Author's note: Written for Maleval Week, Day Two. The prompt was Tragedy/Pain + Death/Fatal Injury. Anyone who knows me is well aware that I can't write angst. I just can't. So I took the "pain" prompt and spun it.

My Saving Grace

He was regretting taking his human form to do so, but not the fact that he had protected her.

Searing pain shot through Diaval's shoulder blade, and whenever he attempted to move, the prickling sensation- like thousands of needles burying in his skin- only worsened.

"Stay still," Maleficent scolded, her luminescent green eyes meeting his dark ones.

The shape-shifter could see the concern there beneath the carefully placed layers of indifference. He managed a hint of a smile despite his agony. "Sorry."

"Honestly…" she tisked as she carefully removed the arrow head.

He went silent, watching her face as she diligently worked. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, creasing the center of her forehead in manner that didn't take away from her stunning beauty.

Unable to resist, he reached out with his good arm when he noticed a wisp of hair falling into her eyes. Gently, he pushed the strand back, his fingers brushing lightly over her skin.

Immediately, the faery Queen went still, unaccustomed to such a bold, yet tender gesture of affection.

Their eyes locked, and the air became thick with unvoiced emotions as neither attempted to move away: his fingers still lingering upon her cheek; her fingers frozen in the act of binding his wound with cloth torn from her dress.

Finally: the raven cleared his throat and let his hand fall back to his side. "Sorry. You had a bit of—

"You could have died, Diaval," she cut him off abruptly, though he was startled more by the tears that glistened in her eyes. "If that arrow had landed any lower…"

He shook his hand and entwined his fingers with hers. "Mistress, don't."

She inhaled a shuddering breath. "I know you think that you mean nothing to me, but…I couldn't bear to lose you."

It felt surreal, really: to see her showing any emotion, much less with such intensity.

He curled his fingers under her chin, tilting her face up so their eyes could meet again, and then brushed the stray tears that fell along her cheek away with his thumb. "I couldn't bear to lose you either. That's why I didn't hesitate to take the arrow."

"I know. And I'm grateful. Just..." she sighed heavily. "Think before you act. Please."

He nodded and, deciding to take the chance before he lost it, leaned in and pressed his lips softly against hers.

It was an innocent kiss, but it was more than enough to convey his feelings for her. Maleficent curled closer, her hands coming to rest upon his bare chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart against her palms.

They pulled away slowly, and Diaval rested his forehead against hers. "Whatever makes you happy."

"What makes me happy is you alive," she closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation of his warm skin, tracing along the length of a scar on his chest with her index finger. "And with as little damage as possible, though it may be a little late for that."

He laughed, glad that she had retained what little humor she had. "I thought you found all the scars sexy?"

She gave him a look. "Your ego is as large as ever, I see."

Diaval chuckled and dared another kiss: just as brief, but more passionate than the first, and then allowed her to get back to her task of healing him.

Maleficent tried her best: but she was unable to bite back the smile that remained on her face for the rest of the day.

The End