Disclaimer: ROBOTECH and its characters © Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc. This fic was written for entertainment purposes only. No infringement is intended.

"Broken Hearts"

Kyle's gray eyes were watching Lisa with interest as she ate her dessert. He had never seen anything quite as sexy – and innocent.

Minmei…

He pushed the thought away as Lisa closed her eyes and placed the spoon in her mouth. Before she could stop herself, a little moan escaped from her lips.

"Oh my!" said Lisa as she blushed profusely. "Sorry!"

"No need to apologize," said Kyle before sipping from his cup of coffee. "I guess you're a chocolate lover, eh?"

Lisa nodded her head. "I love it! Nothing can cheer me up as much as this."

She took another spoonful of her dessert and rolled her eyes in delight. Kyle chuckled as Lisa rested the spoon on the dessert plate.

"What about you, Kyle? What do you like?""

"What do I like?" He scratched his chin with his index and thumb. "I really don't know."

"Are you serious?" She looked at him quizzically.

"I should know," he began to say with sudden seriousness, "but it's been so long since I've worried about my needs…that I just don't remember."

Kyle seemed ashamed at his confession and shrugged.

"How about chocolate chip cookies? Chocolate mint ice cream?" suggested Lisa trying to overcome his awkwardness.

"I think you're thinking about yourself, captain," said Kyle with a smile.

"Pizza? Hot dogs? Burgers?"

"Got it!" said Kyle snapping his fingers. "Smores!"

"Smores?"

"My father and I would eat them when we went camping," he said pensively, "We'd fish all day but we rarely caught something big enough for us to eat. We'd always have to eat what mom packed for us and then, we'd sit around the fire and make smores. It was the best!"

"I never pictured Max as the camping kind."

"He's good. He was a boy scout," said Kyle winking, "and so was I."

"Well, that explains it," replied Lisa smiling. "Seems like you and your father had lots of fun."

"We did. How about you? Did you ever go camping?"

"Not really. I've always been more bookish…if you know what I mean. Mother passed away when I was pretty young and father was always working, so I spent most of my days with the housekeeper."

"That must have been hard."

"You get used to it," said Lisa smiling sadly, "but father and I got closer when I entered the academy. How about you and Max?"

"We got along perfectly…until I started thinking for myself." He smiled wryly.

"You became a pacifist."

"Exactly and I couldn't have embarrassed my father more. All Lynn men had served in the military for ages. I was supposed to follow in their footsteps."

"That must have been hard for him to accept."

"Have you heard the saying 'out of sight, out of mind'. Well, that's what father did. He kicked me out of the house."

Lisa's green eyes showed surprise as he leaned forward to take another sip from his cup.

"Kicked you out?"

"I guess it was some sort of blessing. I left a few days before the Zentraedi attacked Macross."

"So that's why we didn't see you until Minmei visited Yokohama. You must've been so surprised to find out we were all alive."

"Not as surprised as finding out about the aliens. I figured that if she was okay, so must my parents. I had to see them. I was ready to pound Hunter if he refused to take me."

"Good thing you had Minmei on your side. She convinced him and Captain Gloval that she needed you aboard."

"Yeah, she has that ability."

They looked at each other for a moment, understanding the insinuation in their words. Lisa swallowed hard before speaking.

"So, what did you do while we were in space?"

"Nothing interesting. I finished my degree."

"Degree? You mean you were in college?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Why the surprise? You thought I had no formal education? Let me tell you something, those manifestos I've written don't come out of thin air."

"I know…I know…" said Lisa trying to appease him. "What did you major in? English?"

"That was my minor," he said cockily. "My major was civil engineering."

Lisa's eyes practically bulged. "What? You have a major in civil engineering!"

"Yeah. So?"

"You're exactly the kind of person we need, Kyle. Do you have any idea of how useful you could be to the reconstruction effort?"

Kyle frowned. "I have no interest in helping the militia. You made this mess, you fix it."

"Do you know how ridiculous you sound?" she asked a bit hurt at the tone of his voice.

"Excuse me?"

"How can you just sit there and not do a thing?"

"Because you guys, the military, need to pick the pieces of your disaster. It's the only way you'll learn that war is NOT the answer."

He spoke with such spite that Lisa frowned.

"You should be ashamed, Kyle. You do a lot of finger pointing but when it comes down to it, to really make a difference, you remain indifferent."

"Indifferent? Have you read any of my manifestos?"

"Yes, I have," she said picking her coat from a chair, "and as smart as you sound on paper, you sure don't seem it in person."

Kyle scowled. Lisa took a deep breath before continuing.

"If you really want to make a difference, stop complaining. Get off your behind and get into action. Stop wasting energy rallying against us and join us."

"No."

"I'm not talking about the military, Kyle. I'm talking about the reconstruction crews. You could make an impact on so many lives."

Lisa rose from her seat. The pacifist gave her a surprised look.

"Thanks for dessert," said Lisa turning on her heels. "Good-bye."

Kyle didn't bother to answer. He remained in his chair and looked out the window as she walked out the café.

They were lying on his bed, kissing as their hands hungrily explored each other's body. They were like erupting volcanoes, exploding full of passion and desire. He could feel her moving over his body, straddling him, her long hair falling over his face like a curtain.

"Minmei," whispered Rick looking into her dark eyes.

She kissed him again before pulling the front of his shirt.

"I want you," whispered the singer against his ear.

He shivered at her words but more at the wet kisses she was placing over his neck.

"Do you want me?" purred Minmei lying over him.

Want her? Of course he did but…what was that uneasy feeling in his chest?

Rick opened his eyes and they immediately focused on the bag where Minmei had stored Lisa's belongings.

"Say you love me," asked Minmei nibbling at his neck.

Lisa…

"Say it," said Minmei kissing his collarbone.

The pilot always thought it would be easy to say, especially now that she was all over him…but he was wrong. He couldn't. He wanted to say it to someone that had proved herself loyal, and caring, and giving. Not someone that came in and out of his life like a tidal wave.

"Oh Rick, I love you."

But I don't love you.

His hands grabbed her shoulders to gently pull her away. She gasped in surprise.

"I can't…we can't," he said standing.

"What's wrong?"

"This is wrong," said Rick retrieving a t-shirt from his clothing drawer.

"What do you mean?"

"We can't do this to them, Minmei."

"Them? Who are you talking about?"

"Lisa and Kyle."

Minmei felt as if she had been slapped. She had expected him to mention Kyle sooner or later, but not that woman.

"Lisa? You're thinking about Lisa Hayes? The old sourpuss?"

"I asked you not to call her that." He looked at her sternly.

"She IS an old sourpuss and you know it!"

"Minmei, stop."

She stepped angrily towards him. "You're rejecting me for that woman?"

"No, I'm rejecting you because I don't love you."

"You can't do this! Not after all that we've been through, Rick!"

"What have we've been through, Minmei?" He stared at her. "I've barely seen you during the past two years."

"Is this about Kyle?" She placed her hand over his.

"No, this is about me. Having you here was like a dream come true, Minmei but now it's time to wake up. I'm not in love with you."

The singer stepped back as if she had been struck.

"I thought you'd love me forever," she said with tears in her eyes.

"So did I."

"You can't give up on us, Rick. Not now that we're together. I love you!"

"I don't believe you," said the pilot leaning against the wall. "The only reason you're here is because Kyle left you and you expect me to be your consolation prize."

Infuriated, Minmei rose and slapped him.

"How dare you?" she asked through her teeth.

Rick looked at her with no expression on his face and shook his head.

"You need to go back home, Minmei."

"What?!"

"You can't stay here any longer."

"No, Rick! Please! You can't--"

"Tomorrow. It's too late right now. Good-night, Minmei…and good-bye."

Rick could hear her sobbing as he walked towards the front door.

"Rick, you can't leave me," she said trailing behind.

"I'm sorry," he said picking his coat out of the closet.

"Rick, no!"

He opened the front door and walked into the cool night.

If he looks back, he's not serious, thought Minmei as she stood, barefooted and coatless at the doorframe.

He didn't.

Why do we always end up arguing?

Lisa shook her head in disappointment. They'd only spoken a few times, and each time she felt so comfortable around him that she hoped they could become friends. However, that idea was fading quickly. That was never going to happen as long as she was in the military.

I guess I'm the problem, she thought sullenly.

Maybe she should hate him too. He was a pacifist, after all. He was the man that wrote manifestos against the RDF, the man that was responsible for the protoculture matrix being lost, that man that…

Looks so much like Riber

Just like Karl, Kyle was intelligent. He was well spoken and well read. It was easy to carry on a conversation with him - when he wasn't moody. And, there just was something in his gray eyes that made her want to… Lisa blushed at her thoughts.

"Hey!"

Lisa literally jumped in her shoes and turned around.

"Calm down. It's me," said Kyle raising his hands.

"You scared me!"

"I see that. I'm sorry."

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Lisa noticed that Kyle was dragging the tip of his shoe on the ground.

"What are you doing here, Kyle?"

"I came to walk you home."

"It's not necessary," she said taking a step forward. "Why don't you just go back and sit around for a while?"

"I also came here to apologize," said Kyle following her.

"Apologize?" Lisa glanced at him.

"Look…you're right. I should probably do more than complain but it's not easy. I'm still taking baby steps, okay?"

"Baby steps?"

"You know…the recreation center…being your friend."

"Friends?"

He scratched his head before shrugging.

"Well, yeah. Aren't we? I did rescue you the other night," he began counting his fingers, "and at the hospital, and I bought you dessert."

Lisa couldn't control her smile. Kyle suddenly seemed so juvenile, the perpetual scowl was gone and his face was lit with a mischievous smile.

"The chocolate mousse has to count for something," he concluded.

"I guess it has to," she replied. "Okay, you've convinced me. Friends."

"Handshake?"

"Sure," she said shaking the hand he offered, "just remember to keep me on your good list next time there's trouble."

"Will do." He took a look at her hand. "Where are you gloves?"

"I think I left them at the café. They must have fallen from my pocket."

"Do you want to go back?"

"It's not necessary. I'm almost home anyway."

Kyle took a quick glance at his surroundings. They were already entering the military community.

"That was quick! I thought you lived farther away."

"That night…we were," said Lisa a bit embarrassed.

"Have you heard anything from the police?"

"No. It's like the earth swallowed him. I hope it did. I don't want to see him ever again."

"Sure you do. Wouldn't you like to pound him?"

"What is it with you? For being a pacifist you sure like to pound people."

"I only fight when it's necessary."

"To protect your loved ones?"

Kyle's gray eyes fell on hers and she blushed.

"I didn't mean…I wasn't trying to--" she stammered.

"I know what you mean. Relax."

They continued walking in silence, the sound of their footsteps echoing across the neighborhood. Lisa couldn't help noticing how their arms bumped into each other casually. A few raindrops began falling over their heads.

"We better hurry," said Kyle taking her arm with soft strength. "It's going to rain."

"Huh?"

"Come on, cadet! Hut, one, two, three! We gotta hustle," he teased.

Her response was a soft giggle before quickening her steps.

"Can't you go any faster? I think you've become soft, captain."

"Well see about that," she responded before running and leaving him behind.

They ran a few blocks and made it to her doorstep just in time to cover themselves under her awning.

"I'm going to need a cab," said Kyle staring at the downpour.

"Why don't you come for awhile?" said Lisa opening her door. "I don't think you'll find one with this rain."

"You're probably right, and if there is one, it probably already has a passenger."

She nodded in agreement and with a gesture invited him inside. Kyle took his jacket off and hung it on the coat rack.

"It's nice in here. Toasty."

"I get cold easily," explained Lisa.

"Then Alaska must have been a nightmare for you."

"How do you know that?" she asked full of surprise.

"You'd be surprised at the amount of things, we, civilians find out," he said mischievously.

"I bet I would," she replied walking towards her bedroom. "I'll be back in a second. Make yourself at home."

Kyle turned on his heels and walked towards the couch where he had held Lisa the night she'd been attacked. He remembered her heart wrenching sobs and the way she clung to him. His anger had faded and been replaced for a strange desire to protect her – even if she was from the RDF.

She's still a woman…a real one, not a doll made by Vance Hasslewood.

He frowned, angry at himself, not understanding why it was so difficult to forget her.

"Would you like some coffee? Tea?"

Lisa's question startled him and he jumped.

"Oh, sorry!"

He turned to see her wearing a pair of khaki slacks with a colorful sweater. Her hair was in a ponytail. She looked beautiful.

"Tea would be fine," replied Kyle leaning on the kitchen counter.

"It's jasmine," she said showing him the box, "I got it at your dad's restaurant."

"Then it's the good stuff."

She smiled before filling the tea kettle with water and placing it over the stove. The woman turned and gave him a curious look.

"What?"

"Why don't you take it off?" said Lisa pointing at his woven hat.

"Oh! I forgot I had it on."

Kyle pulled it off and static made his hair stand on an end. Lisa chuckled.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry. It's your hair. It's all over the place."

The man frowned and picked up the toaster to glance at his image.

"Yikes! This sure didn't happen when it was long…"

"Why did you cut it?"

"I was tired of it," he lied, "so I decided to trim it myself."

"You did it? No wonder!" replied Lisa shaking her head.

"No wonder?"

"You've got a bad haircut, my friend."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Very but I can fix it."

"You can?"

"Trust me. I'll be right back."

Kyle gave her curious look as she disappeared into her room. The tea kettle began whistling and Kyle poured the water into the teapot that Lisa had left over the counter. She came back almost immediately with a pair of scissors in her hands.

"Ready, Kyle? I'm going to leave you looking like a model."

"As long as it's not a bald one," said Kyle apprehensively.

"Trust me," said Lisa pulling out one of the dining room chairs.

"What other choice do I have?"

"The guillotine."

Kyle sat on the chair and Lisa placed a towel around his shoulders. She combed his hair and began cutting the excess, expertly, and trimming the rough ends. Meanwhile, Kyle remained with closed eyes, hoping for the best.

"It's done," said Lisa holding out a mirror to him. "Take a look."

He slowly opened his eyes and stared at his reflection. A pleased look appeared on his face.

"I told you to trust me," said Lisa with arms akimbo. "Man of little faith!"

"You're right. I should have trusted you."

"All you need now is some gel," said Lisa taking a bottle out of her pocket.

"No! I don't use that," he said pushing her hand away. The dollop fell on the ground.

"Just a little bit…trust me," she insisted pouring some more gel on her hand.

Before he could stop her, Lisa's fingers were going through his hair…and it sent jolts up his spine. Kyle remained still, glancing at her, at the intensity in her green eyes, the care she was putting into the task she was doing.

"There," whispered Lisa stepping backwards, "Perfect!"

Her foot slid on the gel on the floor and she lost her balance. Kyle managed to grab her arm and pull her close as he stood. The towel on his shoulders fell to the ground as Lisa clung to him.

"Whew! That was close," said the woman with relief.

Lisa tried to pull away but his arms wrapped around her, gently.

"Kyle?" She lifted her face towards him with a question in her eyes.

He looked at Lisa for a second, confused and at a loss for words…before pressing his lips against hers.

A.N.: Hello! Sorry for not posting. My only excuse is that work has been crazy and I've barely had any time to write for leisure.

Hope you enjoy this chapter. I look forward to reading your reviews. Thanks!