these are the empty pews ☆ the promised neverland ray x reader

i

The Jaw of the Lion is a large town hidden within the trunks of monstrously huge trees. Accordingly abandoned by an ancient demon clan so many years ago, it serves as a breath-taking hideout where children could thrive and actually live. A miracle.

It wasn't hard to get things running at the place. While Norman, rational and sensible as he is, laid out the plans to effectively manage the hideout, you headed the actual activities being performed. Delegating little tasks such as who cooks what, sleeping arrangements, overseeing the inventory, and ensuring that every child was healthy— those were the things you did.

It didn't just stop there.

Sometimes Barbara, no matter how strong and fierce, had blasts of terrible memories that are always tougher than she is. Calming her down was difficult, but you found out that her apparitions were easier to control with medicine.

The others had them too, but theirs is much calmer.

It was terrible to watch her claw at her temples, her fingernails seeping with her own blood. You didn't want anyone to go through that ever again, but that's how it is. Your only hope was to recreate the medicine you found. Norman quickly put you to work to experiment on possible trial pills, however, even if he didn't, you would have done it without a word from him.

Life goes on at the town hidden within the demon trees.

☆

When Hayato sends word that the Gracefield Fugitives have arrived, you almost drop the beaker you are holding. He apologizes, thinking that his loudness when conveying the message is the reason why you are anxious. You wave his fears away with a small smile.

When he leaves, you tell your assistants to prepare beds and medicine for any of their wounded. One of them sends you a curious look, but does as she's told and leaves the room. As you place the glass beaker back onto the table, a few tears prickle beneath your eyelids.

They're alive.

You remember when Norman first told you that their bunker was invaded. That neither of you could do anything at the moment to help them. It was a dreadful feeling, being so close to a reunion you practically could taste it on your lips, but getting it snatched away.

You refused to talk to anyone that day, too. Covered it up as a desire to work alone, and let everyone be just children for a while. Norman knew differently. Maybe everyone knew differently, but they never let it on. No tears were shed that day. You knew better; they were smart and strong, and protective. They wouldn't go down without a fight, they wouldn't just die that easily.

However, there was always an inkling that whispered, but what if they did?

They're alive.

They're alive, so you let yourself weep for everyone you have lost, and everything you have kept inside you for too long.

☆

The next time you meet him, you are patching up a new arrival.

Reunions with Ray are different. They aren't the warm hugs you get with a tearful Emma, Gilda's wobbling smiles, and Don's boisterous laughter. After you greeted him with courtesies, you began to avoid him. It wasn't something you planned to do, but it was done nevertheless.

This time, his appearance does not take you by surprise. Well, except for the erratic beating of your heart, and the thoughts jumbling for anything you can say to escape the impending loaded questions, you are calm.

It isn't like you haven't talked to him before since that fated day. You traded hellos and good mornings whenever you pass by each other in hallways. Most times you catch each other's gaze when there's no reason to talk.