Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

Neon returned home after yet another day of school. He sighed, his head still buzzing from his meeting with Sugarcoat and Crystal. Hopefully a shower will clear my mind, he thought as he walked upstairs.

"Welcome home," Cypress said from behind Neon. "How was school," he asked.

Neon sighed heavily as he turned around to see his father. "I don't really want to talk about it right now, I've got a lot on my mind,"

"Fair enough, but you know your mom and I are here if and when you do."

Neon nodded. "Yeah. I do," he said with a smile, then went into his room.

Cypress' phone buzzed, gaining his attention.

I told your son about our operation. - CC

Cypress' eyes widened.

Are you sure that was the right call?

I mean, I know you trust him and everything.

But the only reason we let Sugarcoat in on this is because your family doesn't keep secrets from each other.

That's exactly why I told him. - CC

Realization dawned on Cypress, then he smiled warmly.

You have a lot of faith in their relationship, don't you?

Don't you? - CC

I do, I'm just surprised you told him.

But at least that explains why he was so frazzled when he got back.

You didn't put any pressure on him, did you?

Of course not, Cypress! - CC

I think I've put him through enough of that already. - CC

Thanks for letting me know, Crystal.

No problem. - CC

Oh, and thanks for playing dumb when Neon brought Sugarcoat over. - CC

For all the good it'll do now. - CC

Cassie and I aren't going to hide the truth from our son anymore.

Talk to you later.

Goodbye. - CC

Cypress pocketed his phone. "Cerulean," he called out, "I need to talk with you for a minute."

Neon sighed contently as he got out of the shower. My mind isn't as clear as I'd like it to be, but at least it's an improvement, he thought. He cracked his neck and his knuckles as he began to change into his regular clothes. He stretched and yawned. Glad to feel relaxed, though. He eyelids began to feel heavy. Okay, maybe I'm a bit too relaxed, he thought. Maybe once I get to Sugarcoat's we can both just lie together on the sofa. He smiled at the thought as he began to pack his overnight bag.

Neon took out his phone and began to play a tune on it to keep himself awake while he packed. He closed his eyes and listened to the beat, which energized him. He opened his eyes and smiled widely as he danced along to the beat while packing. I hope this doesn't take all of my energy, he thought. I still want some in reserve for the drive there.

A few minutes later, Neon descended the staircase with his overnight bag over his shoulder. "Neon," his father called out from the living room. "Your mom and I want to talk to you for a moment." Neon blinked, shrugged, then walked to where his parents were.

"What's up," Neon asked as he entered.

"Sit down for a moment, son," Cypress said.

Neon began to feel uneasy, but did as he was told. "Is everything okay," he asked. Both of his parents remained silent for a moment, then looked at each other and nodded.

"Neon," Cerulean said. "We were contacted by Crystal shortly after you got here."

"Okay," Neon said, still unsure of where this was going.

"She told me she offered you a spot with us," Cypress said.

"'A spot with-'" Neon's eyes widened. "No. You too? Both of you," he asked, putting his hand to his head in disbelief.

"Yeah," Cerulean said. "Both of us, too."

Cypress walked over to his son and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your mom and I want to be absolutely clear: we will support your decision, whatever it may be."

"This...this is crazy," Neon said, still in shock. "This is like some kind of conspiracy shit."

"We're sorry that we haven't told you," Cerulean said.

"And we're sorry we've been lying to you all this time," Cypress said.

"Why are you keeping all of this secret, anyway," Neon asked. "If there's a majority against Principal Cinch, why haven't you acted?"

"Neon. Abacus Cinch may be just one person, but she's one powerful person," Cypress said. "She holds sway with more than you know."

"Such as," Neon asked with a raised eyebrow.

"The Superintendent, for one," said Cypress. "If we were found out, Cinch would tell him, then all that we've worked for will go down the drain. Not to mention the retribution she'd unleash on all involved."

Neon sighed heavily. "I know I was told that there's no pressure on me, but I still can't help but feel stressed about all this."

"That's understandable," Cypress said. "We can stop talking about this if you want to."

Neon nodded. "Yes. Please."

"All right, then," Cerulean said. "Consider it dropped."

Neon smiled. "Thanks. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta get out of here. See you guys later," he said with a wave.

"Bye," Cypress and Cerulean said together as Neon shut the door.

Sugarcoat walked out of her shower and smiled. I really needed that, she thought. A nice hot shower always helps me relax. She stretched, then got dressed. She stifled a yawn as she left her room, then went downstairs. I hope Neon's not too stressed out over his decision, she thought. I'm worried that he's freaking out even though he knows there's no pressure.

Someone began knocking on the front door. "I'll get it, I'm the closest," Sugarcoat said.

"Okay," called Crystal and Sizzle from the living room.

Sugarcoat opened the door, then smiled. "Hey, hot stuff," she said softly.

Neon returned the smile. "Hey, Sugar."

"Hello, Neon," Sugarcoat's parents said from the living room.

"Hi guys," Neon said, then turned his attention back to Sugarcoat as he shut the front door. "Can we go down in the basement?"

Sugarcoat smiled. "You horny already?"

Neon sighed. "No, actually."

"Is something wrong, hon," Sugarcoat asked with a tone of concern.

"I just...I just need you right now, Sugar," Neon said.

Sugarcoat smiled warmly. "I understand," she said, then took Neon by the hand. "We'll be in the basement. Call down if something comes up," she said to her parents.

"Will do," Crystal replied.

Neon and Sugarcoat walked into the basement, and shut the door behind themselves.