//------------------------------//
// Chapter 10 - And What Have We Learned? 
// Story: A Bold New Style 
// by Yosh-E-O 
//------------------------------//

It had been about a week since Nish Pony and Quacky Pants had come to Ponyville. Each day that passed made Rarity all the more nervous about whether-or-not something of hers may show up in one of the more 'colorful' periodicals that the trendy, fashion pony had a hoof in publishing.

KNOCK-KNOCK-KNOCK

Rarity felt a lump in her throat anytime some pony knocked on her door. What if it was Sapphire Shores coming by to personally fire her as her personal designer for having involved herself with Nish Pony's lewd activities?
"Come in," she said while magically opening the door.

"Ms. Rarity," said a grey-colored mail mare. "I got a parcel for you that requires a signature."

"Oh!" she gasped while making her way to the front of her boutique and signing for the package.

"Have a nice day!" the blonde Pegasus cheered before heading off to her next delivery.

Rarity locked the door of the Carousel Boutique and surveyed the parcel.
"From Nish Pony...?" she wondered.

FWIP
SLIP

There was a letter inside.

Dear ms. Rarity:

Thank you for your assistance this past week. I'd like to let you know that your design for 'Minty's Minky Socks' was super appreciated by Minty herself! She's so excited that she'd like you to come visit her at her home just outside of the Crystal Empire to work on other designs! She says she wants your thoughts on "Socks for daytime and ones that glow at nighttime.". You should be getting a formal request from her shortly.

Also, I do apologize if you may not have been fully aware of all in which Quacky pants and I do. Not many ponies are. It is for this reason that I am not going to use any of the photographs I took for any submissions beyond my efforts with Minty, Better Stables and Fields', 'Whose Hooves' and 'Hometown Pride'.

That said, I did leave you a little surprise in this package that I'd encourage you to look at before reading any further...

Rarity levitated out a series of 8 by 10 glossy photos from within the parcel. Each one making her blush a deeper shade of red as they were all images of Spike posed adorably in his apron and bloomers.
"Oh, my...," gulped Rarity as she felt her heart start to pound. "I'm glad I locked the door."

The white Unicorn felt herself getting a little tingly in not-so-ladylike places. So, she thought reading more of Nish's letter would get her mind off of the pictures.

...He's a cutie, isn't he? Don't worry, I destroyed the original film of these after making these myself just for you in my personal dark room. I wanted you to think on how it feels having such a liking to seeing that adorable dragon in filly's clothing. Then consider how every pony out there in Ponyville, Las Pegasus, Baltimare, Manehattan, etc. has a little something that makes them feel a little, for lack of better words, naughty.

There is no shame in having a liking to something. Just as there is no shame in being attracted to a dragon when you're a pony. You'd be very surprised to know how many mares like mares and stallions like stallions. Unfortunately, they are too afraid to show their feelings outwardly due to how current Equestrian stereotypes could cause them discomfort.

This is why I do what I do. I want to help get the word out on how it is okay to be who you feel you should be. If you're a stallion who likes other stallions you should find yourself a nice stallion to live with. It's best to be happy with who and what you are. To do otherwise would go totally against our society that is built on 'Love and Tolerance'.

My other publications that showcase the beauty in the mare and stallion body are typically purchased by those who may be too 'shy' to feel they could ever get close enough to take in all there is to delight in with the pony form. 

This reminds me, could you pass on to Ms. Fluttershy that Quacky Pants will have some time off next week and will be sending her a train ticket to come vist? That is, if she's still interested?

It has been a pleasure working with you, Rarity. I learned a lot from you and your friends and do hope we can work again soon.

Bye-Q
---Nish Pony

Rarity put the letter back into the cardboard envelope and allowed herself another opportunity to get aroused by the pictures of Spike in the apron and bloomers.
"Oh, I can't deny it," she sighed. "Seeing Spikey-wikey like that just makes me so hot!"

***

After a quick trip to the restroom, Rarity reopened the boutique to find a copy of 'Hometown Pride' waiting at her doorstep. She opened it up and saw the picture of herself with Quacky pants at Sugarcube Corner with the caption, 'Sweet treats and a most welcoming atmosphere for any pony can be found at Mr. and Mrs. Cake's quant bakery, Sugar Cube Corner'. There was also a picture of her getting mane therapy done by Zephyr Breeze that featured the tagline, 'Mane therapist, Zephyr Breeze, makes time for the busiest of ponies at Aloe and Lotus Blossom's Day Spa by bringing stress relief at night.'

"You know," thought Rarity while recalling how she had a copy of 'Rainbow Pride' she had gotten from Nish during his visit. "Perhaps there is far more to a pony than what a first impression, or close-minded belief, may have us believe?"

The designer with the purple mane returned to the boutique to look through the issue of 'Rainbow Pride' as she waited for her next customer. As she did, she allowed herself to think on all the possibilities that awaited her if she felt ready to embrace a brave new, more loving and tolerant Equestria.