Apple Scratch : A summer at the Farm

by Mariacheat-Brony


An encounter at the Golden Unicorn.

Applejack's Gym, Saturday end of the afternoon.

The last few days had been good for Sweet Apple Acres despite their business problem with Barnyard Bargain. It turned out that when the costumers noticed the non existent re-supplying of products from the Apple Family at the shop, they came to the source. Thursday afternoon was quite the surprise for AJ and Vinyl, a crowd of thirty demanding costumers had come to the orchard in order to buy their apples, their jams, and others apple-themed food. While not as profitable as their regular delivery at the shop, it was still good profits for not having to make the trip to town. They even got to sell products that were not sold normally.

The same thing had occurred Friday and Saturday, only with a larger group of customers. Vinyl and AJ were quite happy about that. When the discussion with Filthy Rich would happen, the fact that his costumers were ready to make the road up to the Orchard for their products would make the scales tip in the Apple Family's favor. Things were going well.

Nevertheless, Applejack was quite stressed at the moment, but it had nothing to do with Sweet Apple Acres. Tonight was her first official date with Rarity. Thanks to Cloud Kicker's advice, she had booked a table for two at the Golden Unicorn, the fanciest restaurant in Ponyville. Rarity was preparing herself with the help of Fluttershy and Octavia in the house bathroom, while AJ was busy in the bathroom from her 'gym' with Vinyl and Pinkie.

"AJ, I've had enough of this nonsense." Vinyl shouted at the opaque door of the shower stall. "You've been inside that shower for forty-five minutes. Get out right now or Faust help me, I'm coming to get you."

"Ah just can't. What was Ah thinkin'?" The panicked voice of AJ came from the other side of the door. "Ah'll screw things up, Ah just know it."

"Come Jackie, don't get all wacky panicky!" Pinkie said with her usual cheerful voice. "It's not like you're gonna get humiliated in front of all the town's upper crust." Vinyl facepalmed.

"Why thank ya kindly Pinkie, Ah feel a lot betta now." AJ said with obvious sarcasm.

"AWWW. You're welcome." Pinkie said with a huge smile, completely oblivious to the sarcasm.

"Pinkie sweetie, look outside." Vinyl slowly said. "There's Winona, why don't you go play with her?"

"Great idea." Pinkie said before bouncing outside. "Winona! Go fetch!"

"Ok now AJ, she's gone. Talk to me. Why are you so scared of that date?"

"How can Ah not be scared?" AJ retorted. "It's ma first date ever, and it's with the most beautiful, cultured, high class gal ma eyes ever saw. And if that wasn't enough, it's in a place where ah don't buckin' belong."

"What are you talking about? It's a restaurant in Ponyville for pete' sake." Vinyl snapped.

"Ya weren't with me when ah booked the place." AJ explained with a cracky voice. "They were all lookin' down at me, as if ah was just a filthy peasant." Vinyl heard her sniffing. "And the thing is they're probably right."

"AJ you've outclassed a Prince, for crying out loud." Vinyl shouted. "At the Royal wedding, you just blew the Nobles away."

"Today is different..."

"How is it different? Because Rarity's with you tonight?" Vinyl had stopped shouting, she was now talking softly as she could. "Wasn't she with you at the wedding? Didn't she pass all the evening with you back then?"

"...Yes but.."

"But nothing, AJ. She has already passed a full evening with you at the most high class event in the country." Vinyl said. "And guess what? She had an amazing time with you and I know it was the same for you."

"Ah guess ye're right." Applejack slowly said.

" Come on Applejack. You'll not make me believe that the woman who can tie a seven hundred pound minotaur up alone is afraid of taking her lover on a simple dinner." Vinyl said. "You're not gonna let her down like that, are you?"

"Ya're right." AJ said with a growing determination. "Ah can't believe Ah almost let her down. Ah'm so dumb. No way in hell that gonna happen."

The sound of water running finally stopped, Vinyl could hear Applejack drying herself with a towel. Few minutes later, AJ got out of the shower, her towel wrapped up around her body. Vinyl smiled when she saw the determination in her sister's eyes.

"Atta Girl. Come on, get dressed and then let's get you dolled up a little." Vinyl chuckled before exiting the bathroom so that AJ could put her clothes on.


Rarity was now ready. She wore a simple short light blue dress that goes down to her knee, a small white open jacket, a large dark belt and long boots. She was very stylish. Her hair were styled in curls that fell right on her shoulders. She went to the living room where all the girls were waiting.

"Oh my Rarity, you look so pretty." Fluttershy quietly said.

"Pretty indeed." Rainbow whistled.

"So ready for your big date?" Twilight asked playfully.

"Twilight leave her alone, you're going to stress her out." Octavia teased.

"Octavia my dear, a Lady does not stress out before a date." Rarity giggled. "Especially when she has the perfect companion for it."

"AWWW look at that. Rarity is all lovey dovey on Jackie." Pinkie Pie said as she entered the house carrying/hugging Winona who was barking happily, very content of her new transportation.

"Hey Pinks, how's the farm girl getting ready?" Rainbow asked.

"I have no Idea! Vinyl asked me to go play with Winona after I had reassured AJ about tonight's date." Pinkie said cheerfully, not realizing her comment had made Rarity anxious.

"What? She was having second thoughts?" Rarity stammered in disbelief.

"Come on, Rarity. I'm sure it's was nothing." Octavia reassured. "Probably it's her first date in a while, and she got a little nervous."

The door opened again, letting a dashing Applejack inside. She was wearing black trousers, an elegant burgundy blouse with the collar turned up, an black leather belt with a silver apple buckle. Her hair weren't tied up in her usual ponytail, they were simply combed to the rear of her head and looked like fiber of golden silk. When she saw Rarity, she couldn't help but to smile at her date who smiled in return.

"Ya look amazin' Rarity."

"Thank you Applejack." Rarity slowly said. "You look quite stunning."

"Ready to go?" Applejack asked with a smile as she offered her arm to the seamstress. "Our carriage is waitin'."

"Ready." Rarity took AJ's arm and followed her date outside. "Bye girls."

The girls bid their goodbye to the dating couple and few moments later, Vinyl came in and walked straight toward Octavia to kiss her, something Octavia greatly appreciated.

"So, Vinyl. What's on the menu tonight?" Rainbow Dash asked licking her lips.

"No idea, I'm not cooking tonight." Vinyl shrugged as she grabbed Octavia's hand. "I'm taking Tavi on a picnic under the stars. See ya." She quickly said before pulling a surprised yet content Octavia outside.

"Bye girls." Octavia happily said as she exited the house.

"Bye-Bye Tavi." Pinkie said as she made Winona wave her paw at them. After a few minutes she gasp in horror. "GAAAAA! Who's gonna make dinner tonight?"

"Well, I read a few cooking books so maybe I could.." Twilight started

"EVERYBODY RUN!" Pinkie shouted in panic before running outside taking a howling Winona with her and followed by a frantic Rainbow Dash. Twilight groaned in response while Fluttershy was doing her best not to be seen by Twilight.


The carriage had just dropped AJ and Rarity at the restaurant's entrance. Rarity took Applejack's arm and followed the farmer near the Maitre d'hôtel . He gave them a quick before speaking in what Applejack would call a pretty darn fancyfied Accent.

"Good evening, Ladies. How may I be of any assistance?"

"Howdy, Ah made a reservation under the name of Jacquelyn Apple." Applejack politely said. Rarity giggled a bit, every time she heard Applejack's actual name she would giggle a bit. She had no idea why. Applejack didn't mind, it gave her an excuse to hear Rarity laughing. "A booth for two persons."

The Maitre d'hôtel checked his list before nodding. "Yes indeed you're on the list. Although, I'm terribly sorry but your table isn't quite ready yet." He said apologetically. "May I offer you something at the bar while you wait for your table to be ready?"

"Ah reckon ah would fancy a little drink." Applejack nodded.

"That would be lovely." Rarity said.

They made their way to the bar, where a violet haired barmaid recognized Applejack. "Good evening Applejack, I almost didn't recognize you in that fancy get up." She said with a small whistle at AJ's outfit. She took notice of Rarity who was holding Applejack's arm. "Ha, gallant company, I see." She winked at AJ.

"Howdy Berry." Applejack said. "As for the outfit, it's for a special occasion." She added, taking a small dreamy glance at Rarity. "What would ya recommend?"

"For two lovebirds like you, I can serve you our best Champagne." Berry said with a knowing smile, before serving two flutes to the couple. "Quite the catch for your first time, AJ." She slowly said with a wink before turning toward other costumers.

"What does she mean?" Rarity asked in confusion. "This can't possibly be your first date?"

"Well it turns out it is." Applejack confessed, a little embarrassed. "Never been one for datin' in the past."

"A lovely woman like you?" Rarity blinked in shock. "How come?"

"Ah've always been busy at the farm." Applejack shrugged. "Didn't got time to spare back then."

"Well, I'm glad you found time for me then." Rarity slowly said.

"Ya're quite worth the time, Lady Rarity." Applejack smiled, clinking at Rarity's glass. The seamstress blushed a little at AJ's comment but she kept smiling.

"Applejack? Applejack Apple?" said a masculine voice behind AJ. She turned around and cringed internally when she saw who it was. It was Filthy Rich, wearing an impeccable blue suit with a white shirt, his grayish black hair pulled backwards. She noticed his wife and his daughter were behind him, and that, contrary to him, they looked at Applejack with concealed anger.

'Of all the possible moment to meet him, it had to be now.' Applejack thought in anger. "Good evening, Filthy Rich. How was your business trip" Applejack said in a polite tone. Rarity gasped in shock, believing Applejack had just insulted him, but looked puzzled when he chuckled.

"I prefer Mr Rich, my dear. And I must say the trip to Fillydelphia was a frank success" He said with a good hearted smile. "Anyway, it's quite the surprise to see you here." Rich added in a tone that clearly showed he wasn't suggesting anything mean by it.

"Well, Ah know it ain't my usual spot." Applejack explained sheepishly. "But Ah got the perfect company for a place like this." She nodded at Rarity who stepped forward, very close to Applejack.

"Good evening, Sir. I'm Rarity Belle." Rarity introduced herself politely.

"Who the hell is that purple haired chick?" Affluent muttered coldly, but Rarity and her husband didn't hear her. Applejack frowned at that, but didn't say anything not wanting to cause a scene. She knew that Affluent would fall from very high as soon as she would know who Rarity really was.

"Good evening, my dear. Filthy Rich, but you can call me Rich." Rich said. "One moment...Could you be THE Rarity Belle from the Council of Harmony?" He asked with wide eyes.

"Why yes. That's me." Rarity answered. Affluent's jaw nearly dropped from her skull, much to Applejack's pleasure.

"But why are you here, my Lady?" Affluent asked stammering in disbelief.

"Oh. My friends and I are taking a small vacation on Applejack's farm at the moment." Rarity explained as she grabbed AJ's hand. " As for right now, I'm here to enjoy some quality time with Applejack." She beamed at the farmer who started blushing.

"Aww shucks Rarity..."

"Well, I do hope Ponyville is at your liking." Rich said softly before facing AJ. "Applejack if it's possible..."

"I can't believe it." Affluent nearly shouted.

"Honey please,..."

"You, a Council member, with this simple country tomboy.." Affluent said in mix of disbelief and disgust.

"I beg your pardon?" Rarity said in shock. "Who I choose to spend my time with is none of your concern."

"I...."

"Honey, be quiet." Rich said firmly. "Why don't you go to the restroom to powder your nose again?" Rich offered his wife a way out, and was glad she took it along with his daughter. "I'm so sorry about this Lady Rarity, Applejack." He apologized sincerely.

"Ah'm startin to get used to it." Applejack said coldly, Rarity held her hand firmly to keep AJ under control. "We should solve our business quickly."

"I agree. What do you say I pass at the farm tomorrow afternoon?" Rich asked slowly.

"Ah reckon it would be good. As long as yer wife ain't coming."

"Off course." Rich nodded.

"Miss Apple. Your table is ready." The Maitre d'hôtel said as he approached the couple. "Follow me, please."

They bid their goodbye to Filthy Rich and followed the Maitre d'hôtel to their table.

"I must say Mr Rich is much more pleasant than I thought." Rarity said slowly.

"He hasn't been much of a problem." Applejack shrugged. "The only mistake he ever made was to marry Affluent."

"What a rude woman." Rarity muttered in anger.

"Come on, Sugarcube." Applejack softly whispered before pecking Rarity's cheek. "Let's forget about them and enjoy our first date together."

Rarity's anger vanished instantly as soon as AJ's lips touched her cheek. "You're right. Darling." She said with a small happy smile.


Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash had stopped running when they realized they had managed to step outside the Orchard. They were now on a dirt path that lead in a dark wild forest. Winona, still in Pinkie's arms, wasn't showing any signs of disapproval as being transported all the way around the Orchard.

"Pinkie, you sure we didn't exaggerate by going this far from the farm?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"Nope." Pinkie said firmly. "I don't know about you. But I remember how long it took for Princess Luna to recover from Twilight's cooking. The only worst cook I know would be Rarity's little sister."

"I agree." Rainbow shivered at the memory of the sick Princess. "Anyway where do you think this path lead?" She asked, tilting her head with curiosity.

"Duh. The path leads into the forest." Pinkie Pie happily replied." Probably a path for...Hey Winona what's up?" Winona had started barking furiously and was trying to escape Pinkie's grip.

"What's wrong with her ?" Rainbow asked with concern.

"I don't know, maybe we should take her to Fluttershy." Pinkie said with worry. With one swift movement, Winona jumped out of Pinkie's arms and ran straight to the Orchard, still barking loudly. "Winona, come back."

They were about to run after the dog, when a loud, heavy growl came from behind them. "Pinkie, tell me that was your stomach." Rainbow Dash said with worry.

"Hmm. You want the 'truth' or you want me to lie to you to reassure you?" Pinkie Pie asked trembling.

They heard few cracking sounds coming from the forest. They both turned around to see what was behind them. They immediately regret it.

"Why must it always be us who end up situations like this?" Rainbow grumbled as she slowly backed away.

"I don't know, some running gag from the author I suppose." Pinkie shrugged while stepping back in fear.