Coral had to admit that he was happy to be back on Sweet Apple Acres, but part of him wished that the zap apples could have started to come around a little later!

After Applejack had found him sleeping atop Applebloom's massive chest (stark naked!), he was determined to make himself worthy of her forgiveness (she was giving him another chance!), and, be the stallion who would make his fiance Applebloom proud.

After Applejack had sent him scurrying out of the barn and stumbling into the house, Coral had found Granny Smith painting pink polka-dots all over the kitchen! Before long, she had thrust a paint bucket and brush into his hands, and ordered him to do the same to the high ceiling!

By the time he had finished, Granny had once again thrown him for a loop, as he saw her coming down the stairs, wearing a bunny costume!

"Are you sure she's okay?" he whispered to Big Mac, as the taller stallion pulled some apple juice out of the fridge.

"Eeyup," he nodded.

"What're you two yappin' bout?" asked Granny. "Yer not thinkin' bout quittin' on us, are ya Coral?"

"No, of course not, Granny," he said, trying not to stare as she 'hopped' rather than walked over to him.

"Well, good! Seein' as how yer gonna be a part of our family, you can help me sing to the water! Oh, and you'll need these."

Coral tried not to look too confused, as Granny slapped a pair of yellow rabbit ears on top of his head.

"Since yer Applebloom's fiance, figger you kin take her place helping me get ever-thang ready!"

"Well if you want me to Granny, I'm at yer beck-n-call," he said, playfully bowing to her.

"Ah don't care who ya call, just as long as yah do yer job," she said, hopping towards the front door.

A few minutes later, Coral was outside helping Granny arrange watering cans in a circle. She didn't tell him 'why,' but just indicated that they were to hop over them, while singing the alphabet.

This proved to be a little difficult for Coral, as gravity took hold of his swollen crotch. With each hop, Coral's contained bulge stretched down, and then bounced up. He was feeling a bit 'tender' in his lower areas after the first few bounces, but seeing Granny Smith not breaking her stride, he tried to push through it.

I'm gonna do you proud, Applebloom, he thought, keeping her face in his mind as his balls squashed up against his lower belly again.

By the time he had completed four loops around the circle of cans, he saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo coming up the path from Ponyville. They appeared to be heading for Applebloom in the barn, but seeing Coral and Granny hopping over the watering cans, they changed their direction.

"Hi Granny Smith!" they called out in unison. "Hi, Coral!"

"Hellooo!" Cried out Granny, before continuing her regular recitings.

"Hi-oof-girls-oof!" said Coral.

"Say Sweetie Belle, isn't that the biggest bunny you've ever seen?" chuckled Scootaloo.

"Could be," smirked Sweetie, rubbing her chin, "And looks like he's got a few surprises, bouncin' around in that basket of his!"

"Very funny-oof!-you two," he said coming to a halt. "You know you could always help-"

*WHACK*

"Ow!" he cried out, as he suddenly realized Granny was behind him, and had whacked him over the head.

"Get back to the hoppin' and the letterin'," she demanded, giving him a major case of the stink-eye. "Unless ah should tell Applejack yer loafin' during a very important Apple family task?"

Needless to say, there was no more lolly-gagging as Coral completed several more (painful) circuits around the watering cans.

The girls hadn't made it any easier, as they had eagerly ran into the barn, and were soon heaving and dragging Applebloom out on her massive tarpaulin, to watch the little show. Pretty soon, they had decided to play a little game, making quite a racket, trying to distract him.

Coral had found himself almost losing his mind, as Scootaloo and Sweetie slunk to the front of Applebloom's breasts, where they playfully began caressing her plump nipples, and flicking their tongues along the tops of her head-sized nubs!

He could feel his cock swelling in his underwear, and by the time Granny had decided the water was pleased with their singing, he felt like he was going to burst right out of his pants!

"So, guess yer 'boys' got a bit of a workout, courtesy of Granny?" asked Applebloom, as the old mare let him take a breather.

"Ha, ha, ha," replied Coral, not looking too happy. "You girls are a riot. Don't you have other things to worry about?"

"Like what?" asked Scootaloo.

"Oh, I don't know, like, maybe making plans for the wedding?"

"Uh, Coral, ah think you mean, 'our wedding?'" asked Applebloom.

"Of course I do," he replied.

"Well, as much as we'd love to get to work, yer also a big part of the special day...and what kind of bride-to-be, would leave her husband-to-be out of planning things?"

"Yeah, he'd have to be pretty low to not wanna help," said Sweetie, crossing her arms under her bosom, and shooting him an accusing look.

"And pretty selfish," said Scootaloo, doing the same.

"And just plain...ignorant," said Applebloom, finishing the trifecta, but crossing her arms atop her bosom.

Their words were stinging Coral's ego a bit, and their narrowed eyes seemed to bore into his soul. He could feel a few drops of sweat beading down his forehead, when suddenly, a lightbulb turned on in his head. Slowly, the look of worry, began to melt into a 'smooth' smile on his face.

"Ooohh, I see what you three are trying to do," he smirked.

"Oh?" asked Sweetie, fluffing back part of her curly hair. "What are we trying to do?"

"You know perfectly well what you three are trying to do."

"Then tell us," said Scootaloo, uncrossing her arms, and placing them on her hips, in a matter-of-fact pose. "What are we trying to do, that you know what we're trying to do?"

"I'm...not...telling," he smirked.

"Well, would ya tell...me?" asked Applebloom, uncrossing her arms, and playing coy. "Ah am yer fiance, after all. And, it's not nice to keep secrets from yer fiance, now is it?"

"I, I guess not," said Coral, rubbing his head.

"Well, since you won't tell my friends, how about a little game of...kiss-and-tell?" she asked, licking her lips.

"Hmm," pondered Coral. He could feel the girls watching him, before strolling over towards Applebloom's body.

"Awwwww," mocked the two girls, as Coral smiled mischievously at them, before making eye contact with his special somepony.

"So...ready to pucker up?" he asked, giving his sac a sensual 'squish' against her leg.

"Mm-hmm," she smiled, before closing her eyes.

Applebloom expected an immediate kiss, but a few seconds passed, and then a few more. Pretty soon, she opened her eyes, to find Coral just standing next to her, smiling.

"Aren'tcha gonna kiss me?" she asked.

"Well, the game is 'kiss-and-tell,' right?" he asked.

"Uh-huh?"

"Well, if I don't kiss you, I don't gotta tell you what I know you three are trying to do."

"Whuh...Huh!?" came AB's response, her face contorting in confusion, as Coral smiled, smugly.

"Hey, Coral!" came Applejack's voice from the farmhouse. "Head on over to the barn. We're gonna need some more baskets fer the harvest. Can ya grab a couple dozen more and take them down to the orchard?"

"You got it, Applejack," he called, before turning his attention to the three ponies. "Maybe another time, girls. Right now, ol' Coral Leaf has a job to do. See you later!"

He did feel a little guilty as he walked away, but Coral simply felt that if they wanted to play games with him, he was gonna have a little fun with them as well.

"But-but...Coral?" came Applebloom's voice as he walked away.

Cor-al!?" came her voice a few seconds later, sounding a bit more demanding.

"COOOOO-RRRAAAALLLLLLLL!!!!!!!??" came the voices of all three girls in unison, as he reached the barn. He quickly headed over to the stack of baskets, and got to work. The area of the barn he was in was covered in shadow, which worked to his advantage, as his shoulders shook as he tried to keep from bursting out laughing at how agitated the three had sounded!

Once he had the baskets, Coral joined Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith out in the zap apple orchard. They had brought the watering cans that he and Granny had hopped over that morning, and AJ and Big Mac were busy watering the roots of the barren zap apple trees.

"Sure wish Applebloom could be here to see this," said Applejack.

"To see the trees?" asked Coral setting down a few more baskets, as AJ moved on to another tree with her watering can.

"Aw, anypony kin see the trees," said Granny, her eyes darting around. "When it comes to zap apples, there's a lot more goin' on then you think. Ooo, you feel that?"

"Uh, feel what?"

"Ah do, Granny," said Applejack. "Like, there's somethin' in the air."

"Eeyup," nodded Big Mac.

Coral tried to figure out what they were getting at. He smelled the air, wiggled his fingers, and looked around, but nothing seemed to be different.

Suddenly, he was surprised as a large mass of clouds appeared overhead! The wind began to pick up, and the trees in the orchard began to creak and groan, as their branches wavered in the wind.

Suddenly, there was a 'zapping' sound. And then another, and then another!

Coral almost jumped out of his clothes, when a blue arc of electricity lit up the branches of a nearby tree, and continued along the numerous trees in the orchard! And then, before his eyes, leaves began to sprout on the branches of each tree, appearing as if by magic! This went on for several minutes, before the winds died down, and the clouds parted as if they had never been.

"The second sign!" squealed Granny.

"Well, if that don't beat all," said Coral, still trying to comprehend what had just happened. "Never saw anything like that up in Galloping Gulch."

"Well, zap apples aren't common round most of Equestria," explained Applejack. "But thanks to Granny, they've become a part of our family's tradition."

"I see," said Coral, examining the trunk of a tree. "So, are the trees, electrified?"

"You kin touch em, if that's what yer asking. Just don't jostle em, or you'll get a jolt straight down to yer hooves."

Coral took her word for it, and carefully put his hand on the nearby tree trunk. It was slight, but he could sense a tingling sensation from within.

"Well, don't know bout any of you, buts I need to have a chat with some friends of mine in Ponyville," said Granny, beginning to head back to the farmhouse. "Anypony wanna join me?"

"I'll go with you, Granny," volunteered Coral.

"Well, that sounds mighty thoughtful of ya, Coral, but don'tcha wanna keep Applebloom and her friends comp'ny?"

"I think they're pretty busy doing their own thing," he replied. "Besides, I could use a little walk, stretch my legs and all."

"Well, alright then," said Granny. "Though we better head back to the farmhouse to get a few things."

Pretty soon, Coral and Granny were on their way into town, carrying bags containing glass jars.

Coral had chuckled under his breath as they had passed Applebloom and her friends again. The girls had raised a ruckus, but he hadn't glanced in their direction (even as he could hear AB moaning that she felt like she was gonna burst, and needed to be milked right away!). Fortunately, Granny had seemed too preoccupied to notice the 'show' they were putting on.

"I didn't know you had any friends in Ponyville," said Coral, upon their arrival in town.

"Well, ah don't normally see em' cept once a year," replied Granny. "They come in mighty handy round zap apple time. That's why I needs me the jars. Mighty nice of you to bring a few more."

"Well, always glad to help you, Granny. So, are your friends gonna help us harvest the-"

"Well well well, Granny Smith," came a booming voice.

Coral turned his head in the direction of the sound, and laid eyes on a tan-colored stallion. Compared to the other denizens of Ponyville he'd met, this fellow was more shaprly-dressed. He was wearing a dark-blue business suit, a red tie, and a well-groomed swirl of black hair atop his head.

"Why hello there, Filthy Rich!" waved Granny Smith, as he strode over. "Didn't know you wuz back in town."

"Yeah, I've been over in Van Hoover the last few weeks," replied Filthy. "We're working on a new deal for a special kind of butter distribution, but I won't bore you with the details. So, what brings you to town?"

"Zap apple time's upon us," smiled Granny, with a 'wrinkly grin.' "Came to see some friends of mine."

"I see," said Filthy, turning his attention to Coral. "And who might this young stallion be? By the looks of him I'd say 'size matters' to an old girl like yourself."

"Oh my-no, Filthy," chuckled Granny, a small streak of blush filling her cheeks. "This here's my Granddaughter Applebloom's fiance, Coral Leaf. He's also been helpin' us up at the farm."

"Is that so?" smiled Filthy, shaking Coral's hand. "A pleasure to meet you Coral, and congratulations!"

"Thank you," replied Coral. "Um, did I hear right? Yer name is, Filthy Rich?"

"Sure is! I'm the owner of the 'Barnyard Bargains' retail store chain. I sure hope you're one of our loyal customers."

"Well, to tell you the truth sir, I didn't know about your store until I came here to Ponyville."

"Is that right?" asked Filthy, his eyes opening a little wider. "I find that a little hard to believe, given we have stores all over Equestria."

"I come from Galloping Gulch. It's a little community, and there's not much there but our local General Store."

"Well, seeing as how you're going to be marrying into the Apple family, I hope you'll keep our local store in mind for future purchases," said Filthy, pulling out a business card, and scribbling a little message on the back. "Here. Show that to one of our friendly cashiers when you stop by. It'll get you 25% off your next purchase."

"Oh, thanks," said Coral, taking the business card, and pocketing it.

"Think nothing of it," smiled Filthy. "You're getting married, and newlyweds can never have enough bits saved away. Well, I better get going, but I should be swinging by Sweet Apple Acres in a few days. Does that sound about right, Granny Smith?"

"*snore* Uh-huh-whuh?" said Granny, who had dozed off, while they had talked.

"Mr Rich was just asking when the zap apple harvest would be done, Granny," said Coral, jogging her memory.

"Uh, oh that! Well, given the way the wind was blowing this afternoon, I'd say we should be ready for you to come by in, four days."

"Sounds fine," said Filthy, heading off. "I'll talk to you two later!"

"Seems like a nice stallion," said Coral, as he and Granny continued their walk.

"Yeah, us Apples have been doin' business with the Rich's for awhile now-oh! I think I see my friends!"

"Really? Where?" asked Coral, following Granny as she headed over to some nearby beehives. As he watched, he almost tripped over his hooves, as dozens of bees began to pour out of the hives, and circled around Granny! "Granny! RUN!!"

"Aw come now, Coral," she said, standing calmly amidst the buzzing. "I'm just talkin' to mah lil' friends! Ain't that right, Beatrice?"

"Uh, Granny? I, think I'm gonna, um...take a little walk."

"Oh, well if'n ya do, can you leave the jars? Just take their lids off, and you can have a looksee around!"

After setting the jars as close as he dared to the swarming bees, Coral quickly rushed off!

For the next 20 minutes, he looked through some of the vendor's wares at a number of tent-shops nearby. Every-so-often, he'd glance back at Granny, to make sure she was alright. A few times, he considered charging in and grabbing her up, but she had sounded so calm amidst the buzzing of the bees, that he decided to only intervene if he heard her yell.

Eventually, he saw her lift up a few of the beehives, and soon, each of the jars was filled with honey.

"HEEEEYYYYY CORAL!!" she yelled, loud enough to make everypony in the area stop what they were doing, and stare at her. Coral quietly walked back over to her, and was relieved to see the bees had returned to their hives.

"I thought you wanted to meet mah friends," he heard her say, as she was screwing on a jar lid or two.

"Well, I thought they were, other ponies, like, you," Coral replied, helping her out. "My Dad warned me that bees can be dangerous."

"Not if you talk to em' real nice," said Granny. "If you ask me, you should rethink what he done taught you."

"Um, maybe I will."

Once the lids were on tight, Coral packed the jars for the trip, and they made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres.

Upon returning to the farm, Coral saw that Applebloom had been returned to the barn. He smiled hearing the three girls once again trying to get his attention from inside it, as he helped Granny back into the house.

"So, get whatcha need in town?" asked AJ, who was looking through an old picture book.

"Yep, talked to my lil' friends," smiled Granny, settling down into her rocking chair. "Got mah honey fer the jam."

Granny took a few tentative rocks in her chair, and in seconds, she was snoring.

"So, she can actually talk to, and understand bees?" Coral asked AJ, as he set the honey-filled jars on the kitchen table.

"Sure can," replied Applejack. "Not sure when Granny first picked up the skill, but she's had it for years. My friend Fluttershy can do the same."

"I see. Just...I never saw anypony do it."

"If yer confused by what happened, don't worry. It'll all make sense in a few days."

"Well, I'll take your word for it, 'honest Applejack,'" smiled Coral. "By the way, we ran into a stallion named Filthy Rich while in town."

"Really? How's he doin?"

"Fine, I guess. He seemed friendly. Even gave me a little discount card when I mentioned me and Applebloom were engaged."

"Well, that was nice of him," smiled AJ."Reckon he'll be swingin' around for his 100 jars for his store chain."

"Does Filthy also sell some of your cider in his stores?"

"Nope, but he sure does try to get us to reconsider. Like any businesspony, he's always looking to make more bits. Every year when he comes for his zap apple jam supply, he tries to sweet talk Granny, but as long as she says 'no,' we're with her on this one."

"Hi, Applejack!"

Coral turned to see Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo entering the house, carrying three empty mugs.

"Howdy, girls," replied AJ.

"Hey there," smiled Coral.

"We were a little thirsty, so we borrowed a few mugs earlier while you and Big Mac were out," said Sweetie, her eyes seeming to look past Coral, sitting in his chair. "Applebloom suggested we have a little drink, and well...there was plenty right there."

"Uh, how is she, uh...tastin'?" asked AJ, blushing a bit.

"Well, a little sour," said Scootaloo, scrunching up her face. "Not quite sure why, though."

"Maybe I can fix that," smiled Coral. "What do you say, girls? Think there's an apple in the barn that needs some attention?"

"Maybe she just needs a little TLC," said Sweetie, rinsing out the mugs in the kitchen. "Maybe you should talk to her, Applejack."

"Yeah," said Scootaloo, picking up a dish towel. "I think she needs someone close to her to give her a little pick-me-up."

"Um, hellooo?" asked Coral, waving his arms. "Fiance here, offering to help?"

"Uh, girls, is everything okay?" asked Applejack, looking at Coral, waving his arms, and the two fillies just ignoring him.

"Oh yeah, everything's fine," said Sweetie. "Say, think I should make arrangements for Rarity to come on up? Maybe start measuring Applebloom for her wedding dress?"

"Maybe after we get done with the zap apples," said AJ. "I know you girls are eager to help plan for the big day, but we got time on this one."

"Yeah," chimed in Coral. "Besides, don't I get a say in-"

"Well, if you insist, Applejack," said Scootaloo. "Sweetie and I were just thinking, maybe we could get our cutie marks in wedding planning."

"Yeah," said Sweetie. "Seeing as how Applebloom's got her cutie mark, maybe this wedding will help us earn ours too!"

"Well, you never know," replied AJ.

"Yeah. Well, we're gonna take off, but say 'hi' to Big Mac for us, and to Granny Smith when she wakes up," said Sweetie Belle.

"Hey, what about me?" asked Coral, as the girls walked right past him, and out the door.

"Bye, Applejack," they called back, as the door closed.

There was an awkward silence for a few moments, with the only sound being the creaking of Granny's rocking chair.

"Did I turn invisible for a few minutes?" asked Coral.

"Not that I could tell," replied Applejack.

"Usually they're giggling and squealing at me," he said. "That was...weird."

"Any reason you can think of why they were acting like they were?"

"...no?"

"Well, maybe you can ask Applebloom about it later on tonight. You know how close she is with those two."

As dinnertime approached, Coral offered to help prepare dinner, and Applejack kindly accepted the offer.

Pretty soon, the table was set with a hot meal, as the Apples (minus Applebloom), took their seats. As they did so, Coral prepared a plate for himself, and one for his fiance.

"You don't mind if I eat out in the barn with Applebloom, right?" he asked.

"Just as long as you do it with yer clothes 'on,' ah don't mind," said AJ, making Coral blush. "Besides, I think she'll be pleased as punch to have a little dinner for two."

Coral quickly got a few glasses, before turning back to his future sister-in-law.

"Um, is it okay, if I-we, me and Applebloom, drink her...?"

"Of course you can. You don't want good milk to go to waste."

"Th-thanks, Applejack! Hope to also find out why she may be a little sour. I'm sure it's nothing, but I just want to be sure."

Coral found his hands full, as he headed out to the barn. Eventually, he set the items down on a nearby hay bale, and opened the door.

"Evening, honey," he called out, happily picking their dinner up, and strolling inside. "Hope you weren't too lonely while I was working and all. Boy, crazy day today. I think I understand why yer family calls em 'zap apples' now. Granny and I we-um, are you alright, Applebloom?"

He had just taken a good look at his fiance's face...well, half of it. She was leaning against her bosom, looking either bored or upset, with half her face buried against her right breast.

"Hey," he said, trotting over a bit faster. "Is something wrong?"

"...ah don't know," she said, slowly looking him in the eye. "Do you think something's wrong?"

"Well, this is our first dinner together as a couple since I was allowed back on the farm. I thought you'd be a bit more, excited."

"Well...yay, ah guess," she said, with all the enthusiasm of a cupcake wrapper, blowing in the wind. "So, are we gonna eat, or what?"

"Sure, of course!" he said, handing her her plate, and setting his down on top of her breast. "I helped make dinner tonight, hope you like-"

"I'm thirsty, get me some milk," said AB coldly, quietly beginning to eat.

Her tone made Coral a little uneasy, but he obeyed her wishes. Going to her left nipple, he began squeezing, but was surprised that while milk was spurting out, no sounds of pleasure were coming from Applebloom.

Returning over to her with the filled mugs, she quietly took hers with one hand, and continued to eat with her other hand.

Coral chose that point to take a drink of her milk, but got no hint of a sour taste, like he'd heard a few hours ago.

"Say, is everything alright?" he asked. "Scootaloo was saying your milk tasted a little sour-"

"Can ah just eat, please?" she said, sounding annoyed. "I don't feel like talking."

That seemed to end the conversation for good. For the next 10 minutes, Coral tried to focus on eating, but he was feeling nervous, watching the pony he had proposed to, giving him the silent treatment. Not once as she ate, did she look him in the face.

Finally, she finished her meal, emptied her mug, and handed the items over to him.

"Thank you fer helping with dinner," she said. "Good night."

"G-good night?" he asked. "Applebloom, it's only a little after seven-"

"I said, good night," she said, sounding annoyed. "Please cover me up, and close the barn doors."

The queasy feeling in Coral's stomach intensified, as he did as he was told. After covering her bosom with her blankets, he headed back to her, and tried to give her a kiss, but she turned away from him, even as he tried several more times!

"Hey come on, silly filly," he said, trying to sound as peppy as Granny Smith. "Don'tcha want a lil' kiss-"

"I wanna go to sleep," she said, sticking a hand in his face. "Good night!"

"That was fast," said Granny, as Coral came through the door. "Applejack figgered we'd need to haul you outta there in a few hours."

"Well, I guess, Applebloom just wants to be alone," said Coral, not disguising the look of worry on his face.

"Is something wrong?" asked AJ, watching as he put the empty dishes in the sink, and slumped into a chair.

"Well, I was real excited to talk with her and all, but, she was being...real quiet. Not saying much, and then, wanting to go to sleep."

"Well, that doesn't sound like the Applebloom ah thought we had back," replied AJ, putting on her hat. "I'm gonna go have a little chat with her, sister-to-sister."

Coral took a few minutes, watching AJ walk across the yard to the barn. After a short while, he got up and cleaned out the dishes he had brought back, and then slumped back down in his chair. Before long, Applejack returned to the house.

"So, what did you find out?" he asked, eagerly.

"She's alright, thank Celestia," replied AJ,taking off her hat. "She tells me she's just a little...concerned."

"Concerned? Concerned about what?"

"She didn't say, but I think maybe we should talk with her about that tomorrow, b'fore heading out to the orchard."

"Well, why not just get it over with tonight?"

"Coral, she said she was tired. Let her rest, and we'll check on her in the morning, okay?"

That seemed to end the conversation, and Coral excused himself to his room.

Lying on his bed, he tried to relax, but that look on Applebloom's face seemed to haunt him. He couldn't recall her ever being so 'cold' towards him. Plus, why had Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo acted like he hadn't been right in front of them?

He tried to relax, but his mind was like a sputtering engine: just when his worrying had died down, his brain would start back up again!

Coral's eyes popped open as the cock crowed.

He hadn't been sure when he'd fallen asleep, but in seconds, he was getting his things together, and heading for the bathroom.

After he was finished, his nervous energy had returned, and he found himself soon working on making pancakes in the kitchen. It was an awkward situation, as he had to cook them sideways, keeping his swollen bulge away from the stove.

He had already made half-a-dozen by the time the Apples had come downstairs.

"Morning all," he said. "Feeling a bit full of energy today. Pancakes?"

The family verbalized their thanks, and sat down at the table. Coral's cakes weren't perfect, but they weren't bad either.

Coral also prepared a plate for Applebloom, as the family finished up at the table.

"Big Mac, you n' Granny get started," said AJ. "Coral and I need to talk to Applebloom."

Soon, the two were at the barn doors, and AJ gave a knock.

"It's us, Applebloom," she called out.

"Come on in, sis," came AB's voice from within.

As they entered, Coral held the plate of pancakes out to her.

"Hi, honey," he smiled. "I made breakfa-"

"Applejack, you said there was somethin' we were gonna talk about this morning?" asked AB, cutting Coral off.

"Eeyup," said Applejack, taking the pancakes from Coral, and placing them on a nearby barrel. "Now then Coral, it seems we need to have another talk."

"Another...talk?" he gulped. "But, nothing happened! You saw me, I went straight to bed and never left the house-"

"We're not talkin' bout that...we're talking about what you did, yesterday."

"Yesterday? Wh-what did I do yesterday? I helped you out in the orchard, I helped Granny Smith-"

"And ignored your fiance?" asked AJ, crossing her arms.

"I-ignored!?" he asked, beginning to laugh. "Applejack, this is crazy-"

"Coral Leaf, this ain't no laughing matter," snapped AJ, shutting him up fast! "You proposed to Applebloom just the other day, and suddenly, you're ignoring her and her friends?"

Coral found his lips fumbling for words, as he glanced from Applejack, to Applebloom.

"T-t-they were just makin' a lot of racket-"

"Ah wuz makin' a racket?" asked Applebloom, sounding hurt. "See, Applejack? He's not takin' what he did seriously!"

"Well, I think you're both overreacting-"

"Now stop! Right! There!" came AJ's voice, in three punctuated bursts. "Coral Leaf, you are not going anywhere, until you apologize to my sister and me for what you just said, and what you did yesterday. Ignoring yer fiance and her friends, is not okay with me."

Coral could feel both sets of eyes on him, as he took a deep sigh.

"I'm...sorry," he said. "I'm sorry that I ignored you yesterday, Applebloom. And, I'm sorry Applejack, that I said you both overreacted."

"I accept your apology," smiled Applebloom.

"And me too," said Applejack. "Now, doesn't it feel good that we got that straightened out?"

Like fun it does, thought Coral to himself, as he nodded.

"Good! Well, we better get on out to the orchard, before the third sign hits. Still gotta water some of the trees-oh, and can't forget the pancakes!"

Coral reached for them, but was beaten to the punch by AJ, who whisked them over to her sister, who was licking her lips.

"Mmmm, these sure look tasty," she smiled.

"Care to give the chef a kiss?" smiled Coral, looking hopeful.

"Mmmmmm-nah," said AB, shaking her head, and causing her bosom to undulate slightly. "Maybe later, after you apologize to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."

"Sounds fair to me," said AJ. "From what Applebloom told me, you were being just as rude to them too."

"...fine," said Coral, turning around, and walking out of the barn. "I'll do that later."

"When you apologize to em later, you better mean it!" Applebloom called after him.

After he had wandered off a ways, both of the sisters looked at each other, before smiling mischievously, at how well their little 'game' had just gone!

The zap apple orchard had definitely changed since the day before! Each of the trees had sprouted a full compliment of leaves, contrasting the bare branches from the day before.

Coral had quickly gotten to work watering some of the trees, as Granny wandered around, keeping an eye on things.

They didn't have long to wait, when out of nowhere, the wind picked up, and the air was filled with the sounds of numerous crows!

"The third sign!" cried Granny, as the crows circled overhead, in a strange-yet-familiar pattern.

Then, with a crackling of electricity, a number of blossoms sparked to life, opening up on each of the trees!

The sight caused the Apples to whoop it up, and even Coral put aside his semi-sour mood, and joined them.

"Half-way there," AJ told Coral.

"Eeyup," nodded Big Mac.

That afternoon, Coral returned to the farm, where he found that Sweetie and Scootaloo were out in the open with Applebloom.

"Hi, Coral," called out Applebloom. "Ah think you have somethin' to say to my friends?"

"Eeyup," he nodded, coming over to them. "Hi, Sweetie. Hi Scootaloo."

"No, that thing me n' Applejack talked with you about this morning...remember?"

"I'm sorry, Sweetie Belle. I'm sorry, Scootaloo. I shouldn't have ignored you girls."

The two had been keeping their attention on Applebloom as Coral had come over, but as soon as he finished apologizing, they turned to look at him, and squeaked in unison!

"Eek! Coral, where did you come from? We turned around, and you were right there!"

"Ve-ry funny," he said, rolling his eyes. "So, what are you three fillies up to? Thick as thieves?"

"Thick!?" asked Sweetie, looking down at her curvy body. "For your information Coral Leaf, I am not, thick...Rarity says I'm, voluptuous!"

"It was a figure of speech, Sweetie Belle. It means, I was thinking you three were planning something. So...are you?"

"Maaaaybe?" The three girls said in unison, gazing away from him.

"Alright, fine," he said. "You wanna play games, play games. As for me, I got work to do."

"Byyyyeeee, Coral," they cooed as he headed to the door.

"Byyyyyyeeee girls," he said turning to them, making a goofy face, before entering the house.

"What kinda disrespect is this!?"

Coral almost hit the ceiling, hearing Granny Smith's voice from the kitchen!

"Wha-nono Granny, I didn't mean any-"

It was then he saw her in a helmet, eyeing a number of glass jars, sitting on the table. One she was looking at, had it's lid askew.

"If you ain't gonna get with it, you kin just git out!"

Coral quickly jumped behind the couch, as Granny lobbed the jar at the nearest trash can.

"So," she said, looking at the other jars. "Am I gonna have any trouble outta the rest of ya?"

Coral stayed out of Granny's way for the rest of the day. Later on that evening, he voiced his concerns to AJ, who just laughed off what he saw.

"It's all part of Granny's routine," she said. "Even when it comes to the jars we put the jam in, she can be very exact."

"I see," he said. "So, when's the next sign?"

"Tomorrow evening. It's quite a sight, though luckily, we won't need to be out in the orchard until the day after. So, you better be ready to harvest."

"Of course," he nodded. "Do the zap apples go bad if you don't pick em fast enough?"

"Nope, they disappear."

"Seriously?"

"Ah wouldn't kid bout that," said AJ, looking seriously at him.

"Alright alright, I didn't mean any disrespect. I just, never heard of that happening to apples before."

"These are zap apples, Coral. And once they're ready, you'll see for yerself how special they are."

"So, what's the next sign we have to look forward to? Not more crows, right?"

"Nope. We're due for a meteor shower."

"Really?" he asked. "I remember reading about them in a few books my Aunt sent me, but never seen one before."

"Well, guess there's a first time fer everything," smiled AJ. "Usually happens after dinner time."

"Okay," he replied, before getting an idea. "Say Applejack, would you mind if I watched the meteor shower with Applebloom?"

"Don't see why not. Just make sure she's back in the barn after it's over, and that you check in with me before you go to sleep."

For the next 24 hours, Coral tried to keep himself busy, but he found himself eagerly waiting for the sun to set the next day.

In the afternoon, he told the girls about watching the shower with them, and they agreed to watch the event.

For the rest of the day, Coral and the other Apples were busy watering the zap apple trees, and making sure everything was in order.

Finally, as the sun began to set, they returned to the house for dinner. Because Coral and the girls had their evening plans, Applejack allowed them to eat out in the yard.

Coral's apology seemed to be holding up, as they were all incredibly talkative.

"So, ready for yer first harvest, Coral?" asked Scootaloo.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he replied. "Applejack said we have to be quick, and I'm gonna make sure we don't miss a single zap apple."

"Well, don't strain yerself," cautioned Applebloom. "Wish I could help but, y'know, I'm not built fer apple harvestin' anymore."

"Yep," smiled Coral, rubbing the curve of her massive chest. "You've become a one-pony milk factory."

"Ah hope you realize I'm more than just a giant pair of milk tanks," smiled Applebloom.

"If I didn't, I wouldn't have proposed, silly filly," he replied, making the words sound the way Granny Smith said them.

"Hey, it's starting!" called out Scootaloo.

As Coral's eyes were drawn skyward, numerous streaks of white light arced across the sky. Peering through a telescope Applejack had given them, he focused on several, seeing their star-shapes giving off a sparkling plume of dust, as they disappeared over the far-off horizon.

"Hey you gonna hog that thing all night?" he heard Applebloom ask, with a playful whine.

"Course not," he replied, detaching the telescope from it's base, and bringing it over to her.

Pretty soon, everypony was crowded around Applebloom, passing the telescope from one to the other. The shower lasted for another few minutes, before the sky calmed.

"So, what does that sign mean?" asked Coral, once the show had ended.

"That means the zap apples just blossomed," replied Scootaloo. "They look just like little grey apples, but you can't pick em."

"Yeah, we learned that the hard way," said Sweetie Belle.

"Oh, really?" asked Coral. "What kind of mischief did you three get into-"

"Bedtime, everypony!" came Applejack's voice from the porch. "shower's over, and that means harvestin's tomorrow!"

"Guess you'll have to wait another day to find out," said Scootaloo.

After hefting Applebloom back into the barn, the friends said their goodbyes, and Coral got several goodnight kisses from his fiance, before the doors were closed.

Coral was already awake before the cock crowed the next day, and just like the day before, he was ready to spring from his bed once he 'heard the bird.'

The other Apples were once again met with a ready-made breakfast by the time they were cleaned up.

"Think yer sister hit the appletree with this one," Coral heard Granny chuckle to Applejack, as Coral made sure everyone was set for breakfast.

He then headed out to the barn, and had his breakfast with Applebloom. His attention bounced between her and the farm house, as they enjoyed each other's company.

Finally, when the Apples emerged, he gave her a kiss, and bounded out to join them.

Upon reaching the orchard, he observed the grey apples in the trees, just as Scootaloo had described.

"Are these the zap apples?" he asked, grabbing a nearby ladder.

"Not yet they ain't," replied Applejack. "Should be any second now. Granny said she could feel it in her bones."

Suddenly, there was a loud rumbling overhead, and soon the sunny morning disappeared behind some pitch-black storm clouds!

The clouds looked to be the most threatening Coral had ever seen. He was about to run for cover, when a firm, red hand grabbed his arm.

"Nope," he heard Big Mac say, as the tall stallion pointed. "Look."

Suddenly, the air was further electrified as numerous bolts of lightning flashed across the sky.

"Here it comes!!" squealed Granny Smith.

Coral was waiting for a torrential downpour to suddenly drench them all, but was amazed as the dark clouds parted, as if by magic! As a rainbow faded into view over the orchard, the crackle of lightning was heard a hundred times over, all around them.

As Coral watched the nearest tree, he saw the closest grey apple, suddenly change before his eyes. It's compact shape elongated slightly, and rainbow colors swirled around it's surface, as if an invisible painter was using it for a canvas.

He laughed and smiled, not believing his eyes, as every apple he could see, repeated the same process, before rainbow-colored beams shot every-which-way around the orchard! After a few minutes, the beams dissapated, and a wavering rainbow halo wafted over the orchard!

"The zap apple harvest has begun!" cried out Applejack.

Coral wasted no time in getting to work. Even with his significant bulge being squished against the ladder as he tried to pick apples deeper within the trees, he swore he was going to prove himself just as capable of harvesting zap apples, as he had been at applebucking!

"Now don't over-exert yerself, Coral," said Applejack, as he almost fell off the ladder, upon trying to pick clean his fourth tree.

"I just wanna make sure we get every last one, Applejack," he replied.

"Well, that don't mean you need to be breakin' somethin' in the process," chimed in Granny Smith. "We gotta get you to yer wedding in one piece."

"Eeyup," nodded Big Mac.

And so, Coral backed off his eagerness a tad, but still tried to keep moving at a brisk pace (well, as brisk a pace as he could manage).

As the day wore on, Applejack rushed back to the house several times, and returned with juice and sandwiches! The Apples and Coral found themselves taking some time to eat, though as the sun rose high in the noon-day sky, they took a few smaller breaks in the shade of the trees.

When the sun began to set, Applejack claimed they were almost done, and in no time, the last of the trees had been picked clean, and much rejoicing was had by the family and Coral!

"Tomorrow, I'll get started on makin' that jam," proclaimed Granny. "Should have it ready in a few days time to sell."

"Say Applejack," asked Coral. "Remember that proposal I had fer the cider you didn't sell a few weeks ago?"

"Sure do," said AJ.

"Think we can also sell off the remainder alongside the jam? I'll take care of the stand and all myself, so you can focus on selling the jam."

"Well, I think we can handle selling both cider and jam, Coral. besides, I'm sure we'll be able to sell off that extra cider, pretty quickly."

"Sounds good," said Coral, before getting a bit quiet. "Though, I can handle the barrels...since, I know there's a few that contain, Applebloom's milk."

"Oh right, I almost forgot," replied AJ. "Well, we can both keep an eye out fer those."

"Sounds good to me," smiled Coral, as they started hefting baskets of zap apples onto a nearby cart.

"Less talkin' and more walkin'," commanded Granny Smith. "The sooner we get these apples back to the farm, the better!"

The next few days were a whirlwind of activity on Sweet Apple Acres.

While Applejack assisted Granny Smith with making the jam, Coral, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, headed to town with fliers, to advertise the upcoming sale of the jam. Coral also found time to help Big Mac, set up both the zap apple and cider stands, down by the main road.

Granny worked like a possessed pony, as jar-after-jar of the jam, began to fill the Apple's living room. Per the family's deal with the Rich family, 100 jars had been set aside in a corner for Filthy Rich to claim.

As Coral observed Granny working in the kitchen, she allowed him a few samples. The sweet taste of the bee's honey mixed with the rainbow-colored apples was very tasty, and Coral had to stop himself from asking for more. However, he did ask Applejack if he could set aside some jars for his folks.

"I think we can spare some for them," she smiled. "I'm sure Gentle and Chestnut would like to taste some of what their son worked on."

"Well, I didn't do much," said Coral.

"Nonsense," said Granny, stirring the jam on the stove. "You done painted them polka-dots, sang to the water, and helped harvest the zap apples. In my book, that means yer just as much a part of what makes this batch so dad-gum tasty!"

Coral just smiled, as he got back to work, happy in what he had helped with.

During the second day of jam preparation, the Apples were surprised to hear a knock on the door as they were finishing up their breakfast.

"Hello, Apple family," came Filthy Rich's voice through the door. "Hope I wasn't disturbin' yer meal."

"Nope," said AJ, opening the door. "We're just finishing up things here."

"Glad to hear that, Ms Applejack. Saw the fliers in town, and figured my 100 jars were waiting for me?"

"They sure are, Mr Rich. Coral can help you with those."

It didn't take Coral long, and soon, the jars were outside, and in the hands of some younger stallions from Filthy's Ponyville store.

"Thanks for your help, Coral," smiled Filthy, giving him a handshake. "Course, seems a bit of a shame that with so many stores, we only get a hundred jars. Maybe you could see to giving us a few more?"

"Sorry, Mr Rich," smiled Coral. "That's fer Granny Smith to decide, and from what I hear, she's not looking to change that deal anytime soon. And I can't make that decision for her: I'm not an Apple."

"Okay, okay," said Filthy, sounding a little disappointed. "Speaking of Apples, where's your fiance? Thought Applebloom would be at the table with her family."

"Well, she's, gotten a bit, bigger, since the harvest dance."

"Oh. Is she a bit shy about herself?"

"Not quite," said Coral, before getting an idea. "Would you like to see her?"

"Of course I would. Is she up in her room?"

"Actually, she's in the barn."

Filthy told his assistants to sit tight, as he and Coral headed to the barn. Coral asked for a few minutes, and snuck inside to wake her up. After he had told Applebloom who was outside, and covered up her nipples ("we gotta keep you decent for non-family," he said), Coral threw open the doors.

Both Coral and Applebloom tried to keep from laughing, as they saw Filthy's big blue eyes widen at the sight of the prodigious pony, several blankets covering her nipples, but plenty of golden breast-flesh to be seen in the sunlight.

"Mornin,' Mr Rich," greeted Applebloom. "Come on by to pick up yer hundred jars?"

"Uh-h-hi, yes, um, I have," squeaked out Filthy, before suddenly, there was a thud from outside.

Everyone turned to see that one of the assistants from Barnyard Bargains, had fainted!

"Never had that happen before," said Coral. "Why don't you two talk fer a bit, and I'll get him some water?"

And so, Coral rushed off, leaving the businesspony and Applebloom alone.

"Coral told me bout the discount you gave him," said Applebloom. "Thanks so much fer doin' that."

"Oh, well I just wanted to give you two lovebirds some help starting off," he chuckled, trying not to stare.

"It's okay," said Applebloom. "I'm kinda gettin' used to ponies staring at 'them.'"

Applebloom then related to Filthy about how she and Coral had grown during the barn dance, but the family hadn't publicized what had happened to her. Of course, she tried to keep what happened 'polite,' and not get into how 'messy' things had been.

"So, you seem pretty...'full,' for a filly," he replied.

"Eeyup," she said, proudly. "Coral says I'm a milkmare now."

"A, milkmare?" You mean you're filled with-"

"Eeyup again! Good thing ah found a stallion who knows how to treat a girl like me right. Say, you wanna try some?"

Filthy's face flinched a bit, whether from nervousness or revulsion, Applebloom couldn't tell.

"N-no thanks Applebloom I'll, I'll take your word that it's good," he said.

"Ah know it sounds strange, but my milk's just as good as a cow's-"

"I'm sure it is," he said, looking out the barn door. "Oh, I see your fiance's revived my assistant. Think I'll see how the fella's doing."

"Um, ok."

By the time Filthy had come over to Coral, the assistant was back on his hooves, and trying not to stare into the barn.

Filthy thanked Coral for his help, and he and his helpers soon began the trek back to Ponyville.

Once he had left, Coral joined Applebloom for a little chat.

"Is that one stallion gonna be alright?" said Applebloom.

"Yeah, I think he was just overwhelmed with how big you are," replied Coral. "He perked right up, but I kept him looking away. Didn't want him to collapse again."

"I thought it was kinda cute," blushed Applebloom. "I also offered Mr Rich some milk, but he didn't seem to want any."

"Well, can't win over everypony on the first try. Who knows? Maybe he'll come around to it later on. I mean, Applejack convinced Gus to sell some of Mom's milk at his store...maybe if we play our cards right, we could get Mr Rich to do the same with yours."

"It would make me feel better bout not having so much of this stuff goin' to waste," replied Applebloom, caressing her chest. "Feels a little sad that ah make so much, and it never gets drunk, except by a few ponies."

"Speaking of a few ponies," said Coral, a sly smile on his face. "I could go for a mug or three!"

The day after Filthy's visit, the family was up early, bringing jars of jam, and barrels of cider down to the roadside, where just like several weeks before, a long line of ponies had already snaked off into the distance.

As Coral hooked up the first of the remaining barrels of cider to the cider stand, Applejack stepped out to make her announcement.

"Good morning, everypony," she called out, a cheer rippling through the crowd. "So, whose ready for some zap apple jam?"

A louder cheer rose up from the masses.

"That's what we Apples love to hear! We also got a special treat fer those of you, that may not have gotten yer fill of our Apple Family Cider. We had such a big harvest this year, that we gots us some reserves.
"So once you get yer jam, just mosey on over to the cider stand for a mug or three. We got only 18 barrels left, so I betcha this stuff is gonna go fast.
"Oh, and one more thing. I would like to add, that all sales of our cider reserves, are gonna go to the fund to build Ponyville a new library. We kinda put that fund on hold, but I think it's time we brought it back!"

Coral was checking the cider hose, when he heard those words! Looking up, he saw AJ give him a wink, as she headed to the jam stand, as the sales began!

Even with the emphasis on the jam, every other customer was coming over, and purchasing cider from Coral. Several did inquire about the need for a new library, and Coral happily explained how beneficial it could be to the community, as well as what Applebloom and her friends had told him about the Golden Oak Library.

As the afternoon approached, Sweetie and Scootaloo came by, and headed up to the farm. After awhile, they joined Coral at his stand, and had brought him a few mugs of milk.

"Freshly-squeezed," whispered Scootaloo.

Coral quietly smiled, taking a swig of his Applebloom's milk, as the two fillies helped talk up some younger ponies about the library.

By the end of the day, the Apples had not only moved a good amount of jam, but had sold enough cider to leave only 4 barrels! Plus, one of the barrels that had been opened, had contained Applebloom's milk from a previous milking, meaning one more barrel of the stuff, was still to be found.

The family shut down their booths a little before dinnertime, with the promise of more jam the next day.

"And we got only a few barrels of cider reserves left," AJ called out to the departing customers. "If you love our cider, this might be yer last chance to have some b'fore next cider season, so come on back tomorrow!"

The family reconvened out in the yard some time later for dinner, with Applebloom having been brought out of the barn again. She listened intently at how the day had gone, and lit up when Coral mentioned where the cider sales money was going to.

"Now that was a real nice surprise, sis," she said to Applejack.

"Well, I will admit it isn't much," replied Applejack. "But I felt it's a start to get your cause goin' again, Coral. I know we had a good amount of bits before...the...well, y'know."

"Yeah, we know," said Coral, his eyes darting down to his bulge, and the the huge orbs of his fiance, their dark nipples catching a shine off the sun overhead. "But we both understand that what you did, needed to be done. And what we're collecting from the small sale of the reserves, it's a brand-new start. I really appreciate it."

"'We' really appreciate it," corrected Applebloom, reaching out, and giving his right hand a firm squeeze.

The next day, the Apples and Coral were back to selling. As the line of ponies continued, Coral was surprised to see Twilight Sparkle, picking up a few jars of jam, and heading over to him.

"Well hello there, Coral," she smiled.

"Hi Pri-I mean, Twilight," he blushed.

"It's alright. Even I'm still not used to it! So, Applejack says you're going to be joining the Apple family soon! Congratulations!"

"Well, thanks," he blushed. "Applebloom is a wonderful filly."

"She sure is. So, when's the big day?"

"We haven't planned that far ahead yet. Once we finish selling off the jam and the cider reserves, we'll probably get right on it."

"Sounds good. I bet your parents are thrilled to hear the good news!"

"Well, actually, I haven't sent them a letter in awhile. I really should get on that."

"I agree. This kind of good news is meant to be shared as soon as possible, especially with family. Well, I better get back to the castle, but let me know if I can give you two a hand. Always glad to help out my friends!"

"I will," said Coral, as he watched Twilight start to walk away, before a thought suddenly flashed through his mind. "Hey, Twilight!"

"Yes?" she asked, turning back to look at him.

"How good are you at...teleporting?"

Author's Notes:

Whew!

I thought this chapter might be simple enough to get through, but it really had me looking for ways to procrastinate!

If you know your MLP episodes, this one takes some cues from Family Appreciation Day. I tried to not get too in-depth over all the steps, but it does borrow that back-and-forth between jam preparations, and a character going through some things.

I could imagine some wondering how I could go from something so jubilant in the last chapter, to being a bit 'boring' in this one, but there is a 'method to the madness.'

While we do have Coral back on the farm, I felt this chapter could serve as a great way to re-introduce him back into it's ways, and show him once again interacting with the Apples.

I find it's sometimes fun when the girls can drive the guys a little crazy, so I concocted the bit where AB and her friends are ignoring Coral, since he was ignoring them. I debated whether or not to make him so naive about it, but I could see it totally being something girls would give a guy grief over, and he would half-remember why these things are happening.

Introducing Filthy Rich to the piece was somewhat fun. I went over several different ways he could meet Applebloom in the end, and I think it turned out pretty good (at least I'm happier with it than the first iteration!). I had also considered Coral giving Filthy some cider as a thank you for the discount card, but it felt like too much 'extra work' that we didn't really need.

Well, now that that's taken care of, and zap apple season is coming to a close, we can get onto a more intriguing, and emotional chapter 16! Hopefully, the words and ideas will flow a little smoother.