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‘A W A K E N I N G ,
It starts with an awakening.
Indonesia opens his eyes, the golden orbs stare hazily at the ocean outside his window. It’s a place where the horizon becomes the border between the sea and the sky, a framed beauty of white sand and blue-green water, a promise of new adventure and freedom.
Indonesia frowns. He’s a simple being, if everything becomes too hard to handle, he prefers to escape from the grasp of reality. Because the truth hurts, so he ignores the pain and focuses on moving forward.
"You’re up."
Indonesia pauses.
"Breakfast is ready."
He takes a glance at the bedroom door, where a tall man in a white buttoned shirt and black slacks is leaning against the arc while holding a cup. "I made pancakes."
"Oh," Indonesia blushes, "Thank you."
The man enters the bedroom, placing the cup on the vanity, just to help Indonesia with his tie. ""So you're not wearing your officer's uniform today?"
Indonesia clears his throat. The ocean also reminds him of Netherlands, a nation with such a striking appearance and a comforting presence. Sometimes Ned is as gentle as the rolling waves touching his land. Other times, the man is like a storm. Messing up his heart, and drowning him until he couldn't breathe.
However, Ned is always there for him, like how the sea connects his islands as one.
Indonesia blushes.
"It’s a bilateral meeting, so I think a suit is a better option. I mean, you wear a suit too," And he looks really good in it, Indonesia continued the rest of the sentence in his head.
"Of course I look good," Netherlands answers smoothly, still expressionless if not for the twinkle of mischief in his gaze, "I’m always awesome."
"I don’t-" Indonesia grits his teeth. "I didn’t say you look good… I mean, you’re okay!"
"I see, I see." Netherlands calmly ties the knot of his tie. "I’m just teasing. Don’t sulk."
"I’m not sulking." Indonesia glares at the man, only to grimace at the way Netherlands watches him intently. "W-what? Why are you staring at me like that?"
"You look handsome."
"Stop playing around!" Indonesia pushes him away and storms out of the room.
Sometimes he wishes he could forget Netherlands and completely start fresh. However, the freedom he wants has a different meaning to what he gets. After the chaotic divorce between their nations, he has to deal with a lot of consequences and terrible decisions.
To this very day, he often wonders what would happen if he chose a different way. Will it be better for him and his people? Usually, this thought will bring his gaze t0 Netherlands, staring at the other with eyes that reflect his frustration and longing. Strangely, whenever the blond looks back, he feels relieved. It amazes him how those green orbs can soothe his worry.
‘Don’t worry. I am here.’
"Why?"
After one of their meetings, Indonesia asks why Netherlands is always stubbornly chasing him and helping him even though it’s frowned upon. He asks why Netherlands seem set to go against the rest of the world.
"You don’t have any obligation to help me. We’re not living together anymore."
"I don’t know." Netherlands stares at the green garden in front of them. They’re sharing a bench in a park near their office. "I think it’s just necessary."
"It’s not." Indonesia scoffed. The brunette grabs his arm. "When you set me free, it means you are not bound to me anymore."
"Indonesia, moving forward is your choice," Netherlands turns to him and gently caresses his face, wiping the frown on his lips with a brush of his thumb, "and I choose to stay with you, no matter what."
He'd be lying if he says that he's not happy with their special bond. He regrets a lot of his past. However, to have this man stay by his side despite everything he’d done, Indonesia feels so blessed.
‘C H A O S ,
On his way to work, Netherlands sometimes passes a road where a memory flashes in his mind, giving him the nostalgia of his past glory.
He remembers the day when he woke up to Indie’s morning greetings, reading the concerning news about the upcoming war while having breakfast with his beloved. He went to work on his bike, joining the crowds of men in white suits and white hats.
It was peaceful times, the calm before the storm.
He could see the approaching chaos.He tried his best to analyze the impact and how to avoid the worst. Even with precise calculation and thorough preparation, he still had to endure a huge defeat. From bankruptcy to a tumultuous divorce, he succumbed to despair.
"Netherlands! Wait!"
He pauses. From the bus station, he sees Indonesia approaching him in a slight panic and with a troubled look.
"I almost missed the stop." A hand grabs his arm. Call him sentimental, but seeing this comely man holding onto him for support, warms his face with joy and happiness.
Netherlands understands now, to love is to let go . When he is at his worst, all he can think about is to keep this brunette by his side. Until he stops demanding and for once, listens to what Indonesia wants the most.
"Where’s your motorbike?" Netherlands asks as they walk together into the office compound.
"Nah, I’m taking the bus today." Indonesia clears his throat. With a red blush on his cheeks, the man scowls. "Maybe after work, we can go back together? I’m about to do some grocery shopping and I’d like to have…" the golden orbs peek at him, "some second opinions, maybe."
Netherlands gives him a small smile. "Sure."
After the reconciliation, Netherlands begins to see the world from Indonesia’s perspective. What he sees makes him understand what he missed before, and it helps him to grow into a better man. Nowadays the Netherlands keeps doing little things for Indonesia like slowing down when they walk together, so he can admire the beauty by his side.
‘ R E V E L A T I O N ,
"What do you think of the proposal of our joint programs? I like the new revision, although the budget seems out of reach."
"I like the revision too. It’s more realistic and approachable. About the budget, don’t worry. We can come up with something. We always do."
"You and your boldness really have no match, Mas," Indonesia looks up from his plate and smiles sheepishly at the other.
Netherlands quirks a smile. "That’s flattering, coming from you."
"I was being sarcastic!"
"Oh, you mean being cute?"
Indonesia cringes. "Ugh, stop it. You make my rice taste weird."
"Really?" Netherlands leans in and pecks Indonesia on the lips before he licks his own, humming. "You’re right. It tastes sweeter. Do you wanna switch with mine?" the blond asks innocently.
Indonesia grits his teeth, conflicted between slapping or drowning Netherlands in another kiss.
~ End ~