Chapter 4
You leaned over the railing of the ship, a smile gracing your gentle features, eyes reflecting the calm waters down below.
Gon liked seeing that expression on your face. It was one of his favorites and, unfortunately, one of the rarest.
For the past several years, you’ve been grounded, stuck in place, never able to leave and explore because of him. Gon’s not sure why but you’ve planted yourself next to him and never left his side. As a result, you haven’t left the island in more than a decade.
It’s stifling you, he can tell that now. The moment you stepped on the deck, your entire mood changed, amplified. You became more energetic, bouncing from one side of the ship to the other, babbling about your past adventures, and cooing over each animal you spotted - whether they soared through the air or swam in the ocean made no difference to you.
He may have had a few doubts over his big decision and if he was truly ready to do this, stumbled a few times because he knew the next few months would be hard away from home, but looking at you now, vibrating with an energy he’s never seen before, soothed all his thoughts.
”Hey, Gon! Look! I see a dolphin!”
Gon came to stand next to you, his eyes shining in wonder at the new animal breaking through the surface. It’s skin was a sleek grey, the water rolling off its back as it made a strange clicking noise before diving under. “Whoa! That’s a dolphin?”
You nodded at him. Before he was born, you had traveled the world so you recognized a lot more animals and technology than he did. If not for you, he wouldn’t even have an email!
Since he’s never really left the island, there are many creatures he doesn’t know about. If...no, when he passes the exams, Gon will be able to explore and see them all.
He can’t wait.
“Y’know, Gon, you’re a lot like your father.”
He looks at you, shock clouding his normally excited demeanor. It’s not often you talked about Ging, so when you did, he listened closely, soaking up every word because he never really knew when would be the next time he’d get another scrap of information on his father. “Really?”
You didn’t look at him, continuing to watch the ocean. Your eyes were distant, too enraptured by memories to focus on what - or, rather, who - stood right next to you.
“Sometimes...” You licked your lips, hesitating, a furrow developing between your brow. “Sometimes when I look at you, all I see is Ging. You two are quite similar in some regards. Not an exact match which I am very happy about. I don’t think I could handle another Ging.” You joked, laughing quietly.
Then your smile faded. “I miss him.”
The sad expression on your face made him tense, his own mood souring in response.
He hated it.
You deserved to be happy all the time, freely laughing and shouting with glee, indulgently recounting your past adventures to him, smiling when he came to show you something he prides himself over. That frown should never appear, not when he was there, not if he could help it.
Reaching out, Gon placed a hand on top of yours, just as you did the night before and countless other nights. You’ve always been there for him, cheering him up and protecting him. It was high time he returned the favor.
”We’re going to find him, okay? And while we’re looking, I’ll keep you company. So, don’t be sad!”
You laughed softly and turned to him, the light of the sun giving you an almost ethereal glow.
The smile was back, Gon realized, relieved. He was going to do everything he could to keep it there. That’s what friends do, after all!
Grabbing his hand, he let you pull him to the door leading inside. “Let’s go. You said it yourself, a big storm is coming.”