Before the Friendship Games: Sugarcoat

"Excuse me." Sugarcoat said as she reached the reception desk at the guidance counselor's offices, "Is Crystal Clarity available?" The receptionist took a moment to check the schedule, then nodded. "Thanks." She said, then headed over to her mother's office. She knocked on the door.

"Come in!"

"Hey." Sugarcoat said as she entered, then closed the door.

"Hey, kid!" Crystal said, embracing her daughter in a hug. "Those were some serious screams last night!" She said with a smile.

Sugarcoat returned the hug and smiled back. "Tell me about it. That was the best sex I ever had!" She broke the hug, then sighed.

"What's wrong, sweetie?" Asked Crystal in a concerned tone.

Sugarcoat sat down and put her head in her hands. "I think I'm starting to develop feelings for Neon."

"What makes you say that?" Asked Crystal.

Sugarcoat removed her head from her hands to look at her mother. "Is that a mom question or a guidance counselor question?"

"Both."

"Well..." As Sugarcoat ate lunch with her mother, she told her everything in detail. From her sexual romps with Neon up to why she began to think of him differently. She finished with a heavy sigh. "I don't know what to do with myself, mom."

Crystal cupped her chin in thought for a moment. "You're afraid it's going to end up like your previous relationship, aren't you?"

"Yeah." Sugarcoat said quietly, looking away from her mother. "Of course I am. And can you blame me for it? After all he put me through?"

Crystal walked over to her daughter and put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Of course not, honey, but you can't let a bad experience like that keep you from a chance at happiness."

"But what if it turns out Neon's just like him?" Sugarcoat asked, worried. "Mom...I'm scared." Her voice cracked and she sniffled.

"Sweetie, from what you've told me Neon sounds nothing like that asshole." Crystal said soothingly. "But if it turns out he is..." She trailed off, then cracked her knuckles on both of her hands and pounded her fist into her palm. "Your dad and I have got your back."

Sugarcoat smiled as she wiped a tear away. "Thanks, mom. You and dad always know how to make me feel better." She gave her mother a hug.

"Anytime, hon." Crystal said as she returned the hug, and the two stood still for a few moments. She then broke the hug, and looked her daughter in the eye. "Now." She said with a serious expression, "What are you going to do about this?"

Sugarcoat took a deep breath, then exhaled.

Neon grabbed his lunch in the cafeteria and sought out the table that he and Royal Pin always sat at. Once he found it, he noticed his friend had been waiting for him.

"Ah, there you are, Neon!" Royal said as his friend sat across from him. "Now, tell me. What's troubling you?"

Neon sighed heavily. "Before I tell you what's going on, you have to promise not to tell anybody what I'm about to tell you. This has to be just between you and me."

Royal smiled. "Of course I won't, old friend. But I can't say the same for any passers-by." He said, gesturing to the whole of the cafeteria.

Neon sighed, putting his hand to his head. "Right...sorry, my mind's been all over the place lately."

"Well then, out with it man." Royal said. "It will no doubt make you feel better."

"You're right...it will." Neon said before stabbing a piece of broccoli with his fork. "So. Here's what's been going on with me the past couple of days." He explained everything to Royal as he ate, leaving out no detail so his friend had the complete story. Once he finished, Royal's mouth was agape.

"You...and Miss Sugarcoat." Royal said in shock, "Have been having sex."

"Why so surprised? You know I'm not a virgin." Neon said, slightly irritated.

Royal scoffed. "No, I meant that I'm surprised that Miss Sugarcoat is the sort that fools around with men."

Neon rolled his eyes. "It's okay to say the word 'slut', Royal. Sugarcoat acknowledges herself as such."

"Be that as it may, Neon, I don't like using that term. I find it demeaning towards women."

Neon smiled. "Ever the gentleman, aren't you? Never change, Royal Pin. Never change."

Royal beamed with pride. "Someone has to uphold chivalry in the twenty-first century. I'm just doing my part to keep it alive. But let's stop digressing, shall we?"

"Yeah." Neon said quietly.

Royal frowned. "You're worried that a relationship with Miss Sugarcoat will end in a manner similar to your previous girlfriend?"

"Of course I am, Royal!" Neon snapped. "You saw how messed up I was, even after we broke up!" He paused, then sighed. "I'm sorry I lashed out like that."

Royal smiled. "No, I completely understand. The wounds still haven't healed, and I'm sorry to have re-opened them."

Neon smiled. "It's okay, man. I know you're worried about me, and I really appreciate that. I guess I'm still processing these emotions." He said, putting a palm to his face.

"What's there to process?" Royal asked with a shrug. "If you're interested, ask her out. The worst she can do is say no, then that will be that. if she does end up mistreating you, though...let's just say that even I know when the time for chivalry is long past."

Neon walked over to Royal's side of the table and slapped him on the back gently. "Royal, you're the greatest friend a guy could ever ask for." He smiled. "And I know my parents will have my back as well."

Royal returned the smile. "Anytime, my good man. Anytime."

Neon's phone buzzed, nearly startling him.

Hey. I think we need to talk. - Sugarcoat

"Hey Royal? How much time left until lunch ends?" Neon asked.

"About twenty minutes, I believe. Why do you ask?"

"Sugarcoat wants to talk with me. Alone." Neon said.