Ariel's first Valentine's day
Ariel woke to the soft sound of waves lapping against the shore outside the castle windows. The early morning sunlight spilled into the room, casting a golden glow over everything. She sighed contentedly, snuggling closer to Eric, her cheek resting against his chest as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
It was still so new to her—the warmth of another person beside her, the soft texture of blankets, and the simple joy of waking up in a world above the waves. Smiling to herself, she tilted her head up to press a gentle kiss on Eric's lips. He stirred slightly, a soft smile curling on his face before his eyes fluttered open.
"Good morning," Ariel said, her voice soft but brimming with excitement.
Eric chuckled sleepily, brushing a strand of her fiery red hair from her face. "Good morning, my love. You're up early."
"I couldn't help it," she said, her eyes sparkling. "You told me about this Valentine's Day, and I've been waiting all night to see what it's like!"
Eric grinned, his drowsiness fading as he sat up. "Well, we'd better get started then. Stay here. I'll be right back."
Curiosity flared in Ariel's eyes as Eric kissed her forehead and slipped out of bed. She leaned back against the pillows, her tail-turned-legs swaying beneath the covers as she tried to guess what he was planning.
Minutes later, Eric returned carrying a tray laden with an assortment of delights: fluffy pancakes topped with whipped cream and strawberries, crispy bacon, and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Ariel gasped, sitting up with wide eyes.
"This is for me?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Eric set the tray on her lap, chuckling at her delight. "Of course. It's Valentine's Day. I couldn't start the day without pampering you a little."
Ariel picked up a piece of chocolate from the tray, examining it curiously before popping it into her mouth. Her eyes widened, and she clasped her hands over her heart. "It's so sweet! I've never tasted anything like it under the sea!"
Eric laughed, watching her with affection. "I had a feeling you'd like chocolate."
As Ariel savored every bite of the breakfast Eric had prepared, he reached for something on the bedside table. "I have a little something else for you," he said, holding out a small, wrapped box tied with a ribbon.
Her eyes sparkled as she took the gift. "A human thing?" she asked excitedly, untying the ribbon and opening the box. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet adorned with tiny seashell charms.
"Eric," she whispered, her voice full of awe. "It's beautiful."
"I thought it might remind you of home," he said softly.
Ariel's heart swelled as she fastened the bracelet around her wrist. Then, as if remembering something, she leapt out of bed and dashed to a small drawer where she kept her treasures from the sea. She returned with a glimmering shell, polished smooth by the ocean's waves.
"This is for you," she said, holding it out to him with both hands. "It's from the reef near my father's palace. I've had it for years, but I want you to have it now."
Eric took the shell, his eyes softening as he turned it over in his hands. "Thank you, Ariel. It's perfect."
She threw her arms around him, laughing with joy. "I love Valentine's Day! And Christmas, and birthdays, and all the other human holidays! They're all so magical."
Eric held her close, marveling at her endless enthusiasm and the way she brought light into his life. "You make them magical, Ariel."
After breakfast, Eric took Ariel on a walk through the kingdom. The streets were alive with Valentine's Day festivities—couples strolled hand in hand, vendors sold flowers and heart-shaped trinkets, and musicians filled the air with cheerful tunes. Ariel's eyes sparkled as she took it all in, marveling at the love and joy that seemed to overflow from every corner.
At the marketplace, Eric pulled her into an impromptu dance. Ariel laughed as he spun her around, the memory of their first dance in the village flooding back. She felt completely at ease in his arms, the bustling world around them fading as they moved to the music.
Later, they made their way to the shore. Ariel slipped off her shoes and waded into the water, letting the cool waves lap against her legs. Eric joined her, and together they swam out a little ways, the sea embracing them in its gentle rhythm. Ariel rested her head on Eric's shoulder, savoring the feeling of being in his arms with the ocean surrounding them.
As the sun began to set, Eric surprised Ariel with a boat tour through a tranquil lagoon. The water shimmered under the fading light, and lanterns hanging from the boat cast a warm, romantic glow. As they drifted through the serene waters, Sebastian suddenly emerged from the depths, his familiar voice carrying a tune.
"Go on and kiss the girl," he sang with a knowing smile.
Ariel laughed, her cheeks flushing as Eric leaned closer. This time, there was no hesitation. He cupped her face gently and kissed her, the world around them melting away in that perfect moment.
When they returned to the castle that evening, Ariel was still glowing with happiness. She turned to Eric, her silver bracelet catching the light as she took his hands in hers.
"I can't wait for the next Valentine's Day," she said, her voice filled with excitement and love.
Eric smiled, pulling her close. "Neither can I, Ariel. Every day with you feels like a celebration."
They stepped out into the castle's garden, the night sky above them shimmering with stars. Eric took Ariel's hand and led her into a gentle dance, their movements slow and unhurried under the starlight. Ariel leaned her head against his chest, feeling completely at peace.
As they danced, a shooting star streaked across the sky, leaving a trail of light in its wake. Eric pointed up, smiling. "Ariel, did you see that? When humans see a shooting star, we make a wish."
Ariel tilted her head, her wide eyes reflecting the starlight. "A wish?"
"Yes," Eric said. "Anything your heart desires."
She looked up at the sky, then back at him, her smile softening. "I don't know what to wish for," she admitted. "I already have everything. I'm living in the human world like I always dreamed, and I've found my true love. I need nothing more."
Eric's heart swelled at her words. He bent down and kissed her gently, the stars above them bearing silent witness to their love.
Hand in hand, they walked back inside, the warmth of the castle embracing them as they prepared to end their perfect day. Ariel nestled against Eric as they lay down, her heart full of joy.
And as she drifted to sleep, she whispered, "I can't wait to see what the next Valentine's Day brings."