Work Text:
Ruskin, the secretary of the media mogul Charles Augustus Milverton, was walking in the path of the manor's huge, beautiful garden. He was not here to take a break or to spend his free time. In this early morning hour, he already had a clear goal in his mind and he was determined to get it. That's why he was walking with confident steps, heading towards where the roses were planted. He wanted to fulfill this task before his employer would wake up.
After all, he did all of this to make him feel better.
Mr. Milverton was really fond of flowers and he took a walk in his garden every day - but now, he couldn't do that. He fell sick and he was bedridden for two days. It was nothing serious, but it always made Ruskin's heart ache when he needed to see his powerful and lively Mr. Milverton lying in a bed and looking miserable. He couldn't let him leave the bed, he needed rest until he got fully cured, it was the doctor's order. If Mr. Milverton was sick, Ruskin prioritized the orders that the doctor gave him instead of the ones that his employer. Mr. Milverton's constant complaints didn't change his mind, he knew that for his employer's sake, it can't have effects on him.
Yet, he still wanted to cheer up the man's mood. So he was here in the garden and looked for the most perfect, most beautiful roses. He was sure that Mr. Milverton would love to have a bouquet on his bedside from his beloved flowers.
Ruskin quickly gathered the roses from the garden and he headed back to the manor. He put the flowers into a vase and he walked to his employer's bedroom with it. He was just in time. When he opened the door and stepped in, he heard that Mr. Milverton let out a sigh.
"Good morning, sir." Ruskin said and put down the bouquet on the bedside cupboard. He saw that his employer sniffed into the air even before he opened his eyes. Not even the sickness could stop him from feeling the flowers in the room. He looked up at Ruskin and his golden gaze playfully sparkled up.
"You brought me roses, right, Ruskin?" He asked immediately.
Ruskin smiled at Mr. Milverton.
"Yes, sir. I thought that you would miss them and this would make you feel better." He answered.
Mr. Milverton tilted his head as he sat up.
"Isn't it a way of manipulation to make me stay in the bed?" He noted and his voice was cheerful. Ruskin let out a chuckle.
"No. That's something what you would do, sir. I am more simple. I just wanted to bring you a gift."
"A gift, hm?" The man smirked and he winked at Ruskin. "Either way, thank you for it. Now, let me see it from closer." He ordered. Ruskin gave the vase into his hand.
He watched as Mr. Milverton inspected the flowers while his heart was beating fast from the joy. He could see that he was able to make his beloved feel better.