Lines We Cross

Chapter 25

The soft light of Christmas morning crept through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the bedroom. Elizabeth stirred slowly, feeling YN's familiar warmth beside her. She didn't fully wake until a gentle touch—a series of soft, featherlight kisses—began trailing along her shoulder, making its way slowly up her neck.

Elizabeth opened her eyes, meeting YN's gaze, her face relaxed but with an intensity that made Elizabeth's heart flutter.

"Morning," YN whispered, her voice low and filled with warmth. "Merry Christmas."

Elizabeth smiled, reaching to brush a stray lock of hair from YN's face. "Merry Christmas," she replied softly, leaning in to press a lingering kiss to YN's forehead. "You're up early."

"Didn't want to waste a single second," YN replied, her eyes twinkling as she ran her fingers gently down Elizabeth's arm, sending a shiver through her. "Besides, I thought it was my turn to wake you up."

Elizabeth chuckled, pulling YN closer. "Not that I'm complaining."

They shared a few quiet moments, exchanging gentle kisses, until Elizabeth noticed something different in YN's eyes—an intensity, almost a vulnerability that she hadn't seen often. YN hesitated, her fingers idly tracing a line along Elizabeth's collarbone as if gathering the courage to say something.

"What's on your mind?" Elizabeth asked softly, her hand resting against YN's cheek in a reassuring touch.

YN took a breath, her gaze meeting Elizabeth's. "I love you," she murmured, barely louder than a whisper, as if saying the words out loud made them more real, more vulnerable.

For a heartbeat, Elizabeth's world stilled, the warmth of YN's words settling in her heart. She reached up to gently cup YN's face, a tender smile spreading across her lips. "I love you," she replied, her voice soft but steady, each word carrying the fullness of her heart.

The relief in YN's face was immediate, and Elizabeth felt her own heart swell as YN leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was deeper, more intense. There was something different in it—a quiet passion, an unspoken promise that lingered in every touch, every moment. Elizabeth's hands found their way around YN's shoulders, pulling her close as their kisses deepened, each one saying more than words could.

———

Later, cuddling in a cozy blanket, they moved to the living room, the glow of the Christmas tree lights casting a soft warmth over everything. Elizabeth wrapped an arm around YN, pulling her close as they settled beside a small pile of carefully wrapped presents.

"So," YN said with a grin, nudging Elizabeth playfully, "ready for presents?"

Elizabeth chuckled, nudging her back. "I think I am. What did you get me?"

YN picked up a small box, a playful smile on her face as she handed it over. "You'll see."

Elizabeth carefully untied the ribbon, unfolding the wrapping to reveal a delicate silver bracelet inside. The charm caught her eye immediately—a tiny open book, its pages so finely crafted it almost seemed to hold stories within them.

Her eyes softened as she looked back at YN, who watched her with a mixture of pride and nerves. "YN... this is beautiful," she whispered, running her thumb gently over the charm.

YN shrugged, her smile a little shy. "It reminded me of... us. All the talks, the debates... how we started."

Elizabeth's heart swelled, and she reached over, gently cupping YN's face as she kissed her softly. "Thank you. I love it."

She clasped the bracelet around her wrist, letting it catch the light, feeling the weight of its meaning. Then she reached for the box she'd wrapped for YN, handing it over with a small smile. "Your turn."

YN's eyes lit up as she opened the box, and Elizabeth watched as her jaw dropped, her fingers tracing over the cover of the leather-bound book within—a first-edition of a title she had mentioned only once in passing, months ago.

"Elizabeth... this is..." YN shook her head, an incredulous smile on her face as she looked up. "How did you even find this?"

Elizabeth shrugged, smiling as she watched YN's reaction. "I remembered you mentioning it once. I thought it might mean something."

YN ran her fingers over the book, visibly moved. "It does. More than I can say." She looked back up, her eyes soft. "Thank you."

They shared a warm, lingering hug, Elizabeth feeling a contentment she hadn't known she'd been missing. They spent the rest of the morning curled up together on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms and lost in a Christmas movie.

As the credits began to roll, YN's phone buzzed on the coffee table. She glanced at the screen, her expression shifting slightly as she saw the caller ID—her father.

Elizabeth gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's okay. Go ahead."

YN hesitated for a moment, then nodded, taking a steadying breath before she picked up. "Hi, Dad. Merry Christmas."

Elizabeth watched YN's face, noting the guarded look in her eyes as she listened. She could only hear YN's side of the conversation, but she could guess the tone from YN's reactions—somewhere between polite and distant, with a hint of reluctance.

YN's voice softened slightly. "Yes, I know it's been... a lot." There was a pause, and Elizabeth could see YN's expression shift, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. "A New Year's invitation?"

When the call finally ended, YN set her phone down, her shoulders slumping slightly as if she were carrying a weight.

Elizabeth looked at her, tilting her head in gentle curiosity. "What did he say?"

YN sighed, leaning back against the couch. "They want me to come to their New Year's event." She paused, her gaze distant. "I think it's his way of trying to reconnect."

Elizabeth gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "How does that make you feel?"

"I don't know. Part of me wants to go, to see if anything's changed. But there's also this part that just... doesn't want to face it all again." YN shrugged, a faint, ironic smile crossing her face. "They also got me a car. A Porsche. Typical Sterling way of saying 'we care,' I guess."

Elizabeth nodded, understanding the complex mix of emotions. "It sounds like they're trying in their own way, even if it's not perfect."

YN nodded, then glanced at Elizabeth, her eyes softening. "You think I should go?"

Elizabeth paused, choosing her words carefully. "Only if it feels right to you," she said, her voice steady. "If you think it'll help... then yes. But if it feels like too much, don't push yourself."

YN thought about it, then gave a small nod. "Maybe... maybe I'll go. Clear the air." She looked at Elizabeth, her hand reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. "But I'll be thinking of you."

Elizabeth's heart swelled, and she leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to YN's lips. "You better. I'll be here waiting for you," she whispered, holding YN close.

_______________
1170 words