When they arrived at the airport, Eli and Arisa practically sprinted out of the car to get a glimpse of the huge, new building that simply amazed the both of them.

"Harasho!", they said at the same time, gazing at the interesting complex that neither of them have ever experienced before.

Nozomi, having traveled a lot throughout her life, has been to airports plenty of times. This was nothing new to her at all, and she already figured she would have to watch over the two children so they don't wander off and get lost inside. She headed to back the trunk of the car and was about to unload all of the luggage, until she realized that she would need some help. She was about to call Eli back over but noticed her friend in the midst of some very cute actions. Eli was helplessly spinning around, with her arms flaring and seeming to be very confused. Nozomi figured she was searching for her, but being mischievous and learned to love Eli's cute moments, she let the lost little puppy find her own way.

Nozomi noticed when Eli finally laid eyes on her, and giggled as the blonde sprinted back towards Nozomi, followed by Arisa. Yes, Nozomi was absolutely sure of the fact that sometimes, Eli's and Arisa's age difference was invisible.

"Ah! Sorry Nozomi! This place is huge, isn't it?", Eli exclaimed while immediately removing all of the things from her best friend's hands.

She chuckled, "It sure is~"

They hustled inside with all of their things, went through security, and found some seats they would wait in until the departure time. Nozomi began to worry when she noticed Eli losing the excitement she had just a bit ago and got even more concerned when her blonde best friend sent her little sister away with some money to buy some food. Nozomi also noticed the saddening look on her Elicchi's face when they met eyes.

"Nozomi.. I.. This is all settling in now.. I don't know if I'm ready to see my grandmother like this", she mumbled. Nozomi moved her closer to her and raised a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"We haven't seen her in a very long time, what if she doesn't even recognize us?"

Nozomi could tell she was choking on her words.

"Elicchi, from all the wonderful stories you have shared with me about her, the emotion in your voice when you talk about her, I can almost feel the connection you two have. It's a connection that could never be forgotten - no matter what the illness."

She spoke quietly and softly, consoling her to the best of her ability. However, Eli's face continued to grow long.

"And what about Arisa… I have to be strong for her..," Eli's face was now hidden by her hands, "S-She can't see me like thi-"

"Eli."

The tone of Nozomi's voice made Eli perk up. Just at the sight of her soft face, wondrous green eyes, and the look of sincerity she was expressing to Eli.. it all made her feel instantly relieved. The sound of her voice as well, Eli didn't know what she liked so much about it but just hearing her speak calmed her.

"You don't have to be strong for anyone during a time like this, you're human ya know? It is perfectly okay and acceptable for you to get emotional over this. No one is going to think you are weak. Especially not your sister."

With a loose grip on her emotions, Eli latched onto Nozomi. Her arms wrapped around her neck and she buried her face into the violet-haired girl's shoulder. Eli had no clue what she would do without Nozomi by her side.

A few hours passed, Eli tried to distract herself from the reason behind the trip until they actually arrived. She kept in mind all of the positives of this trip: the beautiful Russian scenery, the nostalgic Russian culture, and experiencing it all with the two most important people in her life. They planned on staying in a hotel near the hospital where her grandmother was in, and planned on leaving after the funeral. The three didn't discuss this, but none of them knew when the funeral would be so there was no set return date.

Finally, it was time to board the plane. Luckily, they all got seats together. Little did Nozomi know, Eli was also quite afraid of planes. Not as bad as her fear of the dark but still evident enough to give Eli quite the shake. Nozomi originally didn't know this, but understood as soon as the blonde gripped her hand tightly when they were taking off. Nozomi rubbed Eli's hand with her thumb and the tight grip of the fearful girl loosened. She became completely calm once the plane was settled into flight, which allowed Nozomi to breathe as well.

Arisa is quite the brave young girl, Nozomi noticed after realizing she hasn't picked up nearly any of her older sister's fears. Nozomi has felt herself adapt as an older sister to Arisa as well, and Arisa certainly looks up to the vice president the same way. With Nozomi's overprotectiveness and all the time they have been spending together lately, this bond continues to be strengthened.

They chatted to pass time and watched some movies to cover their almost ten hour flight. Eli's movie pick, which wasn't a shock to Nozomi, was The Notebook. Eli claims to have never seen it before but somehow managed to recite every line. Being the not-so-secret romance lover that she is, she sobbed for the entire second half of the movie. Nozomi, however, barely got to watch any of the film between Eli's constant need of tissues and having to cover poor Arisa's eyes during the more scandalous scenes. Nozomi was more than happy with this though, because any time she got to spent with the adorable Ayase sisters was heaven to her.

Finally, a flight attendant announced their arrival and they soon landed. Once the three stepped out of the plane, they stopped and took a whiff of the crisp air of the country of Russia.