//------------------------------//
// A Mutual Understanding 
// Story: Empathy's Ballad 
// by Metool Bard 
//------------------------------//


Empathy's Ballad


"Rarity!  I'm back!"

The welcome bell to Carousel Boutique chimed as Sweetie Belle made her way through the front door.  She was just about to discard her Twilight Time disguise when a peculiar sight caused her to do a double take.  Standing on the stage in the center of the foyer was Rarity, along with Big Macintosh, Torch Song, and Toe-Tapper.  All of them were dressed in their matching vests and bow-ties, and Rarity's magic held a pitch pipe inches away from her lips.  Sweetie Belle blushed.

"Oh.  Is this a bad time?" she asked sheepishly.

Rarity smiled. "Not at all, darling.  We were just getting ready to practice."

"Oh, good," said Sweetie Belle, breathing a sigh of relief as she took off her disguise. "I thought you'd be mad at me for a second."

"Of course I'm not mad," said Rarity. "You're more than welcome to stick around and listen to us if you'd like— don't leave that ridiculous costume in the middle of the floor!"

Sweetie Belle jumped at Rarity's sudden change of tone, hastily scooping up the disguise with her magic. "Sorry."

Rarity sighed and shook her head. "Sometimes, I simply don't know what to do with you," she said before turning back to her fellow Ponytones. "Alright then, Ponytones.  Let's take it from the top."

"Um, I have a question," said Sweetie Belle, placing her disguise on an unoccupied chair.

"Yes, Sweetie?"

"Why are you guys practicing?  I thought you only did that on Tuesdays."

"Well, yes," said Rarity. "But, we have an important performance tonight, and I want to make sure we're all in top form."

"Eeyup," said Big Macintosh with a nod.

"Oh," said Sweetie Belle. "Who're you performing for?"

"Mother and Father.  They're having their anniversary dinner tonight, so I thought I'd surprise them with..."

Sweetie Belle perked up and slowly turned to face her sister, her eyes as wide as dinner plates.

"Wait, that's today?!" she squeaked.

Rarity looked at Sweetie Belle, and then back at the Ponytones.  After a slight pause, she cleared her throat.

"Ponytones, take five," she said. "I have some important family business to attend to.  You can wait in the dining room."

The Ponytones shared a look with one another before quickly scampering off.  As soon as they were gone, Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a concerned frown.

"Sweetie, don't tell me you forgot that Mother and Father's anniversary was today," she said.

Sweetie Belle folded her ears back and stared at the ground. "I'm really, really sorry, Rarity."

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to," said Rarity, descending from the stage. "Sweetie, darling.  You knew about this for an entire month.  How could you possibly forget?"

"I-I dunno," Sweetie Belle whimpered, tears beginning to mar her vision. "I-I just did.  I-I didn't mean to..."

Rarity sighed and used a handkerchief to dry Sweetie Belle's face. "There there, Sweetie Belle.  It's not the end of the world," she said softly. "You've still got plenty of time to do something special for them."

"Yeah, but what?" said Sweetie Belle.

"I'm sure you'll think of something," said Rarity with a smile. "Remember, it's the thought that counts.  Even something as simple as a card would mean a lot to them."

"I feel like they already have enough of those, though," said Sweetie Belle. "Besides, didn't I sign that card that you got for them?"

"Well, yes," said Rarity. "But..."

"And I already spent all my allowance, so I can't go out and get something really nice."

"Sweetie, I don't..."

"I mean, I suppose I could make something for them, but you know how good I am at that.  Hey, how about you...?"

Rarity held up her hoof and cut across Sweetie Belle with a sigh. "Look, Sweetie.  I wish I could help you with this, but right now, I have my own preparations to make for tonight.  My fellow Ponytones are waiting on me, and I..."

She trailed off, pursing her lips and stroking her chin for a moment.  Sweetie Belle tilted her head in confusion just as Rarity's expression brightened.

"Idea~!" she exclaimed.

"What?  What is it?" inquired Sweetie Belle.

"Sweetie, how would you like to perform with the Ponytones tonight?"

Sweetie Belle's heart skipped a beat. "Y-you want me to what?"

"Well, you like to sing, don't you?" said Rarity. "And since you forgot to get them a present, I'm more than willing to share my own with you."

Sweetie Belle averted her eyes, her cheeks turning beet red. "I-I dunno, Rarity.  I-I mean, it's very nice of you to offer, but I don't think I'd be comfortable doing that."

Rarity arched an eyebrow. "Whatever do you mean, Sweetie Belle?  I hear you sing all the time.  You're wonderful."

"I'm not as good as you, though," Sweetie Belle mumbled bitterly.

Rarity let out another sigh. "Sweetie, I know you're concerned about me outshining you, but that isn't going to matter tonight.  What matters is we're doing something nice for Mother and Father.  Can't you just focus on that?"

Sweetie Belle shook her head. "It's not just gonna be Mom and Dad listening to you tonight," she said, twiddling her hooves. "The whole restaurant's gonna hear, and I don't think I can handle singing in front of a bunch of ponies I barely know."

Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a quizzical look. "Is that what you're worried about?  I know everypony gets stage fright, but I don't think it's ever been a problem for you."

Sweetie Belle blinked. "What?  Rarity, I've told you several times before that I don't like singing in front of other ponies."

"Well, you're going to be carrying Ponyville's flag in the Equestria Games, aren't you?" inquired Rarity. "You don't seem all that nervous about that.  In fact, you're downright ecstatic."

"Yes, because I'm not singing," said Sweetie Belle.

"Well, what about that play you wrote, directed, and starred in?  I know it wasn't a great success, but you didn't have any problem performing in front of ponies then."

"Yes, because I wasn't singing," said Sweetie Belle plainly.

Rarity knitted her brow and tapped her muzzle for a bit. "W-well, what about that talent show?  You sang for that, and you didn't seem all that concerned back then."

"That's because Scootaloo was doing most of the singing," said Sweetie Belle, giving Rarity a dirty look. "And I'll thank you not to remind me of that."

"Oh, right.  Not exactly your proudest moment," said Rarity, clearing her throat. "Regardless, that's my offer.  You can either sing with me and the Ponytones, or come up with an anniversary gift on your own."

Sweetie Belle bit her lip and turned away from Rarity.  She kept looking like she wanted to say something, but no words came out of her mouth.  Rarity sighed.

"Sweetie, I don't want to sound like I'm forcing you into this," she said, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "You don't have to sing if you don't want to.  I just thought it would be a good idea for you to share my anniversary gift to Mother and Father, that's all.  In the end, it's your choice.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to practice for tonight.  Let me know when you've made your decision."

She turned to leave when Sweetie Belle quickly turned around.

"Rarity, wait!" she squeaked.

Rarity looked over her shoulder. "Yes?"

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to say something, but quickly shut it again. "Never mind," she sighed.

Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Sweetie, is there something you're not telling me?"

"No, it's nothing," muttered Sweetie Belle. "Don't worry about it.  I'll think of something."

Rarity wasn't fully convinced, but she didn't have time to investigate further.

"If you say so," she said. "Oh, and one more thing."

"Yeah?"

"Would you be a dear and tell Fluttershy about our plans?  I like to keep her in the know about our performances, just in case.  Who knows?  Maybe you'll think of something extra special for Mother and Father's anniversary on the way."

"Yeah, maybe," Sweetie Belle murmured. "Alright.  I'll be back later."

"There's a good girl," said Rarity with a warm smile. "Good luck."

Sweetie Belle nodded and made her way out the door.  When she was gone, Rarity turned her attention to the kitchen.

"Alright, Ponytones!  The matter's been settled.  You can come back in now."

The three ponies strolled in, making their way back onto the stage.

"So sorry about that," said Rarity, raising her pitch pipe. "Now then, let's get this started.  From the top."


***


Sweetie Belle spent the whole trip to Fluttershy's cottage debating with herself.

"Okay, I should do what Rarity does.  I'll divide things into pros and cons," she mused. "Pro: I'll be doing something special for Mom and Dad that I've never done before.  Con: Rarity's singing voice is better than mine, and she'll outshine me like she always does.  Pro: I like to sing.  Con: I don't like singing in front of a large group of ponies.  Pro: I'd be singing with the Ponytones.  Or, is that a con?  Ugh, why does this have to be so hard?!"

She was no closer to a solution when she got to Fluttershy's door.  She let out a frustrated sigh.

"Well, no use thinking about it now," she said, giving Fluttershy's door a light tap.

"Just a moment!" Fluttershy called out.

Sweetie Belle waited.  As she did, she could hear Fluttershy singing a little tune to herself.  After a few seconds, Fluttershy opened the front door.

"Oh, hello Sweetie Belle," she said sweetly. "How are you today?"

"Fine," Sweetie Belle lied, hoping to change the subject.

Fluttershy's smile faded. "You don't sound fine," she said, her voice reflecting concern.

"I don't wanna talk about it," said Sweetie Belle. "Look, Rarity just sent me to tell you about a Ponytones concert that's happening tonight."

"Oh.  Well, that's interesting," said Fluttershy, placing a hoof to her muzzle. "Does she want me to perform?"

"She didn't say," said Sweetie Belle, shaking her head.

"Mmm," said Fluttershy with a thoughtful nod. "Well, where's the concert going to be held?"

"At the restaurant," said Sweetie Belle. "It's for Mom and Dad's anniversary, and she wanted to surprise them."

Fluttershy beamed. "Aww~!  That's so sweet of her," she said whimsically.

"Yeah.  Sweet," said Sweetie Belle, heaving another sigh.

Fluttershy's face became clouded with worry. "Sweetie Belle, are you okay?"

"I said I don't wanna talk about it," Sweetie Belle said gruffly.

Fluttershy jumped a bit. "O-oh.  I'm sorry," said she. "I didn't mean to pry."

"No, it's not your fault," said Sweetie Belle. "I just, need some time to think."

"Okay," said Fluttershy, closing her door. "Well, let Rarity know that I look forward to being there tonight."

"Yeah, sure," said Sweetie Belle as she started to walk away.  After a few paces, she stopped. "Uh, Fluttershy?"

Fluttershy stopped closing her door. "Yes?"

Sweetie Belle turned around and started brushing the back of her foreleg. "You've, sung with the Ponytones before, right?"

"Well, yes," said Fluttershy, her cheeks turning a rosy pink. "I haven't done too many performances with them since Big Macintosh got his voice back, but I sing with them from time to time.  Why do you ask?"

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath before saying her piece. "Rarity wants me to join the Ponytones and sing at Mom and Dad's anniversary dinner tonight."

Fluttershy's eyes widened. "She does?  Why, that's wonderful, Sweetie Belle.  Congratulations," she said happily.

"No, it's not," said Sweetie Belle. "I-I mean it is.  I mean, I'm glad Rarity is offering this to me, but I'm uncomfortable with singing in front of ponies."

"You are?" asked Fluttershy, rubbing the side of her head. "I've heard you sing before, Sweetie Belle.  Your voice is actually quite nice."

"Everypony says that, but I dunno," mumbled Sweetie Belle. "I don't think it's nearly as good as Rarity's."

"Does it have to be?" Fluttershy said with a shrug.

Sweetie Belle groaned. "I already went through this with Rarity, Fluttershy.  I don't wanna do it again," she said, massaging the bridge of her nose with her hoof.

"Sorry," said Fluttershy. "Actually, I think Rarity's voice is better than mine, too.  But I don't let it bother me."

"Yeah, because you're not her sister," grumbled Sweetie Belle.

"Well, that's true," said Fluttershy meekly. "But think of it this way.  Rarity is the one who invited you to join the Ponytones, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"So, why would she do that if she didn't think you had a good voice?"

Sweetie Belle opened her mouth to reply, but instead furrowed her brow and tapped her chin. "Hmm.  I, suppose that's a good point," she said. "B-but, I'm not gonna be singing in front of a small group of friends or anything.  I'm gonna be singing in front of a whole room full of ponies; most of which I probably don't even know.  I don't think I can handle that."

A warm smile formed on Fluttershy's face as she sat down next to Sweetie Belle and draped a wing around her. "I understand, Sweetie Belle.  I actually feel the same way about my singing."

Sweetie Belle looked up at Fluttershy and blinked in confusion. "Wh-what?  But didn't you say that you perform with the Ponytones now?"

"Yes, but not all the time," said Fluttershy. "Remember back when I became Flutterguy and replaced Big Macintosh for a while?"

"Of course," said Sweetie Belle with a giggle. "It was kinda funny."  She then gasped and tried to backpedal. "Um, n-not that you weren't amazing or anything..."

"It's alright.  That's all in the past," said Fluttershy, not appearing to be all that offended. "Anyway, after that incident when my involvement was revealed, I was so embarrassed that I almost gave up singing right then and there.  But then, Rarity asked me something important."

"What did she ask you?"

"'When the curtain fell, and everypony saw you singing, you lived your worst nightmare.  Was it really that bad?'"

Sweetie Belle looked at Fluttershy expectantly. "Well, was it?"

Fluttershy gave Sweetie Belle a knowing smirk. "What do you think?"

Sweetie Belle paused to think for a moment. "Well, you said you still sing with the Ponytones occasionally, so I guess it wasn't that bad."

"Yes," said Fluttershy, staring off into the distance. "Now, this doesn't mean I'm comfortable with the idea of performances.  Far from it.  In fact, I doubt my stage fright will ever disappear entirely."

Sweetie Belle arched an eyebrow. "Aren't you competing at the Equestria Games, though?"

"Only because I want to contribute to Ponyville, even if I'm not contributing all that much," said Fluttershy. "The thing is that I take everything one step at a time.  Just because I can overcome my fears doesn't mean that they simply go away forever.  But it doesn't mean that I stop trying, either.  Someday, I will be comfortable enough to sing in front of all of Ponyville with the Ponytones.  But for now, I'm just taking baby steps."

There was a pregnant pause as Sweetie Belle took a moment to process this. "Wow.  That's, pretty interesting, Fluttershy," she said. "But, how does that help me now?"

Fluttershy shrugged. "Well, tell me this.  Do you want to sing with the Ponytones?"

Sweetie Belle blushed and fidgeted a bit. "C-can you keep a secret?"

"Sure."

"I actually love the Ponytones."

Fluttershy tilted her head. "Everypony in town does, Sweetie Belle.  That's not really a secret."

"No, you don't understand," said Sweetie Belle, shaking her head. "I mean I really love the Ponytones.  I think they're the best musicians in Equestria, and I'm not just saying that because of my sister.  Heck, sometimes I even dream about singing with them instead of Rarity."

She then sighed. "But then I remember that I'm not as good as her, and that singing in front of crowds makes me nervous.  So, I know it'll never come true."

Fluttershy chuckled. "Well, sure.  It won't come true if you have that attitude about it."

"But it's true," said Sweetie Belle glumly.

"Only if you want it to be," said Fluttershy. "Sweetie Belle, believe me.  I've been in your horseshoes many times throughout my life, and it's a problem that I may have to deal with for the rest of my days.  But you shouldn't let your fears and worries stop you from doing what you want or need to do.  I tell the same things to baby birds while teaching them to fly: If you want it badly enough, you have to work hard to achieve it."

All was quiet as Sweetie Belle let Fluttershy's advice sink in.  Finally, a small grin formed on her face.

"I think I know what to do now," she said, giving Fluttershy a hug. "Thanks, Fluttershy."

"No problem," said Fluttershy. "Be sure to tell Rarity I look forward to seeing her tonight."

"You bet," said Sweetie Belle as she dashed off.


***


"Nicely done, Ponytones.  I think we've really got a handle on things," said Rarity. "Now, let's try this one more..."

"Rarity?"

All eyes were on Sweetie Belle as she walked in through the front door.  She blushed and rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.

"Oh.  Sorry," she said. "I'll just, go upstairs and..."

"It's okay, Sweetie," interrupted Rarity. "Now, what is it?"

Sweetie Belle shuffled her hooves a bit before looking up at her sister. "I gave it some thought, and, well, I'd like to sing with the Ponytones for Mom and Dad tonight.  That is, if you still want me to."

Rarity gave Sweetie Belle a wide smile. "Just a moment, darling.  I'll be right back."

With that, she trotted up the stairs to her room.  In a matter of moments, she came back down, holding a small green vest that matched the rest of the Ponytones.  Sweetie Belle's eyes widened.

"I-is that for me?" she asked.

"I've actually been holding onto it for a while," said Rarity. "I know how much you like to sing, and I had some material left over from making Fluttershy's ensemble.  So I figured, why not?"

Sweetie Belle ran up to Rarity and gave her a hug. "Thanks, Rarity.  You're the best sister ever."

"Ooh~.  That's very nice of you, Sweetie Belle," said Rarity, returning her hug. "Now, would you like to join us and get some practicing in?"

"Sure!" Sweetie Belle chirped.

"Alright then," said Rarity, releasing Sweetie Belle and raising her pitch pipe. "Okay, Ponytones.  We might have to go through it a few more times so that Sweetie Belle can practice properly.  Is that alright with all of you?"

"Fine by me."

"Sure, no problem."

"Eeyup."

"Splendid," said Rarity, giving Sweetie Belle a wink. "Then let's take it from the top..."