“do you ship maleficent and diaval or do you see them as platonic” WELL you see it’s more complicated than that!
He’s her bestie. He’s her assistant. He’s her emotional support animal. He’s her husband. He’s her disability aid. He’s her henchman. He’s her shoulder angel. He's her gossip buddy. He raised her goddaughter. He's her WINGS.
It's such a small detail, but in the first Maleficent movie, when Diaval is in his human form, he's got raven feathers mixed in with his hair! I only just noticed this when I was rewatching the first movie, and I was like, "When he's in wolf, horse, and (in the second movie) bear form, he's got feathers mixed in with fur! I wonder why he doesn't have feathers in his hair when he's human." Then I checked and HE DOES!!! But they completely leave out that detail in his human appearance in the second film :(
"Good morning, Maleficent," you greeted her with a smile. It was a warm spring day, the kind you love. The flowers were blooming, and the fragrance made the Moors seem even more magical than it already was. The warm sunlight compared to the cool breeze added an extra level of tranquility to the atmosphere. And most importantly, your beloved Diaval, added his own flair to your peaceful world. His witty and playful personality kept your life very lively. "It is truly a lovely day, is it not?"
Maleficent was on a leisurely stroll by the river, admiring the work the other creatures had accomplished already. Ever since Aurora was crowned queen, the Moors had been blossoming with color, and all who lived near to see, were amazed. The river itself shimmered with new treasures every day. And with proper permission, you were allowed to take one. The water pixies only agreed because they love to see you and Diaval courting.
You had chosen a stunning pair of rose quartz stones. You planned to surprise Diaval today, because of his love of shiny items. However, you could not seem to find him anywhere. The stone Itself did not really match the dark colors he wore, but you hope he will at least appreciate the thought.
Maleficent hummed in amusement. "Indeed," she did her signature Maleficent smile. Which, to one who was not familiar with her, would not take as contentment. The fairy was not one to express her emotions broadly, but it did not mean she cared any less. Luckily, spending some more time with her, you are able to tell what means what.
She looked over to you and squinted her eyes for a moment. "I sent him on an errand. He should be back within the hour,' her voice cut straight through you. Were your intentions really that obvious? You were speechless for a moment, only nodding in agreement. Your embarrassment brought her a laugh, "Of course I knew."
You only smiled bashfully and said, "Thank you." You did not want to crowd her too much, so as she took a few steps forward, you stayed in place. When Maleficent went on strolls, she preferred to either have Diaval with her, or to walk alone.
The river pixies, of course, found Maleficent reading you like a book to be the funniest thing ever. You and Diaval's courting was a pretty well-known topic. And the fae made sure to play with you both as much as possible. All you could do was shake your head at the pixies and walk in another direction.
"I will tell him to meet you by the western waterfall," Maleficent called to you. You thanked her again. She thought the pair of you a sweet but naive couple. You don't take much offense to the claim of naivety, because she finds everyone naive. She has stated, she is happy to see him happy. And love apparently makes him more willing to turn into anything (even dogs).
~
You took your time walking to the waterfall. You had no idea how long he would be. Maleficent said within the hour, but that still could mean a while. And you still wanted to savor all you could of this magnificent morning.
The sun shining on the water made you curious as to how the sun would make the quartz react. So, you took out one of the stones and as you expected, it glittered brightly.
"(Y/n), what have you got there?" Your lover appeared from around the corner. You looked up in shock. His eyes were trained on the stone, as you thought they'd be. Ravens always had an attraction to shiny objects.
"It was supposed to be a surprise, but it's a quartz. Found in the river that I believed you would like." You handed the stone out for him to take. He took your entire hand in his and he took it. He held it gently as he inspected it. "This particular kind of quartz is believed to be one of pure love."
"This is stunning, my love. Absolutely," he looked up into your eyes, "stunning." He smiled brightly and you felt very accomplished. "I believe there is a way to take some twine and make a necklace..." He trails off into thought.
"I am just pleased you like it; I also have a matching one." You pull it out of your pocket and show him. This makes his smile even warmer.
"No. I want to show the love I carry for you. I would even," he lifts you up spins you around. "Run through the Moors professing it if you would let me," he joked.
You laughed, "Oh please, no. I do not want that kind of attention." You take a step closer to him. "But if we did make a necklace, I would make sure it rested on my heart at all times."
He looked at you like you hung the stars. But then looked away, and all around to see if there were any fae that could be watching you both. Once he saw the coast was clear, he pushed you both behind the waterfall with a mischievous look.
You puzzled expression was soon relaxed when he kissed you. No matter how many times your lips met his, you never grew used to the feeling. Especially how they made you melt every time.
When he pulled back, he took one of your hands and placed the stone inside, then pressed that hand to his heart. "Truly, dearest, I could not be more grateful for this gift." He placed a gentle kiss between your eyebrows. "I will treasure it forever."
