Disclaimer: ROBOTECH is a trademark owned and licensed by Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc. No infringement is intended. This fan fiction was written for entertainment purposes only. The songs used in this chapter belong to their authors – all rights reserved to them.
This is the last chapter. Remember it's AU. Hope you enjoy it.
Chapter XIV
Rick stepped onto the street and searched for Lisa. The woman was running as fast as she could down the block, her hair flying behind her.
"Lisa!" Rick followed her in pursuit.
They were a sight on the streets of New Macross City. Both were elegantly dressed, running from each other as if they were children playing tag.
"Lisa, wait!"
She looked back...
He's so close!
That's when it happened, her heel broke and she fled forward. Rick managed to catch her before she fell to the ground by wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Are you okay?" He looked at her with concern.
"Let me go!" She shoved him away and stood up, one foot higher than the other.
"Are you okay?" Rick repeated his question with concern.
"Yes, I'm okay. Now, what do you want?"
"I want an answer to the question I posed in front of the whole force."
"I didn't ask you to do that."
"I know but I need an answer."
She turned without responding and took a step forward.
"Where are you going? We need to talk."
"No." She tried to stare him down.
Rick pressed his lips together and remembered Roy's speech about using force if necessary. He counted to ten and made a decision.
"Oh, yes we do." He grabbed her arm as he hailed a cab.
"What do you think you're doing?" Lisa looked at him bewildered as a cab stopped in front of them.
"Get in," ordered Rick without even raising his voice...but his eyes were menacing.
"No." Who does he think he's speaking to?
"As you wish..."
Lisa felt herself lifted and shoved into the backseat of the car. Rick entered right after her and gave the driver his address.
"What do you think you are doing?" She glared at him angrily.
"We need to talk. I just made a fool out of myself and I think I deserve at least an answer."
"I didn't ask you to do such a thing... and I don't want to talk with you." She sat up straight on the seat and removed her shoes.
"But we will."
Lisa considered jumping out of the car but reconsidered it as it seemed too theatrical. They rode in silence until they reached the base and after getting clearance, the cab stopped at Rick's home. He paid the cabbie and descended before offering Lisa his hand.
"I'm not staying here. Driver, please take me- -"
"Yes, you are!" He reached over and tugged at her arm.
"Let go!"
Rick lifted her over his shoulder as the driver raised an eyebrow.
"Whatever you did, you better have a good apology prepared," said the cabbie before driving off.
Lisa struggled all the way to Rick's door. He managed to open the door and kick the door open before placing Lisa on her feet. He locked the door behind him.
"Have you lost your mind? Let me out, Rick."
"Not until we talk."
"What is there to talk about, Rick? Everything has been said between us."
"I don't understand." He came near her. "I don't understand why you can't believe me...or forgive me. I know I've done some stupid things, and I know I've hurt you but I'm sorry! Can't you give me more chance? I promise I will make it up to you."
"Rick, stop!"
"I need you, baby." He held her shoulders between his hands. "Can't you see it?"
"I find it hard to believe, Rick. There's been nothing but heartache for me ever since I met you!"
"I know and I'm sorry! I miss you so much!"
"You seemed to be doing pretty well with Miss Macross."
"Forget about Minmei, Lisa! She means nothing to me."
"Really? I leave for space and Minmei moves in with you?"
Rick let out a sigh and he moved his hair away from his eyes.
"What can I do to convince you that she's nothing more than a friend?"
"Give her up."
"What?!"
"Too much to ask, Rick?"
"Minmei's my friend, Lisa."
"I don't trust her."
"Well, you'll have to trust me."
Lisa pushed him away. "Every chance! Every opportunity you have, you run to Miss Macross!"
Rick heard the pain in her voice and winced.
"I don't run to her, Lisa." He attempted to hold her hands.
"Okay. She runs to you and you receive her with wide open arms."
"Wouldn't you do that with a friend?"
"So you can't give her up?" Lisa's eyes were watery. Tell me you will...
"I will always be here for her," said Rick seriously.
Lisa felt her heart crumble once again.
"Whatever, Rick! It doesn't even matter anymore. Are we done? 'Cause I've got more important things to do than listen to you!" She made a gesture with her hand indicating that she was dismissing him.
Rick's eyes narrowed angrily. He hated it when she treated him like a subordinate. He grabbed her by the arm, roughly.
"Don't talk to me like that! I'm your boyfriend, Lisa. I'm your man."
She looked at him in disbelief...even Rick was surprised at his words but blamed it on Roy. Lisa laughed in his face as she pulled away from him.
"What's so funny?" Rick frowned.
"You are. We haven't been a couple in a while." She smirked. ".My man... so primitive of you to say such a thing!"
"You are my girl, Lisa."
"Was..."
"You still are," he whispered dangerously, caging her against the wall. "You are my woman."
Lisa felt his breath over her face and felt her heart pound faster.
"Stop this, Rick..." Lisa tried moving away but he pressed his body against hers.
"Why are you being so stubborn?" He took her chin between his fingers. "Why won't you give us another chance?"
Lisa held her breath. He was too close, too near. His eyes, his beautiful blue eyes were looking into hers trying to decipher her.
"It's too late. I don't want to be with you any more." The words were barely audible.
"Is that so?" Rick's arm encircled her waist and brought her against his body.
"Stop..." she whispered faintly. "You have no right..."
"I do, Lisa...I have the right because I love you and you love me...even if you deny it..."
Rick placed his lips softly over her neck and left butterfly kisses over her skin.
"Don't..." She trembled in his arms.
"We belong together, Lisa." He pulled aside the material of her dress to access her shoulder and nibble on it. "You know it."
"I don't know a thing..." Lisa started crying. "Every time we're together something goes horribly wrong. Isn't that a sign?"
"A sign?" He looked up and wiped her tears.
"A sign that we don't belong together."
"We belong together, Lisa. Don't you know that by now?"
"I..."
"Do you love me, Lisa? Tell me if I'm wasting my time."
No, you're not...
The words wouldn't come out of her mouth. She stared at him.
"Have I been a fool, Lisa? Now that I think about it, in this relationship I'm the only one who has said the L-word."
Don't you remember? That day I was leaving on the shuttle...
"Go ahead, say it! Tell me!"
She couldn't. The words just refused to leave her lips. Lisa lowered her head and started crying silently. Rick held her in his arms as she wept, stroking her hair.
"Stop crying, Lisa," he whispered as he caressed her head.
"I...I need time..."
"Time to decide if you love me?" The hurt was visible in his blue eyes.
"Just...time..."
"Time is always against us, Lisa."
"It's a risk I'm willing to take."
"I'm a fighter pilot, Lisa."
"I know."
He let go of her in disappointment. "As you wish, Lisa."
She placed her hand over his heart and looked into those blue eyes that meant the world to her. "I wish I could tell you something different, Rick."
"It's okay."
They stared at each other for what seemed an eternity. Rick cleared his throat and was the first to speak.
"Do you want me to walk you home, Lisa?"
"No, I'll do it alone. It's okay."
"That's not very gentlemanly..."
"I rather walk alone. Goodnight, Rick."
"As you wish, Lisa...goodbye."
Lisa let herself fall on her bed and curled into a ball.
He said goodbye...
His words haunted her. She had asked for time and he had said goodbye. Tears were streaming down her face and onto the pillow, her mascara staining the pillowcase. She heard herself sob and realized how long it had been since she cried that way.
When Riber died...
Yes, she had cried when her father died in Alaska but the pain of losing a "special man, a dearest man" was totally different. Lisa grinned as she realized she had used Minmei's lyrics in her thoughts.
Oh, Rick! I love you so much!
Why couldn't she say it? It was true. She had not said those words aloud to him since they started dating.
I'm afraid...
She had always been afraid of getting her heart broken by Rick. Minmei was a threat, an everlasting threat...Lisa knew how one's first love could hold a special place in the heart. Rick didn't have that problem because Riber was gone but Miss Macross was around the corner.
How can I compete with her? But, do I really have to compete with her?
Chills went down her spine as she recalled Rick's kisses and his caresses as well as the sweet words he would always whisper when he had a chance.
Can someone be so good at pretending?
Lisa remembered the day Rick rescued her at Alaska, how they had ran into each others arms, how he had held her close as if he would never let her go. They had become inseparable during the reconstruction period, sharing thoughts over coffee, planning, organizing...even arguing. They were both stubborn and had met their equal in each other.
Maybe that's part of the attraction...but how many opportunities can you give someone?
Along the way, they had hurt each other; though she had the feeling she had taken most of it. Intentionally or unintentionally, her heart had been bruised so many times she just wasn't willing to take the risk anymore.
I just don't want to suffer anymore...
Lisa placed her pillow next to her body and hugged it as if it were Rick.
Rick dressed in his pilot's suit walked into the hangar.
"Good morning, gentlemen." He saluted them in all seriousness.
The pilots that had been huddled together, gossiping, separated as they heard his voice and saluted him.
"Good morning, sir!"
"I hope you boys are ready for duty. I heard Captain Fokker's soiree went into the wee hours of the morning..." He adjusted his gloves in a nervous gesture.
"We are ready, sir!"
"Did you have a good night, Captain Hunter?"
The older pilots widened their eyes at the question asked by their newest recruits. He obviously didn't know, didn't realize that Rick was in no mood for banter. Rick stared at him and was inclined to dismiss him but only smiled.
"I slept like an angel. Now, let's go!"
The pilots all scrambled to their VTs as Rick climbed on his. He placed his helmet over his head and turned on the engine. He heard and felt the roar and knew that more than ever, he needed to fly.
Lisa...
Sammie's face came over the net and indicated the quadrant he should patrol that day. He thanked her and signed off – he needed the peace and solitude only the clouds could offer.
The technician gave him the signal that the roadway was clear and he sped forward.
Lisa walked aboard the SDF-2 looking as she hadn't slept – which she hadn't. Her eyes were puffy and her face was pale. She pinched her cheeks before entering Gloval's office.
"Captain Hayes, reporting, Admiral."
She stopped dead in her tracks as she noticed a huge rose arrangement on his desk.
"Good morning, Lisa. How are you this morning?" He turned in his seat to face her.
"Very well." She was lying through her teeth and tried smiling.
"I guess things didn't work out between you and Hunter, eh?"
Lisa felt herself blushing to the roots of her hair. She lowered her gaze.
"No need to be ashamed. We've all had heart issues."
"I'm so embarrassed, sir..."
"The only person that should be embarrassed is Captain Hunter. Did he really think he was singing?" He shook his head as he covered his ears. Lisa laughed at his gesture.
"However, we must give him credit for being relentless." He pointed at the flowers. "These are for you."
"For me?"
"Did you think I had an admirer?" Gloval raised his eyebrow.
"Well, sir, with all due respect, you are an attractive man, very intelligent, very charming..."
"You look at me with the eyes of a daughter, Lisa." He smiled. "And, I look at you as a daughter, that's why I must remind you that we all make mistakes."
"Sir?"
"Captain Hunter has come a long way since the day we first met him, hasn't her?"
"Yes, sir."
"Of course, we are speaking of him as a pilot, where he is almost flawless...but we must remember that he's still young and tends to be impulsive when it comes to the ladies."
"Captain Gloval- -" Lisa wished the Earth would swallow her right then and there.
"Lisa, what do you suggest we do with every rebel Zentraedi we find?"
"Give him another chance?"
"Even if they might betray us?"
"Everyone deserves a second chance, sir."
"Exactly!"
Lisa stared at her mentor as he lit his pipe.
"I have a feeling you are trying to tell me something, Captain Gloval." She smiled.
"Who, me? No, not at all. Now, please take your roses as they are giving me an allergy." He sniffled as Lisa picked her flowers.
"Thank you, sir. For everything."
"I will see you later, Lisa."
She returned to her office and placed the arrangement on her desk before reading the card.
"I love you.
Let me know if you love me.
Rick."
She reclined in her seat and took a deep breath.
A week had passed since the wedding and the couple was back from their honeymoon. Claudia had been transferred to the SDF-2 to work along Lisa and Gloval. The two women hugged as soon as they saw each other.
"I missed you!" Lisa embraced her friend dearly.
"I missed you, kiddo!" Claudia held her hands. "Did you patch things up with the flyboy?"
"No...and don't look at me like that."
"I can't believe this! I just lost a bet with Roy!" She shook her head in disbelief.
"What?"
"Roy said you wouldn't forgive Rick. I said you would. Now, I lost and I'm going to have to pay."
"What did you bet on?"
"You don't want to know." She placed her hands over her hips. "What happened?"
"I'm afraid. I just don't know."
"I know Rick messed up but you're taking this too far, Lisa. And, what do you mean, you don't know? You're an adult, a soldier, a trained fighter, you know what you want."
"That doesn't mean I'm going to get it..."
"Why are you acting like you've lost? Last time I checked, Rick made a fool out of himself to get you back."
"I know. I do love him but..."
"No buts! You have to tell him!"
"I will...at my own pace."
Claudia rolled her eyes. "I need some coffee."
Miriya and Max were stretched out on the carpet of the living room. Dana was playing with her building blocks. She seemed to enjoy building towers to later smash them.
"I think we have a little warrior," said Miriya full of amusement.
"Just like her mother." Max smiled full of pride.
"Don't say that, darling." Miriya frowned. "I want her to be as human as possible."
"She will."
"Max, do you think Lisa and Rick will ever get back together?"
"I don't know." He shook his head. "They just don't seem to understand each other."
"Why? How come we understood each other and we're from different races?"
"Because we were destined." Max kissed Miriya on the lips. "We were meant to be."
"You really think so?"
"What were the odds of two enemies falling in love, getting married, and having a baby?"
Dana said something in Zentraedi and Miriya laughed.
"What did she say?"
Max wasn't very good at understanding baby talk and much less when it was Zentraedi.
"Something like one in a million, Maximillian."
"Oh, so our little girl is good with numbers."
"Boom!" Dana jumped into the block building she had made and laughed.
"They have to get back together," insisted Miriya, "Lisa and Rick are so great together."
"Ick...Isa...yes! Mommy...daddy...yes!"
The couple looked at their daughter that was clapping her hands.
"Maybe she knows something we don't know."
Several days had passed since Rick and Lisa had spoken. He had respected her wishes and was giving her "time". Lisa was starting to wonder if he just stopped caring but the ball was in her court...
"Need some company?"
Lisa lifted her face from the magazine she was pretending to read. "Hi Matt."
"May I sit down?"
"Of course." She closed the magazine.
"How are you doing, Lisa? You seem quite sad, lately."
"It's just that I have a lot of things on my mind."
"Things or someone in particular? Captain Hunter, perhaps?"
Lisa blushed.
"I've seen him around and he looks as blue as you."
"How would you know, Matt?"
"I'm a man and I can recognize when a guy is having girl trouble."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, and if you pardon my frankness..."
"Go ahead."
"After the show he put during the wedding, I'd be feeling the same way if I didn't' get the girl."
Lisa couldn't help but smile. "It was a spectacle, wasn't it?"
"A captain of the RDF swinging his hips like that? Gosh! It was priceless!"
He laughed and Lisa joined him. "We shouldn't be doing this, Matt."
"I know...but it was kinda funny...He must really love you."
"Everyone keeps saying that and I find it hard to believe," said Lisa sadly.
"Do you believe with your mind or your heart? There is a difference, you know?"
Lisa was left speechless and she felt her eyes get watery. The young engineer placed his hands over hers.
"It's going to be okay, Lisa...just listen to your heart."
Unknown to them, Rick was observing them from the coffee counter.
Great! Here I am tormenting myself about Lisa and she's comforting herself with that Matt!
Rick continued to walk through the streets of Macross until he saw a familiar sign and decided to enter.
"Hello, Minmei." He couldn't help but notice how rounder her belly had gotten.
"Rick!"
She ran to him and threw her arms around his neck.
It's a habit...Kyle reminded himself. He was wiping some glasses at the bar.
The pilot hugged her quickly before moving away.
"Aunt Lena! Uncle Max! Look who's here!" chirped Minmei.
"Oh! Rick, my boy! How are you?" Uncle Max came outside to greet him.
"Always so nice to see you!" Aunt Lena kissed his cheek.
The singer made him sit in the "table of honor" with her and beckoned Kyle.
"Are you hungry, Rick? 'Cause I'm hungry! Uncle Max, could you- -"
"Of course, Minmei. I'll prepare something really special for the two, I mean the three of you."
"Our Minmei is always hungry," explained Aunt Lena before returning to the kitchen.
"Oh! I have a picture of my baby, Rick. I gotta show it to you! I'll be right back!"
"No, Minmei, wait!" Rick dreaded the thought of being alone with Kyle.
"She won't listen," said Kyle, seriously. "She's shown her to everyone."
"Her?"
"We're having a girl." And for the first time, Rick saw Kyle smile.
"Congratulations! I must say Minmei looks wonderful! She seems - -"
"Full of energy? Yep! She's hyper most of the time...makes me wonder how our daughter's going to be."
"Gorgeous, I'm sure."
"Just like her mother."
Amazing! Lynn Kyle and I are having small talk.
Minmei practically bounced back to the table and held a sonogram in front of Rick's face.
"Can you see her?"
Rick looked at the sonogram intensely, almost straining his eyes.
"No...not really..."
"Are you serious? She's right there!" Minmei pointed to blur. "See her?'"
"Oh, yeah! Yeah! I see her!" He had to lie. Why disappoint her?
"She's going to be a ballerina," affirmed Minmei.
"I'm sure she will." Rick smiled.
"Oh! I'm so selfish! What about you? What happened with Lisa? Hey! I got to admit that you did a pretty good job up there."
Rick blushed and Kyle decided to make fun of him. "We're thinking of hiring you as a back up singer."
"I don't think you could pay me enough to reprise my role up there," said Rick good naturedly.
"Did it work?" Minmei leaned on the table.
"Nope."
"No way!" She exclaimed in her childlike manner. "You're not together?"
"No, and she's moved on. She's dating someone else."
"Are you sure?" Minmei frowned. "I find that hard to believe. Lisa loves you."
"How would you know, Miss Minmei?" Rick teased her.
"I just know. I feel these things." She made a gesture with her hands.
"Oh, oh! Better beware, Hunter. Minmei's gone kind of psychic since her pregnancy."
Rick laughed at Kyle's remark. Minmei pouted. "Why don't you believe me?"
"Sure we do," teased Kyle.
"I told you I had a feeling a friend would walk in just before Rick came in."
"You're friends with everyone in town, Minmei. It could have been anyone –no offense Hunter."
"None taken."
Rick smiled amused as they continued with their banter. Minmei stopped mid-sentence when Aunt Lena brought the food.
"Yum! We're starving!"
"Do you think this is enough?" asked Kyle as four plates were placed in front of them.
"I think Uncle Max should make some duck and some chow mein, also."
Rick gave Kyle a curious look. The pacifist only shook his head.
It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the whole group had managed to get the day off to have a barbecue at the Fokker's. Max and Roy were setting the grill on fire while Rick set the table for the meal. Miriya was attempting to help Claudia in the kitchen and succeeded in preparing the kebobs. Lisa was the last to arrive and Roy opened the door for her.
"Hey, gorgeous!" He hugged her. "What took you so long?"
"I was baking an apple pie. Can you smell it?"
"Smells wonderful..." He gave her the once over. "How many have you been baking? Looks like you've eaten quite a few. Have you been depressed?"
"Shut up, Fokker."
"I thought you and Rick would be together by now."
"Is he here?"
"He's here."
Lisa smiled and walked into the kitchen. "The dessert has arrived!"
"You or the cake?"
Claudia and Lisa looked at Miriya. She was developing her sense of humor.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Not at all." Lisa gave her a hug. "Where's the princess?"
"Pestering Rick. She seems so attracted to him."
"Wonder why?" Claudia decided to tease Lisa. "Care to tell us the qualities Mr. Hunter has?"
"Oh, shush!" She peeked outside the glass door and saw Rick twirling Dana.
"Why don't you go say hello, Lisa?" suggested Claudia.
"I will."
But she stayed in the kitchen until the other women went outside. Max waved from the grill as Roy blew on his burnt fingers. Rick smiled timidly from the sand pit were Dana was playing.
"How are you, Rick?" She stood next to him.
"I'm doing alright. How's work on the SDF-2?"
"Everything's on schedule."
They remained silent, not knowing what else to say. Lisa took a deep breath and was about to tell Rick her feelings when Max called him. Rick excused himself and ran to the grill, where Roy was jumping up and down.
"Fire! Fire!" yelled Roy.
"Why don't you just leave the grilling to Max, Roy?" said Claudia, sweetly.
"I'll be okay, Captain, really." Max pleaded with his eyes and Roy got the message.
Lisa decided to sit next to Miriya on the lunch bench.
"The captain has lost weight," commented Miriya lifting an eyebrow. "Max said he's been skipping lunch and working double shifts."
"That would be a first," said Roy. "We all know the kind of appetite he has."
"Must want to get something off his mind." Claudia gazed at Lisa.
A couple of hours later, the group was cleaning up to go home. Max and Roy were busy with the grill while Rick was clearing the table. Miriya and Claudia were putting away the extra food while Dana tailed on her mother. Lisa decided it was time to approach Rick.
"Do you have a minute, Rick?"
"Sure." He continued picking up the utensils and cups from the table. "What's up?"
"I've been thinking about what you said and- -"
"I know what you're going to say, Lisa." He faced her.
"You do?"
"I've seen you with him around the ship and in town."
"What?" She opened her eyes in surprise.
"I understand that you've decided to move on. I've heard Matt's a great guy."
"Rick..."
"I just hope he gives you what you need."
Rick turned and entered the house. Astonished, Lisa sat on a bench and let a tear fall. Little Dana walked over to her and leaned on her knees.
"Isa...no cry..." Dana lifted her hands towards her cheeks.
"Okay Dana...Isa no cry..."
"Isa...mama...isa no cry."
The woman lifted the girl in her arms and held her close.
A few days later, Lisa stepped out of a stall to find Claudia with her arms crossed over her chest staring at her.
"When are you going to tell him?"
"How did you know?" Lisa raised her eyebrows.
"It was a hunch and you just confirmed it."
"What am I going to do, Claudia?" sobbed Lisa. "I'm a superior officer. I am an example of discipline and self-control...how am I going to explain this?"
"You're only human, Lisa."
"How could this happen? We were so careful."
"It was meant to be. Period." Claudia placed her hand on Lisa's shoulder. "When are you doing to tell him?"
"I don't know if I should..."
"What?"
"He rejected me the day of the barbecue."
"Wait." She looked at Lisa in disbelief. "You told him that you wanted to be with him and he said no."
"Not exactly."
"What do you mean, not exactly?"
"He thinks I'm with Matt."
"And you didn't correct him?"
"I didn't have time. I was too flabbergasted."
"You two are the most difficult people I have ever met! If it's not one thing, it's another! What is wrong with you two?"
"It's not meant to be?"
"If you weren't pregnant, I'd slap you silly." Claudia stared at her.
"Do you think Roy knows?"
"Roy?"
"He said I'd gained weight."
"He thinks it's from cookies and candy." She laughed. "How far along are you?"
"Eight weeks more or less..."
"Didn't you suspect?"
"Not really. I felt weird while we were in space but I ignored it. Then when we came back, I was too busy. It wasn't until Dana called me "mama" that I panicked."
"Are you still panicked?"
"No. I'm happy."
"You have to tell the father. Soon."
"I don't know..."
"Either you tell him or I will," threatened Claudia.
"Okay...okay..." Lisa looked at her reflection.
"I'm serious."
"I will."
Rick Hunter awoke to a loud thumping.
"What on Earth?" He got up from bed and ran to the door. "Roy!"
Roy's six-six frame towered over him with a serious look.
"What's wrong? Is there an emergency?"
Roy's index finger poked him on the chest and forced him inside. "What is wrong with you?"
"What are you talking about?" He was still half asleep.
"About Lisa. What did you tell her?"
"Lisa? I told her I understood she wanted to be with Matt."
"Who in the world told you she wanted to be with him?" Roy rolled his eyes.
"They were at a coffeehouse. He had his hand over hers."
"That was it? You are dumber than you look!"
"Hey! No insults!"
"I should knock some sense into you! Lisa's in love with you!"
"I don't think- -"
"That's your problem, either you think too much or you don't think at all. Lisa was going to tell you that she loved you that day at the barbecue."
"Really?" He smiled goofily.
"Yes and you messed it up."
"She can still tell me she loves me."
"Wipe that arrogant smile off your face! Do you know where Lisa is right now?"
"At work?"
"Yes, buddy, at work...and preparing to leave for outer space."
"What?!"
"She asked Gloval to send her to the factory with Breetai. She's leaving, bozo."
"She can't!"
"Well, you better stop her from leaving, then!"
Rick stared at him dumfounded.
"What are you waiting for? Get dressed! Move it!"
"Yes! Yes!"
Rick turned and ran towards his room, just in time to miss Roy's smile.
Lisa was checking her correspondence when a memo was placed on her desk.
"Thank you," muttered Lisa without lifting her gaze from the paper she was reading.
"We're sure going to miss him," said Lisa's assistant.
"What?"
"Captain Hunter. He's leaving."
"What?!" Lisa stood and took the memo in her hands. The words seem to dance before her eyes.
Rick is being sent to Breetai's ship...indefinitely...
Her heart thumped wildly in her chest. Unconsciously, she placed a hand over her abdomen.
I need to tell him.
"What time is the shuttle leaving?"
"In ten minutes, Captain Hayes."
Without saying another word, Lisa ran out of her office towards the hangar. Her hurried footsteps could be heard through the corridor.
Inside an office, a man smiled.
Rick stepped into the shuttle and ran towards the pilot's cabin. Lisa arrived shortly after and looked around.
"Rick! Rick, are you here?"
She heard a door open and Rick stepped out of the pilot's cabin.
"Lisa!"
They stared at each other.
"Don't leave!"
It didn't matter who had said the words. The only thing that mattered was that they ran into each others arms and held each other close.
"Lisa, Lisa...don't leave me!"
"You can't go, Rick. I love you, Rick Hunter. I love you!" She kissed his cheeks.
"I can't be without you! Marry me!"
"What?!" She looked at him in disbelief.
"We'll tell Gloval that we're getting married. He'll have to wait before you go to space!"
"What?"
"Marry me! I love you!"
"Yes! Yes! I love you!"
"And I love you, Lisa Hayes."
He lowered his lips to hers. She lifted her lips to his. Their eyes met before their lips and they kissed full of longing. Rick's hand took a fistful of her hair to hold her close and he kissed her desperately. Lisa wrapped her arms around his neck and caressed his neck. They kissed until they were breathless. Rick pressed his forehead to hers and took her hands in his.
"You can't leave, Lisa! You have to tell Gloval that you changed your mind..."
"I thought he was sending you..." His words finally registered in her brain.
Realization hit them hard and they widened their eyes.
"We've been duped!" Rick hugged Lisa. "Roy told me Gloval was sending you to Breetai."
"I received a memo signed by Gloval saying that you were being sent into space!"
"So, the good old Admiral was involved in this scheme?" Rick was amused.
Lisa rested her head on his chest. "Oh, they're going to pay for this!"
"I think we should thank them, baby. Don't you?"
"I guess we should. We've been so foolish..."
"We've wasted so much time. I'm sorry, Lisa..."
"I'm sorry, too, Rick..."
"Oh! I almost forgot! I have a surprise for you." He stepped back.
"Speaking of surprises..."
"I've been holding this since before you returned from space, Lisa." He removed a velvet box from his pocket. "This is not the romantic setting I had planned and I know I already asked you but..."
Lisa gasped as he went down on his knee. He opened the box to reveal the ring.
"Lisa Hayes, will you marry me?"
Rick barely heard her response but he saw her move her head in agreement as she cried. He slipped the ring in her finger and kissed her sweetly on the lips.
"I will make you happy, Lisa."
"I know you will." She rested her head on his shoulder. "I have a surprise for you, too."
"You do?"
"I guess you could consider it your engagement present." Lisa blushed
"My engagement present?" He looked at her expectantly.
"Rick...how would you feel if instead of two...we were three?"
Rick's blue eyes widened in amazement. For an instant, Lisa thought he would pass out.
"You mean?"
"I'm pregnant, Rick..."
"Yahoo!" He lifted her and twirled around with her in arms. Lisa laughed full of joy at his reaction and held on to him.
"Put me down!" Lisa was laughing. "You're making me dizzy!"
"I love you! I love you! I'm going to be a daddy!" He kissed her on the cheek, on the forehead, wherever he could!
"I love you! Tell me you love me!" He embraced her.
"I love you and the baby loves you!"
"I promise I will love you 'til the end of time, Lisa!"
"It's a deal, Captain Hunter."
They sealed the promise with a loving kiss.
The whole crew of the SDF-1 and SDF-2 was looking towards the shuttle, expectantly. A general sigh of relief was heard when Rick and Lisa exited, hand in hand. A round of applause was heard as well as cheers, and the couple waved at them.
Max was sitting on the ledge of his VT with Miriya by his side.
"It worked!" said the green-haired beauty. "It's about time!"
"Way to go, boss!" Max was making the victory sign with his fingers.
"Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!" shouted the pilots, excitedly.
The couple blushed and smiled timidly as they glanced above. Gloval, Roy, and Claudia were standing on his observation deck. Rick and Lisa bowed their heads slightly in a show of respect for their senior officer. Gloval acknowledged them by tipping his hat. Lisa raised her hand and the sun glistened on her ring. More applause was heard.
"Seems like those two finally figured it out." Claudia hugged her husband.
"Thanks to us," said Roy, arrogantly.
"Thanks to you? I'm the cupid in this story, Captain Fokker, don't you forget that!" said Gloval half smiling, half serious.
The newly weds gave each other a comical look.
After the "spectacle", everyone returned to their duties with a sense of festivity...Rick and Lisa, the most respected and loved members of the RDF were finally together.
It was dark when Rick landed his Veritech but he didn't miss the view of Lisa waiting for him on deck, her long hair waving in the wind. He turned the engine off and removed his "thinking" cap before opening the cockpit.
Lisa smiled at him. Rick smiled back before jumping off his VT and running towards her.
"I'll put her away, sir," said the technician, cheerily. Rick thanked him before embracing Lisa.
"I'd thought you'd be home by now, baby."
"I wanted to wait for you and make sure it's not a dream."
"Of course it isn't a dream." Rick took her hand in his and pointed at the ring.
"Are we really engaged?"
"Sure we are." He kissed her nose. "What do you say if we go home?"
"I think that's a great idea."
Rick opened the door to his place and lifted Lisa in his arms.
"What are you doing?"
"Welcoming you home. This is our home, Lisa."
"Actually, it belongs to the RDF..." Rick silenced her with a kiss before crossing the threshold.
They both gasped at the sight before them. Candles were lit all over the place and there were flower petals on the carpet. The table had been nicely set for them with fine linen and china. Rick placed Lisa on her feet and they both walked towards the table.
"There's a card..." Lisa took it between her fingers and read out loud. "From us to you with love. Max, Miriya, Roy, Claudia. P.S. You have the day off tomorrow."
"We have wonderful friends." Rick smiled and hugged his fiancée. "Are you hungry?"
"Not for food." She gave him a suggestive look.
"Neither am I." Rick brushed his lips against hers. "How about a shower? I certainly need one."
"A shower?" Lisa blushed furiously. Rick laughed.
"What's wrong with you?"
"I've never taken a shower with anyone."
"It'll be fun." He took her hand. "I'll scrub your back, you scrub mine."
"But...but..."
Much later they were wrapped in towels and lying on Rick's bed. He was leaning on his elbow to look at her as she caressed his hair. Rick placed his other hand over her abdomen, lovingly.
"It's amazing," said Rick in awe. "My baby is growing inside of you."
"A baby of love." Her eyes got misty.
"Are you okay, Lisa?"
"I'm immensely happy. I've never been this happy."
"Neither have I." He kissed her forehead. "We won the battle, Lisa..."
"The battle?"
"The battle of love, darling. We're finally together." He kissed her softly on the lips.
"Oh, Rick..."
"You complete me, Lisa. Without you I'm so empty, I even lost my appetite."
"Now that's really serious!" Lisa laughed.
"Can you ever forgive me for the things I put you through?"
"They're forgotten." She caressed his cheek.
"What did I do to deserve you? "
"You got lucky!" She pinched his cheek.
"I sure did..."
"I love you, flyboy!"
"I love you, Lisa. I'm no one without you...but with you, I'm infinite!"
"Rick..."
"Without you, I have no life...Don't ever leave me!"
Lisa offered him her lips and he took them, nibbling, seeking entrance. His hands moved aside the fabric of the towel and he covered her skin with his. Her soft form molded to his, expectantly. Lisa's arms twined around his neck and his arms went under her back.
"I want you..." whispered Rick, huskily.
"I need you..."
"What about the baby? Will I hurt him?"
"Him?" asked Lisa, amused.
Rick smiled sheepishly. "Or her..."
"Why, Rick Hunter! You want a boy!"
"Or a girl...whatever the stork brings us..."
Lisa lifted her lips to his and licked his lower lip with her tongue.
"Take me..."
"The baby?"
"Will be fine...just love me like you always do..."
"How's that?" He lifted an eyebrow.
"Passionately, tenderly...like only Rick Hunter knows." She nibbled on his neck.
"Sir, yes, sir!"
And they lost themselves in each others arms, leaving the past behind, and living for their love and their baby.
I finally found someone
that knocks me off my feet
I finally found the one
that makes me feel complete
It started over coffee
we started out as friends
its funny how from simple things
the best things begin
I finally found someone
Someone to share my life
I finally found the one
To be with every night
Because whatever I do
It is just got to be you
My life has just begun
I finally found someone (1)
Two weeks later, Rick and Lisa were married in a private ceremony on the base. Gloval walked Lisa to the altar as Rick waited for her with Roy by his side. Claudia had been the maid of honor, and Miss Minmei the invitee of honor...there was no way on Earth she would miss the wedding of her best friend.
The Hunter's moved into a two bedroom house not far from the Sterlings, and soon they were decorating the baby's room with frescos and hanging toy airplanes from the ceiling as Rick was convinced his baby was going to be a boy, and Lisa just didn't want to argue.
Lisa was about six months into her pregnancy when Claudia announced that she was pregnant, too. Gloval had joked that there must be something in the water because it seemed as if everyone in his crew was having babies...but he couldn't be happier to be a grandfather.
Marriage wasn't easy. It was a meeting of the souls as well as the minds...and people as headstrong as Rick and Lisa had a hard time adjusting to the daily living habits of each other. More than once they had felt the urge to walk out the door and forget about everything...but time had showed them that without each other they were incomplete, so they found a ways of communicating and staying together.
Work continued aboard the SDF-2, preparing for the day the ship would be ready to embark into outer space in search of the Robotech Masters. In the mean time, all remained in calm on the planet with the survivors continuing their reconstruction and putting all their faith in restoring their own civilization.
Dana Sterling was running around the backyard followed by Roy, Rini, and Benjamin. Roy Hunter was a cute boy with unruly dark hair like his father and deep green eyes. Rini Lynn was a dark haired princess with eyes as blue as her mother's. Ben was the spitting image of his father with blond hair but he had honey colored eyes like his mother.
"Can't catch me! Can't catch me!" Dana was sticking her tongue out at the toddlers. Benjamin Fokker, the youngest one followed in pursuit as Rini tripped and fell. Little Roy Hunter stopped by her side and soothed her arm.
"No cry...Rini...okay...Rini okay..."
"Rini...no okay..." Minmei's miniature version pouted prettily.
"Yes...Rini...okay..." Roy made a funny face at her and the girl laughed.
"Can't catch me! Can't catch me!" Dana taunted her friends, again with Ben by her side.
Roy took Rini's hand and they both stood and hurried towards Dana and the boy.
Not far from them, the Hunters, the Lynns, the Sterlings, and the Fokkers had been observing the scene.
"Seems like Roy is a lady's man, just like his father...and uncle." Roy teased Rick.
"I knew I shouldn't have named him after you," retorted Rick.
"They make such a cute couple," said Minmei smiling. "Wouldn't it be great if they ended up together?"
"My daughter will not marry the military," said Kyle, seriously.
Lisa Hayes-Hunter did her best to not vent her opinions but she agreed with Kyle. She had seen Rini's pout and had to admit she resembled her mother...a real heartbreaker.
"Come on, Kyle! After all this time...?" inquired Roy.
"We have to remember that Rini's older than Roy," said Lisa, seriously.
"So? We Hunter men like our women older."
Lisa shot him a death glare and Rick just hugged her close.
"I think Ben likes Dana. He likes tough girls," said Roy.
"And tough, she is," said Max pensively.
At that precise moment, Dana was body slamming him. Miriya rose and reprimanded her in Zentraedi. The blond girl sniffled and sat in a corner while Ben came to keep her company.
"She's a little warrior..." said Miriya. "Would make a Zentraedi proud."
The couple's laughed and looked at their children full of affection and hope.
"Let's just hope all remains as it is for now." Roy raised his glass.
"May the future be bright for our children." Lisa joined him.
"Life is only what we choose to make it..." Minmei started singing.
"Let's just take it...let us be free..." continued Max.
"We can find the glory we have dreamed of..." said Claudia.
"And with our love, we can win..." added Rick.
"With strong hearts that beat us one, watch us soar...." Kyle smiled.
"And with love that conquers all....we'll win this battle...we will win..." Minmei finished. (2)
The End... (for now?)
AN: Well, hello and goodbye. This concludes my first English fic. I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did. Thank you for your support and your reviews – it is thanks to you that I finished it. I put my heart into writing this romantic/angst fic and I hope that you find it worthy of a review – at least a final one, please.
If I have left you with questions or doubts, let me know. Take care now! And long live Robotech!
(1) Song "I finally found someone" by Streisand, Hamlisch, Lange & Bryan Adams, all rights reserved to its authors. No infringement intended.
(2) Song "We will win" from the Robotech books – no infringement intended.