Work Text:
Charles Augustus Milverton looked up from the papers that he had in front of himself when he heard that the door quietly opened. It was his secretary, Ruskin, who stepped inside. He should have been here an hour ago, but instead of a scolding that what took him so long, Milverton was simply happy that he had finally returned.
"You are back. I thought that something happened." He noted and in the next moment, his eyes widened when he noticed the reason for Ruskin's absence in his hands. Ruskin was carrying a tray, on it, there were plates and a strawberry cake. It was Milverton's favourite dessert and Ruskin often made it for him during the afternoon, but when he glanced at the clock, he saw that it was not even lunch yet.
So it was clearly a special cake.
"I can see now what you were occupied with." He smiled and his gaze was curiously fixating on the cake while Ruskin brought it closer. "What are we celebrating?" He asked and he could already feel the taste of the sweetness of the tip of his tongue. Ruskin made the best strawberry cakes in Great Britain.
"The success of your latest evil plan, sir." Ruskin answered and smiled back. "I thought that the victory would taste better with a cake. You deserve it."
He started to slice the cake up for Milverton whose mind kept wondering on something while he waited for his secretary to be done. Before Ruskin could put down the knife, Milverton stopped him.
"Slice one for yourself as well. I would like to share the cake with you." He said softly, his hand touched Ruskin's hand for one moment. "After all, I was able to come out victorious because of your assistance. It was not only my evil plan. It was ours - just like the cake should be." He added with some embarrassment. He saw that his speech put a blush onto Ruskin's face. His gaze was sparkling brightly when his eyes met with Milverton's eyes.
"I would be happy to eat cake with you, sir. It is an honor. Thank you." He answered and he quickly sliced one for himself as well. Milverton didn't start eating until Ruskin was ready. Luckily, there were spare dishes for him so he didn't need to return to the kitchen. But was it really luck - or Ruskin secretly hoped that he could stay?
Not for the cake - but for his company. Milverton was sure of that.
"Your cakes are always delicious, Ruskin." He told his secretary when he ate a bit. "You should eat from it more often. I want to share it with you from now on."
Ruskin's smile became wider and the redness on his cheeks stronger. The offer clearly made him happy.
"With pleasure, sir." He replied gently. Milverton was glad that he accepted it. It made him happy as well.
They continued eating and they didn't talk more. But the silence was cozy and intimate.