The relationship could develop in a negative way. Vanessa might start to be more controlling over Eric as she realizes he is starting to have doubts. She could try to use more powerful magic to keep him in line.
Well, one idea for this fanfiction could be that Vanessa, in her quest to keep Eric away from Ariel, tries to make him believe that mermaids are evil. She weaves tales of sea monsters and how mermaids are their allies. However, Eric has his doubts. He has seen Ariel's pure heart and can't quite believe Vanessa's stories. As he starts to investigate, he uncovers Vanessa's true identity and her devious plans.
In this fanfiction, Vanessa might have a change of heart. She realizes that her actions are wrong and decides to help Eric find Ariel. Along the way, they share many adventures and grow closer. Eric begins to see Vanessa as a friend, and she has to suppress her growing feelings for him. Their relationship is filled with tension as Vanessa battles her own emotions while trying to do the right thing.
One possible plot could be that Eric, after being under Vanessa's spell briefly, has hazy memories of Ariel. Vanessa tries to keep Eric away from the sea, but Eric starts having dreams of a mermaid. As he investigates, he discovers Vanessa's true nature. He then sets out to find the real girl he saw in his dreams, leading him back to Ariel.
Communication is key. They can start by sharing their fears and hopes. For instance, Gregory can talk about his loneliness before coming to this place, and Vanessa can share her own struggles with her job. This mutual understanding will bring them closer.
The relationship can start with suspicion. Gregory is a strange kid in the pizzeria and Vanessa is an employee. But as they face danger together, like running from the animatronics, they start to trust each other more. For example, Gregory might save Vanessa from a sudden attack by one of the animatronics, and that could be a turning point.
One way to develop Vanessa is to make her a more complex villain. Instead of just being a tool of the sea witch, she could have her own plans and desires. Maybe she wants to rule the underwater world herself. This would create more conflict and also give her character more depth. We could also explore her relationship with other characters in the story, such as the prince's family or the servants in the palace.
The relationship could be developed through shared hobbies. For example, if they both love gardening, they can bond over taking care of their plants. This simple activity can lead to deeper conversations and a stronger connection.
Often, Eric is portrayed as a brave and curious character. He's not afraid to explore the unknown, which is how he ended up encountering Ariel in the first place. His love for the sea and his adventurous spirit make him an interesting figure in fanfiction.
A great way to develop their relationship further is to show them building a life together. They could start a project like building a lighthouse that has a special connection to both the land and the sea. It would be a symbol of their love and unity, and during the process of building it, they would face challenges, make compromises, and grow even more in love.
To develop their relationship realistically, communication is key. Since Eric is a vampire and the reader is young, there will be a lot of misunderstandings at first. The reader might be scared of Eric's vampire nature, but he can show her his more gentle side over time. They could start with a friendship where they exchange stories about their different worlds. As they become closer, physical attraction can develop, but it should be a slow burn. For example, a simple touch on the hand can mean a lot at the beginning. And they should have common goals, like protecting the town from a new supernatural threat, which will bring them even closer.