The thing about dates is Alek has absolutely no idea how they work.

Both he and Cora find the rules of courtship more often than not utterly confusing, but it's their first date. That means it needs to be special, right? It can still be tailored to fit them, while still being a date and not the usual let's-go-to-the-movies-because-there's-little-else-to-do-on-this-ship-when-it's-quiet. It's why he's made sure the restaurant he picked for them to eat has pizzas, and the robot chef seems to be a romantic, if the pizza-shaped hearts he has made for them are any indication.

His brothers have each given him their own piece of advice - a lot of which is contradicting, by the way - and it doesn't help the slight nerves that threaten to bubble up his chest. He reminds himself it's Cora, and they'll enjoy the night no matter what because it's with each other.

... He did, however, listen to Ethan and get her flowers.

He is holding them awkwardly as he knocks on her cabin, and he is really hoping Derek isn't around in his own cabin right next to hers.