Watermelon

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.