Could you do headcanons for Andorian courting/mating practices? Maybe specifically something for Tholos or Shran trying to court a reader who’s completely oblivious to Andorian courting traditions and so is painfully oblivious to his attempts to woo her?
"Miscommunication" ENT Thy'lek Shran x Fem! Reader (1/2)
A/N: I had to do a lot of research for this character because I have not watched Star Trek Enterprise. Thankfully, a friend let me borrow their box set.
A/N+: *Usha-shan is a made-up term for mating display/duel. I also posted a Weird Kinky HC for this as well to help give some context.
TW: Mature Themes
You had strange things been happening to you for weeks. The Andorians would constantly "run into" the Enterprise on more than one occasion. This was becoming more of an issue due to the frequency. However, Archer couldn't pass up an opportunity for diplomacy.
The only problem for you really was Shran. He always seemed insistent on having you join him and the other senior officers for meetings. Other times he would have you come aboard his ship for some long menial chore. At one point he invited you to a late-night briefing only to find a diner for two.
It was getting on your nerves at some points, but like Archer you wanted to be accommodating and diplomatic. You were unsure if Shran was trying to do the same. After your latest run-ins with Shran, you would return to your quarters to find a variety of strange gifts.
The first time it happened Shran presented you with a beautiful Andorian gemstone necklace. The second time you were gifted with a large container of fresh vegetables, fruits, and meat, that you promptly gifted to Cook. Then on the most recent visit, you returned to a room filled with furs and silks.
You would try to talk to him about it on his next visit. It usually didn't take long for him to come back around. However, this visit seemed different. He would try to avoid you as much as possible. He would speak with Captain Archer in whispers. He would try not to look at you in corridors. He would sometimes go in the opposite direction when he saw you. It made you believe that whatever he was trying to do was over. You just hoped you didn't insult him.
Shran felt nervous asking Archer for such a favor but he didn't know who else to trust. He had gained affection for one of his crew so it was only fair he asked him for assistance. He had tried everything to win you over, but it seemed as if you had no idea what he was trying to tell you. This made his blood boil when you ignored him, but it made him want you even more.
He walked into Archer's office, slammed his hands down on his desk, and looked him squarely in the eyes. "I need your help."
Archer looked confused, "Now what?" He sounded a little too sarcastic for his liking.
"I need to impress one of your crewmen. I wish to take them as a mate." Shran loudly whispered, afraid that any passers-by might hear him.
Archer raised his eyebrows shocked that he, Commander Shran of the Imperial Guard, would fall in love with a human being. He had several questions running through his mind, "Who?"
Shran let out a sigh, "It's Ensign (L/N)." He straightened up and put his hands behind his back, "I have tried to win their affection, however, they don't seem to notice."
"I have gifted them rare jewels, and silks, and provided them a vast array of resources yet they elect to ignore me." He said his antenna leaning back. "That is why I must show them that I am worthy of their attention."
He reached into his uniform jacket and pulled out a pad. "This is a detailed record of the *Usha-shan, a display of one's strength and vitality."
"I'm not going to have to try and kill you again am I?" Archer groaned a little taking the pad.
"That is not required." Shran laughed, "Though I think presenting them your head would be as appealing."
After explaining *Usha-shan to Archer, he agreed as long as no one would get killed. Shran was hopeful, he had not been in a duel like this for a while but he was hopeful about his prospects. Archer had no interest in winning you over so if that meant he would have the upper hand. For him, nothing could go wrong.
