When Michiru steps out of the shower at the penthouse suite later that evening, she finds Haruka propped up against the windowsill in the guest area. Although she had removed her suit jacket since the press conference, the blonde still had her tie, white collared shirt, and tailored pants on. With the top button of the shirt undone, and the tie loosened up, Haruka looks both debonair and dishevelled at the same time. Michiru can feel her heart racing once again.
"Michiru, I..." Haruka doesn't seem to know where to begin. She is staring at her hands, seemingly lost in thought. "These hands are tainted now," she mumbles, perhaps to herself.
The aqua woman approaches the window, and sits down where Haruka's feet are resting. She takes Haruka's right hand into her own, and caresses it gently.
"Michiru?" the blonde questions, injecting a whole universe of meaning into the one word.
"It's all right," Michiru whispers, "I still like your hands." She stares deep into the blonde's eyes, conveying only caring and compassion. Any remnants of her anger and hurt have dissipated.
Haruka pulls Michiru in close, and leans in for a lingering kiss. "Aishteru," the blonde murmurs into the other's ear, the single phrase expressing everything that Michiru ever needed to know.
The two women enjoy each other's company for a moment longer, and then Michiru is forced to break the spell. "Haruka, darling, let me go change from this towel into something decent. And then let's go out for a bite to eat, all right?"
The tall woman nods and grins.