The Little Merman

Day Two

Author's note,

So, at first this story was taking place in 1533 when the buggery act had been passed making all homesexual acts punishable by death, but then I realized that 'The Little Mermaid' takes place somewhere around 1840, so when you're reading just... Basically the story is being written as if the Buggery act had not been demolished. So it's still a thing, only instead of execution the punishment can be less severe depending on the accusation. I JUST HAD TOO CLEAR THAT UP.

Also, thank you to everyone who commented on my last update, I actually love you guys. I love everyone who's stuck with me up until this point.

~

Ariels POV

I wake up the next morning after me and Jack had went to sleep in his bed. It was rather difficult to fall asleep since I'm not exactly used to sleeping on a bed like his, but it's not so bad. I check to see if Jack is awake. He is not. He's sleeping contently with a small smile resting upon his lips. He looks so handsome.

I decide to lay back down and sleep some more, but my eyes shoot back open as I hear knocking. I didn't know land people could knock... Well, I suppose it should have been assumed. They aren't just savages like father had told me once (after mother died.) I hear the knocking again and poke Jack's face. He mumbles something that I can't make out, then another knock. At this point Jack's eyes shoot open and he looks at me, smiling slightly before stumbling out of bed and answering the door.

"Good morning Jack." I hear someone say from outside. I wonder who it is since Jack won't open the door fully.

"Berry... I wasn't expecting you." Begins Jack. So it's his friend.

"Yeah, well. What kind of best mate would I be if I abandoned you for something like this." I wonder what he means.

"Thank you..."

"So are ya just gonna stand there or let me in." He asks. Jack opens the door the rest of the way and I find myself sitting up and straightening my clothes.

"Um, Berry, this is Ariel. We met a while ago."

"It's a pleasure, Ariel."

"And Ariel, this is my best mate Berry." I nod and stand up, my legs shook a little but I think I'm accustomed to walking, or at least standing.

"So I brought something, and don't be mad but it's the only way you two can make this work."

"What is it?" Asks Jack.

I watch as Berry pulls something out of a bag he had been holding. He holds up the item and I quickly recognize it as a dress. It's pink and actually really pretty.

"No way." Jack says.

"Jack."
"What?"

"It's the only way, I mean, you know what would happen if people knew the truth."

"What would happen?" I ask out of curiosity.
"We could be executed... Or at least publicly shamed. Flogged even. It depends on what accusations are placed on us.." I only stare at him in disbelief. Is it because we're both boys? In the sea a relationship between two men is accepted as long as one of the participants in the relationship obtains a child somehow, whether it be from adoption or a second relationship. Only because it is important too my people that each family has a child to raise. Though of course there are the merfolk that don't agree (Like my father). But, why is it so bad on land?

"Why?.." I eventually ask as I feel tears well up in my eyes.

"A relationship between two men... it's just not allowed. It used to be in ancient times, but then somewhere along the lines it was made illegal." Jack answers.