Imperfectly Perfect [Chaelisa]

forty nine

Trigger warning for mild homophobia and ableism.

-

"Lili!" Chaeyoung flings open the front door when she hears a knock. "I'm glad you came, I have a surprise!"

"A surprise?" Lisa repeats with a frown. "Are you okay? Your text was really abrupt and weird."

"Yes, I am so happy, Lili!" Chaeyoung bounces herself on the balls of her feet and once she's made sure the front door is closed, opens up the living room door. "Meet Hank!"

Lisa stares with wide eyes when Chaeyoung's new puppy comes running out of the room, yapping at her. Chaeyoung picks him up and kisses the top of his head, waiting for her reaction.

Eventually, Lisa speaks. "You got a puppy?"

"Yes!" Chaeyoung beams, staring down at Hank. "My mom read online that- um, it's - autistic kids benefit from having a support animal. And she's known that I always wanted a dog, and she brought him home about half an hour ago. That's when I texted you, I want him to meet you."

"Read online, huh? I guess you take after her." Lisa tries joking, but Chaeyoung thinks she's still a little surprised. "He's cute. I guess we're going to have to rethink our name for our future dog, then."

"Hank is only a puppy," Chaeyoung comments, "he'll probably still be alive when we're married and living together. That's why I wanted him to meet you. Because he'll be living with us. Here, pet him."

Carefully, Lisa scratches Hank behind the ear, and Chaeyoung smiles when she feels the puppy squirm excitedly in her arms. "He's so cute. Perfect match for you."

"He's the best," Chaeyoung smiles and kisses the top of his head again. "I have always wanted a puppy. My mom said- um, that she thinks I'm responsible enough to look after him. And I will."

Lisa smiles. "Do you want to take him for a walk?"

At the word, Hank squirms around even more in Chaeyoung's arms. "I think he wants to, but we're not allowed to yet. We have to wait two weeks because he just got all of his shots and stuff."

"Well, we can cuddle with him in your room," Lisa suggests, "is he going to sleep on your bed?"

"Yes," Chaeyoung nods, "but he has a basket downstairs too. My dad says he should stay in the kitchen on a night until we get him house trained so he doesn't ruin the carpets, but once he's fine he'll stay in my room with me."

As Chaeyoung puts Hank down again, Lisa smiles. "Do you want to watch a movie or something? We might as well, now that I'm here."

"Actually, I was wondering if you'd want to go out." Chaeyoung says. "We can't take Hank for a walk, but we can take ourselves."

"What do you want to do, Lo?" Lisa asks, knowing that shopping is definitely ruled out and anything else loud is too. "I'll go wherever."

"Um... can we go to the aquarium?" Chaeyoung asks, rocking on her heels. "I think it'd be fun. We haven't been there together yet."

Lisa hums in thought. "Okay. Sure. Only if I can buy you something from the gift shop."

"Okay," Chaeyoung nods, "I won't- um, I won't turn down free things."

"You'd better not," Lisa replies, "I want to shower you with presents. Even though I have like, two dollars to my name right now. It's worth it for you."

"I want to get you presents too," Chaeyoung says, rubbing a hand along her leg. "I want to- to show you I appreciate you. With presents."

"Rosie," Lisa laughs, "I already know you appreciate me. I appreciate you too."