someone left a cake in the rain

[rewritethis]

[BANG. BANG.]

Dash! Dash!! Open up!

[Doorknocking this violent isn't an uncommon occurrence around this particular dorm, especially accompanied by that voice. What might be a bit more notable is that the sound actually seems to be coming from somewhere close to the floor. Yes, closer than usual. In fact, knocking probably isn't the right word...]

Comments

[elementofloyalty]

Nothing's wrong with it! [She actually means that. Rainbow quietly things he's got a good look going on with that outfit.] Just not fancy.

[rewritethis]

Hey, I've worn fancy stuff before. That isn't weird. [Completely unsubtle implication: unlike the same idea applied to ponies.] It just isn't my thing most of the time.

[And the last time was six years ago...]

[elementofloyalty]

It's SO not your thing that I can't imagine it. Which is what I was SAYING.

[rewritethis]

Come on, it's not that much of a stretch. Not like a dress.

[He goes over to the laundry she left on his bed and sifts through one of the piles of shirts briefly before pulling out a black waistcoat, which he holds up and waves at her.] See?

[elementofloyalty]

Now put on a jacket, a tie, matching pants, and... look like you can tolerate it.

[rewritethis]

[He lowers the waistcoat.] What? I throw you a bone and your imagination's still not up to it? Ask me again when there's an actual reason.

[Then he glances behind him, at the rest of his clothes.] Pretty sure I didn't buy a jacket just yet, anyway.

[elementofloyalty]

See you at the next ball, then.

[You just got challenged.]

[rewritethis]

[After carefully considering this for a second or two, he makes an offhanded attempt to throw the waistcoat over her head.] Forget it. Besides, don't they make you wear uniform to those things?

[elementofloyalty]

Not all of them. I mean the next ball we don't have to, of course!

[And that was how Rainbow accidentally invited Ed to a Valentine's Day ball.]

[rewritethis]

[Inviting him doesn't mean he has to say yes. And, as it happens:] So never, in other words. They're a waste of time.

[elementofloyalty]

Can't dance, huh.

[She just assumes the worst so readily...]

[rewritethis]

Hey. As if you're any better. [Although his grounds for assuming are a bit shakier, considering she's just told him she has ever been to a ball.]

[elementofloyalty]

You're the one who's afraid. I could dance your legs off.

[rewritethis]

[Impressively, it does seem possible to construct a statement so blatantly baiting that even Ed doesn't rise to it.] I'm using them. [And that should probably be in the singular, anyway.] Do it to someone else.

[He goes to pick the waistcoat up.]

[elementofloyalty]

[And what a shock that Rainbow Dash is the one who discovered that.]

I could do it to anyone ELSE, too. I'm still challenging you!

[rewritethis]

Yeah, you have fun with that. Let me know how it went.

[elementofloyalty]

...you know it's required to graduate, right? Dancing, I mean.

[rewritethis]

[There's the briefest of hesitations - yeah, he forgot that for a second - but it's quickly covered up by a self-assured grin.] Right up until I tell 'em exactly what I think of that, sure.

[elementofloyalty]

Oh yeah, I'm so sure they'll let you out of it if you yell at them a lot.

Looks like I'll graduate before you at this rate!

[rewritethis]

[He balls his right hand into a fist and holds it up in front of him, where she can see.]

Did I say anything about yelling?

[He's still grinning, so it must mostly be a joke...]

[elementofloyalty]

I'm pretty sure the trained SeeDs can kick your flank, Ed.

[rewritethis]

[This is apparently the wrong response. He looks annoyed.] Well, whaddya think I've been doing this whole time? Just sitting around?

[elementofloyalty]

Alchemy, and avoiding balls.

[Ask a silly question...]

[rewritethis]

[(By now rather sadly dishevelled-looking) waistcoat flying at her, take two.] Not the whole time!

[elementofloyalty]

[She catches the coat with years of ball-bouncing skill, then slings it over her back.]

Hey look at me, Ed, I'm a pony wearing clothing! I think I look better in this than you!