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The editor-in-chief of the college newspaper, Charles Augustus Milverton and his voluntary secretary, the first-year student, Ruskin were just after a fulfilling sex. Now that the passion decreased, they were both lying in the bed and trying to catch their breaths. Despite that, Ruskin couldn't stop pampering the other man, his fingers repeatedly ran through his face, over his neck, down to his pale hairless chest just to stop for a moment where his heart was pounding. Ruskin blushed for the enjoyment, hoping to arouse Milverton again just to have another round - but by the next turn, Milverton grabbed his hand and stopped the movements.
"I was recently thinking..." He murmured, but the half sentence was enough to get Ruskin's attention.
"What were you thinking, Charles? Can I be of some use to you?" He asked immediately, wanting to fulfill Milverton's wish, whatever it was. Milverton got used to his obsessed enthusiasm by now and didn't try to calm Ruskin down. He just turned his head over and answered with an unbothered face.
"Yes, you can. Find me the finest tattoo artist. I want to get a tattoo."
Ruskin's mouth was left wide open from the order. What... a tattoo? He never expected that Milverton ever wanted one. He didn't seem like a person who would wear a tattoo - unlike that criminology student Sherlock Holmes. He always came across as elegant and powerful. The bewildered question left his mouth.
"Do you want a tattoo... for real?"
His tone was enough for Milverton to brush Ruskin's hair with some amusement.
"I don't seem like a type who would like to have one, right? Well, you are right in that. I merely want to seal a promise I made with it, therefore, I wouldn't want it to be in a visible place. Only you would be able to see it." He noted. Ruskin started blushing even harder - it meant that it would be a secret just for the two of them. He was excited by the thought. He looked into Milverton's golden eyes deeply.
"What promise did you make? Can I do the same?"
Milverton let out a chuckle.
"It is merely symbolism, of course... but I will become the devil of this world, Ruskin. My greatest pleasure is tainting the human soul with despair and with sins - and I never want to stop doing that. I don't doubt that you understand the beauty of it. You are not on my side without a reason." He winked at Ruskin and let his hand go, so Ruskin could wrap his arms around his neck again and give a kiss to his mouth. For a few long moments, they got lost in the passionate kiss. Then their lips separated and Ruskin spoke.
"It is a beautiful promise. I will be next to you to help fulfill it." He swore and he swept the hair off Milverton's face which got into it during the kiss. "So, where would you like to put the tattoo? And what will be the symbol?" He asked and the devoted curiosity was radiating from his face.
Milverton took Ruskin's hand again and placed it down on his naked stomach.
"I would like to put a snake there - a snake and an apple after the tale of the Original Sin in the Bible. It will show perfectly who I am and what I stand for." He said slowly. "And it is your job to find a tattoo artist who is capable of it without ruining the symbol or damaging my sensitive skin. You wouldn't want that either."
"Of course that I wouldn't!" Ruskin lashed out, his palm started caressing on the other man's stomach. "I would never even let an amateur close to your beautiful skin, Charles." He stated and the determination filled his expression. "I will get the perfect tattoo artist for you. I promise you that."
"Great, Ruskin." Milverton grinned as needing to deal with this problem got off his shoulders completely. "I knew that I could count on you. Kiss me again."
"With pleasure." Ruskin blushed and leaned to Milverton's face to continue where they left off.
*****
For two months, Milverton didn't hear anything about Ruskin's research, but he was sure that the young man was indeed on the case. Ruskin never forgot anything he ever asked from him, so he had trust in his secretary to eventually fulfill his order. However, he found Ruskin starting to act strange from time to time. He occasionally disappeared in the evening and he came to their room late at night. It was not too concerning, since Ruskin still fulfilled all the tasks Milverton gave him and he showed no signs of betrayal. Milverton thought that Ruskin was incapable of leaving him behind anyway, his obsession and worship towards him had no borders. So he just waited to see what would come out of this - until one night, Ruskin returned to their shared room with excitement on his face.
"Charles, I finally finished the course. I am capable of doing what you have asked from me."
"Course? What course?" Milverton looked confused. He had no idea what Ruskin was talking about as he never mentioned that he was taking other studies as well.
"Obviously, the tattooing course." Ruskin reminded Milverton with shining eyes. "I thought the matter through and I realized that the one who would be able to do your tattoo the safest way possible would be me, since I know your body best." He let out a little laugh. "But for that, first I needed to take a course to learn how to make tattoos. It is finally done."
"So that's how you spent those evenings when you kept disappearing." Milverton noted as all came together in his head. He was heavily pleased by the fact that Ruskin went so far for him that he was ready to even take tattoo courses. He was truly not on his side without a reason. "I value your efforts. Thank you." He reached out and patted the other man's face. Ruskin turned red under his touch.
"It is natural - after all, it was your wish, Charles, and I give you everything you want. Even the world if I need to." He swore and no matter how overblown this sounded, Milverton believed his words. "I already bought every tool that I will need for the work. When would you like me to do your tattoo?" Ruskin asked cheerfully.
"Tomorrow, after the classes will be good." Milverton nodded with satisfaction.
It was a painful and long process while Ruskin carefully tattooed the snake and the apple onto his stomach, but Milverton couldn't complain when he saw the finished work. Ruskin did a perfect job - and the sign of the snake was there on him, for eternity, casting him to the shadows as it was meant to be.
"It is exactly what I wanted." Milverton smiled, but this smile turned into a grimace as his stomach continued aching.
"I am sorry for the pain I have caused you." Ruskin gently touched Milverton's shoulder. His hand wandered onto his cheek and started pampering it. "It will soon ease. It is impossible to get a tattoo without pain, no matter how much I tried to avoid hurting you." He whispered. Milverton covered Ruskin's hand with his fingers.
"It's fine. You did according to my orders." He reassured the other man and a mischievous light sparkled up in his golden gaze. "And you know how to redirect my attention."
Ruskin smiled back with love. Of course he knew what Milverton meant.
"I truly know." He replied and leaning closer, he covered his mouth with a kiss.