You're No Monster || GonKillu

Chapter 5 | Startled

The dawn of the new day colored the landscape and forest. Gon watched the sunrise, deciding to wait just a while before waking up the other two. He didn't sleep, instead he kept watch.

However, as Leorio snored still, a shadow crept up behind Gon. If not for the outline of the unmistakable messy hair, he might've reacted and accidently hurt Killua.

"Good morning." Killua said, sitting next to him. Gon poked the potatoes he was roasting over the fire to check the tenderness. "Did you sleep?"

"Someone had to keep watch." Gon answered simply.

Killua bit their lip, sighing. "...Sorry."

"I didn't mind. I can't sleep most nights, anyways." Gon shrugged.

"That's not what I'm talking about." Killua leaned their elbows on his knees, resting his chin on their knuckles. "I was a little surprised when you took your helmet off. And I just stared like an idiot. Honestly, without all the scars, I don't think I'd have actually believed those stories were true. I mean, who walks away from all that perfectly fine? I'd be skeptical."

Gon scoffed, almost chuckling. "You don't have to apologize, princess. Simply sitting next to me like you are now is enough to show you're not put off by my appearance."

"Oh good. I hardly slept, overthinking and scolding myself all night. And I uh, overheard that story you told Leorio. So I... I thought... you might've thought I was just like them." Killua looked away. "I didn't want you to think-"

"It's alright." Gon nodded. "I don't."

"Honestly I think you look pretty damn badass." Killua grinned. "Plus, y'know, chicks dig scars, don't they?"

"I wouldn't know." Gon chuckled. "You're the first woman I've talked to in six years that hasn't tried to kill me."

You're the first woman. Killua swallowed a lump in his throat. "Well, I do dig scars..." He joked, though he wasn't lying. If he was being honest, he was a little too attracted to scars...

Gon seemed a little startled by that comment. It was a good thing Leorio yawned at that moment, waking up. Otherwise Gon wouldn't know what to say to that, and the conversation would've drowned in an awkward silence.

"Is that... potatoes?" Leorio asked sleepily.

"Yup." Gon confirmed, preparing some for Leorio so he could avoid Killua for a moment. "Here. Morning."

"Morning." Leorio yawned again, taking the food gratefully.

Gon dished some for Killua next. After, he stood up. "Since you're both awake now, I'm going to take a walk and look ahead. We're near the border now, can't be too careful."

As Gon left, Killua watched him walk away. And Leorio watched Killua watch Gon. Leorio just about dropped his potatoes when he realized what that look in Killua's eyes was all about.

"You're smitten!" Leorio accused Killua, whose face flushed red. "Who would've thought."

"What- I'm not- No!" Killua scoffed, looking away from where Gon disappeared into the tree line. "I just, we had a good talk, is all..."

"Mmmmhm." Leorio grinned. "Sure, I believe you princess. Those goo goo eyes are purely platonic. I'm sure it's just admiration. He's a pretty impressive guy after all."

Killua hid his face in his hands. "...Was I that obvious?" They asked.

"Pretty sure he's avoiding you." Leorio said as an answer, finishing his breakfast.

"Ugh..." Killua ran their hands through their long hair. Another thing he liked more about his masculine form, the shorter hair didn't get nearly as much crap stuck in it. He could cut his feminine form's hair, but, that in itself was uncustomary and unsavory for womenfolk.

"You're a pretty lady, princess." Leorio commented, and a blush returned to Killua's face. "Think the old soldier's just unused to the positive attention."

"Right..." Killua frowned. It may seem unusual for a woman like them to be so interested in Gon. To not be put off. Gon must've been real taken off guard. Plus, nothing could come from it. Killua was to be wedded to the appointed king. And he needed to fall in love with the king fast, before his secret was out. Damn curse.

Killua overheard the crunch of twigs and leaves, signaling Gon's return. "Shit!" Leorio got up on all fours, grabbing one of Gon's knives he left behind. Killua turned around and, well, it wasn't Gon after all.

"My my! What's a pretty little lady doing out here all alone?" A man dressed in a cloak and hat asked. Hey rode on top of a horse, and had about ten other men behind him too.

"She's not alone." Leorio objected, standing now between Killua and the riders. "Best be on your own way."

Killua stood up cautiously, stepping to stand behind the fire. He held a few sticks in his hand, concealed behind his dress. Thick enough to have some good throwing weight to them.

"Dangerous place here, so close to the border. Could use some escorts, hm?" The man continued, with no hint of giving up. "Come on beautiful, we can protect you."

"I've no need for an entourage." Killua spoke up. "Can handle myself fine enough, and my steed here's good in a fight should push come to shove."

"Wasn't asking, miss." The man got down from his horse, brandishing a sword, pointing it at Leorio. "Get on the horse and nobody gets hurt."

Something spooks said horse, and the others. Some ran off with their riders hollering, others just bucked the men off. Leorio picked Killua up, putting him on the saddle, ready to make a break for it.

"Don't you move!" The man slashed his sword, and Leorio barely dodged it.

Then a steel clad arm gabs the man by the neck from behind, lifting him off the ground. "Drop the sword."

Gon's voice was muddled by his helmet, and his plated fingers slowly dug into the man's neck until the blade hit the ground. Gon dropped him into the dirt.

"Go find your horse and your men." Gon said, picking up the sword, before throwing it into the woods. It hit a tree, sticking into it a few inches.

As the man scrambled off, Killua breathed a sigh of relief. Things would've gotten ugly. Killua could certainly defend himself, but he was unarmed, and there was Leorio to think about as well.

Gon took a look at his companions. "...Are you alright?" He asked carefully, taking off his helmet.

"My legs are still shaking." Leorio chuckled. "Princess?"

"I'm quite alright." Killua laid against Leorio's upper back. "That was exciting."

"It'll get a lot more exciting if we don't get over the border before nightfall." Gon warned, packng up what he could and storing it all in the bags strapped to Leorio. He checked the swords fastened behind his back. "Let's keep moving."