Labcoatby JKinsleyChaptersIn The LabField WorkCollating NotesIn The Lab“You shouldn’t go to CHS.” “Su-sugarcoat?” Twilight pushed her glasses back up and blinked. “Why shouldn’t I go to Canterlot High School?” She turned around to face Sugarcoat, who leaned against the doorway of Twilight’s lab. Her arms were crossed and her face betrayed no emotion, just the same dull, aloof look the rest of the school always seemed to convey. “I don’t want you to go to CHS,” Sugarcoat clarified. She pushed herself from the door frame but stayed standing in the doorway itself, blocking any exit. Her face dropped. “B-but why? There’s so much for me there, and so little left for me here. Those girls hardly knew me but gladly welcomed me and shared advice and— and they didn’t even seem phased that I turned into a,” Twilight looked down as tears stung the corners of her eyes, “a demon.” Sugarcoat took a few steps forward, still between Twilight and the door. “I’m sorry for my part in that, Twilight. Pressuring you into unleashing that magic is not one of my prouder moments. There are a lot of things I could have done differently.” Sugarcoat muttered something else under her breath. Twilight looked up at Sugarcoat, eyebrow raised but tears still shimmering in the corners of her eyes. “You should stop crying. You’re a lot prettier when you smile.” Sugarcoat reached her hand across her chest and grabbed her arm. “Pr-prettier?” “I’ve never been very good at expressing myself. I don’t, ugh, sugarcoat things,” her voice dripped with venom, as though she was disgusted with herself for saying it. She sighed. “I say the first thing that comes to mind more often than not, but I still.... Sometimes I can’t find the words. Like with you, Twilight Sparkle. I can’t. I say the wrong things because of how you make me feel.” Twilight shakes her head. “I just don’t understand. You’ve said some unkind things to me, how I suck at archery or public speaking or joining in with everyone to make me release that magic—” “I’m sorry.” Sugarcoat stepped forward and took ahold of Twilight’s hands. “I. Am. Sorry. I...” She took a deep breath to steady herself. “Can I explain?” Twilight didn’t shy away from Sugarcoat’s hands and nodded slowly; her eyes were transfixed on Sugar’s and how her silvery-white and blue streaked hair obscured anything else but the insistent, intense orchid eyes piercing into her own. “You’re awkward, you’re asocial, and even though we celebrated you joining the mathletes and the chess club because we’ve gone undefeated for years, you never became part of our group. I sometimes say things like ‘you should try not speaking in public’ not out of malice, but— but because I want you to be part of the group. I want you to open up to us, to laugh and smile and celebrate and dance...” Sugarcoat took steps forward with each word, pressing Twilight further back until she landed in her chair, her hands still held firmly by Sugarcoat’s. “Because I like you, Twilight. You have a sharp mind that doesn’t let up to get what it wants.” “Y-yo-y-you l-li-like m-me?” Twilight stared wide eyed up at Sugarcoat and then glanced at her surroundings: a small, almost closet-like lab most taken up by instruments and storage space, her chair pushed against the back wall, and a very persuasive girl confessing a long held crush. She blushed to the point that Sugarcoat could easily mistake her natural color for red. “Sugarcoat, wait.” Twilight pushed back and turned the pair around, Sugarcoat now with her back to the chair and Twilight with her back to the door. “This is a lot to take in,” she whispered slowly. “Is this really why you don’t want me to go, to leave? Because you think I’ll forget about you?” A light pink dusting made it to Sugarcoat’s cheeks and she stared at Twilight’s shoes. “Yes,” she mumbled, “I thought that if you stayed, if I pushed myself, that maybe I’d have a chance.” Twilight pulled one of her hands from Sugarcoat’s and brought it up to rest on her shoulder. “Sugarcoat, you’re very brave. For telling me this, for standing up to Principal Cinch. But...” Sugarcoat sighed, resignation drawn in her voice and on her face. “But...” she said without enthusiasm. “I don’t know. It’s a lot to take in and it’s just really sudden to me. I just don’t know you that well. So maybe before we go, um,” Twilight bit her lip nervously, “get into anything, maybe I can, we can get to know each other better? Have a friendly little chat?” Sugarcoat let out a breath she’d been holding. She checked the clock hanging on the wall. She looked back at Twilight. “Won’t we need to go to class soon?” “I have a free period for the rest of the day. If you need to go,” Twilight trailed off and stepped aside. She wore a sad smile, as if Sugarcoat leaving meant the feelings were superficial. “I’ll,” Sugarcoat glanced between Twilight and the door, “stay,” she declared. Her lips curled up into a small smile. Twilight’s eyes brightened. “OK, how about we... er...” Twilight’s smile faded into a frown and her brow knotted while she searched for something, anything to occupy their time with. Her phone buzzed with a calendar alert: the period was over and the bell would ring any moment. An idea struck her. “Play cards!” “Do you have a deck?” “Right here!” Twilight held up her phone. She walked Sugarcoat through installing the game on her phone, too, so they could play together. The bell rang loud and drawn out; students stampeded through the halls. Their footsteps were drowned out by the cacophony of voices and slammed lockers. Twilight slid her door shut and relished the click that dulled the roar of activity in the hall behind her. Sugarcoat smiled a little brighter and they sat down across from each other, phones in hand. A few matches went by in relative silence as they played, sharing a few snickers and groans as they won and lost. Twilight set her phone down. “Why me?” Twilight asked; they finished the series of games tied. Sugarcoat proved to be a formidable opponent, just as in chess and mathematics. “Because in sea of people driven to learn and be the best, you are exactly that. The best. The smartest.” Sugarcoat tossed a pigtail with her hand. “Maybe in contention for the cutest, but you’ve got strong competition.” She giggled as Twilight rolled her eyes at her. “You’ve got your flaws, but they center around your passion for scientific knowledge. It’s left a few gaps elsewhere. But after Canterlot High School, after the Friendship Games... I think all of Crystal Prep has a few gaps. I guess that’s why they call them the Friendship Games.” Sugarcoat looked down at her phone, still showing a fireworks animation. She shut off the display. “I was wrong before. Or what I said was wrong. You should go to CHS. But I’m torn. I don’t want you to go because I want to be with you. But I also want you to keep pushing forward to being the best. Those girls seem to know friendship in a way that we just don’t.” “But we can learn,” Twilight insisted. She scooted over to Sugarcoat’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Even if I go, you and I can still be friends—” Sugarcoat cringed “—or whatever else. But we can learn together. Like, um... what’s your favorite movie?” “Casablanca,” said Sugarcoat, in perfect imitation of Captain Renault. “The school has a copy and the theater room.” “Then let’s go watch it.” Sugarcoat bounced to her feet. “Follow me!” She grabbed Twilight’s hand and pulled her up, too, and in one fluid motion, she had the door open and the pair dashed down the hallway towards the theater on the other side of the school. When they ducked into an alcove to avoid the eye of a passing hall monitor, Sugarcoat giggled. “Oh man, if I had known skipping class would be this much fun, I’d have done it ages ago!” she whispered between stifled giggles. “Sugar!” Twilight hissed, “You didn’t tell me you were cutting class! You could get into trouble.” Sugarcoat shot Twilight a sly, flirtatious look. “And who better to get into trouble with than the ultimate teacher’s pet?” Twilight crossed her arms. “Hmph.” “Come on, I think he’s gone.” Sugarcoat grabbed Twilight’s hand again and they were off. They scurried through the deserted halls and encountered no one else. Twilight looked at an unmarked door on the floor above the entrance to the school’s theater. Sugarcoat had led her up to the projector level. The silver haired girl bumped the door knob in such a way that the door swung open in spite of being ‘locked’. She grabbed Twilight’s hand again tugged her inside before either could be spotted by any wandering eyes. “Sit over there.” Sugarcoat pointed to a tall chair next to a humming bit of machinery, lenses, and wires. Twilight obeyed and watched as Sugarcoat flipped through stacks of little jewel cases with handwritten titles. “Can I help?” Twilight offered. She fidgeted on the hard wooden surface underneath her. Sugarcoat shook her head and continued flipping through cases. Their rhythmic clack was oddly soothing, an easy contrast to Sugarcoat’s nearly endless stream of muttered profanities directed at the “incompetent nincompoop who organized this by lead actor’s last name, alphabetical, descending.” Several minutes in such a silence: the rustle of Twilight’s uniform as she fiddled with the hem of her skirt, the clack of jewel cases, and the mutters of annoyance. “Ah ha!” Sugarcoat triumphantly held the jewel case containing Casablanca aloft. “Found it!” She popped the case open and slotted the DVD into a tray in the bank of audio-video equipment on the other side of the projector. A trumpet fanfare blared over the speakers in the theater below and a large Warner Brother’s logo appeared in black-and-white on the screen. “Come on, we have to get downstairs quickly!” Twilight was again dragged by her hand from her seat and they practically sprinted down the hall to the stairs and took them two at a time until Sugarcoat yanked the door to the theater open and held it for Twilight. She stood still for a moment until Sugar’s head nodded inside. Twilight blushed and walked in. By the time Twilight selected a seat in the middle of the theater, the fanfare was still going and credits rolled over a backdrop of Africa. Sugarcoat took the seat to her right, pulling her legs onto the seat and leaning against Twilight. Twilight’s eyes never left the screen; she watched in muted awe as Rick, Isla, Sam, Captain Renault, Victor, and Major Strasser matched wits over the exit visas, lost love, and the perils of being a citizen driven from one’s home. Sugarcoat’s cheek was warm against her shoulder, and Twilight found herself leaned against the top of Sugarcoat’s head. Her hand was clasped in Sugar’s and she had a smile that just wouldn’t go away. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The movie faded to black and a end card came on the screen, but Sugarcoat made no move to get up. She had been snuggled to Twilight’s side for close to two hours and seemed intent on it lasting. The movie cut out entirely and the screen filled with bright white light. Twilight inhaled a deep breath. “That was... amazing. Beautiful, moving. The techniques they used to achieve each shot, the little models for the planes, the total lack of any special effects...” Twilight gushed. Sugar chuckled. “There’s a reason it’s my favorite. No one’s told a story quite like that before or since.” Neither made a move to get up. Twilight did, however, lift her head from Sugarcoat’s. “Was this our first date?” she asked, turning from the screen to the girl on her side. “If... if you want it to be. I’d like to do this again. Go on a date with you, I mean.” Sugarcoat nuzzled Twilight’s shoulder and then pecked her cheek. “If you’d like to, of course. Just...” The unspoken rejection echoed in Twilight’s ears. The warmth lingered on her shoulder, and her cheeks burned bright red from Sugarcoat’s kiss, however brief. Twilight nodded. “I could... I’d like that. Maybe, um, maybe we could visit the Sweet Shoppe? I heard from my friends that they do, uh, they do a decent dinner hour. I-if you’d like. I could, um, could take you. To dinner,” Twilight stumbled through her words and glanced at Sugarcoat, keeping her eyes focused intently on the seat in front of her. “I’d... I like this. I’m still not sure... I.... Maybe I was put off by your bluntness before, but it seems like you’re— like you’ll treat me well.” “How about,” Sugarcoat trailed off with her finger resting on her chin, “tomorrow night? 6 o’clock? I could come by and pick you up?” Twilight nodded vigorously and smiled. “Sure.” The school bell rung again. Sugarcoat got up and pecked Twilight’s cheek once more. “I’ll see you then.” Author's Note I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter! Field WorkTwilight’s doorbell rang, but Twilight’s mother answered first. From upstairs, she overheard a familiar-sounding voice talking just outside the doorway, and then heard her mother speak. “Oh, you must be Sugarcoat! Twilight’s just upstairs getting ready for your little date! She’ll be down in a minute!” Twilight Velvet said. She evidently turned towards the stairs and shouted, “Twilight, your girlfriend is here!” “She’s... ugh!” Twilight Sparkle shouted back. She didn’t want to say Sugar wasn’t her girlfriend and shoot any chance she had in the foot. At the same time, she didn’t want to declare that Sugarcoat made some... convincing arguments in her favor yesterday. Twilight leaned her ear closer to her open door while she slid on her knee-high grey socks. “I can see where Twilight gets her good looks from,” Sugarcoat said. “Why thank you! Her father is no slouch in the looks department either. And I’m sure your parents are quite the lookers themselves.” Twilight groaned in embarrassment. “I,” Sugarcoat paused for the briefest moment, “thank you, Ms. Velvet.” Twilight quickly slipped on a pair of matte black ballet flats and then smoothed her pleated navy skirt. She walked over the mirror and looked at herself from all sides, eying her powder blue cardigan and white blouse. She pushed up her glasses and adjusted the violet ribbon tying her hair back into her signature bun. She twisted side to side one last time and smiled to herself. If nothing else, she looked ready. The fluttering in her stomach, however.... Twilight snatched up her purse and descended the stairs as fast as she could without stomping, eager to end the awkward exchange between her date and her mom. When she finally turned the corner to the foyer, she stopped dead. She blinked. Her jaw dropped. She blinked again, twice. Sugarcoat stood with her hands clasped behind her back, but everything else about her appearance screamed that someone else had shown up. Her silver hair now cascaded over her shoulder, tied in sections with a shimmering royal blue ribbon. Her flat royal blue dress was tight in the waist but had loose, flowing sleeves and a skirt to match, flaring out down to her knees. Her legs were covered in white tights, ending with a pair of glossy blue pumps. Twilight strained to look her date in the eye. Gone were the pale orange frames hiding her orchid eyes. In their place were a pair of iridescent green frames that surrounded her eyes. They were backed with a similar shade of eyeshadow and seemed to have the overall effect of making Sugarcoat’s eyes look much brighter. “Ah, Twilight! Ready to go?” her mother asked from her position on the sofa. Her hands rested on her crossed knees and she smirked at Twilight. Twilight shook her head lightly to clear it. “Um, yes. Sorry.” She chuckled softly. “Sugarcoat? We’re taking your car, yes?” Sugarcoat nodded and extended her hand. Twilight took it and found herself dragged forward through the front door. “Bye Mom! We’ll be back later tonight, I have my phone, love you, bye!” she quickly shouted, her words both coming quicker and louder as she struggled to keep pace with Sugar’s fast strides. “Be back by 10, it’s a school night!” her mother shouted after her. The front clicked shut and Twilight still struggled to keep pace with Sugarcoat’s surprisingly fast walk. If Twilight could barely manage in flats, how Sugarcoat could do so in heels was beyond her. Twilight tried to catch her breath as Sugarcoat opened the passenger door on a cute little red hatchback. “Thank you,” Twilight said breathlessly. Sugar walked around the front of the car, slipped into the driver’s seat, and pressed a button just to the left of the steering wheel. The dashboard lit up, but Twilight didn’t hear an engine turn over. “Electric?” “Mmhmm. Well, a hybrid. The gas engine doesn’t kick in unless the batteries are flat or it needs the power at high speeds,” Sugarcoat explained. “Mom likes it because she can just let the car kick into electric mode during heavy traffic.” “This is your mom’s car?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. Sugarcoat responded with a pointed, flat look. “Twilight, my family is well off, but not ‘give your daughter her own luxury hybrid hatchback while still in high school’ rich. My high school graduation present is having college paid for. My college graduation present is a vehicle of my choice.” She shifted the car into gear and touched the throttle, putting them in motion down the quiet residential lane. “This car is nice, it’s got a good stereo, heated seats, it gets good gas mileage, blah blah blah. It’s so boring, though!” Twilight chuckled. “Please don’t tell me you want some exotic motorbike instead...” “After the incident with that plant? No, thanks. I just want something sporty. Maybe a convertible. A little front-engine, rear-wheel-drive cloth top. Nothing too fancy, just something fun,” Sugarcoat said. She then mumbled, “Something so I could take a cute girl like you out to the lake and watch the stars.” “Oh.” Twilight giggled nervously. She hoped “watch the stars” was a literal invitation to stargaze and not a euphemism for any backseat antics. Not that she would be opposed to that; out of her uniform, Sugarcoat looked desperately pretty and Twilight felt underdressed in comparison. “Um, speaking of stereo, do you think we could listen to some music on the way?” “What did you have in mind? I think my phone is paired, or if you’re familiar with the satellite radio channels and know what you want.” “Classical.” Twilight smiled brightly. Sugarcoat sighed. “Why am I not surprised?” Twilight frowned and wrung her hands. “What’s wrong with classical?” “Nothing!” Sugarcoat said quickly. “Nothing, I’m just.... I figured.” She offered Twilight a small smile. “OK....” Twilight reached towards the radio controls but dropped her hand. “I don’t want to mess up your mom’s car or anything. Do you think you could...?” Sugarcoat nodded. She pulled the car over for a moment and fiddled with the touchscreen controls. “Here we go. Classical.” She touched a button and suddenly the car filled with the delicate sounds of a violin’s slow, soft rise. “Ah,” Twilight sighed happily. “J.S. Bach’s Sonata No. 3, movement 1, Adagio.” “That was quick. You’re familiar with the piece?” The car rolled forward once more. Neither passenger could notice the whine of the electric motors over the stacking notes of Baroque composition. “I am. There’s... I really like adagios and sonatas. There’s just something alluring about them. I mean, adagio is just a tempo, a slow one. The calmer parts of a composition, generally. And sonatas are more often than not just a few select instruments, as opposed to a concerto, which is more like a full orchestra.” Twilight winced. “I’m not... I’m not rambling too much, am I?” Sugarcoat shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Hearing you talk about something that’s not school-related, it’s refreshing. I don’t think I’ve seen this side of you.” She smiled softly and stole a glance at a slightly blushing Twilight. “It’s a nice one.” “Thanks.” Twilight gently bit her lip. “Um, as I was saying, I like sonatas because of the focus on one instrument. It’s easier to have that just be gentle background music, you know? And adagios are, well, calmer. Both together make for great studying music.” “Hmm.” “Wh-what do you like to listen to?” “Oh, you know. The usual teenage stuff.” Sugarcoat waved her hand flippantly. “Death metal.” Twilight froze with her jaw hanging open. “D-de-death m-metal?” Sugarcoat snorted with laughter. “No, just regular, plain-old heavy metal. I tend to shy away from the violent stuff. This stuff, the classical that’s playing? Reminds me of symphonic metal. Not my first choice, but I can appreciate talent.” Twilight chuckled nervously and wrapped her arms around her waist, as if to hug herself. “You’re a little freaked out by the death metal comment.” Twilight nodded mutely. “I’m sorry. I was trying to be funny. I guess you’re not used to my sense of humor yet.” They both stared ahead in solemn silence for the several minutes of driving until they reached the Sweet Shoppe. Sugarcoat parked, opened her door, and walked around to open Twilight’s door. Twilight grabbed Sugarcoat’s hand after she shut the door. “Wait, before we go in, I... I wanted to apologize. I know you were just trying to make me laugh, and I maybe freaked out a little bit. I’m sorry. I know you’re trying, and it’s really sweet that you are.” Twilight barely stood on her toes and pecked Sugarcoat’s cheek. A light pink blush blossomed on both of their faces. “So, shall we?” Sugarcoat squeezed Twilight’s hand gently and whispered, “We shall.” She walked forward and Twilight quickly followed behind her. Twilight’s heart fluttered at the way Sugarcoat’s hand felt in hers: the subtle warmth of another person and the connection that implied and how Sugarcoat was so in control of the situation. Before Twilight knew it, they both stood at the front podium as the host prepared their menus and beckoned them to a booth in the middle of the restaurant. She glanced around. Hardly anyone was in the dining area. Twilight found her seat and the host set a menu in front of her and her date. After a few words about their server, the host disappeared and Sugarcoat and Twilight had the table to themselves. Twilight smiled softly and checked over the menu quickly. While she hadn’t ventured this far into the city (except for her occasional “research” projects at Canterlot High), she quickly found a menu item that agreed with her. She set the menu down and tented her hands on the table. She glanced around the dining room; a dark-grey-haired waitress with severely sharp bangs refilled a family’s water glasses from a pitcher while deliberately avoiding eye contact, a light-grey-haired waitress with similarly sharp bangs took another couple’s order and jotted it down on a notepad. Across from her, Sugarcoat set down her own menu and smirked at Twilight. “See anyone else that catches your eye?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “No. Honestly, Sugarcoat, you look amazing. Did you put that outfit together yourself?” Sugarcoat chuckled. “No, sadly, I had some help. Sunny Flare is a bit of a fashionista, so when I asked for an outfit for tonight... She’s actually quite fond of Rarity’s boutique, if you can believe that. They’ve apparently talked shop before. Sunny did keep being a Crystal Prep student from her, though. Rarity was doing some project or another to make these goofy horse ear headband things and...” She saw the raised eyebrow from Twilight. “Right, you’re going to be attending Canterlot High for your final year. Sorry.” “No, it’s fine. I mean, I’ve always found the whole rivalry thing to be pretty silly. I wouldn’t have even considered participating if Cinch hadn’t blackmailed me into it. I would’ve come, but to...” Twilight wrung her hands. “To finish my experiments in finding out more about the magic going on there. I guess I got my wish.” She sighed and stared at the table. “Hey.” Sugarcoat rested her hand on Twilight’s and smiled softly at her. “We all make mistakes sometimes. Even if they are strangely sexy in a dangerous way.” Twilight blushed furiously and looked down at the table. “Sorry. I should’ve maybe kept that to myself.” Sugarcoat sighed. “Being honest all the time isn’t... well, let’s be real, being brutally honest all the time isn’t doing me any favors with trying to make friends. Or... or a girlfriend.” “Sugarcoat,” Twilight said softly, reaching out her hand to grasp Sugarcoat’s. “I guess if you spend one too many times telling people things that they’ll hurt you with, you learn to tell everyone everything, so nothing is secret.” “Sorry? I don’t understand.” Sugarcoat sighed. “In a minute, I think our waitress is about to ask us for our order.” Before Twilight could press further, the waitress with the light grey hair approached them. “Hi, I’m Limestone, I’ll be your server. What can I get for you?” she asked in a gravelly voice and almost aggressive tone. “Umm,” Twilight hesitated. “I’ll have the mushroom fettuccine with the fire-roasted tomato sauce,” Sugarcoat said. She passed her menu to Limestone. “And for you?” Limestone turned to Twilight. “I’ll ha-have the e-eggplant Par-Parmesan. Please,” she added hastily. Limestone jotted down their orders. “Anything to drink?” “Water, please.” “Water for me too, thanks.” “We’ll have your order out shortly.” Limestone turned sharply on her heels and marched off to the kitchen. “Anyway, Sugarcoat, you were saying that you learned to be brutally honest to keep people from hurting you. What happened?” Twilight asked. She reached her hand across the table. Sugarcoat accepted and clasped her hand with Twilight’s. “It’s a bit of a story, if I’m honest.” “I’m willing to listen.” Twilight smiled. Author's Note I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter! Collating Notes“It started before Crystal Prep. I used to live in a small town. One traffic light, everyone knows everyone else, that whole cliche. I found out near the end of the school year that we were moving to Canterlot. There was another girl in my class, a girl I thought of as a friend.” Sugarcoat continued her story as their food arrived and they ate slowly. “I was young and just getting to know myself, but I knew then that I liked girls. Everyone else in class was talking about ‘how cute that boy down the street is’ or things like. Everyone but me and my friend. No one paid any mind to it, because we largely kept to ourselves. I.... I hoped that she felt the same, or at least that we both liked girls and could bond over that, too. She wasn’t that great at math or science, but she read novels like it was a mission to have read the entire library before we left for high school. For her birthday, I got her a box set of her favorite series. She hugged me.” Sugarcoat chuckled ruefully with a bittersweet smile on her face. “A couple of weeks before the end of school, I asked her if we could hang out in the park for a little bit.” “And?” Twilight asked, her cutlery set on her plate now that she’d finished. Sugarcoat dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “And she showed up. We chatted and eventually we got around to the fact that I was going to leave. And I told her that I liked girls and that I liked her. She hugged me, and said she was sorry; she didn’t like girls, but... she wished me all the best.” “That doesn’t sound... I mean, I’m not seeing...” Twilight said. “It... wasn’t entirely her. I guess one of the other girls in class, a...” Sugarcoat bit her tongue. “Notorious gossip, shall we say? Decided it would a good idea to follow us and stay out of sight. She overheard and the next day at school.... I was teased, and humiliated, and my friend...” She clenched her jaw. “She didn’t stand up for me. No one did. The teachers said I was confused, it would pass. The last week of school was hell. I was glad to leave. And that resentment just festered for a while. When I got to Crystal Prep, I made it a mission to not let anyone hurt me with that, so I made sure everything was out in the open.” The bill arrived in the brief silence, and Twilight pulled out her purse to grab her bank card to pay for their meal. By the time she came back up with her wallet, the billfold was gone and Sugarcoat tucked a few bills back into her purse. “Aw, Sugarcoat, I was going to pay.” Twilight protested meekly. “It’s alright. I don’t mind. I haven’t told anyone else that story. So thank you, Twilight Sparkle, for listening.” She brushed her hair around her shoulder and smiled softly. Twilight stood up, strode around the table to her date, and offered her a hand up. When Sugarcoat accepted, Twilight pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for sharing it with me. I’m not going to say I know exactly what I want, but I’m willing to try with you.” She kissed Sugarcoat’s cheek and pulled away. When Sugarcoat blushed a deep red, she giggled and covered her mouth. “Shall we head out then?” Sugarcoat nodded and grabbed her purse. She slung it over her shoulder and grabbed Twilight’s hand with her other, unoccupied hand. They turned and shared a warm smile. Twilight walked a little closer as they exited the restaurant in the slightly chilled evening air. Night had properly fallen, and a few stars dotted the sky. “You know, going out of the city with you to stargaze doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Just us, a telescope, and maybe some hot cocoa...” Twilight sighed wistfully. “You’re a dork, Twilight,” Sugarcoat replied. “But you’re an adorable dork. It’s endearing.” Twilight fidgeted with her purse. “Um, thanks? I—” Sugarcoat clicked the button on her car remote and the door locks clicked open with a mechanical thunk and an electronic beep. “It was a compliment. If that’s what you’re thinking.” She opened the passenger door to her car. Twilight stepped in and held the door open for a moment. “You’re going to take some getting used to, you know?” She smiled. “Then I can only hope that I’m worth it,” Sugarcoat whispered as she closed the door. She quickly walked around her car, opened her door, and slid into the driver’s seat. She pushed the ignition button and the car whirred to life. “9:35,” she read from the display. “And it’s a 20 minute drive back to your house.” She sighed as another adagio filled the car from the stereo. “Hey,” Twilight said, reaching a hand over to lay on Sugarcoat’s arm. “Tomorrow’s another day. We’ll see each other again.” “Does this make us... does this mean we’re dating?” Sugarcoat asked. Her hands wrung together. “I think it does. Now how about we get home before we get in trouble?” Twilight grinned. Sugarcoat smiled back before slipping the car into gear and pulling out of the parking lot. The drive home was pleasantly quiet, the music and Twilight’s humming aside. Sugarcoat stole a few glances at her date and blushed each time. Twilight always was prettiest when she didn’t care what anyone else thought and just expressed her true self. That, and she finally, maybe, had a girlfriend. Soon enough, they pulled up in front of Twilight’s house. The porch lights were still on, even if the lights of the foyer weren’t. Sugarcoat walked Twilight up to the front door and stood there, playing with Twilight’s hands. She blushed and glanced away nervously. Twilight held onto both of Sugarcoat’s hands. “Is this the part where we kiss?” Sugarcoat blushed brighter. “I’d like to, yes,” she said softly. Twilight placed one of her hands on Sugarcoat’s shoulder and stood on her toes once more, this time aiming for her date’s lips. They leaned in together, closed their eyes, and bumped glass frames before recoiling in shock. Twilight chuckled and Sugarcoat joined in. “I didn’t think that would be an issue.” Twilight pulled her frames off and tucked them in one of her cardigan’s pockets before trying again. She placed her hand on Sugarcoat’s shoulder and stood on her toes. This time, she leaned her head to the side, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips against Sugarcoat’s as they met. The last thing that went through Twilight’s mind before it blanked with the white light and electricity of their kiss was how soft Sugarcoat’s lips felt against hers. Sugarcoat’s arms moved down and wrapped around the small of Twilight’s back, helping to keep her steady as she continued to stand on her toes to kiss the silver-haired beauty on her door stop. Slowly, they parted after what felt like an hour to deep red blushes. Blushes that got even redder when the lights to the foyer flicked on and the door opened to Twilight Velvet and Night Light. Sugarcoat’s face drained of color and she quickly darted off to her car, once again showing a remarkable ability to move at unfathomable speed in heels. Twilight reached her hand out after her, to which Sugarcoat waved her phone once. Twilight sighed dejectedly as the car pulled away with little noise: just the crunch of rubber on asphalt. Her mother hugged her from behind, nearly lifting her from the ground. “Oh, my little baby’s growing up! Her first kiss, Night!” she simpered. “MOM!” Twilight screeched. “We were having a moment. She’s scared off and I’m so embarrassed!” “Oh, honey, these things happen!” Night Light laughed and ruffled Twilight’s hair in the embrace she struggled to free herself from. Eventually her mother let go and Twilight stomped off to her room, grumbling most of the way. Once inside, she slumped to the floor and Spike leapt into her lap. “Oh, Spike, what a night.” She scratched his ears to an appreciative woof. “The date went really well. We even kissed. And then Mom and Dad had to ruin it.” She picked Spike up and put him back in his basket. “I should text her.” She pulled her phone from her purse and opened her messaging app. Hey Sugarcoat! I had a really good time tonight, and I hope what happened with my parents doesn’t change anything. They just... they’re parents, you know? They’re happy for me, if that makes a difference. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you over the past couple of days and I’d really like to keep doing that. And... I maybe really liked that kiss too. Soooo... Twilight nibbled on the end of a finger, her other hand occupied with holding her phone and tapping the screen in an attempt to see the moment she got a reply back. “Should I text her again?” she asked aloud. “Give her a bit, Twi,” Spike said from his bed. Twilight sighed and started to undress. She managed to slip into her pajamas, brush her teeth, remove what little makeup she was wearing, and comb her hair before her phone buzzed. Hey Twilight, sorry I had to go. I did kind of panic a bit about your parents being there. I shouldn’t have, but old habits. I’m glad, at any rate, and maybe we can all sit down and meet properly some time. I liked the kiss too, and I would like to be your girlfriend. Maybe we can hang out a bit at school tomorrow? Twilight beamed and clapped her hands together. Yes! I have my free periods in the afternoon, but I don’t want you skip class again. We could always spend lunch in my lab. That might be best, even. As much as I want to spend more time with you, I do need to get everything packed up. But I like the sound of that. Being your girlfriend, I mean. I’m heading to bed now, so good night Sugarcoat. Thanks for dinner and everything else. Twilight set her phone down and sighed. “Maybe tonight was a good night, Spike.” Twilight’s phone buzzed one last time. She read the message, smiled, and shut off the display before falling into a peaceful sleep. Good night and sweet dreams, Twilight Sparkle. See you soon. :) Twilight woke to the gentle, climbing tones of her alarm. She shut it off, yawned, and slipped out of bed to start on her morning routine. Showered, teeth and hair brushed, dressed, and packed for school, Twilight gave Spike a good ruffle behind his ears before bounding down the stairs to breakfast. “Good morning, Twilight,” said her mother. “Morning, Mom,” she replied brightly. Her mother passed a bowl of cereal over to her and Twilight dug in, talking briefly between mouthfuls. “About last night, I’m sorry for snapping. I guess I was a bit angry that I didn’t really say goodbye to Sugarcoat and it felt like a sour note to end the night. And it is kind of embarrassing to be caught by your parents kissing your girlfriend.” Twilight Velvet hugged her daughter tightly once more. “Honey, we understand. You’re new to the dating thing, and probably to the liking girls thing, so some embarrassment is natural. But your father and I will try to keep our part in that to a minimum, OK?” Twilight nodded. “Thanks, Mom.” “And do the kids at school know? Or will they know?” “No, and I don’t know.” Twilight munched on her cereal. “I’ll be having a talk with Sugarcoat later today, so we’ll see. With me transferring, it might not be so bad, but with her staying... it’s more her call.” Her mother nodded sagely. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, for any reason. Stay safe, pumpkin.” She kissed Twilight’s forehead as Twilight finished her cereal and headed out the door to the bus stop. Twilight Velvet sighed and pulled out her phone, tapping rapidly on the screen. Twilight dashed to her lab from the bus so she could drop off her books and pick up her notebook for her first class. When she exited and turned around, she crashed into Sour Sweet. “Sour Sweet, I’m sorry!” she said. “I just turned around and—” “Oh, Twilight, don’t worry about it!” Sour Sweet started sweetly, before her voice dropped in pitch. “Just watch where you’re going next time.” She stalked off with an odd look on her face, and Twilight continued down the corridor, careful not to bump into any more students, lest she draw more wrath than necessary. Twilight made it to her class on time and sat down in her desk, pen and notebook ready to take notes. History lectures may have been a bit of weak point for her since most textbooks lacked adequate citations, primary sources, and multiple viewpoints, but Twilight trudged forth. At least, she normally trudged forth. Class seemed especially dull today, and the lecturer could not have been more boring. Her thoughts wandered back to her date last night and the pleasant memory of Sugarcoat’s soft lips pressing insistently against hers. She smiled. Which she regretted a moment later, when the lecturer called on her in his gratingly nasal tone. “Well, Miss Sparkle? Do you have something to add to our ‘discussion’,” he finger quoted, “about 20th century banking regulations?” “N-no, sir,” she said. “I’m sorry, sir.” She kept her head down for the rest of the lesson. It did nothing to help her focus, however, as her notes resembled nothing but hearts and other doodles. Twilight felt like despondently rolling her head across it if it weren’t for the twin specters of getting ink on her forehead and being called out again. Blessedly, the class ended, and for once, Twilight was out the door with everyone else to many curious looks. She shot them a sheepish smile in the hopes that would be answer enough. Moving with the crowd presented its own problem when Twilight once again bumped into someone and knocked them both to the ground. Unfortunately, that someone was Sour Sweet. Again. “Sour Sweet, I’m still so sorry! It’s not on—” “Oh, Twilight, don’t you worry!” she said, picking herself up. “I’ve got my eye on you.” She shot Twilight with a glare and walked off. “Uh...” Twilight said to no one. A hand reached down to help her up. “Sugarcoat!” she said gleefully. She quickly hugged her and then stepped back to dust herself off. “Ahem. Um, thank you,” she said awkwardly with an equally awkward smile. Sugarcoat froze up for a second and glanced around. “You are welcome?” She leaned in for a moment and whispered, “I’ll see you in your lab at lunch, OK?” She squeezed the top of Twilight’s hand and dashed off to class. Twilight gathered herself and headed to her class, as well, perplexed at what exactly was going on this morning. Once more settled into her desk in class, Twilight tried to focus on the math lesson and the equations on the board. She exhaled sharply. She hoped her new clumsy streak would end soon or she’d find herself in the infirmary with a good few bumps from crashing into people. Twilight found herself resenting not having anyone to talk to in class, especially when the day’s worksheet got distributed. She finished in record time; calculus proved to be a decent, if short-lived, distraction from her pining. Slowly, the chatter around her increased and increased, until it seemed like the entire class was talking around her now they’d finished with the worksheet, too. The teacher called for order and asked that everything be handed in a few minutes before the end of class. Again, Twilight found herself in an unusual position of joining her classmates in eager anticipation of the end of class, because it signaled the start of lunch. As soon as the bell rung, everyone bolted for the door. While everyone else headed for the cafeterias, Twilight walked briskly to her lab, fortunately in the opposite direction. She opened the door and found it thankfully empty. She needed a few moments to just sit and relax in peace. She collapsed into the chair, let her head fall over the back of the chair, and draped her arm across her forehead. “Oh, I should’ve brought Spike to school today,” she whined to the ceiling. “I prefer a little privacy myself,” Sugarcoat muttered, slipping into the room quietly. Twilight laughed but made no effort to get up. “Rough morning?” “Nothing that I didn’t do to myself. Being new to this dating thing... I’ll need time to adjust.” Twilight twirled around in the chair until her upside-down head came to face Sugarcoat’s half-smirk. Sugarcoat spun the chair around so Twilight now faced her and she straddled Twilight’s lap. “Well, I hope we can make the transition easy for both of us.” Sugarcoat leaned down with her lips puckered. “Sugarcoat, one thing really quickly,” Twilight said, leaning back with her hand pressed against the top of Sugarcoat’s chest, just below her necktie. “Are we... are we going to go public about us? Maybe not kissing in the hallways, but are we going to tell our friends?” Twilight looked up into Sugarcoat’s eyes, her own wide and hopeful. Sugarcoat smiled back. “I’ll be OK with whatever you choose. For all its faults, Crystal Prep isn’t.... I feel safe here.” She leaned down again and this time Twilight met her. They kissed wildly in the privacy of the lab, Twilight’s hands on Sugarcoat’s waist, Sugarcoat’s hands running through Twilight’s hair or pressed against the chair. Their mouths parted just enough to let their tongues inexpertly wrestle for a few brief moments until they pulled away, panting lightly with bright red blushes. “Wow, that was... that was something else, Sugar—Sweet?!” Twilight yelped. “Aw, aren’t you two just the cutest?” Sour Sweet simpered. “It’s just a shame I want to yank you off that chair by your pigtails for making out with my crush, Sugarcoat!” Twilight’s jaw dropped. This would be an interesting school year indeed. Author's Note And that's all, folks! At least for this story. Sorry (not sorry) for the sequel hook. I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, Ron, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter!
In The Lab“You shouldn’t go to CHS.” “Su-sugarcoat?” Twilight pushed her glasses back up and blinked. “Why shouldn’t I go to Canterlot High School?” She turned around to face Sugarcoat, who leaned against the doorway of Twilight’s lab. Her arms were crossed and her face betrayed no emotion, just the same dull, aloof look the rest of the school always seemed to convey. “I don’t want you to go to CHS,” Sugarcoat clarified. She pushed herself from the door frame but stayed standing in the doorway itself, blocking any exit. Her face dropped. “B-but why? There’s so much for me there, and so little left for me here. Those girls hardly knew me but gladly welcomed me and shared advice and— and they didn’t even seem phased that I turned into a,” Twilight looked down as tears stung the corners of her eyes, “a demon.” Sugarcoat took a few steps forward, still between Twilight and the door. “I’m sorry for my part in that, Twilight. Pressuring you into unleashing that magic is not one of my prouder moments. There are a lot of things I could have done differently.” Sugarcoat muttered something else under her breath. Twilight looked up at Sugarcoat, eyebrow raised but tears still shimmering in the corners of her eyes. “You should stop crying. You’re a lot prettier when you smile.” Sugarcoat reached her hand across her chest and grabbed her arm. “Pr-prettier?” “I’ve never been very good at expressing myself. I don’t, ugh, sugarcoat things,” her voice dripped with venom, as though she was disgusted with herself for saying it. She sighed. “I say the first thing that comes to mind more often than not, but I still.... Sometimes I can’t find the words. Like with you, Twilight Sparkle. I can’t. I say the wrong things because of how you make me feel.” Twilight shakes her head. “I just don’t understand. You’ve said some unkind things to me, how I suck at archery or public speaking or joining in with everyone to make me release that magic—” “I’m sorry.” Sugarcoat stepped forward and took ahold of Twilight’s hands. “I. Am. Sorry. I...” She took a deep breath to steady herself. “Can I explain?” Twilight didn’t shy away from Sugarcoat’s hands and nodded slowly; her eyes were transfixed on Sugar’s and how her silvery-white and blue streaked hair obscured anything else but the insistent, intense orchid eyes piercing into her own. “You’re awkward, you’re asocial, and even though we celebrated you joining the mathletes and the chess club because we’ve gone undefeated for years, you never became part of our group. I sometimes say things like ‘you should try not speaking in public’ not out of malice, but— but because I want you to be part of the group. I want you to open up to us, to laugh and smile and celebrate and dance...” Sugarcoat took steps forward with each word, pressing Twilight further back until she landed in her chair, her hands still held firmly by Sugarcoat’s. “Because I like you, Twilight. You have a sharp mind that doesn’t let up to get what it wants.” “Y-yo-y-you l-li-like m-me?” Twilight stared wide eyed up at Sugarcoat and then glanced at her surroundings: a small, almost closet-like lab most taken up by instruments and storage space, her chair pushed against the back wall, and a very persuasive girl confessing a long held crush. She blushed to the point that Sugarcoat could easily mistake her natural color for red. “Sugarcoat, wait.” Twilight pushed back and turned the pair around, Sugarcoat now with her back to the chair and Twilight with her back to the door. “This is a lot to take in,” she whispered slowly. “Is this really why you don’t want me to go, to leave? Because you think I’ll forget about you?” A light pink dusting made it to Sugarcoat’s cheeks and she stared at Twilight’s shoes. “Yes,” she mumbled, “I thought that if you stayed, if I pushed myself, that maybe I’d have a chance.” Twilight pulled one of her hands from Sugarcoat’s and brought it up to rest on her shoulder. “Sugarcoat, you’re very brave. For telling me this, for standing up to Principal Cinch. But...” Sugarcoat sighed, resignation drawn in her voice and on her face. “But...” she said without enthusiasm. “I don’t know. It’s a lot to take in and it’s just really sudden to me. I just don’t know you that well. So maybe before we go, um,” Twilight bit her lip nervously, “get into anything, maybe I can, we can get to know each other better? Have a friendly little chat?” Sugarcoat let out a breath she’d been holding. She checked the clock hanging on the wall. She looked back at Twilight. “Won’t we need to go to class soon?” “I have a free period for the rest of the day. If you need to go,” Twilight trailed off and stepped aside. She wore a sad smile, as if Sugarcoat leaving meant the feelings were superficial. “I’ll,” Sugarcoat glanced between Twilight and the door, “stay,” she declared. Her lips curled up into a small smile. Twilight’s eyes brightened. “OK, how about we... er...” Twilight’s smile faded into a frown and her brow knotted while she searched for something, anything to occupy their time with. Her phone buzzed with a calendar alert: the period was over and the bell would ring any moment. An idea struck her. “Play cards!” “Do you have a deck?” “Right here!” Twilight held up her phone. She walked Sugarcoat through installing the game on her phone, too, so they could play together. The bell rang loud and drawn out; students stampeded through the halls. Their footsteps were drowned out by the cacophony of voices and slammed lockers. Twilight slid her door shut and relished the click that dulled the roar of activity in the hall behind her. Sugarcoat smiled a little brighter and they sat down across from each other, phones in hand. A few matches went by in relative silence as they played, sharing a few snickers and groans as they won and lost. Twilight set her phone down. “Why me?” Twilight asked; they finished the series of games tied. Sugarcoat proved to be a formidable opponent, just as in chess and mathematics. “Because in sea of people driven to learn and be the best, you are exactly that. The best. The smartest.” Sugarcoat tossed a pigtail with her hand. “Maybe in contention for the cutest, but you’ve got strong competition.” She giggled as Twilight rolled her eyes at her. “You’ve got your flaws, but they center around your passion for scientific knowledge. It’s left a few gaps elsewhere. But after Canterlot High School, after the Friendship Games... I think all of Crystal Prep has a few gaps. I guess that’s why they call them the Friendship Games.” Sugarcoat looked down at her phone, still showing a fireworks animation. She shut off the display. “I was wrong before. Or what I said was wrong. You should go to CHS. But I’m torn. I don’t want you to go because I want to be with you. But I also want you to keep pushing forward to being the best. Those girls seem to know friendship in a way that we just don’t.” “But we can learn,” Twilight insisted. She scooted over to Sugarcoat’s side and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. “Even if I go, you and I can still be friends—” Sugarcoat cringed “—or whatever else. But we can learn together. Like, um... what’s your favorite movie?” “Casablanca,” said Sugarcoat, in perfect imitation of Captain Renault. “The school has a copy and the theater room.” “Then let’s go watch it.” Sugarcoat bounced to her feet. “Follow me!” She grabbed Twilight’s hand and pulled her up, too, and in one fluid motion, she had the door open and the pair dashed down the hallway towards the theater on the other side of the school. When they ducked into an alcove to avoid the eye of a passing hall monitor, Sugarcoat giggled. “Oh man, if I had known skipping class would be this much fun, I’d have done it ages ago!” she whispered between stifled giggles. “Sugar!” Twilight hissed, “You didn’t tell me you were cutting class! You could get into trouble.” Sugarcoat shot Twilight a sly, flirtatious look. “And who better to get into trouble with than the ultimate teacher’s pet?” Twilight crossed her arms. “Hmph.” “Come on, I think he’s gone.” Sugarcoat grabbed Twilight’s hand again and they were off. They scurried through the deserted halls and encountered no one else. Twilight looked at an unmarked door on the floor above the entrance to the school’s theater. Sugarcoat had led her up to the projector level. The silver haired girl bumped the door knob in such a way that the door swung open in spite of being ‘locked’. She grabbed Twilight’s hand again tugged her inside before either could be spotted by any wandering eyes. “Sit over there.” Sugarcoat pointed to a tall chair next to a humming bit of machinery, lenses, and wires. Twilight obeyed and watched as Sugarcoat flipped through stacks of little jewel cases with handwritten titles. “Can I help?” Twilight offered. She fidgeted on the hard wooden surface underneath her. Sugarcoat shook her head and continued flipping through cases. Their rhythmic clack was oddly soothing, an easy contrast to Sugarcoat’s nearly endless stream of muttered profanities directed at the “incompetent nincompoop who organized this by lead actor’s last name, alphabetical, descending.” Several minutes in such a silence: the rustle of Twilight’s uniform as she fiddled with the hem of her skirt, the clack of jewel cases, and the mutters of annoyance. “Ah ha!” Sugarcoat triumphantly held the jewel case containing Casablanca aloft. “Found it!” She popped the case open and slotted the DVD into a tray in the bank of audio-video equipment on the other side of the projector. A trumpet fanfare blared over the speakers in the theater below and a large Warner Brother’s logo appeared in black-and-white on the screen. “Come on, we have to get downstairs quickly!” Twilight was again dragged by her hand from her seat and they practically sprinted down the hall to the stairs and took them two at a time until Sugarcoat yanked the door to the theater open and held it for Twilight. She stood still for a moment until Sugar’s head nodded inside. Twilight blushed and walked in. By the time Twilight selected a seat in the middle of the theater, the fanfare was still going and credits rolled over a backdrop of Africa. Sugarcoat took the seat to her right, pulling her legs onto the seat and leaning against Twilight. Twilight’s eyes never left the screen; she watched in muted awe as Rick, Isla, Sam, Captain Renault, Victor, and Major Strasser matched wits over the exit visas, lost love, and the perils of being a citizen driven from one’s home. Sugarcoat’s cheek was warm against her shoulder, and Twilight found herself leaned against the top of Sugarcoat’s head. Her hand was clasped in Sugar’s and she had a smile that just wouldn’t go away. “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” The movie faded to black and a end card came on the screen, but Sugarcoat made no move to get up. She had been snuggled to Twilight’s side for close to two hours and seemed intent on it lasting. The movie cut out entirely and the screen filled with bright white light. Twilight inhaled a deep breath. “That was... amazing. Beautiful, moving. The techniques they used to achieve each shot, the little models for the planes, the total lack of any special effects...” Twilight gushed. Sugar chuckled. “There’s a reason it’s my favorite. No one’s told a story quite like that before or since.” Neither made a move to get up. Twilight did, however, lift her head from Sugarcoat’s. “Was this our first date?” she asked, turning from the screen to the girl on her side. “If... if you want it to be. I’d like to do this again. Go on a date with you, I mean.” Sugarcoat nuzzled Twilight’s shoulder and then pecked her cheek. “If you’d like to, of course. Just...” The unspoken rejection echoed in Twilight’s ears. The warmth lingered on her shoulder, and her cheeks burned bright red from Sugarcoat’s kiss, however brief. Twilight nodded. “I could... I’d like that. Maybe, um, maybe we could visit the Sweet Shoppe? I heard from my friends that they do, uh, they do a decent dinner hour. I-if you’d like. I could, um, could take you. To dinner,” Twilight stumbled through her words and glanced at Sugarcoat, keeping her eyes focused intently on the seat in front of her. “I’d... I like this. I’m still not sure... I.... Maybe I was put off by your bluntness before, but it seems like you’re— like you’ll treat me well.” “How about,” Sugarcoat trailed off with her finger resting on her chin, “tomorrow night? 6 o’clock? I could come by and pick you up?” Twilight nodded vigorously and smiled. “Sure.” The school bell rung again. Sugarcoat got up and pecked Twilight’s cheek once more. “I’ll see you then.” Author's Note I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter!
Field WorkTwilight’s doorbell rang, but Twilight’s mother answered first. From upstairs, she overheard a familiar-sounding voice talking just outside the doorway, and then heard her mother speak. “Oh, you must be Sugarcoat! Twilight’s just upstairs getting ready for your little date! She’ll be down in a minute!” Twilight Velvet said. She evidently turned towards the stairs and shouted, “Twilight, your girlfriend is here!” “She’s... ugh!” Twilight Sparkle shouted back. She didn’t want to say Sugar wasn’t her girlfriend and shoot any chance she had in the foot. At the same time, she didn’t want to declare that Sugarcoat made some... convincing arguments in her favor yesterday. Twilight leaned her ear closer to her open door while she slid on her knee-high grey socks. “I can see where Twilight gets her good looks from,” Sugarcoat said. “Why thank you! Her father is no slouch in the looks department either. And I’m sure your parents are quite the lookers themselves.” Twilight groaned in embarrassment. “I,” Sugarcoat paused for the briefest moment, “thank you, Ms. Velvet.” Twilight quickly slipped on a pair of matte black ballet flats and then smoothed her pleated navy skirt. She walked over the mirror and looked at herself from all sides, eying her powder blue cardigan and white blouse. She pushed up her glasses and adjusted the violet ribbon tying her hair back into her signature bun. She twisted side to side one last time and smiled to herself. If nothing else, she looked ready. The fluttering in her stomach, however.... Twilight snatched up her purse and descended the stairs as fast as she could without stomping, eager to end the awkward exchange between her date and her mom. When she finally turned the corner to the foyer, she stopped dead. She blinked. Her jaw dropped. She blinked again, twice. Sugarcoat stood with her hands clasped behind her back, but everything else about her appearance screamed that someone else had shown up. Her silver hair now cascaded over her shoulder, tied in sections with a shimmering royal blue ribbon. Her flat royal blue dress was tight in the waist but had loose, flowing sleeves and a skirt to match, flaring out down to her knees. Her legs were covered in white tights, ending with a pair of glossy blue pumps. Twilight strained to look her date in the eye. Gone were the pale orange frames hiding her orchid eyes. In their place were a pair of iridescent green frames that surrounded her eyes. They were backed with a similar shade of eyeshadow and seemed to have the overall effect of making Sugarcoat’s eyes look much brighter. “Ah, Twilight! Ready to go?” her mother asked from her position on the sofa. Her hands rested on her crossed knees and she smirked at Twilight. Twilight shook her head lightly to clear it. “Um, yes. Sorry.” She chuckled softly. “Sugarcoat? We’re taking your car, yes?” Sugarcoat nodded and extended her hand. Twilight took it and found herself dragged forward through the front door. “Bye Mom! We’ll be back later tonight, I have my phone, love you, bye!” she quickly shouted, her words both coming quicker and louder as she struggled to keep pace with Sugar’s fast strides. “Be back by 10, it’s a school night!” her mother shouted after her. The front clicked shut and Twilight still struggled to keep pace with Sugarcoat’s surprisingly fast walk. If Twilight could barely manage in flats, how Sugarcoat could do so in heels was beyond her. Twilight tried to catch her breath as Sugarcoat opened the passenger door on a cute little red hatchback. “Thank you,” Twilight said breathlessly. Sugar walked around the front of the car, slipped into the driver’s seat, and pressed a button just to the left of the steering wheel. The dashboard lit up, but Twilight didn’t hear an engine turn over. “Electric?” “Mmhmm. Well, a hybrid. The gas engine doesn’t kick in unless the batteries are flat or it needs the power at high speeds,” Sugarcoat explained. “Mom likes it because she can just let the car kick into electric mode during heavy traffic.” “This is your mom’s car?” Twilight raised an eyebrow. Sugarcoat responded with a pointed, flat look. “Twilight, my family is well off, but not ‘give your daughter her own luxury hybrid hatchback while still in high school’ rich. My high school graduation present is having college paid for. My college graduation present is a vehicle of my choice.” She shifted the car into gear and touched the throttle, putting them in motion down the quiet residential lane. “This car is nice, it’s got a good stereo, heated seats, it gets good gas mileage, blah blah blah. It’s so boring, though!” Twilight chuckled. “Please don’t tell me you want some exotic motorbike instead...” “After the incident with that plant? No, thanks. I just want something sporty. Maybe a convertible. A little front-engine, rear-wheel-drive cloth top. Nothing too fancy, just something fun,” Sugarcoat said. She then mumbled, “Something so I could take a cute girl like you out to the lake and watch the stars.” “Oh.” Twilight giggled nervously. She hoped “watch the stars” was a literal invitation to stargaze and not a euphemism for any backseat antics. Not that she would be opposed to that; out of her uniform, Sugarcoat looked desperately pretty and Twilight felt underdressed in comparison. “Um, speaking of stereo, do you think we could listen to some music on the way?” “What did you have in mind? I think my phone is paired, or if you’re familiar with the satellite radio channels and know what you want.” “Classical.” Twilight smiled brightly. Sugarcoat sighed. “Why am I not surprised?” Twilight frowned and wrung her hands. “What’s wrong with classical?” “Nothing!” Sugarcoat said quickly. “Nothing, I’m just.... I figured.” She offered Twilight a small smile. “OK....” Twilight reached towards the radio controls but dropped her hand. “I don’t want to mess up your mom’s car or anything. Do you think you could...?” Sugarcoat nodded. She pulled the car over for a moment and fiddled with the touchscreen controls. “Here we go. Classical.” She touched a button and suddenly the car filled with the delicate sounds of a violin’s slow, soft rise. “Ah,” Twilight sighed happily. “J.S. Bach’s Sonata No. 3, movement 1, Adagio.” “That was quick. You’re familiar with the piece?” The car rolled forward once more. Neither passenger could notice the whine of the electric motors over the stacking notes of Baroque composition. “I am. There’s... I really like adagios and sonatas. There’s just something alluring about them. I mean, adagio is just a tempo, a slow one. The calmer parts of a composition, generally. And sonatas are more often than not just a few select instruments, as opposed to a concerto, which is more like a full orchestra.” Twilight winced. “I’m not... I’m not rambling too much, am I?” Sugarcoat shook her head. “No, it’s fine. Hearing you talk about something that’s not school-related, it’s refreshing. I don’t think I’ve seen this side of you.” She smiled softly and stole a glance at a slightly blushing Twilight. “It’s a nice one.” “Thanks.” Twilight gently bit her lip. “Um, as I was saying, I like sonatas because of the focus on one instrument. It’s easier to have that just be gentle background music, you know? And adagios are, well, calmer. Both together make for great studying music.” “Hmm.” “Wh-what do you like to listen to?” “Oh, you know. The usual teenage stuff.” Sugarcoat waved her hand flippantly. “Death metal.” Twilight froze with her jaw hanging open. “D-de-death m-metal?” Sugarcoat snorted with laughter. “No, just regular, plain-old heavy metal. I tend to shy away from the violent stuff. This stuff, the classical that’s playing? Reminds me of symphonic metal. Not my first choice, but I can appreciate talent.” Twilight chuckled nervously and wrapped her arms around her waist, as if to hug herself. “You’re a little freaked out by the death metal comment.” Twilight nodded mutely. “I’m sorry. I was trying to be funny. I guess you’re not used to my sense of humor yet.” They both stared ahead in solemn silence for the several minutes of driving until they reached the Sweet Shoppe. Sugarcoat parked, opened her door, and walked around to open Twilight’s door. Twilight grabbed Sugarcoat’s hand after she shut the door. “Wait, before we go in, I... I wanted to apologize. I know you were just trying to make me laugh, and I maybe freaked out a little bit. I’m sorry. I know you’re trying, and it’s really sweet that you are.” Twilight barely stood on her toes and pecked Sugarcoat’s cheek. A light pink blush blossomed on both of their faces. “So, shall we?” Sugarcoat squeezed Twilight’s hand gently and whispered, “We shall.” She walked forward and Twilight quickly followed behind her. Twilight’s heart fluttered at the way Sugarcoat’s hand felt in hers: the subtle warmth of another person and the connection that implied and how Sugarcoat was so in control of the situation. Before Twilight knew it, they both stood at the front podium as the host prepared their menus and beckoned them to a booth in the middle of the restaurant. She glanced around. Hardly anyone was in the dining area. Twilight found her seat and the host set a menu in front of her and her date. After a few words about their server, the host disappeared and Sugarcoat and Twilight had the table to themselves. Twilight smiled softly and checked over the menu quickly. While she hadn’t ventured this far into the city (except for her occasional “research” projects at Canterlot High), she quickly found a menu item that agreed with her. She set the menu down and tented her hands on the table. She glanced around the dining room; a dark-grey-haired waitress with severely sharp bangs refilled a family’s water glasses from a pitcher while deliberately avoiding eye contact, a light-grey-haired waitress with similarly sharp bangs took another couple’s order and jotted it down on a notepad. Across from her, Sugarcoat set down her own menu and smirked at Twilight. “See anyone else that catches your eye?” Twilight rolled her eyes. “No. Honestly, Sugarcoat, you look amazing. Did you put that outfit together yourself?” Sugarcoat chuckled. “No, sadly, I had some help. Sunny Flare is a bit of a fashionista, so when I asked for an outfit for tonight... She’s actually quite fond of Rarity’s boutique, if you can believe that. They’ve apparently talked shop before. Sunny did keep being a Crystal Prep student from her, though. Rarity was doing some project or another to make these goofy horse ear headband things and...” She saw the raised eyebrow from Twilight. “Right, you’re going to be attending Canterlot High for your final year. Sorry.” “No, it’s fine. I mean, I’ve always found the whole rivalry thing to be pretty silly. I wouldn’t have even considered participating if Cinch hadn’t blackmailed me into it. I would’ve come, but to...” Twilight wrung her hands. “To finish my experiments in finding out more about the magic going on there. I guess I got my wish.” She sighed and stared at the table. “Hey.” Sugarcoat rested her hand on Twilight’s and smiled softly at her. “We all make mistakes sometimes. Even if they are strangely sexy in a dangerous way.” Twilight blushed furiously and looked down at the table. “Sorry. I should’ve maybe kept that to myself.” Sugarcoat sighed. “Being honest all the time isn’t... well, let’s be real, being brutally honest all the time isn’t doing me any favors with trying to make friends. Or... or a girlfriend.” “Sugarcoat,” Twilight said softly, reaching out her hand to grasp Sugarcoat’s. “I guess if you spend one too many times telling people things that they’ll hurt you with, you learn to tell everyone everything, so nothing is secret.” “Sorry? I don’t understand.” Sugarcoat sighed. “In a minute, I think our waitress is about to ask us for our order.” Before Twilight could press further, the waitress with the light grey hair approached them. “Hi, I’m Limestone, I’ll be your server. What can I get for you?” she asked in a gravelly voice and almost aggressive tone. “Umm,” Twilight hesitated. “I’ll have the mushroom fettuccine with the fire-roasted tomato sauce,” Sugarcoat said. She passed her menu to Limestone. “And for you?” Limestone turned to Twilight. “I’ll ha-have the e-eggplant Par-Parmesan. Please,” she added hastily. Limestone jotted down their orders. “Anything to drink?” “Water, please.” “Water for me too, thanks.” “We’ll have your order out shortly.” Limestone turned sharply on her heels and marched off to the kitchen. “Anyway, Sugarcoat, you were saying that you learned to be brutally honest to keep people from hurting you. What happened?” Twilight asked. She reached her hand across the table. Sugarcoat accepted and clasped her hand with Twilight’s. “It’s a bit of a story, if I’m honest.” “I’m willing to listen.” Twilight smiled. Author's Note I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter!
Collating Notes“It started before Crystal Prep. I used to live in a small town. One traffic light, everyone knows everyone else, that whole cliche. I found out near the end of the school year that we were moving to Canterlot. There was another girl in my class, a girl I thought of as a friend.” Sugarcoat continued her story as their food arrived and they ate slowly. “I was young and just getting to know myself, but I knew then that I liked girls. Everyone else in class was talking about ‘how cute that boy down the street is’ or things like. Everyone but me and my friend. No one paid any mind to it, because we largely kept to ourselves. I.... I hoped that she felt the same, or at least that we both liked girls and could bond over that, too. She wasn’t that great at math or science, but she read novels like it was a mission to have read the entire library before we left for high school. For her birthday, I got her a box set of her favorite series. She hugged me.” Sugarcoat chuckled ruefully with a bittersweet smile on her face. “A couple of weeks before the end of school, I asked her if we could hang out in the park for a little bit.” “And?” Twilight asked, her cutlery set on her plate now that she’d finished. Sugarcoat dabbed the corners of her mouth with a napkin. “And she showed up. We chatted and eventually we got around to the fact that I was going to leave. And I told her that I liked girls and that I liked her. She hugged me, and said she was sorry; she didn’t like girls, but... she wished me all the best.” “That doesn’t sound... I mean, I’m not seeing...” Twilight said. “It... wasn’t entirely her. I guess one of the other girls in class, a...” Sugarcoat bit her tongue. “Notorious gossip, shall we say? Decided it would a good idea to follow us and stay out of sight. She overheard and the next day at school.... I was teased, and humiliated, and my friend...” She clenched her jaw. “She didn’t stand up for me. No one did. The teachers said I was confused, it would pass. The last week of school was hell. I was glad to leave. And that resentment just festered for a while. When I got to Crystal Prep, I made it a mission to not let anyone hurt me with that, so I made sure everything was out in the open.” The bill arrived in the brief silence, and Twilight pulled out her purse to grab her bank card to pay for their meal. By the time she came back up with her wallet, the billfold was gone and Sugarcoat tucked a few bills back into her purse. “Aw, Sugarcoat, I was going to pay.” Twilight protested meekly. “It’s alright. I don’t mind. I haven’t told anyone else that story. So thank you, Twilight Sparkle, for listening.” She brushed her hair around her shoulder and smiled softly. Twilight stood up, strode around the table to her date, and offered her a hand up. When Sugarcoat accepted, Twilight pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for sharing it with me. I’m not going to say I know exactly what I want, but I’m willing to try with you.” She kissed Sugarcoat’s cheek and pulled away. When Sugarcoat blushed a deep red, she giggled and covered her mouth. “Shall we head out then?” Sugarcoat nodded and grabbed her purse. She slung it over her shoulder and grabbed Twilight’s hand with her other, unoccupied hand. They turned and shared a warm smile. Twilight walked a little closer as they exited the restaurant in the slightly chilled evening air. Night had properly fallen, and a few stars dotted the sky. “You know, going out of the city with you to stargaze doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Just us, a telescope, and maybe some hot cocoa...” Twilight sighed wistfully. “You’re a dork, Twilight,” Sugarcoat replied. “But you’re an adorable dork. It’s endearing.” Twilight fidgeted with her purse. “Um, thanks? I—” Sugarcoat clicked the button on her car remote and the door locks clicked open with a mechanical thunk and an electronic beep. “It was a compliment. If that’s what you’re thinking.” She opened the passenger door to her car. Twilight stepped in and held the door open for a moment. “You’re going to take some getting used to, you know?” She smiled. “Then I can only hope that I’m worth it,” Sugarcoat whispered as she closed the door. She quickly walked around her car, opened her door, and slid into the driver’s seat. She pushed the ignition button and the car whirred to life. “9:35,” she read from the display. “And it’s a 20 minute drive back to your house.” She sighed as another adagio filled the car from the stereo. “Hey,” Twilight said, reaching a hand over to lay on Sugarcoat’s arm. “Tomorrow’s another day. We’ll see each other again.” “Does this make us... does this mean we’re dating?” Sugarcoat asked. Her hands wrung together. “I think it does. Now how about we get home before we get in trouble?” Twilight grinned. Sugarcoat smiled back before slipping the car into gear and pulling out of the parking lot. The drive home was pleasantly quiet, the music and Twilight’s humming aside. Sugarcoat stole a few glances at her date and blushed each time. Twilight always was prettiest when she didn’t care what anyone else thought and just expressed her true self. That, and she finally, maybe, had a girlfriend. Soon enough, they pulled up in front of Twilight’s house. The porch lights were still on, even if the lights of the foyer weren’t. Sugarcoat walked Twilight up to the front door and stood there, playing with Twilight’s hands. She blushed and glanced away nervously. Twilight held onto both of Sugarcoat’s hands. “Is this the part where we kiss?” Sugarcoat blushed brighter. “I’d like to, yes,” she said softly. Twilight placed one of her hands on Sugarcoat’s shoulder and stood on her toes once more, this time aiming for her date’s lips. They leaned in together, closed their eyes, and bumped glass frames before recoiling in shock. Twilight chuckled and Sugarcoat joined in. “I didn’t think that would be an issue.” Twilight pulled her frames off and tucked them in one of her cardigan’s pockets before trying again. She placed her hand on Sugarcoat’s shoulder and stood on her toes. This time, she leaned her head to the side, closed her eyes, and pressed her lips against Sugarcoat’s as they met. The last thing that went through Twilight’s mind before it blanked with the white light and electricity of their kiss was how soft Sugarcoat’s lips felt against hers. Sugarcoat’s arms moved down and wrapped around the small of Twilight’s back, helping to keep her steady as she continued to stand on her toes to kiss the silver-haired beauty on her door stop. Slowly, they parted after what felt like an hour to deep red blushes. Blushes that got even redder when the lights to the foyer flicked on and the door opened to Twilight Velvet and Night Light. Sugarcoat’s face drained of color and she quickly darted off to her car, once again showing a remarkable ability to move at unfathomable speed in heels. Twilight reached her hand out after her, to which Sugarcoat waved her phone once. Twilight sighed dejectedly as the car pulled away with little noise: just the crunch of rubber on asphalt. Her mother hugged her from behind, nearly lifting her from the ground. “Oh, my little baby’s growing up! Her first kiss, Night!” she simpered. “MOM!” Twilight screeched. “We were having a moment. She’s scared off and I’m so embarrassed!” “Oh, honey, these things happen!” Night Light laughed and ruffled Twilight’s hair in the embrace she struggled to free herself from. Eventually her mother let go and Twilight stomped off to her room, grumbling most of the way. Once inside, she slumped to the floor and Spike leapt into her lap. “Oh, Spike, what a night.” She scratched his ears to an appreciative woof. “The date went really well. We even kissed. And then Mom and Dad had to ruin it.” She picked Spike up and put him back in his basket. “I should text her.” She pulled her phone from her purse and opened her messaging app. Hey Sugarcoat! I had a really good time tonight, and I hope what happened with my parents doesn’t change anything. They just... they’re parents, you know? They’re happy for me, if that makes a difference. I’ve really enjoyed spending time with you over the past couple of days and I’d really like to keep doing that. And... I maybe really liked that kiss too. Soooo... Twilight nibbled on the end of a finger, her other hand occupied with holding her phone and tapping the screen in an attempt to see the moment she got a reply back. “Should I text her again?” she asked aloud. “Give her a bit, Twi,” Spike said from his bed. Twilight sighed and started to undress. She managed to slip into her pajamas, brush her teeth, remove what little makeup she was wearing, and comb her hair before her phone buzzed. Hey Twilight, sorry I had to go. I did kind of panic a bit about your parents being there. I shouldn’t have, but old habits. I’m glad, at any rate, and maybe we can all sit down and meet properly some time. I liked the kiss too, and I would like to be your girlfriend. Maybe we can hang out a bit at school tomorrow? Twilight beamed and clapped her hands together. Yes! I have my free periods in the afternoon, but I don’t want you skip class again. We could always spend lunch in my lab. That might be best, even. As much as I want to spend more time with you, I do need to get everything packed up. But I like the sound of that. Being your girlfriend, I mean. I’m heading to bed now, so good night Sugarcoat. Thanks for dinner and everything else. Twilight set her phone down and sighed. “Maybe tonight was a good night, Spike.” Twilight’s phone buzzed one last time. She read the message, smiled, and shut off the display before falling into a peaceful sleep. Good night and sweet dreams, Twilight Sparkle. See you soon. :) Twilight woke to the gentle, climbing tones of her alarm. She shut it off, yawned, and slipped out of bed to start on her morning routine. Showered, teeth and hair brushed, dressed, and packed for school, Twilight gave Spike a good ruffle behind his ears before bounding down the stairs to breakfast. “Good morning, Twilight,” said her mother. “Morning, Mom,” she replied brightly. Her mother passed a bowl of cereal over to her and Twilight dug in, talking briefly between mouthfuls. “About last night, I’m sorry for snapping. I guess I was a bit angry that I didn’t really say goodbye to Sugarcoat and it felt like a sour note to end the night. And it is kind of embarrassing to be caught by your parents kissing your girlfriend.” Twilight Velvet hugged her daughter tightly once more. “Honey, we understand. You’re new to the dating thing, and probably to the liking girls thing, so some embarrassment is natural. But your father and I will try to keep our part in that to a minimum, OK?” Twilight nodded. “Thanks, Mom.” “And do the kids at school know? Or will they know?” “No, and I don’t know.” Twilight munched on her cereal. “I’ll be having a talk with Sugarcoat later today, so we’ll see. With me transferring, it might not be so bad, but with her staying... it’s more her call.” Her mother nodded sagely. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt, for any reason. Stay safe, pumpkin.” She kissed Twilight’s forehead as Twilight finished her cereal and headed out the door to the bus stop. Twilight Velvet sighed and pulled out her phone, tapping rapidly on the screen. Twilight dashed to her lab from the bus so she could drop off her books and pick up her notebook for her first class. When she exited and turned around, she crashed into Sour Sweet. “Sour Sweet, I’m sorry!” she said. “I just turned around and—” “Oh, Twilight, don’t worry about it!” Sour Sweet started sweetly, before her voice dropped in pitch. “Just watch where you’re going next time.” She stalked off with an odd look on her face, and Twilight continued down the corridor, careful not to bump into any more students, lest she draw more wrath than necessary. Twilight made it to her class on time and sat down in her desk, pen and notebook ready to take notes. History lectures may have been a bit of weak point for her since most textbooks lacked adequate citations, primary sources, and multiple viewpoints, but Twilight trudged forth. At least, she normally trudged forth. Class seemed especially dull today, and the lecturer could not have been more boring. Her thoughts wandered back to her date last night and the pleasant memory of Sugarcoat’s soft lips pressing insistently against hers. She smiled. Which she regretted a moment later, when the lecturer called on her in his gratingly nasal tone. “Well, Miss Sparkle? Do you have something to add to our ‘discussion’,” he finger quoted, “about 20th century banking regulations?” “N-no, sir,” she said. “I’m sorry, sir.” She kept her head down for the rest of the lesson. It did nothing to help her focus, however, as her notes resembled nothing but hearts and other doodles. Twilight felt like despondently rolling her head across it if it weren’t for the twin specters of getting ink on her forehead and being called out again. Blessedly, the class ended, and for once, Twilight was out the door with everyone else to many curious looks. She shot them a sheepish smile in the hopes that would be answer enough. Moving with the crowd presented its own problem when Twilight once again bumped into someone and knocked them both to the ground. Unfortunately, that someone was Sour Sweet. Again. “Sour Sweet, I’m still so sorry! It’s not on—” “Oh, Twilight, don’t you worry!” she said, picking herself up. “I’ve got my eye on you.” She shot Twilight with a glare and walked off. “Uh...” Twilight said to no one. A hand reached down to help her up. “Sugarcoat!” she said gleefully. She quickly hugged her and then stepped back to dust herself off. “Ahem. Um, thank you,” she said awkwardly with an equally awkward smile. Sugarcoat froze up for a second and glanced around. “You are welcome?” She leaned in for a moment and whispered, “I’ll see you in your lab at lunch, OK?” She squeezed the top of Twilight’s hand and dashed off to class. Twilight gathered herself and headed to her class, as well, perplexed at what exactly was going on this morning. Once more settled into her desk in class, Twilight tried to focus on the math lesson and the equations on the board. She exhaled sharply. She hoped her new clumsy streak would end soon or she’d find herself in the infirmary with a good few bumps from crashing into people. Twilight found herself resenting not having anyone to talk to in class, especially when the day’s worksheet got distributed. She finished in record time; calculus proved to be a decent, if short-lived, distraction from her pining. Slowly, the chatter around her increased and increased, until it seemed like the entire class was talking around her now they’d finished with the worksheet, too. The teacher called for order and asked that everything be handed in a few minutes before the end of class. Again, Twilight found herself in an unusual position of joining her classmates in eager anticipation of the end of class, because it signaled the start of lunch. As soon as the bell rung, everyone bolted for the door. While everyone else headed for the cafeterias, Twilight walked briskly to her lab, fortunately in the opposite direction. She opened the door and found it thankfully empty. She needed a few moments to just sit and relax in peace. She collapsed into the chair, let her head fall over the back of the chair, and draped her arm across her forehead. “Oh, I should’ve brought Spike to school today,” she whined to the ceiling. “I prefer a little privacy myself,” Sugarcoat muttered, slipping into the room quietly. Twilight laughed but made no effort to get up. “Rough morning?” “Nothing that I didn’t do to myself. Being new to this dating thing... I’ll need time to adjust.” Twilight twirled around in the chair until her upside-down head came to face Sugarcoat’s half-smirk. Sugarcoat spun the chair around so Twilight now faced her and she straddled Twilight’s lap. “Well, I hope we can make the transition easy for both of us.” Sugarcoat leaned down with her lips puckered. “Sugarcoat, one thing really quickly,” Twilight said, leaning back with her hand pressed against the top of Sugarcoat’s chest, just below her necktie. “Are we... are we going to go public about us? Maybe not kissing in the hallways, but are we going to tell our friends?” Twilight looked up into Sugarcoat’s eyes, her own wide and hopeful. Sugarcoat smiled back. “I’ll be OK with whatever you choose. For all its faults, Crystal Prep isn’t.... I feel safe here.” She leaned down again and this time Twilight met her. They kissed wildly in the privacy of the lab, Twilight’s hands on Sugarcoat’s waist, Sugarcoat’s hands running through Twilight’s hair or pressed against the chair. Their mouths parted just enough to let their tongues inexpertly wrestle for a few brief moments until they pulled away, panting lightly with bright red blushes. “Wow, that was... that was something else, Sugar—Sweet?!” Twilight yelped. “Aw, aren’t you two just the cutest?” Sour Sweet simpered. “It’s just a shame I want to yank you off that chair by your pigtails for making out with my crush, Sugarcoat!” Twilight’s jaw dropped. This would be an interesting school year indeed. Author's Note And that's all, folks! At least for this story. Sorry (not sorry) for the sequel hook. I want to thank this chapter's patrons, Foals Errand, Erik, Ron, and Phillip! If you'd like to support me in releasing future chapters and stories, head on over to Patreon and become a patron! Anything helps, and pledges start at only $1 per chapter!
