UNDER THE BACKGROUND

Overview: Just an idea that popped in my mind. I'll try to put the events in SDF Macross under the background of different songs. I guess the songs would express how the characters feel. It's a Hikaru-Misa fanfic. I hope I can do justice to the songs as I blend them to the story. Please read and review.

A/N: This takes place during the first year of the lost two years after the Space War I. Song in the background is "Tattooed on My Mind" by D'Sound.

Chapter 1 Tattooed On My Mind

"Gun sight one, Skull Leader is now on flight!"

"Roger Skull Leader. You are to fly your usual patrol today with a slight detour to the south-east sector!"

"Major, that's not in our flight plan."

"I know but this just came in. We've just received a report of unusual Zentradi activities there."

"Alright Major. Just can't help but wonder. These incidents seem to be increasing each day."

"I agree with you Ichijyo but we can't make any conclusions yet. I hope these are just isolated cases."

"That's a 10-4, Gun Sight One. We're now approaching Grante City."

"Be careful Major!"

Maybe you'll soon forget about all

Or maybe you'll miss it like I do

One thing's for sure: I'm all knocked out

Spend too much time thinking of you

Nothing unusual was being reported that day. As a matter of fact, the day started with a beautiful sunrise with no clouds in the sky. It should've been perfect if only there were green sceneries on the ground. The rain of death have made the earth desolate and dry, making it impossible for vegetation to grow. Misa was starting to be overwhelmed by the great work they have in their hands – the restoration of the glory of earth, even if that was impossible.

Flashback…

"Macross!" both Misa and Hikaru exclaimed as they watched the ship descending from space.

"They made it!"

"Yes! Let's go back home!"

Misa sat on Hikaru's lap, held his hand as he pushed the throttle control. Off the two sped towards the ship that witnessed their budding romance.

The briefing with Commodore Global was short. He didn't want his officers to be burdened by keeping them in conference room. He can wait for the reports. What's important is they just won the war against the Bodolza fleet.

"Hey Major, can I walk you home?"

"Sure!"

"I just can't believe that we survived that battle."

"Me too! After everything around me was exploding, I thought I wouldn't make it either… My father…he..." Misa started to sob.

It suddenly dawned on Misa the loss she just had after that battle. Overwhelming emotions made her feel lightheaded and everything around her started to dim.

"Misa!" Hikaru exclaimed as he caught Misa who fainted.

And I can't get you out of my dreams

Now I know that you're the dangerous kind

And your smile is tattooed on my mind

And I can't get you out of my dreams

"Misa, I'm coming for you!" Misa heard on the console.

"Oh Hikaru! Be careful!"

She waited a few more minutes and heard some noise behind the shutters where she was standing from. She saw melting steel forming a circular opening on the shutters. In a few moments, the hole was sliced completely and from the smoldering steel, a figure emerged that made her heart skip.

"Hikaru!'

"Misa!"

She can't hold on to the tears, tears of fear previously now turning to tears of joy. She ran towards Hikaru and gave him a tight embrace, just to assure herself that he's for real.

"C'mon, it's okay. Let me take you out of here!" She hears him calming her.

They both climbed his Valkyrie. The cockpit was a tight space and she had to sit on Hikaru's lap. Hikaru gave her his helmet.

"Hold on!"

Hikaru flew the Valkyrie impressively, trying to dodge falling debris. The smaller debris caused the canopy to break but she didn't mind. In Hikaru's arms, she felt secured.

At last they reached the surface and the blinding light of the sun greeted them.

"Uhhng.. where am I?"

"Misa, glad you're awake."

"How long have I been out?"

"Almost eight hours! The doctor said you needed to rest."

"Y-you stayed here with me?"

"Hey, I was dead worried about you! Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Misa, don't even think of getting back into action."

"No worries." Misa smiled feeling the sincerity in Hikaru's words. "By the way, thanks!"

"You're welcome Major!" Hikaru beamed.

Don't wanna write, I don't wanna call,

- I would not know what to say

It should be you, that's how I want it to be

Tell me you feel the same way

"Major Ichijyo to Gun Sight One. No shenanigans detected in the south-east sector!"

"Gun Sight One do you copy?"

"Gun Sight One, this is Skull Leader, do you copy?"

"Major Hayase?"

"Misa, your fly boy is calling!" Claudia nudged Misa causing her to twitch.

Misa's thoughts fell back to earth, thanks to Claudia.

Claudia actually caught Misa staring into the endless sky and she knew what was causing her to act this way. She smiled because finally she saw hope of love for her friend.

"R-Roger that Skull Leader!" She tried to calmly reply.

"Is something wrong Misa?"

"No. Nothing!"

"Alright! Skull squadron's heading home!"

"Affirmative!"

"Claudia, I'll just take a breather. The bridge is yours."

"Go on ahead. I'm pretty sure you're dying to see that fly boy of yours." Claudia teased.

"Clau!" Misa's eyes widened with a threatening look at Claudia.

Claudia just winked at her and smiled. Misa smiled back and both understood each other.

Misa was able to make her way out of the Macross towards the hangar. She waited there until she saw the Skull Squadron in the sky making their approach.

"Gun Sight One, this is Skull Leader about to make our final approach!"

"You're cleared Skull Leader. Take course one-five-zero."

"Major La Salle?"

"Yes, expecting somebody else Ichijyo?"

"Ah, no one actually… I mean- where's Misa?"

"My friend's predictable, she'd be waiting for you at hangar delta."

"Is she that anxious with my report Ma'am?"

"Just find out for yourself Major."

"Alright Ma'am. Thanks! Skull Leader out!"

"Roger, Skull Leader, it's good to have you back!"

The squadron made a soft landing and as Hikaru's Valkyrie was being taxied, he saw Misa standing by the hangar gates. The wind was blowing and it caused Misa's hair to flow.

Hikaru got out of his plane and entrusted it to his engineer. He walked cautiously towards Misa.

"Major Ichijyo reporting Ma'am!" Hikaru saluted.

"At ease Ichijyo."

"Did I do something wrong? I thought you were acting weird a while ago."

"N-no, I'm fine. Just thought of inviting you for a cup of tea."

"Huh!"

"It's alright if you don't want to."

"No, I mean, yes, I'd love to-"

"Okay, I'll wait for you in the cafeteria. And please take a shower Major. That's an order!" Misa smiled.

And I can't get you out of my dreams

Now I know that you're the dangerous kind

And your smile is tattooed on my mind

And I can't get you out of my dreams

Oh, yesterday I was feeling safe

All I do today is trying to be brave

And no melody can seem to soothe my mind

And now I curse you for being so sweet and so kind

Misa turned to look at her desk clock. It read 2AM.

"Time runs so fast. The last time I looked that darn clock it was just 10PM. Damn, I can't sleep!"

She tried closing her eyes again but all she sees is Hikaru's smile.

"That man!" She sighed and felt like cursing Hikaru. She held both her palms againts her face trying to figure out how to take Hikaru out of her thoughts.

Then, a smile started forming on her lips. She was glad and grateful that after all these years, her heart has found a way be in love. Yes, she was falling in love.

She got out of her bed and went to the kitchen. She scanned her fridge but nothing there got her interest. She instead got hot water from her electric pot and started to make hot-choco. She was imagining how it would be to share a home with Hikaru and she smiled as her mind played some typical scenes.

"Oh Misa, you're over-assuming." She laughed at herself.

She moved from the kitchen to the living room. She set her hot-choco on the living room table, sat on her sofa and clicked the remote control. "A Walk in the Clouds" was playing on T.V.. She got interested and the movie was only a little successful in taking a smiling Hikaru away from her mind. The movie was successful though in helping her get to sleep. Without even reaching the finale of the movie, she started to doze off.

And I can't get you out of my dreams

Now I know that you're the dangerous kind

And your face is tattooed on my mind

And I can't get you out of my dreams

Yes I know you're tatooed on my mind you're tatooed...

The doorbell was ringing madly and it made her curse.

"Damn it, it's my day off!"

She slipped in her robe and took a quick look in the mirror to check herself. The doorbell still kept ringing.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" She sounded irritated and started to dash towards her door.

"This better be good or I'll take you straight to the brig!" Misa raised her voice as she opened the door.

What she saw next made her regret what she just said. She held her hand to her mouth.

"Hi Major. I have no problem being thrown to the brig but can you at least share breakfast with me? I brought your favorite – Blue Berry Cheese Cake and fresh fruits." Hikaru shyly asked.