4:00 AM

Street lights gleamed outside the bedroom window. Mikasa slowly crawled out of bed so as not to disturb its other occupant. Not that it mattered anyway. Annie wouldn't get up until 8:00 at the earliest. Leaning over, Mikasa laid a gentle kiss upon Annie's upon the blonde's forehead.

"I love you," she whispered as she slipped out the bedroom door. And yet, those three words each night meant nothing at all if she was never awake to hear them.

6:45AM

Annie glared at the glowing red numbers as she slid from the warm comforts of the bed. Why was she up this early again? Oh right, Mikasa. That girl was her reason for everything.

Annie's head turned to where Mikasa slept. Or should have slept. The empty covers of the bed were all that greeted Annie's stare.

So she was gone. Annie sighed as she saw her plans fly out the window.

Already forced awake, she decided that coffee was the only thing she could count on in the morning.

7:00 AM

Hot, bitter liquid warmed the porcelain cup held in Annie's hands. Annie couldn't live without her coffee. It was the only warmth she received outside her bed on these brisk mornings. Especially when Mikasa was gone.

Annie headed towards the living room, planning to watch the news. Or whatever was on. She had no idea what time the news started; she usually wasn't awake for it.

Reaching the living room, Annie gasped in surprise.

On the hard wood floor was Mikasa. She wore nothing but shorts and a sports bra, and worked to complete each sit up.

Annie could feel the blood drip out of her nose. Mikasa was Hot. Sweaty and gross, true, but hot nonetheless.

Mikasa finished her set and laid back, draping her arm over her eyes, catching her breath.

Annie, who had set her down her coffee and was vigorously wiping her nose, still hadn't been noticed by Mikasa. Seeing her chance, Annie snuck up and placed her hand on the harden abs resulting from the workouts.

Not expecting the sudden contact, Mikasa's eyes shot open, only to lock onto Annie, who knelt, smirking, next to her.

"What are you doing" Mikasa asked with raised eyebrows.

"Feeling my strong girlfriend's muscles," Annie replied as she stretch out on top of Mikasa.

"So you admit that I'm stronger."

"I never called you stronger, just strong."

"We'll see about that." Mikasa suddenly flipped them both over, pinning Annie's hands above her head. "We both know that I'm on top."

Annie growled and struggled to wrestle her way out, but it was true: Mikasa was stronger.

When she eventually tired out, Mikasa leaned down, inches from Annie's face, and whispered, "You'll never beat me."

"Oh really?" Annie replied as she jerked her head upward. Lips connected. A new battle for dominance was on. Tongues fought to get inside each other's mouth. Teeth scraped against teeth. Blood dripped down off of bitten lips. They fought as long as they could and longer. But breathing became a necessity and they reluctantly broke away panting.

Once things calmed down, Mikasa rested her chin on Annie's chest. Surprised, Annie stared down at her. Mikasa's eyes dropped to the side as a red hue spilled across her cheeks. What was she to be embarrassed about? She had said it multiple times before. Granted, Annie had never been aware before. Three simple words.

"I love you."