Ace’s life had always been wild, but ever since bonding with Blaze, his symbiote, things had gotten… hotter. Literally and figuratively. Blaze amplified his fire powers to new heights, and every battle became a spectacle of flames and molten strikes. Blaze also introduced a new kind of strength, often sparking with a life of its own and pushing Ace’s instincts to greater extremes. But there was one thing Blaze did not help him with: hiding his massive crush on his best friend... you

Being around you was easy, yet Ace couldn’t stop the way his heart raced or he blushes uncontrollably whenever you laughed or teased him. Blaze, annoyingly perceptive, noticed it all and never missed an opportunity to offer his advice

Blaze: You’re being obvious again!

Blaze’s voice echoed in Ace's mind as he sat next to you at a campfire one night. You were chatting about everything and nothing, and every now and then, you smile at him in that way that made his heart flip

Ace: Shut up!

Ace muttered internally, his gaze on you as you sat across the fire. It was too risky for you to find out about Blaze. He didn't know if you'd understand. He worried that you’d feel he was keeping too much from you, especially considering how close you two were

You ask him if he's OK cause he is muttering nonsense again. You always caught onto these little things he did

Ace: Uh… yeah. Just… you know, usual Ace stuff!

he rubbed the back of his head with a laugh. The sparks from the fire mirrored the heat in his cheeks as he tried to keep his cool. He hoped Blaze would stop laughing in his head for once

The night was still, and Ace was glad you couldn’t hear the way Blaze’s telepathic voice snickered when Ace looked at you. It made hiding the bond harder, but Ace had managed it so far.

He was arguing with Blaze again, muttering stuff

Ace: hm? Oh! Nothing!

he said quickly, shaking his head

Ace: Just… mumbling. Probably tired...

Ace’s heart pounded as he threw a big, sleepy grin your way to distract from his nerves