1) Introduction

Mikasa took a sip of her coffee and nearly moaned when it passed her lips. Bertholdt was working the counter today and had managed to snag her a free drink when no one was looking. She wouldn't call them close, but they would talk whenever he was working while she was there. Every time. They spoke every time she was there. She memorized his schedule because it was easier than sitting silently bored in the coffee house. She found it easy to speak with him. They both had the same calm quietness, though he had the social skills needed to work the bar and associate with people all day.

Currently, the little shop was busier than usual. Mid winter traffic always put them at full swing. It was an eighth of Starbucks' swing, but full swing none the less. Mikasa preferred it that way. Starbucks was full of obnoxious teenagers and hungover men who still felt brave (stupid) enough to brazenly try to cop a feel. Bert offered everyone a friendly smile, adding his sweet dash of sunshine to their days. Mikasa dumped pounds of sugar into her cup until it was nearly just crystallized caffeine. She wish the colossal man a good day before standing to leave. She sidestepped the flood (more like a steady trickle) of people as she ambled to the door.

Just as she took the first step to freedom, she knocked into a small blonde form that she hadn't even seen, spilling a bit of her coffee on her. How could she not have seen her? Her hair was the embodiment of sunshine, and her winter eyes held such intensity that Mikasa had to force herself not to bolt. Especially since those eyes were now focused solely on her. She couldn't help but feel like an ant under a magnifying glass.

"What the fuck are you looking at?" Her voice was smooth, deadpan. Her expression matched. Except for those fucking eyes. "Aren't you going to apologize?"

For a millisecond too long, she gaped at the short girl. An obvious mistake because the coffee stained girl was five feet of every possible death threat imaginable.

"You just dumped coffee on me, and now you won't even apologize?" This time her voice was dripping contempt.

"Right," The taller girl managed in her daze. She shook her head slightly, trying to clear the unfamiliar fog, "No, you're right. I'm sorry..." Deep gray eyes landed on a name tag, "Annie."

Annie snorted and looked as if she were about to roll her magnificently blue eyes. Mikasa felt like she was drowning in hydrochloric acid, "Apology reluctantly accepted. Now," She raised a slim blonde brow, "Move, please. I have to get to work."

She bobbed her dark haired head in a nod and allowed the girl to slip past her into the cafe.

Annie's presence tasted just how her coffee did.

Bitter.

Sweet.

And everything she wanted.

Mikasa decided that she would have to memorize a new schedule.