"Don't let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace." -Dalai Lama

Genevieve wasn't really one who enjoyed traveling all that much. She always talked about wanting to travel one day, but it was more of a pipe dream. Sure, she had the money, but she didn't have the time! She was dedicated to school, wanting to better herself first. Genevieve noticed how other kids her age were out doing all kinds of fun things, and yeah, she got a little envious, but she knew she had responsibilities. Her parents always told her and her brothers that just because they had a lot of money, didn't mean they had a sense of entitlement. So, while Genevieve was sitting on the plane, she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like living in Japan. She'd never been there before—she's gone to other European countries with her family, but that was about it.

"Japan is a beautiful country," Aimi would say, "I always wanted you and your brothers to see it."

Sighing, Gen tried getting more comfortable in her seat. Her father made sure she was on the best airline available for her trip to Japan. Genevieve appreciated the gesture, but there was still a sense of uneasiness in her. Intrusive thoughts soon invaded her mind. What if she didn't fit in? From what Aimi had told her, Genevieve didn't look like the traditional Japanese woman; Aimi had stated that Genevieve was at least an inch or two smaller than the average Japanese male; while there were certain features that might hint to Gen's Japanese heritage, it wasn't too obvious; and, apparently, Gen was also a little more curvy—but not too curvy—than the average Japanese woman.

She let out another sigh.

Please let the trip be worth it.

-0-0-0-0-

Hours upon hours of flying not only made Genevieve restless, but it exhausted. She wasn't sure how much longer she had left, but she was grateful her father managed to get her a flight that only made one long travel to the Tokyo airport.

I'll have to get him a present when I go to visit, she thought exhaustedly. She had her head resting against the back of her seat, her eyes struggling to stay open. Genevieve would've given anything to have fallen asleep right then and there, but being asleep with so many other people made her feel even more restless. She just couldn't. Letting out a tired sigh, Genevieve stretched her arms out in front of her, or at least as far as they would go. She could get up and stretch that way, but then she'd be blocking the aisle.

"This your first time flying?" A woman somewhere in her mid- to late-thirties sat beside Genevieve, looking down at her with a small smile.

Despite the fact that Genevieve hadn't spoken a single word to the people she was sitting with for the entire trip, the woman's question still caught her off guard. "Uh no," she stammered.

The woman nodded. "Not a fan of flying?" Genevieve shook her head. "That's fine. My niece is terrified of airplanes. Can't stand them."

"I prefer driving to flying," Genevieve said, the corners of her mouth twitching into the hint of a smile. "It's easier for me."

With another nod, the woman threw a smile Genevieve's way. "Would I be able to ask what you're visiting for?" she asked.

"I'm finishing my last year of school in Japan."

"That must be exciting."

Shrugging, Genevieve bit her bottom lip. "I don't know if I'd call it exciting, but it is something."

"Have you ever been to Japan?"

"No."

"It's very beautiful," the woman exclaimed. "When my niece left Athens to live in Fukuoka, I was honestly surprised. She had met a man over there while studying abroad, and not even a year after they met they were dating, then they were engaged." Genevieve glanced at the woman curiously. "They had a traditional Japanese wedding and I cannot put it into words how gorgeous it was."

"Sounds like you had a good time," Genevieve said. The woman nodded. "What're you doing this time?"

A broad smile spread across her face. "My niece and her husband just had their first baby not too long ago," she said. "They can't put it in their schedule to travel to Greece, so I took a vacation so I could see them."

"Did your niece live with you?"

The woman nodded. "Her parents died when she was little." There was a sadness in the woman's voice; it almost broke Genevieve's heart. "Her father didn't have any living relatives, so I was all she had."

Nodding, Genevieve rested her head against the back of her seat; taking in what the woman told her. It was interesting that she'd be having a conversation so easily with a stranger, but she realized that it helped the trip go by faster.

"I'm Genevieve, by the way," she said, giving the smallest hint of a smile to the woman.

"Selene."

-0-0-0-0-

Selene and Genevieve spoke for the remainder of the flight, the two of them discussing whatever came to mind. Genevieve noticed how interested Selene was when Gen spoke of her interests in literature and history.

"Your parents don't really see that the way you do." Selene didn't word it like a question, it was more of a statement.

"They look at it as more of a hobby I might want to take up." Genevieve rolled her eyes. "As much as I love them, I feel like they don't really take me as seriously as I'd like them to."

Nodding, Selene threw an almost apologetic look Genevieve's way. "I get it," she said, "you'd like them to understand what you want to do."

"I shouldn't be complaining, though." Sighing, Gen pinched the bridge of her nose. "I sound almost bratty for talking like that."

"Don't apologize." Putting a hand on Gen's shoulder, Selene gave a small smile. "Talking about certain things make them more bearable."

"I guess you're right."

The two fell into a silence.

Chewing on her bottom lip, Genevieve crossed her arms over her chest. She did feel a little guilty for complaining about her parents, but she also knew that Selene had a certain point. She didn't really let her parents know how their disinterest in her passions upset her, even hurt her. She let it build up inside her and sometimes it bothered her, not being able to tell them how she felt.

Just give this a shot, OK? she thought solemnly. If it doesn't work out, then you can try and convince them to let you do your own thing.

Didn't seem too hard.

(A/N):

Sorry it took so long to post this chapter, I remembered I had homework I needed to do, so I went on to get that out of the way before I finished this. Hopefully you guys understand that.

OHSHC does not belong to me.

I know that, even though it's only two chapters in, the story might be a bit slow, but I promise it'll pick up eventually. I'm still debating on whether or not I want this story to follow the anime storyline or if I want to throw in my own storyline.

Also, after yesterday's presidential election, for anyone who's feeling terrified, worried, anxious, etc., I am not only on the same boat as you guys, but I don't want any of you thinking that you need to change yourself in any way because of this. Yes, a lot can happen in 4 years, but you can make the best out of it. I may be sounding cheesy, but I just want you guys who're feeling this way to know I support you.

Let me know if there's anything I should improve on.

Thank you.

Alek Haydn