Hunting for a way home - Shalnark x Reader

Chapter 4 - Well, At least I can cook.

You didn't want to wake up but the feeling of your shoulder being shaken had your eyes snapping open to see four concerned faces looking down at you. "How long was I out for?" Your voice was hoarse and it hurt to speak. You decided then and there to keep talking to a minimum.

"Long enough that the second phase is about to begin. We tried to let you sleep for as long as we could but-"

"I understand." You nodded at them trying to smile.

For the first time Leorios presence wasn't grating at you. You felt weak and embarrassed. That clown had literally choked your lights out.

"Stupid clown.. really did a number on your neck." Leorios fingers brushed along your neck you hated the fact you flinched at the touch. He went to pull him hand back and you grabbed hold of it meeting his eyes and nodding your approval, reminding yourself he wanted to be a doctor so you could allow this touch.

"You just startled me, go on."

He sighed and brought his hands back to examine your neck. "I don't think you'd have to go to a hospital but just.. try not to speak too much alright?" He pulled a cream and pills from his briefcase.

"This is the best I can do for now, the pills will help with inflammation and take the edge off the pain. The cream with help numb the area a bit hopefully helping with some pain relief as well."
After you pulled out your canteen and took the pills wordlessly he began to rub the cream into the tender skin of your neck.

"Thank you Leorio." He just smiled gently and when he finished gave her a hand up.

Gon threw his arms around you after you got to your feet and you held him bringing a hand up to ruffle his hair. "I shouldn't have left you." He whispered into her hair.

"I'm fine." Pulling back from him you smiled and nodded to Killua and Kurapika.

"Well what are we doing standing around let's go!"

"As much as I want to talk to you, please stop speaking." You hadn't planned on it, your throat despite what Leorio had given you still ached.

They headed towards the second phase. You felt someone watching, you knew who it was but weren't in the mood to engage with him by catching his eye.

You didn't wait long before two examiners walked towards everyone, excitement grew, you wanted to impress Menchi. Out of all the phases this one had you feeling most confident.

You couldn't believe how disrespectful everyone was towards Menchi, how could they look down at her? She had worked hard and from what you could remember was one of the best Gourmet Hunters.They were quickly sent out on their mission to hunt and kill the pigs. Even though you had the support of your friends beside you, that didn't change the fact you had to be careful. These pigs were dangerous.

It didn't take long for Gon to locate the pigs, you knew what to do to kill them but you let Gon tell everyone how to kill them. Soon everyone was finding a way to land a blow on the back of the pigs head. Gon was waiting for you seeing if you needed assistance.

"I got it kid." You smiled but he didn't leave just watching.

"I'm not leaving you out here alone. I can wait." You sighed, shaking your head. 'Stubborn kid.'

You decided to kill your pig by landing on its head after jumping out a tree onto it. It was fast, easy and effective. The impact immediately made the beast go lights out. They headed back inside together. Once they got to a station you immediately began to clean and skin the pig.