Rainbow Dash soared through the morning skies, sights set on a cottage a short distance outside of Ponyville. She carried an ordinary shopping bag in her mouth, its contents light, bulky, and hidden behind tissue paper.

When she arrived at the cottage, she took a few furtive glances around to make sure nopony was nearby. Once she determined that the coast was clear, she set down the bag and knocked on the door. After a few seconds, the door opened to reveal her good friend Fluttershy, clad in an apron and emanating a sweet odor.

“Hey, Fluttershy,” Rainbow said. “I was wondering if you could do me a favor.”

“Oh, certainly. Why don’t you come on in and make yourself at home? We can talk about it over my apple tart,” Fluttershy said as she moved to return to her kitchen.

Rainbow took her bag, entered the cottage into the living room, and walked to the far side, where the couch was. She gently placed her bag on the couch, making sure it rested against the back so that it wouldn’t fall over. She then walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table.

“I figured that was the case,” Fluttershy replied while cutting the fresh apple tart into shareable slices. “Does it need to be fixed?”

“Yeah, I must have been a bit rough with it last night, ‘cause there’s a tear in it now.”

“I can’t imagine how that happened,” Fluttershy teased. She placed two plates of apple tart on the table and sat down across from Rainbow.

“Thanks, Fluttershy. This looks delicious!” Rainbow said before crudely devouring the meal. She imagined the look of contempt Rarity would certainly have at such a display. Rainbow knew Fluttershy wouldn’t mind, though. They were best friends, so they tolerated each other's quirks.

Fluttershy giggled as Rainbow ate. “I can fix the doll for you, but you’ll probably have to wait. I need to get some supplies from Carousel Boutique, but Rarity’s currently out of town until tomorrow.”

Fluttershy bit into her tart and thought for a moment. “How about this,” she said after a few seconds. “Since I’m doing you a favor by mending the doll, how about you owe me a favor sometime?”

The two continued eating their tart over small talk. Once they were finished, Rainbow gave a sigh of satisfaction and said, “Applejack’s apples really hit the spot. Did she teach you that recipe?”

“Actually, I recently mentioned to her that I wanted to be able to make some special meals for my animal friends, and she gifted me this cookbook full of tasty treats like the one we just had.”

Rainbow smiled and said, “That’s the good old Applejack I know. She’s always a great friend no matter the circumstance.” She knew she messed up the moment those words left her mouth.

Her fears were verified when Fluttershy said, “Rainbow, have you told her how you feel about her yet?”

Rainbow’s satisfied smile vanished. Ugh, I just had to open my mouth, she thought. She and Applejack were great friends; there was no denying that. The only problem was that the two of them had never talked to each other about their friendship. As far as she knew, they were still just considered ordinary friends, much like her friendship with Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity. She wanted to take it a step further. She wanted Applejack to be one of her best friends. But telling her that directly? No way!

Fluttershy’s countenance took on a concerned expression. “Rainbow, I don’t think it’s good to keep your feelings all bottled up like this. I really think you’d be so much happier if you told her how much she means to you.”

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow said with a look of annoyance. “You know as well as I do that I can’t do that. I’m a tough pony, and I’ve got an image to maintain. If I did that, she and all of Ponyville would think I’d be going soft!”

“I think you’re making a mountain out a molehill. Lots of ponies know that you’re best friends with me, and you’re not afraid to admit that.”

“That’s different, we’ve been best friends since before we even moved to Ponyville. Besides, this isn’t about who I’m best friends with, it’s about wanting to stay cool. And telling somepony sappy stuff like that is undeniably, unquestionably”—Rainbow closed her eyes and turned away—”uncool.”

“You share all your private feelings with me, and I think you’re the coolest pony in Equestria. In fact, I think sharing your feelings makes you stronger. Rarity and I learned this lesson firsthoof a few months ago, when we thought that telling each other about how we felt would make the other upset.”

“Sorry, but I don’t feel the same way. I appreciate you always being willing to listen to what I have to say, but currently, you’re the only pony I feel comfortable talking to about this kind of stuff. I’d feel humiliated if anypony else found out about this.”

“Do you really think Applejack or any of our other friends would ridicule you for sharing something personal with them? I don’t think you’ll ever any reason to worry about something like that.”

Rainbow sighed. “You’re right,” she said with a defeated tone. “Look, I just don’t think I have the courage to tell her yet. I know it probably won’t be as bad as I’m making it out to be, but I’d rather wait for the perfect opportunity.”

“Okay, Rainbow, I understand. I sure hope that perfect opportunity comes soon. It pains me to see you like this.”

“I’m fine, Fluttershy. Applejack’s still our friend, and nothing’s ever gonna change that.” Rainbow got up from her seat and said, “I’ve got to go do my weather duties now. Thanks for the grub.”

“You’re welcome,” Fluttershy said. “I’ll come by your house to deliver the doll once it’s ready. Discreetly, of course.”

“Cool, see you later, Fluttershy!” With that, Rainbow flew out of the open window, ready to bust some old clouds, prepare new ones, and not think about being sappy around Applejack.

Applejack trotted along the dirt path to Fluttershy’s cottage, taking in the natural scenery that adorned every step of the way. Behind her, she pulled a wagon containing a sack filled with apples. About an hour ago, she had received a letter from one of Fluttershy’s birds requesting some of her apples. Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to do some business and see her friend, she had finished the chore she had been working on and bucked some fresh apples for Fluttershy.

When she arrived at the cottage, she parked the wagon and detached its harness, then knocked on the door. Shortly afterwards, Fluttershy opened the door.

“Howdy, Fluttershy!” Applejack said. “One of your little birdies came by and delivered one of your letters for me asking for some apples. I’ve got a bunch of freshly bucked apples right here for you.”

“Thanks, I used the last of mine to make a delicious apple tart using that cookbook you got for me. I still have some slices if you’d like to try one.”

“Thank you kindly for the offer, but I’ll have to take a rain check on that. I’m right stuffed from my lunch.”

“Okay, I’ll make sure to save you a slice. Could you bring the apples in while I get your payment?”

As Fluttershy disappeared from the entrance, Applejack turned around and hoisted the heavy sack out of the wagon. As she entered the cottage and looked for a good place to lay the sack, she spotted a shopping bag almost as large as her own on the couch at the far end of the room.

I suppose Fluttershy likes to do her shopping through delivery, Applejack thought. She didn’t take Fluttershy as the kind of pony to shy away from going to the market, but she knew Fluttershy was often busy taking care of animals.

Applejack walked over to the couch and not-so-gently dropped the sack she was carrying onto its cushiony surface. The impact of the massive sack launched everything on the couch airborne momentarily. The shopping bag quietly fell to the floor, its tissue paper spilling out. Whoops, should have done that more gently. At least I didn’t break anything.

She grabbed the tissue paper to put it back in its bag, when she caught a glimpse of what was inside of the bag. What in tarnation? She held the bag open and peered inside it. Immediately, she backed away in shock.

What she saw inside was… herself. More specifically, herself, but as a soft plush doll. She briefly considered ignoring it under the possibility that her eyes had played a trick on her. Curiosity got the better of her, and she took it out of the bag to examine it up close.

It was an uncanny replica of Applejack: same orange coat, same straw-colored mane, same green eyes, and same cutie mark of three apples. The doll even had a removable hat, just like the one atop her head. This was no simple toy; it was far too detailed, and barely smaller than a newborn foal.

She remarked at how much care was put into the doll. It looked so finely crafted that she wondered if Rarity had a doll-making business that she was unaware of. The only blemish on the doll was a relatively large tear along the right shoulder, where some fluff was peeking out.

The doll unsettled Applejack, she would admit that. Somepony had willingly copied her features onto a doll, and somepony was using this doll for… something. Many questions started to arise in her mind. Who made this? Who would want this? Why me? Why would they have this without telling me? She wanted to get to the bottom of this.

Her attention was broken when she heard a thud and metallic clinks nearby. She looked over to the source of the sound and saw Fluttershy standing over a sack of bits with a concerned expression.

“Sorry, Fluttershy,” Applejack replied. “I accidentally knocked over a bag and was going to put it back, but I caught a glimpse of what was inside, and I didn’t like what I saw.” Applejack held up the doll and said, “Would you mind explaining to me why you have a doll in my image that I didn’t know about?”

Fluttershy looked away briefly, seemingly considering what she should do. She settled on saying, “That isn’t my doll. I’m mending it for somepony.”

“And you agreed to this?” Applejack asked in an annoyed tone. “Why wouldn’t you tell me about this? Do you know whose this is?”

Applejack gazed into Fluttershy’s wide eyes, seeking to extract the answers out of them. Fluttershy met her gaze for a few seconds, but then closed her eyes and sunk her head.

“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy said, “but I can’t tell you that. I swore confidentiality to them.”

Applejack could tell that it hurt Fluttershy to not reveal anything. As upset as Applejack was, she couldn’t blame Fluttershy for holding a promise. Integrity involved both honesty and loyalty, after all.

She sighed and said, “I understand, sugarcube. Keeping a promise is just as important as telling the truth. Still, I don’t feel quite right that this thing was kept from me. I know you made a promise of confidentiality, but could you at least ask the owner of this thing if I can have a chat with them? I’d like to personally ask them why they have this thing but neglected to tell me about it or get my permission.”

Fluttershy pondered the thought for a few moments before saying, “Yes, I’ll make sure to ask the owner later. Why don’t you come by tomorrow and I’ll let you know their response. Is 2 PM okay?”

Applejack placed the doll back inside of its bag and returned it to its spot on the couch. She looked back at Fluttershy, who still looked a bit upset and lost in thought.

“I’m not upset at you, sugarcube,” Applejack said, “I’m just a mite bothered about this thing. I know you’re just trying to do what you think is best for everypony. If the other pony refuses to talk with me, well, I’ll just have to deal with that.”

That seemed to cheer Fluttershy up. She picked up the sack of bits she had dropped and placed it in front of Applejack.

“This should be enough for the number of apples I requested,” Fluttershy said.

“Thanks, Fluttershy. See you tomorrow!” With that, Applejack took the sack in her mouth and exited the cottage. As she trotted back home, she wondered whom the doll’s owner might be.

Rainbow Dash lay on her couch, resting after a tiring day of weather duties. As much as she loved being around others, it was nice to have some alone time in the evenings to relax. After some time, she noticed a knock on her door.

Who could be visiting me at this hour? Rainbow thought groggily. She rubbed her eyes, then flew over to the entrance of her house and opened the door. Standing outside was Fluttershy, with a worried expression on her face.

“Fluttershy!” Rainbow exclaimed, now fully awake and sporting her own worried expression. “Is something wrong? Come in, come in!”

“Oh, I’m okay, Rainbow,” Fluttershy said as she entered the house. “I wanted to talk to you about something difficult, though.”

“Oh, what is it?” Difficult could mean a lot of things for Fluttershy, but very few things warranted an evening visit. Rainbow found herself feeling nervous about the visit.

Fluttershy said, “I had somepony come over today, and they accidentally knocked over the bag you hid your doll in. They were going to put it back, but they noticed the doll inside and wanted to examine it.”

“Relax, Rainbow. They didn’t know whose it was, and I made a promise to not tell anypony anything about the doll.”

Rainbow’s anxiety faded away, but some doubt still lingered. “That wasn’t the difficult thing you came here to tell me, was it?” she asked.

Fluttershy shook her head, then said, “I know what I’d like you to do for that favor we agreed on earlier.”

Fluttershy put a hoof around Rainbow and said, “The pony asked if they could meet with the doll’s owner to ask some questions about it. I’d like you to privately meet with them and answer their questions on why you have it.”

“Are you crazy!?” Rainbow shouted as she jumped up and assumed a standing position, splaying her wings and letting loose a few feathers. “If anypony knew that doll was mine, I’d be the laughingstock of Ponyville! My reputation would be ruined! There’s no way I’m meeting this interloper, let alone talking to them!”

“Rainbow, please,” Fluttershy said reassuringly. “I’ve known this pony for a while now, and I trust them as much as we trust each other. I think you’ll have the same level of trust once you meet them. I know that they won’t make fun of you and that they’ll keep the doll a secret.”

Fluttershy’s calming voice eased Rainbow, but Rainbow still couldn’t believe that there was any good reason to go along with this.

With a concerned expression, Rainbow sat back down and asked, “Why do you want me to tell this pony about the doll so badly? You just agreed it should be kept a secret.”

“Actually, I only said that I would keep it a secret. That doesn’t mean you need to. I’ve been concerned about you hiding your true feelings from others, and I want to help you feel more confident about admitting them. I believe that telling somepony you trust something that you’re afraid to tell them strengthens your bonds by giving you a more profound understanding of each other. If you can tell this pony what they want to know about the doll, I know you’ll feel ready to tell Applejack what she means to you.”

Rainbow looked down. “Fluttershy, I know you mean well but… telling somepony about stuff like this is really embarrassing. I don’t know if my dignity could handle it.”

“Rainbow, you’re a tough pony. I know you have the power to take on anything that comes your way.” When Rainbow didn’t react, Fluttershy thought for a few seconds before saying, “What if we turned this into… a challenge?”

Rainbow’s ears perked up and she met Fluttershy’s eyes. “What was that?” Rainbow asked.

Fluttershy had a smug grin on her face. “A challenge,” Fluttershy stated. “I bet you have it in yourself to answer any questions this pony has about the doll.”

Rainbow thought, Wow, for such a meek pony, she sure does know how to push my buttons. So much for no dignity.

“If you manage to sincerely answer all the questions asked without bailing out, I’ll stop pestering you about Applejack and your feelings and let you work those out on your own. If you fail, expect these discussions to continue. Are you in?”

Rainbow thought, Fluttershy said she really trusts this pony and that I will, too. I doubt they’d have the heart to break her trust just to tell everypony my secret. I don’t have much to lose at this point, so I’ve got to try!

Rainbow spit on her hoof and extended it before realizing that Fluttershy probably wouldn’t want to do something so crude. To Rainbow’s surprise, Fluttershy copied her with a determined look of her own, and the two performed a hoofbump.

Rainbow thought, She must really have faith in me if she’s willing to condescend herself like that.

Fluttershy wiped off the mixed saliva as best as she could, then said, “I told them to come by my house at 2 PM tomorrow for an answer, so you should arrive sometime earlier. I’ll make sure you feel relaxed and ready before the meeting.”

Rainbow put a hoof around Fluttershy and said, “Thanks for always looking out for me, even though I can be a bit stubborn.”

Fluttershy grinned, then said, “What are friends for? Besides, you’re always getting me to do things outside of my comfort zone because you want to see me develop. It’s only right that I try do the same.” She got off the couch and said, “I don’t want you worrying about this, okay? I promise everything will work out fine.” Fluttershy waved a hoof. “Goodbye, Rainbow!”

As Fluttershy flew off into the twilit skies, Rainbow lay on her couch wondering whom could have seen her doll.

Fluttershy’s room was one of the most tranquil places in all of Equestria at the moment. The aroma of burning incense wafted throughout the room. Two warm cups of partially consumed tea lay on a saucer on the bed. Rainbow Dash sat on the bed next to Fluttershy, inhaling and exhaling on her cue. The slightly torn miniature figure of Applejack rested against Rainbow’s chest, offering its soft touch.

After completing their breathing exercises, Fluttershy looked at Rainbow. “Feeling good, Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked.

Fluttershy grinned. “Just a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years.” She took a sip of her tea, prompting Rainbow to do the same.

“Now,” Fluttershy started, “let me give you some advice for the meeting. First, you only need to answer the questions regarding the doll; if you are asked anything too personal, just let the other pony know. Second, this is an environment of trust, so the two of you are to speak truthfully. Finally, if you start to lose confidence, take a moment to look at that doll and remember what it means to you.”

She hopped off the bed and said, “The other pony should be arriving soon. I’ll be going into town to pick up some things, but feel free to stay here as long as you’d like.”

“Thanks, Fluttershy. I might take you up on that to relax some more after the meeting.”

She extinguished the incense burner and took the tea tray, then exited the room and closed the door, leaving Rainbow alone with the doll.

Applejack arrived at the cottage and knocked on the door a few minutes prior to the time Fluttershy told her to arrive. When Fluttershy opened the door, Applejack caught a whiff of something smoky but not unpleasant.

“Howdy, Fluttershy. So, do I get to speak with the owner of that doll I saw?”

“Oh, it’s no problem at all. You can talk with them upstairs in my room. I’ll be in town for a while, but you can stay as long as you need to.”

“I don’t expect to be long, but thank you.” Applejack moved to go upstairs.

Fluttershy seemed to contemplate what to say next for a few seconds. “Please be a good friend to them, Applejack,” she finally said.

Applejack looked confused. What’s that supposed to mean? She briefly pondered the thought. Maybe this pony is a bit jumpy or sensitive, and Fluttershy wants me to use my best judgment.

Now alone, Applejack marched up the stairs, intent on meeting the mystery pony and finding out the truth about their doll.

Rainbow Dash could hear muffled voices coming from downstairs, but she couldn’t make out to whom they belonged. She was kind of glad that this was the case; knowing whom she would be meeting would probably send her mind in a frenzy thinking of how they might react. Still, she couldn’t shake off the anticipation of finding out whom this pony was.

Gah! I’m already starting to falter! Recalling Fluttershy’s advice, she set the doll in front of her to look at it. She started reflecting about what the doll represents: all the good times she and Applejack have shared, how much Applejack inspires her, not to mention how soft it feels. These thoughts each helped to revitalize her spirit.

This is it, courage! I’ll ace this challenge lickety-split and then I’ll feel ready for anything!

The door to the bedroom opened, and a second Applejack entered Rainbow’s field of view.

That’s funny, why do I suddenly have double vision? Rainbow rubbed her eyes. When she opened them, she saw… still two Applejacks. One small and smiling, the other large and mouth agape. Rainbow’s courage evaporated. Uh oh.

Rainbow quickly picked up the doll and hid it behind herself. “H-hey, Applejack,” she said with a shiver and nervous grin, attempting to hide her trepidation. “W-what are you doing here?”

Applejack gazed with wide eyes at Rainbow in silence. After a few seconds, Applejack shook her head, then said, “I was told I’d be meeting with the owner of that doll behind you.”

Rainbow gulped. Fluttershy, what were you thinking!? she thought. I wasn’t ready for this!

Rainbow didn’t realize Applejack had walked over to her until she felt a hoof around her.

“Easy there, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “Stop trying to think for a moment.”

“Good, now, take a deep breath…” Applejack said as she moved her hoof off Rainbow and to her chest.

“And let it out slowly…” Applejack said as she slowly moved her hoof away from her.

Rainbow thought, There’s no getting out of this one easily. It’s not like there’s any excuse for me to be up here with it… She solemnly nodded.

Applejack said, “Would you please explain to me why you got it without first getting my permission or at least telling me about it? I don’t think it’s right to hide something like this from others.”

Rainbow blurted out, “I couldn’t tell you about this! If I told you, you’d… you’d…” Rainbow turned her head away from Applejack, bit her lip, and rubbed a hoof on the back of her neck.

Applejack said, “I’m your friend, so I trust you, and I hope you trust me when I say that your secret will be safe with me.”

Rainbow met Applejack’s gaze, searching for any signs of deceit. She found none, of course, but that still wasn’t quite enough for her. She asked, “Do you promise that you’ll still think I’m cool, no matter what I say?”

“Yes, Rainbow, I promise that I won’t think of you any less no matter what you tell me.”

“Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Applejack recited as she performed the vow of secrecy known by all of Ponyville.

Rainbow relaxed. She moved the doll back in front of her and looked at it. I’ve got to stay focused, she thought. Applejack means the world to me. The two of us are brave, honest, and so much more. Okay, let’s do this.

She said, “First of all, I want to get one thing straight. I don’t like playing with dolls or doing girly stuff like that.”

“I know, sugarcube. I just want to know about this doll and why it looks like me. Could you tell me what made you decide to get it?”

Ugh, this is so embarrassing, Rainbow thought. Maybe I can try to drop some hints… She said, “I decided to get this doll because I thought having a lookalike of a friend would help me not feel so alone at home.”

Applejack raised one of her eyebrows a bit in curiosity. “I know you really like to be around others, but why not just hang up some photos of me and all your other friends? I’ve got photos of you and all my friends in my room. Seeing them always brightens up my day.”

Okay, that was too subtle. I need something a bit more noticeable, Rainbow thought. “I do have photos of all my friends, but having a physical object to carry around helps to make it feel like a friend is there with me.”

“I can’t say I blame you for sometimes wanting a friend to be there with you. Say, Fluttershy’s your best friend, right? I don’t see why you need a doll if you two can just visit each other.”

Ugh, there’s only so many ways to imply something, Rainbow thought. “Yeah, me and Fluttershy visit each other a lot, but I’ve never really felt like she hasn’t been there for me. On the other hoof, you’re always busy helping your family on the farm, and, well, you can’t easily come to visit me.”

Applejack blinked in confusion. “I’m not sure I follow,” she said. “I’ll bet you’re acquainted with plenty of pegasi in Ponyville. If you’re feeling lonely and Fluttershy’s busy, why not see if you can visit one of them?”

Rainbow immediately shouted, “Do I have to spell it out for you!? I got this doll of you because I really like being around you!” She froze up when she realized what she said. Oops, I spoke without thinking first. Welp, no use crying over spilled beans.

Applejack was taken aback by the sudden outburst, but after a moment she seemed to realize what Rainbow was trying to tell her. She got up on the bed, sat down next to Rainbow, and put a hoof around her. She said, “I like being around you, too, sugarcube. So, I take it you got the doll of me because it makes you feel like you’re with me even when we can’t really be together?”

Rainbow nodded and said, “I really want to hang out with you sometimes, but I know you’re always so busy. I wanted something that could make it feel like you’re with me anytime I wanted, so I asked Fluttershy to make me this doll of you.”

“Ah, so Fluttershy’s the one who sewed it up. I was wondering who would be willing to make it.”

Rainbow continued, “As for why I didn’t tell you about it, that’s because I thought it’d be really humiliating for me if anypony knew about this. I thought if you found out about it, you’d start to think that I wasn’t cool anymore. Fluttershy didn’t feel right about keeping it hidden from you, but I really didn’t want the secret to get out. Please don’t put too much blame on her for what she did.”

“Well, I was upset at first, but I recognize integrity when I see it, and I knew Fluttershy was just trying to do what she thought was best. I would have preferred it if you’d come to tell me about your intentions to begin with, but it’s all good now. Anyways, thank you for telling me the truth about the doll. You’re real tough, you know that? It takes guts to admit something like that to somepony else.”

Rainbow’s face lit up. Tough… she still thinks I’m tough! Just as quickly, her face sunk. But… why don’t I feel the same way? She looked at the doll in front of her, trying to regain her composure.

Applejack said, “If you’d like, I’ve got some free time today, so we can spend some time together. What do you say?”

Rainbow wasn’t listening. Right, I didn’t tell her the entire truth about the doll. I passed Fluttershy’s challenge by answering Applejack’s questions, but stopping now just doesn’t feel right.

“Are you okay, Rainbow?” Applejack asked. “It seems like there’s something on your mind.”

Rainbow still wasn’t listening. How will Applejack react if I tell her what this doll really stands for? Did Fluttershy give me any other advice? She racked her brain trying to recall everything Fluttershy had told her about the meeting. Wait a minute…

”I believe that telling somepony you trust something that you’re afraid to tell them strengthens your bonds by giving you a more profound understanding of each other. If you can tell this pony what they want to know about the doll, I know you’ll feel ready to tell Applejack what she means to you.”

”You really think so?”

”I know so.”

Rainbow thought, I just told Applejack why I’ve been hiding a doll of her. She now knows that I have a soft side, and I now know that she still think’s I’m cool. Does this mean— Rainbow’s thoughts were interrupted by Applejack placing a hoof on her. Rainbow gazed into Applejack’s worried eyes.

“Please, Rainbow,” Applejack said, “whatever’s on your mind, don’t be afraid to tell me. I promised I wouldn’t judge you.”

Rainbow thought, She really wants to know what I have to say; this really is the perfect opportunity! Fine, I’ve made up my mind! It’s now or never! “Sorry,” she finally said, “I was thinking about something very important to me, and I think I’m finally ready to tell you about it. This doll… there’s another reason why I have it.”

“It’s more than just a companion to me, and there’s a good reason why I wanted it to resemble you over any of my other friends. What I’m about to tell you is probably going to sound really sappy coming from me, but I’ve never felt more determined to say something like this in my life.”

“Having this memento of you reminds me of what I really like about you. You’re brave, strong, athletic, and always up for a challenge, just like me. You’re one of the coolest ponies I know!”

“Aw shucks, I think you represent those traits just as much as me, if not more.”

“But you’re not just everything that makes me awesome, you’re also one of the most honest, dependable, and selfless ponies in Equestria. You’re recognized as Ponyville’s Prized Pony for Celestia’s sake! Whenever I’m around you, I can’t help but feel encouraged to work hard and strive to be a better pony.”

“Are you kidding? You inspire all of Ponyville, and you especially inspire me. I mean that sincerely; I wouldn’t have the willpower to be telling you about all of this if I felt otherwise. That’s how much I respect you.”

Applejack blushed and said, “Gosh, you sure do know how to make a friend feel appreciated.”

“Sure, we get into a few spats every now and then, but that’s just how we are. Competing with you is one of my favorite pastimes, and with your can-do attitude and my fiery spirit, we’re always able to overcome any adversity that comes our way, together. I look forward to any day I get to spend some time with you, and I hope you feel the same way.”

Rainbow continued, “What I’m trying to get at is that I consider you to be not just a great friend, but a best friend. I think I’ve felt this way ever since we competed in the Running of the Leaves, I’ve just been too afraid to say it until now. Having you as my friend brings me great joy, and this doll reminds me of that whenever I see it.” Nailed it, she thought.

Having finally processed all of Rainbow’s epic speech, Applejack placed a hoof over her chest and asked, “You really feel that way towards me?”

Applejack suddenly threw her forelegs around Rainbow, giving her a tight hug. “Thank you, Rainbow,” she said. “You’re my best friend, too, and I hope that we always will be.”

Rainbow felt elation that rivalled the day she got her cutie mark. Here she was, having finally confessed her feelings to somepony she cared deeply for, and she didn’t feel a shred of embarrassment at all. Rather, she felt unburdened, feeling like she could take off into a sonic rainboom right then and there. But she remained, for one of Equestria’s greatest ponies kept her there. She didn’t mind, though; their embrace made her feel all warm and fuzzy both inside and out.

The two remained embraced for a short while before they let go. Rainbow didn’t even try to hide the blush on her face.

She decided to break the silence by saying, “Thanks for always being a great friend, Applejack. Can I count on you to always being willing to lend me an ear?”

“That’s what best friends are for, ain’t it?” Applejack gave her a friendly nudge. “But you better be willing to do the same for me.”

“Applejack, I don’t know if you know this, but loyalty is kinda my thing,” Rainbow teased. “But, like I said earlier, we don’t get the opportunity to see each other that often. Is there some way we can find a regular time for us to hang out?”

The two of them put a hoof to their chin and pondered some possibilities. “I got an idea,” Applejack said. “I’ve got different farm jobs depending on the season, just like your weather duties. If you feel inclined to help me out with them sometimes, I’d get done a lot quicker and have time to hang out with you. In fact, we’d even be able to talk with each other as we worked.”

“It’s not without its downsides, though. For one, we don’t have the bits to properly compensate you for your time.”

“Bits, schmits. Being with you is way more valuable than anything money can buy.”

“Oh, stop it, you,” Applejack waved a hoof dismissively. “Also, in the interest of keeping things fair, you’d have to put in an equal amount of work as me and my family.”

“Well, I’ve never been much of a worker, but… if it means I get to spend more time with you, I’m game.”

Applejack smiled. “I know you’ll be eager to work in no time at all! I haven’t forgotten what you told me some minutes ago,” she said with a wink.

Applejack glanced over at the doll and said, “Say, you never really explained why there’s a gash in the doll.”

Rainbow gave an embarrassed laugh and said, “Well, there’s one more thing I like about the doll.”

Applejack and Rainbow Dash exited Fluttershy’s room and walked downstairs into the living room. They spotted Fluttershy in the middle of doing some cleaning. Fluttershy must have heard them, for she turned to look at them when they reached the bottom.

“Oh, hello again, Rai—” Fluttershy was cut off as Rainbow Dash flew towards her and gave her a hug.

“Thank you, Fluttershy!” Rainbow said, giving her a nuzzle. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

Applejack watched from the base of the living room stairs as Fluttershy returned the gesture. Those two are real lucky to have known each other for so long, she thought.

After the two let go, Fluttershy said, “I take it you finally told Applejack how you feel towards her?”

“That’s right,” Rainbow said, “and I couldn’t have done it without your help. You’re the best, Fluttershy!”

Applejack thought, Heh, Rainbow’s usually the one helping Fluttershy to be brave. It’s nice to see the other side of them.

“You’re right,” Rainbow replied. She turned around and walked over to Applejack, then put a hoof around her. She said, “Thank you, Applejack, for being supportive and believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

“Aw shucks, sugarcube,” Applejack said as she placed her own hoof around Rainbow, “you know I wouldn’t have thought of you any differently no matter how you told me. What matters is that we’ve tied up all our loose ends and we’re now best friends.”

After they let go, Fluttershy said, “Oh, that reminds me, I had to retrieve the doll from my room when I got back home. I knocked on the bedroom door, but nopony answered so I assumed you two had left.”

Fluttershy flew up and put her hooves on her cheeks. She happily said, “You two looked so cute cuddled up together! It was just like how I imagined it after Rainbow told me that she likes to sleep with the doll.”

Applejack said, “Heh, I knew she was strong, but I still found it hard to believe that she managed to tear that doll just by hugging it. But after she asked if we could cuddle together, I didn’t doubt it.”

“Not you, too, Applejack!” Rainbow said, sitting down and hiding her face in a wing.

Fluttershy giggled as she landed from her excitement. She said, “Anyway, I was able to mend the doll.” She pointed towards the doll on the couch. “Wouldn’t you say it looks good as new?”

Rainbow said, “Wow, I can’t even tell that there used to be a tear here. I know I’ve told you this before, but you’re really good at sewing.”

Applejack said, “I agree. I was surprised at how professional it looked when I first saw it. I could tell there was a lot of care put into making it.”

Fluttershy said, “Thank you, I got lessons from Rarity. I made sure it was perfect because I knew how much it meant to Rainbow.”

Rainbow looked at Applejack and said, “Hey, you’re cool with me keeping this, right?”

Applejack replied, “Shoot, I’d be disappointed if you decided to get rid of it, considering everything you told me about it. You better not get too attached to it, though. I’m sure you and I would much rather be together physically. Say, when do you want to tell Twilight, Pinkie, and Rarity about our new level of friendship?”

“Well, I was originally hoping to keep it between the three of us, but it would be kinda hypocritical of me to do that after I told you how much you inspire me.”

“I promise I’ll tell them the next time we see them. But you gotta be there with me when I do!”

“Of course, what kind of friend would I be if I weren’t there to support you?”

Rainbow said, “Thanks, guys.” She flew up and wrapped a hoof around Applejack and Fluttershy, bringing them towards her in a group hug. “You two are the greatest friends in the world!”

Applejack said, “I just know they’ll be proud of you, Rainbow. After all, even tough ponies have soft spots.”

Even Tough Ponies Have Soft Spots

by Maud of Sterner Stuff

Don't Be Afraid to Hide Them