A/N: I am sorry for the delay on getting this chapter out, especially for how short it is. This chapter is largely fluffy filler. The story referenced at the end doesn't belong to me, but it is one that I read years ago.

Chapter 9

Aurora woke the following morning, still nestled in Maleficent's gentle embrace. She took a moment to appreciate the softer beauty of the woman beside her. It was in her sleep that Maleficent's more guarded exterior was let down, and it was the only time Aurora witnessed her at peace.

"Morning, Aurora." Maleficent opened her eyes, and one of her rare smiles softened her face.

"Morning." She sat up, and as she did, she realized how sore her muscles were from their activities the previous day.

"Did I hurt you?" Maleficent asked, her voice laden with concern.

"No. Just stiff. Muscles I didn't know existed." She grinned in an attempt to placate Maleficent's worry.

"I will run you another bath." With a chaste kiss on the cheek, Maleficent hurried into the bathroom, and a few moments later, Aurora heard the bath running.

That gave her a few moments to reflect on the previous day. She hadn't planned on having sex with Maleficent, not that she was regretting where her kiss led them. But she had no idea what came next. Would Maleficent want a relationship, or was it to be just a one-time fling? She wasn't even sure exactly what she wanted.

"Hey, Maleficent," she called.

"Yes?" Maleficent poked her head out the bathroom door, and her lips were pursed in a thoughtful frown.

"Where did you get those toys you used yesterday?"

"If you are trying to insinuate that I had planned what took place between us yesterday, know that it was not my plan to have sex with you. The bath is ready for you."

Aurora wanted to believe Maleficent. It was possible the older woman simply had those toys to blow off steam while she waited for her to return to the university. She settled in the bath, allowing the hot water to relax her muscles. She was mildly disappointed that Maleficent didn't join her. Shrugging it off, she enjoyed being able to just soak her body. She noticed the bruises, and to her surprise, they didn't upset her. No, they reflected the way she felt on the inside, and she mentally thanked Maleficent for giving them to her.

That morning was spent largely basking in Maleficent's care. After she finished with her bath, Aurora was treated to a massage, further relaxing her muscles. None of the guys she had dated ever treated her in such a manner.

After her massage, they had no choice but to check out. Aurora wished they had more time to spend as they were, but even she knew that they had to return to reality. The drive was filled with companionable silence.

Aurora collapsed on top of Maleficent's bed as soon as they got back to the cabin. The last forty-eight hours had really taken it out of her, and she could feel the stiffness in her muscles as she tried to stretch.

She had emailed her professors, asking to take her finals in their offices and explaining her situation. She was still waiting for her answers, and she hoped they would acquiesce her requests.

Diaval jumped on the bed and meowed at her before curling up next to her. She stroked his soft fur and smiled as he began to purr. All her worries seemed lighter as she petted the cat.

"I brought you some crackers," Maleficent announced, making Aurora jump. "I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you."

"It's ok," Aurora said softly. She leaned up for a kiss as she took the tray. She still wasn't sure what to call Maleficent: her girlfriend?

"Rest. I will join you once I finish my paperwork."

"Don't take too long," Aurora mumbled before succumbing to unconsciousness.

When she woke, she was being held in Maleficent's arms. She couldn't help the blush rising in her cheeks. Despite this, she felt safe, as she always did when Maleficent was near. She wondered again where they would go from here. Would things develop further between them? Or would she be discarded as a mistake? The second option sank her stomach. She had nothing against one-night stands, and she wasn't sure if she was really ready for another relationship so soon after getting out of such an abusive one. She wasn't looking for a relationship anyway. She wanted some healthy intimacy in her life though. After everything she had gone through, she felt the universe owed her that much!

"What on earth has your mind buzzing so?" Maleficent's question startled her.

"Um—well—I—I was just wondering where we'll go from here. I mean—what am I to you?" As soon as the words escaped her, she started beating herself up over her lack of tact.

"Where do you want to go? In case you have not noticed, I am taking my cues from you. I would never dare presume anything. If you want things to go back to a working relationship, then I will keep my hands to myself and not ask questions. If you want something more, we may discuss it."

"Well—I don't think I'm ready for a real relationship, at least not yet. I guess keep things the way they are, right now, and see where this goes."

"Then that is what I will do."

Aurora grinned shyly before pecking Maleficent on the lips. "Thank you, for everything."

"The pleasure is all mine," Maleficent purred, returning the kiss. "You deserve better than what life has given you."

She found the sentiment sweet. She stretched, and feeling a couple pops in her back, snuggled back into Maleficent. Everything felt so right. She felt more relaxed than she remembered ever feeling. She basked in that, for she had no idea how long it would last.

"What were you hoping to do with your college education?" Maleficent inquired after a long moment of companionable silence.

"I really hadn't thought that far ahead," Aurora admitted, blushing. "I guess teach at a university, if I can't find a job in writing."

"You could always do both."

"True. I just don't want to jump right into teaching, if I can avoid it. I want real life experience first."

"That is more than reasonable."

Aurora didn't hear back from her professors until the following afternoon. She opened the emails as she nibbled on the cheese and crackers Maleficent had convinced her to eat while she studied. All her professors had agreed to alternate times for her finals, much to her relief.

"They agreed to let you take your finals separately?" Maleficent inquired from her desk. She glanced up from her work.

"Yeah. My Political Science final will be Monday at three; Poetry, Tuesday at four; and Women's Lit Wednesday at two."

Maleficent smiled approvingly before returning to whatever she was working on. Aurora suspected it was more of her research into the fae. She still couldn't believe that they were taking a trip together to Ireland. The excitement over the prospective trip gave her something to look forward to. Even if she didn't believe that the fae or anything mythological could possibly exist, she enjoyed exploring the mythos behind the unexplained.

Aurora continued to study her notes until she reread the same word ten different times. As she was putting her notes and textbooks away, Maleficent invited her to the kitchen for dinner.

Dinner was a fairly quiet affair. Maleficent made a cranberry salad with a light vinaigrette. Aurora enjoyed the meal. She helped with the dishes when they were done. She didn't even mind the domestic aspect of the act; it felt somehow natural.

Once they had cleaned the kitchen and ensured that Diaval was fed, Maleficent bade Aurora a goodnight before they went to their separate rooms. This disappointed Aurora somewhat, but she wasn't going to impose. She went to her designated room and pulled out her Kindle and read The First Taste is Free. It was a free book she had ordered months ago, but hadn't had the time to read it. She fell asleep just as she was about to finish reading it, and her hand had unconsciously snaked its way down into her pants.

In her dreams, she returned to the previous night, and hoped there would be many more like it to come.