Hello again my dear readers, my oh my it's been a while! I have missed you, and I have missed writing this story. A quick life update from me, back in January of this year, I started a new job which now gives me the opportunity to run a department. I now work as a child therapist, and the clinical lead on our team. I really enjoy it, specifically because I can create and run my department how I want it. Another bonus is that I work from home, and that is just the bee's knees. Long story short, one of my coworkers has been irritating lately, and I needed a way to relax, so back to my story and my favorite duo I come.

As mentioned at the end of the last chapter, I really liked writing this chapter (similar to chapter 7) because it gives us something that we don't often see in the movie; Eric's perspective on things. As always, I do not own any TLM characters or lines. I do however own my creativity and storylines and characters (specifically Jodi and Chris Barneson).

Now without further ado, please enjoy chapter 11!

Chapter 11: For A Moment

He woke up feeling too warm to sleep comfortably in their room, his hands roaming to his pillow for a cool and contrasting sensation. There seemed to be a haze, of lust, passion, and sex, lingering like a heavy blanket over their bed. When his brain finally registered his surroundings, he smiled and dropped his head back against the soft pillow. He looked down at Ariel's sleeping form next to him, with an ethereal glow about her. She enveloped him, her arms and legs intertwined with his, her head against his shoulder. He admired her nude form as her breathing remained slow and even, as she nuzzled closer to him. How did I get so lucky? he asked himself while staring out the balcony doors, listening to the faint sound of the waves.

Suddenly, his bladder alerted him to his main reason for his arousal at this early hour. He was careful not to wake Ariel as he got out of the bed, wrapping her in the bedsheets and placing a kiss to her temple. He then slipped on some shorts and headed toward the hall leading to the bathroom. The grandfather clock read 2:05 AM, as he raked his hand through his hair and made it to the bathroom. Once he was done, he looked at himself in the mirror against the dim candlelight that did its best to illuminate the large room. As he splashed cool water on his face, Eric peered into his own eyes before him, and the events of the night came flooding back to him. These caused a smirk to make its way to his face, and warmth spread throughout his chest. She really does love me, he thought to himself, and glimmers of his insecure self from his early teens tried to infect his mind. He quickly dismissed them splashing more cold water on his face before reaching for the towel beside him on the counter. He then glanced back at the mirror.

Gone was the scrawny preteen who would spend his days drawing new ship templates, and hiding from his father's wrath. No son of mine will be a lowly builder! Rulers order people to build things. And Eric, that is what you are! You are someone who servants will beg to do things for, you'll want for nothing! But you have to stop this daydreaming son! It is nonsense and useless. It makes you look weak! He braced himself on the lip of the sink, blowing a breath out of his chest, I am king now for Neptune's sake! The words of his father had no power over him any longer.

Ever since his parents died, and he came of age to inherit the throne, Eric was well respected, dare he say admired, by the people of his kingdom. They loved his ambition, his ongoing mission of maintaining peace, and of course his choice of queen. He just had to convince himself that he was good enough, good enough to rule the kingdom his way. His kingdom was a fair size, and manageable for an up and coming ruler like himself. Grimsby had laid the groundwork since the king and queen passed twelve years ago, meaning that all he had to do was pass the baton. I can do that, it's easy enough. With a sigh and newly discovered confidence Eric was making his way back to their room. Max lifted his head out of his sleepy state and began wagging his tail when he recognized the late night wanderer.

Eric heard the faint whooshing of Max's tail against his bed, as he recognized his faithful companion as the late night wanderer. Eric sat in the armchair that faced the fireplace and patted his leg, summoning his best friend to his side. He was staring at the dwindling embers when he felt a wet nose nudge his hand. Eric immediately got up and moved over to the couch, allowing his best friend to hop up and join him.

In that moment, Eric had no words, feeling overwhelmed with a plethora of unnamable emotions, he hugged his dog with all he had. "I don't know if I can do it buddy. I've never been king before, and up until now, Grims has done everything." In turn, Max looked at him with visible sympathy. What he did next made Eric chuckle, Max got up and gave him the most slobbery series of kisses he had since he was a puppy. "Awe come on Max, that's gross!" Eric said as he reached for a tissue on the end table. "Okay, maybe I can. I just have to take it a day at a time."

Meanwhile, Ariel remained in bed eventually stirring when she felt a chill left behind by her other half. "Eric?" she called out in a hushed tone, propping herself up on her elbows wiping the sleep and hair out of her eyes. After a yawn and stretch of silence, Ariel's determination and curiosity got the best of her, and she put her robe on before proceeding into the hallway. After walking through the corridor, her heart melted at the sight before her. Her husband was fast asleep on the living room sofa, with Max in front of him; his head resting in the crook of her husband's neck. As she made her way to them, Max lifted his head and she affectionately pet the spot right behind his ear. "Thank you Max, you are always there for us when we need you," Ariel said close to his face as to not wake her husband. Max then licked the side of her face, in understanding that his job was done.

As Max vacated the couch, Ariel quickly assumed his spot against Eric's sleeping form, careful not to wake him. She brushed his hair out of his face, and pressed light kisses across his temple, and down to his jaw. "Oh my sweet prince, what am I to do with you? hmm? When will you see that you are a smart, caring, and strong man, capable of ruling the world if you wanted? The man who captured my heart?" Ariel knew that Eric had his own skeletons in his closet, that dared to peek out every so often. She vowed that when they did, she'd be there for him, just as he was there for her. She maintained her delicate raking through his hair, and occasional touch of her forehead to his temple. The wise words of her mother came to her, as she looked down lovingly at her prince, "Souls are the ultimate storytellers, and when they find their other half, it is best to protect that bond forever." And this was exactly what Ariel intended to do; even as Grimsby would be delegating more royal duties to Eric in the coming weeks.

Eric began to stir and reached for what he thought was Max, but instead was met with the shallow of his wife's back. His eyes darted open and he immediately searched his surroundings. "Ariel!? what…when did you get here? I must have fallen asleep" he said, all while Ariel just giggled at his panicked, sleepy state. "Calm down Babe, I woke up because our bed got cold, and then I see you here with Max." They readjusted so that he was sitting up, and she was on his lap, arms going around his neck. "And well…I thought that I was your favorite snuggle buddy," she said in a mock jealous tone, sporting an adorable frown. At that moment, he kissed her soundly, making her knees weaken, and then pulled away, "oh you most certainly are, and you'll always be my favorite. I am sorry I just got in my head, then Max and I had a heart to heart, then I-I guess I fell asleep" he said, wiping the sleep out of his eyes, and all she could do was chuckle. "Well come on, I miss our bed and I'm sure you can't fall asleep just yet, but I know one way to make us tired" she said with a wicked grin. He sat there in awe of how brazen she had become since putting that ring on her finger. "Lead the way, my darling. See ya in the morning Max" He shot their dog a wink then carried his wife back to their bedroom, ready to reignite the passion they had only hours before.

Well, what did you think?

Chapter 12 is in the works! I am working on adding a plot twist for the upcoming chapters, where Chris and Jodi may return! You'll have to stay tuned to find out.

Until next time

Peace, Love, and Happy Reading!

~DisneySoul4996