Disclaimer ROBOTECH is a trademark owned and licensed by Harmony Gold U.S.A., Inc.  This fan fiction was written for entertainment purposes only.  No infringement is intended.

Note:  For my story purposes, Roy Fokker is alive.  (I just can't imagine a story without him).  Oh, and I think I should mention that there probably aren't going to be any fight scenes.  I really don't have a flare for battle scenes or the jargon.  Sorry!

Chapter II



"Stay...with you?" Rick repeated in utter shock.

Lightning crashed outside of the house as Lisa stepped away from him, embarrassed. Rick turned to face her but she was looking at her feet.

"I...just thought...you might catch a cold, Commander," she said returning to her business demeanor.

Idiot! He scolded himself as he noticed her mortification. It hadn't been his intention to sound so harsh, it just happened. "Lisa...I didn't mean..."

The moment was gone. Lisa turned to open the closet near the entrance and rummaged through the racks and items on the floor.

"I'm sure I have an umbrella...somewhere around here," she said, "and...there must be a raincoat, too."

Rick Hunter wanted the earth to swallow him whole, right then and there. Lisa faced him with both items in her hands, a far-away look in her eyes.

"Here you go, Commander."

Commander. She was distancing herself from him. Rick sighed as he took the items from her and dropped them on the floor. He then took Lisa's hands in his and drew her close.

"What are you doing, Commander?" she asked, wide-eyed as her body collided with his.

"Stop it," he said, one hand sliding around her waist, the other cradling her head. "Stop calling me Commander, Lisa."

"I think you should let me go" she tried to pull away but he didn't allow it.

"I'm sorry," Rick said looking, into her eyes. "I didn't mean it that way."

"What are you talking about?" she asked indifferently.

"I want to stay with you, Lisa...if you'll let me."

"It didn't sound that way, Commander," she said, still hurt.

"Let me show you, then," he leaned forward and pressed his lips on hers.

What do I do? What do I do? Lisa repeated to herself as she felt Rick kissing her. Her mind was telling her to push him; to kick him out in the rain...let him catch a cold! However, her heart won the battle and she gave in to his probing mouth.

Fool! Fool! I am such a fool! Rick thought, as he felt Lisa melt in his arms. Why was it that words never came out right when he tried expressing his feelings towards her? How could he not want to stay with her? Lisa, behind her businesslike façade, had a very big and sensitive heart, and he knew that first hand.

Rick felt Lisa's hand caress the nape of his neck, her fingers delving into his dark mane, sending chills down his spine. Lisa smiled against his lips as she caressed his hair. It was softer that she ever expected, feeling like silk against her fingertips. He smiled back against her lips. He had the feeling she had wanted to do that for a while.

Rick's lips lifted from her lips and left a trail of kisses as he moved towards her neck. Vanilla, he thought as her scent reached his nostrils. "You smell wonderful," he whispered.

"So do you," Lisa responded as she kissed his neck, the tip of her tongue caressing his skin.

"Naughty, aren't you?" he said chuckling slightly, looking at her. A deep red shade colored her cheeks. Rick's hand caressed her face. "If you keep getting any redder, we won't need the lights on, Lisa."

"Stop teasing me," she replied softly.

"I've never seen so many shades of red, Lisa," he continued his banter.

She smirked at him and swiftly raised her hand to turn the lights out. Surprised at the sudden darkness, he blinked, but the streetlights that filtered through the living room window gave him enough vision. He pulled Lisa back into his arms and kissed her fully, taking her breath away, until she was panting, their ragged breaths filling the room.

"I know you're still blushing," he said liberating her lips.

"You are impossible!" she said, laughing.

"And that's why you like me so much," he retorted.

"Yes, that is why I like you," she admitted more solemnly that Rick expected. "I like you very much...I've liked you for a while, now, Rick."

"Is that so?" he teased. "As far as I know, you've called me a jerk and a cocky, brash, irresponsible pilot."

"Those things are true," she said, "but you are also, loyal, responsible, and caring. You care about your men and--"

"And I care about you," he interrupted. "You've been in my mind since the Sara Base incident."

"When you rescued me..." she said, turning away to the living room. Rick followed and sat by her side on the couch as she lit a pair of candles on the coffee table.

"I never asked you, Lisa but...were you trying to...?"

"Yes," she said flatly, interrupting. "You found me in my old fiancé's room. His name was Karl Riber."

"Fiancé?" Rick repeated surprised. "You were engaged to be married?"

"We were very young back then...full of dreams and expectations. He was going to Mars and we decided to commit ourselves to each other with a ring. However, he died."

The vanilla scent aroma was slowly enveloping them as the rain continued to fall outside.

"When you found me...I was ready to die, to leave the SDF-1 and be with Riber. I realize now what a coward I was, and I'm ashamed to admit it."

"You're only human, Lisa" he said gripping her hand.

"I despised you after that. You had seen me at my weakest, Rick."

"I'm so glad I disobeyed your orders, Lisa," he smiled, "or else we wouldn't be here."

"You do have the ability to do absolutely the contrary of what you've been told, don't you?" She looked up at him, a twinkle in her eyes. "I owe you my life, Rick."

"And let's not forget, Alaska Base," he added winking.

"I was so happy when I heard you on the radio, and even more when you came for me."

"Couldn't let you die, Lisa, not after I failed to tell you my feelings for you when you were coming back to earth," he said, passing an arm around her shoulders to bring her close.

"Your feelings for me?" she cuddled against him.

"Remember the Morse code?" he asked. She nodded and he recited the words.

"Like you much. Complain sometimes but believe in you. Miss you much if you don't return. Please return soonest." (1)

"I remember..they gave me comfort when I was all alone in Alaska," she smiled sadly.

"Wish I could've told you that I knew I was going so lonely without you. It is always great to see you on the bridge, directing, giving orders to the pilots. I like to think you are watching out for me, Lisa."

"I am." She nodded "It's hard to know you're in danger every time there is a battle."

"But we haven't had any combats in a while," he reminded her.

"I still worry."

"I know." He gazed at her, the candlelight's reflection flicking in her eyes. "Do you know how beautiful your eyes are, Lisa? Sometimes I think I could look into them all day...but you usually shut communication when I'm falling into a trance...which I guess is a good thing or else I wouldn't be able to fly," he added jokingly. "They're like emeralds!"

"You're getting poetic, Rick." She couldn't help but smile.

"You make me poetic, Lisa," he said, kissing her forehead.

"I was so scared when I shot you down," she said guiltily.

"That was an accident. I was over confident, Lisa."

"I nearly fainted when I heard your distress call. Claudia held me in place and comforted me when you were taken into the hospital."

"I dreamt about you," he said, remembering. "You said I belonged in your world...I guess you weren't only talking about the military, were you?"

"I guess not." She kissed his cheek. "I know you are a pilot and that you love it. I just hope that you have a spot for me in your busy schedule."

"Always," he said, searching for her lips. "As long as you let me in." No more words were said as Rick pulled her into his arms to kiss her. Lisa's hands slipped under his t-shirt to caress his back. He cringed.

"Your hands are cold," he explained between kisses.

"Sorry," she replied, pulling them away.

"Don't...just warm them against my skin," he said. And that she did, discovering how smooth his skin was, a few scars breaking the texture. His upper body was strong and muscled, the body of a soldier.

Rick Hunter smiled inwardly. He could feel that her emotions were as intense as his, her body responding with eagerness to his touch. She trusted him enough to reveal her feelings for him and he...he hoped he had done the same.

*****

Blue eyes opened and stared into the ceiling. He had a funny feeling he wasn't home. The caress of Lisa's breath against his neck brought him back to reality.

He was in Lisa's house!

She was cuddled up against him, using his arm as a pillow, the lack of blood flow making it feel numb. His body was backed against the sofa, since they had shared it as a bed. He smiled thinking at the previous night. They had made out all night, the caresses a bit audacious...and timid, like of those who discover love for the first time.

Love. It was a word that terrified him to the utmost but for some reason kept popping out when he thought about Lisa and himself. Before you love someone, you have to like them (2). Who had said that? Roy? Claudia? He couldn't remember but by the looks of it, it had to be true.

Lisa moved against him, waking from her slumber. She let out a gasp, obviously surprised to find him next to her. After a few seconds, she placed her hand against his heart, in a tender movement, appreciated by Rick.

"Good morning," he said softly.

She propped herself up on her elbow, Rick feeling the blood flowing back into his arm. Her green eyes sparkled as she looked at him, her hands compulsively going to her hair to smooth it.

"You look beautiful," he assured her.

"Good morning," she replied, a faint blush returning to her face.

"Is that how you say, good morning?" he teased.

Lisa leaned forward to press her lips against his. "Is that better?" she said, seductively.

"Much," he said holding her against his chest. "Did you sleep well?"

"I actually did," she replied. "How about you?"

"My arm is asleep, my neck is killing me and my back is out of line...but I think I'll survive," he said good-naturedly.

"I am so sorry." Lisa sat up and looked at him mortified.

"It was well worth it, don't you think?" he said, sitting up himself. Rick lifted his arms above his head and stretched, curving his back outwards. Lisa watched him as he rolled his neck to the sides. "Ah! Much better," he said smiling.

"My gosh!" she exclaimed, as she rose from the sofa.

"What's wrong?" he asked curiously.

"It's almost midday. I never sleep this late."

"Well, we did fall asleep around sunrise," he said standing up and embracing her.

Lisa hugged him back and leaned her cheek against his chest. "This is nice," she said.

"It sure is," he replied kissing the top of her head.

"Lisa, sweetie, are you home?" It was Claudia, who had opened the door with the copy Lisa had given her.

"Hey Lisa, we brought the stuff you wanted," added Roy, walking in with bags in his hand.

Rick and Lisa were glued to the floor as the older couple entered the house and they stared at each other full of surprise. Roy was the first to react, laughing at his little brother's blush.

"Roy...Claudia…" mumbled Lisa.

"Well, good morning!" Claudia said cheerily, walking towards the kitchen. "I trust you two had a great evening."

"It's not what you're thinking," Lisa said, releasing herself from Rick and walking towards Claudia.

"Thinking? Who's thinking?" Claudia smiled at her.

Roy Fokker was staring at Rick, his head cocked to the side, a smirk on his handsome face. Rick could feel his eyes probing into his soul.

"I...I haven't done anything wrong," he started to explain himself.

"You're wearing my clothes," he replied seriously. Rick looked at himself stunned as Roy started laughing.

"Gotcha!" said the 6.6 feet tall man, laughing.

Rick passed a hand over his unruly mane and sighed. Roy still made him feel like a six-year-old on occasions.

"Coffee's ready," called Claudia from the kitchen. Rick took a seat next to Lisa on the counter, while Roy placed some pastries in front of them.

"I imagine you guys are starving," he said mischievously. Rick almost gulped.

"It's not what you are thinking," said Lisa calmly.

"We're not thinking anything," said Roy "We knew this would happen eventually"

"You what?" asked Rick, surprised.

"We just hope you guys are clear on your emotions," added Claudia.

"We hope you had the talk...before the action," said Roy. Claudia poked his rib with an elbow.

"What did I say, honey?" Roy asked innocently.

"Not that you need to know," said Rick, "but we did have the talk."

"A nice, long talk," said Lisa looking at Roy, who looked at Rick skeptically.

"Care to tell me why you are wearing my clothes, little brother?"

"We walked home after dinner," explained Lisa, "and it started raining, so when we got home, I gave him the clothes you'd left here. By the way, Claudia, I have some of your clothing as well."

"Told you I had clothing missing," Claudia whacked Roy in the arm.

"Ouch! What was that for?" he asked offended. "Why don't you guys go outside and start the fire?" suggested Claudia. "We've got a barbeque to prepare".

"That's right!" said Rick, remembering "Max and Miriya will be here in a while."

"Go on, boys," said Claudia, "Lisa and I will start preparing the food."

"Will you make my special pineapple salad?" asked Roy, smiling handsomely.

"Of course, honey," she smiled back.

"That's my girl!" he said full of love, kissing her cheek. "Come on, Ricky, I need your help."

Both women followed the men with their eyes as they disappeared into the patio.

"Well?" asked Claudia once they were alone.

"Well...what?" she retorted sheepishly.

"Was he good?"

Lisa was almost floored at her bluntness. "He's a good kisser, Claudia, if that's what you want to know."

"Just good?" she teased, as she prepared the salad.

"Great, as a matter of fact," Lisa said smiling as she prepared burger patties.

"And...?" Claudia continued her teasing.

"And that's all I can truthfully tell you."

"You mean..."

"Exactly. We talked, we kissed, and we cuddled. Not bad for a first date, don't you think?"

"Not bad at all." Claudia smiled and looked at her friend. She had to admit she looked incredibly happy, almost giddy.

Outside, Rick was washing the barbeque grid as Roy placed the coals in the burner.

"Why is it that I always get the dirty work?" he complained.

"Because I'm your wing leader besides being your older brother," Roy taunted.

 "You are not my wing leader. In case you've forgotten, I have my own team, thank you very much," Rick answered sullenly.

"I know that, Ricky," Roy said walking towards him and ruffling his hair.

"Stop that!" Rick said pretending to be upset. "And don't call me Ricky!"

"Were you nice to her?" he asked seriously.

"To Lisa? Of course!" he replied, eyeing Roy.

"I don't want to see her hurt."

"You keep saying that, Roy. Do you think I would do it deliberately?"

"That's exactly the problem; you might do it without thinking."

"Don't worry, Roy. We talked and we are cool..."

"Cool?" Roy repeated. "So mature of you to say that."

"Stop it, will ya'? We talked and..."

"And?" Roy asked a little menacingly.

"You're dying to know, aren't you?" he said, laughing.

"I'll find out one way or another."

"Is that so?" Rick dared him.

"You asked for it!" A moment later they were wrestling, Roy holding Rick's smaller frame against the floor, his cheek scrunched up.

"Well?" Roy was enjoying this too much.

"We kissed and cuddled. I was a perfect gentleman," said Rick annoyed.

"Good to know," Roy said. "I'm glad Pop Hunter and I did a good job raising you, fool."

"Let me go!" Rick struggled and Roy sat on his back. "Ow!"

"What on earth?" It was Claudia who was walking with Lisa towards the patio.

"Hi love!" waved Roy, smiling.

"Get off of me!" yelled Rick, as Lisa covered her mouth to conceal her laughter.

"Roy, stop horsing around!" scolded Claudia. "We have people coming over and you haven't even started the fire."

"Don't worry!" he said standing up. "You know I can light up a fire."

"Yes but don't burn your eyebrows this time, ok?" She said slyly as Roy's face dropped.

This time, Rick and Lisa laughed as the blond man sulked.

"Hello! Anybody home?" The Sterlings were coming around the fence to the back door.

"Hey guys!" Lisa greeted them.

"We were ringing but no one answered," said Miriya, "so we decided to come to the back.

"We were just about to light the fire," said Rick.

"Would have been done before if someone hadn't been goofing around," said Claudia.

"Why don't you let me do that, Captain?" asked Max, handing the baby to Lisa. "I heard you almost lost your eyebrows last time."

They all burst out in laughter as Roy's pout became larger. "Is there anyone who doesn't know?"

"Maybe the Zentraedi in the next town," said Claudia smiling.

"No," intervened Miriya. "I told them about the incident."

Roy blushed as Max took the fuel and matches away from his hand. Rick slapped his knee and laughed.

"Hello precious," said Lisa, cuddling the baby in her arms. Dana cooed softly at the green-eyed woman.

"You look radiant today, Captain," said Miriya suspiciously. "Are we having a baby soon?"

"Not yet," replied Lisa and smiled. "Maybe in the future."

"That sounds good, Captain."

"We had a nice evening and I need to thank you."

"Why, Captain?"

"Because the Commander liked my legs in the dress you picked for me."

"I told you they were almost as nice as mine," she said good-naturedly.

"Yes, you did, Miriya." Lisa smiled.

He's not as oblivious as he looks, the Zentraedi thought and smiled to herself.

*****

AN:  Many thanks for your reviews.  Your words encourage me to continue this fic.  I hope you enjoyed this chapter.   Thanks for reading!

(1) & (2) are from the Robotech books, no infringement intended!