Hurricane
Chapter 3: Guilt
"Have you ever wanted a family?"
Diaval is roused from his musings by the melodious, querying voice of her mistress. To be accurate, Maleficent isn't his mistress anymore. She has offered him freedom because according to her, his duty has been fulfilled. However, he chose to stay, but this time she insisted they were equals. Old habits do die hard and he still finds himself calling her mistress from time to time, and honestly she still has the final say when it comes to a lot of things, but for the most part their relationship has shifted to being companions. Guardians of the Moor, if you want their official job title.
They were perched on a tree, Maleficent sitting on the far end of a particularly large branch and him sitting with his back against the tree trunk. One of his legs is propped up on the branch. He was quietly observing the royal family- Aurora, Phillip and their one-year-old son- when Maleficent voiced her question. He turned his attention to her.
"What makes you ask that question?"
"You like observing the royal family. I was wondering if perhaps you do it because you want a family of your own." She explains. However, her eyes were too full of uncertainty for her to just be 'wondering' about this whole thing. There is something in her demeanor that he can't recognize yet.
"Well, I do want a family of my own. Mating and having hatchlings are quite important aspects of a raven's life, especially since we mate only once."
Maleficent purses her lips and furrows her brows at his answer. With a voice so soft Diaval could barely hear her, she murmurs "Has staying in the Moors held you back from that particular desire?" She didn't need to say staying with me, but Diaval understood what she meant all the same. And it was then that he grasped what his former mistress was feeling. He smiled at her.
"No, it hasn't. The truth is staying in the Moors- staying with you- has given me that particular desire."
"What do you mean, Diaval?" Her voice is laced with apprehension.
"What I mean is that I do have a family here, with you and Aurora. Have you forgotten the years we spent raising that child? I told you back then that she was like a hatchling to me. She still is, despite her having a family of her own. She'll always be my girl. And you, Maleficent, have been like her mother, yes? We raised that 'beastie' together. We're her parents. Surely you know what that means to me?"
Her eyes remained locked with his, wide with surprise. She struggles to find the right words. "Are you saying… I mean, do you consider me…"
"My mate? Yes. I thought me choosing to spend the rest of my life here with you was enough of a clue. After all, I can only choose one she-raven to spend my life with. While you may not be a raven, you are most definitely a she." He smirks then he adds, "Don't look so nervous! I'm not asking for a similar declaration from you. I just wanted to clear things up."
Maleficent's eyes softened. She contemplates on what she's supposed to say in response. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to compel you in revealing your inner sentiments outright… although the words are not unwelcome." He must have looked too smug because Maleficent crinkles the bridge of her nose and smacks his leg in jest. She continues, "I just don't like the idea of holding you back from things, especially those that are important to you. I only wish the best for you."
He shifts and moves closer to Maleficent, so now they are sitting side-by-side, arms almost brushing. "And I appreciate that. But you really shouldn't feel so guilty. I am not in this place out of obligation. I am here because I want to- because I know no other way than this. So stop punishing yourself with negative thoughts."
"If that is what you wish, then we shall lay this matter to rest." She smiles at him, that rare soft smile where her eyes are completely tranquil, and it comes to his mind that while he may not have heard a similar declaration of lifelong commitment from her, he knows the promise is mutual.
A/N: If you've read my first Maleval fanfic What Happy Looks Like, this may sound familiar to you. Basically I took the last scene of that fic and re-wrote it here, making it a stand-alone one-shot. I like the ending of this one but still, I think my next few ones are better. Please please review! And please suggest some "emotions" you would like me to write about. (For the person who suggested lust, I am going to do that later). Again, please tell me what you think! Cheers!