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A/N: Converted fic. Originally written for YeJisu on my main account, so please excuse any unedited parts that I might've left out in here :P

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᠁

After watching a horror movie late at night, Lisa wakes up to Chaeyoung having a nightmare and tries to comfort her.

**(very) minor mentions of gore, but nothing too explicit.

 

So, maybe watching a horror movie this late into the night isn’t the best idea Lisa has ever made.

 

That being said, she’s not particularly disturbed or unsettled by the sight of Pyramid Head skinning a woman alive. His bare hands stripped off the external layer like they were just peeling an orange, before he chucked the bloody mass of flesh at the two other protagonists. Shades of red splattered across the camera, yet Lisa remained straight-faced and still at the gore displayed on-screen.

 

Man, this movie is kinda lame.

 

Unfortunately, Chaeyoung doesn’t seem to share the same thought as Lisa. While the Thai has been either bored or amused throughout the movie, her sensitive girlfriend looks absolutely petrified at the horrifying displays of murder and torture she’s witnessing before her eyes. The color now drained from her pale-stricken face, which she promptly hides in the crook of Lisa’s neck.

 

The screams made Chaeyoung glance up every now and then. Only to regret it immediately once she saw the disfigured monsters that dominated the Silent Hill dimension. Her hands would then grip Lisa’s arm tightly, fingernails digging into the fair skin, as she braced her nerves for the inevitable jump scares.

 

Lisa would peek at the frightened girl during these times. Feeling the slight tremble of her body as Chaeyoung sought Lisa for comfort, for reassurance from the nightmarish events that were unfolding when the movie neared its . She can’t say she’s not amused though. Because Chaeyoung would still try to keep a nonchalant façade, despite her quivering form and her frantic eyes. Kind of like a startled chipmunk about to scamper off at any moment.

 

In a way, it was rather cute—if you looked past the fact that Chaeyoung is genuinely terrified.

 

Or maybe I’m just secretly a sadist. Lisa chuckles to herself. Not that the Aussie would’ve noticed, since her ears were mostly tuned to the unnerving ambience of the film.

 

It’s only when Christabella burns Cybil to death, that Lisa decides to pause it. Seeing how Chaeyoung had all but crawled into her lap and is practically squishing her against the couch. Almost as if she were trying to fuse with her based on how close she’s pressed up against the Thai’s front. With Chaeyoung’s head being tucked under her chin, while her face is smooshed against Lisa’s throat.

 

The immediate silence forced Chaeyoung to withdraw as she hesitantly peers over her shoulder, then stares up at Lisa with confusion written across her face.

 

“You were scared, weren’t you?” Lisa teased as she gave her scaredy-cat girlfriend a wry smile.

 

Chaeyoung huffs, pretending like she didn’t just yelp almost thirty seconds ago during the cult scene. “N-No, I wasn’t…” She weakly protests while avoiding her gaze. Ah, this adorable liar.

 

“Yes, you were.” Lisa insists with a cocked brow. “It was so obvious.”

 

“Shut up, I wasn’t.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“No.

 

“Yes.”

 

“No—”

 

“Chaeyoung.”

 

The girl went mum at the sudden use of her Korean name. Lisa doesn’t often call her by it, since she normally refers to Chaeyoung by her various nicknames like “Chae” or even “Rosie”. But when she calls her “Chaeyoung”, the Aussie knows that Lisa is being serious and needs her utmost attention.

 

Chaeyoung sighs in defeat. “Okay, yeah. A little.” She says meekly, fiddling with her hands as her cheeks colored faintly in embarrassment. “I thought I’d be able to handle it, but… I guess not.”

 

The pout adorning her face has Lisa giggling, and she leaned down to plant a soft kiss on Chaeyoung’s lips. “Sorry for dragging you into this. Jisoo-unnie said it was scary, so I thought I’d give it a try. Didn’t like it much, but Pyramid Head was pretty cool.”

 

Chaeyoung gapes at her. “He literally just tore off Anna’s skin with his hands, Lisa. His hands.”

 

“Exactly!” Lisa beamed, and she just rolls her eyes in fond exasperation while smiling at the younger girl’s odd wonderment of the movie’s star antagonist.

 

“Alright, you weirdo.” Chaeyoung quips before glancing at the clock hanging over the wall. 1:04 AM. “We’d better sleep now. Jennie-unnie made plans for us to hang out later, and I don’t want to wake up all cranky just because you kept me up late again.”

 

Lisa just laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”

 

She then pats Chaeyoung’s thigh. A signal for her to climb off her lap so Lisa can stand up and stretch her arms.

 

I should’ve just popped in Hereditary, or Insidious. Lisa muses, feeling a bit disappointed by the lackluster movie they had watched. Maybe Orphan even.

 

A hand abruptly slides into her own, clenching around her long fingers as she turns her head. Her puzzled, black eyes locking with Chaeyoung’s anxious, brown ones.

 

“Chae, what’re you doing?” Lisa asked when another hand comes up to clutch at her shirt sleeve.

 

The older girl blinks. “Joining you to bed, obviously.” She states with faux innocence.

 

“But why though? You have your own room like the rest of us.”

 

At this, Chaeyoung groans. “Since when did you have a problem about me staying with you for the night?”

 

Lisa widens her eyes in disbelief. “I-I don’t!” She stammered. “It’s just—you don’t usually sleep in my room if you have plans the next day… unless you’re scared, or you need comfort.”

 

Chaeyoung only blushed, and the Thai already knew her answer.

 

“You’re still afraid, aren’t you?”

 

A pointed glare is directed towards her. “Zip it, Manoban. I can already hear you laughing in my head.” Chaeyoung grumbles.

 

Lisa grinned. “Aww, sweetheart. Come here.” She says while spreading her arms open for a hug.

 

“Don’t you dare touch me—Yah, let me go! I’m not a baby!”

 

“Oh, but you are to me~!”

 

“Lalisa!”

 

᠁

 

They’re inside her room a couple minutes later. Having stopped along the way since Lisa wanted to use the bathroom, and Chaeyoung all but camped outside in the hallway to wait for her. The Aussie wasn’t keen on going ahead without her girlfriend, so she opted to sit on the floor like an obedient puppy while Lisa did her business.

 

“Did you seriously just sit there instead of heading to bed already?” Lisa had asked once she stepped out, surprised to find Chaeyoung waiting by the door.

 

“Is this how you thank someone who willingly waits for you?” Chaeyoung demanded with hands on her hips.

 

“No, but—”

 

“Where’s my thank you, Lis? Hm?”

 

“I… Ugh, whatever. Thanks, babe.”

 

“I don’t like your sarcasm, but I’ll take it.”

 

“… You’re incorrigible, you know that?”

 

A peck on the cheek. “And yet, you still love me.”

 

“I do.” Came the smooth response back.

 

As they lay together on the large bed, Chaeyoung huddles up to Lisa and drapes an arm across her waist. Slotting her head back in its rightful place under Lisa’s chin, while their legs are tangled beneath the blanket thrown over them. Like a protective shield against the imaginary monsters that might be lurking in the dark corners of the room.

 

“You sure you don’t want me to keep the lights on?” Lisa questions again, her warm breath fanning across Chaeyoung’s scalp as she plays with the chestnut strands between her fingertips.

 

The Aussie shakes her head, which consequentially let her lips brush along Lisa’s throat as she shivers at the tingling sensation.

 

“I’m good, Lis. Thanks.” Chaeyoung murmurs against her skin, before she pulls away slightly to look at the Thai with hopeful eyes. “Can I get a goodnight kiss though?”

 

Lisa laughs, light and gentle, as her eyes curve into little crescents. “Of course.”

 

Chaeyoung inches herself upwards a bit so they can press their lips together. The contact soft and the movements slow as they tenderly eased into the kiss, lingering for a few seconds until she retracts with a happy, pleased expression that Lisa mirrors.

 

Satisfied, the couple bid each other goodnight and settle back for their well-deserved rest.

 

᠁

 

A few hours into their slumber, Lisa awakes to the feeling of movement in her arms. Seeing that she had ended up spooning Chaeyoung some time in their sleep, which restricted her view of her girlfriend’s face as faint whimpers broke through the silence of her room.

 

Nightmare.

 

Lisa furrows her brows, worried. She instantly knew what was going on then, but chose to stay quiet at first. Tightening her embrace ever so slightly to make Chaeyoung feel her presence.

 

“Chaeyoungie…” She murmurs softly into her ear. “Wake up, you’re having a nightmare…”

 

When she notices that the other girl is still shaking, she carefully turns her around to get a better look. The action causing Chaeyoung to wake up in the process as they faced each other once more, and Lisa feels a small pang in her chest at the tear-worn eyes staring back at her. Those shaken, brown pools trembling as the moonlight reflected against them.

 

“L-Lisa…” Was all Chaeyoung could utter, breathless, before she immediately surges forward and buries her face into Lisa’s chest as she cried. Her sobs going muffled against the latter’s shirt and making the spot damp with her bout of tears.

 

“Shhh, it’s okay…” Lisa whispers over her head, pressing a few kisses on it while she Chaeyoung’s back in an effort to soothe her in the best way she can. “I’m here now, Rosie. Nothing can hurt you.”

 

Her repeated ministrations worked as Chaeyoung begins to calm down. Her cries dwindling down to muted sniffles, and her tears slowing down into steady trickles. The tremors were still there, however, so Lisa continues to hold her, whispering reassurances and kissing her head repeatedly.

 

It stays like this for a good ten minutes, until Chaeyoung fully relaxes in her arms. Listening to the gentle beating of her lover’s heart in her ear, like the constant ticks of a metronome grounding her to reality.

 

She’s admittedly still tired, but the nightmare rendered her unable to sleep. Even just thinking about it was enough to make Chaeyoung afraid again.

 

“You wanna talk about it, Chae?” Lisa asked out of the blue. Her voice laden with a mix of drowsiness and concern.

 

The Aussie shakes her head. She’d rather not relive those gut-churning moments by narrating them herself, even if it’s just bits and pieces of what her mind could recollect. Thankfully, the Thai understood and just hugs her instead. Keeping Chaeyoung’s head against her chest as she snuggled closer to it.

 

“How about a drink then? Milk? Water? I can even make you some tea, if you want.” Lisa offers kindly, smiling when her girlfriend nods at that. “Alright, let’s go.”

 

The trip to the kitchen was even more silent, with Chaeyoung clinging onto Lisa’s arm for emotional support. It’s only when they’ve reached the dining table, did the older girl detach herself (albeit reluctantly) so that Lisa can start boiling water for her tea.

 

A moment later, the Thai sets down a steaming mug in front her. She had to dig further into the pantry just to find it, but they fortunately had a couple packets of chamomile tea left. Perfect for those who have trouble falling asleep.

 

“Here, drink up.”

 

Chaeyoung flashes her a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

 

She blows at her drink to cool it down before taking a few tentative sips of the scalding tea. Already feeling its effects as it alleviates the remaining tension in her body, and she slackens under the warm fuzziness it left inside her. Chaeyoung smiles at this, but then frowns shortly after when she saw Lisa. The younger girl is seated on the chair to her left. An arm propped up to support her head, which nodded off every once in a while as Lisa tries to stay awake. Her eyes half-open and staring blankly into nothingness.

 

Guilt immediately weaves its way into Chaeyoung’s conscience, silently berating her for interrupting Lisa’s sleep with her own childish nightmares.

 

“I’m sorry, Lis...”

 

Said girl perks up at the mention of her name, and she her head to one side. Confused as to why Chaeyoung would be apologizing. “For what?” She asks, seemingly wide-awake now as she stares at her remorseful girlfriend.

 

“You know, waking you up because of my nightmares.” Dainty fingers curled tightly around the mug’s handle. “It was really petty of me—”

 

“Woah, woah. Hey, none of that.”

 

Lisa interrupts with a comical wave of her hands, as if trying to erase the mere thought itself.

 

“Being scared is normal, Chae. It’s valid.” She reasons in a gentle voice. “And listen, it was mostly my fault you got them anyway. I made you watch that crappy movie in the first place.”

 

Chaeyoung begs to differ, but Lisa isn’t having it.

 

“Chaeyoung-ah, really.”

 

The Thai grasps her free hand into her own and laces their fingers together. Like two puzzles pieces that fit snugly in place.

 

“You don’t need to apologize. I’m just glad you’re alright now, and that’s all that really matters to me. Okay?”

 

The earnest tone in her voice, coupled with her soft, loving gaze, sent a different kind of warmth that blankets Chaeyoung in a sense of comfort and security. Her heart is overflowing with all sorts of emotions, since she hadn’t expected such an honest, yet… sincere reply. Though, that’s expected when you’re dating someone like Lalisa Manoban.

 

Chaeyoung thanks her sweet girlfriend for what could possibly be the third time that night, scooting a bit closer so she can kiss Lisa on the lips. A sign of appreciation, and an unspoken “I love you” for taking care of her.

 

When she withdraws, Lisa beams at her. Donning that adorable eye-smile, which has Chaeyoung swooned almost instantly.

 

“Say, Rosie… You up for some cartoons tonight?”

 

᠁

 

Seven episodes in, and Chaeyoung finds herself enjoying the strange domesticity of watching three bears living through their daily lives like normal humans would. It’s a shame that Netflix only has one season of We Bare Bears up on the site, since the show happens to be pretty good. (For as random of a plot as it is.)

 

Where do these guys even get their money? She’d wonder every time. Seeing how neither of the brothers are working, but can easily pay off Grizz’s absurd burrito orders.

 

Maybe there’s a wildlife trust fund going around...

 

She lifts her head up from where it was resting on Lisa’s shoulder to ask for her opinion—only to find the girl already fast asleep beside her. Mouth parted slightly, and her arm still loosely draped around Chaeyoung’s waist. Snoring away soundly as the Aussie observes her with fond eyes, which trace every feature of Lisa’s face to engrave them by memory.

 

How can someone look so beautiful, even when they’re just sleeping?

 

The enigma that is Lalisa Manoban never fails to amaze Park Chaeyoung in these candid moments.

 

Her gaze travels from those deep, heavy-lidded eyes that can be so sultry and intimidating, yet oh, so genuine and full of affection. To that prominent jawline accentuating Lisa’s side profile and her alluring charms, before drifting towards her plush, calamine-pink lips that look soft to the touch.

 

(Unknowingly, Chaeyoung swipes at her bottom lip with her tongue. Feeling the sudden urge to kiss Lisa then and there, even if she’s not awake to return it.)

 

The more Chaeyoung studies her girlfriend, the more she begins to appreciate everything the maknae has done for her tonight. Tolerating her silly fears, showering her with kisses while cuddling her, making her tea to help her relax and sleep better, then finally staying up late for another hour to watch cartoons until she grew tired. Lisa had done her best to stay awake earlier, but Chaeyoung couldn’t blame her for dozing off eventually. And besides, she deserves to rest.

 

Without wasting another second, Chaeyoung dives in for a kiss. Her gratitude pouring out into the act as she lingers there, savoring the velvety softness of Lisa’s lips against hers, before pulling back and pecking the underside of her jaw.

 

“I love you so much, Lis.” She whispers against her skin, head laying back down on Lisa’s shoulder as she closes her eyes. Ready to join her girlfriend in a pleasant slumber now that her nightmares seem to have disappeared.

 

As Chaeyoung drifts off to sleep, she vaguely discerns the movement of Lisa’s arm on her waist. Holding her close as the sound of the TV fades in the background, and feeling the light pressure on the top of her head as Lisa kisses her goodnight.

 

The following morning, Jisoo and Jennie come out and find the couple in the living room. We Bare Bears on its second replay, and their two dongsaengs still peacefully asleep in each other’s arms.