The Kingdom
The excitement in Ariel's body hadn't left since she woke up. She stared at herself in the mirror multiple times to make sure she looked good enough. She wore a blue dress with a blue bow tied in the back of her hair. The shoes they had gave her this time weren't as uncomfortable as the ones from yesterday and she attempted to dance like she had seen the sailors do on the ship, only to fall on the floor.
"Ariel," Ariel looked down at Sebastian. "You need to bat your eyes at him when he looks, okay? Then, you have to pucker up your lips, like this." Ariel bit back a laugh at his facial expression as she heard a knock at the door.
She opened it, revealing Belle standing in front of her. She wore a blue dress over a white shirt and had her hair tied in her regular ponytail.
"Good morning, did you eat breakfast?" Belle asked her as she walked into the room. Ariel shook her head to answer, closing the door behind her. Ariel wondered if there was going to be any seafood for breakfast and at the memory of watching her friend almost become food, she grimaced.
"Don't worry," Belle said through a giggle. "We don't eat seafood all the time."
Ariel's eyes widened. Could Belle read minds?
"But if you haven't had breakfast, I suggest you do," Belle told her in a soft voice. "It's going to be a while before we get to the town and it's never good to ride on an empty stomach."
Ariel nodded, the book in Belle's hands catching her attention. Belle noticed her looking and held it up.
"It's called 'Aladdin'," Belle told her, before flipping the book open. "It's about a poor boy who finds a genie that grants him three wishes."
Ariel tilted her head, memories of the books she had in her grotto coming back to life. She wished she had her voice so she could ask Belle more about the human world. Though it didn't seem she had to ask today as she was going on a tour with Eric.
"Do you like reading?" Belle asked Ariel, bringing the book to her chest and hugging it as if it were a person. Even though there weren't many books under the sea, she did enjoy reading and hearing some of the tales. It was almost like escaping to another world for a while. Ariel nodded and Belle's face seemed to light up at her answer. For a second, she looked brighter than the sun outside.
"You do?" Belle clarified. "That's fantastic. I've never met another girl who likes to read before. I always get called 'odd' for it and people even say it's not right for a woman to read. They say women shouldn't have ideas. Because of that, I never had many friends. No one I could really talk to."
Ariel frowned as she listened to Belle's words. How dare they call her 'odd'? There is nothing odd about her! So what if she likes to read? She's not hurting anyone. But Ariel noticed the way Belle spoke about reading and books. She knew because she felt the same excitement and happiness whenever she got to talk with Scuttle or Flounder about human things. She herself knew how hard it was to find someone who would listen to her and not judge her. She knew what it was like to feel lonely.
Ariel stepped closer to Belle and took the book out of her hands, opening it to the first page. It looked interesting. She didn't know what an Arabian Night was, but it wasn't like she could really ask. A gasp made her look up and she tensed, wondering if she made a mistake.
"Do you want me to get you a book?" Belle asked her. A book? A gift? Ariel never received a gift from a human before. She nodded vigorously, but stopped as she remembered something. Shouldn't she get a gift for Belle too? What would Belle like? She likes reading, that Ariel knew. But what else? Ariel pouted as she realized she didn't know a lot about her friend as she thought.
"Ariel?" Ariel smiled at Belle, loving the way her name sounded from her. "Are you alright?"
Ariel nodded. If she had to get a gift for Belle, it had to be a surprise. The sound of a bell it seemed like, stopped their conversation.
"Oh, we have to go," Belle stated, before grabbing Ariel's hand and pulling her out of the room. The soft touch caused warmth to spread through Ariel's body and a small grin appeared on her face as she squeezed the brunette's hand.
"You're on time today," Eric joked as Belle and Ariel walked closer. Belle rolled her eyes at his comment.
"Well, I couldn't keep our guest waiting," Belle replied, glancing over at Ariel who was just grinning at the prince in front of her.
"Did you sleep well?" Eric asked her, his voice going soft as she spoke to her. Belle smirked as she realized what was going on. Even though Eric didn't know Ariel was the one who saved him, she could see that he was already developing feelings for her in the way he spoke and looked at her.
Belle noticed Ariel nod in response, the grin never leaving her face. Eric chuckled and held his hand out to her, which caused Ariel to step back and look at him with furrowed brows.
"Do you need help getting in?" Eric asked her, pulling his hand back a little. Ariel's eyes widened as realization hit her and she nodded, taking Eric's hand as he helped her into the carriage. Belle noticed how he lingered a little longer as she sat down, his eyes never leaving Ariel's face.
Belle cleared her throat, making Eric jump back from the carriage. His face turned red at Belle's smirk and he moved over, allowing her to step on to the carriage. As she settled in, she noticed Ariel's blue eyes staring straight ahead at the horse in front of her.
"It's a horse," Belle told her, causing Ariel to blink and turn to face her. "I have one of my own, his name is Phillipe."
Ariel pointed to herself and then at the horse. Belle tilted her head, trying to figure out what Ariel was saying.
"Do you want to ride it?" Belle asked her. Ariel shook her head and then pointed at herself and then Belle, finally landing on the horse. Belle gasped as she realized.
"Oh, you want to see mine?" Ariel nodded as Belle finally got it. Belle smiled at Ariel's cuteness, tapping her hand with her own.
"One day you will," Belle assured her. The two became silent as Eric slid in on Ariel's left, taking the reins. With a snap, the carriage was on its way.
Ariel couldn't believe all the sights in front of her. The green in the plants in front of her, the feel of the cushion underneath as they rode, the birds singing as they flew by, it was all so amazing. She felt like a kid again as she took in everything around her. Who knew the human world was this beautiful?
The horse, as Belle called it, looked beautiful even from the back. The hair on the back of its head swung to the side as it walked. Did it walk? How did it walk? Did it have legs like her? Without hesitation, she turned around and bent over the back of the carriage, watching as the horse moved along the road. Why were their feet like that? Why did it make that sound?
Suddenly, she felt a hand grab her arm and pull her back up. She came face to face with Belle's worried eyes.
"Ariel! Don't do that, I thought you fell over!" Belle scolded her. Ariel pouted, sad at the fact that she caused worry to Belle and turned to sit like Belle and Eric. She glanced over at Eric, who was shaking his head with a gorgeous smile on his face, his black hair swinging as he did.
"Your friend sure is different, Belle," He commented. Ariel furrowed her brows. Was that a good thing? Was he trying to insult her? Did he think she was weird? What was on his mind?
"Yeah, she's like a fish out of water over here," Belle replied and without even looking, Ariel could hear the smirk on her face. She turned to Belle with a frown, who just laughed at her reaction. Her laugh sounded like the violins she heard at concerts. Almost as if she was singing as she did so. She wondered if Belle could sing. She wanted to hear her sing.
"We're almost there," Eric called out. Ariel turned to face the front, a blush appearing on her face. Why was she blushing? Was something weird with her? She's been doing that a lot since she became human. Is this a side effect?
As they arrived at the town, Ariel froze as she looked at all the people walking across. There were kids playing, the smell of something delicious filled her nostrils, and she saw something white and loud pass by her as it was pushed by a human. Laughter, chatter, and more filled her ears and she felt as if she couldn't breathe. Her head started swimming at the new buildings in front of her and when she looked over the carriage, she noticed how the floor was different than the ones she saw before. They looked like they were rising out of the ground, almost.
"Ariel, are you alright?" Ariel looked up at Belle's hazel eyes, her pounding heart calming down at the sight of her. Ariel nodded, breathing in and out. Belle looked her over once more before stepping off the carriage. Ariel quickly followed her lead, though her foot slipped and she felt herself falling forwards.
Expecting to hit the floor, she was surprised when she felt something soft beneath her. A soft groan caused her to open her eyes, coming face to face with Belle's pink one. Ariel could feel Belle's heart beating and her chest rising and falling with each breath she took. The air around Ariel felt thick, almost too thick to breathe. She wanted to move, but she couldn't. She was frozen in place as familiar hazel eyes looked up at her.
"Whoa, are you two alright?" Eric's voice sounded far away and even as he grabbed Ariel's arm to pull her up, his touch felt like the smallest seaweed brushing against her as she swam by. As she steadied herself, Eric helped Belle up, whose hair had fallen in front of her face. Ariel wanted to reach out to brush it out of her eyes but resisted the urge. Belle brushed the front of her apron off as she made eye contact with Ariel.
"Are you okay?" She asked and Ariel was upset at that. How dare she ask such a question? Ariel should be the one asking her that. Then again, Ariel remembered how she didn't have a voice and bit her lip as she nodded. The heat on her body didn't seem to go away.
Belle didn't seem to believe her but she nodded anyway.
"Well, I'm going to the bookshop," Belle told Eric, the pink on her cheeks not going away.
"Okay, let me know when you're ready to leave," Eric told her, but Belle quickly shook her head.
"No need," Belle told him, her tone urgent. "I'll be fine. You two have fun." With that, Belle turned to go on her way. And Ariel found herself watching her as she disappeared into the crowd.
Belle shook her head, upset at how her mind kept going back to when Ariel fell on top of her. The short pain that went through her head seemed to disappear entirely as she looked up at Ariel's blue eyes. She was close, too close. Her red hair brushed against Belle's skin and with the sun shining, she looked like an angel. The sounds in the town grew softer and she noticed how Ariel's face turned a red almost the color of her hair. Something was strange. Belle knew it as soon as she and Ariel locked eyes again.
She didn't want to stay around the two any longer and quickly made her way to the bookshop. Belle placed her hand on her heart as if that was going to stop the crazy beating in her chest. Why was she feeling this way? Why was Ariel's face imprinted in her mind? Why couldn't she stop thinking about the little mermaid?
"Belle, are you alright?" Belle blinked, tossed out of her thoughts, as she set her eyes on the owner of the bookshop.
"I-I'm fine…" Belle's voice trailed off. She looked down at the book in her hands, remembering why she came to the bookshop in the first place.
"I came to return the book I borrowed," She told him, handing it towards him as she headed to the bookshelf. She breathed in, the smell of new and old books filling her nostrils. The cozy feeling of the shop always made Belle feel like she was in a home away from home. These books held the imagination of many different people, the thoughts that ran threw their head, the knowledge that they wanted to lend to others. She could never get enough of it.
"Do you have anything new?" Belle asked as she slid her hand across the edges of the books. She knew whichever book her hand landed on was going to be a good one.
"Not since yesterday," The owner said with a chuckle. Belle tilted her head as she noticed a book she never read before. She pulled it out and glanced at the title. How to be human. Her mind drifted to a familiar red-head and she remembered how she promised to get her a book. It seemed almost perfect that her hand landed on it.
"I'll borrow this one," Belle told him, handing it to the owner. He adjusted his glasses as she looked at it, a confused expression appearing on his face.
"This one?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow at her. She blushed as she replied.
"It's for a friend," Belle admitted. A smile broke across the owner's face and Belle wondered if she should be relieved or worried.
"A friend? Well then, tell them to keep it," The owner said, causing Belle's eyes to widen. Keep it? What? How?
"But sir-" He cut her off before she could finish.
"I insist," He told her, giving the book back to her and patting her on the shoulder. "Go on." He lead her out of the bookshop, but Belle still couldn't shake the shock from her face. She fumbled the book into her basket as she walked into the center of town.
Ariel's arms were full as she followed Eric throughout the town. He has shown her everything from dancing to food to music, she couldn't be more grateful for him. Her heart skipped a beat as she took another step. She couldn't hide the smile on her face as he looked at her, his eyes resembling the ocean she grew up in. How was it possible for one man to look so beautiful?
As the two passed by the stores, a scent caught her attention. She stopped and turned to her right, coming face to face with a flower shop. At least, that's what the sign said. All of the flowers looked beautiful, but there was one in particular that shined brighter than the rest.
A red flower, redder than any crab she has ever seen, was tucked in between yellow flowers. Ariel stepped closer towards it, holding out her hand to it. It's scent reminded her of Belle and as she touched the green leaves, she wondered what Belle would think of it. As she went to pick it up, she grimaced at something pricking her skin. Why was the flower hurting her?
"It's a rose," Eric's voice sounded closer than usual and Ariel turned to find him standing next to her, his head almost too close to her's. Ariel blushed as she turned to face the prickly flower. Eric must've read her mind.
"It has thorns, but it's one of the most beautiful and romantic flowers," He explained to her. Ariel tilted her head as she looked at it. She picked it up, careful of the thorns and twirled it around in her hand, watching how the light shined down on the rose. She could see the little details in the flower and as she held it up to the light, she knew she wanted it.
"Do you want to buy it?" Eric asked her. She turned to look at him, speechless for a moment at his eyes. She nodded and Eric called the owner of the shop over.
As the two spoke, Ariel continued to look at the rose, not caring about what they were saying. She was much more focused on who she was going to give the flower to.
As Belle walked through the town, she noticed bright red hair bouncing along the road. She knew it was Ariel and smiled as she walked towards her. She couldn't wait to see her reaction when she gave her the book. Considering how much Ariel loves the human world, she would need the book to help her out right. Once she was close enough, she tapped the redhead on the shoulder. When she turned around, Belle was met with the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen.
"Ariel, are you having fun?" Belle asked her and Ariel nodded, a smile stuck on her face as she did so. She noticed Ariel place her hands behind her back as if she was hiding something.
"What's behind your back?" Belle asked. Ariel bit her lip and darted her eyes around, a blush appearing on her face. Quickly, Belle felt something thrust into her hands and she looked down to see a beautiful red rose. She twirled it around, watching how the particles flew in the air, illuminating the rose. She looked up at Ariel with a smirk, who was looking down at her feet.
"Did you get this for me?" Belle asked, though the answer was clear. Ariel nodded, her eyes still trained on her feet. Belle looked at the rose again, the red color reminding her of Ariel's hair.
"It's beautiful…" Belle said, her voice trailing off. Suddenly, she remembered the book she had got for Ariel and took it out of her basket. She held it out to Ariel who looked at if with the expression of a puppy.
"It's a book on how to be human," Belle explained, her face heating up as she spoke. "I got it for you."
Ariel took the book out Belle's hands, turning it over in her hands. She flipped the book open to a page, her lips pouted out as she did so. Belle rocked on the heels of her feet, worried if she was going to like the book or not. Maybe she should've got her something else.
Suddenly, Belle was engulfed in a hug, her face buried on Ariel's shoulder. Ariel's arms wrapped around her tightly and Belle could smell the fresh scent off of Ariel. Slowly, Belle wrapped her arms around Ariel, bringing her closer. If anyone were to look at the two, they would've thought they were friends who have been reunited after a long time. But Belle didn't care about the looks. In Ariel's arms, she felt comfortable and accepted.
"Hey," A familiar voice caused the two to break apart, both of their heads turning to the owner of it. "Are you ready to go?"
Belle furrowed her brows, before realizing who he was talking to. "Oh, you're taking Ariel somewhere?" She asked him, her stomach twisting as she did so.
"Yeah, but it's a surprise," Eric told her, winking. Belle stifled a laugh as looked at Ariel who stood confused. Belle patted her on her shoulder.
"Well then, have fun," Belle told her, her tone coming out more bitter than she expected. She wasn't the only one to notice.
"Do you want me to ride you back to the palace?" Eric asked her, but Belle quickly shook her head. She didn't know why she felt so strange all of a sudden. This was something completely foreign to her.
"No need, I'll be fine," Belle plastered a smile onto her face. She twisted the rose in her hand, before placing it in her basket. Eric looked at her, his eyes showing his worry.
"Are you sure?" Eric asked. "I'm sure Ariel wouldn't mind, would you?" Ariel shook her head in response as she looked at Belle with eyes that resembled a puppy. But Belle didn't want that. She needed to take a walk. She didn't want to be around the two much longer right now.
"I'm sure," Belle stated, her voice stronger and defensive. Eric and Ariel both backed up a bit at her response. Belle frowned at their reaction, brushing her hair out of her face.
"Just go, I'll be fine," Belle said again. Not waiting for a response, Belle walked away. She could still feel their eyes on her as she exited the town.
Ariel held all the things she had received in her arms as Eric took them to their next destination. He said he had a surprise for her, which made Ariel nervous and excited. She wondered if it was a good surprise. If it is, that clearly means he likes her right? No guy would give a girl a surprise like that if they don't, right? She remembered that she had only six days left to get a kiss out of him. Maybe she could get one today. She felt like they had a lot of fun together. She remembered how she made him laugh yesterday. Maybe she should do that again today.
As Ariel looked down at the objects in her arms, flowers, boots, and bread, she saw something nestled in them. The book Belle had got her. The title was definitely fitting for her, which made her wonder if there were any other mermaids who became human and made a book for future mermaids to read. It wasn't impossible seeing as Ariel herself is one now. She frowned as she remembered her time limit. She needed to get that kiss. She couldn't imagine experiencing being human for a week and then having to return to her boring life in the sea.
A movement to her left caught her eye and she turned to see Eric holding out the reins to her. Was he asking her to control the horse? Ariel threw the objects into his arms as she took the reins, the adrenaline rushing through her as she snapped it like he did. Immediately, the horse took off at full speed, pulling the carriage with him. She watched how the horse's mane moved as he ran, his shoulders movement as well. She could never do something like this under the sea. Never.
She saw a gap coming up, but the horse wasn't stopping. If the horse wasn't stopping, she wasn't either. With a wild grin, she snapped the reins and the horse leaped over the gap. For a moment, Ariel felt like a bird in the sky. The air whipped her hair out of her face and the sun beamed down on her. Once the carriage landed, the horse went back to it's usual pace. Ariel held the reins tightly, her jaw hurting from the smile on her face.
She looked to see Eric with disheveled hair and wide eyes sitting back on the seat. His eyes met hers and he gave her a tired grin.
"You…" Eric told her, his voice breathless. "Are amazing."
Ariel's heart fluttered at the compliment and she turned her eyes back to the road. This was it, she had to get a kiss now.
The second Belle was inside the palace, she went straight to the library, her only comfort in this grand place. Once inside the library, she went to her favorite seat and laid down, closing her eyes as she thought to herself.
Why did she act so weird? Why was Ariel's smiling face imprinted in her mind? Why did she blush and feel her heart race whenever the little mermaid looked at her? This had to be one of the strangest things to ever happen to her. Ever since she saw Ariel singing to Eric that day on the beach, her mind has been running wild. This wasn't something she was used to.
She chuckled as she remembered when she was younger and what she had wished for in life. She wanted so much more than the provincial life she and her father had lived in. Even though, they now lived in the palace, she realized she wanted more.
She wanted adventure, more than she could even tell. She didn't know where she was going to find it, she didn't know if she was ever going to get it. But walking through the halls of the palace, passing by everyone's judging eyes (Excluding Eric and Carlotta), she felt more lonely than she did in their old village. Eric was her best friend, but he couldn't really understand what she wanted.
She didn't expect him to though. They both had different goals in life. Remembering how Eric looked at Ariel when she was boarding the carriage, it seemed he was finding his sooner than her. She wished she had someone who could understand her. Suddenly, Ariel's bright eyes appeared in Belle's mind and she shook her head to get rid of the image.
Ariel couldn't believe it when Eric had surprised her with a boat ride in a lagoon. She has swam in the ocean before, but she has never rode a boat on top of the water before. As Eric...did whatever he was doing, she didn't really know, she looked around and the looming trees and the shining stars. Tonight was extremely beautiful and romantic. Was this his idea? Did he want to kiss her too? Was this a sign?
Suddenly, Belle's hazel eyes appeared in Ariel's mind and she frowned. She wondered if Belle was alright, considering the way she left. Did Ariel do something to make her upset? Was it Eric? Did they have a fight? Maybe Belle just wanted to be alone. But why? She didn't want to see her upset, it wasn't right. Ever since Ariel met Belle she has been patient and understanding. Ariel wished she could thank Belle for being by her side. It made this week better.
Something red on a leaf caught her attention and Ariel's eyes widened as she saw who it was. Sebastian! What was he doing? Eric didn't seem to notice him as the boat got closer, his head resting on his hand like yesterday. Was that a habit of his? Was Sebastian going to hurt Eric? No, he wouldn't do that. He knows how much this means to her.
The sound of something like music hit her ears. She could make out a beautiful melody and if she listened carefully, she could hear Sebastian singing. What was he doing? She saw Sebastian lean down to whisper something in Eric's ear. Oh no! Oh no! Oh no! Eric turned, but the leaf had sprung back to its original position, Sebastian nowhere in sight.
"Did you hear something?" Eric asked her. She shook her head, trying her best to look natural. What was his plan? Was he trying to help her? She had to admit the music sounded good. She twisted her hair in her hands, biting her lip as well. Could she really kiss him? What if they kiss and she goes back into a mermaid? That would mean he doesn't love her. But why not? He thinks she's funny, amazing, and beautiful. She shouldn't have to worry.
She looked up, Eric's eyes meeting hers. Maybe this was her chance. She sat up straight and Eric matched her body language. Did he want to kiss her? He looked like it. Suddenly, Ariel wondered if she remembered how to kiss. She has only ever kissed one guy in her life and that was on a dare from Arista. There was no time for worrying now though as Eric leaned in. She leaned closer to him, remembering to close her eyes. This was it, he was going to kiss her.
Hazel eyes appeared in Ariel's mind, causing her confusion. Now was not the time to be thinking of Belle. She puckered up her lips, awaiting the kiss. However, nothing touched them. She opened her eyes to see Eric back to holding the wooden objects in his hands, his eyes focused on something else. What's wrong? Did she do something wrong? He didn't want to kiss her? Then why did he lean in? Could he read minds? She didn't mean to think of Belle!
This was going to be harder than she thought.
A few silent moments passed by, the awkwardness so thick Ariel felt like she was choking. Maybe it was her imagination after all. She shouldn't have leaned in. She just made herself look stupid.
"Hey?" Eric called to her and Ariel lifted her eyes to meet his. "Are you happy?"
Ariel nodded in response. Why was he asking her that question? What was he trying to get out of her? Was he trying to lift the mood? That was it!
"Did you like our day out in the town?" He asked again, a smile teasing the corner of his lips. He had took his hands off the wooden things and was leaning back, his right hand on his chin. Maybe it was a habit of his.
Ariel smiled and nodded. Where was this conversation going?
"Me too," Eric told her, his smile matching hers. "You know, in two days we are having a ball. I was wondering if you would like to attend. You don't have to if you don't want to."
Ariel didn't waste no time, nodding vigorously as she placed her hand on his. Surprisingly, it didn't tingle her or shock her. It just felt natural and comfortable. Eric's eyes widened in response and he sat straight up.
"You would?" Eric asked, his tone showing his excitement. Ariel nodded again, lifting his hand up. Eric looked down at it, his eyes softening as he did. He placed his other hand on top of hers before looking into her eyes. Ariel felt anxious as he did.
"That's pretty cool," Eric said, his voice soft. As Ariel looked in his eyes, they resembled a small child she realized. Kind, curious, and bright.
The boat had moved into a shaded area, the music seeming to get softer as she glanced from his eyes to his lips. She licked her lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him. Could she do it? Did he want to? What did Sebastian say? Bat her eyes? Pucker her lips? Sighing, she batted her eyes up at Eric, trying hard to hide the blush. She looked up at him from under her eyelashes and noticed him leaning in closer. This was it. This was it!
She leaned in, tilting her head slightly like she remembered. He was getting closer. The song disappeared from her mind as she closed her eyes, eager for their lips to meet. She could hear his breathing become shallow as he came closer. This was it. This was it!
Suddenly, she felt herself falling off the boat and into the water. She remembered how she couldn't breathe when she had first transformed into a human and tried desperately to get out. She felt something grab her hand and pull her up, the fresh air coming into her nostrils. She opened her eyes to see Eric looking at her, just as wet as she was.
"I've got you, don't worry," Eric assured her as he steadied her on her feet. Ariel's legs felt wobbly and she felt her stomach tense as she noticed some animals swimming in the ocean. One caught her eye however. Something slimy and eerily familiar.
Belle couldn't hold her laughter in as she saw Eric and Ariel walk in through the palace doors, both dripping wet. Ariel had a blanket wrapped around her and her eyes kept darting back and forth as she walked in. Eric shook his hair out like a dog before walking over to Belle.
"Well, what happened here?" Belle asked, a chuckle in her voice. "Did you two go for a swim or something?"
"Very funny," Eric replied, rolling his eyes. "We were in a boat and it tipped over. Must've hit something."
Belle glanced over at Ariel who was drying out her hair with the blanket. She looked like a child as she pouted her lips and puffed out her cheeks, trying to get the water out of her hair.
"You two need a bath," Belle stated and Eric groaned in response.
"I think I've had enough water for today," He said, before turning to Ariel. He hesitated as if he wanted to ask her something but turned back to Belle instead.
"Do you mind walking her back to her room?" He asked her and Belle shook her head. Of course she didn't. She would've done it even if he hadn't asked. Eric nodded in response before walking away, giving Ariel a small wave. As he left, Belle noticed him mumbling to himself. Must have a lot on his mind.
Belle turned back to Ariel who was looking at her with wide eyes like a puppy. The blanket was now draped on her head like a scarf, causing Belle to giggle at her appearance. She stepped closer to the red head and took the two ends of the blanket before tying them together under her chin. She didn't know why she did, she just felt like doing it. She noticed Ariel give her a confused expression as she backed away, taking in Ariel and the blanket.
"You look adorable," Belle stated. Ariel's eyes widened before a slow grin broke onto her face and she nodded her heads in thanks. Belle nodded her head towards the direction of Ariel's room, signalling for her to follow.
The two walked in silence, though it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable. In fact, to Ariel, it was peaceful. Even though she wished she had her voice, she realized not every moment needs a word said. She liked the peaceful aura around Belle. She always looked so composed despite finding out she was a mermaid and that crabs could talk. Ariel didn't have the ability to be as calm as Belle, she knew that very well. But Belle didn't seem to get annoyed by her.
"So…" Belle spoke up. "Did you and Eric have fun?"
Ariel nodded in response, before biting her lip. Belle noticed and stopped in her tracks, looking at Ariel with furrowed brows.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Belle asked. Ariel turned to Belle and shook her head, disappointed in the memory. Belle didn't seem to realize what she meant so Ariel puckered her lips to show her. Belle's face flushed when she did so and she pulled her head back.
"Um...uh...what…" Belle stammered as she bought her hand to her pink cheeks. Ariel tilted her head. Did Belle not get what she was saying? Maybe she should try again. Ariel pointed to herself and then pointed down the hall where they came from before puckering up her lips again. She then crossed her arms into an X and shook her head. Now Belle had to get it.
"Oh? Oh!" Belle's eyes widened as she realized what Ariel was saying. "You didn't kiss?"
Ariel nodded, clapping her hands at Belle catching on to what she said.
"So how many days do you have left?" Belle asked, clasping her hands together. Ariel sighed as she held five fingers. A silence passed by as the two took in what that meant. Ariel looked down at her feet as she bought her hand back down. She didn't want to go back to the sea. The last two days she spent on land were the best days of her life. She wanted to succeed more than anything. She wanted to go on more carriage rides and boat rides with Eric. She wanted to talk with Belle and learn more about her world. She even wanted to see Grimsby again.
Suddenly, Ariel felt warm as two arms wrapped around her, pulling her into a hug. Ariel took in the wooden and refreshing scent, the warmth and comfort they provided as they held her close. Ariel wrapped her arms around the other person's small waist, surprised when she felt something wet trickle down her face.
"Don't cry, Ariel, it's going to be okay," Belle assured her as she brushed Ariel's hair with her fingers. Ariel found herself liking the feeling of Belle playing with her hair. "You still have five more days."
Belle pulled back from Ariel, keeping her at arms length as she placed her hands on her shoulders. Belle's hazel eyes stared into Ariel's blue eyes with a determination she has never seen before.
"I promise, we're going to make the next few days count," Belle promised her and Ariel felt more tears come out of her eyes at her words. At that moment Ariel knew, that no matter what happened, she would always have Belle to rely on.
Chapter five. Let me know what you think. If you could leave a review, that would be nice. It really helps.