'tis the season (to love you)

EPILOGUE

"Is it just me, or does Nana look like she's having way too much fun just staring at us from over there?"

"I dunno. Maybe it's because she told me you look at me like I'm the Strad you're supposedly inheriting from her."

"Oh? She told me you look at me like I was the Sibelius concerto in human form or some shit."

"Well, funny she should say that. It's the last piece I'd want to play if I could never touch the violin for the rest of my life."

"That's sweet. Does that mean I'm your last?"

"No, it means you're my forever."

". . . You fucking softie."

"Only for you, babe."

• • •

"We made it back safe and sound, grandmamma."

"That is good to know, Little Yang. I am glad. Though I am wondering where my Strad has gone."

"I—what?"

"You did not think it was yours to have already, did you? I am old, not dead. I have not given it away to you yet."

". . ."

"It was only yours to borrow for that time you needed to win Edward over. Now you must return it. You must bring it here and return it."

". . ."

"You must bring it and return next year if you are able, so that I can lay my eyes and hands on that precious thing again at least once a year. Next year, or the year after that, yes?"

". . . Oh my god."

"Now, now, calm down, idiot boy. I was only teasing you!"

"Sorry, but the mere thought of driving back over there after we just got back home—you almost gave me a heart attack, grandmamma."

"Ach, that should be my line. You are stealing my line, Little Yang."

"Grandmamma, please."

• • •

". . . I am a genius. Genius, I say."

"Yes, Nana. Yes, you are."

"Aiyah, you sound like you still cannot believe it. Did you think I was not capable of success?"

"Well, I had my doubts about it, yes, because those two can be super idiots, and I know just how much they can be firsthand—but I also knew that if anyone could help them get their act together, it would have to be Helen Lee Yang herself.

"Ach. You do not need to flatter me, Little Bell. I know I am very good."

". . . I can't argue with that, of course."

"Yes, yes. Oh, do say a hello to Maestro De Vries for me, please. I hope he is treating you all well despite the snow. I know how much he hates it, poor man—he has such thin skin."

"He does! We're doing alright here, all things considered. I'll make sure to pass on your greeting. Just. . . One last thing, Nana."

"Yes, child?"

"Are you ever going to tell them? About this?"

". . ."

". . . Nana?"

"Let me teach you another piece of knowledge, Little Bell. Some things fare better when they are left unspoken. As long as they are both very happy, they do not need to know anything, no?"

• • •

And so, they lived happily (and unknowingly) ever after. The End! ;)

Thank you so much for reading 'tis the season (to love you)! It's been a long time since I started writing this fic, and I'm so happy readers have stuck by me even in the lengthy time periods between updates. I'd also like to thank everyone who voted, commented, and shared their time with me (and oh boy, there was a lot of time there) in the telling of this story—I am utterly humbled by all your support. You guys are the best! <3

I plan to write three more oneshots in this universe, so the story's not quite over yet. But until then, I wish you all well, and I hope to meet you all again! ^^