Work Text:
Ever since Ruskin was in the media mogul, Charles Augustus Milverton's service, he woke up with a bright smile on his face - but on this day, his expression was even more cheerful when he opened his eyes in the morning. He immediately sat up in the bed and walked to his desk to check what the date was. He knew it well, he knew it from the heart, but he wanted to make sure of it.
His smile became wider when he saw that he was right. It was truly THE DAY - the first anniversary of when he started to work for Mr. Milverton.
Ruskin felt like he could fly from the joy. It was the day when his life changed from the core. Before Mr. Milverton, his employers often mistreated him, not valuing his work at all - but ever since he was Mr. Milverton's secretary, he never experienced any harshness from his new boss. Mr. Milverton never shouted at him, never even scolded him and he didn't forget to compliment Ruskin when he did his job right. He could say goodbye to the poor rented flat where he used to live - his new home was Mr. Milverton's fancy manor where he could sleep in a warm and cozy bed and he never experienced what it was like to starve anymore either. Mr. Milverton made sure that he would not lack anything and bought him expensive, fancy clothes. Ruskin had no self-esteem issues, he felt like since he worked for his new employer, he healed and became a completely different person. Someone who was not afraid to stand up for himself - someone who never questioned his own worth and knew that he had a place in society.
All thanks to Mr. Milverton.
Ruskin made sure to fulfill every task perfectly that his employer gave him to somehow repay what Mr. Milverton had done to him. He personally took care of Mr. Milverton's afternoon tea what his boss kept praising. When he learned that Mr. Milverton's favorite food was strawberry, he started making desserts for him that could fit his taste. Ruskin liked seeing Mr. Milverton happy and not only out of gratitude. It was not surprising that he slowly, but steadily ended up falling in love with his employer who not only treated him especially kindly, but who was also the most beautiful man Ruskin ever knew. So Ruskin liked waking up every day and continue serving Mr. Milverton with the happiness bursting in his heart.
Especially on this day when he wanted to celebrate the anniversary of his happiness.
While Ruskin got dressed, he kept thinking on how he could make this day memorable for himself. He took up his best clothes and he promised that he would enjoy his tasks to the fullest, only stopping to bathe in his employer's beauty for a few seconds. But Ruskin wanted something above that as well. He was wondering on the topic restlessly until something finally popped into his mind.
The most memorable he could make the day was through pleasing the source of his joy.
Mr. Milverton.
Ruskin's eyes shone up. He knew exactly what he would do for it.
Fortunately, he didn't get too much work on that day, so Ruskin had time to perfect his plan. After he had lunch with Mr. Milverton, he locked himself in the kitchen and didn't come out until he was ready what he prepared to make his employer happy.
"Ruskin, that is a huge strawberry cake." Mr. Milverton noted with surprise, his eyes left open from the sight as he witnessed Ruskin balancing himself in the study with the enormous dessert he baked for Mr. Milverton. Ruskin successfully got to the study desk without dropping the cake to the floor and he gave a tired, but gentle smile to the other man while his heart was pounding heavily.
"This is all yours, sir." He said. "You deserve it."
"If you say." Mr. Milverton smirked and watched as Ruskin sliced the cake up for him. Ruskin didn't stop peeking at his employer from the corner of his eyes while he was eating and he was happy just like the man in front of him.
He was sure that he made the anniversary memorable enough to remember it in the upcoming years whenever he will celebrate his happiest day.