In which a veteran gives the princess advice.
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Allura turned to the only human female she knew.
"Pidge, how do earthlings garner attention?"
The teen's rapid typing did not cease. "What kind of attention? And why specifically human?"
Allura twisted a piece of her hair. "Promise not to tell?"
Her fingers halted as alarms went off in her head. First grade sleepover, nail polish, and way too much high chipped giggling. Girl talk. She shuddered in horror.
"Princess, I really suck at this."
"At what?"
"You're crushing on someone on the team but don't know how to get his attention right?"
"Well yes. That is -"
"I've never dated nor had the faintest interest in dating someone. How could I give advice to you when I don't even know what advice to give to myself? If I was actually pursuing someone," she added to herself. "Or if someone was pursuing me."
"Pidge," Allura reached out a sympathetic hand to her shoulder, "I'm sure someday -"
"Oh no," Pidge half laughed, "I'm not upset about it. I'm happy right now. My brother's back and my father's on earth with my mother. It's just not what I'm focused on that's all." She turned her attention back to the computer screen. "In any case, I'm not the one to talk to. Lance would probably be good."
"Why don't you think I'm...'crushing'" she tested the word, "on Lance?"
"He's been giving you clear signals but you've given him nothing back. So it's not Lance."
"See, right there! You know what you're talking about."
"I know the basic science of it. Action and reaction. But you're right, not Lance. You need an expert." Pidge rummaged in her bag and pulled out a handheld device. "You should contact Nyma."
"Why her?"
"She flirted her way into stealing a Lion."
"A very valid point."
"I'm sure Shiro will appreciate it. His back must be black and blue by now."
"What?"
Pidge shrugged. "Surveillance feed. Thought you were just bossing him around but now I got it."
Allura felt her face flush. "I was misinformed."
"Which is why you need to talk to someone that knows this kind of thing."
Allura waited for the middle of the night per Nyma's available time frame.
The observation deck was empty but as a failsafe she had the mice posted outside the door to alert her of anyone's arrival. She stood in her nightgown as her ticker sounded out in the room. She was debating on getting something to drink while she waited when the monitor flickered with a signal. She pressed it rather quickly.
Nyma's pretty face was the same except with a darker shade of pink lipstick and longer, fancier looking earrings.
"Thank you for calling Nyma."
"Princess Allura," came Nyma's soft voice. "I was surprised by your request, to say the least."
Allura tried not to fiddle with her hair. "Yes, well. Pidge was unable to offer advice."
"A ship full of males," Nyma nodded, "It's not easy at times."
"It's not," Allura agreed with a sigh. "Loud even."
"Smelly."
Allura grinned. "Your ship too?"
"Oh yes with all these rebels. At least with Rolo I could shame him into showering. But that was a smaller crew."
"A different life."
"Yes."
They were silent for a moment, each lost in a fleeting thought.
"So," Allura cleared her throat quietly, "You look more...formal than usual."
"Formal?" Nyma's lips quirked upwards. "Is that your way to describe 'sexy'?"
"W-What?"
Nyma sat back, showing more of her outfit. Her patterned blouse was a lower cut than usual. "I was on a date, Princess."
"What's that?"
"...Ah. I forget. You were in hibernation for several centuries." Nyma straightened up. "Relationships have changed as well as the terms. I suppose 'courting' would be the closest, but not quite. A 'date' would be an activity you do with someone you are interested in - attracted to."
"What sort of activities?"
"Dining together. Dancing. Watching a holo-film. Or simply being together somewhere special. The point is to provide an opportunity to get to know one another without distractions."
"Yes...I see."
"But before you go on a date you need to get a date." Nyma smiled as Allura leaned in attentively. Her ignorance was adorable. "And to get a date you need to express interest in someone."
"I've kissed someone."
"Really?" Nyma blinked at that. "Then what happened?"
"Well, then we sparred."
"..."
"...And then I began to shove him against walls every now and then. Though that was my misunderstanding of how humans show affection."
"You shoved him repeatedly," Nyma slowly echoed. "Did he ever ask why?"
"No."
"...You both need help." Nyma folded her hands over her crossed knee. "It doesn't matter what race the guy is. Showing interest is pretty much the same across the board." She leaned in close so Allura could see her serious expression. "For you Allura, I think it's important to pay attention to what sort of guy he is. How does he show affection to the people close to him? How does he speak to them? Is he the sort of person that likes to be touched?"
Allura's cheeks flushed a little at the last comment.
"And then compare those answers to what you are like. If you don't like the answers you're getting I'd reconsider showing interest."
"Is that what you do?"
"Me? Not necessarily."
"Then why tell me to -"
"I date because I'm curious. I'm not looking to settle down." Languidly she lifted her pointer finger at her. "You, on the other hand, are the sort to put everything into a relationship."
"Well, I suppose I would." She did for everything else she cared about.
"That's something I'm not ready to. Or ever, to be honest. People like you need to know what you're getting yourself into because of that habit." Nyma's eyes lightened. "But it wouldn't hurt to go on a date. It's not like a date means you're engaged at the end of the night." She crossed her arms haughtily. "And going on a date doesn't mean you automatically owe the person anything."
"Like what?"
"Just keep that in mind. You choose what to give, not the other way around."
"I will." Pause. "So what sort of...'signals' should I give?"
"It can vary depending on the sort of guy he is."
"..."
"...Princess. Just spit out his name."
"What for?"
"So I can more accurately give you pointers."
"Or you can tell me some options and I'll decide for myself."
"Fair." Nyma grinned. "You can't fault me for being curious."
"Nosy, you mean," Allura dryly intoned.
Nyma's grin widened. "Here's a couple of things you can try."
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AN: A little slow? Maaaybe. But I'm working on it. XD
