Before leaving their room, Kara made sure to fix her hair before doing the same for Milo.
"Do we have to do this?" Milo asked, his higher voice making it sound more like a whine. "I really don't care how my hair looks right now."
"This isn't for looks," Kara replied gently as she worked out the tangles. "If we don't do this now, you'll only be more uncomfortable when it gets longer." She did note that Milo did look stunning with his hair brushed out but kept it to herself.
Finally, she wheeled her boy/girlfriend out of the room and down to the dining area. Like she had seen Aaron and Lindsay do, she pushed the chair down the ramp straight into the water.
Milo slipped out of the chair and began to swim, surprised at how much easier it felt than yesterday. Kara also felt more at ease swimming alongside as they searched for an available table.
"Kara!" A familiar voice called out. The couple looked over and saw Lindsay waving from a booth, Aaron beside her. The two had undergone even more changes. Lindsay seemed more intense in coloration than before, her eyes, hair, and tail almost glowing like rubies. She also had a bit of an ethereal quality to her beauty, adding to her inhuman appearance. Aaron was looking more buff, as well, giving one the sense that he ought to be holding a trident or something.
Lindsay and Aaron looked briefly confused about the blonde mermaid accompanying Kara before understanding dawned.
"So, that's how it is, huh?" Lindsay said, sympathetically.
Kara nodded.
"Man, that's rough," Aaron mumbled. Thus followed an awkward silence broken only when they ordered their breakfast.
Finally, after the food arrived, Milo sighed and leaned on the table. "Look, I'm not going to say I'm not terribly jealous of you two, but it's not the end of the world either. Kara and I knew this was a real possibility when we were diagnosed, and we've had talks along the way. Our love is the same as before. Stronger even. We'll get through this."
Kara took his hand, feeling it tremble a little as she gave it a squeeze. "Yes, we will."
Aaron and Lindsay voiced agreement. "Here, here! And if you two need anything, let us know," Aaron put in. "Well, let me know, at least. I'll relay it to Lindsay."
"Why? Where's Lindsay going?"
The redheaded mermaid paused in her eating and smiled sadly. "My changes are almost done, so I'm being transferred upstairs." She patted Aaron's hand. "I know you'll miss me, darling, but it's only a day."
"I'm still considering just taking a sedative and sleeping off the rest," Aaron muttered, deflating a bit. "That way, we can be together as soon as possible."
Lindsay swatted his arm. "Oh, no you will not. I've told you, you need to take this opportunity to get out for a day, see the sights." She glanced at Kara and Milo. "Meet some friends."
"But...without you..."
Lindsay gave an exasperated sigh. Turning to Kara, she said, "He had to leave behind all his friends and family because of the virus. He's always been social, so it hit him hard. He's been clinging to me like a security blanket ever since."
Aaron sat up straighter. "Hey, I've been assisting my fiancé!"
"And you've been wonderful, dear," Lindsay reassured, kissing his cheek. "But you need to build some new relationships, the sooner the better. Luckily, you have a head start with Milo and Kara. Now go hang out at a bar or something. Don't let this time go to waste. And don't think I won't ask for a full report when you finally join me."
A shadow passed over them, announcing the arrival of medical personnel with another wheelchair.
"Ah, it's time for me to go," Lindsay sighed before kissing Aaron deeply. "I'll miss you sweetie. Remember, talk to people." To Kara and Milo, she added, "I'm not going to ask you to babysit him. I know you need time to yourselves. But if you happen to spot him being a wallflower, could you give him some encouragement for me?"
They agreed and watched the new mermaid be carted off to the next level. Aaron grew more quiet then, but he assured them he would be fine. So, they finished up their meal and left.