This is my very first fanfic, I hope you like it! I'm aware there might be a bit of repetition but I tried to put as much detail as I could to create the images in your mind. Keep in mind that Ariel doesn't know much about the surface world!

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of The Little Mermaid, Disney does.

EDIT: 22/08/2013

Hello again! I have returned from the bowels of my Writer's Block to give you the hardly reedited reedit of the first of many of my really shitty fanfics. This one is one of the things I cringe to think about, yeah. It's that kind of story, but hey, a handful of you guys liked it so I guess it's worth keeping on here, huh? I'm not going to touch this thing very much because I don't really have the time, but I just had to try and do some justice to it so I can sleep well at night once again. So without further ado: read the thing~

Ariel

I could hear Sebastian's tempting song floating around the lagoon in which Eric and I, in his boat (as he said it was called), were gently rocking. I knew Eric was aware of the lyrics Sebastian had put together; he was really quite one with words, knowing exactly how to put together a musical masterpiece, he was not a poet to be trifled with.

I looked down shyly and twiddled with a lock of my fiery red hair, I had no idea what to do. How was I supposed to get him to kiss me before the sun sets tomorrow? I was very appreciative of Sebastian's efforts but it didn't seem to be working. Eric's mind is not where it should be right now.

Yes, you want her.

Look at her, you know you do.

With my head still lowered, I directed my eyes slightly upward enough to see that Eric had looked my way as well.

With my heart racing and a smile spread across my face, I lifted my head and Eric mirrored. His handsome facial features were slightly highlighted by the dim glow the sunset was giving us, but it was enough to see his chiseled chin, the gentle curve on his lips and his beautiful, stormy eyes that suggested adventure and more within.

There were so many ways to describe his rugged features, like the way he used his dinglehopper to the difference in the use of a thingamabob, but all I know is that I love him for every part of him there was. Every part of me screamed to stop thinking so much, to stop being so corny, but in that moment, time seemed to freeze all but completely and I was swooning shamelessly.

This had to be the moment, it just had to be. Eager to find the true love's kiss I've wanted ever since I saw him that day at sea, I closed my eyes and leaned in, lips puckered and ready. I was so nervous that Sebastian's song had sort of slipped my mind while I was examining his face. Ariel, it's cool. Be cool. It's just a kiss, you've had those before. Lies. I've never kissed a grown man before. Even still, the absence of his mouth on mine was puzzling and admittedly embarrassing to note.

Even in the two seconds I had waited for his kiss, I felt him move closer, yet, no pair of lips came.

Was I doing something wrong? I opened my eyes a crack only to see that he had moved away even farther than before, avoiding eye-contact and continuing to row the boat in tense, circular motions. I sighed silently in defeat and looked to the floor again, cheeks only half-flushed.

This was going nowhere. Did I have better things to do with my time? I could be in that market-place he showed me earlier. Maybe there were a few sights to see around here. I could really go for a snack right now. Perhaps a bit of seaweed to chew would be nice. Look at me. I'm on a semi-romantic, possibly-affectionate boat-ride-date with a really pretty guy and here I was thinking about food. Andrina would be in knots. He probably doesn't even want me, he probably likes girls who can talk and sing and dance, all things I couldn't do because I traded my voice to the sea witch to have legs. The dancing I probably could fix, but who cares? I'll be back to being a mermaid before I get that chance.

Eric continued to row, taking on what should have been a soothing rhythm, if I weren't so vexed. I lifted my hand to hold up my head as I hunched over. I wish he could see past my speaking disability and try to know me for the girl I really am. I'm desirable, right? I'm worth it. My sisters tell me that all the time when they're not goofing around. Especially Attina, the eldest and most mature of us all. She could brighten up my day, with all the sincerity she spoke with, I didn't doubt that she genuinely thought I was worth something. But. But what if I'm not? What if I don't live up to what men on the surface want in the person they love? What if I don't live up to what Eric wants in the person he loves?

What if. What it. What if. I hate 'what if's' but I can't help it. A ball of shame welled in my throat and I swallowed hard, trying not to look like I was fighting off this infernal doubtfulness. If I was going to win over his heart, I need him to pay attention to me first. Somehow I seemed to do that quite well the first day I was here. He told me I looked beautiful. There you go, Ariel. Swooning again.

My thoughts were interrupted by none other than Eric trying to muster up a conversation, albeit unpracticed and informally, like a prince normally should be.

"You know I feel really bad not knowing your name. Maybe I could guess?" He said conversationally.

And sure, why not? It's at least something to do while I ponder a means of wooing him. I looked at him with curiosity wanting very much for him to guess my name. He leaned back and put his hand on his chin trying to match names to me in his head.

"Uh... Mildred?" He said. I scrunched my face up in a disgusted look to get the point across, Mildred? That's a funny name.

He chuckled at my reaction, "Okay, no! How 'bout... Diana?" I shook my head, no. Although Diana is a lovely name, I frowned at the fact that he failed once more.

He tried guessing again, "Rachel?" Nope. He doesn't even have the first letter correct. Where's some ink and paper when I need some?

Abruptly, Eric turned his head to something, his eyes looking off into space as he listened, I looked in the direction his head had turned and noticed a small red thing clinging to the edge of the boat. Sebastian was there whispering harshly to him. Of course I can't blame the little guy, I'll make sure to thank him when this is over. He's a Poseidon-send.

"Ariel?" He said softly, testing out the unique name. My heartbeat fluttered in my chest, reaching for my throat. I touched his knee to get his eyes where I needed them to be, my face. With a huge smile painted across my cheeks, I looked at him and nodded vigorously. Yes!

"Ariel?" He asked, now excited. I looked down and realized I had grabbed his hand.

My heart started racing again; his hand was warm and calloused but still strong and well-fitted to my tiny one in comparison.

"That's kinda pretty. Okay, Ariel", he said as he closed his other hand over the two of ours. My smile warmed fondly and I looked up at him and saw kindness and concentration in his gorgeous eyes. We both were staring at each other as if we were the only two people in the world.

He had the kind of smile that could light up any room and adorable dimples that were like icing on the cake. He also had a way with something; I wasn't sure what it was about him, which made me feel protected and safe. Maybe it was his well-built body or his voice that I knew could probably rise to an anger that could scare anyone out of their socks, which of course, most likely would hardly happen (I wouldn't care to hear it myself, unless he was protecting me or something like that. What can I say? I'm a bit of a hopeless romantic.) His fascinating eyes could go on forever and his genuine goodness and concept of humanity made me want to melt.

Then I noticed the goofy smile on my face that would not disappear, I was way too happy right now. But I was more than okay with that. As I examined him further he seemed to be doing the same to me. And I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks again in response.

Sebastian's romantic song was coming to an end and being caught up in the moment I felt myself slowly propelling forward, Eric doing the same.

This was it.

My eyes, I could sense, showed how nervous I was as we were advancing towards each other (not the right kind of look for a first kiss). My smile diminished into a line of concentration and Eric's turned into a look of curiosity and confusion. I leaned in closer and my eyes started to close as I puckered my lips and felt his breath.

His lips, I could tell, were only inches from mine. I could no longer hear the music as my heartbeat was ringing so fast and loud in my ears that I was afraid he could hear it. But this was no time to be a coward.

Attempting to close the gap, I leaned in a little bit more and suddenly everything seemed to tip.

I opened my eyes to see Eric's puckered face, not even for a second, as we were thrown overboard.

What happened to Sebastian's romantic scene, you may ask? In all of about three seconds all of that was gone. The birds squawked awkwardly as they flew away from the wreck. The frogs and fish retreated as all of their work was ruined before them. Sebastian, I expect, will be on his way back to the palace to mourn his precious piece.

As for me, well, I was soaked. My face twisted into a look of disappointment as what was about to happen would never come true, not for tonight anyways. There was no way I looked the least bit pretty now. Even Eric, in his perfection, seemed to lose some of it in the chaos.

Still, it was kind of cute how he clamored back up onto his feet, so a small smile crept upon my face again, even if it was a mere ghost of one.

Being a former mermaid, I expected being wet to be a good thing, but as a human, my dripping clothes weighed me down and I had to have Eric help me up. Yes, as much as it pained me so, I had to rely on the help of a sinfully handsome prince to aid me to my feet. What a damsel I am. But seriously, I was a bit ashamed to have been so helpless right then.

"Woah! Hang on! I've got you." He said when I nearly slipped on the slimy floor. And here, too.

I looked up at him as he held his hand out to me with a trace of a grin on the corners of his mouth. What was he smiling at? I tried blowing the hair out of my face and advertently my eyes, but it clung to my face sloppily. His smile deepened.

Seeing nothing funny about my disheveled appearance, I pouted back, then I placed my right hand on his outstretched left one and he pulled me up slowly, knowing I had no foot-eye coordination.

Yet, I manage to slip even then. I let go of his hand and reached both of mine to his shoulders and clutched him tightly as I opened my mouth to give a small yelp, only to have the air replace it. I frowned at my clumsiness wishing for the chance to redo the situation.

"Woah! Ariel, are you okay?" Eric asked, concerned.

I nodded, grimacing at my helplessness and attempting to recover from my fall. Then I felt him put his arms around me, one under my knees, the other gently caressing my back and pulling me into a cradling position with my arms locked around his neck.

It sort of reminded me of the first time we actually met. I was dressed in the sail Scuttle got for me.

I still couldn't get the hang of walking properly, let alone in water, so he had me curled up against his chest. His soaked shirt was clinging to him revealing the shape of his muscular torso and a slight shiver went through my spine. Probably thinking I was cold, he held me closer, tightening his grip. I felt warmth radiating through his wet clothes and I clung to him as if to soak it all in because I found I was actually freezing, too.

My gaze shifted towards his face and I saw softness and a hint desire in his eyes which were only several inches from mine. I felt them pulling at me, sucking me down deep into their aquatic depths and I had to catch myself before I was trapped there. However, his eyes shimmered enrapturingly like magic in the moonlight. I suddenly needed to bottle it and keep it forever. My personal moon. The sight was just that incredible. I wanted nothing more than to tear my eyes away just then. Surely the amount of time brazenly gawking at the ethereal glow in his cerulean orbs was improper of a woman he was not courting. And there was definitely nothing behind the glazed look they were taking on.

We stood there only for a long minute when he pulled me upward into a kiss that surprised me. I used my arms to pull me deeper into it. We were still sopping wet and I was so incredibly inexperienced. But I guess that didn't matter because it lasted.

The careful movement of his lips on mine made me feel less protected and more like I was extremely breakable, something he was almost afraid to touch, which left me curious so I began to weave my hands into his dripping jet black hair to signal for more.

So, of course, he did as he was told.

From my throat, a pleasurable noise found its way into our kiss as my bosom was becoming tingly and warm. Eric stopped abruptly.

Make up your mind! Do you want to kiss me or not?

The tingly feeling disappeared and we were both panting for air and he swallowed, "Ariel. You... You moa-made a noise?"

And it hit me. Like a ton of bricks.

I could speak again!

I let him put my feet on the floor and I probably sounded insane as I started to laugh and say random words like, 'dinglehopper' and 'snarfblat'. I named all seven seas and I was so excited that I sang a small line.

Under a bright, blue, endless sky... Testing my vocals.

I looked to Eric and he looked at me like I was his most prized possession in the world. He picked me up and twirled us both around laughing uncontrollably, until he slipped in the muddy floor of the lagoon and we both crashed down into the water with a splash, Eric taking most of the impact.

Slightly fazed by the fall, he shook his head then exclaimed, "You're the one! The girl who rescued me!"

Even if it wasn't a question I still answered, "Yes I am!" because I had a voice.

The both of us were so happy in that moment that I laughed giddily as he took my face in his hands and playfully showered it with kisses landing on my cheeks, my forehead, my nose, and my jaw until finally resting on my lips.

This time, with no hesitation, we entwined ourselves. Locked to each other, his kiss was eager but gentle, passionate but soft, but most of all full of love.

I generously returned it with all I could, learning as I go. This time, I let go, giving us both time to breathe again.

We looked at each other longingly and Eric leaned down to give me a concluding peck. I looked at Eric and saw that he wanted to continue as well but he had to control us both so we sat there enjoying the evening, chatting about my past and how I lost my voice.

Eric was confused and shocked when he first heard that I used to be a mermaid. But I told him about my grotto and my desire for the human world that was only doubled upon seeing him for the first time. He smiled widely when he heard that part.

Eric then explained how he was looking all over the kingdom for the girl that matched the voice he had heard that day on the beach. In love with a voice, as he put it. I laughed at his choice of words.

"Oh my gosh! It's really late!" I exclaimed as I looked up at the starry sky, it had to be past midnight.

"Grim'll be searching the whole kingdom for us by now." He said urgently.

We'd forgotten all about the boat until now so Eric quickly tipped the boat back, thankful it stayed afloat, grabbed the oars and hurried us both out of our peaceful lagoon. (I don't know why it hadn't occurred to us to sit in the boat the whole time rather than in the water. I feel stupid again.)

Floating back, I now changed my position from sitting facing Eric to sitting facing away and leaning back onto his chest, tilting my head to hear his strong, steady heartbeat, and breathing in time with it. I seemed to want every moment we spent together to last forever.

I was so tired and I wanted to fall asleep in his arms and wake up tomorrow next to him. The idea made me happy, so I closed my eyes and let out a steady stream of air through my mouth, watching its white billows dance in the wind.

"What's on your mind?" I grinned into Eric's shirt at the way something deep within his chest resonated when he spoke so soundly. But my smile vanished when I knew he probably wouldn't sleep with me tonight.

"Nothing", I replied. Even I could hear the sadness and longing in my voice.

"No, there's something wrong", Eric declared, "What is it?" He hadn't stopped rowing the boat, but he looked down at me and lightly touched his hand to my cheek to turn me face to him. When I looked in his expression there was real concern for me and I felt silly for why I was so disappointed.

"I want to sleep with you tonight", I mumbled, embarrassed, so I looked down for a moment then looked back up. Eric's face had twisted from concern to an awkward stare off into the distance. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

With his hand on his neck he let out a sigh. I frowned and started at the floor again, "I knew it", I said fighting back the tears that threatened to break loose.

He quickly went back to his concerned face, grabbed my hand and said, "No, no, no! I-I just... I don't think people would react well to me sleeping with the girl I brought to the castle only yesterday." He meant to say another thing, but I didn't press.

"But I like you."

The words spilled out before I could stop them. My eyes widened and I was scared of being rejected from the premature mention of those three words. I looked up to Eric and he was not as surprised as I was, but very, very puzzled. I shouldn't have said that.

I was about to cover up for my mistake but he interrupted with, "I like you too."

And I was flying, no, Eric and I were flying, both gazing at each other lovingly. I was the happiest girl on the planet, then I was snapped back to reality as my ridiculous smile was being kissed. I imagined fireworks going off around us, just like the ones from the ship I saved him from, I closed my eyes for this brief moment, and then we separated. "You know, even if you weren't the girl that sang to me, I would still love you like I do now.

"How 'bout I wait beside your bed until you fall asleep?" Eric offered continuing to row the boat again because he'd apparently stopped somewhere between the "I like you" and the fireworks-kiss. I thought about it for a moment. I want to be that hopelessly romantic couple that snuck off to have special dates and thinking of unique ways to show our feelings. That would be so much fun! Sleeping together, I guess, could wait.

"Okay", I say at last. At least I felt a little better about tonight.

Friendly reminder about Ariel's limited knowledge, the topic of sleeping together is completely innocent and non-'suggestive'

I'd appreciate only constructive criticism, compliments and all that please! Don't be mean.

Edit: 22/09/13 (Yes, the second half of this chapter's reedit takes place an exact month after the first. That was not planned, I swear.)

Y'know, I showed my mom this fic once. There won't ever be a time that I don't regret it.

I got lazy near the end of this thing, gomenasai. (It means "I'm sorry". Don't ask; I'm really into manga/anime right now okay, deal w it. Yey)