Rocket was pretty anxious about meeting Lee. Since hir uplifting, shi wasn't completely certain about where hir life would take hir. All shi really knew was that hir ability to jump considerable distances as a tiny mangrove kilifish had translated into two strong legs that could propel hir even further most would expect from a fish Animalian. Of course, Rocket had wanted to participate in the IAC, though things weren't quite happening as shi expected them to. No matter, shi was at least looking forward to showing how much further than an Olympic athlete shi could jump.
Rocket hadn't really anticipated anyone being interested in hir romantically. Compared to all the other herm Animalians, shi was rather unimpressive. Shi hadn't really expected anyone to actually bid for hir during the Herm Bachelor/Bachelorette Auction. As such, shi was very nervous about meeting this 'Lee' whom shi knew next to nothing about. Allura did give hir some words of encouragement though. After all, Allura wasn't sure if shi would ever have a mate either. But now shi had Beacon and five children. Rocket could only hope shi'd be so lucky.
At least Lee didn't want to meet hir at a fancy place. A simple cafe was more than enough. It took a while for hir to spot Lee among the other people here. That was quite understandable. Lee had a way of just beneath everyone's radar. Part of it may be due to her androgynous features, her short black hair, and thin body. But she also gave of an aura of, well, it was hard to call it anything specific. 'Indifference' might be a close term. But she seemed to naturally deflect attention. If Rocket didn't have her particular description, shi may not have noticed her at all.
Rocket took the seat in front of Lee and said, "So, you're the one who wanted a date with me?"
Lee gave hir a small smile and said, "I wasn't sure if you'd be interested."
"I could say the same thing," said Rocket, "Especially compared to the others."
"Well, maybe it's because the others got more attention that I found you more interesting," said Lee, "I guess I'm much of a mainstream person."
Rocket frowned a little. Shi might not be as prominent as the other herms, but shi found that shi didn't liked being pitied. "I hope you weren't just bidding because you felt sorry for me," shi said.
"No, I was also hoping you could help me," said Lee.
"With what?" asked Rocket.
"They told you I'm asexual, right?" asked Lee.
"Like a sponge or sea star?" asked Rocket.
"Not physically asexual, mentally," said Lee, "I don't feel any attraction to either gender. I can still care for people. I have good friends and loving family. But I just can't make a connection beyond that. I've never really been in love with anyone."
"I'm no expert on love," said Rocket, "But there's surely more to it than sexual attraction."
"I should hope so," said Lee, "But without any hormonal drive, I just never felt any true desire to be with anyone."
"So why come to me specifically?" asked Rocket.
Lee shrugged. "Maybe I hoped we had something in common, being overlooked and such. I don't think it's a solid foundation for a relationship, but it's worth a shot, right?"
Rocket considered it. Shi wasn't in much of a position to be picky. Unless another mangrove kilifish was uplifted, shi didn't seen much other change of getting a mate. And Lee sounded like she wanted to be earnest. "I think we can give it a shot," agreed Rocket.