One of the bathroom bulbs flickered briefly as Chaeyoung finished her makeup. Placing her mascara back in her bag and zipping it up, before looking at herself in the mirror.
She took in a deep breath, exhaling it through her parted lips as she looked down to the counter she was now gripping. Fading pink counter top that she had spent hours scrubbing, finally being lifted of the dye she had spilled over it nearly a week ago.
Chaeyoung glanced up just in time to see a body enter the room, and snake two hands onto her hips. Letting them glide up and wrap around her waist, as Lisa leaned in against her back.
"You about ready to go?" The brunette questioned softly. Trailing her lips across exposed neck, where Chaeyoung tilted her head to provide a little more space for her girlfriend to work.
"Yeah..." She replied airily. Enjoying the warm kisses that were left on her skin. Giving her slight butterflies as Lisa began kissing back up her neck. Finishing her small bout of affection with a soft peck behind the ear.
Chaeyoung loosened her grip on the counter and spun around in Lisa's arms. Wrapping her hands around the brunette's neck and taking in Lisa's airport ready appearance.
White bucket hat covering her hair, with a simple black crop top beneath black and gold jersey. Unbuttoned, so Chaeyoung's eyes could trail down her toned torso, to her blue jeans below. Then back up, past her necklaces to the brunette's eyes that were angled down.
Lisa had a soft smile on her face as she studied Chaeyoung's short sleeve. White, which her pink hair contrasted beautifully against. Deep blue, near black skirt was long and simple, yet highlighted Rosie's height and legs perfectly.
"You look pretty." She whispered out. Lifting her eyes to Chaeyoung's and widening her grin when she saw the smile in response.
"Thanks, so do you." Chaeng replied while leaning in and kissing Lisa's lips. "Honesty, you look more sexy than pretty. But you know, that's just because of this..."
Chaeyoung looked back down over Lisa's body, making the brunette chuckle and kiss the older's jaw softly. Feeling as her body was pulled inwards by the hands on her neck, and pressed up against the Australian's.
"You better not be distracting yourself from the fact we have to go." Lisa muttered as the fingertips that were looped around her neck started to play with her baby hairs. "Chaeyoung..."
"I'm not." Rosie replied while bringing her lips to Lisa's. "Just wanted a proper hug."
"Oh... mhm..." She rolled her eyes.
Chaeyoung smiled softly, making an advance to kiss her more. But Lisa leaned her head away, leaving her to frown at the toned woman.
"Rosie... we have to go." Lisa voiced. "We can't be late."
She pouted further.
"I want to kiss you, I do, but can we in the car? I already called the driver, he'll be here any minute."
Chaeyoung remained unmoved, almost breaking her pout when Lisa sighed audibly. But luckily enough, her pouting won over her girlfriend, and Lisa leaned in.
~
She scrunched up her face as she pulled the duffle bags out of the house. Dragging them behind her by the straps, as well as her pink haired girlfriend, whom seemed to be dragging her feet.
"There you guys are." Her Mom turned to them from the back of the black SUV. "What took you guys so long?" She questioned while going to assist Lisa with the bags. Stealing a glance to Chaeyoung while she did.
"Oh... just some last minute packing." Lisa explained while passing over a bag. Her mother eyeing her, before turning to Rosie.
"And how are you feeling sweetie?" Ami asked while smiling softly.
Chaeyoung grinned as Momma Ami put a hand on her arm. Giving her a soft squeeze as reassurance for the day. "Nervous, but happy to finally be seeing your guy's home." She answered quietly.
"And we're more than thrilled to show it to you." Marco came up and gave her a pat on the back.
"I'm excited to see it." She responded as the three of them finished loading the back of the SUV with their bags. The driver, helping alongside them before Lisa addressed him, and he went to start the vehicle.
"Come on Chaeng..." Lisa walked towards her and held out her hand. "Let's get going."
"But... where's Jennie? And Jisoo?" Chaeyoung questioned while accepting her hand. "Aren't they the ones watching the house and cats for us?"
"Yeah, they are." Lisa smiled while leading her to the back, passenger side door. "They said they'll be coming by later. They had stuff to do this morning."
"Oh..." Rosie looked down as Lisa opened the door.
"Were you wanting to see them before we left?"
"Yeah... kind of..."
Lisa smiled softly and kissed Chae's forehead before motioning for her to climb in. "Don't worry baby, we'll be seeing them again soon enough."
Roseanne nodded and climbed up the step into the back of the vehicle. Watching as Lisa hopped in behind her afterwards. The woman shutting the door and immediately opening her arms for Chaeyoung to lean into while they laid against the backseat and window.
Seatbelts clipped in and awkwardly wedged between their bodies. But Chaeyoung didn't care as she laid within Lisa's comfort, and listened to the beginning of conversations that started taking place in the SUV.
Most of the talking was between Marco and Momma Ami, but the words were also being directed to them about the trip and overall plans.
"I called the airport earlier and requested we be escorted to our gate." Lisa joined in on the conversation after Marco had mentioned possible crowds.
"You think that's really necessary?" He wondered.
"Well, I know some people saw Mother and I while we were out yesterday, doing our last minute errands." Lisa sighed. "I just hope no one overheard us talking about the trip, but if so, I wanted to be prepared."
"Better to be safe than sorry." Ami agreed. "And I'm not the quietest talker anyways..."
Chaeyoung smiled into Lisa's chest as everyone chuckled. Even the driver nodding his head while Lisa looked to him.
"They said to pull around to the southeast entrance." She explained. "There'll be security personnel waiting for us."
"Yes ma'am." The driver replied while turning off the freeway and onto the lane that lead up to the airport.
Chaeyoung looked up from her cozy position against Lisa and studied her jawline and face. Wondering to herself how she got here. Where she was listening to her girlfriend be referred to as ma'am by a man the Thai employed, to drive them to where security would be escorting them to their flight.
The woman who asked her if she was okay in the bathroom of their school. A dancer, who talked of her dreams to one day be something more, then becoming something more. And not just to the world and an ex label, but to her too.
Her something more. Her world.
"We're almost there." Lisa whispered. Looking down to Chaeyoung and meeting those almond eyes. "One step closer."
She smiled through her nervousness as Lisa leaned down to thank her for it. Kissing her lips softly as the parents in the vehicle gasped quietly.
"Well... looks like your Mother does talk loud." Marco spoke as he and Momma Ami looked out the window.
Lisa lifting her head to peer out as well, while Chaeyoung sat up from her slouched state to join. Widening her eyes at the clusters of people who chatted amongst themselves in front of the airport entrances. All of them wearing some form of merch that signified they were there for Lalisa.
And when they spotted the tinted, black SUV driving by, they immediately began to jump and ask each other if they were possibility looking at the vehicle housing their beloved idol.
"Man... someone must have went on Twitter." Lisa sighed as they drove around the southeast side of the building. "Remind me to never talk to my Mom in public again, yeah?"
"Hey now..."
Marco laughed and patted Ami's shoulder as the SUV came to a stop in front of a gated side entrance. Several men labeled airport security were present, as well as a cart for their bags. Much like the unmotorized carts hotels use.
Lisa was the first to open the door and step out of the SUV. Bowing ninety degrees to the personnel and accepting the iPad they were handing her, but not forgetting to turn around and hold the door open for her girlfriend.
Roseanne stepped out and bowed as well, noticing the several gazes she received from the staff. Most likely because this was her first public appearance beside her incredibly popular girlfriend. She ended up shrugging off the gnawing in her stomach, as she leaned against Lisa and looked down to the screen presented.
"Ms. Manoban, it's a pleasure to be here and assist you and your family with getting you to your gate." The badged head of security spoke. "The highlighted gate is yours, while the yellow line is the route we will be taking you on through out the airport. We are here." He pointed at the exterior dot. "Do you have any questions?"
"No sir, you and your men seem very thorough. I'm certain we will be in good hands." Lisa handed the iPad back and shook his hand while Marco and their driver helped load the cart with their bags. Being assisted by another one of the airport staffer, until the cart was fully loaded.
Lisa stepped aside to pay her driver a bonus, before linking hands with Roseanne and smiling to her Parents.
"We ready?" She wondered. Marco and her Mother nodding, before she glanced to Chaeng. "Are you ready baby?"
"Yeah, I am."
With that, they began their walk into the dimly lit corridor of the airport entrance. The walls grey and white with minimal artwork, until they were three hallways into the building. Hanging the last left around a corner, and being greeted by a security checkpoint.
They were instructed to remove their shoes and any accessories they had with them, as people passing by the group looked on curiously. Not knowing why there was a small group of people at a stand-alone screening point in the middle of the airport, rather than at the main entrances.
It was when they collected their items and began moving swiftly through the terminal when Chaeyoung noticed the first phone being pointed their direction. And not long after that, the first few squeals of people running over and saying hi to Lisa, and shove their cameras in their faces.
The announcement that Lalisa had slipped into the building must have been spread, as the crowd grew around them like wildfire. Chaeyoung bringing her other hand to cling to Lisa's arm as security tightened around them.
Lisa squeezed the hand in hers and glanced to the pink haired girlfriend on her arm. Finding those anxious brown eyes a bit scattered, unused to the crowds and their size. The sight made something awaken in her, and she found herself growing very protective of Chaeng.
Scared of the people who could reach out and try their luck on latching onto them. But luckily for her and her family, their gate came into view. The men that surrounded them motioning for the group to enter a separate waiting area to the left, where they were told they'd be the last ones to board. So that everyone else would already be on the flight, and unable to walk past them and cause any trouble.
"Thank you." Lisa spoke while shaking the hands of each person who assisted them.
"Of course Ms. Manoban." The head of security spoke. "I'll gather you all again when it's time to board."
She gave a nod and turned back to the couches that decorated the waiting area. Immediately relaxing as she plopped down beside Rosie. Watching as their bags were being wheeled out an exterior door, being brought down to the plane separately.
Lisa couldn't deny feeling fairly proud of herself. Lavishing a little in the fact they had their own security personnel waiting on them, all because of her 'celebrity' status, though minuscule. It was still the fact she got here herself, she just wished she didn't have to leave someone behind to do it.
Never again.
She'd never leave her side again.
"You're okay, right?" Lisa scooted closer to Chaeyoung. Wrapping an arm around her and grinning further when her girlfriend oozed into her side, and kissed the underside of her jaw. The answer was wordless as Lisa enclosed her other arm around her. Resting her chin atop her girlfriend's head, and enjoying the warmth they shared while waiting to board.
Ignoring the distance sounds of people chanting and pushing around, as they all tried their luck spying around the corner. Peering into the private waiting area, and sighing at the sight they witnessed on the couch.
~
The plane shook a bit as they passed through a cloud. Chaeyoung looking up from her journal and out the window beside her, gazing down at the mist and approaching city below. Watching as they descended further, before going back to her loose pages and notes.
Scribbling out a word and humming the melody before replacing it with a new one. Glancing to Lisa, whose eyes were still closed, and smiling softly at the woman who inspires her. Returning to her work, and engaging how much more of certain things she could give and take, as the seat creaked beside her.
Before Chaeyoung even had the chance to look back, a kiss was placed on her cheek. Causing her to jolt before pouting and accepting the side hug Lisa was giving her.
"I didn't mean to startle you." Lisa frowned as her eyes wondered down to the journal and papers below. "So this is what kept me from falling asleep peacefully." She teased while lifting a page, only to have it snatched away quickly by Chae. "Heyyy... I want to see what you're writing babe."
Chaeyoung stuffed the pages within her journal and hid the item in her purse. Turning back to Lisa and pinching the woman's cheek. "Those are not for your eyes to see just yet."
"Are they for the EP?" Lisa questioned while stretching.
"That's finished." She mumbled. Fidgeting silently with her hands. "Just needs a little more of those last minute details and, stuff..."
Lisa gave her one of her signature 'I don't believe that' looks, and Chaeyoung quickly steered the conversation away from the one she didn't want to end up having, again.
"Anyways... that was for a possible single."
"A single?" Lis smiled. "As in... a new song?"
She nodded and was greeted by Lisa pumping her fists and reclining back in her seat. Happily wiggling her feet at the news she'd be able to listen to something new, and hopefully soon, as the seatbelt light turned on ahead. A ding ringing throughout the plane.
"Guess we'll be landing soon." Lisa sighed as she returned to an upright position and followed suit in clicking in her seatbelt. Taking Roseanne's opened palm in hers, rubbing her thumb across her hand. "Deep breathes." She whispered.
Chaeyoung closed her eyes and took in her breaths as Lisa began assuring her. Keeping her voice calm as she explained how they'll be the first ones off, and guided to an awaiting car outside.
It helped her remain composed as the turbines growled and plane jerked upon it's landing. But when she opened her eyes, Lisa was right there to soothe her.
~
When they had exited the plane earlier, Chaeyoung was pleasantly surprised by how different Thailand was than South Korea. And not just in the beautiful construction of Bangkok's airport, or ads she saw on blinding screens.
But in the people too, as Lisa's fans were waiting for them quietly, patiently. Not trying to crowd around them like the ones in Seoul, who were testing their luck at touching their celebrity crush. Instead, the Thai fans Lisa had gave them space. Standing in rows on either side of them and smiling wildly.
Greeting all of them with welcomings. Especially Lisa, who had grown a bit teary eyed at the 'welcome homes' she received in sincerity.
Lisa had been the one to curl up into her side while in the slate grey vehicle. Chaeyoung's nervousness of the upcoming meeting was pushed to the side as she stared out the SUV window. Staring at the tall, sleek skyscrapers and unique buildings with highly pointed roofs that lined the capitol city they were driving through.
Creating such an enticing appeal to tourists who eyed them, much like herself. Wanting nothing more than to run off and explore within the city. But that was for another day, as they were being driven away from Bangkok, and towards what Lisa said was the Buriram Province.
Which also happened to be where Lis was born, and grandparents lived.
Chaeyoung looked down to the banged brunette only to find her eyes were already on her. Lalisa watching her quietly, and thinking just how beautiful Chaeng looked surrounded by the air she grew up in.
"Hi." She smiled.
"Hi." Rosie replied quietly. "You doing okay?"
Lisa nodded her head and sat up sluggishly. Rubbing her eyes before reaching out for Chaeyoung's hand. Taking it within her own and leaning against the pink haired woman while they sat in the back seat.
"Guess I just wasn't prepared..." She shrugged. "For seeing my own people? Hearing them welcome me home and stuff... man, I missed Thailand."
Chaeyoung offered a sad smile. "Didn't you spend a week here before China? That time ago?"
"I had yeah, but it was more professional than I would have wished the trip had been. I didn't really get to soak up the love or take any time to reminisce on everything." She sighed. "There was also a lot more security and being told where to go."
"Well I'll happily go wherever you take me." Chae squeezed her hand.
"And that's one of the many reasons why I love you." Lisa whispered to her. "I'm so taking you everywhere. You're going to be glued to my side."
"At least I'll have a nice view." Rosie replied warmly, running a free hand across the Thai's jawline. Loving how her girlfriend's side profile looked more and more perfect each passing day.
"You're staring." Lis smirked.
Chaeyoung chuckled. "You are too."
"Guess I am..."
Lisa savored a moment, taking in Chaeyoung's loving smile. Studying her closely as she thanked the universe the people she had previously paid to be timely, finished her girlfriend's gift on time.
Leaning in to kiss Chae, and imaging just how that kiss might feel, only after she gives it to her.
A small jostle of the SUV turning onto a dirt road had them breaking apart in smiles. Lisa immediately recognizing the hilly terrain around them, and Chaeyoung noticed it on her face plain as day.
Turning to look back out the window herself, and watching as they past by several homes. Her ears tuning out the vehicle's conversations up front, as her heart began to beat a bit faster. Practically stopping when black tires met freshly paved driveway, and came to a stop in front of a single story home.
"We're here!" Ami announced happily. Looking over her shoulder to the two. "I'm so happy they finally got the driveway done." She turned back to eye her childhood home. "And look! They got new siding! Oh it looks so good..."
Marco happily rubbed Ami's back before stating he'd help unload the car. The two of them soon exiting and leaving Lisa to pull the lever beside their seats and slide them forward. Creating room for them to exit themselves, before Rosie sneaked a hand over Lisa's when the woman went to leave.
She couldn't even look Lisa in the eyes when the Thai returned her attention to her. The brunette smiling softly as she scooted next to Rosie and used a hand to wipe loose hairs away from her face.
"Hey... it's gonna be alright." Lisa soothed. "I'm going to be right here the whole time, and I'll help you with any translating, remember?"
Chaeyoung nodded.
"You feel pretty confident though, right? In your Thai? I know Mom has been working with you a bunch, and that you understand me when I whisper... um... seductions, in your ear."
Her face heated up at the mention of their new night activity habit, as Lisa intertwined their fingers. Bringing the back of her hand up to kiss softly, as voices began to speak outside the vehicle. Momma Ami rushing to an opening front door, gathering Chaeyoung's attention.
She watched as Momma Ami leaned down and hugged an elderly woman similar in size to her. Blocking the face of the grandparent she'd soon meet, not that it truly bothered her. Seeing how she turned away from the window and leaned further into Lisa's side.
"Shhh..." Lis whispered while caressing the back of Chae's hair. Letting her other hand massage down her girlfriend's back while she watched her Parents hugging at the door. "I think you're forgetting what we're actually doing here.... babygirl."
Lisa turned, smiling when her eyes caught Rosie looking up to her. "We're not here to get permission to date from my grandparents." She began. "We're here so you can meet them, sure, but we're also here so my Mom can see them again. And furthermore... show my girlfriend the world that we grew up in."
"I'd like to see it..." Chaeyoung whispered. "I'm just... so nervous."
"You know what I did?" Lisa began, cupping Chaeyoung's cheek. "When we met up with Owen and Lily, so I'd be less nervous when meeting them for the first time?"
Chaeng shook her head.
"I looked at you." She rubbed Rosie's cheek lovingly. "I saw how happy and content you were, and it gave me that boost of strength. That confidence in knowing I did the right thing. And that seeing them again, was the right thing for you."
"I want you to experience that happiness too..." Chaeyoung whispered.
"I can. We can. And it's right through that door."
Chaeyoung held her breath, looking over her shoulder to the house where Marco and Momma Ami were chatting in the open doorway. Still ominously blocking the view inside, but the laughter she heard helped disperse her worry.
"Take my hand, babe." Lisa leaned forward and kissed her turned cheek softly. "Let's get out of this car, stretch our legs, and introduce you to the grandparents."
Wordlessly, she linked her hand with Lisa's and allowed the Thai to pull her from her seat. Opening the SUV door and helping her out. The two of them greeting the driver who brought them here, and lifting their bags off the ground. Thanking him for his aide, and Lisa paying him graciously, before they began taking their first steps towards the home.
Chaeyoung's hand tightening around Lisa's as they drew closer, but she looked to her girlfriend and watched her face brighten with each step. Feeling some relief from the happy expression she saw, much like how Lisa mentioned she had felt in Australia.
But her nervousness remained in the form of small shakes, as they stopped behind the parents in the doorway. Lisa clearing her throat, and the two adults turning to face them in smiles.
"There you two are." Momma Ami spoke in Thai, eyeing Chae softly.
Chaeyoung gulped, nodding her head towards the woman in understanding, before her eyes fell to the elderly couple standing just within the entry.
Both hunched a bit from their age, with grey hair and brown eyes. Lisa's Grandfather dressed in a blue striped tee, with thinning facial hair. And her Grandmother, dressed in pink, hand slightly shaking whilst she clutched her cane.
Those shakes reminded her of her own...
"Grandma! Grandpa!" Lisa greeted happily. Releasing their joined hands and heading off to hug her Grandparents. Leaving Chaeyoung to prepare her Thai greeting mentally, after trying her best to remember all she's learned.
Watching as Lisa bent down heavily to hug the elderly woman, kissing her cheek, before reaching across to her Grandfather. Lisa offering him a simple peck to the cheek too, as she hugged the man who matched her height.
Chaeyoung smiling softly at the exchange, before her eyes caught onto another's. As Lisa's Grandmother stood on the tips of her toes to peer over Lisa, and to her. The woman studying her face, body, and hair closely. Her cheeks heated up at the intense observation, while Lisa withdrew from her hug and took a few steps away from her Grandparents.
"Grandma, Grandpa, I'd like you to meet someone." Lisa said whilst holding out her hand for Rosie to take. "My girlfriend."
She took Lisa's hand and watched as the Thai nodded to her. Eyes and smile soft as Chaeyoung was guided in front of the two.
"Hello..." She gulped. Releasing Lisa's hand yet again, to put hers together and bow. "I'm Roseanne Park. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Lisa's brows furrowed at the sound of the name, knowing well she had practiced the greeting with Rosie introducing herself as Chaeyoung. Her Mother seemed a bit surprised too, when Lisa looked over her shoulder to her, then back to Chaeng.
"The pleasure is ours." Her Grandmother's voice interrupted her thoughts. "It's nice to finally meet who've we've been hearing so much about."
Roseanne felt nervousness creeping up her neck even further as she stiffened, until Lisa stepped forward and laced their fingers.
"All good things, I'm sure." The brunette smiled and squeezed Rosie's hand.
"Yes..." Her Grandpa smiled softly. Speaking as quietly as he usually would. "All good things."
There was a moment of partially awkward silence before Marco suggested dropping the bags off in their respective rooms. Roseanne appreciating the relief of no longer feeling like the center of attention, though the meeting didn't go nearly as badly as she had imagined it could.
Honestly, it went by rather null. Like the real meeting has yet to take place...
"Come on baby." Lisa smiled. Tugging on her hand. "I'll show you where I'd stay when we'd visit." Her girlfriend spoke in English.
"And it's where we'll be staying?"
"Yeah... if we fit."
Rosie chuckled, a little confused, as Lisa gave her a brief tour of the part of the house they were walking through. The decently sized hallway to the right of the front door, that led past a guest bedroom where Lisa's Parents would sleep, and two full sized bathrooms.
She noticed the master bedroom at the far end of the hall, but Lisa turned her into a final room on the left before they reached it. Flipping on the light and being greeted by a desk and cardboard boxes with pictures resting on them. Frames all angled towards the chair seated behind treated wood.
Lisa turned to her and pecked her cheek, before letting go of her hand and opening up a closet to their side. Bringing out a sleeper cot, and setting it up on the floor.
"Ta da!" The Thai spoke. "Oh- wait!" She quickly reached inside the closet again and took out a couple of freshly washed blankets and pillows. Smiling at how prepared her Grandmother always was for their arrivals. "There..." She grinned. "My bed!"
Chaeyoung chuckled at her girlfriend's enthusiasm, getting down and sitting on the edge of the portable sleeper. "So this is what you meant by if we fit?" She smiled.
"Yeah." Lisa sighed. Sitting down beside her and resting a hand on her thigh. "I didn't want to make the Grandparents buy another one, for the privacy of us having our own room or anything. If it's too small though, I can sleep on the couch in the living room. That's no problem."
The pink haired woman studied the cot, knowing well it was made for one. But Lisa and herself were thin, lengthy, and not at all opposed to cuddling.
She simply smiled a little wider and cupped Lis's cheek. "I think we can make it work."
"Yeah?" The brunette whispered.
"Mhm." She hummed. Leaning in and kissing Lisa's lips as leaves from the forest canopy rustled against the single window in the room. The atmosphere calming around them as the sound, and Lisa's soft pink pillows, helped ease her mind.
They parted slowly, with Lisa grinning sheepishly and rubbing Chaeyoungs's inner thigh.
"Thank you, for being okay with this." Lisa spoke, motioning to the makeshift bed. "All of this, actually."
"I couldn't skip out on the opportunity of seeing your homeland, Lis." She placed her hand over hers. "You so willingly brought me to mine. I needed to come see yours, for you."
"It shouldn't be just for me..."
"And it's not. I assure you it's not." She inhaled. "I love you, and I want to see Thailand too. Because it produced something so..." She exhaled. "Beautiful."
Lisa looked down, to her hand that she flipped to lace with Rosie's own. "Thailand is too..." She whispered. Looking up to Chaeyoung. "It breathes beauty into everything it touches. Into you."
"Lis..."
"You're so gorgeous."
Roseanne closed her eyes and leaned forward. Resting her forehead on the brunette's shoulder as she continued talking.
"Even more gorgeous than before. Because you took this step for me." Lisa explained. "You're taking this step, out of your comfort zone, for me. For yourself."
She leaned away and looked to Lis as the woman brushed hairs away from her face.
"God, I love you." Lisa whispered. About to move in for more of her girlfriend's lips, until three soft knocks on the door caught their attention.
"Girls? Are you about ready for an early dinner?" Ami's voice called. "Grandma says she's prepared a meal for us and wants us all at the table."
"Yeah." Lis replied calmly. "We'll be right there."
When she turned back to Rosie, her lips were met with a hard kiss. Lasting several seconds as they progressed into softer, light pecks.
"I love you so much..." Chaeng spoke. "I don't care about my nervousness anymore. I want to see everything, and meet everyone."
Lisa smiled warmly at the statement. "Then let's go."
~
When she had said 'meet everyone', Chaeyoung wasn't exactly anticipating on meeting 'everyone'. But here she was, standing with Lisa and her family on the corner of the Grandparent's property. Looking up at the single, large tree as it swayed. Listening to the sound of night approaching as she imagined everyone gathering around her.
Roughly twenty minutes ago, they had been finishing up their dinner at the table. Roseanne listening more than talking, still getting used to the change of language. Immersing herself into her food, and ability to understand meanings of words she didn't know by means of watching body language.
It seemed to have worked in keeping her calm, and not feeling awkward when Lisa's Grandmother's gaze would fall onto her. She'd just smile softly before looking down to her plate, then to the Grandfather ahead of her. His head usually down too, but a smile present on his face as he listened to the conversation.
One thing she learned was that Lisa wasn't kidding when she said her Grandpa was quiet. He'd say a sentence, then go a full ten minutes without uttering another word. It's not that he was anti social, though Lisa did make it sound like he was. He just seemed to be a bit like her, at least, that's how it felt in Roseanne's own eyes.
But besides her quiet observations, dinner went well. She had helped Marco and Lisa's Grandpa collect plates to bring to the kitchen afterwards, while the other three women chatted. It was when she was returning from the sink where she got to see the first real taste of Grandma stubbornness.
"Now Pranpriya..." Momma Ami scolded a laughing Lisa.
"Oh stop calling her Pranpriya would you?" The older woman nagged. Lightly tapping Ami's side with her cane. "You wouldn't have changed her name if you wanted to continue calling her that."
"Mother you were there when the fortune teller told us..."
"And now look who has the fortune." Lisa's grandmother pointed her cane at her. "You should be thankful our ancestors told me to get her read..."
"Oh please..." Momma Ami sighed. "You can't be serious."
"Of course I am."
Roseanne had been smiling in the corner of the room, watching the exchange taking place. Amused by what she believed she was hearing correctly, before Lisa took it upon herself to sneak away from the two women. Approaching her with rolling back eyes, and sliding a hand onto her back.
"Lisa." The grey haired woman turned from her daughter and looked to the two young ladies.
"Yes Grandma?"
"On the topic of your ancestors, would you mind bringing their plate to the spirit house?" She withdrew the gold accented heirloom from the table. The food left on it still steaming. "You can bring your girlfriend. She'll need to greet them."
"I don't mind." Lisa smiled. Receiving the plate from her and turning to Rosie. Swapping to English when she noticed the confusion on her face. "Come with me." She spoke. "Grandma wants us to offer this at the spirit house."
"Spirit house?" Roseanne wondered while lacing their hands.
"We'll come too." Momma Ami spoke before calling to Marco. "We should probably announce ourselves as well."
"Announce?..." She repeated while being led outside by Lis. Her eyebrows furrowing as they walked to the side of the fenced backyard, and through a now open gate. Trekking through the rather wild foothills, to a large tree in the distance. Only accompanied by a small sign that announced the end of the property line.
As well as a medium sized wooden house on a tiny platform.
"Lisa, I'm confused."
"I know you are." The Thai grinned while glancing to her. "Let's give my Parents a second, then I'll explain."
And a second was all they needed for Momma Ami and Marco to find their way to the tree, and freshly painted bird house.
Only it wasn't a bird house...
"Well, who wants to do the honor?" Marco asked. The three of them sharing glances to each other on who should speak. While Chaeyoung was glancing out of complete confusion.
"I can, since I grew up here." Ami smiled and received the plate from Lisa. "Hello again. I'm finally home," She began. Looking to the spirit house. "I brought my family with me this time."
Momma Ami gestured to each person as she spoke their names. "Marco, my husband." Marco placed his hands together and greeted. "Lalisa, my daughter." Lis did the same. "And Roseanne, my daughter's girlfriend."
When all eyes turned to her she didn't quite know what to do, or who to do it to. But she placed her hands together and bowed to the tiny home anyways, like they all had before her. Saying hello quietly, afraid there was someone actually close enough to hear.
"We're here to visit my Parents, and will cause no harm to this land or them. Please, enjoy this food my Mother has plated for you. We are forever grateful for your care in preserving all that they own and are."
Chaeyoung's jaw slacked as she watched Momma Ami open the side of the spirit house, and place the plate inside. Bowing with her head low as she whispered a prayer and closed the house back up. Stepping away and grinning whilst placing her arm around Marco.
"Why..." She breathed. Lisa bringing her closer as they all stood in front of the little house.
"We just greeted my ancestors, or any spirit that's here watching over us and the land."
Chaeyoung furrowed her brows. Looking to Lis who was already glancing back to the tree.
"In Thailand, we believe that there's spirits all around us. And the ones on our properties, are the most important. Every piece of land, every home, should have a spirit house." Lisa gestured to the painted wood. "With it, you can greet those who run out the bad spirits who may wish to cause you harm. But you must announce yourself, your intentions, and give them an offering so they know your word is true."
"And if you don't?" Chaeyoung wondered.
"Then they'll let the bad spirits do what they will with you. Or worse..." Lisa trailed off, looking back down to her. "They'll do it onto you themselves."
"What?!" Her eyes widened.
"Lisa, you're scaring her." Ami stated curtly.
"Don't worry Roseanne." Marco assured her.
"I mean, what I say is true. Or at least, it's Thailand superstition." Lisa shrugged. "I had an uncle that grew up in the States, and when he came back to visit, he told us he no longer believed in our 'fairytales'. So you know what happened that night after he didn't greet the spirits?"
Chaeyoung shook her head.
"He had horrible nightmares of people telling him to go away and snatch him in the night. So he ran out and greeted them at the spirit house early next morning, after breakfast. Offering them a meal and saying it wouldn't happen again."
"And his nightmares?"
"Never happened again." Lisa smiled. "But that's the beauty in our beliefs. If you respect them, they'll respect you."
Roseanne nodded her head. Looking up to the branches as they swayed and thinking back to all that just took place.
"Thailand is rich in spiritual culture." Momma Ami spoke softly. "We changed Lalisa's name based off it. Root our lives within it. It's almost strange how lacking other places seem to be, when it comes to their connection to those who've pasted."
"Though not all those who've pasted and stayed behind did so to protect..." Lisa whispered. "I'm going to write you a list of things we should avoid saying in public." Her girlfriend squeezed her hand. "There's superstitions about the things you say enticing a spirit to follow you home..."
"Lalisa!" Ami scolded while Chaeyoung gulped at the words.
"I'm just telling her the truth!"
"Make the girl even more nervous why don't you?!"
Roseanne smiled a little as they began to argue. Distracting herself by looking up, past the tree limbs to the stars above. Ignoring her shaking hands and thumping chest as she let the clouds dissipate, and galaxy reel her in.
Excited to be learning more about Thailand, even amongst the scariness of spirits watching over them.
~
They've been in Thailand for four days now, and Roseanne can honestly say... she's in love with it.
She had made it very clear with Lisa that she wouldn't be saying much when traveling with her girlfriend in public, especially at night. Afraid she'd say the wrong thing and invite something home unintentionally. But then Lisa would take her to the most exotic of night markets. Ones that would make her squeal and pull the brunette to each colorful fish or intricate artwork.
Or she had been nervous when Lisa suggested going to a nearby temple. Afraid the grounds would be some holy place that shouldn't be touched by the likes of them. But then Lisa would pull up photos and tell her it's a tourist attraction, just not to disrespect it.
And off they went, bounding up hundreds of stairs. Laughing wildly as they raced each other, only to be stopped by fans of the Thai's at the top. And when Roseanne had asked if they'd like her to take their photo, the girls in front of them said no. Wanting the pink haired Australian there beside them too.
Saying they were fans of hers as well.
Thailand had been eye opening. In more ways than she thought it could. Roseanne felt more free, breaking past her fears and enjoying something completely new. She'd never been to Thailand before, she's never been anywhere new with her girlfriend before.
Lisa had traveled to so many different places while racking up her fame. But now, she was there to experience those places with her too. And no, Thailand wasn't new to Lis, but having a girlfriend there with her was.
But she couldn't forget the other half of their Thailand trip, Lisa's Grandparents. The ones who had waited at the bottom of the temple steps for their return, before they would all explore the flowery courtyard surrounding it.
Or when they took them all to their favorite shops at the floating market. Most places selling things the elderly would find pleasing, but Chaeyoung enjoyed the trip out over the water anyways. Because it was all so new. So exciting.
She's never felt this young at heart in her life.
Roseanne smiled contently, especially because the sun finally made it's way over the forest canopy. Casting an amber glow over her face and the living room, with blanketing early morning warmth. She snuggled further into Lisa's side whilst seated beside her on the couch. The brunette turning her head to face her from the conversation she was having with her Parents.
The Grandparents having already been up for some time now, had been pushing off breakfast until everyone else in the house woke up. So Lisa's Grandma had found her way outside to garden, while her Grandpa was somewhere else on the property.
And since they had been preparing all the food for the household since their arrival, Lisa had made the decision to put together breakfast for everyone this morning. With the help of her mom, of course. Since burning down the place was not an option.
She smiled at the sight of Chaeyoung's and leaned down to kiss her temple. Resting a free hand on her stomach and rubbing it softly.
"Would you say you're too starved to do anything?" Lisa questioned her quietly. "Or do you think you can hold off on breakfast for a little while longer and find something to do in the mean time?"
"Hmm... I think if I was given a snack I could hold off for an hour or two." Chaeng replied smoothly.
"Fresh apple coming right up." Lisa winked before heaving herself off the couch and heading into the kitchen. Grabbing one of the many apples Roseanne has been enjoying recently and bringing it to her girlfriend to munch on.
"Is this our cue to get to cookin'?" Her mother asked when Lisa handed the apple to Chaeng.
"I was thinking so, since we're all awake now." Lisa scratched her neck and looked outside. "And, so the Grandparents have a hot and ready breakfast waiting for them whenever they finish up and decide to head back in."
"Well," Marco began. "How about I head outside and find your Dad?" He motioned to Ami. "Make sure he doesn't come back in anytime soon."
"Sounds good. He's probably working on a part of the house or one of the sheds." Ami replied.
"Or both." Marco chuckled. "I'll see you in a bit." He waved goodbye. Finding his way out the back door.
"You know, someone should really find Grandma and make sure she keeps away just the same..." Lisa looked to her Mom with a knowing gaze and the woman nodded.
"Ah, I think you're right." She reasoned. "Too bad we're going to be busy making breakfast though..."
Chaeyoung looked up from her nearly finished apple. Chewing on her current bite as she turned over the idea of going out to find the woman amongst her garden, and make sure she doesn't return until breakfast was finished.
"I... I can go find her." She spoke up quietly. "She'll just be gardening, right? Maybe I can help her?"
"Could you Chae?" Momma Ami questioned. "That'd be amazing sweetie."
"Yeah." She smiled. "It'd be no problem."
"Awesome!" Lisa grinned. "I'll go prepare the kitchen then! They'll love this!" She took off into the other room, making Roseanne smile in her wake.
"Guess I'll go get ready then..." Chaeyoung announced, a little uneasy. Taking the last few bites of her apple and heading off into the study to change while Ami turned and entered the kitchen grinning.
Lisa smirking back, as they began quietly taking out what they needed for breakfast. The two of them effortlessly handing things to the other and setting them where they were needed when Roseanne strolled by, dressed in denim shorts and a pink top.
"Thanks again babe!" Lisa called. Returning the smile she got in response, until the door closed softly behind Chaeyoung.
"That was pretty easy..." Her Mom commented. "So, what do you think? We still on for tomorrow?"
Lisa sat down the bag she was holding, leaning across the kitchen counter to peer outside. Watching Rosie as she left to the garden and happily turned back to her Mother.
"Definitely."
"Time for last minute calls then?"
"I think so." She nodded. Reaching for her phone.
"Okay." Ami thumbed up. "I'll take care of everything. You just get the plan set with everyone."
"Sounds good." Lisa smiled, loading up her phone contacts. "Hm..." She hummed aloud. "I wonder what time it is in Australia?"
~
The first ten or so minutes Chaeyoung had been in the garden with Lisa's Grandma was rather awkward. The woman of course had accepted her help, but she wasn't too sure what she was asked to do after.
Her Thai was enough to get her by, but gardening equipment and soil lingo was not something she had focused on when studying with Ami. But, somehow she managed. Mainly by the slim hand gestures she was given. And soon enough, she was using the plow on a new plot of soil the elderly woman wanted sifted.
Answering the simple questions that came every now and then. About where she was from, what she did, or why she had pink hair. The conversation had changed to one of colors almost immediately after that, as Lisa's Grandmother practically began singing about why she loved pink so much.
And I guess Chaeyoung's unforeseen but feasible freak out moment of dying her hair worked in her favor, as the grey hair woman stated multiple times the color looked good on her, and she should keep it for 'a long time'. Or at least, that's what she thought she said.
She quite possibly could have said 'for eternity'.
But their garden adventure made breakfast rather sweet, as the conversation carried over to the table when they made their way inside. Passing along their many stories of crazy moments, after Lisa had happily spilled the beans on how Chaeyoung's hair actually came to be pink.
Lisa's Grandmother almost seemed sad to hear that she had been so nervous about meeting them. Squinting her eyes at Roseanne, as if trying to figure out where the initial fear had come from.
And to Chaeng's refreshment, Lisa's Grandma simply shrugged. Stating that she's seemingly a very sweet girl, and shouldn't worry about the likes of them. Lisa's Grandpa nodding along too.
"How did you guys find breakfast?" Lisa questioned the table, interrupting Chaeyoung's many thoughts. "Didn't Mom do amazing?"
Everyone offered words of agreement before Marco piped in. "Didn't you help her with it though?"
"Well yes, but she did the most." The brunette laughed.
"It was a very nice surprise." Her Grandmother spoke. "Thank you Ami." She smiled. "And thank you too, Lisa."
"Of course."
Roseanne watched with upturned lips before Marco patted her shoulder softly.
"Want to help wash the dishes with me?" He wondered softly. Quickly pouting, trying to coax a yes out of her.
She chuckled at the sight and nodded her head. Missing the wink he had sent to Ami and Lisa as she turned to face her girlfriend once more.
The brunette already reaching her hand across the table to take up her own. Kissing her fingertips lightly in thank you for helping her Father, before the two collected the plates and excused themselves into the other room.
"So..." Lisa's Grandma started once the four Thai's were left seated alone at the table. "What are you guys buttering us up for?"
Lisa glanced to her Mom, who was already shaking her head.
"You're too smart Mother."
"I know." Smiled the elderly woman. "And I also know you don't want her to."
"Who?" Lisa questioned.
"Your girlfriend, whom likes pink."
She grinned at the woman who always had to mention pink. Even when the conversation didn't entail.
"Well..." Lisa began. Looking down to the tabletop below and feeling the way her cheeks tingled. Turning the shade of Roseanne's hair at the thought of her next few words. Heart aching confidently as she looked up to her Grandparents, and told them how's she's felt since the moment she knew what love was.
~
Chaeyoung snuggled under the blankets as she watched Lisa pack her skincare back into her duffel bag. The two of them agreeing not to clutter the bathroom and room with their stuff during their stay, and happily returning everything they pull out to their bags once the need was done.
Lisa stood from the floor and took the first few steps to Rosie, only to noticed the not so subtle lip bite and gesture of her eyes. The Thai rolling hers as she lifted her shirt over her head and locked the door beside her. Sneaking to the makeshift bed, where she slid under the covers and pulled the tank top her girlfriend wore off her body.
Quickly pressing their naked torso's together as they snuggled and embraced each other's natural warmth.
"I enjoyed today." Australian accent whispered. Not wanting to wake the sleeping parents or grandparent's next door.
"Me too." Lisa replied quietly. Kissing Chaeyoung's jaw. "Even though we didn't really do anything today."
"It's good to have a day or two of rest though."
"I agree." Lisa hummed. "But how about we do something tomorrow, hm?"
"Like what?"
"Well... is there anything you'd still want to do while we're here?"
"Let me think... hmm..."
Lisa smiled and began trailing light kisses up and down Roseanne's jawline as she waited. Letting her leg slip between the other woman's as she found a more comfortable position to sleep in.
"Mmm..." Chaeyoung's hums of wonder changed to ones of pleasure.
"Don't let me distract you." Lisa whispered playfully.
"Too late." She chuckled lightly. Closing her eyes and enjoying the feeling of wet, open mouthed kisses to her skin before the sensation gave her an idea. "Actually, there is something I'd like to do."
Lisa halted her kisses and leaned back. Raising her brows in question as her girlfriend grinned.
"I think I'd like to go to the beach."
"The beach?"
"Mhm." Chaeyoung nodded. "Any beach. I just feel like beaches are... I don't know, our thing? We can just hold hands and walk along it. Take our time while you tell me all there is to know about Thailand."
"That sounds perfect." Lisa dropped her head and touched their noses together softly. "And how about afterwards, we come back here to rest before I take you out again? Maybe catch the sunset? There's a nice spot on the hiking trail behind the house."
"Hiking trail?" Chaeng repeated. Heavily enunciating the word 'hike'.
"Oh come on..." Lisa rolled her eyes and let her right hand explore her girlfriend's skin. "You can't tell me this gorgeous body can't hike a little trail?"
"Oh it can hike a trail." Chaeyoung replied lowly. Giggling when Lisa fell overtop of her and nipped at her neck.
"So beach then sunset hike?" Lisa whispered.
"Beach then sunset hike." She agreed. Cupping Lisa's jaw and planting a tender kiss on her lips. "I can't wait."
~
Ami was whispering with her Mother in the backyard when Lisa poked her head out through the opened door. Raising her brows as a form of silencing them, before stepping out with Chaeng at the end of her hand.
"We're gonna be heading out." Lisa smiled and embraced Roseanne from behind. "Thought we'd come check in before we did."
"Ah, okay." Her Mother responded warmly. "All rested up after the beach?" She questioned Chae with her eyes.
"Yeah." The Australian grinned. "The nap helped."
Lisa smiled at the slight mispronunciation and whispered into her girlfriend's ear.
"Nap." Chaeyoung blushed. "Sorry."
"We understood you perfectly fine sweetie." Ami assured her. "Did you tell Marco and Grandpa where you two were going? They might want pictures of the view. You're taking your camera, right Lis?"
"Of course."
"We told Marco..." Chaeyoung replied to Ami's first question. "But not Grandpa."
"I'm sure he's hiding around here somewhere." Lisa's Grandmother spoke. "Telling him where you're going isn't much of a necessity."
Roseanne looked to the mountain Lisa said they'd be hiking a bit of and furrowed her brows. Wondering if Momma Ami's Father used to hike it himself, in his youth. And if he would like photos, since she's certain he can't make the trip now.
"I can find him."
"Rosie, he'll be okay. Momma and Grandma can tell him where we went if he asks." Lisa loosened her arms from around her as Chae turned in them.
"But what if he wants pictures?" She wondered.
"Then we'll take some."
"No." She replied, determined. "I'm gonna go find him. I'll be right back."
"Chae..."
Chaeyoung didn't listen as she wiggled out of Lisa's embrace and trekked back into the house. Asking Marco where he had last seen his Father-in-law, while Lisa turned to her Mom on the back porch.
"Well, let's use this time to go over everything we'll set once more." Momma Ami spoke while looking towards the beginning of the trail. "Besides... it gives them a better head start."
Lisa smiled in the same direction as her Mom, while Roseanne quietly entered the hallway. Looking into each opened door before coming to a stop in front of the master bedroom.
Peering through the cracked bedroom door and noticing an amber light, illuminating a stow away table which the old man was seated behind. His hand moving in smooth strokes, apparently painting as traditional Thai music played softly in the background.
She knocked twice, watching as Lisa's Grandpa stiffened. Chaeyoung opened the door the teeniest bit more when he looked over his shoulder to her.
"Hi..." She smiled shyly. "May I come in?"
He nodded at her words and returned to his painting. Stroking outwards with silver paint as Roseanne entered and approached quietly. Her eyes widening as she looked down over his artwork.
Two beautifully painted Koi fish swimming around each other on the page. One finished, silver with brown markings and a thick black outline. The colors merging into the blue water in a brilliantly planned out way.
The other Koi fish had Roseanne wondering just what they represented, as it was silver in base as well, but it's markings were a dazzling baby pink.
"It's beautiful..." She spoke, looking to the man she's only heard speak a handful of times. Taking the painting as a promising sign that he didn't despise her secretly, if it meant what she thought it meant.
He nodded his head with a soft smile as he finished one of the fins. Roseanne watching his technique and wishing she had learned from him first, noticing how he held the brush and noting it for the next time she tried water color herself.
She looked at his many pages of loose paper and pens for outlining designs. Roseanne walked to the other side of the table, feeling the material between her pointer and index finger as he watched her silently.
Lisa's Grandfather retrieved one of his pens and handed it over to Roseanne, who took it questioningly. He gestured to the paper she was feeling, pointing to it with his brush, before returning to his own art.
She breathed in softly and slowly dropped to her knees. Beginning to copy his artwork on her own paper, making sure to give the left Koi fish a small mole below the eye, before continuing on to the second. All while Lisa watched from the doorway.
Smiling as she witnessed her Grandfather glancing down to Rosie's art, critiquing it silently, and staring back at his own.
"Your girlfriend is good." He spoke up, having noticed Lisa watching them from within the framed picture ahead. Watching the reflection of his Granddaughter chuckle, before approaching them.
"Says you..." Lisa replied while leaning over his shoulder's and kissing his cheek. "But yes, she is."
Chaeyoung sat down the pen and looked over to Lisa, noticing the warmth transparent in her eyes.
"I was coming to find you two." Lisa explained. "Roseanne and I are going to hike the trail out back. Would you like some photos Grandpa?"
"Yes please." The old man smiled.
"Of what?" She questioned as Chaeng stood from her place on the ground.
"The flowers." He looked down to his painting, taking up one of his pens and beginning to design one at the center of the two fish. "I forget what color they are..."
Roseanne walked over and took up Lisa's hand. Frowning at the sincerity of the man's words and secretly squeezing her girlfriend's hand in answer.
"I'll bring you a photo for every petal." Lisa responded softly. "Of every flower that I see."
~
The evening air was perfect. Cooling her cheeks down just enough, as she jogged over to another flower. Using her fingers to adjust the surroundings of it, before centering it in her camera lens and snapping a picture. Smiling as she looked down to the piece she captured for her Grandpa, and back down the trail below her once more.
Chaeyoung was walking towards her sluggishly, not used to this level of exercise and wishing she had kept up with her endurance a bit more. They had only been hiking up the rather steady trail for twenty minutes, yet it felt like an eternity to her body.
"Hey," Lisa smiled. Putting her camera back into her bag and crossing the strings over her shoulders before continuing with her English. "You doing okay?"
"Managing." Chaeyoung smiled back with an intake of breath. "I'm just not quite used to this."
"We can rest a little if you need to?" Lisa replied concerned. Cupping one of Roseanne's cheeks with a hand when she neared. Pulling her body against hers by the waist with the other. "How about it?"
"No, I'm okay." Rosie leaned her forehead against hers. "Let's just... wait here a second."
Lisa chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose, glancing up the trail and smiling. "We're almost there you know..." She enlightened her. "Ten or so more minutes, and we'll be at the lookout."
"Can't wait."
She laughed audibly. Listening to it echo down the trail. "Don't tell me you haven't been enjoying this?"
"No, of course I am babe." Chaeyoung clutched her shirt. "I'm just, not as fit as I was in school... well, the last year... of school."
Lisa shook her head. Grin remaining as Rosie continued.
"I'm really enjoying the walk though, and the views. It's really pretty out here! I can't wait to see it from the lookout."
"You know, we might miss the sunset at this pace..."
"We can't miss it!" Chaeyoung urged. Suddenly gaining life back into her tired limbs. "Come on!" She tugged on her hand, starting back up the trail. "Come! Come!"
Lisa swatted at her butt and took off, running past her and leaving Rosie to yell and follow urgently. Lisa laughing before she swapped her bag to her front and crouched down. Tapping on her back and feeling the weight of Roseanne on her as she began carrying her up the path.
Her girlfriend telling her to be careful as they walked, not wanting to hurt her as they goofed off and enjoyed the trip up the trail together. Snuggling into her back and kissing her cheeks while Lisa listed off the many reasons why carrying her piggy back the rest of the way made complete and total sense.
Like how she should rest up before seeing the breathtaking view.
And when their eyes caught sight of the pink and orange glow just over top of the path ahead, she audibly gasped against Lisa's ear. Being let down easily before running up the rest of the way, and staring slack jawed at the view ahead of her.
Approaching the single tree and observation sign at the edge of the small clearing. Looking to the both of them quickly, before her eyes fell back on the view of the Buriram countryside. The faint site of the capital city in the far distance.
"Wow..." She exhaled. Glancing back to Lisa, whom was standing behind her, camera already in focus on pink hair. "It's so beautiful Lis."
She heard the click of the camera, before Lisa dropped her hands and smiled. "So are you."
Chaeyoung's heart fluttered at the words. Her eyes studying the green landscape behind them, and the trail that winded further up the mountainside, as Lisa cuddled up behind her. The both of them facing out, watching the sun as it set over the pristine landscape.
"This is Thailand..." Lis spoke out quietly. "This was my home."
"Was?" Roseanne wondered aloud while still overlooking the greenery being transformed by the setting sun's colors.
"You're my home now..." Lisa whispered.
Chaeyoung looked over her shoulder, grinning from ear to ear as they shared a brief kiss beside the small tree and endless beauty ahead of them. Lisa pecking her softly after, before motioning to the sign beside them.
"I remember engraving my initials behind this sign one day, after hiking with Grandpa." Lisa chuckled. "He told me I shouldn't have because it was informative, but I didn't listen."
"Sounds like you."
"I know right." Lisa squeezed her side playfully. "But it really is a nice compliment to the view. Talks about the things you're seeing, mainly for visitation purposes." She smiled. "It's nice having the trail so close to the house."
"I agree." Roseanne hummed. Still admiring the view.
"You should give it a look over, before we head back down." Lisa suggested. "I'm gonna put my camera away."
She kissed Chaeyoung's shoulder before dropping down to where she had set her bag. Opening up the main compartment as Rosie had began reading aloud. Placing it carefully inside before fumbling within for another, more concealed item.
One that had thankfully been prepared on time.
"You're here," Chaeyoung began, tracing her finger over the small red indent on an engraved map of the trail. "Half way up... oh gosh- why couldn't they have put the mountain's name in English too?"
They both chuckled before she continued. "Where you're overlooking the vast expansion of the Buriram Province. The place where happiness was born in the city..." Chaeyoung's eyebrows furrowed as she read. "And the place where Lalisa asks Roseanne to... to marry her..."
Her mind struggled to process what her eyes were seeing. Heart, beating rapidly in her chest as she breathed in and out at the thought that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't dreaming. And the only way to know that... was by turning around.
So she held her breath, and turned around.
Hand collapsing over her mouth at the sight of Lisa on one knee. Tears freely escaping her eyes as she held back a sob, whilst looking down at the small black box held in Lisa's hand. Housing a gold plated, diamond ring. That shined almost as brightly as Lisa's eyes did, when Chaeyoung finally found the courage to look up and fall into them.
"Roseanne Park," Lisa began, smiling softly. "I can't ever come close to expressing just how much I love you, in my words or my actions. And even here, on my knee, I don't feel like it equates enough to how much I love you. How deeply you've woven yourself into me. My mind, my lungs, my heart... you've made your home by doing nothing other than being yourself."
"The person that you were before and distaste, is the person I fell in love with." Lisa sniffed as a tear slid down her cheek. "Who helped me discover who I was by simply allowing me to fall for her, and help her find herself again too. But the person that I now have standing before me, with beautiful pink hair, is the person who brings me to my knees. Quite literally."
Chaeyoung chuckled between her cries. Closing her eyes momentarily as she choked back a sob.
"Brings me to my knees by being so amazing and kind and compassionate. So caring to me that it's beyond any ordinary love." Lisa pressed on. "The person that I have before me is the only one I know I could ever love this freely. This powerfully. To the point where I know we're joined by a red string."
"And now, I want to take that string, and tie it into an unbreakable knot around each of our fingers. Our ring fingers..." Lisa looked down to Roseanne's left hand, taking the ring out of it's black velvet case and reaching for the delicate fingers. Glancing back up to those captivating, chocolate brown eyes and pleading silently into them.
"Roseanne Park, will you spend the rest of your life with me?" Lisa cried. "Will you marry me?"
Chaeyoung didn't skip a beat, nodding her head and crying harder as Lisa slipped the ring around her finger. Unbelieving it's finally happened. After all this time, she's finally taking a step to sealing the deal with the only person she's loved.
"Yes!" She exclaimed happily. Finally finding her words as Lisa stood. "A million times yes!"
Roseanne leapt into her arms, crashing their lips together as the Thai wrapped her within her warmest embrace. Caressing the back of her neck and hips, as they kissed deeply. Savoring one another's lips, as the sun shined it's last bit of light on them brightly. The two of them parting between their tears, overlooking the other's puffy faces with smiles on their lips and tenderness in their eyes.
"I love you." Lisa spoke. "God, I love you so much Rosie."
Chaeyoung felt her heart cave into more tears as she cupped Lalisa's face. "I love you too. So so much it physically hurts..."
They fell into each other again, sucking on bottom lips, yet this time, not being the only ones to fall. An audible "shit" was heard from the landscape behind them, causing both women to break from their kiss and watch as bushes began speaking to the others.
"Chu, you idiot!"
"I'm sorry! It's just... so beautiful. I wasn't paying any attention..." Jisoo sniffed, rubbing the ankle she accidentally caught on a stick in the ground. Causing her to trip up on herself.
Jennie shaking her head softly before emerging from the brush and capturing one last teary eyed photo with her Lalisa loaned camera. "Say cheese, fiancé's!"
"Jennie!" Chaeyoung shouted. Noticing another body appearing from behind her. "Jisoo! Oh my god! You're here!!!" She took off to hug the two Koreans while Lisa watched on happily.
Lifting her bag from the ground and slipping the velvet box inside before throwing it over a shoulder. Listening as the two girls excitedly explained how the brunette had flown them out there, and put them in charge of capturing the moment Lisa had planned from the very beginning.
Roseanne staring back at her, mouth wide in surprise, before breaking out into another fit of tears and rushing back into her Lover's arms. Lisa kissing her neck repeatedly to soothe her. Lifting Chaeng up and spinning her bridal style, until Chaeyoung giggled instead of cried.
"Come beautiful," Lisa whispered. "Let's get you back before dark and spread the happy news."
Roseanne smiled. Kissing Lisa's lips softly and agreeing to the proposition soon after. The four of them beginning their trip down the trail, with Rosie still in Lisa's arms, as they all reminisced on their lives together. Learning about the changes they were still making to better themselves, and how they've been keeping up with the changes in the world itself.
All up to the point where they had approached the now darkened gate to the backyard, and Lisa opened it slowly. Chaeyoung, back on her own two feet and following closely behind Lisa. A little too ashamed to admit the dark still scared her.
What was weird though, was she's sworn there had been lights on in the backyard before...
"She said yes." Lisa announced to the darkness. "Roseanne said yes."
And just like that, the backyard illuminated. Bodies jumping out from their hiding places behind set tables, chairs, and balloons. Hands held high in the air as they all hollered. Offering exciting words of congratulations to the two crying women.
Jisoo and Jennie giving each of them back hugs, as they took in all the love they were receiving. Roseanne especially, as she spied Siwon crying ahead of her.
"Dad!" She called. Racing to his arms and squeezing him tightly. "I'm getting married!" She cried. "She asked me to marry her..."
"Oh Chae..." He cried. "Lord knows how happy I am for you both..." He pulled back and brushed her stuck hairs away from her cheeks. "You're so grown up. I'm so proud of you for being the woman that you are today."
She nodded her head to his words. Listening to the many more he gave, and offering some more of her own, before her ears picked up on distant voices. Turning to witness Momma Ami and Marco sharing a tear filled hug with Lalisa. Siwon quickly ushering her to go over to them, and giving her a lasting hug before she did so.
Chaeyoung ran over to where the three of them were and slipped into the space between Ami and Lisa. A space, the brunette had created when sensing her presence beside them.
Momma Ami lifted her head and audibly gasped seeing her. Crushing the pink haired woman in her arms and crying heavier at all the thoughts of the future that flooded her.
Future planning, future wedding bells, future homecomings in the future Park-Manoban home. The future. Their future. Future children being birthed, grandchildren being given... Ami's mind raced at every thought and her heart weeped happily thinking them. This Future, being all she's ever wanted.
Ever since the two girls became one.
~
Lisa ran a hand through her hair as she brought her glass to her lips. Sipping off the drink as she strolled over to a more secluded part of the yard, and pulled out a chair beside another.
The person quickly offering a soft farewell to whomever they were speaking with over the phone, before putting their device away and smiling to her. Reaching for their own glass across the table to wordlessly clink against hers.
"Today's been crazy..." Lisa whispered. Taking another sip of her drink and enjoying the way it mellowed her body out. Apparently the exact opposite effect it had on Chaeyoung's, given the Australian was a tipsy mess. Alongside Jennie.
Jisoo could be seen giving a look of desperation to Ami. Seeing the smaller of the two Kim's was too infatuated with trying to uncork another bottle of sweet wine, with a laughing Rosie beside her, to be stopped single handedly.
"No kidding." Said the voice seated beside her. "Those girls have been none stop talking about the proposal all day today. And yesterday!" They chuckled. "Listen Lis, I'm happy for you, literally ecstatic, but damnit they've been so annoying."
Lisa coughed on her drink. Laughing innerly and growing solemn soon after at the thought of her best friend being driven crazy this whole trip.
"I'm sorry." She looked to him.
"It's okay." He smiled. Throwing back the remainder of his drink. "Anything for you and Rosie."
Lisa's heart warmed as she reached across the space between them and squeezed his shoulder. "Thank you, again. For being their begrudged tour guide and faithful translator."
A laugh fell from his lips. "At least I got a free trip home out of it." Bam leaned back in his seat and breathed in the fresh air. "We should have came back sooner." He sighed.
"I agree." She nodded. "Maybe next time Seulgi can come too?"
Bam's smile widened at this. "Yeah, she'd love that." He looked to her. "Maybe once she finishes Uni though. I'm thankful enough she found the time to drop us off at the airport the other day. She's been busy."
"I can only imagine." Lisa acknowledged. Offering him a kind smile, before pink hair swooshed against her face and a weight was present on her lap.
"Hi." Greeted the Aussie. Empty wine glass being laid on the table to free up the two hands sneaking around Lisa's neck. "They're starting to clean up..." She pouted. "Your Mother took the rest of the wine!"
"Oh no!" Lisa feigned offended. "Whatever will we do?!"
Roseanne bit her lips and wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Bam stifling a chuckle beside them and offering to go assist with the taking down of tables before the situation turned more heated. Bringing the wine glasses along with him.
"Rosie... no." She laughed.
Obviously going unheard as the woman quickly took her lips into her own and initiated a minute or two of breathless making out. Pulling her body close to hers and nibbling on her lips like they were the only two in the yard. Or Thailand itself.
"Hey..." She tried to separate their mouths. Roseanne heatedly attempting to sneak her tongue inside. "Hey, hey, hey." Lisa finally parted enough to breathe. "Hang on a moment..."
Chaeyoung pouted further and began reciting words on why they should remain kissing so fast that they flew over Lalisa's head. The Thai's smile growing more and more with each new, confusing point in the paragraph that came from tipsy Chaeng's lips. Lisa was left chuckling at Roseanne's cuteness, and clinginess, as she brought down one of the woman's hands and began mindlessly playing with her fingers.
Her eyes dropping down to the ring her fingertips brushed, and she dipped her head down to kiss the finger it rested on lightly.
"God..." Roseanne whispered. Lisa looking up to meet her eyes. "I love you."
The brunette smiled and brought out her phone. Snuggling up against Rosie and loading up her camera. Gallery already filled with photos of the evening, but she wanted more. Taking several selfies of them together whilst they sat, before she took Chaeyoung's hand in her's.
Capturing a photo, ring centered, and staring up into Roseanne's eyes.
"I love you too, Chaeng." She replied. "And I'd like to let the world know... if that's alright with you?"
"Let them know what exactly?" Roseanne shifted on her lap. Smile already on her face.
"That you're mine." Lisa whispered. "And I'm yours."
Chaeyoung leaned forward. Resting her forehead against hers and closing her eyes. Never wanting this moment to end.
"Then let them know." She responded airily. Giving Lisa just enough time to type out a caption, and upload the photo, before capturing her lips once more in her own.
Feeling her fiancé's hands caressing her back, after her phone had been carelessly tossed on the table. Already being lit up by the thousands, as people liked and commented on the photo captioned 'She said yes:)'.