AN: THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH TO EVERYONE WHO REVIEWED!!!!! You all are simply absolutely amazing! Because of you this my favorite story that I am writing I LOVE the feedback I've gotten. GladeSistas made a request and so I would like to honor it. I hope you all like it! Please enjoy!
Meeting the Family
Jim had maybe all of two seconds before a rainbow storm charged him and Ariel. The last thing he could vividly see before he was literally covered in girls was Ariel positioning herself before him to act as his own personal mermaid shield.
And then…the questions came with a flurry of …
"Oh my gosh!"
"Who is this!"
""What's his name?"
"Where's he from?"
"How'd you meet?"
"Look at those muscles!"
"Ladies…give the guy some room to move his tail." A strong deep amused voice sounded and slowly the flurry of faces and bodies all stopped moving like they were caught red handed. Reluctantly, each of them backed away.
No wonder he thought he was being attacked by a rainbow. Each one of Ariel's sisters had a different tail color. It was amusing how they all had adopted the same look of timid embarrassment. That is, all except for his little mermaid. She looked as if steam was about to blow out her ears. What had gotten under her skin so easily? Without even thinking, he pulled her to his side, softly rubbing circles on her shoulder.
Soft gasps were emitted by several of the girls, all of them wondering the same thing. Who was this merman who so casually touched their sister, that caring for their sister had already become a reflex?
Jim watched as six mermen swam forward, each one stopping at a mermaid's side. And then there was another curious realization. Each merman paired with his mermaid had a darker tail hue of the same color as his mermaid. Way to enforce the rainbow.
Attina looked to her boyfriend and intended mate. The male had short spiky brown hair with fierce chocolate brown eyes. His looks were rugged but handsome, seemingly well paired with his burnt orange almost red tail. The five o'clock shadow he sported, couple of scars on his chest and lean muscled build gave him the look of a lead action star. The chocolate of his eyes melted when he gazed his princess and nodded. Attina spoke cautiously.
"Ariel, who is this?" Everyone watched in surprise as Ariel reached down and grasped Jim's hand tightly in her own much smaller one, her warm smile making him believe he could and would face anything. In response, Jim smiled softly.
"This is Jim. Jim Hawkins. Jim, I'd like you to my sisters and their boyfriends. From oldest to youngest, this is Attina and her boyfriend, Finn. Then we have Aquata and her boyfriend, Riley."
Jim noted that these merpeople had blue tails. Aquata's was cerulean and the merman beside her was navy. This boyfriend had spiked ebony locks with bright green eyes
"Then we have Alana and her boyfriend, Caspian." Alana had a lavender tail color while Caspian's was indigo. This boyfriend seemed like the most reserved of all. This one had strangely long white hair that was tied back in a loose low ponytail. His eyes were fierce, guarded, and bright amber in hue.
"Next we have Andrina and her boyfriend, Tristan." Their color was purple. Andrina's tail was a nice royal and his dark plum. This merman had messy bronze locks that sort of fell into his green eyes.
"Then we have Adella and her boyfriend, Stevie." Jim started a bit at that name. All the names before his were strong or at least had some tie to the ocean and then there was…Stevie. Jim had to hold in a snort. Stevie was just so human for a name. Their color was a shade of yellow. (The guy from little mermaid three)
"And then, last but not least are Arista and her boyfriend, Rip." Their color was red. Arista had a bright apple red and Rip's was a dark crimson. He had chin length blonde hair with natural highlights and hazel brown eyes.
Jim smiled at his cute little mermaid as she let out a long tired sigh. There were light giggles and low chuckles exclaimed among everyone.
"Well Hawkins, it's nice to meet ya." Finn swam forward and held out his hand. Jim, in return, gave a firm hand shake of his own. Both boys smirked, an instant camaraderie forming between them. It was weird. It was like Finn was already like the big brother he never had.
Ariel was happy. Already, Jim was getting along well with her gigantic family. Finn had never liked anyone she ever even just glanced at before, and now Jim had barely said two words while he was in the palace and already he was getting a handshake.
Jim released Finn's hand and bowed slightly before the princesses and their boyfriends.
"It's good to meet all of you." Adella's voice was mischievous.
"So Ariel, is this your boyfriend?" Arista gasped and Attina glared at the smirking mermaid. However, none were so shocked as Jim and Ariel. Both sets of blue eyes widened considerably.
Jim froze. What was Ariel going to say? Though it had seemed like he had known her a lifetime, in truth, this was the second day of actually knowing her. They weren't an item but his feelings were slanted in that direction. Were they just friends? Would she refuse to date him because he was actually human?
Slowly, he turned to lock gazes with the petite redhead. Bright blue eyes were wide with anxiety. Ariel looked around nervously. Everyone was waiting for what she was going to say. This is was not the way she wanted her feelings to be revealed. Her heart pounded against her chest. Well, here went something…
"Um…well not technically but…"
"But?" Aquata pressed and everyone waited on baited breath especially Jim.
That "but" was making his heart pound. Did that mean that she wanted…As they continued to stare, Ariel's look was longing and he could see pink staining her cheeks. Well here goes nothing…
"But the fact is that I haven't asked her yet," Jim supplied keeping his eyes locked with hers. He was glad he did because if he had looked down he would have missed how the pink deepened to red or the small shy smile that accompanied it. Jim actually grinned. His heart soared. So she does feel the same! It was all he could do to stay in place and not race over to her like some over zealous school boy.
"Dude what are you waiting for? Ask her out already!" Rip's surfer accent cut through the dream like atmosphere.
Jim was stunned. Should I ask her out? Can I ask her with all these people around? Looking back, he accidentally caught glances with Finn. He wore a challenging smirk, daring him on. That look moved him to ask, but then, what about Ariel? Does she want me to ask her? Aren't girls kind of picky about this sort of thing?
Looking back to her, he found that she was still uncharacteristically quiet, one hand lightly scratching her arm. It was like she was waiting for something. Waiting! He was beyond nervous. This was the first time he had ever asked a girl out, and here he was doing it in front of a group of people. To make matters worse, naturally he wasn't good with words. He only hoped Ariel would understand.
Gathering his courage he swam forward stopping inches before his mermaid.
"So uh…what do you say, will you be my girlfriend?" Ariel smiled softly ignoring the fluttering of her own heart. He wasn't very eloquent but his heart was in the right place, and she really liked him so she nodded. Besides, he looked so cute when he was all shy and insecure.
It was all he could do in that moment not to sweep her up into his arms and twirl her about. Still, his face lit and he settled for taking her hand, lifting it to his lips and placing a gentle kiss upon her hand.
Now this is more like it…Ariel thought with a blush.
"Oh how romantic!" Arista exclaimed latching onto Rip's bicep.
"Or predictable," Andrina muttered and Tristan smirked agreeing with her. So caught up in the moment that just occurred, no one noticed the outraged little red crab that had just swam in to see that this "Jim" character again, but this time he was kissing Ariel's hand!
"What is dis young lady!" Jim and Ariel jumped as the rest giggled and smirked. Keeping hold of his hand, Ariel snapped back into her usual bubbly self trying to explain.
"Well, you see, there's a very good reason for that, a very good explanation that I'm going to tell you." Now even Jim was struggling to keep from laughing. The girl was just too cute when she was flustered. And all of this was because of a little red crab who had his claws crossed. It was amazing how such a small creature could instill such fear.
"Well you see, it's like this. Jim…"
"Is her new boyfriend," Aquata supplied.
"Aquata!" Ariel fumed.
"What? It's not like it's that big of deal."
"Boyfriend!" Sebastian exclaimed in a shout.
"Isn't that nice, Sebastian? Now Ariel finally has found someone special" Alana spoke up sweetly.
"Yippee…" Really, he should have known better, what with the way those two were staring at each other last night. Suddenly exhausted, Sebastian hung his head in defeat.
"New boyfriend or not, your Fada will have my claws if you don't come da dinnah right away." Everyone kind of just stayed silent until Sebastian yelled.
"Now!" In a flurry of bubbles, the group of teenagers swam past down the hall. Sebastian sighed before following after them. Geez man, dos girls are gonna be da end of me!
~!#$%^&**()(*&^%$#!~!#$%^&&*()(*&^%$#!~
Meanwhile, Jim now found himself in the largest dining room he had ever seen, sitting at the largest stone table he had ever seen. The chairs were all mini replicas of Triton's throne, on each a cushion for comfort. All of the sisters and their boyfriends were scattered about the table.
Ariel smiled softly. For so long, the chair next to her had been empty, her sisters and their boyfriends never knowing quite what to say. She supposed out of all the boyfriends, she connected with Finn the most. Usually, he and Attina would scoot down and sit next to her so she wouldn't have to constantly think about the fact that she didn't have someone.
Finn really was like a big brother to her: protective, fun-loving, and sometimes annoying. Soon, by law, he would be. He was Attina's intended mate and someday king. It was hard to picture the rogue as a king, as she watched him sitting between Jim an d Attina. But he would be good for the kingdom. He would bring it new life and energy.
By now, everyone was chattering amongst themselves, the prospect of Jim old news.
"So Hawkins, where'd you meet Sparky?'
"Sparky?" Jim's lips curled into a sexy smirk as he glanced back at the scowling redhead. Then her snarl abruptly turned into a playful smirk of her own.
"I saved his life." Both Attina and Finn's brows rose.
"How did that happen?" Jim looked to Ariel for the answer because he certainly couldn't tell the truth.
"He was traveling so he could move here and he so ignorantly angered a shark."
"True, but I remember saving a certain redhead from a shark in a shipwreck." Jim fired back playfully. Finn chuckled lowly.
"Sounds like one heck of a first date. Sparky, maybe you've finally met your match." There was a clearing of someone's voice. It was the royal seahorse announcer.
"His Royal Highness, King Triton." Immediately, everyone rose in respect as Triton swam into the room. Jim was nervous as the formidable form of the sea king came into view. Part of him wanted to sink down in his chair when he spotted the triton he carried with him. How would her father feel about him dating his youngest daughter?
Almost as if she could read his mind, Ariel reached and took a hold of his hand under the table. Both looked to each other and smiled. It was like his fears were gone. Meanwhile, King Triton sat down at the head of the table.
"Hello girls, boys. I trust you all had a good day." Everyone gave their affirmation.
At this point multiple servants swam in, each holding a large clam the size of a briefcase. Each servant placed their clam in front of their respective royal. Anxiety built in Jim. He didn't know the eating customs of the merpeople. He would have to watch Ariel for his cues.
Ariel knew this too. Smiling, she tapped on the clam twice. An amused smile came to her face as Jim watched in awe as the clam opened. Inside, was a raised ridge on the left side.
Jim gaped. Merpeople used the exact silverware that humans did, except that theirs were made from stone instead of metal. Mentally, Jim laughed. It wasn't that Ariel had never seen a fork before; it was that she hadn't seen a human metal fork. In an underwater environment, it would be very difficult to make metal. To be honest, he did peg Ariel to be easily amused as well though he'd never say anything.
The rest of the clam was filled with noodles and had what looked like green sauce on top of it. Jim didn't know what to think about it.
"What's the matter Hawkins? You look like you've never had seaweed noodles before? Jim had to keep from cringing. So that's what that is. Next to him, Ariel had just spun a forkful of sea noodles and was lifting it to her lips, praying that Jim would just try it.
"Naw, just zoned out a bit." Taking a deep breath, Jim picked up his fork and spun a reasonable amount of sea noodles on it.
"Ariel." Triton's booming voice caused everyone to still. Ariel froze. She had been so caught up with being proud of Jim that she had neglected the watchful eye of her father. Steeling her nerves, she turned to face her father.
"Yes….Daddy?" Her father's face was stern but somehow…amused?
"And who is this young man?" Ariel fidgeted in her chair.
"Daddy…this is Jim Hawkins…"
"Her boyfriend," Adella added playfully. Ariel's glare promised death later. Triton's brows rose in surprise. So his daughters had been right before…
"Boyfriend? Is that so?" The amused and pleased tone was leaking through.
"Yes sir, it is." Ariel was surprised when it was Jim who spoke up. She was even more surprised when he squeezed the hand he held that was under the table. She watched as her father study Jim. By now, most mermen would have fled the table. But not Jim. He almost even looked calm!
"Oh and how long has this been going on?"
"Two days, Sir."
"Two days?" Finn was quick to interject to Triton's surprise.
"Yeah, and already he's saved her life." The sea king sighed heavily.
"Young man, is this true?" Jim was hesitant.
"Yes Sir." The sea king shook his head giving Ariel a pointed look before turning his attention back to Jim.
"Thank you young man, though I wonder if you have the stomach to keep up with our Ariel." Jim smiled at the now embarrassed mermaid.
"I believe I do Sir. I …really like being with her." Ariel blushed and the rest of her sisters 'oohed' and 'awwed'. Now even the sea king's steel façade finally fell and a soft wistful smile graced his lips.
"Very good then."
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It was around nine o'clock and Ariel's soft laughter filled the immediate area. Jim was content to listen. It had been a truly enjoyable dinner. Who knew that seaweed noodles would taste exactly like spaghetti? It was delicious.
Then there was the company. Triton wasn't so scary after all. He really though the king was happy with the idea that he was dating his daughter. In no time he was laughing and joking with the rest of them.
Besides Ariel, he spoke the most with Attina and Finn. Already, he felt a kinship with both of them. The couple was like the elder siblings he never had: Attina the caring but cautious elder sister and Finn the exciting big brother who defied danger. In his mind he was already brainstorming for ways so that he could visit in the daytime, if to go on some real expeditions with Finn. Their adventures would be wicked.
Not that I don't mind spending time with my mermaid, he thought as he watched Ariel laugh about something as she led him somewhere. It didn't really matter where she led him, as long as she held onto his hand like that. Suddenly, they stopped in front of a large rock ledge.
"I'd like to show you something." A playful smirk graced his lips.
"A bunch of rocks?" Ariel mock glared and she swatted at him.
"No silly, what's behind the rocks." Ariel's look was mischievous as she eyed a large boulder that upon closer inspection did seem a little out of place. Grinning, Jim left her side and went to push aside the boulder. It was surprisingly light, its size giving the deception of a heavy weight. Jim was pleasantly surprised to see an opening to what looked like a cave.
Giving her that sexy grin, he said softly, "Ladies first." Ariel blushed and rushed in. Smirking to himself, he let go of the stone and swam in after her, the boulder rolling back into its original position.
Within seconds, Jim's eyes widened monumentally. They were in some kind of grotto. But that's not what was breathtaking. It was the countless human items that littered the walls.
"Whoa…"
"So…this is my collection." Ariel looked like a vision, floating there in the center of it all.
Jim couldn't help the word, "beautiful" that slipped from his lips. Ariel blushed and carried on swimming to one side and absently running her fingers over a music box that had two human dancing figurines on it.
"I'm fascinated by the human world, though I suppose this'll be closest I can get to it. Daddy hates everything human." Ariel stopped realizing what she had just said. Sure enough, Jim's countenance turned somber and he sank to sit on the sand, his eyes resting on his tail. Ariel was quick to rush to his side.
"He doesn't hate you…it's just…humans were the reason my mother died." Jim's eyes widened. He had wondered where her mother was. Now he was glad he didn't ask.
"Well…I'm sure she'd be really proud of you and your sisters." Ariel smiled softly and scooted closer to him so that her fins rested over his.
The mere sensation of this sent tingles down his spine and the awakening of his male instincts. Slowly, she looked up to him.
"Really?" Her whisper was almost inaudible and like a bell. Slowly, as not to frighten her, Jim's hand rose and caressed her cheek with the gentlest of strokes never quite losing the physical contact.
"Really." His voice was gentle and deep. She found herself losing herself in the sincerity of his ocean blue eyes.
Jim didn't know whether it was his instincts or the moment, but he found himself cradling her face with the one hand and leaning down towards her, his eyelids growing heavy as he stared down at her lips.
He's going to kiss me now, she realized in a distant haze. It was the first kiss for both of them, but instinctually physical pleasure came naturally to merpeople.
His lips met hers gently. They're warm. It was an entirely new and pleasant experience. Ariel didn't know how to describe it. His lips fit hers perfectly and the soft pressure sent her heart to flutter against the cage of her chest. Tentatively, he massaged his lips with hers, not gentle anymore, demanding, but not too forceful, exploratory.
Ariel matched his fervor, quickly heating Jim's blood. Lost in the pleasurable hot sensations, Jim followed his instincts. He didn't know what to do exactly, or what he wanted. He just knew he wanted more, to…taste …more…
Ariel stilled a bit when she felt the warmth of Jim's tongue as it ran across her lower lip when he started to gently suck on it. She gasped in surprise and Jim wasted no time in exploring the sweet cavern of her mouth. By accident, their tongues ran against each other and Jim was surprised to hear a sigh escape Ariel's lips. The sound only heated his blood further as his other hand came to rest against her lower back his thumb tracing random patterns.
This time he deliberately he massaged his tongue against hers and now he knew why she gasped. It felt so good. Addicting. Lost in the heat, Ariel placed her small hands on Jim's bare chest unknowingly sending fire where she placed them.
It was rather explicit images of what his instincts whispered to him to do that caused him to stop. He didn't need any scales receding back just yet. However, their activities left them both panting. When their breaths had settled they lay down on the sand, Jim propped up on his elbow, while Ariel lay like the sand was her bed. Even now, Jim had to call on his self control. Ariel looked ravishing like back on the sand like that.
"You don't know how long I've been dying to do that," Jim whispered in her ear, thinking of all their interruptions. Ariel giggled because they were the only ones in the grotto and yet he acted as though he had some secret he wanted to share with only her. Lazily and absentmindedly, his hand traced designs on her stomach giving her tingles every once in a while.
"Really?" Jim placed a slow kiss on her shoulder.
"Really." Ariel's fingers ran softly against the hand that was caressing her stomach.
"It must be so much more wonderful to live on land." Ariel mused. With their close proximity, Ariel could feel Jim shake his head.
"Mmm, but the sea is just as beautiful. Ariel, I've been to many worlds and I've found that it doesn't matter how many I visit, I would still feel like something is missing. That is, until I came to this one…and met you. Atlantica…almost feels like home even though I'm not really a merman."
The words pained him and for some reason, he wished that he could have been a real merman so that he could stay with Ariel. Ariel's small hand felt like silk against his face as she turned over and faced him.
"Merman or not…I would have no other."
Hoped you liked this chapter! I have a question. Please vote and tell me whether they should go to the underwater club next or Ariel has dinner on land. Please review and tell me because I can't make up my mind! Until next time…Later days…