The holidays now over with the pair bid farewell to the princesses & returned to Apploosa with their gifts to get back to their lives. Braeburn & White were glad the Canterlot papers didn't reach this far out as they just wanted to return to the way things had been before. Braeburn received numerous complements on his new attire around town, White was never without his gifts though he kept the necklace hidden under his scarf & the flask over his heart hidden under his shirt. Things returned to normal after about a week.
Things once again were stirred up by a letter that arrived the 10th of January that stated the Apple family reunion had been moved up to the first of February due to the Auntie Applesuace's sudden passing. White comforted his love to the best of his ability but nothing seemed to pierce the gloom. White then decided to take the best option before him.
"We're going, I promised we would months ago & now you need it more than ever." White stated with a stern face Braeburn had not seen before.
"But i haven't seen the family si-"
"I know Brae, you've been avoiding them but your family is better than mine was so you don't need to ignore them like I do mine. I know you miss them, you nearly cried when Celestia gave you that brandy." White was having no complaints about this & Braeburn knew it.
"What would I do without you to keep me in line?" Braeburn asked playfully
"Lets hope we never learn the answer." White added as his expression returned to caring.
"I love you angel"
"I love you too Brae"
With that the stallions began making arrangements to be absent for a week or so at the first of the month as fate began to pull them to their next destination: Ponyville's Sweet Apple Acres.