Rogue multiclassing for fun and profit

Hello! I just completed PoE1 and absolutely loved it. I played a pistolero Rogue and wanted to keep that going in the sequel as well but I'm having some real bad choice paralysis and would appreciate some tips and pointers.

The character fantasy I'm looking for is something like the Freelancers from the ICON ttrpg if that says anything to anyone. TLDR gunslinger with magical bullets or attacks. The first thing that came to mind was Arcane Archer Scout but I'm a bit iffy on the animal companion (Even though something like Ghostheart would fit with Freelancer's astral chain gimmick.) That is at the moment my most favoured pick but I'm still a little hung up on actually making it work.

Holy Slayer seems fun and fairly functional even with dual wielded guns since flames of devotion counts as a full attack. Bleak Walker seems the optimal pick for the free sickened but the rp flavour is a little restrictive so I'm leaning on Kind Wayfarers. I'm a bit worried a backline or even mid-range gunner might be wasting Paladin's excellent defenses and I'm not really interested in playing a tank.

The next option I was thinking of was Spellblade with either enchantment or illusion but I'm a little scared it might end up with too little support for the guns themselves. Could still potentially be interesting.

For weapons I'm mostly fine with all types of firearms, though dual wielded pistols or blunderbusses are calling me. I am also aware of the Street Fighter/Blunderbuss modal interaction but I'm a little wary of friendly fire since I'm not doing a solo run or anything.

Every opinion and tip helps!