Reclaim What's Ours | The Promised Neverland (Emma x Ray) |

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Silence.

Ever since that one night, there was an unbearable silence between Ray and Emma. No more words than what was necessary. No matter how much she thought, she just couldn't figure out why Ray said those words to her that night. It's been constantly on her mind, the words he left created a twisted feeling in her stomach that just wouldn't go away.

Even now, as Ray carried Emma on his back to the shelter, not one of them spoke a word. Without Emma to move the conversation, Ray was his quiet self. As Ray carried her, his face looked blank. No matter how long she's known him, she was never able to read such a face.

But soon, they were nearing the shelter.

Even after all these years, the scenery looked the same. Emma was able to recognize each tree and each rock that she's come across multiple times in the past. They both know they're close to the shelter. So close to their goal after so many days out in the wilderness.

When Emma saw the clearing she's seen so many times, she felt a tingling in her heart. Her eyes widened in awe and she started speaking before she knew it.

"Ray... it's here..." Emma said unconsciously. She breathed a sigh of relief she didn't realize she was holding in. It was as if in her heart, she was hoping there was no change in her memories even after all these years, and that this was the sight she was hoping for.

"It is," He replied simply.

They both looked across the clearing, little smiles on their faces as Ray marched on. Debris was everywhere, but in a way, that's what they expected after such a big explosion in the past. Rocks and old metals scattered every which way, but what they noticed first was in the middle of the clearing, a lone figure sitting right where the opening of the entrance would be, a bow around his back and a bag next to his side.

Ray made his way over to the entrance. The figure didn't turn around despite obviously being able to hear the footsteps approaching from behind. But both Ray and Emma knew... He had a smile on his face that they just couldn't see yet.

"Yo," Ray said once he came to a stop. Hearing his greeting, Norman finally turned his head around, a small smile on his face as the two expected. Sighs of relief came out from the two. A familiar face they've been wanting to see for quite some time.

"You two are late," Norman said mischievously, a little chuckle in his voice as he cocked his head towards them. Norman watched as Ray let Emma down next to him. As soon as he did, Emma quickly embraced Norman in a hug, making his heart flutter.

"I'm so glad you're safe!" Emma breathed out. The worry she's been holding in her heart for days. After seeing his face, it could finally be put at ease. "I was so worried when I woke up and didn't see you!"

"I told you he'd be fine," Ray commented.

"Sorry, Emma," Norman said with a smile, stroking the back of her head. "It's okay. I'm safe, I was able to make it here safely, didn't I? How's your injury?"

"A lot better!" Emma replied confidently, "I can sit up now! And it doesn't hurt as much anymore! I could probably walk, though Ray insisted I take a break for another few days. So in a few days... I'll probably be as good as new!"

As cheerful as always. Seeing Emma like this, Norman couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. "I see!" Norman replied, looking at Emma with a warm smile on his face. "I'm glad to hear that!"

"Norman, did you go inside yet?" Ray asked bluntly. He stood there, his arms crossed as he looked down at his friends.

"Not yet," Norman replied, shaking his head. "I thought I'd wait for you two to arrive."