The bell above the door jingled softly, letting in a burst of chatter and laughter. Three familiar voices tumbled through first — Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom — each talking over the other as they rushed straight to their usual booth.

“We’re here!” Scootaloo announced proudly, as if you might not have noticed.

You looked up from the counter, already smiling. “Right on cue. Let me guess — the usual?”

The trio nodded eagerly in perfect unison. You slid a tray toward them: chocolate tart, apple crumble, and strawberry mousse.

“Whoa, you remembered!” Sweetie Belle beamed.

“‘Course they did,” Apple Bloom said with a grin. “(your name) always does.”

Before you could answer, the door swung open again and Rarity stepped in, slightly out of breath but still perfectly composed. “Good heavens, girls—! Do you ever walk anywhere?”

She smoothed her mane and gave you a gracious smile. “I do hope they aren’t causing too much trouble, darling.”

“Not at all,” you said lightly, wiping your hands on a towel. “They bring more life to the place.”

Rarity laughed, taking a seat by the counter. “If by ‘life’ you mean crumbs and chaos, then yes.” She reached for her purse. “At least let me pay—”

You shook your head before she could finish. “On the house. You’ve earned it after chasing them here.”

She smiled, slightly flustered but grateful. “You’re far too kind.”

The café settled into a comfortable rhythm — the soft hum of conversation, spoons tapping, the quiet hiss of the espresso machine. Warm light flickered across the shelves, glinting off jars of cocoa and sugar.

Then came another chime of the bell. Twilight entered first, followed by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Fluttershy. The air brightened instantly.

“Smells amazing in here!” Pinkie exclaimed, leaning halfway over the counter.

“You say that every time,” Rainbow teased.

Twilight smiled, adjusting her glasses. “And she’s right every time.”

You chuckled softly, reaching for more mugs. “Good thing I baked extra today.”

As the group settled into their usual spots, laughter rippled through the café. The sound mixed with the soft clinking of cups and the faint hum of the coffee grinder.

Then Twilight looked up from her seat. “Oh—(your name), how was your training session with Princess Luna? I heard she’s been mentoring you lately.”

You glanced over, pausing just long enough to smile. “Challenging,” you said, setting down a steaming mug. “But worth it. She says my mark carries more potential than I realize.”

“Luna would know,” Twilight said thoughtfully. “You two share a similar gift.”

You shrugged lightly, a hint of humor in your voice. “Maybe. I just try not to let it burn the scones.”

That earned another round of laughter. The air filled again with warmth, voices overlapping in easy rhythm — mugs clinking, spoons stirring, stories spilling into the afternoon light.

It wasn’t just a café anymore — it was their little pause between adventures. And for you, it was home.