Another little chapter for you guys. I'm currently very busy but in a week I'll be able to write more.

DancingKitKat : That's really a shame when a fandom is disappearing, but if you want to have a Maleval chat, you know where to find me ^^

A few hours before dawn, Maleficent was still awake, her fingers entangled in her servant's hair. She didn't even know when she started playing with his dark locks, but it kept her awake, and sort of eased her mind. To be honest, she was a bit disturbed. What happened the day before totally changed the way she saw her companion. She couldn't think of him as a mere servant anymore. His behaviour made her almost think of him as her friend. Her pet friend, she corrected wittingly.

She looked at him while he was sleeping and leaned her head back on the pillow next to his. She had spent the night trying to fight the feeling, but now she eventually admitted it: she liked this. His arms around her, his smell, even his touch, it made her feel safe and cared for. That was crazy, but she could get used to this. Not for lovey dovey purpose, definitely, but she could come to him if she happened to miss the sky too much or so. For comfort, she thought at once. Yes, his arms made her forget about everything else and lessened her pain, so why not making good use of them, once in a while? At least, during the little time left she had with him.

"Doing a little bit of morning preening, Mistress?" he said drowsily, leaning into her touch.

She suddenly withdrew her hand, realizing he had awakened, and watched him yawning. It was still very early. The sun hadn't even started to rise.

"Go back to sleep," she said in a hush.

"Will you keep preening?" he inquired with a pleading voice.

She smiled at the question. She knew he liked this as a raven, and she had quickly found his favourite spots for her to scratch. However, she never did such things when he was a human. Maybe his favourite spots were just the same? Her hand climbed up to his scalp and she stroked at the base of his skull.

He let out a delighted groan and tilted his head to grant her better access. He liked this so much, he wished he could do the same to her, but he figured he'd find a better time.

Barely a few seconds later, Diaval began to feel sleepy again, feeling his mistress' sweet hand stroking him gently. He stayed silent for a while, enjoying her touch, his mind wandering between dream and consciousness.

"I'll always stay with you, Mistress," he mumbled docilely. "That way, I'll be sure no harm will come to you anymore."

Maleficent smiled. She wasn't sure he was awake or not, but in any case, she liked those words. Unfortunately, she had learnt from experience that words couldn't show the true nature of someone. Only time and actions could. Staying to protect her? She had heard that before. It wasn't that she didn't want to believe him, but she just couldn't. For now. She almost thought, but she quickly remembered she would have to free him soon. She had to tell him.

She stopped her petting and placed her hand on his chest. "Diaval," she called, asking for his full attention.

The raven turned man opened his eyes and looked at her, silently asking what was on her mind. No expression was shown on her face, but he noticed her eyes were darker than usual

"You don't have to do that anymore. You saved my life already, that means your debt is paid. I'll free you as soon as I get better, so you can go back to your life."

At this, he stopped breathing for a moment.

"W-What? Why? I want to stay with you!" he protested vividly.

Maleficent raised an eyebrow at him. What got into him? Yes, he proved himself to be a caring soul and a faithful servant. But wasn't he tired of following orders? Didn't he want to be his own master again? Free souls, that was what winged beings were supposed to be, she thought with bitterness. His rightful place was out there, so why did he want to stay?

"Why would you wish such a thing, silly bird?" she managed to say calmly.

The raven-man took a few seconds to think this through. He was absolutely sure of how he felt, but it was difficult for him to put this into words. Not to mention he didn't want to scare her with too much caring.

"I… I'm sure I'd get really bored if I'd go back to my raven's life now. Besides, you're my mistress. I don't want you to replace me with some other bird," he nearly whined. "I don't want to share my mistress," he added sulkily.

She chuckled lightly and leaned her forehead against his chin, breathing into his neck. "Such a possessive little bird you are."

She kind of liked that spirit of his, not being willing to share her. It made her feel even more special than she knew she was; special to him. While she thought about it, she felt very much the same. She didn't want to share him either. He was her pet.

He answered by squeezing her gently, and she added in a hushed voice, "If it is your wish to stay, you may stay."

"Thank you, Mistress," he whispered, resting his head against hers.

Thanks again to RavenDiablo (and sorry for not answering you for over a week, how rude)