Work Text:
The evil laugh of Charles Augustus Milverton was understandably feared in the circle of his victims. It was cruel and filled the sense of victory. Everyone knew that when it was heard, they couldn't expect mercy anymore. It was the sign that the man was determined to ruin his victim's soul, dragging it down to the despair and the darkness, and nothing could change his mind anymore.
Not like Milverton easily changed his mind anyway.
However, only his secretary, Ruskin was aware of that this merciless, sadistic laugh was not the only one Mr. Milverton could make. When no one else was around, when it was just the two of them, behind the closed doors of the study, Mr. Milverton acted like any other human being who showed amusement over innocent and trivial things which were not considered evil. Those times, his laughter became completely different. It was carefree, bright and playful, accompanied by mischievous sparks in his golden eyes.
"Ruskin, can you imagine this?" He asked his secretary that day, his hand was on his forehead while he could barely talk from the laughing. "I was sure that the cat was outside, but she was here for the whole time, sleeping behind the books. And when I tried to take down one, she jumped into my face!"
Mr. Milverton finds strange things funny, Ruskin thought and a gentle smile formed at the corner of his mouth while he watched the laughing man with love. Because of this sight, Ruskin decided to not scold the cat, which surely almost scratched his employer's face. He just listened to the joyful, little laugh and it made him warm up inside. Ruskin was always happy when he saw Mr. Milverton in a good mood without needing to ruin someone for it. It was the sign that no matter how evil he was, he still had a soul.
And while he had, Ruskin knew that his dream had a chance for coming true. Getting his feelings returned from the man he loved more than anything in the world.
"It was definitely amusing." Ruskin agreed quietly and added. "But I am glad that you are alright, sir."
"Don't worry, Ruskin. I will not get killed by a cat." Mr. Milverton noted and he began to laugh again which echoed among the walls of the study for long, long moments - and in Ruskin's ears even longer.