Fulfilment of a Dream

A Round The Twist fanfiction

"And even though my life is messy, and crazy sometimes, and nowhere near perfect, it's still my life," Pete was telling Ariel, who already had the gleam of unshed tears in her eyes, as if she guessed his answer was no even as she hoped – hoped so desperately – it would be a yes. "And... And if I went with you, it would be like starting all over except I'd always have a memory of this life. And of the people I love." He looked away from Ariel – for a moment – and at his bullies that made his life harder, the gentle bemusement currently etched on their normally tough faces as they listened to his speech oddly endearing. He'd never thought he'd want to give up a chance at perfection, at paradise, in part, for them... "I'd just miss them too much – I think they'd miss me, too." Ariel's chin quivered. She understood perfectly. "It's like I have a responsibility to these people. The people I love are my life. And I just don't think I'm ready to give them up."

Ariel swallowed a silent sob as he told her she could always find somebody else, another potential mate to join her on the isle.

"Not as good as me," he joked.

She laughed, in spite of herself. But sadness returned to her expression as she had no choice but to nod resignedly along to his lamentation that he couldn't see himself starting a whole new family and life, not when he already had one.

Ariel, trained to be a natural leader and granted perfect calmness, had no feeling of shyness preventing her from kissing him in front of his siblings and the others. She had to say goodbye. As they broke apart, much too soon for her liking, she said, boldly, "I knew I chose the best guy in your world."

One last squeeze of Pete's hand, trembling slightly in her own, and she turned. She must go home. The way to her island awaited and would not for very much longer.

"I'll never forget you," he blurted, as she turned to look back.

"I'll always love you." Ariel raised a hand to wave a defeated goodbye to the others. She'd wanted them all to come.

Pete felt as if a rubber band was around his heart, and it had just snapped when she said those words.

I'll always love you.

The island was materialising.

Pete realised she'd meant it. Ariel would always love him. He thought suddenly of his own lack of loyalty. How quickly had he turned against Fiona who he'd thought was his true love, after swearing never to look at another girl?

If he stayed here, if he didn't go with her, he'd hurt for a little while and the next pretty face would make him forget almost entirely. He was far from perfect, even if the lovely Ariel saw him for the hero he would be in her world.

But if he made the sacrifice he had just in detail explained he couldn't, he would have a chance to be a better person. This hadn't occurred to him before.

A perfect man wouldn't flit from one heart to the next. He could know himself and he would have a forever-mate to help him be the best him he could ever be.

Could the life he had here grant him that?

Maybe, someday, if he was lucky, but there were no promises.

Not like with her.

"Ariel – wait."

"Yes?" Her voice rose with hope; the glowing breeze wafting off the island whipped up her long curls.

"I've changed my mind." Ignoring the shocked cries of his brother and sister and the bewildered murmurs of the others, he took the hand of the princess who had come to him in armour via magic door and offered him the world – just her world, not his, not the one he had known. It seemed he'd been mistaken – he was ready to begin something new after all. "I'll come with you."

The End