Elza knew exactly when Haruka entered the room.

It wasn't that she was looking out for Haruka – far from it. Her main focus, all of her focus, was centered on the aqua-haired goddess in front of her and making sure that smile stayed on those ever secretive lips.

So of course she knew when Haruka entered. It was written all over Michiru's face.

The way her eyes softened, ocean blue calming into a deep glow Elza had never seen before. Actually, that would be a lie. She had seen it before – the day she had introduced Michiru to Haruka, that glow had appeared.

If only she'd listened to that sharp jab of conscience and chosen not to introduce them. But how was she to say 'no' to a woman with such eyes? How could she say 'no' to Michiru at all?

Michiru's smile was wider now, but Elza knew she was barely listening. Her eyes kept glancing towards a point behind Elza's right shoulder, her lips twitching with every glance, unsuccessfully trying to control the pure happiness exuding from her.

Elza swallowed down a sigh. In all their years of friendship, never once had she been the cause of such happiness.

Michiru had always been her cause. And now …

Now, Haruka was behind her. Elza could pick up the other woman's deep tones, that seemingly perpetually amused rhythm as she charmed everyone in her vicinity. Elza spotted Michiru's fingers tapping on her violin case.

"Michiru."

Elza gritted her teeth at the new set of changes in Michiru's stance – the unconscious step towards that voice – Michiru's eyes – the complete centering of her gaze up past Elza's height – and Michiru's smile – different again from when Haruka entered and when she had neared. Elza couldn't look at her when she smiled like that.

"Haruka. You're late."

Elza winced in reflex, having been on the receiving end of that particular scolding many times before. She peeked up at Haruka, expecting to see the same reaction. But to her surprise, the tall blonde merely shrugged in response, a slight smirk playing on her lips.

Blinking, Elza glanced back at Michiru. There was no sigh of frustration, no lecture; just a look – a raised eyebrow that bordered more on amusement than disapproval – and a nod that absolved Haruka of everything.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Elza?"

Elza managed to bring out a bright smile.

"Tomorrow, Michiru."

She watched as they walked away, her smile dropping as Haruka's arm lifted to wrap around Michiru's waist, feeling as if she had missed everything.