Her answer would come much sooner than she expected, however…
“Wow, I've never seen you so red Carrot Top,” a familiar voice chuckled, “I didn't even know you could get like that.” Carrot Top didn’t even have to think of whose voice it belonged to; given it was on the ones on her very short list of the whopping two ponies she could name. She could hear the teacher sit across from her and set her own mug of joe down; likely where the dragon had just moments ago. Carrot Top mumbled out an incoherent reply of words as she heard the purple mare sit. Though the instructor could hardly understand the mare, she knew Carrot Top well enough to have an idea of the general internet behind muffled words.
“You’re alright dear. No pony thinks any less of you. You just got frazzled is all. In fact, it's quite impressive you stood your ground against a dragon.” Carrot Top knew the mare's tricks. She was attempting to downplay the situation to dig her out of her hole of shame and play to her pride to help pull her up. Despite knowing that, her companion’s almost motherly tone of care…worked. Or maybe it just worked because Carrot Top wanted it to work. Either way, she wasn't complaining
“Really?” Carrot top mumbled, already knowing her reply though it was formality she'd have to endure. Carrot Top slowly looked up from the table as she waited for the reply.
“Of course,” she predictably replied with a gentle smile; setting a hoof on Carrot Top’s shoulder.
“Thanks, I guess.” Carrot Top's body relaxed a bit as the jam-colored hoof gently circled around her shoulder in assurance.
“You really are alright. I mean it. And…” She began to add, as she playful pucked her lips to the right side of her muzzle,” if I ever have any dragon problems, I know just who to run to. Well, you or Flutter Shy I suppose,” She added with another subdued giggle. Carrot Top’s cheeks filled with warmth once more, though not as hotly as they once had. She gently leaned forward on the table, much to its bemoaning protest, as its legs slid across the ground from the new weight.
“If you say so Ms.Cheerilee.”
“I do say so and please! We’ve been friends for…” she paused to mentally count in her head, “eight? Yea eight years, you don't need to be so formal.”
“Sorry I can't help it, you just have that professional attitude about you.” This caused Cheerilee to break out into another bemused giggle as she shook her head.
“Sure, Sure,” Cheerilee replied as she swatted her hoof slowly through the air as if to dismiss the idea before taking a small sip of her coffee.
“Anyway, are you still up to visit my Berry’s bar later?”
“You don't drink though.” Carrot Top confusingly argued.
“That may be true. Buuuuut, I’ve been working on my pool game and this time I'm going to win.” Cheerilee shot a cheeky grin Carrot Tops way, her eyes glistening with information hidden just beneath. Carrot Top could tell the mare wanted to share it so she took the bait.
“You’re going to lose. You always lose to Berry and me.” Carrot pointed out, “Like every week. Literally.” Carrot Top pointed out, unsure where Cheerilee was going with this anymore.
“That may be normally true, but I feel like I can at least beat you this time.” Cheerilee singsongy mused; taking a shot at Carrot Top’s pride.
“How do you figure?” Carrot Top demanded as her brow arched into the air as she puckered her lips.
“Oh, just because you’ll be distracted by thinking about how you just yelled at THE dragon lord,” Cheerilee teasingly pointed out as she covered her muzzle to giggle again.
“I- wait that was- she was?! No! I couldn't really?! Oh, Celestia.” Carrot Top could feel her world spin as her body became heavy. The next thing she knew she was on her back on the floor with a groan dying of embarrassment once more.