Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

Sixth period ended and Sugarcoat left her class, stretching and yawning. Glad we didn't scare Neon off back at Mom's office. she thought. One night without Neon is one night too many. She took out her phone and sent a couple of texts to her father.

Okay, Neon's coming over again tonight.

But there's something really important you need to know.

All right. - Dad

What's up? - Dad

Sugarcoat sent a series of texts explaining the current situation.

I would've liked to have been involved in that. - Dad

I know, and Mom and I are sorry.

But now you know.

Well, better now than finding out about it at the dinner table tonight. - Dad

Exactly.

The warning bell for seventh period rang, and Sugarcoat pocketed her phone as she headed to her next class.

Neon left his sixth period class as he continued to try to wrap his head around everything Crystal and Sugarcoat told him. Christ, it feels like my head is swimming, he thought as he put his hand to his forehead. Sure didn't help that class was a bit of an infodump, either. He sighed.

Neon walked towards the entrance to Crystal Prep, then opened the doors and went outside. Maybe I just need some fresh air, he thought, then took a deep breath and exhaled. He smiled. That place can get really stuffy sometimes. He leaned against the wall of the school and closed his eyes, listening to the birds and other outdoor sounds. For a moment, it seemed as though time had lost all meaning. That it was just him and nature. It was a calming feeling.

Then the warning bell for seventh period rang.

Dammit. Neon reluctantly went back inside to get to his next class.

Sugarcoat left her seventh period class. Thank god today's almost over, she thought. If it truly was possible to be bored to death, I would've died long ago. She made a sputtering noise. She took out her phone and started to play a game on it as she glanced up every now and then to avoid collision with her fellow students. She tuned out all other chatter and background noise, nearing the boss. You're toast, motherfucker, she thought as the battle began.

The boss fired a beam at her, and with a skill that could only come from regular practice, she deftly dodged. She backflipped in the air and landed behind him, landing a combo that took about a quarter of his health. A predatory grin formed on Sugarcoat's face as she dodged his next attack, then slid under him. Having played the game enough times to have memorized the entire soundtrack, she bobbed her head to a beat only she could hear. The boss readied his next attack, but she countered with a special attack that sent him flying.

Sugarcoat jumped and hit the boss with a midair special, but not before being grazed by a surprise beam shot from the boss as he recovered in midair. Damn, she thought. So much for a perfect. She shrugged, then continued her assault. She grabbed him after the special, then threw him to the ground with a force that created a crater in the ground, stunning him. With a dexterity that would surprise even a professional gamer, Sugarcoat landed a devastating combo, finishing the boss off. She smiled, basking in her victory as the warning bell for eighth period went off.

Neon left his seventh period class, still thinking about his conversation with Sugarcoat and Crystal. He heard footsteps rapidly approach him, stopping just short of bumping into him.

"Neon Lights," said a female voice.

"Yes?" Neon asked, turning around to see Sunny Flare.

"One of our teammates, Lemon Zest, knows our deepest, darkest secrets and is using them to blackmail us into playing nice with each other during the Friendship Games!" Sunny said.

Neon gasped, visibly disturbed. "That's all I need to hear." he said. He ran off. I could care less about what she just said, he thought, but I might as well just humor her. The warning bell for eighth period rang as he continued his journey to his next class.

Neon left his eighth period class and sighed. Just one more period, Neon Lights, he told himself. Just one more period. He took out his phone and sent Sugarcoat a few texts.

Hey Sugar.

Don't wait up for me.

I'm gonna go home first to shower, grab a change of clothes, then pack another overnight bag and head your way.

That sound good to you?

Sugarcoat left her eighth period class and felt her phone buzz. She took out her phone, then read her messages. She smiled.

Whatever works for you, bright eyes.

As long as we have a night of fun, I'm good. ;)

Neon snickered.

"Bright eyes"?

Is that going to take the place of "hot stuff"?

Sugarcoat smiled warmly.

Babe, hon, hot stuff, bright eyes...

It's all the same to me, you hot mess.

Who knows?

I might call you something else entirely in bed tonight. <3

Neon felt heat rise to his face.

Shit, now I feel I need to come with a new pet name for you.

I probably don't need to, though, since "Sugar" seems to turn you on like crazy.

Well, almost all the time.

Sugarcoat blushed in spite of herself.

Gah, even texting you is turning me on.

We should stop before I hunt you down and fuck you senseless.

Neon barked a laugh.

Okay, then.

See you tonight.

Love you.

Sugarcoat smiled and ignored the all too familiar feeling in her midsection.

Love you too.

The warning bell for the final period of the day rang.

Ninth period was over, and Neon immediately took out his phone and sent a text to his parents explaining his plans for the evening.

All right. - Mom

See you when you get here. - Dad

Neon pocketed his phone and walked his way home.

Sugarcoat left her final class for the day and went straight to the buses. Neon's got a point, she thought. I could really use a shower myself. She got into her bus and sat down, then sent a text to her parents informing them of Neon's plans.

What about you? - Mom

I'm coming home.

I need a shower, too.

See you when you get here. - Dad

Sugarcoat put her phone in her pocket, then sighed and closed her eyes. What a day.