#ging freecss x reader

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.”

—------------------------------------------

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.

—------------------------------------------

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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Silva is hard to just... meet. He keeps his life very private and rarely makes an appearance unless absolutely necessary. You have to have some sort of connection such as being an esteemed assassin with affluence or working in his estate to be noticed by him and even then it is unlikely. 

If you were to take the assassin route, you would need outstanding talent to catch his eye. Maybe you’d meet in a business meeting, your confident posture and demeanor catching his attention instantly. He most likely already read your file and was thoroughly impressed at what he found and saw in person. 

If you took the estate route, you would have to be really good at your job to stand out to him. You would have to be skillful in combat, or if you visit his hideaway and serve him often, you could possibly spark a relationship in that way. Though, if Kikyo is in the picture, you would be an immediate target simply for being too close to Silva.

Kite

You would probably meet in an outdoor setting. Maybe Kite stumbled upon a floral shop just as you were browsing the shelves of flowers, or maybe he saw you sitting peacefully at a park feeding the birds just as he was studying the different insects in that area. 

Regardless, Kite would like that you appreciated nature. He probably wouldn't speak first because he's more on the introverted side, and if he did finally come up to you, it would take him a while as he had spent his time observing you.

“Let me pass.” Moving his hands from the desk was impossible. “Let me pass goddammit!” He caught your hand as you tried to strike him like a viper, so quick and firm it hurt. 

“You forget your place… I am the hunters association. Nothing gets past me. All because of what? Because I love you? Is my affection that bad? Any girl would become addicted and you just tossed it aside.” 

His hand around yours squeezed and rolled your knuckles together. “Ow, Ging, stop it! You brought all of this on yourself!”

He didn’t, he only went harder, unblinking while he still kept eye contact and his nose brushed up against yours. Your eyes were closed, trying to look away like he didn’t exist, but Ging soon stopped that and pulled your face towards him. 

“Look at me when you’re talking to me.” You didn’t dare open them. 

“You’re hurting me!” 

“Good. This is only a fraction of how you make me feel when you turn away from me. When you tell me ‘No’. I want you to feel and remember this pain when you try and think about denying me, do you understand?”

Delusional, he was utterly delusional. The first time he spoke to you, you knew he was wrong. A red flag that no one except you seemed to notice, he wasn’t even charming yet everyone looked up to him, even Netero spoke well of him. 

Ging picked up on your hesitancy to speak. “Open your fucking eyes and look at me… Do you understand me?”

You swore he was going to break your jaw, he withdrew from your hand and took both of his to your head, one at the back to keep you still. “Do you understand?!” 

You opened them. “Y-yeah.”

“Huh? I can’t hear you, you need to speak up.”

“Yes! Y-yes I understand, please get off of me...”

He didn’t let go, but his grip eased letting you get a breath in. “I’m giving you one chance, one more chance not to fuck this up. They made me sound like a monster in that meeting room, but they don’t understand and I think you’re the one who hasn’t communicated that very well.”

You were clear and concise and took the correct avenues to report his behaviour, it wasn’t the first time either. You had plenty of paperwork from the association minimising Ging’s actions. It wasn’t until the fifth attempt that they actually took you seriously, you were now on the seventh complaint. 

He wouldn’t leave you alone. 

“Ging you aren't listening to me.” 

There was a long awkward pause, for the first time Ging had closed his eyes. “Say my name again. Please?” 

When you didn’t respond he asked again and pressed his forehead to yours. “Please, just say it.” 

You shook your head not giving him that satisfaction, he’d never begged before. “I can’t do that. Just go.” 

“We both know I can’t do that. I won’t.”

The atmosphere grew silent, his bloodlust faded and his aura calmed so it didn’t envelope you. His hands dropped and moved back to the table. You were both in such a position if anyone were to walk in, it was way too suggestive for your liking. You did try and move, making little movements while his eyes were closed. You edged on to the desk, hoping to slide back a little, even if you fell back and hurt yourself. 

“Don’t even think about it!” Ging switched in an instant, eyes curved down in anger and took you by your shoulders and pushed you down on the desk, knocking your head in the process on your glass paper weight. 

“You’re crying.” There was a hint of sympathy in his voice, his whiplashed personality flipping again. 

But it all made you cry more. Your eyes had begun to water at the sharp point, it must have been bleeding too. You expected push back, but not like this. Ging hadn’t been violent to a degree where you had fretted for your life, but now you couldn’t deny that it was a possibility. 

“You know, I really do love it when you cry.” He was exceptionally calm. “Like the time you lost your father, the funeral, I couldn’t help but watch.” 

Your breath hitched, you thought back to that time and it was dark and so very lonely. Surrounded by so many, but so alone with no one to lean on but Ging never tried, just stared from a distance. At first you thought he was allowing you space for once, but of course he had an agenda, you were foolish to think differently. 

“You wore that plum coloured dress with no stockings. You must know what wearing that colour does to me? It suits you so much better than all this yellow you wear.”

You kept still like it would have protected you, your leg didn’t move in the air and didn’t dare let it flop down over the desk in fear he’d think you were trying to leave again. The stiletto on your foot dangled from your toes clinging for dear life and threatened to fall to trigger whatever explosion was inside him. 

A quick sound like that could definitely set him off. 

“So many times I saw tears fall down these cheeks that day, you were so gorgeous. I just wished it was me that made those eyes wet, but your father took all the credit.” He brushed the wet away and stroked your cheek lovingly, but it wasn’t in a place of love or care, it was arousal, his breathing was deeper and you could see the hunger in his eyes. 

“G-Ging don’t do this. Let me go, I don't want to do any of t-this.”

“Shh, Shh. Don’t fret, I know you want this, you’re just lying to yourself.” 

“W-why… why are you doing this?” 

“I noticed you the moment Netero gave you this position, I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind.” He got closer, leaning over you. “The amount of times I’ve thought about fucking you in your office, right over your desk are too many to count.” 

Shit. You were certain he’d thought about you sexually, but never imagined he’d be so forward about it. His eyes ate you up, looking straight down to your legs, he brought his hand down and brushed the nylon of the stocking covering the top of your thigh. 

“D-Don’t think about that.” 

His small chuckle sent shivers down your spine. “I can’t help it, you’re just too beautiful to ignore. I’ve thought about doing all sorts of things to you…”

Your noses touched again. “Do you want to know?”

You shook your head, but he took that as a challenge. You could see by the way he looked at you, crying and bleeding on the desk, vulnerable. 

“I’ve thought about you naked, waiting for me on the couch in Netero's office after he'd had gone home, ready to suck my cock until your make up ran. You’d swallow it too, I’d make sure.” 

There wasn’t anytime that you had ever thought about that, not towards him. That would never happen, not unless he made you, but knowing full well you would lose, you would still fight him. 

“There was one particular time that you came in one day, wearing that blouse thing. I wanted to rip it off. It was so distracting. Take you infront of everyone and fuck you right there, make you cry out my name and let everyone know who was making you feel that way.” 

Your eyes grew wide, had he really thought that about you? He was definitely going to make you, hurt you for his own gratification. Your eyes became wet once more.

He must have caught on because he tried to reassure you. “No, no. I wouldn’t force you. I can respect boundaries, I’m not an animal.” 

Because that fucking made you feel better. 

It was then you realised how delusional he actually was. No boundaries you had remained intact, he shit all over them whilst having immature fantasies of having sex in your office. Every boundary you set he broke and replaced his own, pushing you way past your limits with no care. 

“Let me take you away, I’ll keep you safe and take you everywhere and show you the world, even the dark continent where there are things you couldn’t even imagine. I know I’d feel better having you there by my side. What do you say?”

This man is an idiot. Delusional bastard.

You weren’t sure where the courage came from. “No. Get off me this instant and go home Ging. I’ve had it with this…” It disappeared in an instant, when his brows dipped. “I don’t…”

“I won’t ask again. You will come with me.” The pressure on your throat intensified quickly, he squeezed and brought you close. 

He then pressed his lips to yours, soft and caring that was only a mask to how he really was. You paid it no mind and just laid there waiting, waiting for the right time. 

He wasn’t so quick this time, you managed to make contact the next time you struck him, the glass weight in your hand managed to knock him back enough to get breathing room to stand. Your stilettos were off and you were definitely bleeding. 

“I’m not going anywhere with you. I’ll make sure you lose your licence for this.” He was too stunned to speak and you walked to the door. 

The damage to your own head made you dizzy, you’d really landed on that thing hard. Ging didn’t seem affected, just wide eyed at your boldness you thought. 

“No you won’t.” He took you back as you went to open the door and threw you down on the ground and put his hand over your mouth. “You actually believe I’ll lose my licence?”

You didn’t speak a word, you couldn’t. 

“You’re coming with me where I can keep an eye on you like you should have done the first time I asked you. I don’t trust anyone here to do it and I can’t leave you on your own. So be a good girl and stay with me.”

There was so much emotion in his face that made your stomach churn. There was fear in yours, staring back up at him hoping someone would walk in. But no one did while you laid there. 

“I’d hate to have to force you.”

DISCLAIMER - Crossposted from my AO3 - I do not own any of the characters or anything from the anime. This is a work of fan fiction and is absolutely not representative of the views or intentions of the original creator(s).

There was something to be said about how well you were taking this. You would have applauded yourself if your legs weren’t trembling so bad and the corners of your vision weren’t slowly fizzing out into a fuzzy tunnel vision that was slowly eating up your peripheral vision. 

Ging (your lovely, awkward, brash, and shy boyfriend) stood staring at you with an even gaze. Someone lay at his feet, unmoving, blood pooling around their head and the sleeves of his well worn button up rolled up to his elbows, had flecks of blood on the off white fabric in random places. You gulped as your gaze followed the slight bulge of the vein that traveled down his forearm. You felt silly that you always felt surprised seeing how muscular he was- how defined his muscles were- his architect work was a serious workout. You had told him that once and he just grunted. Told you to be happy you had a cute boyfriend who naturally had a six pack. 

You had smacked his shoulder for his cheeky attitude. He had just grunted again and claimed he was being ‘domestically abused’. 

The further your eyes traveled down, the more red there was. His knuckles were dripping blood and you couldn’t tell if it was his or the person’s at his feet. 

“Are- are you ok?” You had blurted out. You hadn’t meant to. It was the first thing that came to mind though- somewhere in your overheating mind a voice was telling you to check on Ging. Check on the man you were so madly in love with. 

He blinked, head tilting before his eyes narrowed at you. “You serious?” 

You don’t say anything. Your hands digging into the hem of your shirt and twisting the fabric. 

“Holy shit,” he says it in a breathless laugh. “Holy shit. You’re serious.” He points with a bloody finger at the person- man- on the ground, “this guy is lying here and you’re asking me if I’m ok?”

Your throat tightens at the way he simply steps over the guy. Your eyebrows knit together. Why did he look so familiar? Fingers pinch your chin, guiding you to look at Ging’s eyes: they’re sharp and swirling with an emotion you can’t place. Whatever it is, it sends chills up your spine. “The hell is wrong with you?” 

“I- you’re,” you suddenly can’t breathe, hand pulling at his wrist to look at his hand. “You’re hurt.”

 He watches as you ghost your thumb over the splintered skin, the drying blood on his hand. You pull his hand down to naval level and start dabbing his hand with the (now wrinkled and untucked) hem of your shirt. It was staining the light blue fabric red. He titled his head again. “You love that shirt.” 

The statement was more of an observation on his part rather than for you to give him an answer back, but nonetheless you whisper: “I love you more.”

His hands twitch in your hold. 

Ging’s breath is suddenly right next to your ear and you shudder at the warmth of it on your clammy skin. “You love me? Despite that guy who’s drowning in a pool of his own blood?” 

You freeze. That man isn’t dead? Your ears pick up on the soft, wet sound of wheezing. You refuse to look at him though. You lean your head forward against his shoulder. He was sturdy. Just like all the buildings he worked on. Your gaze remained glued to his hands, slowly rubbing the blood away until you saw patches of his sun kissed skin. Your eyes are watering and you feel your throat tighten but your words are clear in the quiet. “I love you.”

He pulls his hands away from you, cupping your face, once again, guiding you to look at him. This time, Ging’s features are more calculative- more observant and calm- than before. He tilts his own head back, looking down his nose at you, as he begins to turn your head this way and that. Soon enough a boyish grin was spreading across his face. “You weren’t lying. You are totally and irreversibly whipped for me.” His sticky palms ran down from your cheeks to rest at the junction of your neck. The corners of his eyes crinkled, pupils shrinking in a way that you knew he was about to be crude. “I could probably kill that guy now and you’d still be whipped for me.”

Your blood felt like ice. Ging’s hands suddenly molten against your prickling skin.

He seemed to soften. “Sorry.” He muttered. He was always so gruff with his apologies. “I won’t do that.” He glanced behind him. “I think he learned his lesson, anyway.” 

“What did he do?” 

“Hm? Him?” Ging jerked his thumb at the man from over his shoulder. Though one of his hands was still resting on you, it had traveled from your neck and was now loosely holding onto your shoulder. He scratched at his stubbled chin. He looked embarrassed. “Ah, shit.” There were little smears of blood on his chin now and you couldn’t help but reach a trembling hand up and try to wipe it away before it dried. He wrinkled his nose at the gesture but didn’t stop you, his cheeks heating up. “Aw, damn,” he suddenly blurted, “I was annoyed by this fucker.”

You blinked. “Why?”

He rolled his eyes. “You don’t remember the guy that’s been hounding you for- what? A week? At the diner?”

You blinked once, twice- and then it hit you. Brad. Fuck. That guy’s name was Brad. He had been bothering you for a straight week. Coming into the diner that you worked at (Ging would pout about you still working there. Dropping blatant hints that he wanted you to quit, just become a stay at home mom for his little toddler, Gon. It was tempting. You loved that little bundle of joy, but you wanted to stick it out at least until they had someone to fill your position) harassing you, catcalling you, or just becoming aggressive and borderline violent when you didn’t give him the attention he craved. 

You had told Ging about it a couple of times, nothing horrible just annoyances that stemmed from him. You insisted that you were fine, that you could handle it. 

 But last night, the steady stream of anxieties slipped out as you tended to Gon. Despite how much fun Gon was having with playing with your fingers, giggling and squealing as you tickled his round belly, you couldn’t shake the pit of dread that had formed in your gut. “I just- I don’t know, Ging- he’s getting bolder. It’s uncomfortable and my boss has gotten death threats from him for trying to stand up for me- I just-” you sighed, fingers going limp and a confused little Gon staring up at you. You had traced your fingertips over his soft, chubby cheek and he began to giggle again- “I don’t know what to do. I don’t want him coming after Gon- after you. I-”

Ging, who was sitting on the worn out love seat of your living room, was instantly crouching down next to you, squinting at you with that silent sort of judgment that he liked to carry around. He poked your forehead. “Quit whining. I’ll take care of it.”

“Whining?” You repeated, annoyed, “I was just venting to you-”

Him pressing his lips to yours ended the scolding there. The tension in your shoulders left you as you became boneless against him. The two of you pulled apart easily, staring into one another’s eyes. “I’ll take care of it.” He repeated, voice soft, one of his calloused hands came to cup your cheek. Your eyelashes had fluttered as you pressed against the hand. Though, it wasn’t long before a small whine caught your attention. A little Gon staring up at you with round eyes, pouting. 

The anxiety had completely washed away by the time you wrapped your arms around him, leaning your whole weight against Ging while he grumbled as he wrapped his arms around the two of you. He yelled, "Hey!” when Gon had pushed his face away, pressing a plump cheek against yours, to which the toddler started giggling. 

The warm feelings left as Ging lightly flicks your forehead. “You remember now?” 

You nod, fingers shake as you rub the (lightly) abused spot. “What-” you clear your throat, your jaw feeling numb. “What’re we gonna do with him?” The realization that there was a half dead man out in the middle of a back alley on your way home from the diner was settling heavy on your shoulders. If it weren’t for the annoyed grunt that Ging had let out when he brushed his thumb over his torn knuckles, you probably wouldn’t have noticed them at all. 

He looked thoughtful for a moment. He shrugged and brushed past you, “nothing.”

“Nothing?” 

“Nothing.”

You were stunned. By the time you had gathered your barings, Ging was already rounding the corner of the brick wall. “Ging! What do you mean ‘nothing’?”

“I mean what I mean,” he shoved his hands into his pockets, taking long strides. “Someone will find him in the morning, dead or not- not like people don’t get beat up ‘round here all the time-” he spun on his heel to jab a finger into your chest- “that’s why I don’t want you walking around anymore at night-”

“But I have a job-”

“Not anymore.” He said, that easy grin cracking across his face as he steps back into your personal space, once again, noses brushing against one another. “You are going to call in and quit tomorrow and then-” he rests his hands on your hips, pressing the two of you impossibly closer- “you’re gonna take care of our little rugrat while I go out and work on some things and then I’ll be back-” his hands were scorching hot, seemingly searing into your flesh- “and I’ll put a kid in you, and you’ll be my perfect little housewife.”

“Ging, you can’t just-”

He presses a finger against your lips, that strange emotion swirling in his bright eyes again. “Nuh-uh.” He took a deep breath before continuing, voice low and rumbling somewhere deep in his chest, “the world is a scary place. You wanna know where I caught that guy?” He leaned against you, lips brushing your ear, “I found him, with a knife, waiting outside the diner. I wonder who he could have possibly been waiting for.”

Your throat suddenly felt dry, limbs shaking even harder. Your fingers felt numb as you dug them into his shirt. 

“Yeah. Pretty nerve wracking, huh?” He began to sway the two of you, him making that strange little humming noise he made when he was giddy about something. “But you wouldn’t have to worry about any of that at home. You’d have me and Gon. Mito could keep you company if you get that lonely, you know? Though, I know how much you love that little kid. And he loves you too. So just stay at home for him, ok?”

You could barely form the words, “ok.”