Skizz's Perspective-

One Day Earlier-

"Fine. Be that way. You know what, I hope your story was true. I hope you did lose someone close to you. Because you deserve it."

Skizz grumbled and tossed in his bed.

He couldn't get Tango's words out of his head.

He sat up and walked to his closet, grabbing a box that he had shoved far away. Skizz sat on his bed and turned on his lamp before opening the box.

Inside was a photo album full of pictures that he had from when he dated Etho.

"I hope your story was true. I hope you did lose someone close to you."

Skizz sighed.

"I was too harsh, why did I say that? He probably doesn't know why he's causing it. ...but, how would he have no clue?"

Skizz thought about it before he felt someone nudge his leg. He looked to his right and saw Gryffindor who was whining a bit, clearly noticing how upset his owner was.

"Hey Gryff." Skizz smiled and pet his dog, "I'm alright."

Gryffindor nudged the box and Skizz smiled weakly.

"Yeah, I'll put the box away."

Skizz was about to close the box when he saw the photo of him and Etho after he had proposed.

Skizz picked up the photo and stared at it for a long time, remembering how happy he was.

Skizz smiles sickly.

"The smile of the foolish."

The Next Day-

Skizz and Impulse were at the remains of the forest and walked around, seeing how much damage was done.

As they ventured, they heard someone talking.

Skizz recognized the voice and walked a bit faster, seeing Tango talking to a...torch?

"Torchy. Welcome to my life, Torchy."

"Hey! What're you doing here?" Impulse asked sternly and Skizz jumped, not having had the chance to tell his friend about Tango.

Tango jumped and turned around.

He and Skizz made eye contact and Skizz looked down.

"You shouldn't be here." Impulse said, "I suggest you get going."

"I- "

"And put that fire out, this forest and burnt enough already."

Tango stuttered and Impulse glared at him.

"Impulse, hang on." Skizz said, finally speaking up.

Impulse looked over at him, "You know this guy?"

"Er- yeah. I- I do."

-

Skizz and Tango both lied and made up a story about how they met from college and became acquaintances. Impulse was skeptical of it but ended up believing it in the end.

He then went on to explore the forest because that was the reason why the firefighters were there in the first place. But Skizz didn't leave Tango's side yet.

"Hey...I'm sorry I shouted yesterday." Skizz said, "I just...my job is to protect people and make sure destruction doesn't happen, and you kind of go against that."

"I don't mean to, it just- "

"Yeah, I get how you don't mean to. I don't understand you completely but...I hope we can be...buddies."

Tango smiled.

"And I'm sorry about saying how I wished you did get hurt. If that really did happen to you, then I'm sorry."

"It's alright, it's okay now." Skizz lied.

"Anyway, so what's with the torch?" Skizz asked, changing the subject.

"Oh- Torchy? Yeah, I was just...needing a friend. I'm afraid I'm a burden to my other friend and he's having a good life. I don't wanna mess that up for him."

Skizz frowned.

"You know...as destructive as fire can be, it's also the spark for creation."

"Not really, it just burns what was there."

"Yeah, but over time, nature will regrow. It can help make a better ecosystem."

Tango smiled softly.

"You're just my little firebug."

"Yours?" Tango tilted his head and Skizz flushed red.

Tango chuckled, "Firebug, huh? I like that."

Skizz smiled weakly.

-

Skizz and Impulse were leaving the forest when Skizz stopped and turned to look at Tango.

"Yeah, I guess we just go back to Scar's. Just don't get mad I guess." Tango said to the torch.

Skizz sighed.

"Hey, Tango...do you wanna stay at my place?"

Tango looked up and turned to Skizz.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I mean, I don't have much company there, it might be nice to have a friend."

Tango smiled.

"And maybe I can help you learn to control your fire." Skizz said.

Tango chuckled.

"That'd be nice, thanks. But...I don't want to- "

"It's no problem, really." Skizz interrupted Tango.

"...alright then, I guess I will."