Theory of Friendship that goes deeper than Love

Hot and Bothered

Hello, my sweet readers!

This is a new chapter and not a new chapter at the same time. (^_^)
I am almost finished with the actual new chapter, but things went a bit differently than was initially planned, so in order for it to work out I decided to change this one a little. Especially the second part of it. I think this re-written version is quite better.
I would appreciate it if you read this one again together with the next one, coming up pretty soon.
Thank you for your kind words in the comments and your patience.
Let's continue to enjoy this wonderful Ship together. #OffGun <3

Yours truly,
Author (^v^)/"
-------------------------------------

After staying over at Off's for two days, Gun visited his father and stayed there for a week, because everyone at home were also worried and wanted to make sure Gun is okay before going to the police to report a crime. Besides, Off couldn't skip work much longer. Actually it was going to be the longest Off and Gun didn't see each other in months, but it was fine. They called every other day to catch up and texted almost constantly.

- Hello, Papii! - Gun smiled at his phone, but the camera on Off's side froze. - Wait, I can't see you. Let me catch a better signal outside. - he went to the garden.
- I can see and hear you just fine now. - Off's face on the screen was clear now.
- Yeah, all good. - Gun smiled cutely. - I'm going back in two days, but I don't have work till monday.
- That's all weekend. Let me come and get you. I miss you. - Off smiled timidly.
- Okay. If you're free... - Gun looked happy with the offer. - I want to go shopping so bad and I wanna meet up with friends, but I'm still not comfortable with being outside in public. Manager said I shouldn't anyway. - he sighed dejectedly.
- Cheer up. I say we should just cuddle on the sofa and do online shopping. How does that sound?
- Perfect! - Gun grinned at his phone.
- It's a date then. - Off grinned back.

***

When Off went to pick Gun up at his father's house, he noticed it felt somewhat different. Not in a bad way. They've met before many times and their families kinda knew each other too. Went out together for dinner a couple of times to celebrate Off and Gun filming a series together or things like that. Today the younger boy's dad greeted him with a hug and maybe it was because he was still worried about Gun and counted on Off to keep an eye on him, but maybe not just that. He wasn't sure.
- Promise me you will stay home all weekend and drive my boy to work on monday. - he said.
- Of course, Sir, I will absolutely not allow anything to happen to Gun. - Off replied.
- I'm glad to hear that, because I'm not sure I can trust him not to sneak to some shopping centre, should he be left alone. - he joked.
- Papa! I'm not like that! - Gun protested.
- You're exactly like that. You wouldn't sit still when you're left alone. But thankfully Jumpol is an adult here, so you should listen to him. - father said - Come on, don't pout. I'm just joking, but I really am worried. - he patted Gun's shoulder.
- Please, don't worry, Sir. I will do everything it takes to keep Gun out of harm and happy.
- I know, you've always taken care of him. I'm grateful. - father smiled at Off warmly.
- Thank you. - Off answered - It means a lot that you trust me, Sir. - Off smiled back bashfully.
- Just remember to get a good night's sleep before work boys.
- Of course we will, Papa, why wouldn't we if we are not allowed to go out? - Gun huffed annoyed with his dad's overprotectiveness.
- I don't know what you, young people, do these days, but when I was young and left alone with your mother...
- Alright, stop! - Gun interrupted his speech getting awkward. - We will stay at home and sleep a lot, okay? Don't know what you're assuming. - he mumbled embarrassed. Off looked at his feet timidly, because it was kind of obvious what he implied. Off just wondered why.

- Gun? - Off started after driving in silence for some time.
- What is it, Papii? - Gun said putting his phone away.
- I was just wondering, because of what your dad said... Was he joking, or did you maybe tell him something?
- Tell him what?
- Something about us? - Off eyed the boy curiously.
- Um... - Gun blushed finally catching up with what Off was referring to. - I guess...
- You guess? Gun, tell me, because I'm nervous here. - Off whined.
- He kind of figured it out himself. - Gun admitted. - I was talking about you even more than usual apparently. - he smiled coyly.
- I see... I didn't tell anyone yet. I mean, my sister knows... But she said that it was obvious. - he smiled.
- Is it okay that I told him? - Gun asked a bit concerned.
- Of course it is. Come on, why wouldn't it? He was like, super nice to me and seemed pretty chill about it too, so he approves, right? - Off grinned.
- Yeah, approves quite enthusiastically. - Gun said huffing a laugh. - But he's gonna tease us forever.- he shook his head incredulously.
- Nah, according to him, I am an adult here and we're gonna be good boys anyway, right? - Off winked at the younger boy.
- Um, well... - Gun blushed looking down at his knees.
- What? - Off furrowed his eyebrows amused. He was just joking with nothing in particular in mind.
- Nothing. - Gun smiled coyly, but Off had an impression there's something going on in the boy's head.