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// Time for Dinner 
// Story: Traces of a Hidden Shadow 
// by Teotle 
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By that time dinner was on the table, Nyx and Day Dreamer had spent hours talking about each other about their interests and similarities. They also talked about school, what their favorite topic is, and who they hang out with at recess.

All this time, neither of them asked Teotle anything, which made his fears and frustration grow inside of him, like a weed in a flower bed. Everypony was sitting at the dinning room table when Spike brought dinner. There was celery soup, some daisy sandwiches, and a big loaf of sliced bread that had just been backed in the oven.

Twilight and Starlight passed the food to everypony. Nyx, who sat in between Teotle and Day Dreamer, began to eat right away, since celery soup was her favorite food, and soon everypony followed. Teotle, however, Just stared down to the floor.

Over time, everypony began to notice Teotle's odd behavior. Nyx bumped him on he shoulder and asked, "Are you alright?"

Teotle snapped out of it and replied, "Yeah, I'm just not hungry."

Scarlet looked at Teotle with concern. "Brother?"

"Yeah?" Teotle answered back.

Scarlet then said, "I've lived with you guys for a long time now. In all that time, you've never turned down a good meal. What gives?"

Teotle looked his food, that had gone cold, and then back at his sister. "I'm not sure."

"Teotle." Twilight said, rolling her eyes. "You've known how to get into everypony's head and find out what is wrong. You really can't tell us what's wrong in your own head?"

Teotle said nothing for a moment. In truth, he knew what was bothering him, and it was eating him up inside. He wanted to say what was wrong, but the words were locked within him by his fear and doubt. What would they think of him if he told them? Would they understand, or would they be ashamed?

Just when he foudn the currage to speak, Day Dreamer interjected and said, "I think I know what's wrong." He took a deep breath and continued on. "Its me, isn't it?"

Teotle began to shake and quiver. "I...I..."

"It's ok, buddy." Day Dreamer insured. "You're afraid that I'll take Nyx away from you. I know she means a lot to you. I mean why wouldn't she? She saved your life from loneliness and despair. I want you to know that I'll never hurt either of you. I promise that on my life, and I never go back on my word."

Teotle looked at Day Dreamer, who wore a kind and warm smile on his face. Teotle the looked at Nyx, who had joined him in his sniffling. At that moment, he felt their love and friendship rain down onto him.

Teotle smiled and said, "Thank you, all of you."

After that, Teotle finally was able to eat his dinner. Everypony was tired from the long day, so Day Dreamer went home to his family while everypony else got ready for bed.

Nyx and Teotle stood in front of the bathroom sink, brushing their teeth, when Nyx asked, "Hey, Teotle?"

"Yeah?" He answered back.

They both looked at each other as Nyx continued and said, "Did you really think that Day Dreamer would replace you?"

Teotle chocked on his toothpaste as he tried to think of an answere. He then said, "I...well...yeah."

Nyx shook her head and said, "That could never happen and you know it, Teotle. You protect me and everypony around you. You're kind and gentle. You're my best friend. Why are you so worried about it?"

Tears fell from Teotle's cheek as he replied, "Because, you're my only friend."

Nyx wiped his tears as she asked, "What makes you think that? What about Applebloom, Sweetiebelle, Scootaloo, Twist, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon? 

Teotle then said, "They're your friends. The only reason they hang out with me is because your there."

Nyx tilted her head to the side and said, "That's ridiculous. They let you be a Cutiemark Crusader, bagged Granny Smith for two hours to let you play at the club house. They even introduced you to Babs, and I think she likes you too."

Teotle smiled and said, "You mean it?"

"Of course." Nyx answered. "You're our friend, we love you, and we'd do anything for you. You know why?"

"Why?"  Teotle asked.

Nyx smiled and said, "Because you'd do the same for us."