Eric's chest rose and fell in a moderate rhythm. His head rested against one of the many fluffy, feather pillows. Suddenly his slumber was disturbed by the aching sensation surging through his throat. Eric inwardly groaned and proceeded to try to cough away the sore feeling. Nothing. The sailor prince rubbed his drowsy face, attempting to wake up. He lifted the tangled sheets and tossed them to the side. A freezing shiver flooded through him once he planted his feet on the wooden surface. Eric gulped and another agonizing burn blew through his throat. With his eyes fluttering open he lifted his head up, but immediately squinted at the faint glow coming from their bedroom bathroom.
His ears perked up to the sound of anguish cries that sounded remarkably like Ariel's voice. Eric burst into action and, with much as much energy as he could muster so early in the morning, proceeded to zoom to the bathroom. Once he opened the cracked door, he gasped at his wife's form fiercely clinging to the toilet. He dashed to her side and bent down beside her. Ariel's whimpers made Eric cringe with utter desperation. There was nothing he could do except hold beck her flowing ruby strands and soothe her aching pains. "Shh, love." Eric whispered evenly. "It's going to be okay, Ariel."
Ariel felt awful, her stomach churning as she groaned. She had been awakened about half an hour ago, feeling an extreme nauseous feeling wash over her. So, trying not to wake Eric, she slipped into the bathroom where her retching had begun.
And now she was exhausted, just wanting desperately for the ill feeling to end so she could crawl back into bed. As she crouched on the tile floors, she pushed one of her hands under her bangs, feeling the beaded sweat on her forehead, while the other clung to the cold seat.
She heard the door creak open and was thankful to hear Eric comforting her. She said nothing but tried to relax, focusing on her breathing. Within a few more moments, the nausea seemed to subside, and her abdomen no longer clenched in pain.
Looking up at Eric, she offered him a weak smile. "I'm sorry I woke you. Dinner must have been undercooked last night, or something.." she shook her head. Then, standing up again, she walked over to the sink and rinsed out her mouth a few times, her legs strained from crouching for so long.
With a yawn, she reached over and squeezed her husband's hand, reassuring him she was alright. "Thank you, Eric," the redhead said sweetly, wanting to reach up and kiss his cheek, but stopping herself. She didn't want him to feel sick, too.
The sailor prince shook his tussled mop top and glowered sweetly down at his fragile wife. "No need to apologize, love." his hands rubbed the surface of her back as he led her to the sink. "Maybe dinner was under cooked. I'll tell Chef Louie to be a little more cautious on cooking." Eric side stepped to the door, waiting patiently for her rinsing to be done.
Despite her current condition, her little yawn his cheeks tinted a bright shade of magenta. His fingers laced around her as he gave a reassuring squeeze. "You're more than welcome, Ariel." he commented lightly as he lead her out of the bathroom and to her comfy bed. He peeled back her sheets and patted the space before him. "I just hope you feel better in the morning." he stated hopefully as he crossed over to his side. Eric gradually crawled back into bed and pecked a delicate kiss on her forehead. "Good night Ariel." At that note, he snuggled into his pillow and silky sheets and drifted back into slumber.
"Me too.." she mumbled with another yawn, crawling into bed and pulling the sheets up over her body, now cold from being on the floor for so long. She hugged her knees to her chest, spreading out her red locks across her pillow and away from her face. "Good night," she whispered. In a few moments, she was asleep again.
A few hours later, the princess woke up suddenly, the nauseous feeling taking over her again. "Oh no," she groaned, clenching her teeth and running into the bathroom as quickly and quietly as she could.
She was sick again, for about the same amount of time as during the night. "What is going on," she said to herself, pulling her long hair back into a ponytail. "This is crazy.." She stood and walked over to the sink, looking at her pale face in the mirror as she leaned over, resting her head in her hands. If the food was the problem, last night's events would have been the end of it. But it wasn't.
She continued to stare at her reflection in the mirror, trying to figure out why she was so sick so suddenly. Louie had been their chef for years, and he never had cooked something incorrectly. And besides, Eric wasn't getting sick. Grimsby wasn't. Carlotta wasn't. Only her. Ever since Eric got back..
Wait. A thought grew in Ariel's mind. No. It couldn't be. She whipped her head towards the cabinet. Slowly she walked towards it, her heart thumping.
A girl's tiny and angelic giggles swirled through his mind. Eric stood on the shore, his feet being submerged in the slushy and moist sand. A waft of salty sea air breezed by. The sailor prince shut his eyes and inhaled the intoxicating scent. Another round of adorable giggles echoed in the distance. Eric peered in the general direction the laughter was coming from and saw a patch of long jet-black hair blowing in the gentle breeze.
"Daddy!" the little girl beckoned enthusiastically. She rotated around, and the little girl was none other than beaming, six-year-old Melody. Eric's lips curled in a dazzling smile, exposing his dimples. He jogged over to Melody who was bent down on the sand admiring the sand castle she made. "Daddy! Daddy! Look at my sand castle!" Melody fervently explained to him. Eric nodded his head and came down on his knees. "Isn't it peertyful?" questioned the six-year-old with a sheepish grin.
"Sure does, Melly." Eric commented in an impressed voice. True the castle was slightly lopped to the side but Melody made her sandcastle all by herself. Eric cocked his head to the side and stroked his chin in mock thought. "Hmm.." Eric hummed quizzically. "What is it Daddy?" Melody piqued curiously as her large sea blue eyes gazed up at him.
"Well, you wanna add a couple of seashells to make it more peertyful?" His hazy blue eyes gazed back down at her with his eyebrow cocked in intrigue. Melody's face instantly lightened up and suddenly made a mad dash for the shore. Just as she was about to scourge the shore for colorful seashells, she raced back to Eric and gave Eric a sloppy kiss on the cheek. "Thanks Daddy!" she graciously hollered before zooming back to her spot.
Eric's fingers brushed the spot on his cheek where Melody's peck had been. Nothing but adoration came upon his face as his daughter dug through the damp grains of sand. Her adventurous spirit on the beach seemed utterly adorable to him. She seemed was perfectly giddy. Oh, how he prayed that this dream was a reality. That Ariel, Melody, and Eric would spend the day playing and enjoying their time together on the shore.
Breathe, Ariel, breathe. Taking a deep breath, the princess approached the cabinet, her heart physically pounding in her chest. She slowly opened the door with a creak and reached in, pushing different medicines and other hygiene-related items away. Finally, at the back of the cabinet, hidden in a corner, she found what she was looking for. Something she hadn't used for 13 years.
Her hand was shaking as she opened the pregnancy test, trying to calm herself. Her emotions ranged from nervousness and anxiety to hope and excitement. She closed her eyes and exhaled again before taking the test.
Afterwards she sat on the toilet seat, tapping her foot and biting her lip, the thermometer-like object blankly sitting on the counter. A few minutes passed, and the redhead's heart rate only increased. But then, finally, she saw a little symbol appear on the screen, giving her all the answers she needed.
Positive.
The sun's bright rays beamed down upon his tanned skin. His head resting against his intertwined hands and casually lying on the soft sand. With his eyes closed, Eric leisurely listened to Melody's gleeful screams, Ariel's elated voice, and Max's vigorous barks. All was content. His family was at peace, enjoying life that was passing them by. Of course, Ariel, Melody and Max were all figments of his mind but this dream seemed all too good to be true and real.
Of course, he knew that he couldn't maul over the tide that has already passed. But nothing could keep him from dreaming and imagining what could have been. If Melody was allowed to play and explore on the beach when she was little then maybe the tension would not have been existent through the minority of her life. There was no doubt in his mind that Ariel made this decision to build the wall out of love. All the more reason of why he adored his wife so much.
A thought crept into the content moment. He really hoped that Ariel was happy with the life she was living now. What if she did get pregnant? How would she feel? His only wish would be to make her happy. What if she wouldn't be happy? What if she stresses about every little thing to the point where she can't keep her sanity? He hoped that she truly meant that she wanted another child as well. All of the questions swirled through his dreaming mind. He grunted in his sleep and rolled over on the bed.
Ariel stared at the little plus sign in wonder, and suddenly it hit her. "Oh, my gosh!" she practically squealed, jumping up from the seat and bouncing on her toes, one hand covering her mouth and the other holding up the test. She paced excitedly back and forth in the bathroom, moving one hand over her stomach.
After a few moments she tried to calm herself down, trying to wipe the glowing grin from her face. She still looked pale as she stood there in her nightgown, but now she didn't even care. I am going to have a baby.
Noticing the sun peep up from behind the clouds, Ariel slowly creaked open the bathroom door, butterflies flying through her stomach. Or was that the baby!? She tiptoed back to her room, noticing Eric shift around in bed through a crack in the door.
She pushed the door open, standing in the threshold. She gripped the test in one hand, her arms dangling at her sides. In a tone she hoped wouldn't give anything away, she said gently, "Eric?"
Her voice beckoned him to awake from the blissful dream. His eyes fluttered open and the morning sun glistened through the frail lavender curtains. Eric released a contented groan as he extended his strapping arms around the exuberant pillows. Ariel's touch instantly woke him up as he shifted on the bed to face her.
Ariel appeared much better than when he had last saw her. Dare he say, there was a certain glow in her mesmerizing sea blue eyes. His eyebrows furrowed as a tiny grin formed upon his lips. "Good morning, love." Eric hushed in a wistful voice. He nonchalantly eyed her up and down cautiously. "How are you feeling?"
"Good," she said, trying to keep her tone even and nonchalant. She walked further into the room, but stopped again, the beating in her chest only quickening. "Actually, more than good." Her lips quivered, trying to keep the smile off her face.
The princess approached the bed, but stopped a few feet before it, looking at Eric's oblivious expression. The pregnancy test felt heavy in her hand. Casually, she tucked her hair behind her ear.
"Is that so?" Eric questioned suspiciously. He straightened up from his position and tossed the sheets away. Just from the way that an idle smile crossed her face, he knew that something was definitely up. Eric's fingers brushed through his disheveled jet-black hair as a coy grin crept upon his lips. As he drew closer to her, he took notice of the anxiety and overjoyed twinkle in her eyes. Although Ariel seemed delighted at this moment, he couldn't help but revert to the scene of her being sick this morning. A cross between perplexity and liveliness clouded his sleepy face. His eyes made contact with hers as he laced his fingers with hers. "What is it Ariel?"
Ariel finally allowed herself to smile, and she bit her lip as she grinned. Silently, she held up the pregnancy test as she exhaled, a small giggle escaping her. She gently sat down on the bed next to him, waiting patiently yet anxiously.
"Oh." Eric whispered breathlessly as astonishingly stared at the tiny plus sign etched out on the stick. He blinked several time until a inaudible laugh came out of his mouth. His expressive eyes zoomed to Ariel and back to the test. Ariel. The test. Ariel. The test. He gripped her dainty hands and placed them upon his lips. He shook his head as a charming smile as wide as the ocean graced his features.
"Ariel," he started in an astounding tone. A couple of laughs escaped his lips as he embraced Ariel who sat beside him. He shut his eyes and inhaled her luscious scent. He pressed her closer to him, showing his undeniable joy through the hug. "Ariel!" He exclaimed ecstatically. "I-Is this true?" he stuttered finding that his inexpressible joy blocked the way of making a full, coherent sentence. "A-Are you pregnant?"
She nodded quickly, her smile only growing bigger as she practically jumped onto Eric, throwing her arms around him. "You got your wish," she whispered, pulling him close and burying her face in his neck.
Her hot breath trickled down his neck as he felt her nuzzle against his neck. His smile faltered slightly as his hands scoped her back. "I guess I did." he chuckled lightly as he gently rotated her towards the front. Her innocent sea blue eyes gazed back at him. His hand slithered from her back and to her tummy. His fingers grazed over the fabric of her nightgown. He seemed to be at a complete loss for words. But he had to say something. Something that will ease both of their anxious and antsy nerves.
"Ariel," he whispered as he faintly pecked her forehead. He exhaled blissfully before continuing. "no matter what happens we're in this together." he stated simply as his hand continued to smoothly rub her belly. His eyes drifted to her hand and back up to her beaming face. "How do you feel, love? With everything?"
Ariel noticed Eric's sudden change of mood, and it worried her. She moved back a bit, ignoring his hand. "I'm happy, of course.. But what.." she paused. "Aren't you?" Suddenly she was nervous. Wasn't this what he wanted? What they both wanted?
She started twirling her hair in her fingers again absentmindedly. Had she misinterpreted what he said the other night? 'No matter what happens..' Did he expect something to go wrong? She shuddered, confused, unsure, and worried.
"Ariel." Eric called as soon as he caught sight of his wife's faltering joyous mood. "Look at me, love." His fingers lifted her delicate chin towards his chiseled face. His eyes shone with love and complete admiration for his wife and the mother of his daughter and soon-to-be child. "I want you to know that I am beyond excited and happy that we are going to have another child. I am overjoyed at this news." Eric laughed as soon as the words left his lips. Overjoyed seemed to be like an understatement to him.
He inched close to Ariel and latched onto her hand that twiddled a strand of her ruby locks. "Miss Mermaid, I just want this experience to go well. And I want you to feel comfortable during this pregnancy." he chuckled heartily as he shook his head. "Words cannot express how…happy and grateful I feel at this moment." As the words left his lips, he placed a passionate kiss on her lips. Savoring the feeling of her lips over his. When he leaned back he peered into her eyes. "I love you, Ariel."
The redhead mentally scolded herself for overreacting and jumping to conclusions. She shut her eyes and looked up at her husband just as he kissed her. She pulled him close, completely in love. "I love you, too, Eric," she whispered, leaning her forehead against his.
She leaned back and giggled, a sheepish grin spreading over her face. "Guess those hormones are already acting up again, huh?" she joked, one hand holding his as the other shyly tucked her hair behind her ear. This is sure going to be interesting.
"Hey, no worries." he commented in a reassuring voice. His hands trailed along her bare arms slowly, with his finger nails lightly brushing against her cool skin. A dimpled grin plastered upon his handsome face as he stared intently in her eyes. "Nine months will go by like that." he snapped his fingers to create the quick emphasis. He intertwined her hands in his and lead her up from the bed.
"Ariel, we're gonna have another baby!" he hollered ecstatically as he lifted her in his arms and twirled her around. His hearty laughs bellowed throughout the spacious room. The wide smile did not seem to leave his face, no matter how hard he tried to just look natural he couldn't wipe away the elated smile that was on his features. "Oh my gosh!" he shouted as he finally set her down. His lips pecked her nose lightly and he let a tiny giggle escape. "T-This just made my morning, love."
Her giggles only turned into excited laughter once he picked her up. She placed her hands on his shoulders and threw her head back, feeling her hair sweep to one side. Her memories suddenly flashed back, to when her Daddy had given her legs, and she reunited with Eric on the beach.
"I know!" the redhead exclaimed, through more and more giggles once Eric put her back down. "Mine, too," she said quietly, wrapping her arms around him. She leaned into him willingly and vulnerably, then said simply in a content whisper, "Wow."
He waved a hand through his tangled ebony hair and trailed his blue orbs up and down her slender figure. Eric leisurely strode over to the bed that coaxed him to slip back under the sheets. He wrapped himself among the sleek comforters and patted the empty space beside him. "Come 'ere, Miss Mermaid." Eric purred as his eyes narrowed passionately at her. "We got a couple of minutes to spare cuddling." Eric prompted as he winked
Ariel eagerly went to him, gently laying down beside him. She placed one hand on his chest, carelessly tracing shapes with her finger. She sighed happily with relief as her eyes fluttered shut. "I definitely needed this," she mused gratefully. "Considering I didn't get much sleep last night.."
His light blue orbs followed Ariel's careless finger caressing his toned chest. Eric snuggled deeper onto the pillows and his strapping arms looped around her petite waist. Silence hung in the room with her steady breathing being the only noise. Nothing could be more perfect with just the two wrapped in each other's embrace.
Eric's chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm as his eyes wandered around his wife's dozing figure. His rough, sailor hands grazed her slender waist, feeling utterly intoxicated by her presence. He let out a tiny laugh as his hand continued trailing her waist. Seagulls squawked outside and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore brought peace to the content couple. Eric closed his eyes and let the hand hover over her tummy. "You're so cute when you're snuggling." Eric complimented with a goofy smile on his face.
Ariel lay still, feeling herself blush whenever he chuckled. She moved even closer to him, stopping her finger patterns and draping her arm over his chest happily. She opened her eyes briefly as she did so and noticed her engagement ring sparkling from the sun rays that shone through the window.
"Oh, am I now?" she murmured softly. She yawned before adding, "You're not too bad yourself, sailor."
He snorted softly as he fondly smoothed out the ridges in her delicate baby pink nightgown. His mind boggled at the idea that they were going to have another child. Another child. Eric marveled at the thought of having another child to care for and cherish. "You don't know how happy I'm feeling right now." Eric commented in a light tone as his lips grazed her crimson strands, inhaling both her scent and the salty sea air wafting from outside.
The days ahead would be long and tedious, but in the end it will be all worth it. To see his family's faces. To see that the people that he cared for were truly happy. Eric shook his head and chuckled loudly. "I wonder what you're sisters will say."
"Do you really?" she asked dully, her forehead creasing as she tried to look up at him. She turned over onto her back, looking up at the ceiling. "I'm sure they'll be exactly as how they were before Melody was born. You know, checking up on me 24/7 and treating me like I was so delicate. They don't really understand…. all this." She blushed.
The redhead let out a laugh. "And then, during the last month, they acted as if I were going to explode at any minute." But then her smile faded. "I won't be able to go under the sea for a while," she said sadly. "It's… It's too risky." She sighed.
"Well, Carlotta sure had your sisters beat. I can still hear her fussing over Melody's old room." True, there were more things that the house maid suggested and spent an enormous amount of effort on, but he remembered her mostly deciphering on which color of paint to use in Melody's room. All the while, he genuinely appreciated all of the work and time she put in to make Ariel's pregnancy run smoothly.
Eric took notice of her shift in tone. Every fiber in his being wanted to just make the melancholy tone vanish. However all Eric could do was comfort Ariel. He pressed her closer to him and lovingly caressed her smooth, cool skin. "Don't worry, love." Eric hushed as he ever so slightly leaned his head forward, his lips grazing lightly over her flaming red curls. "You know, I'm sure Melody will be glad to have some more company around the castle." he stated with a warm smile creeping unto his handsome features.
"I know, I know," she assured him, smiling softly. "She can teach him or her all about swimming.. and how to find sea stones… and how to move with fins," she chuckled.
"I.. I'm just going to miss seeing them for a while. My sisters. And Daddy." She sighed, lifting her hand to turn her engagement ring around on her finger, the light blue stone catching the sunlight.
Ariel turned to lay on her side, facing Eric. "It's just tough, you know? Not being able to go visit them. Twelve years was worse. Way worse. But ever since, I've just loved to be able to see them all whenever I can. Not just them. Atlantica, too. And now, with this.." she paused with a tired sigh, "There's just no way."
Eric tightened his hold on her as he listened to Ariel. He exhaled loudly when she finished and planted a sweet kiss on the top of her forehead. "I know it's tough, love. Especially trying to cope without seeing your family for twelve years." He paused, his thoughts reverting to the bitter sea hag that lurked beneath the waves somewhere. Eric inhaled through his nose, smelling the sea mist fumes. "Soon, Ariel, everything will just fade away. Soon, we'll have the chance to roam freely on the waves without fear and anxiety of being ambushed by Ursula."
He casually shrugged his shoulders, a tiny grin forming on his handsome face. "You never know, maybe your father could help us find her. Anything can happen." True he didn't know what could occur in the future, but he did hope that in the end, he and his family would be happy, safe and be able to be free. "Well, we will figure something out." he assured her in a soothing voice, his hand still resting over her stomach. "Let's just be focused on keeping the bun in the oven." A hearty chuckle escaped through his lips as he snuggled deeper into the pillows.
Ariel sighed, "I guess we can only hope for the best, right? It's just.." she shook her head, "It's just so.. frustrating. She gets away, every time. Every time she manages to escape." She turned her head to meet his gaze, her eyes searching for an answer. "What haven't we tried yet?"
Suddenly, a circumstance popped into Ariel's head. She gasped, sitting up quickly, her face a look of shock. "Eric… When I.. When I was pregnant with Melody, we thought Ursula was dead. And Morgana was never even seen." Her voice was diminishing into a whisper. "But now, this time, Ursula is here, and.. and she always comes here to 'm-make deals,'" Ariel felt goosebumps on her arms.
She whipped her head around again, staring into Eric's eyes, her body still. "Ursula likes to grab me, and wrap me in her tentacle… What if she does it again? What if she squeezes me, when I'm pregnant? The… The baby would.." Her hands flew to her stomach instinctively, and she wrapped her arms around it, her breathing steadily quickening.
That…was a good question. What haven't they tried yet? They tried searching but that lead to failure. They tried to lure her into a trap but knowing Ursula, she probably was one step ahead and wouldn't think about falling for some measly trap they conjured up. Maybe they just needed to fight fire with fire? No. That seemed too risky. Eric sighed heavily, hoisting himself up and leaning on his bent elbow rested against the pillow. He intently followed what she was saying, her stuttering exposing her frightened emotion.
Eric's face turned stone cold at the mention of Ursula harming Ariel and their unborn child. He straightened up and scooted closer to her. "Hey," he called in a soothing voice as his fingertips brushed her dainty hands wrapped around herself. "That's not gonna happen." he assured, gazing down at her with sweet love twinkling in his eyes.
"If she even thinks about doing that," Eric shuddered inwardly before continuing. "then I will finish what I had started." he confirmed in a serious voice. His fingers intertwined with hers and he proceeded to bring it to his lips. His eyes glanced downwards to her tummy and with his free hand, he grazed the spot where their little bundle of joy was curled up inside. "Besides, he's gonna be tough like his dad and stubborn like his mom." A flirtatious smirk graced his lips as he pecked her flushing cheek. "Nothing's gonna happen to him."
Despite herself, Ariel smiled up at Eric, all the worry suddenly washing away. He always knew how to lighten her mood, and she was yet to figure out how. Even if her worst states, he was able to uplift her and convince her that everything was going to be okay. It was one of the many things she loved about him.
"Oh, I see, so my best quality is stubbornness. Well, thanks!" she stuck her tongue out at him and crossed her arms playfully, before letting out a giggle. She uncrossed her arms and ran a hand through her long red locks.
The former mermaid put her hands on top of Eric's and glanced up at him curiously, an eyebrow raised as she giggled. "Him?" she questioned. "What makes you say it's going to be a boy?"
"Oh, come on now. There's so much more to you than your diehard stubborn will." Eric teased with playful gleam in his hazy blue eyes. In retort, he stuck out his tongue and chuckled at the silliness of it all. One of the many traits he truly loved about Ariel was that no matter how old they got, they could still act like little kids and not be fazed by the childness.
Eric shrugged his broad shoulders and gave her a devilishly smug grin. "Let's just say, I have a knack for guessing who it is." he replied simply as he gripped their laced hands. His ebony eyebrows shot up lightheartedly as a charming smirk crossing his face. "Do you want another girl?"
The redhead rolled her eyes with a grin. Then she sighed, looking down at her hands, the bright red polish on her fingers sticking out to her. She crossed her legs and replied, "Well.. I don't know. We already have a girl, so it might be nice to have a little boy." She let out a chuckle, smiling down at the thought. "Considering Melody is almost exactly like me, I'm sure he would be exactly like you." Then she paused, narrowing her eyes. "On second thought, I don't know if I can handle more than one of you," Ariel laughed, leaning back on her hands.
Eric dramatically gasped at Ariel's comment. A handsome smirk graced his lips, a tiny dimple exposed ion his right cheek. "Hey, the more the merrier, right?" he questioned in a joking manner. He shrugged his shoulders in a nonchalant way. Exhaling deeply, and rather loudly he flopped backwards on the fluffy pillows. He laid there for a brief moment before rubbing his face in his hands. "If he or she is anything like their mother then my hairs gonna be as white as your fathers." Eric rose slightly gently pulling her towards him. He positioned her on top of his toned chest, inhaling her intoxicating scent.
Ariel raised an eyebrow and gave him a dramatic questioning look. "Is that supposed to be an insult, Your Majesty?" she teased him. "Considering I'm probably the main reason Daddy's hair lightened so quickly, you might be right about that." She blushed and looked at him, imagining him with white hair. The thought made her giggle, and she bit her lip to stop herself. Then, she felt him pull her back against him, and she snuggled back into him, fitting perfectly against his chest.
"Oh, your highness, you take my teasing far too seriously." Eric merely shrugged his shoulders with a playfully smug grin widening on his lips. "I was just implying that your rambunctiously cute trait will be sure to pass down to him or her and soon I'll have to add glasses to my whitening hair." the sailor prince smirked at the aged image of himself.
As soon as he brought her close, he noticed her bubbly giggles ring throughout the room. Eric furrowed his brows as he jokingly narrowed his eyes at her. "What?" he questioned in a curious tone. "What's so funny?" he questioned, chuckling after his question.
Aw, kelp, he noticed! There was no use in trying to hold back her laughter. She laughed out loud, throwing her head back against Eric's shoulder and clutching her stomach. Suddenly, the thought of Eric with white hair was all the funnier with the addition of glasses. Why was the whole thing so funny to her? She didn't know. Must be the hormones.
"Nothing.. Nothing.." she giggled in an attempt to calm herself down. She turned her head, still rested on his shoulder, to look at his questioning glance, and smiled up at him playfully.
"It can't be nothing, love." Eric assured, maintaining his questioning stare. Her lively sea blue orbs gazed fixedly at him and a stunning smile graced her flushed face. He could not suppress a dimpled smile as he stared down at her with his twinkling light blue eyes. "There has to be somethin' that's makin' you burst out laughing."
A devilish smirk crossed his handsome face as his fingers gingerly brushed her slender waist. "And I'm gonna find out!" he exclaimed as his fingers began relentlessly tickling her. Ariel wiggled on Eric's chest to and fro. Her melodious giggles pouring out of her mouth. Eric laughed in a teasingly malicious voice. "Give up, Miss Mermaid?"
Ariel shrieked before laughing. Gasping for breath, she laughed and said, "Hey hey careful! Careful." She narrowed her eyes at him. "This baby will swim right out of me if you keep this up." She giggled and gently tapped his nose."
The former mermaid crossed her arms over her stomach. "Just imagining you looking like Daddy, that's all." She shrugged casually, as if it wasn't as funny as she had just made it out to be. But it really was, at least to her.
Eric instantly ceased his torturing tickling and released a hearty laugh. "Swim out of you?" Eric chuckled, exposing his pearly white teeth. He laced his arms around her waist, inhaling her fragrant scent that always seemed to cling to her. "You and your little fishy analogies." His face scrunched together when Ariel gently tapped his nose. He blinked down at her with a warm smile gracing his lips.
Eric rolled his eyes and gleamed jokingly down at his casual wife lying against him. "It'll happen sooner or later." he commented smoothly his arms tightening slightly. He chortled lightly before stating out loud, "I guess it would be pretty funny to see me look like your dad." Eric's brows furrowed together as he peered down at his wife. "Excluding all the muscles."
Ariel quirked an eyebrow at him, gazing up at him with a suspicious glance. "Do I sense some jealousy, Eric?" she asked nonchalantly, before poking his upper arm. "Ooh," she said, feigning disappointment before pursing her lips and shaking her head with a shrug. "Definitely not like Daddy." She giggled and bit her lip to stop herself.
Eric gave Ariel a teasing, incredulous look. "Me? Jealous? Why of course not, Miss Mermaid." Eric shook his head, his ebony locks swishing from side to side. "The very idea is preposterous!" he exclaimed in a jokingly pristine voice. Just as Eric was about to add something further to the witty banter, he felt her finger poke his upper arm.
His eyebrows shot up in an appalled way, as his lips curled into a flirtatious smirk. "Is that so?" he questioned playfully as he brought his left arm up and proceeded to flex in front of her. "Huh," he exhaled in a know-it-all tone. His crystal blue orbs trailed to his arm to her face. He lowered his arm and positioned it back around her waist. "And here I thought I was your big, strong hero." he commented in a teasingly with a warm smile appearing on his features.
A loud yawn escaped his lips as he snuggled deeper into the comfy pillows. "What a way to start the morning " he stated aloud, with a content grin plastered on his face. His eyes started to flutter closed as he exhaled deeply through his nose. "Get some rest, Ariel. We got a big day ahead of us."
Ariel giggled and rolled her eyes at him, feeling herself blush. "Such a charmer.." she muttered under her breath, mostly to herself. "Of course you're my hero," she whispered, gazing up at him as she felt his strong hand on her waist. "Always have, always will be."
When he exhaled into the bed, the redhead gently lowered her hand to his face, brushing his black hair away from his eyes. She sunk into the sheets as well, feeling both tired and excited. She could tell he was tired, and rightfully so, since he had been up with her during the night. Seeing him close his eyes, she leaned over and gently kissed his nose before relaxing into the bed, closing her eyes as well. She knew she should sleep a bit more, before the royal couple made their big announcement.