OKAY SO, BACKGROUND INFO ON THE JOURNEY: Google couldn't give me a timing from osaka's airport to new chitose airport in Hokkaido…lazy to find official sources so I had to measure it myself and estimate a time based on my flight from Tokyo to Hokkaido. I used google maps and my phone to measure the distance and then did a rough estmation of flight time, so I got around 2hours and 20 minutes for the time.

Oh and for those who didn't know, they're route is: bus from school in Kyoto to osaka's kansai airport and then to new chitose airport in Hokkaido. That's the reason why the students woke at 5 in the last chapter and Chie and Aoi meets at around 6 and estimates that they would reach in two hours.

Uhm thanks for following my story.. now.. chapter 6... o0 it's a bit longer

CHAPTER 6-take off

Upon reaching the airport, everybody was grouped with their partners and Chie was going around snapping photos of every pairing.

"Ohh come on, take a pic pup!", Chie pouted, trying to get a shot of Natsuki's face.

Shizuru stood beside Natsuki awkwardly not knowing what to do, all the ideas she could think up of clashed with her nerd profile. She sighed in defeat and continued to stand beside her new found partner who had not even said hi.

When Shizuru had first seen her partner she was pretty shocked to see the girl who she had walked pass after she had left the toilet three days before but she was relieved that it wasn't some girl who she would have problems getting along with-which she soon found, was false.

Natsuki made a small growl and pushed Chie's camera away, "one more time and that dies".

Chie immedieately hopped a few steps back, hugging her camera while looking at all the pictures she had tried to take, "Oh oh, I got Shizuru staring in the camera in this one but Natsuki! Your hand is covering half the screen, I cant see you at all"

Natsuki ignored and walked to the front of line. Shizuru gave Chie a confused stare but followed Natsuki to the safety check nevertheless.

The plane had lifted, they still weren't talking. Shizuru ran a hand through her hair and stared out the side window. White was all could see and she had about two hours more to get a conversation started and lasting, the school has taken the budget airways so there was no mini television to distract her partner which Shizuru was, for once, thankful for. She did not wanting to spend her excursion with somebody she didn't even interact with.

Shizuru stared down at the metal belt resting on her lap, "Kuga-san was it?"

Natsuki turned to Shizuru's direction, "yea, Natsuki is fine"

Shizuru held back from teasing the girl's choice, "I'll be your partner on this trip, hope we can work well together".

" I figured, but no we're not working"

Shizuru tightened her jaw, irritated at how she couldn't do anything that contradicted with her nerd character but still had to socialize with the anti-social girl beside her. Yet the blue-haired girl intrigued her and made her want to know more. She hardly had such a feeling and when she had it never once had she failed to make the person like her and want to be friends with her more than she did.

After minutes of silence Shizuru took a small jump; the only way she had found that would let her keep her stereotyped profile and get the Blue-haired girl to socialise with her. If it didn't work her partner would probably find her weird and not like her for the whole trip. If it worked, the situation might get better.

"Natsuki-san is so cold, it makes me feel awkward when you don't talk. I want to enjoy the trip with people around me so I won't be able to unless you start talking to me", She then played with her hands to make it look like she was nervous, in fact she wasn't, she was just waiting for one of the expected reactions to happen.

Natsuki continued dazing at the announcement screen at the front of the plane's section, never once turning to answer.

Shizuru made a small smile and closed her eyes and relaxed. *answer me, I know you will*

"Ok, well, then what's your name?", came the reply after minutes.

Her smile crooked up a little more, she knew Natsuki was still staring at the screen, "I'm quite surprised Natsuki-san didn't check the board, Fujino Shizuru"

Natsuki went silent for awhile, "Oh yea, Aoi did tell me once, well then what do I call you".

*Ara, she's making an effort, I'll make it easier for her then*

"Since I call Natsuki-san Natsuki, you can call me..", She struggled for a moment, she hardly asked anybody to call her by her first name; she didn't like close company.

*I guess it's a give and take*, She thought before continuing, "Shizuru".

"Shizuru?", Natsuki copied her once to see if she had gotten it right.

Shizuru's smile widened a tad more, the way Natsuki had said it made her sound a little lost and Shizuru couldn't help but feel like a predator. It made her want to tease Natsuki and know her more, but if she had said anything too bold she wouldn't be able to maintain the whole nerd thing. It was starting to piss her off, keeping the nerd look was harder than she thought.

"I guess"

"You're kinda weird for somebody who has a stereotyped nerd look", Natsuki said, turning in Shizuru's direction.

"Really, how so?", Shizuru opened her eyes and maintained a neutral expression, she had a habit of smirking when she was intrigued or when she was playing around. * Ara the fact that she used the word 'look' means she know's I'm not that way in character… ara ara, I've got an interesting partner this time*

"How would I know? Feeling I guess"

"Natsuki-san doesn't seem to have a stereotype character though"

"Really? I thought I fit perfectly in a lot of people's stereotypes"

"A feeling I guess", Shizuru said turning to face Natsuki.

"That's just..", the blue-haired girl continued, turning away on habit; she usually never did look at somebody face to face unless she was angry and glaring.

"Unexplained? That's what you're giving me as an answer too", Shizuru smiled at the girl's response. *I have glasses on and hair covering more of my face, do I still look so challenging or aggressive? Maybe she's just shy* Shizuru thought, remembering how many of her 'fans' and people she worked with mostly did not dare look at her directly due to her red eyes. some had commented that it was due to the prestigious feel she had gave off that made them feel like extras in a blockbuster movie when they stood beside her.

The shorter girl had a confused look on her face for quite a while before replying, "Well, mine's not that much a feeling, you see, a stereotype nerd wouldn't reply me like that, they wouldn't start a conversation and force me to think so much in a conversation either".

"Then that's why you're different too, based on what you had just told me"

"I don't get it"

Shizuru chuckled, biting her lip due to her impulse to say something more in depth about character. She decided on the easier way out, "I don't either"

"What?"

"That's how I'm different I guess"

"Now… I'm just confused", Natsuki said, sitting up straight, "close the window, the light's really bright".

"But Natsuki-san is really kind, yes?"

Natsuki made a small grunt in disagreement, " another feeling?"

Shizuru chuckled, "No, the fact you actually tried to think up of something when I said that I needed interaction with you to enjoy my trip".

"I just don't like people to not enjoy because of another's inability"

Shizuru turned to the closed window *Her choice of the word inability is quite special isn't it, seem like a traumatizing experience from the past?* , "Then is there anyway I can prevent myself from become the limiting factor to your enjoyment in this trip?"

"Yea, lots. First thing's first, don't scream and shout, don't disturb me when I'm in thought, don't touch my things, don't ask me about things I have already said I do not know about, don't bother me when I'm dazing, don't eat in the room when it's time to sleep I dislike food smells before sleep, don't fangirl over boys from our affiliated school during the trip when we have food breaks and… don't cry or I'll fucking punch you in the face"

Shizuru raised an eyebrow and smiled with confidence, "I don't do much of any of that"

"Not don't do much, don't do at all", Natsuki replied, closing her eyes.

"Yes, captain", Shizuru whispered taking note of the few things that she shouldn't do.

"What about you?"

Shizuru put a finger on her chin in thought, "Well… don't ask me things I don't know"

"Sure", Natsuki replied, tightening her seat belt.

Shizuru let silence take over, her partner seemed like she was going to get some sleep and she was as well.

The journey after the plane flight was more continued silence, they had taken a bus to a small hotpot restaurant on the way to the hotel and travelled near the outskirts of a town and at around two where they were brought to a rice making museum

After about half an hour in the museum , Natsuki carried around a slouch and Shizuruwas more than not concentrating, she already knew about the rice- making process from an excursion in primary school.

"Fuck, why the hell do we have to learn about this", Natsuki mumbled.

"Because it's good knowledge Natsuki", Mai said as she walked past where Natsuki was.

"What's good knowledge? Learning about how the peel those skins off little grains? Then what do we learn in school?"

"This is general knowledge, what if your kids asked you such questions in future? What would you say? I don't know? Then they wont learn a lot", Mai lectured while Shizuru stood at a corner listening to the conversation.

"Why would they have to learn about rice? To tell their kids about it? That's stupid. And besides who would want those little screaming idiots? I wouldn't"

"You were once a kid Natsuki!"

"Well, I didn't like myself as a kid", Natsuki rebutted stubbornly

Shizuru giggled softly. Mai made a small frown, "You'll know when you grow older"

Natsuki wanted to argue back before Haruka shouted across from the staircase up to the 'history of rice' corner, "Oi! Mai! Yukino is waiting for you! Hurry up!"

"Follow you own partner and mind your own business, council shithead!", Natsuki shouted back, boredom made her want to pick fights and Haruka's loud voice was annoying her.

"What di-", Haruka was pulled away by a worried Yukino before she could shout back while Mai hurried up the staircase, Haruka wasn't one to back down and Natsuki was worse.

"Natsuki shouldn't pick fights like that"

"It's not like I'm going to listen to your lecture Shizuru, go listen to the rice talk"

"Do I look like I'm enjoying it?", Shizuru pouted.

"Nerds should"

"Well, I'm so nerdy I've already learnt about all this"

Natsuki raised an eyebrow, "Well, that's true, then be a little less nerdy and let's go outside for a breather"

"The teacher will catch us"

"That's why I'm asking you to be less nerdy"

"What if we get lost?", Shizuru questioned theoretically

"It's still in this building nerdzuru", Natsuki deadpanned.

Shizuru chuckled and pouted again, "Why does Natsuki have to call me names?"

"I thought the girl who transferred in because she was bullied by boys in her school would be used to it"

"Oh so Natsuki had listened to my intro speech?"

"No Mai told me and told me to take care of your sorry ass"

"Are you?"

"Do I look like a babysitter? Let's go"

Shizuru followed Natsuki to the first floor before Natsuki stopped short in her tracks and hit Shizuru back up the stairs with her arm.

Shizuru made a small yelp in surprise and rubbed her elbow in pain. "Midori-sensei is there"

Shizuru peeked from the side of the staircase, their orange haired teacher was sitting on the counter and drinking rice wine(sake).

"What the shit is she even allowed to drink on school trips?"

Shizuru shook her head, "I don't think she'll notice us, let's go"

Both the year 3 students bolted to the glass sliding door and exit the building.

"Well, that was easy", Shizuru said, sitting on a nearby wodden bench.

Natsuki shrugged and sat beside her staring at the artificial pond in front of them.

"Why does the museum need and artificial pond anyway?"

"For tourists who come to visit the rice museum but want to catch some fresh air after drinking their sake?", answered the taller girl.

Natsuki pulled out her iPod and plugged in leaning back on the chair as the song started playing.

Shizuru took out her phone to take pictures of the scenery she had left her mp4 on the bus and was left with her phone.

The scenery gave off a calm feel, water could be heard gushing from a far and the air was cool and unpolluted, once in a while a car would pass by on the main road beside the museum but it made the place feel more vintage that way.

"I have a DSLR if you need one", Natsuki said out of the blue.

Shizuru look at Natsuki who still had her eyes closed, "You don't need it?"

Natsuki didn't reply though Shizuru assumed it was due to the music. She had never bought a DSLR it felt as though if she had a personal camera she would take less pictures.

After about half an hour, Natsuki took off her earpieces.

"Must be nice listening to music with such a scenery huh?"

"I guess, but calm songs doesn't really do it for me in such a calm place", Natsuki's voice was hoarse due to the absence of talk, "Get's too calm for my liking".

"I like it thought, but only when I'm alone"

Natsuki turned to face Shizuru, "Used to be like that then it got irritating and was a waste of time"

"Really? How so? I find it a good way to relax and think about things"

Natsuki paused, "I don't know, don't wanna think about some things"

"Wouldn't that be running away?", Shizuru said, it felt like she was talking to herself- the questions and answers Natsuki was had said seemed like they were from those endless conversations she had with herself.

"No"

Shizuru turned to Natsuki, the whole feel of their conversations was getting a little too close to personal issues for her, she usually never touched on the topic of more serene or sad emotions unless it was comforting somebody. But somehow she felt like she could continue with the conversation, she felt like she might find answers for herself and Natsuki didn't seem like the kind who would analyse her by her answers.

"I assume what you mean would be, it's alright to not face them for awhile and run away till you have enough strength and experience to turn back-"

"and fuck it up? Yes that's what I think", Natsuki completed.

"as in face it?", Shizuru said with a frown trying to rephrase it

"That's what I meant by fuck it up", Natsuki said with a smirk, she couldn't help but be humoured by how reluctant Shizuru was to use the word.

Shizuru gave Natsuki a smile, she was finally looking at her and Shizuru took the opportunity to look at the shorter girl's face.

Natsuki had a rather well defined jaw-line, and her features were extremely addictive to look at. Her Blue hair enhanced the feel she gave others, she had a side parting with her fringe pulled up with a black clip.

"Though I believe that facing some things that hit you on the way would give you more experience then time, yes?"

"You seem like you think about it a lot", the blue haired girl said as she turned away.

Shizuru didn't answer, "Ever listened to the song apple and cinnamon by utada hikkaru?"

Natsuki smiled, "Got it in my iPod"

"I thought you said you didn't like songs like that"

"Well, I keep it stored in incase I feel like listening to a song like that"

Shizuru nodded, "never gets boring"

"Really? I feel that way too"

The brunette laughed, "Well, that's something we finally have in common".

"Oi! What are the two of you doing out here like that!", Midori said, standing at the entrance of the building.

Natsuki ignored her and rolled her eyes while Shizuru got caught between ignoring and answering.

Midori satred at Shizuru's uneasy face, "Shizuru! Is she bullying you? Forcing you to come out?"

"I-I was feeling a little uneasy so she brought me out for a breather"

The teacher stared at Natsuki with suspiscious eyes but left the matter alone and walked back in to call the rest of the class. It was time to check into the dormitories.

Ok, so uhm they meet. SORRY IF THIS IS KINDA BORING *bows in sorry-ish-ness*.. i mean.. it really is == thats what i feel at least..

go try the apple and cinammon song.. it's really nice.

Oh uhm dont know if chum-sa had read my reply in the last chapter but i'm gonna reply seiryu here cuz she signed is as anonymous.. ok firstly thanks for reviewing and cant waiting for more-ing as for the question about whether im the author... no sorry =X i'm not... what kind of story is that o.0 sounds interesting. ps sorry.. hope you find the authour you want to find.

AND THANKS NESLIM ^^ YOUR REVIEW encourages me ALOT ^^

oh and to shadowcub... continue the second story as in this? I am ^^ or if you mean my last story.. i'll try.. but i gotta re-read the whole story again so i know what i was trying to do.. a lot of points i had left in the first part of the story were supposed to be used in the second part but i have forgotten most of them now.(thanks for reviewing o0)