"I don't know what will affect the change" said Lilia. "The serum is supposed to keep my legs as long as I take it. If I don't take the serum, I return to my mermaid form. I've never needed anything besides the serum."
"So unlike 'Splash' getting wet doesn't give you a tail and drying your tail off doesn't give you legs?" asked Drew.
"It shouldn't" said Lilia "and that seems like a terribly risky way to live on land. Get caught in the rain once and my secret would be revealed!"
"Well, it was just a movie" admitted Drew. "I'm not too knowledgable amount mermaids and I'm just...uh...fishing for ideas."
"Haha" said Lilia. "I suppose water couldn't hurt though. When I lived alone, every few days I would let myself transform back into a mermaid and relax in my true form for a few hours before taking the serum again. I haven't done that since I moved in with you."
"Lets get you to the shower then. Can you stand?"
Lilia tried to get up, but in their partly transformed state she couldn't stand on them.
"Don't worry: I'll carry you."
Drew carefully scooped Lilia up into his arms, carried her into the master bathroom, and gently placed her in the shower. Despite her vulnerable condition and the fear caused by her partial transforamtion, Drew's prescence and acceptance made Lilia feel much better. He was still mostly dressed in his business clothes, a contrast to Lilia who was stark naked after hurriedly stripping off her clothes when her change had begun.
After placing her on the cool tile, Drew began to get back up, but Lilia grabbed his tie and pulled him into a kiss. She had caught him by surprise, but he quickly made the kiss mutual.
"Thank you" said Lilia when their lips parted.
"I love you, Lilia. Human, mermaid, something in between: it doesn't matter."
"I love you too. Stay with me?"
"Absolutely."
Drew sat down next to Lilia. He removed his tie and socks, tossing them out to the floor. Then he closed the shower door, not worrying about the rest of his clothes.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
Drew was able to reach up and turn on the water then wrapped his arms around Lilia waiting to see if her changes would continue.