Work Text:
Charles Augustus Milverton closed his eyes and tried to gather his strength for a few moments of resting like that. He hoped that the darkness of his eyelids could ease the pain, at least, a little bit. Working with migraine was plain torture, but he couldn't allow himself to stay away from his business matters for long, not unless he was seriously sick or working on a crucial evil plan what required all his concentration. But this was not the case and since Milverton's power, as a media mogul, mainly relied on how successfully he could manipulate the crowds, he reminded himself of that and forced himself to continue working. He didn't want to lose his influence because of an annoying headache - it would also hurt his pride if he let himself get defeated so easily.
"Mr. Milverton... may I ask if everything is alright?"
Milverton opened his eyes and turned his head over when he heard his secretary's voice. The young, brown-haired man, Ruskin was only working for him for a few months and Milverton didn't completely trust him yet - trust was not an easy thing to earn at the King of Blackmail who preyed on people who gave their trust to others carelessly. By now, it was revealed in front of him that Ruskin was quite a good secretary, he was obedient and fulfilled all of Milverton's orders without a word, and he did all his duties with meticulous perfectionism - traits that Milverton valued in a subordinate. But it was still not enough - some time needed to pass and Ruskin needed to go through a test first to fully prove his loyalty before Milverton shared with him who he really was. Now he watched his secretary's face, trying to read in the young man's emotionless expression. Ruskin could hide his feelings perfectly, but there was something in his tone that suggested to Milverton that he was worried. He was probably afraid if he crossed the border with the question, Milverton thought. He was aware that some employers treated their subordinates more harshly than Milverton did, punishing them for any sign of disrespectfulness - maybe his secretary once worked for someone like that. While he didn't want to share his secrets with Ruskin yet, there was nothing wrong with telling him that he has a headache. Even if just to reassure him that there is no reason to be scared of Milverton. It was easier to maintain the loyalty of his subordinates, not wanting to betray him if he didn't come across too firmly.
"I am fine, Ruskin." He answered. "I just have a headache."
"A migraine, sir?" Ruskin gave him an understanding look. "I apologize for the suggestion, but wouldn't it be better if you lie down and rest while I finish what you were doing? It is - forgive my rudeness again - not worth working with a strong headache. You can't focus well on the details."
Ruskin, after he finished his speech, fell into a respectful silence and just watched Milverton. Milverton could see that maybe due to his embarrassment over giving unwanted advice to his employer, but his cheeks became flustered. But Milverton could notice something else in his secretary's behaviour as well. Despite that he still didn't feel safe enough talking about matters that should have not concerned him, he still wanted to make Milverton feel better somehow. He is... genuinely worried for me, Milverton realized and he was surprised by this. It was strange for a subordinate to show genuine care for their employer - after all, they were not family, it was only a workplace relationship and someone with the skills of Ruskin could easily find a new employment anytime. At least, this was how it was supposed to work - but Milverton felt that Ruskin started to play by different rules. He was worried for him - and somehow, Milverton was not against this.
Despite that, he didn't want to take Ruskin's advice even if he offered that he continued working instead of him. He didn't want to show weakness - and lying down and resting was exactly like that.
"Thank you, but no, Ruskin." He made sure to turn down the suggestion kindly. "I want to be done with these documents today. Tomorrow, I will have a negotiation elsewhere. I can't postpone today's tasks for tomorrow."
"Understood, Mr. Milverton." Ruskin obediently lowered his head and when he looked at him again, he shyly added. "May I still offer you a tea? It might help to ease the headache a little. It will be easier to work after that."
Milverton opened his mouth to decline, but he couldn’t do it in the end. The migraine, with new force, struck into the left side of his head and the pain was so strong that it made him flinch. A tea might truly not be bad, it crossed his mind. After Ruskin mentioned it, he suddenly felt better for the thought of a tea.
He slowly nodded.
"I accept the tea."
"I will make it for you then, sir." Ruskin told him and left the study, leaving Milverton alone with his headache. Milverton closed his eyes again, he felt that the light made the pain unbearable. He rested like that for a few minutes and only glanced up again when he heard the opening door and the familiar footsteps.
"Your tea, Mr. Milverton." Ruskin said and put the tray down in front of him.
"Thank you, Ruskin." Milverton inhaled the scent of the tea. It made his pain slightly ease. First, he just enjoyed it without taking up the cup while his secretary served the tea for him, then he slowly brought it to his mouth and drank from it. The sweet taste caressed his tongue. He needed to realize once again that Ruskin wasn't just a great secretary, he was also skilled in the kitchen. "It is good." He noted and faintly smiled at the young man who didn't take his eyes off him. He saw that the worried look was still there in his wide brown gaze, but it eased, just like Milverton's pain.
"I am happy to hear it, sir." Ruskin replied and gently smiled back. "I hope it helps with your migraine."
"It does." Milverton nodded and kept drinking the tea. He didn't speak more, nor did Ruskin. His head was still aching, but he indeed felt better. And he was sure that Ruskin's tea will help him get through the painful day.