It doesn't startle her, no, just because at this point she's already made up her mind: it's Haruka, could be no one but Haruka. So she simply twists her hand slightly, just enough to twine her fingers with the other woman's.

It's been a long time since she's been this absolutely lost, but at least she isn't alone.

"How long has it been?" Since Haruka had left for this mission.