Author's Note

This gala happened before At The Gala.

The Common Bonds #1: The Grand Galloping Gala

A month has passed by, and Neighsay was in his office with files and papers in his hooves, and a pen he levitated with his magic, and was looking at the big window which was behind him and his desk, and between big bookshelves. He heard a knock, and he heard this, then unlocked the door and opened it.

"Whatever it is, make it a little bit quick, I-" the chancellor stopped after he lowered down his files, spin his chair to the mare facing him, and saw Tempest waving a hoof. "Tempest, how did you get here?, I mean, it doesn't mean I didn't want to see you, but how did you know I was here?"

"I asked one of your comrades, Professor Mosstone (or Mossmane) , and he did show me where you went, besides, you're always busy." Tempest winked with a smirk.

"You are one tricky mare." Neighsay said, which made Tempest giggle a bit. "And, I have something to tell you, if you won't panic."

"Okay, then tell me, I won't burst your bubble." Tempest said

"Since tonight is the Grand Galloping Gala, I was wondering..." Neighsay smiled and went near Tempest and whispered in her ear and said: "Will you be my partner for tonight?" Tempest got shocked on what Neighsay whispered in her ear.

"Is this a joke? Well not the funniest, eh!, But are you sure?" Tempest looked at him.

"It isn't a joke, trust me, it's only for tonight, okay?" Neighsay said

"Ummm...Sure...I guess" Tempest said in a low pitch voice.

"It's okay if you don't want to, I'm fine with it." Neighsay said while looking at her.

"Don't worry, I'm fine, I'll accept it, just for tonight, let's just not put things to the next level." Tempest said, which gave Neighsay the smile she expected, and hoof bumped him.

"Speaking of "putting things to the next level"..." Neighsay started to nuzzle his cheek to hers.

"Hey!, Stop that! What are you doing?! Stop this instant!" Tempest couldn't help but laugh, giggle, and chuckle. It was a good thing Neighsay's office door was soundproof. If it wasn't, then the whole building would think they we're in a lovey-dovey relationship. After Neighsay hearing those laughs, he stopped and Tempest gave her seconds to breathe. "As in, that!" Tempest said to Neighsay.

"A few tickles in your cheeks were kind of crazy, but still, I might continue like, later." Neighsay said.

"You little-" Tempest started to pet him roughly with Neighsay having chuckles. "I have to go now, still have practice." Tempest said and waves her hoof to Neighsay as she was going out of his office.

Grand Galloping Gala

Everyone gathered in stunning gowns and clothing, and was entering the castle to greet their soon-to-be-ruler, Princess Twilight Sparkle. Chancellor Neighsay was wearing a black suit with a red necktie tucked in his suit. He was waiting for Tempest in one of the seats. He didn't know that Tempest was looking for him too! She was looking in every table, and there he is.

"Neighsay?" Neighsay heard a familiar voice behind him. He saw Tempest in a teal gown with decorative beads in her hair.

"I don't know what to say, but it looks wonderful." Neighsay said to her

"Thanks, I'm not actually interested in very bright hues, but today, green light." Tempest said and winks at him.

"So, remember what I told you?" Neighsay said, trying to get near her cheek to nuzzle it, but Tempest attempted to stop the stallion.

"Not so fast, ya little one." Tempest said, which made Neighsay in a bit of a grumpy face with a pout. Neighsay asks her to sit beside him, and the mare agreed. A few minutes later, Neighsay wanted to talk to her.

"Follow me." Neighsay said

"What?"

"I said follow me." Neighsay replied back. He took her to the ballroom, and asked her: "I know you will get shocked by this, but I just have to say, may I h-have this d-dance?" Neighsay asked nervously.

"What?! My cheeks are too sore to smile at this-"

"So, yes?"

"Of course" Tempest said with a thoughtful smile. Chancellor Neighsay gets her hoof, and he led it to his medallion, then Tempest rest her head in his chest and started a slow dance, back and forth. Neighsay was resting his head in hers and was warm. After their dance ended, they were smiling way back to their rooms.

"I ummm... can't explain, how these cheeks of mine are sore but it got cringe." Tempest said.

"True, when it was almost midnight, we were the only ones in the floor." Neighsay said and they laughed together. "I have to go, this chancellor's work is never done."

"Before you go, you, promised this, right?" Tempest said.

"What is it?" Neighsay asked. Tempest slowly nuzzled her cheek to his, which caused Neighsay to have a small giggle. They said goodbye with a thoughtful smile and promise at the next gala, they would do it again.