Rick was sitting on a bench in the park that over looks Macross City thinking about the last few months. It all started with him coming to visit his adopted big brother Roy. In the last few months he met a girl a few years younger then him that he saved and stranded in an unused portion of the ship. He had developed a crush on her, but it seemed the feelings were not returned. He had overheard her speaking to a friend about him were she had told her friend that he was just a friend and too immature. That had been a real blow to Rick that Minmei thought so little of him. So Rick had been sitting here the last few hours thinking.
He would have to admit that some of his actions were in fact immature. Especially concerning how he acted around a certain LTC Lisa Hayes. He had said a couple rude things to her starting with calling her an Old Sourpuss. He would need to apologize to her for that and for snapping at her during the battle at Saturn rings. He would need to put a better effort while flying, he had been too distracted thinking about is problems with Minmei. Well that would stop. What ever feelings he might have had were gone after listening to her describe how immature he was and that he was not her type.
He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't her a couple of people walk up to him.
"Rick what's got you so down?" asked Claudia Grant.
"Claudia, Commander Hays, sorry didn't hear you walk up." replied Rick.
"No problem Sgt Hunter. Tho you do look like you have a lot on your mind."
Rick rubbed the back of his neck trying to think of what he should say. He was not sure how comfortable he would be talking about his problems he had with Minmei with Lisa. He knows he can always talk with Claudia about it.
"Just been doing a lot of thinking about the last few months. About a girl I had a crush on that didn't feel the same way and about some of my actions sense arriving on Macross Island. Guess I also own you an apology Commander for what I said to you the first time we talked and for popping off at you the other day during the battle at Saturn."
"Apology accepted Rick."
Claudia asked "So Rick things not going well with that Minmei girl?"
Rick explained about what he overheard the other day about how she said he was just a friend and immature. Talked about how he has been distracted lately because of how she has acted towards him. Lisa and Claudia both sat down on the bench on either side of him and listened. Both of them could tell that he had been hurt by Minmei but also relised he had put a lot of thought into what he panned on doing from here on out. Claudia also thought that Rick needed someone who also understood the pain he was going threw. She figured that she might be able to help two of her friends at the same time. Both Rick and Lisa need someone who would understand them and not be so judgemental.
"Rick, why don't you come over later to night. Roy and Lisa are coming over to my quarters for dinner."
"Are sure Claudia, I don't want to intrude any plans you alread had."
Claudia just rolled her eyes and said "Rick it is no problem. Your more than welcome to join us."
"OK Claudia, I'll be there. What time should I show up?"
"1800 hours Rick."
"OK I will see you both there. Thanks for lending me a couple ears."
"No problem Rick. If you need to talk with someone I'm sure Roy or Claudia would be more than happy to lisen and if tey are not around fell free to talk with me."
Lisa couldn't believe she just added that last part but she was not going to take it back. He look like he needed a couple friends to talk with. She did have to admite that he may not be as bad as she first thought. It had to take a lot of courage to appoligise to her.
"Well Rick we need to be going. See you tonight."
With that both Lisa and Claudia left.
R/L
At 1800 Rick knocked on Claudia's door. It only took a couple of minutes and the door was opened by Lisa.
"Rick, come on in. Roy and Claudia are in the Kitchen finishing up. Well Claudia is, Roy is getting in the way."
"Thanks Commander."
"You can call me Lisa while we are here Rick. Come on in and have a seat."
Rick sat on the couch while Lisa went to the small kitch to let Claudia and Roy know Rick showed up. A minute later Roy came out.
"Hey little Brother."
"Hey Roy, so hear you are delaying dinner."
"I was not I was trying to help."
"Roy I've seen you in a kitch. It usually ends up with a fire."
"Keep it up Rick and you might find yourself on some extra patrols."
Before Rick could reply Claudia and Lisa came out with Dinner. They all sat and ate and talked. Rick and Roy told embarising stories about each other. After dinner they all moved to the sittig area and talked threw the night. None of them reising how late it was getting because of all the fun they were having. Another thing that was happening was Rick and Lisa starting to develope feelings for the other. Not that either of them would admite it. Rick was just starting to get over Minmei and Lisa never got over the loss of her Fiancee Karl. But Claudia could tell by the way they started interacting towards each other that they might start to like each other, not that she thought either oth them wou;d act on it but it was a start to helping her two friends find love with the other.
If you all would like me to make this more than a one shot let me know. I have never been a Rick and Minmei fan so I wrote this as a possible way Rick and Lisa may get together sooner.