Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The air smelled like sea and his coffee was getting cold. Ging Freecss was sit in his desk with several papers and history books in front of him, he was also really really tired.

 Last month, an old friend called, asking him if he was not busy and if he was willing to grant them a little favor. Ging was busy and had already many things in his mind to think about, like buying more baby formula, getting his boy to monthly check ups with the pediatrist or telling his neighbour, Patricia, that he was not interested in any book club. But he also missed his work (so much, god) and if this was the closest to it he would get in a while the Hunter would not say no.

 So now he was stuck summarizing the history of all the Islands close to the Kukan'yu Kingdom. The only interesting thing he found of all this was that Whale Island's original name was "La Isla de Providencia". Making him smile a little, remenbering his childhood home.

 Then, not so far from where Ging was, a cry could be heard, a baby's cry.

 Oh right, Ging was a dad now.

–¿Gon?– the accent in Ging's voice resounded through the corridors of his house in this island. From the hallway he could hear the crying voice of his five and a half months baby boy.

When the brown skinned Hunter got the room, he saw Gon's little crib move, with the baby inside in despair to get to his father. The baby's eyes were red for the tears and desesperation, making Ging flip a little.

 Then, rough but caring hands took him from under his armpits, leading him to his father's chest and swinging him, while the Hunter singed a small lullaby for the baby in his arms.

–now you are doing all right, let papá take care of you.– the baby got confortable in his father's arms and stopped crying, while Ging started checking on his last and only spawn's diaper. The kid was clean, and he had eaten just three hours ago so it was not hunger.

–Let me guess, you actually just wanted a tu queridísimo papá para que viniera a consentirte, no?– Gon muttered something in baby lenguage and Ging just laughed at it, hugging his baby and placing a kiss in his forehead. –muchacho malcriado.–

 Through the window, Ging saw the waves of the sea moving calmly but strongly, while he pet his baby's picky hair.

Chapter Text

–Papá.–

–B ada.–

–Dad.–

–daya.–

 Ging muttered something in exasperation.

–Pa.– he tried.

–Pa.– Gon repeated

–Pa.–

–Pa!–

–Good boy, now say after me.– the man said, ignoring how his legs were starting to cramp under his weight. –Papá–

–Yaya!–

–Carajo.–

 Gon Alejandro Freecss, at the age of 1 and nine months was a very smart and enthusiastic boy, he was able to say many words, like "agua" or "read" to even "sapito". He also had no problem replying to simple questions of yes or no correctly. But even with all of that he couldn't say Papá nor dad yet.

 Ging had been a bit worried, since the beginning he had been trying to teach Gon his mother lenguage and the Hunter lenguage at the same time, more than a kid he was an experiment by this point, but the toddler was great at it, and now, few month away from Gon's second Birthday, he still wasn't able to at least call him dad.

–Try again, Gon.– Ging replied.– Papá.–

–Ara.– the baby tried.

–that's not even a bit better, chum.–

 Ging sighed, they were sit in the living room's couch, they had been at this since the morning and both were getting exhausted, he lend his face to the window and saw the sky, it was 10 something a.m. and the weather was perfect, maybe taking Gon for a walk to the town would be good for him (and his legs, damn)

The coast town of San Agustín was loud, colorful and full of joy, the people were warm and welcoming, an eternal reminder of his childhood home. When Ging first arrived, almost three years ago with a baby in his belly and no idea of how to raise a child, the citizens of this small island maked him feel welcome and accepted, currently, he knew anyone around here.

–¡Hola, señor Freecss!– a brown haired girl greeted him from a little shop in a house's window. The posters around the house telling what they sell and all their offers were colorful and had some vibrant colors that Gon liked.

–Hey Mariana.– Ging greeted the teenaged girl back, she was the daughter of a food commerciant he was friends with and was standing at the other side of the bar, attending the place while her parents were gone.

When he got closer she could see that Gon was also there, wrapped in Ging's chest by a Green baby kangaroo and wearing a froggy themed cap. She suddendly gasped and made a exagerate but playful gesture to the baby, making him laugh.

–But look who it is!– she said, raising her hands to greet Gon, something the toddler copied eager, hitting Ging in his chin.

 When Mariana saw what she accidentaly caused, she looked like she was going to apology, but quickly, Ging descarted her, laughing a bit –You need to see were you pull those hands, kid.– Gon din't looked sorry, thought.

–So what are you doing here in the town, sir? You almost never come to see us.– she claimed, making loopy faces for Gon who seemed to enjoy them.

–Just came to take a little walk and buy some stuff.– The hunter said.– do you have some baby formula and diapers?–

–Sure i do!– Mariana turned around to the store and started looking for the client's request, while she was doing that, Ging said hi to some acquaintances that were passing by.

–so how is Gon doing? Has he learned any new words yet?– the girl asked, still looking for the diapers but already finding the baby formula.

–i don't know, ask him yourself.– he teased her, then she finally got up, with the diapers in hand.

–i have vainilla and chocolate flawored, which one are you taking, Gon?– Mariana asked, a smile painted on her face.

–Which one, Chum?– the man asked his boy.

–¡Chocolate chocolate!– the baby demanded with his tiny hands wrapped in little fists and a excited look in his face.

–Then Chocolate it is!– she put a single chocolate flawored powder in the bag plus a package of diapers, then Ging handed the money to the young lady.

–here is your change.– the brown haired girl give him.

–keep it, have a nice day, Mariana.– Ging said.– ¡dile a tus papás que dijimos hola!–

–Sure! ¡Chao señor Ging, chao Gon!– with the bag in one hand and the baby in his chest, the Freecss family went to the Don Tulio's Ice Cream store, but they din't buy any ice cream, to Gon's mispleasure, Ging just went there and chatted with Don Tulio for a while.

–I swear it Ging!– Don Tulio said, placing his right hand above his heart in a sign of truth.– Anita said she saw Maria Antonia and Rogelio together last week, and they looked really confortable...–

–Tulio, tú y Anita deben dejar lo chismosos, no les sale.– Ging said to the black skinned man.– Plus Rogelio is married to Margarita and Maria Antonia is the daughter of his compadre, he wouldn't.– the Hunter affirmed.

–People are capable of many weird things, Freecss.– The men assured, but Ging din't have the guts to tell him that this gossip could not be possible because Maria Antonia simply did not like men, but it was not his secret to tell.

 A little later, they went to miss Camila's drugstore for Gon's vitamins, where the older hunter had a dispute with Don Rafael from the Island's high school.

–¡Pero Ging!– Rafael warned.– if you say so many bad words in front of Gon he might end up learning them!–

–First of all, i don't say so many bad words in front of Gon, no soy ningún jodido idiota.– the man said, while Gon sucked his thumb in amusement, still wrapped to his father's chest. –Second of all, i've already teached him that some words are bad and he cannot say them, so it's non of your goddamm business, Rafita.---

–¡joder!– Gon swore proudly.

Ging had never felt more betrayed and embarrassed in his whole life, and he fucked with Pariston Hill, several times.

 After that he decided that this was enough human interaction for him and his son for a day, so he went back home with the bags, his baby, and no pride anymore.

Back home he left the bags in the table and went, along side Gon, to the bedroom. He took the kangaroo off and lay both of them down to rest, Ging closed his eyes for a second, these days he had been really tired, probably a consequence of the lack of sleep and the constantly anxiety that came with raising a child all by your own and also abandoning your dream job to raise this same child in question.

–¿Papá?– Gon asked besides him in the bed

–Papá is just resting his eyes, chum. He'll be back with you in a minute.– Ging responded.

–¡Papá!– Gon said Louder, hitting his little fists in Ging's forehead.

–Jesús Gon, te dije que esperarás por un segun---- Did Gon just.

–what did you just say?– Ging was wide awake now, looking at the toddler like if he had a second head.

–¡Papá!– the brown skinned baby yelled.

 Ging was not crying, your eyes were tricking you, and if it looked like he was shaking on his feet of happiness, that was just the wind blowing on his clothes, although they were in a closed place but still.

–Gon, kid, muchacho, mi amor. You just made me the happiest man aliv----

–¡Maldición!– Gon yelled this time

–You really had to ruin it, din't you.– Ging really had to stop swearing, but little Gon just laughed at his father's antics.

Chapter Text

Ging hated all kids shows, but this one, Paw Patrol, was turning him insane, and Gon was obsessed with it. They were cuddling in the couch with some blankets and a few pillows, outside the rain looked eternal, almost like a deluge for the longest it become day after day.

 It wasn't really often that rain got to San Agustín, but the few times it did it was a nightmare, this was the third day raining and it din't look like it was even close to an end, while the people of the village stayed in their homes waiting for the bad weather to go. Ging and Gon, who lived at the other side of the small island, the rain was just another anormally, they had enough food and blankets till the weather gets better so right know they were just being lazy together.

But anyways, currently, the kid of the show, Ryder, was explaining his plan to the other dogs, something about helping the mayor on a basketball game against this other mayor, Ging thought their stratregic was bullshit while gon watched the tv with an intrigued look.

 At the end of the show, when the team of dogs won, they started celebrating and cheering, Ging was happy it was finally over, while Gon looked like he was going to fell asleep, maybe he could leave the boy in his room and train his nen a bit for the evening---

 Then, someone knocked the door.

 Ok, that was a goodbye for his calm evening.

 This was weird, with the weather and the long walk people have to take to get to his house from the village no one would come see him right now. Maybe it was an old Hunter fellow? Nah, he din't tell anyone where he was currently living, wanting to get a rest from everything and raise his boy in peace.

–Gon.– Ging softly called the three years old boy.

–dime papá.– the kid replied with a sloopy voice, heading to fell asleep in his dad's lap.

–there is someone in the door, that might be a thread for us.– Gon was not sleepy anymore, but seeing his father at the eye. –i need you to stay here, don't make any sound and no matter what don't go downstairs.–

Ging was still in his same spot, seeing at the tv with his face frowned and a heavy hand placed in his boy's head.

–But what about you?– the boy asked.

–I'll be fine, your dad can beat up anyone he wants, trust me.– the Hunter smiled to his son and then got up from the couch. He went downstairs, where someone was still knocking the door. Whoever this was they were really annoying, Ging could tell because he was a really annoying person himself.

–Ging! You lazy bastard, open the door!–

 Fuck, his friends found him.

 He wasn't feeling really social right now so he din't want to open the door, maybe he could make it look like he was out of town, or on a job.

 But agh what the hell, he did miss them.

 When he opened the door, he was greeted by an angry Dwun, accompanied by List, Eeta and Elena, even Razor of all people.

–e– Ging said. –hello?–

–GING YOU SON OF A BITCH THE HECK IS WRONG WITH YOU.– Dwun was the first to talk, of course. The slim man tried to get to him but was stopped by Razor and List, the smallest of them giving him a sorry face.

–Low your voice, man. I'm not deaf!– Ging yelled. Then, Gon who probably noticed how his voice become nicer at the visits came behind him, appearing from nowhere although Ging told him to stay upstairs.

–¿Papá? ¿Quiénes son ellos?– the boy said.

–din't i told you to stay upstairs?!–

–¿PAPÁ?– This time, even Eeta and Elena yelled, all of them dropping their jaws at the view of the child.

–Chale.– this was going to be a long night.

–So you, of all people, had a secret baby?– Dwun asked.

–Got a problem with that?– the brown skinned father replied, with Gon sitted in his lap, watching the visitors with amusement, an usual look in his face.

–OF COURSE WE ARE! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW WORRIED WE WERE? YOU DIN'T TOLD US ANYTHING I----

 List give the slim Hunter a poke in the ribs, strong enough to make the man back off and let the rest talk.

–Of course not, Ging. We are just...surprised.– the small blonde said.

–really surprised.– said Eeta, unable to take her blue eyes off the toddler.

 The rain never stopped for a second in the whole day, but somehow the crew of Hunters was complety dry, they probably used one of the teleportation cards he had made for Greed Island a couple years ago with his special nen ability.

–I'll imagine you used the cards i made.– the honey eyed man asked his friends, he already knew the answear but just to check.

–Yeah, we know you don't like it when we follow you but we were starting to worry, we din't expect to appear here.– the clever blonde said. –By the way, here is...?–

–San Agustín. An island between the Kukan'yu Kingdom and Jappon.– Ging said, moving on his seat, looking to be comfortable with Gon above him. –smaller than the city of York New, it doesn't even appear in the mundial map.–

 He had choosed this island specifically for that reason, somewhere small where no one would look for him, plus the people of this island talked his mother lenguage and did not find weird single parents, they also had a great ceviche.

–So, what's his name.– Razor asked, being that the first thing he had said in the whole evening. The ex-convicted looked less bitter and scary than when they met, almost friendly, but that did remind Ging something, How could Razor be here?

Before Ging was able to reply, the kid did– ¡My name is Gon!– he said, the smile in his lips matching the pissed off frown of his dad. –Are you my dad's friends?– the boy asked.

–Yes, we are.– Eeta responded with her monotonous voice and a little smile at the way Gon's eyes shinned. –How old are you, Gon?.–

–umm.– the kid looked at his father for an answer before he reminded himself.– I am this old!– the boy stood his hand in front of the hunters, with three fingers up and an excited face that almost appear to be shinning.

–You are a really smart boy, i see. do you want me to tell you how we met?– she asked the boy.

–Yes, please!– Gon jumped from his dad's lap and went to Eeta's side in less than a few seconds, letting her hold him and start telling the anecdote.

–he looks a lot like you.– Elena finally said.

–You don't have to insult the poor thing like that, 'Lena. The kid is not that ugly.– Dwun, who aparently recovered from List's poke, said with a grin.

–Says the man wearing pants.– Ging replies, enjoying the way Dwun's face curved an started complaining.

–PANTS ARE VERY CONFORTABLE AND JUST AN UNCULTURED IDIOT LIKE YOU WOULD SAY THAT.–

–THERE ARE KIDS IN THE ROOM, HIJUEPUTA. CIERRA LA JETA O TE LA CIERRO YO.– Suddendly, Ging got up and so did Dwun, they din't even have five minutes here and those two were already fighting.

–Dwum--- Ging---- guys chill please---- HEY PUT THE VASE DOWN– List tried and failed stopping these two to fight, giving up after a few minutes.

Eeta and Elena were now coddling Gon and holding him like if he were something precious,  for what he could hear, they were telling Gon about their Hunter exam and Greed Island.

 Razor, on the other hand, had gone to the kitchen looking for something to drink. List had decided to bring him along after seeing how much the poor guy had been training and defeating players at Greed Island, going behind him also wanting to get a drink.

–Hey.– Razor said, when he saw the blonde come to the kitchen behind him. –Wanna some orange juice? This is the only thing Ging had in the fridge besides baby stuff.–

–sure.– List accepted the offer and sit in a chair besides the dinner table, it was a really tall one, for short people he supossed.

–you also think this is weird, don't you?– Razor asked, sitting in front of him with an unusual look in his face.

–Ging being a dad or actually bathing?– from the kitchen they both could still hear the fight between their friends and the girls telling Gon stories.

–both.– they laughed for a minute, refreshing and nice, it had been a time since they sit just to talk and drink something, both busy with their responsabilities with the game and other duties.

–We should do this more often, it's easy to talk with you.– List said, looking at the big guy while drinking.

–so, you can keep your eye on me more than usual?– the buff man said.– believe me, i'm not gonna try to escape.– he assured, with an honest grin.

–Oh don't be silly, i don't need to keep an eye on you.– the black list hunter said.– If you ever tried to escape i would just have to reactivate your restrictions, and then you would die.–

List's nen ability was called "restriction", as a conjurer he was able to put little detonators inside people's body, then he would make a request, if this request wasn't done or denied the detonators would explote and the whole body of the person in case would become only ashes. He had used this ability with the prisoners of Greed Island so in case that they tried to escape there would be consequences, it also had become really useful at his other jobs.

– i see.– the air had become more thick than ever and now both parties were tense.

–You know.– minutes after the ex convicted broke the silence. –that's the baby's chair you are sit on.–

–i'm not--– he looked down for a second, now it made sense why Ging had a chair for short people, he din't. –damn it.–

 Ging ended up not measuring his strength and knocking Dwun out by accident, he decided to leave him in the couch and cover his face with one of the sofa's pillows, then leaving him there in silence with hopes List wouldn't find out yet.

 The front porch of his house had two chairs, a matching table and an hammock where Ging sleeped sometimes. It was still raining but not as strong as this morning, so he just stayed in the part with ceiling, seeing at the woods and calming himself down.

–It's really confortable, this place.– Elena said, coming from nowhere and standing besides Ging. –I get why you left us to come here, and raise little Gon.–

–What else could I do? Raise him in Greed Island?– he asked the girl, it wasn't like he thought they wouldn't be able to protect the toddler but he needed the break.

–Nah, he deserves a happy childhood in the woods, just like me when i was his age, so he can grow into the great man he will be.– the pink-eyed twin looked at the other Hunter, she had known him since they were kids and he had other name, but even sometimes she would get surprised at how much he have grown.

–what you looking at?– he said.

–i'm just surprised of how mature you are now.–

–You don't look surprised.– the man looked at her.

–I am, this is how i look when i'm surprised, this is my surprised face.– she said, but Ging just replied by laughing at her.

 It had been a similar situation that made both of them plus her sister to become friends during the Hunter exam, but things changed, and now Ging had a son and wasn't the same little lad with no shame she met at the age of 10.

–when are you going back to the field?– that was not the only question she had in mind for Ging, but she, everyone in the house, knew better than asking who the other parent is.

–excuse me?–

–i know you, Ging. You are not capable to stay in just one place, it's a miracle you've stayen here for so long.– Ging just smiled at her.

The hunter laughed –You are not wrong, im actually planning to go back to my adventures when Gon gets a bit older.– he answered.

–Really?–

–Yup, just a few months thought, i don't want the kid to think i abandoned him.–

–that makes me happy.– she said.

–is that so?–

–yeah, i know you love your job more than anything, so i'm happy you are able to go back to it.–

–not more than anything, thought.–

From their place they could hear that List had already found the half dead Dwun in the couch, so they din't have so much time to talk.

–List is probably pissed off with you know. He doesn't like when other people punch Dwun.– the twin added.

–Not even when he deserves it?– Ging asked, hearing Gon talk with Eeta from the other room.

–For his bad taste and terrible personality? I don't think so.– she said. –now that i think about it, you two are very alike!–

–ja-ja not funny, Elena.–

–Who's being funny?–

Chapter Text

It was almost midday, the sun was warm and the air feelt dry against his skin, father and son were coming back from the Island's river after a long morning of lessons about the marine life and hunting. Gon would not deny that he feelt proud of himself, he had catched the biggest fish in his entire life, so the smile would not leave his face.

–Not bad, kiddo. We'll make a big meal today with that catfish you got fo us.– Ging says, looking once again at the basket where they had today's reward, he looked proud and that made Gon giggle while moving their hands that were wrapped together, up and down.

–I know! This is the first time i catch one this size, it's even bigger than me!– there was no lie in the boy's words, the fish was indeed enormous for a child Gon's size to catch it.

–You know, this makes remember of the first time I brought Kite fishing.– the older man says to the seven years old. –You remember Kite, right? I've told you about him.–

–Of course i remember him!– Gon claimed. –Tell me that story, dad! ¡Porfa!–

 Ging had kind of mentioned Kite on purpose, since about three years ago that he had told his son the first tail about the white haired Hunter, Gon had become obsessed with the man, admiring him and begging Ging to tell him more stories about the brave conjurer. The thing is, he did enjoyed telling Gon about these adventures, although the toddler's attention was on his old protegè, heavens knew Ging loved to talk about his travels.

 On the other hand, while they were getting closer and closer to their home, Gon could not help but to feel cocky, hearing Ging's story made him feel incredible rebellious.

–...Really, we were kids but we would still do whatever we wanted...– that line caught Gon's attention, so kid's could do whatever they wanted? Those were news for him! There were so many things that he wanted to do that his dad had forbidden him to, like eating on the bed, staying up for longer than 10 p.m., going to bed without brushing his teeth, or even saying no-no words! A world of possibilities was opening before his eyes!

–Hey, look at that. Ya llegamos.– Ging says, while they spotted their house and walked towards it.

 And Gon, who had been taking courage since they were in the middle of the forest, finally opens his mouth and says, in a not so smooth tone.

–S-shut up, Dad.–

 Silence feel between both parties, the boy regretted his words as soon as they came out and the only think Ging does is look his son directly in the eye for a long time and not saying anything and Gon started crying.

 Suddendly, Ging takes his telephone out of his pocket and makes it look like he is calling someone, for the way he press his fingers on the machine. Then, he breaks the silence and talks;

–Yes? Kite the Hunter i mentored? It's about Gon. He is telling me to shut up and it's acting like a brat.– he says. Gon, feeling betrayed, runs towards his father and starts yelling at the other side of the phone, with hopes 'Kite' would hear his valid and well structured argument.

–NO KITE THAT IS NOT TRUE, LO QUE SEA QUE ÉL TE DIGA NO ES CIERTO, NO ES CIERTO!– Gon cried, but Ging had not stopped torturing him yet.

–Yes i know, Kite!– The hunter says, emphasizing the name of his ward. –What? That you will come to the island so Gon can tell you to shut up on your face? I don't know... maybe that is a little drastic.– Gon still hadn't stopped crying and yelling next to him.

–What do you say, Gon? Do you want Kite to come to the island so can say that on his face?– the NOOOOOOOO his son barked was more noisy than he expected but that sounded like he had learned the lesson. –I see... well Kite, see you soon!–

 He looked down at his boy's face with a frowned look before it falled over, at the sigh of Gon with marks of tears on his face and red eyes.

–Let's go to the kitchen so we can cook this bad boy, or are you still feeling like a little rebel?– Gon nodded as a "no" and Ging only gave him a grin. –Por malcriado.–

It was past midday and the sky was clear, Kite walked through the village as an outsider, his white and blue clothes plus remarkable height making him stand out from the crowd of brown villagers.

 Of all places he had been looking for Ging this was the most populated of all, full of color and joy, for someone as timid as his master, Ging had an habit to surround himself of loud and energetic atmospheres.

 The Hunter could feel the village's eyes on him as Kite approached an old lady's kiosk, the woman was on her sixties, with white skin and silver curly hair.

–Good Morning, ma'am.–

–Morning, muchacho. What can i get for you?– she asks, a kind smile on her face but sharp eyes.

–actually, i'm not here to buy anything, ma'am. But i wanted to ask you---–

–no selling no talking, stranger.–the old woman sat back in her rocking chair, watching Kite disinterestedly. –Buy something and i might talk. If you are visiting anyone it would be seen properly to bring them some kind of gift, you know?–

Kite grumbled a little 'right' under his breath and looked around the plaza store, there were small plastic bags with cookies and other trinkets , some bags with candies, and bottles with water or juice. He pointed the water, some peppermint candies and a bag of cookies, the old bag smiled and exchanged the food with him.

–do you know anyone named Ging Freecss?– Kite asks, while giving the woman the money for the supplies. –he is a small man, sun skinned, black hair, brown eyes. He may look like he doesn't bath a lot.–

–¿Ging?– she says. –Of course i know him, everybody knows him. He is the strongest man on our island and has been living here for a few years, with his boy.– then, a threating look appears on her eyes. –What do you want from him?– her voice sounded defensive.

 A boy? What would she mean by that?

–I'm a friend, i haven't seen him in a few years so i wanted to check on him. I heard he had moved to this island.– technically, he wasn't lying. He was Ging's friend and he had not see him in a long time, looking for the man in every place of the world.

 Kite had ended up here in San Agustín after hearing some rumors about Ging retiring to an small island. At first he had went to Isla Ballena, the childhood home of his master, but after finding nothing but a confused red head at the sound of that name, he had left.

–I see... but hear me out, if i hear that you came here to harm Ging or the kid you'll be in big problems! My son-in-law has a gun and i'm not afraid to use it, Got it!?– then, a younger woman appeared from the back of the place and put her hands above the granny's shoulders, her hands and most part of her face was a deep black color, but certain parts of her cheeks and lips were white as cotton.

–Abuelita, chill. Say, are you Ging's friend?– she asks, making Kite nod. –that is wonderful, he lives at the top of the mountain, on the other side of the island. You should be able to see his house from here.– the girl pointed a small house, it was pretty far from the village and from his place it was kinda blurry but he could see it anyways. –It's fifteen minutes from here if you go by foot, but the woods are pretty misleading, will you be fine by yourself?–

–There should be no problem, thank you again, miss. Ma'am.– as he walked away he could hear how the old woman complained about Ging's peculiar friends, making the Girl laugh.

 Kite, on the other hand, was tense as a stick and could feel his mouth go dry, he was incredibly nervious. It had been a few years since Ging had disappeared, only letting Kite a single clue, a note.

"try and catch me"

He had searched around the whole world, every location he could think about or Ging had expressed interest on, but it was impossible, almost like if he had managed to erase his existence from this world, the only thing he had were rumors and his own instinct, and now here he was.

 He took a candy from the ones he buyed in the old lady's shop and walked through the forest, since he put a foot on this island Kite had switched on his Zetzu, which had him a bit tired, but he couldn't rest now that he was so close to find him, he wouldn't.

The house was too common, the walls were of a pastel yellow, with a small garden and some trees around it, there was a smell of something being cooked inside the house and there was also a kid.

A boy who looked ghostly familiar and had his eyes on him like if they knew each other. And then the boy started crying.

–MR. KITE I'M SO SO SORRY.— Kite had absoluty no idea what to do, this kid knew him and knew his name, and now was crushing his face against his pants and crying bullets.

 The closest thing Kite knew about smaller beings was puppies, so he did what he would do if a puppy was crying against him, pet them in the head. Apparently it worked because the kid stopped crying for a second for then to start all over again.

Kite hadn't notice, but he had switched his nen back to normal when the kid runned towards him. He din't expect for Ging Freecss, his mentor and the man he had been looking for all these years to appear in front of him, apparently clean and with a mug on his hand.

–Sup, Kite.– that's what the mother fucker first said.

–Ging, hey. Care to explain?– he pointed at Gon.

 The oldest Freecss had been cleaning the dishes of lunch, humming some old song as one of his feet moved with the rhythm, that was the moment when he sensed the other nen user, quite powerful indeed, a conjurer probably. Suddendly, Ging remembered one thing, Gon was outside.

 Next second he was in the doorway, looking at the posible threat before letting his guard feel, it was just Kite.

Wait, Kite?

He finally found him? Damn, he took his time.

–Sup, Kite.– he says, heading over where his son and his old student were.

–Ging, hey. Care to explain?– the older hunter looked at Gon, the kid was a mess, he took him from his armpits, having to pull a little because the boy wouldn't let go.

–This is my son, Gon.– Kite looked surprised, but was better hiding it than others. –Dang kid, why are you so upset?– he said to the boy. –It's just Kite, i've shown you pictures of him It's ok.– Gon looked up to him while Ging cleaned his face, looking helpless.

–But what you told Mr. Kite on that call....¡dije que lo sentía papá!–

 The sun skinned man feelt really bad when Kite questioned that behind him. –Your... father, and i haven't talked in years, Gon.– ignoring the fact that maybe he had inflicted trauma into his son, Ging looked at Gon who was still weeping and feelt guilty.

 But come on, he was just doing what his granny use to do to him! And he ended up perfectly!... ok maybe he was a little fucked up but that was almost a requirement to become a hunter.

–I'll explain, in another moment. Have you gotten lunch, Kite?–

 The bizarre topic change made Kite doubt but still nodded as a sign that in fact he hadn't.

–Great, Gon.– He called and his son looked at him. –Don't cry, Kite din't came here so you could tell him anything, i was just kidding.–

–You were...kidding?– Ging gave Gon a sorry smile. –IT WAS NOT FUNNY!– he cried again.

–Hey! You told me to shut up, i had to punish you somehow.– Kite looked at both of them, father and son, making him feel even more out of the picture. –Now now, go serve Mr. Kite lunch, beans, rice and the fish we made. Got it?–

–yeah, dad.– then he looked at Kite and shaked his hand as a Good Bye sign.

–Ging...– Kite said, when Gon was finally gone.

–Come.– he went upstairs to his study, with Kite behind him. The younger Hunter looked around the place, photos where all around, when Greed Island was released with the whole team, one with the Zodiacs, Netero, and an old photo of a nuch younger Ging with people Kite did not recognize but for a little girl with red piggy tails he could deduct it was Ging's family.

Ging's office was interesting to say the least, maps of ancient civilizations, different treaties, impossible landscapes, it was all so Ging that Kite feelt like an intruder just by standing there.

–A drink?– the Hunter in question took a bottle of some sort out of a shell, serving a glass and looking at him.

–It's midday, Ging.– not that had ever stopped Ging before, one time Kite saw him drink three whole jugs of beer and then winning at target shooting, at ten of the morning.

–You want it or not?–

–I don't drink.– Freecss laughed.

–Then you haven't changed.–

–Can't say the same about you.– Kite says. –in a good way, though.–

–You are intrigued, i suppose.– Ging takes a sip of his drink with not a second thought, looking through the window. –Ask whatever you want, you looked for me through the entire world, you deserve it.–

–why did you decided to raise him?– The only question that Kite could formulate and he knew Ging would reply was this, and for Ging's restless smile he was right. –You are not the most domestic person in the world and you get bored easily, you could have let him with your cousin and grandmother with no problem, so why raising Gon?–

–You want me to be honest? I'm actually still figuran that out.– the Hunter left his drink on the table and looked up to his old protegè. –I was eighteen, i had my whole life in front of me, i had just become a two star Hunter. I could have let him with Mito in Isla Ballena and nothing would have happened, i just... couldn't.–

 Outside the door they hear some local music in Ging's mother lenguage, probably Gon who had switched on the radio.

–I could not bring myself to look that baby in the eye and just left him. So i hide from the world instead, running away to this little island, in resume... i couldn't be a coward to Gon, but i was to the rest of my friendships, even you.–

–You choose your son over your own desires, you are no coward, Ging.– Kite said. –You are ten times more brave than my own parents, especially for facing this, alone.–

 –Yeah, i... thanks.– Ging smiled.

And then, a little knock is heard from the hunters.

–Dad! Mr.Kite! Lunch is ready!–

–it took you some time, huh!– ging said.– lets go, i want to hear about your adventures before the food gets cold.– Kite just followed him from behind, a smile printed in his lips

–Do i have something in my face?–

Ging was back in the kitchen, putting away their pots already cleaned. Gon had sitted on the kitchen's island in front of Kite and started looking at him fixedly with big dark eyes.

The boy did not replied at first, he actually looked surprised that Kite had noticed his eyes on him –Oh! No, nothing...– then Gon yelled. –Is it true that you and Dad rediscovered some medicals roots that used to be extinct?–

–Well yes...– Kite was more than surprised with the question, how much did this kid knew?

–Or that you guys fought a herd of bear fox and ended up with not a single scratch?– Gon started asking question after question, leaving Kite no time to reply to the excitement of the boy. –or when you found a deer the size of a house or you travelling to the biggest waterfall in the world and jumping from it or or--–

–Gon, let the man breath.–Ging reappeared and Kite could not be more greatfull. –Choose one story and then let him tell it.–

 The youngest Freecss put a hand on his chin like if he were thinking, which was another thing he had in common with Ging, and for the way both Hunters looked at each other they agreed.–Oh, i know!–

–Tell me about when you and dad meet!– he said.

–Haven't i told you that story a million times already?– Ging asks.

–Yeah, but i want to hear it from Mr.Kite, you always add things about how strong and cool you were back then, i want the truth!–

–And what makes you think that wasn't truth?!– it was Kite's turn to laugh, soft and warm at the dad-son fight.

–Ok ok, i'll tell you.– The white haired Hunter said. –But first, you have to know that my first impression of your father was that.... he looked like a homeless man.–

–Really??– Gon giggled, yeah Kite liked the kid.

–You looked for me around all the world for years just to tell me that?– the older man said, raising an eyebrow.

–Kind of, yes.–

Chapter Text

It was almost midnight, Ging was getting ready for bed and Gon had gone to his room about two hours ago.

They had spend the whole day in the Island's forest, the hunter had been teaching his son about the medical uses for the plants and mushrooms their island offered. Ging had always found that lesson a bit boring although important, but Gon was apparently really interested on it, making questions and being genuinely intrigued, as he normally was with anything Ging taught him.

 His mind wandered for a bit as he brushed his teeth, on the past of a hunter that was always on the run, never satisfied. Now a father. He looked himself in the mirror for a moment.

He looked tired, bored.

Bags under his eyes making him feel and look older than he was.

The past few days he hadn't sleep that much, nightmares haunted his dreams and everytime he closed his eyes there was a bad memory around the corner.

But back to the present, Ging was finally finished in the bathroom, he thought of heading to bed but as tired as he feelt he still wasn't ready to face his nightmares, something his sleep pills could settle, giving him a conforting night with no dreams.

 Many people would say that using those pills so many times could make him addict, but Ging had a lot of self control so he wouldn't become addicted, but the thing is he also had a lot of trauma, anxiety and nightmares to run away from so he could not afford to stop taking them neither.

Instead to go directly to his bedroom he went to his son's, opening the door a little so he could see the boy in his bed.

 Gon used to sleep upside down, with a hand hanging from the bed and two blankets above him, just like Ging. It was crazy to thing how both of them were so alike and so different at the same time, the same stubbornness that had followed Ging his entire life was also in Gon, just like the adventurous spirit and endless curiosity for the world, and let's not talk about the appearance.

 But then there were these things that Gon had, that werent Ging's.

 His almost plastic smile was one of them, how he naturally shinned, his cheerful voice and even the way he was absoluty unable to stay in silence for more than two minutes.

 It was his, Pariston's.

 And his eyes, his son's eyes were young and careless, but sometimes they would turn dark, death and soulless. Like him.

But Ging probably did something really good in a past lifetime because the gods had gived him a boy that was nothing like his parents, where Ging and Pariston were liars and used others for their personal satisfaction, Gon was honesty and did never hesitated to offer his hand to anyone, being that his greatest virtue, but also his greatest weakness.

 The hunter got closer to the bed and pet his boy's head, the one endless adventure that fantastic stories talked about, the one that instead of giving him new scars made Ging hold something precious to his chest, someone that was far more dear for him than anything or anyone else.

This was, with no doubt, the thing he had been locking for all those years, the one goal, the one treasure that was not in front of him.

A little smile started to form in his lips at the sigh of his still sleepy boy, he would need the rest, tomorrow they would be leaving San Agustín for the first time since Gon was born.

Isla Ballena was pretty far from here after all, and they had a visit to make.