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Chapter Text

The end of the fall semester flew by. Oliver's days were filled with trying to cover as much material as possible in his remaining classes, reading the last round of student papers, and preparing and grading his final exams. Elio was also finishing up his semester coursework and studying for exams, but much of his time was spent at the piano, practicing and performing.

Oliver had blocked off time to attend the lunchtime concert Elio had told him about over Thanksgiving break. But a meeting with a colleague ran longer than expected, so he had to run to the subway and rush downtown to the church. He arrived just as Elio and his fellow musicians were walking out to take their bow, and slid into a pew in the back of the church. He slipped his coat off, and settled his eyes on his love, who was already seated at the piano.

One of Oliver's greatest joys was watching Elio perform, even though he'd only seen him in concert a handful of times. He equated it in his mind with watching an accomplished athlete excel at their sport; it seemed to Oliver that Elio's whole being, body and soul, were completely immersed in the piano. As he listened, Oliver closed his eyes for a moment, and took the first deep breath he'd taken all day. I'm so glad you're in my life, goose, he thought, smiling to himself. The concert was a much needed oasis in the midst of the late-semester intensity.

Finally, the last classes were taught and grades submitted, and the term papers, exams and performances were completed. The fall semester was over at last! Oliver and Elio collapsed on Oliver's couch, giddy with exhaustion. It was Friday night, and they were flying to Italy on an overnight flight the next evening. They ordered pizza and watched a silly Christmas movie on TV, giggling at its absurd cheesiness before falling into bed, utterly spent. Oliver barely remembered kissing Elio's curls before sleep claimed him. He was pretty sure that Elio had fallen asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

The next morning, the pale December sun streamed in the window to welcome them to winter break. Oliver yawned and stretched, rolling over. Elio still slept peacefully beside him, and Oliver simply looked at him for a while, enjoying the play of sunlight on his lovely face, dark lashes resting on soft, sleep-pink cheeks. The sunglow found all the colors in Elio's hair and lit them up...reddish strands intermingled with brown, and even darker brown. Oliver reached for one curl, holding it gently between his fingers. Starting in just a few months, I get to see this face, my very favorite face, every day when I wake up, he thought to himself. Joy pulsed through every nerve and sinew, and he couldn't help pulling Elio into his arms and holding him close. He kissed those beautiful curls.

"Good morning, goose. It's winter break."

Sleepy green eyes tried to focus on Oliver's face. "Mmm hmm." Elio smiled, and leaned close to kiss him.

Oliver threaded his fingers through Elio's hair, and wrapped himself around his love. He wanted as much of his own skin as possible to be touching Elio's skin. Elio seemed to feel the same way. They kissed and kissed, legs twining around one another like summer vines, arms enveloping, hands and fingers searching and caressing. After all the long days and stress of the past few weeks, it was the best of all gifts to be able to take their time. There was nowhere to be until the airport that evening, and they were well-rested and relaxed with the beginning of the break. They made love slowly and extravagantly, giving and receiving, only stopping their kissing when laughter bubbled out of them from shear happiness.

Sometime later, finally up and showered, Elio suggested a visit to Francesca's Bakery, and Oliver agreed enthusiastically; pastries and espresso seemed a perfect way to celebrate the start of winter break. Elio also had a small Christmas gift that he wanted to give Francesca. They walked to the subway and headed downtown.

The bakery was busy on this Saturday morning. But Elio's favorite chairs by the window were, remarkably, unoccupied. He sent Oliver over to hold them, and got in line to order their espresso and pastries. When Francesca brought everything over a few minutes later, Elio stood to embrace her. "Buon Natale," he said, kissing her cheek and hugging her.

"Grazie tesoro. Buon Hanukkah!" Francesca replied, giving Elio a squeeze. "When do you leave for the old country?"

"Tonight. Is there anything you'd like me to bring you?"

"No, just yourself and gorgeous Oliver, safely back again next month," Francesca said, still holding onto Elio's arms. She winked at Oliver, who blushed and chuckled.

"That's the plan," Elio assured her. "Hey, I made you a little gift." He pulled a cassette tape out of his coat pocket. "This is me playing some Italian songs, opera arias, and other 'old country' stuff. And I put a little Mozart on there, too, because I know you love Mozart."

Francesca hugged him again, and kissed both his cheeks. "You're a good one, Elio Perlman. Thank you, honey."

She released Elio and turned to hug Oliver, stretching up on her tip-toes to kiss both his cheeks. "Thanks for being so good to my boy," she whispered in his ear. Oliver nodded his reply.

"OK, I gotta get back to work," Francesca called over her shoulder as she returned to the counter. "You boys have a great trip! I'll see you in January."

Elio and Oliver savored their pastries and espresso, and then headed back uptown to Oliver's apartment to get ready to leave. Elio had already packed for Italy before leaving his dorm room for winter break, so he just had to rearrange a few things in his bags. Oliver hadn't had time to pack in advance, though. So while he was busy filling up his suitcase and carry-on bag, Elio made the bed, tidied up the living room, washed the dishes, cleaned the perishables out of the fridge, took out the trash, and turned down the heat.

Oliver finally declared himself ready, and then noticed the straightened up apartment. His eyebrows lifted comically as he glanced around him with wide eyes, taking in the fruits of Elio's labors. "Wow! Thanks for doing all that."

"You're welcome. I'm used to the leaving routine from going between our homes in Italy. And it feels good to come back to a straightened up place after you've been traveling."

"That's true. It's really nice to have help with all this stuff. Thanks."

"Sure! So, I have an important question for you: do you have your passport?"

They exchanged a knowing look. But unlike on the train platform in Bergamo, both broke into smiles.

"I do! I think I'm ready. Wanna go to Italy?"

"Yes please!"

Oliver laughed. "OK. But first, one last kiss before we're in public for the next 12 hours or so." He lifted Elio's chin with one finger, and placed a gentle, lingering kiss on his mouth. He was going to pull away, but Elio slipped his arms around Oliver's neck and kissed him back enthusiastically. They stood there beside the front door for a long, lovely moment as their lips and tongues conversed, then reluctantly separated, but only enough to move into a hug instead. Oliver rested his chin in Elio's curls, and Elio traced patterns on Oliver's back.

"Time to go, goose," Oliver said, giving Elio one last squeeze, and then releasing him.

"Yep. Next stop: Milan. Andiamo Americano!" Elio grinned at him. Oliver laughed again. They put on their coats, grabbed their bags, and headed down to the subway.

Their flight was on-time, and they lucked out, having a three-seat row to themselves on the plane. They each managed to sleep a little, and but also watched one of the in-flight movies together, The Karate Kid. Elio had already seen it in the theater in Italy the previous summer, but he was happy to watch it again, this time minus the bad Italian dubbing. "You should have heard the guy who voiced Mr. Miyagi...he was terrible!" Elio said, laughing.

"Then I'm glad I didn't hear him," Oliver replied, punching Elio's arm playfully.

After the movie, they napped again, Elio's head resting on Oliver's shoulder. Oliver kissed his hair when he was sure no one was watching. When they awoke this time, dawn was painting pink and gold over the stars as the other passengers murmured sleepily around them, and the flight attendants were serving breakfast. The smell of coffee curled through the rows of seats. Land was beneath the plane once more, a patchwork quilt of farms, small villages, and cities, the blue ripples of the ocean having been left far behind.

After breakfast, Elio sat in the window seat, his face pressed to the glass as he took in the site of Europe beneath them.

"Good to see your home continent?" Oliver asked, squeezing his shoulder.

"Yes. It really is. I do love New York. But before college, I'd lived my whole life here."

"Always in Italy?"

"Mostly. We lived in France for a couple of years when I was young...from age 4 to 6. Papà had a visiting professorship at Université Panthéon-Sorbonne in Paris. But otherwise, it's always been Milan. And Crema, of course."

"But Paris! Wow. No wonder your French is so good!"

"Well, Maman would never have let me grow up without speaking French well! But living in Paris for a couple of years definitely helped. I was at a good age to soak up the sounds of the language."

Oliver sighed. "I'd never lived anywhere except Connecticut until I went to Columbia. Boring."

Elio turned to face him, and lowered his voice. "I don't think you're boring. At all. And besides, now you're dating an Italian, so you'll be spending a lot more time on this continent."

"I'm so glad, goose."

"Me too!"

The plane began its descent, and the captain announced that they were a few minutes away from landing. Elio turned back to the window, and started pointing out some of his favorite places in Milan. Oliver, looking over his shoulder, took in the cityscape from the air. He had never been to Milan, and hoped they'd have a little time to explore before leaving for Crema.

The plane touched down smoothly, and thankfully customs did not take long. Soon they were walking into the terminal. Samuel and Annella were waiting for them, waiving enthusiastically. Elio and Oliver were both wrapped in warm hugs as soon as they reached them. Oliver was still deeply touched by the love that Elio's parents shared with him so freely.

Once everyone had hugged and kissed hello, they made their way out of the airport to the Perlmans' small car. Annella insited that Oliver sit in the front seat on account of his long legs, and she sat in back with Elio. Samuel drove. When Oliver glanced back at Elio a few minutes into the ride, he was holding his mother's hand contentedly. Oliver loved the easy, genuine way that the Perlmans shared affection with each another. It was such a different world from the one in which he had grown up.

The car ride passed quickly with the usual conversation about how their trip had been, and how exhausted they must be. Oliver looked around him with interest as Milan raced by outside the car windows. But when Samuel parked in front of their building, Oliver's fatigue began to settle over him. They climbed the stairs to the second floor and came inside the apartment, setting down their bags and hanging up their coats.

Elio looked at his parents. "I'll be right back," he said as he took Oliver's hand, and led the way down the hall to his bedroom. He sat down on his bed, and Oliver dropped onto the mattress beside him.

"You look ready for a nap," Elio observed, brushing the hair from Oliver's eyes, and kissing his cheek.

Oliver pulled Elio into his arms, yawning into his curls. "Yeah, I was going to try to make it through to tonight, but I don't think I'll be able to."

"Understandable," Elio replied, kissing Oliver's shoulder. "Why don't you sleep for an hour or so, and then I'll wake you, and we can go for a walk around the neighborhood, and get lunch at a café. And maybe some espresso. Moving and being outside will keep you awake until dinner. And after dinner, you can go to sleep for real."

"Sounds like a plan. Thanks." Oliver kept his arms tight around Elio, yawning again.

Elio laughed. "You're fading fast," he said. He gave Oliver a squeeze, kissed his lips once, gently, and then released him. "Have a good rest."

"Thanks goose." Oliver toed off his shoes and fell sideways onto the bed, then flopped over on his stomach. Elio smiled at the familiar site of Oliver's long body draped over his bed. He seemed to have fallen asleep instantly. Elio placed a light kiss in his hair, and tip-toed out of the room, closing the door softly.

Chapter Text

After leaving Oliver to his nap, Ellio padded down the hall and joined his parents in the kitchen, pouring himself a cup of coffee. They had picked up some of his favorite pastries, so he helped himself.

"Is Oliver sleeping?" his mother asked.

"Yep. I told him I'd let him nap for an hour or so, then get him up and show him around our neighborhood."

"That sounds like a good plan," Annella replied. She came to stand in front of Elio and looked at him carefully, caressing his hair, and tucking a stray curl behind his ear. "I'm so glad you're here, tesoro. I've missed you. But you look happy."

"I am happy, Maman."

"I know you've been working really hard, but it sounds like you love school."

"I do! I've never worked so hard at the piano in my life. But I was ready to work this hard...I'd been plateaued with my teacher here for a while. I needed some new challenges."

"It's good to hear you say that," Samuel agreed. "You were seeming restless here last year."

"I was ready to go. And New York is exciting."

"It is, isn't it?" Annella said dreamily.

"Yes! It can be a little exhausting at times, but there's so much going on. And so many amazing people go there to study and teach and perform. Meeting Vladimir Ashkenazy last month was really incredible. I still can't believe that he wants me to come to Switzerland to play for him!"

"You must have made quite an impression on him," Samuel replied, smiling proudly at his son.

"I guess so. But I really think I owe it all to Dr. Shapiro."

"Well, not all of it...I expect you should give yourself some credit too. But it does sound like you've got yourself a great teacher. We're looking forward to meeting him when we come to visit."

"Yes, I can't wait to introduce you!"

"And Oliver seems to be doing well also?" Annella asked.

"Yes, I think he is. His department chair can be a bit of a jerk sometimes, but nothing he can't handle. And he loves teaching, and his students."

"I've always thought that Oliver would be an excellent classroom teacher," Samuel mused. "I'd love to sit in on one of his classes someday."

"I'm sure he'd be honored! And maybe a little nervous," Elio replied, lifting one eyebrow.

Samuel chuckled. "No need to be nervous on my account! I'm his biggest fan! Actually, while you're here, I want to tell Oliver about an opportunity I heard about recently. There's an interesting conference happening in Athens next fall, and I think he should submit a paper."

Elio smiled at Samuel. "Oliver really appreciates the way you take such an interest in his career, and continue to mentor him."

Samuel and Annella exchanged a knowing smile, and then both looked back at Elio, still grinning. "Well, I am interested in his career! We both are," Samuel continued. "And not just because you two are together. Oliver is talented, and I want him to keep finding ways to stay engaged and fulfilled in his work. It's too easy for academics to burn out."

Elio set his coffee down, and hugged his father. "Thank you Papà."

Annella came over to join them, wrapping her arms around her husband and son. "Anyone you care about, we care about, cher. But Oliver is extra special. We've thought of him as another son ever since he first came to stay with us."

"He's the best," Elio replied, comfortable in his parents' arms.

"You two are happy together? Things are good?" Annella asked, loosening her hug enough to search Elio's face thoughtfully.

"Yes, very good," Elio said, releasing his parents gently and standing up straight. "In fact, we have some news. Oliver and I have decided to live together next year!"

"Really? When did you decide?" Samuel asked.

"Just a few weeks ago. We'd so enjoyed spending Thanksgiving break together at Oliver's place, even with both of us being sick for part of the time, that it made us think more about it. I'm over there every weekend anyway. And Dave and I had been talking about next year because he plans to get a place with his boyfriend...he wanted to let me know early so I'd have time to make plans."

"Well, you knew that you'd likely have to move to an apartment next year anyway," Annella said, giving Elio's shoulder a squeeze.

"Exactly! And if I have to move out of the dorm, the person I'd most like to live with is Oliver. It will give us a lot more time together."

"And you feel like the two of you live well together?" Samuel asked. He was trying to keep his tone serious, but his eyes twinkled.

"Yes, we do. Honestly, it's felt so easy. We've been cooking meals together, and I've been helping with cleaning at Oliver's place since the beginning...it just seemed like the right thing to do. I think we're ready for this step."

Samuel and Annella both smiled at Elio. "Then we're happy for you!" Samuel said.

Annella nodded. "Will you stay in Oliver's current apartment, or find a new place?"

"We're not sure yet. Oliver thinks I'll get tired of commuting to Juilliard, but I don't expect it to be a problem for me. And Oliver's current place is nice! I'd be happy for us to stay there. But Oliver suggested that we look at some other possibilities over spring break, just to explore all the options. We'll see."

Annella kissed Elio's cheek. "You're growing up, tesoro."

"We're proud of you. Both of you," Samuel added.

"Thanks," Elio said, smiling at his parents. "It's so good to see you both. I've missed you!"

"We've missed you too," Annella said, smoothing the curls back from Elio's forehead. "It's definitely not the same around here without you. But we're so happy that you're at Juilliard, and doing so well there."

"Yes, we really are," Samuel agreed. "Come, let's sit down. We'd love to hear more about your classes. And all of your performances this semester."

Elio and his parents took their coffee into the living room, and enjoyed talking and catching up. The languages interchanged effortlessly among English, French, and Italian. Elio was tired from the trip, but he didn't want to miss a moment with his family. He fought off his sleepiness, determined to stay awake. The lively conversation made it easier.

About an hour later, Elio stood and stretched. "I should probably go wake up Oliver. If he sleeps for too long, it'll be really hard for him to wake up."

"Good thinking," Annella agreed.

"I thought we'd walk around the neighborhood, and perhaps end up at Lucia's for lunch," Elio said, referencing one of the family's favorite cafés.

"Why don't we set a time, and we can join you there?" Annella suggested.

"That would be great! Let's say 1:00 pm?"

"Sounds perfect," said Samuel. He stood up and stretched, much as Elio had done a moment before, and then turned to Annella. "Should we go and run our errands, chérie?"

"Oui," she replied, taking her husband's outstretched hand and letting him help her to her feet. "We're going to the grocers, and the butcher shop. Have fun showing Oliver around. We'll see you later."

"Yes, see you at lunch," Elio said, waiving to his parents as he moved down the hallway toward his quiet bedroom.

Chapter Text

When Elio opened the door to his bedroom, it didn't look like Oliver had moved an inch. The sound of his deep, rhythmic breathing filled the small space. Elio sat down on his bed, and began making gentle circles across Oliver's back.

Oliver groaned. "It can't possibly have been an hour," he mumbled into the pillow.

"And yet it has been. C'mon, love. If you don't wake up now, it will be really hard for your body clock to get adjusted to Italy time. Besides, I'm excited to show you a little bit of Milan!"

Oliver rolled over. His cheeks were flushed, his hair disheveled, and his eyes adorably sleepy. "I'm so tired."

"I know. But if you keep sleeping now, you'll wake up just in time for the rest of us to go to bed! Trust me, you'll thank me for this tomorrow."

"OK, OK," Oliver grumbled, but he tried to sit up. Elio helped him.

"How about a shower? That might help you feel more human."

"That sounds great, actually. Especially if you join me." A spark of mischief flitted across Oliver's sea-blue eyes.

"That was the idea," Elio said softly, leaning in to kiss him. "My parents just left to run some errands. We have the place to ourselves."

"Well, in that case, I don't think waking up sounds so bad." Oliver offered Elio his hands, and let him pull him to his feet. "Lead the way."

Half an hour later, clean and more awake, they left the Perlmans' apartment. It was a pleasant winter day, clear and not too cold, so they enjoyed being out in the fresh air. They walked around the neighborhood, Elio pointing out landmarks, his favorite cafés and shops, and the conservatory where he had taken piano lessons for many years. He steered them toward their lunch destination, Lucia's, as 1:00 pm approached.

Samuel and Annella were already there, seated at a sunny table by the window.

"Ciao! Come and join us," Annella called to them, motioning them over with her hand.

Elio kissed his mother's cheek, and then sat down. Oliver dropped into the chair beside him.

Samuel looked at Oliver. "So, did the nap help, or are you just more tired?"

"No, I think it helped, though I didn't feel that way when Elio first woke me up," Oliver said, chuckling. "But walking around outside was definitely a good idea. You live in such a great neighborhood! And what a pretty day!"

"Yes, I'm glad we have some nice weather for you. Enjoy it while you can. The sun will be down before five-o'clock!"

"Ugh. The opposite of those long, warm, summer evenings in Crema," Oliver said, shaking his head wistfully.

"True." Samuel turned toward Elio. "So, what did you show Oliver?"

Elio talked his parents through their walk around the neighborhood. "And after lunch, I thought we'd go for an espresso before we walk some more. That should help us stay awake."

"Good plan. I'm amazed you two are still standing," Samuel said, chuckling.

"I think I'm just excited to be home," Elio said, looking around him fondly. "Even though I'm really enjoying New York, I've missed Italy so much. More than I thought I would."

Annella squeezed Elio's hand. "It's normal to be homesick, tesoro. Especially when you're not just away from home, but also living in an entirely different culture."

Just then, their server approached, and Samuel ordered for the whole table. A few minutes later, their lunch arrived, and they spent a delightful hour filling first their plates, and then their stomachs, with delicious food.

"This is all SO good!" Elio exclaimed.

"Mmm, mmm, everything is delicious," Oliver agreed.

After lunch, Samuel and Annella headed home, and Elio and Oliver continued their neighborhood walk. First, Elio took them to his favorite café for espressos. After that, he just tried to keep Oliver moving, winding along the familiar streets, and pointing out the homes of some of his childhood friends. As they began circling back toward the Perlmans' apartment, they passed a bookstore.

"I spent a lot of time in there when I was growing up," Elio said. "Whenever I'd make a little money...I used to give a couple of neighborhood kids piano lessons, and I walked this old lady's dog for her...I'd spend it either here, or at the music store we passed earlier. God, I'm such a nerd."

"I like nerds," Oliver said, giving Elio's shoulder a quick squeeze. Elio beamed. They ducked into the bookstore to pass some more time.

The sun had set and the first stars twinkled in the Milanese sky by the time they wandered back along the narrow streets to the Perlmans' apartment. Everyone gathered in the kitchen, and Samuel opened a bottle of wine. Elio and Oliver helped with chopping up vegetables for the salad.

After a simple but delicious meal, and a little more conversation, even Elio's energy began to flag, and Oliver was, once again, struggling to stay awake.

"You've both done remarkably well," Annella said. "Now you can go to bed, have a good long rest, and wake up tomorrow on Italy time."

Both Elio and Oliver nodded sleepily. They hugged Annella and Samuel in turn, and headed down the hall to Elio's bedroom. They barely remembered brushing their teeth and putting on pajamas, and were soon soundly asleep in one another's arms.

Chapter Text

Elio and Oliver enjoyed a busy few days in Milan. Elio wanted to show Oliver as much of his hometown as possible in the short time they were spending there on this trip. They took more walks to favorite places. They had lunch or dinner out each day at a different café, and got together with a couple of Elio's childhood friends for espressos one afternoon. They also visited the impressive Duomo di Milano, a massive cathedral and famous Milan landmark. Oliver was amazed by its shear size, and the spectacular views of the city from its towers. The night before they were leaving for Crema, the whole family went to a chamber music concert at the conservatory where Elio had taken piano lessons when he was growing up. Oliver enjoyed seeing the pride in the eyes of Elio's former piano teacher as Elio told him all about his studies at Juilliard.

The next morning, they loaded the car, and headed north to Crema. Mafalda was at the house to greet them. Oliver unfolded his long body from the car, and crossed the driveway to scoop her into an enthusiastic hug. She yelped and laughed, hugging him back delightedly. Elio was next in line, and Mafalda embraced him tightly and kissed both his cheeks, speaking to him excitedly in Italian. Oliver caught most of what she was saying, which included that Elio looked well, and that she'd cook whatever he'd like during his time at home. Elio thanked her, told her he'd missed her a lot, and hugged her again.

After helping to unload the car and getting settled in Elio's room, Oliver and Elio decided to bike into town to kill some time until dinner. It was a pleasant day, sunny and more cool than cold. Oliver was curious to see what was different in the town center in the wintertime. He enjoyed the ride along the familiar roads, passing the leafless trees and the harvested fields, browned and withered at the end of the growing season. They parked their bikes in town, and wandered around. The cafés had taken their outdoor seating away, but otherwise, the city was open for business. Locals were bustling about, finishing their last-minute errands before the Christmas holiday. Afternoon Mass had just finished at the church, and the tower bell was chiming as the parishioners walked out into the winter light.

"Well, in earth-shattering news, I'm hungry, " Oliver said. "Is gelato open in the winter?"

"Certamente! Italians like their gelato all year long. C'mon!"

They walked around with their gelato, blowing on their hands to warm them, and peering into shop windows decorated for Christmas. The cheerful lights strung along all the storefronts became more brilliant and inviting as the sun set.

"I'd like to get something for your parents, even though I know Hanukkah is not a big gift-giving time," Oliver said.

"Did you have anything in mind?"

"Maybe a couple of nice bottles of wine?"

"Sure," Elio said, pointing to the liquor store on the corner. "I'll help you pick out ones they'll like."

"Great, thanks. Do you have a gift for your parents?" Oliver asked him.

"Yes, I've got a few things. The main one is that I made them a couple of cassettes of me playing piano. And I also have a recording of my friend's recital from earlier this month, the one that I accompanied on. I thought they'd enjoy hearing all that."

"I'm sure they will," Oliver replied, squeezing Elio's shoulder.

Elio smiled conspiratorially. "And I brought my dad some of his favorite peanut butter from the U.S. You can't get it over here. Smuggled it in my suitcase."

"Well done," Oliver said, holding up his hand for a high five. Elio smacked it with enthusiasm. Then they headed for the liquor store.

The sky was quickly darkening by the time they loaded the wine in Elio's yellow backpack and headed for the Perlman villa. When they stepped inside, the mouth-watering smells of Mafalda's cooking filled the house. It was the first night of Hanukkah. They gathered in the dining room to light the first candle on the menorah, and then enjoyed a delicious meal, complete with Mafalda's famous lattkes. After they ate, they exchanged gifts. Samuel and Annella loved the wine that Oliver had chosen for them, and gave him warm hugs. They presented both him and Elio with beautiful new wool scarves. They did not match, but the patterns and colors were complimentary.

"Italian wool is exceptional, in my opinion," Samuel explained.

"And it's so cold and windy in New York. These should help you stay warm," Annella added.

"They're beautiful," Oliver said.

"So soft!" Elio added.

"Thank you," they both said at the same time, smiling at Samuel and Annella. More hugs ensued.

"This is for you both," Elio said, bringing a small package to his mother. "And this is for you, Papá." He handed Samuel an oddly shaped package, giving him a small, secretive smile. His father raised one eyebrow, looking intrigued.

Annella tore the wrapping paper off the stack of three cassette tapes, and held them up for Samuel to see. "Look, amore mio!" she exclaimed. Samuel smiled.

"I thought you'd enjoy hearing what I've been working on this semester. And one of them is my friend's complete recital that I accompanied just last week."

"Wonderful! Thank you," Annella said, smiling proudly at Elio.

"It'll be so nice to hear your piano playing in the house again," Samuel agreed. "Now, what is this, I wonder?"

"Open it and find out!"

Samuel unwrapped the jar of American peanut butter, and whooped with joy. "Yum! Nutella is delicious, but sometimes I miss this peanut butter so much!" Annella shook her head and chuckled.

"I know. A little taste of your home country. After a semester in New York, I really understand how much little things like that can mean."

"Yes," Samuel agreed. "Thank you, son."

Stomachs pleasantly full and gifts exchanged, everyone made their way to bed. Elio and Oliver pushed the twin beds in Elio's room together, and cozied under the blankets, arms wrapped around one another.

"It's amazing to be back here," Oliver said into Elio's curls.

"It's amazing to have you back here," Elio agreed, kissing Oliver's collarbone. "The first of many winter breaks in Crema."

They slept peacefully, warm in each other's arms.

Chapter Text

The next afternoon, Oliver hurried along the little path that led to the wall between Vimini's family's house, and the Perlman villa. He opened the gate, and walked up to the front door, knocking twice. Vimini herself opened the door. She was taller, Oliver noticed right away. A beautiful smile lit up her face, and she flew into Oliver's open arms.

"You're here!"

"Yes! We arrived yesterday."

"I saw a car next door, and I wondered. It's a nice day. Want to go to our rock?"

"I'd love to," Oliver said, tousling Vimini's thick brown curls. He remembered her hair being shorter and thinner when the effects of her cancer treatment had clung to her more closely.

"OK, I'm just going to get my coat, and tell my mother. Be right back."

The door closed for a moment, but Vimini reappeared quickly in a blue wool coat and scarf. She held gloves in one hand.

"It's so good to see you," Oliver said as they walked. "You look wonderful...healthy and strong."

"I'm feeling good. Remission is a fantastic thing."

"I'm so relieved, Vimini! You've been on my mind so much."

"Thanks! I'm very relieved too. My parents are finally getting used to the idea that I'm better, and not keeping me on such a short leash all the time."

Oliver chuckled. "You know that they love you, right? That's why they want to protect you."

"Yes, of course I know that. But sometimes they drive me crazy."

"Yep. Parents are good at that."

Vimini laughed. They had arrived at the river bank, and she sat down on the large, flat rock she and Oliver loved, folding her slim legs gracefully beneath her. Oliver chose a spot beside her. The rock was warm, even with the cooler winter sunlight.

"So, you and Elio are good?" Vimini asked without preamble.

Oliver shook his head, laughing gently. "It's really OK with you?"

Vimini rolled her eyes. "Yes! Of course! I don't understand why it's not OK with everyone. Besides, whether or not it's OK with people, it's happening. And not just for you and Elio. There have always been gay people, and always will be. Folks just need to get over it!" She let out a long sigh.

"Actually, Elio is bisexual, just to be clear."

"Whatever," Vimini huffed. "He's human, and so are you. You two love each other. That's good enough for me. So anyway, you guys are good?"

"Yes, we are. It's been so nice having Elio in New York. He's thriving at Juilliard, which is wonderful to see."

"That's good. It realy seemed to me like he was ready to leave home and see what else was out in the world. And he definitely needed to go be with you...he was so mopey last summer until you showed up!"

Oliver laughed. "Don't be too hard on him. I was pretty mopey in New York too...you just couldn't see me."

"I'm sure," Vimini chuckled. "And don't get me wrong. I could understand why Elio was feeling weird about everything...I think he was wondering if it was real, and maybe a tiny bit worried that you were going to change your mind again. I knew you wouldn't, though."

"Really? Why were you so sure?"

Vimini's warm brown eyes met the sparkling blue of Oliver's eyes steadily. "Because I know you. When you left the first time, I could tell you were leaving your heart here, with Elio. But I knew you'd figure that out, and come back for it eventually."

Oliver put his arm around Vimini's shoulders, and gave her a quick squeeze. "You know me better than I know myself. As usual." He gazed out at the river. There was some ice clinging to the bank, but the water flowed dark and cold in the center of the current. "You're right. I did leave my heart here. I thought that the pain would get better over time after I'd jumped back into my old life. But it didn't. It got worse. I finally realized I had made a big mistake."

"My mother always says that it takes a lot of courage to admit mistakes," Vimini said kindly.

"I didn't feel very brave, but I made myself sit down and write that letter to Elio. That was the one I told you about, that got lost in the post for 3 months! But as soon as he finally got the letter, everything changed really fast."

"Yeah. You know, you've helped me see Elio differently."

"What do you mean?" Oliver asked, his head tilting with curiosity.

"Well, I've known him all my life...he's sort of like a combination of an older cousin, a friend, and a neighbor. But he always seemed quiet, a little aloof, more occupied by books and his piano than people. And honestly, I could respect that because I'm an introvert too. But I hadn't really thought about what an interesting person he is...he's just always been here, you know? But seeing him through your eyes, I feel more compassion for him, more warmth, even. I want to get to know him better."

"How are you so young but so perceptive? I swear, Vimini, you're an old soul."

"Well, maybe leukemia made me grow up a bit faster."

"That may be some of it," Oliver said, watching the water. "But I also think you have an 80-year-old understanding of the world in a 13-year-old body."

"Ha," Vimini replied incredulously. But she smiled.

They sat on the rock, watching the river, talking and laughing for more than an hour. Finally, Vimini stood and brushed off the back of her coat.

"I should get home and help Mamma work on lunch."

Oliver rose beside her, straightening his long legs and stretching. "I'll walk you back."

When they reached Vimini's front door, Oliver pulled Vimini into a hug. "It's so good to see you again. I've really missed you."

"I've missed you too! And you're here for a while, so we'll do this again, right?"

"Definitely! And maybe you could join Elio and me for a bike ride into town one day. We can get gelato!"

"Is eating all you think about? Except for Elio, of course?" Vimini teased, her dark curls bouncing around her face.

Oliver laughed. "Yeah, eating and Elio do occupy a lot of my thoughts. But there's plenty of room for you in my brain too. And my work, occasionally."

Vimini giggled. "I'm glad to hear that. OK, so more time on our rock, and a bike ride into town with you and Elio. I'll hold you to it."

"Good."

"I'll see you soon, OK?"

"Yes, definitely," Oliver assured his friend.

Vimini stepped into her house, and then turned back toward Oliver. "Ciao," she said quietly, a gentle smile lifting the corners of her mouth. The door closed softly.

Oliver turned back toward the Perlman house. As he walked, it occurred to him that he was surrounded by love, perhaps for the first time in his life. Behind him was a beloved friend who saw him for who he truly was. In front of him was Elio, the love of his life, and Samuel and Annella, and dear Mafalda, who all offered him abundant, unconditional love. In spite of the winter weather, warmth spread from Oliver's heart throughout his body, and he hugged himself as happy tears filled his eyes. He finally had a family where he felt like he belonged. As he walked through the door of the Perlman house, delicious smells from Mafalda's kitchen greeted him, Elio's piano playing caressed his ears, and the soft sounds of a French-Italian-English conversation drifted in from Samuel's study. Oliver sighed as he hung up his coat, and wiped his happy eyes. He was home at last.