Chapter 8

Lisa felt her breath vanish as the warmth of Rick's hands almost burned through the fabric of her uniform. She pulled away slightly from his moist, warm lips. She kept her eyes down, not daring to look at him.

She felt him slightly inhaling.

-Hey...

At that, she lifted her long, damp eyelashes.

-You all right?

His eyes were like two pools of clear water moved by the wind. the blue fluttered among them

-Yes I...

A gentle smile bloomed on her face showing her perfect little teeth. Her lips were flushed red from his kisses.

For a moment neither of them moved.

Now... what we are supposed to do?

Lisa shifted slightly on the couch as he let her go naturally. A kind of nameless awkwardness had numbed them. Night had fallen on the military quarter without noticing. Now the room was in the shadow.

Lisa straightened her crumpled skirt and he stared for a moment at her well-rounded knees beneath the thin layer of her tights.

-Lights up!

He said in a shrill voice. The grocery bags were still there on the kitchen floor. Suddenly the act of eating seemed so odd to Rick.

However, he said in a slightly altered voice.

-Lisa... you hungry?

-I-what?

Then she cast a glance at the bags she brought and nodded vigorously

- The dinner, that's true, yes...

Her thoughts flew in several directions. If she had remained there, was he going to kiss her again? And why did he kiss her? She still had goose bumps all over her body.

It had been so long. And excluded Rick the only other guy she had ever kissed was Karl Riber.

She resolved to get up.

-Maybe I can help you with ...

She took a few steps toward the small kitchen.

Rick felt all the heat from earlier flare up in a single spot deep inside him.

He was shy. He spun around to try not to look at her. He had felt her breasts pressing against his chest and felt shivering. He remembered vividly when they had fallen into that tank, on Breetai's ship. After that dive, her spacesuit seemed to stick to her body like a layer of vinyl. It showed all her curves. He had looked at her breasts again and again, as if hypnotized. He shook his head and poked it inside the pantry.

-What up Rick? Everything all right?

He blushed without looking back

-So... what do we want for dinner? You brought so much stuff... what would you like?

She let go a little sound

-Well I...

She could not remember at all what she had bought. She did not know whether she was hungry or thirsty or wanted to laugh or cry or... run away. She glanced at his back and shoulders and a hit of desire took hold of her. But she did not know that feeling. His hair, his hands, his lips. Everything was perfect about him. If she had stayed maybe they would have kissed again?

-Okay I've decided!

Rick turned to her with a pack of spaghetti in his hand.

Pasta pomodoro is that okay?

He looked at the package and looked at her with a beaming smile. Lisa shrugged her shoulders and smiled back.

-Okay Captain Hunter, as long as you let me do it!

He frowned

-What do you mean, a miserable cripple like me can't cook a dish of spaghetti?

Lisa burst out laughing

-Lol... I'm just not sure about your cooking skills.

-Well, I m going to impress you.

Lisa gazed at him doubtfully

- At the flying circus days.. my father taught me everything about cooking food, you know... how to turn on the stove for example...

They laughed for a moment then stayed seriously. They just stared at each other.

Rick was thrilled. Just before, he had held her and kissed her, and now she was standing there talking about whatever, as always, with the same confidence and slight sarcasm that distinguished her. It was just like always, because Lisa... because she had always been with him, all these years...

He realized this as an epiphany. She was the dearest person he had, always there for him, to help him to support him. But what about Minmay then?

When they said goodbye at the door an awkward "see you" was all he could say. She looked at him as if in expectation. Then he asked himself if he should kiss her, again, and found no answer. A few seconds passed then Lisa squinted her eyes softly and tilted her head aside.

-So, see you tomorrow?

She said shyly.

Rick instinctively stroked her cheek, then slid his hand over her shoulder and up to her elbow.

-Sure.

he said confidently, and nodded his head firmly.


When he found himself alone inside the small room, he could still smell her scent. He wondered what had changed, if they had become something different. Was it after all that time... finally?

He entered the room and the first thing he spotted was the poster of Minmay in front of his bed.

She was dressed like a schoolgirl, in a blue uniform, and was rolling a lock of her shiny hair in her finger*. Rick stared at her for a long time. Then he let out a sigh. He raised himself up on his toes and carefully peeled off the poster, cautious not to rip it. The wall was now blank.

He wrapped it up and put it in the back of the closet where he used to hide other stuff, like a child hides his treasures.

He wondered if Lisa ever snooped around in his closet?

No, she wouldnt... never

he thought.

A small smile lit up his features.

He stared at the gray and blue helmet of his sempai Roy. It was meticulously packed with transparent tissue paper. Claudia had given it to him on the day of his funeral. Hot tears burned the rhyme of his eyes, that day. But he did not cry... the only person who saw him cry was Lisa, at the hospital. Lisa was crying, too.

Rick shut the closet and remembered that day. Lisa had cried and hugged him while their tears were mingled.

He wished he could have had her there now...he wondered if she would maybe, someday, want to stay...


A few days later Captain Hunter had a checkup at the Macross hospital. It was a neurological test to check if his function had fully recovered.

-Can I get rid of the cane?

The doctor had him place his right arm on a moving machine that rotated it 45 degrees, then did the same thing with the corresponding leg.

-Does it hurt?

Rick muttered in denial.

-Fine, Captain Hunter.

Then the doctor did the same motion again, this time with his left arm and leg.

-If you feel tingling or something like that, tell me immediately.

Rick knew that his left hemisphere was the one that had suffered most from the temporary lack of oxygen.

His arm was trembling but he said instead

-When can I fly my plane again?

The doctor smiled

-Don't you like the sedentary life mmmh?

Rick grimaced.

-I might like it when I'm retired.

Then he was pensive for a while.

-If I will get to retirement, I mean.

the doctor smiled.

-We can start with physiotherapy and maybe you can also begin some training simulator. But only under the medical supervision.

Rick's eyes widened.

-Does that mean I'm recovered?

he said with a childlike, incredulous smile.

-Almost. Pilots have thick heads...so I've been told...

"The doctor says I can resume training with the simulator. Ah, ehr... I don't need the cane no more. Lisa good morning!"

It had come natural to him to tell her right away. She was the first person he had thought of. Not out of some interest but out of the joy of sharing his with someone. Someone special. Rick walked unsteadily down the grand staircase of Macross Hospital. The sun cast faint rays on the barren landscape. He was wearing his regular hat, his hair falling over his forehead. He felt a bit like an outsider coming out of a tunnel and immediately walking through another. Yeah Minmay was no longer in his mind. He realized that when Lisa was with him, he had not thought about Minmay a single time.*

He smiled and decided to take a walk in the city, alone. He breathed in the icy Alaskan air. He shoved his gloved hands into his pockets and cautiously entered the downtown area.

-Have you heard? Minmay is giving a gig next month!

Rick was standing at the traffic light while two young girls, dressed in school uniforms, giggled as they looked at their smartphones

-Wow! But that's great! She hasn't been back to Macross in almost a year!

Rick couldn't help but listen.

-She is on some kind of a peace mission, for the Zetraedis...

Then they both glanced at Rick and seeing his RDF uniform fell silent. The green light flashed. The girls rushed away.

Rick stood still and sighed.

Just when he had found out that he was no longer thinking about her, lo and behold, the whole universe lined up to remind him of the existence of his romantic dream, his first love.

Wait. Wasn't Jessica Fisher his first love?

Rick sobbed and crossed the street. The city was crowded.

Micronians and giants attended to their duties or simply walked around. On the roadside, the military guards in their black uniforms were like stains in the snow. They reminded the citizens the ever-present state of alertness.

Rick was being saluted several times as he walked through the city, and he had waved back. He wonder if seeing him, everyone would think of the Lightning III fiasco. Well he would have thought so ... of himself.

He sighed. As he entered the west side, a graceful music invaded his ears, then the flashing lights of an Carnival appeared before his eyes, making him squint for a moment.

An amusement park in Macross? And when had it come?

It had been ages since he had seen one. Life on Earth had really started over again.

He wandered through the stalls, cotton candy stands, the gaming, the rollercoasters. In the February chill, it was as if a field of steel flowers had bloomed on the snow.

Rick sat on a bench smelling the scent of caramel fruit, soon a text came on his phone

"That's so great Rick! I'm happy for you... you want me to stop by and bring something ...tonight, after my shift?"

Rick smiled. A small dimple had appeared on his cheek.

"I have a better idea."


A carnival?

-Vanessa, do you happen to know that an amusement park came to New Macross?

Said a hesitant Lisa to her subordinate.

Vanessa turned around surprised

- Oh... Yes Ma'am! I haven't had a chance to see it yet, but Bron Rico and Konda set up a kiosk there and invited us.

Lisa opened her eyes wide.

-I didn't know anything about it.

-It should be nice, it is open for a few weeks. Why don't we all go there together someday?

Vanessa smiled encouragingly, and Lisa blushed.

-Yes, it could be... nice.

She kept staring at the smartphone display and swallowed.

"When would you like to go there?"

she texed

The reply was lightning fast

"Tonight,when else?"

Lisa wondered if by chance it was a date or what.

I definitely have to go home and get dressed. I can't go in my RDF uniform. What would people think of me?

But then she realized that she really didn't care. Just like Rick she was feeling weightless, thrilled, like a little girl.


The night had not yet come. Rick checked himself in the small mirror over and over again fixing his hair. It had grown really long on him. Too much.

He wore his old Skull Squadron jacket, a thick wool scarf that came up over his his feet military boots. The cold was terrible. Greenish intermittent glows came through the windows.

It was the Aurora.

In spite of everything, Nature kept on pushing to spring up again.

His blue eyes mirrored that glow: then he heard a car horn honking.

Its her...

Rick went out onto the patio, as fast as he could, as if he were waiting by the door.

She was at the wheel of a regulation jeep: as he moved ahead he saw her thin profile under a woolen hat. Her hands firmly glued to the wheel.

He rushed and opened the door, and was overcome by her floral scent. But it smelled something sweet underneath. Like a honey candy.

Lisa lifted her eyes shyly from the dashboard and watched him as he got into the car. Despite her efforts she blushed hard. Their gazes met and they both melted a little.

-Hello

she said softly

-Hello

said Rick as he closed the door.

She wore a very plain black coat and an ivory scarf and beanie. Her cheeks and lips were naturally red.

-How you doin'?

-Fine, I'm fine!

He ran a hand under this nape several times.

-Well...Are... are you sure you can walk, etc.?

Rick smiled with all of his teeth

-But of course I am! And the doctor also says so! I can' t wait to start training again.

Lisa smiled gently

-So... shall we go?

The car left a trail of white smoke in the snow as it hurtled at high speed out of the military district.

Rick looked at her in awe

-I didn't really know this driving of yours... let's say... sportive?

She let go an amused chuckle.

-I don't often get a chance to drive, you know. When I can, I try to enjoy my riding.

Rick glanced at her carefully, she seemed to be enjoying herself. She didn't take her eyes off the road, though. Always attentive, so methodical and focused. She really seemed to be enjoying herself, tho.

-You look very pretty...

He said suddenly, mindlessly.

Lisa's breathe froze.

-What did you say?

She replied without watching him

-You are very pretty... ehr ... when you' re driving ... I...

-I'm very pretty when I drive?

At the red light Lisa stopped and turned toward him.

-What does that mean?

Rick was caught off guard.

-Do I look funny or... clumsy to you? Are you, by any chance, teasing me?

Suddenly her face had turned crimson.

Rick didn't understand why she had taken it so badly. It was a compliment, wasn't it?

-Oh, Commander Hayes! It was just a compliment. I said you look pretty! Just pretty... there's nothing going on under!

Lisa looked at him doubtfully. She was not used to compliments and felt a little stupid for reacting like that. Maybe she needed not to be so defensive all the time like a f*cking ice queen. Maybe...

-Yeah uhm... yeah... I'm sorry. By the way... we got here.

she said, changing her demeanor completely.

She smoothed her hair back behind her shoulders and once turning the car off she put on a pair of immaculate gloves.

-Do you, d'you wanna me help you, Rick?

He looked at her with a smirking grimace.

-Of course not! Do you remember Dr. Fraser? He said I'm healed. My legs are fine...

Lisa nodded even though she didn't feel he was so steady.

The carnival was really nice, though quite small. Its drywall entrance opened onto one of the side streets on Macross Avenue, near the Command Center. Since Lisa was in civilian clothes she thought she would go unnoticed, but in any case she quickened her pace when she saw some military officers on the street.

-Hey what a hurry Commander!

yelled Rick

-You said your legs are perfectly healed, didnt' you?!

She shouted without turning around

-Why wasting time?

Rick ran a hand over his face, that was slowly freezing. Then he focused his gaze on Lisa's shapely coat. He could make out her well-formed hips, and based on her movements he could pretty much guess something. It was not nice to stand behind her like that, tho. He could understand that.

He took a leap and joined her.

They were right in front of the entrance

-So...

said Rick offering his arm

-Shall we go?

Lisa smiled awkwardly, but accepted his arm nevertheless.

-Thats the first time I've been to an amusement park in years...

she said pensively.

She recalled clearly that old park in Manhattan Beach where she and Karl had escaped together. They had kissed under the ferris wheel, at sunset...*

Rick nodded, as well.

That doorway reminded him of the Chinese district gates, in Yokohama, when he had been assigned to escort Minmay from the SDF1 back home to her family. She was squeezing his arm just as Lisa was now. He had felt so happy. Well, of course before Kyle's arrival.

They stood in silence for a while until Lisa shook her head.

Still lingering on old memories...

Why wasn't she as happy as she should? Well, she and Rick were hanging out as two normal young people. Not two officers on an official visit, not two soldiers on a mission. Simply two friends who were looking to have a good time for a while.

Two "friends"who am I going to fool if not myself?

She blushed abruptly, thinking of the hot kisses they had shared the night before. Lisa felt her belly suddenly heat up. She didn't know much about such things, and this led her to pull away from him.

-What up?

Rick glanced at her in disappointment, because he was enjoying her closeness, and warmth

-No...it's just that I...

stammered Lisa

I noticed that over there is a House of Mirrors... I'd like to have a look at it...

-? House of Mirrors?

Rick quickly imagined that maybe in the maze-like darkness of that House he would dare to kiss her again. Maybe he could even put his hands out on her backsid...

He shook his head feeling ashamed of his lust.

But he couldn't help but remember the hot kisses of the night before. How she had tightly locked her arms around his neck.

-Two tickets for the House of Mirrors!

The young lady at the door was a pretty pink-haired micronized Zentraedi.

-Are you a Zentraedi?

asked Lisa.

-Yes, Miss!

she replied.

Rick glanced at her, intrigued.

-And do you like the park?

-Yes, sir! very much

She nodded several times and smiled

-Since I met the Culture I haven't thought about fighting anymore. Not once. I enjoyed Minmay's music and so I looked for a "culture job" hehe!

Rick and Lisa smiled instantly.

-And... are you happy?

-I am very happy, we went around all the neighboring towns with this moveable feast.

-What did you call it? Moveable feast?

-Yes... because it brings travelling happiness ... even though the planet is still... ruined.

Lisa suddenly felt a pang of tenderness for that former warrior and also some longing, and an unnamed ache. All of a sudden it all seemed like a sham to her: they would never be able to go back to the way they were before. Whatever that meant.


On the other side of the street the stall titled "3 Spies" was being stormed by poorly clothed kids. Bron was fed up with chasing them away. They really wanted to steal Valkyrie scale models.

-Look who's here!

A familiar voice made him turn around. His face broke into a bright smile.

-Vanessa!

He said excitedly.

-And Kim and Sammie! Guys, look who came to visit us!

Rico and Konda emerged from the counter, smiling.

-Finally, we've been expecting you!

-So what's going on with the business?

The terrible trio, still dressed in uniform as they had just gotten off work, was briskly chatting with their Zentraedi friends until Sammie let go a stifled cry

-Oh my gosh?!

-What?

Exclaimed the remaining five

Sammie squinted her eyes, pointing loosely to a spot in front of them

-It's Captain Hayes! With Captain Hunter, take a look there!

-But where?

-I don't see anything!

-Ah here they are! Yes I can see them!

Sammie's eyes were glossy

-Oh my Commander Hayes! she's so beautiful!

-He seems to be getting in shape, too.

Said Kim, mischievously.

-He looks taller, yes...

replied Vanessa

-Will they be on a date?

The guys burst out laughing, except for Sammie who forcefully held back a pout.


The House of Mirrors was rather small and battered. Disappointing was the right word. Rick remembered visiting one in London, years before the war, and that one was truly scary. But here, only a few reflecting plexiglass plates and a couple of glued-on skeletons was the height of scary.

-Not even a spooky music.

Rick said casually

Lisa giggled

-How demanding of you! I'm sure they do their best... HHHHAHAHAHAHHHHH!

All of a sudden Lisa screamed so loudly that Rick's ears quivered. He found her in his arms.

-But... but Lisa you all right?... HHHHHHHAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

Rick's heart had skipped a beat, too. All at once, a life-size monstrous Dolza statue had popped up behind a panel, and its slimy tentacles had skimmed past them.

At last they realized that it was just a modest paper mache mock-up, and burst out laughing. Their hearts, however, were still beating from fright and perhaps excitement. Rick was still holding Lisa in his arms.

-What a fool...swear you won't tell anyone.

She tightened her shoulders

-I swear, if you do the same!

They let out a giggle that soon disappeared. Their eyes met in the greenish half-light, and Rick pulled her closer. She looked at him under her elongated, dark lashes.

She was so beautiful and her scent inebriated him.

Rick thought vaguely that he might...

Then they heard footsteps, giggling, a group of kids had entered the House. Soon they caught up with them.

What great timing ...

Rick sobbed

-Come on let's get out of this dump!

He took Lisa's gloved hand and pulled her outside into the clear, icy air.

Once outside they broke out in laughter, and the young Zentraedi looked at them in admiration. Little did she know that they were veterans of the first Space War: no one seemed to have recognized them.

-Here they are coming out!

-Look! they're holding hands!

Sammie squared her friends from head to toe.

-They're just friends!

she snarled

-Yeah sure...

said Vanessa with her smart-ass look.

-Commander Hayes is madly in love with Captain Hunter!

The two girls and the three spies looked at her quizzically.

-And... how do you know it?

-I am her second in command, basically her right-hand person!

Vanessa giggled as she brought a hand to her mouth.

-No, no...she didn't tell me anything, it's just that when he's around... well, her face changes, I don't know how to say. It has a different light.

Bron sighed softly, resting a hand on his cheek.

-Must be the effect of Culture no doubt...

The Bridge Bunnies looked at him bewildered and started to laugh.


The light was still high and hazy in the sky, yet the colorful street lamps were lit to full power.

Rick was attracted to a large shooting stall.

The owner made eye contact with him and immediately called out

-D'ya wanna shoot, son?

Rick widened his eyes, thrilled

He gazed at Lisa and she smiled at him

-Do you wanna shoot?

-Of course I do! you... you ok?

She made a giggle and nodded

-I'm in!

The man at the shooting stand, featured two large mustaches, and was wearing a Jolly Rogers cap. Rick read this detail as a sign of destiny. The prizes were the usual things, toys, candy, nougatine, puppets and teddy bears of all sizes.

-Then son, what do you want to win?

Rick gave a crooked smile and glanced at Lisa.

-We are both shooting. For the prizes at the top

Lisa looked at him open-mouthed

-What?

-Are you worried to lose, Captain?

The man eyed them carefully

-Are you in the army? Heck, your pretty young, guys!

Rick, who was in the mood, looked at him intently.

-Yes but not so much...we have fought...

Lisa elbowed him from under the counter and he almost ran out of breath

-My colleague meant that... we trained on the simulator so... now can you give us our rifles?

-Ok ... ok... sure miss...

By the second round no one had hit the target. Lisa was getting nervous. She hadn't shot in a long time, but she couldn't lose in front of Rick. Although, she acknowledged, he had a sniper aim.

He was very focused, as if on the battlefield. He did not want to look bad in front of her, and in a certain way he wanted to show her that he was recovered, completely. He did not know why.

His blue eye in the scope blinked twice, then he held his breath: the red dot was right there in his line of sight.

1,

2,

3...

-Yes!

He had centered the red dot ... but only on a bias

-Yayyyee! I did it!

Rick jumped up on the counter scanning with his eyes for the matching prize while Lisa gave him a teasing clap.

-So! then!WWWhat we win?

He said cheerfully

The man at the stall smiled with content.

-You've been a good fellow, you're deserving a puppet, a big one eh ... An Huge one!

-Oh...

Lisa looked at him, wondering his reaction.

-A fluffy puppet...

he said without conviction. He had actually hoped to get a model kit of some Valkyrie.. something cheap... would be fine too.

-Ehr...then...

He gave a look around. The puppets didn't look so brand new or at least not so neat.

-Lisa! You, choose one...I'd be able to spend hours making up my mind.

-Oh Rick ... okay ...

Lisa scanned the long row of puppets hanging above her head

-Oh, here, look, there's a Koala...

she said in a low voice.

The Koala toy was really huge. Almost as big as her and very fluffy

Rick glanced at her and smiled

-The young lady grew up in Australia with these critters! Give us the Koala!

Said Rick gently.

-I'm sorry guys, but the Koala is up to whoever center the red circle perfectly, and you...

Rick's eyes got wide..

-Come on, man, I damn near broke it in two!

The old man crossed his arms.

-Niet! I can''t give you the Koala but check it out...

he turned to pick up another puppet that was hanging miserably on the left side of the stall

-I can give you this huge little penguin! Look at it... it's almost as big as the Koala! Plus it's better suited for the Alaskan weather! Hahhaha!

Rick frowned. He wasn't entirely convinced. But then he felt Lisa's hand on his elbow.

-Rick...it's just a play... Come on.

He gazed at her: her cheeks were flushed from the cold and she had a sweet expression on her face. Her nose was dotted with freckles.

So... he softened

-Okay, we'll take it! But you are a scammer, ya know?

He reached out and embraced the huge black and pink penguin

-I just hope it will be okay in your room...

Lisa looked at him surprised

-What? -I... you?

-Well I would have liked to give you the Koala, but since that pimp screwed us...

He handed it to her, and Lisa almost staggered, in taking it.

-Well I would have liked to give you the Koala, but since that pimp tricked us...

He handed it to her, and Lisa almost staggered, in taking it.

-Are you really givin' it to me?

-Of course I am! Or do you think you're too old for soft toys?

-Rick Hunter!

Lisa feigned anger but could not make any move with that huge stuff in her arms. It was shaggy and of low quality, but it was her gift and she was already loving it.

Rick ran a hand on the back of his neck and smiled away awkwardly.

-I hope you like it.

-It's really cute. Thank you, Rick.

-If you want we can carry it, the two of us.

Lisa smiled. They grabbed him by the flippers on either side and giggled as they went on their ride through the park.


-Whaz this furry monster?

Claudia had stopped in front of the sofa, her arms on her hips, and was watching in amazement as the fluffy penguin sat strutting on the pillows.

Lisa came out of the kitchen with two cups of te

-Uh? Ah... the penguin...

-Yeah, this hideous Batman penguin. Indeed, his ugly counterpart...

-Claudia! He's not so ugly. His name is Suzuko.

The young woman burst out laughing as she was handed her cup of tea.

-Are you freaking out or what? I thought you were going to be an old spinster with cats, not penguins!

Lisa flushed and flopped down in the armchair.

-It's a present from Rick! I don't go around buying giant penguins you know , I haven't reached that level yet.

Claudia's eyes went wide, she had a jaunty look on her face.

-Rick? Rick Hunter gave you this gizmo? And how come? Your birthday is in a month...

Lisa looked away.

-Well, I ... we ... we went to the carnival downtown and ...

Claudia leaned out of her chair almost spilling her cup on the side stand.

-You two went out? To the carnival? But was it a date?

Lisa bit her lip.

-So much questioning... It's just that...

-That?

-That ... I ... well ... I wanted to help him up after the accident and now that he's better I thought he might want to walk around downtown and ...

-Ah that he is better is certain. This morning he was scorning his subordinates properly. I think Max has been too kind to them these months.

Lisa smiled proud.

-Then he took back the lead, at least psychologically! I'm glad...

-See how soon you will find him on the comm, ready and fired up for your famous fights!

The two friends started laughing, but Claudia knew there was something Lisa was keeping from her. She had sensed everything long ago, yet it was still difficult for Lisa to open up about her feelings.

-I am glad that things are going well between you two...

Lisa blushed and hid behind the steaming cup.

-The, uh, things?

-You know Rick has been very lonely after Roy and Ben died. And after Max got married-he found himself pretty much alone. If it weren't for you...

Lisa raised an eyebrow.

-Ah, I don't think so.

Then she fell silent, realizing she had spoken too loudly.

Claudia frowned

-?

-He is still keeping Minmay's poster in his room. Like a little horny boy.

She said bitterly.

Claudia could not believe her ears. So Lisa was now admitting her feelings for Hunter? Unbelievable.

-Yeah, yeah ,you heard correctly. And then he told me that before the battle with Dolza they kissed. And she told him that she loved him. Of course he reciprocates.

She said sourly.

Lisa placed her cup of tea on the small cabinet and stood up.

-I don't know I... it's like we're both waiting in the corner for her to come back.

-For... Minmay?

Lisa lowered her gaze to the floor and muttered something inaudible

-Let's just not talk about it anymore, okay? It's okay. We are friends. Just friends.

-Lisa.

Claudia glanced at her with concern, but the ice queen had decided to close the topic and when she was like that there was no way to bring it up again...


When Claudia left Lisa grabbed Suzuko in her arms and carried him to her room. She placed him next to her vanity covered with fluorescent stars. For a moment she was drawn to her own reflection.

Old spinster...

She pulled her hair up and peered closely at herself. What she saw was the face of a pale and probably slightly underweight young woman; her face was slicked. She brushed her breasts over the thin shirt. Her curves, too, had diminished in the past year. She caught herself thinking about whether Rick might like her body. She shook her head with disappointment.

No, no...I don't HAVE to think about it.

In a fit of rage she turned the mirror to the wall and left the room.


Rick Hunter was as excited as a rookie. He entered the empty gym and started exercising on a treadmill. He felt his legs respond well to gravity, felt his joints lighter, and as he increased his speed his thoughts ran faster.

Minmay was going to give a concert next month ... he figured he could go ... oh but if he had to start patrolling again in a month, it wouldn't be an option. There was so much to do in the inter-city border areas... Max had told him.

I could stop by the restaurant and say hello at least...

Rick nodded in delight, it was a great idea, genius, indeed.

Then his thoughts went to Lisa and the lovely evening they had spent at the amusement park. His legs were running fast, a drop of sweat crossed his face. There was no need to tell her about his plans...

Lisa was... that night she was so pretty. And sweet, too.

He thought that that time, this one of his recovery, had marked a kind of truce between them. That their relationship had finally changed. He thought about the kisses they had shared... Were those... kisses between friends, or what? She... she was his friend, his shoulder to rest on when the storm raged... she... she had a stunning body...

-Captain Hunter!

Coach Isamura called to him from across the room.

-Stop running, don't strain your legs.

Rick turned off the machine and raised an arm in greeting.

-Hai, sensei*!

-Let's go! Let's do some physiotherapy now.

And Rick temporarily abandoned his mind's machinery. His brain, in many ways, was still that of a young boy.


Lisa walked out of the Headquarters after an exhausting meeting with Gloval and Exedore. It was past seven p.m. The problem was the borders, codenamed No Man's Land. There, some Zentraedi forces had set up dodgy clusters of settlements. There was no point in denying it, the RDF's equipment at the time was precarious.

There were not enough men, and veteran pilots were undergoing gruelling shifts.

Perhaps a recruitment campaign for the Zentraedis or young humans might help...

Lisa pondered, as the car drove her back to the military district.

-Like the one that had been sponsoring Minmay aboard the SDF1...

-What did you say, Captain?

said the driver.

-No.. nothing I...

Suddenly she lifted up in the seat, tapping a hand on her forehead.

-Laundry!

The corporal at the wheel was startled

-Ma'am?!

-I have to stop by the laundry, I have a pile of stuff to pick up...do you mind heading back?

The young man smiled at the fact that the famed Captain Hayes did not have a housekeeper for certain hang-ups.

-No problem ma'am.


Rick opened the door as soon as he heard the bell ringing.

-It took you so long!

He said with a fake pout.

Lisa was out of breath

-Well...

She frowned at one point, and dumped on him the two laundry bags she was holding with some effort

-Hold it! Gimme a break!

She said sharply.

Rick staggered as he tried to hold back the bulging bags of cloths, still warm from the dryer

-Please come in, ehhhyour welcome!

Lisa walked past him. He closed the door with a kick.

-I had to drop by after the meeting with Gloval. You had hardly anything clean left ... and ... hopefully, you'll need a couple of uniforms for the next few weeks ... and the sheets...

Rick's eyes went wide

-Is this all my shit?

Lisa crossed her arms and looked at him with amusement.

-Exactly Captain Hunter.

-I didn't think that ... but when you got it ... oh I ... Lisa you are a lifesaver!

She burst out laughing and threw herself down on the couch.

-Is this the thousandth time you've said that? Maybe it is. We should celebrate the thousandth then!

Rick nodded.

-Agreed! We could order a bottle of champagne

-There's no champagne in New Macross!

-Well there is that sort of fake one, the one they sell downtown.. the... "Macross sparkle"!

Then he picked up a bag from the floor

-All kidding aside... thank you, seriously Lisa,...I...I don't know what I would do without you.

She blushed and made one hand roll in the air.

-It's nothing, really...

Then she stood up and picked up the other sack.

-Come on let's fix this stuff, I'll help you.

Rick turned on the main light in the bedroom and entered, Lisa following.. There was a certain mess, but it was standard.

-At least lets hang the uniforms, so they don't get wrinkled.

Lisa made to open the closet but Rick past her.

-Let me do it. You've done enough as it is.

Lisa left him alone, and turned to gaze around the room. Roy's little yellow airplane still dangled from the ceiling and the Skull One paintings were in their place right at the head of the bed but on that wall...something was missing.

Lisa winced. The wall in front of the bed was completely bare. Blank. The Minmay poster was gone. Did Rick remove it? And if so, why? Her heart skipped a beat. Perhaps he had given up on her and on his teenage obsessions? Was it because of their kiss?

She ran a hand through her hair over and over, trying to calm down. She did not want him to see her get nervous.

She felt his physical presence behind her back

-Lisa you all right?

She did not turn around

-I'm just a little tired...

she murmured. But she could sense her face on fire.

-Let's go to the living room, shall we?

Rick grabbed her by the waist and pushed her toward the door. He did it playfully, but at the touch they both felt an immediate heat invading their bodies.

-Hey, I know the way!

Then, he let her go. They shifted to the small couch, and Lisa took off her shoes.

-Tell me a bit about today, did you go to physiotherapy?

she said coyly.

-How about you? What was so urgent with Gloval to make you so late?


-I am very worried about this.

Lisa had curled up on the sofa, her legs under her knees. She held one elbow flexed, a cheek in her palm.

Rick clenched his jaw.

-I feel so useless not being able to be there...

Lisa shook her head.

-It won't be long, Rick. What concerns me is that your squadron is overworked. We need more ships and more troops...

Rick immediately retraced his incident with the Lightning III. If it had not been for that mistake...

It was as if she could read his mind.

-Rick the new prototype has nothing to do with it... don't torture yourself. Please... you promised

He nodded, staring down.

-The problem now is to find and recruit new people who will be useful to the RDF here on Earth. On the Satellite Factory... we can be confident. Lang will be okay.

-What If the Zentraedis never managed to integrate? What if eventually their interest in culture will fade?

Rick glanced at her keenly.

-Look at Kyron. He seemed immune to everything including music and... kissing.

Lisa looked at him, the same: she was quite serious, too.

-We need to set up an advertising campaign or whatever...like the one we set up on the SDF1 in the outer space...you finally joined up too, didn't you!?

She gave a little smile and Rick smiled back at her.

-Yeah, and you couldn't take it, right?

Lisa started laughing.

-I hated your guts. I couldn't believe that cocky civilian who stole a Varitech...

-Hey I didn't steal it! You were the one who told me to take off!

Lisa ran a hand over her forehead.

-It's true, its true , it seems like ages... Isn't it, Rick? My memory is faltering! I really am an old lady now...

She smiled but her smile just died on her lips.

-Lisa I'm sorry, I was dumb. You were... never... an old lady.

He ran a hand through his hair and looked at a distant spot, in the wall.

-You are young, Lisa...and beautiful.

She lost her breath. She could feel herself flaring up. Maybe... maybe it was better to flee.

She sprang to her feet, and so did he. They were both barefoot, and Lisa was much smaller than him without her regulation heels.

-What up?

-I -I think it's time to go... it's late and I'm exhausted.

She said it all, watching her feet. She did not want to leave and yet something inside her was calling SOS.

-You...

They were facing each other ,but other unable to look at each other.

Then Lisa felt him grabbing her wrist, firmly

-Lisa, well...I ... just ... stay.

She looked in amazement at his strong hand squeezing her thin wrist.

-I am ... I am here ...

she said in a whisper

-I mean ... tonight.

By now he had said it. Rick felt that his legs were no longer holding up, but that was what he wanted. The words had come out willingly.

And now he could only wait for her answer. With a pounding heart he held his breath.

-Well, I...

He looked at her, she was blushing in a way that made her so vulnerable.

Rick let go of his grip, and dropped both his arms along his hips.

The seconds seemed to last for centuries. Lisa had understood what he intended, and was scared. Nevertheless, she did not move. She lifted the hand that he had just before held impetuously, and stroked his face

-Oh Rick...

He closed his eyes at her touch and thought that that was a yes. He kissed her wrist and they stood still for a while longer, until Rick reached over and took her face in his hands.

-Only if you want it too.

She could not hold his gaze, but her body spoke for her. She had literally melted at his touch.

-It's just that I ... I haven't done "this" in a while.

-Same for me.

-?

Lisa was genuinely impressed

And so, Minmay?...

But she decided not to say anything. Rick pulled her onto the couch and kissed her with passion. For a really long time he hadn't touched a girls' body. He ran a hand over her hip while with the other he tried to unfasten the flaps of her jacket. They both panted.

-It's like this...

she said in a whisper as she guided his hands between buttons and zippers.

-It's like this, okay...

He said as he tried to undress her with trembling hands. He ran his palms over the warm, white skin. Lisa tugged the Skull Squadron shirt off his head, causing him to turn his neck around awkwardly, and they both giggled but... when their half-naked bodies touched, both realized that there was no turning back. It was happening. Lisa closed her eyes as he kissed her neck and her jaw line. She felt his heart beating along with hers.

Yes, it was happening.

To be continued


notes:

1) The poster picture is the one that appears in the movie DYRL

2) In the essay "The Lost two Years" Shoji Kawamori says exactly this: when Hikaru was with Misa he never thought to Minmay

3) This scene happens in one of my other fics, To the Stars and Beyond.

4)Hai sensei means: Yes Master! ( In Japanese)


Hello everyone!I came back after an endless amount of time. Troubles problems-I did not forget about my readers or Lisa and Rick's beautiful love story. I apologize for the delay. Time goes by so fast, and writing takes time and intention. I am so happy to be able to publish a chapter after such a long time. I hope it will match your expectations.

With all my love, I thank you

Mao