This chapter we see Jay in a situation I wouldn't dream of being in. So if anyone assumes this is just a self insert story, you're partly right Jay is based off me, but he is not living out my fantasies alone.
Jay got up in the morning and watched Tavi and Vinyl sleep. He smiled and stroked their manes running his fingers through them and admiring their silky strands. He smiled when Tavi nuzzled into his hand. Vinyl opened her eyes and looked up at him then mumbled “Too early, shut off the sun.” Jay chuckled and stroked her back causing her to bury her face into his side and pull the blankets over her head. He chuckled and stretched finding her actions adorable. She mumbled “You’re becoming friends with Celestia, Jay. Get her to turn out the sun until noon.” Jay chuckled and used his magic to close the blinds. Vinyl mumbled “Thank you love,” and fell asleep again.

Jay chuckled and disentangled himself from the two girls leaving them to lie in bed, as he got up for the day. He walked into the bathroom and washed his face then brushed his teeth and walked downstairs to make breakfast. He yawned as he walked down the stairs then walked into the kitchen and started making Hay Bacon and eggs. He sighed as the Hay bacon cooked muttering “God how I miss real bacon. Hay bacon tastes good and all, but you can’t beat real bacon and eggs. At least my new physiology doesn’t completely prevent me from eating meat.” He licked his canines, which were once again elongated and bit down on his inner cheek drawing blood.

He sucked up the blood as he cooked and heard someone stumbling down the stairs. He pointed at the coffee pot that was boiling and said “Black coffee, sugar cubes are on the counter, milk’s out in a bucket of ice, and cream is in the fridge.” Octavia prepared her coffee the way she liked it and moaned in bliss. She knew Jay would have made it for her if she’d asked but he was busy cooking, so she didn’t feel right asking him. She sipped her drink and he said “Breakfast is almost ready.”

Octavia nodded and said “Thanks Jay. I’d get Vinyl but we both know how she is when it comes to waking up early.” Jay chuckled and nodded at that then stretched and passed her a plate of food. He made himself a plate and turned off the stove then sat down with his own plate and dug in after pouring himself a glass of orange juice. Jay sipped his drink as Octavia ate quietly then asked “So, what’s your plan for the day?”

Jay shrugged and said “I have some stuff Celestia asked me to do, but mainly I plan on reacquainting myself with the town since I mostly just hid at the house or worked since I moved in with you and Vinyl. Why Tavi, want me to stay home with you and Vinyl?” Tavi shook her head and he said “Alright, well I guess I’ll see if I can help the apples out, after all I still feel like I owe AJ for helping me out a while back.” Tavi raised an eyebrow and he said “My last trip into the Everfree?” She slowly nodded realizing that’s what he meant then stretched and went to grab her cello to work on it. He smiled slightly and kissed her cheek as he headed out the door saying “Be back for dinner. Maybe I’ll even bring desert, so don’t wait for me.”

Tavi nodded and waved him off as she started playing softly singing to herself as the door closed. Jay walked down the street humming a tune from earth under his breath and jumped out of the way as someone blew past him. He looked at them and said “Hey Dash.” Dash, who had slammed into a cart of fruit since she’d missed her intended target, waved at him. He walked over and asked “Were you trying to tackle me?” She smiled sheepishly and he asked “Why?”

She coughed into her hand and said “I didn’t know how else to approach you. I mean I’m so awesome I couldn’t just walk up and say ‘hey how you doing. Remember me I’m Rainbow Dash.’ I mean of course you’d remember me, because it’s hard to forget the dash, but still you know what I was getting at.”

Jay reached down and covered her mouth saying “You’re rambling Dash. If you want to hang out, you just have to ask. You don’t have to crash into me. Keep that up and I’ll nickname you Dash and Crash.” He saw the hurt on her face as he helped her to her feet and said “However by the look of things you’ve been hurt by being related to crashes before so I’d never do that to a friend. Which even if you don’t see me as a friend yet, I see you as a friend for saving my tail.” Rainbow blinked and stared at him. He raised an eyebrow and said “Dashie, you ok?” She shook her head to clear it and glared at him. He smirked and said “Thought that would get a response lassie.”

She kicked him in the shin and he rubbed it as she said “Don’t call me lassie. Also don’t call me Dashie or I’m gonna kick your tail from here to Sweet Apple Acres and back.” Jay chuckled slightly knowing she was serious and started to tell her something but she steam rolled over him saying “Don’t think for a second with your flowing mane, fluffy tail, dark fur, and color changing eyes you can get whoever you want to swoon for you.”

Jay blinked and said “Rainbow.”

Rainbow continued “Just because you have that cool guy vibe doesn’t mean anything. You’re just another guy, and I refuse to just be another conquest.”

Jay said a little louder “Rainbow.”

Rainbow ran on over him “I don’t care what kind of guy you are you probably think that just because you’re handsome you can get any girl you want, well that’s not the case.”

Jay yelled “RAINBOW STOP!!!!”

She looked at him and asked “What?”

Jay replied “I’m not trying to add you to my list of conquests, hell I don’t have a list of conquests. I just thought you might want to hang out and tell me more about yourself. I mean you did save me so the least I can do is buy you lunch, since I haven’t seen you in town before today. Hell I’ll trade you stories for stories.”

Rainbow thought about it then said “You’re paying?” He nodded. She smiled and said “Sure I’d love to go to lunch with you, and sorry about jumping to conclusions but with how you’ve holed up with Vinyl and Octavia, no one knows what to think of you.” Jay waved it off and motioned for her to lead on. Rainbow led him past Applejack’s stall, which he waved at her as he passed and mouthed ‘Talk to you later.’ She nodded blushing and he ignored the blush smiling at her.

He walked along behind Rainbow and stretched feeling his body loosen up. He yawned and said “So where to Rain?” Rainbow pointed at a sign that said Hay burger and he nodded. They walked in and ordered their food. Jay just getting some hay fries and a shake, while Rainbow got a Hay burger, hay fries, and a vanilla shake. They sat down at a booth in the back of the restaurant and Jay started eating slathering his fries in ketchup. He watched Rainbow eat and said “You know, for a tomboy you have some very ladylike mannerisms.” Rainbow stared at him confused and he said “How you eat. You take small bites rather than huge heaping bites that fill your mouth. Most guys would be taking huge bites and talking with their mouths full.”

Jay sipped his shake as Rainbow swallowed and said “I am a girl. Just because I’m not into the froufrou stuff like Rarity, doesn’t mean I’m not a girl. It just means I have Ec...Something tastes.”

Jay raised an eyebrow and said “Eclectic?” Rainbow nodded thinking that was it and he said “So you have very varied tastes.” Rainbow nodded and he said “Cool. I hate when ponies lock themselves into a box just because they want a certain job or do a certain thing. I myself have an eclectic collection of thoughts that I breach every now and then. I’m currently studying law.” Rainbow shivered at that and stuck out her tongue at the idea before going back to eating. Jay snorted and said “Don’t knock it till you try it Rain. Law can be very interesting.”

Rainbow stared at him and asked “Why do you call me Rain?” He shrugged munching on a few fries and she said “Do you give everyone nicknames?” Jay shrugged again having never thought about it before. She shook her head and said “Seriously do you give everyone nicknames, even if they’re just nicknames everyone gives them?” Jay thought about it a while then shook his head. She raised an eyebrow and asked “Who do you give nicknames to then?”

Jay yawned and replied “My friends, close acquaintances, and family. Why do you ask?” Rainbow shrugged and went back to eating while Jay sipped his milkshake and thought about how he’d yet to give Vinyl a nickname. He knew Tavi called her Scratchy, but he couldn’t help but remember a TV when he heard that name. I decided to table the name for Vinyl for another day. I looked at Rainbow and asked “Does it bother you that I call you Rain?” She shook her head and I said “Because I can call you Rainbow or Dash if you prefer.”

Rainbow shook her head and said “No Rain’s fine. I’m just surprised you of all ponies called me Rain first. I mean, usually you are rather reserved with names and what not, from what I’ve seen. Since we don’t hang out and all that.” Jay nodded in understanding and grabbed her hand. She blushed slightly then looked at him and asked “Something up?” He grinned roguishly and shrugged. She sighed and bopped him on top of the head then said “Stop acting like a goof.”

Jay smirked and said “But I am a goof. I just pretend to be serious all the time. If I didn’t act like a goof now and then, then I think I’d be bucked up worse than I already am from well that’s not important and you probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” Rainbow gave him a look that said ‘Try me.’ So he shrugged and said “Traversing worlds, fighting demons, and losing more friends than I’ve made in my admittedly short life.” Rainbow blinked and mulled that over. He watched her waiting for her response and wondering what her first words would be. He made a mental betting pool and put down wow for fifty bucks.

Her first words were indeed “Wow,” however she continued with “Why did you do all the things you just said made you a little…crazy I guess is the nicest way to put it.”

He chuckled and replied “Traversing worlds wasn’t by choice but it’s how I got to Equestria. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Fighting demons was my original occupation back home, and I plan on picking it up after getting used to my new abilities. I hate to admit it but losing my friends, shaped me into who I am and made me value my new friends more than anyone or anything from my old life since I refuse to lose them. So all in all I wouldn’t change most of it even if it made me a wee bit loco. I’d only change losing my friends.”

Rainbow nodded in understanding and stretched then sipped her shake looking down. Jay watched her waiting for her to say something, anything really. It was odd for the normally boastful dash to be so quiet. He yawned and closed his eyes leaning back in the booth while Dash thought about what to say next. He’d surprised her with the depth of feeling he’d put into his words. It was almost as though he knew how to portray the pain he felt in the spoken word. She sighed and asked “So, do you ever want to go back to your old world?” Jay shook his head and yawned again then opened one eye questioningly. She sighed and said “Just wondering, because I don’t think I’d ever want to leave Equestria for good.”

Jay looked at her and asked “Why?” She shrugged and he raised an eyebrow not buying it. He asked “Is it because of your loyalty to Fluttershy?” She shook her head and he said “Loyalty to Celestia and Country?” She smiled slightly at the way he said that and shook her head again. He asked “Afraid you’ll miss your friends to much?” She shook her head one more time and he asked “Then is it you’re afraid you’ll change in some fundamental way that will make you someone other tha the Rainbow Dash we all know, and sometimes love.”
She punched him for the sometimes comment but grinned at him. He grinned back until she sighed and said “Yeah.” He raised an eyebrow and motioned for her to go on. She sighed and said “I’m worried I’ll change in some fundamental way.”

Jay raised an eyebrow and said “You realize change isn’t always a bad thing? I mean I’ve changed since coming to Equestria. You wouldn’t have known how to handle me before I changed. I was snarky, egotistical, an asshole, and reserved like nothing else. I didn’t even view my comrades as friends because it was the easiest way to insulate myself against their loss. It wasn’t right, but it was what I did.” Rainbow stared at him disbelievingly. He sighed and said “Think about it Rainbow, when we first met I was rather cold, and I only thanked you because you helped me get what I wanted. As time went by though I slowly started to see you and the others I’ve met as acquaintances and in some cases friends.”

She slowly nodded thinking back and asked “What changed you?” He shrugged. She raised an eyebrow not buying it and he shrugged again with a look that said ‘I’m serious I don’t know.’ Rainbow snorted and stared into his eyes trying to read him. He stared right back with a slight smirk as if daring her to enter his domain. She shivered and rubbed her arms as she looked deeper into his eyes seeing all the pain he was slowly healing from, and the darkness that filled him. She noticed there seemed to be a beast within his eyes that was trying to get out.

Suddenly Jay closed his eyes and said “You were getting to close.” Rainbow blinked and raised an eyebrow, which he seemed to sense without opening his eyes as he replied “To the beast. You were getting to close to the beast in my mind.” She slowly nodded as he opened his eyes and stretched then finished his fries. He sighed and said “You saw it, right?” She nodded and he said “I’m not sure what it is, but it lurks just below my minds’ surface.” Rainbow blinked surprised as he continued “You have the beast, and then you have the hero. It’s a part of my mind that sits there and fights with the beast not letting it gain control, but not letting it learn a different way. So you see why I’m so different from time to time. It depends on who’s in control. Normally it’s me but occasionally it’s one of the other two.”

Rainbow slowly nodded and said “Does anyone else know about the other sides of you?” He shrugged and thought about it then held up three fingers. She blinked and said “Three ponies?” He nodded and she asked “You’re roommates and one other?” He nodded again and she asked “Who’s the other one?” He smirked slightly and shook his head basically saying ‘That would be telling.’ She sighed and said “By Celestia you can be infuriating.”

Jay grinned and said “Sorry, but I’m not sorry.” She glared and he ruffled her mane causing her to flinch like she expected to be hit. He blinked and asked “Rain there something you’re not telling me involving people touching your mane in the past?” She shook her head and he said “Alright I’ll take your word for it, for now. However if I ever get wind of you being abused I’m going to hunt the bucking buggers who hurt you and make them regret it. You’re too good a mare, and too good a pony for anyone to abuse you in any way.” Rainbow blushed slightly at that and smiled seeing the determination in his eyes until he pulled on a pair of shades.

She raised an eyebrow and asked “What’s with the shades?” He shrugged and raised them slightly to look at her under them catching her eye and winking before putting them back down. She chuckled and said “Well your attitude changes from moment to moment.”
Jay nodded and said “Yup, but the thing is I’m still serious about anyone who hurts you. They will find the end of my sword meeting them, so don’t hesitate to tell me when something’s bothering you.” Rainbow nodded smiling and Jay got up then said “Well I guess I’m going to go see how others are doing, so I guess we should call this meeting to a close.” Rainbow nodded sighing and he waved bye as he walked out. He stretched as he left the stuffy environment of the burger joint and walked over to Apple Jack’s cart.

She looked up as he approached and said “Howdy pardner. I thought you were on a date with Rainbow?” He shook his head and leaned on the cart then pulled out a handful of bits and bought a couple apples. She smiled and handed him his purchase which he quickly bit into one then sat next to the cart on a crate. She raised an eyebrow and said “Trying to not be seen?” Jay nodded munching on his apple as people walked past only noticing him if they came up to buy apples from the Apple Family merchant.

Jay watched them noticing that she never charged a lot, and said around a mouthful of apple “You know, I’m surprised you don’t charge more.”

Applejack snorted and said “Wouldn’t be right to charge more than I do. I had a few people from out of town come up offering more than I charge and I couldn’t accept how much they were paying. I had to be honest and charge them only as much as the apples are worth, even if merchants in other cities are raising their prices. Just ain’t right to charge more than it’s worth.”

Jay chuckled and finished his apple then tossed the core into a trashcan saying “That’s what I like about you AJ. You’re very honest.” AJ blushed and he continued “Of course, Honesty builds trust, and without trust two ponies can’t rely on each other. Of course trust can be bred from kindness, generosity, or loyalty as well as honesty and even more it can be brought about by joy or magic.” Applejack nodded waiting to see where he was going with this. Jay chuckled seeing her look and took a bite out of an apple then said “Just airing some thoughts AJ, ignore me if you will.”

Applejack nodded and watched him carefully then turned back to her customers as one ordered a pair of apple fritters and a basket of apples. Applejack discussed the weather with the pony, as well as where they were from then bid them a good day. She looked at Jay, and said “So whatcha need to talk about?” Jay chuckled finishing his apple and burying the core in the same trashcan as the last two. He didn’t know why but Applejack’s accent just made him smile and chuckle, same for Big Mac, little that he spoke, and Applebloom chatterbox that she was.

He shrugged and said “I just wanted to chat. I consider you a friend since the incident with Applebloom the other day. Of course if you don’t agree then I’ll stop bothering you and just get some apples to go.”

AJ thought about it and said “I don’t rightly think you’re anything other than a friend. Although Granny was mighty put out when you ran out without having breakfast. Care to tell me why you didn’t stick around? Was our company that offensive?” Jay shook his head finishing off yet another apple tossing the core into the trashcan like a hoofball player shooting for the net. He smirked when it landed inside then looked a little contrite at the thought of offending his friend and her family.

He sighed and said “I didn’t think about how it would affect you guys when I left. I just had to get out of there and see my roommates. Sorry, I should have at least stayed for breakfast, especially if it was made with these delicious apples.” Applejack grinned at the compliment to the farm’s products and watched as he devoured yet another apple wondering where he put all the food since she swore she’d seen him go to the Hay burger with Rainbow. Jay yawned and asked “How are Applebloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac?”

Applejack smiled and said “Good. They’re all doing good though Applebloom is a wondering when yawl are going to come back around. Also Granny said she wanted to thank yawl for saving Applebloom personally. Big Mac is wondering if you’d be willing to help out around the farm, because he said it was nice seeing another Stallion, even if said stallion had some weird markings.”

Jay snorted at that and said “My weird markings are scars.” AJ stared at him surprised and he said “The marks on my back are scars from demon and timberwolf claws, and the scars on my face are from a tainted sword blade. Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m just barely avoiding blindness. Anyway if you want when you’re done here we can hitch up to the cart and head to your farm to talk with Applebloom, Big Mac, and Granny Smith.” Applejack nodded and Jay sat back down while she dealt with customers. He stretched and closed his eyes relaxing.

After about two hours AJ was done for the day and the two of them headed back to Sweet Apple Acres, Jay hooked up to the cart and Applejack telling him about herself at his request. He in turn told her bits and pieces about himself. Finally they arrived at Sweet Apple Acres where Jay was tackled by Applebloom. Applebloom smiled and said “Howdy stranger.” He smiled and started to reach up toward her bow which she swatted his hand glaring in a way that said ‘No touchie.’ He chuckled.

He said “What’s up bloom? Been raising Tartarus?” She nodded and he said “Great. I’ve been doing good myself. I’ve been spending some time with a few friends, hanging out with new people, meeting the princess’s star student, etc.” Applebloom grinned and swatted his hand as it reached toward her bow again. He gave her a hurt look and said “Come on, it’s just a bow.” She glared at him playfully and he said “What, afraid I’ll take it and ruin it or something?”

Applebloom replied “Nah, I just know yawl will do something I’m not going to be happy with. I don’t let anyone touch the bow, not even sweetie and scoots.” Jay smirked and raised an eyebrow holding up his hand which had a bow in it. Applebloom stared then touched the top of her head before pouncing on him and stealing her bow back saying “Ya no good varmint. Mah bow is mah pride and joy. Granny said it was mah mom’s when she was a filly. Don’t take it away again.” Jay held up his hands in surrender chuckling slightly and motioned for her to get off. She did so huffing and saw Applejack watching then asked “What’s wrong Sis?”

Applejack replied “I’m just surprised that Jay of all people managed tah steal your bow.” Applebloom nodded and motioned for her to come closer then started whispering in her ear. Applejack swatted her with her hat, blushing and said “Now you get those thoughts outta your head Applebloom. We don’t see each other anything like that.” Jay raised an eyebrow and Applejack said “Don’t worry about it none shug, I was just telling Applebloom she’s imagining things.” Jay nodded and continued walking toward the farm.

Jay yawned and glanced at Applejack and Applebloom who were talking quietly between themselves then glanced up as he heard someone say “Howdy.” He nodded politely as he saw Granny Smith nodding at him and stretched then popped his back. She smiled and said “Welcome back Young’un. Did Applejack finally get you to accept our hospitality properly?” Jay nodded and stretched then walked over and started talking with Granny while Applejack and Applebloom got into a rather heated argument.

Jay looked at Granny after they finished speaking and said “So Granny Smith, you guys need any help around the farm? I’m currently taking a leave from working at the local forge and figured it wouldn’t hurt to help you guys out. Plus I’d like to get to know the Apple family better.” Granny cackled at that and patted him on the shoulder then sat back down in her chair and closed her eyes yawning. He watched her a bit until he heard her snoring then walked back to the two youngest, at least at Sweet Apple Acres, Apples. Jay whistled slowly and softly then slowly raised the volume the longer the girls argued.

Eventually they looked at him when he got to a pitch that had even him wincing and said “WHAT THE HAY ARE YA DOING JAY!!!???” Jay winced and stopped whistling rubbing his ears and scratching the back of his neck sheepishly as Big Mac walked up and studied the three of them. Jay pointed between the two of them then at each of them and mimed an argument then whistled before closing the mouths of his hands, which were supposed to be the two arguing, and made a motion like the two had stopped because of the whistle. Applejack blinked and Applebloom said “So basically you were trying to stop us?”

He nodded and said “yes, I was trying to get you to stop arguing without butting in. I thought the whistling would do it, which it did.” Applejack grumbled and walked off while Big Mac chuckled slightly. Applebloom sighed and he said “Sorry about hurting you and AJ’s ears Bloom, but hey I had to do something. Hurt my own ears too.” She nodded and motioned for him to follow her to the barn deciding that she’d forgive him, this time. Jay yawned and followed her saying “Ello Big Mac.”

Big Mac nodded and said “Lo,” then walked off to go buck some apples. Jay watched him go and thought “Not the most sociable fellow but there’s something to be said for stallions of few words I guess.” He stretched and walked up to AJ who was watching his interaction with Big Mac and found it amusing. He raised an eyebrow at her laughter and she shook her head then turned to Applebloom who was humming a tune under her breath and poked her in the side.

Applebloom looked at her and she said “Do you’re chores then you can do what you want. I need to talk to Jay in private for a little bit.” Applebloom nodded and walked off making the ‘I’m watching you.’ I motions with Jay who raised an eyebrow questioningly. She backed out slowly and Jay turned to Applejack who said “Sorry about her, she gets it in her head to do something and just does it. So you want to work on the farm?” He shrugged slightly in response,

She glared as he said “I would be willing to help out, and no I don’t want a wage. I’ve saved up enough I could quit working whenever I want. I just feel like helping out your family with my own two hands because I feel you’re a friend.” Applejack blinked surprised as he continued “Plus I grew up on a farm, to a point, so I can at least help with the animals and crops that grow in the ground. Bucking trees, I’m not so sure about. I am a unicorn rather than an earth pony after all. If you don’t want my help say so and I’ll be out of your hair.”

Applejack thought about it then said “For now we don’t need your help. I understand if this is a one-time offer.” Jay shook his head at that and she smiled then said “Me and Big Mac can handle it for now. I’ll contact you if we ever need help, how bout that?” Jay nodded and held his hand out for a fist bump. She stared at him and he opened instead opting for a shake. She shook his head and said “It’s a promise, and Apple Family keeps their promises.” Jay nodded and waved as he started to head off since he wasn’t needed. Applejack smiled at his back and said “See ya round partner.”

Jay waved over his shoulder without looking back smiling with his mane covering his eyes and replied “See ya round AJ. I may as well head home.” He picked up speed when he was out of AJ’s sight and started running when he got to the road leading to Sweet Apple Acres. He dodged around people as he ran going through katas in his mind his eyes turning a deep burnished gold that no one saw. What he didn’t notice was all the mares studying him as he passed by. In particular Rose Luck, Daisy, and Lilly Valley were watching him with hungry gazes.
He stopped at Quill and Sofas to get a dozen quills and then headed to the Hay Burger to grab another shake. As he was getting his shake more mares noticed him and studied him noticing his tall physique that rivalled Big Mac, and had kind eyes like Doctor Whooves, who he was talking to. They parted and Jay found himself surrounded by mares. He blinked and said “Evening Ladies.” He looked up at the sky to make sure it was indeed evening, glad to see the sun starting to sink in the horizon and said “Can I help you with anything?”

Ditzy Doo suddenly landed in front of him wielding her mail bag and said “BACK!!! BACK YOU VISCIOUS BEASTS!!!” The mares all backed up then she whispered to Jay “You really need to be careful, keep being too nice and you’re going to get yourself gobbled up by one of these vicious harlots. Vinyl sent me to tell you to get your tail home or else.” Jay saluted and slipped out of sight sipping his drink, noticing the mares arguing with Derpy about being vicious. He chuckled reminding himself to thank her and walked inside where Vinyl and Tavi were sitting on the couch waiting for him.

He raised an eyebrow and said “Did you instruct Ditzy Doo to push back the waves of admiring females with her mail bag?” Tavi nodded while Vinyl looked confused. He clarified “Ditzy is also known as Derpy Hooves.” Vinyl went ‘Oooooh,’ then nodded with Tavi. He sighed and asked “Any particular reason?”

Vinyl nodded and said “We didn’t feel like telling everyone you’re our stallion, and we also know how you get side tracked by a nice plot.” Jay blinked and started to ask what the plot in a book had to do with mares and she sighed seeing his confusion then said “A plot is a girl’s thighs Jay.” He blinked and face palmed realizing what she was getting at then started to argue before realizing she may be right. She smirked seeing his look and said “You need to realize we know you’re going to have a lot of mares hanging off you. We just want to know who they are and make sure they have you’re best interest at heart, not what they think they can use you for. That’s why we tell you to keep your wealth a secret.”

Jay nodded and started to say he got that when Octavia picked up where Vinyl left off. She said “We know you have a saving pony thing. We know you can’t help it, like with Ditzy. However we don’t want you to get hurt because of it. At the same time we know that would be something that made you happy. Being able to save someone else even if it meant you got hurt instead. When you had no one that was ok, but now you need to think about what you have to come back to you have new friends, you also have Vinyl and I, and well we don’t want to lose you. You were the first stallion to see the two of us for more than just a pair of musicians who held no passion for life. You treated us as more than friends.”

Jay smiled and stroked her mane smiling and said “I understand Tavi, Vinyl. I don’t plan on hurting either of you, but one day I may just vanish. It is all a part of my job, so I need you two to be strong and wait for me if that happens.” They nodded and he stretched then asked “Anything else you need me to do?” They shook their heads then pointed at the couch between them. He sighed put upon and sat down then they climbed into his lap and curled into his chest. He blinked and rubbed their backs as Vinyl’s horn poked him in the neck.

He moved his head over to on top of Tavi’s and nuzzled her hair stroking both girls’ backs as they nuzzled deeper into his chest. He smiled slightly as Vinyl said “Jay, you know you’re very quiet. Why is that?” Jay shrugged and breathed softly as Tavi just snuggled closer to him and Vinyl watched her across his lap then started kissing up his neck. Jay shivered then blinked when she reached up and rubbed his horn which shot off little sparks as he let out a soft sigh of pleasure. Tavi chuckled and smirked at Vinyl knowing how sensitive unicorn horns were.

Jay mumbled through the haze “Vinyl stop.” She ignored him and he let a shiver travel down his body his tail flicking. He said “Seriously Vinyl stop.” She sighed and did so he said “I know you want to get more physical but we need to know each other better before we take the next step. Same goes for you Tavi.” Octavia nodded and the three of them cuddled in silence after that then Jay said “How about you two tell me more about yourselves and your lives before we met.” Tavi and Vinyl looked at each other then at him before nodding slightly into his shoulders in a way that said they were willing to talk.

Vinyl said “Tavi’s a cellist as you know, but I don’t know all that much about her past before we met. I however was a math whiz in school. Kind of ironic considering me now, eh? I don’t seem like the mathematics type, but that’s more because of my party pony persona. My actual birth name isn’t Vinyl. It’s actually Binary Crystalline. I even attended Celestia’s school for Gifted Unicorns.” Jay raised an eyebrow and she smirked seeing his look as she explained “I was part of the math department until I found the rhythm between two songs that fit with my mathematic formula. Eventually I saw a connection between math and music and switch to music full time. I still love math though, it’s why I have so many bits to my name. It’s Tavi’s turn.”

Tavi sighed and said “I was a member of the Canterlot elite. My mother was a music expert, and a Pegasus, while my father was an earth pony and a lord. The two married shortly before I was born, after one of my mother’s concerts. They tried to get me to play several instruments over time. My mother wanted me to play a woodwind, and I fell in love with the drums for a while, as an earth pony they fit with my physique and everything, however a family friend, who I haven’t seen since, gave me my cello telling me that it would allow me to play better and get my audience more into the music.”

Jay raised his eyebrow and said “So you don’t have a secret name too, do you Tavi?” Octavia shook her head and glanced at Vinyl as if asking if they should tell him everything. They seemed to have a conversation with their eyes as they nuzzled into Jay’s stomach and side humming occasionally as needed. Finally Jay asked “What the hay are you two saying to each other with just your eyes. I can’t read minds, nor can I read eyes when they’re below my chin and you two won’t let me put my head down to try and understand.”

Vinyl chuckled and said “We were just talking about, in our own way, if we should let you know about a few things going on between the two of us before we realized we both wanted a male partner.” Jay’s ears perked up at that and he got a sappy look that said his mind was imagining things only to get pinched as she said “Down boy, down.” Jay winced and growled his eyes glowing red as Vinyl said “Yes we got frisky and tried some stuff in the bedroom, but we both saved our actual hymens intact.” Jay wondered how the hell they managed that.
Tavi coughed and said “Vinyl, is that really the best thing to tell him?” Vinyl raised an eyebrow and just looked at her. She sighed and said “Fair point. Well Jay, is that everything you wanted to know, or do you want to know more like how atrocious it was to work to earn my place in the orchestra, or how Vinyl worked her way up to the point she’s at now? Or maybe you’re wondering who my family friend was, or is it all of the above?”

Jay chuckled and said “I think I know enough, unless you want me to know more. Anyway I guess we could do things best done behind closed doors, unless you two agree we’re moving too fast.” Vinyl grumbled something about hating when males used logic because it was a turn off, and Tavi’s slight smile died as she wondered if he didn’t find them attractive. He must have felt them stiffen because he said “LOSE IT!” They looked at him confused and he said “They attitude I don’t find you attractive, lose it. I find you both to be very beautiful, but I don’t want you to jump into the sack with me just because I seem like a good guy. I want you to get to know me better and decide for yourselves if I’m a guy you can see yourselves spending time with. If so then we can go take the next step.”

They blinked and asked “Why?” He sighed and looked them in the eye. Vinyl said “Oh because you don’t want to ruin our reps.” He nodded Tavi said “And you don’t want to take advantage of us like a true gentleman. I accept this, and thank you for not seeing us as unattractive when there are obviously more attractive mares out there.” He swatted her nose in response and she rubbed it asking “What I do?” He just stared at her. She sighed and said “Fine, maybe they aren’t as much more attractive as I think and only seem that way from a slight lack of self-confidence.”

Jay rubbed her ears and mane smiling then said “Exactly. You’re a lot more beautiful than you give yourself credit for. That said, I don’t want you two thinking just cause I turn you down I don’t find you attractive, quite the opposite it’s because I find you beautiful I have so much trouble turning you down, but it’s because I care for you that I have to turn you down. Anyway I think we should head to bed.”

The two mares nodded and Jay waited for them to get off of him. When they didn’t he coughed and motioned for them to do so, which they ignored and instead curled up tighter on him and vinyl pulled a blanket over the three of them with her magic. Jay mumbled about how it was unfair every unicorn other than him seemed to be able to levitate anything with ease. Hay Vinyl even used hers to play music. He sighed and grumbled then closed his eyes realizing he was the two mares’ bed and pillow.

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Jay woke up the following morning to find himself unburdened. He got up and walked into the kitchen only to find no one there. He shrugged slightly and got up then started to wander the house looking for his two marefriends. Eventually he gave up and started cooking. As he cooked he hummed Dance with Jack o’ Shadows under his breath. By the time he was done with the song he had finished cooking and was sitting down to eat.

He ate slowly thinking about where Vinyl and Tavi could have run off to then shrugged and decided he’d just wander through the town today since he had nothing planned. He already had the feeling he knew who a few of the elements were, but he had to be sure before he approached Celestia at the next solstice, since the thousandth was two years away.

A part of him asked how old the girls in his life were and he squashed it down knowing that every girl he was affiliated with was old enough to make up their own minds about him and anything he had to do with. He finished his food and washed his plates then walked out into town, only to find himself surrounded by a herd of mares. He blinked and tried to slip away only for them to stop him at every turn. He blinked as he was herded through town, trying to dodge females at every turn. It was as if they didn’t want to let him out of their sight, well the mares that were interested in males didn’t want to let him out of their sight anyway.

The few, “Filly Foolers”, as they were called were just watching with amusement. He sighed when yet again he was herded toward town hall. He sighed as he climbed the steps and stood at the top then watched as the mares lined up. He coughed a few times to clear his throat then asked “My dear mares, what exactly are you looking for me for?” They started tossing out ideas which he nodded at some, sighed at others, and others still made him flinch. He coughed and said “And If I were to tell you I am already taken?”

Several mares replied they didn’t care others looked thoughtful, and others still just looked at him hungrily. He shivered and said “How about this, I will take every mare on 1 and only 1 date at first. If it works out we’ll see about more, but in the mean time you all promise never to ambush me again and you all give your names to my mare friends Vinyl Scratch and Octavia Melody. If you can’t do that, then there’s no point in you pursuing me.”

The mares talked amongst themselves then agreed to his terms dispersing to their homes while he calmly walked down the steps to greet the few remaining ponies who were not truly part of the mob, including but not limited to Ditzy Doo, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash who was laughing her tail off, and AppleJack. He smiled at them and said “You know I’m surprised all of you joined that mess at all, unless of course you’re all secretly pining for me.” Applejack chuckled looking away while Rarity just smiled slightly. He raised an eyebrow and asked “So what can I do for you?”

Rarity smiled and said “Well Darling, we need your help to cheer up our friend Fluttershy. You see, she is in a bit of a tight spot and you were the only one we could think of who’s been in the Everfree forest more than once of their own volition. If you could please escort us to her home, then do as she asks it would mean a lot to us.” Jay shrugged and motioned for them to lead on, figuring it was no trouble. He had the thought that it could even be fun floating around in his mind.

They walked along the outskirts of ponyville, Jay occasionally waving to anyone he recognized, and smiled at a few of the females they passed who looked away, blushed, or smiled back. He yawned as he walked and glanced at AJ and Rarity who were leading, followed by Rainbow and Ditzy, who were followed by Pinkie and Lyra Heartstrings. Jay smiled at the six mares when they glanced back then let the smile falter when they turned away. He wasn’t worried or anything, he just couldn’t get into a happy mood knowing Fluttershy needed help.

When they got to Fluttershy’s he stretched and knocked on the door, the six mares surrounding him. She slowly opened it then eeped and slammed it in his face. He sighed and knocked again saying “Come on Shy, you got to get over being scared of me. I mean I’m just your average unicorn. Well your average unicorn with a complex anyway. Heck your other friends are here. We came to help you out. They got me because I know so much about the Everfree, if you want however I’ll let them ask you the problem and fix it without coming inside.”
Fluttershy opened the door and mumbled a response. Jay raised an eyebrow and she said a little louder, “No you can come in if that’s ok.” Jay smiled and nodded motioning for the others to enter ahead of him and waited. They slowly filed in then he walked in last and shut the door leaning on it.

Angel bunny walked up and tried to attack him, but he grabbed the bunny by his ears and said “Angel, I know you don’t like me, but your momma needs my help. I won’t be here long, so you can get over it or I can throw you out the back and into a cat carrier. It is your choice.” Jay dropped the bunny who hopped off mentally vowing revenge against the arrogant unicorn that dared enter his domain.
Jay watched as Shy gave everyone cookies and prepared to explain her problem. He waited and Fluttershy mumbled aloud. Jay raised an eyebrow and cupped his ear causing her to eep and hide behind her hair. He sighed and motioned for her to speak up. Fluttershy sighed and said “I…I need someone to go out into the Everfree and clear the areas I collect herbs in of Timberwolves. I can’t do it myself because I can’t hurt anything.” Jay snorted at that and thought “You’ve never had a reason to hurt anything Fluttershy and no one has ever tried to teach you how to defend yourself, but we’ll work on this.”

He stretched and said “Alright, then I guess I’ll go do that while the others keep you company after I’m done I’ll let each of you tell me what you want from me, because even though your my friends, usually when girls show up in a mob, they want something from you.” They smiled sheepishly as he walked out the door and waved over his shoulder then closed it and started for the forest. He drew his sword as he walked and realized that this would be a chance to kill a few demons without anyone knowing where his injuries came from if he received any.

He grinned and walked deeper into the woods twirling his blade slowly feeling the wind resistance and stretched before running toward where Fluttershy usually grabbed her herbs. He knew it was one of the many things she did for money, alongside being a veterinarian, and being a pet supplier. He ran into the area and saw it full of Timberwolves fighting dark hounds. He started swinging his blade charging magic along it then released wave after wave of magic slicing into the wolves of both types. His magic sliced into them tearing them apart and blood and sap spread all throughout the clearing. He rushed into the fray and started slashing and hacking in an improvised pattern keeping the wolves at bay.

Jay winced as a timberwolf managed to bite down on his wrist knocking it off and bandaging his wrist with a handkerchief. He slammed his fist into a dark hound’s side knocking it over where a timberwolf savagely ripped out its throat. I sliced yet another timberwolf in half and rammed my blade down a hound’s throat causing it to choke to death then split it in half only to get pounced on from behind. He rolled forward as the dark hound tried to snap at his neck and dislodged it then slammed his blade’s hilt into its skull knocking it for a loop.
He’d gotten more used to his body over the last few weeks, and running from the mare’s earlier had gotten him only the slightest bit winded. He’d regained his wind along the walk to Fluttershy’s and so was in tip top shape when he entered into this battle. He looked around and noticed the Timberwolves had mostly taken care of the dark hounds leaving only five of them to the twenty remaining wolves. He smirked and formed a spell in his mind pushing his magic through his horn then released a wave of fire based magic engulfing all twenty five of his foes.

He rushed into the flames and sliced the five dark hounds apart as they burned then sheathed his sword and breathed out putting out the flames of the smoldering Timberwolves and the burned hounds. He stretched and picked the herbs Fluttershy was usually carrying when he saw her in town then walked back to Fluttershy’s humming. Since coming here he often found himself humming, singing, or enjoying music more and more.

He stopped as he approached the house and knocked on the door. Rarity answered and said “Why Darling you are positively covered in soot. What happened to you? You didn’t run into a forest fire did you?” He shook his head and stretched then popped his back and slipped his sheath off his back leaning on it as he pushed it into the ground. He smiled slightly at her and motioned as if to say ‘May I come inside?’ She stepped out of the way and he walked in leaving his blade against the door so as not to startle Fluttershy. He’d kept it hidden under a coat earlier, but he figured he didn’t need the coat anymore.

He took his coat off and hung it on a coat rack and walked into the living room where the girls were all gathered talking amongst themselves while they waited for him. He walked up and said “Ladies.” They greeted him and he handed Fluttershy the herbs he’d collected saying “The garden by which you collect you herbs is now free and clear of monsters Fluttershy. If you ever need me for anything don’t hesitate to ask. The worst I’ll say is I can’t do it at that moment but will get to it when I’m free.” She nodded in response and he started for his coat saying “Well I’m off, girls if you need me you can find me at Berry’s bar.”

He grabbed his sword and coat sliding both on before heading out into the weather, which though not snowing at this moment, was chillier than he liked. He was very hot blooded as some would say and come winter he’d be hiding out in his home, or at a friend’s. He wasn’t the type to go out into the cold unless he had a mission only he could complete.

He walked to Barry’s after dropping his sword off at home, then ordered a hard cider and sat at a booth in the back. He zoned out after paying for his drink and sipping it letting his mind wander to the different females of town and how even the mayor had been a part of the mob. He knew most of them were as old as if not slightly older or younger than himself. He smiled as his mind wandered and he didn’t notice when someone sat across from him with a strained look on her face.

Author's Note

Well there you are longest chapter yet. As with other chapters it probably needs to be edited and I'd like any problems pointed out, but otherwise I hope everyone enjoys and comments on their thoughts. I still feel bad about Putting Jay through the things I put him through, but hey he has to build character somehow, don't want him becoming a gary stu after all.