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// Tell Me Your Sorrows 
// Story: The Burning Feeling 
// by Selena Quintanilla 
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Inside a dingy, rundown apartment in Manehatten, clothes and empty beer cans were strewn everywhere. Matted stains where plastered all over a single couch near the back of the apartment. It was late and the house lights were left on, which didn't illuminate anything because of its poor lighting and constant flickering. By the right side of the apartment instruments were left idly by: a bass guitar, acoustic guitar, a microphone stand with a microphone hanging loosely, and a drum set that read on the base, 'Will play for beer.'

Suddenly a jingle at the door erupted the silence in the room. Two figures entered, both stallions, first to come into view was Boomer, the owner of the apartment. Boomer, was a light-brown pony with a massive build, with blonde slicked hair that formed a ridiculously spiked mohawke and shortened tail. Tonight he carried a frown on his face, stomping towards the kitchen not caring about anything around him. Next to come in was a slightly less aggravated pony, Sleepwalker. A tall lean pony with a underbite, white coat, and long straight light-blue mane that reached past his shoulders. He tore off his ascot around his neck and threw it to the side. Walker looked completely sane, yet behind his hair Sleepwalker held a concerned look. He worried for what his friend might do. Walker had no idea what had gotten into Boomer for him to act so irrationally 30 minutes prior from arriving at the apartment.

Boomer made his way towards the fridge and pulled the handle and opened the refrigerator. The fridge only stored little contents of food, mainly half-empty beer bottles. He spotted a beer bottle that wasn't empty and snagged it. Snapping the cap with his hoof he chugged the beer greedily, he licked his lips and carried himself back towards the living room, plopping down on the couch. Sleepwalker had been watching his movements the entire time and it didn't make him slightly at ease. He closed the door and gently walked towards his friend. 

"Boomer? Dude, you alright?" 

Sleepwalker asked his friend, placing himself right by his side. Boomer's only response was a low grunt, taking another swig of his beer. He stared off into his own world looking like he was about to collapse at any minute. Responsive thoughts ran through his mind, Say something! Why can't you be brave enough to tell him?

2 Hours Ago

Late in the night Boomer and Sleepwalker had taken a walk to a random pub with Sleepwalker's friend, Scarlet. The posh derby-racing gal from Ponyville, with her wavy red hair and white coat, she embodied the looks of her dear mother Rarity. She had came in unannounced to his apartment looking to crash and talk with Walker, both who were childhood friends. Something about a douche-bag friend had made her travel to Manehatten. Boomer could care less, but what did irk him was her presence. Boomer had not made it subtle that he had an infuriated attitude towards Scarlet. Mainly because of her 'close' relationship with Walker. He wouldn't say anything about it, but whenever Scarlet would hug or show any sign of love towards Sleepwalker he'd become aggravated. Boomer was an expert at keeping his emotions at bay for the sake of not looking petty. But when it came to Scarlet something made him want to completely kick her out of his sight...that's if he had the chance.

To his dismay he couldn't do anything without Sleepwalker around. So when Scarlet recommended they go out for a stroll to a local pub, Scarlet was extra grabby with Walker. Hugging and touching each other's faces was highly involved. While Boomer was skeptical of their behavior, Sleepwalker just laughed it off and decided to hit up the drinks at the bar. Boomer followed suit, keeping a close eye on the duo. At the pub the three sat down on empty stools by the bar, Walker in the middle, Scarlet on his left and Boomer on his right. The three browsed the options on a colorful menu screen. Scarlet chose a concoxtion called 'Strawberry Sunrise Shot'. Which was a mix of strawberry vodka and Grenadine. Walker ordered a 'Sangria Slush', a mushy purple drink packed with berries and Zinfadel. Boomer settled for a simple beer of Buckweiser. Needless to say the only two ponies who could keep their tipsy level low were Boomer and Walker. Scarlet on the other hand was the complete opposite. That mare could get drunk on apple juice if she could. After her first drink she ordered another, then a few minutes later another 'Strawberry Sunrise Shot,' after that you have a tipsy mare mumbling non-sense. In hazy vision Scarlet turned to Boomer and noticed him sitting slumped and not touching his drink. Speaking in a slurty tone Scarlet blurted out to Boomer,"You know, Boomy, you can just let loose. No one is judging honey!" 

Scarlet was of course referring to Boomer's cold demeanor during the entire night. Scarlet returned to her conversation with Walker, Boomer listening intently. All Boomer could do was sit on the bar stool shaking his beer around, waiting for the terrible night to end. Hearing Scarlet laugh made Boomer look over, she noticed Boomer watching and gave him a friendly smile. Boomer only huffed in response, rolling his eyes and looking back at his drink. Scarlet was puzzled by his gesture and shrugged it off, looking to the main floor and grinned happily. She turned to Sleepwalker next to her and squeaked out,"Ohh Walker we can't end this night without dancing, let's go hit the dance floor! What do you say?!" Scarlet asked in a giddy tone. Walker smiled and replied,"Sure, my moves may be stiff, but I'll definitely go for you.

Scarlet took hold of Walker's arm and pulled him onto the dance floor, getting lost in the moving bodies and strobe-lights. Boomer had watched the entire thing, flustered that Walker wanted to dance with her. Wait, why am I getting so mad over this stupid mare? Boomer fought with himself, trying to form a logical explanation for his anger. Why do I get mad every time Walker gets her attention. Uhhh!
Stupid feelings, why do I even care for Walker's attention? It's not I lik...e. Oh Celestia. Boomer knew at that moment  what might be the cause of all his worries. Sleepwalker, the stallion who had stuck by his side since day one, the pony who he had decided to start a band with. The pony who would listen to him, even when nopony wanted to because they thought he was acting like a typical angsty adolecent. Sleepwalker in some way made him feel wanted and happy. There was no doubt, Sleepwalker was Boomer's best friend...but, was it more than that. Commotion from the dance floor caught him out of his stupor. In the middle of the elctro-lighted floor Sleepwalker was dancing flirtaciously, shaking his flank and dancing to the rhythm, not caring about the enterage of ponies. He would ocassionally clap his hooves together at each beat and move his hooves in a synchronised motion. His long hair flailing around his face in a smooth motion. Boomer's heart beated rapidly, the scene making him burn up.

Scarlet was clapping along with the other ponies scareaming out," Woooo!! Go Walker, show them who's the true dancer." Scarlet was enjoying the moment, but thought back to Boomer, she looked to where he was sitting. But his gaze was hooked on Walker, not noticing a certain mare analyzing his reaction. Looking back to Walker Scarlet was making the connection between the two, then it hit her. She grinned maniacally and concieved a plan. Once the song had finished and changed to a slow ballad Walker walked off to the side. Scarlet followed suit and went up to his side.

" Sleepwalker! That was simply incredible dancing you displayed if I do say so myself." Sleepwalker blushed and hid his face replying,"Ohh, it was nothing really. Just got lost in the excitement." Scarlet pulled him down to a near by booth and initiated her plan,"Ohh not only that dear but, I think somepony may have eyes for you tonight." Scarlet told the punk pony, putting on a sly grin. Sleepwalker was shocked by her comment."Really? I'm just having fun dancing. I didn't expect for somepony to take notice." The thought of somepony watching Sleepwalker in a affectionate way made Walker feel fuzzy. His bashfulness showed even behind his hair.

"Oh it's true!" Scarlet exclaimed with glee, placing her hoof on his."And I think they are waiting for the right moment to come and talk to you." 

At the bar Boomer was watching intently as Walker and Scarlet where talking amongst themselves. What is she up to? Boomer noticed Sleepwalker trying to hide his head. I wonder if he is okay? Hmm...I might as well check if he's alright. Boomer made sure to keep his stoic façade on and not let emotions shine through.

Standing from his seat Boomer walked towards the two ponies. Scarlet had seen Boomer walking their way, she then started her next phase. Boomer walked up to Sleepwalker's side (not caring about Scarlet) and placed a hoof on his shoulder. "Hey, dude, you good?" Boomer's deep voice calling out from the music around them. Walker glanced up and looked into Boomer's eyes. Man, they're so pretty.

Walker realized that Boomer was waiting for a response, mentally slapping himself out of his daze. "Umm, yeah I'am alright. Maybe it's just the alcohol and dancing, giving me a wicked headache." Walker was lying to fake his little slip-up, Aww, he is so cute when he is shy. Boomer thought aloud in his head. Boomer realized what he had just thought and quickly looked away, sweat quickly forming, Shit! Idiot, don't give your emotions away. Boomer wiped his brow and fanned his face,"I think it's a little warm in here, ah' might go outside for a breather." That's not the reason Boomer wanted to escape, in reality he wanted to make sure Scarlet didn't see him gazing at Walker for too long. 

Scarlet of course saw the hopeful glimmer in Boomer's eyes, snickering all the while. "Oh Boomy, I don't think it's the heat that's getting to you, maybe something else is making you swoon like a school colt." Scarlet sized Boomer up, Walker perplexed at her statement asked,"What do you mean Scarlet?" Walker hadn't noticed Boomer sweating bullets and creeping slowly backwards. "Oh no reason, just that Boomer was also watching somepony dancing a while ago." Scarlet looked at Boomer catching him off guard, complete shock on his face and color fanishing from his coat. Walker looked back to Boomer and noticed his pale feature," Hey dude, you alright? Are you scared that you're interested in somepony, don't worry nopony is judging."

Walker was totally oblivious to the hints  that Scarlet was practically throwing out. Scarlet was getting a little annoyed, shoving some red strands of hair behind her ear and replied, "Don't fret Boomer, I am sure Walker feels the same way. After all somepony was idling him while on the dance floor too." Boomer frowned at her remark, confirming his suspicion about her seeing him watch Sleepwalker. He dug his hooves on the granite floor, his veins popping out. He huffed loudly looking straight into Scarlet's eyes, "Who is this pony? And why does it concern  you Ms. Scarlet?" Boomer advanced towards the booth, Walker noticing his nasty tone. " Whoa ho, hey Boomer dude, calm yourself it's no big deal." Walker pleaded against his friend, hoping to dissimulate the situation. Boomer looked to Walker and saw the pleading in his eyes, he sighed and backed down. 

Scarlet on the other hand was determined to see the two ponies united if it was the last thing she did. Even if she had to use dirty tactics to be successful. As opposed to certain pink stallion she knew, these two did have a chance to be together and not be afraid to love each other, regardless of their gender.

Scarlet pulled herself together and readied herself for whatever might happen. "No need to be so brash darling, I was simply commenting on how the two of you are caught between somepony's eyes, if you catch my drift." Scarlet's posh accent sticking out with a little raspy undertone too. She nudged Walker to scoot out of the booth, Walker got her hint and moved out. Scarlet leaped out of the booth and sprung on her hooves majestically. Walking towards Boomer she wrapped her right hoof around his shoulder, while she made a dramatic fainting pose with her other hoof, just like her mother Rarity. "Oh but the horror, somepony is quite interested in your best friend, watching Walker seductively, like a predator stalking its prey." Scarlet narrowed her eyes on Boomer smiling wickedly,"Sound familiar Boomer?" Boomer was regaing his inner temper again, roughly he asked her,"What do you mean Ms. Scarlet?!" She let him go sauntering over to Walker, "Oh nothing that concerning, it's just a strange coincedence that you were looking at somepony, while Walker was dancing at the same time."

Boomer's rage hit a boiling point, red plastered his face, his nose was puffing in and out, and his hooves once again dug into the floor. "Something the matter Boomer?" "Did I hit a nerve?" Scarlet smugged boisterously, which fueled Boomer even more. Walker was taken back by how enraged Boomer looked at that moment, never had he seen his friend act like this. Walker tried his best to consolidate the two,"Hey! Wait guys this doesn't have to be a fight, okay let's talk it out." Boomer had other plans, talking wasn't one of them. "Sorry Walker, but Scarlet has gone too far!" "I've had enough of this bitch!" Walker was in full shock, brows raised because he never would have believed Boomer to say such a thing. 

This didn't scave Scarlet one bit, while it hurt for her to do this, it was the only way that'll get Walker to see Boomer's affection for him. She would just have to explain later and apologise, no turning back now. "So you don't deny idling a pony at the time Walker was dancing?" Scarlet spout out in less lady like manner. Boomer barred his eyes on her, his mouth in a snarl,"I don't deny it bitch!" "But why do you keep prying on who I was looking at?!" Scarlet replied back, a hoof pointing at Walker,"Why don't you ask Walker here to put two-and-two together? Since my hints obviously haven't been helping." Walker was puzzled by her remark, and then he began to think about it. I went to dance with Scarlet, and Boomer was apparently was watching somepony dance. Then Scarlet told me about somepony watching me, yet the only one it could be is....? Walker looked up at Boomer his face saddening at the sight he saw. Boomer the strong stoned pony had tears welling in his eyes, hiding his face from Walker. He was overwhelmed by the things he was going through, and most of all he now saw his friend's ashamed feelings for him. Shit!

2 Hours Later

Back at the apartment Walker was trying to find his own words. Lost between guilt and remorse. One, for not seeing Boomer's feelings sooner, and he perished the thought of ever being as dense as he was ever again. 

After the truth had been solved Boomer broke down and swore at Scarlet. She too was a little heart broken for going too far in her scheme, yet Walker understood she had her best intentions. Boomer raced out of the pub, Walker trailing behind, looking back at Scarlet who stayed behind giving him a 'go-to-him' look. 

Walker was still staring at Boomer waiting for a response, bags forming under his eyes but unnoticeable. "Boomer..." No response, this time Walker spoke with emphasis, "Boomer, listen to me!" Boomer flinched at his words, but reluctantly looked up, his face still drooping. Walker grabbed his chin and locked eyes with him. "Look I know you might ashamed about your feelings, but dude you have nothing to fear." Walker chuckled a bit,"Heck you should be mad at me for always free-loading on ya dude." Boomer giggled slightly, Walker taking this as a cue to continue," If I didn't want anything to do with you, or your constipated feelings, I wouldn't be here." "The fact is you shouldn't be afraid of your true colors, your life and aura will be a whole lot better if you would open up more." Boomer took in his message, he did want to believe him, but... what would his parents think, or the other band members? Walker saw his concern and asked what was troubling him, Boomer replied, "But what about my parents and the twins? What would they think of me...i-I mean us?!" "What would they say?" Walker burst out laughing holding his stomach tightly. Boomer was not amused at his behavior, Walker noticed and calmed himself. "Ohhhhhoho! Woo, I am sorry, sorry... heh, it's funny because you believe your folks will hate you for liking me, a stallion." "Boomer, I know for a fact that your parents will support you, even if they don't agree with you forming a rock band. And the twins hardly would care, heck their parents are two stallions!!" 

Walker saw Boomer become bashful, knowing that Walker had a good point. "Look, if you are scared that the ponies around you will hate you, then that is the worst excuse you could come up with." Boomer looked at Walker, curious to where he was getting at. Walker sighed and spoke in a lighter tone,"Be honest Boomer, are you really scared of other's seeing us together, or are you afraid of others seeing you without your tough façade?" 

Boomer was amazed at how easily Walker read him like a book. He turned his back to him, contemplaiting on what to say to that. He grumbled under his breath and sighed, looking back to Walker. He stared at him with sorrow,"Never in my life have I felt this type of feeling for anypony, it doesn't even feel like some fairy tale bullcrap. This feeling inside is real." Boomer took hold of the other stallion's hooves and put them to his chest. "If only you could feel the sensation inside my chest, almost as like it's about to explode, ya know?" Boomer bit his lip and chuckled,"Haha...sorry for being so fucking corny."

Walker had been watching and giggling at his playful banter, seeing a different side of Boomer. He suddenly felt bold, getting the courage to make a move. Grabbing Boomer's face he set him straight, an awkard two seconds passed of staring into each other's eyes, then Walker kissed him lovingly. Boomer was completely caught off guard, emitting happy pseudo horse noises. The intimate kiss lasted for mere secods, but to Boomer it felt like an eternity. This is perfect. Boomer thought to himself pushing the kiss a little further before breaking apart to breathe. Both punk ponies were surprised at the new sensation, Walker would have never believed he would be kissing his best friend. Boomer brought himself to speak up after an awkard silence,"That was... uhm, nice." Walker smiled at him nodding his head in conformation. "It was lovely indeed." Walker reached out for Boomer, embracing him in a hug, Boomer happily obliged. He rested his chest on the larger pony, listening to his heart-beat. Boomer petted his hair, playing with individual locks. He heard Walker sigh, he looked down at him seeing his prestine blue eyes. Ponies would rarely see them behind his hair and some would hardly care, but for Boomer this was privilege to see his beautiful eyes. Walker spoke up,"Boomer... I know I am not exactly the most perfect pony in Equestria, and yeah maybe sometimes I can come off as pretty dense. But i-I want you to know... I'll always be there for you no matter what." Boomer didn't like the way Walker described himself, because to him he was all the stallion he needed, perfect in every way. "Hey, don't say that. I could care less what other ponies say about me, but if it's you, you can bet I'll there to kick their flanks!" Boomer barking out a bit, Walker flinching slightly, Boomer ear's pinned to his sides. He breathed out and sighed, calming himself,"What I am trying to say is I care for you too much to see you worried. Trust me if it's somepony looking for a fight I'll be there to protect you." Walker was grining happily at how much Boomer was willing to see him safe. He blushed a bit, he then moved forward and gave him a peck on the lip. "Thank you, for everything." Boomer bumped foreheads with him and replied in a soothing tone,"No, thank you... for making realize what I had right in front of me was all I needed. Minus your friend's total bullshit. Seriously? What was her problem." Walker laughed out loud, burrying his face in Boomer's shoulder. "Hahah! Heee... woo yeah, Scarlet was a bit persistent, but she meant well I am sure of it." Walker said through fits of giggles. Boomer grimaced and huffed,"Haa! yeah that's one way of showing it."

Boomer and Walker decided to rest up after a long night. Scarlet wouldn't be returning until she knew Boomer wouldn't tear her apart. Lights were out in the living room area, the two stallions rested on the couch. Boomer on the bottom, tangled with Walker on his chest. Both resting peacefully, letting the outside world bring them to a deep slumber.