Juliet Diekman is the daughter of a well-respected Marleyan scientist who works alongside the military.
In a new proposal, he is asked to go on an expedition to Paradis for research purposes before planning their big attack. He agrees, only if his b...
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JULIET HANDS ONE LAST BARREL to Annie, who is already standing on the wagon. She takes it with ease, positioning it carefully beside the others that had been loaded onto the wooden frame. The barrels rattle against each other as they settle, and Juliet wipes the sweat from her brow, glancing around at the group.
The two horse-led wagons were nearly ready, each one filled with supplies—mostly food, tanks, and the gear they'd need for the days ahead. Mikasa sits at the front of the first wagon, tightening the reins as Connie secures the final barrel in the back. His expression is focused, and his muscles strain as he slides the barrel into place.
Meanwhile, on the second wagon, Armin sits at the reins, his usual calm presence steadying the horse. In the back of the wagon, Annie waits, while Falco and Gabi together, closer to the front of the wagon.
"That's the last of it," Juliet says, stepping back to check over the wagons one last time.
Juliet glances at Armin, who is busy adjusting his reins. He catches her eye for a moment. The way his hair blows slightly in the breeze and the quiet determination on his face makes her heart skip, but she shakes it off and focuses on the task at hand.
"We're all set," Connie calls over as he looks over at Juliet.
"Yeah," Juliet replies, "We're ready too."
Annie extended her hand down to Juliet. Without hesitation, Juliet reached out, grabbing hold of Annie's hand. Her grip was firm, and with one swift pull, Annie helped her up onto the wagon.
Juliet landed beside her with a soft thud, adjusting herself on the small space between the barrels.
"Thanks," Juliet mutters.
Annie didn't respond verbally, but she gave the smallest of nods.
Juliet sits down next to Annie on the wagon, the wood creaking slightly beneath her. Annie glances at her with a flat expression, her voice as monotone as ever, "You couldn't find somewhere else to sit?"
Without hesitation, Juliet scoots a little closer, a playful glint in her eyes. "Nope," she replies, making sure to invade Annie's personal space just a bit more. Annie huffs, turning her head away, but Juliet catches the tiniest upward curve of her lips—an almost imperceptible, soft smile.
"You're annoying," Annie mutters, though her tone lacks any real bite.
Juliet leans in slightly, her teasing tone softening as she glances at Annie, "You know, you didn't have to come with us—" Her words are abruptly cut off by the sharp crack of gunfire in the distance—four shots in quick succession.
"You heard that, right?" Connie says from the back of the wagon.
"He said he'd give us a signal with four gunshots," Mikasa, already gripping the reins, looks ahead with a focused expression, "Jean must be ready to kick off the next phase."
