Content Notes: Some power play.
"It's too revealing," Jon says.
Standing behind Jon, Elias glances over to the mirror in front of them. The gown Jon is wearing is black, reaching the floor with ease, but on the top it is indeed quite open, leaving Jon's narrow shoulders and neck area entirely naked, just barely covering his chest. Elias can see Jon's chest heaving now as Jon grows agitated, breathing fast, a flush creeping on his cheeks.
Smiling, Elias reaches over Jon's shoulders and closes the pearl choker around his throat.
"It's not," he says. "It's perfect for our display tonight. You will meet the patrons of this Institute tonight, Jon, and they need to see you." Elias rests his hands on Jon's shoulders, feeling him shiver as he slides his fingertips against Jon's collarbones.
"This thing makes me so vulnerable," Jon insists, biting his lip as he stares at himself in the mirror. "And what is this display about for me, exactly? For you it will be power, of course."
His Archivist has always been so clever. His smile widening, ELias slides his hands down to Jon's arms before dropping them on his waist, clasping it through his thin dress. Jon is right: he is vulnerable like this, so exposed, so easy to hurt. They both know it, and the patrons will see it the moment they enter the dining hall tonight. And they will want him.
What a bliss it will be to deny them.
"But see, Jon, that's the point." Elias wraps his arms around Jon, pressing his cheek against his. "It's about power for you, too."
Jon stares at Elais through the mirror, full of doubt. But he draws in a deep breath, relaxing in Elias's embrace.