Maleval Week 2014

Day 1 Prompt: Cuddling

Title: Pillow Talk

"Mistress?" With eyes closed, Diaval whispered the title. From his side, pressed up against him, Maleficent shifted to look up at him.

"Yes, Diaval?"

His hand moved to envelop the one lying atop his chest. "Your hand keeps fidgeting."

Only then does Maleficent realize she's been tracing patterns on his chest unconsciously. "Oh, sorry."

After a few minutes, he called out again, "Mistress?"

Immediately Maleficent's hand stilled. "I'm sorry. I wasn't doing it on purpose."

Tiredly, Diaval remarked, "I know.

She'd just barely closed her eyes when Diaval spoke up again, firmer this time. "Mistress, please stop fretting. Go to sleep."

"How did you know I was fretting?"

"Your hands are being restless tonight."

When Maleficent didn't respond, he added, "Normally I wouldn't say anything, but I am exhausted, mistress. Forgive me for my impudence, but either talk about what's bothering you or forget it and sleep."

Sighing, Maleficent replied, "Sorry. I'll stop now."

Maleficent remained stiff by his side, and she withdrew the arm that was draped over his torso.

"Mistress…?"

"Go to sleep, Diaval." Maleficent commanded, rising.

"Wait, where are you going?"

"Letting you sleep. My unconscious habit obviously upsets you."

Groaning, he clarified, "It doesn't upset me, mistress. You misunderstood me."

Still, Maleficent proceeded to step out of her nest- their nest now, Diaval supposed.

Sitting up, Diaval pleaded. "Mistress, come back. You know I only sleep in this form because of you."

"No need to look so smug, mistress." Diaval's eyes narrowed at the sight of Maleficent's smirk. "Tell me what's bothering you."

"It's the ball." Maleficent huffed.

"The fete Aurora is holding tomorrow?"

"Yes. Do you realize it will be our first visit to the human kingdom since the battle?"

"I do. But I'm not unduly worried about it."

Rolling her eyes, Maleficent remarked, "Of course you aren't. You didn't have to fight with humans for years out of fear and being threatened."

"That might be so", Diaval reasoned, "but I am fully aware of the ruthlessness humans can possess. You saved me from a human, remember?"

"I do."

Taking her jittery hands, Diaval said soothingly, "Don't worry about it, mistress. I am certain Aurora won't let harm befall you." Locking gazes with her, he promised, "I, too, swear on my life to protect you to the best of my abilities if the humans go against us. But again, I don't think we have anything to be wary of."

"Sometimes you're too optimistic, silly bird."

"Just providing the balance, mistress."

For a while, they sit in silence. Diaval had almost dozed off when Maleficent said his name in a hushed tone.

"Diaval?"

"Yes, mistress?"

"I really am grateful for the years of faithfulness you've shown."

Raising an eyebrow, Diaval teased, "Is sleep deprivation getting to your head, mistress?"

Maleficent retorted testily, "Can I not say anything nice without being questioned, Diaval?"

"Sorry, mistress."

Diaval stood up, smiling down on her. "There is really no thanks necessary, mistress. You've always been welcome."

Diaval went back to the nest. He lay on his side, watching Maleficent through heavy eyes.

"Mistress?"

"Yes?"

"Will you come back and lie down again? I really want to sleep now."

Conceding, she obliged. "You and your neediness, Diaval."

Quickly embracing her when she was finally at his side again, he cheekily remarked, "Please, mistress, we both know you enjoy being in my arms as much as I do."

If Maleficent could look up at him, she would probably be glaring. "If you continue in this manner I shall turn you into a dog, Diaval", she chastised. "You'd make a better pillow then. Nice, warm, and most importantly, silent."

Diaval mumbled, "Mistress of all evil indeed, aren't you?"

"What did you say, Diaval?"

"Nothing."

As he was about to fall asleep, he whispered, "Good night, mistress."

Deep breaths and a calm heartbeat was the only response he got.

A/N: Hi guys! It's Maleval week 2014 over at Tumblr! So I thought I'd put all my entries here. :)

The day 2 prompt is Tragedy (+ Fatal Injury) and as some of you know, I've already written a story in that fashion- Despair, which is chapter 15 of my one-shot collection, Hurricane. If you haven't read it, please do. It will be my entry for tomorrow, so I'd be updating on Day 3.

Cheers!