Chapter Text
Mal could feel her imprisoned magic, electricity coursing through her body. The dragon inside her just wanted to break free and go back to being herself. She wouldn't say she craved power like her beloved mother; clearly, she didn't want to rule the world. But she was fooling herself by saying she didn't miss the fights on the island, feeling respected by others, her attire, and not having to watch her behavior every damn second.
She hadn't found her place in Auradon, not like Jay with the tourney, Carlos with technology, or dude. And most certainly not like Evie. Evie belonged in Auradon; she was a princess, smart, well-mannered, her designs were getting better, and she was kind. She always deserved something better than the Isle, and now, even though it disgusted her, she could have any prince and castle she wanted.
But Mal... Mal did not belong in Auradon. She couldn't be kind with all the people, couldn't help but want to throw a fireball at the paparazzi and students who only waited for her to make a mistake. Nor could she bear to see Ben look at her with nostalgia when they had only dated for a week, and it should be noted, due to a love spell.
The last thing she expected was for the young king of Auradon to fall in love with her. Her life might not have had room for love, but she knew she didn't share Ben's feelings. Feelings that, even though she never wanted to analyze, she knew were directed towards someone else who could never know, both for their own good and hers.
She looked in the mirror, furrowing her brow at her blonde hair, the light blue and pink dress she was wearing, the makeup. She felt her eyes shimmering, gripping the sink so tightly her knuckles turned white.
She murmured a few words in Latin, her hair turning purple again. She wouldn't lie; she felt somewhat calmer when she saw her characteristic color return to her hair.
"M?" she heard Evie calling through the door. She stepped away from the mirror and took a deep breath. She didn't have to act in front of Evie; she knew the blue-haired girl wouldn't judge her. But even so, she couldn't tell her. She didn't think Evie would understand this desire not to be here, to want to go back to a place that treated them like hell.
Mal knew the mess she was right now and couldn't show that vulnerability to anyone.
...
"Mal, what's happening?" Evie asked once the girl with purple hair emerged from the bathroom. Evie stood seriously in front of the bedroom door, taking care to ensure that Mal wouldn't escape again. She was tired of Mal avoiding her and the boys.
She knew something was going on. Mal was distancing herself from them, from her. She barely spoke, spent her time elsewhere, left at different times. Since they had come to Auradon, everyone had changed a bit, she thinks for the better.
They were not as cautious, they had made friends, found things they liked, and didn't have to constantly fight for resources or obey their parents' orders and punishments.
However, the Mal standing in front of her reminded her of the Mal from the Isle. Her gaze was colder, more calculating. Her cautious, careful stance reflected an aura of power. Although she wouldn't admit it, though surprised, Evie was relieved to see the purple hair; she didn't think the blonde hair was bad, but it just didn't seem to represent the fairy.
"What's happening, Evie?" Mal raised an eyebrow, knowing exactly what Evie meant, but she couldn't say anything. She wouldn't ruin the slowly building happiness in Auradon.
"Don't do this, Mal," Evie said dryly, "You're avoiding us, avoiding me."
"I've been busy, we all have been," Mal said, moving towards her bed and grabbing her backpack. As good as Maleficent had taught her to lie and deceive anyone, the blue-haired girl knew her better than anyone, and she was hard to fool. "It's Auradon, remember? So many new things to do, activities, class, sports..."
Mal smiled slightly as she finished her sentence. It probably sounded true, trying not to sound ironic or tired. She could feel Evie's gaze on her, trying to see beyond those simple words.
After a few seconds, Evie nodded, which, although she wouldn't admit it, disappointed Mal a little. She didn't want her to know what was happening, but at the same time, she wanted her to see it. It was all so fucking complicated.
"You can talk to me about anything, you know," Evie spoke sincerely, going towards the purple-haired girl. She didn't believe Mal entirely, but she knew she wouldn't talk. So she would give her time; she just hoped the fairy would let her in.
Mal didn't answer; she just nodded. Seeing that the conversation had ended, she headed towards the door. However, Evie pulled her into a tight hug.
"Evie," Mal complained, grumbling. Nevertheless, they both knew it was okay. A second later, Mal returned the hug to the taller girl, closing her eyes slightly. She could feel every part of the girl's body, and before letting her go, Evie gave her a soft kiss on the cheek.
Damn feelings, Mal thought. I just have to get out of here. Feeling the magic growing in her wasn't helping either.
"Do you want some company?" Evie asked before the fairy finally left. The daughter of the Evil Queen knew she was being direct, and maybe that wasn't the best approach after not getting a single word out of Mal in the first place. However, she wanted to know where the dragon was going, she wanted to know that she was okay.
"So, you want to go talk to the Fairy Godmother?" Mal said, confused. If she wants, she could be a good actress in stressful moments, her skin was getting hotter and hotter. She just needed to get out, and she couldn't let Evie see it.
"The Fairy Godmother?" Evie asked, now also confused. Mal was lying again. But her not saying where she was going only proved how much she was avoiding, and that only worried her more.
"Things about not using magic at school," Mal said, biting her lip, smiling ironically. "You know how they are, they take the fun out of everything."
Evie only nodded with a supportive smile, understanding Mal's frustration with how magic was treated here. After all, the coronation of Ben had shown that magic needed to be used, and it was okay.Thanks to Mal using it, Maleficent didn't destroy everything. But they acted as if nothing had happened and reinforced the anti-magic measures.
Once Mal saw that the conversation had ended, she nodded and with a quick smile left. The girl with purple hair, once she closed the door, sighed. She needed air. She knew Evie didn't believe her entirely; her girl was smart. She started walking faster. She didn't know why she felt caged; after all, she had lived 16 years on the Isle.