Somewhere in between the movie, Blaze had found my hand with his and intertwined them together.

I smiled at him even though now I wouldn't be able to eat popcorn seeing as my hand was occupied. All the same, I smiled at him, and he smiled at me, looking like the happiest person in the world.

***

Walking out of the theatre, our hands were still intertwined and I loved it. Blaze made me feel special, and underneath his reputation, I could see him, the real him. He was sweet and kind, and vulnerable. I am scared to admit this for real, but I like him. I do. This isn't a game anymore, this isn't hie it started. Not just a way to get Jason to stop liking me, but real feelings. These feelings scare me, but they also comfort me.

Blaze suddenly smiles at me, "how did you like the movie?"

"I loved it. It was hilarious. What about you?"

"Yeah it was really good! Thanks for coming."

I smile shyly, "thanks for inviting me."
Blaze opens his mouth to say something but instead of words coming out, the Rocky theme song comes on, signaling that he has a call.

I laugh as he answers his phone. Blaze rolls his eyes at me before speaking.

"Hello?" He asks.

I can hear muffled voices speaking as Blaze sighs and says, "I'll be right there."

Blaze hangs up the phone and turns to me, "that was work, I have to go in and help with something. It'll only be a little while. Would you-- uh, would you like to come?"

I smile, "I would love to."

I grab his hand again as we begin walking to his car.

***

"Nice ringtone by the way." I tell Blaze as he begins to drive.

He sticks his tongue out playfully at me, "don't even start Jade. Rocky is amazing okay?"

"Oh I'm not judging. Rocky is a classic. I genuinely like your ringtone."

Blaze laughs, "you like Rocky?"

"Yeah, it's been my favorite movie since I was a kid. I grew up with that show."

Blaze shakes his head, "wow."

I smile, "what?"

"It's fun to learn about you," he says, "some things are really unexpected."

"Like what?" I question.

"I don't know, just you in general. You're not like anyone else. You are strong but can also be deep and emotional, you can be a cheerleader but also be into boxing movies at the same time. You hang out with the popular kids but you haven't become one. You're not a bitch, you're not a follower. You play by your own rules. Everyone loves you and you acknowledge that but you don't bask in the glory of it. You are beautiful but don't seem to know it. You are simple yet the most complex person I know." Blaze catches me looking at him and he blushes. He shrugs before continuing, "I don't know, you're just super cool."

My heart rate picks up, butterflies erupting in my stomach. I am grinning ear to ear and I am so happy. Nobody has ever talked so highly of me. I didn't know that people thought that way of me. I had no idea that Blaze thought that way of me, much less that he would say all of that. I am so blown away, all I can do is smile.

"Thank you." I say and duck my head.

"Hey," he says, making me look at him,  "it's only the truth."

"Okay." I say, trying to find my voice again.

"Don't be embarrassed Jade. Those are all good things. It's what makes me like you so much."

I smile, "all the same, thank you."

"You're welcome."

"You know what I like about you?" I ask, watching all the scenery go by.

"What?" He asks.

"That even though you have a reputation for being a badboy, you are so much more than that. You are emotional, you are sweet, you are caring. I've seen you help out people in ways that most people wouldn't even think about doing. You're a good person, even when the world doesn't want you to be. You're you. You don't care what people think or what they say about you, you just do what you want. You're free. You're smart. You're not afraid to speak your mind." I say, realizing I probably sound super cheesey but not even caring, "you saw that I was in pain and you came and helped me, even when I pushed you away. You were there. You genuinely care about things. You're not fake, you're not an actor. You are genuine. And that is great."

Blaze takes a moment to soak that all in, "wow Jade." He finally says, "thank you. I had no idea anyone felt that way. All my life I have been told that I was a no good. All people ever see me for is my reputation. Nobody thinks twice about getting to know me. You did. You are. Thank you."

I blush, "no problem."

We sit in silence for a little while, thinking of the words that had just been spoken. Replaying everything in our minds.

I can't believe I have just said all of that. I mean, I know it's true. Its how I feel. But I'm usually a much more private person, and I just poured my heart out to Blaze, who three days ago I was sure I hated.

"So where are we going?" I ask, breaking the silence.

"My work." He jokes.

"Which is where...?"

"The animal shelter." He replies.

"Really?" I ask

"Really." He confirms.

"See? That's what I mean. You are the bad boy yet you work at the animal shelter, nobody would have ever have guessed that. It's so cool!!" I exclaim.

"Yeah, I thought you'd find that interesting."

I smile, "there is a lot more to you than most people see Blaze. Never doubt yourself."

He looks over at me and smiles, "I won't if you won't."

"Doubt you? I would never."

"No. Don't doubt yourself. I know you do, I see it when you look at your friends, when you're with me, the way you never look in the miror when you're with people. Never ever doubt who you are. you're amazing Jade."

Once again I am taken back by Blaze's words. How does he know so much?

"Okay. I won't doubt myself, and you don't doubt yourself."

"Deal." Says Blaze.

"Deal." I reply, smiling at him.

***
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