5 times when Jon asked why +1 time Elias knelt
1.
The first time was accidental.
Jon sighed, irritated, and looked at Elias, who slowly poured himself a glass of whisky.
“Why?”
Elias’s hand shook suddenly, and he almost dropped a bottle. He blinked, swallowed, and bit his lip, slowly putting the bottle down. It was expensive after all. He turned around, composing himself, and smiled at Jon.
“Don’t worry, Jon. I am sure the situation will resolve itself shortly.”
Jon sighed in frustration, not realizing what he had done.
2.
“You are acting odd, Elias. Why? What am I doing?” Jon demanded, and Elias sighed, tilting his head back. Pleasant. Tempting. But he waited, breathed through compulsion, and exhaled slowly. Long enough for Jon to know that he is answering of his own volition. Elias picked up the pen and smiled.
“Complusion. It’s one of the… perks of this job. Forces people to tell the truth. But you are not quiet there yet, Jon.”
Jon eyed him carefully.
“Not quite there yet,” he repeated, watching Elias, and Elias almost shivered.
3.
“Why?” Jon slowly sat down across Elias.
Elias let the compulsion spread over his body. It was dreadful, it was crushing, it was exquisite. He opened his mouth, and the Archivist was staring at him, eyes wide open. And the compulsion whispered so sweetly, and it was so very tempting. Elias exhaled quietly, shaking off the compulsion with little trouble.
“You should rest, Jon.”
The Archivist hummed, displeased, and turned his gaze to the well. Elias swallowed disappointment.
4.
“Why?”
Elias shivered and drew a breath, trying to compose himself.
“Jo..n. Mh…” The compulsion crept under his skin, sinking its claws into Elias’ mind. It traveled up his spine, making him arch his back. He exhaled and leaned on the wall, blinking rapidly.
“Why?” the Archivist pressed, and Elias almost gave up. Almost. He did not manage to bite back a moan. Jon frowned, taken aback, and the compulsion fell, leaving Elias panting against a wall, and leaving his Archivist utterly shocked and disgusted.
Elias chuckled under his breath and slowly fixed his hair that fell over his face. He sighed, amused when Jon left without another word.
5.
Elias always took his break at 2 pm. Today was not an exception. He sighed and leaned back in his chair, and for just a few seconds, he closed his eyes.
Jon opened the door suddenly and stormed into his office.
“Why?” He asked, and Elias opened his eyes, for the first time in his long life, taken by surprise. His mouth opened, and his eyes almost rolled back. He grabbed his chair, taking a deep breath, words stuck in his throat. Jon saw pure shock on Elias’ face and waited, staring at him.
Elias shivered and forced his mouth shut, fighting with a wave of overpowering need to speak, to tell, to be known.
“Not quite there yet, Jon.” He finally said, smiling tightly. The compulsion died, and Jon huffed, frustrated, and left the office. Elias breathed out, grabbing his tie and yanking it off.
Not quite yet there, but dangerously close.
+1
The moment Elias saw Jon’s eyes, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist. He froze and took a step back.
“Jon…”
The Archivist smiled knowingly. Elias’ back hit the wall, and he took a shaky breath, bracing himself.
“Maybe we can talk it out?”
“Time for explanations has ended.” The Archivist stated. It was final, and Elias’ legs almost gave out under him. Almost.
“Jonah Magnus.” The Archivist said slowly, deliberately taking a step towards Elias, and Jonah shivered in anticipation. The feeling of being seen and known washed over him as he tried to protest once more.
“Kneel.” The Archivist ordered.
Jonah gasped and fell on his knees, crushed with a wave of compulsion.