Chapter 20: Music gets the best of me.

Two weeks had past since Jake’s telephone incident. Lisa felt better with the help of everyone in the house. The problem was Rick, who had some trouble with Lt. Robert on patrol. In the past week, Robert always followed Rick’s instructions properly, but Rick’s behavior with him was getting worse, ordering him in bad tones. Spencer’s only answer was to obey and smile. Everybody was now getting curious about the weird situation, especially because it was very unlike Rick to treat people in a bad way. It was Thursday in the afternoon when Roy walked through the hangar where Rick was testing some mechanical problems with the VFs. Rick didn’t notice Roy approach.

“Hey there Hunter” said the blond looking around. The mechanics greeted Roy and he saluted them with his usual charismatic smile.
“Hey big brother…what are you doing?” said Rick smiling at him.
“Nothing much…just finished my reports and handed them to Lisa…we were talking, you know?” he said with a smart tone. Rick tensed a little and raised an eyebrow at him. He knew that Roy and Lisa were a strong unit against him.
“Really? About what?” he asked trying to sound casual.
“Ohh…about a lot of stuff, you know…from the house, Macross, Claudia, RDF stuff…you…” said Roy looking him in his eyes. Rick gulped.
“Hmm…err….Kent…” said Rick talking to the chief mechanic “why don’t we leave this here? We can continue tomorrow, it’s getting late and I bet you guys want to prepare for the party later” said Rick smiling charmingly. Kent looked at him and then to Roy and knowing better, he saluted and went away.
Rick waited until everybody was away before talking.
“Ok, spill it out. What do you want to say to me?” said Rick with a suspicious tone, crossing his arms over his chest. Roy laughed.
“You are so funny…ok, yeah…I want to talk to you about Spencer” said Roy raising an eyebrow. Rick visibly tensed.
“Well, what about him?” said Rick in a harsh tone.
“Exactly that…your tone” said Roy smiling and enjoying the vision of Rick greenly jealous.
“Look, I don’t think there is anything bad about my tone with him. I just order him and if he doesn’t like it, he can go if he wants” said Rick turning around and picking up some papers.
Roy grinned widely.
“I don’t think he is going anywhere Rick. And I don’t care that you treat him like dirt if you want, but what I am worried about is that you are such a jerk that you don’t realize what he is doing…you are letting him win” said Roy walking and facing him. Rick was stunned.
“What do you mean?” he asked curiously.
“I mean…dummy… that he is getting what he wants,” said Roy mocking him.
“He wants Lisa, and nobody else sees it,” said Rick closing his eyes in anger. Roy laughed and Rick was pissed off.
“Don’t laugh about it! It’s not funny! The guy is annoying and I can’t help it! I just want to kick him back to Macross,” said Rick anger.
Roy looked at the boy he loved as a brother. He nodded, understanding how he felt, but he could not allow his behavior either.
“Rick, I know…I know,” he said softly this time. The soothing tone of Roy took Rick’s attention, and he showed all his fears in his eyes.
“How do you know?” he asked, finally breathing his frustration away and just sitting on the floor, his back against the wall, looking apparently to the VF, but his mind flying away where Lisa was, probably working in her office.
Roy scratched his head and took a big breath, and sat next to Rick.
“I know…because I had the same thing with Claudia years ago. My life with her wasn’t exactly easy…you know me…poor Claudia,” said Roy smiling sadly remembering how many times he made her angry for stupid things. Rick smiled sympathetically.
“I bet she is like Lisa when she is angry,” said Rick making a scary face. Roy laughed and nodded.
“I’ve known them both for a long time, remember? I been on both their bad sides…I think I can be called a veteran for surviving those two” joked Roy and Rick laughed, loosening up a little. When the laughed ended, Roy looked at Rick.
“I am a lucky bastard, you know? I had all these great adventures in the past, good things, bad things…I am living witness of the history of the world. I had a lot of women when I was young, and then God blessed me with Claudia…and look at me now…living with you guys, in this odd kind of family, working in what I want, taking care of each other, even changing diapers!…what else can I ask for?” said Roy looking at the beautiful VF in front of him.
Rick looked from him to the VF and let his thoughts fly away again. Roy was right; he was a lucky too. Maybe his life didn’t turned around the way he planned, but life was good to him, because it gave him everything he needed, even if he didn’t realize what he needed. After a sigh, he replied.
“Yeah…we are a couple of lucky bastards” agreed Rick with a sad smile.
Roy looked at him now, seriously.
“Look, I know how you feel about this guy, because there was a guy behind Claudia’s tail too years ago. It was killing me slowly. I was so jealous you can’t imagine how..” said Roy remembering the stupid things he did back then “…and I was in a very similar situation. The guy wasn’t in my squad, thank God, but he was working closely with Claudia and it was obvious to me and to everyone that the guy wanted her. Of course, Claudia thought I was crazy,” said Roy smiling.
“Yeah…what is wrong with them anyway? I mean…if is so obvious for us, why can’t they believe it?” asked Rick annoyed.
“Because they are women, Rick…and we guys…that old saying, Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus is true, you fool” grinned Roy looking at him. Rick rolled his eyes.
“So…what did you do then” asked Rick curious to know what happened.
Roy took a big breath, letting the memories come back.
“I made a fool of myself…like you are doing now. After a huge fight with Claudia, when I told her that she was on his side, I realized how stupid I was acting…and I did the only good thing I could…I talked with her” he said looking at Rick, who looked to the floor, remembering Lisa’s words in the gym.
“But how…” asked Rick before Roy stopped him.
“There is not a how Rick. You have to believe her that’s all. And it isn’t easy…I know. Because we know how tricky we men can be to get what we want, but you have to trust her”.
They stood in silence for some time, the sun was going down and the weather was getting cold fast.
“She loves you more than you think,” said Roy without looking at him.
Rick felt how he couldn’t breath for a second.
“I know…” he murmured “…I know I don’t even have a clue how much she loves me…and I don’t deserved it”.
Roy looked at him from the corner of his eye and smiled.
“You do…you aren’t that bad, brother…” he joked and Rick laughed a little, finally looking at him.
“So trust, eh?” asked Rick smiling softly.
“Exactly, trust in her love…and think with logic. She isn’t the captain of all this because she has great legs!” joked Roy and Rick raised an eyebrow. Roy scratched his head.
“Ohh…she has! But it’s because of her personality!” said Roy and Rick raised his eyebrow even more.
“I am screwing this up more. Ok, let’s get up because my ass is hurting on this cold concrete,” said the blond, standing up. Rick laughed softly and got up too. They walked to the now almost dark sky and to the main building in nice silence, both of them feeling better after their talk.
“Party tonight, eh?” said Roy breaking the silence. Rick smiled back.
“Yeah…it’s a town party. I am not very familiar with English parties at all,” said Rick.
“Party is a party here or on the moon… drinks, dance, and chat…what else?” asked Roy smiling.
“Probably…but remember that the people from town came from different places, maybe they planned something special” said Rick and then saluted a couple of females officers who giggled like schoolgirls.
“We are all going?” asked Roy.
“Yes. Max and Miriya are going too with Dana. After all, it’s a party for all the town, and they really want the people to get familiar with the baby, and not fear them anymore” answered Rick remembering how much work it was for all of them to brake the ice for Miriya. Now she knew almost everybody in town, but they had not met Dana yet.
“Good move, these guys are decent people…and Dana will have them around her little finger in a hour” said Roy with a proud smile.
“30 minutes” said Rick challenging him.
“15!” answered Roy.
“Deal! Loser cleans the dishes for a week!” said Rick and both men shook hands.
“What’s going on in here?” asked Claudia walking with Lisa.
“Nothing” said Roy with an innocent look that Claudia didn’t buy. He took her hand and kissed her cheek.
“Ok, what are you up to?” asked Claudia raising an eyebrow.
“Nothing! I promise…nothing bad…” he answered in surrender.
Lisa laughed softly and Rick walked next to her and hugged her from behind.
“Ready for the party?” he asked her in her ear. That gave Lisa shivers all over her body.
“We have to go home first, to change…I refuse to go in uniform,” she said seriously. Rick laughed.
“Yes ma’am” and he kissed her neck and took her hand.
Lisa and Claudia looked at each other wondering what was going on.

*******************
When Lisa, Claudia, Rick and Roy arrived home, it was raining terribly outside.
“Can you believe this weather?!” complained Roy soaking wet.
“It’s England, honey…” answered Claudia sarcastically.
“Thanks baby…” replied Roy hugging her in purpose. Claudia screamed, but it was too late, he soaked her wet too. She looked apparently angry with him, and he laughed innocently.
“LISAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA” shouted Dana running to her and Lisa picked her up.
“Hello beautiful” said Lisa and the baby grinned.
“Padty! Padty!” she said jumping up and down in her arms.
“What is Padty?” said Rick looking at Roy who just nodded.
“PaRty” said Lisa and Claudia at the same time. Rick and Roy felt completely out of place, so they just smiled and disappeared into the kitchen, where the rest were. Lisa and Claudia followed them. Once inside, they greeted everyone.
“You guys have to get ready, you are not going like that to the party, right?” asked Miriya looking nervously at herself in the reflection of the window. Roy laughed at her.
“What are you so worried about?” asked the senior pilot stealing Max’s mug of hot coffee from the table when he was distracted with Dana.
Miriya looked at him and put her hands on her waist.
“It is my first English party, I don’t know what to expect” she said trying to look at the window again.
“You would be fine Mir, trust us…we would not let you make a fool of yourself” said Lisa smiling from her seat. Miriya smiled thankfully back.
“Sure, the only way you are going to make a fool of yourself is if the rest of us do it too” joked Kim. Miriya rolled her eyes.
“But it is true, we don’t have any idea what kind of party this is” said Claudia suddenly. Roy frowned.
“C’mon, a party is a party, doesn’t matter where. We don’t need a ‘theme’ for it, it’s just food, drinks and music” he said finishing Max’s coffee and placing it again in the table.
“I think we have to go soon,” said Max sitting up again after fixing Dana’s shoes and grabbing his now empty mug.
“Roy!” complained Max but Roy was already at the door.
“Yep yep, move on girls, we need to be ready soon” he said pushing Claudia through the door with Rick and Lisa following him laughing softly, when Max just stood up and put more coffee in his mug.
***********
After some time, all the crew arrived at the party at the town pub. The place was simple but nice. Even though it was winter and cold, the place was very warm and with a lot of lighting. There was a bar, a dance floor and a lot of tables with chairs for everyone in the town, mostly people from the air base. When the group entered, William and Ellie Schellden were there and welcomed everyone.
“I am so happy to see all of you!” said Ellie happily. Everyone greeting them with affection until Ellie saw Dana and her face began to glow.
“There she is! Everyone is expecting to meet her!” she said touching the baby’s cheek and, of course, Dana gave her her best smile.
“They are?” asked Miriya a little worried.
“Of course darling! We were talking about her and remember, this is the only baby in town. We are mostly an old town, with the exception of the people of the base, so they are thrilled to see a cute baby” explained Ellie and William, making Dana laughed.
“But…they know she is my daughter, right?” asked Miriya with concerned. Max took her hand. Ellie smiled softly at them.
“It’s been a long time honey. And after all this time, they know you personally. They aren’t afraid of you, and certainly not afraid of the baby. The past is the past, and this party is our way to show everyone that we all are starting a new life here. This is a thank you party too, because you people brought the life in our hearts again” she said, looking from Miriya to everyone. The group smiled softly, all touched with her words.
Ellie was right. The moment Max put Dana on the floor, all she needed to do was smile and everyone was all around the little girl who ran around the place, with her arms extend like she was flying. Roy looked at Rick and he just nodded, knowing that Roy won the bet.
“What happened?” asked Lisa when Rick sighed.
“Nothing…I just realized I have to clean a lot of dishes this week” explained Rick but Lisa didn’t understand.
They all moved to a big table and the place was quickly full with people, civilians and military, chatting around happily. After an hour, Ellie walked to the small stage and took the microphone.
“Excuse me, may I have your attention please?” she said softly and a little shyly. Slowly people turn around to see her.
“Welcome everyone, we are very glad that everyone is here in this our humble pub. We hope that all of you have a nice time tonight,” she said and everybody clapped. “Thank you, thank you. But this is not just any party. The reason why we invited all of you today is because my husband made a very nice discovery among the old mechanic garbage we found around…William found this” said Ellie smiling and showing behind her a small machine, with a TV with blue screen and a microphone. “This is a very old karaoke machine, but William fixed it and it works properly” explained Ellie and everyone around started murmuring. Lisa looked at Rick in shock and Rick looked at her with the same expression “So..” continued Ellie “..Today will be Karaoke Night! there is a piece of paper on the board over there with all the songs the machine has, mostly all 1980’s songs. So you all have to sign in and sing a song, these are the rules. She said happily, especially looking at Lisa, and everyone laughed back. “There are no excuses darling,” she said winking an eye at Lisa, making Lisa turn red. “So, please sign in and let this party begin with good memories of the past!” she said and everyone clapped enthusiastically at her.
“No way!” said Lisa looking at the stage.
“You have to, Ellie said those are the rules” said Claudia smiling from ear to ear. Roy was already looking at the songs and picking one.
“No way!” repeated Lisa freaking out. “I am a lousy singer!” she said.
“That is a fat lie, you sing pretty well” answered Vanessa.
“Do you want me to remind you of a certain bar night in a bar 2 years ago?” said Kim looking at her suspiciously.
“No! That was completely different, I was…I was in no condition” refused Lisa trying not to look at Rick who was too pleased with the situation.
“You were just a little ‘happy’, not enough to be drunk, so you can’t say you weren’t in your senses when you sang,” said Claudia and Lisa’s eyes grew wider.
“You sang in a bar?” asked Rick incredulously.
“That was completely different” repeated Lisa crossing her arms over her chest.
“I am sorry darling, but you are the captain here, and you must set the example” said Claudia finally.
“That is why I am not singing!” complained Lisa again.
“I found your song!!” came Roy running behind her holding a piece of paper and showing the songs to everyone at the table.
“Do I have to sing to Maximilian?” asked Miriya holding Dana. Max nodded smiling.
“Yep, you must” answered Max.
“But you said that it was a good thing that I was a pilot, because I would die of hunger as a singer” said Miriya raising an eyebrow “I don’t want to die of hunger!”
Max laughed “It’s a figured speech, you will not die of hunger if you sing one time, Mir”.
“If Lisa doesn’t sing, I won’t,” said Miriya finally.
Everybody looked at Lisa and she was against the wall. There was no way out of this. In a last desperate attempt, she looked with pleading eyes at Rick, but that didn’t work either. With a sigh, she agreed.
“Ok, Ok! I will sing, but I am not first!” said Lisa finally. Rick held her in his arms and kissed her cheek.
“I knew you were brave in everything” he joked and Lisa rolled her eyes.
“You are going to pay for this one Hunter,” said Lisa trying to be mad, but failing miserably.
“Anytime” he said.
“All right, we go first!” said Vannesa. Kim and Sammy stood up, looking all dressed up for the occasion. Several male eyes looked at them and Kim and Sammy showed them their best smile, while Vannesa smiled a little more shyly. Sammy took the microphone.
“Hello, I am Sammy, this is Vanessa and there is Kim. We work with Captain Hayes on the base and now…” she said looking flirtingly at the guys who were ready for the show to start “…we, the well known Trio, are we going to sing a very old song from another trio…the name of the song is ‘I Heard a Rumor’, music please!” said Sammy dramatically.
“Well, they certainly chose the right song,” said Roy and Claudia laughed next to him.

The familiar music started and all three of them stood there, showing that they were not just going to sing, also dance.
“Did they know about this before?” asked Rick into Lisa’s ear and she shivered a little.
“No, but they always have this kind of choreography ready, in case of ‘emergency’” answered Lisa and Rick laughed.

Who needs friends who never show
I'll tell you what you want to know
I could have saved a broken heart
If I'd found out long ago
I'm just thinking about
Those lonely nights
(I'm just thinking about when I waited)
When I waited for your call
'Til I found out
All my friends were right
('Til I found out, ooh, ooh)
I didn't know you at all

The girls changed places with grace and started moving there hands in sync. The single guys around started whistling in appreciation. Sammy winked at them.
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor
They say you got a broken heart
I heard it,
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor
Yes I did, boy ooh, ooh, ooh
Now it seems they're telling me
You've changed your wicked ways
But should I give you a second chance
Baby, I'm too afraid
So you realize what hurt you made
(So you realize the love)
And the love you threw away
How can I forgive or soon forget
(How can I forgive, ooh, ooh)
It's never gonna be the same
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor
They say you got a broken heart
I heard it,
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor

At this time, everyone was clapping at them, following the rhythm of song. The Trio certainly knew how to create a good ambience around.
Yes I did, boy ooh, ooh, ooh
I'm just thinking about
Those lonely nights
(I'm just thinking about when I waited)
When I waited for your call
'Til I found out
All my friends were right
('Til I found out, ooh, ooh)
I didn't know you at all
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor
They say you got a broken heart
I heard it,
I heard a rumor
Ooh, ooh, I heard a rumor
Yes I did, boy ooh, ooh, ooh

When the song finished, everyone stood up and clapped at them. Vanessa, Kim and Sammy held hands and thanked the audience who cheered happily for them, especially a certain table full of their friends.
“That was awesome girls!” said Roy clapping when they walked back to the table.
“Thanks, we know” said Kim smartly, sitting down. Roy laughed.
“Did you practice it before?” asked Max.
“We knew it, there aren’t too many Trio singers, you know? It was almost necessary to learn it” explained Vanessa.
“You did it very well, very professionally, congrats!” said Rick raising his glass. Everyone else cheered up.
“So, who’s next?” asked Roy looking at Lisa.
“Not me…I agreed to sing, but not be the first,” she said smartly.
“Ok, ok, what about you honey?” asked Claudia looking at Roy and trying to help Lisa a little, knowing that she was freaking out on the inside.
“Me?!” said Roy and his face lit up “I am always ready!” he said with too much confidence and suddenly Claudia felt a little worried.
“What are you going to sing?” she asked trying to sound casual.
“That my darling….is a secret” he said kissing her on the lips. “Ok, I have to get ready, cheer for me!” he said jumping from the chair and running like a kid who found a candy house.
“Oh My…now I am worried” said Claudia looking scared. Everyone else laughed.
“I am used to his pranks, so just wait, I bet it will be something funny” said Max putting Dana in a high chair.
“And embarrassing” added Claudia looking at him.
A moment later, Roy Fokker was on the stage, holding a microphone. The second he stood there, all his wing mates started cheering uncontrollably for him as he smirked.
“Easy there guys, there is enough Fokker for everyone” he joked and everyone laughed. Claudia started feeling smaller in her chair for a second, but smiling softly. “This is a very special song. It is really rare to find a song that describes us, but I did, I found the perfect song for me, and I dedicated it to the love of my life, Lt. Commander Claudia Grant who is sitting over there!” he said showing the direction of the table. Claudia turned red as a tomato. Roy sent a kiss in her direction and started moving with the rhythm of his song.

I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
I'm too sexy for my shirt too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan too sexy for Milan
New York and Japan
And I'm too sexy for your party
Too sexy for your party
No way I'm disco dancing
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I do my little turn on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my car too sexy for my car
Too sexy by far

For this, Roy was dancing sexy on stage and everybody was laughing their lungs out. He was having the time of his life and everybody cheered him. Lisa was actually crying from laughing so much, Miriya was in shock, and Max and Rick were cheering Roy loudly, also Dana who didn’t know what was happening, but she clapped enthusiastically. Claudia was almost hiding under the table, but laughing too.
And I'm too sexy for my hat
Too sexy for my hat what do you think about that
I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my too sexy for my too sexy for my
'Cos I'm a model you know what I mean
And I do my little turn on the catwalk
Yeah on the catwalk on the catwalk yeah
I shake my little touche on the catwalk
I'm too sexy for my cat too sexy for my cat
Poor pussy poor pussy cat
I'm too sexy for my love too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
And I'm too sexy for this song

He ended dramatically and everyone jumped to clap him. He saluted and jumped from the stage, smirking. When he returned to their table, he hugged Claudia and she kissed him.
“You are so silly,” she said looking lovingly at him.
“And you love it” he said hugging her and she rested her head on his chest.
“I do...I love you, dummy” she said and he kissed her head.
“Well, Mr.-I-am-too-sexy, you really don’t have problems with self teem, do you?” joked Rick and Roy laughed.
“You know me too well” he joked.
They stood there laughing and cheering while other people jumped onto the stage. Lisa was having a lot of fun, when Claudia picked her.
“C’mon, is your turn” she said and Lisa panicked.
“Me? Now? Why?!” she almost shouted.
“Think about it like a dentists visit, the faster you do it, the better” winked Claudia.
“No, please” begged Lisa but Claudia just nodded a no.
“C’mon baby, you can do it” whispered Rick in her ear, Lisa shivered and look into his eyes.
“You all will pay for this!!” she said standing up, and the whole table started cheering in anticipation.

Lisa slowly walked to the stage, more like if she were walking to the electric chair or to a Minmei concert, which was basically the same. She stood there and took the microphone slowly.
“She is really nervous,” said Rick now a little worried for her.
“She is” said Claudia seriously. Rick looked at her with a question in his eyes.
“She will not die over this. It is good that she learns new experiences” explained Claudia in a mother-like tone of voice. Rick nodded but felt a little unsure, especially when everybody noticed the Captain of the base ready to sing. He just hoped that he hadn’t taken all this too far.
“Hello?” said Lisa testing the microphone. Everybody turned around to see her, knowing perfectly well who she was. “I am Lisa Hayes, and I…well, I will sing because my husband and my ‘friends’ over there make me, so please have that in mind before you throw tomatoes at me” she said half in joke, half meaning it. People laughed in sympathy and then the soft music started.

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame
I believe it's meant to be, darling
I watch you when you are sleeping
You belong with me
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Or is this burning an eternal flame

Rick looked at her, knowing that the song was for him somehow. The fact was that Lisa didn’t sing badly at all. Her tone of voice was nice. The people around listen to her in silence, enjoying the song. Rick looked at her and saw how she was relaxing on stage. She wasn’t an expert showgirl, but she looked more than fine up there. He smiled proudly and listened the rest of the song.

Say my name, sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling
Oh…
Say my name, sun shines through the rain
A whole life so lonely
And then you come and ease the pain
I don't want to lose this feeling
Oh…
Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

Close your eyes, give me your hand, darling
Do you feel my heart beating
Do you understand
Do you feel the same
Am I only dreaming
Is this burning an eternal flame

Lisa finished the song beautifully, and somehow in the middle of the song she forgot about her fear completely. When she finished, the people stood there in silence and she realized it. Embarrassed she waited there until naturally, everybody started clapping at her and the sound grew by the second. She smiled widely, feeling relieved and when she did it and people stood up and cheered loudly. She stepped down from the stage and walked to her table, where her friends greeted her and Rick hugged her and kissed her in front of everyone.
“You sing great! Why you were worried so much?” he asked when he ended the kiss.
“It was just luck,” she said a little embarrassed for Rick’s kiss.
“Luck my butt,” said Roy smirking, holding Dana.
“Butt, Butt!” repeat the baby and Max and Miriya looked at Roy with an eye raised but he just gave them his best smile.
“Sorry…” he said and then continued “It isn’t luck, you are a musician by nature and you know it” explained Roy and Lisa blushed.
“You are a musician?” asked Rick curiously and a little shocked. Lisa shook her head no.
“Yes she is. Did she tell you that she played a solo piano concert when she was just a little girl?” said Roy proudly like an older brother.
“You did?” asked Rick amazed.
“Yes, I did. But that happened a lot of years ago. I don’t played the piano anymore, and I certainly don’t sing anymore either” added Lisa looking at Roy.
“You don’t even need practice Lisa,” said Kim after flirting with a pilot on the other side of the room.
Rick noticed how cute Lisa looked all blushed and wondered about her for a second. There he was, having a good time and suddenly he just realized there were a lot of things that he didn’t know about his wife. He slapped himself and made a mental note to ask her more about her life. Listen and don’t talk. He never in a million years thought that Lisa had any music talent and wondered why she stopped her music career. It was probably because of her mother’s death or because the military aspect in her life and family was a priority, but after listening to her, he realized that objectively speaking, with a little practice, she could sing better than Minmei.
“Earth to Rick” waved Sammy in front of his eyes and Rick came back to his senses.
“Sorry, what?” he said not knowing what they were talking about.
“It’s your turn,” said Vanessa smiling.
“Mine? Err…ok, but don’t expect me to sing too well” warned Rick and stood up, walking to the stage.
Somehow this whole singing situation made him remember Minmei a lot, and that bothered him. He felt guilty for thinking about his ex girlfriend when he was sitting with his wife. But all the music scenario always made him remember Minmei in her first years, when she was still naïve and innocent and her music meant something.

Looking at Lisa from the stage, he realized how much that woman loved him. She took her fear away for him when she had stood there minutes ago and he knew that Lisa was probably remembering Minmei as well. Sighing, he walked next to the machine and looked at the songs. He didn’t choose a song earlier, so he looked quickly at the list and found one that explain perfectly his feelings at the moment. He programmed the machine and before the music started, he spoke.
“Hello there...” he said and everybody clapped at him, familiar faces all around. He felt a little better and continued “well, after the magnificent performance of my wife...” he said looking at Lisa’s direction and she turned even more embarrassed, but manage to smile at him and he winked at her “…now it’s my turn to show you why it’s best for the world that I keep flying and not singing” he joked and everybody laughed “No, really, seriously, this song, even though it is going to sound awful, I dedicate it to Lisa.…with all my heart” he said softly and Lisa’s heart skipped a beat. The music started and Rick looked at her and started singing.

I can tell by the look in your eyes you've been hurtin'
You know I'll never let you down... oh no
And I'll try anything to keep it workin'
You gave me time to find out
What my heart was lookin' for
And what I'm feelin' inside

Can't you see I'm finding it hard to let go
Oooh at all the heartaches
We've been through
I never really thought I'd see this love grow
But you helped me see
Now I know what my heart's been lookin' for
And what I'm feeling inside

Lisa bit her lip and the world around her disappeared. All she knew was that Rick was singing for her. He wasn’t that bad a singer but he certainly wasn’t a professional, but she couldn’t care less. He looked at her during the complete song, meaning every word he sang.
In your eyes
I want to see your love again
In your eyes
I never want this feeling to end
It took some time to find the light
But now I realize
I can see the heaven in your eyes

We've been livin' on the edge
Where only the strong survive
We've been livin' on the edge
And it's something that we just can't hide
Oh this feeling inside

Lisa felt how a tear was falling from her eyes, and Claudia smiled tenderly at her. Roy held Claudia’s hand, and kissed her barely on the lips, the moment very touching for everyone listening. Rick, more comfortable singing now, put a little more emotion in the song.
In your eyes
I want to see your love again
In your eyes
I never want this feeling to end
It took some time to find the light
But now I realize
I can see the heaven in your eyes
Ooh yeah I can see the heaven in your eyes
Oh baby I can see the heaven in your eyes
Oooh yeah heaven in your eyes, heaven in your eyes
Oh heaven in your eyes, heaven in your eyes
I can see the heaven, heaven in your eyes,
heaven in your eyes

Rick ended the song feeling on the edge of the tears himself. Everyone clapped for him. Lisa stood up and, surprising everyone, she walked to the stage and hugged Rick in front of everyone. He took that opportunity and kissed her with passion in front of everyone, and the cheer grew enormously. Claudia couldn’t stop herself from standing up and clapping and the Trio were almost crying from the emotion. Max held Miriya and kissed her softly.
After the most romantic kiss ever, Lisa and Rick separate for air and got embarrassed by the situation, but just took the situation with humor and walked back to their table.

After a good 2 hours listening and laughing with everyone, Miriya freaked out in panic.
“I can’t…Max, I don’t know any of the songs!” she said looking scared.
“You don’t know any of them? Not even one?” asked Sammy
Miriya just shook her head no, looking scared and a little pale. Lisa took her hand.
“Mir, don’t worry, nobody is going to say anything if you don’t sing” said Lisa.
“But the rules…” said Miriya worried.
“That is just a joke, it’s not actually true” explained Lisa. Miriya face lit up a little, but then turn a little sad.
“What is it?” asked Claudia coming closer to her.
“It’s that…well…” she began looking to both woman next to her “This was really fun, and I want to do something too, but I just don’t know what…” she said looking down.
Lisa and Claudia looked at each other not knowing how to help her. Max stood up and put Dana in Lisa’s arms.
“Stay with her, please” he asked to her godmother and Lisa took the baby in her arms, who was starting to look a little tired by now.
“What are you going to do?” asked Miriya when Max smiled and took her hand.
“You are going to be on stage, like the rest of us,” he said softly.
“But…but I can’t…” said Miriya, but she was already walking next to her husband to the stage. Everybody looked at the couple who walked slowly to the stage and wondered what Max had in mind. He took a chair and put it on the stage. Miriya was looking absolutely lost and scared when everybody turned around to see the both of them on stage. Max took the microphone.
“Hello, I am Max Sterling and this is my wife Miriya…” he began when Dana shouted happily from the table.
“Mommy!! Daddy!!” everybody laughed and Max smirked.
“…And that over there is our daughter Dana” he said laughing and then continued “My wife, as you all well know is a Zentraedi, so she doesn’t know any of these songs, but she wanted to be part of this party too. So, I am going to sing this for her, so she can learn a couple of things about humans…and to tell her, one more time, how much I love her” he said blushing cutely a little, looking at her. Miriya was looking at him like he was a dream, but as soon as the music started, everyone laughed and she turned a red face.

You don’t have to be beautiful
To turn me on
I just need your body baby
From dusk till dawn
You don’t need experience
To turn me out
You just leave it all up to me
I’ll show you what it’s all about

You don’t have to be rich
To be my girl
You don’t have to be cool
To rule my world
Aint no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time
And you kiss

Max sang really, really badly, but didn’t care and Miriya certainly didn’t care either. Max was very funny on stage, singing to his wife, and she was having the time of her life. Everybody off the stage laughed but not making fun of them, just because they were really cute together. Miriya felt like a queen sitting in her chair and listening to her husband singing sexily to her.

You gotta not talk dirty baby
If you wanna impress me (ah ah ah)
You can’t be too flirty mama
I know how to undress me
Let me be your fantasy
And maybe (baby) you could be mine
You just leave it all up to me
We can have a good time

You don’t have to be rich
To be my girl
You don’t have to be cool
To rule my world
Aint no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time
And you kiss

At the end of that part, Miriya blew a kiss to him, and everybody clapped at her. Max caught the kiss in the air and put the hand on his heart.

Women and girls rule my world
I say they rule my world
Act your age mama (not your shoe size)
Not your shoe size
Maybe we could do the twirl
You don’t have to watch dynasty
To have an attitude
You gotta leave it all up to me
My love will be your food

You don’t have to be rich
To be my girl
You don’t have to be cool
To rule my world
Aint no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time
And you kiss

At the end of the song, Miriya simply kissed Max as hard as she could. She was thrilled with all this, and she thanked the sky for finding a cute and good man like Max. Everybody clapped and cheered them up, including Dana who was jumping in Lisa’s lap in happiness.
“Mommy, Mommy!” jumped the girl when Miriya came to the table and she held her.
“That was some show Max” joked Rick patting his back. Max just blushed.
“You sang awfully man!” said Roy and Max nodded, still smiling.
“Who cares?! That was the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Claudia proudly of Max.

The party went on past midnight and Dana was almost asleep in Roy’s arms who held her carefully. Claudia looked at him raising an eyebrow smiling.
“That is an aspect of your personality I never thought I was going to see,” said Claudia joking. Roy rolled his eyes and then smiled when he looked at the girl in his arms.
“She is very special,” he said.
“Indeed” agreed Claudia. Then Roy looked at Claudia smiling, but seriously.
“Did you ever considered…did you ever think…you know…” said Roy looking embarrassed for the first time in his life. Claudia was shocked to the bones with his question, but didn’t show the commotion on her face. She decided to play along a little with him.
“Considered what?” asked Claudia.
“You know…” said Roy nervously.
“No, I don’t. You tell me” pushed Claudia a little more.
“Kids. Did you ever considered having children?” asked Roy visibly nervous. He didn’t know what would scare him more, a yes or a no.
“With whom?” asked Claudia smiling and Roy raised an eyebrow.
“With me, of course!” said Roy.
Claudia giggled at his face for some time until she could talk again.
“Sorry, your expression was priceless” she explained but Roy looked offended “Ok, sorry, really. Hmm, kids, I don’t know, I like them a lot, especially if they are like Dana or like my nephew, but my own? I don’t know…” answered Claudia truthfully.
Roy looked at her and then back at Dana, who was ready to sleep and grabbed his shirt with her little hand. His heart skipped a beat.
“You are getting old Fokker” murmured the voice of Claudia in his ear. She walked behind him and hugged him, both watching how the baby was falling asleep slowly.
“Yes, I am getting old, I am becoming all soft” he said, a little sad. Claudia looked at him and after a few considerations, she murmured again.
“Not too old for being a dad if you want to” she said softly in his ear. Roy turned around with wide eyes.
“Really? Would you?” he asked hopefully. She smiled at him.
“Why not? After all, this planet needs some fun, and I bet a kid from you and me would be something special” she said sweetly. Roy’s eyes light up.
“And the best part is making one!” joked Roy raising an eyebrow and Claudia punch his shoulder.
“Ouch!!” he said and Dana moved a little in his arms. Roy looked at the now sleeping baby and smiled “Well, looks like you are going to have a playmate soon,” said Roy feeling a warm feeling inside his chest. Claudia kissed his cheek and hugged him, too happy and too anxious at the same time.

******************

It was nearly 1 AM when they all arrived home. Vanessa, Kim and Sammy threw away their high heels and collapsed on the couch, too tired. The couples however had a different mood; they all went inside feeling different, a little more in love. Smiling a lot, the three couples said goodnights and went to bed, suspiciously quickly. Kim raised an eyebrow from her place on the couch.
“Thank God we have huge walls and we can’t hear a thing…” she said and Vanessa turned a little red.
“What do you mean?” asked Sammy, not understanding. Vanessa sighed.
“Didn’t you see all of them tonight?” asked Kim massaging her own feet.
“Hmm, nope. I was more concentrated on that cute Ryan” answered Sammy dreamy. The girls rolled her eyes.
“Well, just let say that I bet anything that tonight is going to be a ‘moving’ night around here,” said Kim winking. Vanessa turned even redder and Sammy finally got the point and exclaimed an “Ohhh…”.
They stood in silence, imagining things and after some time they all looked at each other.
“I am jealous” said the three of them at the same time and began laughing hard, enjoying the rest of the night talking in front of the warm fire of the fireplace.