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The days leading up to the track meet were filled with excitement and an undercurrent of tension that clung to Applejack's mind like dew in the early morning. Even though she and Rainbow hadn't spoken much about their heart-to-heart, the memory of Rainbow's doubts and dreams had left its mark. Their interactions seemed the same on the surface, but Applejack could feel the shift between them. Every shared laugh, every sidelong glance seemed to carry an unspoken question: What happens next?

The rest of their friends noticed the flickers of preoccupation in Applejack's face, and while no one directly asked her about it, she knew her friends could feel that something was weighing on her mind. But with the meet fast approaching, everyone was preoccupied with the preparations for cheering Rainbow on. That afternoon, they'd all worked on the signs and snacks they'd bring, each friend adding their unique flair.

By Thursday evening, the group chat was filled with excited messages, but this time, Applejack kept mostly quiet. She was still thinking about that night with Rainbow on the hilltop, about all the things that had gone unsaid, the things she wasn't even sure she knew how to say.

The early morning sun cast a soft light across the dewy grass as Applejack headed to the school track. Rainbow had invited her to come watch her last practice before the meet, and Applejack couldn't refuse, knowing that being there for her friend was exactly where she wanted to be. As she approached, she spotted Rainbow on the track, already lost in her sprints, her eyes locked forward with that fierce intensity that made her the unstoppable athlete she was.

Rainbow moved with precision, each stride filled with her natural athleticism. Applejack leaned against the fence, her gaze never leaving Rainbow's form as she powered down the track. There was something mesmerizing about watching her friend in her element. Rainbow pushed herself with a focus that made Applejack wonder just how far she'd go, both in this race and in the larger race of life that stretched before her.

Finally, Rainbow slowed to a jog, breathing heavily as she trotted over to where Applejack stood.

"Hey, AJ," she said, a familiar spark in her eyes as she grinned. "Glad you came."

Applejack chuckled, nudging her playfully. "Wouldn't miss it, Dash. Just don't wear yourself out before the big day."

Rainbow raised an eyebrow, that ever-present competitive glint in her eye. "Oh yeah? Think you could keep up?"

The hint of challenge made Applejack's grin widen. "Guess there's only one way to find out."

Rainbow laughed, already in position, and they took off side by side down the track. They didn't need to say a word; the steady rhythm of their feet on the track said it all. It was a dance of their own—a silent competition that was as much about pushing each other as it was about the strength of their friendship. Eventually, they slowed, and Rainbow looked over, her gaze more vulnerable than Applejack had seen in a long time.

"Thanks, AJ," she murmured, her voice softer than usual. "It... means a lot that you're here."

Applejack swallowed, keeping her voice light even though her heart felt heavy with the weight of Rainbow's gratitude. "Guess I'll be your anchor, Dash. Keep ya steady when ya need it."

Rainbow's gaze lingered for a moment before she looked away, and Applejack felt the warmth in her own cheeks. There was a lot she wanted to say but couldn't find the words for, so she let the silence stretch between them, filled only by the morning breeze.

The day's practice session played over in Applejack's mind as she worked on the farm, trying to clear her thoughts. She still felt the lingering weight of Rainbow's words, of her uncertain dreams of the future. By the time evening rolled around, she was more than ready to settle down for the night. But just as she was about to head to bed, her phone buzzed.

"Hey, AJ, you busy?" Twilight's voice came through on the other end, bright and cheerful as always. Applejack smiled, picturing her friend with that familiar bookish excitement in her eyes.

"Not busy enough for you, Twi. What's up?" Applejack responded, grateful for the friendly distraction.

"Just wanted to go over our plans for tomorrow!" Twilight began, the sound of shuffling papers on her end of the line making Applejack chuckle. Twilight always had her notes ready, even for something as straightforward as cheering at a track meet. "I'm making sure we have all our supplies, and, um... I might have calculated how loud we'll need to cheer to actually distract the competition."

Applejack shook her head, a smirk forming on her face. "Sounds like you got it all figured out."

"Oh, but you and Rainbow—have you two had a chance to talk about everything?" Twilight's question caught Applejack off guard, her friend's perceptive nature hitting the nail on the head as always. "You know, about her plans, her dreams...?"

"Uh, yeah," Applejack replied, glancing out the window toward the vast open fields. "I reckon we're gettin' there."

Twilight paused, and Applejack could feel her friend's quiet empathy through the line. "Just remember, AJ, you don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes just being there for each other is all that matters."

Applejack murmured her thanks, the truth of Twilight's words sinking in. And as the call ended, she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Whatever the future held, she'd be there for Rainbow—steady, unyielding.

The morning of the meet dawned bright and clear, the excitement buzzing through the school grounds as people gathered to watch. Rainbow was already in her track uniform, warming up on the field, and Applejack's heart swelled with pride as she watched her friend prepare for the race. The whole group had gathered near the stands, each friend dressed in their own unique outfit with matching rainbow-colored headbands to show their support.

Pinkie had set up a mini snack bar, filling it with homemade cupcakes and a selection of rainbow-colored candies. Rarity's banners fluttered in the morning breeze, her carefully designed posters proclaiming, "Go, Rainbow Dash!" in bold letters. Twilight had even brought a cheer script, organizing the group into cheering sections to make sure Rainbow felt their support no matter where she was on the track.

As they waited for the race to begin, Applejack felt her phone vibrate with a new message.

Rainbow 🌈⚡:
"Glad you're here, AJ. Really glad."

Applejack smiled, sending a quick reply.

Applejack 🍏👢:
"Wouldn't be anywhere else, Dash. Just give it all ya got."

She pocketed her phone and focused on Rainbow, who was now at the starting line, her gaze intense and unyielding. The sound of the whistle broke through the air, and Rainbow took off, each stride powerful and purposeful. Watching her was like watching pure energy in motion, and Applejack felt her heart racing along with her friend's every step.

Rainbow's form was flawless, her focus sharp as she powered through the laps. And when she crossed the finish line, coming in first, the whole crowd erupted in cheers. Applejack and her friends surged forward, meeting Rainbow as she caught her breath, her face flushed with the thrill of victory.

"I did it!" Rainbow gasped, looking around at her friends with a triumphant grin. "And you guys—thank you. I really couldn't have done it without you."

They all enveloped her in a group hug, laughter bubbling up as the joy of the moment washed over them. Applejack could feel Rainbow's exhaustion, but more than that, she felt the quiet pride and gratitude radiating from her friend. It was a moment they'd carry with them, a memory of what it meant to be truly, unconditionally there for each other.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow across Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and her friends gathered for an impromptu celebration. Pinkie had thrown together a spread of cupcakes, fruit punch, and enough decorations to turn the barn into a festive, colorful haven. The barn echoed with their laughter and music, the joy from the day's victory carrying over into the evening.

At one point, Rainbow wandered over to where Applejack was leaning against the barn wall, her eyes still bright from the day's events.

"Hey, Applejack," she began, her voice softer than usual. "I wanted to say thanks. I don't know if I would've done as well today if I didn't know you were there, cheering me on."

Applejack's cheeks warmed, but she shrugged, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Well, ya earned it, Rainbow. We're all proud of ya."

Rainbow's gaze lingered on Applejack's face, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world had narrowed to just the two of them, the buzz of the celebration fading into the background. "You're always there, AJ. No matter what. It means... a lot."

Applejack felt her heart beat a little faster as she held Rainbow's gaze, the weight of the unspoken words settling between them. But before she could respond, Rainbow took a step back, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

"Guess that's what best friends are for, right?" Rainbow's voice was barely above a whisper, and Applejack nodded, a quiet understanding passing between them.

As the night wore on, they all sat together under the stars, their laughter and voices filling the cool evening air. And as Applejack looked around at her friends, her gaze lingering on Rainbow for just a second longer, she felt a sense of peace settle within her. The future was full of unknowns, but one thing was certain: whatever it held, they'd face it together, bound by a friendship that would endure through every change, every distance.

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