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The sea was raging more than usual on that stormy night and the man who jumped into the waves could barely see anything in the darkness. The stars on the sky were covered by the clouds; there was no light, not even a little wisp which could light up the water ahead of him and he knew that it would make the search difficult - almost impossible. But the man was aware that he cannot fail and the fear of losing the person he loved more than anything in this world gave him an unexpected strength. He didn't let the stormy sea drag him away to its grave, he was desperately swimming while he kept looking for signs where the other man could have fallen. He knew that he didn't have much time left to save him - his employer wore a heavy bulletproof vest what was indeed useful when it came to the gunshots he heard before he entered that burning room, however, it also made it harder to stay on the surface and he doubted that the other man could swim for that long; he was always so weak and fragile. He repeatedly cried out if he could hear any replies from the distance but no answer came. However, the ocean couldn't take his employer so far already - only minutes passed since his fall! That means... the man froze from the suspicion: that his body must be underwater, sinking to the bottom of the sea.No, he cannot let that happen!He knew that he only had one chance left, one last chance so he took a deep breath and dived into the ocean deeply, swimming below and below. He speculated that his employer must be near, but he was unable to see anything in the dark water, so he made vehement movements with his arms and legs in a big circle to make sure that he would not pass by anything around him. But he found nothing and his hope started to slowly fade away. He felt that his air started to run out so he returned to the surface but only for a quick breath, then he dived back underwater immediately. He was afraid that he already began the search too late and the panic was about to take over him; he resolutely fought the feeling, clinging only to one thought: that his employer must have been fighting too - he didn't want to die!He suddenly felt that his hand got stuck at something in front of him. Was that... some clothes material? His heartbeat became faster as he grabbed it and drew it closer to himself. Something soft scrubbed his face. Hair! With his fingers, he could touch a face and his fingertips started buzzing as he ran them over the smooth cheeks. He could recognize these facial features anywhere - he kept the face of his beloved in his palms.This meant that he finally succeeded. He finally found his employer whom he didn't want to live without.He sensed that the time almost ran out, if he didn’t do something fast, the other man would drown before they could get to the surface. He was already underwater long enough and he needed air as soon as possible. He didn't hesitate for more: he hugged his beloved's neck and covered his mouth with his own. He forcefully opened up the lips and breathed the rest of his air inside. He felt that the body weakly moved in his arms as the lively breath filled the lungs. His employer kissed him back, faintly clinging onto him, to the air and to the feeling that he was finally safe. For a long moment, they just embraced the other with that underwater kiss - but the man also didn't let his ecstasy forget about what was his duty. While he still didn't let his employer's lips go, he quickly took down the suit and the bulletproof vest from his body to stop him from sinking. Then their mouths separated and instead, they grabbed each other's hands strongly and swam to the surface together.When their heads ascended above, both of them started to cough."I found you, Mr. Milverton..." the man said to his employer whom he still kept in his arms.A painful smile appeared on Milverton's face."You did. You saved me, Ruskin. I knew that you would never leave me behind."He leaned closer to Ruskin and hugged him. He let out a cry when he moved his arm."Did you get injured?" Ruskin only noticed the blood on his employer's shoulder now and he felt that his fear grew again."A little. It is not serious." Milverton told, he tried to maintain his calmness to not scare his secretary more. "But I can't swim that way for long."Ruskin was aware that he was right, just like that he needed to get themselves out of the ocean fast before the possible hypothermia and to treat the injury fast.But he already had a plan."Climb onto my back, sir, and hug my neck." he ordered his employer. "I can handle this alone. Just make sure you will never let me go."For the first during their relationship, it was Milverton who obeyed without a second thought. Ruskin felt the arms around his neck and they filled him with unexpected strength. He knew what he fought for, who he fought for... no matter how strong the waves were, they cannot defeat him!"If you get us out of here alive, Ruskin..." he suddenly heard the other man whispering into his ear. "... you can kiss me again."Ruskin's eyes sparkled up in the dark and the blush spread on his cheeks. With vehement movements, he started to swim to the direction where he suspected that the shore was. Milverton held onto him strongly and as the storm stopped at last and the cover of the clouds over the moon faded and let them see where they were, Ruskin knew he made the right choice. The beach was in front of them, coming closer and closer, they only needed a few more minutes until they reached it. When Ruskin finally dragged Milverton to the ground, he collapsed next to him due to the exhaustion. He only realized now how tired he was, like all of his strength which was fuelled by his fear and love suddenly just left him. But they made it and they were alive - Mr. Milverton was alive - and Ruskin couldn't wish for more.He felt that the other man knelt down next to him and swept off the wet hair from his face."You are safe. We are safe. There is nothing to worry about anymore. Just rest."Then he leaned closer and gave a gentle kiss to Ruskin's mouth. His lips were cold but they quickly warmed up as the two men's mouths passionately fused. Milverton's palm covered his left cheek while he repeatedly kissed his secretary who felt the hot breath filling his lungs and from that, he started to regain his energy - like that's how his employer tried to pay back what Ruskin did for him. Filling him with power.The power of their love."I promised that I will kiss you again." Milverton winked at him when their lips got separated. "But you see... I wanted to kiss you too. I enjoyed what you did when we were underwater."Ruskin's face turned red and his mouth formed a loving smile."I enjoyed it very much too, sir.""Now..." his employer pointed at his shoulder. "...will you help me treat my injury? I can't do it alone."Ruskin sat up to see Milverton's arm closer."I can't do anything without you." Milverton continued and stared at the remains of his burning house; the fire already destroyed the beautiful manor, and yet, he didn't sound pessimistic - rather, hopeful. "But you are still here. I have lost against my enemies this time and you still chose to stay with me. This means... I didn't lose everything. I will never lose everything until I have you."Ruskin closed his eyes for a moment, listening to the heartful words. His employer rarely talked about his feelings - but the last sentence told everything that he needed to know.That they will stay together... forever."And you will always have me, Mr. Milverton." Ruskin promised and carefully started to treat the injury.