Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

Neon and Sugarcoat finished their showers, then got dressed. They ran out of Sugarcoat's room at full speed. Before Sizzle could greet them, Sugarcoat said "Sorry dad, we're in a rush!" as she grabbed a couple of breakfast bars for herself and Neon. "Talk to you later," she said, then shut the door.

Holding hands, Neon and Sugarcoat rushed to the bus stop, boarded the bus and collapsed in the back. "Okay. That's the second day in a row that we've cut it close," Neon said between pants.

"Maybe...maybe we should have sex earlier in the day on school nights, then," Sugarcoat asked, trying to catch her breath.

"Whatever works, hon. Whatever works," Neon said as he leaned into Sugarcoat. Sugarcoat finally caught her breath and leaned into Neon, lacing her fingers with his. She sighed contently as she used her free hand to caress his cheek. Neon closed his eyes and smiled. His happiness was interrupted, however, as the image of Sugarcoat's betrayed expression from Monday appeared from within his mind. He experienced a pang of guilt and gasped.

"You okay, hot stuff," Sugarcoat asked as she squeezed Neon's hand.

Neon's expression slowly changed from shock to determination. "I think I'm better than okay, Sugar," he whispered. He took out his phone and sent a group text.

I've made up my mind.

I'm in.

Neon pocketed his phone and smiled again. He leaned into Sugarcoat and whispered in her ear. "Check your phone, babe." Sugarcoat raised an eyebrow, then took her phone out of her pocket. She checked her messages and her eyes widened momentarily, then went half-lidded as she looked at Neon. "I'm not going to let Crystal Prep's intense environment fuck up any other relationships if I can help it, Sugar," he said softly. "Thank you for being a source of inspiration," he said as he ran a hand through Sugarcoat's hair.

Sugarcoat smiled warmly as she tightened her grip on Neon's hand. "Thank you. I'm so happy I was a deciding factor."

The couple stared at each other, then pecked each other on the lips.

"I so wish I could just make out with you here and now, bright eyes," Sugarcoat said alluringly.

"What's stopping you, Sugar," Neon asked.

Sugarcoat gave Neon a look. "You're kidding, right," she asked flatly. When Neon gave her a confused look, she sighed. "Look, it's one thing to make out in a hallway. That's practically expected in high schools. But on a bus," she asked, gesturing to the entirety of the vehicle. "That's different to me. In a hallway, people can just pass you by and ignore you. On a bus, however, there's no place else to go. People have no choice."

"Well, they can always look away," Neon said.

"Making out in a bus is like a car crash, hon," Sugarcoat said. "Once you see it, you can't look away."

Neon sighed. "I suppose you have a point."

Sugarcoat smiled warmly. "I'll just have to settle with your warmth," she said, then leaned against Neon with a happy sigh. "I love you."

Neon leaned into her and rubbed his head against her neck. "I love you too," he whispered, then pecked her on the neck.

Sugarcoat giggled, then used her free hand to send her father a text.

Dad?

I need a favor or two.

Neon's going to come over, and I want the afternoon to be...memorable.

Sugarcoat pocketed her phone, then closed her eyes as the bus took them to Crystal Prep.

Neon checked his phone, and it was filled with positive messages from his and Sugarcoat's parents. Then another message popped up.

Just a heads up. - Crystal

Principal Cinch is getting Sour Sweet to round up all eleven of the team members. - Crystal

We'll talk details and such after school. - Crystal

Neon gently nudged Sugarcoat, gaining her attention. He pointed to his phone. She took out her phone and read the messages, then nodded at him in understanding.

Got it. - Sugarcoat

Understood. - Neon Lights

Neon and Sugarcoat smiled at each other, then held hands again until the bus stopped at Crystal Prep.

"I guess this is our stop, babe," Sugarcoat said.

"Yeah," Neon said as he got up, still holding Sugarcoat's hand. The couple disembarked the bus and looked at each other. "See you at the team meeting, Sugar."

Sugarcoat smiled. "Yeah. See you then." The couple pecked each other on the lips, then went their separate ways.