Sohrab and Bunrt oak have a talk
Author's Note
Quick note for anyone who stumbled upon this story.
I didn't mean for anyone other then my friends to read this and had no idea how or if there is a way to private this, so if there is I would appropriate a comment explaining how to, apart from that. welcome and hope you enjoy the read.
This story is a small part from the Fallout equestria story, my friend has been brainstorming with me awhile now, all characters apart from my and my friends characters are owned by their respected owners.
P.s. Apologies if you find any spelling mistakes or if my grammar is terrible, I'm not that much off a writer and almost completly self-taught, learning the basics from scratch.
Sohrab and Bunrt oak have a talk
It had been around month since Sohrab joined Stable 57, settling into her new home and being named Combat instructor to the stables guard security all within that short time. Not that she planed on that happening, nor did she ever imagined herself ever living within a stable again; not after everything that happened in her previous one. yet here she was, laughing and chatting with these ponies from a bygone era, like the end of the world well. never ended.
Making friends had been far easier then she expected, especially when it came Spitfire, sohrab and the wanderbolt captain quickly becoming good friends, forming a friendly rivalry with each other but as great as having a new group of friends was, what she really wished she had the most, was the affection off one particular pony.
Said pony, went by the name Burnt oak, she had her eye on him from the moment she first saw him. while it had only been a blink and you'll miss it glance, that was enough for the leather winged mare to be complete smitten, though she at first she passed off as a "Damn he's hot" thought but recent events had made her rethink how she felt about the deep voice stallion. for awhile she tried to deny this, claiming it to be simply be natural attraction, Burnt oak though older was quite the looker, a thought she had come to learn was shared by most if not all the mares and a even few male residents of the stable; much to Sohrab's new found jealousy.
The reason for Sohrab's sudden jealousy, had happened the week prior when a certain question Spitfire asked, had shattered her reality.
..........................................................................One week earlier............................................................................
It had been a typical day for the security team, having just concluded their weekly training and now all flooding into the washing room. some rushed straight for the showers while others elected to gather their belongings, opting to shower when it was less crowded instead. Sohrab was at her locker chatting with Spitfire, the two laughing at the expense off one of the trainees who in an attempt at showing off. which only ended up making them be used as an example for the everyone else.
"Geez, what an idiot, I mean. just what was going through his head?" Spitfire had asked, throwing her towel over her locker door "Though, I think we might have been a bit harsh on him" she added, to which Sohrab gave an unamused look
"I couldn't tell you to save your life but I wouldn't be surprised if his head is as empty as his words and no I wasn't "a bit harsh" as you put it, even a blind pony could see that was some idiotic attempt at flirting" making disgusted face before she continued "And Luna forbid, the last thing I need, is somepony I'm not interested in getting the wrong idea. I'm not wasting my time caught up in a one sided romance or am I gonna encourage it" Sohrab grunted, grabbing her water bottle.
A mischievous smile formed on Spitfire as she spoke "Hey, speaking of romance, you and burnt oak a couple yet or are you two still dancing around it like school foals?" Sohrab replied by chocking on her water, the yellow pegasus continued while gently patting her friend on the back "I mean, didn't think you'd have a thing for old cowboys. not that I disapprove of course, you do you but what was it that made you have the hots for him?"
Sohrab gave the yellow mare a shove having gained control of her coughing fit and glared at her "Wha- I, Gah!" she grunted in frustration at the look Spitfire had "I don't have the 'hots' for Burnt oak, it's just a little fun between the both of us, nothing more" Sohrab stated.
"Really, well that will be a load off all those mares minds" this pecking Sohrab's attention, giving her a curious look "Oh didn't you know, they kept on asking me if you two where a thing" spitfire casually said, knowing full well she had not.
Sohrab didn't fully buy if she was lying or not but if she wasn't then... then, Sohrab felt sudden chill down her spine but she couldn't explain why, like she had just told Spitfire, it was nothing but a little fun between the two... at least she that's what she believed but now.
No matter how much she went over it in her head, she couldn't deny that, while she spent time with Burnt oak, she had picked up on little things here and there, things that made Burnt oak, well him, a little quirk or habits, his polite yet country accent, the way would lose himself when retelling one his stories from days gone by. at some point in the last month without knowing, she had fallen for him.
...........................................................................Present time...................................................................................
A week had gone by with her spending the those seven days, doing her best truly understand her new feelings, before she even dared to acted upon them. much to her dismay however, she wasn't having much success, it didn't help she the guards weekly training session was in a couple off minutes, leaving her with no free time.
she was so engrossed in her thoughts, that she haven't noticed when Spitfire had sat next to her, well not until she spoke up "Hey sohrab" this causing her to jump spinning her head at Spitfire "Wow, it's hard for you to be surprised so easily, guess I was right about what I said last week"
Sorry, didn't mean to make you jump, promise. you mind if i teach this weeks lesson?" like an answered prayer, Spitfire offered her
"You sure?" she asked "It is my job to whip those lot into decent fighters" Spitfire gave her a deadpanned look "Sohrab look, if you stay and try to teach this week, you're not gonna get anything done. so go and tell him already and I'll worry about those lot, you're not the only instructor in the Stable you know"
"I... Thanks Spitfire" Sohrab said, deciding to hold off from a comeback "No problem" Spitfire said "but you're telling me what happens whenever you get back" she quickly added as she walked off to the training hall, leaving Sohrab to herself.
She couldn't speak on Burnt oak's behalf but Sohrab felt that all those accidental run-ins, complements and her personal favourite, every purposely close encounter. had evolved into something much more. something she was determined to see it to fruition, facing the locker mirror, Sohrab psyched herself up one last time before gathering her belongings and headed off for Burnt oak's home.
The walk to Burnt oak's home wasn't a long one, living on the same floor as him had it's perks; it being one of the conditions she had insisted on while negotiating the terms off her employment as stables 57's combat instructor. one straight line down from the security room and here she was facing his front door.
Raising her hoof to ring the door control panel, she hesitated, Sohrab shock her head. "What is wrong with you" questioned her logical side "You've faced down the drug-induced rage of insane raiders and taken down mutated forms of unholy monsters, forged by nuclear flame and yet here you are, shivering like a terrified little filly" her logic was sound she knew that but even so, no amount of cold hard facts could overcome this feeling of dread that filled her heart.
In all honesty she found it rather humorous, begin open and vulnerable with someone she loved, seem more frightening then anything the wasteland could ever throw her way. a quick breath out her nostrils turned into a soft chuckle "I must look crazy, just standing here laughing away at from anypony else's perspective" she said in a low whisper, in hopes of recovering her dignity.
Ringing the door bell, Sohrab didn't have to wait long for an answer, as the door moments later slid open. composing herself one final time Sohrab entered, making her presence know "Burnt oak, Dicehand, is Anyone home?"
"I'm in here" answered the voice of an older sound stallion, a stallion she knew well "Just a moment and I'll be out in a minute or so" he added "Dicehand you best be off now, your classes about to start again and say hello to Sohrab on your way out!" he called out to his daughter, Dicehand rushing her on her way.
"I know dad, I'm going, see ya at the fields later. Bye!" the young griffin replied throwing her college bags over herself, smiling as she approached Sohrab. "Hi Sohrab, come to flir- I- um, I mean come to see dad again have you?" she asked, quickly correcting herself. Hoping she was fast enough not to have been heard, unfortunately for her she hadn't been.
"Hello to you too Dicehead, off to see Scoot- Oh I mean off to college are we?" the mare smugly shot back, holding her laughter as Dicehand squawked in shock, a red blush spreading over her face "I, bu- wha- what's that suppose to mean!?" the young griffin demanded, as she fumbled over her words "I'm sorry, Dicehand that just slipped out. my bad" Sohrab jokingly apologized, patting the griffin, who grumbled under her breath as a retort.
"Leave the lass be, she's got classes she best be attending" interrupted Burnt oak, Dicehand taking the distraction to break away from Sohrab's teasing, gently swiping away her hoof from her head. "Whelp, nice to see you Sohrab but as dad said i have classes to attend, plus I'm pretty sure he'll throw me out the door, if I stay any longer. So, bye... again!" Sohrab and Burnt oak, waved as the young griffin raced down the hallway, nearly crashing into a few pony's along her way.
With Dicehand gone that left Sohrab alone with the pony she had came to see ''Whelp, this is a perfect opportunity as any and no backing out now'' mentally prepared, she summoned her best smile turning to the older stallion "Heya, Oakie" she greeted "Hello, yourself" he greeted back "So, what brings you by my humble abode, I thought you'd be busy training the guards today" questioned Burnt oak, offering Sohrab a spot on his sofa, which she accepted making herself comfortable.
"Oh, not much Oakie, Spitfire offered to cover for me, so I thought I'd come to see my favourite cowboy while I'm off work is all. I hope that's fine with you" she answered, knowing full well it would be.
"Of course it is, though you seem to be coming to see this 'cowboy' an awful lot. Don't you have friends you'd want to hang out with instead of me" Burnt oak noted, though he was not oblivious as to why, he asked regardless. he had learned quickly that Sohrab was one to keep her cards close to her own chest, not easily opening up to anyone. So making conversion for conversion sake, was the only way to get her to be open with her thoughts.
"Well yes, I do but What I can say" Sohrab said moving in till they were face to face "I just really.. Really love talking with you is all~" she remarked, with a confident smirk, one that Burnt oak had come to expect and love from her while flirting. 'Gosh, she sure does looks stunning when she dose tha- I um. Agh, damnit Burnt oak get a hold of yourself'.
Moving back Sohrab took in her favourite sight, that begin Burnt oak stumbling over his words after begin flirted with 'Ah, Luna above I love when he reacts like that' she thought but then noticed Burnt oak's flustered look shifting to a conflicted one 'wait... Did, I make him uncomfortable?' she asked herself "Oh great job, you pushed him too far too quickly and now his uncomfortable" she scolded.
Also noticing Sohrab's change in demeanor, Burnt oak spoke, hoping to lift the mood. "Well, how's work been treating you, I doubt training a bunch of inexperience pre-war Stable dwellers has been a walk in the park" Burnt oak asked, his distraction succeeding, earning a smile from the mare.
"It's been... Slow to say the least, they have the heart of course and they have improved a lot since we started but they're still far off from taking on a gang of raider by themselves, together though they would give those drugged up nutjobs a run for their caps any day" she told laughing at her blunt description off raider gangs.
"Huh, well that's good then, the better we can defend ourselves against raiders. the better we can fight those. Ugh, those 'Frozen uraniums' he quoted, making quotation marks gesture with his hooves "I swear that name gets dumber everytime I hear it" Bunt commented, earning a laugh from Sohrab with Burnt soon joining in after.
The merry moment didn't last, Sohrab knew that she was stalling and as much as her inner self begged her to indulge in the blissful moment, she knew it would be a hollow memory if she did, steeling her nerves Sohrab took in a deep breath and exhaled.
"Hey, Burnt oak, I need to talk with you about something important" she said, nervousness clear for all to see and see Burnt oak did, truthfully seeing Sohrab like this. made his own nerves begin to rise but he restrained himself for now, right now she needed him to attentive and understanding "Of course, is something bothering you?" he asked, concerned
"Well yes, something has been bothering me, for a little while now actually. hehe he- huh... Burnt oak, I- I know we've had this whole back and forth for awhile, an- and don't get me wrong I love it. Truly I do but I need to know, do you think, this is all we'll ever be or-" Sohrab hesitance to continue mixed with the seriousness in her tone sent a sense of worry over Burnt oak's "Or well we ever have something more and by that I mean, romantically more?"
Burnt was taken aback, he hadn't expected Sohrab to be so blunt in asking but then again she had always been one for getting to the point, so perhaps. begin honest as well would be best "If I'm begin honest, I don't know Sohrab" he answered.
He was still talking, most likely explaining he's reasoning but she didn't hear any of it, a pit formed in Sohrab stomach. 'How could he not be sure, what could make him hesitant?' then she remember, the chat with Spitfire a week prior, she'd laugh if she wasn't on the edge of a panic attack.
Of course, while I was acting like a scared foal, somepony some other mare has jump in. the thought was enough to make lose what composure she had left, moving to face Burnt oak so quick it made the stallion flinch "WHY, do you not like me or did i so something or-" she swallowed the lump in her throat "Is there somepony else?" the last question left her more as a cry then a demand.
"WHAT, NO, no. nothing like that and it's not that I don't like ya Sohrab I do it's just... Well damnit, I ain't a young stallion no more with strength to spare, I won't be able to well um... Keep up with you for the foreseeable future. if you catch my drift" he gave a weak cough trying to hide his embarrassment "you're sure you won't change ya mind later on?" he stopped to think his next words wisely "I would-" but before he could say more Sohrab pounced, pinning herself above Burnt oak and the sofa behind.
"IDOIT" she cried as tears formed "I know damn well you're older then me and that time is limited but do you honestly think that is all I care about?!" her cry grew louder to the point of becoming shouts, her tears falling freely down her flustered cheeks. her chest rapidly expanding and collapsing as they both stared at one another, neither daring to make the next move, that was until Sohrab without warring, kissed Burnt oak. although shocked at first, Burnt quickly recovered, returning the sudden affection.
releasing her hold on Burnt oak, the two stared into each other eye's, neither wishing to be the first to look away but eventually the temptation overwhelm them, continuing their unexpected make-out session. Sohrab would kiss first then Burnt oak would return the kiss with on off his own, submerged in heavenly bliss the world around them faded, as they lost their grip on reality but neither care.
Moving off Burnt oaks lap, Sohrab wiped the remaining of tears from her eye's "S-sorry, Burnt... I-" she stopped unable to form the words "Can I have a moment to clear my thoughts, please" she asked, to which Burnt oak agreed too without complaint, which she appreciated.
Taking a deep breath, she held it before releasing it in a calming sigh "GGAAAHHHH" her unexpected outburst making Burnt oak jump, realising that might not have been the best idea, Sohrab placed an apologetic hoof onto the stallions chest. hoping it would help calm his racing heart "Ah, sorry about that oakie, it's just... when you said you didn't know. I got scared, I thought I had let my chance slip pass, ya know?"
If it had been anyone else, Burnt oak would have been annoyed but with her, he couldn't bring himself to hold it against her especially with he had done the same earlier; even if by accident. "Hmm and by "Let your chance slip pass" you believed I was involved with another mare?" Sohrabs answer was a nod.
"Right, that would explain the umm. . . boldness off, Cough Cough just before" Burnt oak, "But what I don't get, is why in equestria would you think you'd think that?" Sohrab remained silent, "Sohrab, please don't do that, I want to be here for you but you gotta do the same"
She knew he was right, he normally was "Spitfire, told me that some mares were planning on asking you on a date last week" she buried her face into his chest before continuing "It was an eye opener for how much I wanted to be the one you choose and for the past week I've been trying to confess to you" she said her voice muffled.
Burnt oak couldn't help but chuckle at Sohrab, he had never seen this side of hers before and he found it endearing. raising his hoof he placed it atop her head, slowly stroking her mane, an action which garnered a shocked reaction from Sohrab but she quickly melted into it "Sometimes darling, you're a hoofful but that's one off the reasons I love ya"
Silence filled the room, Sohrab had daydreamed him saying those words but to actually hear them, well it was far greater then anything she could have dreamt up. melting into Burnt oaks embrace further, she breathed a sigh of comfort "I love you too Oakie"
The two stayed in content for several minutes before the quite was broken by Sohrab "So, as much as I enjoy begin warped up in your hooves~, I'm not a peaceful silence kinda pony, you got any ideas to what we could do to fill that void cowboy?"
Burnt oak gave a thoughtful hum before speaking "We could watch something while cuddling, if that's sound good to you" Sohrab head tilted a bit, a smirk forming on her lips "Not gonna lie Oakie, did not think you'd be into that kinda thing" she remarked "But now that I think about, I haven't really gotten to know you all that well"
"Now that you mention it, same for me" he agreed, scratching his chin "But hey, now that we're a couple we have the rest off our lives to resolve that little problem and there's no better place to start then by watching an old western" he offered to a doubtful looking Sohrab.
"Eh, I'm not sure how well some old western is gonna help us get to know each other better" Sohrab said, doubting his idea.
"Of course it will, we'll be able learn plenty by how we react to different parts off the story" Burnt oak explained with confidence.
Not seeing any flaws in his logic, Sohrab relented, giving him a peck on the cheek before standing up "You know, that is an excellent point" she said, walking over to the HVS movie collection, which he was so proud of "I still can't believe you where the only one to bring these things with you" she commented, earning a light chuckle from him.
"Well, In my defence, I only had them on me because I was planning on moving into the stable early. The fact that Megaspe-" he paused, his expression turned grim "I never... could have anticipated, how that would be the... Hmm, never mind all that" he began only to dismiss himself.
"Ah, my bad Oakie" Sohrab apologized.
Burnt oak looked puzzled "Huh, what you apologising for darlin?"
Sohrab rub the back of her neck "Well we were enjoying the moment and then I had to go ruin it by asking you about that day, I didn't mean to brin-" she was cut off by an angry Burnt oak, slamming his hoof onto the table "Now let me stop you right there, you did not ruining a single thing, ya hear!?" He said, leaving no room for debate.
Sohrab didn't know how to react, of course she was taken aback and understood why he shut down her so quick but she would be lying if she said she didn't like what just happened, something about him taking charge off the situation. well she could feel the blush on her cheeks "Umm- Ahem right, I hear ya cowboy" She choked out.
"Just so you know and this might be a bit too forward but I like that whole you taking charge thing, so if you ever wanna try that again, I wouldn't mind it" she suggested, her blush intensifying with Burnt joined her in an equally visible blush "Oh, ah... well as nice as that sounds, I think it would be best if we hold off on that till some other day. for now, I'd just wish to watch a movie with my marefriend"
"Hm, I think I like the word "Marefriend", make sure you use that term as much as you want Oakie" smiling as she winked "especially when those mares show up" she added, more commanding this time "Don't you worry Darling, I'll make sure they understand I'm spoken for"
Satisfied with his answer Sohrab returned to the collection, skimming through title after title "So, which one should we watch, a romance maybe" she asked, giggling at the suggestion. Rolling his eye's "As fitting as that would be, I think we've both have more then enough romance for one day, plus there's one I've been meaning to rewatch" he said, this perking Sohrab's attention.
"Oh, what's the name?" she asked ready to retrieve the VHS from the collection "Gun-stallion walk, it's a western about a younger bother trying to prove himself to his older brother and father by becoming a gunslinger" answered Burnt oak "Who knows you might end up liking it yourself" he commented.
Removing the VHS from it's casing and placing into the VHS reader, she scoff at the remark "I doubt it but if you think it's up my ally then I may just be in for a surprise" laying back into his open arms Sohrab shimmied into Burnt oak, the two melted into the comforting embrace of one another. for the next hour and a half, they watched the film before at some point falling asleep. said sleep was later interrupted by Dicehand purposely dropping her bag loudly on the floor.
"BAH, wh- oh, Dicehand sweetheart, you almost gave me a heart attack. what are you doing here, I thought you were at College?" Burnt oak questioned.
"I was, College ended half an hour ago and you weren't at the farm like you said you'd be, so I came to see where you were but I see you had... more important matters to attend to~" Dicehand remark with a smug knowing look.
Said remark, making the pair blush like young lovebirds begin caught, which on retrospect they were "So, if you two are finally a thing, I got a question" Dicehand interrupted their thoughts, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Sure thing, ask away" Burnt oak allowed, weariness in his voice, which his daughter picked up on "Oh, please all I was gonna ask is when the wedding is" she said with a nonchalant wave off her claw, much to the young griffiness enjoyment, watching as her father and not yet official step-mother with wide eyes, desperately searched for the words to her question making her tear up with laughter.
"That isn't funny, Dicehand" her father said, trying his utmost to sound competent but with how red his face was, his effort failed "OK, ok, I have a real question this time, promise" Dicehand wiping away her eye.
"Alright, I doubt you could ask anything else that would surprise us now" he said.
The griffiness confidence didn't waver "No offence when I say this dad but well, you're kinda old, so I was wondering if you two plan on... you know, having a foal earlier then normal?" she asked, fully prepared to be grounded.
Burnt oak was stunned for a moment before rolling his eye's "And here I stand corrected" he said with a chuckle "Dicehand sweetheart, don't you think it's a tad early to be asking that, I'm sure Sohrab Isn-" Burnt oak paused, having caught a glimpse of Sohrab from the corner of his eye.
She was smiling, her hoof hovering below her lips and just inches away from her chin, clearly in though. something about that gave him a mixture of happiness while unnerving him. "I- Ahem, you okay there Sohrab, you look like you got something on your mind" he asked, though he had a guess too what his Marefriend was thinking.
The only response given was a kiss and giggle "Oh, nothing much Oakie, though I wouldn't mind an answer to that question myself"
The end.