Watermelon

Chapters

Scorching heat
A perfect berry, for a perfect friendship
As much fun as you can have
Still a favorite berry

Scorching heat

The sun was high up in the sky, shining gloriously upon the lands of Equestria. Its light was glaring, and the warmth it brought was just incredible. There hasn't been such a warm summer in Equestria for years. Many ponies took their days off and went to the parks to have a pleasant picnic with their family and friends.

There were no clouds whatsoever, and nothing could prevent a perfect sunbathing for you, if you wanted one. Rarity has probably already grabbed her hammock, found herself a nice spot and is resting right now, with her sunglasses on. Pinkie and Rainbow Dash wanted to have a picnic for so long - and it seems they've got their chance at last. Twilight is probably at the lake, reading a book or writing a letter, while periodically swimming from shore to shore.

Only one pony didn't appreciate this gift from Princess Celestia. Breathing heavily, Applejack sat down under the apple tree and swiped the sweat away from her forehead, putting her wide-brimmed hat on the ground. A weak breeze from the east refreshed her and played with her light grayish olive mane. The refreshment was short lived, however, as the scorching heat of the sun struck again, even despite her lying in the shadow.

It's just isn't fair. Life isn't fair in general - but today, it felt like causing Applejack the most trouble. She slowly looked onto the basket that was full of huge, ripe apples. On usual days, she would carry around ten of these. But the heat and blinding light of the sun drained her faster than Applebloom drinks Sunday Special. She sighed heavily, looking up into the tree where another thousand of apples were hanging, waiting to be harvested.

She could have asked Big Mac for help, but he left along with Applebloom to Manehattan for a few days. Asking friends for help when they already put their plans for this hot day seemed like a rude move, so Applejack decided to do it all herself. Which she is regretting right now.

She would love to sit under this tree for the whole day, until the burning sun goes away, but she had to continue her work. Leaving the job for tomorrow was no option for her, so she got up and kicked the apple tree as hard as she could. The tree trembled for a few seconds and the big red fruits fell down on the ground. Applejack was too tired to wave the basket around and catching the apples before they reach the ground, so she simply picked them up. The basket became even more heavy, slowing her down a lot. Breathing heavily, with her tongue sticking out, Applejack made her way to the next tree.

She put the basket nearby, and was about to turn around and kick the tree, when she suddenly felt strange weakness in her limbs and her vision started to blur, and the world around got darker all of a sudden. Applejack tried to take another step, but fainted and fell on the ground.

She woke up five seconds later. The ground seemed just as hot as the air, and the grass was rough and cutting. Applejack rubbed her eyes, trying to drive away the dizziness and blur in the eyes.

"Applejack!" - she suddenly heard a soothing, but a worried voice behind her. The blur was making her sick - the world was spinning around, and her ears were ringing like crazy. She could barely make out who it was.

"Applejack, are you okay?" - Fluttershy asked, slowly leading her into the shade.

"Uh..oh... who? Oh... yes, I'm all right, hun" - Applejack said, blinking, trying to grasp what was going on with her.

"You don't look that alright to me" - Fluttershy said quietly, clearing the dirt off Applejack's face. "You just buried your face into the grass"

"I was.... err... taking a nap. Just a quick nap, that's all...." - Applejack replied.

"Oh, Applejack, there's just no changing you. Bearing the Element of Honesty, and yet you still drop a lie here and there" - Fluttershy said. After she made sure Applejack could stand without her help, she took a few steps back.

"Why are you working on such a beautiful day anyway? You could have gone to the lake with Twilight, or go for some cupcakes and pies with Rainbow and Pinkie" - she said, looking at Applejack with her big shining eyes.

"I've got a lot of work to do, Fluttershy. And when I say a lot, I do mean a lot. I've got to clear this whole garden" - Applejack said, sighing and putting her hat back on. Then she noticed all the apples scattered on the ground.

"Oh, just bucking great!" - she said in an annoyed voice. Fluttershy looked at her once again.

"Let me help you. Together, we'll clean this garden in no time!" - she offered and Applejack nod. It was certainly a good idea, as she realized that she is in a horrible condition. This heat was doing horrible things to her.

Together, the work started going much faster. Fluttershy flew up into the trees and quickly plucked as many apples as she could hold in her tender hooves. Applejack was standing below, waiting for her pegasus friend to bring the apples to her. She was more than capable to carry this weight, without having to kick trees. Her head was still aching a bit, but she was able to see clearly now.

"Fluttershy... thanks for the help" - she said, looking up as Fluttershy brought another pile of apples to her.

"You're welcome! You should have asked for help in the start, dear. Or, even better, not work at all" - she said, smiling and coming closer.

"I know, but I just can't put away the job for the next day. Only when all things done, I can breathe freely" - Applejack replied, slowly blinking.

"Applejack... are you okay? You look really bad" - Fluttershy said, taking a closer look at Applejack. She only smiled weakly in response.

"No, no, hun, I'm alright now, I feel much.... oh...." - she said, suddenly reeling from side to side. The blur has returned to cloud her eyes and play with her vestibular apparatus yet again. She felt really sick and walked away into a shade, trying to fight back this disgusting feeling.

"No, you're not alright" - Fluttershy said firmly and approached her friend, turned Applejack towards herself and kissed her on the forehead. The earth pony was frozen in place - what's this all about?

Fluttershy's lips were quite cold and refreshing, and her curls got a little bit in Applejack's eyes. She also smelled like a blooming rose, which brought relaxation and comfort. It reminded her of those pretty red roses she keeps on her windowsill - sometimes, when you pass near them, you just can't help but sniff them, sniff them so hard so that smell would stay in your memory for the whole day.

"Celestia be my witness, you have a fever! Your forehead is like a burning charcoal!" - Fluttershy exclaimed. So that's what she was doing - checking her temperature.

"Really? Oh, no, hun, I feel better already... oh, buck..." - Applejack said, as the world started spinning like a merry-go-round. She rolled her eyes and almost fell down, but Fluttershy was there to catch her.

"No, that's enough work for you today, dear. You're overstraining yourself too much" - she said in a soothing voice.

"Yeah... I think I do need a break.... Sweet Luna, my head hurts like crazy, ugh" - Applejack responded. "Thank you for your help, hun. Really appreciate it. How'd ya even end up here? You don't usually fly over the Acres, if I remember correctly".

"Oh, sorry! I even forgot to say why I came here. I wanted to visit you, Jack. It's just that today is a very nice, beautiful day, and I thought that we should hang out together" - she said and smiling, as her cheeks turned ripe red.

"Oh... how about we go look for Twilight? Or Pinkie and Dash? They would surely love to hang out as well".

"I wanted to hang out just with you... You know, I figured we don't spend that much time together... and we are friends, so we should stay in touch, right?" - Fluttershy said, as her cheeks continued to bloom with red color and she smiled shyly. "So, I figured, you wouldn't mind coming over to my place and eating some delicious watermelon I bought recently"

"A watermelon? Sounds delicious already. I'm totally in, hun" - Applejack said. She loved watermelons - under the sturdy and solid surface, a red world of delight and freshness was hiding. Applejack imagined sinking her teeth into its delicious, cold meat.

"Oh, great. Let's go right now - I'll also look for some medicine for you. Let's hope you're just overstrained yourself on such a hot day, and it will pass soon" - Fluttershy said, continuing to smile. Though it was definitely because of the fever, but Applejack was almost blinded by her smile - it seemed so bright.

"Let's go, just stay close to me. I don't want you to pass out on our way"

"Yes, yes, hun, whatever you say" - Applejack said and smiled. This little scene awoke those fuzzy feeling in your chest when someone cares about you.

She and Fluttershy really didn't hang out that much. Although they were good friends, whenever they met, it was always with other ponies, like when they all decided to go for a picnic, or when Twilight went cuckoo, or when a major danger arises. So she and Fluttershy had little to no time tet-a-tet, face to face, as they say. Though she really wasn't a pony every community would kill for, as she usually preferred to stay in the shadows, quietly sitting in the corner. In fact, it seemed quite odd for her to make a move first, to invite Applejack first, instead of being invited.

Applejack wanted to ask Fluttershy about this, but decided to keep quiet. It seemed very rude - just bluntly asking 'Why did you invite me?'. A friend can invite a friend at any time he wants - what's wrong with that? Besides, she was really looking forward to spending some fun time with Fluttershy, and, of course, eat that watermelon. It seemed like a gift from Celestia - to eat such a perfect and huge ball of refreshment that ponies call a berry. Ah, she was ready to kiss Fluttershy from tail to nose for such an invitation.

The sun was high up in the sky, heating up the world even stronger, but Applejack felt now much better, as she and Fluttershy were walking through Ponyville. The ponies were either full of energy and excitement, or looked docile and peaceful, as they were slowly lying in their hammocks or chaise-longue, resting and drinking soda. Applejack and Fluttershy were slowly making their way to the big tree, where Fluttershy lived, talking and giggling along the way. They kept very quiet, as Fluttershy didn't want Applejack to suddenly faint right on the street or feel bad again. Applejack herself wasn't very active, as she started to act more like a vegetable - her movement was slow, twitchy and her eyes started to turn muddy, which Fluttershy didn't like at all. But there was no better medicine than a bite of cold, fresh, juicy watermelon that was waiting for them in Fluttershy's house.

Author's Note

I am new to this genre, so I don't expect this to be insanely good. But still, I hope you'll like the style in which I will do stuff and enjoy the story I will bring you in this fic! Good luck and have fun!

A perfect berry, for a perfect friendship

Finally, Applejack and Fluttershy left the urban area and were walking on a road, surrounded by trees by each side. Their upper branches were blooming with green leaves, through which the sunshine was going through, giving the light a little bit of a greenish tone, and also taking away quite a lot of heat. This was a pleasant place to be.

"Do you remember summer ever being this hot? " - Fluttershy said, looking around, squinting in the sunlight. The drops of sweat were sparkling on her neck and sides - even though a pegasus could fly up high in the sky and receive refreshment in the form of wind, lashing onto you. A few circles around the town - and you are as good as new! However, Fluttershy preferred to stay on the ground, near the pond with crystal clean water, playing with her animal pets or just swimming in proud loneliness.

"No, I certainly don't. Maybe Celestia is having a good day and decided to share her happiness with others" - Applejack said.

"Yeah, may be... Though Twilight says Princess can be a little... over the top when she's... bored" - Fluttershy said, looking around. "She said Celestia likes to prank ponies when she has nothing else to do".

"Hun, this doesn't look like a prank at all. More like a plan to fry us" - Applejack replied, reeling a little and trying to keep her head steady.

"Come on, Jack, be more accepting about things like these. It's not yours, nor Celestia's fault that you have to work on such a day. Sometimes, we have a really bad day, you know" - Fluttershy said, stopping near the roadside and picking up a pretty dandelion and putting it near her face. She then proceeded to blow away all of the seeds from the head of this pretty flower. The seeds floated through the air, as the weak wind took them in its embrace and carried them away somewhere afar. One of them, however, refused to leave as it landed on Fluttershy's nose.

"Yeah, I understand that. I just don't like when it's too hot" - Applejack replied, approaching her friend and swiping this little seed away from her nose.

"Thank you. Don't worry, we're about to make your day this much better" - and Fluttershy put her hooves in the air , having measured the size of an adult pony from head to hooves. Applejack smiled at that.

"How are you doing? Feeling better? Does the head still hurt?" - Fluttershy asked. The head was aching a bit, and the blur was still present, but it was much weaker now that they are walking in the shade.

"Better. But I feel a little weak, and yes, the head still hurts" - Applejack replied, and Fluttershy sighed with relief.

"At least you feel better. Let's go, we shouldn't keep you in this heat. I assure you, you'll feel just perfect in my house. I ventilate it regularly and flowers help a lot too" - she said, smiling. Applejack smiled back. She still couldn't forget what a raging inferno her room was when she woke up. She felt like somepony shoved her inside the stove and turned it on full power.

Finally, the house, in which Fluttershy lived, appeared in their line of sight. Just in time, as the trees, shielding the road from sun, were no longer present and the friends had to go the rest of the way through the scorching heat.

As they were walking under the sun, the light fell on Fluttershy in such a way that Applejack couldn't help but admire this sight - it was truly remarkable. She wasn't really crazy about art, but the way that sunlight was emphasized Fluttershy's figure was just unforgettable. It's not that Applejack usually checks the other mares' figures, it's just that at this instant Fluttershy looked just beautiful.

"Wow..." - Applejack just couldn't help but drop an innocent 'wow' at such sight. Yes, sometimes nature can make things look in such a way that will be imprinted in your mind for many hours, days, years.

"Wow what? What did you see?" - Fluttershy asked, looking around. Applejack could barely hold back from applying her hoof to her face - she just said that out loud.

"Umm, nothing... Just checking out the nature. It looks beautiful" - the earth pony replied, smiling awkwardly and looking somewhere afar.

"Oh, yes, I do agree" - Fluttershy said, turning away, and Applejack sighed with relief. That was a close one. It was hard to leave an impression on her but that sight certainly did!

Finally, they have reached Fluttershy's house, and just in time - the heat was just unbearable. Fluttershy quickly opened the door, and they both came inside. When Applejack stepped into this house inside a tree, it felt like she entered a whole new world - the cold air greeted her, and it was like she descended into frozen water. The wind, created by the air going through the open window and through the now open door, touched her skin, covered in sweat, making her shudder.

The atmosphere inside the house was very welcoming - everything was clean, put in its places. It was quiet as well, too, which was unusual for Fluttershy's house. On an ordinary day, it would be filled with animals, sounds, roars, chirring, singing, meows, and even growling, but it seemed that all the animals were gone. Either they wanted to find a peaceful and cold corner in the woods to hide in or Fluttershy really meant it when she said she wanted some time tet-a-tet. So much that she asked her animal friends to run around in the woods while she's busy.

"Come on, take a seat and relax. I'll go find you the proper medicine, and after that we can get to the watermelon!" - Fluttershy said, and quickly ran upstairs, while Applejack sat down on the cough, sighing heavily. She didn't even realize how tired she was from all the work in the garden. It felt so relaxing to finally stretch her limbs and descend into the sweet ocean of fuzziness that was Fluttershy's couch.

Applejack closed her eyes and delved a little bit into memories. She liked to take these nostalgia trips while there was free time. It just felt great after the hard day to lie down under the tree in the shade, letting the breeze touch you and play with your mane while you traverse your memories, searching for a good thing to dream about. However, while in situations like you would usually go many years back, to remember some fun adventures or interesting things that happened to you. But Applejack didn't have to go back many years ago - the image that got to her mind immediately when she closed her eyes was fresh... perhaps, too fresh. The image of Fluttershy, framed by the sunlight. Her big blue eyes are looking somewhere afar, and that smile fits her pretty face perfectly. Applejack would actually just print that picture on the paper, put it in the frame and hang it onto the wall, so she could look and admire it every day. Unfortunately, there was no breeze at that moment, as it would be even more perfect if at this moment this wind would play with her pink mane, making these curls flutter and shake. It would look like in those romance novel, when the author tries to portray the hero's main love interest, painting the princess or a honorable mare-knight in such a way.

Applejack opened her eyes and thought to herself. - "Whoa, whoa, hold your gryphons, full stop... This isn't okay".

She didn't know why she suddenly got so excited about seeing Fluttershy in such a romantic pose and situation, but it felt very weird. She suddenly felt something in her chest surging, that kind of feeling when you have done, thought or said something you don't want the other person to know. This little desire to hide your face when that person enters the room and looks at you, smiling. You just don't feel right, you don't feel that looking in their eyes is fair anymore.

Applejack took a deep breath and blamed it all on the heat. This weather could turn you into a completely different pony in a matter of seconds. She just had a small bad trip because of the overheating. Granted, she never did drugs and never planned to, but she heard about the effects. Maybe a long stay in the sun does the same thing to you as gobbling up a pill that will turn you into a butterfly that flies around and shoots lasers at floating heads of Nightmare Moon.

Fluttershy finally returned, bearing a tray with a glass of water and a small pill, lying nearby. She carefully put the tray on the table near the couch and sat down near Applejack.

"Here's your medicine, dear" - she said, smiling and moving the tray closer to Applejack. The earth pony quickly managed to grab the pill and looked at it. It was round, white and with a recess in the centre. All in all, a typical pill. Applejack threw it in her mouth and quickly drank the water, so the sour taste of the pill wouldn't ruin her throat for the rest of the day.

Thankfully, the water quickly dissolved the pill, without leaving that bad taste in your mouth like you just gobbled up a bag of flour. Applejack rubbed her eyes again, and felt that annoying blur and dizziness slowly fade away.

"Feel better?" - Fluttershy said, approaching her and touching her forehead.

"Yes, it helped a lot" - Applejack said, looking at Fluttershy right in the eyes. "Thank you for this, honey"

"He-he. A true friend helps a friend in need" - Fluttershy said, blushing.

"So, about that watermelon..." - Applejack said, smiling reservedly.

"Oh, yes, of course! Can you stand? Maybe you can help me cut it" - her pegasus friend replied, and Applejack sneered.

"Come on, hun, I'm not that exhausted. C'mon, let me handle that" - she said, quickly getting up and flexing her neck. Together, they went to the kitchen, and Fluttershy opened the refrigerator and started looking through various types of food.

"Listen, Fluttershy, where's Angel? He's usually always around" - Applejack asked, and added in her mind - "Because he's too much of a sluggard to do anything himself".

Oh, if only Fluttershy could hear her thoughts, she would be pretty angry. Fluttershy doesn't want to admit it, but this Angel Bunny is such a jerk, even for an animal. Applejack never liked those who expected everything to be served for them on a silver platter, and that bunny was the prime example of it. It made her blood boil to see the way he treats Fluttershy, his supposed master, just ordering her around and always being disappointed if he doesn't get what he wants. However, as much as Applejack wanted to talk to Fluttershy about this, she just couldn't bring herself to do it after seeing how Fluttershy truly cares for that little devil.

"Oh, he's out in the forest, probably playing with his friends.... Finally!" - Fluttershy exclaimed, as the sounds of the dishes and glasses being pushed away, scratching the surface of the fridge, reached Applejack's ears. She quickly approached Fluttershy and helped her to weigh the watermelon on Applejack's back.

The thing was humongous! It was almost as big as her head, maybe even a bit bigger, and felt like it weighed a ton! Applejack quickly stood in a more steadier position by placing her hooves a little further from each other to cover more ground.

"Oh...snap.... hun, how'd ya carry this beast to your house? It's... just humongous!" - Applejack said, while slowly, step by step walking to the table. Fluttershy was around, helping her to hold her balance.

"The bear agreed to carry it for me... Alright, right here!" - she said, helping Applejack to put this giant on the table. Just by looking at its surface, where the light green stripes were neighboring with the dark green ones. Together, they created this pattern, that is so pleasing to the eye whenever you see it, as you imagine how you will sink your teeth into its meat.

Fluttershy grabbed the long knife with her teeth and pierced the watermelon right through its top, where the stripes were coming from, or coming to, depending on your opinion. Then, she pushed the knife as the sound of the watermelon cracking open filled their ears. Applejack just couldn't wait - it already tasty from the outside.

With a loud crack, the watermelon was finally cut in half. Applejack moved closer to one of the halves and gazed at the sparkling in the light, sugary red meat. She had this burning desire to smash her head into this heaven and gobble it up like that, while its cold juice flows on her skin. But that would a helluva mess, and it seems Fluttershy just recently tidied her place up, so Applejack drove that wish away. Besides, watermelon will taste even better if you will wait for a few minutes just looking at it - it will stimulate your appetite quite well.

In just several minutes, one of the halves was turned into a nice set of pieces, which you could just pick up and eat. It looked even more delicious than before.

"Here you go!" - Fluttershy said, putting the knife away, taking one of the pieces and giving it to Applejack, while also taking one for herself. "Let's drink to our friendship!"

"To our friendship!" - Applejack said, smiling, and they carefully 'clinked' their slices, as if they were glasses full of punch, or wine, if you're fancy. With these words, Applejack finally got to taste this delicious berry.

Just as expected, it was refreshing, sugary, and so tasty. Applejack couldn't help but to utter the pleased 'mmmm'. She felt herself in heaven right now, and this was her ambrosia.

"Oh... best berry ever!" - Applejack said, rolling her eyes from pleasure. Fluttershy smiled, swiping away the juice from her mouth.

"Agreed. You won't believe how much time I spent waiting in the queue. It was the last big one, you could say I got lucky" - she said, taking another slice.

They stood there for a while, eating the watermelon and talking to each other about weather, friends and recent events. Since last several months were quite peaceful, it wasn't very interesting.

The clock struck the noon, and the weather outside became unbearable. Fluttershy took a second to look out of the window, and was amazed at the sight. The air was visible, streaming from the ground and into the air. It's an usual sight when you make a campfire, when the heated air rises up, but there was no campfire now. Though maybe the sun became a giant campfire, and Equestria was just a marshmallow.

However, heat made them relax a little bit, and the discussions started flowing much better, as they decided to delve into more personal subjects. They were alone here, nopony can hear or see them - so why not discuss something you wouldn't discuss in a group?

"You know, don't get me wrong, I respect Wonderbolts - they do a lot of good stuff and all... but judging from what I heard from my relatives who were their big fans... they regressed from heroes to celebrities. I heard they hold all kind of parades and shows instead of doing heroic stuff " - Applejack said, crunching another slice of watermelon.

"I have to agree, Jack. Me and Dash recently went to one of parades they held in Cloudsdale, and, just as you would expect, Rainbow wanted an autograph. Well, it turned out you can't get even get to them without special permission. It seems only VIP had received some scrawls in their copy-books" - Fluttershy replied, sighing. "You won't believe how upset Rainbow Dash was for the rest of the day".

"Yeah, I could imagine. Wonderbolts for her are like Hesperide Apples for us - an object of worship" - Applejack said, taking another slice. The mythical golden apples that can grow nowhere except on sacred soil, and, according to legends, can cure any illness and taste like every apple combined, only without any drawbacks.

"Oh my, Applejack, don't get me wrong, but you're so untidy sometimes. Just look at yourself" - Fluttershy exclaimed, reaching for a towel

Applejack looked at her with puzzled eyes, and then realized that her face and chest was covered in juice. She smiled awkwardly - the only drawback watermelons had is that, if you're not careful, you'll have to take a bath after eating one, or literally feel on your own skin what is it like to be a candy.

"He-he, sorry. Got a little bit carried away" - Applejack replied. Fluttershy sighed, smiling at the same time.

"Sometimes you're like a big child" - she said, approaching Applejack and carefully and slowly cleaning her face with the towel. Rarity, too, used to do things like this if she thought Applejack was too dirty to stand near her, but Fluttershy did with a special kind of care and love, while Rarity could rub you like you're some kind of a stain on the window.

Fluttershy carefully cleaned Applejack's face, and when she moved a little bit lower, to her neck, Applejack felt the cramp passing through her body. It felt so good, and it tickled as well. She couldn't help but let out a silent giggle.

Fluttershy put the towel away, and looked at Applejack, right in the eyes. To the surprise of them both, they were struck by some kind of stupor, as they looked at each other in the eyes, without looking away for a whole minute. They were hypnotized by each other. Applejack remarked that there is something in Fluttershy's eyes - it's like the care and kindness were in her very being. You could look her right in the eyes, and see what kind of pony she is - she had nothing to hide. In addition to these kind, big eyes, and very smooth outlines, her face was framed by this gorgeous pink mane. Because most of her free time Fluttershy spent nearby the nature, in the fresh air, her mane looked very beautiful and natural, without a single drop of cosmetics. Just pure, untouched nature.

They both started giggling awkwardly, and Fluttershy's face bloomed in this light red color she was quite famous for. What a strange situation this was.

"Heh... uhm... So, do you like the watermelon?" - Fluttershy asked, still blushing.

"Are ya kidding? The best berry in the world! I loved it! Thank you, hun, for inviting me" - Applejack said, approaching Fluttershy and putting the hoof on her shoulder.

"Oh, no need to thank me, Applejack! Just the fact that you feel alright and happy is enough gratitude for me..." - she replied, continuing to smile.

Applejack looked at the table, where all of the remaining crusts of the watermelon were lying. It may seem strange, but they really reminded her of epaulettes, like those Royal Guard officers use to wear. A bright idea came to her head - a way to ease the tension that started to appear. All these thoughts of Fluttershy and her beauty were whirling in her mind, and it seemed a bit strange to her, but now Applejack finally found a way.

"Hey, Fluttershy. Remember what Royal Guard wear for parades?" - she said, approaching the table and picking up two crusts.

"Yes, I do. What do you have in mind?" - Fluttershy answered, when Applejack put these crusts on each shoulder, so it would look like epaulettes. She made a comically serious face, frowning and making such an impression with her mouth as if she was a complete grump.

"The name's Glorious Shield, m'am! I am a glorious officer of glorious Royal Guard, and my glorious eyeballs just noticed that you are walking on the glorious territory with your not very glorious hooves!" - she said in an overly serious tone, parodying the way some officers talk to ponies. Fluttershy giggled a bit, starting to get the joke.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't want to make you look less glorious!" - she decided to join the scene, talking in a high pitched voice.

"Good! Since nopony can look more glorious than Glorious Shield! It's in the name, you know" - Applejack said, realizing what a terrible pun that was, but Fluttershy still liked it, as she started laughing reservedly.

"Oh no, look, a changeling!" - Fluttershy said, giggling and continuing to parody a damsel in distress.

"Changeling? Do not worry, they will not stain my glory!" - Applejack replied, changing the tone from overly serious to the one you use when you are quickly running away. She turned around in an overly epic fashion, in slow-mo and started slowly retreating.

"What are you doing? The enemy is in the opposite direction!" - Fluttershy said.

"I am retreating.... But I am doing it gloriously, you hear me! Gloriously!" - Applejack replied in a overly proud voice, and Fluttershy burst out laughing. The way that Applejack pronounced that phrase sounded so funny to her she couldn't help but laugh.

They had nothing against Royal Guards, but it almost seemed comedic to them that, even after failing their duty countless of times, they still talk about themselves in a very proud manner.

Applejack loved the way Fluttershy was laughing. Her laughter was sonant, pleasant to the ear and very, very relaxing. You could just stand for a long time and listen to her - it brought peace to your soul, assured you that everything is good, everything is going nice. Fluttershy continued to giggle, as she approached Applejack and took off these improvised 'epaulettes'.

"There you go again. Eh, Applejack, Applejack..." - she said, took the towel again and started cleaning her shoulders. "You didn't have to get yourself dirty again".

"It was worth it - you laughed" - Applejack replied. Fluttershy blushed.

"You know, you don't have to trouble yourself in such a way. Why make yourself feel uncomfortable just to make me feel better?" - she said, swiping the juice from her drop by drop.

"Because why not" - Applejack said, looking right at Fluttershy. Strange feeling started overwhelming her, and she felt incredibly hot. It was like she suddenly went out and stood in the open sun. She couldn't tell what this feeling was, it's just that when Fluttershy was close, she felt so much better. The pictures of her invaded Applejack's mind again, and she couldn't drive them away anymore.

"Um... it's getting a little bit awkward... don't you think?" - Fluttershy said, looking down on the floor.

"What's wrong with that?"- Applejack asked, and she giggled in response.

"Nothing, I suppose...."

The sun finally left its peak, and slowly started to go down, but didn't ease up the scorching heat, not even a bit. In fact, it seemed like it got even hotter. The heat started to overtake in Fluttershy's house as well, as Applejack noticed a single drop of sweat running on Fluttershy's face.

There was only one remaining slice of the watermelon. The other half of it Fluttershy put in the fridge in case Applejack would like more.

"Seems it's the last one left from this half? Do you want it?" - Fluttershy said, looking hungrily at the sparkling red slice of this delicious berry. She didn't eat that much, leaving most of the slices for Applejack - she didn't want her guest to feel uncomfortable and unwelcomed.

"No. Go ahead - it's yours" - Applejack replied, smiling at her pegasus friend. Fluttershy quickly took the slice and sunk her teeth into delicious watermelon.

The temperature was rising, and Applejack felt a strange feeling, surging in her chest. This feeling somehow increased the temperature around her even more, making her sweat, as she started to breathe heavily. But this strange feeling felt like it was urging Applejack to do something. It grew stronger and stronger, making Applejack walk away to the corner, hoping that it will pass, or at least ease up. Is the fever returning, or is it something else?

"Mmm, so tasty... Oh.." - Fluttershy exclaimed, noticing that just like Applejack, she loses concentration when eating watermelon, for her lips and mouth were covered in this sugary juice. "And the tiger told the zebra that she's striped! How hypocritical of me, ha-ha!"

Fluttershy smiled at Applejack, and wanted to reach for the towel, but suddenly something surged inside Applejack, as her heart started beating faster and faster. Her sight suddenly focused on Fluttershy, she couldn't turn away, or even move, for that matter. She just stood there, as the world around became dim and grey, with only Fluttershy still having her pretty colors. It was like the whole world paled before her beauty.

Applejack would like to wonder what the buck is happening to her, but she completely lost control of her body as she rushed forward to Fluttershy and enclosed her in a tight hug. She looked at Applejack with surprise in her eyes, obviously, but that didn't stop the earth pony, as she kissed her right in the lips.

Applejack could taste the watermelon juice, though it was already a bit warm, but it didn't matter. And it only added to the flavor, for kissing Fluttershy felt just like eating a cherry pie - pure heaven. For a few seconds, Applejack could feel Fluttershy's body getting straining, as if she was about to fight back, but that was just for a moment. She relaxed and even allowed Applejack to run her hooves through her pink mane. They stood like this for about a minute, when Applejack finally gained control of her emotions.

She slowly moved her head a little bit away from Fluttershy's face, as her cheeks became red as a tomato. She smiled awkwardly, as everything inside her was burning from shame and confusion. Applejack couldn't control it - she just got so... aroused, all of a sudden.

"Uh.... Ehm... Sorry... I..I don't know what got into me, but.... um.." - Applejack said, stuttering. Oh, how embarrassed she was right now. She expect Fluttershy to get mad at her, or start asking questions. And Applejack didn't even know what to say in reply. It all happened so sudden, and out of nowhere.

But, to Applejack's surprise, Fluttershy didn't look angry at all, not even confused. Instead, she smiled, looking at Applejack askew.

"No, do not worry... It's alright..." - Fluttershy said, fixing her mane, since Applejack disheveled it a bit.

"You just look so... gorgeous" - her earth pony friend replied, then realized that she said it out loud. Before she could apply her hoof to her own face, Fluttershy spoke up, with a rather unexpected reply.

"Thanks... You're so pretty, too..." - Fluttershy said quietly, and then Applejack noticed that her wings were really tense and stretched out, as if she was about to fly up into the air. Applejack wasn't really an expert on anatomy, but she knew that pegasi experience strong muscle tension in their wings when they are aroused.

"C...can you do that again?...." - Fluttershy asked, coming closer to Applejack, which for a second shocked her. That was unexpected! But just a single glance into Fluttershy's big eyes awoke that feeling again. That feeling of desire. It felt like an old friend - Applejack hasn't felt it for a long time. Of course, she saw some attractive stallions that captured her attention, but it was nothing compared to what she felt now.

Applejack slowly touched Fluttershy's cheek. It was very warm, almost hot, and so soft. She slowly slipped her hoof to her mane, slowly stroking her head at the same time. Fluttershy seemed to like it quite a lot, as she tilted her head and closed her eyes. Applejack moved her head closer and they kissed again, this time willingly.

The desire, however, forced Applejack to take more action. Just few minutes, she would drive out these thoughts without hesitation, wondering what's wrong with her. But now, she let her imagination run wild, like a wild young timberwolf. That kind of imagination you usually hide from the crowd, and let it loose only in bed, when dreaming about somepony in a very...erotic manner.

She could feel Fluttershy's warm breath inside her mouth, and their tongues started to touch each other, like long lost lovers, as they started their dance. Applejack closed her eyes, and embraced this moment fully, filling her mind with different images of a good time she will have. Oh, a very good time.

The heat of the sun has awoken the fire that burns in every being that has a mind - fire of desire. Others have quenched its demands by resting outside, going for a picnic, or just reading. Fluttershy and Applejack gave into this fire, and these two burning flames merged into one, becoming a great pillar of scorching inferno.

"I have to admit... it's awesome" - Fluttershy said, running her hoof through Applejack's mane, carefully, without even moving the wide-brimmed hat. "So... what are we going to do?"

Applejack smiled snidely, and looked at Fluttershy with the eyes sparkling with lust.

"We're going to have.... lots of fun..." - she said in languid voice.

"Oh, I can imagine... Come on, there's much more space upstairs" - Fluttershy said, smiling suggestively. Together, they went upstairs barely holding back from jumping on each other right there, but that would leave a huge mess, and Fluttershy just recently tidied up the place.

Oh, warm sun, sweet berries and youth - together, they can make all sorts of miracles. You can turn the worst enemies into friends, but the most rarest of all - you can turn friends into lovers, for the flame of desire is under your control.

As much fun as you can have

The bed creaked when the two ponies fell down on it, engaged in a passionate kiss. They lied for a few seconds like that, with Applejack being on top, slowly running her hooves through Fluttershy's mane.

Fluttershy's bedroom was quite spacey and comfortable. There was a window, overlooking the road to the front door and several flower-pots hanging on the wall. The natural color of the wood was quite relaxing, and created the feeling that you are in the forest, with occasional green leaves hanging from the top in the form of the flower-pots. Applejack always loved this atmosphere - it reminded her of her garden, with many apple trees surrounding you. It was relaxing, fueled the flight of the imagination - just what they needed right now.

Applejack moved a little bit lower and licked Fluttershy's neck, leaving a wet trail on her skin. She seemed to enjoy it a lot, as she let out a passionate moan and snuggled closer to Applejack, so that the curls of her light olive mane were covering her face. The hat was in the way, so Fluttershy just picked it up and threw it aside, on the nearby cupboard. Applejack didn't mind at all.

"I have to say.... You look much sexier without the hat" - Fluttershy said quietly.

"I'll keep that in mind, sugar" - Applejack replied. "Next time we'll meet, I'll leave it at home"

"Good..." - Fluttershy said and carefully tickled Applejack's sides.

Applejack giggled from the pleasing feeling flowing through her body, making her shudder a bit. Fluttershy's touch felt like a leaf, slowly flying past you and touching your skin. In fact, Fluttershy herself was like a young green leaf, as Applejack found out when they turned around, swapping places. From one side, there was the linen cover of the bed, and from the other it was the light as fuzz warm body of her pegasus friend.

Fluttershy sat down in such a way that Applejack was between her legs. She spread her wings, sending a stream of cold breeze towards her friend, and then slowly stroked Applejack's belly, moving upwards, lying down on her. Her half-closed eyes and lustful smile made Applejack want to make Fluttershy her little toy and play with her every night.

She wrapped her wings around Applejack's body, tickling her, and started rubbing herself against her. It sent the spasms of pure pleasure through Applejack's body, as she gasped for air, since her heart was beating faster with every passing moment, forcing her to inhale more rapidly and more loud. Fluttershy moved a little bit higher, and Applejack put her hooves on Fluttershy's flanks and squeezed them. It felt like squeezing a freshly baked bread - they were warm, soft and looked so delicious!

Fluttershy slowed down, enjoying every second as Applejack started massaging her lower back, slowly caressing every part and feeling each line and flexure. Her hooves feel very rough on the daily occasion, because hard work in the field was never merciful to the surface of your hooves, and their sensitivity in general, making them rough and unpleasant to touch. But, maybe, the nature was Applejack's friend, or the trees were too soft to roughen up her hooves, because her touch felt very soft and full of care. Applejack tried to caress the specific areas she knew were erogenous - like the one above the tail, or just below the cutie mark.

"Ooh...yes..."- Fluttershy moaned in a sultry manner. "Mmm... Jackie, I wish you were a flower... and I would be a bee, coming to collect the nectar every single day and night..."

Applejack tickled Fluttershy's flanks a little bit more, and then started to carefully push her upwards, towards her face.

"Jackie, what are you doing?" - Fluttershy asked, looking at Applejack, resisting these pushes gently. She may not be experienced in these type of things, but she knew that sitting on one's face is not exactly arousing. Or maybe Applejack is just into weird stuff?

"Believe me, sugar, you'll love it" - Applejack assured her. Fluttershy smiled at her, and finally allowed Jack to gently move her closer to her head. She is the element of honesty, after all.

Applejack grabbed Fluttershy's flanks in such a way that it would prevent her from moving the lower half of her body, and then started licking her, slowly, carefully, trying to touch and caress every sensitive spot. This struck Fluttershy out of nowhere, as she twitched to the side, but Applejack was holding her tight. This shudder is born out of surprise - just a few seconds later, she will be in the world of pleasure. It's always a bit unusual the first time.

"Oh, sweet merciful Celestia!" - Fluttershy exclaimed, leaning on the wall. "Sweet rainbow apples, oh, holy....."

She was unable to continue, as pleasure gripped her throat tight and pushed the words back, instead making her let out moans and screams. Her body was twitching, as the waves of shiver went through her, starting from between her legs and channeling through every inch of her body.

"Ouh.... just...don't stop...."- she uttered in a sultry voice, closed her eyes and started to enjoy it, moaning louder and louder the longer this went on. She even started to get the hang of it, slowly moving her lower body up and down, forcing Applejack to do a little bit of 'exploration' with her tongue.

Applejack squeezed Fluttershy's flanks once again - she just couldn't get enough of it! They are just so warm and fuzzy and soft! Fluttershy in return tried to keep as still as she could - well, as still as you can be, when you feel yourself in the heaven, cuddled by gods.

Finally, about five minutes later, Fluttershy decided she needs a break, as she slowly moved backwards and carefully placed her head on Applejack's chest, with pink curls covering half of her face, but barely hiding that satisfied smile.

Applejack's mane was disheveled and if Rarity would see her now, she would die from horror, but she was happy as a little foal who just got a whole bag full of sweets. They both were breathing heavily and loudly, grasping the air like there was no tomorrow.

"So....did you like it?"- Applejack said, smirking and looking at Fluttershy. The pegasus didn't say anything. Instead, she licked Applejack's chest, leaving a wet trail. When she reached the earth pony's neck, Fluttershy looked up into Applejack's eyes and smiled.

"How do you think?" - she said, moving closer and starting to play with Applejack's mane, wrapping it around her and smelling it. "Ohh... smells like apples..."

"I think it smells more like pies. I spent a lot of time near the stove as well" - Applejack replied, and Fluttershy smelled her mane again.

"Nope, definitely apples. He-he" - she said, giggling. "Jackie... I have to say - that was amazing. I don't know if it's even legal, but I don't care anymore. Oh, you're my little flower!"

Fluttershy hugged Applejack, pressing her head against her chest, still a little bit wet. Applejack closed her eyes, while slowly stroking her head. She remembered the times when Applebloom would come to her and they would just sit down and hug each other, talking about how the day went. She would tell Applejack what cutie marks she tried to get today, how it went and how much collateral damage was caused. Applejack would just silently sit there, and listen to her little sister mumbling and babbling, while smiling and looking at her.

Fluttershy interrupted Applejack's flow of thoughts when she started caressing her cheek.

"Remind me, why didn't we do this before?" - she asked. Applejack looked at her, and shrugged, as if saying 'Heck if I know'.

"I have a few theories. Maybe this is because of the feelings, that awoke inside us just recently. Maybe it's the circumstances, that we didn't expect. Or maybe we're just a little bit crazy. That's always a possibility" - she said in a quiet and soothing voice.

"If this is your idea of crazy...Then wish I was insane" - Applejack replied, earning a giggle from the pretty pegasus.

"He-he... you're already insane for me, Jackie" - Fluttershy said. "You're such a sweet girl... Now, close your eyes - I'd like to return the favor".

Fluttershy smiled at Applejack, and then slowly started moving down. That suggestive spark in her eyes made her intentions clear as the blue water in the pond just outside her house. Applejack smiled back - oh, Fluttershy, sometimes Applejack has a thought that this pony is her best friend out of all her friends. The one and only girl out of their team she wanted to be with all the time.

With her peripheral vision, Applejack managed to look into the window, when she leaned back on the bed. The sun was slowly going down, as the horizon started to shine with pale red colors. The day was turning to evening.

Applejack closed her eyes, as Fluttershy slowly descending on her, leaving a wet trail on her belly with the tongue. Finally, she felt her heart beating faster, trying to pump the blood through her body fast enough to cool her down. The spasms of uncontrollable pleasure struck every fiber of her being, making her body twitch. She managed to stay in control, allowing herself to let out loud moans on occasion.

Fluttershy's tongue was cold, bringing cold and refreshment to erogenous zones, something that any pony would kill for. She was gentle and slow, caressing every part with great caution - everything to please her friend as much as possible. Applejack felt Fluttershy's hooves on her flanks, slowly and playfully outlining them. She even tickled her a bit right under the cutie mark.

"Oh...my..."- Applejack exclaimed from the surprise. She knew it feels good, but Fluttershy spiced it up so good. Or maybe it was just the fact that it was her, that made these moments so enjoyable and pleasing.

Fluttershy's tongue was shifting from one place to another, leaving behind only wet trails and spasms of pleasure. Applejack's moans echoed throughout the room, and it seemed like she was getting a little bit too excited. At one point, Fluttershy carefully scratched her belly, as if telling her to be a bit more quiet. Even though they were all alone in the house, Applejack's voice was to be reckoned with, and if ponies, passing not far from the house, hear them, they might think something is wrong. But Applejack didn't even feel this gentle scratch, as it was lost in the hurricane of lust, pleasure and happiness that carried her away long ago.

Fluttershy raised her head and looked at Applejack.

"Jackie... could you please...tone it down with the screams, okay? I'm perfectly fine with them, in fact I find them very arousing... but what if somepony hears us?" - she said, as blush invaded her cheeks once again. She didn't feel comfortable with the idea of berating her friend, even in such a gentle manner.

"Oh....sorry, hun.... I just got a little carried away.... oh, by the apple trees, you're so good at this....oh my...." - Applejack replied, and Fluttershy smiled, as she put her head down again to continue to caress Applejack with her tongue. The second its wet surface touched that small area between her legs, Applejack had a sudden wish to scream as loud as she could, but she quickly shoved her hoof into her mouth and bit it, similar to the way you put a piece of wood in your mouth when your hoof is misplaced and you need to fix it. She clenched her teeth so tight she actually started to feel the metallic taste of blood in her mouth. But that didn't bother her - she just started slowly sucking the blood out, hoping it would stop soon. The wound wasn't deep, just a little scratch.

Applejack didn't know how long they were lying like this, but the feelings were overtaking in her - she wanted to scream, to shout, to proclaim her undying loyalty to this gorgeous pegasus with pink mane, but she knew she had to keep quiet. Right now, it felt like the worst torture - suppressing your feelings, especially desire is always difficult.

Finally, Fluttershy slowly crawled back up, so that they could look each other in the eyes. Fluttershy looked into Applejack's eyes, smiling, and stroked her cheek. Applejack returned the favor by slowly massaging Fluttershy's sides.

"Forgive my language, dear... but I bucking love you, girl...." - Fluttershy said, putting her head right beside Applejack's.

"I love you too...." - Applejack replied. They were both breathing heavily, and drops of swear sparkled on their skin. They were exhausted, almost completely drained out. It's like they just picked the whole garden worth of apples.

Applejack felt Fluttershy's body becoming less and less strained. Several minutes later, she stopped moving, and Applejack could only feel her warm breath touching her ear, and hear quiet, gentle snuffles right nearby.

Applejack smiled, and realized that her eyes were closing themselves too. She could carefully put Fluttershy on the bed, go outside, take a swim in the nearby pond and come home... but it killed her soul at the very thought of disturbing this cute pony's peace. It felt like any movement, any sound would wake her up - and to see her face being touched by sadness, when she sees her beloved sugar Applejack gone... No, she can't leave her!

Applejack delved her hooves into Fluttershy's mane - she felt warmth, comfort, slowly flowing through her body. This fuzzy feeling inside your belly, reinforced by the Fluttershy's heartbeat right near her own heart slowly lulled Applejack. She closed her eyes, and let herself slip into the magical land of dreams.

Still a favorite berry

Applejack felt something pushing her in the side, and barely managed to open her eyes. Everything was drifting, it was like she was on the ship in the middle of the sea storm. She managed to recognize the shape of the room she was in, but the blur made her sick. Applejack blinked a few times and rubbed her eyes, trying to drive it away. Her head was aching, and her body felt numb.

The light of the morning sun blinded her, making her squint. Judging by the light, it was around nine o'clock. However, the time period didn't bother Applejack one bit - rather, the questions such as 'what happened last night'.

Maybe the medicine didn't help, and the fever was still present. It's surely gone now, but it took Applejack's memory as the toll. But all it took for her to regain her memories was to look down. Fluttershy was peacefully sleeping, embracing her friend and pressing her head against Applejack's chest. Her soft snuffles were reaching her ears, bringing back all the memories the earth pony lost because of the fever.

"Oh..... darn it!" - Applejack whispered to herself, trying to shield her face from the world. The memories of this fiery night have returned in a moment's notice.

"Darn it, darn it, darn it!" - Applejack whispered again, and closed her eyes, sighing heavily.

She never was into mares. From the very day she was born, and through all those moments when she played with other children, especially boys, and then Granny Smith would make a happy face and smile, she wasn't into mares. And she still isn't! So how did this happen?!

Applejack remembered what Fluttershy said last night - circumstances, feelings... or insanity. Choose one of three - and make excuses.

"Grans gonna kill me.... ugh..." - Applejack said in an annoyed voice. Suddenly, she felt Fluttershy moving, and soon, she was looking at her right in the eyes.

"Good morning" - she said in a calm voice. Is she completely all right with what happened?

Applejack shook her head, trying to make sense of what happened last night. It's like she was a completely different pony then, and now whoever took control of her left, and she is left to deal with the consequences.

"Good morning" - she replied, trying to hide the worry in her voice, but failing horribly. Fluttershy looked at her, tilting her head. They looked at each other for a few minutes, trying to find the right words, or even expressions to show to each other. Applejack looked at Fluttershy closely, and by the way she turned away figured out that she felt the same way as she does right now - lost and confused.

"So....." - Fluttershy uttered, and another awkward minute has passed.

"Um.. listen....ugh.... Let's just take a shower, and then we'll talk.... alright?" - Applejack offered, and Fluttershy nod silently. She didn't have any better idea anyway.

***

Applejack and Fluttershy were sitting beside each other on the couch. The drops of water were still sparkling on pegasus's skin, but Applejack tried to ignore it, looking in the different direction, trying to find the right words.

Her mane was still a bit wet, but it was quite warm, and soon it will be dry as usual. Thankfully, the sun wasn't as scorching as yesterday, and the weather was fresh and beautiful. Nothing even reminded of the inferno that was happening yesterday.

Applejack was all in her thoughts, finally figuring out why this all happened. She lost control of her emotions, these primal instincts, let them loose. It's funny, really - back then, you don't even think about the consequences, but just after everything is over, you panic - how will others react, should you even tell them. Fluttershy is more lucky - her family doesn't live here, they may never find out, but Applejack....

She grabbed her head, realizing that she will have to explain EVERYTHING to Applebloom. The poor little girl will get all confused - good job, Applejack, what a nice example for your sister you are! Big Mac will probably 'reward' her with the same gaze he gives to Applebloom when she misbehaves, or even worse. And considering Granny's loose tongue, the whole Apple family will know of this little adventure of hers in a matter of several weeks.

"Listen... about what happened last night...." - Fluttershy said quietly, shyly, like she usually does. "I'm....um.... sorry...."

"For what? It's all my fault. I lost control of my lust, and then dragged you into this. Damn heat, fired me up like a wild stallion on the hunt!" - Applejack said, turning to her friend.

"Dear, I let you proceed. I only added fuel to the fire, and then made my own flame. It's not your fault - I could see what the heat did you...but then I got affected as well...." - Fluttershy said, and suddenly let out a giggle. Then another one. Few seconds later she was laughing out loud. Applejack couldn't resist to join her, joining Fluttershy in this little chorus - her laughter was too infectious.

"I... I just imagined.... What will Twilight say...." - Fluttershy said, making long pauses to laugh. Applejack thought about it too - how will the crew react to this? Oh, what kind of faces they will make. Especially Rarity - that is guaranteed to be the jaw-drop.

"Ha-ha.... yes.... they'll be shocked..." - Applejack said, then finally calmed down. This really is no laughing matter. This is very serious.

"But really.... what do we do now, Fluttershy? Should we...tell anypony?" - she said, and Fluttershy shrugged.

"I really don't know.... but lying is not an option. It never is...." - she replied, and they sat silent yet again. There was just nothing to say. How hilarious it was in hindsight, really. Just five hours ago, these ponies happily squeezed each other in hugs, and now they don't know how to talk to each other anymore. After you spend a night with somepony, you form a special connection with him or her, the connection that makes all other seem... kind of weak. And that was what worried Applejack so much - is Fluttershy still a friend to her? Or something more? Was that just fun for one night? Or something more?

"I think your family is worried. You haven't slept at home, you know" - Fluttershy said.

"You want me to leave?"

"No, no, no, I don't..."

"It's alright. I really want to avoid this conversation as well, but we can't leave it like that, Fluttershy! We have to make a decision"

"Yes.. you're right... Maybe we should just tell them? Spill the truth out? I just can't hold it inside" - Fluttershy said, and Applejack nod.

"Yes, that's probably the right choice... but how will they react? Will they even understand?" - Applejack said, and then closed her eyes. "You know what? Nevermind. They are our friends, our family. They will accept us, and we should never hide the truth. It will do no good"

"Yes, you're right..." - Fluttershy replied, turning red as a tomato. Applejack moved closer and hugged her, trying to calm her down.

"Don't worry. I've got your back. We're in this together, hun"

"Thank you, dear" - Fluttershy replied. Applejack looked at the clock - ten AM. She should leave, Grandma must be awfully worried.

Fluttershy accompanied Applejack to the exit, and they looked at each other one more time, with Fluttershy standing in the door, and Applejack preparing for the trip home.

"You know... the other half of the watermelon is still there... you can visit me and we'll finish it off..." - Fluttershy said, rubbing her neck and smiling awkwardly. Applejack looked at her in the eyes, and noticed a little speck of that sinful flame, slowly living the remains of its short life in her.

What happened last night was the result of circumstances - the heat, the sweet berry, the beautiful scenery outlining everything that was beautiful about this shy pegasus - it all collided and made this flame dance. Does Applejack want this flame to return at some point?

"A very good idea, hun. It was quite tasty - I won't mind eating some more!" - Applejack replied, and Fluttershy rewarded her with a smile. After that, they said their goodbyes, and Applejack went home.

The dust was creaking under her hooves, and the fresh wind of the morning was blowing in her face, playing with her mane. The sun shun into her eye, blinding her for a second, and that brought her to a thought - Twilight hasn't written a letter to Princess Celestia yet. Applejack giggled - because she has just a lesson of friendship to send to the wise solar alicorn - friends, watermelons and scorching heat make a helluva mix.

She laughed for a bit at this idea. Oh, yes, it's quite ironic how a simple invite from a friend can change everything in a moment's notice. Applejack isn't sure if she will ever get over this.

Yes, that watermelon caused much more trouble than it should. But, on the other hoof, it also brought so much fun. So, whatever happened, Applejack's favorite berry is still this little planet with the core of freshness and cold.