Crystal Haze

Chapters

Part 1 Ch. 2 -- "Us... and them."
Part 1 Ch. 3 -- "To everything, turn, turn, turn..."
Part 1 Ch. 4 -- "Innocent Derpy Hooves"
Part 1 Ch. 5 -- "Taking Flight!"
Part 2, Ch. 1 -- "Sleepless..."
Part 2 Ch. 2 -- "Nasty & Cutting."
Part 2 Ch. 3 -- "Love."
Part 2 Ch. 4 -- "Genuine."
Part 2 Ch. 5 -- "Always Should've Been..."
Part 2 Coda
Part 3 Ch. 1 -- "Tonight, Tonight..."
Part 3, Ch. 3 -- "Like Tumbleweeds..."
Part 3, Ch. 4 -- "Distorted by the Haze."
Part 3, Ch. 5 -- "Polarized Experience."
Part 3, Ch. 6 -- "Peace Tea."
Part 4, ch. 1 -- "Fire Inside..."
Part 4, Ch. 2 -- "At Both Ends."
Part 4, Ch. 3 -- "In the Backdraft..."
Part 4, Ch. 4 -- "Crashing."
Part 4, Ch. 5 -- "Heat & Warmth."
Part 4, Ch. 6 -- Wonder..."
Part 4, Ch. 7 -- "Cities & Fog."
Part 4 Coda
Part 1 Ch. 1 -- "Where do we stand, Dear?"
Part 3 Ch. 2 -- "Good Intentions!"

Part 1 Ch. 2 -- "Us... and them."

2
"Us... and them."

Four Pegasi were gathered outside of Headquarters, waiting for their manager Mister Everstorm to come out and give them instructions. Usually then a company bus would arrive to take them to the field... they'd have anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes to wait for it. The four didn't even acknowledge the pair as they walked up next to the building and stood beside them.

At first they ignored the two and the two ignored them. This is how it always was... neither group really liked the other, but they worked together just fine. Derpy and Cloudfire were given the left overs to mop up.... places the Pegasus were too important to bother with. The one time Derpy and Cloudfire called in on the same day, having enjoyed some spoiled milk together, and all four were given a down-dressing at the end of their shift for not having done a very polished job. When Cloudfire heard about this he laughed... the two really did serve a purpose and that proved it. Not that the Pegasi would ever admit it, though.

Derpy looked at her reflection in the glass, playing with the bow in her hair and giggling... she smiled at Cloudfire. who grinned and nodded.

A stockier Pegasus in the group, his dirty mane shagging in his eyes, his breath stinking of strong cider, noticed Derpy's bow and gold chain.

“Hey... look at that. You guys going on a date afterwards or somethin'? Don't want to get that dirty... not that it matters if Cloudfire gave it to you.”

Cloudfire glared at the stocky Pegasus.

“Hey, be nice now...” a thinner Pegasus butted in. “How would you like to be him? Aside from having no wings, of course. I'm wondering Cloudfire, how is that working for you? And also, how are... what to we call them? Oh yes, 'Derpy's Unofficial Hints' … how are they working for you?”

“She's taught me what there is to teach and we keep busy...” Cloudfire replied, patting Derpy on the back. “Except when we call in and you guys have to pick up the slack... when you remember to.”

“Please,” replied the thin Pegasus. “She can barely see and you expect to learn the fine art of litter pick-up from her? Anypony with good eyes could teach you better...”

“We do a good enough job that when we're not there, there is a difference.”

“Two more Pegasus and we wouldn't need you two." Butted in an older Pegasus. "You horrid, little misfits--”

“Those two do just fine!” Snapped Mister Everstorm, coming out of the building. He was a tan unicorn with a thick mustache and 5 years experience in Celestia's personal Guard.

All ponies became quiet as their Manager spoke, their eyes suddenly facing forward:

“The bus will be along any minute... we're going to the Canterlot Hedge Maze and Gardens. Team Fire Hooves,” he approached Derpy and Cloudfire. “I marked your quadrant on the Map. I know you'll do a good job.” He gave each of them a piece of paper, then turned to the rest also passing out papers. “The rest of you, here's your quadrants. We have 5 hours in which the Garden WILL be CLOSED... it's hard to believe that anypony would be disrespectful enough to DESICRATE the Maze and Gardens, but one party later it's bad enough to warrant us. It disgusts me that multiple ponies would do that, but heck, it wouldn't entirely surprise me if some of the canned-cider loving ponies in this fine unit contributed to this mess in their off time...” He glared at the shaggy-haired Pegasus. “They're offering 15 Bits a bag, 20 if it weighs above 10 lbs. I will be inspecting the contents of each bag briefly when I put it in the truck... it anypony tries to pull a fast one on me like last time, filling their bag with mulch or grass, they're getting the boot. Any questions?”

“No Mister Everstorm, sir!” All the workers said at the same time. This was pretty routine for them, they'd just have to be extra careful because it was more or less sacred grounds seeing how the Mane 6 challenged Discord there.

Off in the distance Cloudfire could see the bus approaching. Though it had maybe twenty seconds before it was there, the ponies started lining up behind their manager.

“Just remember, sweethearts, to have fun. I'll be in the bus going over paper work should you need me to answer any questions or do the heavy lifting with my Magic.”

Cloudfire smiled at Derpy as the bus approached.

“Typical day,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“Yeah...” replied Derpy, squeezing her new locket against her chest.

Mister Everstorm approached the two just as the doors opened:

"Don't respond to them, Ground Team, you're better than that." He glanced back at his crew. "Degenerate misfits." He then took a good look at Derpy's new trinkets. "Very nice... the bow compliments your mane well."

"Rarity would be happy to hear that." Cloudfire said under his breath, rubbing his Special Somepony's shoulders. "I know I am."

The Manager then turned into the bus, boarding it first (like always).

The ponies all stepped inside, only to have the bus take off moments later... having a schedule to keep, afterall. It was going to be a good 45 minute ride to Canterlot, so both ponies reclined. Surprisingly Derpy fell asleep in minutes.... Cloudfire would be there to wake her before they arrived.

The whole ride neither Cloudfire nor Derpy looked over the map. They'd be out of the hedge maze, in the gardens themselves... using their little sticks to pick up whatever trash they could find. The Earth Pony didn't see this being a very good day for trash pick up, but they were still going to try.

He woke his Special Somepony once the road to the castle was in plain sight. Both ponies were always surprised by how big it really was once they were up close. Derpy said her “Wows,” and “Oooohs,” and “Aaahhhs” as the bus passed regal architecture and Unicorn and Pegasus Guard on patrol.

“They always look so serious,” said Derpy, studying a gaurd. “And they dress funny.”

“That's because they're there to protect not only the castle from evil forces, but also to hold off anything that might want to come in and harm the Princess.” Replied Cloudfire. “It's a very serious job and takes good armor... just in case.”

Derpy nodded her head, studying each gaurd as the bus passed them.

* * *

They had arrived and the groups split up. Team Fire Hooves was walking some of the main paths of their quadrant as Cloudfire read the map, plotting out a logical path for them to take.

“It's interesting. There are a few places we can loop around and end up right back where we started. The whole Garden's like a grid! We can use that to our advantage. What'd ya say we get started, eh?”

“Okay, Cloudfire,” said Derpy, disinterestedly looking off at some beautiful flowers. “This would be a good place for a date sometime.”

“Yes, it would.” Replied Cloudfire, firmly. “But right now we have a job to do.”

“Yeah...”

“Derpy, are you okay?”

Derpy sighed:

“To be honest, I don't want to be here working today... now that we're Special Someponies, I kinda just wanna spend some time with you.”

Cloudfire kicked himself HARD for asking her that question at the beginning of the day instead of the end.

“Well, that's not in the cards right now. We've got work to do and we can't blow it off... they only reason we're still here is because we do a good job.”

“I know, but --”

“No buts!” Cloudfire snapped.

Derpy looked ready to cry.

“Tell you what, Derpy... how 'bout we make a game of this?”

“A... game?”

“Yes, a game... since the paths are plenty wide and loop well enough, how 'bout we trot along and as we're picking up litter see if who can find... oh, I don't know,” he looked down at the ground and noticed a cigarette butt, poking it with his stick. “The most of these?”

“That sounds pretty fun.”

“Alright, then... it's settled. We'll keep track of how many we find!”

Together they trotted off, looking closely at the ground as they went.

Hours passed and once their bags grew to the size of a pony's torso, they were dropped off at the bus to be weighed. Neither went over the special limit for a bonus, but they'd at least get something for the day other than the 10 bits for showing up. Derpy laughed happily as they trotted though the Gardens for round two. By the end she only had two and a half bags... Cloudfire had three.

It was depressing to Cloudfire when he realize just how more quickly he could see things than his Special Somepony Derpy when they picked up the pace a little. Cigarette butts he had almost double. Gum wrappers, potato chip bags, cans of pop and cider. He got considerably more stuff now that they were playing a game and going speedy. What was equally disturbing to him was, seeing how they were given the entire Gardens as a quadrant, the Gardens weren't in terrible shape overall, but it was surprising how much trash was strewn about the place. This was a place he'd been to only a handful of times, and had a large amount of reverence and awe for its majesty, yet there were ponies who didn't give a flying feather about any of this. It was just a big, quiet park to them, right next to an old castle with a Princess known to forgive anything short of undisputable treason.

* * *

It was the end of the day. They'd made some bits, but their Pegasus co-workers had found a downed tree in the Hedge Maze... there were only a handful trees in the whole Maze compared to the Gardens. After checking with the manager, it counted as trash since it had been forcably knocked over by kicking ponies at the party.... the four split a massive 200 Bit bonus for it.

Derpy was tuckered out, but still excited to be going to the Sugar Cube Corner to celebrate. Cloudfire was going to share his extra Bits with his Special Somepony... because not only did they get the Gardens clean, but if they were going at their normal speeds those extra Bits would probably have gone to Derpy... plus, it was just how Cloudfire rolled.

Part 1 Ch. 3 -- "To everything, turn, turn, turn..."

3
"To everything, turn, turn, turn..."

Cloudfire and Derpy were Special Someponies now. Pinky and the Cakes threw them a mini party at the Sugarcube Corner once they heard the news. Neither had a problem with Pinkie spreading the word, so once she knew, everypony nearby knew. Before the hour was over each of the Mane 6 visited the corner to congratulate the two new Special Someponies and get bite of cake. Even Spike and Gummy were there, enjoying the festivities. Rarity talked of fashion briefly with Cloudfire, saying Derpy looked good with her new bow, but also pointed out that the bow was, in fact, upside down, and reversed it for her. It looked better to Cloudfire the way it was...

After they were done at the corner, the two went to Derpy's house and told her family the good news... that they'd be seeing more of him. They were all very happy... happy to the point the that later that night her dad, on Cloudfire's way out, pulled him aside using his unicorn magic and told him personally that he thought he was awesome for his daughter Derpy:

"Nothing matters to me more than the happiness of my children," he said, a serious look in his eye. "And I don't feel for a second you'd ever do anything to hurt Derpy. Again, welcome to the family, Cloudfire."

The Earth Pony left... happy her parents approved of him, yet slightly intimidated. He'd have to shake it and take the good with the bad.

In all his years of dating, Cloudfire never once had a Special Somepony he could just relax around. Derpy felt at peace around him, too... since the first date, they were able to just kick back around each other, a wonderful sign the Mane 6 said.

After becoming Special Somponies they started seeing a lot of each other...

At first it was everyday. Sometimes they'd go out, sometimes they'd stay in. Derpy was always eager to just spent time with him, and it didn't matter what... she was so eager that her Special Somepony noticed she started getting a bit more spacey than she usually is after a few weeks and even a bit grumpy. Cloudfire backed off some when he realized he was starting to wear the young Pegasus out... he had things to do and so did she, and monopolizing her time (which she was glad to give to him) was a sure fire way to end up with Derpy getting run down and sick. Again, he was experienced and she was not, having dated ponies similar to her (but their reason for being over eager wasn't excitement, rather desperation). Derpy was so entranced by Cloudfire that she seldom took the locket off and wore the bow almost all the time.

On Mondays, when she had to babysit Dinky after work, Cloudfire gave Derpy her space... nothing's ever easy, however. Derpy told her Special Somepony “Dinky's been asking about her Uncle Cloudfire.” So he started seeing her then, and ended up helping her babysit. Uncle Cloudfire certainly cooked a lot better than Derpy.

Cloudfire just leveled with Derpy one day about giving each other space and she didn't understand at first, getting upset and thinking bad things. It wasn't until Cloudfire likened it to a story Derpy's mom told him that she got it. It centered around a winter years before when she was Dinky's age... she got chilled playing outside then stayed up for the whole night waiting for early morning Hearth's Warming Eve games with her friends... only to get really sick and have to spend Hearth's Warming Eve in bed.

“Too many good things without rest can be really bad.” He told her.

Eventually it worked out so that, outside of work, they saw each other two to three times a week... and that was ideal for all.

Derpy's family looked forward to seeing Cloudfire. The two had been together for two months and regularly he'd come over and have dinner with them. Sometimes he'd even stay and play games on family game night. He was a regular member of the family, and even Dinky enjoyed one of his talents... every once and a while he'd take a book from Twilight's library and read a story to Dinky as she got ready to set sails for Slumberland.

* * *

It was a nice, cool evening in Ponyville. They were together getting ready to go for a quick stroll after dinner, hoping to beat the Weather Pegasai who had been in the skies preparing for a nasty downpour. Naturally the storm started 20% earlier than expected and, as a result, the two then decided to stay in. The pitter-patter sounds echoed through the entire house, lulling the family into a calm, mellow state.

With their walk cancelled Uncle Cloudfire found himself instead reading a bedtime story to Dinky. Derpy was relaxing by his side and enjoying the tale with them as he made it come to life. His voice was deep and rich as he read a story about a young Unicorn Princess and valiant Pegasus Prince. It was written long before... not a century after the founding of Ponyville.

Mesmerized by the lush imagery, the Hooves sisters became quiet as Cloudfire projected into their minds a most magical land and kingdom. Peaceful at first, and even a bit joyous, all that faded away as he described a jealous fairy in the Everfree Forest. Capable of the most horrible kinds of Black Magic, she manipulated an evil presence to guid the young princess to a proverbial black spinning wheel prophesied to be connected with her own demise at the mere age of 16. Of course, there was also a dragon to be slain by the end. Before that, however, the Princess fell into an Eternal Slumber following a prick to the hoof by the accursed wheel. She drifted off, only to be woken by true love's first kiss. All seemed lost for the once rich kingdom and it began to rot, as Magic Resurrection spells did nothing for their blight. Both Dinky and Derpy were entranced, and the way Cloudfire presented the fairytale made it all the more captivating.

Captivating as it was, it was soon over and Dinky was asleep in her bed dreaming peacefully. The good had won, evil had lost, and now the two walked crept silently from the fillies room, down the hall into Derpy's.

“I'm going to be leaving soon,” he said, looking from the window at the falling rain. “It's letting up some... I'll be all right to walk home.”

Derpy was quiet as she sat on her bed, staring out the window with him.

"Are you unhappy I'm leaving?" He asked her.

She looked up at him and shook her head. Her gaze was fixed on his neck, slightly below chin level. She then suddenly took an interest in her hooves, kicking them and looking at the floor.

“I'm okay...” She replied, softly. "I liked the story."

"You're not normally this broody... is something on your mind?"

Again, she softly shook her head, briefly looking up to make eye-contact with her Special Somepony. She immediately blushed, and averted her gaze... glancing down at his lips for a mere fraction of a second. This was not the first time Derpy had looked at his lips like that, nor was it the first time he caught it, but this time... this time he'd see what was going to happen...

Cloudfire beamed a smile as he drew close to Derpy, sitting down beside her on the bed.

“Trust me...” he said, tenderly placing his arm around her.

He watched her face and saw what he expected... unsure eyes looked back at him, yet they had not the smallest hint of discomfort. She trusted him completely and he could tell she was open to him... He brought his face closer to hers, and then even closer...

Derpy's heart was beating fast, her stomach in knots. She felt such sensations in her gut and all over her body that she wanted to push him away. The feelings were so new, so strong, yet she didn't push him away. Instead, she tried to relax, despite the fact that she felt hot and antsy in an unusual way. She took a breath, completely at ease with the pony who's eyes were looking back into her's.

He looked hard into her gaze as he slowly narrowed his eyes and then closed them tightly. She followed suit, giving in to the slow gravitational pull directing her towards his face that was barely precipitable yet ever present. This was it...

All the strength left her body as their lips made contact and everything melted away for one brief instant. This was Derpy's first kiss... peaceful, powerful, and secrene. Sure she'd kissed her mom, her dad, and even little Dinky, but this was far removed from that. This kiss was magic... all of Derpy's defences melted along with her.

A single tear ran down her cheek as she came to understand the powerful feelings that two ponies can feel for each other. The sounds of other's mocking laughter and cutting remarks seemed so distant and meaningless to her now. All that mattered was Cloudfire...

When they parted lips, they looked into each other's eyes... their gaze was magnetic, loving and true. Derpy put her head on Cloudfire's shoulder and sighed... he lovingly patted her back as a few more tears formed in her eyes. He understood why, she didn't have to tell him anything.

"I'm here." He said, soothingly. "I'm not going anywhere..."

That night Cloudfire slept on Derpy's floor. She offered him the bed repeatedly, and he declined (repeatedly). It was the first time they'd ever slept in the same room... nothing happened, of course, as he was a perfect Gentlepony. He was simply there for her.

Part 1 Ch. 4 -- "Innocent Derpy Hooves"

4
"Innocent Derpy Hooves..."

A distant, familiar voice shouted:

"Derpy! ... Derpy!"

Cloudfire opened his eyes. He'd fallen asleep... on a hard floor. He stretched his neck and shoulders, his back stiff. He knew where he was.

"Derpy!" The voice said again, much closer and a bit louder. It was Derpy's mom. "If you want to get that shopping done today before you have to watch Dinky, you'd best get up now..."

Derpy stirred, groaning:

"Wha...? She said.

Mom opened her door and came in.

"Come on Derpy- OH!" She noticed Cloudfire.

"Hi, Mrs. Hooves..." He said, getting up. "I'll get her out of bed, don't worry..."

"Oh, Cloudfire. Call me Mom," Mrs. Hooves replied.

The pony smiled and turned towards Derpy.

"Come on, you," he said, gently poking her with his hoof. "Time to get up!

"I dun wanna," replied the grey Pegasus. "... Cloudfire?" Derpy opened her eyes and turned to face her Special Somepony. "What're you doing here?" She giggled. "Your mane looks all squashed and silly!"

"Do you remember anything about last night?" He asked, running his hooves through his mane to unflatten it.

"Some..." replied the grey Pegasus, thinking. "I remember... we kissed!"

"Did you now?" Said Derpy's Mom, chuckling. "If that's all that happened, Cloudfire, you're a real Gentlepony!"

"I assure you, Mrs. Hooves- err, Mom that's all that happened," Cloudfire said with a sincere smile, getting up. "I can also assure you that the floor is not the most comfortable place to sleep, but I'd do it again if Derpy wanted company!"

All three ponies laughed.

"Come on, Derpy," said Cloudfire. "Let's get breakfest."

"I want muffins!" Replied the grey Pegasus, giggling.

"I think that can be arrainged..." he replied, looking over at Mrs. Hooves. "If not here, Mom, then perhaps we'll eat out? I'll happily make breakfest or take her out..."

"Oh, we've got plenty for both of you!" Replied the older Pegasus. "I'll have it whipped up in no time!"

"Wow," said Cloudfire, as Derpy's mom exited. "She cooks breakfest for you? That's fantastic!"

Derpy just smiled and got up.

* * *

After a quiet breakfest Cloudfire left, taking one of Mom's scrumptious muffins with them. Though it was their day off from the Litter Service, both had things to do and would meet up later on.

A few of Derpy's neighbors noticed Cloudfire leaving her house... so early in the morning... and smiled at each other in a way that gave the ivory Earth Pony the creeps. He'd just have to shake the feeling of being judged for nothing and go pay his bills like a good citizen.

Normally Derpy would be watering her Mom's flowers after breakfest... but when she noticed they'd been watered by nature the pervious night, Derpy left the house with a spring in her step. She had shopping to do.

She was halfway there when she a familiar voice bellow from the heavens:

"Hey there Derpy! You're in a good mood today."

It was Rainbow Dash, gliding down from the skies to say hello.

"Hi Rainbow Dash!" Said Derpy. "Good to see you! Is it your day off, too?"

"Oh, yeah," repied Rainbow, stretching. "I set up a mondo storm last night. Got it done faster than expected... still... Think I'm gunna spend the day relaxing!"

Rainbow smiled at Derpy while she leveled herself in the air... it was then that she noticed something had changed in the wall-eyed Pegasus. Something she couldn't put her hood on...

"Something's different..." said RD, flying around Derpy in slow circles. "Did you get a manecut or something?"

"Nope!" Replied the gray Pegasus.

"Perhaps... naw, you're not wearing new jewelry. Just that bow and locket Rarity gave, err, uh sold Cloudfire... Hey! How are things with that Cloudfire pony?"

"Really good!"

"You look really happy this morning... say, don't tell me..." the cyan Pegasus laughed, wiping away a tear. "You finally slept together last night, did you?"

Rainbow made a crude motion with her hooves, putting one straight hoof through a hole made by the crook of her other arm. Derpy did not see this, and simply answered:

"Yep!"

"Gah, I was only joking!" The rainbow maned Pegasus rolled through the air, plugging her ears with her hooves and laughing uncomfortably.

Derpy just smiled, completely misunderstanding Rainbow Dash.

"We kissed and he slept on my floor. He woke me up with his mane all pressed to the side! It was so cute!"

"Oh..." The imagry of grinding pony bodies faded from Rainbow's mind. "You know, Derpy, that does sound kinda cute... It's sounding like he really is a Special Somepony to you.."

"Yeah! I wanna be with him forever!"

Rainbow chuckled uncomfortably:

"About that... Now that I know you're really gunna be together..." Rainbow sighed. "I wanna get something off my chest: I didn't think it was gunna last."

"Why?"

"'cause... I just didn't get why you two would be into each other." Rainbow stopped flying, landing infront of the Pegasus. "I'm sorry, Derpy..."

Derpy snuzzled her.

"It's okay!" She said.

"Yeah, well, there's more... I feel kinda bad the first time I met him... AJ and everypony never let me hear the end of it."

"Why?"

"Well, you guys were trying to get some peace and there I was... kinda, barging in the middle of it."

Rainbow Dash looked at Derpy and proceeded to explain as she listened silently:

"Apple Jack lectured me for a good twenty minutes on the way to the Library about being 'ungraceful'." Rainbow rolled her eyes. "Then Twilight got an earful and told me it was 'bad form'. As if I didn't feel bad enough, Mrs. Cake told me she was disappointed in me the next day and Pinkie added with one of her crazy stone-faced faces 'not respecting other ponies feelings is one of the quickest ways to lose a friend FOREVER.' Mrs. Cake TOTALLY agreed. Even Rarity spoke to me about my... bleh, 'faux pas'. Anywho, Derps, now that I know it's going to last... I feel kinda bad about all this."

"It's okee," replied the gray Pegasus.

"You really are a cool Pegasus pony." Rainbow said, taking flight again. "Can I make it up to you in some way... show you guys something awesome and that I'm not just some busy body pony?"

"I dunno. I know you just wanted to meet him, Rainbow Dash. I still think you're cool!" Derpy started trotting off. "No worries!"

Rainbow Dash shouted:

"Wait! He likes flying, doesn't he?"

Derpy stopped and turned around.

"Yeah!"

Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes and said:

"I have an idea, then. I have an idea..."

"Tell me!" Replied the wall-eyed Pegasus.

"Not yet, Derpy... I have to clear it with a couple other ponies first. It'll be a surprise."

"That'd be really nice. I'm gunna go shopping now! Have a nice day, Rainbow Dash!"

"Oh, you too." Rainbow started in the direction of her cloud. "I'll let you know soon."

Derpy continued on her merry way to the stores around the corner, briefly wondering what Dash had in mind... putting it out of her head once she got there.

* * *

Derpy went about her daily business, as always not bothering anypony.

Everypony in town noticed the additional bounce in her step and whispered amongst themselves what may have caused it. News travels fast in Ponyville... some ponies had seen Cloudfire go into Derpy's home the previous night and leave that morning. Others whispered things that were never done or said... that they'd seen things. Looks, gropes, and kisses that had never happened. This was gossip that Derpy was blissfully unaware of, as she hummed to herself and shopped for her family and meal that night.

She picked up spaghetti and a certain sauce that Cloudfire loved. Mom had noticed that Cloudfire's likes were being considered when Derpy was out shopping, simply chuckling and thinking "ah, young love." Spaghetti, Greek Olives, romaine lettuce, chocolate ice cream, and Kiwi - all the things that Cloudfire loved... though they didn't taste the best together (Derpy had once made him a salad)... he knew it was the thought that counts.

Derpy then went home and proceeded to watch Dinky for a few hours. Both had PB&J sandwiches for lunch, the one thing Derpy could make without causing a total disaster. How she made 6-foot flames boiling oatmeal one time baffled both her entire family and Cloudfire.

* * *

Hours later it was early dusk and the stars just starting to peek through the deep purple skies. Dinky and Derpy were playing outside on the lawn when Uncle Cloudfire came trotting over the hill in the direction of Derpy's. Dinky saw him first, first waving and laughing happily, overjoyed to see her favorite Uncle coming. Since he'd been to Sugarcube corner before coming, on his saddlebag he had attached a red balloon for Dinky and had a few Daisies for Derpy hidden deep inside.

He hugged them both when he approached and went inside , the Daisies still hidden in his bag. Dinky joyously bounced inside beside Derpy with her new balloon.

Dinner was already being made by Mom. It smelled delicious to Cloudfire as he passed, catching a wiff of some of his favourite ingredients.

"Hi Cloudfire," said Mom, who was deeply engrossed in her cooking as they passed.

"Evening," said dad, who was in the corner with a newspaper in hoof.

After saying hello and sending Dinky to the living room, the two Special Someponies trotted up to Derpy's room.

Derpy immediately sat on the floor as Cloudfire stood in front of her and carefully opened his bag.

"Well," he said, sticking a hoof in his bag. "I know last night was pretty new to you, so I figured I'd surprise you with..."

He was too slow. Derpy giggled, taking two steps forward and giving him a kiss right on the lips. Both blushed, Cloudfire taken aback by Derpy's sudden forwardness.

"Well, looks like you don't need anything to help sort you out or cheer you up!" He pulled out the flowers all the same. "I got you these... I know you like yellow."

"My favorites!" She said, taking them and setting them up in a cup on her shelf. "Thank you!"

She turned back and gave him yet another, affectionate kiss on the lips.

"Thank YOU." He replied, again blushing. "You're a lot braver in just one night than when I first met you, Derpy."

She turned red, not knowing what to say.

He got close to her, kissing and nuzzling her:

I think that's wonderful."

* * *

After dinner and a quick stroll, Cloudfire had to leave. He'd been asked to help his Landlord put together a very large bookcase in his apartment above as a favor... and way of knocking a few bits off his rent. Derpy understood, though she was a bit sad he had to go so soon.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Derpy." Said Cloudfire, hugging her. "After work... we can get together and do something special. Maybe a movie?"

"I'd like that."

"I'd like it, too."

"Take care, Cloudfire..." The wall said, quietly.

"Yeah... you, too. I really like you, Derpy."

"I like you too!"

Derpy giggled, innocently as Cloudfire turned tail. He looked back and smiled, trotting off to his home. He wanted to say three words before he left so badly he could taste them, but he didn't know if Derpy was ready for them yet. His feelings were definitely evolving, and he'd have to tell her soon.

What he saw as he left made him glad he hadn't said those words for the first time yet... he passed the house across the street where a young mare around Derpy's age sat on its porch in a rocking chair... she gave him that same sly, creepy smile her neighbours were giving each other the morning before as he passed.

He looked the other way and shook his head.

Part 1 Ch. 5 -- "Taking Flight!"

5
"Taking Flight!"

It was a usual work day morning. As the sun rose in the clear skies, Derpy and Cloudfire took the trek together.

Rainbow Dash called out from above:

"Hey Derpy! Got a moment?"

A rainbow blur fell speedily from the heavens as the rainbow maned Pegasus landed in front of Derpy and Cloudfire.

"What is it, Rainbow Dash?" Asked Derpy.

Rainbow looked at Cloudfire, smirking:

"Excuse us a moment... mare talk."

Rainbow flew about 20 feet infront of the group, motioning for Derpy to follow.

"Hold on a seccy, Cloudfire..." Derpy said, flying up to Rainbow. "I'll be right back!"

The two Pegasus huddled together facing away from the curious Cloudfire.

Rainbow whispered:

"I talked to a few Pegasus ponies, and Twilight Sparkle... her connections are what really made this possible. We want to set you guys up with a special evening... are you game?"

"Yeah!"

"When would you like it? We can it any time this week... or the week after. Your call."

Derpy glanced back at Cloudfire and thought to herself... it didn't take her long to decide:

"We're going to see each other tonight after work."

"Okay, then, if you want it tonight, that'll work..."

Derpy wriggled in anticipation:

"What're you gunna do?"

Rainbow Dash grinned:

"If I told you that, it wouldn't be a surprise... don't say a word to Cloudfire."

Derpy was quite excited. Before departing, Rainbow whispered to her that they'd meet up there that evening after work. She left Rainbow Dash saying "Okee!" as she trotted back to Cloudfire.

"What was that all about?" He asked Derpy.

"I dunno!" She replied. "Rainbow Dash told me not to say anything..."

"Uh... okay." Cloudfire chuckled. "Sounds like you guys are planning something... I wonder what."

Derpy said nothing... she really didn't know that much, anyway.

They trotted to work. Together they would be working 6 hours. That'd be more than enough time to get everything together...

* * *

On the bus ride to a large abandoned field that was going to be a block of houses, Cloudfire asked Derpy:

"So... will we still be able to see that movie tonight?"

"I dunno!" Derpy replied.

"Oh!" The ivory Earth Pony rubbed his chin. "So I'll be finding out tonight, will I?"

"It's a secret!" Derpy replied, giggling.

For the first half hour, Cloudfire tried guessing what it could be. Derpy didn't know and said so, but Cloudfire still guessed... finally, he gave up and just waited for it at the end of the shift.

At the end, once the bus dropped them off and they collected their bits, the two walked right back to that spot, halfway between Derpy's house and Headquarters. Cloudfire couldn't believe what he saw:

The entire mane 6 were waiting alongside one royal Pegasus guard. All were standing around the object they'd rented for the evening, just for Derpy and Cloudfire. It would take three to power it - Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and the royal guard were going to be taking Derpy and Cloudfire in the air for a couple of hours in an RFC. A Royal Flying Chariot.

Something that luxurious would have cost at least 180 bits to rent... 120 for something more ordinary. He was completely speechless, never being able to afford anything even close to the most plain of vessels.

Using her magic, Twilight Sparkle opened the door and welcomed the two inside.

"This is just for the two of you," she said, as they stepped inside.

"Enjoy, you two," said Apple Jack. "Considerin' how much Cloudfire likes flying... we thought we'd give him the chance. This is entirely on us, Cloudfire, an' it's only good fortune we were able to do it... don't you go trying to pay us back now."

"This is wonderful." said Cloudfire with a tear in his eye, fastening his seatbelt.

"You guys ready?" Asked Rainbow Dash.

"Yup!" said Derpy, fastening her own seatbelt beside Cloudfire.

As the four on the ground waved them off, the cart gradually began picking up speed. At first it seemed like the Pegasi were just running, but as it went down the street faster and faster, it seemed almost to be floating off the ground. Higher and higher it went, until it was as high as the buildings... then higher and higher still. All felt still as the Chariot glided silently through the evening sky. High up above the trees there was nothing more than a gentle breeze.

Cloudfire looked down at the long, winding patterns of the Ponyville streets. As the chariot kept its assent, going higher and higher, eventually Cloudfire could no longer see the ponies below... just carts and buildings, all the size of foal's toys. It didn't take them long to leave Ponyville altogether, floating freely above the country side. The two admired the grid-like patterns of the grasslands below. To Cloudfire... this was incredible to see.

"Like it?" asked Fluttershy, the closest of the three.

"Like it?" Replied Cloudfire. "It's beautiful!"

He looked over to Derpy, who was smiling, happy that he was so excited.

"Derpy, this is the best present I've ever received! And you mean to tell me your friends did this of their own accord?"

Derpy blushed, nodding.

"I didn't know what they were doing... Rainbow Dash mentioned flying, but she wouldn't tell me anything else! That's why I was able to keep this from you so easy... 'cause they kept it from me too! I never expected anything this neat."

"Neat? This is amazing!"

"Yeah!"

He put his arm around Derpy and held her tight as they looked down at the fields below. Off in the distance he saw the Everfree forest - a mile above the unsettling trees of dark wood, some wide as three ponies are long, were so tiny and spindly. They hardly looked intimidating anymore. Everything was so different from way up high. It was a bit colder, but pony bodies could deal with that. If a Pegasus ever wanted to be alone and in awe at the same time, all he needed to do was go straight up. Cloudfire felt the land so whimsical and mysterious being able to look down at everything as if it were a map.

Up in the air, Cloudfire kissed Derpy and Derpy kissed him back. Without thinking, his mind drunk in a state of euphoria due to being so high up... it just slipped out:

"I love you, Derpy."

Derpy heard it all too well. At first she looked troubled, far away. Cloudfire wanted to be able to take it back, but that would make it untrue... he did love Derpy. This was the perfect place to tell her... away from those unpleasant ponies. He hoped her silence was just her processing what he had said.

She looked at him, her eyes warm and calm... focused on just him:

"L... I love you, Cloudfire."

That was just what the Earth Pony was hoping to hear. The two snuggled tightly as their chariot floated above Equestria.

Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash had both heard it, and knew from the shaky tone in their voices that it was likely the first time they'd told each other. Fluttershy was going to say something to the effects of "d'awww..." but Rainbow Dash silenced her with her hoof... holding back a tear of sentiment herself.

It was indeed a good night for all parties involved.

* * *

Two hours later the chariot set down where it had taken off. The only pony left there of the four was Twilight Sparkle. She welcomed them both back to earth.

"Did you guys have fun?" She asked.

Derpy nodded happily. Cloudfire stared at Twilight with wide eyes.

"Thank you..." He said.

"You're quite welcome!" Twilight replied.

"I... I must repay you 6 for this."

"Didn't Apple Jack tell you it was okay?" Asked Flutershy as she and Rainbow Dash wriggled out of their harnesses.

"That's not necessary, Cloudfire. If it helps it was mostly a free ride. We're only paying the driver! I just had to ask the Princess and tell her about your desire to fly... I hope that wasn't crossing the line."

"Princess...? You mean Princess Celestia? You talked to her about ME and my dreams? Holy moly..."

"Well... yeah. I wrote her asking her if something like this were even possible and she granted my request not an hour later."

Cloudfire sauntered up to Twilight and hugged her.

"I'm at a loss... thank you so much."

"It's just fine, Cloudfire. I'm glad you had fun, but it's getting late. We all need to sleep, even the Royal Guard."

The light Gray Earth Pony turned to the Chariot and Guard, nodding respectfully. The Guard nodded back, then spread his wings and took off... up into the night sky with the empty chariot.

Cloudfire looked at the four ponies in front of him.

"You know it was my idea, Cloudfire!" Said Rainbow Dash. "How about some acknowledgement? I helped carry you both around for the past two and a half hours!"

"Rainbow!" Said Twilight Sparkle in surprise.

"It's alright, Cloudfire..." Said Fluttershy. "Being taken up there by surprise must have you really tuckered out... I know you're grateful."

"I am. I really am!"

Rainbow winced, then gracefully said:

"I'm... glad you liked it." She opened her arms. "How 'bout a hug, too?"

Cloudfire hugged Rainbow, then the other two joined in.

* * *

"Wow..." Said Cloudfire, as he walked Derpy home. "I'm never going to forget tonight."

"Me neither! That was neat!"

"Neat doesn't even begin to describe it. Wonderiffic! Spectacular! Ginormous!"

Derpy giggled.

"Cloudfire..." said Derpy, bashfully. "Now that we're almost to my house, I was wondering... do you wanna spend another night together?"

"Wow... uh, sure!" He cleared his throat. "I'd love to."

"Can we... snuggle tonight? You can fit on my bed!"

Cloudfire smiled... uncomfortably.

"Hey... did my question make you mad?" Asked Derpy. "You're all... red. And you're scowling!"

"No, it's not that, Derpy..."

Snuggling at night can lead to other activities, and he knew that. Derpy was the first Somepony he'd had that he loved... he didn't want to get so far ahead of himself that he'd ruin it. He was happy Derpy was ready to at least say she loved him back... but expressing it in other ways, he wasn't so sure she was ready. He wasn't sure he was ready! ... but he'd manage to be a Gentlepony or take a late night walk home if he did sleep there... in her bed... with her... not an hour later.

She was looking at him with very... puppy dog eyes.

"Okay, Derpy," he said, chuckling. "You win. If you would do me one favor, I'll sleep in the same bed as you..."

"What's that?"

"Because we were just up in the air so late, I want you to keep extra warm tonight... I want there to be lotsa blankets on you, and I'll sleep on top of them. Okay?"

"I'll be all snuggly warm. Sure! That sounds like fun."

"Okay, it's settled then..."

Cloudfire relaxed quite a bit after that conversation.

* * *

By 10:20 they were at Derpy's house. Her parents were still up and said hello to them as they passed... into Derpy's room. Cloudfire looked past Derpy at her parents and noticed them looking at him with a certain level of intensity:

"You staying the night, Cloudfire?" Asked her Dad.

"Oh yeah!" Exclaimed Derpy.

The look he was getting from Mr. Hooves was hard. It wasn't something a pony could easily put his hoof on, but it was there.

"Be good!" He said. "And stay healthy!"

They went right to her room. Cloudfire swallowed hard and closed the door before they even turned the light on.

"Hey!" Derpy exclaimed.

Pitch black in her room. Derpy laid down in bed and invited Cloudfire to join her, turning on her night light. Slowly Cloudfire sauntered over to the bed and rolled in.

"Don't forget about the blankets!" he said, as he laid next to Derpy.

"Oh yeah!" Derpy slipped beneath her sheets and blankets, leaving Cloudfire above them.

She turned to him:

"What's wrong?"

"Derpy, you know when you have something like... let's say a giant muffin and you know if you finish it too quickly, you won't be able to enjoy it later? Not only that, finishing it all at once makes you feel kind of... well, icky."

"Yeah-huh!"

"Well, I have a good thing here... and I don't wanna move too fast."

Derpy snuggled him.

"I love you, Cloudfire." She said with a sleepy tone to her voice. "You're so soft and warm, and comfy..." She played with his mane. "And I really like the way you look and smell!"

He hugged her back, tight.

"I know I'm comfy, Derpy... " He noogied her. "Love you, Derpy... and I really like the way you look and smell, too. G'night, my Special Somepony."

"G'night..."

Cloudfire wanted to kiss her. Instead he slowly stroked her mane until she fell asleep... then he fell asleep, too. The second night he spent there and he was still a perfect Gentlepony.

END OF PART 1

Author's Note

This is the first MLP story I've written of this length that I've followed through this far on. Good way for one to get his feet wet in the MLP universe. Originally 50% of the first part was one, big narrative exposition dump. No character development whatsoever, and no bloody humor at all! To go from that, to a romantic relationship... really doesn't work.

The only stipulations I've put up for myself on this story (and this has been difficult in the second part) are no vular references to activities and no cursing or Bronie adapted cursing (I.E. "Get the buck of my farm!"). It just seems silly to me to put that in :-P ... I get it though. The second half will have a bit of a... darker tone... and I'll post it once I'm done editing it ;)

There were many versions of this story written and it does resemble the original story in a way. There were going to be two OCs, Wayward Pony (my personal OC) might make an appearance in another story. Originally Cloudfire was going to be emotionally abusive to Derpy and end up trying to forcing himself on her, only to have her run off and find Wayward camping near the Everfree forest. That... that's cool, but I've decided to do something else with the story. I'm kind of trying to let my imagination run wild with this, though I already know how it's gunna end ;)

Part 2, Ch. 1 -- "Sleepless..."

Crystal Haze
By Wayward Pony

Part 2

Chapter 1
"Sleepless..."

SNORE! .... snore... SNORE!!! ... snore...

When Cloudfire awoke it was still dark out. He was right next to Derpy, who was sawing logs and on top of his hoof. He wriggled his numb appendage free and rubbed it until the feeling came back to it. He then realized he had to water the flowers... so he got up.

The house was pitch black, except for a bit of light coming from the bottom story... where he needed to be. It was a shame Derpy slept in the second story. Tiptoeing down the hall, the floor creaking the whole way, he made his way downstairs, through the living room, and into the lit bathroom. He was happy he hadn't woken anypony up on his way to relieve himself.

He exited, scanning the living room. The family had a grandfather clock in the room he could barely see... about 4:15 AM.

"Can't sleep?" A voice said from the shadows by the stairs.

Cloudfire jumped out of his skin before he recognized the voice. It was Derpy's Dad.

"What?" He asked the shadows from where the voice had come from.

"I said 'can't sleep'?" Repeated the older Unicorn. "I can't. Sit with me... keep me company. I'm over here, in the chair."

There was a chair near the stairs which was shrouded in darkness... squinting his eyes, Cloudfire could just barely make out a presence in said chair.

Cloudfire sat down in the couch in front of the shrouded unicorn.

"I'm here." He said, once he'd sat comfortably. "I can't see too well."

"I can see you just fine," replied Daddy Hooves. "Give your eyes a minute, they'll adjust... I want to talk to you in the mean time..."

Cloudfire gulped big.

"About what?"

"About Derpy, of course." Replied elder Hooves. Cloudfire could now make out his smile in the darkness.

"W- what would you like to know?"

"Derpy's 20 years old... she isn't a filly any more. But she's still my lil foal, you know?"

Yeah... you're very protective of her."

"Darn right I'm protective of her!" Mr. Hooves snapped. "... now, let me regain my composure here... I want to ask you a question... when you're here at night, any hanky-panky going on that we wouldn't want lil Dinky to see?"

"No." Replied Cloudfire. "We've kissed... but that's about it."

"Do you love her?"

"Yes... The most of any mare I've dated, actually! That's kind of why there's been none of... that stuff going on. It's tempting, really, but I've already done that with others years ago... I really just want a slow-moving relationship with your daughter. Honest."

"I see." Mr. Hooves stretched. "Mrs. Hooves was Derpy's age when she had Derpy inside of her. We weren't married until AFTER Derpy was born."

"You don't want Derpy to get pregnant before she's ready..."

"Not quite! I'm actually fine if my daughter takes that same path. I can't control what Derpy does... she's a full-grown mare and you're a full-grown stallion. But! Know this... I know that you two are going to get serious soon. I can feel it. I'm fine with that and you don't need permission from me, just her. But... if you walk out on her and she has a filly in her belly, I'll get you. I'm not asking you to be married, just be there. You can do anything you want with my daughter that she'll allow, but dishonor her trust or hurt her in any way, I'll make you rue the day were brought into this world."

"I'd never..."

"The only reason I'm telling you this is because I trust you, Cloudfire, and I think you're good for her. I wouldn't show you my cards if I thought you'd turn around and use it against me and my family. I don't think you're going to leave her now that you know this..."

"I won't."

"She loves you. We love you enough to call you family, son. Call us Mom and Dad, please, and consider Dinky your niece... but don't make us regret our investment in you. You don't need to feel threatened by me if you're not going to do anything silly."

Cloudfire nodded his head, now barely able to make out the silhouette of Daddy Hooves.

"Now that that's settled! Here..." Using his Unicorn Magic, the older stallion tossed a cylindrical-shaped object into Cloudfire's lap. "It's just cola... I don't think either of us is going to get any sleep. Drink with me, Cloudfire! Then we'll rustle up some breakfast the whole family can enjoy. What'd ya say?"

Cloudfire heard the opening of a can and followed suit with his own.

"Sounds like a plan, dad."

* * *

Barely half an hour later, Derpy was just getting up. Both ponies in the kitchen knew this because of the loud BA-RRRIIINNNNGGGG! of her alarm clock. Cloudfire heard her soft hoof steps above his head as she slowly came down the stairs. It was almost ready! He and her dad had been getting together muffins and eggs for breakfast.

"Where... where's Cloudfire?" She asked what she thought was just her Father as she came into the kitchen. "That smells good Daddy!"

"Good morning, Derpy!" Cloudfire answered, once she stepped fully into the kitchen and saw the two ponies more clearly.

"Cloudfire..." She giggled. "Are you and Daddy making me breakfast?"

"Thought we'd surprise you... isn't that neat?"

"Neat?" Replied Derpy, sticking her tongue out. "It's wonderful!"

She and Cloudfire both laughed as her father stood there scratching his mane, not in on the little joke between the two.

Part 2 Ch. 2 -- "Nasty & Cutting."

"Nasty & Cutting."
2

That day and many days to follow were days like any other. Another month went by... then another. Derpy and Cloudfire went to work each day, made their Bits, then either went out or stayed in at the Hooves' residence. They started seeing even more of each other and Cloudfire spent just a few more nights at her house...

"But it's too hot tonight for me to stay under the covers tonight, Cloudfire!" Derpy whined one hot evening.

It was a good 75 degrees... unusual for the cool season.

"Okay, then." Said Cloudfire, firmly. "If you won't, I will."

It was one toasty, sleepless night for the poor ivory Earth Pony, and Derpy wasn't exactly happy he was coveirng himself up either. Beyond kissing they really hadn't done much. Both had... strong feelings for each other, and the blankets in Derpy's bed were just one way of... detouring the exploration of such feelings.

Cloudfire was debating discussing his feelings with Derpy, but one day... she came to him.

* * *

It was a lonely day for Derpy as she sat by herself in the Sugar Cube Corner. She'd forgotten her favorite bow at home, but today... she didn't really care all that much.

Cloudfire was off doing yet another favor for his landlord, so she found herself enjoying an ice cream soda at a private table... to say she was "enjoying" it would be implying that she was in a good mood to begin with. She was upset and certainly no good at hiding it. She felt that Cloudfire... simply didn't want to snuggle with her at night. She though about how to talk it over with him, slowly nursing her ice cream soda... she was no good at this type of thinking, it just made her mad. She was mad and sad at the same time, and that ice cream soda certainly wasn't going to cheer her up, even if it came with diamonds.

It was Pinkie Pie's day off from the Corner, but that didn't keep her and her friends from using her favorite place for their celebration. It was the end of Zap Apple harvesting, and it had gone extremely well. All of the Mane 6 were there, along with Spike and Gummy... Derpy was off in the corner of the Corner, alone.

Apple Jack approached with Pinkie Pie:

"Come on, Sugarcube..." She said, with a smile. "This is a party and you're invited!"

"Turn that frown upside down and join us!" Pipped in the joyous Pinkie Pie.

"I don't feel like it..." Said Derpy, not looking back at the two. "I think I'm gunna go home soon..."

"Anything the matter, hun?"

"Nothing..." Derpy looked at her hooves. "It's nothing."

Pinkie and AJ looked at each other.

"Okay, Derpy..." Said Apple Jack. "Hoping whatever's on your mind doesn't amount to a hill of beans... leaving the offer on the table to come and join us."

Derpy looked at Apple Jack, a tear welling in her eye:

"Thank you."

Again, Apple Jack and Pinkie Pie looked at each other... then slowly trotted back to their party.

It seemed as though they were going to leave Derpy alone to sort things out on her own. They were actually whispering to each other... perhaps a different pony or group of ponies could find out something more and help their little grey friend.

Rarity approached with Twilight, also sensing something was a miss.

"Derpy, how are you doing today?" Asked Twilight.

"I'm okay." She said, not looking up.

"Darling, where is your lovely bow?"

"On my bureau..." She replied.

"You look kind of sad today, Derpy," Said Twilight. "Anything we can do to cheer you up?"

"No..." Derpy said, quietly adding, "not unless you can get Cloudfire to snuggle with me at night..."

"What?" Asked Twilight.

"I don't want to talk about it... you girls will just laugh at me."

"Derpy, we're your friends!" Said Rarity. "There's nothing you could possibly say that would make us laugh at you..."

"Okay... I'll tell you. He's been spending the night sometimes and we cuddle, but only with blankets between us.... I really wanna snuggle with him, without those hot, itchy blankets... okay?"

"Is that why you're so upset?" Asked Rarity. "That he insists on covers between you two when he spends the night? What a Gentlepony to not use every moment in bed to his own advantage!"

"Yeah... hey, what do you mean?"

"Derpy..." Said Twilight, holding back a chuckle. "You do know what some grown-up Special Someponies do at night after they've been together as long as you two have?"

"You mean..." Derpy gulped, falling silent.

"Carnal relations." Said Rarity, with a bashful smile.

"Many get intimate, they make love..." added Twilight. "Maybe talking to him about that would be a good first st-"

"But wait! I heard through the grape vine that you and..." Rarity stopped herself after a glare from Twilight, who had heard the same thing and wanted to keep them out of it. "Never mind what I've heard. Rumors are just that... icky, nasty rumors."

"What did you hear?" Asked Derpy.

The two unicorns looked at each other.

"Just level with her," said Twilight, sighing. "She trusted us. We should trust her."

"You're right! Well, I'd heard that...that you and he were already at past point." Said Rarity, hesitantly adding, "I didn't know whether or not to believe it, and I was perfectly fine if these rumors were true, but... it seems they're not."

"They're not." Said Derpy, rolling her eyes.

"Why not talk to him about it?" Rarity asked, going along with what Twilight had started to say earlier. "What's the worst that can happen?"

"We'll be getting together later tonight..." Derpy took a hard squigg of her ice cream soda, finishing it completely. With a focused look in her eyes, she added, "We gotta talk... I'm gunna just do it tonight."

"Good for you!" Said Twilight.

"Yes! And don't let the rumors get you down... ponies do love to gossip."

Derpy then got up from her stool, scowling at first. Rarity and Twilight looked at each other as she passed them with a determined look on her face.

"I really feel like dancing now..." Derpy said, looking back at them as she sauntered up to the jukebox where the tunes were coming from.

"Come on, everypony!" Said Pinkie, dancing beside Derpy. "Let's party!"

Derpy, along with everypony else, proceeded to shake her groove thang to the beat... the party lasted several hours and by the end Derpy's mood was much better.

By the end, she was no longer scowling. It was also almost time for her to see her Special Somepony, but first she had to shop.

* * *

Derpy went out to the markets being her normal bubbly self. She hummed quietly and bothered no pony while she shopped for Cloudfire and her family... it was always fun to visit the markets!

Even though she was dreading later that night, there was a spring in her step once again. She hadn't quite decided how she was going to talk to Cloudfire about the whole snuggling thing... and following the conversation with Twilight and Rarity, she realized she had bigger fish to fry. She was no dummy. She figured, when the time came she'd just look him in the eye and ask him the first thing that came to mind... yeah, that'd work. Cloudfire doesn't lie! She was happy thinking about that...

"I can't imagine what he sees in her," said a hushed voice said in the distance while Derpy was eyeing some Kiwi. "But they kiss and everything..."

Derpy froze when she heard that.... turning slowly in the direction of the pony who said it.

She noticed two ponies close together... they had mean eyes and were looking at each other with these weird smiles on their faces which made Derpy feel really funny.

"Yeah," said one of the two ponies in a hushed voice. "I can't -oh."

They both turned to Derpy, still smiling.

"Hi Derpy," they said to her together, in a sing-songy way. "How are you?"

"How do you know my name? I don't know either of you..."

"Well... see you and that Cloudfire stallion together." Said the one who was first talking. "We know things like this."

"Cloudfire's nice." Replied Derpy, going back to her Kiwi selection. "I gotta be home soon."

"Yes, you do that!" Said the other one.

Derpy tried to ignore them, moving on to another table.

"What a stupid, wall-eyed..." She heard another pony whisper.

She ignored it.

"I can't believe he's actually going down on that..." A teenage stallion whispered to his friends.

"What a retard!" His crony added.

"I think it's about time she got a Special Somepony..." Whispered an understanding sounding voice. "She's probably quite grateful that somepony finally took her! Have you seen where he lives? It's a dump!"

This had been going on for months and it would have been completely missed had Rarity not pointed it out. These weren't just rumors... they were callous, petty stabs at the two of them. Derpy tried to pretend she didn't hear them, as she did before when she was a little filly, but their words started to grate on her. Everywhere she went she saw one or two ponies with that same nasty smile looking right at her as if she and Cloudfire were a joke...

After shopping, she trotted home... in a bad mood, yet again.

* * *

The wall-eyed Pegasus pony opened the door to her house, set the groceries on the floor... and started to cry.

"What's wrong, Derpy?" Asked her father, who had been sitting in the chair by the stairs.

"Ponies are saying awful things about me and Cloudfire, dad!"

"I've heard," he said, soothingly. "I knew this day would come, Derpy... tell me everything you've heard, if you think it will make you feel better."

So Derpy unloaded every petty insult and back-stabbing remark she'd heard at the market and on the way home. Even next door she saw one cruel smile staring at her on a neighbor's face she hardly even knew.

"Ponies are going to talk, Derpy," he said, hugging her. "They just don't understand. I don't think those awful things about you two... in fact, I think he's one of the best things that's ever happened to you!"

"You really do, Daddy?" Asked Derpy, looking up at her old man.

"You'd better believe it, daughter of mine."

* * *

Mr. Hooves and Derpy had a long, serious talk about Cloudfire and their relationship... all aspects of it. Derpy was in tears because she didn't want to talk about this stuff with anypony... even her family.

"But I thought you and Mommy wanted me to wait until marriage, Daddy!" Derpy cried. "That's what you've said to me since I knew about this stuff..."

"Of course we want you to wait until you're married, Derpy," replied her father. "But I can tell you two love each other very much, and I can't control what you do... It's best you at least love him nowadays, and you don't need to prove that to me." He chuckled. "Twenty years ago, when this was frowned upon... your mother and I went down a similar path, but you already know all that."

"Yeah."

He wiped the tears from her eyes:

"Just... don't to anything rash. For me?"

Derpy nodded.

"I don't think he's going to do anything to hurt you..." said her father, turning towards the kitchen. "Now, how 'bout you bring those groceries into the kitchen? Me and mom will make dinner for you two. Go neaten yourself up and play in the yard with Dinky... he's liable to be here within the hour. You don't want to worry him."

Derpy did as she was told, going up to her room and getting the ribbon from the top of her shelf. She put it back in her mane, then opened her locket and looked at the picture of the two of them together and happy, smiling... with tears still in her eyes.

"I love you, Cloudfire."

Part 2 Ch. 3 -- "Love."

3
"Love."

As Luna pulled out the moon in the clear night sky, Cloudfire slowly made his way to the Hooves residence... determined. He'd felt bad about the way he'd been treating his Special Somepony Derpy, and was mulling over in his mind just the way to have the exact same conversation she was planning on having with him later that night. It was time to just be honest and put things on the table, and that was all there was to it. He was sure he'd feel better after that... but would she?

He could always fall back on the gifts he'd brought -- tied to his saddlebag he had a green balloon for Dinky, in his teeth a red rose he'd purchased from June Bug... if that didn't make Derpy laugh, he didn't know what would.

Surprisingly, showing up on the doorstep with a smile on his face and rose in his teeth didn't make Derpy laugh at all. She looked miles away. Meekly she excused herself, heading upstairs to put it in a vase. Cloudfire silently observed her behavior...

After the ivory Earth Pony gave the other, more delighted young pony her gift, the whole family sat down for a quick and scrumptious dinner. Derpy sat silently as they ate, getting passing glances from both her father and Cloudfire.

"You're quiet tonight," said Daddy Hooves.

Derpy just mumbled in response. Her concerned boyfriend, sitting next to her, rubbed her back soothingly.

At the end Cloudfire thanked the Hooves family for their hospitality before going up to Derpy's room with her.

* * *

Staring at her new rose in a vase on the shelf, Cloudfire was going to ask Derpy what she wanted to do that evening. Since she was in such a funny mood, he'd decided it might be best to first see a movie or something along those lines, and was tossing out ideas when she cut him off mid-sentence:

"Cloudfire, I want to talk to you about something..."

The Gray pony's eyes darted back-n-forth from her Special Somepony's to the floor. He could tell she was nervous.

"Okay!" He smiled. "Sit down and let's talk."

Derpy sat on her bed, silently staring at her hooves. He did the same, putting his arm around her for support.

"What's on your mind, dear?"

"Cloudfire... do you not wanna... not go without the blankets at night... because of... err..."

She couldn't actually say it, but the way she looked at her Special Somepony Cloudfire... he pretty much knew exactly what was on her mind.

"I'm afraid to, Derpy." He snuzzled her. "I'm afraid of moving too fast and doing something I might regret... you're very special to me."

"I like you Cloudfire...!" Derpy said, firmly... more quietly adding afterwards, "like that."

"I know you do." He kissed her forehead. "And I like you... like that... too."

Derpy blushed:

"Would you ever? ... with me?"

Cloudfire paused for a moment, thinking hard... honesty was the best policy here, so he nodded and smiled, all the while turning a lovely shade of crimson.

There was a long, awkward silence. The two ponies looked into each other's eyes, blushing. Derpy kissed him as he sat there, sweating... debating what to do next. He couldn't think any more and was sick of it...

A surge of energy coursed through each of them as their arms wrapped tightly around each other, eyes closing and lips locking. Passionately they made out, tipping over to lay flush on Derpy's bed. Lost in the moment, Cloudfire stuck his tongue in Derpy's mouth as he kissed her deep. This surprised the young Pegasus, her eyes initially widening at the new sensations only to have her melt in his arms and roll to her back... she looked up at him through clear honeyed eyes.

* * *

Laying comfortably beside his Special Somepony, Cloudfire looked back into Derpy's gaze.

What just happened? Was all he could think.. The biggest issue in their relationship went from snuggling at night to this... sheesh! What happened? No... that wasn't true. This was always there, especially lately... Everything was moving so quickly so darn suddenly. Yeah... that was it.

Cloudfire's stomach was in knots, as though it were his first time. Then there was Derpy, looking up at him from her pillow... so silently... so trustingly. He'd have to make the first move here, but he wasn't sure he was prepared to... They were still and breathing silently up until Cloudfire finally spoke:

"I can't believe we're doing this..." He chuckled nervously. "Are you sure this is what you want to do, Derpy? We don't have to do it now if you're not ready..."

"Yeah," she said, nodding quickly. "I'm sure.".

He looked hard into her eyes and saw his own reflection... he looked more frightened than she did. She looked eager and curious... a fair state for her to he in, given this was her first time. She was a mare, she understood and... she was consenting. He'd done this dozens of times. What's the darn problem?

She's a virgin! Take it slow... think, you thick skulled idiot. This should be magical for her... maybe even for both of you.

He fought a single tear...

"I love you, Cloudfire!"

I love you Derpy.

. . .

* * *

"Are you all right?" Derpy asked him. "You're scowling again!"

""I c- ... I'm fine, Derpy!" he replied, tickling her tummy. "Lemme ask you something first, though... it's okay if you're shy talking about this. In fact, quite a few ponies are!"

Cloudfire was now quickly rubbing her stomach and in reply she was only softly squealing with delight, unable to respond until he finally let up:

"What is it?"

He cleared this throat... on a quest to find the right words. Derpy looked up at him innocently, not helping his search...

"Derpy, when you're alone... have you ever taken a hoof and put it..." he moved his hoof a bit lower, and started rubbing right around her breasts located beneath her stomach. "Down there, a bit lower than where I'm rubbing now.. say your genital area, and... rubbed until it started feeling good?"

"A couple times," Derpy replied, giggling. "It makes me feel too... sooo ... it's just too much."

"Oh," Cloudfire pulled his hoof back to her tummy. "I'm not sure this is such a good idea right now, then..."

"Please?" Derpy looked up at him with puppydog eyes.

"Derpy, it's going to feel MUCH stronger than touching yourself because part of me would have to go inside of you... very deep." He continued to rub her stomach soothingly. "I wouldn't want to do something like that to you and have it being too much for you... if it hurts or feels too strong, that's no fun. This should be special for you."

Derpy just stared at him, looking into his eyes lovingly.

"Just for a little while..." She said. "I really wanna try it with you..."

"Tell you what..." He said, deep in thought. "I've got an idea in my head, a way I can make you feel good and there's not the tiniest risk of hurting you. It's a pretty gentle activity, too, and my weight won't be against you, so you'll have some control over it. You up to it?"

"Yeah!" She replied, without hesitation.

"Oh, Derpy..." he sat up. "All right! I'm going to need you to pull your back legs up and open them up a bit for me..."

Derpy did as she was told, holding on to her thighs with her hooves in a way that Cloudfire... appreciated, to say the least.

"Perfect." He put his head between her legs. "I rather enjoy looking at you from this angle..."

Derpy blushed.

"I kinda like it too!"

"Good. It's important that we're both enjoying ourselves." He gave her a playful peck on the tummy. "Now, move your tail so it's not in the way and I can see your privates clearly... there, that's it. Are you still fine with this?"

"Well, I feel kinda funny laying like this with my privates up in the air," Derpy replied, giggling. "But it's kinda nice to feeling your breath on the inside of my legs... it tickles! What're you going to do to me?"

"I'd rather not describe it. It's a bit vulgar.. Better tofeel it... trust me?"

"I do."

"Okay, then..." Cloudfire said, moistening his lips. "Try to hold as still as you can for this."

* * *

He started rather gently, licking Derpy's inner thighs. She giggled like a little school filly at first, opening her legs a bit more and relaxing:

"That feels good!" She exclaimed, blushing.

"Well, we haven't even started yet, Derpy," Cloudfire replied, pulling up his body briefly to ruffle her mane.

The ivory Earth Pony looked up at his Pegasus companion, licking her left thigh, and then then her right. Back and forth he went, his body following a pattern somewhat rhythmic in nature. The once antsy Derpy Hooves was now relaxing quite a bit, enjoying the sensations of every tiny lick on her upper thighs. Both were lulled by the moment.

Cloudfire did this back and forth routine slowly at first, for about thirty seconds. Then he added a bit of his steamy breath... directly to her tight vaginal opening. Derpy reflexively jerked her legs towards each other when she felt his hot exhale.

Cloudfire looked up at the startled pony, gauging her facial expression...

"Sorry..." She said, quietly.

He reached up and rubbed her tummy as he continued the pattern of two deep licks and a subtle blow. Each time he blew, he felt a ripple of contraction in Derpy's thighs that she seemed to be consciously resisting. Gradually the contractions faded and Derpy's body relaxed yet again. His licks got lower and his breaths got sharper... all the while he looked up at Derpy, who's head was back, eyes drawn into narrow, relaxed little slits. His hoof went from her tummy to her breasts, gently rubbing them as he licked. It was about time...

He was gentle at first, just giving the general area a quick lick and watching Derpy's face. She winced, her thighs contracted and her body jerked forward. Last but not least, her tail attempted to cover up the sensitive spot between her legs, and would have if his head weren't there. Looking up at her, he pinned her tail with his free hoof... and licked again.

Cloudfire watched Derpy's twitching body carefully, listening closely for any form of STOP or NO, all the while watching for shakes of the head. She just stared at him, through those thin slits, gritting her teeth.

"You okay?"

She nodded.

He licked again, just the outside of the opening, very slowly... She gasped and smiled, her body becoming stiff and the area becoming moist by its own fluids. Since Derpy seemed to be enjoying herself, he started licking even more sharply, moving on to sensitive spots, the insides of tight untouched folds, which in turn also became wet with their own juices. He licked quickly and gently, getting a bit more thorough as he went along.

Her breathing became heavy... she grunted and groaned softly as his tongue passed over certain spots. Her thighs and tail still involuntarily contracted, but he gently held them back and open. She did not object, so he continued, gradually building in intensity all the while.

Derpy certainly did trust him. These sensations he was giving her, for the first time ever, were indescribable. Places she'd never touched because of how sensitive they were, were now being licked and tickled all indiscriminately... she wanted to cry it felt so wonderful and so unbearable at the same time. The first kiss they ever shared was enough to have her push him away it was so intense... this was many, MANY times that; more sudden and hard-hitting than anything she could have imagined. Untouched parts of her body felt engorged, every lick set them afire with powerful sensations. Deep down inside she always wanted him closer than she thought was physically possible when they hugged... and this certainly worked for that.

"Cloudfire... " She gasped, softly, as the contractions between her legs became more regular. "I... I feel like I have to pee!"

In response, Cloudfire said nothing and instead simply winked at her, rubbing her tummy before putting his hooves back on her breasts. His licks then started to get even more... intense.

There was one place that many stallions would have started off on with her... and probably have warranted an immediate boot to the head in response had he started there. Her button.

Gently, he parted her moistened lips with his hooves and exhaled deep inside. Her lips were unusually tight for a mare (even who'd never experienced a stallion). He paid it no mind and continued... on to her button and the surrounding related areas. He knew what was probably going to happen if he pushed this button of hers too early, so he played around it, gently...

He'd found it unusually deep inside. Seldom should he find it inside at all, and it was much smaller than most he'd ever seen.. almost under-developed, but that didn't phase him. He loved her all the same and licked her clit's outer edges to express his affections. A squeal escaped his Special Somepony as he did that, and he watched her tiny button expand, becoming even more engorged. Instead of having her thighs try to contract together this time, she wrapped her legs around his neck and he felt her hooves pressing into his back. He had no hesitation in his heart any longer:

He went to town. He licked the inner-folds to tease her, then enveloped her clitoris, suckling on it. Contractions in the area built up, stronger and stronger, her hooves digging into his back... a rhythmic moan built into a crescendo, getting louder and louder. A single gasp escaped her rigid body...

There was a gush from inside of Derpy that Cloudfire tasted and swallowed as she melted into a puddle on the bed. He knew it was time to let her rest.

* * *

"Hey... how are you doing?" Cloudfire finally asked his Special Somepony Derpy as he relaxed beside her on the soft bed.

He'd given her a few minutes to recuperate... her breathing had started out quite heavy, but gradually became more deep and relaxed over time. She looked so adorable laying there... so vulnerable... and worn out. He wagered in his mind that she would most likely drift off to sleep before she recovered from the afterglow. Time would tell...

Her bed sheets had were soaked with fluids left over from their activities, fluids mostly belonging to Derpy... but also a bit of Cloudfire's, seeing how his groin was pressed tight up against her mattress.

She didn't answer at him first. Through her eyes, still drawn into slits, she looked over at him and acknowledged his concern with a smile.

"Wow." Was the only word to escape her lips.

"Is there anything I can get you?" He whispered, stroking her mane. "A glass of water?"

She shook her head.

"Wh- .. what did you do?"

He snuzzled her in reply:

"I made love to you, Derpy. Some ponies call that particular activity 'eating pie' ... others might say 'eating muffin'. I'd imagine you might like that name!"

She smiled and nodded, not having enough energy yet to even giggle.

"I love you, Cloudfire," she said softly.

"I love you, too, Derpy." He snuggled up beside her. "Now go to sleep... we can worry about changing your sheets tomorrow."

She looked down at her sheets, damp with her fluids.

"Did I wet the bed?"

"No, no... not at all." He chuckled. "I did a little of that myself, actually. What happened here happens sometimes when a pony gets really excited... it's perfectly natural and a simple wash will have your sheets good as new!"

Derpy just moaned and relaxed as Cloudfire snuggled her tightly with no blankets between them. This was heaven, but Derpy wasn't going to sleep... after a few more minutes, she felt her strength returning. Stretching over Cloudfire for his warm embrace, she felt something poking her in the thigh. She looked down at it and then up at Cloudfire.

"Don't tell me I have to tell you what that's about, Derpy..." Cloudfire said, laughing. "It's quite all right... it'll go away on its own or I'll take care of it later on my own. Don't worry about it."

"But I feel kinda bad that-"

"Really, don't worry about it!" He kissed her. "We've had enough of an adventure for one night... you need to process it. I'll be fine."

"Is there anything I can do?" She poked him in the stomach. "Just to make that go away? I feel like I should... and I kinda want to."

Cloudfire blushed and Derpy giggled in response:

"Okay, Derpy! If you insist..." Cloudfire rolled to his back. "There's one thing you can do that'll be quick..."

* * *

Derpy was now resting above Cloudfire, looking down at his erect stallionhood curiously.

"Okay, Derpy... see that pink, sensitive ring under the flat tip?"

"Yeah," replied the Gray Pegasus, poking it as well as the tip.

"What I'd really like is if you'd take your hooves and... very gently, please... move that bit of flesh up and down. It's quite elastic, so as long as you don't force it too bar back, it's going to feel pretty good on my end."

Derpy followed his instructions, gingerly taking both her hooves and working the bit of loose skin back and forth.

"Like this?"

"Exactly like that," Cloudfire immediately replied, breathing heavily. "What you're doing is called a 'Clop Job' and it's a quick way for us to be intimate... and judging by how excited I am it's not going to take very long."

"This is kinda fun!" Derpy said, with a bubbly smile. "And the faces you're making are really cute! This must feel really good!"

"Oh, yes it does!" Cloudfire chuckled. "The faces you were making earlier were pretty cute to me, too."

Derpy blushed, continuing to use her hooves on Cloudfire. Eventually the strokes became a bit harder and there was a brief rhythmic clop-clop-clop as Derpy's hooves slipped past the loose skin on the way down. They both laughed.

Cloudfire felt the pleasurable sensations quickly building deep in his stomach... it came on much father than he was expecting.

"Okay, Derpy..." He gasped. "L-listen to me, v-very carefully..."

"What?" Derpy asked, speeding up noticeably for sheer enjoyment as she leaned forward, giggling and making deeper strokes now.

She found the faces Cloudfire was making to be too cute... and speeding up just made them cuter!

"Woah! Ease up there- ...Gah!"

It was too late. Seeing how aroused he had been over the past half hour, try as he might, he couldn't hold it in. Stifling his cries the best he could, he released it all into the air... had Derpy not been leaning forward, it would have gone past her head. Instead... she took a direct hit to the face and froze, instantly horrified. Her now death grip on his genitals didn't help matters. He was fighting with his own unusually intense pleasure as he tried to comfort her.

"It's okay!" He said, putting a hoof on her shoulder as his body involuntary jerked forward.

Derpy didn't utter a peep. Slowly her hooves moved towards her face... but she didn't dare touch it.

* * *

Cloudfire continued to spasm in pleasure as Derpy shook.

"Gah... gah.... gah..." they both said, for different reasons.

After about ten seconds, the pleasure subsided and Cloudfire sat up.

"Derpy, I'm sorry!" He said, hugging her in spite of the fluids all over her.

Once he touched her, she had a definite reaction, shaking her arms:

"Eww! Eww! Eww! Eww! Eww!"

"It's all right..." Cloudfire said, hugging her again tightly. "Stay right there."

He got up, found his saddle bags and took out a hanky. He started wiping her face tenderly, all the while beaming a loving grin at her.

"What I was trying to tell you earlier was that was about to happen... I don't think I need to tell you those were my fluids. If we ever do this again, make sure it's facing my chest when I tell you."

Derpy just looked at him, scowling.

"Well, I'd said we'd had enough of an adventure, hadn't I?" Cloudfire was irritated. "I'm sorry it happened, even a bit sympathetic... even think it's horrendously embarrassing for us both... just PLEASE listen to me next time!"

She nodded, a tear in her eye.

"Now, now... there's no reason to cry." He kissed her. "I still love you... even though we made a bit of a mess of your pretty face... it'll wash off just fine. Promise."

"I wanna take a shower..."

"That might be a good idea!" Cloudfire ruffled her mane. "Let's get ourselves presentable, you go take your shower and I'll remake your bed with clean sheets. How's that sound?"

"You're really wonderful to me, Cloudfire..." Derpy said, again with the tears still in her eye for a different reason now.

"That's because I love you, Derpy."

* * *

After a little more wiping off, Derpy descended her stairs with somewhat spiky fur all over her face near her muzzle. She had not tasted Cloudfire's fluids yet, but could still smell it's strong scent despite most of it being gone. Her parents were in the kitchen at the time, Mom doing a few dishes and Dad reading. As she passed the kitchen, Derpy wasn't exactly looking or acting herself, despite the spikey fur, so they stopped her in the living room, coming in and asked what was wrong.

Derpy froze, not knowing what to say. Fortunately Cloudfire came down at that exact time to check on her and found her stuck with both her parents looking at her. He spoke up for her:

"She's a bit... embarrassed." He said chuckling, as patted his Special Somepony on the back. "I tossed her a sample container of a sugary confection I got her from the Corner and it made a mess. Didn't screw the cap on tightly enough and as a result it got on over her sheets and face. I'm going to throw them in the wash when she steps out of the shower....Don't worry, I got it covered."

Derpy went into the shower and Cloudfire trotted upstairs... with Daddy Hooves shadowing him closely as he made the climb. From Derpy's door, the elder Unicorn said:

"Come on, Cloudfire... I know when I'm being taken for a ride. That wasn't really a confection all over her face, was it?"

Cloudfire shook his head, not looking up, as he made the bed.

"Thought so..." Replied Daddy Hooves. "Heard her moaning twenty minutes ago, then heard her saying 'eww' less than 5 minutes ago. I know what you guys did, and unless you did something really funny to her or she's got questions, I'd prefer to remain in the dark for once about the specifics... capiche?"

"She'd tell you if you asked..." Replied Cloudfire. "Believe me, she'd hate it, but she would... she trusts you guys... she's just a little shy."

Daddy Hooves smiled:

"I know she's shy, she's my daughter! ... and I'd like to think she's tell us, but she's getting older. I trust her all the same, so... Just clean up well, okay? We'll let the Mrs. think that's just sugar water."

"You're all right, Mr Hooves. I was quite scared of you at first..."

Daddy Hooves put his hoof up:

"Call me Dad..." He said, with a smirk. "And like I've said, you've got no reason to fear me as long as Derpy says yes and you're there for her. I swear on Celestia's Infinite Compassion that's the honest truth."

Cloudfire smiled.

Mr Hooves then descended the stairs and waited in the living room for Derpy while Cloudfire cleaned up. When she emerged feeling refreshed, she saw her father waiting in his chair:

"Hi daddy," she said with a new spring in her step. "What's up?"

"Hey Derpy... just wanted to ask you how you're doing."

"I'm great!" Replied the wall-eyed Pegasus.

"Good, good... just putting this on the table, honey: if you ever need to talk to someone about anything, you know you can always come to me, right?"

"Of course!"

"Even stuff about Special Someponies you might not know how to talk to Cloudfire about... just remember I'm here... okay?"

Derpy's bright face suddenly drooped... Daddy Hooves raised an eyebrow in response.

"... okay Daddy. I know."

Derpy slowly cantered up to her father and gave him a hug as Cloudfire came down the stairs with Derpy's dirty sheets draped over his back. He passed the two on his way to the washing machine, his heart warming to their affections. Father and daughter hugged the entire time Cloudfire was in the laundry room... towards the end he stood behind Derpy, just watching... enjoying the positive vibrations coming from the two. He sighed...

Wish I could have had a relationship like that with my dad... He thought to himself.

Daddy Hooves noticed his peculiar scowling... he was smiling seconds before. This was concerning, but he said nothing.

"Me and Cloudfire are going to go to bed now, daddy. Good night! Love you!"

"Good night, Derpy... Love you too!" Replied Daddy Hooves, watching his daughter and her Special Somepony climb the stairs. "Do right by her, Cloudfire... I'm watching you." Neither heard that last part.

With new sheets on the mattress, Derpy and Cloudfire retired to bed with nothing between their warm bodies. They snuggled tightly, enjoying the smell and warm touch of each other as they let sleep gradually take them both away into dreamland.

Author's Note

Teh steamy sex scene was hard to write. This chapter probably underwent the most editing. O.o

Part 2 Ch. 4 -- "Genuine."

4
"Genuine."

The next morning, as Celestia brought out the brilliant sun, the two left for work... something was amiss. Neither said to the other "something doesn't feel right", although that's hard to do when neither talked the whole way to HQ. Once they arrived they were both quiet... unusually quiet... and tired. Very tired. At least Derpy wore her bow and locket. They got through the day okay, but once it ended:

"I'm kind of not feeling well, Cloudfire..." Derpy said, weakly. "I just wanna go home."

"Okay!" Cloudfire replied. "Sure! ... walk you?"

"All right."

They went to her house and after Derpy laid down in her room, Cloudfire took the long walk home... to his tiny basement apartment. He'd only been there once the whole week. Dishes had been left in the sink, growing moldy from the remnants of breakfast 5 days before. He couldn't even remember what he'd had. They both went to bed right after getting home and both spent the afternoon and night tossing. It made sense that Cloudfire should feel full after the night before, but he felt empty... very empty. Derpy felt funny when she thought about it... in a good way and in a way that made her tummy hurt at the same time.

The next day Derpy called out from her job and Cloudfire showed up at her house to have Daddy Hooves, who was up in her stead, tell him the news. He took the walk to work along and was jokingly called "Team Fire" by his fellow co-workers. "Derpy's Unnofical Hints" were put to good use that day as he trudged through the site alone, and he made almost as much as he would have with Derpy present.

At the end of the day he went to the Sugar Cube corner and purchased a brown sugar topped muffin for Derpy. Pinkie Pie was there behind the register and said hello in her usual, overly friendly way... Cloudfire was polite, though in no mood. He said he was on his way to see his Special Somepony, who was sick in bed.

"That's funny..." Pinkie said. "She was in here earlier today! She looked really sad... I tried to see what was going on in that noggin of hers, but she wouldn't tell me. She said she would have, if she understood it. She's a strange cookie!"

"Weird."

When Cloudfire left the Corner, he went to Rarity's boutique to get a carnations. Rarity was there and rung up his purchase.

"I'm off to see Derpy," he said, putting everything in his green saddlebags. "She's been in bed all day and isn't feeling well."

"How strange!" Replied Rarity. "She came in here an hour ago with Twilight and Fluttershy... she looked quite upset, but I was too busy in the back to find out what the matter was. I would have, believe me. They helped themselves to some ribbon for a project, left some Bits on my table, and promptly left. They almost didn't even say good bye!"

"Thanks."

The nearest place to go was Twilight's Library, where Cloudfire found Twilight Sparkle, Spike, and Fluttershy leaning over something on a table with a short piece of yellow ribbon, tool box, and a pair of scissors beside them.

"Oh, hi Cloudfire!" Said an antsy looking Fluttershy. "I borrowed this book from the library, but when I asked Angel to get it for me so I could return it, one of the decorative ribbons got ripped."

"It's not a problem," replied Twilight. "We're just having some issues restoring it."

"Let me take a look," said Cloudfire. "I'm good with my hooves."

They let the ivory Earth Pony take a look at the book and, after getting Twilight's approval, he cut some of the torn ribbon from the book and replaced it with the new piece, tucking it into place. After Twilight used some of her magic, and a little glue from the tool box, to keep everything into place.

"Good as new!" Twilight exclaimed, having Spike set the book aside to dry. "What can I do for you, Cloudfire?"

"Rarity told me she saw Derpy today with you guys... Derpy's been sick over the past day. Do you know if everything's all right?"

Twilight and Fluttershy gave each other a passing glance.

"Is there something I should know?"

"Cloudfire," said Fluttershy. "Derpy has a lot of... feelings she was talking to us about."

Twilight pipped in:

"We don't know what you guys did, but I can take a guess. It sounds like she needs to talk to you about it."

"Okay then. Be seeing you..."

He left the library and went to pay the Hooves residency a visit...

* * *

Cloudfire was welcomed in by the entire family. He was told Derpy was in her room and she'd be happy to hear from him. After visiting with Dinky for a spell, he climbed the stairs and knocked on her door.

"Hey Derpy! I'm here to see how you're doing," he said, in a friendly voice.

"Hi Cloudfire," replied Derpy's voice weakly.

"Can I come in?"

"Okay."

Cloudfire went right in and sat on Derpy's bed by her head, looking down at her.

"You don't look all that bad," he said cheerfully. "Bet you probably caught a cold!"

"I have a tummy ache..." She replied. "It just came back."

"Derpy," he said, stroking her mane. "Is anything else bothering you...?"

"No."

"Come on, Derpy..." He noogied her. "We've been together a quarter of a year. You're not fooling anypony. What's up, Doc?"

"I... I..." She sniffed. "I don't know."

"Well, that's a start!" He smiled at her. "Tell me... is this about something we did recently... maybe last time I was over here?"

Derpy didn't answer, she just looked away towards her window.

"I thought it might be. If you wanna talk about it... I'm here."

She was silent yet again. Cloudfire was about to speak again when she finally spoke:

"It made me feel good, but I felt kinda icky afterwards... you must be mad at me now, and think I'm a silly filly."

"No, not at all," he gave her a playful peck on the cheek. "This is why I wanted us to take our time... is this what's been bothering you?"

The gray Pegasus nodded.

"Derpy, when you told me you hadn't spent a whole lot of time exploring your body, I wanted to back off the idea of being intimate with you for a while so I could give you some homework first..."

"Homework?"

"You gotta know your body, Derpy. It's important."

"Why?"

"It's one of those things a pony can't explain... please just trust me on this."

"I do, but... I just don't know how to feel."

"I can't tell you... but take as long as you need to figure it out!" He rubbed her shoulders. "I'll still be here. Promise."

Derpy smiled at her Special Somepony as he sat there, rubbing her back. All was quiet for a few short minutes.

"Cloudfire?"

"Yes?"

She looked up at him with puppy dog eyes:

"Will you snuggle with me?"

"Of course."

The two laid in bed together, without covers, snuggling. Together they slept all afternoon and night. Derpy drifted off with her head resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat. They were happy, and went to work the very next day like nothing had even been wrong. Derpy obviously hadn't spoken with her father, even though she'd tried to talk with the girls. It took Cloudfire make it right.

Part 2 Ch. 5 -- "Always Should've Been..."

"Always Should've Been..."
1

A week later it rained heavily. Derpy and Cloudfire were stuck inside, staring at the water dripping down her bedroom window. They were bored. It was their day off, and they had nothing to do. Dinky, Mom, and Dad were all at the movies, leaving the two sleepyheads at home. They'd go their own way once the rain let up, Cloudfire thought, and was debating in his mind where. Perhaps some place they'd yet to be on a date... maybe one of parks they'd cleaned up.

In the meantime, Cloudfire would entertain Derpy and kill some time. He had been showing her some fun random things a pony can do with a piece of twine. She seemed enthralled. He showed her Cat's Cradle, Jacob's Ladder, and of course how to tie some really strong knots.

He looked up periodically to make sure he still had her attention... Derpy's eyes were fixed on him the whole time, focused and seldom blinking. There was a smile on her face that made him think she was feeling a bit inquisitive. He waited for a question, figuring it would be about how he was doing one of the basic tricks he'd shown her. She said nothing... just stared.

"What is it, Derpy?" He finally asked.

"Cloudfire..." she murmered. "Remember when you told me knowing my body was really important?"

"Yeah." He smirked, setting down the string, already knowing what he was getting into. "What about it?"

"Can you be here with me... please?"

"No problem."

Derpy was now quiet, blushing. After a few seconds, he went to pick up the string thinking that was going to be it, when she asked him another question:

"Can I try something now?"

He set the string down, replying:

"If you'd like."

* * *

The Pegasus found herself in a very familiar position with Cloudfire laying beside her. Seeing how Derpy and Cloudfire had only been snuggling since their first time, she felt... ready for this again.

Derpy ran her hoof over various parts of her anatomy, with Cloudfire giving appropriate names when asked. She was already -somewhat- familiar with a few names from having a talk with her parents years ago when her body started maturing and doing what normal mare's bodies do. She didn't know much, but she wanted to understand. With Cloudfire present she explored.

At first it felt like it was too much again, and Derpy didn't like it... but Cloudfire insisted:

"It's okay, Derpy... Trust me."

She shuttered initially, but bared with it... he was there and that was enough... the warm look in his eyes trumped the overload. He helped her, gently, having different ideas in mind... different ways of touching that he shared. Gentle ways. He didn't put a hoof on her the whole time. After a little exploring and adjusting, the rubbing started feeling good. After a minute he noticed a slightly glazed look in her eyes as she began zoning out...

"Tell me, Derpy," he said, soothingly. "So far what do you like to think about as you're doing this?"

She slowed down a bit, looking up at him:

"Brain goes everywhere! But... it's kinda icky what I'm thinking of."

"What is it?" He asked, with a smirk. "I'm sure I've heard worse..."

"I kinda... like thinking of your backside. It's cute."

She turned crimson and stopped rubbing altogether.

Cloudfire got up off the bed and turned away from her, looking over his shoulder and flicking his tail in her direction.

"What, this?" He asked, smiling back at her. "Is this what you're picturing?"

Derpy looked like she was going to have a nose bleed. His muscular backside was fully exposed and facing her. She nodded, and went back to rubbing the sensitive spot between her legs, focusing on the real thing. He took a step backwards, towards the bed and looked down at her free hoof... she took the cue and shyly put said hoof directly on his rump as he flexed it.

Cloudfire stood perfectly still, his bottom facing her, his tail flicking every once and a while. He watched Derpy's reaction over his shoulder -- he watched her face as her eyes narrowed once more into those tiny slits. Maybe 2 minutes later Derpy's thighs started twitching and her stomach started rippling... her head going further back. He knew it was close... She cried out, her body pulling forward, almost contorting into a ball... then relaxing entirely.

"Good job..." He said, turning towards her and giving her a loving nuzzle.

Derpy hardly heard him. She just panted, looking up into his eyes and smiling.

Cloudfire laid down beside her and snuggled up.

"You did that all by yourself, dear. Just... relax and enjoy the good feelings."

Part 2 Coda

Coda

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."

END OF PART 2

Author's Note

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.

Part 3 Ch. 1 -- "Tonight, Tonight..."

PART 3

"Tonight, Tonight.. "
1

Lazing on the clouds high above Ponyville, Cloudfire was in heaven. The world below seemed so tiny and insignificant -- just dark specks on masses of land with an endless supply of deep blue water all around. His troubles far beneath, bound to the land and put on hold for a cloud nap whenever he felt like it. He'd ascended high enough to see some of the greatest spectacles Equestria had to offer -- high enough to see Luna herself pull out the great glowing moon in the starlit night sky. He wouldn't, though... he would feel the brilliance of her approach instead, and bask in it. Shutting his eyes as the night crept up, he allowed himself to float freely, barely sensing the gentle breeze that guided him... surrounding him nothing but golden silence and compete bliss. Stretching his limbs as far back as they would go he sighed, feeling the vast limitless skyscape surrounding him. With no ground holding him back, no restrictions as far as the eye could see, his world seemed infinite. He allowed himself to fall freely, opening his eyes and looking down at the approaching world covered in brilliant lights, surrounded by a purple horizon and shrouded in a crystal haze...

"Wake up Cloudifre!" Exclaimed an all-too familiar voice right above the relaxing Earth Pony, putting gentle pressure on his chest while laughing. "Come on, silly! Today's a big day! You said so yourself!"

Cloudfire came crashing back to reality all too quickly. He was no Pegasus, despite having prayed to Celestia many, many times during his foalhood for him wake up as one. He even prayed a few times to Luna, as a foal and an adult. He'd always be an Earth Pony... but life wasn't too bad, especially lately.

"Gah!" He exclaimed in response, flailing his hooves. "Okay! I'm up! I'm up!"

He looked over at the pony who'd just woken him... the shy, blushing Derpy Hooves. His Special Somepony.

"Derpy, you know there are better ways to wake a sleeping pony..." He shook his hoof at her, then pulled his body over so they were nose-to-nose. He licked her snout. "I can't stay mad at you... I can try, but it's not possible. You're too cute."

Derpy giggled, rolling out of bed with him. She looked right at him with a big grin on her face, rubbing her stomach with her hoof.

"Okay, Derpy..." He stretched, chuckling. "I'll make you and Dinky breakfast, and..." he looked at the clock, which said 10:32 AM. "I'll make you and me breakfast, then I've got some errands I gotta run all by myself. I would have taken care of this business last night... but there was a..." he cleared his throat, putting on his saddle bags, "hold up."

"What hold up?" Asked the gray Pegasus. "And where ya goin'?"

He winked in reply:

"If I told you that it wouldn't be a surprise, silly..." He turned towards the exit. "I'll race you down stairs... last one there is a... uh... rotten dragon's egg!"

Cloudfire waited for her to start and together they dashed down the stairs. Derpy took a small spill once they hit the first story, but it was nothing she couldn't recover from right away. She was tough, but Cloudfire still beat her marginally, and nooggied her in the end all the same.

"You always beat me!" Exclaimed the Pegasus, sitting down at the table.

"We've had a few close calls, though..." Replied the Earth Pony.

As promised, Cloud made breakfast consisting of eggs, oatmeal, and few left over muffins for Derpy. He took a small single muffin for himself before giving his Special Somepony a kiss goodbye. He then exited the house in the direction of the shops, a spring in his step, and much on his mind. He had big plans for the day, but every one of them were going to have to be secret and Derpy would have to be left wondering... for now. She watched him leave from the window, fighting the urge to follow him and see what he was up to. Cloudfire was nice to her, gave her space when she wanted to he left alone, so it was only right she give him his space... but she was excited! What did he have planned and why wouldn't he tell her?

They'd been together for 12 months. Cloudfire had been counting. One whole year and neither had gotten tired of the other, and they seldom even raised their voices at each other in anger. Though the excitement was long gone from their relationship, there really wasn't much to begin with. They were just themselves, infatuated off the bat and the best of friends throughout. As their relationship grew there'd been talk in town, not nice talk, and yet still they stayed together. Cruel ponies who enjoyed a good, cutting gossip whispered quietly amongst themselves about of what unhealthy forces must be in play to have a "drifter and retard" together in a romantic relationship. This was just the way it was, Cloudfire and Derpy heard it everywhere they went... they were used to being picked on, so they grew to ignore it. Then, one day they all lost interest and it stopped. Though talking about the two had gotten boring, they were hardly bored. Their relationship had been proven to last, and all of the Mane 6 were ecstatic for them. Derpy's family was, too. Seeing Derpy's bright face, that was all that mattered to them... that she was happy. They never imagined in all their life that they'd love the pony Derpy fell for as much as they did. Her little sister called him "Uncle Cloudfire" and her parents insisted on being called Mom and Dad from the get-go. He was a member of the family. Their relationship was more than either could have ever asked for -- healthy, fun, and idyllic...

Cloudfire had been happily moved into Derpy's house for almost 8 months. It was depressing to Derpy's family to see that all of Cloudfire's belongings -- a few magazines, a pair of saddle bags, and a collapsible cot -- could be fit into a single plastic garbage bag for moving. Derpy had only seen where he lived one time and decided not to go back because of how small and icky it was. An illegal basement apartment with high rent for what it was... all gone now, thanks to the generosity of Derpy's family. He needed nothing new, and despite Daddy Hooves repeated offerings to buy him things like a winter jacket or a radio of his own, he always politely turned him down. With all those extra bits in his wallet (his rent a fraction of what it was) he saved for something special. He saved. And he saved. And he SAVED. Today was the day that all that saving was to come to an end... he had a smile on his face and could hardly wait to get there.

It was going to be a good day for Cloudfire... he was sure of it.

* * *

"Good Morning Miss Rarity!" The Earth Pony exclaimed, pushing open the doors to her boutique. "How are you?"

"I'm positively fabulous, darling!" Replied the ivory Unicorn, watching Cloudfire walk up to her counter. "It's been a slow day today, but it's always nice to see a friend... I take it you're here for...?"

"Exactly." His face was serious, but smiling. "I take it they're ready now?"

"Yes, they are," Rarity replied, using her Unicorn magic to levitate a small box behind the counter. "I apologize for the extra day, but one of the gems cracked when I tried to reset it after noticing it was a bit off... I had to cut a new one. They're quite rare, you see."

"I do." He went through his saddlebags. "That'll be the price we agreed on?"

"Yes, and I'm sorry I couldn't go any lower... I know how long you've been saving. Alas, this is a business I'm running... it feels so icky having to talk about Bits with friends."

"It's not a problem." He set a velvet bag filled with Bits almost to the point of bursting on the counter. "Feel free to count it before I leave... there's a lot in there and I could have made a mistake."

"In all the time I've known you I've never seen you make a mistake when it comes to your Bits... I trust you, Cloudfire. It certainly feels hefty enough, but I'll let you know if it's short or over... anyway, it would take me forever to count and I know you've got things to do."

"Thanks." He picked up the box and put it in his green saddle bag. "Can I get a receipt at least?"

"You're not seriously considering that... Derpy wouldn't like this gift? After all that saving, and the careful selection you made? I think it's absolutely perfect and she'll be swept away by the gesture!""

"I don't know."

"Well," Rarity scribbled something down with a pen on a piece of paper. "If she doesn't, just bring it back with this and you'll get your money back... along with my condolences, of course."

"Thanks." Cloudfire pocketed the note along with the box. "I'll be giving it to her later tonight... you'll know in the morning if it doesn't work out, so I guess no great rush to count it."

"I'll have it counted by then!" Rarity had one more question. "Have you decided where-"

"Probably the Sugar Cube corner." Cloudfire chuckled. "I'm sorry to keep cutting you off, but I'm nervous. This is really expensive!"

"Oh, don't be nervous!" Replied the unicorn with a confident smile. "I think that's a wonderful place, Darling. Being there makes her very happy... I hope she likes it."

"Me too," replied Cloudfire, turning tail towards the exit. "Me too..."

Cloudfire had another place to go before heading back... he walked into the Sugar Cube Corner and right up to the counter where Pinkie Pie sat smiling.

"Hiya Cloudfire!" Said the Pink Earth Pony. "What'll it be?"

"A private table for two at 6:00 tonight, please, Miss Pinkie... gunna have a special evening with Derpy."

"Oh... it's tonight? As in tonight, tonight?"

"Yup!"

The Pink Earth Pony jumped into the air, vanishing into the rafters above, and Cloudfire still looked up knowing it was futile...

"Right this way!" Exclaimed Pinkie, who was now standing right behind her stallion friend.

"Gah! How do you do that?" He sharply replied, clutching his chest.

"My secret," giggled the pink Earth Pony, bouncing towards a table by the back wall. "How's this, Cloudy?"

It was obscured on all sides except the back... with that set up, Derpy would be facing him and he'd be facing the wall. No pony but Derpy would be able to see what he had, and it would be hard to see Derpy's face from behind him. They'd at least have some privacy there.

"It's ideal," the ivory Earth Pony replied.

Once they were settled with the table, Cloudfire ordered dinner. Aside form Derpy's usual brown sugar topped muffins, he also ordered an unusual meal be made for the Corner.... spaghetti, topped with oregano and few other of their favorite spices. Normally the Bakery didn't make that type of meal, being mostly a pastry and party shop, but tonight... Mrs. Cake had told Pinkie she could bend the rules a little if Cloudfire asked. For this, they had everything they needed. This was going to be a special, romantic night. All Pinkie had to ask is that Cloudfire pay for his meal in advance:

"Mrs. Cake told me to..." Pinkie sighed, hesitantly adding, "it's a matter of the Cake's Policy."

"Not a problem," he replied, setting down a few bits on his reserved table to pay for his requests. "I'm off now... take care."

"Be seeing you tonight, Cloudfire!" The Pink Earth Pony waved him off. "Good luck with everything!"

Cloudfire had a few more errands to run before going back home. He left the corner, with most of his objectives now behind him. He felt really good.

* * *

It was now early afternoon. Where had the time gone? The ivory Earth Pony strutted down the street, having just two more places visit. Both were both located within the market. He visited the Arts & Crafts table first, picking up colored pencils and paper:

"Didn't know you were an artist, Cloudfire." Said the shopkeep, who'd seen the two Special Someponies around town. "I've got plenty of other materials you might be interested in..."

"I'm not," he replied, nervously chuckling, handing over some Bits. "An artist, that is. Thank you, though!"

Walking away from the Arts & Crafts table he then visited June Bug, who was nearby selling flowers from a portable kiosk.

"Hi June Bug..." he shyly muttered to the yellow pony, going through his saddlebag for a Bit. "I'd like a yellow rose, please."

"Sure," she replied, selecting one for him. "What's so funny, Cloudfire? You're blushing! Do you have a secret?"

"It's nothing," he replied, handing her a Bit as she handed him the rose. "Just a big evening a head of me."

"Well, okay... good luck then!"

"Thanks."

Instead of going straight home, Cloudfire walked up to the nearest picnic table, sat down, and went through his things, organizing them carefully. The box containing Derpy's surprise, the receipt, the art supplies, and the rose. He carefully hid the rose in a palce that it wouldn't get crushed, but pulled out the paper and colored pencils:

"Guess this is as good of a time as any," he thought out loud.

He proceeded to, very carefully, make a card for Derpy. He knew her favorite colors, and applied them to the card first before even writing the message in it... a very important message he would get to last. He didn't get that far... he didn't like the way his card was coming out from the start. Crumpling it up in his hooves, he threw it in the trash remembering that's why he bought more than one piece of paper. He tried again, and again he wasn't impressed with how it looked... so he threw another ball out. Again, and again, and AGAIN he tried, until he got to the last two pieces of paper.

"Hey, Cloudfire," said Twilight Sparkle, who approached from the side with Spike, Apple Jack, and Fluttershy.

"I'd swear we could see steam comin' out your ears on the way up here, Sugarcube... what's the matter?"

"Trying to make a card for Derpy," replied Cloudfire, not looking up. "Getting... frustrated."

"Mind if I take a look?" Asked Twilight.

"Be my guest," Cloudfire replied, handing over his most recent attempt he'd yet to crumble.

"I think it's pretty," commented Fluttershy.

"This actually isn't that bad, Cloudfire," said Twilight. "It's very abstract. Would you mind if I added something to your card to help the yellow stand out?"

"Certainly. I helped you last time with your art project."

"Do you have any sky blue?"

Cloudfire went through his selection of pencils and picked out that exact color, handing it over to Twilight who levitated it with her Unicorn Magic. She scribbled in a few places on the folded piece of paper while Cloudfire looked up at her. She smiled at him, knowing he was unable to see what she was doing... once finished, she set the card down in front of him.

"Well, what do you think?"

The small patches of pale blue complimented the light yellow in a way that Cloudfire never saw in his mind. Because of the way the colors were spaced, two colors never touched. His card went from looking like it was missing something, to resembling a dazzling butterfly... and all it took was just a few strokes from a knowledgeable pony.

"It's wonderful." He replied, looking down at the card, then up at Twilight. "Thank you. I think I may use it..."

"By all means!" Replied Twilight. "Good luck tonight, Cloudfire!"

"That's tonight?" Asked Apple Jack, suddenly roused out of a deep thought having nothing to do with what was going on at the moment.

"Yup." replied Cloudfire. "Tonight as in tonight, tonight."

The three surprised the ivory Earth Pony with what happened next... all three mares gathered around and gave him a big hug. Spike was standing behind the three, rolling his eyes and mouthing something along the lines of bleh.

"Spike!" Snapped Twilight, seeing his shenanigans out of the corner of her eye.

Again, he rolled his eyes, but then approached... also hugging Cloudfire completely by his own accord.

"Thanks guys," whispered Cloudfire. "You are wonderful."

Waving farewell, the four then left their anxious friend in peace. He had one more thing to do, then he could go see Derpy and pretend nothing was up except he was going to treat her to a meal that evening at the Sugar Cube Corner. He looked to his left, then to his right, and then... he wrote down the message to Derpy on the card and quickly put it away in his bag. He got up, put his bags back on, and trotted away quickly... absent-mindedly leaving his sky blue pencil on the table. It didn't matter... he'd show her the card tonight and see what she thought. It would be happening soon enough.

Part 3, Ch. 3 -- "Like Tumbleweeds..."

"Like Tumbleweeds..."
3

Night after night the two ponies curled up in bed, blankets wrapping them tight in a warm embrace. They slept well, especially Cloudfire now that this proposing business was finally over with. He was like a giant teddy bear to Derpy, who usually ended up falling asleep on his muscular chest, listening to his strong heart beat. She had few thoughts cross her mind as they drifted off into the warm haze:

He's my Fiancée... And I'm his!

She'd giggled to herself while thinking this. It was true -- they were no longer Special Someponies, and even after a few days she couldn't entirely wrap her head around the idea... but she still liked it. Her Fiancée couldn't be happier, since he was worried she might get anxious. They didn't talk much about it, and Derpy didn't act like she wanted to... so Cloudfire left well enough alone.

She wanted to show him her affections now even more, and he knew it... at night she'd gaze up at him as he turned the light off, waiting for him to make some advances with his hooves in the darkness. He didn't, even though he felt her warmth, hugs, and occasional prolonged twilight kisses. The truth was, Cloudfire knew Derpy well... and while making love now would feel nice, it wouldn't feel right. He wanted to give Derpy... and himself... a bit of time to digest the idea of being Engaged. Though it was hard, they didn't make love for 3 whole days, and that was only after Derpy asked for it directly:

"Please...?" She asked on the 3rd night. "Before we go back to work... it would make me happy."

He replied gently, giving her a kiss:

"It would make me happy, too."

Both felt content by the end of the night... so relaxed and peaceful. The next day could wait.

* * *

The familiar trek to work. It was their first day back after an unusually long 4 day break. They'd welcomed that break, staying in most of the time, only venturing to the shops or to a meal at the Sugar Cube Corner. It was romantic. Now it was cold.

The two ponies proudly displayed the rings around their necks, Derpy's in place of the usual locket. They were ignored, of course, by their Pegasus co-workers at first, who'd even tired of making jokes about them... ignored until the sun peeked over the horizon and gleamed off one of Cloudfire's darker gems, catching the eye of their stocky Pegasus co-worker (who always smelled of cider):

"Hey! That's an engagement ring!" He exclaimed.

"Well I'll be," said the thinner Pegasus, who was known to instigate problems between the two groups. "Are you two really getting hitched?"

"Yeah!" Derpy exclaimed, with Cloudfire by her side.

"Indeed we are."

"Alright..." He looked at Cloudfire, biting his lip. "Congratulations, I guess. You want to get a drink or something after work?"

"No thanks," Cloudfire replied, briefly making eye-contact with the Pegasus who shifted uncomfortably. "But... thanks anyways."

"Yeah, no problem." He turned back to the group.

They stood silently in the cold, all waiting for Mister Everstorm. Derpy and Cloudfire huddled together away from the group, like always.

* * *

There had been tiny changes going on over the past few weeks involving how things were done at the Litter pick-up service. Cloudfire didn't give it much notice... maybe his inattention was due to his being focused on his plans, or maybe the changes were so minuscule he didn't care. He wasn't sure, but now was at least less focused on himself and present in the moment. As if the 4 day break wasn't enough of a change, every week or so the bus would take them to a place that was technically out of their jurisdiction. Sometimes to multiple places in one day. They'd still end up with approximately the same amount of Bits by the end of their shift... sometimes a little bit more if they'd go to two places... and that's all their co-workers cared about. An occasional hour or two more meant nothing to them, and Cloudfire really didn't care. In fact, neither pony gave it much thought, and their little break had them feeling rested and ready for work.

The bus sped in early that day with Everstorm literally sticking his head out of the side:

"We have multiple projects for today!" He hollered, jumping off as the bus came to a halt. "Get on board and I'll explain as we go!"

As always, the Air Team got on first, with team Fire Hooves right behind them. Mister Everstorm stopped the two as they were getting on and smiled:

"Alright you two, I see 'em. Congratulations on getting ringed, though can't say I didn't see it comin'. Now, I'm your boss first so that's all you're gunna get out of me on this joyous event. I trust you'll behave no differently now... dun tell me I'm wrong?"

Derpy nodded as Cloudfire saluted his boss, who chuckled as they got on. The bus sped off once Mr. Everstorm entered... the two ponies nearly bonked heads as Cloudfire helped Derpy into the nearest seat.

The staff was taken to two parks and a garden that day. It wasn't the Grand Canterlot Gardens, but it was still an impressive place and a chore to clean all the same:

"Let's just do our best, Derpy," the Earth Pony said as he cantered along, picking up the garbage. "We can make it as long as we don't stop to talk."

"I am doing my best!" Wheezed the Pegasus. "I don't feel too good..."

The amount of Bits that Team Firehooves made was roughly one half more than they would have if they had just gone to a single park. Cloudfire made substantially more than Derpy, but shrugged when it came time for them to be paid on site:

"At this point, I'd say it's all going to the same place," he ruffled her frizzy mane. "You did your best, right?"

Derpy didn't answer.

"Right?"

"Yeah..."

Cloudfire always tried to put a positive spin on things... especially now, since his mate was rather tired and dehydrated-looking.

After 8 and a half hours of work, the two were to be dropped off at Head Quarters to enjoy the nice, quiet trek home. Derpy slept most of the ride, shaking periodically while leaning on Cloudfire's shoulder. Once they got off she was so tired that she could hardly walk straight, but made it home all the same. She shook some more that night as they drifted off to sleep. Cloudfire tried to sooth her by gently caressing her back, reminding her that he'll always be there for her...

That was the worst day they'd ever had at the Litter pick-up service. It seemed as though things were only going to get worse. Each day following they found themselves doing more and more under increasingly compressed time constraints. Derpy always slept on the ride home and still shook bit, but fortunately not each time they slept. Occasionally they had a day like they used to, where they could joke and move around at a relaxed but decisive pace. Those days were becoming fewer and further between. At least their co-workers still left them alone...

Part 3, Ch. 4 -- "Distorted by the Haze."

4
"Distorted by the Haze."

The two found themselves so busy that the passage of time seemed to blur. A month went by of working at parks, fields, and gardens with little break... even Cloudfire felt the fatigue after a while. They finally found themselves looking forward to a few quiet days by themselves at the end of the week...

The first day Derpy naturally slept in. Cloudfire surprised her with not only breakfast in bed but also a story for him to read as she ate. She was the Derpy he knew and loved by that late afternoon, so they played with Dinky in the yard until the sun went down. Derpy laughed and Cloudfire smiled hearing it. They went to bed early, snuggling and musing about what to do the next day...

* * *

It was morning already? The ivory Earth Pony couldn't even remember getting up. It was as if he were thrown into the day, brought out of a daydream or nap. He still set out with intention:

He had it all planned: Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Ponyville with Derpy like they used to. Her good friends, the Mane 6, had the power to put a smile on her face, and they were bound to run into them. Perhaps they'd end their outing with a visit AJ's farm and have a nice picnic by edge Sweet Apple Acres, where Derpy always enjoyed the wide open space of the rich country side. He imagined them retiring, early afternoon to a book and early dinner at the Corner. Derpy giggled at all the ideas just the night before, and Cloudfire was definitely looking forward to a beautiful day.

Since their Engagement there'd been excitment around Ponyville, but neither had seen it. Cloudfire felt a knot in his gut as it made sense to him that all the mean ponies would be starting up again, but... he saw no evidence. The times they went out, though brief, were peaceful. Most ponies crossing their paths noticed the rings, yet not one made a single sneer or comment. Cloudfire expected to hear something in the distance, though it never came to be. Ponies either congratulated them or left them in peace, glancing briefly at their new prize. The town had moved on, so it was time for him to as well.

The fresh air of the walk would do them good. Though Cloudfire couldn't even remember getting up, he chalked that up to being tired. With Celestia pulling the sun just into the morning sky, it was time for yet another new day.

* * *

It was bright and hazy. They started their stroll by cantering up to the fountain in the center of town. There Derpy stared into the crystal water, making faces and giggling. Cloudfire half-expected Pinkie Pie to show up and join her. It was nice to see the Pegasus having fun at least. He leaned against the stone structure, looking out into Ponyville:

He wasn't one for pony watching, but today... it just seemed right. Occasionally it's nice to watch others pass. He saw Big Mac pulling a cart... The Cutie Mark Crusaders zoomed by in their capes, he deduded, on their journey to find out who they are. He'd have said hi, but they were much too quick. Vinyl Scratch passed wheeling a few cabinets, perhaps on her way to a party. Rarity came by in an elaborate dress, complete with parasol. Spike and Twilight slowly cantered behind the diva, casually chatting with her. He waved and they all waved back:

"Come join us for tea at 2:00 in the Library!" Twilight shouted.

"Everypony will be there!" Added Rarity.

He nodded as Derpy giggled. She waved beside him before going back to the fountain.

This place, these ponies were starting to feel familiar... not in a bad way, though. Kind of like home. He'd never felt comfortable anywhere like he did here... with her.

* * *

He continued to look out into the ponies as the group vanished... He noticed an aging brown stallion who didn't fit with the rest of Ponyville. He recognized him, even from a distance, taking him back to a place long before and he couldn't help but stare. Cloudfire knew he didn't belong and it didn't help that he just stood there sticking out like a sore hoof. The older Earth Pony stared back at him with glazed over eyes, blinking slowly and unevenly. Sluggishly, the old creature made his approach. Stiff and arthritic, he moved slowly... but with purpose. Cloudfire began to sweat.

"It can't be..." He whispered to himself, his eyes dropping to the ground. He glanced up a few times... the older pony came closer, and closer.

They were now close enough that Cloudfire couldn't doubt what he was seeing anymore... especially since this pony stopped feet from them and they smiled at each other. For Cloudfire it was a reflexive, awkward grimace -- the type of fake smile that one uses to conceal his real feelings. From the other pony, it looked sincere... but a little overbearing all the same.

* * *

"Hello Cloudfire," said the older stallion, coughing. "It's been a long time, hasn't it?"

"Yeah, it has..." he bobbed his head in agreement, looking off to the side.

"Who's this?" Asked Derpy, turning towards the two from the fountain.

"My dad."

Though Cloudfire wasn't looking, he knew that Derpy was now examining his father very closely.

"Hi, hi! Pleased to meet ya!" Derpy giggled. "I've never met any of Cloudfire's family before!"

"Well," said Mr. Fire. "Who's this?"

"I'm Derpy Hooves! Um..." She reached over to Cloudfire and grabbed the ring around his neck, holding up her own as well. "I'm his fiancée! See?"

Cloudfire and his father made eye-contact.

"Huh, is that so?" He laughed. "Figured you'd end up with a Pegasus... actually, I'm surprised it wasn't a stallion. Well, kudos to you. Now, let me see... not too smart, a bit awkward... but she can fly, right? She can fly? I see wings on her."

"That's... not... very nice things to say." Derpy said, as Cloudfire felt her face and body drooping. "Why would he say something like that, Cloudfire?"

The ivory Earth Pony sighed, looking up at the two ponies. This was turning into a nightmare:

"Because my Dad's mean..."

"What's that, boy?"

"Because my Dad's mean!" He took a stand by his Pegasus partner's side. "What do you want, Dad?"

"Hey, hey! It's okay... I just tracked you down since you never visit me or write... it was a long trip and just want to see how you're doing."

"I'm happy."

"Are you?" Mr. Fire smiled. "You're with a Pegasus... but I'll wager the only reason you're with her is because she flies."

"I don't fly all that well," said Derpy, looking down at her hooves. Cloudfire put his arm around her. "I hardly fly at all."

"Yeah, and neither do you... right, Cloudfire?"

"Please, Dad... be happy for me. What we have here is special."

"I don't think you're happy, son."

"I am!"

"I don't think so... I don't. You'll never fly and being with this.... child isn't good consolation. You're only hurting her and diluting yourself. Why're you doing it?"

"I love her! You can't see that?"

Again, Mr. Fire turned his attention towards Derpy:

"Okay, little girl... let's see what I think of you on closer examination: My assessment: I'd say you're easy to fool, easily dominated, uncreative, unoriginal... probably live with your parents and can't keep a job. You don't seem retarded on close examination, but first glance you did. I'd say you barely graduated high school, and guessing you read on about a 9th grade level. Maybe... 83 IQ. All signs of a real winner. Any of this ring true to you, little lady?"

Cloudfire looked to his fiancée... she was already in tears. This was something he wanted her to never have to deal with. His dad really truly was this mean, even to him, and he never had any friends because of it.

"Please... stop it!" Derpy cried.

"I will. First let me tell you one more thing about my son: I know why he's with you. Do you?"

"Because he loves me," sniffed the Grey Pegasus. "And I love him."

"Sweet enough for me to need my insulin... do you know why it really is, child?"

Derpy didn't answer.

"It's because you're all those things I said. You're a Pegasus so you've got that going for you, but you'll never, ever challenge him. It's because you're more weak and broken than he is that he 'loves you'. He puts you in a little box so he can always feel good about himself because no matter what, he'll be the one that challenges you. He'll always win, too. That's because he'll know your limits, I'm afraid, and this will only grow with your so-called 'relationship'."

Mr. Fire turned to his son now:

"Just go away, Dad."

The mean stallion sighed:

"Alright, Cloudfire... I will. Just answer me my one last question.. where did I go wrong? When you were a colt I worked hard to be honest and lead by example, yet I've churned out such a weak pony. I'm disappointed in you as I know you'll eventually tire of her and discard her. I look at those rings and I just see a price for contrition. I understand feeling bad about what you're doing, as you're not just wasting your life... you're wasting hers. That's the only sign of hope I see in you."

Cloudfire couldn't help himself. He changed at his father in a rage, raising a hoof to strike him. He'd only struck his father one time before, and that was when he was a colt. Daddy had no business coming back into his life, just to poison the good things he had. True or not, he was happy now and that's all that mattered. Daddy Fire didn't flinch at the approaching threat:

"Look at her... she's so young."

Everything seemed to slow before the ivory Earth Pony's hoof connected with his father's brow. The fountain, Derpy, his father, the ponies... all became distant and wavy, then black. Cloudfire smelled a familiar smell as he felt his body suddenly jerk forward as though he were kicked.

Part 3, Ch. 5 -- "Polarized Experience."

5
"Polarized Experience."

Cloudfire bolted awake, soaked in sweat, his eyes wide and desperate... it was all a dream.

He sighed heavily and happily. The day had yet to even begin and his Pegasus Fiancée was resting happily with her head on his chest. He stroked her mane:

"Derpy, if I could only show you how much of a neat pony I think you are. I respect you... I really do."

The gray pony moaned softly, giggling in her sleep.

He quietly stretched his body, feeling an odd ache deep in the pit of his gut, which felt like pure hunger. It was coupled with a need to urinate, made worse by the additional weight on his core. He started gently shifting his weight:

"As much as I love you... I gotta use the john. I'll be back."

He managed to wriggle out from underneath his sleeping Fiancée without actually waking her. She moaned loudly as he tucked her back in. He comforted the dreaming Pegasus by giving her a kiss to the forehead:

"It's okay, it's okay... I'll be back in a bit. Promise."

He picked up a loose pillow from the floor and set it by Derpy's face. She instinctively took the cool object in a warm embrace, letting out a contented sigh. He heard the snoring of a pony in a deep sleep as he left the room.

Cloudfire crept down the stairs quietly. It was dark, but he knew the way. This time there was no light on to help guide him. He felt for the wall with his flank until it ended, getting to the bottom stair.

He lumbered through the living room and into the restroom, hitting a chair along the way. There he closed the door, and did his business staring into the toilet. The longing in his gut got stronger as he stood there... he belched, then suddenly threw up his dinner. It surprised even him, as he didn't feel sick, yet thinking back he had a good idea as to what might've caused it...

* * *

After washing up he sleepily walked out, nearly into a wall. He was ready to head back upstairs and just get into bed with Derpy...

There was a creak by Daddy Hooves chair:

"I heard vomiting." Said the older Unicorn. "Are you alright, Cloudfire?"

The sleepy Earth Pony nearly jumped out of his skin.

"Yeah! I'm fine." Cloudfire belched. "Must've been too much candy from the Corner. Have you been sitting there the whole time?"

"Yeah..." The older Unicorn chuckled in a hushed voice. "I can't sleep. I didn't mean to startle you."

Cloudfire had run into this type of behavior once or twice... it always made him uncomfortable. Staying up late in the dark was odd, but... he set this uneasy feeling aside and tried to be a good future son-in-law. He took an interest and changed the subject at the same time:

"It's okay. Is there anything I can get you?"

"Well, that's kind of you," replied the shadows. "You vomit violently and then offer to get me something to help me sleep? Cloudfire, I'm fine. Thank you. Just a sleepless night. I have my cola... I'm all set."

Cloudfire sat down beside Daddy Hooves's chair:

"Seriously, Dad... What's on your mind? You're not normally up like this..."

"Wow." The older pony took a sip of his beverage. "That's very preceptive, Cloudfire. Your mother and father raised you well."

There was a long pause.

"Seriously, what is it? Did I do something?"

"Cola?" Asked the older Unicorn. "It's still cold..."

"No, thank you."

Again, the Unicorn sipped his cola.

"Alright, Cloudfire... I'll tell you: firstly I'm worried about Derpy. She's coming home exhausted at the end of the day, and lacking her... well, her luster. She's not irritable at least, but... it's not good what I'm seeing. You know what I'm talking about."

"Yeah. I'm worried about her, too. She's a strong pony and I'm doing what I can to help keep her from burning out."

"I believe you. She looks at you and I see it."

Mr Hooves took another sip of his soda and there was a long pause between the two.

"Second thing on your mind, sir?"

There was a sigh, followed by a chuckle:

"Are you really going to marry Derpy in a month or two like you said? That soon?"

"Yes. I plan on it. Very soon."

He felt Daddy Hooves nodding his head in the faint light as he took a yet another sip from his soda, thinking:

"Okay then. Here's what I want to do: I want you two to take a short trip before that... entirely on me. Go to the city... go camping. Do something fun that you're both going to enjoy. What the hay, go gambling if that's what you guys want. Consider this my treat to you, a warm-up to your Honeymoon and just a chance for you two to have fun before you tie the knot. Make Derpy happy for me."

"That's very generous of you, sir," Cloudfire chuckled. "I can think of many things me and Derpy would love to do right off the top of my head..."

"Good, good. Talk to her... share your ideas and get her excited! Then we'll all talk."

Cloudfire nodded:

"Alrighty then. I think I can do that easily enough."

"I don't doubt that. You understand her. She doesn't even have to say a word for you to know what's on her mind. That's love, and it makes me very happy to see in you two." Daddy Hooves got up after finishing his soda and gave Cloudfire a hug. "I feel better now. I was debating how to approach this... I don't think questioning you in front of my daughter would have been wise."

"I have to agree with you, sir."

"Oh, sweet Celestia... Call me Dad, Cloudfire. Please... you've been here a year."

"Okay... Dad."

Daddy Hooves stretched, popping his shoulders. Cloudfire could barely make him out:

"Well, that's that... go back to bed. It's almost 4:00 AM. I'm probably not going to sleep tonight. I'll be in the kitchen getting a midnight snack if you want one, too." He sauntered away from the Earth Pony. "Go out tomorrow... see her friends and just have fun. Talk with them. Stop at the Corner, the Boutique... get her something pretty to enjoy. And don't forget to talk to her friends! Anyway, it's your day off. Good night Cloudfire."

Daddy Hooves sauntered into to the kitchen, leaving Cloudfire by himself in the living room. The Earth Pony got up, stretching. He crept back upstairs to his Fiancées room, where she still peacefully slept. Before her bed he debated staying up and taking Daddy Hooves up on his offer... maybe eventually fixing her breakfast, but first getting something to fill his newly empty stomach.

The bed looked warm and inviting...

"She won't be up for a while," he whispered to himself, ultimately deciding to stay.

He tried to, very gently, push himself back in under the covers.

"Wha?" Derpy asked, half awake.

"Go back to sleep, dear..." He said, soothingly stroking Derpy's mane. "I'm just coming back in. Let's cuddle."

He didn't have to tell Derpy twice. Once he got into bed, she wrapped both her forelegs around him and sighed as he gently pressed his warm body into hers. He gave her a kiss. It didn't take long for sleep to envelop them both... They wouldn't be up for hours.

Part 3, Ch. 6 -- "Peace Tea."

6
"Peace Tea."

At 9:00 AM the two ponies rolled out of bed, Cloudfire first. Stumbling down the stairs, he went into the kitchen and threw together some breakfast for his sleepy Fiancée, which amounted to a couple eggs and some left over muffins, which he enjoyed as well. Then they took a walk.

The sun was bright, the morning hazy... the walk started out peaceful. Something happened during their walk that made Cloudfire's skin crawl, enveloping him with a sense of Déjà vu. After stopping by the fountain in the middle of town, with Derpy looking down and making faces in the water, Big Mac, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, and even Vinyl Scratch passed them by in the square exactly as they had in his dream. Then Rarity came by in an identical sun dress with Twilight and Spike following behind. The two waved hello to the group:

"Come join us for tea at 2:00 in the Library!" Twilight shouted.

"Everypony will be there!" Added Rarity.

Cloudfire found himself wanting to throw up again, but he kept it to himself:

It's just going to upset Derpy if I puke... he thought, taking a breath.

"I want to have tea with them, Cloudfire!" Exclaimed Derpy, not noticing her Fiancées paleness.

"We'll go, we'll go..." said Cloudfire, looking at the crystal clear water. "Just give me a moment... the water looks nice."

Nothing happened after that... they were only there for a few minutes more, but that was long enough for the old brown pony to show up. There was no older pony, save Granny Smith, who also passed them by at a slow pace. Cloudfire had a smile on his face as they left. Derpy giggled beside him, back to usual, bubbly self... just as he had hoped. He belched once on the way...

* * *

Today Ponyville was a busy town, alive with momentous activity. They walked casually for a couple miles, stretching their legs and chatting. While on their stroll they saw Pinkie Pie out and about with Rainbow Dash. From their giggling, it was likely they both had gotten the day off and were out playing pranks. Cloudfire liked to imagine what type of pranks they played, but both he and Derpy had yet to be the victims of one. They waved hi, the two mares smiling and waving in return. Twilight and Apple Jack were seen in front of the library "loudly discussing" various theories on the best ways to grow apples. The Earth Pony laughed, because he knew they were both right. Even Rarity and Fluttershy were out, in nice sun dresses, heading in the direction of the Spa:

"I always wanted to go there," said Derpy, as they waved to the mares. "But it's so expensive!"

"Maybe we'll go there before we go on our Honeymoon..." replied Cloudfire.

The Pegasus smiled:

"We get to go on a Honeymoon!?!"

"Oh yeah," he replied, winking. "We get a week of fun and being spoiled after we tie the knot... speaking of which, your dad wants to send us on a trip soon. Just for a few days, a bit before we get hitched as a way for us to have fun..." Derpy's eyes went wide. "... thought that might excite you."

"Yeah! When did you find out my dad wants to do this stuff?"

"Just this morning, before you got up. I was thinking... of something fun..." Cloudfire paused, playfully narrowing his eyes at his Fiancée. "Since you like the big outdoors... how's... camping sound?"

"Just the two of us?"

"Yup."

"I'd like that."

"Thought you might... I'm game for anything you like, so if you think of anything... just mention it."

The two ponies enjoyed their walk, heading away from the epicenter of Ponyville and towards the more rural parts. They almost lost track of time. However, once the sun got high, it was time to turn around:

"We should head to the Library now," said Cloudfire. "They're probably just setting up for tea."

It took them almost an hour to get back, but with the Library in sight Cloudfire saw Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash just arriving:

"That tea's going to hit the spot after all that pranking we did, Pinkie," said the rainbow-maned Pegasus. "Bet I can drink it with more sugar than you!"

"Oh, you're on Dashie!"

"Hey gals," Derpy said, as the two approached.

"Hey! You here for the tea party, too?" Asked Dash.

Cloudfire nodded.

The pink mare opened the door and stood beside it:

"Well then come on in!"

* * *

The two entered along with Rainbow and Pinkie, ready enjoy a quiet tea party at Twilight's library. The room was surprisingly alive with chatter, and sparely decorated with Rarity's festive, yet sophisticated flare. Rarity was standing by the table in what she would call "casual attire" and announced some new line of fashion she was working on as they entered... everything was a blur, so neither Cloudfire nor Derpy retained it, but they were happy to see everypony at the same time, and were happy for her. Rarity had mentioned everypony would be there, but it seemed only a fairly select group bothered to show up. Large enough for Cloudfire, though. Though Earth Pony wasn't much for crowds... and was happy to see just the Mane 6 there, along with the CMC out of robe. Derpy and Cloudfire settled between the two groups as Rarity poured the tea with her magic. The two silently enjoyed a few cups of black Darjeeling while the group chatted it up around them. It was going well and Cloudfire felt himself relaxing...

"I feel like I could run a mile!" A bug-eyed Derpy finally blurted out after twenty minutes of silence.

"Woah, slow down there, Derpy" chuckled Cloudfire, realizing he'd never seen Derpy on caffeine and seeing there were two empty mugs beside her. "You'll make yourself sick."

Derpy stuck her tongue out at him. He blinked twice in surprise:

"You're just afraid I'd beat ya," she said, cutely shaking her head.

"Oh, I'll race you if you want a challenge, Derpy," piped in Rainbow Dash, who was sitting across from the gray Pegasus. "And win, of course."

Derpy giggled:

"I'll take you up on that after this cup, Rainbow Dash!"

"You're on!"

Cloudfire watched as Derpy downed her mug of tea in one gulp, then disappeared out the door along with a rainbow blur. He started getting up...

"Darling, do take it easy," said Rarity, with a smile. "Rainbow's just out wearing down Derpy's energy... they're not about to overdo it."

"I know, I just want to check--"

"Trust us," said Twilight. "Derpy will be fine."

Cloudfire sighed:

"You're right..." He took a sip of his tea.

Twilight spoke up again:

"We haven't heard much from you two today... or for a while for that matter. What's going on?"

"Well, in a couple weeks, me and Derpy are taking a trip over what looks like is going to be a long weekend, then we're getting married. All of you are invited to the wedding, of course."

"That's wonderful, Cloudfire," said Rarity. "I'll help decorate, if you like."

"Me too!" Added Pinkie Pie. "I'll help with the reception!"

"Sure, just please keep it simple girls," replied Cloudfire with a smile. "I don't have much money anymore and I don't want Derpy's family shelling out many more Bits on us. They've done enough just by taking me in and sending us on this trip. I hope to give Derpy something of a nice Honeymoon out of my own pocket."

Both ponies nodded:

"Okay... we will accommodate your request."

"There's so much we can do for free with just some scrap construction paper and left over confetti!"

The Earth Pony smiled as he continued to sip his tea.

* * *

Cloudfire continued shooting the breeze with the Mane 6 for more than an hour. As he had another cup of tea, 4 cakes, and a few crisps before he got on the subject of work... all ponies fell quiet once he did that, turning ti him. He talked of the stress, Derpy's shaking while she tried to sleep, and the fact that she'd been less than her usual happy self lately:

"I can do the job just fine, but I'm really worried about her."

"You're doing everything you can to keep her happy," said Twilight. "That explains why we haven't seen much of either of you."

"If it doesn't work out," added Apple Jack, from across the table. "I'd imagine I can find something for her to do on the farm..."

"Or I can think of some way she can assist me with my animal friends." Added Fluttershy, who was beside Cloudfire.

I'm glad Rainbow's not here... Thought Cloudfire. The one pony who's actually worked with her... and I've only heard Derpy's side of it, but I know Rainbow won't keep her opinion to herself if it's bad... and something tells me she might not have constructive things to say.

Cloudfire spoke up:

"Your very good friends, and I don't know what tomorrow is going to bring. This may all blow over... Thank you for being there all the same."

As the Earth Pony continued chatting it up with most of the Mane 6, he realized Derpy had not returned yet. Another half hour passed and he tried to get up to check on her, just stick his head out the front door and look... see if she was in the air, on the ground. Where she was and what she was doing with Dash. He never made it out of the chair. Twilight and Rarity insisted he stay put, Fluttershy even got up and rubbed his shoulders:

"We know you love her, but even you need a break." Said the yellow Pegasus. "Rainbow Dash may be competitive, but she's responsible and loyal... she won't do anything extreme with Derpy."

"Whether you have a good reason or not, you don't wanna come off as overbearin'," said Apple Jack.

The ivory Earth Pony started to sit back down.

Pinkie suddenly appeared along side him with Fluttershy:

"That's it... Relax Cloudy! You're at a party!"

Again Cloudfire sighed... completely relaxing:

"Okay..."

* * *

Another half hour went by in which Cloudfire chatted away with his friends... maybe it was the Darjeeling, but he actually started to feel good.

Finally a sweaty Rainbow Dash came in with an even sweatier Derpy Hooves right behind her. Cloudfire bolted out of the chair once they stepped inside:

"That was a lot of fun!" She yipped. "I didn't know I could fly that well!"

"You just have to believe in yourself, Derps," replied Dash, patting the gray Pegasus on the back. "You even tuckered me out."

On sight, Derpy ran up to Cloudfire and wrapped her forelegs around him:

"You're not going to believe what I did!"

The Earth Pony chuckled:

"How about you tell me all about it on the way home... I dunno about you, Derpy, but I've had enough tea and cakes for today..." he turned back to the Mane 6. "If it's alright with everypony, Derpy included, I think we're going to depart now..."

"It's alright with me, Cloudfire! I wanna go home and play with you and Dinky!"

"I'm really glad you two had fun," said Rarity.

"Dun be a stranger now!" Added Apple Jack.

The rest of the Mane 6 nodded.

Waving farewell, Derpy and Cloudfire left the library. Derpy was bouncing in a way all too similar to Pinkie Pie as they walked out the door. Her mouth moved a mile a minute as they took the walk home. She described her adventures with her rainbow-maned friend... who apparently hadn't entirely tuckered her out. It was nice to see her full of zest again, at least:

"... and then we raced three laps around Sweet Apple Acres in the air! Rainbow Dash beat me, but then we..."

As they approached the door, Cloudfire rolled his eyes having had enough.. he couldn't tell her to stop, though. Instead of doing that, he ended up giving his hyper-active Fiancée a quick hug and peck on the cheek:

"I love you, Derpy."

* * *

When the ivory Earth Pony opened the door, he nearly fell over as his Fiancée went in like a shot ahead of him. Daddy Hooves was sitting in his chair reading and sipping a cola when Derpy approached:

"Cloudfire says you're gonna send us camping!" She blurted out.

The older Unicorn looked up from his paper as Cloudfire entered:

"Does he now?"

"Ya-huh!"

"Is that something you'd like?"

Derpy rapidly nodded her head.

"I haven't seen you this excited in a while..." Daddy Hooves chuckled. "Okay! If that's what you want, I'll do it." He looked up at Cloudfire. "Since this will be relatively inexpensive, expect me to chip in a bit on your Honeymoon."

"You don't have to..."

"I insist! I want you both to have a wonderful experience. And by both of you, I mean both of you."

Cloudfire cantered up to the sitting older pony. He gave him a hug:

"Thanks Dad..." He chucked. "A lot of Derpy's... 'excitement'... is coming from the 3/4 a liter of Darjeeling she just downed."

"Ah, yes... the tea party. Did you guys have fun?"

"Wha-" The Earth Pony pulled away. "How did you know about that?"

"Me and Mom were at Miss Rarity's shop the other day picking out some fabric for a project of hers... she dragged me a long, naturally. I can imagine you might know what that's like, huh?"

"I got there of my own accord..." Cloudfire replied, glancing over at Derpy. "... for love, of course."

Daddy Hooves smirked:

"Well, I mentioned how stressed you two have been, and Miss Rarity said she was throwing a party and it happened to be on your day off... I was going to mention it to you if you hung around for another day, but I take it she saw you two in town and invited you?"

"Yes."

"Good... she's a good friend. They all are, and I'm glad to hear you two had fun. I wanted her invite to be organic and from her, herself." The Unicorn opened his arms to Derpy, who rested her head in his shoulder. "Request a few days off a couple weeks before your wedding and I'll share with you a good spot in the woods for camping I used to take mom to. It's close enough to Sweet Apple Acres that if anything happens, it's just a hop-skip-and-a-jump back to civilization. You guys should have lots of fun."

Cloudfire smiled, looking down at Derpy as Daddy Hooves opened up his other side welcoming in Cloudfire for a hug. He joined his Fiancée and all three sighed.

"You guys have a good day, and don't worry about anything... you're both too young for that. And you have me and mom to help you out should anything go wrong."

* * *

The two played with Dinky until night fell after their conversation with Daddy Hooves. Derpy was... considerably more energetic and talkative, to the point that Dinky actually said "Just stop talking about it and throw the ball!" She had a good enough sense of humor to laugh about it at least.

That night they made love together. Cloudfire wasn't mounting Derpy yet, but they were still having plenty of fun doing what they were doing. Derpy was up until 4:00 AM because of the tea, chatting with Cloudfire in the dark, but at least... they felt at peace. It had been so long since they both felt this good.

Part 4, ch. 1 -- "Fire Inside..."

PART 4
1
"Fire Inside..."

A week passed by rather quickly, as things were still a bit unsettled. That's a given when two ponies about to get married. Derpy and Cloudfire were as excited as they were exhausted, yet despite their tension, neither pony projected at the other even the tiniest hint of irritability. They still had plenty to be happy about, after all...

During this short time, the wall-eyed Pegasus came home twice from her litter pick-up job, still shaking with exhaustion, but... at least it wasn't as bad as it had been before. Things had changed there and was she working much harder now than she physically could (or should) in the parks and fields... but the reality of her situation was that she could barely keep up. While some days she came home with energy, others she did not, and her fiancée just accepted this. Also exhausted from the workload, Cloudfire was beside himself with worry over her state... but he didn't care to share much of that with anypony. He simply held her tight on the long bus ride home until her shaking subsided and she drifted off peacefully for a nap. At least she wasn't shaking in bed anymore.

With the wedding coming up in just 10 days, there was much confusion and stress. Planning had yet to be done in any great detail, and although Rarity and Pinkie Pie were going to be coordinating the event at a reduced rate they were very eager to get a dialogue going. That simply added to the stress, confusion, and of course, joy felt by all ponies involved... especially Cloudfire, who'd seen enough generosity coming out of all the ponies around him. Derpy's response to the stress was to simply pretend things would be magically taken care of... it didn't surprise Cloudfire that some of the planning may have in fact been above her head, but minor details they'd been asking her for: where, time of day, type of cake to have... they could not get a straight answer out of her. A headache for many involved, but understandable all the same for the ponies who knew Derpy well enough to know what she was really saying:

I want to, but this is really big, and I'm nervous and shy.

There was one constant, however. One thing at the end of the day that comforted both their tired minds and didn't demand any particular amount of focus or attention. Each night the soon to be married ponies slept peacefully curled up on Derpy's bed, now their bed. With warm bodies wrapped tightly around each other... Cloudfire continued to double as Derpy's teddy bear as she drifted off snuggling his muscular frame.

Derpy Hooves loved Cloudfire and felt safe next to his body. It comforted her even when she shook the worst on the long ride. The rare times she woke up while it was still dark out he was still there with her, and she found herself looking up at him in the faint moonlight with complete wonder as he breathed deep in his sleep. The Earth Pony was always there for her. When she was afraid, he gave her strength. When she was mad, he made her laugh. When she was happy, he shared the joy with her. He never asked for anything in return, except that Derpy continue to be herself. This is how she saw it and it wasn't far from the truth.

Truth was, Cloudfire hadn't been sleeping all that well. He'd been keeping it away from them all... well, almost all of them. He'd fall asleep fine, but occasionally he'd jolt awake in the middle of the night and stay up for the rest. It was usually because he'd had a nightmare. What exactly was happening in the nightmares, he hadn't told anypony...

They were always the same. He and Derpy would be on familiar grounds in Ponyville. Not bothering anypony, they would be lost together in a wonderful moment of joy and peace. Around them, out living their own lives, would be the ponies Derpy cared deeply about... Apple Jack, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, even Rainbow Dash. He would feel content knowing that they were all there, too, and he'd even venture far enough to say he actually felt happy somewhere for once... like he was going to stay forever. The fact that this feeling was spilling over into real life simply intensified this dilemma, especially since in his dream something unpleasant usually followed this:

A pony half his size would worm a way in from the shadows on his blind side... this pony would then ruin it. "It" being their shared happiness -- the intruder would somehow become hostile towards Derpy and their relationship before Cloudfire could even react. Nasty, horrible things would spill from that pony's mouth like rancid, rabid foam. The small Pegasus would be defenseless against the rancor, going instantly from smiles to tears. Worst part of this torture is that a couple times it came from a pony he'd once known, from someplace far away...

Throughout his daily life, he'd heard much of this negativity in Ponyville already, though that had long faded. Hushed whispers and mean looks used to fill the corners of squares when he was out and about living life... it only made sense that in a dream it would be no different... if anything, less real. It ate at him because it was as though he still expected to hear these things during the day, but didn't. Not now. He should be happy, because he respected and loved Derpy, and was always there for her, but... why was he bothered so much by something that didn't even exist?

Cloudfire was confused.

* * *

Three nearly sleepless nights in a row -- one where he stayed in bed and stared into the ceiling, two where he got up without waking Derpy and silently snunk down to the can. Afterwards he'd find himself standing in either the stairwell or the living room, staring off into space... wondering what was happening to his mind. Perhaps he was being too introspective, and was just not used to having somepony so wonderful so close... Derpy was, in his mind, quite a wonderful pony to be in love with. It made sense to him that maybe what he was feeling was fear. After all, to have somepony subvert their relationship with no cause... to lose her now to doubt and anger he could not protect her from, especially doubt and anger about him... that would be devastating. He didn't know for sure what this feeling was, but his body told him he might be afraid. He'd woken up to vomit one time a week before, and each time since he bolted up feeling he was going to be sick yet again.

On the third night of this sleepless pattern Cloudfire could at least relax a little... he and his fiancée had the following day off to make an outline with their coordinators. He'd gotten up quietly and went downstairs to pee, standing in the living room afterwards to reflect on his nightmare. As he had the night before in the stairwell, he breathed slowly and deeply... trying to relax. It came out more shallow than intended, and turned into hyperventilating before he even realized it. From the kitchen came the sound of a faint pop... followed by a fizz. He felt a presence shuffle in his direction from next room, and could see Daddy Hooves's dim outline in the kitchen doorway:

"You alright?"

Cloudfire laughed, hiding his anxiety with false humor as he sat down in a chair:

"I'm so used to you being up by now I half expect it!"

Daddy Hooves sat across the room in his own chair:

"Why were you breathing like that? Do you need a doctor... or just somepony to talk to? You can talk to me."

"I think I'm just nervous..." He replied, twiddling his hooves. "Say, if you've got an extra... can I have a Cola, too?"

"By all means!" The older Unicorn passed him a bottle using his magic. "I think maybe you two have been spending too much time in doors."

The Earth Pony opened the bottle, taking a swig of the sweet caffeinated liquid, thinking about what to say next:

"In four days we'll be off in the wilderness. You've yet to show us your famous spot, dad."

"I will later if you like... after we talk with Rarity and Pinkie. We'll have lunch there."

"Sounds good."

Daddy Hooves paused, taking a long sip before beginning his next thought:

"Cloudfire, I was thinking..."

The Earth Pony laughed, taking a quick sip:

"Thinking, Dad? That's dangerous..."

Daddy Hooves shook his head, chuckling as he explained... in a relaxed tone of voice his soon to be son-in-law had yet to hear:

"I was thinking, Cloudfire... How 'bout we take a day trip afterwards? All three of us... maybe get your minds off this stressful wedding and on to more carefree things. How's the big city sound? I'm thinking Philideplhia."

Sipping his soda a bit longer this time, the Earth Pony replied:

"Why go all the way there?"

The Unicorn chuckled:

"Get some camping supplies for you two. A special trip... I know, I know... you don't want me to get you anything special. Consider it an early birthday or Hearth's Warming Eve present to you both. I was going to go myself for the occasion, surprise you two before your trip, but... maybe you might like to tag along and have some say. Besides, the only place to go to get good quality supplies for a trip is the city. Ponyville supplies would be just fine, granted... but you two are getting married soon. I only want the best for you both. What'd do you say?"

Cloudfire was quick to respond:

"I wouldn't want to inconvenience you..."

Daddy Hooves was just as quick:

"Inconvenience me, Cloudfire?" He chuckled. "This is my idea, son, that I was ready to do by myself. You must not be feeling well!"

"Honestly, I'm not..." Cloudfire again took a long drink from his soda, still thinking. "Where abouts in Philidelphia would we be going?"

"Just to the Surefire store by bus. I imagine if we left here in the middle afternoon we could be back by sunset. What'd ya say?"

The idea of going to the city for these items seemed absurd... but to Surefire's? The suggestion triggered a visible reaction in the ivory Earth Pony, which fortunately it was too dark to see. Just in case, Cloudfire covered for it with a laugh:

"Isn't that a little expensive?"

"It's my treat... Please don't make me beg. You won't like it."

"You're already treating us enough, but... fine," Cloudfire finished his soda, setting it in front of his chair. "If Derpy wants to go, then I'll come along, too."

"Splendid! I haven't been there in years."

The Earth Pony got up from his chair and turned towards the stairs:

"It's been a while for me, too... since I've been to any city shops." Cloudfire stretched, hoping to give the impression he was in a more leisurely mood than he actually felt. "I'm going to go back to bed... see you in a few hours then?"

"It certainly seems that way." Daddy Hooves laughed, watching his future son-in-law's silhouette approach the stairs. "I never had the reason to go back there until now... you were right when you said things are expensive, but you two are worth it to me. Everything I do for you two I don't just do for Derpy... you know that, right Cloudfire?"

The Earth Pony stopped dead in his tracks, lowering his head... there was a long pause.

"Dad?"

"Yes son?"

"Thanks."

He then left the older pony sitting in the living room. He ascended the stairs to his sleeping fiancées room, eager to get back to bed.

After he left, Daddy Hooves got up slowly... knocking the bottle over which was set next to Cloudfire's chair. He looked up in the direction of the stairs as he heard the door gently close:

That is not like him...

Part 4, Ch. 2 -- "At Both Ends."

"At Both Ends."
2

Derpy slept peacefully on Cloudfire's chest as Celestia's brought out the sun over Ponyville. Its brilliant rays cast over the horizon's edge, piercing their thin window shade. Beams hit the wide-eyed Earth Pony, who had been staring blankly at the ceiling since around 4:09 AM. Though he was thoroughly wired, that wasn't because of any left over caffeine surging through his viens. In his head, thoughts raced a mile a minute, scrambled in fragments:

Later today... Derpy won't be there. Why? She cares. Sweet Apple Acres. Surefire's... Camping... shaking. Rarity.

His eye twitched from all the stress. He hugged his fiancée tightly while she snored across his chest:

"I love you," he said, giving her forehead a kiss. "I really do."

The small Pegasus winced in her sleep... then cracked a smile.

After that he continued to try to sleep... but couldn't.

The alarm didn't go off until 9:30 that morning, and when it finally did sound... Cloudfire shut his eyes and breathed deep. Derpy shot out of bed and shut it off. With his eyes shut, he waited for it...

"Wake up, Cloudfire!" She exclaimed, poking him in the stomach. "A lot of neat stuff is going to happen today. I can't wait go to Apple Jack's farm with you and Dad!""

Opening his eyes, he turned towards the excited Pegasus and smiled:

"Hey there. Sleep well?"

"Yeah!"

"Good, good." He stretched. "How 'bout you go say hi to Dad for me, then I'll get up and make breakfast... how's that sound?

"Okee!" Before he could say another word, Derpy took off like a shot towards the door. She turned back briefly, giggling, "you're a sleepyhead lately, Cloudfire!"

"Guilty as charged," he said, winking, as she ran off down the stairs. "Oh, Sweet Celestia... every part of me is exhausted."

* * *

Twenty minutes later, Cloudfire managed to drag himself downstairs and into the kitchen. The room was spinning, but he had a mission: make eggs for not only Derpy, but also Dinky and himself. They were all there now, gathered around the table. Daddy Hooves was there, too, enjoying yet another cola while the sleepy Earth Pony tended to breakfast in the corner... his eyes glazed over, his mind in a fog:

"I can take over if you want me to, Cloudfire." The Unicorn offered. "You look like you need to sit down."

"I got it, dad," he replied blankly. "Thanks, though."

It wasn't long for the meal to get served up, and though it was slightly overdone, nopony complained. The family ate their food as Cloudfire looked out from the window at the mid-morning skies... still spacing, still far away in a haze. Daddy Hooves set an opened bottle in front of him:

"It's a treat," he said. "To help keep you going during all the stuff we have to do today."

"Thanks," he said, drinking the entire cola in a couple of gulps. "We're coordinating this big thing first, right?"

"Right. Then the meadow behind Sweet Apple Acres."

"Nice to know the agenda for sur--" Cloudfire was cut short.

Dinky, being a typical excited foal, took the opportunity to suddenly blurt out what she would be doing to help (causing the Earth Pony's mane to stand on end):

"Me, Mommy, and Derpy are going to hand out Invitations to ponies while you're talking to Ms. Rarity and Pinkie Pie!"

Excitement... pure excitement. Kid's a lot like her big sister.

"Yes you are," Cloudfire replied out loud, glancing back at Derpy. "You sure you don't want to be around to talk about your wedding with them? It's pretty important."

They already knew her answer:

"It's okee." She said. "I dunno much about weddings. I think I'd just be really quiet. I trust you and Daddy, and besides... handing out invitations sounds like fun!"

Know yourself better than you think, Derpy...

Unseen to his daughter, Daddy Hooves rolled his eyes while he finished his soda. Still, he tried:

"Well, remind me then, Derpy... Is there anything you want? ... music, maybe a place you really like? We need something to go on."

This was the umpteenth time he asked her that very open-ended question, but surprisingly she didn't hesitate or balk this time. Maybe it had something to do with it finally being her day off...

"Umm... I like the Sugar Cube corner!"

The older Unicorn's face lit up:

"I'm sure we can have the reception there..."

"Do you want the wedding out doors?" Asked Cloudfire, still staring out the window.

"Yeah!"

Daddy Hooves smiled as he thought:

"I think we can arrange something..."

Derpy looked excited as she ate:

"I'd like that." She turned to Cloudfire. "Don't you want to eat, too?"

He stayed facing the window while he answered:

"In a bit." He turned to Dad. "I am feeling a bit better now."

"Glad to hear it. Another Cola?"

"Yeah."

* * *

Derpy, Dinky, and Mommy Hooves all left for their appointed tasks, leaving two formal invitations nestled with small donations for Pinkie Pie and Rarity's time. Both would be coming within the hour.

The house now was quiet, a stark comparison to the noise filling it only minutes before. Cloudfire ate his breakfast in peace with yet another bottle of cola opened beside him. It was first time he'd found himself eating alone in months... it felt strange, but... at the moment he liked it. Though he wasn't feeling himself by any stretch, the caffeine and silence were definitely helping. Daddy Hooves left him alone... on the other side of the room the dishes were drying as the unicorn cleaned the counter tops. He knew Cloudfire was exhausted and didn't ask for any help. The poor Earth Pony was barely able to put on a decent smile for the meeting. He kept his head low for now, almost in his hooves, periodically sipping his caffeinated drink. Sitting down, he'd be fine. He kept telling himself that...

Once the dishes were away, and all that was left was the Earth Pony's mostly finished soda, there was a faint knock at the door. Daddy Hooves went for it before the second tap, ready to welcome the guests inside. Cloudfire stayed at the table, keeping his eyes low, but listening for hoof steps. He heard a lyrical voice coupled with a higher one -- it was Rarity, along with Sweetie Belle:

"Come in!" Said Daddy Hooves.

"I'll be happy to set these bags down!" Exclaimed an out of breath Sweetie Belle.

"Patience, patience!" Rarity shuttered. "And be careful with that, Sweetie Belle!"

Cloudfire raised his head in time to see the two in the doorway -- the sophisticated mare was dressed in smart purple business attire, wearing her red-rimmed glasses. It was plain to see that she meant business, as she stepped into the kitchen to say hello to Cloudfire... who got right up, instinctively offering the lady his chair:

"Please!" He said with a smile, despite the lingering exhaustion. So much for staying seated...

"Why, thank you dear!" Replied Rarity, setting a bag on the table with her sister. "My, my... you certainly do look... nervous? Don't be. We're here to help!"

"Thank you, Ms. Rarity. I'll keep that in mind..." The stallion yawned, finding a chair for Sweetie Belle and himself. "How are you this fine morning?"

"I'm well darling! Yourself?"

Before they were even done exchanging pleasantries, there was yet another knock at the door:

"I'll get it!" Shouted Daddy Hooves, half way to the door already.

Cloudfire knew who was coming next... Pinkie Pie had arrived in her usual festive glory. She came in surprisingly quiet, only greeting Daddy Hooves with a simple, enthusiastic "Hi!" at the door. The ivory Earth Pony could barely hear her hoof steps and was half-expecting some gag once she entered the kitchen. He waited for it in the silence... and waited for it... and waited some more, until she finally emerged into the kitchen with a big smile on her face, a few balloons in the air, and Gummy on a leash:

"Hello Cloudfire!" She exclaimed, throwing her forelegs into the air as Daddy Hooves got her a chair. "Heard you need help planning a party? I'm your gal!"

She sat down alongside Rarity and put her hooves on the table with a serious look in her eye. Her antics were completely visual and, surprising to Cloudfire, completely over with. Now it was time to get serious. Like Rarity, she was all business now. The only thing she did that was even the tiniest bit Pinkie Pie was occasionally stroke her surprisingly well-behaved pet gator Gummy, who was kept along side the table and out of the way the whole time.

* * *

With everything laid on the table, mugs of warm tea provided for all guests (and Cloudfire), they discussed all the options in detail... Daddy Hooves let Cloudfire start:

"We don't need a big wedding," said the Earth Pony off the bat.

"Derpy certainly doesn't seem to be too preoccupied with the idea of having one, either," added Daddy Hooves. "She'd rather be out passing the invitations than here with us now. I say keep it simple."

"Darlings, we're here to make it memorable and special," replied Rarity. "Even without being spectacular, we can still give it style."

"Isn't a good reception part of what makes a wedding so awesome?"

"That's true, Ms. Pinkie..." Said Daddy Hooves. "We won't need that big of a cake, either. We're having under 20 guests."

"I could always scale down my Marzipan Mascarpone Meringue Madness!"

The name got Cloudfire's attention:

"That sounds pretty good."

The pink mare giggled:

"I call it 'Mmmm' for a reason!"

Rarity had a thought:

"You said she likes the fresh air... I could always run the idea by Apple Jack of having the wedding itself at Sweet Apple Acres?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea," said the older Unicorn. "I could ask that today. We're due to visit them later."

"Wonderful!" Rarity started writing notes on the meeting. "So, now with a possible location now decided, I have a few ideas for some wreath decorations that might go with it. Your wedding needs a theme, after all. It can't just be a mish-mash of everything but the kitchen sink! How do you feel about..."

The meeting went on for an hour and a half. Cloudfire tried to keep awake but it was very difficult. He found himself zoning in and out, beginning to fall asleep with his eyes open if one side of a conversation went on too long... coming back into focus whenever Pinkie Pie or Sweetie Belle's higher-pitched voices suddenly uttered a word or two. He acted convincingly, though -- to Rarity he looked nervous and a bit focused; to Pinkie Pie and Sweetie Belle he looked as though he was bored to tears... both thought it really sweet he was willing to discuss the wedding details with them even though he and Derpy had very little interest in the actually ceremony. That wasn't true, he wanted to give it some flair... but he was too sleepy to give it his attention. Fortunately, Daddy Hooves picked up on his state and started talking even more... until Cloudfire simply had to answer yes or no to the occasional simple question. Everything had become a blur to him... but he could still function.

After business was discussed, notes were gone over and traded. Cloudfire had one thing to say before they left:

"Thank you all for coming!" He got out of his chair and slowly cantered up to the two, setting envelopes in front of them. "Come to the wedding as our official guests. You will be there... won't you?"

"Why thank you!" Rarity replied. "We're going to have to come though... we're overseeing certain aspects of it!"

The older Unicorn put a hoof to his face. Cloudfire was getting a bit sloppy, but he still let him do the talking for this part. He did add one thing, however:

"You'll find a small fee paid in the envelopes to both of you for your time here today."

"Thank you!" Exclaimed Rarity. "That was not necessary..."

Cloudfire then turned to Sweetie Belle, wobbling a bit on his hooves:

"You and your friends are invited, too. Please come! We want to see all three of you there having fun with us at the reception."

Rarity turned to her little sister, who was silently looking up the wobbly pony... watching him sway back and forth:

"What do you say, Sweetie Belle?"

The little Unicorn was silent for a moment:

"Um... thanks!"

"Sit down, Cloudfire," said Daddy Hooves getting up and offering him a chair. "You're obviously very nervous about all this."

"I'm fine, dad." He replied, leaning against the wall, shaking sleep from his eyes.

The two mares shot each other a concerned look. Rarity spoke up:

"I think this is as good a time as any for us to depart. Having an idea of what you are envisioning means we must get to work now and begin some of the more... tedious aspects of our jobs."

"By all means," said Daddy Hooves, walking up to the table to pull out the unused chairs, giving the mares more space to gather their things. "Get in touch with either of us if you have any questions."

Pinkie saluted him.

"Same goes for you," replied Rarity.

It didn't take them long to pack up. Cloudfire stood in the corner watching them as they departed. He followed the mares and filly to the front door, where he started to wave as they walked away. When they were well faded from view, he still continued to wave... Daddy Hooves had one thing to say:

"Go lay down son. Derpy won't be back for at least another hour." Staring off into Ponyville, the Earth Pony did not move. "Get some sleep, Cloudfire. Move your tail!"

"Okay...." He sleepily replied, turning around and slowly ascending the stairs.

He went right to his shared bedroom and laid down in bed, not bothering to even shut the door. Resting on his stomach, he felt himself starting to fade. The shades were drawn, giving the space a relaxing, pink glow. He looked up to the window, into the faint glow of sunshine, and sighed... he didn't remember a thing after that.

Part 4, Ch. 3 -- "In the Backdraft..."

3
"In the Backdraft..."

How the stresses of the world are so easily forgotten when one is at rest. Far away, in a warm, dark place... Cloudfire finally felt at peace. His surroundings, quiet and happy, held their silence. He was without pain, longing, or fear. Relaxation cradled him while safety dulled him. Derpy, the family, his job... none of that mattered right now. Only this.

In the distance, he heard a noise... a faint thumping, like a heartbeat. It quickly grew closer... louder... faster... then stopped. A familiar voice cut through his bliss, evaporating it entirely by the second word:

"Dad says you're napping!"

Derpy was speaking to him. He knew that right away. His time spent sleeping seemed almost instantaneous, though he did feel a tad more rested. He wanted more, though... but it seemed like he wasn't going to get it. He struggled to open his eyes, even though he was already pretty much awake:

"Yeah... how did passing out the invitations go?"

"Really well!"

"Excellent... I'll be right down."

Derpy looked awkwardly at the floor for a moment. Predicting a pattern he wasn't in the mood for, Cloudfire prepared to ask her what the problem was... when she finally spoke up:

"Dad says to ask if you feel like going... why wouldn't you feel like going?"

The Earth Pony took in a deep breath:

"Derpy, I didn't sleep well last night... but I'll be fine."

"Okee!" The Pegasus smiled at him. "Dad also says to get your saddlebags!"

Before he could even answer, she ran quickly downstairs. Cloudfire heard a familiar succession of hoof beats followed by a bang -- he knew that sound, and could picture her nearly tumbling towards the end. Left in silence, he stretched... feeling a bit less stiff. He then grabbed his saddlebags in the corner and headed downstairs, where he found two smiling ponies waiting by the door.

They waste no time...

"Ah, Cloudfire," said Daddy Hooves, holding up a blanket and basket with his magic. "Help me carry a few things and we'll be on out way!"

"No problem," answered the Earth Pony, opening up his saddle bags for loading.

He took one look at the items being levitated towards him -- it was more than he was expecting, but he smiled all the same.

* * *

It was a beautiful day in Ponyville. The three ponies went out slowly trotting their way to Sweet Apple Acres in the afternoon sun. Derpy and Daddy Hooves chatted in the front of the group while Cloudfire lagged in the back. Though he was still quite tired and kept his head down the whole way, the Earth Pony was mostly unphased the bright light of the day. He was also enjoying a work-free day in the fresh air. He easily carried the saddle bags and picnic basket -- his bags stuffed with a couple of thick blankets and plastic plates. Daddy Hooves had offered him help, but he declined... in fact, he insisted on taking everything himself:

"I'm fine, and if it does get heavy... I'll let you know," he said.

"Alright, Cloudfire."

With the basket in his mouth, carrying all that stuff by himself was an excuse to not talk to anypony. In fact, he didn't pay much attention to either of them the whole way out. His mind was far away. Not on anything in particular... he was just plain tired and not in the mood. He wanted to be back in bed, but he wouldn't have told anypony that. It would ruin the day. Besides, he'd hardly seen Daddy Hooves out in the daylight before, and the older Unicorn sparkled in a way Cloudfire could not have predicted. Cloudfire had never seen him so happy, so up-beat, in all the time he'd known him. He actually... kind of resembled an older, extroverted version of the Earth Pony on a good day. Today was not a good day.

When they finally got to the Acres, Daddy Hooves was the first to notice Apple Jack and Big Mac working off in the fields by the barn:

"Wait here, you two," he said to his daughter and future son-in-law. "There's something I need to discuss with them alone."

The older Unicorn then slowly cantered over to the farm ponies by himself, looking back at the two fiancées and waving before exchanging pleasantries with the Apples at work. Cloudfire wasn't too interested in the particulars of what they were talking about, looking to Derpy as her dad waved. She smiled and waved back. He did the same. The Earth Pony remembered enough of an earlier conversation with Daddy Hooves to playfully tease his fiancée (which he did only so she wouldn't ask him why he was being so quiet):

"If he's talking about what I think he's talking about... you're going to be quite happy Derpy."

Innocently, she looked up at her sleepy companion:

"What'd ya mean?"

He smiled big:

"You'll see."

Keeping up the appearances of not being exhausted certainly was exhausting.

Sure enough, once Daddy Hooves came back there was a certain look of... satisfaction about the way walked. With the distance, it was hard to see his face for sure, but both ponies could tell he was either good mood or genuinely excited. Cloudfire would've guessed right.

Daddy Hooves walked up to his daughter with a triumphant smile on his face:

"Derpy, I want you to answer me very directly... okay?"

"Yeah!"

"I mean it... no horse pucky this time. I'm going to ask you a yes or no question."

"Okee!"

Satisfied with the one word answers he was getting from his daughter, Daddy Hooves took a breath:

"Do you want to have your wedding here? The Apples will allow it."

The gray Pegasus paused... then looked at the ground, playing with her hooves. She rocked on her feet, not answering her father.

Daddy Hooves was about to repeat the question when he was surprised by what was said next:

"Come on Derpy," Snapped Cloudfire, finally losing his patience. "Your dad and I have been pretty understanding when it comes to you not wanting to make any decisions about this. We had wedding planners at the house today and we are running out of time. We are both very tired of this. You're not just holding up me and your dad, you're holding up your friends. Just tell him what you want already!"

Derpy looked up at her fiancée as though she could start to cry. There was a hint of anger in his tone that warranted a passing glance from Dad. The surprisingly angry look in his normally mellow blue eyes justified it, yet what he said hadn't exactly been out of line. Unfortunately the Unicorn was at a loss.

"Well, Derpy?" Daddy Hooves sighed. "Just say yes or no."

She answered softly:

"Yeah..."

Cloudfire couldn't hear her, replying curtly:

"What was that?"

"Yeah..." She said, again, a lone tear rolling down her cheek. "I'd like that."

"Thank you!" The Earth Pony exclaimed, rolling his eyes in annoyance. "Was it really that hard to make a decision?"

"Hey, be nice to my daughter," snapped the older Unicorn. "This is the first time I've ever seen you like this, Cloudfire... it's disturbing."

The Earth Pony immediately flushed red, the anger leaving his face:

"Sorry! I'm just... frustrated with all this. Very, very frustrated."

Daddy Hooves forced a smile, patting his daughter on the back:

"Understandably so, I guess." Father and daughter started off, leaving the Earth Pony to follow. "We can have the wedding here, but we'll worry about that later. Right now let's have some fun and find that spot I've been talking about."

* * *

Lead Daddy Hooves, the two went behind the farm house and into the forest. Instantly it went from sunny to dark and lush. Cloudfire kept his distance behind them, keeping his eyes forward, looking for the end of the trees. After about a hundred or so feet of woods they came to a huge clearing, stretching for miles:

"It's at the edge of this meadow!" Exclaimed Daddy Hooves, sounding like something of a tour guide. "Just a bit over a mile this way... it's technically on Sweet Apple Acres property, but just barely. They won't be planting any apple trees there, the surrounding woods are too thick. Me and the Mrs. loved this place for that reason."

Derpy giggled, looking around the meadow by her father. Cloudfire smirked in the back, still totting all the baggage:

"Sounds neat," he muttered through the basket.

Daddy and Derpy continued talking while Cloudfire lagged, looking around at the meadow. It was sparsely populated by trees and brush... very open and green. If he were a Pegasus, he'd love to land here before going back to Ponyville... there was nothing around for miles, except maybe a few animals and the distant farm house. It would be a great place to transition. He sighed.

If only...

It was a thought he hadn't had for a long time. He hadn't missed it, but now... he'd prefer to be alone, even with those thoughts.

* * *

Just like Daddy Hooves had said, it was a good mile before they finally got to their destination... which is nothing for even the most out of shape of ponies. Their guide stopped in his tracks and turned to face the Earth Pony:

"Here we are!"

Cloudfire's eyes shifted around the site, taking it all in. The Unicorn chose to say nothing after that, allowing the eyes of the two ponies to see for themselves what made this particular spot so special:

Isolated perfectly on a mound out of the way of rainfall beside the bottom of a steep ravine, the campsite had many features flowing into one and other -- a canopy of thickly entangled branches serving to not only shield it from the suns rays, but also block out the wind. Aiding with this were the cliffs to the immediate east, complete with a small cave at their base. Externally the site had a cozy vibe to it -- it was open and lush, much like the meadow, but there were no scattered shrubs. Instead the grass grew the tallest and thickest in a knoll near the center beside the mound, forming a patch roughly the size of an adult pony curled up.

Cloudfire knew from the two long, supine logs positioned horizontally on either side of the patch that was where the fire burned... the grass was always the greenest where the fire lie. The logs looked old but sturdy -- they were made for sitting and he welcomed that idea.

While Cloudfire sat and vegged, Derpy looked around at the campsite in awe. Above her the canopy did its job -- the light of the early afternoon sun was dim and broken into shadowy fragments where it hit the ground. There were no sudden gusts of wind, but rather a gentle breeze filtered through the air. Laying down in the grass, she looked up into the clear blue sky and smiled. The minute difference made it feel it very out of the way and special compared to the places they'd been walking. Like it was made for a couple ponies who just wanted a little space and privacy.

Derpy got up, curiously looking over towards the cave. Its mouth was nearly as high as Cloudfire was tall, wide as he was broad.

She approached it, bellowing "Hello!" into it's opening. She noticed a faint echo as her father approached. "What's in there?" She asked her Dad, while Cloudfire stretched in the background.

"That goes pretty deep," he replied. "Probably over 200 hundred feet. If you go deep enough, you're liable to run into run into snakes or bats. It's too narrow for anything much larger."

"Can I go exploring in there with Cloudfire?"

Daddy Hooves glanced back at his daughter's fiancée, half asleep on his log, and chuckled:

"You're certainly welcome to adventure with anyone, Derpy. I'll come if you like... but we don't have a flash light and you're probably just going to run into something icky. This cave's here if your tent breaks and it rains, just don't go in too deep and you'll be fine. Me and your mom had to use it once when it started raining hard unexpectedly on our first trip. It was a lot of fun."

Derpy stepped away from the cave and smiled:

"Okee-dokie!"

The older Unicorn casually wandered over to Cloudfire, who was resting with his head in his hooves like he had a migraine:

"Maybe catch a few winks before we eat?"

"I'm fine."

"Well, then... shall I show you the rest?"

"Fine."

The Earth Pony got up and began to follow the two other ponies, continuing to keep his head down but listening all the same. Daddy Hooves was... concerned by his behavior, but just chalked it up to nerves and tiredness. He didn't let his concern be known to either of them, and instead he continued on with the tour, again with the flair of a paid guide:

"There's a pond by the end of the ravine. If you're going to swim in it, be careful... it goes well over your head, Cloudfire."

"Got it," said the Earth Pony.

Daddy Hooves went on:

"We can go over to the top of the cliff... but take care, it's a good 35 feet down."

He waited for the Earth Pony's response, but noticed he just stood there not looking too terribly engaged by anything going on around him. He waited, and waited, and waited... until he finally asked directly:

"Shall we go up?"

"Okay," was Cloudfire's flat and immediate reply.

They ascended the cliffs by a trail opposite end of the ravine where they entered. It wasn't exactly a steep climb, but the trail was narrow and a made a few sharp curves. It took maybe 30 seconds for them to get to the top, and once they did... Cloudfire was pulled out of his daze by what he saw only to be rendered speechless. Looking over the ravine, so close to the edge... he felt like he was in the air. The sun sparkling against the water below was memorizing.

"It's beautiful." Derpy said, looking out into the foliage.

"It is," replied Daddy Hooves, looking over at Cloudfire. "Thought you might like it."

"Oh, I do," he said, laying down by the edge and looking out. "It's wonderful."

The Unicorn stretched:

"Let's get a good view, then go back down... we can have some lunch then enjoy a leisurely trek to the bus stop."

Derpy looked disappointed when he said that:

"I don't want to go yet," she said.

"We'll be here in a matter of days, Derpy." Said Cloudfire, getting up and stretching. "I promise you, we're gonna ha-" He shook his head. "We're going to make some- ... We're gunna--"

Daddy Hooves, not a pony to play around about such things, got immediately concerned:

"Are you alright?"

Cloudfire smiled:

"Oh, I'm feeling a bit... okay, I guess. How're you dad? I'm fine. Wonderful."

The Earth Pony's legs began to buckle as he fell down to his side, closing his eyes... he didn't remember a thing after that.

Part 4, Ch. 4 -- "Crashing."

"Crashing."

He'd been resting for what seemed like along time... hours spent peacefully laying there, not moving. He was at least finally getting some sleep.

As if propelled by some sudden jab in the back, Cloudfire bolted upright in a very unexpected burst of adrenaline. Swinging hooves wildly he cried out into the darkness. His hooves moved unrestricted, connecting with what he then realized was just air. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at the world around him:

His surroundings were unfamiliar. He was in a large bedroom, resting on a queen sized bed, in the dark. From the window to his left he could see, through its closed shade, that it was light outside. His surroundings felt homey, rustic, and practical, the air relaxing.

"You're awake," said a soft male's voice to his right side. "You had us all worried."

Slowly, he turned to look at the pony speaking. It was Daddy Hooves.

"Where am I?" He asked, rubbing his eyes.

"You're in the Apple's farm house. If you're wondering what in the wide, wide world of Equestria brought you here, I can answer that... you fainted. Can't say I didn't see it coming. You've been out for, oh..." He looked over at a clock on the corner wall," just under 4 hours. We were getting ready to call the Doctor."

"Wow," he stretched, feeling much more rested than he had before. "Thank you for getting me here."

"Thank Big Mac," replied the Unicorn, chuckling. "And my Daughter.. I had to send her here to get him -- I've never seen her fly so quickly. You do know how much she loves flying, right?" Silence momentarially passed over them in a wave as Daddy Hooves took a breath. "Big Mac came running and carried you here all by himself, saddlebags and all. You're almost as big as he is... he's pretty strong to be able to do that."

"Yeah." Cloudfire sleepily replied, rubbing his eyes. "Poor Derpy. She must've been hysterical... is she okay?"

Daddy Hooves got up and approached the bed, pulling himself on to end to position himself beside Cloudfire:

"Honestly Cloudfire... I can't see why she wouldn't be. You started blacking out mid-sentence while talking to her. Once she realized you weren't going to get up, all the color left her face. I honestly thought she was going to throw up right then and there. I had no choice... as you know, I told her to get one of the farm ponies. She left upset... to say the least. I felt for a pulse while she was gone, ready to attempt to revive you. You looked awful to begin with, I must admit... but you at least had a good, strong pulse. As for Derpy, she's downstairs talking with Apple Jack right now... I told her I'd get her when you woke up. I'm not letting her know you're awake until we're done talking here."

Cloudfire turned his head away, dreading what he knew was coming next:

"Alright. Let's talk."

* * *

Even though he couldn't see it, Cloudfire could feel the tension in Daddy Hooves as he spoke:

"Tell me, truthfully son... what's going on? I'm not dense, Cloudfire -- I knew you weren't telling me everything earlier this morning. Since it's interfering with our life at this point and I own the house you live in, you owe me an explanation. All I want you to do is just tell me what the problem is."

"I don't know."

"I don't know if I can believe that, Cloudfire." Daddy Hooves rubbed his head, beginning to get a headache. "Look, if it's hard to talk about, then I'm going to have to be rough and just say that's too bad... we've been very accommodating to you so far and, frankly, up until now you've been wonderful. When I said earlier I found your behavior disturbing, I meant it. This is not like you."

Cloudfire just sighed, and rather than getting angry... Daddy Hooves slowly ran through the list of more obvious possibilities:

"Are you having problems with my daughter?"

Not looking back, the Earth Pony shook his head.

"Perhaps you are having second thoughts about the wedding?"

Again, he shook his head.

"I love Derpy." He said, briefly turning back to face the Unicorn. "And I want to get married."

"What is it then, Cloudfire? Pretty please, just put my mind at ease. Keep me in the loop when it comes to my daughter. This has to have something to do with Derpy."

"I don't want to tell you."

Daddy Hooves chuckled:

"It can't possibly be that bad.... wait a minute. Do you have a criminal record?"

"No!"

"Well, I promise whatever it is... when you do tell me, I will not judge you. You have my solemn promise. Even if it means you and Derpy can't be together anymore. I love you, Cloudfire, but you can't do this to my family. It's not right."

Cloudfire took in some air. Biting the bullet, he mumbled the truth quietly beneath his breath.

"What?" Asked an impatient Daddy Hooves. "Speak CLEARLY."

"I said I've been having nightmares. I can't sleep at night... alright?"

The Unicorn was surprised by this answer:

"What kind of nightmares... Cloudfire?"

"Ones where I can't protect your daughter, Mr. Hooves. Ones where everything that can hurt her disrupts the one special thing we have and sends it away blackened and burning!"

Again, the Unicorn looked blown away:

"Wow, just... wow." He put his foreleg on Cloudfire's shoulder. "Is that really all that's been bothering you?"

"YES! Now please... just leave me alone."

He got up:

"Alright. Alright... then, do you want to see Derpy right now?"

"Right now," replied the Earth Pony, turning to face Daddy Hooves with unsettlingly cold blue eyes. "I don't want to see ANYPONY. Not you, not Derpy, not Mrs. Hooves. Not even the Apples. Nopony!"

The Unicorn's eyes went wide with surprise:

"Okay," he said, weakly. "Just take it easy for a bit... I'll check back in an hour."

There was no response.

Using his Unicorn Magic, he opened the door... looking back at the Earth Pony one final time before shutting it. The Earth Pony did not return his gaze.

* * *

Laying in the darkness of the Apple family's guest bedroom, Cloudfire should have surprised... this was the time for introspection, yet he felt nothing. He thought of nothing. Even surprise was absent.

There was a knock at the door. Slowly the knob turned and an old pony stuck his head in:

"Cloudfire?" Daddy Hooves said quietly. "How are you?"

"Fine."

Daddy Hooves chuckled:

"I sent Derpy out, Cloudfire... she's going to see if she can get you a couple more days off from work. If it works, you won't have to go back until a week after the wedding."

There was no answer, so Daddy Hooves continued to make sound at the Earth Pony:

"I hope I wasn't overstepping my boundaries, Cloudfire..."

"Don't worry about it."

"Alright," the Unicorn sighed. "Do you want to spend the night here? The Apple Family is fine with it."

"I can walk home."

"Okay... when Derpy comes back we'll leave."

"Okay."

There was a long pause, which Daddy Hooves broke:

"Do you want to talk?"

Cloudfire's response was immediate:

"No."

"Alright Cloudfire," the Unicorn used his magic to shut the door. "Rest up!"

The Earth Pony continued to lay there.

* * *

There was a sound outside of the room... a light-footed young pony was ascending the stairs quickly. Could've been any one of three, but Cloudfire knew. Even in his moody state, Cloudfire knew.

The door opened without knocking:

"Hi Cloudfire!" Exclaimed Derpy, stepping inside. "Dad says you don't want visitors right now."

"That's right," he replied, looking over at her. "What do you have to tell me?"

"That I talked to Mister Everstorm and he said that if you fainted because of stress about the wedding that you don't have to come back until afterwards. Me neither!"

If he were in any other mood, Cloudfire wouldn't have been holding back the anger he was... it would have been superseded by appreciation of Derpy's well-meaning, yet poorly thought out, execution of all that.

"Thanks."

Derpy walked over to the door:

"So... are we gunna go home now?"

Cloudfire sighed:

"Just leave me alone right now, Derpy... I'll be down in a few minutes."

Derpy chuckled, trying to sound upbeat as possible for her resting fiancée:

"Is there anything I can get you?"

"No, thank you. Please go down stairs."

"Okee! Just call me if yo-"

"Please go downstairs."

"Really! Anything! It doesn't bother me-"

"Go away."

"Okee! I love yo-"

"Derpy, LEAVE ME ALONE!"

The Pegasus jumped, startled by the sheer volume and anger in his voice. She had never, EVER heard him yell, much less at her. Once she hit the ground she froze, tears forming in her eyes:

"Cloudfire... I was just gunna.."

The Earth Pony bolted out of bed, making the difficult trek over to Derpy with his stiff body working against him (his left back hoof was asleep):

"Derpy, I'm sorry," he hugged her tight. "This... I've never had this. Please understand that for me." He kissed her. "I love you. I really do. You can't imagine how much I love you."

"I love you too, Cloudfire."

"Just go downstairs, Derpy... I'll be down in a minute."

"Alright."

She cantered out of the room, tears still in her eyes. She looked back at her fiancée, who looked back into her eyes with warmth:

"I'm going to be alright. I'm just- My body just -- it doesn't want to continue right now. I need to go home and get some good, quality sleep. I'll be fine. Really!"

"Okay..."

She then left him, slowly descending the stairs with the door still open.

When he was sure he was finally alone, he could have kicked himself. He wanted to break something in the room, smash it to pieces... but this wasn't his room. Even in Derpy's room, if he had a problem with her that got him this angry, that wasn't really his room either. Exasperated, he stretched, popping his neck and back:

"There's one way this could've gone..."

* * *

Twenty minutes later, the ivory Earth Pony descended the stairs and went into the Apple family living room where not only Derpy and her father waited, but also the three adults of the Apple Family:

"Thanks for taking me in!" Said Cloudfire, approaching his family's side. "I don't know what we would have done without you."

"It ain't nothin'!" Replied Apple Jack in her usual, cheery tone, while shaking his hoof. "If somepony needs help, it's the Apple Family way to lend a hoof!"

At the moment her voice was like nails on a chalkboard, but Cloudfire continued to smile all the same. It was well-meaning at least. He turned to Big Mac and winked, offering him a hoof to shake:

"Thank you, partner."

"Ee-yup!"

That was more like it.

Cloudfire then left the room, waiting in the hallway... still enjoying the isolation.

After Daddy Hooves and Derpy said good-bye, the three left the farm house. Daddy Hooves was carrying the picnic basket, while Derpy was carrying Cloudfire's saddlebags. At the very least he was unencumbered now, which seemed to matter more to him with the day mostly in the past. It was approaching dusk, and he didn't care that he hadn't even eaten lunch.

"We'll go to the city tomorrow," said Daddy Hooves. "Another day at least... rest up, tonight Cloudfire. Be honest with me if you don't sleep well."

"Okay."

The Pegasus and Earth Pony talked on their way home... or at least that's how the Pegasus saw it. Derpy spoke to Cloudfire, asking him all sorts of questions, to which he responded in mostly short answers:

"I want brown sugar topped muffins! Do you wanna stop with me at the Sugar Cube corner?"

"I just want to go home."

"Okay... Then do you wanna eat at home?"

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You didn't eat lunch!"

"I'm not hungry."

"Can I try making you breakfast tomorrow then? I was thinking you might like that for a change..."

"Why not?"

All of the questions required at least a one-word response, so it didn't seem that out of the ordinary to her, but to Daddy Hooves... he didn't like what he was hearing. He already knew from what Derpy had told him that Cloudfire had yelled at her in the Apple Family guest bedroom (plus he heard it all the way down stairs, seeing how the door was open). He wouldn't call it yelling himself, we would have called it screaming. He was going to let these things go for now, because this was a pretty stark change from the Cloudfire he'd known and loved for so long... but had he started out this way, he would have not been welcome in their house. It was nice to see that he had a breaking point, however, and that most of his reactions to what was probably stress were... abrasive but understandable.

They finally got home. Mommy Hooves had made a pizza for them all to enjoy before bed. Cloudfire had made it pretty clear he had no desire to eat when they got home, but... Mrs. Hooves offtered it to him not knowing that:

"I'd imagine you're quite hungry after all that adventuring!" She said, offering him a plate with a slice on it.

So... he had a slice so that the older Pegasus's work wouldn't go to waste. It wasn't the first meal he'd eaten that Mrs. Hooves made, but it did taste surprisingly good... that's to be expected when one's stomach is empty all day. He didn't talk much, but he did thank her for her time.

After he had his fill, which took him forever to eat, he silently ascended the stairs... Derpy not far behind him.

* * *

Cloudfire got right into bed. Derpy came up beside him and snuggled up on top like always.

"I'm really sorry I yelled at you," he whispered in her ear. "It's just that you can be so.... what I mean to say is everything was bothering me so much. I probably would have yelled if you creaked a floorboard on the way out."

"It's okee," said Derpy, cuddling into the crook of his foreleg. "Why were you so mad?"

"Because I'm really tired, Derpy... I've been having bad dreams."

"Oh." She paused for a moment. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just continue to be yourself... and get really mad at me if I ever do that again."

"Okee!" Again, she snuggled up. "I love you, Cloudfire."

"I love you, too, Derpy."

There was then silence... the Earth Pony felt himself begin to drift off, only to be interrupted:

"Hey Cloudfire?"

He answered flatly:

"What?"

Are we really gunna go shopping tomorrow?"

"If you like... and I sleep well enough."

"Are you gunna tell me and dad if you don't?"

"Yes."

Again, there was silence. He drifted off...

"Hey Cloudfire?"

Again, he answered flatly:

"What is it?"

"Are you happy we're gonna be married?"

"Yes."

"Me too."

He sighed:

"I've never been so happy in my life, Derpy."

Silence for a third time...

"Hey Cloudfire?"

The Earth Pony answered, but first rose to his forelegs, allowing Derpy's body to slide to its side on the mattress. He pulled his head a bit lower than where it already was:

"What?"

"Wh- What're you doing?"

"Shhh... I want to go to sleep, Derpy. You're not leaving me much choice here if you don't."

"But I'm not --" Cloudfire couldn't see it, but her eyes went wide once she felt him push on her leg, then kiss and lick her inner thigh, running up towards her privates. She was both enthralled and horrified at the same time. "Cloudfire!"

He licked around her private area gently as she opened her leg a bit and he got into a better position. He raised his head one more time:

"This is me saying I love you Derpy..." He said, before he lowered his head once more and licked what was there.

They then enjoyed an incredibly long moment of bliss, just the two of them. Time stopped and so did most everything else. All that could be heard was the young Pegasus's heavy, enraptured breathing.

That night Cloudfire made love to Derpy before they drifted off. As a result she stopped talking, which is what he wanted... but he also sincerely wanted to show her that he still cared. She would not stop talking because she knew something was wrong with him but didn't know how to approach it... he could see that. What he did to her then, he did for her, rather than just to her... to help put her mind at ease. He wanted to sleep so badly... but when he realized what was really motivating him, he listened to her body. As a result of this gesture, she melted.

Derpy fell asleep before Cloudfire (like always)... but Cloudfire wasn't far behind her. Snuggling up she was in bliss. Drifting off, she heard five words which helped her find peace:

"I love you, Derpy Hooves."

Part 4, Ch. 5 -- "Heat & Warmth."

5
"Heat & Warmth."

Cloudfire awoke before the alarm... not by much this time. He'd fallen asleep a bit after 9 the previous night. Now it was a bit before 8:30 -- the sun was out and cast its rays into the room. The Earth Pony stretched, his fiancée snuggling on top of him... the barely perceptible motion was just enough to wake her. Opening her eyes, she looked over at him:

"Hey," he said, giving her snout a lick. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah... did you?"

He nodded his head, then nuzzled Derpy beneath the neck.

"We've got a big day planned for today... you know that?"

"Yeah... you still want to go?"

The ivory Earth Pony nodded quickly:

"Your dad really wants to take us. Granted I'm still a bit tired, but I slept like a log. Don't worry about me. I can handle a trip to the big city."

"Okee... if you're sure."

Confident, the Earth Pony started to slide out from under his fiancée.

"I'll just go make some breakfast..."

Derpy put a hoof on his foreleg, looking up at him:

"Cloudfire... D- do you still want me to make breakfast for you? Because I still wanna try."

He smiled:

"Sure... just don't burn the house down."

* * *

Derpy and Cloudfire went downstairs, the later of the two shutting off the alarm before it even sounded. While they didn't race to the kitchen, there certainly was a noticeable bit of pep in their step.

When they got to their destination, Cloudfire sat at the table. His fiancée looked back at him nervously from the counters.

"You don't have to cook," he said, with a smile. "I'll more than happily do it for you."

"I got it," she said, going into the refrigerator to get some eggs and other supplies.

Knowing she was sure, Cloudfire got comfortable. Turning the stove on, the young Pegasus set a pan over the burner. She greased it properly and, knowing his fiancée was doing a good job, Cloudfire smiled... however, his smile soon faded when a small bit of oil fell from the edge of the pan and onto the flame... making it grow over a foot in height. Derpy had said she and fire don't mix.

"It's okay, it's okay..." Cloudfire said as her eyes went wide. "It's already going down... see?"

"Yeah," she replied, her fear subsiding with the flame. "I'm doing good?"

"Quite good!" Her fiancée chuckled confidently. "I think you know what to do from here."

"Yeah!"

Derpy acted in imitation of what she'd seen done a thousand times before. Cloudfire needed to say nothing. She picked up a few eggs, cracking them at first slowly and unsurely. He could see from where he was that no shell got into the mix. As she scrambled them, a giant smile grew on her face... this was her first time ever cooking something to completion. The closer they got to done, the bigger her smile grew. They began to darken and she kept them on... simmering...

"You can turn it off now, Derpy," said Cloudfire, soothingly.

"I did it!" Derpy shouted, picking up the pan. "I did it!"

She did not, however, remember to use a potholder... Pony hooves, fortunately, take a moment to heat up. She neither burned herself nor dropped the eggs... but did end up sucking on her hoof for a moment.

"It's okay," said Cloudfire, getting up and putting his foreleg around her. He took a look at her hoof. "You'll be fine. Just fine. You just made breakfast... looks good, too! What'd ya say we eat?"

Yeah!"

The two fiancées had a romantic meal, just the two of them. Derpy was giggling in a way she hadn't been for a long time. Cloudfire was proud of her... something he had never actually felt. Both ponies spirits were up and it was a bit yet before the wedding. Despite all that had happened, they were still enjoying each other's company. Cloudfire nodded once while taking a forkful of Derpy's eggs. He stared at his fiancée for the longest time, with a calm smile on his face. Under his gaze Derpy blushed, and was glad to see her fiancée looking so happy again. She beamed the smile right back, making him grin all the more.

"What'd ya wanna do when breakfast is done, Cloudfire?"

"Well, since we're the only ponies up... what'd you say we take a walk and bask in the morning sunlight?"

"I'd like that."

The ivory Earth Pony chuckled:

"Me too."

Part 4, Ch. 6 -- Wonder..."

"Wonder..."
6

It was a beautiful day in Equestria. Both Cloudfire and Derpy could attest to that. Their walk was, for lack of a better word, wonderful.

While walking beside her cheery fiancée, Derpy felt happy. It was a lot like it used to be. They were together, it felt timeless. She wanted to talk about how she was glad that everything was happy again, but... while she didn't think in these terms, she was afraid that might jinx it. Instead she talked about what made their walk so special -- it wasn't too cloudy or too busy, and there were just the right number of ponies out to keep the streets from feeling too empty... or too crowded. Nodding, her fiancée smiled while she talked about these things. He was happy to listen and felt the same way.

When the two finally got back they went straight to the kitchen again for some water. They found a little Unicorn sitting at the table, kicking her feet happily while her father stood by the stove making breakfast.

"Uncle Cloudfire!" Exclaimed the tiny Unicorn, hugging his side as he walked up to her.

"Hi Dinky," the ivory Earth Pony replied, snuggling her back.

Daddy Hooves spoke next:

"Good morning you two. You're looking well. Say, did I just hear the front door close?"

"Yeah-huh!" Said Derpy, nodding. "Me and Cloudfire went for a walk!"

"Ah," he looked over at Cloudfire. "Alright son... big guy... you up to go adventuring in the 'big city' today?"

Cloudfire casually stretched, replying:

"Can't wait."

Seeing no anxiety in his future son-in-law's body language, the Unicorn smiled:

"Alrighty then. We leave in two hours."

"Fine by me," the Earth Pony turned his attention to the two Hooves sisters." Two hours, huh?... I'd wager that's just enough time for a story."

Both their eyes lit up as if enchanted by magic. Derpy was the first to speak:

"It's been so long... I'd love that!"

"Good to hear."

* * *

In the darkly lit living room, with his favorite mare on one side and the little filly on the other, Cloudfire relaxed... and read a short fairytale in the same way he had months before. It had been a long time, Derpy was right in saying that... so long, in fact, that the joy felt fresh. Maybe it was the good night's sleep, maybe it was the extra long vacation... either way, the feeling was certainly missed. Derpy felt at peace and Dinky, of course, was enraptured by the way her Uncle Cloudfire read. The Earth Pony liked to make the young fillies smile, so that simply fed his diction. This was magical moment for all.... Nopony wanted it to end.

It was all too soon it was time to leave. Once Daddy Hooves came in, the book closed... the magic gone. Cloudfire kissed Dinky on the forehead. Despite the disappointed looks coming from the small Unicorn, he said good bye to her for now. He'd read another story another day.

The two ponies got up, fetching what they needed from upstairs. Cloudfire put on his saddlebags, slipping a few bits inside just in case. He knew Daddy Hooves would be treating them, but he hated not being prepared. Derpy knew she wouldn't need much and just made sure she was presentable. Cloudfire came up behind her, giving her a hug and noogie. She squealed in delight, cuddling up. This day was turning so peaceful... such a contrast to the days before, and it was only just beginning.

After they were done snuggling, the two descended the stairs and went outside where the older Unicorn waited by the exit. The door closed behind them... and it was now time for their adventure to begin.

* * *

Walking to the bus stop in the clear morning air felt good. Daddy Hooves and Cloudfire talked up a storm... the former doing more listening than talking, the later doing more talking than he had been doing for days. What they were talking about wasn't all that important to Daddy Hooves... he was focused more on how he was being answered. He'd seen behaviors in Cloudfire which he'd openly called disturbing. There were no signs of anything peculiar in the ivory Earth Pony that he could see. Laughter and joy is what he emanated... genuine laughter... and it spilled over to the Pegasus. Daddy Hooves was sure that Cloudfire was back to himself again... back to the pony he knew and loved so well. Eventually he started laughing and enjoying himself, too. They were all one big happy family.

Now at the bus stop, they continued to chat. The Earth Pony seemed fired up for this trip.

"You excited?" Cloudfire asked Derpy, as the bus came into view.

"Yeah! I've never been to a city before!"

"It'll be like nothing you've ever experienced..." he replied.

"Trust us, Derpy," said Daddy Hooves. "The city is very wonderful... and very, very big!"

She was so excited that she flapped her wings in anticipation. While staring off and waiting for the doors to open, Cloudfire dragged his hoof across the ground as if getting ready to charge. Daddy Hooves chuckled at this behavior. Derpy just laughed.

* * *

On the bus the three ponies sat close. Cloudfire relaxed by the window, his hooves behind his head. Derpy was beside him and Daddy Hooves across from them. Unlike the bus at work, this driver waited until they were all seated to gradually take off. The Pegasus was not used to this... nor was she used to paying for the ride. Cloudfire had her covered, though.

They'd be going pretty far just for this one trip. From Ponyville to Philidelphia... a 90 minute trip by bus. While Derpy chatted with her father about the store she'd never been to, Cloudfire... surprisingly caught a few winks while staring out the window. He'd been ready to tackle this trip head on and was now napping peacefully... this was something Daddy Hooves did not notice.. Daddy Hooves's time away from the store had been long, so long he was caught up in describing the way the place looked as he remembered it to his daughter. He knew it had changed though and was eager to see how. Derpy was just plain eager to see the city in general.

As they approached the city, objects which could be seen for miles -- taller buildings and large billboards -- gave it away. Derpy pointed at these gigantic structures with her hoof, making a definite sound of wonder and awe:

"Wow!"

This caused Cloudfire's eyes to pop open.

Turning to Derpy, he asked, "like what you see, huh?"

"Yeah!"

"We'll be there pretty soon," Daddy Hooves said. "I know you've been around Cloudfire. Ever live in Philidelphia?"

"I've spent time just about everywhere," confidently replied the Earth Pony. "I liked the culture of Manehattan better, but... to answer your question, yeah. I lived here a few months. It's okay."

"I see. I've never lived anywhere but little old Ponyville."

Derpy snuggled up to Cloudfire's body. The Earth Pony looked down at her and smiled as she looked back up:

"Your family... and this little mare... are the reasons I'm staying in Ponyville. Ponyville's just a place to me... not too terribly exciting. It's because of you guys... I love you."

"We love you too, Cloudfire. You know that." Daddy Hooves looked forward. "Well, we're coming up to our stop. Let's get ready.

Cloudfire untucked his hooves from behind his head, once again ready to tackle the day.

Part 4, Ch. 7 -- "Cities & Fog."

"Cities & Fog."
7

The bus came to a screeching halt in the shopping district. That land was flat, just like in Ponyville, but off in the distance skyscrapers stood -- large, still, and elegant as Celestia's palace. Three got off the bus and looked around.

Derpy's eyes went wide staring at the buildings in the far off distance. It was a good mile from them still, but their size could be felt even from there. Cloudfire casually looked around. The place looked errily familiar to him... he'd been here years before and he'd changed more than any of his surroundings had. Daddy Hooves was on a mission and therefore remained focused. He took immediate notice that they were right in front of the Surefire store, as he'd planned... his daughter being too hypnotized by the buildings and Cloudfire staring off beside her. All the older Unicorn had to do was whistle and point to get half their attention. Derpy's mouth hung agape staring up at the massive sign above the department store. Cloudfire smiled at his fiancées reaction.

Beaming at his daughter, the older Unicorn motioned confidently for her to follow him and she then focused. Daddy Hooves let them into mouth of the store and inside they went. Cloudfire marched behind looking around at all the change in total fascination. He sighed a happy sigh -- this place was alien even after this little amount of time. To Daddy Hooves... the building itself had been through multiple renovations since he was last there over ten years ago and it showed. The environment, still large and circuitous, was now even more so. It had dozens of new isles, all stacked with assorted items of multiple varieties. Inside was unnaturally bright and climate-controlled, mildly ambient... the rich colors of its stock were dazzling to Derpy, yet by contrast mildly overloading to Cloudfire. It would be easy to get lost, but that was the least of their worries.

Distracting all three ponies momentarily from their surroundings, a mellow stallion's voice boomed over the loudspeaker. Rich and clear, it delivered a message unlike anything commonly heard at a store back in Ponyville:

If you're the type of Pony that likes a bargain,
as most of us do,
then you owe it to yourself to check out the extra-low prices in the
SUREFIRE'S HARDWARE DEPARTMENT
Check out this week's selection on
SUREFIRE'S DEAL WHEEL,
where each week you'll find high-quality items at an
EXTRA LOW PRICE!

Daddy Hooves shuttered as the announcement went on:

"I feel bad for the pony who has to say that a couple times a day!"

Cloudfire murmured in agreement as the Unicorn began looking for a cart. Derpy stopped in her tracks and continued to listen, grinning ear-to-ear at the speaker's excitement and intonation. She giggled and spoke up when it ended:

"Let's check out the Surefire Deal Wheel!"

Cloudfire noogied her in response.

Daddy Hooves chuckled:

"We would, Derpy... if we were trying to put together a bookcase or a gazebo. What we want is camping supplies, good food that'll keep, and a few fun things... Come on. Let's find a cart!"

To the left of the door was a large cart corral. Cloudfire knew this already and pointed at it with a low smile on his face. The unicorn grabbed one, with the two close by.

* * *

Though distracted by their vibrant surroundings, the two ponies followed the Unicorn as he went through the first set of isles carefully. He came to his first stop rather quickly and looked back at the two smiling:

"Royal Wonderbolt Cola, huh? Have to send away for this in Ponyville... how bout it?"

"Yeah!" Derpy and Cloudfire replied, the former having more oomph in her voice, the later sounding distracted by everything around him.

Using his Unicorn magic, he levitated two 12-packs into the cart:

"Don't drink too many! It's got twice the caffeine as one of mine."

Good to know. Cloudfire thought, grinning. Might be fun to drink a few with Derpy before going on a hike... or jog.

The older Unicorn was too focused on shopping to notice the devilish smirk. He'd already moved on:

"You like noodles, Cloudfire?"

"Yup." Replied the stallion, his eyes elsewhere as Daddy Hooves levitated yet another package into the cart.

The two started to wander. Derpy looked at the shelves, Cloudfire his surroundings. Daddy Hooves thought aloud:

"Let me see... You are going to want potato chips, a cooler... gram crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate." As the items were levitated into the cart, he turned to Cloudfire. "These brands make the best Smores me and the Mrs. have ever had! I can't believe they still sell 'em after all these years. Original style, too!"

"Awesome, huh?" The earth pony replied, looking over into the next isle. He saw the back of a dark gray Pegasus Pony stocking the higher shelves.

It can't be...

"Ah! Getting impatient are we?" The cart was pushed up to the Earth Pony. "Aside from a container of oatmeal, some fruit and bread, which are in other isles, I think we're set for food... within the next few isles should be the tents!"

Cloudfire followed along with his fiancée, only to have Daddy Hooves make a sharp turn into the next isle and canter straight up to the working Pegasus:

"Excuse me? Do you know where we're liable to find the Surefire brand tents?"

The Pegasus lowered himself to the ground and began to answer:

"Sure as our names Surefire! What you're looking for is on on isle... 4." His eyes lit up when he saw who was right behind the older Unicorn. "Oh, wow... C-Cloudfire!? Is that you?"

* * *

Daddy Hooves and Derpy stared blankly at the dark-maned Pegasus. This flying pony knew Cloudfire? ... and was apparently excited to see him. The older Unicorn had a pretty obvious question to ask first, but couldn't get it out:

"Wh... what?"

The new Pegasus continued to smile... waiting for Cloudfire to respond. It took a second, but not long enough for his face to droop:

"This place has changed, Charon." He finally said. "I'm surprised you still work here. How have you been?"

Daddy Hooves was able to phrase his question a bit more succinctly this time around:

"You two... know each other?"

"Heck yeah," replied Charon, with a grin. "I helped train this Pony during our summer rush. Haven't had any pony pick things up things quite as quickly since. Though he wasn't here very long, I never forgot his face. He was really helpful and proved to be an awesome worker."

The Unicorn nodded, proudly adding:

"He still is. He and my daughter work for a littler pick-up service going all over Ponyville. They have their own team."

"That's awesome, Cloudfire... I'm an Assistant Manager now. Cool beans, huh?"

As Cloudfire nodded, Derpy cut in from the back:

"Introduce me to your friend, Cloudfire! I've never met any of your friends before!"

"Well, who's this lil lady?"

Cloudfire put his arm around Derpy, squeezing her tight:

"Charon... this is Derpy Hooves!" He held up the chains around their necks. "Soon to be Derpy Fire."

"Well, I'll be!" The dark-maned Pegasus's eyebrow raised up about half an inch. "Pleased to meet you Miss Hooves!" He stuck out a hoof. "You look like a, um... very nice pony. Very nice indeed." He turned to Cloudfire as she took his hoof, saying in a hushed voice, "Blond and Pegasus! Well, being like this... she must be very good for you, huh?"

Derpy smiled innocently. Daddy Hooves looked over at his future son-in-law... watching his face. At first he looked blankly at his friend, like he was processing what had just been said and then suddenly... a wave went over his face. He looked a bit pale, like perhaps he suddenly felt sick. It was barely noticeable, but Daddy Hooves saw it.

"What?" He asked blankly, staring down at the floor. "I, uh... don't get what you're trying to say."

"Oh... you know what I mean, Cloudfire. She's special. I can tell. Quite special, otherwise you wouldn't be with her... am I right or what?"

He looked up at his old friend with narrowed blue eyes:

"Come on, Charon. Don't say that..."

"Oh, come on now Cloudfire. You and Pegasus-- Oh, I get it." Charon put his hoof on the Earth Pony's shoulder. "Here I am being fooled... you're playing dumb, aren't you? You were always so good at that. Well, quit acting stupid and maybe I'll break it down for you. Don't tell me you're the special one here!"

In that instant, Cloudfire felt his insides quake:

He keeps saying "special"...? Does he mean it *that* way? ...I don't know what he means. Best to ask him. That's what he would have been thinking had he not felt a sudden dip in his energy... his mind going into a fine, fine needle point. He'd experienced something like what this was becoming at least a dozen times already in his mind. He froze, his eyes revealing no particular emotion.

What happened next Cloudfire processed only after it was done, and it was over faster than he realized. What had sealed it was what he heard to be that last bit of condescension in Charon's voice. Daddy Hooves and even Derpy it sounded only playful... the Earth Pony reacted to it, however, without thought. He reacted to it in a way which caused both Derpy and her father to take a step back. Energy spiking, he charged without warning:

"STOP IT!"

In the blink of an eye Cloudfire had Charon pinned up against the shelves by his Surefire vest. Cloudfire's strength was surprisingly immense and as a result of their difference in power, the lighter Pegasus had smacked his face against a metal support, causing a cut to form. The Earth Pony smiled, his eyes wide and angry:

"Come on, Charon. Say what you really mean! Say it in front of her father."

"Cloudfire... What the heck..." He shook away the stars which had formed. "Buddy, get off me!"

In that instance, the Earth Pony released Charon to the ground. Putting his hooves up and he slowly backed away. Had it taken a few seconds longer, Daddy Hooves would have intervened. He was ready to. It had happened so fast that in less than 5 seconds... it all was over.

"Oh, Celestia... What have I done?"

As the warm blood began to trickle down Charon's head, Cloudfire sat on the floor. He shook his head, staring up at the florescent lights... hoping this was all a dream

Despite his being ready to break it up earlier, both Daddy Hooves and Derpy were still in shock, unsure of what had just happened or who to help. From the floor Charon looked up at Cloudfire... wondering what he had done to deserve that. A myriad of reasons and apologies ran through his socially awkward mind. Cloudfire should have been apologizing to him, but... both were silent.

An older Unicorn Manager who had just transfered stood in another isle. He' barely heard the commotion and came running, poised and ready... he expected to find a broken shelf at the worst, and prayed a customer wasn't injured. Seeing a dazed worker bleeding on the floor, two concerned shoppers, a third larger customer frozen in place with muscles flexed... he could deduce enough of what had happened without anypony even needing to open his or her mouth.

* * *

The family had been led to the employee break room in the far back of the store. It was a dark, out-of-the-way place for them to calm down... an adult pony's time out, so to speak. This was where the Manager had left them, surprisingly with no guard. They went along peacefully... Derpy and her father had insisted on coming with Cloudfire:

"We're family!" exclaimed the Unicorn.

"Okay. Who're you to him?" Asked the Manger.

"I'm his future father-in-law," replied Daddy Hooves. "He lives with me."

"Then you're technically not family," said the Manager with a sigh. "Sir, I'm going to have to ask that you both leave."

In that instant, Derpy started to cry. Tears run down her cheeks as she spoke, her voice quivering:

"But... I'm his fiancée! Please let me be with him..."

Though his face showed no expression, the Manager hated to see a young mare cry. He had a daughter of his own, about her age with a fiancée, too. The seemingly icy Manager had an unexpected change of heart:

"Fine... you both can come." He smiled briefly. "But if anything happens before I get this sorted out I'm calling the police!"

So they sat there, in uncomfortable chairs, for at least ten minutes. Derpy and her father sat on one side of a large table... Cloudfire on the other. Charon was not in the room, for obvious reasons. The Earth Pony sighed and quietly reflected on his time in the store about two years before... how little this place now meant to him and how much Ponyville had started to grow on him. He'd been in places for years before, but he didn't think so fondly of them as he did Ponyville. He wanted to go back so badly, but he knew he'd messed up. Would he not get the opportunity to marry Derpy this year? He didn't know for sure. They were all silent, until Daddy Hooves finally spoke:

"What in the world happened back there, Cloudfire? That was... unexpected."

"I'm sorry." Replied the Earth Pony, chuckling nervously. "I ruined everything."

"You didn't ruin everything, Cloudfire," replied the Unicorn, getting up and going around the table to sit beside his future son-in-law. "I am starting to think you could use some help, though... but I still I trust you. Prove me wrong, son. Tell me what happened and show me that it's all just a fluke."

"That was like my nightmares," said Cloudfire, looking towards the exit. "Over and over again, I'm haunted by this... I just never make it this far in my dream. I always want to defend Derpy from what they're saying... and it starts out so innocently, I just jumped on it. I know it just didn't mean anything this time. I knew Charon really well... he just talks and I read too much into it. Saw things that weren't even there. I'm sorry. You all must think I'm crazy by now."

The Unicorn put his foreleg comfortingly around the upset Earth Pony:

"So, you've been having dreams about ponies saying mean things to Derpy? These are the dreams you've mentioned?"

"Yeah. They say horrible things. Ponies I know... or at least knew."

"Okay... I understand now. I don't think you're crazy... just very, very stressed."

Having been silent the whole time, Derpy finally spoke up, staying on her side of the table:

"I don't understand, Cloudfire... ponies have been mean to me before. It didn't bother you then."

"The closer we get the more I'd like to be able to protect you from all that," he said, looking up at her. "You mean a lot to me..."

"You mean a lot to me, too, Cloudfire!" She now bolted up, going around the table to sit by her fiancée. "But I learned a long time ago that sometimes ponies are just mean. I can't help what they and neither can you. Your friend didn't --"

Derpy saw that her father was shaking his head at her from behind Cloudfire.

"I just go away from them if they don't stop it..."

Cloudfire beamed a smile at her:

"You're a lot stronger than I realize, Derpy."

She giggled, putting a foreleg around him. Daddy Hooves spoke up:

"Don't you forget it, son. She takes after me."

The Earth Pony laughed, hugging his Pegasus fiancée:

"I won't..."

They all fell silent for a moment, exhausted from the earlier events. Breaking the silence, Cloudfire chuckled and spoke up:

Dad?

"Yes, son?"

"Remember when you said you feel bad for the pony who has to make that stiff announcement?"

"Oh,yeah... what about it?"

"When I worked here that was me."

Daddy Hooves put a hoof to his face a second time on account of what Cloudfire said. Even Derpy laughed.

* * *

After 15 minutes of sitting in the dark break room, the Unicorn Manager came in... a focused look on his face. At least he didn't appear angry:

"Cloudfire, right?"

The Earth Pony turned to him, both ponies beside him looked up along with him:

"Yeah?"

"You're a very lucky pony, Cloudfire. Charon's not going to press charges. He wants me to..." the Manager cleared his throat in a forced way,"apologize to you for him. He thinks he said something that really got under your hide... it's between you two. I don't want to know. Well, he tells me you used to work here... correct?"

"Yeah."

"Then because of your service I'm going to be generous and not call the police... However, you are not welcome here anymore."

"I'm grateful that's all you're doing."

The Manager then turned to Daddy Hooves:

"Charon actually pushed your cart into the back with us. You can still pay for it if you want to... but," the Manager gestured to Cloudfire. "He's going to have to wait outside."

"Alright then..." Daddy Hooves got up, turning to Derpy, who he noticed didn't get up with him. "You going to come with me?"

"I want to stay with Cloudfire." She said.

"Alright, no problem." He turned to the Earth Pony, who could see a very blank expression as he spoke. "I'm going to just take what we have and leave... you guys can use the same old tent me and the Mrs. have. It's dusty and stained, but it'll work. If not, I'll just pick one up in Ponyville... won't be the same. See you in a bit."

Daddy Hooves slowly left the room, his head down... the day had not gone the way he was expecting it to, but... at least Cloudfire wasn't in trouble. Without looking back, he left them in the back with the Manager and did his best to clear his mind of what had happened. It's hard to believe not even a half hour before he was having fun. He'd never let either pony know it, but he was very disappointed in Cloudfire.

"Well, come on now," said the Manager, firmly. "I'm going to escort you both out of here. If I ever see you in here again, Cloudfire... I won't be so generous."

The Earth Pony got up, extending his fore hoof to Derpy:

"Understood. We'll leave quietly."

He and Derpy were then led back into the store and along a circuitous route towards the exit. It didn't seem as grand to the Pegasus anymore... if anything, the charm was lost and she just wanted to go home. Cloudfire kept his head down, wanting it all to go away. He knew they were passing workers, but he didn't bother looking up to see if they'd passed Charon or any other pony he might've known. It didn't matter anymore. All these places he'd lived... they didn't matter as much as Ponyville. He'd found home.

Keeping up with the leading pony's brisk pace, who was more than happy to see them out, they finally reached the end of the maze. The manager motioned him out, and that was that... he and Derpy waited for Daddy Hooves to emerge.

"I don't know when the bus comes," he said to Derpy. "But when it does and we go home... let's just tell mom the trip went well, okay?"

"Yeah."

They didn't talk anymore, both feeling out of their element. Daddy Hooves finally walked out through the large, automatic door... he was not smiling, the luster had completely gone.

"In about 20 minutes, there'll be a bus to Ponyville... let's just go home and put this all behind ourselves."

Everypony was in agreement.

Part 4 Coda

Coda

It makes sense that Daddy Hooves would have his eyes on Cloudfire... but he was torn. What was motivating him wasn't anything bad -- stress, change... love for his daughter. He knew in his heart that the last pony Cloudfire would turn his strength on would be Derpy. It was because of that that he was going to trust him. Though there was a tiny part of him that was whispering "this is a bad idea" over and over ... he had to ignore it because the evidence was there to simply outweigh it.

Cloudfire and Derpy were both very quiet on the way home. She looked briefly back at him and smiled... that was it for most of the trip. After the time passed, she found herself gradually leaning towards him, until she found herself resting on his chest, listening to his heart beat... which started out fast, but then gradually slowed down the more relaxed she became.

Cloudfire had options to get help. He'd never attacked another pony who didn't first mean to do him harm... how could he convince either pony of that, though? He had a few options, and would be heading to the library without Derpy... to talk to a certain Unicorn over tea.

When the group got home, Cloudfire helped with the bags. Mrs. Hooves and Dinky were both eager to talk to all three of them -- about the day, about what they'd got, about another story... but were all turned away for surprisingly "no reason". Sufficing to say, they were confused to find all three relaxing quietly -- Daddy Hooves on his chair, the two in their room -- looking somber and not in the mood to talk until dinnertime, where they talked about a wonderful day... and, afterwards, Cloudfire read to the three before bed.

Up to dinner and even a bit after, they felt bad lying, but... what good would the truth really do any of them? For Daddy Hooves to say Cloudfire's no longer welcome in a place he probably never would go again seemed silly, pointless and contentious... but it felt like an elephant for a few hours. The older Unicorn was strong and simply shrugged it off... seeing no good solution that wouldn't just result in more hurt. Derpy was happy to still have Cloudfire, and just wanted to forget about what had happened. She curled with him for a few hours in their room... squeezing him tight. Cloudfire was happy to be home and surrounded by ponies that cared about him. That in itself felt pretty good.

Author's Note

Whew!

To those of you who've read this far thank you very much! I hope you've enjoyed as much as I've enjoyed writing :)

Part 4 was the single most difficult part I've written yet. Not only is there a lot going on in this one, it's Cloudfire-centric, a character which has held a bit of mystery so far, and full of ups and downs for that character which if a segment like this is done wrong it can totally suck the life out of a story. Instead of having a few giant issues to tackle, in this part we have a set up for the camping trip and catharsis for Cloudfire. He basically has a mini break down and normally the part would be over there, but they had more to tie up. A lot of smaller problems get resolved in this part, a few big ones, and we explore his character even more. Taking the audience to a city seemed really out of place, but I think it worked.. I tried to make it feel alien.

It appears there will be 2 more parts. They'll probably be shorter than this one and more focused :)

Thank you again! I'm gunna repeat myself before closing that this one was hard as heck to write O.o

Part 1 Ch. 1 -- "Where do we stand, Dear?"

Crystal Haze
By Wayward Pony

PART 1

1
"Where do we stand, Dear?"

It was early morning. Celestia had yet to bring out the sun, its edges only peeking over the horizon.

A white Earth Pony trotted slowly through the empty streets of Ponyville, his head kept low and deep in thought. He had with him a green saddlebag, and was on his way to meet a certain gray Pegasus for their daily trek to headquarters... to work. The night before he'd asked her to be ready a bit early, leaving a few minutes to spare... there was something he needed to say to her. He'd been up half the night thinking about it.

They'd meet her in front of her house, like always. She was the only one usually up at this time. Mom, dad, sister all still sleeping peacefully in their beds. He'd only just met them days before.

Good gravy, he was already there. There she was, waiting for him...

“Hi Cloudfire!” The Pegasus said enthusiastically, yawning silently as she was still waking up.

He smiled, replying, “Hi Derpy,” all the while slowly cantering up to her. “I brought you some muffins, in case you skipped breakfast for this... and a few other things. Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah!” Derpy replied. What didja wanna to see to me about?”

Cloudfire sighed, taking out a muffin and giving it to Derpy... he then looked over at the glowing horizon as the sun rose.

“I have something for you..." he said, smiling. "Well, a couple somethings. I hope you like them.”

She'd scarfed the whole muffin down in one giant bite, looking up to ask (with bits of muffin still in her mouth):

“What?"

Cloudfire smiled, rummaging through his saddlebag. It took him a moment of shuffling things about, but once he found what he was looking for, out came a baby blue ribbon. It would mean nothing to most ponies, but Derpy's face lit up the moment she saw it. It was brilliant even in the fading darkness. He held it up to Derpy's blond mane. It was the perfect shade of blue to compliment her mane and fur.

"I remember that comment you made about not looking good in bows while browsing in Rarity's shop last week... Remember how she said 'Why, Baby Blue would look spectacular on you!'? Well, she didn't have one at the time... had her help in picking this one out for you yesterday." The bow was fixed in her mane. "There. You look very pretty."

Derpy ran her hoof through her mane, touching the ribbon.

"Lemme see!" She said, trying to see her reflection in the low window of her house... it was still too early to see anything but a reflection of her eyes and a vague blue mass attached to her head.

“I have one more thing to give to you..." Said Cloudfire, as she turned back. "Remember that Wonderbolts show I took you to a couple days ago?”

“Yeah, I remember..." She replied, giggling. "You were so focused on watching them you started to drool! It was cute... kinda gross... but kinda cute.”

“Well, remember how afterwards we stopped at that photo booth and had some pictures taken...” He pulled out a small, light-weight piece of bronze jewelry on a small yet sturdy chain. It sparkled in the faint sunlight. ”Remember how I insisted on keeping both copies. Well, you can finally have one now, if you like...”

With a press of his hoof on a tiny button, slowly the piece of jewelry opened up... it was a locket and on the inside it had the picture of Derpy and Cloudfire embraced in a warm hug inside the cramped booth.

“I... uh... wow!” Derpy started to say. “I like it. Thank you, Cloudfire!”

“No problem," he replied, beaming a smile at the grateful Pegasus. "Just my way of saying I like you. It came from Rarity's fashion boutique, too.”

"With All these gifts... other ponies are going to think you're my Special Somepony!"

Derpy giggled like a little school filly.

"Yeah, they are, aren't they." He thought, aloud. "I was going to ask you later after work, but you know what Derpy... I'm feeling kind of brave. What do you say?"

"What do I say about what, Cloudfire?"

“Derpy... we've been seeing each other a good... three weeks now. That sound right to you?”

“Yeah.”

He looked up at her and smiled, a warm glow in his eyes. Even in the low light he could tell she was blushing, and shyly looking away. Perhaps playing a game, he wasn't entirely sure. Was she really this innocent? He would ask this again, but... maybe slowly.

“I like you Derpy. A lot.”

“I like you, too!” The gray Pegasus immediately replied.

He chuckled. This was it. He was just going to come out with it:

“Would you like to be my Special Somepony, Derpy?”

Derpy froze. All was silent and cold for a few moments... not what he was expecting. The sun still rose, however, the first of its rays spilling over into Ponyville and on to the two ponies. He didn't know what to think. Had the question upset her? Intimidated her? Was she just not into him like that and it was fun so far until now? They'd spent plenty of time together, that was for sure... he felt a connection, which is why he even asked.

“Derpy, I know you've never had one...” He began to say.

“Special Somepony?” She repeated, looking deep in thought as the sunbeams came over her. “That means boyfriend and girlfriend...”

“Yes. That's exactly what it means, Derpy.”

She looked up at him, a small smile on her face:

“I'd like that, Cloudfire.”

He smiled back:

“I'd like it, too, Derpy.”

The two looked into each other's gaze as the sun rose completely, soaking them in its warm rays. Cloudfire cut their trance short:

“We should go soon, but first...”

Cloudfire gave Derpy a big hug. She let out a contented sigh, burying her head into Cloudfire's upper flank, right beside his Cloud-shaped Cutie Mark, using it like a pillow. They enjoyed each other's warm embrace for a few minutes.

"I'm your Special Somepony, Derpy," he said, quietly. "I'll always be there for you... always."

"I trust you, Cloudfire..." She replied, snuggling up. "And you're really comfy!"

He noogied her, laughing.

“We should go now, Derpy..." he said, still hugging her. "Unless you want to talk first.”

“Nope. I'm good,” she said, gently wriggling free.

“Okay...”

* * *

Together they took the trek to work. Derpy stopped briefly once they reached the two fountain, looking down at her reflection to see how she looked with her new bow. She thanked Cloudfire again for the lovely gifts.

For the most part they walked silently, Derpy occasionally asking a random question like she normally would... sometimes she'd ask about nature, maybe other ponies, pets, cooking, exercise. They'd always have a theme... this time it centered around Special Someponies, naturally. Cloudfire was off somewhere, deep in thought, yet experienced enough in the subject to answer without too much thinking...

That whole earlier exchange had taken nowhere near as long as he had been expecting... it had been impulsive, too. He wasn't even ready to ask her about Special Someponies... he still cut right to the chase and asked, as opposed to warming up and stupidly dumping all of his ooie-gooie feelings on her. It worked out well.

He already knew they were already the talk of Ponyville, so this probably wouldn't change much. Everypony could see they were infatuated with each other, therefore this was the logical next step. Makes perfect sense. Still... he waited a little longer with her than he had with others.

The others, back in cities far away such as Baltimare and ManeHattan. He'd been around, cities mostly. He didn't have to be in Ponyville a month to figure out Ponyville ponies were not the same... this was a simpler life.

Derpy was different from those other ponies. Not in a bad way. Cloudfire felt something special about her... and at first he didn't know if it was a good idea to ask her at all if she wanted to be Special Someponies at all, as that's a very big thing to a pony like her. He was her first boyfriend and she was at least his 10th girlfriend (he'd lost track). If she said yes and it fizzled out a bit later, she'd probably get really sad... he'd manage, but she'd have all those icky feelings to sort out... probably alone, as he wouldn't be able to help her all that much... might not even want him around. He was in no rush to even think about doing that to such a kind pony. He was pretty used to things just not working out, though, which was why he was so inclined to take it slow.

He shook his head. Overthinking things again.

It was only days before he'd met her parents... he was so nervous, yet they were so welcoming. Little Dinky Hooves thought he was funny. Her parents told him not to be a stranger... with the way her dad looked at him, smiling and eager to see him again, he thought he might've known that they were interested in each other like this. It was almost as if he was giving him permission. Yes, permission... Of course!

Derpy'd asked about his parents and his house... what was he going to show her? He had nothing in comparison to the wonderful life she had. A basement apartment he could barely afford for a home and a bitter Earth Pony father miles away in a retirement home who wanted a Pegasus he didn't even bother thinking up a second name when Cloudfire was born with no wings... “At least I didn't name you Dirt Peddler!” His father used to joke. "Good one, dad! You're old now!" He replied one day not too long ago. They hadn't spoken since...

His mom wouldn't have made a joke like that... she was proud of him. Was is the word, however.

“Hope I'm doing right here, mom...” He thought aloud, barely whispering to himself while looking high above. She had wings in life, and maybe she still has them now that she's left it all.

“What?” Derpy asked, turning to her brooding boyfriend. “You're scowling... is something wrong?”

“Just miles away, dear... reflecting.”

“Oh.”

Part 3 Ch. 2 -- "Good Intentions!"

"Good Intentions!"
2

Though he started in the direction of home, Cloudfire didn't go there right away. He meandered and got side-tracked, enjoying a quiet walk all by himself, away from the noise of everything... away from the epicenter of Ponyville. He walked quite a distance, a distance that he and Derpy would normally be taken by bus -- to a nearby park the two had cleaned once -- and just walked the trails. There was hardly a pony there and he was happy for that, yet without even thinking he picked up a can of cider he found and attempted to put it into a white bag he didn't even have... he realized what he was doing after a couple of seconds and laughed. He threw it away in a proper trash bin, which was on his way. One could never escape his job, especially lately as he'd frequently find himself going on auto-pilot while there... it was boring, but secure. Without Derpy, he'd have moved on long before.

He did not eat lunch, and without much for breakfast his stomach growled and gurgled almost as loud as a Timber Wolf on his walk. It hardly distracted him from his thoughts of Derpy, however... even after all this time together, he was still inclined to much introspection, unlike his Special Somepony who was carefree nearly all the time. He laughed, as by now he was hoping some of that would have rubbed off on him... but of course not. He'd mentioned his plans to Daddy Hooves a couple months before, to have him nod in approval and respect. He never needed Daddy Hooves' permission for anything involving Derpy, he simply told him where his Bits were going:

"I'm proud to see that what you say about my daughter is not just empty words," Daddy Hooves said as he nodded. "Though anypony can tell that by the way you both look at each other..."

Cloudfire continued walking the trails for hours, playing everything in his head over and over, that had happened over the past few months...

* * *

It was late afternoon now and Cloudfire was nearly home. Though famished, distracted, and nervous, he still had a bounce in his step that all ponies could see that he passed. Pinkie Pie saw him again while on break, as did Twilight while out on a stroll... his head was down, so he didn't see either of them until they made their presence known by wishing him luck. He smiled and walked with a raised head after that. He noticed as he got closer to Derpy's, out of the corner of his eye, a rainbow blur flying in the clouds overhead, writing "Good Luck" in the sky. This filled him with all the more energy. He was determined now.

Once he was able to see the house he noticed both Dinky and Derpy out in the front yard playing.

"Uncle Cloudfire!" Dinky exclaimed, running up to him and hugging his legs. "You're home! You're home!"

"Yup," he said, patting Dinky on the back, while looking at Derpy. "How're you guys?"

"I'm okay." Derpy quietly said, looking at the grass.

"Sorry to have been out so long." He smiled, approaching Derpy once Dinky let go of him. "It's still a big day. I promise."

He nuzzled the Pegasus, giving her a kiss to the forehead.

"It's okay." Replied his Special Somepony.

Cloudfire shifted uncomfortably on his feet, a concerned look in his eye. Derpy was still not looking at him, avoiding his gaze when he tried to peek at her... she was clearly upset. He sighed. He had to keep moving... keep the Pegasus's spirts up for later:

"What'd you say we all veg on the couch for a bit... I'll grab a sandwich and read to you two..." he looked at both Derpy and Dinky, who looked respectively slightly interested and really excited. "How's that sound?"

"I'd like that." Both Derpy and Dinky said at the same time.

Cloudfire chuckled, ruffling both their manes. Derpy peered at him briefly, beaming a small grin.

After grabbing something to eat, the ivory Earth Pony sat for a good 30 minutes on the couch reading to both Derpy and Dinky. He captivated them both with a fairytale while snacking on some bread. His reading helped distract his own mind, as well. The little Unicorn seemed more interested in his reading than the older Pegasus, who seemed preoccupited in thought just like him. Cloudfire had her looking forward to the whole day, but now it was approaching evening... this wasn't right of him. He didn't even have to think that through. Although this was the first time he'd ever done anything like this this, and he had a reason... she didn't know that. He'd make it up to her. Once the tale was over, he closed the book and glanced up at his slightly disappointed-looking Special Somepony:

"Time for your surprise, Derpy," he said with a smile. "Let's go for a walk."

"What surprise?" Asked Dinky, as the two Special Someponies got up. "Can I come?"

"Not this time, Dinky," said Uncle Cloudfire. "This is just for me and your sister."

Dinky looked disappointed, but understood.

Derpy again looked up at Cloudfire, smiling weakly.

Slowly she went with him, trailing behind. His pace was much brisker than her's and he looked back as they approached the door to see her head was down. They exited the house... tention mounting in his gut.

* * *

It was about 5:30. The sun was beginning to recede in the sky as Celestia retired it for the evening. The moon shone high above, barely starting to wane into view. Below the nightly spectacle, the two ponies walked the mostly empty streets of Ponyville on their way to a special place in the middle of town.

"Derpy," said Cloudfire, as they walked along. "I... uh... I'm sorry I was out all day."

"It's okay," replied his Special Somepony, a second time to the statement. She still kept her head down and wasn't looking at him.

"I was preparing for the surprise... it's going to be big." He winked at her. "Really!"

She raised her head and looked directly at him:

"I can't wait... I just wish you'd told me you were going to be out all day. I'm tired now 'cause I was looking forward to this since we got up."

"I'm sorry, Derpy... when ponies get really nervous they can forget to do things like that and sometimes they do foolish tihngs... it wasn't right of me. I hope you understand."

"Yeah. I do," replied the gray Pegasus, grinning. "Why're you so nervous, Cloudfire? You're the calmest pony I know!"

The Earth Pony just smiled, nuzzling her:

"I wouldn't say that... Derpy, look... I love you... when we get there, I think it's gunna make sense."

They trotted along at a brisk pace, the corner now in sight. Derpy's spirits were now better and she was felt mostly eager now... instead of just mostly annoyed. She looked at him with a bright grin on her face, despite the approaching twilight and most of the day being behind her.

* * *

Cloudfire opened the door to the Corner and Derpy stepped inside...

"Hi guys!" Exclaimed Pinkie from behind the counter. She darted behind a cabinet, disappearing completely. Cloudfire waited for it... "Right this way!" She was now beside the ivory Earth Pony. At least he didn't jump this time.

"Pinkie, HOW do you do that?"

She gave no asnwer, just giggled and bounced along the way to the table with the two Special Someponies trailing behind her.

"I'm so happy you're here tonight! Take a load off! We're preparing a special meal for you two in the back!" Pinkie turned to Derpy. "It's a secret... I'll be back with in a flash!"

The two sat down as Pinkie quickly zoomed off. As planned, Cloudfire had his back to the counter.

[Perfect... He thought, grinning.

"This is nice," Said Derpy, as she looked around. "We've never sat here before."

"That's because I wanted some privacy," Cloudfire replied, going through his saddlebag. He grabbed the undamaged yellow rose and presented it to Derpy. "Pour vous!"

Her eyes immediately lit up as she took it:

"Thanks!"

The Pegasus's Special Somepony beamed a warm smile at her:

"Let's eat our meal first... then we're going to move on to the next part of the evening, if you like."

"Is it the surprise?"

"Yes."

Derpy grinned ear-to-ear for the second time as Pinkie came back in an overly dignified fashion with a fancy covered dish and two glasses of water:

"Dinner is served!"

The pink mare set the dish in front of the ponies and removed the lid. It was the spaghetti seasoned with, as he had ordered, Cloudfire and Derpy's favorite spices. The moment Derpy smelled it her mouth started watering:

"I didn't know you guys made this!" She exclaimed, as Pinkie was serving up the meal on two plates.

"We don't!" Replied their pink server, giving them both a plate and bouncing off. "Call me back if you need anything!"

She left the two to their meal. They both enjoyed it, silently looking into each other's eyes... save Derpy said a few words:

"What's the surprise?" She asked twice during the meal.

"Patience, patience," Her Special Somepony would reply, projecting an image of confidence. "Let's just eat and enjoy the meal..."

In reality, his insides were churning like butter, but he never let it be known. He forced himself to appear smooth as silk. He wanted to give it to her right then and there... but it was best to wait just a little bit longer. He also wanted to throw up, but no pony around would ever have guessed that.

After a good ten minutes their meal was gone and, as if on cue, Pinkie came out to take their plates. Derpy noticed Mrs. Cake peering out from behind the counter. She smiled and waved at her... Mrs. Cake nodded back. She was actually there to keep an eye on Pinkie, to make sure she was containing her antics. Pinkie casually took their plates, offering them some light desert in the form of the couple's favorite muffins made fresh. The two naturally took them and ate them in literally one bite. Cloudfire enjoyed his, too, not expecting it to be prepared fresh since he only arraigned for Derpy's muffin... Pinkie winked at him:

"I remember what you like, Cloudy!" She said, again bouncing away, leaving the two in peace.

I was almost time...

* * *

The ivory Earth Pony slowly looked up at the gray Pegasus, who still had bits of muffin on her face:

"Are you ready for the surprise, Derpy?" He asked, chuckling as she cutely wiped her mouth clean.

She nodded slowly, still chewing.

He went into his bag and took out both the card and the box, putting each in one hoof. Turning towards the Pegasus, he kept the package hidden below the table:

"I want you to look at this card," he said, passing it to her.

She picked it up and looked at the picture on its outside (which was only half of it)... she didn't open it yet.

"It's really pretty!" She said, looking it all over.

"I had a friend's help in making it... she knows her stuff." His eyes went wide from the tension he was feeling, yet his voice remained calm. "Please, open it."

Derpy did as Cloudfire asked, and found herself staring into the card... silently at first. She was quiet for a good minute.

"I don't understand, Cloudfire," she finally said, looking genuinely confused. "It says 'Will you do me the honor...?' What's it mean?"

Cloudfire finally brought the box above the table, feeling immense tension as he opened it and showed Derpy it contents. It contained two pieces of jewelry which Derpy immediately identified, her eyes going wide.

"Do you understand what I'm asking you, Derpy?"

She nodded, tears instantly welling up in her eyes.

"... will you?"

She nodded again, sniffling silently.

"I'm scared," she said, her voice quaking, despite the fact that she was smiling ear-to-ear. "Th- this is something I never expected... I-I'm really scared, but I'm really happy at the same!"

"It's okay!" Replied Cloudfire, taking her by the hoof. "You don't have to now..."

"But I want to!"

A silent moment passed as Derpy sat there, nodding her head again and again. She glanced up at him, her eyes teary but relaxed. He knew in his heart she meant what she had said... The teary-eyed Pegasus looked closely into the box... and her Special Somepony took that as his cue:

In the box there were two pieces of jewelry: he took the one meant for Derpy, a ring encrusted with gray and yellow crystals on a strong silver chain, and held it up. She lowered her head, shutting her eyes as he placed it around her neck. He then took the ring meant for himself on a similar golden chain, this one encrusted with darker gems of red and blue, and placed it around his own neck.

"We're two Fiancées now," he said, sticking his tongue out at her. "Doesn't mean we're not going to have fun anymore, though. I'm still the same Cloudfire I always was, and you're still the same fun, innocent Derpy Hooves you always have been. I love you Derpy."

Derpy didn't answer. She just sat there as she had been.. not moving and just looking into his eyes... tears still forming in her own. He was blurry, but that didn't stop her from knowing he'd always be there. They were to be married... and she didn't know how to respond to that.

Pinkie and Mrs. Cake quietly observed the proposal from across the bakery. Mrs. Cake smiled proudly, having watched their relationship germinate at a distance from the first day, and Pinkie... Pinkie had a few tears in her own eyes. She started in their direction...

"Don't go out there yet, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Give them a few minutes... I've seen a lot of proposals in my time, but never one that needed this few words." Pinkie looked up at her. "They're always much more dramatic than this... 'will you marry me?' 'YES!' it's nice to see two ponies who are this in sync and this in love. They don't need Equestria to know it. They're both wonderful kids, with beautiful souls... I hope they're happy together."

The pink mare did not move, but nodded her head in response, looking over at the two in awe.

Mrs. Cake gave them both their space, insisting Pinkie stay behind the counter unless called. Their meal had already been paid for and they didn't request anything else. It was an hour before they left and the Corner was almost completely deserted by then, save a few foals out with an older sibling treating them to ice cream. The mares closing up shop nodded as their friends passed the counter and walked through the door, their new Engagement rings swinging loosely from their necks.

* * *

The streets of Ponyville were completely empty, save the two lovebirds on their walk home. Looking over at her new Fiancée, Derpy found herself giggling as she clutched her brand new ring while looking down at his in awe as it sparkled in the lamp light:

"Yup." He said, with a smug grin.

The Pegasus's eyes were now dry. She wore a bright smile along with the ring, though she was worn out on the inside and very sleepy.

"What'd I tell my folks?" She asked, yawning.

"I already ran this by your dad," Cloudfire replied, chuckling. "He's going to be very happy... I don't know about your mom, though. Whether or not she knows, that is. Something tells me she's going to be very happy, too."

"Part of me wants to tell the world," Derpy said, still clutching the ring. "Another part of me wants to keep this to myself... like a secret."

"I understand what you mean." Again, the Earth Pony chuckled. "You can do what you want, but I don't know if keeping this a secret is going to work..."

"Why not?"

Cloudfire put his hoof on Derpy's chain, laughing:

"Because if you don't take it off ponies are going to ask 'hey, what's with the nice Engagement Ring?'."

"Oh... yeah."

"It's okay." He gave her a kiss. "You know that this is more than just jewelry. That it's extra special."

"Yeah." Derpy yawned. "I don't wanna take it off."

Cloudfire chuckled:

"It's been a long day... longer than if should have been. Let's go home and go to bed."

"Okee!"

* * *

The two continued on their merry way to the house. Mommy and Daddy. Hooves were both up, relaxing in the living room, when Derpy bounded in, still bright-eyed despite being very tired:

"Mom! Dad! You're not going to believe this. Me and Cloudfire are going to get married!"

Both of her parents looked at each other and nodded, Daddy Hooves being the first to speak up:

"I hate to disappoint you but it's not that much of a shock to either of us, Derpy." He got up and hugged his daughter tightly. "I am happy to see you this excited, though... very happy!"

"Have you guys talked about the big day yet...?" Asked Mommy Hooves.

Derpy looked back at Cloudfire, breaking away from the hug with her father:

"I don't think it's going to be for a couple of months at least... I can't provide anything great for you in terms of a wedding, Derpy, but I'll have something nice."

Derpy laughed, trotting up to Cloudfire and snuggling against his flank.

"I'm just happy now."

"That's great," replied Cloudfire, snuggling her. "I know I am... I'm also tired. Let's go to sleep."

They trotted upstairs, both ready for bed, leaving Derpy's parents in their chairs below... happy for them.