A Mistake
Ch 2: Was That A First Date?
Ch 1
Synopsis: In the aftermath of meeting your son, you reminisce on what may have been your first date with Ging.
Out of all the things you were expecting, coming face to face with your son after 11 years was not one of them. You thought you'd swing by and say hello to Kite. Maybe catch up and see what he was doing. Not be stuck in a staring contest with your own kid.
You could see the gears turn in his head before he landed on one singular word.
“Mom?”
Gon recognized you. It shouldn't have caught you as off guard as it did. You weren't exactly ambiguous about who you were. Having gave out your information in every letter sent. He probably looked you up at some point. It only made you even more nervous to see how you measured up to his expectations. You figured you'd see him when he was a little older. That is, if he ever sought you out.
Was he…?
You didn't want to risk it by stepping forward.
Though if he was hanging around Kite, there was a good chance he was. Still, you kept your distance. It must've looked odd. To have your own mother be afraid of coming near you. It didn't help he was the splitting image of his father. Somehow you knew that idiot would be proud his genes had cancelled yours out.
You weren't prepared to handle this. You didn't think you ever would be. But you'd been staring for a while now. And it wasn't like you could run away and hide in shame. No. You wouldn't be able to forgive yourself if you wasted this opportunity. Besides, this was your son. You had absolutely nothing to be afraid of.
“Oh wow. Um. Hi?” You awkwardly greeted.
His head perked up at the sound of your voice.
Scratch that. You were terrified. Looking frantically over at Kite for any information possible.
“Why didn't you warn me he was here!?!?” You whispered.
Right. Warn you the kid who teleported to him out of nowhere was here. Warn you, who he had no idea was coming, that your son, who he had no idea you had, was here.
“I didn't know. He just kind of showed up.” Kite responded.
You rubbed a hand to your temple.
“This is not how I wanted it to happen.”
“Wanted what to happen?” Gon questioned.
Shit, he'd heard you. He probably thought you hated him. Which was far from the truth.
“Uhhhh…” You figured you looked like a gaping fish.
His eyes bore into yours. Curious and bright. You found it hard to look him in the face for very long. Dammit, why did he have to look so much like him.
“Okay we're really doing this.” you mumbled under your breath before continuing.
“Hi Gon. I'm your mom.” The phrase felt strange on your tongue, but you pushed it down and continued.
“I've uh, got something for you. But it's not here. It's back at my place,” you explained.
You realized it sounded like you were trying to bribe him. The confused silence sure as hell didn't do you any favors.
“I'm not trying to buy your affection or anything! I just thought you'd like it. Maybe?” You couldn't help but cringe at your frazzled tone.
“Boys like dinosaurs and monsters right?” You asked Kite before quickly turning around.
“You like dinosaurs and monsters, right?”
And Gon couldn't help but laugh at your awkwardness. You were the furthest thing from the serious pro hunter he was expecting. Not at all disinterested like Ging seemed to be. You were more nervous to meet him than he was to meet you.
“Yeah. I still think they're cool.” He responded.
You gave a small fist pump.
“Sublime!”
You were goofy. Your demeanor was reminiscent of his. (And absolutely nothing like his father's) All of a sudden, you'd straightened up. The grin wiped off your face.
“Uh, I've got one question though.”
“Sure.”
“You're a hunter now, aren't you?” You asked.
Please please please.
“Yup. Passed my first time too!”
“Oh thank God,” you breathed out.
He eyed you curiously.
“Not that I would have been disappointed otherwise. Or that I wanted you to become one. I wasn't opposed to it either. I just-” you cut yourself off before you could ramble.
“It's a really long, complicated story.”
That you didn't want to get into right now. Or ever. But you knew you'd have to tell some of it eventually. This was your kid, and he deserved to know why you weren't there for him.
“Maybe you two should reconnect elsewhere.” Kite's voice snapped you from your thoughts.
He didn't want to cut your reunion short, but he was in the middle of work. He wouldn't have minded if it was just you. You would have been able to help out and speed things up. Yet Ging just had to go and send his kid over. Knowing him, it was some sort of test for Gon. Unfortunately that meant Kite would have his hands full. You being here would just distract the kid further.
“Right. Sorry for interrupting whatever this is. I'll just be around. Umm, nice meeting you.” You said before catching sight of the other boy next to him.
“And your friend too. Hi!”
Yeah, make a bigger fool of yourself.
The white haired boy offered you a small wave.
You turned to leave, but stopped at a call from Gon.
“Mom, we can catch up. Right?”
He looked at you with a nervous expression. Like you'd brush him off and say no. It nearly broke your heart. Somehow you knew it connected back to Ging. Who knows what kind of goose chase he sent Gon on. (Or in Ging’s words: a hunt.)
“Sure. Kite can give you my address when you finish up here. You can do that right?” You questioned the silver haired hunter.
“Bye Y/n.” He waved off.
You ducked your head down and muttered out a ‘sorry.’ Leaving back the way you came. You'd get Kite to fill you in on the details later.
“She's a little cooky isn't she?” Killua commented once you were out of ear shot.
“She's just nervous. It's the first time seeing her son in ten years.” Kite explained.
Something about that made Gon want to chase after you. You were worried about making a good first impression on him? Looks like you were every bit as wonderful as you were in your letters. He promised to find you once this was over. Maybe you could teach him and Killua something useful, too.
—-------------------------------------------
You couldn't help but bang your head against the steering wheel. Eleven years and all you could say was hey? You imagined how this scenario would go a thousand times. You just weren't expecting it so soon. You made a complete fool of yourself.
He'd want answers, you were sure. Why you left. If you and Ging were still together. Everything that happened. And you owed it to Gon to tell him. It was hard for you to think about despite how much time passed. It was hard to think about Ging. You'd left that relationship behind you and you sincerely hoped it stayed there.
Where to start?
Where to gather your thoughts and prepare for whatever he asked you. You could only hope it would be about you. But you knew better. He'd ask about Ging.
Everyone always did.
What was he like?
You grew up with him, was he always talented?
Do you know where he is? What he's doing?
And you'd say: Ging was a pain. He's selfish and acts purely out of self-interest. Yes, he always had a knack for standing out. His determination drives him forward as a hunter. No you didn't know where he was. No you didn't know what he was doing, nor did you care.
How would you answer if Gon asked why he left?
You didn't know. You figured Ging didn't want the responsibility of raising a kid.
And then he'd go chasing after Ging like he'd always planned. You were sure you were an afterthought in the situation. Always right behind Ging. Even when it came to your own son.
You wish you could've been bitter about it. Let it be the final push to fully despise him. But then you remember why you grew such a soft spot for the ruins hunter. The sweeter parts of the relationship that reminded you it wasn't all bad.
The beginning though?
It was rocky for sure.
—---------------------------------------------
1 5 Y E A R S A G O
You didn't think you'd ever been this happy in your life. With the small team you had and the minimal experience you'd gained, you managed to recover a sunken vessel from an undated time period. Pieces of history nobody had known about.
It managed to catch the eyes of potential investors, along with the association. It earned you your first star as a hunter. (Something Ging wouldn't have been able to hold over your head anymore.) At the moment, you and your team were reaping in your newfound success. Having hunkered down at your place to celebrate.
A knock at the door had you getting up from your spot. You were handed flowers with a letter attached to the vase. It was addressed solely to you with the return address being the Hunter Association headquarters.
“Congratulations on your recent discovery! You’ve proven yourself as a capable and fascinating member of the association. I'd love to have you work under me and see what else you can accomplish with a proper team. There's also a variety of resources at your disposal. That is, if you're interested. Feel free to contact me anytime.
Best wishes, Pariston Hill ♡”
Pariston? Wasn't he one of the zodiacs? You didn't have to think on it too long before there was another knock on your door. This time one of your coworkers went to answer it, bringing back yet another envelope.
“Another one?” You questioned.
“Yeah! We've become pretty popular as of late,” they joked.
Unlike the previous letter, this one was unmarked, save for your address.
“Long time no see (or talk haha), I heard you're moving on up in the world. It's about time. Let's catch up, yeah?
-Ging”
He reached out.
Ging never reached out.
Not to Mito or his grandmother.
Yet here he was writing you. Here he was giving you an address to meet up at. You wanted to be mad at him. A whole year of radio silence and he expects you to drop everything for him. The audacity. However despite his unpredictable behavior, Ging only came to you when it was important. You had no reason to think otherwise this time.
The contrast between the letters were day and night. Whereas Pariston’s had actual thought behind his, Ging’s was written in messy handwriting. One was filled with elegant wording and sweet promises. The other one was short and to the point. One came with flowers, the other with not even a number to call. And for whatever reason, you found yourself getting ready for Ging's.
The same man who earlier, unbeknownst to you, almost had a meltdown upon walking into the Hunter Association building.
Having been newly appointed a Zodiac, it was only natural he'd be called into a meeting. As expected, it droned on and the Rat was doing his best to throw it off track. Why Netero appointed him vice chairman, he'd never know. But as soon as the meeting was over, Ging caught sight of all the temp hunters downstairs.
Pariston's own little building.
He'd already made his disdain for the rat zodiac known. And it looked like the feeling was mutual. So he walked right in and watched as Pariston scribbled something down. A vase of flowers next to him.
“What's that for? Got a hot date?” Ging questioned.
He could feel a brief glint of malice from the rat zodiac. It dissipated as quickly as it came. Pariston turned to him with a grin that sent an uneasy feeling down his spine.
“Oh this? I'm writing out an offer to a new rising star. I believe her name was Y/n. Sixteen and she's already recovered never before seen ruins.”
Ging could feel his blood run cold. He heard about your discovery. Of course he would. And there'd been nothing but pride when he found out. But it never crossed his mind that your discovery would catch the attention of ‘unsavory’ investors. Least of all Pariston's.
“I hear she's from the same island as you. Isn't that just the coincidence?”
This was a play to get under Ging’s skin. And unfortunately, it would work. He couldn't act disinterested at the possibility of your talents being taken advantage of. He couldn't ignore you potentially getting sent on a suicide mission for Pariston's gain.
It wasn't like Ging to meddle in your affairs. In fact, he preferred to watch you fail and learn from your mistakes. But this was different. You'd be a pawn in someone else's game.
“Don't drag her into this.” He warned, a spark of protectiveness seeping from his aura.
A shit eating grin spread out across the rat zodiac’s face.
“Into what? A better paying position with extraordinary benefits?” He feigned innocence.
At the feeling of Ging’s protectiveness shifting into bloodlust, he continued on.
“You know her? Or…. Maybe you two used to be close?”
Ging reeled himself back in with a huff. Reminding himself to know his place. He had a reputation to uphold. And causing a scene would only make Pariston retaliate worse.
“She doesn't mean a damn thing to me. I'm just warning you not to waste your time. She isn't the type to work for someone like you.”
His declaration earned him an eyebrow raise, but he ignored it. Leaving the small building with the intent to get Pariston off your back. In what may have been the most impulsive decision of his life, he wrote you a letter.
—------------------------------------
You were going to murder Ging Freecs.
Sure, you were the clown who decided to take him up on his offer. Booking a flight to meet up at a fancy restaurant. And maybe you should have known better after the first thirty minutes he didn't show. But you wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. He could've been late.
An hour in and there was a sinking feeling in your chest. You know what it must've looked like. You were all by yourself in a nice restaurant. Like you'd been stood up for a date. You should've left then, but you wanted to see this through. To prove to yourself what everyone had been saying about Ging more than anything.
That he was a good-for-nothing who only cared about himself.
An hour and a half and your insecurities were skyrocketing. Was this just some prank? A test to see if you'd actually show? A bet with someone to see how long you'd wait? Was he outside somewhere watching and laughing at you?
Almost two hours and you'd made up your mind.
You didn't want anything to do with Ging after this.
Ten minutes before you left, he finally showed up. Ging stared wide eyed as you sat by yourself in a booth. Truthfully he'd forgotten about the letter he sent. Not forgotten the offer, but forgotten when. He nearly had a heart attack when he saw it was today. But by then, the first hour had already passed.
You wouldn't have showed up anyway, and if you did, you were gone already. Although there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that said otherwise. The first and last time he ignored his instincts. When he got to the restaurant he couldn't help but stare in shock.
You were here, dressed up with a disappointed expression. You got up at the two hour mark, making your way towards the exit. He froze as your gaze met his. He expected screaming, for you to cuss him out. Any kind of outburst really.
There was nothing but dead silence.
You scowled. Shaking your head before pushing past him. Ging fumbled for a response, reaching out and grabbing your arm. You snatched it back harshly.
“Wait! Look I know I messed up but-!” he tried to explain.
“I get it, Ging. You hate me. Now leave me alone.”
Your tone was measured despite the hurt radiating from your aura. If he'd have known how bad not showing up affected you, he would've tried harder to be here.
“It's not what it looks like.”
You turned away from Ging, continuing to walk away.
“I don't care anymore. You had your laugh, right? I hope it was worth it.”
But he was persistent. Following stubbornly behind you, pleading for you to let him explain. It had an ugly feeling clutching at your heart. Why should you listen to him? He wasted your time. He didn't bother to cancel the plans he made. He made you humiliate yourself in public. Hell, he watched you sit alone.
“I know we always mess with each other, but this was just too far. I'm not your free amusement when you're bored!” You snapped.
He took your anger head on, letting you take your frustrations out on him. Unlike your usual arguments, he didn't raise his tone to match yours. He couldn't, not unless he wanted you to hate him forever.
”I wasn't messing with you. I swear.”
You tried to find deceit in his aura. Anything that would have tipped you off to ulterior motives. All the fight left your body when you didn't. Ging took the opportunity to push his luck.
“I know I don't deserve it, but can we please have a redo? Just let me make it up to you.”
You didn't trust yourself to respond. The last thing you wanted was to be near him after you made a fool of yourself. But the sheer guilt in his eyes was wearing you down.
“I promise I didn't stand you up on purpose.”
Had Ging been anyone else, you would've left and never looked back. The fact of the matter was you cared about him. You came all this way to see him. The man who no one could find unless he wanted them to. You must've been the biggest idiot to exist.
—-----------------------------------
Ging thinks he likes this setting more. A busted up burger joint with the two of you eating messily. You'd chosen the location, of course. He doesn't know why he wanted to go somewhere more formal. It would've put a dent in his wallet anyways. Maybe as a subconscious way to show off? It wasn't like he had the clothes for it either. Or class.
He didn't stick out like a sore thumb here. Not at all like sitting alone for two hours would have. He cringes slightly at the thought. How you withstood all the judgemental stares, he'd never know. It wasn't like Ging ever really felt self-conscious. Except under your scrutinizing gaze.
He couldn't be any more grateful for the second chance.
You calmed down somewhat since then. Although the tension between you two was very much present. An awkward atmosphere as you tried to move on and make idle chit chat. It was hard for Ging to respond normally. His usual taunts nowhere to be found. Instead taking the time to choose his words carefully.
Something you picked up on immediately. It was like he was walking on eggshells around you. Afraid you'd get up and leave for good. A side of him you'd never seen before. You'd actually sensed panic in his aura when you walked away. Did your resentment really affect him that much?
The man who couldn't care less about anyone's opinion, was suddenly vying for your good graces?
It didn't make any sense. But his guilty expression every time he looked up at you was cementing the idea.
Ging always hated it when you were mad at him. You didn't look mad this time. Just hurt. He decides he hates this look more. The lack of warmth and familiarity in your expression. You still look hurt. Maybe a little more disappointed now. A feeling of shame courses through him.
“I really wasn't trying to mess with you,” he repeats for the upteenth time. As if you still didn't believe him.
“I just didn't think you would show. Figured I show up late and if you weren't there, then I wouldn't embarrass myself.”
Your brow furrows at the explanation. He invited you out thinking you wouldn't come? Did he think that little of you? Or was it something else?
“Why would you think I wouldn't show?” You asked.
“Because I wouldn't have. I keep forgetting you don't think like me. You're a softie.”
You're always there for him when it matters. Even when you were kids, you always came through when he was too proud to ask for help.
“So if I had invited you instead, you wouldn't have come?”
Maybe it did hurt a little to know the same invitation coming from you would have meant nothing to him.
“That's not what I meant!” Ging was quick to correct.
“If someone like me had asked me, I wouldn't have bothered. Because I'm lazy and I do things on a whim. But you? You're too honest. I would have felt bad for not coming.” He explained, although it did little to help his case.
“So you would have pitied me instead? Great to know I'm a charity case.”
“C'mon. You know what I mean. You waited. I would have left after five minutes. You stayed for two hours. And you never ask me for anything. I would've come because it was probably important.”
The admission is more honest than you were expecting from Ging. More vulnerable. Any lingering tension fades. You're not upset anymore, just confused.
“Why did you invite me?” You question.
“Why did you wait?” He counters.
“Probably because I'm stupid…And I wanted to see you.”
It's said quietly, like you weren't really sure if you wanted to say it. But it's out in the open now. You expect him to mock you like he always does. Something along the lines of “It hasn't been that long. Can't get enough of me or something?” Instead, Ging completely throws all expectations out the window.
“Pariston sent you flowers.”
Ging’s tone is venomous, practically spitting out the words. As if the very mention of the rat zodiac brings him unbridled anger. Or perhaps it was what he did that got under Ging's skin.
“What about it?”
“I don't like him.”
Oh? This was the first you ever heard of Ging hating someone. Something about Pariston must’ve really rubbed him the wrong way. However, it didn't explain what that had to do with you. Whatever feud was going on between them, it didn't involve you.
“You can't choose who I make friends with.” You try to brush off. But Ging won't let it go that easily.
“Just trust me. He's trying to manipulate you to get what he wants. He doesn't see you as anything other than a pawn. I don't want him anywhere near you.”
You figured as much. Pariston came off as pretentious in his letter. Discounting the rest on your team in favor of trying to flatter you. You weren't naive just because you were young. Although you did appreciate Ging looking out for you.
“He told me he was sending you something to get under my skin. I guess it worked. I wanted to stop him from getting to you.” He continued on.
“So you invited me to dinner, in a really nice and expensive restaurant, just to warn me about Pariston?”
If anything, it sounded like…like he was jealous.
“It was a heat of the moment thing!” Ging rushed out, face bright red with embarrassment radiating off him.
“I wanted to prove that despite all our arguments, our differences, that I was still your friend. A real friend who actually gives a shit about you.”
“But you thought I wouldn't show?” You asked once more to tease him.
“I don't know. I told you it was heat of the moment.” His face burned brighter at your laughter.
“I don't think I'll ever understand you. If it makes you feel any better, I didn't like him anyways.”
Ging relaxed at your words. Leaning back into the booth with something that sounded like a sigh of relief.
“Good.”
The rest of the night went by smoothly. You told him about the ship you recovered. All the documents that needed to be transcribed and artifacts that needed to be identified. And he made some joke about your sub being controlled by a game remote. He told you about the tomb he excavated along with successfully bringing back a wolf species from endangerment. You commented that he probably released the Curse of Raw onto the world.
It was getting late. You'd need to book a hotel for the night. But just before you could bid your farewells, Ging spoke up.
“Hey, can I show you something?” He asked.
Almost like he was nervous.
“What is it?”
“It's what I've been working on for the past year. Pretty impressive if I do say so.” He tried to come off as confident, but you saw right through it.
“Well, I'll be the judge of that.”
A quick trip to where Ging was staying, and you found yourself teleported inside of a game. Your vision went white as you appeared in a futuristic room. The light from inside it was practically blinding you.
“Here is where we'll station someone to check in players and explain the rules. Make sure their inventory is all sorted before entering. There's gonna be a similar one when people log out.” He explained.
He continued to tell you about the game as you made your way out into an open area. It was created solely for hunters and only a limited amount would be made for the public. The game itself was card based. Players would have to use and improve their nen to successfully beat it.
“This is our starting area. Feel any different?”
The world didn't look any different from the real one. If it was even fake in the first place. Save for the ring on your pointer, nothing changed.
“Surprisingly no.” You answered.
“Yeah? Well check this out. Book!”
A book with empty slots appeared in front of him. His aura radiated excitement, gesturing for you to get closer to see.
“This is where the player’s cards will go. There's 100 specified card slots ranging from monsters to spells. There's about 45 unspecified slots for copies or tools.”
Your head was buzzing from the information. You could tell there was so much thought put in this already. And from the way Ging was talking about it, he looked like a little kid on Christmas day.
“And look here. This tells you the people you've met. With the right spell, you can either contact or teleport to them.”
Right where he was pointing to was your name. You wondered if your book held the same. Preparing to summon it before Ging perked up once more.
“Everything's still in the testing phase, so things might not work the way they're supposed to. I'm sure we could find something around here to show you.”
He grabs your hand without thinking, preparing to drag you off somewhere in his enthusiasm. You don't think you've ever seen him like this. Not even when he was on his way to take his hunter exam. It's beginning to rub off on you. Your eyes taking everything in with wonder.
It quickly cut short, however. A burst of nen surges from behind you. Ging doesn't react in the slightest. As if whatever snuck up on the two of you wasn't a threat. Although he does make a move to pull you behind him.
The debris settled and you were able to make out what had flown towards you. It was four people. There were others here besides you and Ging?
“Told ya Accompany would work. It's my spell afterall,” a man with messy curly hair bragged.
His gaze landed on Ging and his expression immediately soured. Pointing an accusing finger in his direction.
“And you! YOU NEVER TELL US WHEN YOU'RE COMING! HOW ARE WE SUPPOSED TO BETA TEST WITHOUT THE FREAKING CREATOR!!!”
But Ging completely ignored him. Turning around to face you instead.
“Y/n, these are my friends. The other game masters,” he explained.
“You have friends?” You teased.
“Hey!”
Not a fan of being brushed off, the curly haired man approached the two of you. He seemed to be sizing you up, as if trying to see if you'd be a trouble maker like the ruins hunter.
“And who are you supposed to be? Ging's girlfriend?” He looked to where Ging’s hand was still intertwined with yours.
The two of you practically jumped away from each other.
“Hell no!”
“I’d rather drop dead!”
The small group was stared in shock at their friend. Ging Freecs, actually flustered? Not only that, but being physical with someone. It was quickly disrupted when the guy from before cleared his throat.
“So what I'm hearing is… you're single?” He asked, lightly wrapping an arm around your shoulder.
“Leave her alone, Wdwune,” the blonde haired boy scolded.
“What? I'm just making sure our guest feels welcomed….And maybe inviting her to dinner if she's interested.”
You couldn't help but laugh a little at his attempt to flirt. Ging however, didn't see the humor in it. Throwing off Wdwune’s arm with a glare. More huffy than usual.
“Me and Y/n grew up together. I'm just showing her how much cooler I am.” He explained.
“Cooler? You blew your money on an island just to recreate Pokémon with extra steps.” You argued, not about to let him get away with insulting you.
“How dare you! If anything it's digimon!”
“And I'm saying if you were really cooler, you would have done it by yourself instead of piggybacking off these poor people.”
You and Ging continued to argue, much to everyone's dismay. Although it was a little cathartic to see someone finally put Ging in his place.
“So he gets on her nerves too?” The woman with red eyes questioned.
“Maybe Ging just naturally has that effect on people?” Her twin with blue eyes responded.
Having enough of you two screaming at each other, the blonde boy put himself between both of you. He offered a hand for you to shake.
“Allow me to introduce myself. I'm List.”
You shook his hand, embarrassed to have lost your cool in public.
“The twins are Eta and Elena,” he gestures towards the white haired women.
“And Wdwune’s already made himself acquainted.” The man in question sent you a wink.
“Sorry to butt in on you and Ging catching up. If we’d known ahead of time,” List flashed Ging a small glare.
“We would have had something fun prepared for you.”
“Thanks. It's nice to meet you all.” You greeted.
You were surprised Ging managed to surround himself with decent friends. They must've been good to have put up with him. You supposed your line of work always led to new and interesting people.
And interesting they were.
You were shown around the island. Different areas had different climates. The dessert was your least favorite. You were shown empty shops and the framework for villages. All while the five of them conversed about what new features to implement next.
“I think hiding another quest here would be a good idea. We don't want just anyone winning the game.” List suggested.
“Making it a puzzle is also a good idea. If the solution is too easy, it won't be fun.” Ging added.
They were feeding off of each other's ideas. Occasionally asking for your input as an unbiased source. Feedback was taken in stride, sparking conversations that had them practically buzzing.
They were all in this together.
So engrossed in their own little world that you started to feel like you were intruding on something. They were working on something no one's ever done before, and you were just along for the ride. You could tell Ging’s friends were strong nen users. They had to be in order to make this game a reality. You almost felt small in their presence. In Ging's presence.
Ging created a whole world just for the fun of it. When had you fallen so far behind him? When had the gaps in your strength become so vast? What training did he undergo to have this much control of his nen? Or perhaps it was his carefree personality and pursuit of fun that pushed him this far.
You used to be in synch with each other. Perfectly matched.
But that wasn't the case anymore.
Ging was talented. Probably the best hunter of your generation. And you were just average. No special abilities or heightened senses. Even when you succeed, it was only in the shadow of what Ging already done. You felt out of place here. Not really speaking as much anymore.
Of course he'd stood you up. He was busy with this. Something so far beyond you. You were an insignificant blip compared to this next chapter of his life.
“You okay?” Ging asked, his voice snapping you from your thoughts.
You realized you were lagging behind the small group. And Ging had taken notice. He stayed with you while the others went ahead.
“I'm fine.” You responded.
“Are you sure? You're not still mad at me, are you?” For a second he feared you were having second thoughts. That he couldn't rectify the situation after all.
And why would it? A cheap restaurant and taking you to some island to play cards? He wouldn't have forgiven himself either. This was obviously a mistake. God, why did he have to fuck up every time it came to you? (He would have done anything at this point if it meant you wouldn't hate him after.)
“No, I'm not mad. I'm just ready to go is all.”
He released a breath he didn't know he was holding. A moment of relief before he observed you again. He didn't buy your excuse. If you really wanted to leave, you wouldn't have been so downcast. The flicker of insecurity wouldn't be there. There was something else on your mind. You always got distant when something was bothering you.
“You know you can't hide anything from me. You never could. So just tell me what's wrong.” He tried again.
You seemed to curl into yourself before responding.
“It's just…You're doing all these great and amazing things. You've surrounded yourself with hunters who are just as ambitious as you. I mean, take a look at what you created here. What you're still creating.” You gestured to the space around you.
“I feel like I don't fit in your world anymore.”
Your admission makes him freeze. You've been a permanent fixture in his life for the last 17 years. It never occurred to him you wouldn't be there someday. That his life would be so fantastical he'd forget about you. Yeah he's not always around, and yeah he's a dick to you most of the time. But if he ever falls, he knows you'll be there to catch him.
You clearly think differently. Like you're a temporary place holder until he moves on to the next thing. He's been a bad friend. (Were you even friends?) He doesn't know what to say without it coming off as disingenuous. He's never been good with feelings, least of all yours.
So he tells you the honest truth.
“I don't care about anyone's opinion. I just care about yours. For what it's worth, I really respect you.”
If you told him what he was doing was stupid, he'd stop in a heartbeat. If you said someone was untrustworthy, he'd never even blink in their direction. For whatever reason, he holds you to the highest regard. He admires your ambition and endless pursuit of your dream. Hell, your job was way riskier than his. Being submerged hundreds of feet underwater, isolated from the rest of the world, wasn't for the faint of heart. He doesn't understand why you're putting yourself down.
“You're honest with me…I don't want to lose that. Everything's better when you're around,” he admitted quietly.
It makes your heart flutter. Someone like him wanting approval from someone like you. No, not someone. It's Ging exactly that has you feeling a little more confident in yourself. It wouldn't have meant as much coming from someone else.
“You should stop vanishing off the face of the earth then. I don't like it when you go radio silent on me. It reminds me of your dad.” When his father disappeared on a hunt and never came back.
Despite not liking the topic of his dad, Ging doesn't let it bother him. Instead, choosing to focus on making you feel better.
“Well you can't tie a stallion like me down.” He joked.
You snort, shaking your head before giving him a light shove.
“Stallion? More like mule.”
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A F E W D A Y S L A T E R
“YOU CHANGED MY NAME!!!” A very angry Wdwune, now Dwun shrieked at Ging.
“Well yeah. We needed to call the game something. And I didn't change your name, I fixed it.” He explained nonchalanty.
Totally not out of spite for him flirting with you. Not at all. It didn't make him feel all weird and fidgety to see his friend call you pretty and ask you on a date. He wasn't bothered when he'd wrapped an arm around you, either. Or when you giggled and his advances and Ging felt frustration course through him. That's crazy talk.
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P R E S E N T
You barely arrived at your small home. The one you'd brought after everything went to shit and your ex had sold the original one. You did your best to clean up. Putting away maps and logs of your work so they wouldn't get ruined. The fossil of a deep sea dinosaur you'd hopefully be giving to your son soon. You wanted your space to look presentable just in case Gon decided to visit you.
Although realistically you knew you’d probably miss him if he came by. Your work didn't really allow for a lot of days off. Especially not when it came to contracted deals. It'd been a miracle to get a full week. You wished you could've stalled for more time, but your team was counting on you.
All that was left to do now was wait and hope there'd be a knock on your door soon.
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Tags: @ml3czqo
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An: a shorter chapter because my computer charger decided to unalive itself and I had to order a new one. Hope y'all enjoyed and remember ☝️☝️☝️ if you'd like to be tagged please let me know!!!
