Questions
Roshaun and his family, Kit and his family, Ronan and Aunt Annie are at the Callahan's house eating dinner. They have finished and are now in the living room chatting and listening to the Beach Boys. They have finished a love song.
"So what are the romance rituals on this planet anyway?' asked Roshaun.
It went instantly quiet. "Uhhh, I'll wash the dishes"
"Good idea I'll dry."
"I'll put away"
"The kitchen cabinets have been looking a little dusty"
"I think I'll make dessert."
"I'll taste test."
"I'll run a few searches on the dingo." All five kids, plus a dog and sentient computer practically ran into the kitchen.
"Cowards," whispered Mr. Callahan and Mr. Rodriguez. Then they glared death glares at Roshaun.
"Is this subject a taboo here?" inquired Lady Miril.
"No just not something you talk about that often." said Mrs.R.
"So what are your traditions?"
"Depends on where and when you live." Said Aunt Annie." There are many different traditions depending on where you are. And they have changed over time"
"So what are the traditions now here?"
"We could bring the kids out and ask them." Said Mr.C. "But one thing always stays the same."
"What" asked Roshaun.
"The fathers role."
"What is the role of the father?" asked Nelaid, plainly interested.
"Well, mostly it's the girl's father." Said Mr. R, "But their father makes sure the boy doesn't try anything funny,"
"Or if they don't like the boy they make sure either the date doesn't happen at all, or there will be no second date"
"How do they do that?" asked Nelaid, not wanting any hybrid grandchildren. Mr.R and Mr.C recognized the common goal of wanting fully human grandkids and went on.
" First they threaten them when their daughter isn't around."
" Perhaps subtly, like polishing a rifle and saying how well it shoots."
"Or saying that if his daughter isn't home by eight they will go and find them."
"Take a picture and say 'this is in case I have to hunt you down'"
"Try any funny business with my daughter and I will make you an appointment with a doctor who does vasectomies."
"Will you two stop trying to scare Roshaun. He and the girls are just friends." Said Aunt Annie.
"And you, stop helping them" scolded Miril.
"Wasn't too long ago you asked me out and my Papa threatened you."
"Well, I didn't try any funny business with you,"
" Until our second date!"
No one had noticed that the real Roshaun had left a long time ago when he realized he was going to be threatened and had gone into the kitchen to hear it from the kids.
"In medieval Europe women were given no choice in marriage, it was usually the groom and or both father's decision."
"When it included nobles the groom was often much older than the bride."
"What about here and now."
"First you flirt and try to impress the person you want ask out."
"Then you go through the girl's dad."
"And then you go on the date."
"What about in something more than a date."
"Like purposing?"
"Yeah."
"Usually the guy purposes by kneeling and asks her with an engagement ring."
"And then there is the wedding?"
"Exactly."