AN: I'm not dead. Stuff going on. Currently it's the darkest time of the year - productivity is low. Developed a serious addiction in Legend of the Galactic Heroes (Greatest. Anime. Ever). But I'm still alive, and here is the next chapter. Quality is bordering on crappy, apologies for that...

As always, buttloads of gratitude for every reader out there and some special virtual hugs to those of you who reviewed!

"Kickstart My Heart" from the song "Kickstart my Heart" by Mötley Crüe.

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter five: Kickstart My Heart!

Yoko found that she couldn't evade the inevitable, just like she couldn't stop a storm from building up.

She had stopped resisting.

Right now, she was riding on the train towards the centre of Teppelin City. Scenes swirled by in the window, gradually turning into more urban settings with taller buildings and structures constructed tightly together. She couldn't quite bring herself to really acknowledge this, as a few butterflies kept poking around her insides. She was quite pleasantly nervous and was actually anticipating the day before her.

They had met for a few times this last week, first for a coffee and then a few days later to the beach after Yoko's shift. The time of day for the beach-date was so late it meant a bikini-clad Yoko wouldn't make an appearance - regardless of Kamina's valiant pleas.

Today, they were supposed to meet at the railway station, but after that no further arrangements had been made. We'll figure it out, Kamina had said. Yoko could already tell it was like him, that kind of vagueness when it came to planning stuff; he was more of the type to make it up as he went. He didn't want restrictions; he wanted to do whatever he felt like.

At first Yoko thought his laidback attitude would cause problems, but she had come to discover that it didn't really matter where they went or what they did. After she had let go of her reservations against him, she had begun to enjoy his company. He wasn't her usual type as he was reckless, loud and had this tendency to make a commotion wherever he went – but he was also kind, friendly and very easy to get along with, if she accepted to oversee a few of his eccentrics. He had this strange ability to make her relax and act naturally around him like they had known each other for years. They joked, talked, debated and teased each other.

Still, there was something that separated them from being simply friends. Kamina had a way to make her irritated and really get under her skin to the point where she wanted to smack him – but a second later he could say or do something, almost anything, and Yoko would melt before him. Maybe it was something people called chemistry; how they could spark a reaction in each other from the fuel that was their personalities.

This made her think about her previous love affairs. Had she behaved similarly before, had she ever dated a man whose nature clashed so violently with hers, yet felt so compatible? …No, she didn't want to sound like that. She had to remain calm and keep a little part of her distanced and tightly shut, no matter how swept away she felt. She had promised herself to keep things on a casual level or otherwise they were headed for a disaster. But no matter how she tried, she couldn't help but compare her old boyfriends with this Kamina fellow.

A faint smile came to her face as she went down memory lane. She had had her share of love interests. First her high school sweetheart which lasted for almost all four years, but ended more or less alongside school. She liked to think they had graduated from each other, and thus separated as friends. Then for a little while there was no-one special, until that fling she had with an older man, which was kept strictly in the dark. Things ended ugly and in a way she didn't care to remember. As she looked back, she knew now that she shouldn't have gotten involved with him; she had been nothing more than a brat who thought she was all grown up, and when the man stopped seeing her, she couldn't handle it. She resorted to childish scheming, sent him malignant letters and harassed him by showing up in his neighborhood. It seemed crazy, but she remembered how hurt she had been upon realizing she had been used. But, it was partially her own fault for being so naïve and refusing to see what was obvious. At least she had learned a lot from that.
Next was more of a serious relationship, but they couldn't survive the distance when she moved to Teppelin City. They didn't want to give up because both felt like they could have a future, and tried desperately to make their relationship work, but in the end they decided to let it go for now. Maybe someday, they had said, maybe at a better time.

That was a few years ago. Aside from a few phone calls on special occasions they hadn't kept in touch. She had recently learned from a mutual friend that he had a new girlfriend and planned on getting engaged. The only thing Yoko felt was happiness on his behalf.

Finally the train lurched into a final stop and shook Yoko from her reverie. She got up and smiled inwardly. It seemed that, despite herself, she had missed those butterflies circling in her abdomen.

Yoko was making her way through the busy station, dodging around in the big crowd, towards the main entrance. It wasn't exactly rush hour, but the station was always bustling with passengers. Now maneuvering amongst the people was in fact manageable, but during the busiest time of day you just had to go where the crowd pushed you.

Yoko remembered that getting used to these crowds had been difficult, but eventually she had learned how to move trough them when people jammed her way.

Teppelin City was a fairly large city, its population nearly reaching one million, but the majority of the people were scattered on the outskirts of the city and in the suburbs. The city had maintained its old-fashioned look so it didn't resemble a typical modern metropolitan. This could be seen especially in the city's heart, the centre, where buildings were the oldest and lowest. Only in the outer parts of the city apartment buildings and skyscrapers started to rise, and in fact, the farther you went from the centre, the newer were the buildings, the scenery more modern.

Teppelin probably wasn't designed in the smartest way, as the center was far too small and crowded for a city that size, but it held a certain charm. "The Spiral City", that was the famous nickname of Teppelin. It wasn't based on nothing: the whole centre was covered in spiral ornaments, some plainly seen on surfaces, some hidden cleverly in the city's architecture. Even now Yoko noticed spiral shapes carved into the stone pillars supporting the railway station's ceiling. She thought it was pretty how the same theme spread over the whole centre area and made Teppelin original.

Her steps rushed forwards when the wide, spiral decorated glass doors came into sight. Her head turned in every direction and eyes scanned quickly over the many heads around her, not spotting that familiar light blue hue. He hadn't forgotten, had he…?

Yoko decided to check outside as well and headed for the exit. After a firm push on the heavy door all the city's noises hit her in the face. The large paved area in front of her was swarming with men and women passing by, going trough and waiting for others.

Suddenly her eyes detected a tall figure a few dozen meters away. He was talking to a group of girls, his back to her. Yoko was surprised to feel a restrained pang of jealousy when he laughed and one of the girls poked his chest in an all too familiar way.

She started towards them in long strides, her arms glued to her sides.

"Sorry I'm late," she called despite being right on time. All four of them turned around, the girls bewildered and uncertain, but Kamina just grinned in his usual way. He reached forward immediately and yanked Yoko to his side, even daring to pat her behind. Yoko recoiled by elbowing him in the ribs without a second's delay.

She realized only now that the three girls' surprise had changed into amusement. She also saw that the oldest of them, the one poking Kamina, was very, very pregnant.

"So you're the new girl," laughed the blonde woman.

Yoko smiled sheepishly, kind of embarrassed about attacking Kamina like that – it really wasn't ladylike, refined behavior. "Nice to meet you, I'm Yoko." She then turned to look questioningly at Kamina. He scratched the back of his head and waved at the three girls.

"Red, meet Kiyoh, Kinon and Kiyal. We go way back."

Kiyoh smiled, Kinon nodded politely and Kiyal waved and revealed a toothy grin.

"We just arrived from Jeeha and ran into him," explained Kiyoh, "it's so nice to see you both as this is probably the last trip I'll be making in a while." She patted her large, round belly.

"Are you staying long?" Yoko asked, trying not to get distracted when Kamina's hand settled on her waist, tugging her a little closer. Some remote part of her mind felt pleased, because she still didn't know what kind of relationship these girls had with Kamina. They knew each other from home, but no one had specified just how closely they were acquainted. Could one of them be his old girlfriend…? Kinon and Kiyal seemed a bit young, but how did she know what kind of girls Kamina had preferred before her? Her eyes glided over to Kiyoh, who answered at the same time, unaware of Yoko's studious looks.

"Yes, for a few days. We're staying with our older brother who lives here."

So, they were indeed sisters and had similar names for a reason. They didn't look much alike; each had a different hair color and facial features held little resemblance.

"Speaking of him," Kamina butted in, "how is the old nuisance?"

Kiyoh chided him playfully. "You shouldn't talk about Brother like that. Besides, you live in the same city, you should know how he is."

"This town is too small for us both." Kamina remarked darkly, making the three sisters laugh like it was a common joke. "Is he coming to pick you up?"

"Not yet. We we're planning on getting something to eat before, but how about we all go grab some lunch…? This one seems to think that way too." Kiyoh smoothed a hand down her stomach, looked down and smiled in a way that almost made her glow. Her sisters nodded furiously, eyes glued on Kamina's face.

He glanced at Yoko. She felt a touch of disappointment at not being alone with him, but there was no way they could refuse. She smiled and nodded her agreement, "Kamina, you should carry their bags."

They found a small café near the station. Nobody wanted to make Kiyoh walk lengthy distances and so the decision to stay was easily made. Inside they settled down in a booth that could seat them all; Yoko and Kamina on one side of the table, and the sisters squeezed across from them. Yoko felt bad for them and especially for Kiyoh who looked a little uncomfortable. She couldn't help them though – Kamina had insisted on this sitting arrangement.

They opened their menus and after a few minutes of contemplating in deep silence they placed their orders. Kiyal told stories about Jeeha in a lively and rather detailed manner, all the while gesturing wildly with her hands. The longer she spoke, the deeper she got absorbed in her story that had derailed a long time ago. She was energetic, loud and vivid, where the sister sitting next to her, Kinon, was more of a quiet and well mannered type. She seemed to be a little alarmed when her little sister continued rambling and glanced at Yoko, who smiled in response.

They weren't different in looks only, but in nature as well.

After chatting for several minutes Kamina excused himself and headed for the toilet, leaving the girls alone. Yoko noticed that she was suddenly nervous, being under these three pairs of eyes watching her intently. They all seemed nice, but they were curious. It was probably natural, she thought as silence took over the table.

"So… you're the new girl," Kiyoh said, leaning back in her seat. "Simon told us Kamina's been totally engrossed with you. Tell me, what kind of spell did you cast on him?"

Yoko didn't notice the younger sisters setting their elbows on the table and reaching over in anticipation.

"Simon? You know him as well?"

"Of course we do! After all, you don't get one without the other." Kiyal stated in between, succeeding only in making Yoko more confused. Kinon shot a look at her sister and explained on her behalf, "We were all friends in high school. I take it you haven't met Simon yet?"

"No… It's all still very new." Actually, she thought it was too early to be introduced to friends either, but it couldn't be helped. Suddenly she felt the stares on her grow piercing. She shifted unconsciously and looked at the girls before her, tilting her head a little.

"You didn't answer our question." Kiyal blurted.

Yoko's eyebrows rose. "About what…?"

"Why… why he's so crazy about you?" Yoko was a little surprised to hear Kinon hesitate and struggle with words. The brown haired girl looked like she was about to fall from her seat.

Her cheeks colored and her eyes fell down to her lap as she pondered what would be the right answer, "I'm sure you're mistaken. There's nothing special about me, were just dating and… and, frankly, why do you ask?" Her eyes jumped back up when she heard Kiyoh laugh sweetly.

"Because it's highly relevant to our interests. I must confess that I had a bit of a crush on him in high school. Well, all of us did. But it never really went anywhere; it was like he didn't see us at all. Don't get me wrong, he liked girls, it was just that he had more important things to worry about. Simon always came in first and he was working through high school, so he wouldn't even have the time to date…"

Her eyes were focused on the ceiling. "I got over my feelings when I realized it was hopeless… But who would've thought that after all this time I would still be curious? I guess humans are like that." She smiled warmly with nostalgia in her eyes. Kinon and Kiyal sighed simultaneously.

"He's so cool, isn't he…" Kiyal muttered.

Yoko stared at them but said nothing. Her thoughts, on the other hand, were very loud. She had learned that these girls were interested in Kamina, but that didn't matter. It was obvious that there were no real feelings left. But her original assessment about Kamina reeked… he wasn't a womanizer. He never had been. He had had three, no, maybe even many more beautiful girls buzzing around him but he didn't even care. His behavior didn't spring from collecting girls like they were cattle – it was his genuine person.

"I see," She said quietly.

She now had what these girls once had wanted, but still, on some level, she was jealous of them. She was eager to hear more about the past him… no, that wasn't quite it. She wished she had known him in high school, she wished she had been there to see what that young Kamina was like. How he had become the Kamina of today.

A smile touched her features, "Kamina who didn't care for girls? That's something I'd like to see."

"Maybe you can!" Kiyoh stated, looking like she had thought of something. She started to rummage through her purse, fishing out her wallet. "I'm sure I have it here somewhere…"

Kinon and Kiyal looked curious as well and the four girls' heads nearly bumped together when they leaned closer each other.

"Here it is!" Kiyoh squealed and took out a small, wrinkled and worn out photo. She handed it to Yoko, who peered at the small figures curiously. And sure enough she could make out Kamina who was grinning in his usual way, his arm thrown around a younger boy. Around them were the three sisters and others whose faces Yoko didn't know. They were all young and full of spirit, that much was seen, even though the photo was in bad condition.

She gave the photo back just as their plates were brought. "Your high school looked like fun."

The sisters gazed at the item wistfully. It was surely bringing back many memories. "Yeah, it was."

They fell into a silence full of thought and memories.

"I'm starving." Familiar footsteps approached and Kamina dropped down besides Yoko.

He felt her eyes on him. She had an odd look on her face, something he couldn't quite read. It wasn't anything bad, though. "What…?"

Yoko shook her head and focused on her food. "No. It's nothing." She couldn't help but smile to herself when he watched her silently for a while longer before letting it go. There was dangerous warmth developing inside her and no way to put it out.

Lunch was quickly eaten, and afterwards only the scraping of forks and knives against plates was heard. Pleased looks floated across faces and hands rubbed now full stomachs as satisfied sighs filled the air.

Kamina's arm was once again on Yoko's shoulders, but she kept her hands modestly to her lap. She felt the sisters were watching them too closely. She tried to look anywhere else but at their overly interested faces.

"Kiyoh, Kinon, Kiyal. I think it's about time for me and Red to split." Kamina said naturally, like it was completely fine to just desert them here. Yoko looked at him disapprovingly.

"What are you talking about? We can't leave them here, they're visiting!"

Kiyal and Kinon nodded furiously. "That's right! Kamina, you have to protect us until Brother gets here...!"

"What?" protested Kamina, "how's it my responsibility?"

"So you'd leave a pregnant woman and two defenseless girls in a foreign city?! Is that it?!"
"Wait, that's not- "
"Someone has to carry our bags!"

"All right, all right!" Kiyoh's raised voice demanded surprising authority. But her eyes looked sly and amused as they fixated on Yoko. "We'll stay here for dessert and I'll phone Brother. After all, we're the ones who crashed on your date. But, whatever you do, stay safe or Yoko will end up like me…" She winked at the pair across from her.

"No! Sis! I don't want to think about that!" Kiyal screamed and Kinon focused on the table's coffee stain.

This resulted in a massive fuss lasting for several minutes until Kamina and Yoko paid for their meals, bid goodbye and were out of the door. As promised, the sisters ordered dessert, and in Kiyoh's case, herbal tea.

She watched the liquid swirl in its cup. It would be terribly interesting where this story of Kamina and Yoko would lead. 'I'm nothing but a bored pregnant woman after all…' she chuckled in her thoughts.

Kamina and Yoko were back in the outside air and turned around to peer inside the café for one last time. From inside, they saw frantic waving coming from the three sister's table. Yoko laughed and waved back, then turning her eyes to Kamina. He had his hands in his pockets and was watching her quietly.

"They seemed nice, but don't you get along with their brother?" she asked, recalling his earlier words concerning the sibling she had yet to meet. She didn't know if they were merely playful, or was there real dislike behind the name calling.

Kamina shook his head. "We get along fine. The man's a pompous ass, that's all." He answered, and Yoko could hide her amusement only so much.

'Isn't that what people usually think about you? In that case this city is not too small for you two, but only for your egos.' She didn't voice her thoughts as just the look on her face was enough to tick Kamina off. She wouldn't even acknowledge his demands to know what was so funny.

"…let's talk about something else," muttered Kamina finally. It was the first time Yoko saw a sullen look come across his face. She grinned and reached up to pinch his cheek. He snatched her palm with one hand and pretended to be rubbing his cheek with the other, before his fingers surged forward and pinched Yoko's side.

"Hey!" She cried, not able to dodge him.

"You earned that," Kamina commented and received many pinches and squeezes in retaliation.

Then their squabble got interrupted before it could really start, as the first big and heavy raindrops hit the pavement. Both looked up and were surprised to find the whole sky overcast with clouds of an ominous dark gray color. Soon they'd get soaked.

Yoko didn't want to let go the last fleeting trails of childishness, she didn't want to recover from her giggly stupor caused by their little skirmish, she didn't want the warmth to leave her cheeks. She was like a teenager, laughing and blushing, but she felt spontaneous and alive just because of it.

So she took his hand and broke into a run as the rain escalated around them. Moistness permeated her light blouse and sank to her skin and she only ran faster, making people step to the sides to evade them. Her hair started to get wet but still her steps echoed on the streets, splashing loudly across forming puddles. She sprinted mindlessly in whatever direction felt best and turned her head around to spot some shelter.

Kamina didn't try to stop her or slow her down to ask questions, not even once. He just squeezed her hand in his and followed her fast steps.

"There!" She heard his voice trough the rain that poured down on them, now with full force. His hand pointed across the street, and now she saw as well a canopy in front of a hotel's doors. They rushed forward and were on the other side in a few seconds, diving under the canopy and into shelter.

Butterflies of uncontrollable laughs burst from Yoko's chest as she slowed down and tumbled against Kamina's chest. He was laughing too, his hair hanging wet on his face and clothes sticking to his skin. The sight made her feel all light and careless inside. She pushed moist strands away from her face to get a better look at his eyes and his hands went to her waist.

She didn't know anymore if her quick pulse was caused by running or if laughing had resulted in such labored breathing, or was their proximity doing funny things to her. She saw the red flecks in his orbs and then her arms sneaked around his neck, fingers into his hair and his lips covered hers. Their noses bumped together and a small laugh escaped her, quickly followed by a deep grunt from Kamina as he held her tighter, pulling her whole body against him. She pressed even closer when his fingers started to stroke her spine, traveling down to the small of her back and then back up.

Yoko smiled against his mouth and her teeth nibbled on his bottom lip teasingly, but then his tongue brushed across her lips. She forgot everything. She was only capable of turning her head slightly for better access and her lips parted on their own, letting his tongue to slip into her mouth. Almost violent shivers went up her spine as his tongue continued to explore, slowly rotating against her own –

"Excuse me, you can't... do that here."

Their heads bolted apart at the interrupting voice. Behind them the hotel's doorman was looking kind of embarrassed. Yoko immediately blushed bright red and felt mortified, but Kamina made no effort to hide the annoyance on his face. He then noticed the looks passerby's were giving them and especially the looks of the hotel's patrons who tried to get trough.

All of his protests died down and he merely stepped back into the rain, pulling Yoko with him.

"Yeah, sorry about that."

Then they went right back to what they'd been doing.