water wars

It wasn't supposed to go down like this.
Cheri wasn't a fighter, certainly, and they hated getting messy. But, they were already in a super cute swimsuit, and the heat was just so much. Something had to change; and that something was water. Wading in the sand was icky; they had already done enough of that with Aster earlier. But...the 'ocean' was holding cold water. This swimsuit and all the skin it showed wasn't enough to make Cheri cool off.
"...Aster, dear?" Cheri turned their attention to Aster. The pretty pink bun turned his head to look at Cheri, giving them a sweet smile.
"Yes, my dear?" They hum. "What's going on in that pretty pink noggin of yours?"
"I'm hooooottttt." Cheri whines, clinging to Aster. He wore only swimming trunks, and his skin was hot and warm. Cheri wailed and flew himself off of Aster dramatically. They thrashed against their towel, and Aster looked down at them, nonplussed.
"What is the point of that little tantrum, Cheri? What is it you want?" Aster asks.
"I'm hot, and you're gross and sticky and warm." Cheri pouts, sitting up and putting their hands in their lap. "I'm going to die down here if I don't cool down soooon."
"Why not go for a swim, hum?" Aster asks. "The water's nice and cool."
"If I touch another piece of seaweed while swimming I'm just going to leave the beach." Cheri spat back, bristling at the idea. Aster raised his hands defensively.
"Understood, we won't go swimming. Then what would you like, hon? Alcohol will just keep you warm."
"Isn't there a way to play in the water without going swimming?" Cheri asks. Aster looks around, and, further down the beach, he spots a handful of buns having a water balloon fight. Aster wasn't sure that Cheri would love the concept...but it would get the job done.
"I'll be right back, bun." Aster muses, and he stands up to retrieve the equipment for Cheri. Cheri curls up on his towel, watching Aster go. They fan themselves with their hand, panting in the heat. They'd rather be in the air conditioning, at this point, but... they wanted to look good for Aster, and they did love their new swimsuit.
Aster didn't take long; he didn't want to keep his precious Cheri waiting, after all. Especially after how pathetic they acted, earlier. He knew the heat really got to them, and once they started getting sweaty, it was a ticking clock until they became insufferable. That was, of course, thought in the most respectful tone; Cheri had valid reasons for being upset with being uncomfortable.
Aster came back with a giant cooler, a bunch of reusable water balloons, and the cooler was already filled up with water.
"Alright, Bun," Aster looked down at Cheri. "Ready to get wet?"
"Oooh, what do you have in mind?" Cheri curled their tail around themselves.
"How about a little water balloon fight, hmm? You'll get nice and wet, you can get your frustration out, and you'll get to cool off."
"Ooh, I like the sounds of that!" Cheri exclaims, jumping to their hooves. Aster is handing them a pair of balloons, and taking a few of their own. Cheri happily lobbed one at Aster while he was nice and up close, and Aster scoffed before laughing.
"Wasting no time, I see bun?"
"Never!"
"Don't start what you can't finish, bun...." Aster's got a competitive streak on him. Besides, the more he pelts Cheri with these things, the cooler the bun will get. A win-win, either way.
The two explode into a flurry of exchanging 'blows', and Cheri can decently hold his own against Aster's assault. However, Cheri's no match for Aster's determination and desire to cool off his bun. After a very intense 30 minutes, Cheri is soaked down to the bone, while Aster's got a few persistent dry patches.
"Looks like we ran out!" Aster calls. "I'm the winner~"
"No fair!" Cheri wails, but he's coming over to give Aster a big hug, and a few affectionate kisses. "All I got was wet."
"I'm sure I could give you a different prize," Aster coos. "No crying, bun."
"Hmm....okay, Aster." Cheri swishes his tail, and that calms him down. For now.