Work Text:
Ruskin was walking in the street with fast steps. He was out of the Milverton Manor to fulfill a task his employer asked him for, but the reason behind his hurry now was not that he wanted to get back to Mr. Milverton as soon as he could - at least, only partly. There was a new sweets shop opening in the city today and Ruskin didn't want to miss the occasion. He watched the fancy glass window and the decorations - even those looked delicious - with awe during the last few weeks and he could barely wait to visit the shop. Now, he was finally able to do it and he was determined to get something delicate. It was not for himself why he was so excited. Mr. Milverton had a sweet tooth and he was deeply fond of chocolate. Ruskin wanted to get a box of special chocolate for him and make him happy.
Because Ruskin loved his employer from all his heart and he lived to bring him joy.
So Ruskin was heading to the sweets shop in hope that he will find something what can please Mr. Milverton. By the time he arrived, there was already a smaller crowd, waiting for the shop to open. Ruskin stopped among the people and his excitement kept growing in the forthcoming minutes. By the time the door opened, he was so enthusiastic that he managed to get ahead of a lot of other customers and he was one of the first ones who stepped into the shop.
Ruskin's breath got cut away as he looked around. There were chocolates and candy everywhere he looked - for a few seconds, he just stood there in awe, not knowing where he should even turn. Then, as he was able to gather himself, he decided to raid the chocolate boxes before the crowd took away everything.
There was a lot of different types of chocolate, making the choice for Ruskin difficult. There was dark chocolate and milk chocolate - the latter only got invented in the recent years by a Swiss chocolatier. Ruskin's attention switched to the milk chocolates and his eyes sparkled up when he saw that there were strawberry-flavoured ones. Strawberries were Mr. Milverton's favorite food, so Ruskin didn't hesitate any longer. He grabbed one of the chocolate boxes and without even looking at it, he brought it to the counter to pay for it. After that, with a satisfied expression, he left the shop, letting the rest of the people fight for the sweets.
He got home in an hour and he immediately went to Mr. Milverton's study to make his report to him. While he talked, he kept hiding the chocolate box behind his back. He wanted to hand it over as a surprise gift after they went through the current business matter. He saw in Mr. Milverton's golden eyes that he noticed that he was hiding something behind his back. After Ruskin finished his speech, he inquisitively spoke.
"What do you have with you, Ruskin? Is that for me?" He asked and his voice was filled with excitement.
Ruskin smiled and his heart started to beat faster as he uncovered the box.
"Yes, sir. A new sweets shop opened in the city today. I went to see it after I fulfilled my job. I wanted to buy something for you. I know that you love chocolate." He told his employer shyly while he put the chocolate box down on his desk.
Mr. Milverton's eyes shone up.
"I indeed do." He replied and he flashed a bright smile at his secretary. "Thank you, Ruskin." He said and he began to unwrap the box, enthusiastically, like a child. Ruskin didn't take his eyes off his Mr. Milverton's expression while he opened the chocolate box. He was happy that he could see joy on his face - then this happiness immediately turned to nervousness when Mr. Milverton raised one of the bonbons.
"Was this intentional, Ruskin?" He asked and Ruskin froze from the sight. The chocolate Mr. Milverton was holding was heart-shaped. He accidentally picked up a box that lovers meant to give each other! Ruskin's face was burning from the embarrassment, he was unable to look into Mr. Milverton's eyes. Oh, what does he think now?
"I... I am terribly sorry..." He rambled. "It was strawberry-flavoured. That's why I..." he tried to explain his reasons, but Mr. Milverton cut into his speech with a chuckle.
"It's fine. Even if it would be intentional." He winked at Ruskin and put the heart-shaped bonbon into his mouth. "You haven't done anything wrong. And it is indeed very tasty."
Ruskin's joy came back and flooded him, it was so much that he thought that he would go insane from it. Mr. Milverton's words clearly suggested one thing.
That he was free to love him.
"Thank you, sir." He whispered, but Mr. Milverton couldn't hear it anymore. He was occupied with the sweets.
"One is yours." He noted and handed the box towards Ruskin. Ruskin was still blushing when he took it away.
Suddenly, he was sure that in his own way, Mr. Milverton cared for him very much. And the bonbon in his hand felt like a token of love.