Work Text:
Charles Augustus Milverton grimaced from the annoyance as the headache, which he hoped that it would disappear after he drank a little water, continued to increase. The signs were clear. It was not a simple headache he was facing, but one of his usual migraines which always tortured him if he didn't take the medicine in time. Fortunately, he still had some time before the migraine flooded his head like an avalanche a mountain.
"Mr. Milverton, I think that you should take your medicine." At the same time he made his realization, his secretary, Ruskin spoke and his voice was full of worry. Milverton looked up at the young man. Ruskin was on his side for years, so he knew his employer's tendency to have migraines well, just like he could recognize the signs. Milverton was grateful that he had an observant, skilled and doting secretary like Ruskin. He gave a nod to the suggestion.
"Indeed. Please, bring one to me." He ordered the man. "It is in my bedroom."
"Yes, sir." Ruskin obediently replied and left the study with fast steps to make sure that he was on time. Milverton didn't doubt that he will be quick and won't make him wait in his current state, but when more than the necessary time passed ever since that Ruskin left, Milverton was confused.
What can take Ruskin for so long?
A moment later, the door opened. It was Ruskin who came back and from his expression, Milverton could see that something was wrong.
"Sir, I can't find your medicine." He said and he sounded even more concerned than before.
Milverton blinked. How can his medicine disappear? He was sure that Ruskin got him a new box after the last time it had run out. Where could he put it? He tried to recall it and he grinded his teeth as he remembered. He took the medicine with himself to the company when he had his last migraine... and he accidentally left it there.
Milverton looked back at his secretary who still stared at him, ready to take action for his sake.
"It got left in the company." Milverton answered slowly. If it was possible, Ruskin seemed even more worried.
"I will go to the company immediately and get it." He told with determination and he was about to leave, when Milverton shook his head.
"No, Ruskin, that doesn't matter anymore. It would be too late. The medicine doesn't work if it's too late."
"But I will be really fast." Ruskin started begging. "Please, sir. I hate seeing you in pain."
Milverton's mouth flinched. He didn't like seeing those sparks in his secretary's eyes, when the young man was so devastated. It was like he had the migraine and not Milverton. He thought that it would be better to give in, even if the medicine doesn't work, Ruskin at least would be less stressed - then he realized that the young man would definitely drive dangerously to get to the company and back sooner. Ruskin causing an accident and getting seriously injured was the last thing he wanted.
"Please, make a tea for me instead." He asked. "That will help to ease the migraine."
"As you wish, sir." Ruskin nodded and rushed out of the room.
Milverton waited until the door closed, then he stood up from the desk and walking to the sofa, he lay down on it. He knew that the tea would not make him feel better, but he didn't want to see Ruskin looking at him like that - with pity. Milverton hated to be pitied and when Ruskin acted like that, his caring attitude became a burden. Milverton was aware that his secretary did this because he liked him - but his behaviour was still harder to bear than the migraine.
Yet, Milverron didn't lash out. He never lashed out at Ruskin who just did what his heart told him. But he wanted to keep him away from himself when he had an untreated migraine.