Season's greetings
This fic has been written just for entertainment purposes. Macross / Robotech characters belong to their creators. One Shot.
It was a really cold night. A young but full of responsibilities captain was talking to one of the most stricts commanders, fortunately, she was also her friend.
–Claudia, please! –said the captain.
–I can't do much if she doesn't want to talk to you… –answered the commander Claudia Grant.
–But… if you can't then nobody can… Please, you have to help me!
–Do I have to…? –She replied a bit upset–. Well, flyboy, I'm not the one who asked her to go out by the tacnet's open channel!
Rick moved his head down, so embarrassed. His cheeks were getting blushed as Claudia continued talking.
–And then, you stood her up and the whole base noticed that. Do you think she would be willing to talk to you again?
–I… I just thought she… would… forgive me…
–To forgive you? You stood her up because you were running behind Minmei, like you always do! –answered Claudia–. And tell me, did the things with her change after you went to reach her or you just went because you are used to do that everytime she is snapping her fingers?
–No, nothing changed… –the captain said shyly.
With that answer, she was getting so angry just thinking about Lisa.
–Claudia… please, help me to talk to Lisa. I really need to talk to her and make it up. I… don't want to… lose her! –he continued talking.
Those words got Claudia's attention.
–I just don't know what to do without her… She is my commander, my superior oficial, my eyes, my guide in combat, my friend… She means so much to me… –he added–. I have been following her the last two weeks. She is avoiding me. She doesn't answer my calls, she shifted her job's schedule so it's not matching with mine. I have been standing outside her house or next to the base's entrance, waiting for her under the rain or the snow… Nothing has worked.
At this moment, Claudia's eyes were fixed at that young handsome pilot. She could notice his eyes were changing. They were deep dark blue and it seemed they were shining in a different way, showing… «Love, maybe? Is it possible that Rick realized he's in love with Lisa? Well, Lisa, I will help the boy because of you. He doesn't deserve any help after what he did to you but if there's any chance that you both stay together, I will do whatever I can…».
–Well, if that is the case, then I will help you… –Claudia answered.
–Really? –Rick replied. His eyes were sparkling and a smile was appearing in his face –. Thank you, Claudia! You are such a great friend!
–I'm doing this more for Lisa than for you because she didn't deserve what you did to her.
–I know… I'm sorry.
–You have to say that to her, not to me –Claudia said dryly–. By the way, flyboy, this is going to be your last chance. I hope you don't waste it and that you can make things up with her.
–I will! I will make everything up! You will see! –Rick answered enthusiastically.
Rick was so happy that he hugged Claudia. This action was so weird for her.
–Oh, sorry, Claudia. It's because I'm so happy! When will you talk to her? Could you please tell her if she can come to my house tomorrow night? I will prepare a Christmas dinner for her! I already got her gift and I… I… –Rick was talking with the joy of a small child. Then, he stopped–. Claudia, thank you. I don't know how to thank you.
–Just don't do silly things, flyboy. Behave like the man you are.
–Understood!
–Well, I have plenty of things to do and you have to prepare a nice dinner for a special person, so, let's be busy with our tasks.
–Roger out! –Rick answered and then, he left the room.
o.O.o.O.o.O.o
–How can you ask me that! I just can't do it after all that he did to me!
The auburn haired captain was fuming after hearing Claudia's request. Lisa continued talking.
–He just stood me up and now I'm the laughingstock of the entire base.
Lisa was very upset.
–I think he deserves a chance to talk to you. You should listen to what he has to say. I am asking you this, as a friend… A friend of both –Claudia said calmly.
–Alright. I will do it only because of you. He doesn't deserve more chances. I have done enough but he doesn't appreciate anything from me. He is always chasing Minmei… He loves her…
The young captain felt her heart was shrinking with those words.
–I'm sure this time will be different.
–What do you mean? Do you know something that I don't?
–No, Lisa. I'm just guessing according to Rick's expression. He is really sorry.
–We will see…
–Besides that, you have already gotten a Christmas gift for him. So it will be a nice moment to give it to him, right?
–Yes… It might be… Actually, I have it here, in my bag…
–Oh, really? I was wondering why your bag was so big. Now I got the answer. You are angry with Rick however you are carrying the gift…
–Well, I was thinking about asking you… to… give it to him… please?
Lisa said shyly, like a teenager.
–Me? Oh, no, miss. You are going to give it to him… personally.
–But…
–But nothing. Just go to his home and talk to him.
–Me? Talking to him?
–Yes! He has tried to talk to you, chasing you every time he could but you were avoiding him –Claudia said–. This time, just take a cab, go and have a conversation with him. You both really need to talk and to be sincere to each other.
–Sincere? What do you mean?
–Lisa! Sometimes you behave like a teenager instead of a captain! Just tell him what you feel for him!
–What? How can I do that?
–Taxi!
The beautiful tall militar was stopping a taxi and almost pushed Lisa inside it.
–Just be honest, be brave and talk to him. There is nothing to lose!
Claudia closed the cab's door «I hope they can make it up. They deserve to be happy after all that we have lived. Roy, my love, please, help them to understand each other. I miss you…» she thought while she was watching the taxi driving away.
At the military housing area, a lonely pilot was busy cleaning the house and washing the dishes while dinner was being cooked in the oven.
«I hope Claudia could convince Lisa to come over here… I really miss her around my life. She is my eyes in combat, my sword in the battle, my shelter when I feel devastated, a pillar when the things are so messy, my hope when everything seems lost, she is the only one I feel complete with… She is the woman I want next to me… She is the one I lo…» Rick was about to realize that he loved Lisa when the doorbell started to ring.
–Lisa!
Rick said with lots of enthusiasm. He immediately removed the apron, the one Lisa gave it to him when he moved to his house. «It must be her! Who else would come on this day and precisely at this time? Claudia, you did a great job!» Rick thought. His heart was pumping like crazy, he started to feel a bit dizzy just because of the excitement to see Lisa again, to talk to her and to have her so close to him and only for him. «Yeah! It has to be her!».
He opened the door and he was very surprised to see that woman with her face down. Her eyes were closed and she was doing her best to show sadness in her face.
–Minmei…
–I'm sorry for coming in this way, I know I should call you before but…
–Hey! My friends don't need to call for coming here.
–Oh, Rick! –Minmei said while she was moving fast to hug Rick.
She placed her head over Rick's chest. Rick didn't know exactly how to behave. By inertia, he also hugged her. She was smiling internally. She knew the whirlwind of feelings she caused in him and she knew precisely what cards she must play as well.
Rick was still surprised to have Minmei there, hugging him. He was wishing that for so long and now, that he finally got Minmei's attention for a while, it didn't feel so good as he thought. It felt awkward, weird and for a moment, so surrealistic and fake. He talked to her.
–What's wrong, Minmei? What can I do for you?
–I shouldn't have come in this way but I don't have anyone else. I am so alone and you are the only one who has been interested in me since you know me. May I get in?
–Su… sure…
Rick was doubting if he should let Minmei in his house. He had a strange feeling that something could go wrong.
–Come here, Minmei. Wait for me in the living room, I need to do something. I'll be right back –Rick said.
When Rick came back, he noticed Minmei had removed her coat and she was wearing his uniform jacket. He saw that she was also wearing a mini red dress which was showing mostly all of her legs «How can she wear that if it's so cold?».
Minmei noticed that and she was smiling internally. «It's working» she thought. Then, she walked toward Rick, who was carrying a tray with two warm coffee cups. She hugged him from behind.
–I have been missing you a lot, Rick –Minmei said while she was closing all the space between their bodies.
This action surprised Rick who couldn't do anything because his hands were full. For a moment, he wanted to release himself from that hug… A hug that he had been waiting for so long… «Why? It doesn't feel like I've imagined. Finally, I got her attention and it feels so uncomfortable…». He was distracted from his thoughts because as usual, Mimnei started talking about herself, her troubles and the confusion she had in her mind. He finally could move and he gave the coffee cup to Minmei.
–Oh Rick, I don't know what to do. I am tired of everything. I don't wanna sing anymore. I don't wanna know anything about Kyle, I just want to live my life, I…
It seemed Rick was in stand by mode. He was hearing Minmei talking but he was not paying so much attention that he got lost in her monolog.
Meanwhile, on the street next to the house, a taxi stopped. The beautiful and serious auburn haired captain got out of the cab. She had crossed feelings. She was upset with Rick however, she loved him. «If only you realized how much I love you… but it seems you are still in love with Minmei, even when she doesn't care about you».
Lisa was about to push the doorbell when she noticed the door was open. She heard Rick's voice and suddenly, she also heard a female voice.
–Minmei…
Lisa said, almost whispering. She wanted to leave immediately but for some reason, she stayed outside, listening to the conversation.
–Rick, I don't have anyone. It seems my friends don't know who I am. It's terrible! –Mimnei said with a childish voice–. You see Rick, I know you care, that's why I came. Please, let me stay!
Rick was completely surprised, His eyes were wide open while she was continuing talking.
–I know there's a lot of trouble but I won't get in your way and I don't know who else to turn to. Oh please, Rick, please! –Mimmei said with her best voice.
Outside the house, Lisa was suffering expecting Rick's answer… «Please, Rick, say no…» She thought.
–Well, I think it's all right… –Rick answered.
Lisa's heart was completely broken. «Oh! I can't believe this is happening!». That answer destroyed her hopes and since that moment she was not listening anymore. Her eyes were full of tears but she couldn't release them. Her mind was in shock. She couldn't move… She stayed standing outside Rick's house, paralized.
–However, Minmei, I guess you should stay with your family.
–What do you mean?
–On the news, they said nobody knows where you are. I think uncle Max and aunt Lena must be really worried about you.
–I don't mind. I just want to stay here, with you, because you are the only one who cares about me.
–Yes, I do care about you, but I already called your family and told them you were here.
–You what? Why? –Minmei answered, angry and surprised. She didn't expect Rick would do that.
–So I guess they will come here soon.
–How could you do that, Rick?
–Because it's the most reasonable choice I could make.
–If I don't stay here, I'm leaving!
Suddenly, Mimnei started running outside the house. She crossed the entrance not even noticing that Lisa was standing next to it.
Rick was running behind the singer but he immediately stopped when he saw Lisa who was still paralized, watching the scene.
From the distance, Rick could notice that Minmei was being reached by aunt Lena and uncle Max. It seemed she refused to go with them but finally they all three walked away together.
Tenderly, Rick talked to Lisa.
–Lisa… –He said and a shy smile appeared on his face. His beautiful blue eyes were shining while he was looking at her.
Slowly, Lisa turned her body toward him. He could notice her face was wet because of the tears mixed with the snowflakes. She looked so beautiful and sweet. Her eyes were deep in sadness, a sadness that he had never seen before in those green eyes, the most beautiful green eyes he had ever seen.
Suddenly, he realized that Lisa was outside in inclement weather.
–Oh! I'm sorry, please, get in the house, it's so cold outside!
Like a robot, Lisa walked to the house's hall. Her gaze looked so sad and she seemed lost in her thoughts. Finally, she talked, avoiding Rick's gaze.
–Are you not going to run behind her? –Lisa asked dryly.
–No…
–Why not?
–Because of you, Lisa.
–Don't worry about me. Don't miss your chance and go to her, as you always do…
Rick sensed the sadness in Lisa's voice. Then he got close to her and slowly, he placed his right hand over Lisa's cheek and started caressing it. Lisa lifted her face to find Rick's eyes looking tenderly at hers. His gaze was so fixed in hers that she couldn't keep looking at him. She turns her face down again. Rick cupped her face with both hands.
–Hey… What's wrong, beautiful?
«Beautiful… Did he call me "beautiful"? How come?» Lisa thought. She was getting nervous due to Rick's sweet behavior.
–Lisa, look at me…
–No…
–Please… I need you to understand that…
«To understand? What do I have to understand? That you accepted Minmei at your home? I don't know why she left. Maybe she will go to pick some clothes from her family's house and she will come back here… This conversation makes no sense!» Lisa was having crossed feelings again.
Suddenly, she looked at him. Her green eyes changed. It seemed they were emitting fire.
–What do I have to understand? That you agreed she can stay here? Couldn't she go to a hotel or simply stay with her family?
–Lisa, calm down, please –Rick said tenderly–. Why do you say that?
–Because the door was open and I heard she was asking you to stay here and you said it was alright.
Rick smiled a bit. He took a deep breath before starting to talk.
–Well, that's true I said it was alright but you missed the second part of my answer.
–What do you mean?
–I also said that I had already called her uncle and aunt so they could pick her up, because they should have been worried about her.
Lisa was completely surprised. She didn't listen to that part because she got blocked after she heard Rick saying it was alright.
–How come?
–Well… I cannot let Minmei stay at my place because I'm interested in someone else,,,
Finally Rick had expressed the feelings that he had been avoiding to accept. He was getting so close to Lisa that she started blushing.
–Lisa, would you let somebody stay at your home when you actually love someone else?
Rick's face was almost touching Lisa's. She could even feel his breathing and his hands that continued caressing her face. With a hoarse voice, Rick asked again.
–Would you, Lisa?
Lisa was not thinking clearly at this moment so she only said no with her head. Rick smiled.
–Me neither…
Suddenly, Rick placed his right hand on Lisa's nape and put his left hand on her tiny waist. Slowly, Rick touched Lisa's lips with his. It was a small and tender kiss.
Lisa was surprised. «Did he kiss me? Yes… he kissed me without any command… Am I dreaming? Is this real?».
They looked at each other and then, both smiled. Rick took that shy smile as a permission to continue. This time, Rick's lips completely covered LIsa's lips. He started kissing her with tenderness and… love… Lisa could sense all the feelings that Rick was expressing by his kisses. She reciprocated his kisses with sweetness and also with love.
–Lisa? –Rick said while he continued kissing her.
–Yes? –She answered.
Rick stopped kissing her and looked directly into her eyes.
–I… I love you, Lisa…
–I… love you too, Rick…
They smiled and then, they hugged each other. Their hearts were full of joy and love. Finally, they were brave enough to express their feelings.
–Merry Christmas, Rick, my love.
–Merry Christmas, Lisa, my only love…
THE END
Author's Note:
Hi everyone! I just watched Robotech chapter 35 and I got the idea about writing a "what if" fic. What if Rick would have not received Minmei at his place? What would have changed? So I decided to create this one shot.
It may have some incongruencies due to I typed it as fast as I could, before the ideas were trying to escape (LOL!).
Thanks in advance for your reviews.
Merry Christmas and happy, blessed and healthy year 2022 for you and your families!