Through the wall

XXII

It was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly in the clear blue sky, a gentle breeze blew, and Gun felt like the weather mirrored his emotions. Even so, he was a little nervous. He had spoken to his sister about Off, but he knew she hadn't changed her opinion of him yet. Still, the fact that she had agreed to let him formally introduce Off as his partner was progress. He was well aware that Jimmy had a lot to do with it; he'd need to remember to buy him a gift and thank him properly. His sister was a sweetheart, but once she got an idea in her head, it was nearly impossible to make her change her mind. Jimmy was one of the few people she would actually listen to.

The garden was set up for a family lunch. Camila had arrived a few minutes earlier, and Gun hoped her presence would make the atmosphere less tense. Jimmy and his sister had gone to fetch drinks, and it wouldn't be long before Sammy and Off arrived.

"Feeling nervous, Ami?" Camila asked, stepping closer and adjusting one of the straps of her jumpsuit.

"Yeah, a little, but I'm happy too. Thanks for being with me through all my big moments, mate. I didn't realise how much I needed you until you showed up. I honestly don't know what I'd do without you."

"Aww! I don't know what I'd do without you either, Piglet. Anyway, as soon as you invited me, I didn't hesitate for a second. I'm sorry you're nervous, but there's no way I'd miss the show."

Jimmy and Jennie returned with the drinks and headed into the kitchen to put them in the fridge. As Jimmy passed Gun, he offered a knowing smile.

Camila leaned in and whispered to Gun, "Tell me, does that man have a brother? Because, honestly, what a dreamboat! I say that with the utmost respect for your sister, of course."

"No, but he's got a twin sister, and she's very much like him."

"That works for me. When will you introduce me?"

Gun shook his head. Camila was a handful.

"I promise I'll talk to Jimmy and invite her to the next gathering. How's that? But for now, let me focus on surviving this one, yeah?"

"Deal!" she replied.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. Gun startled and glanced at Camila.

"What are you waiting for? Go greet your knight in shining armour!"

"Don't be ridiculous," Gun said, laughing as he headed to the front gate.

He straightened his clothes before opening the gate.

Off and Sammy were dressed up for the occasion. It was clear Off had put effort into his appearance to make a good impression. He wore a pink polo shirt, sandals, and glasses he usually only wore for work—but Gun loved how they made him look slightly nerdy, which he found incredibly attractive. Knowing Off had worn them because Gun liked them touched him deeply. Sammy was wearing cream shorts, a pink blouse, and sandals. She also had her hair tied up in two slightly crooked pigtails, as usual.

When Sammy saw him, she jumped into his arms and exclaimed, "P'Sweetheart, hi! Look, Daddy and I are matching! It was my idea. Aren't we adorable?"

"You're both perfect, my love," Gun replied. Could he possibly love these two any more? He doubted it.

Gun turned to Off.

"Hello, Phi. So, you finally used the doorbell! You're learning what it's for," he teased, remembering the day they'd nearly knocked the gate down to invite him to karaoke.

Off reached out and took Gun's free hand.

"Today I did, but I might forget again. We could solve that if we put a door in the wall so we can pop over whenever we like. What do you think?"