Hey everyone! Technically this is my second fanfic, but my first was a disaster. Hopefully this one will be better. All constructive criticism is greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy! (New chapters should be out at least once a week.

I do not own The Little Mermaid or any of its original characters. I do own this story and any extra characters I may make up.

Ariel laid back on the wet sand, gasping for breath. She wondered if going to Ursula and being changed into a human was worth it. If Ariel didn't find a reason to live as a human, whatever that meant, in three weeks she would belong to Ursula for eternity. Yes it was worth it if she could has three whole weeks with Prince Eric.

Ariel's new legs ached when she tried to move, so she just laid there, resting for a bit before getting up. Her thought drifted to Eric when she had saved him, two days before now.

~|~|~|~|Flashback|~|~|~|~

Ariel had woken up, remembering the events of the night before. The fiery ship, Eric drowning...where was Eric? Her eyes flew open, horrified that she dropped him before she could make it to the beach, but Eric was right there on the soft sand next to her. His eyes were closed and his breathing was shallow, but he was at least breathing.

Ariel sat up quickly, biting her lip hard to hold in screams of pain. Her muscles were very sore and stiff from swimming with Eric in her arms. And the sudden movement hurt like heck. Ariel took a shaky, deep breath and slowly pulled herself over to Eric's side. She softly began singing to him.

Eric was so handsome, and he seemed caring as well. Ariel had seen him making sure everyone got off the burning ship before he got himself off.

Ariel was just finishing her song when she saw Eric's eyes flutter open.

Eric blinked his eyes, trying to focus on the creature above him that had the most beautiful voice he'd ever heard.

"Who are...what is your...did you...were you the one that saved me?" Eric finally sputtered out.

Ariel blushed, bashfully giving an innocent smile, "I am," she murmured quietly, gazing deeply into his sea-blue eyes.

Eric was mesmerized by the gorgeous woman he was speaking with. He sat up slowly, taking in all her beautiful features; thick, scarlet hair, large, turquoise eyes, and delicate, pearly-white skin. Eric's gaze quickly scanned her figure, not wanting to be improper by staring at anything, in exception to her face. He immediately decided that she was very petite, and around maybe 4'9"...wait a minute...that is not a shimmering green skirt, Eric thought, is that...a tail?

Ariel sat up straight, or more of held herself more upright on her hands when Eric sat up. She followed his eyes that seemed to be stuck on her tail.

"Is that a tail?" Eric demanded, "Are you a mermaid?"

Eric decided he must've sounded much more angry or upset than he felt, because the girl's kind eyes suddenly became filled with fear and she pulled herself a few feet away from him. Eric got on his knees and crawled over to Ariel and slowly sat back on his heels before gently placing a hand on her arm.

"I will not hurt you. You do not need to be afraid." Eric stated firmly, but kindly, "Besides, I could never hurt anyone who saves my life," he gave a small chuckle. "What is your name?"

Ariel hesitated for a good five seconds or so. "Ariel. My name is Ariel," She answered, somehow knowing Eric was sincere about not hurting her.

Eric smiled warmly, making Ariel's heart flutter. "Beautiful name," he gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "for a beautiful mermaid."

Eric had no idea why the fact that a mermaid sitting right in front of him and having a conversation with him wasn't insane. Maybe it was because he believed old sailors' tales about mermaids, maybe he was just insane, but if it was real, Eric wasn't planning on ruining it.

"And you're the Prince Eric," Ariel commented quietly, locking her eyes with his while trying to ignore the tingling feeling that coursed through her body from Eric's touch and sweet words.

Eric nodded, his eyes still locked with hers, "Yes, I am...but how did you know?"

Ariel shook her head softly, "Doesn't matter." She broke her eyes away from his and looked out towards the sea, dreading that she just ruined the moment...wait, was that a moment?

"I must go," Ariel stated quickly, "I'm sorry." She began pulling herself to the tide before Eric could object.

Eric jumped to his feet, just then processing Ariel's words properly.

"Ariel? Please, wait!" Eric jogged out to her. Boy, even on dry land, mermaids moved quickly. He gave a small smile to Ariel and gently took her into his arms. "Let me help you."

Ariel's cheeks flushed bright red as Eric lifted her. He was so strong, yet so gentle and sweet. The tingling that she felt before intensified, making it hard to concentrate on more than just Eric's handsome face. She had to get home to her father, King Triton, and her sisters. They would all be worried for her, if not, extremely angry at her for being gone all night. And if anyone found out that she had been talking with a human and saving him too? Ariel would just die.

Eric looked down at the gorgeous, (though surprisingly light), woman in his arms. How was he supposed to let this beautiful creature go? Deep down in his heart, Eric knew that turning Ariel loose was what's best for her. What would he do with her anyway? Lock her up in a tank? That would never be okay to do with any creature. Suddenly, Eric realized the water had reached as high as his hips. Reluctantly, he laid Ariel in the water.

Ariel sighed in relief when the seawater surrounded her body again. She looked up at Eric. He was smiling down serenely at her, but pure sadness filled his eyes.

"Oh, Eric," Ariel smiled weakly, gently cupping his cheek with her hand, "I'll come back. I just can't stay." As soon as she promised him she'd come back, a wave of regret washed over her. What if she couldn't keep that promise?

Eric's eyes seemed to light up, at least just a little. "You would, Ariel? Do you know when?"

Ariel was a little nervous to answer him, "One day after tomorrow...I'll do my best." She had to fight down the urge to kiss him on the cheek. "Goodbye, until then," She added quickly, hearing more humans' voices.

Eric nodded, "I'll wait for you, as long as it may take," he promised and quickly kissed her forehead. With one last smile, Eric turned and headed back to the beach as fast as he could.

Ariel took one last look, and savored the tingles for one more moment before diving under the surface and heading back towards home.