less human way faster. Elias is thrilled. Future Jon not so much. Elias is so proud of his archivist, tearing into any new information with such gusto it reminds him of himself at his age. So eager to learn to be stronger to be safe…so desperate to Know and Understand and Learn. The first time he compels him or tries to he’s so proud of him he can’t hold back a real smile. His archivist growing so fast. Hfmfbfkfj. Explodes forever
“You’re growing so fast, you know that? I wasn’t half as eager as you were about this.”
“I’m not *eager*, I’m doing what I have to, Elias. There’s nothing more to it.”
Elias smiles fondly. “You don’t need to lie to me, Jon. It’s completely alright. I was worried about how you’d react, honestly.” His hand is a comforting weight on his shoulder. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to be safer, or needing to understand what’s happening to you. If anything, being willing to do anything to achieve that is admirable. You accepting that is nothing but a good thing.”
Jon looks unsure, but he can tell the praise warms him even so.
“And besides, Jon.” His hand runs down to the eye. “You look beautiful.”