Since hearing of Luna's past, the parts that her Mom had talked around in the few months Sunset had lived with them, Sunset had a better understanding of the woman. There were times when she seemed a little withdrawn or melancholic that made sense now.
It had been a few days now, since the truth came out. Sunset had finally figured out how she was going to approach Luna. Her aunt was home this evening, it seemed she wasn't in a gaming mood as her lair in the basement wasn't blaring with the sounds of electronic gunfire. In fact it seemed like she was in simply listening to music.
Sunset approached the door to the basement and knocked. It had been a ground rule from the word go; Luna's room and the basement were invitation only. Waiting, she thought back to her first visit to the basement.
-*-
“Are you doing anything right now?” Luna asked. She had a habit of appearing that made Sunset jump in surprise. She knew that the woman was happy for her to be in the house, but she still found the younger sister to be mysterious.
“No, not really. I've been reading.” Sunset marked her place and put the book down, The Outsiders was both a school literature assignment and an interesting read. “Do you want something?”
Luna looked around and then turned to Sunset. “It occurred to me, you have been here a few weeks now and I've not let you visit the basement.” She looked a little guilty for that.
“I respect your privacy, but I do kind of wonder what you've got down there.” Sunset had to admit she was curious. Luna had made no secret of her love of comic books, gaming and other nerdy pass-times. Things Sunset liked too, but had abandoned when she left Equestria.
“Alright then. Come and take a look.” Luna pointed to the door to her basement. She went first, leading Sunset down some stairs. Posters adorned the wall on the stairs, films and TV mingled with games, comics and cartoons. At the bottom of the stairs Luna held out a hand. “Welcome to the Luna Cave.” She smiled and let Sunset into the room.
There were shelves upon shelves loaded with books, DVDs, games and CDs. Models and figures filled other spaces on the shelves, gaming miniatures and Gundam figures fought for space with LEGO and Zoids. A couch had a huge collection of plushies from anime and games across the back and balanced on a low bookcase against the sofa.
Near the back of the room was a large table, the entire surface was an adventuring map and the chairs around it spoke of gaming nights. In the corner was a full suit of armour, great-helm, sword, shield and all. The surcoat had a livery Sunset had once encountered deep in a forbidden area of Canterlot palace.
At the head of the room was a very large TV flanked with cabinets filled with any gaming system and media player one could care to mention.
“What do you think?” Luna asked, almost nervous from Sunset's silence.
“This is amazing...” Was all Sunset could say. No idea where to even start.
-*-
What had followed was a fun afternoon of Luna introducing Sunset to video games, cartoons and
roleplaying worlds. She was still catching up with some of the anime and cartoon series she'd started watching with her aunt. Hopefully times would be as good now as then.
“Hey Sunset.” Luna had opened the door, the music was quieter so she must have turned it down a little.
“Hi Auntie Luna, I was wondering if we could talk?” Sunset hoped the music meant that Luna wasn't gaming this afternoon.
“Sure thing.” Luna moved aside to let Sunset down to the basement. When she reached the couch she dropped onto it and let Sunset take a seat too. To Sunset she seemed a little subdued, quieter, downcast even. “What d'you want to talk about?”
Sunset settled a moment and thought about how to start. “I uh, I guess it is about what Mom said and how... ill you were.” She said, hoping that this wasn't an off-limits topic.
“I was far from my right mind you know.” Luna said, shifting so her feet were on the couch too, she was sat facing Sunset now. “I've never been that bad since, but I still have phases of a sadness I just can't shake. I guess that explains to you why two grown women share a home right?”
“Honestly, it never seemed weird to me. You're sisters, so it was logical that two single sisters share. Company at the very least.” Sunset shrugged. “I just think that you are pretty incredible to come back from that, to keep on fighting.” She grabbed her arms, holding her elbows. “I know the feeling. Mom kind of accidentally stopped me...” Sunset paused and screwed her eyes shut. “She caught me on the night I really would have jumped.”
“Good.” Luna leaned in and dragged Sunset into a hug. “I like having a niece. One of the things that tells me that carrying on is worth it.” Sunset returned the embrace. “Was it during all that Mystable mess?” She felt the teen nod. “I remember seeing you around the school. It hurt to see someone moving about the place looking like I had.” She ruffled the red and gold hair. “I wasn't sure how to help you though. I thought it might overstep the mark. So I worked on finding out the true culprit. I never considered you to be the source.”
“I was a bully before though.” Sunset said, a hitch in her voice. She was enjoying the hug. Luna hadn't been as tactile in her affection before. Like she wasn't positive on how close to get.
“You changed.” Luna said simply. “When we were teenagers Celestia was part of the problem I faced. Now she is my best friend and all that came from her decision to change. Okay, it took a rainbow blast of friendship into a crater for you and the very real risk of losing me for Celestia. But you were very much working to change just as she had.” Luna made sure she looked Sunset in the eye. “So I know you were never going to be the bully again.”
Sunset sniffed and wiped at her eyes. “I wanted to come and say how awesome you are and that it is good to know someone will get me... But instead you made me feel better.”
“Kiddo, you made me feel better too.” She settled them so that they were still hugging but a little more comfortable on the couch. “I also find music helps a lot. Want to keep me company?”
“Sure.” Sunset, glad of the acceptance, the hug and the company, smiled and closed her eyes as the music played. She really did have an awesome auntie.
-*-
Celestia, later in the day and wondering where her family had gotten too, ventured into the basement. Music was drifting from the slightly ajar door and she wandered down the stairs, not concerned but definitely curious. She snapped a quick photo with her phone at what she saw. Her Mother would love to see it.
Sunset and Luna had drifted off together on the couch. Cuddled up and each holding one of the plush toys that lived on the back of the couch. Celestia had at first been worried about introducing someone else to their little family unit. Though without a doubt it had been the right choice.