The front door opened with a bang. Sweetie Belle stumbled in. With a light kick of her hind it leg, it slammed shut, and she sauntered over to the couch where she collapsed upon it, panting heavily.
With a hoof she wicked the sweat away from her forehead. “This heat,” she exhaled. She rolled over on her back and absent-mindedly stared at the ceiling.
With her magic, she turned on a fan, and with a little more effort, she pointed it right at her. “Awww, that’s better.”
The constant ticking of the clock, and the humming of the fan lulled her into a state between lucidity and sleep.
Sweetie had no idea how much time had passed when she was vaguely aware of the door opening and then closing again. She heard light footsteps, rummaging around in the closet, a few expletives muttered, then it was quiet for a few seconds. Then she heard a soft giggle.
Sweetie Belle turned her head, not opening her eyes. “What?” she asked sleepily.
“Oh just the sight of you splayed out like that in front of the fan.”
“It’s hot,” Sweetie Belle replied sleepily.
“No kidding.”
Sweetie Belle opened her eyes. Scootaloo was standing in the middle of the room looking worse for wear. “You’re home early.”
Scootaloo sighed. “Yep not much going on today. Ya dig it?”
Sweetie hoisted herself to a sitting position with great difficulty. “Yeah, I dig it.”
Scootaloo swooped down and gave her a kiss on the cheek as she sat down next to her. She lay her head on Sweetie’s shoulder.
“Scoots, it’s hot,” Sweetie grumbled. She shook her shoulders, trying to push the pegasus off her with as little effort as possible.
“Well you’re in a mood today,” Scootaloo huffed, pulling back and rubbing the side of her head.
Sweetie Belle looked over at Scootaloo with what she hoped was a truly apologetic expression. “I-I’m sorry. It was just an awful day at work, and it’s hot, and it’s just—ugh!” She could feel her face heating up in addition to the ambient heat of the room.
“Another day in the prestige of stacking boxes,” said Scootaloo wryly. She slouched against the back of the couch. “Can you turn that fan a little, babe?”
“What do you want for dinner, baby?” ask Sweetie softly as she adjusted the fan slightly.
“Le Petite Maison.”
Sweetie Belle giggled softly. “We can’t afford that, silly.”
Scootaloo shrugged. “I probably wouldn’t like it anyway. Do we still have hay burgers?”
“Yeah think so. And we have some dandelions we can add to some lettuce. Call it the discount Le Petite Maison à la… maison.”
“Very discounted,” Scootaloo said. “We should go to it one of these days. It’s been here, what, two years? You had your eye on that place when it first opened.” Scootaloo sighed. “Time goes by… I sure remember when you first looked over the menu—Sweetie?”
Scootaloo shook her head. Sweetie was snoozing with her mouth hanging wide open. “I guess I got dinner.”
Sweetie Belle woke with a stir. It was significantly later in the day. The room was darker. Sweetie turned off the fan. She was just about to call out for Scootaloo when a loud crash came from the kitchen followed by loud expletives. “Found her,” she muttered to herself smiling.
Sweetie stumbled into the kitchen to find Scootaloo frantically sweeping up a bunch of broken glass, cursing under her breath. She came to an abrupt halt upon seeing Sweetie. “Hey… um, this bowl.. I… broke,” she finished lamely.
“You don’t say…” Sweetie replied flatly. She yawned again.
“I didn’t wake you did I?” asked Scootaloo with a hint of concern in her voice.
Sweetie shook her head. “I was already awake.”
“This stupid thing was on the very edge of the topshelf,” Scootaloo snarled.
“I think I put it up there… sorry. Anyway, it smells good in here.”
“Almost done!”
“Sorry for passing out on you. I was just so tired and out of it.” Sweetie took a seat at the table.
“No problem, babe,” Scootaloo replied. “I’d be too tired out too working in this heat. Um, on the ground that is. It’s so much cooler up in the clouds.” Scootaloo rambled away about her weather duties while cooking. “But if you think that’s crazy” she continued, “babe, did I ever tell you about Cerulean Cirrus?”
Sweetie thought for a second. The name sounded familiar. “Maybe? Is that the crazy mare who made it rain non-stop on her ex’s house?”
Scootaloo howled with laughter. “Yeah that’s the one. Now she’s getting torn a new one by the Wonderbolts for something stupid. Heh, if they aren’t careful, it’ll be raining on their next show. I didn't think you could have a two hour argument about why certain clouds should be placed at different elevations, but yeah had to deal with that shit today!”
“I can’t believe they don’t fire her,” Sweetie added while shaking her head. “That’s just pedantic. Just give the Wonderbolts what they want even if they’re ‘wrong.’”
“That’s what I’ve been saying! I’m glad you get it.” She shook her head and shrugged. “She gets stuff done, but a little bit of a hot-head. But she’s got seniority and has been at this for a long time. Most of the time she isn’t a pain in the ass. But she’s one of those who has to be right all the time.”
“At least you have ponies who actually work on your team. Don’t even get me started on my useless coworker,” Sweetie Belle said that last word through her gritted teeth.
“‘Coworker’ is doing a lot of work in that sentence,” Scootaloo replied. “Can you really call someone a coworker if they don’t work?”
Sweetie Belle beamed. “I love you, Scoots.”
“Thanks babe,” Scootaloo replied as she sat a plate in front of Sweetie Belle. “I may have over cooked the hay burgers…” she added quickly. “Why don’t they fire that guy?”
Sweetie took a bite and shrugged. “It’s fine.” She rolled her eyes. “Because he comes up with good ideas all day, and can bullshit his way through just about anything.”
“Ugh, I’m sorry you have to put up with that nonsense,” Scootaloo replied, taking a seat opposite of Sweetie. “We going out tonight?”
“Mm ah suffpose fo.”
“What?”
Sweetie Belle swallowed hard, nearly choking herself in the process. “Yeah I suppose so.”
Scootaloo shook her head. “Dork. You don’t need to kill yourself over there.”
“I’m starving and trying to eat over here, and all you wanna do is talk.” Sweetie Belle shoved another huge bite of the hay burger in her mouth.
“I’m sorry I want to talk to mi amore.”
Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “Scoots… I’m going to smack you.”
“If it’s on the flank I wouldn’t mind.”
“Oh my gosh! Scootaloo! You—ugh,” Sweetie Belle was overcome with giggles. “You’re such a—”
“A what?” asked Scootaloo mischievously.
“A horn-dog!” Sweetie exclaimed. Her face was bright red.
Scootaloo grinned. “What can I say? I’m hopeless. Ya dig it?”
“Well I kinda dig you.”
After dinner and a quick shower, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo headed out into Ponyville. She was distinctly aware of how light her saddlebags were. If she couldn’t get drinks on the house, she wasn’t sure how many drinks they could do. ‘Hopefully Scoots remembered to grab those bits out of the can,’ she mused.
It was near sunset and the heat was less intense. They passed several small shops and restaurants, including Le Petite Maison. Ponies inside were wearing their absolute best. Sweetie held a longing glance as they passed. Not only was the food expensive, but the dress code was an added cost.
She simply didn’t own anything nice enough to get through the door, nor did Scootaloo. They would have to beg Rarity to make them something. Rarity would do it, she would make them the nieces dresses in Equestria for free. But Sweetie hated asking Rarity for things. Especially since she was trying to make it on her own; just like Rarity did.
They turned the corner to an old brick building. A sign with simple lettering said Rocky’s. There was nothing that stood out about the place. If you weren’t looking for it, you’d never know it was there. It was a music shop that sold various instruments, mostly secondhand stuff. But there was a beautiful brand-new baby grand piano, acquired under dubious circumstances, as a centerpiece of the shop. However, Sweetie Belle didn’t see it through the window.
They passed the shop, going to the alley on the side of the building to the stone steps leading down to the basement. As they approached, Sweetie could feel the ground vibrating, and she could hear the muffled sound of music. She smiled and hurried to the door.
Scootaloo opened the door. Sweetie’s senses were immediately assaulted with a grooving bassline, a smooth saxophone, and some lovely piano chords.
The room was rather large, with a stage at the far end. There was a dance floor just before the stage. The rest of the room was filled with tables, couches, and an assortment of chairs. Along the left wall was a bar. And on the right wall were pictures of various ponies and other paintings. The room was full of smoke and dimly lit.
Scootaloo and Sweetie took a seat at an open table. A waitress came by moments later. “What’ll be, fillies?” she asked abruptly in a thick Manehatten accent.
“Sloe gin fizz,” Sweetie said.
“Ya want the lemon?” she asked. Sweetie nodded. “And for you?”
Scootaloo shrugged. “Um... a martini.”
“What kind of vodka? You want it dry or dirty?”
Scootaloo’s eyes went wide like she was listening to a totally different language. “Whatever does the trick.”
The waitress sauntered off. Sweetie Belle smiled. “You’re so cute.”
Scootaloo rolled her eyes. “I can never keep up with this stuff.”
“Just order the house wine,” Sweetie said.
“Is it any good?”
Sweetie Belle shook her head. “No, but… it does the trick. Ya dig?”
“My kinda booze.” Scootaloo turned her head to the stage where five ponies were playing.
Sweetie followed her gaze, her eyes landing on the baby grand piano on the side of the stage. She smiled. ‘There it is. I bet he’ll still try and sell it as new.’ she said to herself.
“What are they playing?” asked Scootaloo.
“It’s just jazz improv stuff. I’m not sure who’s on sax up there, but he is killing it.” Sweetie Belle rocked in her seat to the beat.
The saxophone howled out a long sultry lick, backed up by the piano and bass.
“Ooh dayum that was sexy,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Is jazz indeed the music of sex?” asked Scootaloo.
Sweetie took a second to ponder the question. “No it’s musicianship and—well, probably,” she replied. Her face was slightly red. “I mean, that stallion on the sax is definitely not going home alone tonight. Playing like that… no way.”
“Only you, Sweetie, can get so turned on by jazz,” Scootaloo teased.
“Well, as you say, it does the trick.” Sweetie smiled back.
“I knew there was a reason I dug this place.”
Their drinks arrived and Sweetie took the time to sip her drink and enjoy the music. Scootaloo downed her martini before the waitress left the table in three gulps, earning her a sideways glance.
“Another?” she asked with an exasperated sigh.
“House wine,” Scootaloo said.
“Coming right up,” she said flatly and walked off.
“What’s her problem?” asked Scootaloo.
Sweetie Belle shook her head. “This is a gin joint, Scoots. You’re supposed to sip your drink and listen to the music. Not get trashed in the first five minutes or something. Whatever, she’s probably having a bad day.”
“I know, I know. I’m trying to do the whole thing right… for you, babe. Cause I love you… and you love this place. And jazz. And pianos—umf—and um sax—”
“That drink hitting you already?” Sweetie teased.
“Maybe…” Scootaloo swayed with the beat. “Those do taste awful. Shoulda gone with what you’re drinking. Can I have a sip?”
Sweetie slid her drink across the table. Scootaloo took a sip and raised her eyebrows in surprise. “That is actually really good! Getting that next time.”
The waitress dropped off a pitcher of wine and two wine glasses. She scurried off before Sweetie could even say ‘thank you.’
They sat in silence for a few minutes enjoying the music, and Sweetie fantasized about how she was going to tell off her lazy coworkers the following day. But she knew she’d never do any of them. She couldn’t stand an actual conflict and risk losing her job. But it helped her feel better to think of the crazy and vulgar things she’d love to say.
“Care to dance?” ask Scootaloo.
Sweetie set her nearly empty drink down, feeling a warmth in her belly. “Yeah, let's swing!” Sweetie jumped to her feet, swaying a little. Together she and Scootaloo hopped to the dance floor just as the song ended. They were the only ones on the floor.
“What would you two kids like?” asked the pony behind the piano.
Sweetie gave Scootaloo a small smile then turned her head to the pianist. “Give us a jitterbug, Sonny.”
“Dig it, Sweetie.”
A few seconds later the music picked up at a fast pace. Sweetie moved around Scootaloo in time. Step, pulse, step, pulse, rock-step. Sweetie went into a turn while Scootaloo circled her.
More ponies started to join the dance floor, but most stayed close to the outer edges, giving Sweetie and Scootaloo the center.
Sweetie was lost in the music. It filled her as she turned and pirouetted to the beat. She didn’t care that the pirouette wasn’t a proper swing step. It felt right. Scootaloo spun her around, bringing her in tight for the cuddle turn. Sweetie flowed in and out of various moves, letting Scootaloo lead, letting the music consume her.
And all too sudden the song was over, Sweetie Belle did her last twirl and came to a rest, panting heavily.
Hooves stomped in approval.
“I diga good jitterbug, and you kids pulled it off,” said the sax player. “You up for a Charlston?”
“Yep, just give me one second.” Sweetie trotted over to her table, downed the last of her drink in one gulp and hurried back to the floor. She kissed Scootaloo on the lips, wrapped herself around her, and looked at the sax player. “Hit it!”
He stared perplexed for a second then nodded to the band, and the swinging music started up again. They danced through two more Chalstons back-to-back before Sweetie called it and they returned to their table.
Sweetie watched the other ponies dance while panting. The room was spinning pretty fast, and Sweetie felt great! She was floating and all her troubles seemed so far away.
Scootaloo poured her a glass of wine. She quickly grabbed it and took a sip. “Not bad,” she said while smacking her lips.
“You’re drunk,” Scootaloo giggled. “It’s not good at all.”
“No way.” Sweetie waved her hoof in a dismissive gesture. Or that was how she intended it. Her foreleg flailed out uncontrollably, knocking her wine glass to the floor where it shattered. “Shit!”
Scootaloo nearly doubled over laughing. “Wh-wah what were you saying?”
“Shut up! It was an accident.” Sweetie Belle waved down the waitress. She rolled her eyes when she got close and saw the broken glass and the red stained floor.
With a quick spell she cast the mess was gone. The waitress set another glass on the table, giving Sweetie a stern look.
“I’ll, um, pay for that…” Sweetie said rather flatly.
“She really hates us,” said Scootaloo as soon as the waitress was out of ear-shot.
“She must work the day shifts. I haven’t seen her before… and I thought I knew everyone here.”
“You don’t know the sax player,” Scootaloo added.
“True… and he’s cute,” added Sweetie nonchalantly.
Scootaloo nearly choked on her drink.
“I-I’m just saying…I kinda dig him.”
“Oh no… Sweetie’s drunk goggles… the ones that make you go kinda sorta straight,” Scootaloo taunted.
Sweetie looked at Scootaloo, and smiled. “I’m just messing with you.”
“You’re so drunk,” Scootaloo said matter-of-factly. “And sexy.”
“You too…”
“You too what?” asked Scootaloo hastily.
“Both. You’re drunk and sexy. And the way you dance, I’d say you know your way around a filly’s body.” Sweetie took another swig of wine. “You dig it?”
“Oh I dig it alright,” Sootaloo added in a sultry voice. “You wanna go for it on this table or something?”
Sweetie giggled uncontrollably. “It’s not that kind of club, Scoots.” Sweetie Belle looked around the room then back to Scootaloo. “Do you think they’ll mind? I mean… it could be exciting.” Sweetie Belle stood up and started to lay herself across the table.
“Wo, wo, wo, I was kidding, Sweetie!” Scootaloo looked around frantically.
“So was I!” added Sweetie quickly as she slid back into her seat laughing uncontrollably.
“What?” spat Scootaloo.
“The look on your face!” Sweetie laughed. “You really thought I wanted to do it right here on this table!”
“Keep your voice down,” Scootaloo snarled. Several ponies had given them some sideways glances.
Sweetie sat up, suppressing her laughter. “That was funny,” she said at a normal volume. She chuckled to herself. “We’re probably the most disorderly in this joint.”
“Probably,” Scootaloo said softly. “This place normally can’t contain you. And if Rocky didn’t love you so much, he’d have kicked us out ages ago.”
“Remember when we used to sneak in here as fillies? Gosh we were so bad.”
“You got caught too,” added Scootaloo.
“It worked for so long, and he liked my singing. Then—” she slammed her hoof on the table. “He shows up at the school for a fundraising event and sees me.”
Scootaloo laughed. “Yeah those were the days. He was so mad. Told us we couldn’t come back until we were older. But he did make that junior night thing for a while.”
Sweetie sighed. “Yeah those were the days. He made that night for me. He wanted me to still sing there.”
“Yeah that’s it. I dig it. He put up with our crap ever since,” said Scootaloo with a soft smile.
They shared a moment of silence as they finished their wine, listened to the music, and watched couples dance.
“This place is so magical,” Sweetie mused.
“It’s pretty fun. I mean it’s magical when you sing… which reminds me… are you going to sing tonight?”
“Yeah, or play on that baby grand. It is a beautiful piano.”
“You just want to play boogie-woogie blues on that don’t you?” asked Scootaloo with a suspicious tone.
“You know me so well, Scoots. It’s so uncouth to bang on a beautiful piano like that. One built for classical. Jazz is already pushing it. You dig?”
Scootaloo shook her head. “Can you sing ‘That Old Black Magic?’”
“For you? I would sing anything.”
“Even weird avant-garde music that might end your chances of becoming a jazz singer?”
Sweetie smiled. “Anything.”
Scootaloo raised her eyebrows. “Coming from you that means a lot.”
“Scoots… you’re the most important thing in my life. I’d give anything up for you.”
“Even if you had that baby grand piano? Asked Scootaloo.
Sweetie stared at it longingly, but her silence spoke louder than words.
“I see…” said Scootaloo softly. “You’d leave me for a piano.”
Sweetie Belle burst out laughing. She couldn’t stop. She slapped her hoof to the table, and her sides were aching. Meanwhile Scootaloo sat there with an eyebrow raised.
Scootaloo let out a loud sigh. “It’s not that funny.” She stared intently at the table.
“No, no, no,” Sweetie gasped. “I just thought of something—” Sweetie laughed loudly. “I’d leave you for a fucking piano! You come home and the big-ass piano is in bed with me, smoking a cigarette!”
Scootaloo opened her mouth and then closed it. She laughed and shook her head. “Sweetie… sometimes I just don’t even know what to do with you.” Scootaloo took another sip of wine. “Can’t take you anywhere.”
“Wh-what would you do?” Sweetie asked after gasping for several breaths.
“Probably do you on that piano,” Scootaloo said nonchalantly.
“That is so hot,” Sweetie said. She traced her hoof around on the table in non-recognizable patterns.
“And you’re so drunk.” Scootaloo waved down the waitress. “Can we get some hay fries and water?”
The waitress nodded and stalked off.
“Got to sober your ass up a little or you won’t be able to sing anything,” Scootaloo muttered.
The moments passed by. Sweetie watched the musicians and the dancers. She hummed the melodies to herself while Scootaloo sat and sipped her wine methodically.
The food and water arrived. Sweetie began absentmindedly eating as she continued to watch the performers. “These are good!” she exclaimed.
“They are alright,” remarked Scootaloo. She was staring directly into her wine glass at her own reflection.
The music came to a stop. The pony behind the piano spoke. “We’ll be back on in ten, and maybe we can get Sweetie Belle up here to sing us a song or two, eh.”
“Ooh, Scootaloo! Looks like I’ll be up next!” Sweetie Belle stood up. She didn’t feel as intoxicated, but the room was definitely still spinning. “Oh and Rocky is here too!” She waved to a middle-aged stallion with a nice jacket and hat.
The stallion grinned and walked over to their table. “What are two high-class fillies doing in this gin-joint with the likes of us?” He barked. “Sweetie Belle, how are you?” He pulled Sweetie into a hug. Sweetie nearly collapsed onto him. Rocky had to steady her with his forelegs. “Looks like you've been having fun. And Scootaloo,” he said while looking over Sweetie’s shoulder, “is this filly giving you trouble?” He shook Sweetie playfully.
“Always.” Scootaloo beamed. She eased herself to standing, then leaned in and gave Rocky a hug.
“You’re good kids,” he said fondly. “You knock 'em dead, Sweetie, and drinks are on the house. Deal?”
“I dig it!” Sweetie escaped from his grasp and steadied herself. Gazing at the clock, she saw she still had plenty of time. Sweetie quickly drank her glass of water and then took her seat.
“Ha!” Rocky cried. “You two could drink this place under, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he boomed. He walked off to chat with more of his other regular patrons.
“Heya, Squirt!” said a very familiar voice. Sweetie and Scootaloo both turned at the same time to see none other than Rainbow Dash standing in her flight suit. Several heads were turned to get a better look at her. The room had gotten noticeably quieter too.
“Rainbow!” Scootaloo jumped up and leaped into her.
“Hey kid, how ya been!”
“Good. Just out at one of our usual places,” Scootaloo said as casually as possible. “Where all the cool cats go and swing and Charlston.”
Sweetie Belle grinned as Scootaloo simultaneously tried to contain her excitement and act cool and talk really excitedly.
“I heard Sweetie Belle sings here and is quite good,” Rainbow mentioned. “I was in the area, thought I’d check this place out!”
“Yeah we come here a lot,” Scootaloo said. “We’re kinda big deals here.”
“Cool. Yeah I can dig it! Mind if I join you?”
“Do you even need to ask? Of course!” Scootaloo pulled Rainbow Dash over to their table. “Let me find another chair—”
“You can have mine, Rainbow. I’m about to go on.” Sweetie Belle stood up and motioned to her chair.
“Looks like I got here just in time!”
Sweetie Belle started making her way across the room. Several ponies called out to her, yelling out their requests. She walked up on the stage as the musicians came back on themselves. They all nodded at her. The sax player, the only pony she didn’t know, introduced himself.
“Magic Coltrane,” he said in a surprisingly deep voice. “I normally play at the Canterlot Jazz Lounge.”
“Sweetie Belle. I normally sing and play… here.”
“I’ve been hearing all about you. That’s all Rocky would talk about today ‘just wait until Sweetie gets up on stage. Just wait until Sweetie Belle…’”
“Oh wow no pressure or anything,” Sweetie said sarcastically. “He does like to upsell everything.”
“I dig it. This is a cool place the ol’ cat’s got here. If you’re ever in Canterlot come look me up. I’ll make sure you get with everyone hip and cool. No L7s, ya feel me?”
Sweetie nodded excitedly. “I’ve been wanting to check out the scene for a while now.”
“What are we starting with tonight, kid,” asked the piano player.
“That Old Back Magic. But first let me get this crowd under control.”
“Do ya thing,” the bass player said.
“Alright, fillies and gentle colts, all the cool cats in the house,” Sweetie said into the microphone. The effect was instant, and the room was dead-silent. “Who’s ready to swing?”
Several ponies stomped their hooves and cheered. Others continued to shout out their requests.
Sweetie waved a hoof. “I’ll get to your requests soon enough. But I must fulfil the first request I got today.” Several ponis gumbled upon hearing this.
“Sorry,” said Sweetie. “One of the perks of going steady with me; you always get the first request.” She turned her head to the band and like that they started to play.
“That old black magic's got me in its spell
“That old black magic that you weave so well
Those icy fingers
Up and down my spine
The same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine
The same old tingle that I feel inside
And when that elevator starts its ride
Darling down and down I go, round and round I go
Like a leaf that's
Caught in the tide
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name, and I'm aflame
Aflame with
Such a burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
You're the lover
I have waited for
The mate that fate had me created for
And everytime your lips meet mine
Darling down and down I go,
Round and Round I go
In a spin, I'm loving the spin that I'm in
I'm Under that old black magic called love
I should stay away but what can I do
I hear your name, and I'm aflame
Aflame with
Such a burning desire
That only your kiss can put out the fire
You're the lover
I have waited for
The mate that fate had me created for
And everytime your lips meet mine
Darling down and down I go,
Round and Round I go
In a spin, I'm loving the spin that I'm in
I'm Under that old black magic called love”
Sweetie took a quick bow as the music finished and everyone not dancing cheered. She could hear Rainbow Dash’s voice over the crowd! “Yeah Sweetie!” She waved at her.
“Do Summer Time,” somepony yelled from the dance floor.
“You got it,” responded Sweetie in a sultry voice.
The band started playing. Sweetie started dancing in front of the mic stand. In the distance she could see Scootaloo and Rainbow in a deep conversation and not paying much attention to the performance.
For a second, she felt a slight tingle in her chest. But they weren’t the only ones. There were a few ponies talking at the bar. But it irritated her that Rainbow and Scoots were talking. But, the show must go on...
Sweetie pulled herself backing into the music, took a deep breath, and began to sing.
“Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So hush little baby, baby don't you cry
One of these mornings
You're gonna rise up singing
You're gonna spread your wings
And you'll take to the sky
But 'til that morning
There ain't nothin' can harm you
With Daddy and Mommy, Mommy standin' by
Summertime, and the livin' is easy
Fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high
Your daddy's rich and your ma is good-lookin'
So be quite keep still shh
Hush little baby, don't you cry
One of these mornings, one of these mornings you're gonna wake up singing
You're gonna spread your wings and you'll take to the sky
But 'til that morning
There ain't nothing can harm you with Daddy and Mammy standin' by
They say summertime, the living's easy
What makes it easy? You have to go out and work
So you go out and you do a day's work
It's so warm, it's so hot, you perspire
Yes, you perspire, and you perspire
What do you get? Perspiration
But you don't mind it because it's summertime and the living's easy
So, you say
"I think I'd go down, let's, let's go down and dig a real cool sounds at Mr.Rocky’s."
You come at Mr.Rocky’s and you taste a while
Yes, daddy, you drink a while
When you drink, what you get? The check!
You don't mind it 'cause it's summertime, living's easy
What do you care?
Your daddy's rich, you got a good-looking mother
Imagine everybody with a good-looking mother and a rich daddy, ho, ho!
Summertime, that's what the song says, living's easy
Ha ha ha, oh yeah
Summertime
Summertime
Summertime, and the living is easy.”
“Thank you, thank you!” Sweetie said over the applause. She looked over to Scootaloo and Rainbow who were still in deep conversation. “I need a drink. Be back in ten, ponies!”
Sweetie swept off the stage quickly as the band began to play some slow smooth jazz. She wanted to march up to the table and yell at them, but she stopped herself. ‘They’re just catching up,’ she told herself. ‘They don’t get to talk much anymore. Calm down, Sweetie. Scoots comes to all of my shows.’
“Nice job, kid.”
Sweetie jumped, pulling herself out of her thoughts to see Rocky standing nearby. “Yeah. thanks. I love singing Summer Time.”
“I’m passing the hat, get yourself a drink.” he said as he took off his hat and dropped it on the table next to him making the ponies sitting there jump. “Come on, don't be a cheap ass! Sweetie isn’t singing for free, ya know!” he barked. The ponies quickly put a couple bits in the hat. He winked at Sweetie. “Got ya, kid.”
Sweetie flashed an apologetic smile to the ponies at the table and moved toward her table. As she got closer she could make out what they were saying. They were sitting with their backs to Sweetie.
“Scoots stop thinking that…” The rest of what Rainbow was saying was drowned out. Sweetie moved in a little closer.
“I-I don’t know… I feel like I’m going to lose her. Like—I don’t know.”
Rainbow Dash groaned. “Why?”
“She’s just so-so perfect! And amazing… and well I’m, I’m just not. I’m not a musician or an entertainer. I can’t just cut loose and have fun like she does. I try… I’m afraid she’ll lose interest in me. She’s trying to start a music career.”
Sweetie felt a pain in her chest. She had no idea. Scootaloo always did get a little emotional when she was drunk, but nothing like that. She could see the wine was still in the pitcher, and glasses were still full from before. They hadn’t even touched them.
‘Did I do something wrong?’ she asked herself. ‘Why didn’t she tell me?’ Sweetie hung her head as she thought about their relationship, but she couldn’t think of any specific time where Scootaloo felt she was being pushed away. She never said anything… she sighed silently. She knew what she had to do.
“Scoots, she adores you! You have nothing to worry about,” Rainbow Dash pleaded.
They remained quiet for a few moments, and Sweetie took this opportunity to approach them. She took a deep breath. “Hey guys!” she said brightly with a smile. She hoped it looked like she just walked up and hadn’t been lurking.
They both nearly jumped out of their seats. “Oh, Sweetie,” said Rainbow. “You scared the—are you done?” she asked.
She shook her head. “Nope, gonna do one more to close things out, I think. I was gonna do more, but I’m tired and not feeling it,” Sweetie lied.
“You’re really good,” Rainbow said. “That Old Black Magic is a classic!”
“Thanks.” She turned her head to Scootaloo, who was staring intently at her wine glass. “You okay, Scoots.”
She looked up and put on her best fake smile. “Yeah, just tired. Long day and all.”
Sweetie nodded. “Yeah, I’m going to do one more then call it quits.” She looked at the clock. “Ope, gotta go. Love ya!”
Back up on stage, Sweetie approached the band. “Okay, I got something a little different tonight to close us out. It’s not exactly jazz, but… it’s needed. Never My Love.” They all nodded.
“He’s going to be so mad,” said the bass player.
“Na, Sweetie could literally do anything on that stage and get away with it. He loves her!,” said Sonny. “Besides, she's got to serenade the love of her life.” He winked at her.
“Huh?” asked Sweetie. Her heart was pounding.
“I can tell from here, she’s upset. You don’t miss much up here.” Sonny smiled at her. “I’m sure it’ll be alright.” He took a deep breath. “Alright we gotta get moving.”
“Do you guys play it in C sharp major?” asked Magic.
Sweetie nodded. “Yes. Watch the bass for the changes. Let’s do this.”
“Fillies and gentlecolts, I have one more for you all tonight.” Several ponies groaned. “I know, I know, but it’s been a long day.
“This is something a little different, but it’s dedicated to the most important pony in my life. Scootaloo, this song is for you!”
She saw Scootaloo’s head jerk back a little.
The music began to play. It was soft and slow. There was no syncopation or groovin basslines. It was most certainly not jazz. It was far more bluesy sounding.
“You ask me if there'll come a time
When I grow tired of you
Never, my love
Never, my love
You wonder if this heart of mine
Will lose its desire for you
Never, my love
Never, my love
What makes you think love will end?
When you know that my whole life depends
On you
Never, my love
Never, my love
You say you fear I'll change my mind
I won't require you
Never, my love
Never, my love
How can you think love will end
When I've asked you to spend your whole life
With me?
Never, my love
Never, my love
Never, my love
Never, my love
Never, my love”
The song ended with another round of applause followed by several saying “awww” and “that was so sweet.”
As Sweetie left the stage, Rocky approached quickly, and Sweetie’s heart sank. He was going to be mad for breaking the rules by venturing outside of jazz. Sweetie tensed up, but he just laughed.
“Only you can break the rules and get away with it,” he laughed. “You’re too much of a crowd favorite. And my favorite too.” He held up her saddlebags which jingled heavily. “Not too bad. Sixty bits, minus my cut. Pretty good haul.” He sat them across her back.
Sweetie’s knees buckled slightly from the weight. “Oof.”
“Pretty successful night, although shorter than normal. But maybe it’s good to go out before it’s down to the last three drunks, eh? Well here’s to lookin’ at you, kid.”
“Let’s give it up for Sweetie Belle. A real cool cat whose voice I dig. You can sing at the Canterlot Jazz Lounge anytime, ya feel me,” Magic said into the microphone. And another round of applause broke out.
The smooth jazz picked up again as Sweetie approached the table. Scootaloo was staring at the floor, and Rainbow Dash was sitting next to her while drinking the remaining wine.
Sweetie Belle pulled Scootaloo out of her seat and into a tight embrace. She rocked back and forth as Scootaloo softly wept into Sweetie’s mane.
“Y-you overheard us,” said Scootaloo in a hoarse voice.
“I-I’m sorry. I was just curious why you two were talking so intently and not watching the show… I don’t know. I was only going to listen a little until I heard what you were talking about… Scoots, you can talk to me.”
“I-I should have told you how I felt. I’m just not good at that.”
“We don’t have to come here as often if you’d rather do something else. I’m not so good at reading you I guess. All of that stupid shit I said earlier about leaving you for a piano—”
Scootaloo snorted then half sobbed. “That’s not what I was talking about, you dork. I like coming here. It’s fun. I’m just not… you know, in the club. I’m just the singer’s girlfriend.”
Sweetie exhaled before replying. “You’re more than just that, Scootaloo. It’s not easy to explain. It’s like when you get together with the weather team. I don’t really know that crowd. I can’t keep up with their slang, but they are nice… I like them.
“Lots of fillies can do what I do, please a crowd, sing a few songs, entertain, but only you can make me feel special.” Sweetie Belle turned her head to look Scootaloo in the eyes. She pulled her into a deep kiss. They slow-danced on the spot. Sweetie swore she could hear the piano play a little louder as they danced and kissed.
“Alright break it up you two,” said Rainbow Dash getting to her feet. “You have a whole house for that.”
Sweetie broke the kiss only to pepper tiny kisses on Scootaloo’s cheek. “Let’s call it a night.”
On their way out, Sweetie grinned at the small sign saying ‘jazz only in this house!’ They said goodnight to a very tipsy Rainbow Dash, and made their way home.
“I need a coffee,” Scootaloo grumbled groggily.
“I need bed,” said Sweetie sternly. “Some of us have to work tomorrow.”
“Call in,” said Scootaloo.
“I could use the rest,” said Sweetie casually.
“Oh you won’t be getting any rest,” Scootaloo replied with a smirk.
“Ooh, you do make a compelling argument.”
They both looked at each other with a knowing smile.
“Ya know, I’m kinda glad you overheard me. I don’t know how I would have ever told you. I don’t think I have that skill in me… to just express myself.”
“I think you do, Scoots; it’s just not easy talking about our vulnerabilities like that, especially to those we care about most.” Sweetie took a deep breath. “We all have insecurities. We just have to work through them the best we can, even ask for help along the way. What’s important is that we communicate.”
“Well…” Scootaloo trailed off. They walked in silence for a few seconds as she chose her words. “Since self expression is something I need help with and you’re really good at it…”
“That’s a wonderful idea. I have some ideas to help you. Try writing some poetry.”
“I’m not sure I can, but I dig it.” Scootaloo laughed to herself. “We could find another venue and do beat poetry.”
“One step at a time, Scoots.”
The front door opened with a bang. Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle stumbled in, exhausted from a long day of work and a long night of drinking and swinging and singing. As she snuggled up with the love of her life she couldn’t help feeling like the luckies filly in Equestria.
