Just before you and Clia make it to the edge of the vast seaweed patch, a voice calls out behind you. You both turn to see two mermaids hovering behind you, and you recognize the strawberry-blonde locks of Clia's sister, Thea. The other mermaid is gorgeous: light brown skin, full lips, a knockout figure, long straight hair a very dark sea-green in color (with eyes to match), and an elegant tail with bright sapphire scales and silver fins.
"Thea," says Clia, clearly a little surprised to see her sister here. "What's going on?"
"I just wanted to check up on you two. Make sure that you've thought it all through. You haven't been together all that long; are you sure that you're ready to become parents?"
Clia looks down and sheepishly folds her arms around herself. You look away; you can kind of guess that you feel the same way. This wasn't ever something that you planned. "Clia," you ask, "are you just going through with this because of me?"
She hesitates, then answers, "Maybe. But I also want to — well it isn't just about what I want. Do you want to be a dad?"
In all honesty, you don't know. You shrug. "Maybe. Could be kind of nice. But — I don't know if I'm really ready."
"Sounds like you've got some thinking to do," says Thea. "And some talking."
"Guess so," you say, and Clia pulls you into a tight hug.
The other, super-pretty mermaid that you don't know takes Thea's hand into hers. "Well whatever you decide, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on all the fun. After all, most of the girls here aren't gonna get saddled with a fry!" She reaches her other hand over to Thea's cheek, and they share a quick, loving kiss.
Clia smiles softly. "Do you think you'll ever be a mother?" she asks.
Thea shakes her head. "I doubt it. Guys just don't stir my eggs like Lyla here." The two mermaids giggle and then swim off together, waving goodbye at Clia as they go.
After a while, you turn to Clia. "So . . . I guess we really haven't discussed this. Do we want kids? Are we ready for this?"
"I know I love you," said Clia. "And I do really want to be a mom. But —"
"But it's awfully soon," you admit. "And I know that I'm just not sure."
Clia smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. "Hey," she says, touching your cheek, "it's all right. It's mating time: there are ways for us to enjoy it without having to go all the way."
You light up. "There are?"
"Yeah," says Clia. "It's tricky, it has to do with making sure that your sperm doesn't mix with my eggs in the water while still staying close enough to the next that you can smell all the right pheromones and chemical triggers. It's risky, but it's doable."
"I'd like to try. With you."
"I'd like that too."
The both of you are now somewhat less apprehensive as you once again hold hands and swim for the kelp, only to discover that someone is blocking your way. Emerging from the seaweed, a fucking TRIDENT in his hands, is Eric, the hateful merman incel. Well, more of one than all the other mermen, since they can't physically, you know . . . you get the idea.
"Not one more flick of your fins," he growls, pointing the weapon. "Clia is MINE!"