//------------------------------//
// Afternoons 
// Story: Making Family 
// by Cirrus Sky 
//------------------------------//

Sitting in her study everything was perfect. A lovely tea blend was steeping in her favourite teapot awaiting pouring into her favourite tea-trio. The matching cake plate had several of Sugar Cube Corner's finest 'taster' bites (mini versions of their most popular treats). The sun was shining through the window and the latest volume from her favourite series of novels had landed on the doorstep the morning before.

In short, Celestia was going to have a wonderful afternoon.

Just as her tea was reaching perfection a resounding blast of noise echoed through the house. A loud roar and a clash of electronic metal music. After long experience, Celestia knew this was the sound of a video game. “Luna... I thought I asked for you to use the basement for the loud games.” Leaving her study and her tea Celestia went in search of her sister.

“Luna?” Celestia found the lounge empty but the door to the basement slightly ajar. “Maybe it is an exceptionally loud game?” She mumbled to herself, taking the open door as permission she entered and walked down the stairs.

Only to back out with some speed. It seemed Luna was not the source of the video game noises and Chrysalis had left the basement door open. And she really loved that her sister and her best friend were happy together but really really did not need to find them making out on the couch.

Another roar and blast of music sounded out, this time followed by a “Good gracious Fluttershy! How are you quite so... persistent in this battle?”.

“Fluttershy and Rarity?” Celestia did recall Sunset asking permission to have friends over. As the noise was coming from upstairs, she guessed it had to be in Sunset's room.

Closer to the source, Celestia could make out the quieter noises from the game, whatever had disturbed her was most likely a special attack or encounter (she knew something of video games, even if they were Luna's thing). There was also excited chatter from the girls, so at least Sunset was being social while playing.

Tapping the door she called out “Sunset? Can I come in?”

“Sure Mom!” Sunset replied and there was a sound of shuffling. Celestia opened the door carefully to find her daughter and six friends gathered around a TV. Applejack, Flutterhsy, Sunset and Rainbow each had a controller in their hand, Pinkie was balancing her controller on her nose (Celestia noticed a greyed out character icon on the screen). Rarity was sat with a sketchbook in her lap, various fantasy characters in detailed outfits drawn on the page. Twilight had a large book, a strategy guide it seemed, and was taking notes.

“Okay Mom?” Sunset asked. She had paused the game, muting the noises.

“Mostly. I'm afraid the game is a little loud for house rules? Some roaring noise and music?” Celestia looked to the girls and noted a slightly mortified Fluttershy.

“Must be the Dragon Roar attack.” Rainbow chipped in, nudging her shy friend. “Flutters is super awesome at that.”

“Right... I don't want to spoil the enjoyment of the game, but could the volume go down a little?” Celestia smiled, she loved to see Sunset having fun with friends, even if it got rather loud.

“There is a way to lower the FX for special moves.” Twilight said, flicking some pages of the book. “I think it was a problem in the first game, just how loud the attack could be.” She was handed the a controller by Sunset and a few menu options later she gave it back. “That should sort it.”

“Thank you Twilight. Enjoy your afternoon girls. There are snacks in the kitchen if you like. Sunset, you can get some soda from the pantry if you like.” Celestia smiled to the group and returned to her study. The game started up, just audible on the stairs but her study was once again silent.

“Wonderful.” Celestia relaxed into her chair. It was good, having a cup of tea and some cake, reading a book and knowing all her family was happy. A daughter with friends playing in her room, her sister sharing time with a loving partner and, in a few hours time, her boyfriend would come calling.

Pouring out her tea, she cracked open the book. Just what Sunday afternoons were made for.