Rarity takes a job from an up-and-coming photographer whose creative view is far more than she had expected
Rarity strives to be at the forefront of fashion and high-society. So when an opportunity to work with an up-and-coming trendsetter in photography decides to work with her, she jumps at the chance.
However, what Rarity doesn't know is all the ways in which this fashion-focused photographer, Nish Pony, illustrates creative expression. Will this be a job that she'll regret? Or perhaps an unexpected opportunity to be at the epicenter of an untapped market?
"Rarity...?" asked Spike nervously. "Are you in there?"
There was silence as the purple dragon stood in front of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity hadn't shown herself in days and he was getting worried.
"Rarity...?" he sighed upon hearing no response.
*CLIP-CLOP-CLIP-CLOP* *PFEW-CLICK-THWUMP!*
"Gah!" cried Spike as the door to the boutique suddenly swung outward and knocked him into the nearby shrubbery.
"Nish Pony!" cried Rarity. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting!"
The white-coated Pegasus with the stylish, purple mane looked about in search of some pony who wasn't there.
"I swore I heard-"
"Rarity," groaned Spike while emerging from the bush he was launched into. "What's going on?"
"Oh, Spike!" she cried. "Today is the day that up-and-coming, celebrity photographer, Nish Pony, is coming to Ponyville!"
"Nish Pony?" wondered Spike.
"Why, yes!" cheered Rarity. "Nish Pony has started a whole new fashion trend that is making all the magazines and he wants me to help him with his latest inspirations!"
"So that's why you've been held up in your boutique all this time?" the green-eyed dragon asked.
"Oh, Spike," cooed Rarity while patting his green spikes upon his head. "Didn't Twilight tell you that I'd be super busy preparing for Nish Pony's arrival?"
Spike shrugged. "It must've escaped her between asking me to help her on Griffon research," he replied.
"I'm sorry, darling," Rarity apologized. "You're welcome to stay for when-"
A stallion suddenly called out from a short distance away. "-Miss Rarity!" he said in a hoity-toity sort of tone. "Is that you?"
Rarity's eyes widened. "Yes!" she called back. "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique!"
A stallion, who was colored much like Applejack, came into view. To his side was a younger looking stallion whohad a red mane and green coat.
"Whoah..." remarked Spike as he noticed the rose-tinted glasses and jewelry that adorned the orange stallion.
"Shh," hushed Rarity. "It's trendy."
"If you say so," Spike replied.
"Miss Rarity," the orange stallion stated upon arriving before the fashion-focused mare. "It is a divine honor to meet you at last."
"The honor is all mine," blushed Rarity. "It is a pleasure to have someone so forward thinking in fashion come to my humble boutique."
Nish Pony gestured over to his colleague. "Allow me to introduce you to Quacky Pants," he said. "He's my stallion model I'll need you to design some fashions and props for."
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Rarity," the blue-eyed model greeted. "I just know you'll do a fantastic job for my good pal, Nish."
Nish Pony then spotted Spike standing beside Rarity. "Ah!" beamed the renowned stylist. "Is this the Spike you have spoken to me of?"
Rarity nodded. "Yes," she replied. "He's such a help and the best dragon in all of Equestria."
"Shucks," blushed Spike.
Nish Pony extended his hoof to greet Spike. "Wonderful!" he proclaimed. "Perhaps there may be a place for you in my photo shoots while I'm here?"
"Really?" gasped Spike. "Wow!"
Quacky Pants looked towards Nish Pony. "Don't you think he may be a little young for your vision?" he asked with a whisper.
"Ah, no!" proclaimed Nish. "One is never to young to show fashion through outward openness."
"So," grinned Rarity. "What can I do for you gents?"
Nish Pony used his Unicorn magic to levitate a piece of parchment over towards Rarity. "Ms. Pommel and Sassy Saddles both gave me a very delightful introduction to your abilities through your boutiques in Manehattan and Canterlot," he stated. "If you could have the following ready by sunrise tomorrow, I'd be most delighted."
Rarity took hold of the document with her Unicorn magic and briefly scanned it. Her face showing an initial degree of shock. "You want all this?" she asked with more disbelief than concern.
"Yes," grinned Nish Pony as he wrapped a hoof around Quacky Pants. "It'll be fabulous! And, of course, I will be sure to tell all the other new wave photographers, stylists, and whose-who in the industry all about you and your abilities to go beyond the seasonal fashion lines."
Rarity nodded. "Certainly," she almost gulped. "I'll have it all done and ready for you by the time Celestia raises the sun tomorrow morning."
"Splendid!" proclaimed Nish Pony. "Oh! Perhaps you could do line item seven and ten for that adorable, little dragon for me?"
Rarity blushed deep. "I, uh...." she stumbled.
"Of course!" Spike exclaimed. Anything to help his number one crush.
"I don't know Spike-" Rarity tried to say.
"If it's for you, Rarity, I'll do anything." he said with pride.
"Wonderful!" clopped Nish Pony. "Then we see you tomorrow morning?"
"You bet," replied Rarity.
"Great," stated Nish Pony. "Now Quacky Pants and I will go about the town in search of our inspiration to go with your fashion."
"Would you like some help?" offered Spike. "I know all the best places in Ponyville."
"You'd do that for us?" asked Nish Pony.
"Of course!" announced Spike. "I'm not The Number One Assistant to the Princess of Friendship for nothing."
"Well, then, Quacky Pants," grinned the famed photographer. "Looks like this little dragon is going to be most helpful to our efforts in making Ponyville one of our best shoots ever!"
"Care to ride on my back?" asked Quacky Pants while sitting on his haunches. This made his Cutie Mark, which was a large, yellow duck with an orange beak, become quite visible.
"Sure!" cheered Spike as he climbed aboard the stallion model.
Quacky Pants got up and looked back towards Spike. "You just tell us where to go and we'll go," he said.
"Yes, yes," added Nish Pony. "This is all going far better than I could have ever planned!"
***
Rarity watched as Spike proudly lead Nish Pony and Quacky Pants into Ponyville. She then reviewed the list of items she had been asked to make. "Perhaps I should've taken some more time to read the magazines his work is featured in," she thought out loud. "Then again, fashion is fashion and I do have a reputation to maintain if I'm going to stay on top and build upon Rarity for You."
Rarity had felt quite curious about what she had gotten herself into as she worked through the day to fulfill the order that Nish Pony had given her. "Silk tie..." she said while finishing the formal accessory. "Now for the 'Minky Knee-High Socks'."
***
The white Unicorn continued about her work while also feeling very unsure if this was really something that would be of genuine benefit to her career. There was also the concern she had for Spike based on the particular items that Nish Pony had asked be made for him to model in as well. "This all seems so odd...," she thought. "I mean, I do love a challenge and showing I'm more than the proverbial 'One Trick, Fashion Pony', but some of this just seems awkward.
***
Rarity rested a bit uneasy upon finishing up all Nish Pony had requested. However, she was being paid well. She was also getting a chance to be on the threshold of the latest in Equestrian Fashion. It just seemed very strange that she had to make what she had to make.
***
As the sun rose the next day, Rarity found herself quickly greeted at her front door by Nish Pony, Quacky Pants, and Spike.
"Is all in order for our fabulous day?" asked the orange Unicorn.
"All to order," Rarity replied with a nervous chuckle.
"I showed them all around town!" Spike proudly proclaimed. "I even gave me them some great ideas for where to shoot the photos of me and Quacky Pants showing off your amazing styles!"
"So let us be off!" proclaimed Nish Pony while he adjusted his rose-tinted glasses. "We have a glorious sunrise to take advantage of!"
Quacky Pants, Spike, and the fashion-focused, orange Unicorn trotted off with the box of items Rarity had prepared.
"Would you like to come along?" Spike asked Rarity.
Rarity blushed. "Sure, darling," she replied. "I had every intention on coming along."
***
The first stop was on a tall hill near the edge of a cliff. There was a tree very close to the cliff's edge and the sun was positioned just slightly above the apex of the hilltop.
"Yes!" cheered Nish Pony. "Now for the shimmering bangles, anklets, and bandanna!"
Rarity helped open the box of garments while the fashion pony used his magic to pick out all the accessories he needed for his first picture of the day.
"These are far more divine than I expected!" announced Nish Pony. "You truly are a most divine fashionista!"
Spike smiled upon hearing his white-coated crush get such a glowing compliment. "That's why Rarity is the best there ever is when it comes to fashion and style!" he cheered.
***
Quacky Pants put on the shimmering accessories as Nish Pony prepared his camera.
"Now!" proclaimed Nish Pony. "Move by the tree and take some hoof steps until you can really feel that sun on your bum!"
Quacky Pants complied. "Like this?" he asked.
"Just a few more steps to the right," stated Nish
"Here?" asked Quacky.
"Perfect!" cried the photographer. "Now get up on your haunches, spread those back legs, and let the sun shine through!"
Spike and Rarity watched as Quacky Pants posed in a way that made it appear that the sun was beaming between his legs. It certainly made Quacky's special pony parts quite visible with only the shimmer of the bandanna, bangles, and anklets adding any additional luster.
"Raise your tail!" exclaimed Nish. "Let that sun kiss those bits!"
***
Spike and Rarity watched with gaping jaws as Nish Pony went about taking a series of images that, for all they could tell, were more about showing off Quacky pants privates than Rarity's fashions.
"Rarity...?" asked Spike.
The white pony put her hoof over Spike's eyes. "Perhaps this is a warm up?" she asked. "However, it is a bit too lude for you to see."
"I don't understand," said Spike. "Didn't you say this Nish Pony was an up-and-coming fashion star in Equestria?"
Rarity blushed deep as she watched Quacky Pants stallion parts continue to get the most attention while she ensured Spike's eyes were covered. "Perhaps you shouldn't take part in this photo shoot anymore?" she suggested. "I'm sure Twilight could always use a hoof with, uh, something."
"No way!" proclaimed Spike. "I'm here for you, Rarity."
"I was afraid he'd say that," she thought.
***
Once Nish Pony had finished getting all the shots he needed. Quacky Pants took off all the garments and jewelery and placed them in a saddlebag.
"The glory of a new day!" cheered Nish. "It is the combination of wild stallion and fashion with nature that just makes my body explode with inspiration!"
"So, uh...?" asked Rarity. "Where are we off to next?"
"Sugar Cube Corner," stated Quacky Pants. "It's Nish's vision to show the everyday in a fabulous way."
"Right," stated the orange Unicorn as he finished packing his camera and patted his model on the flank. "Let's eat and be stylish."
***
Upon reaching Sugar cube Corner, the group was pleased to see Mr. and Mrs. Cake welcoming in the day's first customers.
"Now," said Nish. "I shall need the blue vest and silk tie."
Rarity felt nervous as she got out the next two items for the renowned photographer. If he did anything like he did up on the cliff it'd not only be inappropriate, but also be in a place where every pony would know she was associated with such a lude act. "Here you go," she said.
"Ooh!" awed Nish. "Could you get out the sunhat, too, Ms. Rarity? I've got a totally fabulous idea to make this shot over-the-top!"
Rarity got out the sunhat, which featured a lot of pastel-colored flowers. "What's your idea?" she asked with as little hesitation as possible.
"You, Ms. Rarity!" he replied gleefully. "You and Quacky Pants are going to be in this picture together!"
Rarity gasped.
"Awesome!" cheered Spike. "I'm sure you being in a picture with a famous model will definitely get you all sorts of great publicity!"
"Yeah," Rarity nervously chuckled. "No doubt."
The four then made their way into Sugar Cube Corner to begin the second series of photos for the day.
"Okay," blushed Rarity as she sat herself in a booth in Sugar Cube Corner. "Now what?"
Quacky Pants adjusted the blue vest and tie the white Unicorn had made for him while he brushed through his mane. "We wait for Nish to tell us how he'd like us to pose," he said.
Rarity felt a bit uneasy. The booth was one of the smaller ones in Sugar Cube Corner. There wasn't much space between herself and Quacky Pants. It was also in front of a window that allowed anyone passing by the chance to see whatever Nish had in mind.
"Spike," called Nish. "Could you get us some coffee?"
"You bet!" the eager dragon replied.
***
When Spike returned with the coffee, Nish asked him to place a full cup in front of both Rarity and his stallion model.
"How's that?" asked Spike proudly while he held onto the tray Mrs. Cake gave him for the cups, saucers and coffee pitcher.
"Very nice!" praised Nish while taking notice of a frilly apron the purple dragon was now wearing. "And what is that adorable ensemble you have on?"
"Oh," beamed Spike. "Just a little something I brought along in case I could be of help during the Sugar Cube Corner stop."
"Well," smiled Nish Pony. "No use for it here, but I think we definitely can use it in one of our later stops."
Spike appeared a bit disappointed.
"Oh," comforted the orange Unicorn while getting out his camera. "I can't deny such a sweet pose. Keep holding that tray, give me a smile, and we'll see what we can do."
Spike glowed while he proudly posed for a few snapshots of him holding the tray of coffee supplies.
"Okay," stated Nish. "Now for our special moment."
"What would you like us to do, Nish?" asked Quacky Pants.
"I want you to look at Rarity like she's the most interesting Pony you've ever met," the fashion-focused Unicorn stated. "Look at her as if you are waiting eagerly on every word she is saying."
"Got it," said Quacky while posing himself. He was very capable of making any pose Nish asked him and got Rarity to feel very nervous through how genuinely he appeared to be flirting with her.
"And, uh, me?" asked Rarity.
"Put a hoof on your coffee, look as if you just had the best day of your life, and appear as if you're smiling as you tell Quacky there about what has you so happy."
***
Rarity kept waiting for something 'odd' to happen as she worked the pose with Quacky. However, it never happened. Nish just kept taking different shots of them with their hooves positioned in different ways, various facial expressions, and their coffees placed in various locations on the table. There was even a shot of Spike coming over and offering more coffee in his frilly, heart-adorned apron while Quacky and Rarity maintained poses to show how 'Happy they were to be together in such a relaxing, small-town diner'.
***
"Okay!" cheered Nish. "That's a wrap for here."
"Really?" wondered Rarity. This was what she was more used to from what she'd have seen and heard about Nish Pony. However, the moment on the hilltop still haunted her.
"Hey," a bashful, sea foam green mare giggled nervously. "You wouldn't happen to be Nish Pony, would you?"
Nish used his magic to adjust his rose-colored glasses before gently shaking his yellow mane. "The one and only," he replied. "What can I do for you lovely mares?"
"Well," blushed the tannish-yellow mare with the deep blue mane who stood beside her sea-foam green friend. "We wondering if, well..."
"An autograph?" asked Nish.
"Yeah," the green one with the Lyre on her flank said. "But, also..."
The mares rubbed against each other in quite an affectionate way.
"Ah!" grinned Nish. "I don't often get mare subjects, but I see you two are quite perfect together."
"We are," the other mare beamed. "I don't know where I'd be without my Lyra."
"Or without my Bon-Bon," added Lyra.
"Well, then," stated Nish Pony while getting back out his camera. "Ms. Rarity and Quacky, if you'd be so kind, please allow the ladies your booth. We have a very special photo shoot to do."
Rarity stepped out along with Quacky Pants as Lyra and Bon-Bon took their spots. Both were blushing and giggling at the thought of what was to come.
"Spike?" asked Nish. "Could you please clear the table and bring me back a single, strawberry milkshake with two straws?"
"You bet!" exclaimed the eager dragon as he did as he was asked and headed off to get the requested beverage.
"Oh, you two are going to definitely be a feature piece!" cheered Nish. "I'm so delighted we found our way to Ponyville."
***
When Spike returned, Lyra and Bon-Bon were still all a giggle about having their picture taken by Nish. They liked the closeness the booth brought them and how the positioning of the strawberry milkshake was so they could easily lean over and sip from their respective straws within it.
"Okay," grinned Nish from behind the camera. "Let's see you go nose-to-nose as you gently sip from that tasty milkshake."
Lyra and Bon-Bon closed their eyes, leaned forward, and seemed to hum as their noses touched.
"D'aww," remarked Quacky Pants. "They are a perfect couple."
"Couple?" asked Rarity. "What do you mean?"
"You know," said Quacky. "Meant for each other. Partners for life."
"Are you saying they're...?" Rarity gasped while noticing how their tongues were now touching.
"What's that Rarity?" asked Spike.
PFEW WHIRR
"Whoa!" cried Spike as Rarity used her magic to spin him around as to not face the romantic mares.
"I'm sorry, Spike," Rarity said quickly. "I meant to do something else and got a bit, uh, distracted.
Spike turned around to face Rarity, which put him in eye shot of Lyra and Bon-Bon being romantic over the strawberry milkshake.
PFEW WHIRR
"Hey!" yelped Spike as he was spun about. "Is there something wrong with your magic, Rarity?"
Rarity struggled to come up with something quick. "Uh, well, no... I, uh, just need to get, uh, some fresh air," she said. "Care to come with me?"
"Sure thing!" cheered Spike. "Anything for you, Rarity."
The pony with the purple mane quickly walked alongside Spike and distracted him from all the intimacy that was taken place at the booth between the two mares.
"Things are getting weird again," thought Rarity while they exited Sugar Cube Corner. "I do hope that I didn't make an ill-advised choice in getting myself involved with Nish Pony and his 'Forward Thinking Trend Setting Vision'."
The sun was nearly at its zenith when Rarity, Spike, Nish Pony, and Quacky Pants reached their next destination.
:This bridge brings back memories," said Spike as he recalled the time Rarity had kissed him on his birthday where he became 'The Rampaging Dragon'.
"I know," Rarity replied. "Sometimes I come hear to think, too."
Spike sighed upon feeling his crush had failed to recall that faithful day, but made sure to not show it as much as he possibly could.
"Could you get out the swim trunks?" asked Nish Pony. "It's time to get all wet with a little water sport."
Rarity opened the box of garments and accessories and pulled out the red swimming trunks. "If I may," said Rarity. "I'm pretty good at guessing a measurement and, well, the dimensions you gave me seem like they'll be a bit tight on your model."
Nish Pony grinned as he got out his camera. "They're perfect," he stated while using his Unicorn magic to look them over.
***
Nish levitated the red swimming suit over to Quacky Pants who promptlyput them on.
"Okay!" announced the orange Unicorn. "Go splash around for a bit and let me know when you're ready, Quacky!"
"Sure thing!" cheered Quacky as he climbed down into the stream and started to frolic about in the little stream beneath the bridge.
"That looks like fun!" exclaimed Spike. "Do models get to have fun like that all the time?"
Mine does," nodded Nish as he adjusted his glasses. "Perhaps, one day, you could be a darling model for me, too?"
Rarity felt nervous about this suggestion. "Actually," she stated a bit firmly. "Spike's my model."
"I am?" asked Spike as he felt his heart begin to pound with excitement.
"Why of course!" chimed Rarity. "I have all sorts of fashion ideas that only an attractive, young dragon, like you, could make work."
"Wow!" Spike awed. "I'd love to model for you, Rarity."
"He is quite attractive," noted Nish. "I hope you don't mind me borrowing him a bit later on?"
"Just so long as you talk to me first," added Rarity. "We don't want to have any creative overlap, right?"
"Most definitely not," stated Nish.
***
After a few more minutes, Nish asked Quacky if he was ready. Quacky told him he was and the photo shoot began.
"Okay!" called Nish. "Stand up and let us see what those materials in the suit have done for you!"
Quacky Pants stood up on his hind legs to reveal how their was a very definite tightening around his flank. There was a distinctive, elephant-like shape on his front and, when he turned around, the suit appeared as if it was squeezing his rump to the point where every feature of it was apparent.
"Perfect!" cheered Nish. "Now lie on your back and make sure we can get a good view of that cute elephant!"
Quacky Pants grinned as he postured himself so that he was laying comfortably in the water with his firmly squeezed crotch sticking up. The positioning of the sun made it very easy to make out the formation of his stallion parts as they were firmly held by the swim suit.
***
Rarity was aghast at what she saw happening.
"I could do a swim pose for you, Rarity," suggested Spike. "It looks fun."
The white Unicorn wanted to make sure the young, purple dragon didn't get a chance to ask about the bulge showing in Quacky Pants' swimsuit. So, she kissed him with a very audible 'Muah'.
"Is...," teetered Spike upon feeling Rarity's lips purse against his chubby, left cheek. She kissed him in such a hurry that she not only planted him with a notable smooch, but also kind of sucked on it like a vacuum as she released. "That, a, yes..."
"Why of course, Spikey-Boo," she said while keeping his attention on her as Nish Pony continued to take shots of his model teasing at his stallion-hood with the very swim trunks she had made. "I'll even make you a special swimsuit, too."
"I inspire you?" asked Nish Pony.
"Yes," stated Rarity with a sort of lacking in enthusiasm.
"Okay!" called Nish down to Quacky. "Time to show off those hot cross buns!"
"Got it!" called back Quacky as he sat up, got on all fours, and stuck his rump up into the air. His swimsuit took little time to fully conform around his backside as water dripped from all about the various spots the suit was squeezing to reveal.
"Now!" called Nish. "Flick up that tail and let me get some good shots of that glistening behind of yours!"
Quacky Pants really enjoyed being in the water. He also enjoyed how a family of ducks was approaching in the direction he was facing. So it wasn't hard to hold the desired pose while he remained distracted by the family of water fowl.
***
Rarity, having never ceased paying attention to what Nish Pony was photographing, wrapped a hoof around Spike while rubbing his green, head spikes.
"I shall have to contract you..." trailed Nish Pony upon noticing how close Rarity and the young dragon were. "Ooh! Photo op!"
CLICK!
Spike and Rarity both blushed a deep red upon having their picture taken in such a way. The blush only encouraged Nish to shoot a few more shots before resuming his photo shoot of Quacky Pants in the water with the skin tight swimsuit glistening and dripping in the mid-day sun.
"Now...," wondered Rarity. "You're not going to publish those photos of Spike and I, are you?"
"Why not?" wondered Nish. "You two are just too adorable!"
Spike beamed as he grew an extremely wide, toothy grin. "Oh, please, Rarity!" he begged. "Let him use the photos!"
The fashion-focused pony with the purple mane sighed. "Sure," she agreed. "However, I want to see them and who you are sending them to first."
"Certainly," agreed Nish Pony. "I made the same promise to many other ponies. Most recently those adorable fans of my very own publication, 'Rainbow Pride'."
"Rainbow Pride?" asked Rarity. "Why haven't I heard of that one?"
"It's kind of a lesser known publication," replied Nish. "Quacky and I started it to help further Equestria's image as a land of 'Love and Tolerance'."
"Interesting," said Rarity. "How would I come across an issue of this publication?"
"I have a few copies of it in my saddlebag if you'd like to see one," stated the orange Unicorn as he continued to take snapshots of his subject. "I'm really loving how that family of ducks is around you, Quacky!" Keep working that magic!"
The lower part of Quacky's swim trunks began to expand as he felt the little quackers move alongside them.
"Ah!" beamed Nish. "Nothing like even more inspiration! You definitely make things hard on me in all the right ways!"
"What do you mean?" asked Spike.
"He is just talking fashion, darling," assured Rarity while making sure the purple dragon didn't have a chance to look over the side of the bridge. "I'll explain more to you later during our time together."
Spike melted upon hearing his crush state, '...our time together...' "Hmm," he cooed as he felt butterflies fill his tummy.
"Okay!" called out Nish Pony. "You can soften up and get on up here, Quacky Panties! We're done here!"
Quacky Pants couldn't help but grin after having his moment with the ducks. However, he was also ready to get out of the stream, take off the tight swim trunks, and get onto their next shoot. "Be right up, Nish!" he called.
"Where are we off to next?" asked Rarity.
"A place Spike told us about called the Everfree Forest," replied Nish as he packed up his camera. "Oh! Here's a copy of 'Rainbow Pride'."
PFEW
"Ooh!" awed Spike as he saw the periodical float towards him on its way towards Rarity.
PFEW FWIP CLICK THWIP CLASP
"I'll just give this a look a bit later," stated Rarity. She didn't know what the magazine may contain and she not only didn't want Spike to not see something lewd, but also didn't want to be seen reading something that could potentially be off-putting if anyone in high standing saw her flipping through it.
"Alright," said Quacky Pants as he approached the group on the bridge. He had taken off the swim trunks and looked far less revealing.
"That's my Quacky," remarked Nish while nuzzling his associate. "How's about we treat our friends to a little lunch and then head to the forest?"
"Sounds good," replied Quacky Pants. "I could definitely go for an oat burger."
***
A few more words were exchanged before the four headed off to another one of Ponyville's local diners to grab some grub.
Every pony, and dragon, were enjoying their meal at the diner when they found themselves greeted by a very familiar, green Pegasus.
"Rarity!" he called out. "Spike! So nice to see you!"
Everyone turned to see Fluttershy's brother, Zephyr Breeze, approaching the table.
"And, if I may be so blunt, you must be that swanky new trendsetter, NP?" Zephyr more stated than asked.
"The one and only," grinned Nish Pony as he used his Unicorn magic to lift up his rose-tinted glasses for the briefest of moments. "I assume you are familiar with my work?"
"Oh, but of course!" beamed the Pegasus. "I see it all the time in the magazines they keep over at the day spa."
"Day spa?" asked Nish. "Sounds like a potentially trendy place for a photo shoot."
"Oh, it is!" cheered Zephyr. "I'm actually just finishing for the morning so I can work the evening as their exclusive 'Mane Therapist'."
"How's that been going for you, Zephyr?" asked Rarity.
"Hopefully better than when you tricked me into doing all the windows in the Castle of Friendship," scowled Spike before grumpily chewing upon an extra-crispy, hay fry.
"You don'[t seem to like your meal," said Quacky Pants to Spike.
"Well," said Spike. "I prefer gemstones and, well, nobody serves them."
"You know," grinned Quacky while reaching into his saddlebag. "I don't have any gemstones, but I do have some crystals."
"Crystals?" asked Spike.
"Yeah," continued the green-coated, Earth Pony. "I always keep some with me when Nish and I are away from the Crystal Empire."
"Did I just hear you are from the Crystal Empire?" asked Rarity.
"Yeah," replied Quacky as he handed a number of sparkling crystals to Spike. "It's a haven for love and tolerance. Especially since the crystaling of Flurry Heart."
"Makes sense," stated Zephyr. "I know some ponies who wouldn't be all too happy with the kind of work that you get yourself involved in."
Rarity saw an opportunity to learn more about her client. "What do you mean, Zephyr?" she asked sweetly.
Well... Uh...," he stumbled. "Are you familiar with 'Kink'?"
"'Kink'?" wondered Rarity.
"It's but one of the many open-minded publications I helped to start," stated Nish Pony while biting into his oat burger. "I pride myself on finding fashion, style, glamour,and beauty in all things. No one publication could truly ever contain all of my creative genius."
"I'm familiar with 'Better Stables and Fields', 'Whose Hooves', and 'Hometown Styles'," stated the white Unicorn.
"All great periodicals," remarked Nish. "However, I also like to do work that goes a bit bolder than that when I can."
"Like 'Kink'?" asked Zephyr. "I'm also familiar with a certain publication you do that my sister is into that I simply will not mention here."
Spike munched down on the crystals that Quacky had gave him so quckly that he developed a bit of a tummy ache. "Ooh," he moaned. "I need to use the bathroom."
Rarity waited for Spike to be out of hearing range before leaning in closer towards Nish and Quacky. "Isn't a kink another word for a, uh, fetish?" she asked with a blush.
The orange Unicorn and his model with the red mane nodded in near unison. "Put simply," stated Nish Pony. "Though, I've never understood why ponies have such shame over them."
Zephyr gulped. "I'm not ashamed," he stated with a slight stutter.
"Oh," grinned Nish. "What makes you feel a bit naughty?"
Zephyr gulped while turning beet red in the cheeks. "Manes and tails," he said. "It's sort of what got me into Mane Therapy. I just love the feel of a good mane and/or tail."
Rarity was aghast. "So...," she stumbled. "When you were working on me?"
"No, no, no," stammered Zephyr. "I'm all professional when I'm at work."
"You know, Ms. Rarity," stated Nish. "Many ponies I've photographed for the various publications I've created, or am published in, tend to admit to me that their professions typically align with their kinks."
"They do?" wondered the Unicorn with the purple mane.
"Yes," added Quacky Pants. "It's why, when I'm not modeling, I'm working the local park within the Crystal Empire. Ducks make me so happy and taking care of them brings me such a sense of satisfaction."
Rarity did her best to not read too much into what Quacky meant by 'satisfaction'.
"Surely you have a kink?" inquired Nish Pony. "I did notice how you kind of get all nervous when you see that little dragon wearing filly clothing."
Rarity couldn't hod back her blush as she struggled for composure. "Oh..., no....," she nervously giggled. "It's not like that."
"What's that?" asked Spike upon returning to the table.
Rarity felt her heart drop into her stomach. "Nothing, Spikey-Pooh," she said. "Just talking about our next phot shoot at the Everfree Forest."
"Everfree Forest?" wondered Zephyr. "My sister lives right at its border. You should stop by. She has a lot of fabulous areas around her home that would be perfect for photography."
"Hmm," thought Nish. "If you're sister is also a fan of my more distinct work, I believe popping by could be most worthwhile."
Rarity felt like she was sweating needles.
"I could take you there before heading back up to Cloudsdale," stated Zephyr. "Then, if you'd consider it, I'd love to fit you and your friend in for some Mane Therapy tonight."
"Would that be at the Day spa?" asked Nish.
"Oh, yes!" cheered Zephyr. "Ponies carry so much stress in their manes and most can't get in during the day due to their jobs. So, I take a little siesta in the afternoon so I can be at my best for those hard working, tense ponies."
"I'm all for a little release of tension," stated Quacky Pants.
"Sounds good," grinned Nish while getting a paper out of his saddlebag. "I just need you to take this by your employer to make sure they are okay with me taking pictures within their facility."
Zephyr took hold of the parchment. "I'm sure Aloe and Lotus Blossom would be fine with it," he assured. "Can you come around eight?"
"We'll be there," said Nish after finishing his food and dabbing his face off with a napkin. "But, now, we must head off to your sister's."
"Follow me," said Zephyr. "You're just going to love my Flutter Butter."
Spike smiled upon knowing they were off to Fluttershy's instead of into the Everfree Forest. Rarity, on the other hoof, was wondering if it may be better to just head into the forest before finding out any other tidbits about Nish Pony she hadn't heard from any of her high-society contacts before agreeing to work with him.
"Hey there, little sis!" exclaimed Zephyr as Fluttershy gingerly opened the front door of her cottage. "Guess who your baby brother brought by for you to meet?"
"Oh...," the yellow Pegasus with the pink mane shyly said. "Who?"
Zephyr enthusiastically opened the cottage door all the way to reveal Nish Pony, Quacky Pants, Spike, and rarity.
Fluttershy gasped. "Oh, my!" she blushed while taking a step back. "Is that...?"
"You guessed it, sis!" boomed Zephyr while moving alongside her. "The one, and only, Nish Pony."
"Oh, my," Fluttershy said bashfully.
"Nothing to be all nervous about," assured her green-coated brother. "Isn't he the one who takes those pictures you like?"
"Well...," stumbled Fluttershy as she took further notice of Spike and Rarity. "Umm..."
"Well," said Zephyr. "I'll just let you all to your time. After all, this breeze needs his z's."
***
Zephyr shared a few more words with Nish Pony about his sister before flying his way back to his apartment up in Cloudsdale.
"I hope we're not intruding," stated Rarity.
"Oh, not at all," assured Fluttershy. "I'm just, well, a little surprised."
"I tend to get that response from ponies when they meet me in person," stated Nish. "Most think I keep everything all hidden away in a private studio. However, I'm all for total exposure anywhere and everywhere."
Fluttershy turned beet red. "Yeah...," she giggled nervously.
"Speaking of," said the orange Unicorn. "I was wondering if perhaps you may want to help me with showing off one of the Crystal Empire's latest fashion trends?"
"Me?" the timid Pegasus squeaked.
Nish gestured for Rarity to help him get the box of clothing and jewelery he had made for her. He then magically sorted through it until he pulled out the minky socks. "Would you mind modeling these for me?" he asked. "I'd have my model, Quacky Pants, here do it. However, as Minty is more looking into the mare market, I think you and this quaint cottage would be perfect!"
"So...," said Fluttershy as she lowered her head. "It's not for 'Modelling Mares'?"
"Oh, no," grinned Nish Pony. "Though, I would say a cutie like you would certainly make a wonderful subject for that publication."
"Okay," agreed Fluttershy. "What do you want me to do?"
"Well," stated Nish as he magically adjusted his glasses. "I'd actually like a word with you and Ms. Rarity as you give me a tour of your cottage. I want to make sure we showcase these socks as 'Minty-Fresh' as possible."
"What about me?" asked Spike.
"I actually have something very special just for you," beamed Nish. "Quacky will tell you all about it once we start our tour."
"Oh!" gasped Fluttershy. "I didn't properly introduce myself to your friend."
"No worries," assured Quacky Pants while extending his hoof. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Fluttershy."
Fluttershy gazed at the green-coated pony and gave a bashful look of recognition. "Pleasure's all mine," she said.
"Okay, then," said Nish Pony. "on with the tour to showcase these minky, Minty socks!"
***
While Rarity, Nish, and Fluttershy were away, Quacky Pants looked over towards Spike. "Nish and I can't help but notice how you and Rarity look at each other," he said.
"...," blushed the purple dragon.
"No harm in having a crush," assured the Earth Pony model with the red mane. "We were just wondering if you'd like to try a little something? You know, to get her attention."
"What would that be?" asked Spike.
Quacky Pants opened the box they had been toting around all day and pulled out a pair of frilly bloomers covered in heart prints. "Do you still have that apron with you?" he asked.
"Yeah...," replied Spike while fidgeting with his fingers.
"Would you put these on and then slip on the apron?" asked Quacky.
"I, uh, guess I could," stated Spike. "Though, why?"
"Nish and I have a little theory about Ms. Rarity," Quacky stated. "We just want to see if it is true."
"What's that?" asked Spike eagerly.
"We'll see," grinned Quacky. "Just get dressed up and start doing a little cleaning around in here until they come back."
"Okay," stated Spike. "But no funny business."
Quacky Pants giggled as he took a seat upon a nearby chair. "No funny business," he assured.
***
"...And this is my Butterfly Garden," stated Fluttershy.
"You have many wonderful spots we could really showcase off these socks!" cheered Nish. "It's hard to pick just one!"
"That's very kind of you to say," stated Fluttershy.
"If you don't mind me asking," inquired Nish. "Could you direct me to your restroom?"
"We actually just passed it on our way out here," said Fluttershy. "It should be the second door on the right as you head in."
"Thanks," said the fashion pony with the yellow mane. "I'll be right back."
***
Rarity and Fluttershy were now alone.
"Fluttershy, darling," the white Unicorn said softly. "Your brother said you were familiar with Nish and some of his, umm, works?"
"Mmm-hmmm," hummed Flutters while she wished Zephyr knew when to keep private matters to himself.
"Well," continued Rarity. "Tell me. What is it you read that he does?"
"Well," stammered Fluttershy. "There's his work in 'Better Stables and Fields'."
"And...?" pursued Rarity.
Fluttershy got really close to Rarity. "Promise not to tell," she squeaked.
Rarity felt nervous, but had to know the answer. "Promise," she assured.
Fluttershy mumbled for a moment before she was finally able to whimper out the answer. "'Raw Stallion'," she gulped.
"'Raw Stallion'?" wondered Rarity.
"Yeah...," replied Flutters meekly.
"Not to pressure you," said Rarity. "But how did you learn of this publication?"
"Tree Hugger," replied Fluttershy. "She knows almost all there is to know about Nish Pony."
"Really?" asked Rarity with a hint of disbelief. "How's that?"
"Tree Hugger is all about the pony body and what makes up our essence," answered Fluttershy. "She subscribes to all of Nish Pony's exclusive magazines. 'Model Mare', 'Raw Stallion' 'Rainbow Pride', and 'Kink'."
"Four publications?" pondered Rarity. "I thought he was just a trendsetter through his work in 'Better Stables and Fields', 'Whose Hooves', and 'Hometown Styles'?"
"He is," Fluttershy said timidly. "However, his own magazines are, well, a bit different."
Rarity thought on the hilltop sunrise photo shoot and the tight swimsuit under the bridge. "You don't say," she stated simply.
"I was actually surprised to see you working with him," remarked Fluttershy. "He's a part of a new movement that Tree hugger has been closely following that is based out of the Crystal Empire. One where we embrace our pony selves no matter our interests, orientations, and such."
Rarity was tempted to ask Fluttershy more about what she knew about Nish Pony. However, the orange Unicorn had just made his return.
"Okay, ladies," he greeted. "How about we get things started back in the foyer and living room area?"
"Sounds great!" exclaimed Rarity.
Fluttershy just blushed and smiled as she lead the pair back to the entrance to her cottage.
"...These are actually kind of comfortable," remarked Spike as he moved about Fluttershy's living room and went about some dusting.
Quacky Pants blushed with a mischievous grin. "I know," he said. "Though, there is something I find even more comfortable."
"What's that?" asked the purple dragon.
The green, Earth Pony felt his answer may not be appropriate for the young dragon. "A special kind of bloomer," he said simply.
"Oh...," shrugged Spike with a hint of disappointment.
"Hey," stated Quacky. "Would you like to see some modeling poses Nish taught me? Perhaps give you some ideas of how to catch the attention of Ms. Rarity?"
"Sure!" exclaimed Spike. "I'm all for learning some smooth new moves."
***
Nish Pony, Rarity, and Fluttershy had just about returned to the living room area when the orange Unicorn stopped them. "Just a sec," he whispered. "I'm getting a vision."
"A 'vision'?" wondered Rarity.
"Umm," Fluttershy added softly. "I think he's referring to what Spike and Quacky Pants are doing."
***
Rarity watched from a distance as Quacky Pants illustrated various poses that the young dragon imitated. All while wearing the frilly apron that Rarity had made him along with the frilly bloomers she had created for who she assumed was Nish's model.
"Oh, my....," choked Rarity while feeling her heart start to pound faster.
***
"...Now try this!" exclaimed Nish as he got on all fours, leaned into a pouncing position, thrust his rump into the air, and flicked his tail over his back.
"Like this?" asked the emerald-eyed dragon from atop Fluttershy's couch. The apron draped as his bloomered rump showed off his plump, little rump.
"Perfect!" announced Quacky. "Now make some growling noises while using your hooves, err, claws as if you're a cat on the prowl!"
Spike thought of how Rarity's cat, Opal, would act during his visits and pretended to be like her as she would go after Rarity's yarn balls. "Rawr!" roared Spike in his best cat imprssion. His emotions causes his rump to gyrate about while he pretended to be just like Opal.
***
"Brilliant," remarked Nish as he utilized a secret, little camera he kept at the base of his horn. "Wouldn't you say, Rarity."
Rarity's face was flushed as she tried to hold back her excitement. "A lady is... not interested in such things," she replied with as much composure as her emotions worked to take control over her.
"Those bloomers are cute," remarked Fluttershy. "Did you make them, Rarity?"
"I did," she gulped. "Though, they were part of the Spike, err, order Nish had me assemble to touch, uh, Quacky Pants."
***
"This is fun!" proclaimed Spike. "Any other poses?"
"Oh, yes!" announced Quacky as he sat on the floor, splayed his legs, and put his hooves over his tummy. "This one always gets the mares to want to hug you."
Spike slid down and began to perform the pose Quacky was showing him. However, Quacky was already well aware that Nish, Rarity, and Fluttershy were off watching in the distance. It was all part of the plan after all. So, the model with the red mane made sure that Spike was facing directly towards where the other three could clearly see the full effect of the pose. "Perfect!" cheered Quacky. "Now pull up the apron enough so the bloomers show."
"Why?" asked Spike.
"Well," stated Quacky. "When modeling clothing you always have to make sure the clothes you are asked to model in get the most attention."
"Oh," said Spike as he pulled the heart-printed apron over his pudgy tummy. "Is this better?"
"Yep!" grinned Quacky. "Now wiggle your feet and feel a bit at the bloomers. You want to make sure you are really enjoying what you're wearing."
"Like this?" the dragon asked while clawing gently over his mid-section. The softness of the bloomers coupled with his hand movements making his little dragon begin to push up into the soft, frilly undergarment.
"Exactly!" announced Quacky. "You're actually quite the natural."
"You think so?" asked Spike with a grin.
"When you're a bit older," added Quacky. "Perhaps you could work with Nish and I?"
***
"Oh, no...," snarled Rarity. "Spike's all mine. Mine!"
Nish got off one more shot before Rarity came crashing into the room out of sheer emotion and jealousy.
"Ra-Rarity!" gasped Spike as he quickly rose to his feet. "How long... Were you..."
"Oh, Spikey-Boo," she said soothingly as she allowed herself to cuddle closely against the young dragon. "I, uh, just got back from the tour and, well, got excited over how, uh, great you looked in those bloomers I made."
"You...," blushed Spike. "Think I look good in them?"
"Why, yes," she said while trying to keep herself from wanting to tackle the little dragon down and kiss every inch of his body. "Maybe you can help me model some things over at the Carousel Boutique?"
"Oh!" beamed Spike with a massive, toothy grin. "Do you mean it?"
"Yes!" proclaimed Rarity in a way that was more to release pent up tension than to genuinely agree.
***
Quacky Pants went over to greet Nish. The two exchanged a smile before Nish went in to talk with Rarity about his efforts for 'Minty's Minky Socks'.
"Uh, Mr. Quacky Pants," murmured Fluttershy. "I, uh, was wondering if I could, uh, ask you something?"
"Sure," replied the proud model.
"Well, uh, how did you get your Cutie Mark?" she asked.
"Well," replied the model. "One day I was out with my parents when I discovered a mother duck all upset due to her babies getting stuck in a deep hole. So, I went to rescue them."
"How sweet," blushed Fluttershy.
"So, after I saved them, the mother duck and her ducklings followed me until I eventually found, what I thought, was the pond they had made their home in. I then watched as they all got into the water and how they seemed to look back at me as if I were 'One of them'. The next thing I knew I got my Cutie Mark."
"So you're good with dicks?" asked Fluttershy until she realized her slip-up. "Ducks. I mean ducks."
"Very good," grinned Quacky Pants. "It's why I take so much pride in keeping the pond at the park back in the Crystal Empire as clean as possible. Got to look out for my quackers."
"Have you...," Flutters said meekly. "Ever wished you were a duck?"
"To be honest," replied Quacky. "I still do."
"Oh," giggled the yellow Pegasus nervously. "There are times I wish I could be an animal, too."
"Really?" asked Quacky with genuine interest.
"Yes," Fluttershy blushed. "Don't get me wonrg, I do love caring for animals. However, I would really love to be the one taken care of sometimes, too."
"Hmm," thought Quacky. "I never thought I'd say this, but you sound a lot like me."
"I do?" gasped Flutters.
"Nish did always tell me there was some pony for every pony," Quacky stated as his heart began to beat ever faster. "Perhaps, if you're interested, we could go on a, uh, date together?"
"Are you...," Fluttershy nervously replied. "Would you really want to...?"
"Ms. Fluttershy," stated Quacky. "I think we have too much in common to not at least give it a try."
"If you say so...," she replied with a giggle while turning her head away.
"Fluttershy, darling!" called Rarity. "Nish is ready for you to start modeling the socks!"
"Okay," said Flutters as she was brought out of her disbelief for having been genuinely asked out by a stallion who shared a passion for animals like she did. "I'm coming."
Quacky Pants just sighed as he watched the yellow Pegasus go to work with his boss. Perhaps this trip to Ponyville would be the one to make his life a lot more fulfilling. Especially if she didn't mind do a little caretaking along with being taken care of.
Fluttershy did a magnificent job modeling 'Minty's Minky Socks' both inside and outside of her cottage. With some encouragement from Quacky pants, she even had Angel Bunny, Harry the Bear, and her birds play a role in illustrating how truly comfortable she was in the cozy fashion.
As this went on, Spike decided to keep the bloomers and his apron on. Knowing both were made by Rarity made him very happy. Her very hooves had put both together. Wearing them was like an indirect hug every second. He also liked how Rarity looked at him when Nish Pony would ask for help moving things around, or doing a 'Practice Pose' prior to Fluttershy getting all set to show off the socks.
***
After the photo shoot, everyone headed over for a celebratory dinner before going for their appointed meeting with Zephyr Breeze at the Day Spa.
***
"NP!" cried Zephyr with enthusiasm. "You just missed Aloe and Lotus Blossom, but they did sign the paper for you."
Nish smiled as he used his Unicorn magic to look over the document. "Looks good," he said. "So when do we start this 'Mane Therapy'?"
"You want to document my talents as a Mane Therapist?" asked Zephry.
"Not for 'Kink'," assured Nish with a sly grin as he adjusted his glasses. "Though, perhaps some other time...?"
"Kink?" asked Spike. "Isn't that what you get when the garden hose gets all tangled?"
Rarity blushed. "Why, yes!" she quickly explained. "It's a new section in, uh, 'Better Stables and Fields'."
"Sounds helpful," added the purple dragon. "I can't tell you how many times my hose gets stuck when watering the flowers around the outside of the castle."
Zephyr breathed a sigh of relief. "So who's first?" he asked. "This breeze is ready to get his mane magic!"
"Why don't you go first?" suggested Nish to Rarity. "You have seemed quite tense throughout the day."
"I have?" worried Rarity. "Oh, no. I just get, uh, a little too into my work sometimes."
"If you say so," grinned Nish while adjusting his rose-tinted glasses again.
"Can I come, too?" asked spike.
"Sure!" encouraged the orange Unicorn. "You obviously have a good eye for things and could help me with the photographs."
"Awesome!" cheered Spike.
"Uh," Fluttershy said timidly. "What about us?"
"The meditation garden is still open," stated Zephyr. "Perhaps you two could just spend some time in there taking in the comforting scents and sounds?"
Quacky Pants smiled. "Sounds fun," he said to the yellow Pegasus.
Fluttershy blushed. "Well," she said. "I guess so."
"Don't worry Flutter Butter!" exclaimed Zephyr. "You'll get your turn. You know I'm always there for my big sister."
***
While Nish and Spike set up for somepromotional photography in Zephyr's mane therapy room, Fluttershy and Quacky Pants entered into the meditation garden.
"Oh, wow," awed Flutters as the sound of a babbling brook could be heard along with the melody of bird song. "I don't remember ever being in here when I could fully enjoy everything this room has to offer."
"Makes you feel all relaxed," added Quacky. "I actually could go for even more relaxation."
"What do you mean?" wondered Fluttershy.
Without saying a word, the green Earth Pony slipped off his saddlebag, sat it aside, and removed a blue garment that was covered in duck prints. He then bashfully got out a container of foal powder, sprinkled it generously inside the garment, and slipped it on over his backside before threading his tail through the back.
"Is tha...?" wondered Fluttershy.
"Yep," blushed Quacky as he took a seat next to the Pegasus with the pink mane. "It's my small way of feeling all little again."
"Umm?" asked Fluttershy. "Why would you want to wear a, uh, diaper? You don't use them, do you?"
"Oh, no," grinned Quacky. "They just help me relax."
"I don't understand," stated Fluttershy.
"Is it okay if I tell you a secret?" asked Quacky.
"Sure...," replied Fluttershy.
"My childhood wasn't all that great," stated Quacky. "My mom and dad were never home due to work, or some other obligation they had, so I spent a lot of time sitting by the local pond watching the ducks."
"Oh," said Flutters. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"No need to feel sorry, Ms. Fluttershy," stated Quacky as he breathed in the lavender scent that was coming from his duck-print diaper. "It's just how things were."
Fluttershy said nothing.
"Wel," sighed Quacky. "The other kids used to tease me for how I always seemed to spend all my time feeding and watching the ducks. I became an outcast at school and it was no fun at all being known by the nickname 'Lame Duck'."
"No," added Flutters. "That does sound quite mean. It actually reminds me of how the kids used to tease me for how I wasn't a good flyer when I was in school."
"I don't know why any pony would tease you, Ms. Fluttershy," stated Quacky. "You seem to be a very kind and, dare I say, beautiful mare."
"Well," she blushed. "My friend, Rainbow Dash, stood up for me and helped me a lot through all of the mean things the other ponies had to say."
"Seems we have something in common," added Quacky. "Nish, whose real name is Trunk Tip, became my friend and helped me to gain self-confidence and not feel bad about what others said, or felt about, me."
"So...?" questioned Fluttershy. "Is he the one that got you wearing diapers?"
"No," laughed Quacky. "He is the one that helped me get the, though. See, I was always jealous of foals for how they were loved no matter what. They didn't have to worry about being teased for being what they wanted to be. So, I kind of developed a fetish for them."
"...," blinked Fluttershy.
"Fortunately," beamed Quacky. "Nish helped me understand that a fetish is only what you want it to be. So, I learned to use the diapers as a coping mechanism to relax instead of, well, uh, something to get off to."
"So they don't make you...," whispered Flutters.
"Not anymore," assured quacky. "Sometimes when I'm stressed, but I try not to let myself get that stressed out to where I get feeling the wrong thing about wearing my diapers."
"How," the yellow Pegasus said while turning her head to the side. "Interesting."
"If I may ask," stated the model with the red mane. "What's your interest in being an animal?"
"Well," she replied bashfully. "I suppose I could tell you."
"Please," encouraged quacky. "I'm all for trust and open communication about feelings."
"Well, then," stated Fluttershy before going through everything that had happened in her life since the fateful, Pegasus Race, getting her Cutie Mark, and discovering her talent with animals upon arriving in Ponyville.
"...I must admit, Zephry," remarked rarity. "This mane therapy thing of yours is truly magnificent."
"Your mane is certainly telling me that you've been feeling stressed out," the green Pegasus replied. "And, please, call me, Zeph,"
***
"Smitten, are we?" Nish Pony as he watched how Spike had remained totally fixated on Rarity.
"Huh?" he gasped as he fumbled about in his chair upon being snapped out of his thoughts. "What?"
The orange Unicorn adjusted his rose-tinted glasses and smiled. "You know," he said. "Just because she's a pony and you're a dragon doesn't mean you two can't be a couple someday."
Spike's eyes widened. "Umm," he blushed. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Oh, Spike," Nish stated. "I don't even need these glasses to know your feelings."
"Huh?" wondered the purple dragon.
"Do you know what my Cutie Mark stands for?" asked Nish.
The emerald-eyed dragon looked at the grey elephant head on the flank of the Unicorn. "No," he said. "I've never seen anything like your Cutie Mark before."
"Between you and me," grinned Nish. "It's because I learned to appreciate everything about every pony."
"Hmm," thought Spike. "Wouldn't your Cutie Mark be something a little more... well... like a star, or heart, or heart within a star, or something like that?"
"You're still a little young," stated Nish. "However, I can tell you that appreciating all that makes a pony a pony is what got me my mark."
"Okay," said Spike.
"I should also tell you," said Nish. "I do know of 'Spike - The Brave and glorious'."
Spike felt himself smile. "It's kind of nice to hear that outside of the Crystal Empire," he remarked.
"The Crystal Empire is lucky to have you as role model," added Nish. "A dragon with such accolades is yet another reason that I made my home there with Quacky Pants."
"Really?" asked spike.
"Really," said Nish. "I also should tell you how you and I have a bit more in common than you may think."
"How's that?" wondered the dragon.
Nish nodded and smiled. "Does the name 'Thorax', or 'Crystal Hoof' ring a bell?"
"Oh, yeah!" cheered Spike. "He's my changeling friend!"
"He and I got talking in front of your statue the other day and he told me all about how you helped him become accepted as part of the Crystal Empire," stated Nish. "You certainly have a gift for bringing out acceptance and understanding in ponies."
"...," Spike didn't know what to say, but was definitely feeling quite proud of himself.
"Do you see these glasses?" asked Nish.
"How could I not," commented spike. "You're always adjusting them like they don't fit on your muzzle."
"Well," said Nish as he got even closer to the young dragon. "I actually don't need glasses. These are special glasses I used my magic on to create using a particular crystal I discovered while out-and-about in the Crystal Empire."
"Oh!" awed Spike. "So, uh, what do they do?"
"You could say they amplify my talents," replied Nish. "Have you ever heard of 'Rose Tinted Glass'?"
Spike pondered, but nothing came to mind.
"'Rose tinted Glass' is a saying used to describe one who only sees the world as they wish it to be seen," stated Nish. "However, through my magic, I use these particular glasses to help me better see what makes other ponies feel special."
"Really?" asked Spike. "That's amazing."
"When I look at you with them on, I can tell how you worry about wearing filly clothing," Nish said softly.
Spike gulped and fidgeted with his claws while his cheeks flushed red.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of," stated Nish. "Actually, Rarity finds stallions in mare clothing quite attractive."
"Uh...," Spike said as his jaw dropped. "She does?"
"Yep," the fashion Unicorn stated. "But don't worry, I won't tell any pony."
"Phew," sighed Spike with relief.
"We live in an amazing time," stated Nish. "A time when love, acceptance, and tolerance are beginning to all come into bloom all thanks to your friends, the royal family of the Crystal Empire, and, of course, you."
Spike retook his seat to watch as Zephyr finished Rarity's mane therapy. "Happy to play my part," he said. He may not have completely understood all that Nish had shared with him, but he always did feel at his best when he knew he was being helpful to others.
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.
