Through the wall

XIII

The antiseptic smell stirred Gun awake. He opened his eyes, needing a few seconds to orient himself. When he did, his body tensed instinctively, a reaction to the violent encounter he'd just endured.

Off reached out and gently held him by the shoulders.

"You're okay. You're safe now. That guy's gone," he said softly, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Tears began to roll slowly down Gun's face.

"Is it alright if I hug you?" Off asked, his tone calm and reassuring.

Gun nodded; he couldn't speak yet. There was a lump in his throat, and he felt cold and utterly alone. His body ached, and an overwhelming sadness weighed on him.

Off moved closer, kneeling beside the sofa where Gun sat, and wrapped him in his arms. Gun started to sob, and Off gently stroked his hair, trying to comfort him.

"Shh, it's alright... it's alright..." he whispered softly into his ear.

They stayed like that for a few minutes until Gun's sobs subsided, and he regained a bit of composure. Pulling back slightly, Gun wiped his tears with the back of his hand. His gaze shifted to the coffee table in front of them, a flash of concern crossing his face.

"What's that, and why do you have something like it?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

Off was caught off guard by the question. Smiling faintly, he replied, "It's a prop, don't worry. I'm not some lunatic. It's a bat from a villain in a series I used to watch. I collect items from shows and films I like. That's been hanging on the wall ever since I bought it, and I never imagined I'd actually use it until today. I've also got a lightsaber, but I didn't think it would be much help... I can show you if you'd like," he added, realising he was overexplaining. He didn't want Gun to mistrust him, not after everything that had just happened.

"No... it's fine."

"Alright, I'll grab you a coat, and we'll head to the hospital," Off said as he started towards the closet.

Gun reached out, grabbing his shirt to stop him.

"No, please."

Off turned back and knelt again, his voice steady and patient. "You're hurt, and I don't know what else that guy might have done to you or given you. It's best to get checked out and have your wounds treated."

"He didn't do anything. When you came out, he'd only just arrived. I've just got a few bruises and scratches. I can patch myself up with what you've got in the first-aid kit."

Off studied him, not entirely convinced. He still felt it would be better for Gun to see a doctor.

"Please," Gun insisted, his voice trembling. "I don't want to see anyone else tonight. I don't want to explain anything, and I need to go home... my sister will worry."

Off could see how shaken Gun was. He didn't want to push him into further discomfort by insisting.

"Alright," he relented. "But if you're not feeling better tomorrow, we're going. About your sister... I hope you don't mind, but I used your fingerprint to unlock your phone. I told her you'd be staying with your friend. I also messaged her just in case your sister contacted her, and she called me back. She's coming here first thing tomorrow."

"Oh." Gun looked relieved, his body relaxing slightly. "So I'll stay here?"

"Yes, you can stay in Sammy's room. She's spending the weekend at my parents' place," Off explained, pausing briefly before extending his hands towards Gun. "Come on, let me help you up. I'll lend you some pyjamas, you can take a shower, and then we'll clean up your wounds. How does that sound?"