Content Notes: Set sometime during S1, warnings for noncon micro/macro.
The moment he touches the book, Elias knows this edition of The Adventures of Nils Holgersson is cursed. But by then, it's too late. He is still struggling his way out of his puddle of clothing when the door opens.
"Elias, I would like to have a-" Jon's voice fades into silence just as Elias pulls himself up from the collar of his shirt, and as Elias looks over to him, he can't help a surge of fear when he sees how massive Jon is compared to him now, looming even from a distance. Jon starts to walk towards him, his steps as brisk as usual, and Elias can't help but flinch backwards.
"It's all right, it's me!" Elias wonders if Jon is aware of just how loud and sharp his voice is, how it drills into one's ear drums. But he doesn't move when Jon kneels down next to the pile of clothes Elias is on, staring at Jon's hand as Jon extends it out to him. "Here, get on. I'll help you to your desk."
Jon has always had such pleasant, slender hands; now, they look big and intimidating, and Elias hesitates before climbing onto Jon's palm. But that's when the size of Jon's hand becomes comforting; Elias lies down on Jon's palm, rolling onto his side and pulling his knees up to his chest. He closes his eyes as he feels Jon stand up, keeping his movements slow and careful.
"It's a Leitner, isn't it?" Jon asks, having noticed the book. "I wonder if touching it will return you to normal or shrink you even more. Best not test it with you."
"Agreed," Elias says. His voice carries surprisingly well in his small form, although he's not sure if Jon can hear him properly. Jon's hand comes down on the table and Elias gets up on his palm, walking over to the solid wood of his desk. He turns towards Jon, jumping when he sees something big and white before him.
"For your modesty," Jon says, his voice a touch quieter now; Elias realizes that the object before him is a napkin. He doesn't really feel that shy around Jon, but he takes it anyway, wrapping it around his body.
They stand there awkwardly for a moment, Jon on the floor, Elias on the desk, wrapped in a napkin. Elias clears his throat, feeling a flush rise on his cheeks. It's humiliating to be in a position like this, requiring his employee to look after him. He looks away for a moment, clutching the napkin closer to himself.
"We will work this out," Jon says in a soft voice.
Elias doesn't doubt that; he hires resourceful, clever people. But in the meanwhile, he'll be at Jon's mercy.
"I appreciate your reassurances," he says to Jon, with as much dignity as he can muster. "Now, did you have something you wanted to talk to me about?"