Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

Sixth period ended, and Sugarcoat texted her mother.

Okay, quick update for you...

Sugarcoat told her mother what happened between herself and Neon, then followed up with one last text.

I still want to talk to you, though.

I understand. - Mom

But I'm happy the two of you reconciled. - Mom

Sugarcoat smiled and sent another text.

Me too, mom. Me too.

Oh! Before I forget...

Neon invited me to his house to meet his parents.

Sugarcoat could only imagine the look on her mother's face when she'd receive that text.

Ooh, how exciting! - Mom

I can't wait to hear all about it! - Mom

The warning bell for seventh period rang, and Sugarcoat made her way to her next class.

Neon left his sixth period class with a smile. I can't believe it, he thought, I wonder what my parents will think of her. He paused for a moment. Well, they didn't seem to bat en eye when I told them we were fucking before we were dating...I guess that's a good sign. He walked through the halls until he saw Royal, then gave him a big hug from behind.

Royal yelped in surprise, then turned around. He took a deep breath, then sighed in relief. "Goodness, old friend! You gave me quite a fright..."

"Sorry about that, Royal," Neon said, embarrassed. "It's been one rollercoaster of a day with ups and downs all over the place. I feel like I need a break from reality."

Royal smiled and put an arm around Neon. "We've all been there, Neon. We've all been there. By the way, I take it you and Miss Sugarcoat have patched things up," he asked, his eyes wide in anticipation.

Neon chuckled. "More like I patched things up with her. Also, she's going to meet my parents tonight," he finished excitedly.

Royal smiled softly. "That's wonderful," he said. He then sighed and turned around.

"Royal," Neon asked, feeling concern. "What's wrong?"

"I'm afraid I must confess something, old friend," Royal said as he turned around with a sad smile. "I'm a tad jealous of you."

Neon raised an eyebrow. "Jealous," he asked. "Jealous about what?"

"Your relationship," Royal replied. "I've been able to hide it well, but I just can't anymore."

"Royal..."

"Don't get me wrong, Neon," Royal said, holding his arms up in defense. "I'm happy for you, truly I am. I just wish I'd find the right man as easily as you found the right girl. I mean, she simply walked up to you one day and now the two of you are lovers," he said, throwing his arms up.

Neon smiled softly and put a hand on Royal's shoulder. "Royal. You are a fantastic person, and an amazing friend," he said softly. "I have faith that that the right one will come along, whether you find him or he finds you."

Royal put his arm on Neon's. "Thank you, old friend. I needed to hear those words," he said.

Neon smiled. "Anytime."

The warning bell for seventh period rang, and the two friends parted ways to get to their classes.

Seventh period ended, and Sugarcoat left her class. Her phone buzzed, surprising her. She took it out and read the new messages.

Hey there.

I just wanted to check in on how things are going. - Dad

Sugarcoat texted her father back.

It's been eventful, that's for sure.

Here's a quick recap for you.

Sugarcoat sent several texts explaining all that happened to her.

Oh for god's sake. - Dad

I'm going to have to talk to your mother. - Dad

You and me both, Dad.

At least you and Neon are back together. - Dad

And you're meeting his parents on top of that! - Dad

I know.

I'm looking forward to meeting them.

Maybe someday your mother and I will meet them too. - Dad

Sugarcoat smiled.

Maybe, but that day might be a ways off.

The warning bell for eighth period rang and Sugarcoat headed off to her next class.

Seventh period ended, and Neon exited his class. He took out his phone and texted his parents.

Okay.

I know I said I was going to come home with a surprise.

But I think it would be unfair of me not to give the both of you a heads-up.

Okay. - Mom

We're all ears. - Dad

Neon smiled and texted.

Sugarcoat and I made up this morning.

I invited her over so she could meet you two.

Neon began to feel anxious as he waited for his parents to respond. Why am I so nervous, he asked himself. There's no reason for it. His phone buzzed, causing him to jump and yelp. He rolled his eyes, then checked his phone.

That's great news! - Mom

Can't wait to meet her! - Dad

Neon sighed with a smile. Why did I even worry, he thought. The warning bell for eighth period rang, and he sped off to his next class.

Sugarcoat got out of her eighth period class and stretched. Well, that was about as fun as watching paint dry, she thought. All least today's almost over. She cracked her neck and winced in pain. "Ow." She rubbed her neck tenderly, then sent a text.

Hey, hot stuff.

Are you nervous about tonight?

Neon left his eighth period class and yawned. I think watching paint dry would have been more fun than that class, he thought. He felt his phone buzz, then took it out and smiled.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't, Sugar.

Hell, the last time I brought a girl over to my place to meet my parents was when I started dating that stalker girl!

But I know you'll win them over.

Can't wait for you to meet them.

Sugarcoat smiled.

Same here, hot stuff. Same here.

See you after class.

Neon grinned.

See you after class.

The warning bell for the final period of the day rang, and Sugarcoat and Neon went to their last classes.

Neon and Sugarcoat left their final classes of the day and sent texts to each other.

Meet you at the entrance? - Neon Lights

Sounds like a plan to me. See you there. - Sugarcoat

Neon and Sugarcoat maneuvered their way through the throngs of students leaving for the day, bumping into random people and keeping their eyes open for each other just in case. The couple finally met up in front of the doors and embraced each other.

"Hey, Sugar," Neon said softly.

"Hey, hot stuff," Sugarcoat purred. "Still feeling nervous?"

Neon nodded. "Yeah, just a little bit."

Sugarcoat smiled. "That's okay, hon. I'll be right there with you," she said with half-lidded eyes.

Neon returned the smile. "I know."

"Let's get going, then," Sugarcoat said.

"Wait," said Neon. "Before we go..." He leaned into Sugarcoat, then kissed the healing gash on her forehead. "That's the least I can do for you," he said.

Sugarcoat smiled warmly as she ran a hand through his hair. "I love you."

Neon sighed happily. "I love you, too." The couple quickly pecked each other on the lips, then broke their hug as they took each other by the hand. "Let's get going," Neon said.

As they made their journey, Sugarcoat and Neon made small talk. They spoke about school, joked around, but mostly just smiled at each other until they reached Neon's house. Neon took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Sugarcoat squeezed Neon's hand. "It's okay. I'm here," she said in a reassuring tone.

"I know," Neon said with a smile. "And I wouldn't have it any other way," he said as he entered his house with her and closed the door behind them.