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Ruskin was standing next to the desk and watched his employer with a sorrowful look in his eyes. Mr. Milverton was currently browsing through documents and he didn't need Ruskin's help in it - but at least, he didn't send his secretary out of the room. This was the only thing Ruskin was grateful for at the moment, because he didn't want to leave Mr. Milverton on his own in his current mood. His employer's entire being radiated frustration, anger and the urge to take revenge. This was what he was working on since the morning restlessly - to find the weak point of a certain businessman. He was reading through old files for the purpose and he got more and more annoyed as he still didn't discover anything. It hurt Ruskin to see him in this state. Frustration was really not good for his employer's health - and Ruskin liked seeing the worshiped man happy, more than anything in the world.
After all, he loved Mr. Milverton from all his heart, so it caused him pain when he needed to watch him suffer, even if just emotionally.
Of course, Mr. Milverton was aware of his feelings. Ruskin knew that he can't keep something like this away from the fearful King of Blackmail. However, Mr. Milverton didn't expose Ruskin's secret, didn't even ridicule him. In fact, he allowed Ruskin to love him and he gave him the right place and the time for it. He could occasionally spend the nights in Mr. Milverton's bedroom where he could hold him, kiss him and talk about his love. But it was forbidden for him to show affection in the office - when Ruskin sometimes wished for nothing more. In times like now, when Mr. Milverton was clearly experiencing stress and discomfort. He wanted to take him into his arms and tried to make him remember that he was not alone, that Ruskin was there with him and he will be there for him for the rest of his life. He wished for this, but he couldn't do it. It would have been going against Mr. Milverton's clear orders and Ruskin didn't want to be a disobedient servant.
Ruskin let out a sigh. He really wished they could be more than just boss and employee - for all the time.
He heard that Mr. Milverton growled and saw that the man clenched his fists, grinding his teeth from the fury. He tossed the document away with a grimace and reached for the other one. He still didn't find anything, Ruskin could read the signs. And he was chasing himself into a more and more obsessed mental state with every passing seconds of his unsuccessful search.
Ruskin couldn't bear the sight any longer. He didn't care about his manners anymore, he just wanted to make the man who meant the entire world to him feel better. He stepped to the desk and when Mr. Milverton looked up to see what he wanted, he gave a gentle kiss to his cheek.
"It will be fine, sir. You will find what you are looking for." He said in a comforting voice. He nervously waited if his employer would lash out at him angrily - he would have deserved it, just like the punishment. But the feared scolding didn't happen. Instead, he saw that the sharp light in Mr. Milverton's golden eyes softened.
"Thank you, Ruskin." He replied quietly and he continued browsing the files with a calmer expression. Ruskin's heart was beating fast from the joy. He was able to make Mr. Milverron's frustration ease.
And for a moment, he felt like they were truly destined for more than keeping the current distance in the office.