Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The thought of him turning older feels like a daydream every time.

Although he was pretty much physically (and mentally) about 27 and not born on the day, everyone treats it as his birthday as he doesn't know the exact date he was born. Organizations do have a whole load of "other history" they still have yet to uncover. Annoying to notice that they don't really have an actual childhood as they are forced to grow up quickly... Annoying to him as well at the fact this was his second chance being on this forsaken planet.

He just came to Earth whenever the ASEAN contract was signed, and so August 8 is celebrated as his big day. Actually, scratch that—he did go to Earth before ASEAN. He was the same guy as the Association of Southeast Asia, without the "-n Nations". Everyone kind of knew that, including himself, but they would all agree that it's the can of worms they prefer not to open unless asked about. His personal history was way too unnatural and complicated anyway.

ASEAN didn't care about his birthday at all in his whole full honesty. He admits it, he hated celebrating his birthday, yet this year doesn't feel different—or he thought it wouldn't. One major factor: it was his 50th birthday, his “golden” anniversary. He knows that people will cheer on and celebrate it, right? He only just got global recognition about 10 years ago when he got chartered and let in the UN meetings on the same year. 

His anniversaries—or his "birthdays"—are something he didn't want to waste his time on, literally why he hasn't planned on anything this year, but of course the entire Southeast Asia being very, well, Southeast Asian celebrates it anyway. At least none of them declared it a national holiday or something, because that would be crossing the line in the rulebook.

He went to the calendar application on his phone to check the agenda tomorrow: there's somehow a planned meeting in the morning about 10 am, which probably will involve Timor Leste to the organization and Singapore denying the entry again, and in the evening there's most possibly a kind-of-sleepover party as the usual..? Who wrote this? No, who planned this? It's somehow off, especially when literally the top of the date of the calendar said "ASEAN Anniversary", and he doesn't think he put that on there.

Are they plotting a surprise? Possible, considering the fact that he's a year closer to his demise tomorrow. At least on whatever they're planning for the next day would actually make sense unlike the meetings they have lately, in which he still doesn't understand because of the Spratly Islands controversy.

As soon as he puts down his phone, he realizes that he did leave himself outside. It was a cold night, almost 9 in the evening. He had forgotten another country had decided to join him at the backyard-balcony-garden area. Thailand, one of the three people who has been stuck with as ASA and one of the five who signed ASEAN. At the back of his head, he knows that he owes her a bunch, even if that isn't a case in reality, because she has done a whole lot in the organization and his personal life he couldn't even keep count of.

They didn't do anything nor interacted thus far but sit on a nearby bench in which they are about 5 feet apart, not because they don't communicate that often, they just zone out very often in their individual little headspaces.

Thai almost slept just looking over at the plants and the stars due to how dark and comfortable it was. They both had just finished dinner just a while ago, Malaysia and Indonesia both cooked for everyone in their own houses (or apartments) and it turned out fine. Everyone in the building left except for the two and Myanmar & the Philippines, who were said to do a private meeting in one of the meeting rooms inside. ASEAN already had a conclusion that meeting was about tomorrow because Myanmar did have some things to catch up on... He literally just arrived from a vacation that lasted for about 3 months.

Although it was sadly around the end of summer, that meant that temperature changes would start popping up now and then. It was cold, but it wasn't because they couldn't survive outside. It may be normal temperature, but their office was located near a mountain beside a rice field, so it naturally made the office covered in cold weather.

The pair outside even had to consider lighting a mini-campfire in front of the bench but came to the realization that the plants nearby may catch on fire and they did not want to deal with plants being on fire right outside the building, and in Thai's defense she didn't want the office to be on fire the day before the anniversary. Instead of setting up a cold fire, both grabbed several clothes to wear to work themselves off; Thailand wore a crimson sweater she had at her office locker also wearing the same colored beanie on her hair, and ASEAN borrowed a dark blue-colored light coat from Phil with a banana-colored scarf wrapped around his neck. 

Why outside though? Electricity bills can blow itself up.

Thailand pulled out her phone and check some messages she might've missed, and for some odd reason trying to not let the person sitting beside her not to look over the private conversations. ASEAN took notice of it, but he decided to himself not to ask any questions about it as it might be extremely private for him to ask about it... Unless it's about tomorrow where it would be hi- okay, yeah, whatever.

The cold breeze hits the pair once again, he had to pull up the hood to his head from the borrowed jacket. He wasn't from coldness or anything so, he just needed some warmth from this temperature. He digs his neck into the light-colored scarf, untilted his glasses which were a bit sideways. A DM from the EU, his close friend, that he really can't bother to respond to right now was seen on his notifications tab, it was probably about the lunch they had together just this afternoon... he decided to not respond to him at all like the great friend he was.

The organization looked around the area once more, he noticed that it was probably the best area to go around at this hour. He hasn't been in this area of this building that often, but oh boy. The view over the fence was amazing, isn't clear obviously but the plantation downstairs combined to the fact that they're in a mountain right now feels naturally inclined to his brand. 

Wait, what time is it..? 8:57?!

"We need to go inside," the organization stated

The country didn't respond with anything but a nod, and immediately removing her beanie and headed inside, ASEAN followed shortly after. Before proceeding, he reached out to his phone once again, this time finally opening EU's message while on it. He noticed that EU tried to call him a bunch of times as well, how come he hasn't noticed this?

The message line as follows:

[1 missed call from ✨ Euro :).]

< | Sea?

< | Un told me to stop by at your apartment, are you in there?

[2 missed calls from ✨ Euro :).]

< | Okay, screw that, listen

< | I don't know if you're leaving me on read, but can you come to the park by like right now? Like it isn't really necessary for you to go there but it's for work purposes

As soon as he read the message, he groaned. He didn't really want his time this night wasted, he was exhausted after today's events... and they did have that lunch that afternoon.

He's okay in terms of his own ties on other organizations... but does he really like to be one? Well not really—but life is life and life doesn't give you what's granted, unfortunately.

ill pass, figured i would pass out once i arrive there :') | >

why did you call me fro it? | >

< | It was supposed to be urgent or something, but nato arrived and changed everything 

< | Just go to sleep, big day ahead 😊

He probably left his phone muted at the time he was outside, he was just too lazy to check and decided to keep it in his pocket and move on.

As he stepped foot back inside the 3-story building, he remembered why he wasn't hanging out inside by the lounge. It was even more stupidly cold inside because Myanmar wanted the temperature to be that low for some reason. Phil hated that idea but did have an extra jacket by his small locker so went with it. And this was why the electricity bills are pretty high.

"When was it almost nine?"

The country who was outside with him just a moment ago asked

"Time can shatter itself," he giggled, in Thai.

"Well sure yeah—are you going back to your apartment now?" Thailand asked.

"It's pretty late, it's best if I should," he replied. "Besides, it's a big day tomorrow and you know why."

"Haha, right!"

- - - - - - - - - -

He unlocked the doors, does his evening routine, placed his glasses beside the digital alarm clock and dropped himself onto his bed after arriving back to his apartment.

His face and red-to-yellow colored halo was splattered against the white pillow, and his dusty blue eyes was looking at the huge wall-like window he forgot to close the curtain on. He mumbled a groan onto the pillow, then decided to stand up and approach the window.

He tapped the closed and folded curtain at the side twice, then looked over at the view from the window. He was now in the middle of the city unlike earlier, which he was in a really mountainous environment. The ASEAN office wasn't that far from his apartment; they were only about 15 minutes apart, but both places really have such different tones in terms of nature.

His apartment was around the 7th floor, near the rooftop, and for him gave the best urban view he had ever imagined, and especially at night. He didn't like the daytime view from his window as much since he personally thinks it felt bland, however he grew up looking at the blinking lights at night and even those decorations hanged on the wall that illuminates at the dark. Each and every light shining in the evening he can see through his apartment would always amaze him even if it's just a plain car passing by. He always adored light shows, and every time he sees one makes him happy.

Then through that window as well, he could see a quick glimpse of himself. Just arrived a few minutes ago and yet he now looks like he just woke up from hybernation. His hair was a poofy mess lengthening to his shoulders. His eyes look sort of dull, as he honestly thinks it always was. After a minute or two, he finally shuts the brown curtain on the window, and even locking it in the process. After so, he turned off the lights using the switch located near his cream-colored lamp, double checking the alarm of his digital clock, and laid his back on top of the bed, leaving himself looking at the dark ceiling.

He turned to the side away from the window and towards a familiar device on top of the other bedside table, his tablet. 

He slightly frowned towards himself though, before muttering on the pillow:

"You're so old."

He dragged his blanket up and placed his spare pillow on top of his head, covering both of his ears. (Does he even have ears? Like, naturally?)

His dusty blue eyes was found in a twinkle under the blankets and pillows, staring at the wooden bed frame. Staring at it for no particular reason, he zoned out more into his thoughts... about himself.

He had gotten this far, huh? It felt like the Cold War ended yesterday, and time made him think he just met EU—or the EEC for the first just a couple of weeks back. And he changed his flag just 20 years ago?! Does it really like the world made it like time was a flash, or it was just because there have been more than eighteen thousand days and yet forgotten the most boring days of his life?

He groaned, turning himself to the other side once again, back looking at the closed curtained window. The darkness of the room made it that he can barely see the outside's little lights sparkling through the brown-colored curtain making it look like stars shining in his room despite it's transparency, then digging into thoughts once again.

It's truly unbelievable how much he had gotten this far into his own life. He wasn't really the first organization to do so, he was literally the first one to hit 50 in the Asia-Pacific. Although he did existed as ASA in the past, he noticed how much his personality changed ever since he stepped up himself and changed his flag.

He used to be that one organization who doesn't care about anything about himself and literally anybody else, he used to be such a workaholic to the point he pulled out a mask to protect himself. He used to be really sour and he literally did follow the "strict Asian dad" stereotype at one point, now he's just free and wants the best out of anyone, he stepped out of his comfort zone that day and it's a day he wouldn't ever forget.

He remembered that day vividly, for the first time he celebrated his birthday was the time he came out of his glass cage he formed himself. He hated his old personality and what he was formed to be. 3 days before that day, he revealed himself to one of his members, Singapore, it was such a hard thing to push through.

For 30 years he had struggled keeping up an identity he once thought he had, but in reality he wasn't, because society forced him to look like some person with actual power. Ever since that day, he hated being recognized as an organization and taking much credit into being one, he just wanted to live his life whatever he wanted. He still knows some of his members didn't get used to his new personality, and it especially applied to Malaysia as he had noticed. 

As long as he was satisfied with himself more.

He stared at the curtain for a few seconds after loosing his thoughts, investigating every single light he sees from the curtain, but then without noticing, his sight would turn into pure darkness.

A vision leading into a story,

Identities are waiting to unfold.

A community making a memory,

Finding it's pathway to become gold.

︎

Chapter Text

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He found himself in the middle of nowhere.

It was cold, stupidly cold, all over again. Just like how it was about an hour ago, it felt like. He didn't know what caused him to freeze that hard yet... It felt strange.

Everything was white. Pure, bright white. There's nothing he can see at this point when he turns from left to right, and up to down except for himself, in which he noticed he was in his casual white hoodie-jacket and his glasses. And even additionally, his gold-to-red colored wings were shown, at least he has something to cover with in this scenario.

He walked forwards for a little bit just in case something interesting would happen. He remembers, he has been here before. He just doesn't remember why, when or how. It felt like he wasn't in a real place, it feels unnatural to begin with.

ASEAN stopped looking around for a moment and falls onto his knees. Confused, cold. He was clearly shivering from how cold it was... He didn't really like it.

He inhaled and exhaled loudly. Is he subconscious? If so, why does he have a clear mind out of all of this?

All of the sudden, his body started to get warmer as soon as he heard a familiar voice.

"Hi, ASEAN.”

...

His eyes widen from the nostalgic yet loud voice, that recognizable voice he had deep into his memory. One that, gives him nostalgia every time he hears his voice all of the sudden.

He turned his head to his back, noticing the other individual calling his name. That black sweater, the average-sized goggles he would often borrow, the light blue flag with some sort of shield and rice stalk emprinted on it... 

SEATO.

SEATO had been affecting his own life since forever, and it was for the better. From his times as ASA (and MPI) towards SEATO's sudden death, they have been relatively close with each other. They shared so much stories and was so close to the point where they considered each other as brothers. Ever since he was let go on his own, he tries his best to remember him and keep his legacy alive. He was the first ever person of ASEAN's communications that knew him away from his then-strict personality, alongside another sibling...

The younger was now in the verge of tears of mixed emotions, happy to see him again, sad to think about how much his friend's death meant for him, glad that he was given something but coldness in the white void.

He would also notice that the other was about to cry, yet smiling genuinely. God that smile, that one nostalgic smile he had been remembering for years.

He couldn't help it; he slowly gets up and runs towards his friend, almost tackling him in the process with his wings wrapping the other as well, and gave him a really big embrace. Tears would fall from his eyes towards his own cheek, in which he dumped it on the shoulder of the other. He felt a response from the hug that he started, his friend hugged back. SEATO notices how much ASEAN was struggling not to cry, but failing miserably, as he noticed the really sharp breaths, he decided to inform him.

"H- Hey... It's okay, you can- just keep it out."

"No- I just..."

The organization was in lost of words. Whether or not this is real anymore, he's happy he was able to see his friend again. It's been about 40 years since they last talked to each other, and with that time he had been into his deep thoughts. His motivation increased ever since, even in terms of changing his identity.

Thinking of, SEATO pulled out the hug and handed over some ply of tissue from his pocket and the other grabbed it. The light-blue-flagged organization would then comment, "Your colors are pretty."

He wasn't really there during the time he changed his flag himself. He did kind of stole the color palette from the other members, but he just does prefer the colors he chose over the one the founding five did. The colors he had now feels more into his own purpose, and the colors of his new reformed personality he came out as.

"Thanks..."

His silent response made the other smile in awe. Whatever made the younger feel once he saw him once again, he was just happy. But then, quickly he changed the subject.

"Sea, I don't have much time with you here, so I have to say this quickly."

The change of pace makes ASEAN's eyes widen. Confused, he responded, "W- Sure..."

SEATO pulls out a golden envelope, sealed with a light red sticker from his own pocket. It brightly shines due to its material, it really looked like it was metallic. He handed it over to his friend, in which the other grabbed onto it.

"Open it when you come back," he instructed, staring at the eyes of the other straight.

The younger organization looked at the envelope for a little it, it seemed like there was some sort of carved designed imprinted around the edges, and the red sticker looked like there was a star symbol. 

Interrupting the other investigating each and every detail the envelope he had, he placed his hand on top on the other's left shoulder. "Sea, listen to me," he told in the most calmest voice he can do at the moment. ASEAN just responded with an eye contact back at him, in which SEATO started to pull out a small speech.

"I'm proud of you, and I mean it in the best way you possibly could've- more than you could've imagined. I've been watching you ever since and whatever you did to be like this, I'm here for it."

The other interrupts, "But I hate being known as-"

"I know you don't like being recognized but listen, I really can't think of a better person to succeed me. Let alone a friend whom I trusted so much to the point I can consider a brother to me."

The younger froze, with even more tears appearing on his eyes all of the sudden. At that sudden emotion, the brotherly friend takes off the blocky glasses of the other, wiping his tears of the other using his own hand whilst still continuing his statement.

"You don't have to be like any other organizations to succeed, the only key ingredient you need to succeed is yourself. As far as- uhm, Ever since you came out that day, everything runs around in very smooth bumps and yet here you are! Ten whole members across Southeast Asia—unlike me—with 2 others you watch over and observe, and a really operational forum with the support of your other organizational friends... You've done a lot without me, and I trust you that you can do even more."

ASEAN couldn't help it, the tears he was dropping with his heart burning inside of him, making him feel warmer than about 2 minutes ago. He shuts off his eyes and showed his iconic smile, holding the paper envelope the other gave him just about a minute ago.

"Thank you... Thank you for everything, SEATO."

In straight Thai, SEATO responded. "It's nothing. I'm very proud of you, brother."

SEATO smiled, closes the frames of ASEAN's glasses and hugged him tight once again. ASEAN hugged back, wrapping his arms around the back of his own friend and still holding the envelope. This time, he covers his eyes on the other's shoulders trying to cover the tears he was having.

He hasn't seen his friend, or rather his brother in ages. The joy that he felt towards this situation mixed with extreme knowledge that he might go soon as he stated he had only a limited time in this world which is possibly not even real, it was hurting him. He didn't know if it was a good thing or not, but this strong of an emotion is something he would ever get from SEATO.

He notices that his friend pats the other's back, now noticing that he was having trouble holding back his tears. His voice would then be heard from behind.

"A- I'll miss talking to you, ASEAN."

His eyes would pop out of his brother's shoulder, looking towards his eyes from his current angle. He really couldn't stop crying on how much emotions he had to deal with right now.

"E- Even if the whole world will forget you, I will n- never forget you..."

ASEAN pulls back from the hug, and looked at the older with his signature smile. The other then looks down, breaking the whole mood.

"I need to go."

The organization blinked, "Where are you going?"

"I'll still be with you, but promise that you can do anything without me," SEATO responded, wiping his own tears he had on him.

ASEAN gave away a slight frown, yet still dropped into tears within his eyes, "I will, thanks."

"No problem! Just remember to keep my legacy alive, alright?"

ASEAN's hands started to shake. He seriously couldn't take how much emotions he had to feel in the span of what, 5 minutes? His childhood friend appearing on front of him, and it felt real, giving him a really thoughtful speech and now he needed to go... Again.

SEATO opens up the glasses he was holding and puts it back on ASEAN. He smiled once after that and told him.

"I'll see you around."

The other stuttered. "Goodbye..."

"Paalam, ASEAN."

And in the blink of an eye, nobody was there in front of him.

ASEAN fell to the ground once again, holding the envelope he had been given. He started at it for a moment, noticing his reflection on the item. His tears was still falling across his cheeks in both eyes, which made him call out himself.

"Pull yourself together."

He looked at the envelope once again, staring at the curly design it had. His fingers reached towards the sticker, and he tries to remove it to see what was written inside the envelope.

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He woke up.

Chapter Text

The organization would open his eyes, fluttering until the vision gets adapted to the light inside the room. He was wearing his attire he last got in last night, a black plain shirt and shorts but, his wings were out this time.

That dream... Oh my goodness that dream. It felt so real!... Did he just- cry on his own bed? What happened to that letter? He met SEATO for the first time in ages. He hasn't appeared in his dreams before... He wanted to see him again.

Rubbing his eyes, ASEAN sat up on the bed, still having the blanket on top of his legs, then proceeded to try grab his glasses at the counter whilst trying to balance with the force of his gold-red wings.

"What the heck?-" he muttered, locating his glasses and almost falling off the bed. He noticed, it felt a little later than usual, he did set up the alarm for 6am right?

He finally grabbed the eyewear at the side table and pats it with the blanket's cloth for a little before wearing it and finally looks at the room in full detail. The curtain was widely open, he did close the curtains last night... Did he?

He noticed the golden rays entering from the window all the way to the wooden floor. Each and every light shining the small amount of dust floating on air, and his wings clearly sort of bounced some light towards the ground. The city view was—as normal—pretty industrial in the morning as the roads were almost filled up with cars and people in their work outfits was observed being going to their own buildings.

He gets out of bed and grabbed his phone at the bedside table. He turns it on, displaying his wallpaper that he actually took in a rainforest one time with a little ladybug, and reads the time.

8:12 am.

"Huh..."

ASEAN turned to his alarm clock at the other table, picking it up and pressing a bunch of buttons to check if the alarm was working. He then notices that the alarm was set to 6am sharp and with snoozing on, it looked like it wasn't snoozed or anything. Oh yeah, someone probably did turn off the alarm then.

At first, he didn't open curtain and so he had no idea who did that, he somehow "overslept", and he did not recall talking to anyone that night after he left. Did someone seriously break into his apartment without his consent and tries to lengthen his sleep schedule or whatnot?

Then it stroke him, right. It was his birthday, or foundation day rather. Fiftieth to be exact. Right but, who broke into his apartment without consent?! The only people he knows that has his card keys are himself, the apartment key vault which was very hard to ask from, and.... Ah.

He had forgotten he trusted Singapore with his spare keys. He didn't want to put it in the office for the sake of not trusting himself since he keeps forgetting to bring the keys to his locker, he gave it to one of his founding members he mostly trusted. Did Singapore or some other ASEAN member literally just barged into his apartment and turned off his alarm when it went off, and with an additional task of opening the curtain? Gladly his phone, tablet, computer, or television wasn't actually stolen or else he would get really mad.

He sighed, then placed down the alarm clock back at its original place. He closed the curtains once more before proceeding to his morning activities... Literally ignoring the fact his schedule was ruined.

ASEAN's apartment wasn't really too big yet not too small, it was fair enough for him to live on his own and have his own little workspace and a kitchen for reasons that he want to step into it a little more. 

He grabbed his tablet from the other bedside table and this time scanned through his notifications. Now that social media was a thing, everyone would just usually greet him there. He wasn't really happy with that commitment in his opinion just because it feels too bland just to greet online when you can meet in person (except for times if an "infection" type of deal would occur inside the world), but there wasn't really any much choice as generations move faster than he expects it to be.

The Asian reached to the kitchen, looking around for a second. He then proceeded to grab the pack of loaf bread in the cabinet and butter in the refrigerator, and does the usual breakfast activities he would do in preparing a toast. He wasn't in the mood for rice, he expected everyone to come and throw him food later anyway. He will be given attention after all as this specific day of a year would make everyone noisy inside the office.

He scanned through his tablet once again while waiting, this time at his messages. He bothered opening some chats; The ASEAN Regional Forum group chat was full of messages revolving his birthday, the organizational group chat wasn't awake until just a minute ago when EAEU sent a message saying a classic happy birthday, a NATO direct message who just sent him a happy birthday privately— it was mostly all birthday greetings. He felt surprised but partly doesn't at all, he did meet a whole group of people throughout his 50 years on stepping on the planet as ASEAN. He hated popularity but hated being alone, and so it was nice to hear from others remembering his birthday.

He puts down his tablet and felt a little thing on the side of his hand, accidentally pushing and dropping it onto the floor which made a really loud and annoying sound. He looked down and picked it up, it was a coin. No surprise there, really, but it did have a huge role within his life when it comes about his existence.

He placed the coin back on top of the counter and looked to his left slightly, which he saw a white sort of paper with writings on top of it. He stared at it for a little from his area.

He approached the paper and flipped it over. It wasn't just a piece of paper, it was a picture. And it seemed like there was a golden ribbon attached to it as well. He looked at the ribbon for a moment and looked at its direction, it looks like it was heading through the door. The exact same shade of gold he remembered vividly with that one envelope of that dream of his.

Ah, so someone really did break into his apartment just for a surprise; he was expecting it yet still highly interested in what his members had set up this time. They don't do this every year, this was the first year it seemed like they put a lot of effort to surprise him.

He picked up the picture and investigated it—it was a photo back when they had their last known "hangout" together. Just about 5 months ago, everyone insisted to go visit a cafe which was ran by someone that will donate their earnings to charity, eventually ASEAN was dragged in & joined them, and took a picture on the way as well. This was the picture they had taken together, printed on a fine piece of photo paper.

The background was mostly green, as it was a bunch of trees behind them and a row of white metal fence. The floor is the concrete road, assumingly that this is the area from either the parking lot or the walkway. Cambodia and Laos were both seemingly fighting to get the cup of iced coffee Vietnam was holding, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar all did assorted wacky poses, Indonesia was doing the "bunny ears" trend to Philippines, Phil was seen eating a biscuit, and Singapore & Malaysia were both seen playing with each other with papers. ASEAN was at the corner, doing the two fingers out pose.

He smiled happily at the sight of the picture, but then accidentally dropped the picture onto the counter in shock as the toast popped out of the toaster. His heart was rapidly beating as soon as it popped out, but then he gave himself a couple of breathes to calm himself down. He looked back at the picture he dropped and finally settled; once he was done with his morning routines, he's going out to check what's going on.

He walked towards the toaster that just popped but stopped as he realized something dangling at his back. He turned, and realized that the ribbon he picked up earlier dangled on his right wing. He groaned, "This can be a hassle."

- - - - - - - - - -

ASEAN was finally ready, he was now wearing his white shirt with a crimson red hoodie-jacket, halfway. His glasses were just hanging around his sleeves as he decided to wear contact lenses that day. The jacket he was wearing was given specifically from Laos the other day as a supposed early birthday gift a year ago, he just had the right chance to wear it now. As the others say, "those who wear red are the birthday celebrants today". Well, it did take him a while to wear his clothes due to his wings in the way, he didn't bother to hide it anymore since he really felt like it—and he's lazy.

He picked up the picture he found earlier, and pulled the gold ribbon to see it lifted up and stretched. He noticed that there was another paper-like object attached in the middle of it, and the ribbon literally went outside of the apartment door. He decided to roll the ribbon, removing the picture and message that was attached and read earlier carefully and placing it in his pocket. As he placed it there, he thought of probably recording himself following the ribbon, but he didn't as it might come out as weird for an organization to do that.

He rolled the ribbon on his right palm, then finally reached the other note he found dangling. He looked around the area he was in at the moment, he was at the living room. The picture on the floor was located in the middle of the couch and a bookshelf filled with loads of collectables his members gave him from time to time, heck even the ukulele that was first given to him and a picture of him, SEATO and Maphilindo (the organization) hanging out together that one time. Man, he wondered what the letter meant last night.

He noticed that the note was actually located nearby of a Merlion statue but he pulled the ribbon and lost its place. That gave him the instant realization the paper was something to do with Singapore.

He rolled the ribbon closer and carefully removed the paper. This time it wasn't any picture, it was a small note. Curious, he read it, as he instantly recognized the handwriting, and noticed how it was strictly written in Malay.

"The waves of waters has started to calm town after the huge storm. Clearing the fog, there lies an island situated just on front of you. You approach it, and eventually found some creature whom you've mistaken as a tiger. You maintained eye contact with the angered creature, and seconds later he started to calm down and ran away. You have made memories with me unexpectedly in my life, and ever since that day you landed, I came to my realization that expanding further is something I needed to do, and you made me do it. Selamat Hari lahir, ASEAN! P.S. I'm outside your door."

He placed the paper into his pocket and rolled the golden ribbon fast until he finally reaches for the door. The lengthly object was stuck, and so he opens the door to the hallway. He looked at his left to see the elevator and the ribbon still scattered around the hallway, and he looked at the other side to see... Singa. He noticed that the line of gold ribbon ended literally beside him too, it ended at the nearby vase belonging to the apartment building's decorations.

Singapore was honestly the plus one of the founders of ASEAN as he was originally just going to observe the organization, he was a part of it now. Both Singa and ASEAN maintained quite a close relationship in and outside of work due to their close birthdates and age, even if their relationship was bitter at the first time they met each other. Not only that, Singa was the biggest critic of the organization, that's why he usually rely on him in some certainties.

Wearing his casual red polo with the ASEAN logo on it and plain black pants, Singapore was focused on his phone at first, but then noticed the other's sudden appearance at the door. The country puts down his phone and greeted, "Oh!- Good morning si- ASEAN-"

"How long have you been waiting here?"

The other blinked which admitted that he didn't really want to tell what's up right now, but then just answered honestly. "Two hours."

ASEAN sighed, adjusting his glasses with his left hand, then starting rolling the ribbon closer again. "Mmm, no wonder why you left work early last night- also isn't tomorrow your day as well?"

Singapore chuckled, "To be fair, you did surprise me last year you know? Why not return the favor lah."

He smiled, as he stopped compiling the ribbon once he reached the vase. That was partly true, last year—or a few years ago at Singapore's 50th birthday, he did help set up a mini programme for him, and he contributed a lot. 

The organization chuckled, "Well then 'tomorrow birthday boy', what's in store with the whatever the shhh- these ribbons are."

"Oh right!" The other lit up, placing the cellphone device inside his pant pocket and approaching him by the vase. 

They both stared at each other for about five minutes in full awkwardness, then left with ASEAN speaking and raising an eyebrow.

"So..?"

The other snapped their fingers. "Now."

"Now?!-"

And just like how the sound echoes within the halls, a yellow-colored blindfold was suddenly wrapped around the others eyes and almost dropping the glasses in the process. With pure darkness filling up the entire vision, a familiar voice suddenly emerges from behind, tying the knot of the handkerchief.

"Salamat po, Singa!"

That voice, along with the language spoken, would be easily recognizable for the organization. It was Philippines, the current chairman for this year anyway. It would make sense for Phil to be the mastermind about this surprise as he was pretty much the sunshine of the group, and he was the one who contributed the most anyway in terms of birthdays in general. It was clearly felt that he was having some sort of trouble tying the blindfold as his wings partly blocked the way.

The organization spoke, "Ph- Phili-?! Whaha- what's happening?"

"It's your special dayyyy," the Filipino responded, speaking that aloud like a tune just played, and eventually let go of the blindfold, imperfectly tied but it was worth it for him.

A chuckle was heard from his front from Singapore himself. "Let's go?"

"Let's take the stairs," Phil suggested, gripping on ASEAN's left shoulder. "I don't want to use the eleva-"

"I'm wearing a blindfold!"

"You're a public health hazard."

Both the organization and the country-state said in unison, interrupting the chairman's statement. Phil then concluded, "Okaaay, elevator it is!"

Chapter Text

Each and every step he had to go through going to that "location" they said to have that one surprise in feels like it was getting warmer, physically and mentally. Every time both countries speak, it's always about watching his step even if he was practically holding both of them—or they both were holding him, either way—and no other conversations really popped up on their way. It was the exact opposite on how cold he was just yesterday.... And that dream.

During their time at the elevator and them walking around, thank goodness nobody spotted them or it would come out as awkward. They did surely passed by a person or two, but it's either that they didn't care or the passbyers just don't really mind what is happening.

Well nobody spotted him with the exception than none other than Cambodia.

Cambodia was the latest person to join the organization, she was pretty unaware of the assumed old personality ASEAN once had, even if she was an observer during so. Literally everyone decided not to tell her all about their old memories with the old ASEAN, and it didn't really matter about telling her anyway. ASEAN knew because of her attitude towards him comparing it to the rest of the organization.

"Here!" He heard her say when they all stopped walking. He didn't know what to expect really, he's sure the color gold were the '50th anniversary' type of thing and it was the original color of his wings before it halfway faded to red after he changed his flag; as much as he does expect a surprise, he doesn't know what it is.

"Thanks Cam," he heard Phil say in the most casual way possible. These people feels so relaxed than excited, looks like they have been planning this sort of surprise for a while.

He noticed a sudden silence surrounding him, he forced his wings to be squeezed at his back for a little due to how empty the atmosphere was. For a moment the silence made him feel uncomfortable and it probably showed beneath the blindfold, but he was deeply sure that they were planning something again on what to do with him. 

For about a moment, he noticed that he was let go by both countries. As (a little) childish as he always was, he moved to his right unaware that the floor was so slippery. He was about to loose his balance until his left wing felt a cemented support beam nearby, making it wrap around it and he stood properly once again. He might've noticed that one of the three countries nearby saw that he was about to fall at one point, as he heard Cambodia speak in Khmer.

"អ្នកយឺតណាស់។" [anak yut nasa.]

As someone who knows her language decently well, he chuckled within the statement for a little bit, before he heard Singapore say.

"What?"

"Hurry up, idiot."

ASEAN decided to speak. "You know, you can't just keep someone waiting, blindfolded."

He heard Cambodia say, "Phil gave away the idea of you being blindfolded, not us."

"Tsk," someone said, he was unsure who's voice was it as he never really caught up with people making that sound lately.

Of course Phil had to give the blindfold. For goodness sake, he's literally the organization's party organizer or something related so, it wasn't really a big surprise.

It took a few seconds until someone approaches him and handed him over the familiar long cloth.

"Follow the ribbon, then pull open the door. You can take the eye thing off afterwards."

The organization heard Phil about a few seconds after and he responded with a nod. With a deep of a sigh, he pulled the ribbon first to check how long it was from where he was but immediately realized that he might destroy the entire thing, or he might slip from how dangerous the floor is right now. He decided to follow the ribbon path.

As he continued moving forwards, he noticed it was getting warmer. The air conditioning of the halls were about to wear off, it felt like he was going near a window of some sort. August was pretty much the last month for them to experience sunshine that was hot, looks like they're making it an opportunity.

He would bump onto something like a wall. He investigated it with his sense of touch and noticed there was a handle sticking out of the side. Ah, this was the door they were talking about. The ribbon seemed to be stuck at the door, which was good that he didn't destroy anything with the long ribbon.

He rolled the ribbon at his right hand again, then proceed to grip his left onto the metal handle. He moved backwards for two steps being careful about the ribbon and opens the door. As soon as he was sure that he entered wherever the ribbon lead him, he removed the blindfold.

Chapter Text

ASEAN's eyes were exposed by bright sunshine before adjusting to the environment... He was outside. The grass was brightly green, vines were hanging around the long walls, a concrete pathway towards a small fountain at the near back, this was actually the apartment's outdoor mini-park. He hasn't been there before, but notices some subtle changes just for the occasion.

The gold ribbon he was holding doesn't seem to end, and he meant it literally. The ribbon he was holding was the same type he was holding back at his apartment, it literally leads to the middle of the yard with a beautiful design. 10 ribbons erupted from the middle, each one scattering towards the walls and spreading it around the top like festival flags. Not only so, even more ribbons were hanged around the room like vines, each with an attached picture at the end of it. About 30-50 pictures was scattered across the room, and it includes the table at the back of the fountain with all the food and the cake he has yet to see. 

The bushes surrounding the area feels very colorful, filled with white and pink flowers. A bunch of orchids erupted from both the pond at the side and near the fountain. Hibiscus and Arabian Jasmine flower petals were scattered across the floor to take in effect. His dusty blue-red eyes were sparked with joy, as the golden ribbons made the yard shine with a bit of yellow. The mild warmth of the place gave him energy and the sound of the  fountain made the environment even more relaxing.

He felt someone's arms wrapped around his from behind. Noticing the outfit that person wears, a light red hoodie with some casual darker red stripes in each side. He spoke, turning his head as far as he can behind him, "Heyy, Indo!"

And immediately after, he noticed someone joined the embrace, and another, and he fell on the grassy ground after someone else joined forcibly. He heard a bunch of ow's before he started to giggle, which made the five on the floor including laugh harder. There, he recognizes Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos and Brunei on the ground with him.

Another person enters the room by the glass door, recognizing the flag it was Malaysia. He spoke, "Is this a dogpile?"

"Mal!" Vietnam called, as he grabbed the rice hat at the side after his fall.

"Oh seriously?!" Some voice was heard behind Malaysia, Thailand's. "The camera ran out of battery!"

There was a second of silence before Indonesia and Vietnam bursted out of laughter. Brunei called her, "Thai! You should've charged yesterday!'

"Use mine," someone else said by the doorway, seemingly giving a camera towards the country. It was Singapore, this time wearing a white scarf around his neck the last time ASEAN saw him.

"Let's get up, I might look like a mess from the grass later on," Laos groaned, standing up and helping Vietnam and Brunei to stand up.

Singapore grabbed ASEAN's arm and he stood up. He muttered a "Terima kasih" before diverting his attention back at the other members.

Myanmar and the Philippines walked by the door as well, both holding a tray of cupcakes which colors were around the yellow and orange spectrum.

Singapore pushed the door open for them to come out the building, ASEAN observed them coming in, and his eyes glanced at the nearest hanged picture he saw. He dropped the ribbon he was said to be following earlier, and moved closer to the nearest picture he was able to spot, which was at his southeast. 

The picture he first looked was a picture from when ASEAN was first founded. He wasn't really in the picture at all, but it was great for him to see Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Singapore in that one black and white picture once again. He flipped the picture to it's back and noticed that there were some notes written, and noticing who wrote it, it was clearly Thailand's due to it's unique cursive handwriting. He decided to read the note aloud, but only loud enough for him or other people nearby him to hear.

"August 8, 1967; The Association of Southeast Asian Nations' Founding. This specific event felt like yesterday, after the fail of ASA, we eventually met with 2 new people, and signed the treaty. From then onwards, the person who was supposed to be ASA became the ASEAN we know until this very date without even noticing a single bit."

"Sea?" Singapore called from behind him, making the organization release the picture from his hands.

"Yah?"

"How'd we do?- well so far," he asked. "I'm asking this because, I just want to know how we did- uhh, I'm curious. You're kind of speechless, or not reacting... I guess it's because you're really not the talkative type."

ASEAN chuckled. "Well for once, I have no idea how much money you spent on this, it looks even complicated to build- or set up as well. I'm just saying that this was probably one of the most spent things you've ever done for the organization's party or something."

"No kidding, not to spoil anything major but we had to grab people around the Regional Forum to set up the picture stuff lah. Took us since February to set this up," the country-state informed, placing his scarf properly on his own neck.

The organization's eyes widen, "February?! How long has this been going on for my back?!"

"Long as I can remember honestly, I believe we started planning this outside the organization when Laos was beginning his own chairman term," Singapore added. "I mean the design looks simple enough, but we did gather a lot of people and things just to set this whole thing up. We didn't just want to call this a birthday special or anything, there's something that we'd rather lead it up to you as to why the pictures are like that." 

"Eh, I can figure it out on my own, probably won't even comment about it later-even will probably forget," ASEAN stated. "I'm glad you added to the fact that it isn't just my birthday, it's literally a foundation of... something you're apart on."

"We just want to pull out a little surprise, if you know what I mean," the country chuckled, and looked back at the other. "But seriously, I don't think we wouldn't be here without you, even if our relationship may be rocky at times... you know?"

"And I really wouldn't be here if you and the other four weren't able to sign that paper. I mean I would since well- ASA, but I don't think I would be standing here this year if you haven't gone and signed." 

"If the universe doesn't exist, we wouldn't be here," Singapore stated, then chuckling for a little once again before adding. "Seriously though, even since that day were you had told me that you would change, I knew that you would have such an impact to me. You genuinely just helped and gave me tips on how to make a business out of myself, I really couldn't think for a better person to do so."

"It's nothing, I'm just doing my best," he smiled. "I never really wanted to become the one to be looked at for anything in the first place, now I'm just glad I did."

He observed a grin across Singapore's face, and eventually the other tackled him into a hug. He was shocked at first, but then wrapped his arms on the other's.

Singa muttered under his breath, "Happy ASEAN day."

ASEAN smiled, and half-joked, "It's Singapore Day tomorrow, you know?"

In response, the country whined, "Diam."

The organization chuckled for a moment, then the country pulled back the hug. 

"You have to go check on them," Singa said, looking at the Maphilindo trio by the fountain, Phil seemingly writing something on the fountain's base, and Mal and Indo was bursting in laughter. Sighing, he continued, "I hate say it really but, you're necessary for everyone around here."

He looked at the group by the fountain for a moment, before turning back at the country, "I appreciate it, but you know you're also important Singa. I told you that for how many years straight already."

"Yeah, yeah! Come on though, you're going to not enjoy yourself if you don't talk, you still need to judge the cooking competition later," the country suggested as he started dragging the other towards the fountain, leaving the other in a 'woah'.

Chapter Text

"Haha! At least ASEAN wasn't there when you broke the coffee machine."

"I'm sorry, Indo did what?!"

"He was smashing the buttons the other day and now we can't have the 'warm water' heatness thing-"

"Hey! Didn't you tell me to grab a coffee that day, Phil?"

"Should've been more careful though, tsk tsk," Malaysia uttered, taking a sip from the juice he got from the table just a minute ago.

"Knowing you all for like a hundred years," the organization said, sitting on a chair near a fountain and leaning towards a wooden pole that steadies the ribbon decorations above carefully. "He's not going to do anything about it, watch."

Indonesia whined, "Isn't it that a machine-"

"-And do you even know how much that costs?" Phil added, fixing his black cap he was wearing. "The last time it was at the store is at...... Oh my god what currency do we have-"

"It's expensive," Mal said. 

"Right! Also isn't that a gift or something from someone?" the Filipino asked genuinely.

"If it was a gift then I would know, since I usually leave the name tags (or the given to and from tags) on them if they had one, or just literally write them on a notebook," ASEAN shrugged. "I don't think anybody has given that-"

Malaysia suddenly interrupted, staring at the bi-colored country through their eyes, "See?"

ASEAN could hear a faint mutter from Phil at the side, saying along the lines of "Who leaves the name tags on the gifts given to you?" Indonesia crossed his arms, "It's just a coffee maker!" 

"And she's just a friend!"

The four would turn to the voice that just spoke out of nowhere interrupting their conversation. It was Brunei, who was actually talking to Singapore at that time but decided to poke fun. Everyone in the square afterwards bursted into laughter.

Wheezing for a little, the organization asked. 

"You had..?"

Despite the quite minimal amount of information with his question, everyone caught on what he was talking about.

The country shook his head, "What?! Tidak!"

"I smell lies," Mal said, while his voice was full of a 'sarcastic tease' moodset.

The organization then observed the three having a little conversation on their own. Leaving them be for a little, he scanned his eyes around the small park. The door opens to notice a familiar business outfit/uniform and quite a recognizable flag in his perspective. Blue with 12 yellow stars forming a circle towards the middle and that dangling star halo... It was the European Union, one of his closest organizational colleagues.

He looked at the other for a little bit, hoping not to get a returning eye contact. He bit his lower lip, of course he had to go here? It's surprising how he was able to reach 5 hours away from EU's office and even to the fact everyone knows he has a busy schedule. ASEAN technically have those days, but he really isn't as busy as his European friend. 

The two are also close off of work, really close. They were best friends despite how far apart they were, they were those friends that are opposites of each other but goes along well together. Their relationship wasn't really their top priority though, despite both of their assigned territories teasing them about how strong their ties are.

ASEAN shook his thoughts off and turned to the trio. He needed to go see him right now, probably the main reason why he was there in the first place was for him.

"Hey, I'm going to check on the others real quick," he notified casually.

"Yeah, that's alright! Talk to you later," Phil stated. 

Indonesia looked over at the doorway where the European is standing at, "Wait, is that your boyfri-"

"Alright, thanks!" The organization interrupted 'intentionally', as he knew so badly that he would highly will get teased for EU suddenly showing up, let alone it being the-popular-trio. He stood up and walked off towards the other organization. A faint "ayiiii" was heard while he left, which was obviously blatant teasing from some of the members.

While walking, his thoughts landed on the European once more. It was his birthday... Of course he had to come! He would've expect SAARC or the UN to come, but both might've had busy schedules, but the EU out of all people?! He isn't really complaining, it's just weird that he had to come right now, maybe because he's living in here half a century now and wanted to celebrate? The EU hasn't really attended birthday parties before nor celebrated his, kind of surprising to say so the least.

"Sea!" The other called whilst ASEAN was deep into thoughts. His smile was genuine and a tint of proudness had been clearly shown on his emotion.

"Hi, EU," the Asian replied, a little overwhelmed by the excited expression of the other. EU isn't always like this, does he? Well considering how close their ties were, it kind of isn't surprising how much he was proud of him. ASEAN is supposed to be more excited than him like the usual as it's his birthday, and he is pretty much more extroverted amongst them two.

As observant as he (sometimes) is, the European glared at the other and examined the other. "Aw, what's wrong? Did you have a bad day or anything?" he asked, which slightly changed the mood of the room around him.

"What?! No! I just-" he shook his head as he responded. "I'm just overcrowded today or something- I dunno."

The other chuckled, "Understandable, actually. Never had the feeling, but I'm sure Uni does." Right, the United Nations' birthday was technically celebrated by everyone around the world, he did tell ASEAN that he was overwhelmed by it at times; it's funny how similar they both grew up yet have really different lifestyles.

"He told me," he said. "Why did you go here anyway? Didn't you have a busy schedule?"

"Why not..?" the EU responded. "Besides, I did cancel work today, didn- I realized you're turning half of a freaking hundred."

"You canceled it for what? Having an excuse to go here?" ASEAN asked, crossing his arms. "You should really go back-"

"It isn't a surprise if the surprise didn't show up," the older shrugged.

It was silent for about 3 seconds. The birthday celebrant was left empty-thought as soon as the other said that. Well he would admit it, he was surprised he was there, but then again their relations were close and it isn't really that much of a surprise.

On that note, he just congratulated him. "Well done then, I guess. You did surprise me."

The Asian noticed the door swinging open once again. He looked over that direction and noticed another familiar flag—golden symbols forming a bunch of doves and 2 hands—it was SAARC, the other close partner ASEAN had just thought about earlier. Both are relatively close, they're basically neighbors! However, they don't really talk to each other that much off of work due to their free times being far apart from one another. Plus they're mostly culturally aligned, so they both go along fair.

The organization that just entered would then notice them two and waved. "Hey! ASEAN!"

"Hi South!" The other Asian would wave back at the other. He also noticed that she was holding a some sort of big-ish yellow bag sealed by a white ribbon in which he'd rather not bring up at the moment.

"Oh wait, SAARC?" EU would call out immediately.

ASEAN looked over at the European, confused. "You know each other?"

"We aren't that close, it's just kind of off to see her here—or at least it may give away a little sense considering you're neighbors or something," he replied, shrugging at that last statement. 

"Yeah, it's just sort of minor relationship to him I suppose," she shrugged, then immediately changed the topic. "—Anyways! I just came here to deliver presents and check over since I'm pretty busy later on the day. Do you perchance know where to put these things?"

"Uhh yeah! Beside the plates I think..? You should ask Myanmar about it," the Asian replied, looking at the area near the fountain. 

"Thanks!" The organization said, before leaving to approach the country mentioned. 

"You're really more sarcastic than usual towards me," EU remarked. "Did I do anything wrong?"

ASEAN rolled his eyes on the other, and decided to pull out a play on that comment, with his wings slightly opening. "The fact that you cancelled your own work for me really makes me question about our relationship, is there something about me that interest you..?"

"Oh shut up tiger," he deadpanned. Interactions like these were pretty common between the two, and would usually end up as a joke, honestly the reason why the countries pretty much played with it as well.

"Try me, wolf," the Asian chuckled, and eventually changed the topic immediately. "Did the UN do anything-"

"Oh yeah!"  EU interrupted, pulling out his phone and typing a number. "Uni wants to greet you that couldn't make it because you-know-how-far-he-is, but you'll see him virtually."

ASEAN and the UN aren't that particularly close, but ever since he had the observer status back in the late 2006, they both suddenly became close friends, mostly because they both sort of have similar interests and childhood unlike the EU. UN obviously had an extremely busy schedule as he was assigned in a huge task, he was a world organization after all. 

Even though he knew it was him, he just wanted for the conversation to appear more longer, and so he started to have a callback to one of their previous conversation.

"Who's Uni?"

"You're kidding? I can't believe we're having this conversation again."

"Why would I be a kid?"

ASEAN responded, with EU rolling his eyes this time.

It took a few more seconds until the other line picked up. The EU was seen in enjoyment then grabbed ASEAN on his arm and brought him closer to the phone. Looking at the screen, it is the UN so that theory was correct. However even knowing that, he knows that the message that the UN will give will definitely be heartwarming for him, because he's the united freaking nations. This guy handles the almost entire world and no doubt he had experience more speeches.

The screen then shows the UN's side—seeming like he was in a normal lighting setup with a bookshelf as a background. EU waved at the screen a little with ASEAN waving back.

"Hi! Oh- are you g- two muted? Di- Did I mute you?" The other line spoke, confused and worried as he clearly checked over his settings on another computer window.

The European chuckled and spoke, "No, you're all good."

"Well you dorks going to remain muted when you both don't say an..ything!"

The Asian is left with a slightly long giggle, the other immediately complained. "Well you didn't tell us to 'say anything'!"

"Do you not know how to start a call?" the birthday celebrant questioned as soon as he calmed down laughing, nodging the other. He then noticed over the screen that the UN was trying not to pull away laughter.

"Well you're the one who was supposed to say things!"

"Hey!" he playfully hissed. "For once I didn't even know who you were calli-"

"ASEAN! EU! I need to go now!" A person behind them called and informed, in which they recognize it was SAARC who's about to go.

The EU sighed. "Alright, see you when I see you!"

"Yeah!" The other smiled, turning to the direction of the other organization.

"Alright then! Bye EU! Happy anniversary, ASEAN! See you both around!" The female winked with her South-Asian accent, then leaving towards the door.

"Who was that?" The UN spoke through the phone. Both of the regional organizations forgot that the international organization was there on the screen listening to their little playful argument they had earlier, and so they had a little wave of panic before informing;

"That was the South Asia regional cooperative person-person thing," the European informed. "I'm sure she's just dropping to check on ASEAN and place some gifts, but didn't really want to distract me from talking to him."

"I'm listening," the other eyerolled. "But to be completely honest, she is the type of person to do that."

"ASEAN!" he poked, scared that the United Nations might call out him for backbiting.

"Oh no, yeah- honestly..." United Nations said, however it was appeared to be slightly stuttering due to the connection. "Well, not everyone here is that... confident enough to pull up- a move, but that's just your speculation, Euro."

"I know her more than you two do," the Asian shrugged, tucking his golden-to-red wings properly at his back. "But that's besides the point.. It's nice to see you again, Sir UN!"

The other line's face enlightened. "Oh right..! ASEAN, I have meaning to tell you things, well since your having your semicentennial anniversary and all.., it is a job to give everyone a message to whoever hits this milestone, b- but I'd rather not do it in a programme if you're okay with it?" 

"I don't even know if we have a stage program set up," he clarified. "It looks like it, however you may deliver you message on how you please for it to be."

"That's brilliant, tha..nk you! Euro, can you hand over the device?" 

The other organization gave over the phone to the celebrant carefully. He gave a wink then said, "I'll talk to you later, go have a private talk together or whatever. I'll just check on the others for you, and see any visitors to talk to of course. Heard Nada's coming."

He muttered a "thank you" under his breath then his friend left his sight towards the pond. He sighed, and decided to sit down on a small blue bean bag he found nearby to rest himself quickly after. Thankfully it wasn't a solid chair, so he didn't have a hard time adjusting so his wings can fit in, but decided to lean on the seat and extend his wings for it to be comfortable for him to sit down on.

"What is it do you want to tell me, UN..?" ASEAN asked, now feeling nervous. Why was he nervous? Was is because he's left alone with a virtual call with an international organization that has been watching him over these years? He doesn't even know if this is even a formal call anymore, was he actually genuine?

"I'm going to switch this up this time from having those types of classic speeches but, for once, there's a lot of things I really want to say," the other line said, smiling gladly and preparing for a whole paragraph to be said. ASEAN eventually just rolled over the beanbag and placed himself in a position he's comfortable with, yet still having his wings out. 

Let's say that this conversation went... Too personal to detail.

Chapter Text

The both has talked for a few minutes, about fifteen to say so the least. Eventually, a country called ASEAN to check on him—Vietnam, who was just out adding even more flowers around the area. Putting down the now-empty basket she was holding, she approached the organization.

"ASEAN? Who are you talking to?"

The organization just smiled in response, before turning back to the phone, "It's much better to cut our conversation there, Uni. There's still more things I need to do around here."

The other line spoke, "Sure! Was that Vietnam?"

"Yeah, overprotective members as always," he muttered, in which Vietnam glared at him by that comment. He eventually clarified quickly, "I mean it's not that bad, it's just weird enough for me, as someone who is supposed to be protecting them you know, I- yeah."

"Watch your mouth," the other chuckled, and eventually turned the conversation around to the country present within the range. "Vietnam, do you have a moment before I cut off?"

She walked a few steps closer to the organization then started to answer. "Sure! What is it sir?"

"There's an envelope there that was given by NATO the other year," the other line said casually. "He saw it while he …nd his companions were digging nearby there, it was supposed to be a time capsule type of thing? The only instruction was literally just 'Give this to the Southeast Asian organization' if they're still ar..und, and really nothing else. It's on EU's hands right now."

ASEAN wasn't really paying that much attention to the conversation around this time and was phased out towards his surroundings. This made Vietnam intrigued and asked further, "Who wrote it, sir?" 

"We do not know, but it is a gold envelope so it did have a little resemblance. The instructions pinned with was he should open it alone, a little suspicious if you ask me."

This was when the regional organization started speaking again, whilst still being a quarter-distracted. He shook his head, "Why didn't you give- tell me about this sooner?"

"Do you think I would give it to you out of nowhere? Besides, I think the sender would like to give it to you when you turn half-a-century instead as it literally says 'open it when ASEAN exists' or whatever."

ASEAN was left speechless. This was when he come to realize, that sounds familiar... Yeah no, that dream was only just a coincidence! No way, no way it's happening right now? He wasn't able to open the envelope as his sleeping habits are the worst, there's no way it's the same way.

But at this point, he knows that anything can literally happen. If it actually is the exact one he has envisioned in his dream, the world is just a full circle and he would hate it forever. Nah, he's just exaggerating, life is greatn't.

Was that the reason why the EU spent about how many hours of his life to get here anyway?

Vietnam looked at the other for a second, but eventually turned back to the screen. "We'll take note! Need to have a chit chat with the EU later on anyway."

"Alright-ty then! Happy anniversary and I hope you enjoy your day."

"Will do!"

The call ended with the other line.

Thailand, who was holding a bucket of unknown plastic things, looking over at the two by the bean bag and waved at them before asking. "Overheard the thing. What happened? Why did they send an envelope?"

"It's- I don't even know," Viet stuttered, as she fixes the hat she was wearing on her head. "None of us had!"

ASEAN decided to speak in a low volume, "I had a dream last night, I don't know... I have a feeling it's connected to everything regarding that envelope for some reason."

Another country ran towards their direction and looked over the other two at the area. Phil, whom ASEAN was talking to earlier, but decided to check with the crowd—but decided to keep silent for now.

"What is the dream?" the Vietnamese asked.

"I was left in a white void... Then he showed up and gave me a golden envelope," he explained. "He said to open it 'when I get back', and left me alone once again after a little talk. I was about to open it until I woke up..."

The Philippines shot up and started to speak, "Him...? Let me guess, S- SEATO?"  The organization just responded with a nod.

"I... Wh,"—Thailand shook her head rapidly—"That's literally the first time in ages since we heard that name! Did you know what's in the envelope?"

"How would he know if the dream cut off there?" Vietnam defended. 

"Fair, fair."

"Gold is the color for being 50 anyway, or whatever the hell that is," the Filipino shrugged. "So, it does symbolize something."

"Yeah, I think so..." the organization muttered, wrapping his left wing over his left arm. "He did say 'when you get back'... Possibly when I get back to... Ugh."

The Vietnamese spoke again, "Well the envelope does make sense when you explained that... If it is from SEATO then hopefully you don't get too emotional?"

"I feel like it isn't a coincidence as well," Thailand said, fixing her skirt then leaning on the wall. "Whatever it is, I hope for the best that it isn't a death note or anything like that."

"Thank you. Can you three not spread this story out? Especially you," ASEAN stated, then glared at Phil. Phil is pretty much noisy to the point where secrets don't become secrets.

"Heyyy, what the heck?" The archipelago country whined. "I won't! I swear!" 

Vietnam joked, "You're lying."

Ay-o?" The Philippines crossed his arms, then rolled his eyes.

"You made it that ASEAN's secret on his- you-know-what becoming public the other month, I'm still waiting on that counter attack, Sea," Thai grinned and eventually looked at the organization. ASEAN winked in reply.

"Okay seriously- No! I will not do that again! I have enough of this, oh my god," Phil complained, while gripping on his hoodie strings as tight as ever. The other three was left with a chuckle. 

Interrupting their fun, a splash of water was detected to be splattered on the wall near them, he looked at the floor and noticed it was a water balloon. He looked around and noticed that all of the pictures he saw earlier that were hanged are even higher so it won't get splashed around, and the food & gift tables plus some electronics was transferred outside. Myanmar was seen holding a red water balloon across the mini-park, then EU and Singapore was nowhere to be found—most possibly because EU didn't want to be part of the chaos (or just went home) and Singa might get an health emergency as he knew he was asthmatic.

"Oh right, forgot we're doing this," Thailand said, as she started to drag the bucket she was holding earlier—filled with water guns. 

ASEAN's eyes lit up, "We're doing a water fight?"

The Philippines dragged a black bucket of water balloons near the two of them, chuckling and presenting it to the rest of them. He eventually said, "It's part of the list of events, after all."

"Well, looks like we're going to have a splash!" Vietnam joked.

"Naaaam," both Thai and Phil whined, disappointed at that pun, while ASEAN fixed his hair and stood up. He picked up a white water balloon in the plastic basket then said, "Well if we're doing this, then I'm on."

"Watch out!" Brunei yelled across the park, holding a yellow-colored water balloon on her hand. The organization decided to lock his target to the small country, as he threw the balloon at her but missed by just a few inches.

"He's joining?!" Laos called out, then picking up a balloon from their basket at the corner. 

"IF YOU GET HIT THREE TIMES THEN YOURE OUT!" Myanmar called, then shooting water at Cambodia which hit her.

"Are you kidding me?!" Cambodia groaned, then took a balloon and hit Myanmar back at his left arm.

Vietnam grabbed a yellow balloon and splashed it to the Philippines, in which made him run back to Malaysia and Indonesia. ASEAN just decided to grab one of the water guns found in one of the buckets and decided to use it as his weapon, first targeting Malaysia. Thailand ran inside and shot her gun towards Indonesia. It wasn't long until Singapore walked in the venue, complaining that everyone was extremely loud.

Chapter Text

"-yeah that's- they did that! Isn't really the best at cooking to be completely fair, but hey- as long as we didn't hire any big companies to do everything about it," Myanmar stated, holding the wet towel firm, then proceeded to hang it on the metal rod nearby.

The organization chuckled, "Well- there's nothing I can do about it, I literally don't know any of these! But I appreciate it so much, thank you!"

"Well, it's never my intention really," the country muttered. "In the future, I swear that I feel like we won't be able to get along anymore due to the circumstances right now, my other is just acting more strange... But I don't really care anymore, I just want to appreciate the effort even if you don't really do much. And I don't think I'm only speaking for myself."

He sighed, sitting on the bench beside the gift table. "It's honestly scary to think about-everything I do, and I mean everything, will affect at least anyone. If I do a move that makes you feel otherwise then I'm sorry in advance. Not everything I do will be perfect anyway."

"Why are you exactly saying this? I'm only just saying thanks?"

"I'm just worried about the future for the both of us."

"Hey... It's okay! Come on, we don't have to worry about it now," Myanmar smiled, then proceeded to change the topic. "I mean come on, we still have this thing we prepared for everyone to join, it's the afternoon, we have fireworks later on- it's going to be fun, trust me!"

"Wait- fireworks?"

"Oops I spoiled too much- let's just goO-"

"No, Mya- Hold up," ASEAN paused him. "You- you know it would be dangerous right? Did you get any permits or something?"

"Oh permits- pfft screw permits. We-"

He deadpanned. "What."

"No! We did get permission- geez. Come on- just gooo, Laos is literally staring at us right now," the country whined, looking across wherein Laos was, well was said, staring at them from a few meters away. Looking like he has gotten out of the shower, because of the the water balloon fight earlier.

Both the other country and the organization has just dried up, took 15 minutes for ASEAN to do so as drying his wings up was hard. They have already finished lunch, however some are still having them, while bunch were just conversing about multiple things. The others went elsewhere-Singapore was last seen outside the mini-celebration together with the EU due to some manners in which ASEAN had no part on, and didn't care. The you-know-what trio still playing with more somehow never-ending supply of water balloons like children, and Cambodia and Thailand helping out with the table, which sounds awfully familiar to him. As a plus, Myanmar was about to join them... now.

"So, I have to go! Talk to you later?" Myanmar waved.

"Sure, have fun," he chuckled, as he sees the country leaving his sight.

As soon as the other left, he could hear a 'crash!' sound towards his east. Looking at it, it was Laos, who was stalking them both earlier, now fallen together with Vietnam who was seemingly holding a bunch of cupcakes on a tray... what-?!

"LAOSSSS, watch your step next time!" Vietnam complained, checking on the pastry that fell during the fall.

"Well, you're the one who was supposed to be watching your step! I was just standing!" the other defended.

Vietnam hissed, and started to shout louder, "In my defense, you were in the way!"

ASEAN sighed out of frustration, and approached the two as casual as he could in this situation, as always. "Keep it down. Laos, just don't spend too much of your time looking."

"Hah," Vietnam teased.

"Well it's also your fault Nam, just watch out next time," he warned. "Way to ruin some cupcakes as well... I would love to get some!"

"Eh, I'm pretty sure that's the second tray, the first tray's with Thailand and the rest of Indochina over there," Laos stated, pointing to the table where Thailand, Cambodia and Myanmar were all by, fixing it. Indeed, there are more cupcakes on there, alongside other delicacies from them and the Malay region.

"Why don't you help us, Laos? I know you were late today, but we don't want ASEAN over here to be stressed today," the Vietnamese stated, cleaning up the last few parts affected by the fall.

The organization spoke up, "I'm sorry, you think I don't-"

"Fine, sure," the other responded, unintentionally interrupting the organization's question. "I don't think I should be just standing anyway and watching... Sorry I'm just somehow exhausted."

"You're exhausted everyday," Vietnam deadpanned, and then grabbed the wrist of the other. "Now come, let's just help them."

ASEAN chuckled as he sees Vietnam dragging Laos towards the table they were working on. He smiled for a few and spaced out once again, checking some of the pictures hanged. Gladly they didn't get wet, everyone had the common sense to remove them during the water balloon fight.

Which speaking of, he thinks it's time to get the trio out of the water balloons. They're going to get sick and he didn't want to have that responsibility again. Plus they're too loud for everyone to hear in the inside.

He caught up to Brunei walking, holding a box of some sort, not seeming to have anything done and asked her if she could check who is supplying the balloons to not make more of it. In the middle of it however, the door chime rang and came along 2 other countries by the doorstep. He turned and found out it was both countries that has helped in the organization until today.

"ASEAN!"

A young country called by the doorway, in which immediately tackled the organization into a hug. Immediately recognizing its features... It was Timor Leste. 

ASEAN and Timor has been relatively close since their independence for a while now, mostly because of the fact ASEAN had to take care of the country alongside the United Nations ever since Indonesia let him go. It was true that Timor did have some controversy in the past, to be fair, who doesn't?

Singapore purely thinks Timor isn't ready to see the wilder and wider world, and as a result refuses him to join the group. ASEAN hated that decision. Eventually, he treats Timor like his own son at Singapore's back in a nutshell. It was just a huge misconception that ASEAN hates him, and he's just too tired for anyone to correct people telling him that.

The organization embraced back for a few seconds, and pulled back as soon as he noticed another country by the doorway. From that long black hair with a recognizable golden butterfly-like hairclip accessory, immediately recognizing the not-really-supposed-to-be-an-observer-but-is country, Papua New Guinea, who also had some beef with Indonesia in which was better not to detail. Papua also gave the organization a hug and had a return.

ASEAN eventually asked the two with a genuine smile, pulling back. "How have you two been?"

"Could be better, but better than yesterday if you ask me," Papua said in complete honesty.

"Australia just gave me cake today! It was really good!" Timor exclaimed gracefully. 

"Cake? Are you sure it wasn't for me?" He joked in reply. The organization couldn't really blame Timor for his immaturity, he's technically 15-and has a physical (and possibly mental) form of about 9. 

The young country groaned, "It said my name on it! It's mine!"

Papua then corrected, "Yeah no, we already let Brunei put it. She placed it on the table already. It's technically for everyone here."

He laughed. "Ah! Maybe he wrote the names of everyone in the group, so it's technically yours, partly."

"..partly? PARTLY?!"

Papua New Guinea muttered under her breath, "What has this conversation turned into?"

"Well, just share the cake to everyone? As the weirdly popular saying goes, sharing is caring," ASEAN stated. "I don't think I fancy cakes as much I do with waterm- muffins anyway, so I don't think I'll take one slice."

Timor Leste paused. "Why?"

"Why not? We have a lot of food on the table, it would be fair if you won't eat one of them," he explained.

The country paused for a moment and eventually smiled in glee. Eventually got up and ran around the venue as much as possible, finding a way to entertain himself while screaming "He's not gonna eat it!" on repeat. Papua and ASEAN was left, laughing.

Chapter Text

"Sure, you have the moon on your flag. But do you have your flag on the moon?" Indonesia sarcastically remarked to both Singapore and Malaysia, whilst eating his lunch. 

"Hah, imagine," the Singaporean scoffed, who was across the table.

Malaysia then grinned, "Singa has the potential to place his there, or just let his robots do it lah."

"W- Oh- Thanks for the suggestion! Now that you have said that, I guess it's possible," the smaller cheered, and eventually stood up, bringing his used plate  out of the table.

"I-" the Indonesian stuttered, eventually looking to where the country has left. "Let them put our flags on there as well!"

"No I wont!"

"Screw you!"

Brunei then walked to the table and placed a bowl of mint candies on top of it. She then commented, "Your relationships makes me question how the heck are we all half-related."

Malaysia proceeds to grab a piece of candy in the bowl and stated, "Don't ask me."

"Maritime region?" Thailand called from at the middle of the venue, holding onto a ladder. "Can you guys help us with pulling down the pictures from the ceiling, again?"

The tallest one groaned. "Can I just finish lunch?"

"I'll go, Indo isn't in the mood lah," Malaysia shrugged, then popping the candy in his mouth and walked towards helping Thailand. Brunei proceeded to shrug as well and walked away from the table.

ASEAN was just there observing what happened between the Nusantara, but eventually looked back at one of the pictures that fell when being pulled up earlier for the water fight. It was a message from the USA specifically, in which it was a long paragraph of that country praising him and other organizations despite the dark and misconcepted depictions people had told about them. The picture was something taken in Phil's house whilst helping to set up decorations for their Christmas season, in September apparently.

America was technically his first partner on the west, so he can't really blame him for sending him a letter. Although he does have some questionable thoughts about that country, that guy's a superpower. If he speak at least one thing against him, he'll probably crush him into pieces. This was why he started hanging out with Canada more than him, plus he's scary in literally everyone's POV. Second to UN, of course.

Almost interrupting while being deep into thoughts, he could hear the ribbons falling for a moment, sounding like a bunch of leaves has been flown at a strong rate, and Phil screamed like a girl as a reaction. Everyone in the garden laughed at that, and eventually moved on with what they're doing. Seconds later, someone would then call him.

"Saasssg- ASEAN!" Cambodia called, running towards the organization's direction, holding a plastic envelope with... something inside..?

"Hey Cambodia! Is the slumber party still happening tonight?" he replied, but eventually diverted attention to what she was bringing. "What's that?"

The country didn't respond to the first question, rather the second; "It's a long story-ish.. The United Nations called up to my phone asking about unrelated stuff, and..." 

She opened the plastic envelope, pulling out what seemed to be a pen with a red ribbon, and something that has been randomly talked about today all of the sudden. His eyes widen and his wings slightly spread out as soon as the country handed it over, and grabbed it.

The patterns were the exact same one he had remembered from that time in the white space last night, and the golden coat around it. The red sticker that closed the lid—oh my god. It was the envelope.

He looked at it, back and front, and eventually noticed a yellow sticky note stuck on the upper left back. It read in a familiar handwriting, 'Send to ASEAN by August'. He noticed it was EU's handwriting, thinking that he has held onto this for a while.

"EU told me to give it to you," the country said. "I don't know what it is or what's it all about because he did just say to give it to you."

He looked back at the country. "There's no need for an explaination."

"Well I mean, if it's a letter like that, there's really no need," Cambodia stated. "It looks old, I highly doubt it's a secret admirer."

"Am I really that attractive?" ASEAN chuckled. "I don't really like to come back to that phase."

"You always looked like it if you ask me," she responded, and then changed the topic back to what it was. "But uhm, if you want to see it, then you can open it now!"

ASEAN stopped for a moment, remembering that the UN told him to open it alone. He replied, "I think I'll do it on my own on this one."

"Sure!" Cambodia smiled and reminded. "Oh and also, that pen is also a gift from the UK, I believe. Isn't wrapped, but hope you get the jist of it."

He looked at the pen he was given, mhm; looks like something the United Kingdom would gather. Luckily, it wasn't tea like they had did each year with some countries. It was the first time he had ever received a gift from them separate rather from being merged with the EU. However, it didn't matter, gifts are still gifts and that doesn't really matter.

"Yeah, I'll keep it," he nodded. 

"See you tonight!" The country left him with a smile.

ASEAN waved back, and eventually looked at the pen to what was told was given from the UK. He investigated it for a little and noticed a little metal bar at the side. He pulled it a little, and noticed it was a scroll. He held the envelope on his fingers and opened it wide, to see a bunch of pictures being flipped open by folds. Immediately recognizing it, it was pictures that were since SEATO's arrival on Earth, and a couple of them being what ASEAN is today, and a picture of him, SEATO and MAPHILINDO sitting by the docks on their back. He doesn't know when some of these pictures were taken, but it was legitimately pictures that were taken before.

The United Kingdom has been known to be around even when SEATO was just established, so it wasn't a surprised when he has pictures of him. It was such a shame that most archives of his brother has been washed away or burned due to failures, but he's more than happy to see them again.

In that sight of glee, he folded the paper back and rolled the scroll back to it's original form. His attention was again diverted to the envelope... He just can't believe it.

Why was the dream warning about this peculiar thing? A dream is just a dream, right? Why did SEATO appear in that?

He touched the material of the envelope again, this felt too familiar to be true. He looked on the sticker and started to open it, but got interrupted with another big splash of water across the venue.

"TIMOR!"

Indonesia and Laos scolded in unison. He looked and realized that the fountain was slightly overflowing. It was then turned off and he heard Myanmar across the room shouting, "I turned it off! I turned it off!"

He can feel the second-hand awkwardness.

Looking across the venue again, he had noticed someone he hasn't talked to in a while whom he'd thought made everything possible. Eventually, he decided to go and approach him.

"Phil?"

"Hm?"

"Do you have a moment?"

"Sure."

The organization sighed, and eventually smiled at him. "You've it done well this year."

"I mean, we did give it over the top as possible, so I guess," the Philippines stated, flattered.

"I don't remember the last time something huge like this happened, 30th anniversary, yeah sure," he turned back, also moving his right wing to the side whilst saying so. "This whole idea of ribbons and remembering what we used to have is something worth for. I just can't thank you enough."

The country paused for a bit, then started to explain. "We've done a lot of bad things in the past, but I'm happy that you're still here trying to improve. I still refuse to believe that we technically raised you, and now you're just doing the exact opposite to us."

"That's just how we work," he smiled. "Although if I'm being honest, I'd rather not live like this as much I'm dedicated to—but everyone here is the reason why I'm still here."

"You deserve it, after how much you have gone through," he explained, and started to hug the organization right after. Shocked by the gesture, ASEAN hugged back.

The sky has started to appear it's oranges and yellows as soon as they grabbed their embrace.

Chapter Text

You're the reason why I still keep trying.

----------

"THREE MINUTES! Be sure to plate your food NOW!"

The announcer, Thailand, called out through the microphone in the dark. 

The 2 contestants were in a rush in terms of placing their product on the plate. Brunei in one corner preparing what-so-looks-like curry and Laos in the other corner preparing a noodle soup.

The clock ticks as fast as ever, the audience in the dark has been staring at the suspense for quite a while. It was interesting to see them prepare and organize the plating, and noticing how careful they are in just putting the food on the plate.

The EU, ASEAN, and Canada was staring from the judging table, alongside Thailand who wasn't really part of this whole thing. She wanted to join, but she'd think it was really unfair-everyone in the organization adored her cooking. At the same time, she hated judging.

The clock ticks, one minute left. The atmosphere has suddenly became louder. Cambodia and Vietnam cheering for Laos repeatedly. Timor Leste was being dragged by Papua to not go wonder on his own completely. Singapore was dead silent, concentrating on a remote he was holding onto for later. Malaysia and Myanmar were just straight up worried and had a lot of anxiety. The Filipino wasn't to be seen, so assumingly he went to the restroom. Indonesia wasn't really paying that hard attention.

The timer stops, and the bell rang thrice. It was over. Both of their plates were on the table, and everyone in the audience (apart from Phil since nobody really knows where he went) gave a round of applause. The lights were out again, only this time a number of drone lights has been spread across the area, shining brightly, looking like a bunch of fireflies has entered the area. One of them fell on the audience seat though, near Myanmar, but there wasn't any major catastrophe.

"So it's, done!" Thailand stated, while walking around the area. "Now tell us, what did you prepare for this evening, Brunei?"

"Uhh- Okay! This is Pajeri Nenas—Pinapple Curry in English! This is actually a dish taken from one of my closest relatives, and consists of pineapple and coconut milk, served with rice," Brunei stated loudly. Malaysia's eyes lit up with glee in the audience seat, as he knew that she took it from him.

Canada stated, "I didn't know curries can be not-meat related. This feels interesting."

The European Union stopped. "I'm so sorry, but you didn't know that?!"

"I'm not Asian, but how did you know?" he replied. EU was left to huff, while the other judge just laughed it off.

ASEAN excitedly grabbed onto the plate and took a slice of pineapple. He investigated the sauce and took a bite. Noticing the little flavor it had added, he commented. "Did you add a little more seasoning? This feels a little more pepper-ry compared to the one I'm used to."

Brunei has started to become nervous and nodded. The organization just responded with a sweet "hm" and eventually passed on.

A couple of minutes later, it was Laos who proceeded to introduce his own dish, quite nervous than usual—ASEAN hasn't really seen Laos this emotive before. Probably because the last time he saw him cook, he burned a kitchen.

"This is something I- I haven't cooked in years. This is Khao Poon, a spicy rice soup. I don't really have anything else to say."

The Asian organization just smiled in response. The European Union muttered, "I hate spicy foods." The table was left in laughter.

"Thanks for coming despite your extremely busy self-worship schedule," Singapore mocked to the EU half-jokingly, which made the organization deadpan at the smaller for a moment.

Myanmar also commented, "Also I can't believe you could've brought anyone else but Canada is here."

"I mean, he's the only one who responded to our requests so... Sorry for that," Thailand ensured.

"It's nothing," the foreign country replied. "I knew by chance, Ame's not coming anyway. People are busy nowadays, if best to leave you all by yourself."

ASEAN spoke up, "Oh no- not at all! If you need anything related to the you-know-what region, then you can just tell us."

"Of course! I'll come by and call you all up sometime if needed," he said, giving a friendly smile. "We have been doing this for the past about- 40 years at this point."

Interrupting their moment of saying goodbye, a large 'woosh' and 'boom' can be heard from the sky. Everyone turned to see where it came from, and it looked like Malaysia was already setting off fireworks. Both Thailand and Singapore were in complete disbelief, and the smaller country called him out. 

"马来西亚! Do you know what we mean by 'later'?!" [latin: Mǎláixīyà]

"Tidak!"

"You're screwed," Thailand called out, rolling her own eyes. The Burmese just groaned and walked away from the group.

Timor Leste ran towards the group and proceeded to hug the Asian organization's legs in fear. Knowing that the country is really afraid of fireworks and it may cause him a terrible flashback this early, ASEAN decided to pat the country's head for a bit and cover him with his left wing. He then responded in regards to what the others did, "Sorry for that."

"Oh no, can't blame them," Canada politely stated.

"Yeah, I'll go now. People are probably going to ask where I have been, plus it's a long way back," the other organization remarked. 

"See you round," ASEAN smiled.

As the colors of red, white, blue and yellow pops off in the middle of the night, he stared at it from the rooftop balcony. Though he may heard noises from downstairs of people talking, his smile remains undisturbed. As long as they're alive and knows they're okay, he doesn't really mind anyone downstairs trying to shout at the moment, because that's literally what some people do when fireworks appears on the sky.

The kid was left downstairs for the countries to accompany safely, but that doesn't matter. He pulled out the golden envelope he has seen earlier, this is the one he wanted to check out.

Finally, somebody wouldn't be here to interrupt the moment at last. While the explosions still appear at the background, he started to peel off the red sticker and open the envelope.

Really? This entire day is just him for this? This was his reoccurring problem throughout? Why? This was really odd, unless something important is going to happen when he opens it. Or likely, emotional. 

He started to realize that he didn't have any lights around him to read, since the fireworks were too dim for him for the envelope to be readable and he could detect what is inside. Luckily, being an organization means having advantages of certain abilities. He closed his eyes for a moment and let his red-and-yellow halo shine before opening it once more. 

He leaned his back on the railings of the balcony, as he pulled out the contents of what's inside. He was able to retrieve one folded piece of paper, while another has fell down drastically in the process of him opening it. He had also noticed something other than them inside the envelope—he looked inside it again and noticed a circular object wrapped in gray cloth. Before grabbing that however, he flipped open the paper he has held, and noticed it was an excerpt from a notebook.

In straight cursive, the paper read:

"The past few years has been great. I've met a lot of new people and has started to noticed how much Earth meant to everyone. I know I can't last further ever since a lot has been declining my existence, so I hope the person reading this can get this message. If this is that Southeast Asian organization whom I've been with for the last year's of my life still somehow around, you've done it.

"I don't think any of us has ever accomplished as much as you, ASA, or ASEAN if that's somehow what you're called now (cool acronym by the way, honestly would love to steal it for my child's name if I would have one). I don't know if this is still you though, but whoever is taking our representation, thank you. For years, life has been an earthquake, both literally and figuratively. I don't think I was treated well now that I think of it, which makes this whole decline even worse. But you're still here.

"Coming from the first organization from this region, I applaud you. You may not be focused on military (like me), but whatever you're doing, you are doing great, and I assure that. It's heartbreaking for me to figure out that I wouldn't be there to celebrate it. Take this message as that, will you?

"The contents of this envelope includes this letter, a picture which I've written words describing it at the bottom, and a gem-like object I've kept since I started. I don't know if this is valuable, but it is something. I found it while digging around Vietnam's area at one point.

"This is terrifically long and I'm sorry, but I hope you will have a step-up from the past. Thank you for everything you've done."

ASEAN stopped at that point onwards, not even reading who actually wrote it because that handwriting. It's too familiar to be true. He looked into the ground and saw the paper he dropped, and picked it up. He looked at it, it was the only colored picture of him and SEATO hanging around together. His smile has started to appear once he saw that picture, because he knew the exact moment that was taken as well.

The two were just messing around one of the UK's cabins when they saw a polaroid camera. They haven't seen something like it before since most cameras back in the day were all black and white, and so they started to mess with it a little, and it even got the Brit mad.

He looked at the text on it with white ink reading "first colored picture with my brother" with a ":)" added at the bottom of the card. His eyes has started to water again, but he immediately started to constantly say "Don't cry" silently, which helped for a little.

He looked back at the envelope and grabbed the object the letter said. He unwrapped the cloth and saw a piece of gemstone. He also noticed how dense it was, and looking at the color, he immediately recognized it was a sapphire. He has seen them before at Vietnam's place, but he never has the possession of one before. In fact, this one's a little more special since SEATO told him to keep it, he he will.

At this moment, the last firework would have been lit off, and he as well adjusted his halo light back to normal. He remained holding the gem for a bit, and shuts his hand while him holding it after a few seconds. Putting it in his pocket and holding the envelope again, he proceeded to put the picture and letter back in.

As much as this day was emotional for him, what mattered to him the most is the fact how much he has achieved over the course of the last 50 years he has been around as ASEAN. Who could've thought some confrontation would spark his motivation, hence he's looking forward to what his future would be.

A loss of people dear to him is something to get over with, changes do happen every now and then. You live and you learn!—as most people say.

"ASEAN!"

A couple of countries called on front of him. He maintained eye contact to at least every single one on the balcony, which somehow excluded Papua. Ignoring that, they smiled at each other's presence, and eventually ran towards him and gave him a huge hug.

Organization or not, growing up is something to look forward to, even if you loose something, or someone, in your life. Your life matters to people, minimal or not, but at least one person has your back, even if they're gone off your life.

You live a Golden life. It's valuable to say the least, but by that people like you for being valuable.