Over a month, what was once unspoken behavior became normal for them, and this was a welcome change from what was just a few short weeks before. Cloudfire breathed freely for it seemed their discomfort and hesitations were mostly in the past now, with golden times laying ahead. Together they relished in the triumph, Cloudfire's fear diminishing as Derpy's familiarity started to increase and solidify. They continued spending time together, almost every day, and things were looking good. Cloudfire became so regular in the Hooves life that Dinky could hardly remember when her Uncle Cloudfire wasn't a part of her life any more. He just was and he spent time with the entire family, sometimes devoting the better half of a day to just one member... was Derpy jealous in all this? At first, YES, but then she saw, through his actions, the truth. Derpy, unlike what most ponies thought, was not stupid or slow... just different. And so was her Special Somepony, Cloudfire. They saw their differences as just that, and that's why their fondness could only grow.

Once, maybe twice a week Derpy would explore her body with Cloudfire there by her side for support. It's no secret that he loved her so much, and was happy to be helpful, but... knew in his heart that what he was doing wouldn't be too much for Derpy this time. After a few short weeks she quietly asked him one night to lay down beside her and give himself a "Clop Job" along with her. He laughed and she got quite upset... until he explained:

"Derpy, when a pony does it to himself it's called 'Cloppin' It'." He chuckled. "Get it?"

She laughed.

They Clopped It together that night... and eventually they Clopped each other, both perfectly happy with that level of intimacy at the moment. Cloudfire had seen what she liked doing to her own body and simply copied it... adding bits of himself to the mix, as Derpy added bits of herself to him. It was fantastic.

By that time it was indisputably apparent to all ponies outside of the Hooves household that Cloudfire wasn't like family to the Hooves any more, he was family. They'd seen him so much that, again, little Dinky thought he lived there and got very upset when she was told he was at "home" and home for him wasn't there. She didn't get it, but ponies outside got this... and got bored or sidetracked, the rumors subsiding as they all moved on to something less complex.

Given this turn of events, the rich amity of both Derpy and her Special Somepony, Daddy Hooves one day pulled Cloudfire aside with his unicorn magic to have a frank talk with him. Derpy was there, too, standing by her father with a big grin on her face.

"Hey, Cloud-" She began to say.

Daddy Hooves hushed her, focusing on Cloudfire:

"How much money do you make?"

"I don't know off-hoof, but it's comparable to what your daughter makes.... varies from day to day."

"You live in that rinky-dink basement apartment about 3 miles from here, right? The one on Philistreet?"

"Yes."

"How much is rent for you?"

"About 350 bits a month, plus utilities."

"That's pretty expensive for something so small..." He rubbed his chin. "How's 100 Bits a month sound?"

"What do you mean? You can't change my rent!"

"No I can't, but... you practically live here, you know. How's 100 Bits a month sound to you?"

Cloudfire looked at Derpy, who looked ready to explore in delight. She nodded her head eagerly... fighting every urge in her to cry out what was now painfully obvious to Cloudfire.

"It sounds positively delightful, Mr. Hooves..."

"Call me Da-"

Before Mr. Hooves could even finish that sentence, Derpy flew up to Cloudfire, knocking him clean off his hooves. She gave him a rib crackling hug and smooch on the cheek.

"I'll help you move tomorrow, if it works for you, or soon as I can," said Daddy Hooves. "I don't think we're going to have any issues with a lease since that's not a legal apartment... get ready for a better life, son."

Author's Notes:

Thank you for reading Part 2 of Crystal Haze! The story will be a three part work, with the final part coming up.

Hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed bringing it to life.

: : edit : : 3/9/13 It's going to be a 4-part story afterall.