> A Song and An Apple
>  by TheOneAJ
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

With an irritated moan, Applejack tried yet another street down Californeigha before it got dark. Still, dispute the setback, it felt nice that she would be spending some quality time with her old camp friend—and secretly, old flame—the popstar, Countess Coloratura. Whom Applejack knew better as Rara. However, during the trip, it never sat well that she kept her three day weekend plans from her other friends.

She certainly would tell them when it was over. Till then, Applejack just wanted it to be her and Rara this weekend. If she could only—

Slamming on her breaks, Applejack finally found it. The front entrance wasn’t much, just a mailbox with the address numbers Rara lived at. Which lead to a gate hidden by a bush so dense she was surprised she spotted it at all.

Relived, if not a little exhausted from the driving, she pulled up to the gate. She pressed a button, and waited for about five seconds.

"AJ?" Rara's voice echoed through a speaker.

"Yeah, howdy—" the gates immediately opened in front of her.

So with a smile, Applejack drove forward. Once inside, see saw her friend, looking a little tired, dressed in a pair of jeans and plain blank shirt, but eagerly awaiting her.

"Oh, AJ," Rara cheered as soon as Applejack stepped out of her truck, "I'm so glad you could make it!"

"Yeah," Applejack responded as Rara slammed into her with a hug, "pleasure to come. Thought, you could have been a bit more specific in your directions."

Rara pulled away and blushed. "Hehe, yeah, I probably should have, come to think about it."

Applejack shrugged. "It's fine, I get it. You want your privacy and all. Though, if I ever come again, my friends will probably want to tag along, you know?"

Rara sighed.

Applejack flinched. "Oh, hey, Sugarcube, I didn't mean to sound rude, I—"

Rara held up a hand. "No, no, I'd be happy if you brought some of your friends along next time. More the merrier!" She then placed her hands behind her back and kicked a stone. "It’s not so much that I hate getting too much attention, I just wanted some one-on-one time with you while I could... Since it has been awhile."

Applejack scratched her neck. "Yeah, sure has." A bitter taste hit her mouth. She had thought about the last letter she had sent to Rara while they were kids. "But that ain't important! What matters is we're here now. Only got two nights and three days ta catch up, so let's not waste it by mopping."

With a small smile, Rara nodded, "I'd like that. I'd like that very much be—" Her smile quickly widened. "Well, how about I show you around? You got any bags?"

"A few in the back." Applejack said, heading towards her truck.

"Here, let me help," Rara offered.

Applejack snorted. "Nah, I got it! Or ya got some butlers to take care of that?" Her face flattened as she saw Rara frown.

"Oh what, AJ? You think I have servants to wait on my hand and foot every hour?"

Applejack shrank back. "Well, I..." A snicker from Rara caused Applejack to shake her head. "Ha, ha, just as funny as ever."

Rara bursted out laughing. "But seriously," she said looking over to the back of Applejack’s truck, "I wouldn't mind giving a hand."

"Alrighty then. Although, it ain't that much." She then looked suspiciously at Rara. "So, you don't have, like, any hired help?"

Rara shrugged. "Not really. The house isn't that big. Besides, I like doing a little hard work for my keep. I'll hire someone when I'll be away for awhile on a tour. But mostly, I do everything myself to keep it clean."

Applejack then looked to her friend’s home, finding it to be a lot smaller than she thought it would be for a popstar of Rara's status. It was still larger and more luxurious than most middle class suburb families’ homes, but not by much. With only two floors and what looked to be less than 3500 sq ft. in length, it seemed very small compared to some of the homes she had passed by on the way over.

“I see… Wait, you live here by yourself?”

Rara nodded. “Yup. Was just me and Sven from time to time before you helped me get rid of him.”

Applejack grinned, but then said, “So, not even your parents?”

Rara froze. Then, after taking a deep breath, she nervously answered, “Um… nope. Well, I mean, it’s not like I can’t live on my own. Geez, AJ, we’re practically adults! And don’t you more or less already run your own farm?"

Applejack puffed out her chest. “Not just any farm, the best apple farm in the country.”

Rara rolled her eyes. "I don’t doubt it. But yeah, as soon as I could, this became the first thing I bought for myself. Oh, you should have seen Sven when I first had my eyes on it! He wanted me to get something much more grand and extravagant. Something that could hold the largest parties when needed. But I was firm," she spun around her home's entrance, "this would be the place for me! I could have any of his so called 'events' at a community center or something, but this is where I would live."

Applejack laughed along. "That's nice. So where you want me to put my bags then?"

A goofy grin plastered itself on Rara's face. "About that... I do have a few guest rooms for you to choose from. However, well," she grabbed Applejack's arm, "how about first I show you the other reason I wanted this place so badly?"

"Um... Sur... sure."

With a warm smile, Rara pulled Applejack along. Meanwhile, Applejack began fighting with her own feelings she knew she would need to deal with sooner or later; her crush on Rara.

There was no doubt about it. Even when they were kids, Applejack had felt some other connection besides friendship with Rara that drew them together at camp. She liked Rara back then. Even more so now that they were friends again. Once Rara had ditched her vial, Applejack though no face was more beautiful. Yet, a part of her knew it was never meant to be. That is, if the last time they made contact had anything to do with it.

"And here is my backyard!" Rara announced as they stepped outside.

Applejack whistled at the setup.

For as simple as the front had seemed, Rara didn’t seem to mind spending a pretty penny on the back. They were surrounded by a finely trimmed grass yard with a couple of palm trees. A brick laid path that led to a fire pit, circled by a fancy in place crescent bench. A picnic table, grill, horseshoe pit, and there was even a recently pitched tent. Surroundings the tent, hotdog buns and marshmallows.

“What do you think?” Rara asked, nervously twiddling her fingers. “I mean, I wasn’t sure if it would be your thing. But, if you like, we can camp out here tonight like we did back then.”

Applejack rubbed her chin. “Um, you do remember we slept in cabins, right?”

Rara lowered her head. “Yeah… But even with weeks to plan, I couldn’t—”

Applejack placed a hand on Rara’s shoulder. “I never said I didn’t want to. Even if it ain’t the woods, camping is camping.”

Rara’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. “I’m so glad you like it! Oh, I haven’t even shown you the best part!”

“Best—” AJ’s question was put on hold as Rara dragged her along to the edge of the property.

“Part of my choice in this place was the seclusion, but this,” she gestured over the ledge of her yard, “this is what sold me.”

Applejack looked to where Rara’s arm had been waving. One look, and she was too awestruck for words. Out beyond, the sun had nearly set into the vast ocean.

“Whoa!" Applejack said, moth hung open. "I hadn’t even realized how close we was to the ocean. Explains them teens I saw in bikinis.”

Rara giggled. . “Well, technically, this isn’t beachfront property. It’s still a bit of a walk. Although…” She leaned into Applejack’s ear. “I know a little shortcut.”

Applejack looked away so her friend couldn’t see her blush. “Well… Well now.” She took a quick breath, then joked, “Maybe you and I can go fer a midnight swim or something?"

As Applejack laughed, Rara lowered her head. “Um… Yeah. Sur… Sure. I… I promise… Sometime this weekend we’ll… I’ll… Brr!” She shivered as the sun dipped past the waves. As it did, a cold breeze blew between them.

Quick to act, Applejack said, “How about we get a fire going? Then after we toast some mellows, we can start catching up?”

Rara twitched her lips. Then, she slowly, looked back up. “Yeah, that sounds perfect.”

*****

“You can’t seriously have only know Sapphire Shores!” Rara said after she stuck her fifth s'more into her mouth.

Applejack pulled her next marshmallow away from the flames. "Never said I didn't know her songs. Just not the one singing them.”

Rara put a hand on her chest. “AJ, you wound me that you never knew who I was!”

Applejack threw a graham cracker at her friend. “Oh hush now!” Rara laughed and fired a few crumbs back in retaliation. “Never said I didn't listen. And I’ll have you know, your hit of Bad Shipment was one of my favorites long before I knew who you were.”

Rara giggled. Then stuck out her tongue. “Oh, did someone go through a bad breakup?" 

Applejack chuckled, but it was a nervous laugh that soon dampened both of their moods.

At that, Applejack silently swatted herself on the inside. Hard.

Things had been going well for the past four hours. They shared all of their adventures they had over the years. Even if Rara didn’t believe all of her Canterlot High mishaps, Rara made up for it with adventures of her own that couldn’t be real. Rara had even took Applejack inside to show off some of the rewards and souvenirs she had collected from around the world. Afterwards, Applejack did likewise with some photos she brought along of her family and friends. Along with numerous ribbons from state fairs and rodeos she had won. Then, to make it all better, as they waited for their hotdogs to cook, Applejack pulled out her guitar, and Rara sang a song.

All the while, Applejack hadn’t once thought about her hopeless crush. Till Rara had to make that joke. Which brought back memories of her first, true heartbreak…

***** 

It had been about a year since their last Camp Friendship. This year, though, both girls were about to start the seventh grade. Before the first day, a young farm girl was frantically scribbling down a letter to her best friend before her grandma came up to make sure she was asleep.

Dear, Rara,
Boy, am I nervous for tomorrow. First day of a new school and all. Personally, I don’t see why I even need to go. I already know everything I could ever want about running a farm, and it’s not like I really want to do anything else. Besides, I know Granny Smith would be happy to retire. Course, she still wants to make sure Apple Bloom knows how to make her special apple jam first. Speaking of, little Bloom and her friends never fail to amaze us with how adorable they are. Just this morning, they released all the pigs to try and become pigranglers. Thankfully, Mac and I rounded most of them up before they could escape. Both the pigs and the little girls. I had a good laugh when I told them a ghost pig might come a steal away naughty little girls...
Granny didn’t like that.
Still, all in all, it was a good last day of summer.
Though what about you? Still going to the city with your uncle or something to try and make it big? Sure wish you could come and live and make it big in Ponyville with me. Shucks, wouldn’t that be something, if we both lived in the same house? Next thing you know, we’ll be getting married.

Applejack had hesitated putting that last part in.

Truth be told, it was at the last camp where Applejack realized that, indeed, she have a crush on her best friend. However, since she also knew most girls didn’t like other girls, she had never said anything. 

Instead, she decided to try and act… What was the word again, flirty? Either way, her idea was to drop subtle hints. Much like her brother did with his crushes. She would see how Rara would react, then go from there. Who knew? Maybe Rara would be swept off her feet and actually come down to Ponyville to marry her.

Sighing dreamily at the thought, Applejack finished her letter.

Well, best be getting to bed. I’ll write again once I hear about how your first day went.

Signed

Love, AJ. <3

*****

Halfway through that year, Applejack had lost all hope of hearing from Rara again. At that point, all she could wonder was if she had made her friend uncomfortable by saying she wanted to marry her. She later wrote another letter asking if Rara was okay. More importantly, to see if she had said anything wrong. Instead, the letter came back the next day, labeled Return To Sender.

***** 

And that was how Applejack felt her first heartache. Though it only lasted for about a week, it was almost as hard of a time for her since her parents died. However, she soon found herself able to move on with her new group of friends. While it still stung, she convinced herself that their letters got lost in the mail. After that, there was nothing either of them could do about it, so that had been that.

Yet, having brought it up, Applejack began to wonder why Rara had never tried to write back. She hadn’t moved from Sweet Apple Acres. Even if one letter from her got lost, Applejack saw no reason as to why Rara shouldn’t have tried again.

“AJ,” Rara interrupted the silence, “you okay?”

Applejack blinked back to the present. “Um… Oh, oh yeah! Totally, fine!”

Rara flinched at the words. “Oh, well, okay…”

The two stayed silent after that for a while, till Rara said, “You know, it’s getting late, want to call it a night?”

“Sure,” Applejack nodded, “I mean…” her eyes widened as she realized that only one tent had been set up. Not that she didn’t notice it before. Howeve, it now occurred to her what it meant. With her current state—

“Are you coming?”

Applejack shot up. “Er, yeah! I’m comin.”

Rara chuckled and they made their way inside. Where—much to Applejack’s relief— two sleeping bags were neatly set up side by side with each other.

“Sure has been a fun day so far, huh?” Rara asked, crawling into one of the bags.

“Yeah,” Applejack said, not realizing how flatly she put it. 

“I mean, we’ll have more fun tomorrow.”

Applejack’s eyes widen. “Hang on now! I never said we didn't have any fun. You hear?”

Rara clasped her hands together and looked down. “Oh, um…”

Applejack sighed, plopping herself on the adjacent sleeping bag. “Okay. So I guess we won’t get any peace until I get this out of the way.” 

Rara followed behind. “Alright. What is it? I’d hate it if I did something wrong.”

Really wrong. Applejack bitterly thought to herself. She then said to Rara, hands behind her neck, looking at the top of the tent, “Why did you stop writing to me?”

Rara gave no response.

Applejack moaned. “Gosh darn it, Sugarcube!” She felt her eyes water, and looked to the side of the tent. “I mean, I’m sure you had a good reason. But, it's not like I ever moved. I just...” Her chest start to feel heavy. “You know, never mind. I can—”

“I'll tell you tomorrow.”

Applejack blinked. “Huh?” She turned around, and saw Rara fidgeting with her hair.

“If you… If you can just give me this one night, AJ, I promise, I’ll tell you tomorrow.” There was another long pause. “You deserve to know. Just… Just promise me that, even if you don’t want to be my friend afterwards, you’ll try to understand my reasons. I can’t stop you from hating me, promise me you’ll try not to forget me as the girl you went to camp with.”

Applejack’s stomach cringed. "I…” She began, slowly reaching a hand out. Only to pull it back. “Now look. Maybe it’s bad or something, but don’t you fret. You hear? Nothing you say will make me think any less of you than I do right now.”

Rara zipped herself up in the sleeping bag. “Thanks, AJ. See ya in the morning.”

“Yeah...” Applejack motioned as she got herself comfortable as well. “See ya, Rara…”
> Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, Applejack woke up to the heavenly smell of bacon and eggs. With it, the realization that today would be important.

All through the night as she tried to fall asleep, with Rara mere inches from her, Applejack could only wonder. What could be so bad that it would cause Rara to stop writing?

Did Rara had some kind of cancer or incurable disease? What if she had let her new fame get to her? Or, what if she was a vampire? Applejack chuckled at the last idea. Till she realized that stranger things had happened to her since Sunset Shimmer came to CHS.

With a deep breath, Applejack carried herself out into the crisp, warm morning air. Where Rara—fully immersed in the sun to Applejack’s relief—was humming a love song as she cooked.

Applejack stood still, savoring the moment. She was mesmerized by Rara's beuatiful voice. Maybe whatever Rara had to say wasn't that bad. Not that she doubted anything could make her feel less. But, while it lasted, she was going to enjoy this simple moment. Before anything changed between them.

“Oh, morning, AJ!” Rara said as she caught her staring.

Applejack stumbled for a bit, then pulled herself out of the tent. “Oh, howdy! Sleep well?”

Rara smiled. “Yeah. Want some breakfast?”

Applejack nodded

The two soon dug into their meal in silence. After a while, Applejack began to speak. Only to be interrupted by Rara, “Say, you want to go for a swim today?”

Applejack bit her lip. “Um, sure. Sounds fun, I guess.”

Rara closed her eyes and slowly nodded. “I hope… I mean, did you bring along a swimsuit?”

“Er, nope. Didn’t think you’d live near the ocean.” She then muttered under her breath, “Something else you could have written about.”

Rara must have heard, because she flinched. “Well, I have some bikinis you can borrow. Third door on the left. Just... Just take your pick.” She shot up quickly. Not even bothering to take her plate, she raced inside. “Meet me back here when you’re ready!”

Applejack started to say something, but Rara was already gone. Still, even as Applejack made her way inside, she could clearly hear her friend crying in the distance.

***** 

After a short debate between a one-piece and two, Applejack slipped into an orange bikini. With a beach towel in hand, headed outside. Where Rara was waiting anxiously for her.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed her emotions aside and gazed. Dazzed by Rara’s slim and beautiful body exposed to the elements, Applejack didn't move. Her friend stood in a purple bikini top and bottom, along with a purple necklace and blue sandals.

“Hey, Rara.” Applejack finally muttered. She step outside the house, fighting to not sound stupid. "You look nice.

Rara gazed at AJ for a moment, then blushed. “Thanks. Um… Nice choice of… Anyways, ready to head down? Gorgeous day.”

Applejack smiled. “Sure is.” She looked towards the yard's edge. “So where’s this little ‘shortcut’ ya mentioned? Hope it ain’t a rope ladder off the cliff.”

Rara laughed. “No. It’s even better. Come on.”

With that, Applejack followed till they came to a large rock. Which, upon closer examination, she realized was a door. Once Rara opened it, the smell of seawater blasted their faces. Looking inside, she saw that a path of stairs lead downwards.

“Whoa.” Applejack whistled. “That come with the place?”

“Nope. Had to build it myself. Just got the safety rail installed last week.” She began her descent. Applejack followed suit. 

All the while, the two girls didn’t say anything to each other. Till at last, they made it to another rock door. After some fumbling, Rara unlocked it and lead her on. Inside was a small room. Or perhaps cave was a better word. There wash just a hole in the ceiling to let in light. Along with a pool in the middle that Applejack had a feeling contacted with the ocean.

“Um, nice place you got here.” Applejack nodded as Rara took a step towards the water. 

Back turned, head tilted down, the popstar rubbed her shoulders.

“AJ…” Rara said quietly.

Nervous, Applejack took a step forward. “Look, Rara, if it’s about what you want to tell me, I told you—”

Turning around slightly, Rara dug into her bikini. She pulled out a folded piece of laminated paper.

Applejack squinted her eyes. “What the—”

“Like I said,” Rara began, reavaling that it was a letter, “I’ll understand if you hate me. But your last letter, the one you wrote when we were about to start seventh grade… I did get it. And kept it all these years.”

It took a few moments for the situation to hit Applejack. Once it did, it hit her hard. “What? I—”

“I’m sorry! I know I shouldn’t have." She set the letter down. "But when you said you wanted to marry me, even if there was a chance you were just joking… I couldn’t respond.” A tear ran down her face. 

No longer as angry, Applejack approached Rara. “Oh, Sugarcube. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I mean, if that’s all—”

“But it isn’t.”

Applejack blinked.

Rara closed her eyes and sighed. “The truth is… I’ve always had a crush on you. Almost from our first day of camp,” she turned to look at Applejack, straight into her eyes, “and especially, right now.”

Waves of emotions began to hit the farm girl. So many in fact, Applejack almost didn’t know how to respond. Though, with her face heating up, she stuttered. “Ya… You do? Cause… I've always had a crush on you too. Just never hopped you swang that way.”

Rara blushed and held her hands together. “I do. Since we were kids. Even more so when you helped remind me of who I truly was at the concert.” She frowned. “I really do like you, AJ. But… It can’t work!”

Applejack glared. “Oh what? Because you're a city girl while I’m country?”

“It’s not.”

Applejack stuttered. “Oh, er… It’s not?” She began to get scared. What else—

In a blur, Rara threw her sandals off, raced over to Applejack, and kissed her.

Eyes widened, Applejack moaned in surprise. After a minute, she allowed herself to melt into the brief kiss.

Once Rara pulled away, fresh tears streaming down her face, she said, “I’m sorry, but you should at least know why.” She rubbed her pendant, then dove head first into the water.

Still a little daze, Applejack shook her head. She then raced over to the pool where she thought she saw a light. Blushing like mad at Rara's wet hair as her friend broke the surface, Apple had to take a moment before she asked, “Um, you mind now telling me what is this all about? Seems just a bit crazy. Not that I don’t mind the whole kiss thing, but you still haven’t explained what the big deal is.”

Looking away, and breathing heavily, Rara answered, “Okay… But remember, you promised.”

“Sugarcube, I told you for the hundredth time. There’s nothin—”

With a heave, Rara pulled herself out of the water. However, instead of legs, out came a smooth, green tail.

With a shriek, Applejack stumbled backwards onto her rear. “Wha… I… Rara? I…”

Resting on the ledge, Rara pulled her tail to her chest. “Well, you deserve an answer. So here it is. This,” she flicked her tail into the air, “this is the real me.” Chin held up, she looked away. “So now you know. I’m sorry, but—”

Rubbing her eyes a few times, Applejack looked at Rara's tail. Once she got up, she laughed. “A mermaid? That all? Phew. For a second there, girl, I thought you were a vampire or had some kind of cancer.”

Rara dumbfoundly stared. “Wha… I’m… um, AJ, I’m a fish!  That’s not freaking you out or anything? For that mater, how would it be bad if I was a vampire instead?"

"Nevermind that!" Applejack took a breath, dipping her feet nto the water next to her. “As for the whole fish part, maybe a little. But I wasn’t kidding when I said I’ve seen stranger… Course, you’re not an evil siren or anything, are ya?”

Rara narrowed her eyes. “Seriously?”

Applejack held up her hands. “Sorry, sorry! I didn’t mean to sound offensive.”

Rara rolled her eyes. “It’s okay. I suppose most people would assume that if a popstar turned out to be a mermaid, she might have only gained her popularity because she had hypnotic siren powers.”

There was an audible pause.

“That part ain’t true… right?”

“Of course not! I don’t have any kind of magical powers.” She lifted her tail up and placed it in the water next to Applejack’s feet. “Well, aside from going from fins to feet I suppose.”

The pair cracked up till Applejack said, “Yeah, about that…”

“Right,” Rara nodded, “I suppose I have a lot to explain. So I better get started.”

***** 

It was hard for Applejack to focus on Rara’s story. She gathered enough to know about Rara having disapproving parents, to her finding said pendent that allowed her change, to moving to land. Which ended her up at an orphanage that signed her up to Camp Friendship, and a few other details in between. 

“Are you even paying attention?” Rara snapped when she started to get to the part about her music career. 

“Wha! I… Hehe, sorry, Sugarcube. I got the basics, but…” she looked at the tail. 

“Too much of an eyesore?” Rara’s hand reached for her pendent. “I can—” 

“NO!” Applejack insisted, moving Rara’s hand away from her neck. “I never said that. Just getting used to it and all. Although…” Her face began to heat up as she thought about her request. “Can I maybe… touch it?” She flinched and closed her eyes. Nervously opening them, she saw Rara's face had started glowing a crimson red. 

“I… I don’t see why not.” Rara breathing became rapid. “That is, if you think it will put you at ease more.” 

“Ye… Yeah. Tot… totally.” With a gulp, Applejack slowly reached out a hand towards her friend’s tail. She paused for a second when she was mere inches away. Then, she closed the gap on what once had been a knee. She felt Rara shudder, but proceeded to run a hand a bit along the tail. It felt smooth, like a newborn animals. Though, she felt a seal's skin would have been a better description if she had ever felt one. 

Mesmerized, Applejack continued on for a bit till her hand came to Rara’s torso. Where her friend's human and mermaid half met. Once she touched that line, Applejack noticed Rara starting to giggle. Looking up, she found herself no longer interested in the tail. All she saw was beautiful friend’s face on fire. Which compliment her eyes rather nicely/ All while Rara started back.

Neither able to hold their emotions back, the two moved in. Their l lips locked together in a much needed, frenzied kiss. 

However, as Applejack began to embrace her friend, Rara pulled away. “Stop, just… We can’t do this!” 

Panting, Applejack frown. “Oh? Now will you explain why not?” 

Rara sighed. “Well, how would we even make it work? I don’t care about the celebrity or country girl statues, but that fact still stands that you live on a farm. I live in a house by the sea. I’m always on tour, you’re always at home. Besides, I couldn't just ask you to run away with me. You have a farm and family to look after. Also, I did mention I’m a fish, right?” 

Applejack groaned and laid on her back. “Guess you got a point there…” She didn't care about the mermaid part. But, as hard as it was for her to admit, Rara had a point everywhere else. However… “Is it a problem if you don’t live near the ocean? Like, a serious health thing or something?” 

“No.” Rara said, laying down next to her. “I mean, I could easily live away from the sea. It’s just a preference thing.” 

Applejack nodded. “Well, that is one problem solved.” She noticed Rara holding in a breath. ”Guess it still wouldn’t solve the, who would move in with whom if we ever got married.” 

Rara chuckled. “Oh be serious, AJ.” 

Applejack laughed. “I am… I mean, not now! That’d just be silly if we started dating today. But, I wouldn’t see why we couldn’t have two house. One being a sort of summer home. People do that, right? Can't see it being a problem for either of us ta save up fer.” 

Rara began to twiddle her thumbs. “I suppose so.” She frowned. “Still, you would also have to put up with me being away for months. If not years when on tour.” 

AJ rolled over to her side and gave Rara a seductive smile. “Not like I haven’t waited long already.” She reached out a hand to Rara’s. While the popstar was reluctant at first, she did allow Applejack’s hand into her’s. 

“Besides," Applejack continued as Rara looked towards her, "nothing lasts forever. Not that I think you’re going anywhere soon. But hey, sooner or later. it may not be a bad idea to end on a high note. Rather than fall from grace like others stars I've heard about have.” 

Happy tears running down her face, Rara said, “Could still be a long time before that happens.” 

Applejack brought a shaky hand to Rara’s face, “I know. But I’m willing to try. That is, only if you’re up for it as well.” 

Rara answered with a kiss. A long, passionate kiss. That soon resulted in both girls wrapping themselves around each other. Arm in arm, caressing each other’s bodies, Applejack’s legs wrapped themselves around Rara’s tail. No longer needing to hold back the feelings they had both felt, they both reaped in the rewards of their patients. 

After about ten minutes of deeply making out, Applejack pulled away. She took a deep breath, and asked, “So… We still got ‘bout two days left together…” she gave Rara a playful and seductive smile. “Anything else you want to do, Sugarcube?” She placed a hand into hers.

Rara giggled. “We could always go swimming, love.” 

Applejack chuckled and pulled herself up. “Sounds fun. But I don’t reckon I’d keep up with a fish girl.” 

Rara giggled. “Well,” Rara placed her tail in the water, “if you had been paying attention, you’d know that my amulet can work both ways. It can give me legs, but it can also give you a tail. Plus the ability to breathe underwater.” 

Applejack’s eyes snapped open. “Really?” 

Rara nodded and took off her necklace. “Yeah. Just got to leave it up here after the transformation so it doesn’t get lost. Although, you seem awfully eager about it.” 

AJ turned away ran a hand through her hair. “Er, promise you won’t tell Rainbow, but… I, er, I kind of have a teeny, tiny… ​fetish for mermaids and I´ve always wanted to be one!​” 

Rara blinked many times before she deadpanned. “Seriously?” 

“Oh, hush now!"  she said over her friend’s laughed. Applejack then felt a pair of arms circled around her neck. Next, the pendent was placed onto her neck. "Least now I have some idea where it came from." she turned her head to grin at Rara, as the two shared in another kiss as Rara wrapped her arms around Applejack.

“Well, I suppose this day is a dream come true for both of us.” Rara whispered into Applejack's ear. “Anyway, just rub the pendent, think tail, and away you’ll go.” She then intertwined their fingers.

Applejack did as instructed, picturing herself in a orange mermaid's tail.  “They’ll be murder on the street if this does turn out to be a dream…. Oh!” 

With that, a light encompassed Applejack’s legs. A warm and fuzzy feeling ran through her body. It started with her legs being pulled together. Then, the gap that once separated them began to seal. Running down her legs like zipper. This was followed by her now fused legs beginning to turn bright orange. Her feet buzzed next. They flattened out, began to spread out, until they became a fin. Lastly, Applejack gasped and held onto her neck. Stinging for a moment, she felt her lungs adapt to breath both on land and in water. Once the pain had passed, she started awestruck at herself. Human no longer.

“Who-e, gal!” She lifting her new tail up to examine her new tail. "You could have said it tingles.” 

“Figured I’d let you experience it for yourself,” Rara giggled, not having let go of Applejack’s hand during the entire transformation. “After all,” she teased, “your fetish.” 

Applejack narrowed her eyes in a playful manner. She then wrapped her arms around her, no longer old friend, but new lover. She looked Rara in the eyes and grinned. “Well, who said I’m done feeling tingly from the day?” 

Before Rara knew it, Applejack pulled them both into the water. There was much laughing and splashing before the two brought it in. Hands held together, tails wrapped around one another, eyes locked. Then, the two shared in another long, and much needed kiss.
> Epilogue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------