//------------------------------//
// Eight Guests and an Empty Seat: II 
// Story: The Pony That Is Never There 
// by divinearcadia 
//------------------------------//



Eight Guests and a Empty Seat (Part Two of Two)


Twilight groans groggily as the bright noon sunlight finally penetrates the bastion known as her pillow. Knowing that she should get the worst done and over with, she puts her fore hooves under the ends of her pillow and flings it across her bedroom, which gives her some childish amusement despite the needles the sunlight puts in her eyes. She didn't sleep well last night as excitement and adrenaline came in alternating waves at her mental scenarios about the dinner party today. Silent giggles and flailing legs did nothing to settle her down, so by the time she finally fell asleep she was absolutely exhausted. So with gritty eyes and her mane a terror to behold, Twilight rolls slowly out of bed with another groan.
“Spiiiiiike... Is there anything for me to eat?” Twilight calls down the stairs as she leaves her room, not caring about her state.
“Just some leftovers, but I can heat them up for you in a moment if you want.” He replies as he looks up from the book he's reading.
“That sounds fantastic.” Twilight says as she wobbles into the kitchen, sitting down at the table and closing her eyes. Spike enters a moment later and lights a fire in the stove before grabbing a small bowl of cold oatmeal and a bottle of milk.
“So,” Spike says with a smile splitting his face, “You couldn't get to sleep because you got too excited?”
Twilight simply nods with a mumble. Spike breaths a little more fire on the embers to ramp up the heat faster and pulls out a small pan for the oatmeal. He scrapes the frigid paste into the pan and adds a splash of milk before putting it on the stove. He starts stirring it with a wooden spoon until it begins to liquify with a steaming hiss as it gets hot. He pulls it off the stove and scrapes it into the same bowl, he puts it in front of Twilight along with the honey jar, the bottle of milk and some raisins.
“Twilight... Time to wake up and eat...” Spike says gently, shaking her with a claw on her shoulder. “Come on...”
“Mmmmbulaaa...” Twilight says incoherently. “Thaumaturgical polarity inversion in chocolate cupcakes for maximum ethretic combustion.”
“What?” Spike says uncomprehendingly. “You're talking nonsense again Twilight, it's time to wake up.”
His voice and gentle shaking finally rouses her enough that she nods with a mumble before she lazily floats some raisins into her bowl, some not even making it in as they make a feeble attempt at escape across the tabletop. The honey, being in a container, didn't make a mess. Until Twilight slowly closes her eyes and her magic drops it, leaving a small splash of honey on the table with the container resting on its side. Spike turns at the sudden noise and quickly picks it up before any more can spill. He shakes his head and pours a little milk on her oatmeal before taking everything away. He returns to shake Twilight a littler rougher this time, causing her to take her spoon and actually take a bite of nicely warm oatmeal. The sudden rush of sugar does wonders for the sleepy pony, causing her to open her eyes a bit and eat with more energy. 
“Finally awake, Twilight?” Spike says with a little laugh.
“Mmmhm.” She replies as she puts another spoonful in her mouth.
“So, what are the plans again for tonight?” Spike asks after a little bit. “I just want to make sure everything goes smoothly.”
“Well...” Twilight begins but pauses for another bite of food. “Never There is going to drop his stew off on the front porch at seven thirty, where we'll take it inside and let him in. After he arrives, I'll move us to the coffee table, getting the other girls to Pinkie Promise to not leave until the dinner party is over. Then he'll put his letter of introduction in the middle of the coffee table. Your job is to go around the ground floor and secretly lock all the doors just in case somepony panics and I can't catch them in time. I know it might not be the best to catch them mid-panic, but I can calm them down in a moment or two. I think, anyways.”
“Got it.” He says with a smile and a laugh. “I wonder what AJ's gonna do when the note appears...”
They both think about it at the same time and laughter rings through the kitchen at the thought. They laugh and talk until Twilight finishes her oatmeal, deciding that they should drop by Rarity's soon to see how the preparations are going.


After knocking on the front door of Carousel Boutique fifteen minutes after Twilight's meal, Rarity opens the door with a smile and ushers them in excitedly. They look around to see a large table taking up a good amount of floor space with eight chairs set around it evenly. Modestly elegant floral arrangements sit in the center, adding a pleasant aroma to the air without being cloying. Rarity did an amazing job of setting everything up without making it feel like a Canterlot elite social.
“We're just dropping by to see how it's going along, but everything looks amazing Rarity.” Twilight says after looking around. “The floral arrangements are beautiful. Thanks again for hosting the party tonight, it really means a lot to me that you're so willing to do this.”
“Think nothing of it, dear.” Rarity says graciously. “I'm looking forward to meeting this mysterious stallion you've told me about. He seems like quite the pony.”
“There's definitely more to him than meets the eye.” Twilight says with a laugh, Spike joining in a second later. “He's even bringing some of his amazing stew for us to eat tonight.”
“He can cook too?” Rarity says placing a hoof to her chest. “The next thing you're going to tell me is that he's a genius too.”
“Well...” Twilight shoots a sharp glance over at Rarity when she gasps dramatically. “He's incredibly well read at the least.”
“Well.” Rarity says with a knowing smile. “He sounds like quite the pony. I have a few other things to attend to before tonight, so please forgive me for cutting this visit short.”
“Alright, we'll see you later tonight Rarity.” Twilight says as she and Spike make their way to the door.
“See you then, dears.” She says as they leave the Boutique. “Now, back to the business at hoof.”


“So, what should we do until tonight?” Spike asks as they walk aimlessly down the street after leaving Rarity to her business.
“I don't know... Maybe we can go to the lake and relax for a bit? It's a nice summer day after all.” She says with a smile. “But first I have a letter to write for the Princess about my new teacher, so lets go back to the library and we can head out from there.”
“That's a new one for you, Twilight.” Spike says with a laugh. “Normally it takes all I can do to even get you out of the library.”
“Well... since I'm about to start my lessons on metaphysics, I think I should take a little break. I know I'm gonna be incredibly busy learning about it from the ground up.” She says with a sigh. “Not to mention I won't be here as often for the first month or two, at least, because I won't force Ever Here to come to Ponyville for my lessons.”
“Can't you just teleport back and forth?” He replies.
“Not very easily. It takes a lot of energy for long distance teleportation. That's why I don't go very far when I do. Princess Celestia may be able to do it reliably, but I know I don't have enough energy to go back and forth everyday.” Twilight replies.
“Are you gonna take the train every day? Or are you going to stay up there for a few days at a time?” He asks.
“I was thinking about staying up there during the week and coming back on the weekend.” She says. “That way I won't be spending as many bits traveling and I can stay with Mom and Dad or in my rooms at the castle while I'm there.”
“Do you want me to look after the library while you're gone?” He asks, his voice a little tinged with worry.
“Only if you want to Spike.” She says with a reassuring smile. “If you do, you can sleep over with somepony we know at night. I can ask anypony you want me to if you want to do that. But I'm sure I can talk to Mayor Mare and see if she knows somepony who can look after the library while I'm away.”
“I can do it.” He says confidently, knowing that he not only has Twilight's confidence in his abilities, but he can also come with her if he wants to. “Maybe I can come with you on occasion too?”
“Of course, buddy.” She says with a chuckle. “I would miss you too much if I only saw you on the weekends.”
“Same here, Twilight.” He says while quickly giving her a tight hug. “Now lets go get that letter taken care of and get to the lake.”
With that, they make their way back to the library in short order and get everything taken care of. After sending the letter, Twilight packs a few towels and a book for reading while Spike makes a few snacks for the two of them. They leave soon after and make their way to the small lake just outside of town. Once there and surrounded by the shouts of kids and adults alike, Twilight spreads out a large towel and settles in while Spike makes a beeline straight for the waters edge. Almost as if he were a magnet, Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo intercept him. They talk a little before they all run off to the large rock ledge looming over the surface of the lake and they all jump off as one with little splashes at their entrance. They all surface soon and splash each other with laughs all around as they swim around.
The quartet of friends terrorize the other lake goers with impromptu splash fights and a pit trap of all things in some scheme or other. Twilight and the poor victim finds their selves caught completely off guard, one incapacitated by laughter while the other dumbfounded at the bottom of a six foot pit. Spike is off to the side laughing on his back while the three fillies bounce around the lip of the pit. Twilight wipes the tears from her eyes before getting up to rescue the poor pony. Walking through the small group of very amused spectators, Twilight finds that it was actually two other little fillies, one pink and the other a dark gray. She brings her horn to life and lifts the sandy captives out of their prison.
“Now girls... What in the world were you three trying to do?” Twilight says with mirth silvering her voice.
“We were tryin' ta see if we could get our cutie marks in trap making.” Apple Bloom says with a smile.
“And we didn't get covered in tree sap this time!” Sweetie Belle chips in, receiving another round of laughter from her friends.
“It's not our fault they had their noses so high in the air they didn't see the trap.” Scootaloo says, smiling smugly at the angry blushes of the two other fillies. 
“What's your problem blank flank?” The pink coated filly retorts. “We just had hooficures and so help me, if you ruined them I'll make you pay...”
“If you just had a hooficure, why would you come to the beach of all places?” Twilight says bluntly.
“Where else would we go to show it off?” She replies haughtily.
“There are a lot of other places. The sand would dull your hooves before the end of the day, so they would get ruined without you falling in a pit.” Twilight responds bluntly. At this, the pink filly pouts with a harrumph before stalking off, her friend quickly darting to trail behind her. Apple Bloom and her friends all laugh at the sight while Spike just shakes his head. Twilight uses her magic to pull enough loose sand from the area and refills the pit before turning the the group of still laughing fillies. “I don't want to see you girls dig another pit like this. I don't want to see somepony hurt because of you three.”
They look sufficiently chastened and nod silently before Twilight shoos them off with a wave of her hoof. They flank Spike and make off with him, on to their next adventure at the moment. The rest of the afternoon goes on like that for the most part. Twilight eventually gets enlisted by the terrorizing trio to magically sculpt sand forts while Spike and the girls craft disturbingly realistic miniature siege engines that would lob balls of wet sand over the intervening distance. Watching them, Twilight eventually turns it into a game where the winner was the first to breach the others wall which gets them all gun ho about it and eventually ends up with a pile of fillies rough housing. After sorting everything out they all go back into the lake and swim around for a bit, much to Twilight's vast enjoyment. Today's a good day and it's going to get even better. She thinks to herself warmly as they all go back to her towel to dry off and just relax which ends with her nodding off for a bit.
After some time, Twilight wakes up to find that her body has been claimed by three sleeping fillies and a dragon so she just smiles and goes beck to sleep. They all wake up at roughly the same time, about five thirty or so, and they relish in the lingering warmth of the sand through the blanket for a while before they get groggily to their hooves. After packing up, they all make their way back to town. Twilight finds out that they're going to have a slumber party in their clubhouse tonight due to the dinner party as they talk about their plans. She doesn't think they'll get much done since they played so much in the lake, but one can never be too sure when it comes to this band of fillies. They part ways in the town square, Twilight and Spike making their way to Sugar Cube Corner to pick up a couple loaves of bread for tonight as well as a few other odds and ends. So with a happy sigh and a big smile, Twilight and Spike head over to Rarity's an hour before her plans come to fruition.


***


Never There sits in his living room with an optimistic outlook about tonight. The stew was simmering since early yesterday afternoon and it didn't scorch overnight, luckily enough. It's rather hard to gauge how much wood to use when you don't have magic to help regulate the heat, so he took some extra time preparing the wood with some soil for that reason. He tested the soup every two or three hours, adding a little water or seasonings to enhance the overall flavor. This is going to be his best rendition yet and he felt overjoyed to be sharing it with his friends, both new and potential.
He spent a good amount of time last night after Twilight, Pinkie and Spike had left on his introductory letter. He thought that it should be exemplary in both content and styling, so he used the calligraphy pen set and a high quality shellac ink his Dad gave him a couple years back for his birthday. Writing slowly, purposefully and gracefully gives Never There a sense of clear focus not felt very often. It surprises him, when he finishes, the sense of accomplishment at the completion of the letter. He even takes a little extra time to illuminate the corners and top with a flowing ivy design.  I will have to do that more often. He thinks as he remembers the elegant letter resting in his saddlebags.
Time behaves strangely for him as moments seem to stretch while entire hours slip by unnoticed. When seven o'clock finally rolls around, he takes the pot of stew off carefully so that it can cool off enough for him to put in the carrier and take care of a few other things before he leaves. He gathers a good amount of note sized parchment, his most used pen and a bottle of regular ink to put in the other pouch on his saddlebag. Once done, he goes to check on the temperature of the pot and places it in the padded carrier with the lid on and leaves around twenty minutes after seven.
The streets of Ponyville are filled with a surprising about of individuals this evening, but when he considers how nice it still is, it does make sense. He makes his way at a good pace, the distinctive roof of Carousel Boutique soon rises above the roofs showing him that he's almost there. Looking up at the town hall, he sees that he's right on time as he sets the carrier on the doorstep. He doesn't have to wait for long as Twilight opens the door with a vibrant smile.
“Come on in. They're expecting you soon.” She whispers as she levitates the pot of stew inside. He follows shortly after, Twilight giving him several seconds to walk through before closing the door. The interior of the Boutique is surprisingly open and airy with plenty of outside light, giving him the feeling of being in a cathedral with the warmth that they lack. He looks around to see four relatively unknown mares standing or sitting around the room, the gentle noise of quiet conversation and laughter creates a pleasant atmosphere. They all look around at Twilight as she walks over to a elegantly set up table with chairs enough for them all.
“He'll be with us in a moment, girls.” Twilight says as she places they pot on a cushioned pad. “For now, lets go over to the coffee table so I can go over a couple things.” They all move across the room to sit on a couple small couches. They look at Twilight curiously as she makes her way across the room.
“Now, as I told all of you, Never There is a lot more than he seems. He has become a very good friend in a short time and I want him to have the chance to not only meet you all, but for you to get to know him as well. There is only one condition I want you to promise me before you meet him. I want you to Pinkie Promise that you will not leave until the until you have had at least one good conversation with him to get to know him.”
“Well, that should hardly go without saying, darling.” Says the alabaster coated mare. “But why do you want us to go that far?”
“It's not just for me, it's for him too, Rarity.” Twilight replies. “It would mean so much if all of you would do this for me.”
“Well shucks, sugar cube.” The blond maned mare says. “If it really means that much to ya, Ah Pinkie Promise that Ah won't leave for until we're done eatin'. That good enough for ya?” Twilight's beaming smile and nod is answer enough, so the rest of them make similar promises while Twilight's smile turns ever more sly.
“Now that you've all made your promises, I think it's time for Never Theres introduction.” She says with smirk. They look at her in growing confusion as she simply stands there, giving him time to retrieve the letter from his bag. He carefully puts it in the center of the coffee table and Twilight points at it with her hoof. The girls look at where she's pointing and their confusion changes to many things. Shock and disbelief most prevalent though.
“Twilight?” Rarity says cautiously. “What is this?”
“Meep!” The yellow coated mare squeaks timidly as she tries to sink into the back of the couch.
“It's a letter of introduction.” Twilight replies from behind a hoof, most likely hiding a smile.
“Where did it come from?” She asks, her voice quavering slightly.
“From the hoof of Never There.” She relies. “Where else would it come from?”
“But... Nopony else is here. Right?” The blond mare says looking around.
“He has been here since I closed the door.” She responds smoothly. “How else do you think his stew got here? Why don't you read the letter first before you ask any more questions.”
Rarity nods slowly before a light blue aura grasps the letter as she floats it over to read.

Good evening, friends of Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie and Spike,

As you may know, my name is Never There. I am a earth pony with very peculiar circumstances surrounding my special talent. I have become acquainted with Twilight and Spike due to an overdue book of all things. After our admittedly rough start, they returned later that night with Pinkie Pie and we had a lovely dinner together. I have found that I look forward to their company and their friendship brightens any day when they are with me.
At Twilight's prompting, I am here tonight to meet the friends she has told me about. You ponies, who I hope to call my friend as well. I hope that you can see through what isn't there, to see what is here.

It is my great pleasure to meet you,
Never There

She lowers the letter to look at Twilight with a shaky smile and unshed tears in her eyes before she passes the letter to the next pony. They all read it before too long. By the time everypony reads it, some smile, some look embarrassed and some just simply nod. He looks at Twilight to see her smiling warmly at her friends reactions, proud of how they handle his unique introduction and that they are more than willing to become his friend.
“Now I think I get what you meant by 'you won't even see him coming.'” The rainbow maned mare says with a laugh. “So, Never There, are you just invisible and not able to talk, or what?”
“Give him a moment to respond, Dash. He has to write.” Twilight says to her friend.
It's more than simple invisibility. Even invisible ponies can talk. To be honest, neither I nor the countless ponies who have studied my mystery know. I can talk, but nopony hears me, so I haven't actually spoken in years. Though I laughed hard enough when Twilight told me what she had planned. He writes. He places it on the coffee table in front of her which causes her to jolt a little in her seat when she notices it.
“Huh. I don't know about all of that, but at least you've got a good sense of humor.” She says with a little laugh. “I didn't think you had something like this in ya, Twilight.”
“I just thought I'd prank you girls a little, but I'm glad it all turned out alright. I'm a little disappointed you didn't jump out of your seat, Rainbow Dash.” She replies with a chuckle.
“Hey! That would be uncool.” She replies smoothly. “Anyways, a note appearing from nowhere is tame compared to having Pinkie Pie wake you up in your bed with a trumpet when you sleep in the clouds.”
“Um...” The pink maned pegasus chimes in softly. “I think it turned out okay... although I was a little scared at first.”
“I'm sorry Fluttershy, but I think a little fright in the beginning is better than running screaming.” Twilight replies. “That's what happened to me and Spike when we first met Never There. How about you, Applejack?” Her admission garnering a couple chuckles.
“Well, it's definitely not what Ah was expectin', but that letter sure speaks well enough.” She replies.
“Yes, that letter was very beautifully written.” Rarity says. “It really lets me know just how quickly and closely you three have gotten despite his unique circumstances.”
“Didn't I say he has a way with words?” Twilight says with a grin, getting a laugh out of Rarity.
“That you did.” She replies. “Now I know why Spike was having such a rough time when we had lunch the other day.”
“Speakin' of rough, that stew smells mighty fine an' ma stomach's growlin' like Winona worryin' a bone.” Applejack says.
“Same here, AJ.” Dash says in agreement. “Isn't this supposed to be a dinner party?”
“Then let us go eat.” Rarity says with a smile. “Though I must say, the stew you made smells simply divine, dear.”
It's a recipe I got from my Mother. I can't do it the justice it deserves, but I do try my best. He writes quickly before they begin to move.
“She must be quite the cook then.” She replies. “But, we should continue this at the table before Applejack starts gnawing at the upholstery.”
“Hey!” Applejack says suddenly. “It was only that one time and Ah spilled some food on it anyways.” Everypony gets a good laugh out of that as they imagine Applejack chewing on the arm of the couch. They get up after that and make their way to the table, Rarity sitting on one end with Never There beside her and Twilight beside him while Spike brings up the end. Fluttershy sits across from Rarity with Pinkie beside her followed by Applejack and Dash bringing up the other end.
“Please, allow me to serve.” Rarity says, bringing her horn to life. A swirl of bowls, plates and ladles move about the room in perfect order as they get loaded up with all kinds of food. Slices of bread, granola bars with sunflower seeds and slices of apple pie load the plates with promise of a full and very content stomach. They settle in with words of thanks to him for the stew, quickly followed by exclamations about how amazing it is. They watch curiously from time to time as his eating utensils flicker in and out of existence while food disappears slowly. Aside from some casual conversation, it is fairly silent as everypony eats at least two bowls of his stew, three and four in the case of Dash and Applejack.
“Hoo boy!” Applejack says after polishing off her fourth bowl of stew. “That stew's powerful good Never There. It's a wonder the Princesses haven't got you in their kitchens.”
I trust you'll keep my secret. He writes,Twilight passing the note over to Applejack. She reads the note and gets a good laugh out of it.
“No worries, There.” She replies. “You'll be our secret as long as you keep us supplied with this stew.”
Blackmailing a new acquaintance? Never let a Ponyville mare know you can cook. He writes, getting even more laughter.
“So, Never There, what exactly is your special talent?” Rarity says once the laughter dies down. “I don't think I've ever heard of an invisible chef.”
In all honesty, it's to never be there because I love the here. You could say it started when I was a small colt. My Mom and Dad are both involved in metaphysics, so I had some rather... unorthodox lessons at home. It was the summer just after I graduated from primary school when it happened. We had planned on going to the beach for a month. The morning we were to leave, I was in the living room thinking about there and here. I felt such a love for my home and parents, I felt that as long as I was here I could never go there and be happy. I didn't know when it happened exactly, or even how, but lets just say that we never made it that year but did make it the next. Sorry for the long delay, but I felt that I should explain it as much as possible. He writes.
“Well, that's certainly an origin story.” Rarity says after reading it. “Do you mind if I pass this around, dear?”
Not at all. He replies.
“I must say that it sounds quite romantic.” Rarity continues. “To love the here so much that you became shrouded in such a mystery.”
“I'm hoping to learn about metaphysics soon.” Twilight chimes in. “Ever since I met Never There I've seen so much that I just don't understand.”
“So what do you do for a living, Never?” Dash asks suddenly curious. “Do you read Daring Do?”
I don't actually have a job. My parents are very well to do professors at Canterlot University and they set up a week based annuity. Basically I get a certain amount of bits every week to live on. On that note, I think Applejack has had my custom once in a while though we've never met before. Also, I do read Daring Do, but I also read a few other book series I think you would be interested in borrowing from my personal collection if you're a fan of that series. He responds.
“That's pretty cool.” Dash says as she passes the note. "I'll have to take you up on that offer sometime."
“So yer the reason behind the mystery bits?” Applejack says after she reads the note, putting a hoof on the table. “Ah thought somepony was playin' a prank on me so I gave the bits to the Mayor in case somepony came by lookin' for 'em. Nopony did, so the Mayor gave 'em back ta me at the end o' the week.”
I'm sorry about that, Applejack. I don't think you would have believed a note because nopony else did, so I just did what I always do. My parents taught me that if I needed to buy something to get what I needed and pay the posted price as quickly as possible so nopony thought they were robbed. I live comfortably enough that I would never think about stealing from somepony. He responds quickly.
“No, no, it's alright Never. Though Ah think you might've been right about me mot believin' a note at the time.” She says blushing slightly after she reads it. “Twilight was certainly right when she said ya were 'so honest you were completely transparent.' Ah just didn't know she meant it literally.” They all laugh at that and begin to trade some of the comments Twilight had told them back and forth to their great amusement.
“I heard you have a goldfish?” A soft voice says from across the table.
Yes I do. I named him Blubs because that's pretty much all he does. I used to have a puppy, but it lives with the neighbors son now. Thinking back on it, I don't think it was the best choice for a pony such as myself. He writes with a half smile.
“Oh my.” Fluttershy says looking a little sad. “If you might ever be interested in having another pet, I think I might be able to help you out.”
It's alright, Fluttershy. I'm perfectly fine with Blubs right now. Plus I don't think it would be fair to you or the pet you would help me get since I wouldn't be able to play with it or give it the attention it would deserve. He replies.
“If you're okay with it...” She says a little hesitation. “But if you ever change your mind, just let me know.”
I am. Thank you for the offer though. It really means a lot to me. He writes, Fluttershy giving a bright smile in response.
“So how about we have some of Pinkie Pies maple glazed cinnamon rolls to finish this dinner with?” Dash says looking back to the kitchen.
“Oh! I'll go get them!” Pinkie Pie says as she hops off her chair, trotting into the kitchen.
“She was keeping them in the oven to keep them warm.” Twilight explains.
They come warm tonight? I don't think I can handle that level of deliciousness. He writes to their amusement.
“Yep!” Pinkie says after reading the note. “You should try them fresh out of the oven.”
I can't even comprehend the thought. They were absolutely amazing the other night and I know they're going to be even better tonight. I didn't know they could ever get any better than that and now you're telling me they can be even better than warmed up? He writes jokingly, trying to deal with the saliva welling up in his mouth.
“Oh yeah. Drop by Sugar Cube Corner tomorrow at lunch and I'll whip some up for you.” She replies. “I'll even put fresh butter on top.”
Stop torturing me! But I seriously hope you're not joking, Pinkie. He writes frantically, wishing it were already tomorrow.
“Of course not, silly. I never joke when it's about something serious.” She says ignoring the blunt stares directed at her. “Just drop a note on the counter and I'll make them fresh.”
“I'll drop by too to give you some company while you wait, if you want.” Twilight adds.
“Why don't we all meet there at lunch?” Dash suggests. “I don't think I could keep away if I knew Pinkie was planning on making some fresh.”
They all agree happily, though Never notices Twilight is the slightest bit reserved in her happiness at the suggestion. After that, the rolls get demolished in record time and Never There wallows in the lingering flavors that wash over his tongue. They retire to the couches around the coffee table, Never There finding himself between Fluttershy and Applejack. They talk about all manner of things as the evening wears on, from his hobbies and favorite foalhood stories to tentative plans to have guests over to his house for simple visits while they answer any questions he has about them. As it gets late, he lets them know that they can split the remaining stew amongst their selves to take home as a modest gift from him to his new friends. They graciously accept his offer and they begin to make their farewells until it's only Rarity, Twilight, Spike and him. He makes his farewells to them before taking his pot, now clean due to Rarity's insistence to clean it, and heads home.
On the way home, he thinks about how well everything went. How each of them, after they got over his lack of presence, opened up and accepted him. He has friends now. It's such a strange feeling for him since he didn't have any since he was a foal. It is strange, but he feels like he could get used to it quickly enough. He gets home and puts the pan away before taking care of his nightly ablutions. As he settles in for the night under his covers, he feels that there was something just slightly off while they were sitting around the coffee table. His sleepy mind finally realizes that it was Twilight. She was looking at me when she talked to me while the others looked around me. Almost like she knew exactly where I was. With that last thought, he gives in to the pull of sleep.