#best sausage singapore

[ferrarrigirl]

could you do a fic where carlos has children and it just tonnes of fluff? thxxxx

A/N: AHH ty for my first request. I hope you like it xxx Also ignore the pictures idk why they are coming up in a weird order :(

Also Check out my poll for favorite kiddie from the fic

BANG. You jump out of bed hearing something smash out in the kitchen. Immediately you turn to the side, seeing Carlos fast asleep beside you. He must have gotten in late last night and snuck in without waking you. You told him he should stay in Singapore and celebrate the win with the team, but he wanted to be at home with you and the kids. You rush to put your slippers on and move towards to where you heard the loud noise from. Peeking into the kitchen you see your oldest daughter holding a broom while your boy sits on the kitchen stool watching Elena with a guilty face. You step into the kitchen, catching Elena’s attention.

“Oh no, sorry Mama, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“That’s okay amor,” you reply moving to Mateo and kissing his cheek, “but what are you doing up? You should’ve woke me if you were hungry, I could’ve made you something.”

“We saw Papa’s car in the driveway and wanted to surprise him for winning,” Mateo says looking up at you with the same big brown doe eyes his Papa has. You can’t help but break out into a grin, these kids really were the best.

“Well we would’ve been able to surprise you too if Mateo didn’t go and smash the bowl on the ground,” your daughter spills. You giggle lightly, she’s always been the feisty one.

You now move towards her, grabbing the broom from her hand “that’s okay bebe, I can help you both now and we can make Papa a nice big breakfast.” You split the kitchen; with you cooking the eggs and sausage, Elena on fruit cutting duty, and Mateo mixing the pancake batter, the only thing you were sure he wouldn’t mess up. God was that boy clumsy. Within 20 minutes, all 3 of you had the kitchen island filled with a gourmet breakfast buffet.

“Cmon you know the drill,” the kids groan knowing their mom has to take a picture to document this. They would look back and appreciate it you thought.

“Perfect” you say snapping a picture of them standing behind the plated goodies. “Okay you two go brush your teeth, I’ll wake Noah and Luna and then we can surprise Papa.”

As your oldest two kids scurry to their rooms, you head in the direction of your younger boy. You sit down on the bed next to him, “Morning Noah, time to wake up baby”, you say, lightly running your hand through his beautiful dark hair. The same brown eyes flutter open and close as he cuddles into his stuffed Lightning Mcqueen. Ever since Charles gave him that, they’ve been inseparable.

“Nooo still tired Mama.”

“Cmon, me Elena and Mateo already made breakfast and there’s pancakes for you,” you try bribing him. No reply. You try again, “Papa’s back.”

PAPA’S BACK?” He jumps out of bed and ontop you.

“Shhh yes bubba but he’s sleeping,” you say rubbing his back, “So let’s go get you ready and then we can surprise him.” Happy with this plan, you get your third child into the bathroom and ready and bring him out to the kitchen so Elena can watch him. You sigh, only two more to wake up.

You head back to your bedroom, joining Carlos on his side of bed, you lean down and press a kiss to his cheek, “Good morning race winner.” He slowly opens his eyes giving you a lazy smile as he pulls you down into bed with him. 

“Morning carino, what are you doing up so early, come cuddle,” he says nuzzling his face into your neck, pressing light kisses along your shoulder. You lightly giggle while reminding him ‘Are you forgetting the house full of kids we have?”

You feel his smile grow against your shoulder, “I could never,” he jokes back, “I missed you guys so much.”

“We missed you more bub.”

You give yourself another 5 minutes to bask in his warmth while you can, just lying in his strong hold, feeling his hair tickle your ear. These are the moments you miss most every time he has to leave for a race weekend.

“Hmm, alright get up,” you peer over at the clock, “Luna’s gonna be up in 5 minutes, which gives you enough time to get ready, get her and meet me in the kitchen,” you say while pulling yourself out of bed. You drop another kiss to his cheek and as you walk out the door, you can’t help laugh while hearing Carlos groan and mutter “Yes ma’am.”

Back in the kitchen, Noah, Elena and Mateo all sit in the stools lining the island, waiting patiently for breakfast to be served. You’re surprised that they haven’t all rushed to Carlos in bed yet, they must really want to surprise him for the win.

“How long Mamaaaaaa, I’m hungryyyyyy,” Noah whines. There it is you think.

“Soon bubs, he’s just getting Lu.” Moving to the fridge, you grab Luna’s bottle, knowing she’ll be hungry the second she sees you and as you shut the fridge door, Carlos walks into the kitchen holding baby Luna.

“Surprise Papa!” Your kids yell running to Carlos engulfing him in a big family hug. You carefully grab Luna so he can give each of his babies a hug and kiss as they yell different congratulations his way.

He notices the breakfast feast behind them, “Did you guys make all this for me?”

“Si Papa,” says your eldest daughter with a proud grin.

Mirroring her smile, Carlos replies “Muchas gracias mi alma” and gives her another forehead kiss. You stand feeding Lu her bottle, just admiring the way Carlos helps each one plate their food and how the kids tell him everything they loved about the race.

“The DRS move to help uncle Lando was so good”

“You were going so fast”

“I felt bad for Uncle Cha”

“Was it hot”

“Is Uncle George okay”

“I knew you would win Papa”

That last one from Mateo has you tearing up (he’s always been his biggest fan), just seeing the beautiful family you’ve created and how happy the kids are. Carlos notices and comes your way, “Hermosa, why you getting all teary eyed on me hmm?” he says the same big brown doe eyes filled with concern.

“I’m just so proud of you and so happy that we could be celebrating together. Thank you for coming home,” you look up at him through your glossy eyes.

He wraps an arm around you, leans down and places a slow delicate kiss on your lips. Pulling back, he rests his forehead on yours and smiles, “Te amo carino, I’ll always come home to you.”

A/N: omg why did this turn out so adorable. I need Carlos in my life😭. Also please leave any suggestions/feedback on what you liked and didnt

[emphasisonthehomo]

I do this only because it has come to my attention that not everyone is aware of one of America's worst/best culinary contributions to the world, so I present to you:

The McGriddle

Between two dense pancakes with the syrup baked in so it's inherently sticky, the classic McGriddle comes with egg, bacon, and American cheese. It is unfortunately delicious, I myself like the sausage variant.

According to wikipedia, it is available in the following markets: United States, Canada, Japan, Guatemala, Mexico, Philippines, Singapore and Hong Kong.

HOWEVER, you should not buy one.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Sausage Pizza Day

Pepperoni gets the spotlight too often, but sausage is a great pizza topping. Make a sausage pizza at home, order delivery, or try a new kind of sausage.

Almost every person on the face of the earth has a favorite kind of pizza! Would that kind happen to be full of the robust, well-seasoned flavor of sausage? National Sausage Pizza Day reminds us that while Pepperoni may be considered the King of Pizzas, it’s Sausage Pizza that’s Queen.

Sausage Pizza is the second most popular pizza in the world (only behind its good friend, Pepperoni Pizza), and with so many variations on sausage, there’s an endless number of types that can be deeply enjoyed. National Sausage Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to challenge the idea of boring pizza and try multiple types of this spicy and delicious topping.

History of National Sausage Pizza Day

Of course, it’s true that almost everyone likes pepperoni, but what most people don’t know is that sausage is nearly as popular on pizza as its cousin pepperoni. While most places that serve sausage pizza use classic Italian sausage, that’s a discredit to the incredible variety it is possible to get out of this incredible meat treat.

There are as many types of sausage as can be imagined, including beef sausage, chicken sausage, and of course the classic pork sausage. Each of these can be made with apples, fennel, cheese, garlic, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a myriad of other ingredients that can change a simple sausage into a delicious extravaganza.

Sausage on pizza is nearly as old as the pizza itself and has been a common ingredient in this flatbread-based treat for centuries.

Since National Sausage Pizza Day falls within Pizza Month, it’s a doubly good reason to celebrate! 

How to Celebrate National Sausage Pizza Day

Celebrating National Sausage Pizza Day can be loads of fun–and truly delicious! Get on board with all different varieties and brands of sausage pizza and try out these ideas for celebrating:

Go Out for Sausage Pizza

This is a great day to gather family or friends and head over to a pizza joint! Whether a deep-dish Chicago style or a thin crust New York-style, sausage pizza covers it all. Try out one of these unique and interesting pizza places that are known to offer some of the best pizza in the world:

Pizzeria L’Operetta in Singapore. Authentic Napoli pizzas are served in Southeast Asia at this delicious pizza place. Expect some interesting varieties of toppings!

Bæst Pizza in Copenhagen. Those searching for great pizza in Scandinavia need to look no further than Bæst in Denmark. They cook their pizza on a wood-fired stove that was imported from Naples!

Lamanna’s Bakery in Toronto. This Italian bakery is known for its authenticity, and its pizza recipe is no exception. Specializing in enormous slices of pizza, one slice can be shared with a friend (or even two!). Or, the brave few with a huge appetite can try it on their own. And the bakery offers delicious desserts–for those who have any space left after they have eaten their huge pizza slices.

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo in Italy and Beyond. For the best in Italian pizza, of course, one must go to Italy (or, perhaps, Italy will bring the pizza to you). This chain of several pizzerias, owned and operated by Gino Sorbillo himself, has locations in Rome, Naples and Milan and other places in Italy, as well international locations of Tokyo, New York and Miami.

Make Pizza at Home

Some of the tastiest pizza is made in humble kitchens all over the world. The great thing about making it at home is that it can be made exactly to the specific desires and needs of the person (or family) who is making it! Enjoy making fresh dough or grab it from the refrigerator section at the grocery store. Stuff the crust, if desired. Make it thick or thin. Add various toppings (sausage required, of course). Then bake and enjoy!

Have Sausage Pizza Delivered at Work (or at Home)

Maybe the boss will pay for it, or maybe everyone will need to pitch in, but ordering sausage pizza for the folks at the office or the warehouse is a great way to celebrate the day! Check out local delivery deals that might be special specifically in honor of the day. Downloading the apps for the local pizza places is a great way to keep apprised of discounts and deals that are offered.

Discover Something New and Creative

National Sausage Pizza Day is a great opportunity to break free of old traditions and discover something new. Everyone has their favorite kind of sausage, and all of them can be used to top a pizza. One interesting favorite for a sweet sausage pizza is Apple Chicken Sausage, which lends a sweet flavor to the dish while still providing a tangy taste.

For the people who have only experienced classic Italian Sausage on their pizza in the past, it’s time to expand that palate. Head on down to the local butcher or deli department and ask them what they’d suggest using on a pizza, and turn them away from the Italian, since the point is to get creative here.

Get Cheesy for National Sausage Pizza Day

Looking for something cheesy and zesty? Some call it sacrilege, but other people may happen to enjoy putting Cheddar Wursts on their Sausage Pizza. Of course, this requires cutting it thin and layering cheese around it to get the best effect (because, honestly, who doesn’t just love cheese?), but it will taste absolutely fabulous. What other fun and unique variation will you come up with for National Sausage Pizza Day?

Source

[thebests5]

Scorch Kway Teow otherwise called Seared Kway Teow is quite possibly of the most needed dish in Singapore that you can't go through. The combination of egg and flat rice noodles, commonly stir-fried with eggs, cockles, lap cheong (Chinese sausages), bean sprouts, and Chinese chives, will melt you. Read more at: https://www.thebestsingapore.com/eat-and-drink/the-best-5-char-kway-teow-in-singapore/

[thehungrykat1]

Brotzeit Philippines Celebrates Oktoberfest 2023 With Signature Party Days

It's that time of the year again when the beers start flowing and the parties go on and on. Oktoberfest 2023 is right around the corner so Brotzeit Philippines is giving us a head start with its Oktoberfest Menu which is available starting September 1 up to October 29, 2023! They will also be having their Signature Party Days from September 22 to 24 where guests can experience German music and entertainment combined with authentic German food and drinks.

Brotzeit proudly celebrates Oktoberfest 2023 at its two branches in Alabang West Parade and at Shangri-La at the Fort this September and October. Oktoberfest is an annual festival held in Munich, Bavaria in Germany from mid-September to the first Sunday in October. This year, it will be held from September 16 to October 3, 2023, but you don't have to travel to Germany because Brotzeit is bringing the party right here in Manila.

My friends and I got a sneak preview of what to expect at Brotzeit for Oktoberfest 2023. Brotzeit was conceived in Singapore in 2006 and now operates across the Asia Pacific region. It aims to introduce authentic Bavarian cuisine accompanied by world famous quality German beer in a chic and contemporary setting, so Oktoberfest is always one of its biggest events of the year. Now on their 10th year in the Philippines, there’s no better place to enjoy this annual German tradition than at the country’s most popular German bier bar and restaurant.

Brotzeit is very proud of its German beers and these are taken very seriously from sourcing, using proper glassware, and even pouring techniques. All beers at Brotzeit are brewed according to the Germany purity law, so you are assured of an authentic German experience.

We tried some of the exclusive Oktoberfest beers that can only be found at Brotzeit in the Philippines. Schneider's Bayrisch Hell is a traditional beer that is similar to its homeland, pure and full of character. On the other hand, the Schneider Weisse Tap 7 Original is a stronger beer that has a deep amber color. These beers can be ordered in 300ml (P300), 500ml (P440), or 1 Liter (P850) glasses.

They also offer the Schneider Weisse Love Beer (P380) which has a lovely golden color and comes with aromas of citrus, stone fruit, and elderflower with flavors similar to Sauvignon Blanc. The beer has a refreshing tang that finishes with an earthy noble-hop bitterness.

If you want to make the entire table happy, go for the Three-Liter Barrel (P2550) which can provide enough beers to last the entire evening.

Another option is the Weihenstephaner Festbier, a full rich-bodied hoppy seasonal lager especially brewed for the Festbier season. I think The Pickiest Eater in the World had a bit too much beer during our party.

Now let’s try some of the special Oktoberfest dishes. Brotzeit has created a new Oktoberfest Menu that perfectly represents the season and goes very well with the featured beers for this celebration. The Bratwurst Semmel Klassik (P450) is a Hungarian cheese sausage served with sauerkraut and sweet mustard on a brioche baguette.

There's also the Bratwurst Semmel (P480) which is served with a mushroom sauce, gherkins and spring onions also on a brioche baguette. Both sausages come with a side of potato wedges which are also so good to nibble on.

You can never go wrong with the Meterwurst (P1100). This sizzling meter-long grilled sausage spiral is best for bigger groups who just can't get enough of Brotzeit's sausages. It is also served with potato wedges and sauerkraut.

For the meaty main courses, the Geräucherte BBQ Schweinerippcher (P1350) will surely give everyone enough energy to party. These juicy BBQ smoked pork ribs comes topped with coleslaw and is served with toasted garlic bread.

I love steaks so my favorite would definitely be the Rinder Auf Dem Oktoberfest (P1200). This is 250 grams of Australian rib eye with pommes, and pfeffer sauce. The beef is cooked medium just the way I like it. It also comes with potato fries and salad so that makes it doubly good.

If you really want to celebrate Oktoberfest, go and order the Oktoberfest Platter 2023 (P5200). This huge meaty platter will surely be the highlight of your Oktoberfest celebrations with is combination of Oktoberfest specials and Brotzeit favorites.

This full platter comes with a Meterwurst, Brotzeit's Signature Pork Knuckle, BBQ Pork Spareribs, Australian Rib Eye and your choice of sides.

You can order these separately from the Oktoberfest Menu but if you are with a big group, then the Oktoberfest Platter is the best way to go. I always love having Brotzeit's pork knuckles with its crispy skin and and very tender meat. Pair your order with any of Brotzeit's German beers for a perfect Oktoberfest combination.

For desserts, try the Kaiserschmarren (P250) which is an Emperor's Pancake served with cranberry jam and apple sauce. You can also get the Apfelstrudel (P190) which has sweet spiced apples inside a flaky crust and served with whipped cream.

I was happy to see my childhood friend Nikki Viola here at Brotzeit. Nikki now works for When in Manila as a correspondent so I get to see her more often now during media events.

Brotzeit's Oktoberfest 2023 celebrations culminate with their Signature Party Days on September 22 to 24, 2023. This huge 3-day Oktoberfest party will be similar to how they do it in Germany. Special guests will be the AnTon Showband which is a popular German group that performs traditional German folk tunes to modern hits. They will be playing at Brotzeit Alabang West Parade on September 22 and 24 then at Shangri-La at the Fort on September 23. You can book your tables early and join this unforgettable musical journey at (https://www.brotzeitdelivers.com/reservation).

We also got a sample of the activities you can find at Brotzeit in the next few weeks. An Oktoberfest party will not be complete without games and fun challenges, so Brotzeit will also be giving away great prizes for its guests during the Oktoberfest season.

Try your skills at the beer mug lifting challenge for the girls, or the beer barrel challenge for the guys. There will also be beer drinking contests where the fastest group can win great merchandise and prizes from Brotzeit. My husband was more than ready to drink his beers.

We would like to thank Malvin Ang and DK Herrera for hosting our Oktoberfest 2023 preview giving us another taste of this awesome German celebration. Head to Brotzeit now and experience this delightful Bavarian tradition yourselves. I love their giveaway shirts!

Brotzeit

GF6 Retail Arcade, Shangri-La at the Fort, 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

(0949) 881-0360

www.brotzeit.ph

www.brotzeitdelivers.com

www.facebook.com/brotzeitph

[jacksparrow121]

Germany Travel: Exploring the Best of this European Country with Singapore Airlines San Francisco Office in California

Singapore Airlines San Francisco Office in California

Germany is a beautiful country that offers a blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and modernity. From stunning architecture to world-class museums, delicious food and drink to outdoor adventures, Germany has something for everyone. And if you are planning to visit Germany, Singapore Airlines, with its office in San Francisco, California, is an excellent way to start your journey.

Singapore Airlines is known for its excellent customer service, comfortable seating, and top-notch in-flight amenities. With multiple flights to Germany, you can choose your preferred time and location for landing in Germany. Additionally, with its vast network of connections, Singapore Airlines can connect you to other European destinations with ease.

Germany is a year-round destination, with each season offering a different experience. Summer is perfect for exploring the great outdoors, hiking, cycling, and exploring the many beautiful parks and forests that Germany has to offer. Spring and fall are ideal for history and culture enthusiasts, as the crowds are smaller, and the weather is mild, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the many museums and historical sites. Winter is perfect for skiing and winter sports activities, with Germany having many ski resorts and winter sports destinations.

Berlin is the capital of Germany and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture. Berlin is home to many museums and historical sites, including the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Brandenburg Gate. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife and food scene, making it an excellent destination for experiencing the best of German culture.

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is another must-visit destination in Germany. The city is known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and world-famous beer gardens. Munich is home to many museums and historical sites, including the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and the Nymphenburg Palace.

The Black Forest is a beautiful and picturesque region in southwestern Germany, known for its dense forests, rolling hills, and charming villages. It is an excellent destination for anyone interested in outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and skiing.

The Romantic Road is a scenic route that runs through southern Germany, from Würzburg to Füssen. It is known for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and historic castles and palaces. The Romantic Road is an excellent destination for anyone interested in history, culture, and beautiful scenery.

The Rhine Valley is another beautiful region in western Germany that is known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and historic castles. The Rhine Valley is an excellent destination for anyone interested in outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and boat tours.

When traveling to Germany, make sure to try some of the delicious food and drink that the country has to offer. From traditional sausages and sauerkraut to world-famous beers and wines, German cuisine is sure to delight your taste buds.

[fgfoodpteltd]

From Bratwurst to Chorizo: The Cultural Significance of Sausages in Singapore

Chinese sausages are famous in Singapore because they add a unique flavour and texture to many dishes. Whether you are cooking lap mei fan for the CNY or just a regular dinner for your family, sausages can add a different flair to your plate. Although sausages are delectable and versatile, finding the best sausages in Singapore can be overwhelming. That’s when diving into the culinary journey of Sausages can come in handy. Are you a food aficionado eager to know about the journey of sausages in Singapore? Read on to find out! 

Bratwurst

Bratwurst originated in Germany. The sausage is made from pork and is seasoned with a blend of spices, including nutmeg and ginger. In Singapore, bratwurst is a famous sausage served at Oktoberfest, a German festival celebrated annually in October. During Oktoberfest, people come together to enjoy beer and traditional German food, including bratwurst. The sausage is usually grilled and served with sauerkraut and mustard.

Chorizo

Chorizo draws its roots in Spain. It is made from pork and seasoned with paprika and other spices. In Singapore, chorizo is found in many dishes, including paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish. Chorizo is also used in sandwiches and as a topping on pizzas. Its unique flavour and texture add depth and richness to many recipes.

Bak Kwa

Bak Kwa is a Chinese sausage made from pork. It is zinged with spices, including soy sauce and five-spice powder. Bak Kwa is usually grilled or roasted and is served as a snack or as a side dish. During Chinese New Year, Bak Kwa is a popular gift item, and people often queue for hours to buy it from famous shops.

Satay

Satay is a type of Indonesian sausage that is popular in Singapore. It is made from different meats, including chicken, beef, and mutton, and is marinated in a blend of spices, including turmeric and lemongrass. Satay is usually grilled over charcoal and served with peanut sauce, cucumber, and onion. Satay is a popular street food in Singapore, and many people enjoy it as a snack or as part of a meal.

Sausages in Singaporean Cuisine: Traditional Dishes and Modern Twists

Singapore's diverse cultural heritage has paved the way for an extensive array of sausages, each with its unique flavour and history. For example, the Mee Goreng found in Singaporean Hawker centres is an all-time sausage hit. The recipe includes yellow noodles stir-fried with vegetables, shrimp, and a spicy tomato sauce. It also has chicken or beef sausage with tomato sauce for a tangy palate. Apart from the traditional delights, you can also find modern twists like sausage rolls well-known as a popular snack among Singaporeans.

The bottom line

Sausage Singapore are a staple ingredient of many recipes, including stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, soups, etc. Especially for restauranteurs, sausages are one of the most ubiquitous ingredients that cannot go AWOL from their kitchen. Searching for the best quality sausages in Singapore? Find them at F&G Food now!

Source:https://fgfood.com.sg/from-bratwurst-to-chorizo-the-cultural-significance-of-sausages-in-singapore/

[truevinekidsmagic]

How Do You Plan a Memorable Kid’s Birthday Party

Whether it's your child's first or fourteenth birthday, making their party as special as possible is at the top of every parent's 'to do' list. Birthdays are a big deal these days, and a game of pass the parcel and a few balloons just won't do. How do you plan a memorable children's birthday party without going bankrupt or ruining your finances?

Here are a few tips:

Budget: The most important thing is to have a fun-filled day, so make sure you budget precisely and understand the cost of all the extras. You may ideally prevent expenses from out of control by maintaining a tight rein on your budget. To avoid unpleasant surprises when it comes time to pay the bill, make sure to account for the costs of the venue, the décor, the food, the birthday cake, the entertainment, and the party bags.

Guest List: Are all of your child's classmates being invited, or will they be satisfied with six to ten of their closest friends? Early planning will help you determine where to have the party, how much it will cost, and whether or not you will provide catering to adults. You can also make appropriate plans for games and activities.

Choose A Theme: You can host a season-specific birthday party, depending on the time of year. For instance, a birthday celebration centred around an Easter Egg hunt, a Halloween fancy dress party, or a Christmas party. Always involve your child in the party preparations since they will want to choose the theme and feel even more special on their special day.

Catering: While a three-course meal is not what we are now discussing, we still need to feed those grumbling stomachs. Although not difficult to do, catering is crucial for a children's party. The classic party fare, including little sausages, breadsticks and dips, carrot sticks, mini pizzas, crisps in a bowl, cheese cubes, and pre-cut fruit, is always warmly received. If you're craving something sweet, consider small pastries, biscuits, fairy cakes, and those adored chocolate fingers.

Entertainment: Entertainment is the key to any party and kids’ birthday parties are no exception. You can book a Kids Magic Show in Singapore from True Vine Kids Magic if your child and his friends love watching different magic tricks unfolding in front of their eyes. Whether you are looking for a stage magic show or a virtual one, True Vine Kids Magic can accommodate your needs with ease. They have a wide range of kid’s magic packages to choose from, so you are free to choose one that best fit your budget and child’s preference.

Source From: https://truevinekidsmagic.wordpress.com/2023/01/28/how-do-you-plan-a-memorable-kids-birthday-party/

[dimsumplacesingapore]

Cultural Insights A Complete Dim Sum Guide-Yanxi Dim Sum & Hotpot

You’re planning to travel to Singapore and Hong Kong in the near future? Although they have many differences, they share a few many common threads, including the ever-popular brunch which is best known as dim sum. An old-fashioned tradition that is a staple of various different branches of Chinese food, this meal comprises a selection of small plates, served with tea in a pot. The food items are hurled from the kitchen, onto your table when the cart whizzes by, however, you may not know what they are. With that in mind, here’s a helpful guide to the top dim sum recipes and the best ways to prepare the best dim sum dishes.

Har Gow Dumplings The classic dumpling that is steamed, usually has shrimp in it and has a sweet smell. There are occasions when you can find variants with green onion or dill as well, but the fresh dumpling must be tightly wrapped in its crystal clear rice wrapper. It is possible to dip them in a bit of soy-based spice.

Siu Mai Dumplings Siu mai is a different classic. These dumplings, however, are open-faced. Mixing pork and ground shrimp and topping with a hint of roe, these dumplings are deliciously sweet. If you get the chance to taste the dish in a high-end dim dime, it may be impressive and sophisticated.

Sticky Rice Wrapped in lotus leaves or steamed, and served with pork or sausage inside, this tasty dish is essential. It’s always good and is an excellent base for those who are new to dim sum. It’s important to take it to a friend. The sticky rice is extremely filling.

Taro Puffs Taro is a starchy plant that is very popular in Asian food preparation. It is recommended to take a bite of a taro puff for the most delicious and satisfying experience. These puffs that are deep-fried come with a crisp shell that is filled with a sweet but tasty cloud of pork mince and taro.

Pot-sticker Dumplings These dumplings of pork have thicker skin than others. So, they’re fried to perfection and are characterized by some slight charcoal-like exterior. With green onion and minced pork Make sure you try it with white wine vinegar in order to help break up the sweetness.

Turnip Cake

A favorite of mine, turnip cakes are made of rice flour and chopped turnips combined with Chinese sausages, cut into squares, and then seared. It’s the perfect mix and is a delicious, easy dessert for any dim sum dinner. Try the dish with mustard, hot!

Spare Ribs

Spare ribs are a usual element in dim sum, typically cooked with a hint of bell pepper and black bean. They are delicious and bite-sized, and an ideal choice for those who aren’t confident about eating chicken feet!

Hot BBQ Pork Buns The white clouds are filled with flavor. They are packed with delicious BBQ pork. You won’t require any soy sauce to enjoy this one. Peel off the base of the paper and sink your teeth into the soft exterior.

Noodle Rolls Savoury, slippery noodle rolls are a staple of dim sum. They’re usually filled with seafood or BBQ pork. They can be tricky to grab with chopsticks, therefore, don’t hesitate to place your bowl next to your mouth. They’ll come with a sweet, soy sauce that’s poured over them after serving which means they don’t require any additional ingredients.

Soup Dumplings The most exquisite dumplings to have been created, soup dumplings are a delicious and unique delicious delicacy. Take care when eating them: savor part of the dumpling’s top. Then, take into the hot broth, and then drink the remainder of the dumpling. It’s a blast of tender meat that is perfectly packed.

Egg Tarts Egg tarts are quite tasty, with a crisp yet firm crust, encasing an incredibly sweet and rich custard. It’s the perfect way to round your food!

Sesame Balls A soft rice flour ball that has red or black bean paste in the middle and coated with sesame seeds, and deep-fried. Just delightful.

We hope that you find this guide useful in your quest for dim sum. If you want to experience a truly delicious dining experience make sure you take the time to look over the rest of our Singapore experiences that include dim sum as an element of the experience! Our local experts at the destination are always willing to provide suggestions and provide tips on the most popular places to have dim sum.

[victorl0]

Oktoberfest 2022 is back, bigger and better than ever, with leading German wheat beer brand ERDINGER. 🍺⁣ ⁣ 𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 and 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐢𝐭 have teamed up to bring you the most authentic German flavours and experience from 31st August to 24th October 2022.⁣ ⁣ Besides ERDINGER’s classic Weissbier, wheat beer aficionados can savour the limited-edition ERDINGER Oktoberfest Bier (3L keg), a full-bodied wheat beer brewed specially for festive enjoyment. This seasonal brew is imported directly from Erding, Germany, and available only at Brotzeit.⁣ Cheers! 🍻 ⁣ Pair it with the mouthwatering 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐳𝐞𝐢𝐭 𝐎𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞 (for 4-6 persons) at S$228++, which consists of the 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐊𝐧𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐞, 𝐍ü𝐫𝐧𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐭𝐰𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐭 (pork sausages), 𝐓𝐡ü𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 (made with beef and pork), 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐧, and 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐟! 🤤🤤⁣ ⁣ For the best ERDINGER x Brotzeit flavour pairing, try the spicy and dark ERDINGER Dunkel with meat such as sausages and ERDINGER Urweisse with hearty dishes such as the pork knuckle. It can also be enjoyed with all meals from salad to chicken, fish and even desserts.⁣ 👍🏻😋 ⁣ 📍Brotzeit @ Raffles City⁣ 252 North Bridge Road⁣ # 01-17 Raffles City Shopping Centre⁣ Singapore 179103⁣ 🕚 Mondays to Sundays: 11am to 11pm⁣ 📞 6883 1534⁣ ⁣ #ErdingerSg #Erdinger (at Brotzeit) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci_a5U9h17k/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[talwarishikaaa]

Go on a bus journey from Singapore to Johor Bahru to explore the food in Johor Bahru

It's a culinary haven! Johor Bahru goes unnoticed, although many people flock to places with great food, such as Penang, Malacca, Ipoh, or even Kuala Lumpur. However, thanks to the restaurants and recipes that have been handed down through the years, this gastronomic paradise delivers some of Malaysia's most authentic tasting cuisine! With this list of unusual cafés, we've got you covered if you want to relax in a cafe. Here's a list of food to explore in Johor Bahru after you take a bus from Singapore and reach Johor Bahru.

Laksa

Not just in Johor, but in Malaysia in general, laksa is a well-liked meal. But practically every state in Malaysia gives this well-loved meal a special spin of its own. At the same time, rice noodles or egg noodles are typically used in laksa dishes, Johor laksa substitutes for spaghetti.

In addition to the unusual noodle option, Johor laksa features a somewhat richer and thicker gravy. Shredded meat and veggies are typically added to the dish's top, along with a squeeze of lime to tie everything together.

Lei Cha

You'll love the assortment of vegetables in the green broth, which is prepared from herbs and is referred to as Lei Cha - the Ground Tea. This dish has a nutritious combination that tastes fantastic. The dish improves with each passing second after you pour the broth over the rice and mixed vegetables. Usually, this broth has a minty flavour. Cereals and crispy peanuts taste well together and offer a fun variation of texture and scent. While some people like to combine rice and broth together, others prefer to eat them separately. You can have this meal solo or with Yong Tau Fu.

Nasi Briyani Gam

The rice is typically cooked separately from the other components in the majority of biryani meals before being combined before serving. However, the aromatic basmati rice is cooked in the same pot as the other ingredients to create the ideal biryani flavour. As a result, the rice acquires an additional layer of aroma from the oils and perfumes of the other ingredients that have been added. Additionally, it keeps the rice fluffy and moist.

Char Kway Teow

In Malaysia, Char Kway Teow is among the top three dishes in the Chinese noodle category. However, you'll be dumbfounded after eating a dish of stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, eggs, Chinese lap Cheong sausage, eggs, bloody cockles, bean sprouts, and chives, along with the proper amount of salt.

In Johor, there are many stalls that sell Char Kway Teow in varying flavours. You can order your food sweet, salty, or spicy. The secret to making great kway teow stir-fried noodles is to stir-fry them in a deep, hot wok with garlic and oil. Watching the chef prepare it while bright orange flames are encircling the wok is an intriguing treat.

Lontong Kering

One of the most popular breakfast foods in Johor Bahru is called lontong kering. The best comparison for this rustic cuisine would be to the Johorean version of nasi lemak, with the difference being that this dish is far more satisfying.

While the kind of rice used to produce lontong kering isn't particularly remarkable, the way it's prepared and cooked is. First, the rice is steam-cooked after being firmly wrapped in flavorful banana leaves. As a result, the cooked rice is tightly packed. After that, the rice is divided into portions and served alongside other side dishes such as rendang, sambal, and veggies.

Bak Kut Teh

Pork ribs simmered in broth with a blend of herbs and spices form the basis of the Bak Kut Teh soup. Along with pork ribs, tau pork, mushrooms, and offal are frequently included in the soup. Oolong tea complements it effectively in order to lessen greasiness and increase freshness.

The three primary varieties of Bak Kut Teh are the light-coloured, spicy variety, the dark-coloured, more soy sauce- and salt-laden kind, and the herbal one with a potent herbal flavour. Any of the three varieties can be found in Johor, with the darker/saltier kind being the most common. This dish is typically offered for breakfast and lunch in many hawker booths and restaurants.

Conclusion

You can now travel from Singapore to Johor Bahru with Transtar Travel and enjoy all these scrumptious foods in Johor Bahru. Transtar provides first-rate amenities to improve the commuting experience on all of its buses. With redBus, purchasing Transtar bus tickets online is simple.

[rabbitcruiser]

National Sausage Pizza Day

Almost every person on the face of the earth has a favorite kind of  pizza! Would that kind happen to be full of the robust, well-seasoned  flavor of sausage? Sausage Pizza Day reminds us that while Pepperoni may  be considered the King of Pizzas, it’s Sausage Pizza that’s Queen.

Sausage Pizza is the second most popular pizza in the world (only  behind its good friend, Pepperoni Pizza), and with so many variations on  sausage, there’s an endless number of types that can be deeply enjoyed.  Sausage Pizza Day is the perfect opportunity to challenge the idea of  boring pizza and try multiple types of this spicy and delicious topping.  

History of Sausage Pizza Day

Of course, it’s true that almost everyone likes pepperoni, but what  most people don’t know is that sausage is nearly as popular on pizza as  its cousin pepperoni. While most places that serve sausage pizza use  classic Italian sausage, that’s a discredit to the incredible variety it  is possible to get out of this incredible meat treat.

There are as many types of sausage as can be imagined, including beef  sausage, chicken sausage, and of course the classic pork sausage. Each  of these can be made with apples, fennel, cheese, garlic, black pepper,  red pepper flakes, and a myriad of other ingredients that can change a  simple sausage into a delicious extravaganza.

Sausage on pizza is nearly as old as the pizza itself and has been a  common ingredient in this flatbread-based treat for centuries.

Since Sausage Pizza Day falls within Pizza Month, it’s a doubly good reason to celebrate!

How to Celebrate Sausage Pizza Day

Celebrating Sausage Pizza Day can be loads of fun–and truly  delicious! Get on board with all different varieties and brands of  sausage pizza and try out these ideas for celebrating:

Go Out for Sausage Pizza

This is a great day to gather family or friends and head over to a  pizza joint! Whether a deep-dish Chicago style or a thin crust New  York-style, sausage pizza covers it all. Try out one of these unique and  interesting pizza places that are known to offer some of the best pizza  in the world:

Pizzeria L’Operetta in Singapore. Authentic  Napoli pizzas are served in Southeast Asia at this delicious pizza  place. Expect some interesting varieties of toppings!

Bæst Pizza in Copenhagen. Those  searching for great pizza in Scandinavia need to look no further than  Bæst in Denmark. They cook their pizza on a wood-fired stove that was  imported from Naples!

Lamanna’s Bakery in Toronto.  This Italian bakery is known for its authenticity, and its pizza recipe  is no exception. Specializing in enormous slices of pizza, one slice  can be shared with a friend (or even two!). Or, the brave few with a  huge appetite can try it on their own. And the bakery offers delicious  desserts–for those who have any space left after they have eaten their  huge pizza slices.

Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo in Italy and Beyond.  For the best in Italian pizza, of course, one must go to Italy (or,  perhaps, Italy will bring the pizza to you). This chain of several  pizzerias, owned and operated by Gino Sorbillo himself, has locations in  Rome, Naples and Milan and other places in Italy, as well international  locations of Tokyo, New York and Miami.

Make Pizza at Home

Some of the tastiest pizza is made in humble kitchens all over the  world. The great thing about making it at home is that it can be made  exactly to the specific desires and needs of the person (or family) who  is making it! Enjoy making fresh dough or grab it from the refrigerator  section at the grocery store. Stuff the crust, if desired. Make it thick  or thin. Add various toppings (sausage required, of course). Then bake  and enjoy!

Have Sausage Pizza Delivered at Work (or at Home)

Maybe the boss will pay for it, or maybe everyone will need to pitch  in, but ordering sausage pizza for the folks at the office or the  warehouse is a great way to celebrate the day! Check out local delivery  deals that might be special specifically in honor of the day.  Downloading the apps for the local pizza places is a great way to keep  apprised of discounts and deals that are offered.

Discover Something New and Creative

Sausage Pizza Day is a great opportunity to break free of old  traditions and discover something new. Everyone has their favorite kind  of sausage, and all of them can be used to top a pizza. One interesting  favorite for a sweet sausage pizza is Apple Chicken Sausage, which lends  a sweet flavor to the dish while still providing a tangy taste.

For the people who have only experienced classic Italian Sausage on  their pizza in the past, it’s time to expand that palate. Head on down  to the local butcher or deli department and ask them what they’d suggest  using on a pizza, and turn them away from the Italian, since the point  is to get creative here.

Get Cheesy for Sausage Pizza Day

Looking for something cheesy and zesty? Some call it sacrilege, but  other people may happen to enjoy putting Cheddar Wursts on their Sausage  Pizza. Of course, this requires cutting it thin and layering cheese  around it to get the best effect (because, honestly, who doesn’t just  love cheese?), but it will taste absolutely fabulous. What other fun and  unique variation will you come up with for Sausage Pizza Day?

Source

[molllus]

Hey folks! So in honour of my asshole gallbladder being evicted post-haste, and based on the fact that I can't consume anything by mouth right now so I'm literally dreaming about food, here's some recipe recommendations.

These are my absolute favourites, and I'm going to order them based on how many spoons they require to make.

(Please note this is not... literal spoons, if you're new here. Go look up the Spoons Theory and thank me later)

Final note - I'm not a very good cook yet. I have OFTEN destroyed meals. So the vast, vast majority of these you can follow the instructions exactly and it will taste like it's supposed to. Practice with cooking definitely makes it easier to understand how to cook well over time, but also I have ADHD and my life is much easier when I can just follow a dang list of instructions.

Here we go!

Low Spoons

Instant Pot Indian Tomato Coconut Soup*

Do you like tomato soup, but wish it had some more flavor? This is it. I dream of this soup sometimes. I would kill a man for this soup. Also, all the ingredients are shelf-stable, which is incredibly convenient, and with the added bonus of being dairy-free. Shout out specifically to @hthrrloooo for this one.

Norwegian Rhubarb And Almond Cake

You want to look fancy as shit at whatever thing you're going to? This is your dish. It's super easy to make and fast - I can make it in under an hour - prep, bake, everything. It also tastes incredible, the almond with the rhubarb balances sweet and tart. Also it makes an amazing breakfast.

Artichoke Tomato And Spinach Flatbread

Again, you look fancy, without having to be fancy. It's pretty fast too, so it makes a great dinner. My mom loves this one, it's like spinach artichoke dip on a pizza.

Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with Honey Lime Dressing*

This is an excellent example of "power bowls", which is a slightly ridiculous name for grain based bowls with proteins and a dressing. I usually change out the quinoa for rice because I don't like quinoa, and for the "adobo seasoning", you can also use spices like chili powder, paprika (that one is strong though), onion powder, and garlic powder. Or buy a shaker of a southwest spice, honestly. This is a great way to learn how to put together a bowl like this - which is usually grain base + cooked veggies + raw veggies + protein + dressing. I will say to taste the dressing as you make it.

Best Tuna Casserole*

I ate SO MUCH of this in university. It is cheesy. It is crunchy. And it is cheap and fast. It's... probably not the healthiest option but who cares. I usually leave out the peas and mushrooms, but that's because I don't like them very much in casseroles. Also as a note - it won't taste like cream of mushroom, that's mostly a base.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

These muffins, my beloved <3. An easy baked good, pretty cheap and fast to make. I also grew up eating a ton of these, so I find them very comforting. You have a friend that needs comfort? Make them these.

Sausage And Potato Roast With Arugula

I bow down to this as the ultimate weeknight meal. It can come together in a half hour, you throw most of the ingredients on a pan, and then add the arugula afterwards. I usually use balsamic on it, because I like pain, but you do you. You also can use regular potatoes and onions, it does not change anything. Sheet pan meals are your friend, folks, and there's a million of them.

Chickpea And Pumpkin Curry*

So cheap! So tasty! So easy! You can absolutely use canned pumpkin instead of actual pumpkin, and you can throw in other things too - chopped carrots or potatoes, cooked chicken, you name it, to make it go farther. Add more salt to this one though. Don't buy canned pumpkin PIE filling by mistake. I will say that's a mistake you only make once.

Medium Spoons

Singapore Noodles With Crispy Tofu*

VERY cheap, which is probably why it's on a website called Good and Cheap lol. I highly recommend that website if you're on a tight budget, it has absolutely saved my butt a few times. Go easy on the sriracha unless you crave the burn though.

Vegan Butter Chicken (with Amazing Tofu)*

This is a recent favourite. I have some issues with dairy (see... the reason I'm typing this lol) and vegan recipes are kind of helpful because they don't have dairy. Also, I like tofu. This is nice and warm and comforting. Also pretty cheap!

Bacon Brussels Sprouts Fried Rice

Ok I know what you're thinking. "Brussel sprouts? Aren't those disgus-" and that is where you stop because I am looking at you with murderous intent. This is the recipe that made brussel sprouts my favourite vegetable, because the trick is ADDING OIL AND FLAVOR. And NOT. BOILING. THEM. EVER. Fry them! Or bake them in the oven! Do not turn them into horrible goop. Anyways. I love this recipe so much, and there was a period when I was making it, like, every two weeks. Fairly cheap, easy, and so so so comforting and tasty. Also alternatively fry some brussel sprouts in a pan with butter - ok ok ok I'll stop.

Challah Bread

My go to, no fail, I-WILL-make-you-love-me bread recipe. Bread can be tricky and intimidating to figure out because there's a fair amount of intuition with it - I'm not great at it yet. But this recipe has enough other things in it that it's pretty fool proof, and oh my god it's so good guys. It's so lovely. It single-handedly won over the extended family of my partner. Also it'll get fucking huge so fair warning, you'll have a LOT.

Pumpkin Chili

The only chili I make. I'm serious. You can follow it exactly and it will be amazing every time. Can you tell I love pumpkin yet? This is rich and smoky and uuughhh I love it. It takes some time (chopping everything and measuring, mostly) but it's so good and makes a ton of food.

Chickpea Casserole with Lemon, Herbs, and Shallots

You want an actually vegetarian casserole? More importantly, you want leftovers for the next 3 weeks? This is your friend. Takes some time to put all of the ingredients together, but man is it worth it for the amount of food it makes, and it's really nice and fresh.

Twice Baked Chicken Pot Pie Potatoes With Crispy Bacon

Do you like chicken pot pie? This is chicken pot pie, but a million times easier and without needing to make pastry (my partner has to make the pastry in our apartment. Mine is like cardboard). It makes a pie filling's worth of sauce, and I usually bake like 5 potatoes at a time and then keep the sauce separate in the fridge and eat it for a week. You can leave some of the things out if you like and it'll still be good - like in university I didn't want to pay for bacon, so I left it out. Or add something else! Sausage! Turnip! Peas! A protein substitute! More cheese! The world is your potato.

High Spoons

Dark Chocolate Chunk Raspberry Crumb Muffins

I made these recently and oh man are they good. They're now one of my showing-off baked goods. High spoons because they actually do take a fair amount of ingredients and prep time, but it is worth it. (I got ONE of these before I got sent to the hospital. I'm still bitter)

Three Layer Pumpkin Brownies

These ones definitely need a fair amount of time to make. Not a lot of skill! Just time, because of all the layers and needing to chill them. They are very decadent and rich. And also it makes a ton. I make them for Thanksgiving most of the time. And again featuring my best friend, pumpkin lol.

London Fog Earl Grey Tea Cake

Ok you want to show off? Look frigging fancy? Have a tea party? This makes you look fancy as shit. It does take some time to put together, and you do need to be careful with measurements and baking time because it's pretty delicate. But it's absolutely gorgeous when it turns out - light and delicately flavored and sweet.

Eggplant Fatteh - Lands and Flavors

OK so. Unfortunately I don't have a link right now, because hospital wifi is ehhhhh. BUT. It's so good. It's definitely high spoons, and I don't make it very often, because you will be stuck in the kitchen for a long time. Absolutely use premade pasta sauce instead of making it on the fly, unless you're some kind of wizard. It is worth it though, it's very tasty and filling and has a lot of flavor. My partner actively bribes me to make this because he likes it so much.

The stars next to them note that the recipes are on the cheaper side, because my blog is titled Post Millennial Weirdo for a reason, babes.

Enjoy, folks! I'm going to go back to planning the tattoo I'm getting after this shit is over <3

[cutesilyo]

i know your eyes in the morning sun — an indophil fanfic

When a homesick Indonesia is unexpectedly taken out of his meeting for a day trip in Rome with Philippines, he isn't expecting much more than exhaustion ahead of him. Instead, what happens is a whirlwind of food, fun, and a surprising amount of reflection on their histories and differences as nations. And as he looks deeper and deeper in the other nation's bright eyes, he learns to come to terms with the feelings he's been ignoring for far, far too long.

Alternatively: a nation who's too attached to the past goes on a date with a nation whose entire philosophy is built on trying to live in the moment. Yes, there is kissing involved.

Also available on AO3, FF.net

—

“Tell me why we’re here again,” Indonesia groused.

“Unofficially, it’s because I’m busting you out of that damn meeting.” Philippines grinned, his purple eyes glinting mischievously under Rome’s bright sun. “Officially, it’s because we’re on a date.”

All Indonesia could do was sigh. He had arrived in Italy two days ago for a G20 summit, and all the meetings he’s had to attend since then had left him tired and restless. It would have been easier if it was like a normal ASEAN meeting, where he was at least familiar and friendly with all the members. But in the G20, he was the sole Southeast Asian nation there, and he found it difficult to get a word in everyone else’s chaos. Most of the time, he simply preferred to keep his head down and daydream about going back home.

It was during his third-favorite daydream (a peaceful afternoon at Borobudur, dressed in gold just like the old days) that Philippines had burst through the doors with his perpetually bright eyes and cheeky smile. Before he could even process what was happening, Philippines was happily dragging him out of the room while everybody else waved them goodbye.

And that’s how Indonesia found himself in his current predicament. Outside some random pizzeria in a foreign country, dazed out of his wits, and with the one nation who got under his nerves the easiest.

He really wanted to go home.

“Oh, don’t give me that look!” Philippines patted him on the shoulder with a laugh, and Indonesia couldn’t help but tense uncomfortably. “It's not like this is a real date, I just made up some lame excuse to get them off my back. Besides, you were bored out of your mind there, weren’t you? I bet you weren’t even listening. You were probably thinking about your temples.”

“No,” he denied, but the other nation simply smirked knowingly. He felt his face go red in embarrassment. “Well, can you blame me? I don’t feel right around all those Westerners . . .”

Philippines just laughed at him as they walked in.

There wasn’t much to walk into. It wasn’t a fancy restaurant, but just a small family-owned business that only had two round tables to the side. Other than them, there didn’t seem to be any other customers. Different flavors of pizza were behind glass, oddly rectangular in shape rather than the circular pizzas he was used to seeing in advertisements, but their names and prices went unlabeled. Even if they were, he doubted that it would help him much; while he was steadily getting used to English, the Romance languages were an entirely different matter.

“Buonasera,” the middle-aged woman behind the counter greeted them.

Indonesia could only nod awkwardly in response, but Philippines grinned cheerily. “Buonasera! Ciao bella, come stai?”

The two struck up a light conversation while he tried to decide what kind of pizza to get. He was used to thick-crusted, American-style pizzas, and he really didn’t see the point of eating something so expensive when a good terang bulan was always available. Besides, even if he didn’t particularly like pizza, he could see that the ones available here were an entirely different beast from the ones Pizza Hut sold at home. Much more greens and vegetables, for one.

Indonesia hoped he didn’t look too clueless when Philippines finally turned to ask him what kind of pizza he wanted. He just pointed at a random one and prayed for the best.

The other nation looked amused, but he didn’t comment any further. He just turned back to the woman and presumably rattled off their order in rapid-fire Italian that he could barely catch. They continued their conversation from where they left off, and whatever it was that Philippines was saying, it made the woman blush like a maiden. Suddenly, for a reason that he refused to name, he felt consumed by irritation.

His stony silence continued until the woman had given them their pizza, warm and each slice served in a small tray, and bid them goodbye. He’d barely given them a glance until they sat down on a bench just outside the pizzeria.

“So, what do you think?” Philippines asked him. He seemed more excited than he was. “This is your first, right?”

“I’ve eaten pizza before,” he grumbled.

“But this is different,” the other nation insisted. “This is pizza al taglio, Rome’s specialty! Come on, just start eating it already. I could hear your stomach grumbling since we left the meeting room.”

Indonesia stared at the pizza dubiously, ignoring how quickly Philippines was eating his own slice just beside him, before giving it a bite.

It was . . . good.

Not that he was going to tell the other nation that. He couldn’t bear the smug smirk that would be thrown his way.

Instead, he said, “It’s folded. It’s like a sandwich.”

“Boo,” Philippines stuck his tongue out at him. “If you must know, it’s called panino and it’s a lot better than eating it unfolded.”

“Unfolded,” Indonesia repeated. “You mean, like normal?”

Philippines gasped overdramatically. “I can’t believe you just said that! No, pizza al taglio is supposed to be eaten panino! Just ask Romano, he’ll say it's the best.”

“And I imagine if you ask Italy Veneziano, he’d say the opposite.” He took another bite, careful not to let any of the grease on his hands, and hummed appreciatively. “I think I ordered something different though.”

Philippines just laughed, a bit sheepishly. "I . . . may have taken the liberty of changing your order. The one you pointed at back there had pork sausage slices on it, so I got you something more halal. That one has arugula and mozzarella, and I know you like things a bit spicy, so I asked the lady to give you something more piccante. This slice has pepper flakes baked in the dough."

"Oh," he blinked, a bit stunned. Indonesia felt warmer than the pizza in his hands. "Terima kasih."

"Hey, as long as you're here with me, ako bahala sa'yo." Philippines stood up and grinned at him, eyes bright and his half-eaten pizza in his hand. "You know, the best thing about pizza panino is that you can eat them while we're on the go! How about we walk around the city, and I'll take you out on a real date?"

------

This was a mistake.

He and Philippines have never really hung out together much; either they only met for formal occasions or they were always joined by at least one other ASEAN member, so the chances they had to be alone were usually few and far in between. If he was being honest, it was probably better for his heart that way.

Still, he probably should've known better than to let Philippines take charge, because his definition of walking around and the other nation's idea of walking around were vastly different things. For one, he'd definitely rather be driving rather than walking anyway. It didn't help that he was still stuck in his stuffy formal suit and dress shoes, while Philippines was both comfy and stylish in his boots, jeans, and a fashionable overcoat. And though he preferred to get to his destinations as quickly and efficiently as possible, Philippines loved making stops at every little statue or shop that interested him. What's worse is that he couldn't just leave the other nation behind — between the two of them, Philippines was the only one who actually knew how to speak Italian and knew how to get around the city. His only choices were to suffer alone in a foreign land or to slowly murder his feet following Philippines around, and just this once, he'd rather swallow his pride.

"If only my motorcycle was here . . ." Indonesia sighed. "How long are you going to take?"

"Just a bit longer!" He heard Philippines shout from the back of the souvenir shop. "My neighbors would never forgive me if I didn't get them anything, you know!"

He was idly inspecting a small plastic replica of the Coliseum when the other nation emerged a few minutes later, proudly carrying about a dozen silver keychains in his hands. Indonesia couldn't stop himself from grimacing at them; in rupiahs, that was probably the cost of a plane ticket.

"You aren't going to buy anything?" Philippines said. He was fiddling around his pockets for spare coins. He seemed to have forgotten that his wallet was probably in the small leather bag he was carrying, and Indonesia didn't feel like telling him.

"Pass," he said. "I'll wait outside, if you don't mind."

Philippines shrugged, turning back to the cashier. "Suit yourself."

As soon as he stepped out into the cobblestone streets, he immediately felt restless for a smoke. The architecture, the weather, the people . . . it all just reminded him how far away from home he was. It was autumn in Italy, colder than it would ever get at his house, and with a sharp pang of his heart he realized how much he missed everyone.

He started worrying about whether Singapore had gotten enough sleep last night, because often the young nation would look at data until the sun rose, looking for where he could make himself stronger. And Malaysia got dehydrated too easily for someone with his water resources, so he always had to remind him about refilling his water dispensers every once and a while. Brunei had always been quiet, but he'd been too reclusive than was healthy these days; and even though Timor-Leste couldn't face him sometimes, he still hoped she was doing alright. He trusted Thailand and Vietnam could handle everything over at the mainland, but he couldn't help but be concerned about them anyway.

Then there was the nation he was with right now.

All of a sudden, he felt a warm breath on his neck and a whispered: "You're scaring the other tourists, mahal."

Indonesia barely held back a scream, furiously turning to face a mirthful Philippines that was clearly having the time of his life teasing him. "Would you stop scaring me like that? And don't call me mahal!"

Philippines just waved him off with a laugh. "Please, that was barely a scare. And you deserve it! I thought the way you kept staring at my bag was weird, but you meant to tell me my money was in it, right? Silly Indonesia, I can't know things if you don't actually say it."

"Don't blame me for your denseness," he shot back. "Besides, your idea of a date must be really sloppy if all you do is take me to tourist shops. Do you have any idea what you're doing?"

"Are you saying you wanted something more romantic? Oh Indonesia, how bold of you!" Philippines looked at him slyly.

He was suddenly reminded of how difficult it could be to talk to Philippines sometimes. "I just thought you'd take me to actual places, like the Coliseum. Or maybe a castle, I don't know."

They walked together in amiable silence towards a nearby bus stop. He almost cried in relief when they finally sat down after what felt like hours of walking. Maybe Indonesia was just feeling his age, but he was not nearly as full of energy as the nation beside him.

"I know you've been to the Coliseum before, so taking you there isn't nearly as exciting," said Philippines, absentmindedly scrolling on his phone. "Just so you know."

"Everything always has to be exciting for you," said Indonesia, with a huff.

The other nation winked at him. "What can I say? I love a little thrill."

He couldn't help but be amused at that. Whether it was thrill rides or thriller horror movies, Philippines was always raring to go. Still, though he was grateful, he was starting to feel a bit guilty about all the trouble he put the other nation through. He knew Philippines could be impulsive, but he didn't think he was the kind of person to drop everything and fly to Europe just to rescue him from another boring meeting. "I've been meaning to ask, but how did you end up in Italy anyway? I'd hate to think that you spent so much money just to go here."

"Don't worry! I didn't come to Europe for you," Philippines grinned brightly. "You're just a stop on the destination. I'm actually headed to Munich."

Ah. For some reason, that only made Indonesia feel worse.

"See, when I'm in Europe, I like to start by visiting the Vatican," the other nation continued. "Then Germany said that he had a meeting in Rome too, so we were planning to catch the train together. Didn't you notice that he was rushing to end your meetings as quickly as possible? It's Oktoberfest, you know."

Indonesia nodded slowly. "I guess September does end next week . . . ?"

"Dios mio," Philippines laughed. "I mean the beer festival, not the month. I'd invite you to join us but I know you don't drink."

"Even if I did, I don't think I could keep up with you and Germany," he admitted, which made the other nation's eyes twinkle with pride. "That still doesn't explain why you decided to crash the meeting."

"That's just because you weren't checking WhatsApp, which I'm grateful for." Philippines handed him his phone, which was opened to the group conversation they had with the rest of the ASEAN nations. "Here, I bet you left your phone at the hotel or something."

He did, but that was beside the point. Indonesia took the phone.

The first thing he saw was a selfie of Philippines at the airplane, snuggled up under the airline's provided blanket. Just boarded from Dubai! Be arriving at Fiumicino by morning, anything you guys want?

Abang is in Rome too, isn't he? Malaysia had asked. In that case, the both of you should bring back gifts! I need the best cheese for my sea cucumbers. Also, remember the keychains.

Singapore had sent one of his custom stickers. The merlion was sticking its tongue out.

Stop being so mean to him, or else he'll end up crying to me again, Thailand replied.

Not my problem he's a crybaby, Singapore said. Then he sent another merlion sticker.

Vietnam sent a laughing emoji, and then: You should visit Indo while you're there. You know how sad he gets when he has to go abroad alone.

Malaysia sent a GIF of a crying scene from some old movie.

Eh? But if I'm going to visit him, I want it to be a surprise! Philippines had whined. If he goes online soon, he'll already know. No fun in that.

It should be okay. He's probably asleep now anyway. And he doesn't check his phone during meetings, unlike you, Thailand pointed out.

It will be good for him to see a friendly face, Vietnam added.

Take care of him lah, Singapore had said. Make sure he enjoys himself this time.

PIRI WAIT I HAVE A GREAT IDEA, chatted Malaysia. I'll DM you just in case, so abang can't find out. He'll love it, trust me!

Oh no, said Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore in separate, individual messages, to which Malaysia simply replied with another GIF. Brunei even mustered the energy to send a worried-looking emoji.

The last message, sent earlier this afternoon, was a selfie of Philippines with a cheeky grin. He was standing just outside the meeting room, and he had sent it with the caption: He won't know what hit him! <3

Indonesia sat there in stunned silence for a few minutes, until he was nudged gently.

"Come on, the bus is here," Philippines stood, putting his hands on his hips. Then he frowned at him. "Hey, Indonesia, is there anything wrong? You look a bit shaken."

"No, everything's fine, I just," he stammered. There was such a powerful feeling in his heart that he didn't have the capacity to explain. "Um, I don't have my phone with me, so. Please thank everyone for keeping me in their thoughts. Tell them I'm doing my best to make all of you proud."

The other nation stared at him for a moment, then smiled.

If Indonesia let a few tears drop while they were on the bus, Philippines was kind enough not to say a word.

-----

Their stop was on top of a hill. There was an impressively large monument of a man on a horse, but Philippines dragged him to the nearby café as soon as they got off the bus, and Indonesia realized that he was probably better off with a nice snack than looking at some old statue anyway. To be fair, he had been waiting for dessert all day long, and the crepes were warm and delicious and more than enough to satisfy his sweet tooth. He finished his in record time, and bought another one right after.

"Ah, there's that smile," Philippines teased, once Indonesia had returned to their spot. "I was wondering where it went."

He was too engrossed with his enjoying his food to respond, but he motioned go on.

"It's just—I've seen you with tourists, you know." Philippines delicately sipped on his drink, slow and careful like an old cat. "Remember when we had that ASEAN hang-out at Bali? The restaurant near our hotel was full of foreign customers, and the staff was overwhelmed, so you decided to help the staff serve tables and entertain the guests. You seemed really friendly there."

"You knew about that?" Indonesia flushed with embarrassment. He thought he managed to sneak out successfully; it was at the point that Vietnam and Laos got crazy drunk, after all. "Well, it's very different dealing with foreigners at my home and actually being in a foreign place."

Philippines hummed contemplatively. "I think I get it. You feel more in control when it's them coming to you, rather than the other way around."

"Yeah, I suppose so." He crumpled the wrapping paper in his hands. "It's different for you though, right? I think you're more used to foreigners than I am."

The other nation laughed nervously. "I'm not sure Boracay and El Nido can even compare—"

"I'm not talking about tourists."

He knew, of course, that Philippines met with many nations as part of his duties, but he had always taken to this role so naturally that Indonesia could only assume that his history had given him a leg up. Spain was stricter on imposing his culture on the other nation than Netherlands ever was with him, or England with Malaysia and Singapore. America was just as obnoxiously stubborn when he colonized him right after. And although he never forgot his roots as part of Southeast Asia, Philippines also kept much less of his pre-colonial culture and history than the rest of them. Anything before Spain took him away was hazy and, as far as his memory was concerned, he had spent his youth growing up with the Americas and Europe — and with his mannerisms and how close he was with the Western nations, he certainly acted like it.

When Philippines arrived at the meeting earlier, everyone was accepting him with open arms. Spain had fondly ruffled his hair and America invited him to a party at his place next week. France had cooed adoringly at how much he had grown since his youth and England reminded him that he was due to visit London's hospitals in the next month. Germany's cheeks were pink as he asked how he was doing and Italy immediately began talking his ear off about food recipes and restaurants. Mexico began crying with joy at the sight of him, while Argentina and Brazil embraced him like family. It was a miracle that the both of them were able to leave as quickly as they did; he was sure that they'd make Philippines stay for at least another hour, if they could.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's own presence was always forgotten. The only time he was talked to the entire meeting was when Australia made an awkward half-joke, half-apology about the spying issue again.

"I guess it's easier for me to relate to them," Philippines admitted, a melancholy look in his eyes. He was looking down at his still half-eaten crepe with an oddly bittersweet smile on his lips; the sun, only just beginning to set, cast a dark shadow on his face. "And for them to relate to me. But I would be lying if I said I don't feel out of place with them too, sometimes. Despite everything, we're still very different. Besides, all the cultural similarities in the world can't make up for the fact that I'm so far away from them all. There just isn't enough opportunity for me to talk to them as much as they can talk to each other."

Indonesia didn't know what to say to that. He settled for a neutral, "I'm sorry I brought it up."

The other nation waved it off. "I'll forgive you if you take a selfie with me later."

He didn't have any choice but to accept.

As he waited for Philippines to finish his food, Indonesia took the time to observe the other people around. Many of them were trying to take a picture with the huge statue, but there were also families walking around with their happily enthusiastic children. If he looked farther, he could see busts of what he assumed were various historical figures lining the pathways. Going by the number of cars that had been parked just across them, it seemed like the park was of good interest for both tourists and locals alike. There were enough people to suggest that the place was well-loved, but there were nowhere near the crowds he'd see when he passed by the other popular tourist destinations. The statue of the man with a horse was large and grand, but he didn't recognize it; he was sure that, whatever this place was, it wasn't featured on the usual travel brochures.

"I'm curious," he said slowly, "as to why you're so familiar with Rome."

Philippines gave him a wry twitch of the lips, sitting his chin on the palm of his hands. "I thought we were done talking about me and the West?"

"This is different," he defended. "I'm just asking why you know about this place. Italy never took us anywhere like this for the G20 formalities."

"Well, of course he wouldn't," he said, idly swirling his drink around. "Just think: if you have a nice and peaceful park that's meant more for relaxation and you also have more famous and historically significant places available, then you would rather take your visiting diplomats to the latter, right? So Italy takes you to Palatino and Campidoglio instead of here. If it were you hosting the meeting, you'd take them to Monas instead of Taman Surapati."

Indonesia thought about that for a moment, but no matter how much he wanted to argue, he was forced to accept that Philippines was right. Then he frowned. "But you just take everyone to Luneta."

The other nation winked. "It's to my benefit that Luneta just happens to be both historical, relaxing, and beautiful. Makes my life a lot easier."

"You're not actually answering my question," he pointed out.

Philippines simply hummed, leaning back on his chair. His hair was blowing in the cold autumn breeze. "There's not much to say. I've had to visit a lot recently, since Italy is full of my migrant workers, more so than anywhere else in Europe. But when we were younger, Romano used to take me here often. The things he'd say — well, now that I think about it, I think you could relate."

He almost choked on his spit. Indonesia had never been in much contact with Romano, especially as his younger brother was always the one who represented Italy in their meetings, but he couldn't see any similarity between him and that foul-mouthed, angry brat. At the very least, he liked to think he was much more friendly and polite.

Uncharacteristically, the other nation didn't take the opportunity to laugh at him this time. Instead there was only a faraway look on his face, pensive as he stared out into somewhere unknown.

After a moment, Philippines finally said: "Do you still remember being with your old empires?"

Indonesia stilled.

"I know I don't, but you were old enough to remember living with the other maritime nations together as Nusantara," the other nation continued. "There was a glory that you could remember living before Portugal and Netherlands came to your shores. You weren't Majapahit, but you carried his legacy and his blood; just like you carried Srivijaya's.

"Romano lived at Spain's like I did, you know. He liked me for some reason, probably because I used to get sick all the time and couldn't really annoy him as much as the others. One day, he took me to Rome for the first time. I was so amazed at finally seeing all the old ruins I used to read about in books, and then when I looked back at him, he was crying. He told me it was like he could never escape the shadow of his grandfather."

Philippines' smile was terribly bittersweet. "I remember thinking that, for the first time, I was grateful I couldn't remember who I was before Spain came. And ever since I met you again, I kept wondering if you ever felt like Romano did. Maybe you had all that burden on you and you never told us. Maybe you felt lonely too."

He remembered.

Back when all of them were just children, back when he had never seen fair skin except for when he traded with the Eastern Asian nations up north. China and India, of course, were always present. Vietnam was older, and despite all the fighting she did, it never looked like she was ever frazzled by it. Myanmar was the same, but because he was so distant and preoccupied with his own kingdoms, Indonesia saw him the least. He would see Khmer more often when she had to pick up her sons, cheerful Thailand, friendly Laos, and belligerent Cambodia, from whenever they decided to come by. In their household, Malaysia was already energetic, but he was always doubly so whenever Singapore was around; those were the days that the smaller nation still admired his brother. Timor Leste was still sweet and shy, hiding behind him at every hint of danger. Brunei, quiet as ever, spent his time diligently picking flowers for a young Philippines across the sea. Steady, dependable Majapahit had welcomed them all with a smile, and taught him to do the same.

Indonesia grew up without ever really knowing what loneliness was. Even after Majapahit had already faded away, Netherlands had visited him much more often than was necessary or appropriate for a normal colonial relationship. And though he was separated from the rest of them, his siblings were never too far from him either.

So he had to take care of them too, when he could. He had to, because he was the one who remembered the most about what life was like, before. He had to, because he was the oldest. He had to, because that was what Majapahit taught him. Whether he began to feel more and more weary as the centuries passed by and his own territory expanded didn't matter, because being able to take care of as many people as he could — that was the greatest power any nation could ever have.

Of course he remembered. He never let himself forget.

A gentle nudge from Philippines shook him out of his silence. Softly, he said, "You don't have to answer that if it makes you uncomfortable. Believe it or not, even I know when to back off."

"Sorry, you just caught me off-guard," he said, taking a moment to compose himself. Then Indonesia sighed. "You're not normally so serious. I was completely unprepared."

Philippines pouted. "Is it really all that surprising? I just thought, since you asked me a pretty personal question just now, it's only fair that I do the same to you. Answering that made me feel sad, so you needed to think of something that made you sad too! At least the both of us can feel sad together, instead of just me being sad all on my own."

Indonesia felt his eye twitch. "Your logic is really something."

The other nation just laughed, as if nothing happened at all. Then he stood, his grin wide and his hand reaching out to him, and said, "Come on, it's a complete waste for us to come here if all we're going to do is sit around! You can see all of Rome from Gianicolo, you know."

They watched the sunset from the hill's peak, and seeing the yellows and oranges being reflected in Philippines' purple eyes made for a pretty sight. As the sun shone its last light on the ancient ruins of the Roman Empire, Indonesia felt strangely at peace for the first time since he arrived. Maybe he'd even ask Philippines to properly introduce him to Romano one day.

-----

The Eternal City was beautiful even at night, but Indonesia just felt tired. He could sense that Philippines still wanted to go around with him — he mentioned something about taking him to a turtle fountain? — so they settled for slowly walking down the hill. They chatted about mundane things like food, gaming, and the merits of motorcycles over bikes, and it was unexpectedly nice. For some reason, Indonesia felt as light as air. He still wanted to go home as soon as he could, but he slowly realized that he wasn't all that opposed to just spending time with the other nation either.

"Say, Indonesia," Philippines suddenly said. "Do you know how to get back to your hotel?"

Indonesia took that back. He wanted to go home immediately.

The other nation giggled. "Don't tell me that you don't even remember which hotel you're staying at?"

He quickly turned his head away. He willed himself to look anywhere but the other nation, but he could still feel how Philippines was staring at him.

"Ah! I get it now," Philippines said, delightedly. Indonesia internally cursed himself. "Let me guess. You didn't have any plans of going anywhere but the meeting, the hotel, and the airport, so you thought it was fine if you left your phone behind and if you didn't care to remember your hotel's name. And, you kept falling asleep at the hotel shuttle that takes you to the meetings, so you can't even tell me about the nearby landmarks! My, how careless of you, Indonesia!"

"Why are you so smart," Indonesia grumbled, "for the most stupid of things?"

"I don't hear any denial," Philippines sang. "Well, whatever, that works out for me. Unless you're game for scouring through the dozens of hotels around the city, I guess I have no choice but to take you back to my place, huh?"

He faced Philippines, who was scrolling through his phone again, and said, "You don't have to do that. You can probably just ask Italy which hotel he arranged for me. I can take a taxi."

The other nation hummed. "Going from his Instagram stories, he looks like he's too busy partying with the others. Looks like France even brought out his special wine for the occasion. Hey, would you want to party with them? The bar they went to is just a few stations away by metro."

The last time he went to a G20 party, he and Germany were made to strip so that everyone could stare at their pecs. The expression he made must have been grim, as Philippines immediately backtracked. "I'm going to take that as a no."

Indonesia sighed. "Well, I don't want to disturb Italy and I don't want to waste any money trying to find another hotel. If you're really fine with me staying with you for the night, then I guess I have no problem with it either."

Philippines stopped in his tracks. "Eh? You're not going to make a fuss about it?"

Indonesia tilted his head, quizzically. "And you are?"

For some odd reason, the other nation seemed flustered. He was gripping the strap of his bag tightly and his cheeks were pink. "Well, you know, you're normally so averse to any of my ideas, and you always seem so annoyed with me. I thought, for sure, that you were just going to argue against me again . . ."

"Do you really think so lowly of me?" Indonesia frowned. "I wouldn't have been with you all day if I hated you."

That seemed to perk Philippines back up. He could practically see the sparkles in the other nation's eyes as he faced him and gleefully said, "Ha! You've admitted it! So if you don't hate me, does that mean that you actually like me, Indonesia?"

He couldn't hold back a smirk. "Don't get too ahead of yourself."

Philippines just laughed, cheery and bright.

When they stepped down from the bus, Indonesia was surprised to be faced with a block full of old apartment buildings rather than a fancy hotel. Evidently, the other nation was familiar to the residents; one old lady had grasped him firmly by the hand with a gummy smile as she engaged them in small talk. Philippines then took him to the second building on the right and led him through a few flights of stairs to a dark, wooden door.

The apartment was small but clean. Two bedrooms and a bathroom, then some communal space with a worn sofa and a dated television. There was a kitchen with a countertop, rice cooker unplugged, and more than a few succulents sitting by the window. The other nation's usual travel bag was still on the floor, a duffel bag easily recognizable by the numerous flag patches stitched by the sides as a memento for all the countries he had visited. A small corner was developed into a personal home altar, figures of Jesus and the Virgin Mary surrounded by flowers and golden crosses. Even though it was emptier than Philippines' own home back in Manila, it was still undeniably his in its coziness and warmth. All in all, it was modest and good; certainly more than what Indonesia expected for an apartment that the other nation probably only visited a few times a year.

"It's cute. It fits you," he said politely.

"Aw, you think I'm cute," Philippines teased. He was hanging his overcoat on the coat rack, which was a bit too tall for him — a sliver of skin showed only for a moment before being covered again by his turtleneck top. Indonesia pretended he didn't see. "Please go ahead and sit down, make yourself comfortable. Oh, won’t you take off your suit and place it somewhere? The good thing about Europe is that it’s a lot cooler here, so you can still wear it tomorrow without worrying about sweat and stuff."

“I knew that, at least.” He placed his suit on a nearby chair and sat down on the sofa. Philippines set a saucer full of biscuits at the table and gave him a glass of water, which he gratefully drank. As the other nation sat down beside him, Indonesia couldn’t help but ask, “Is this place really yours?”

“My government didn’t buy it for me like all our other properties, if that’s what you’re asking,” Philippines said, reaching out for the biscuits. There was an audible crunch as he bit into one of them. “One of the Filipinos living here bought it for her son, but he decided to move in with his girlfriend. She thought it would be a waste of money to abandon it, so she gave it to me. When I’m not here, it gets rented as an Airbnb. We share the profits. It’s actually pretty good passive income, you know.”

Indonesia gave him a wry smile. “You always find an opportunity to make money, somehow. I’d say it’s America’s influence, but I know for a fact you’ve been this way since we were kids.”

"My skill is all mine, thank you very much," the other nation boasted, leaning back into the sofa with a self-assured smirk. “I don't suppose there's anything else you remember about me from those days? I assure you, if you thought I inherited my charm from Spain, you'd be dead wrong.”

Your hair used to be so long, he immediately thought. He had taken care of it meticulously, washing it with several oils so it was always smooth and wonderfully scented. Gold adorned almost every inch of his body, painstakingly crafted with the tiniest details, contrasting beautifully with the vibrant textiles used for his clothes. Even as a child, Philippines was already used to traveling often — Tondo and Seludong would take him up north, Butuan and Sulu down south, Sugbu and Panay at the center, and a dozen more kingdoms in between. He loved his boats the most, and Majapahit would patiently humor him by letting the younger nation talk his ear off about the latest developments his different kingdoms had with their boatmaking.

Not that he had ever tried to listen in, or attempted to make prolonged conversation with the other nation. At the time, Indonesia was too busy trying to handle Malaysia and Singapore’s chaos to pay much attention to anyone else. He hadn’t gotten to know Philippines all that well until they met again centuries later; older and more jaded, irrevocably shaped by the circumstances their colonizers had placed them in.

Sometimes he wondered what life would have been like if things had turned out differently. But he didn’t have the energy to waste his time despairing over it all again, not when Philippines was still looking at him so expectantly.

“Your eyes haven’t changed,” Indonesia decided to say. “And as for everything else I remember, there’s nothing I haven’t already told you about before.”

Philippines smiled at him fondly, “You’re as terribly succinct as ever.”

Indonesia smiled back, “And as always, you’re just as annoyingly persistent.”

For a long moment, they just sat there on the sofa in silence — easy and comfortable and bathed in the apartment’s warm, golden light. The windows were open, and guitar music from the neighbors was softly permeating the room with its slow, relaxed melody. It was during these kinds of moments that Indonesia's heart felt full; that all he's been through in the past few centuries were worth it, if it meant he could enjoy more days like this. The mood was right and he felt good; perhaps if he was braver, he would have had the confidence to make the most out of it.

Eventually, the moment passed, and the other nation stood. "It's so late already! I should probably get to preparing our dinner. You can freshen up before we eat, if you want."

"Right," Indonesia said, hastily standing up as well. "Ah, may I borrow your phone? I just need to check on something."

Philippines didn't really answer, but he heartily belted out the lyrics to some old love song as he brought out a pot and a chopping board from the kitchen cabinets, so he took it as a yes. Ignoring how the photo for the lock screen looked suspiciously like the sunrise at Bali, he put in the PIN code — 8862, how sentimental of him — and was immediately bombarded by the number of notifications he got. There were messages from everywhere: SMS, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter, Telegram . . . it's really no wonder that Philippines was named both the texting and social media capital of the world. Indonesia had no interest in intruding on the other nation's privacy though. As he ducked into the bathroom to wash his face, hands, and feet, he did a quick Google search for sholat times rome.

If he was home, he wouldn't have needed to Google such a thing; the mosques would have already blared adzan through the loudspeakers, reminding everyone in close vicinity that it was time for prayer. His overseas workers would sometimes complain to him about how difficult it could be to pray once they were abroad, that strangers would sometimes gawk at them in public or their employers wouldn't give them the time or space to do it properly in the office. Indonesia often had nothing to offer them but his sympathies. Tonight, he decided, he would pray for them.

"Are you going to pray?" Philippines called out. He was placing a tray in the oven. "Head to the back, go in the room on the right. It should be peaceful there."

"Thank you," he said, and when he opened the door, he was greeted with a welcome surprise.

Though the room was otherwise plain, a vibrantly orange prayer mat stood out — Malaysia's picking, no doubt. Indonesia raised his hands facing kiblat, slow and reverent, and made the mental note to thank his brother later. Thanks to this, he felt significantly less alone.

-----

Philippines made a quick sign of the cross as he sat down on the table. He grinned, "Let's eat!"

It was a modest meal: baked fish with lemons, Filipino-style chop suey, white rice, and a bowl of what was unmistakably Indomie Mi Goreng. While Philippines had poured out a glass of white wine for himself, Indonesia had a glass of orange juice. The other nation was uncharacteristically quiet throughout the meal, though Indonesia chalked that up to hunger; Philippines ate quickly and ravenously, shoving spoonfuls of rice and noodles into his mouth without pausing for so much as a single breath. Indonesia felt tired just watching him.

Once they were finished, Philippines patted his stomach with a satisfied sigh. "Ah, that's the good stuff."

"My compliments to the chef," Indonesia said, which made the other nation giggle. "Though I have to say, I would have cooked it differently."

"I know, but then it'd take longer and I was already so hungry — I'd even go as far to say that I was absolutely famished." Philippines groaned, slumping in his seat. "I mean, I know we could've just eaten at some trattoria down the road, but I needed rice. And I wasn't going to settle for some dumb risotto, no matter how delicious it would be. You get me, don't you?"

"It isn't a full meal without rice," Indonesia agreed.

The other nation nodded seriously. "I always felt like something was missing while I was growing up. It wasn't until I was allowed to go back to Manila that I figured out that it was rice. I haven't looked back since."

Indonesia had always known that Philippines had lived in Europe during the centuries that he was a Spanish colony, but hadn't thought any deeper about the smaller implications that had on him. Some things were obvious — his devout Catholicism for one, and the conspicuously Hispanic human name he used in his daily life — but little things like this caught him off-guard. He said, "I'm sincerely very sorry to hear that."

Philippines did nothing but take a long sip of his wine. "No need to pity me so much, it's in the past now. I don't really think about it."

"I'm not pitying you," he muttered, though he wasn't able to look Philippines in the eyes as he said it. Then, louder: "I'm just realizing that there's still so much I don't know about you. I'm your neighbor, and I don't even know what your childhood was like."

Philippines smiled at him, but it was strained. His face was saying I don't want to talk about it even as he softly confessed, "I don't know all about your history either, Indonesia. Not enough. The sentiment goes both ways. And as for my time with Spain . . . well, what is there to say, really? He said he would take care of me, and he didn't. Not in the same way he took care of the others. Whether that's a blessing or a curse, I don't think I'll ever really know. I just know that it's over now, and I'm grateful.

"I bet your experience was different though." The gaze the other nation leveled on him was nothing less than dangerously curious. His purple eyes were filled with strong contempt, but contempt for what, Indonesia didn't know. "Like I said, I don't know the specifics. But I've been told your relationship with Netherlands was something else entirely."

"He and I weren't—" he stammered, more of a knee-jerk reaction than anything else.

But the way Philippines was looking at him made him stop. He took a deep breath and calmed himself; the other nation deserved something more honest than that.

He still remembered how tightly Netherlands had gripped at his arm, decades and decades ago, his scarf flapping helplessly in the wind. Despite all the things that had gone unsaid between them and the years that they spent together, the blond was still unbearably silent. He used to admire that stoic demeanor; tried to emulate it when he was feeling overwhelmed, always so determined not to embarrass himself or the empire. Back when Netherlands had declared him the emerald of the equator, the crown jewel of his power as a nation . . . it had taken all he had to choke back his pride. It had taken all he had to keep his secret, that budding idea that he was meant to be more than just somebody else's precious colony.

Indië, Netherlands had pleaded, and suddenly the great Dutch Empire had seemed so small.

"It was different," he finally said. "But I don't think it was any better, in the end."

With a bittersweet smile, Philippines simply raised a toast. "To tomorrow."

In answer, Indonesia downed the rest of his orange juice in one go. This time, Philippines' laugh was more genuine, and he couldn't help but stare.

He had noticed this before, of course, but now — with the other nation elegantly sitting across him, his purple eyes glittering bright, and the wine glass so tantalizingly close to his lips — Indonesia was stricken by how right at home the other nation looked. Even Singapore, who probably had the most business with the Western countries out of them all, was more guarded whenever he stepped foot on European soil. Yet Philippines wasn't out of place here in the same way that Indonesia felt, and had instead carried the same easygoing attitude he had during their own ASEAN meetings. As much as the other nation's energy and eccentricities irked him sometimes, he also found himself in awe of him as well.

The others were right. If Philippines hadn't come, he would've spent all his free time wallowing around in his hotel room just feeling sorry for himself. But instead, he was enjoying himself more than he thought he would. Hesitant as he was to admit it, he almost found himself wanting to stay in Rome a little bit longer, if it meant the both of them could spend more time together.

"You're not leaving for Munich anytime soon, are you?" Indonesia said, daring to be hopeful.

Philippines rested his cheek on his hand. "If I remember right, the tickets Prussia bought for us were for tomorrow morning? He gets way too excited about Oktoberfest, you know."

Why do I even try to be happy, Indonesia thought darkly.

"Ah, don't look so glum! You have me all to yourself for the rest of the night," Philippines winked. "But I have to warn you, Pien is having his precious beauty sleep in my bedroom, so if you have any special requests we're going to have to be very quiet about it."

"Nothing like that," Indonesia quickly said, his face hot. "I just thought, I might as well treat you to somewhere nice. As a thank you for, uh, taking care of me today. But my flight back home is tomorrow night, and you're catching the morning train with Germany, and now I'm starting to think that we don't exactly have the time . . ."

The other nation waved it off. "We're nations, mahal. We have all the time in the world. Besides, we'll be meeting again for the APEC conference coming up in November, right? I don't mind waiting until then."

"But I do," he grumbled. "And again, don't call me mahal."

Philippines finished his drink and set his glass delicately on the table. "You can promise me that you'll let me sing half the songs when we go karaoke with the others. Or that you'll pay for my food the next time we have a group dinner. Oh! When Thailand makes a mean comment to me in the next meeting, you have to defend me. Say something like Filipino BL series are better than Thai BL series, that'll really get him going."

He was suddenly reminded of how frivolous the other nation could be sometimes. Either that, or worryingly low-maintenance. Indonesia built up the courage and forced out, "I'd rather make it up to you when the two of us are alone."

This time, it was Philippines who was staring. Flustered, Indonesia rambled on. "I just mean—you know, you spent all this time with me even though you didn't have to. So it's only right that I spend more time with you too, just the both of us. It's not good enough if the others are there too."

Philippines offered, "We could watch a movie before we sleep?"

"I'll probably just pass out in the middle."

"Maybe you can make breakfast for us tomorrow?"

"You gave me snacks, dinner, and a place to sleep, there's no way just a breakfast is fair."

"Well, what do you want me to do? Do you want me to spend a night over at your place?"

"It's not about you, not really. It's just, I want to do something for you. Something you want."

"I've been telling you what I want, but you keep saying it's not good enough, I don't understand—"

"It needs to be special, okay? Is it so bad that I want to do something nice for you—"

"It's not bad, I just don't get why you're being so picky about it. Like, isn't doing me a favor enough for you? Isn't this just about paying me back? What is it that you want to do with me exactly?"

"No," Indonesia stressed, feeling like he was about to lose his mind. "I want—"

He paused.

What did he want, exactly?

Philippines just smiled at him, patient and knowing and just the slightest bit sad, and stood. He was carrying his plate, and as he passed by Indonesia he gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. When Indonesia looked up to face him, the other nation's eyes were soft. "I know I've said this to you before, but I'll say it again. I can't know things if you don't actually say it. Alright?"

Then he walked away to the kitchen sink, absentmindedly humming to himself, leaving Indonesia all alone at the table. The words I think I want you died on his lips.

-----

Later, after reflecting during his night bath, Indonesia found himself in a panic.

He wasn't a complete idiot. He's known for a while that Philippines was the only one who could fluster him like no other, but he often chalked that up to the other nation's cheeky character rather than anything else. His attraction to Philippines wasn't surprising either; it was no secret that he liked looking pretty, and to be honest, Indonesia has had worse crushes. But he was also steadily coming to the conclusion that his feelings went deeper than mere infatuation, and he couldn't help but wonder: why fall for the other nation in particular?

Philippines was an ally, someone he had founded and managed ASEAN with in a show of regional strength. Philippines was a friend, someone he had spent countless days with over the years along with all the other people he treasured in his life. Philippines was a stranger, someone who still felt so foreign to him despite everything. He could trace out the curve of his smile in an instant, and at the same time, he didn't have the faintest idea what the other nation was doing in the 1920s. He knew that watching a cheesy romcom was the surest way of brightening up his day, but not the exact nature of what Spain had done to him as a colony. And, for the life of him, he still didn’t understand the slightest bit of how verb conjugation in Tagalog worked — which felt especially embarrassing the day he found out that Philippines had been putting in the effort to learn both Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Melayu so he could communicate with the rest of the maritime nations better. He'd understand his own heart easier if he fell for Malaysia or even Netherlands — people who he had shared a deep and culturally signifcant history with in his extremely long life as a nation — but Philippines was, to put it sadly, not like that to him.

And yet, as Indonesia stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, all he could think about was how much happier he looked now compared to his bleak and boring morning.

He changed into the clothes that Philippines had laid out for him on the bed and had a brief thought of just going to sleep for the night. Pramoedya, if he were still alive, would chide him for such cowardice. Indonesia ended up at the other nation's door, nervously trying to build up the courage to knock. But Philippines must have heard his footsteps, as he called out: "I know you're out there! Just come in!"

Just like him, Philippines had already bathed and changed to more casual sleepwear; he was wearing a loose sweater and shorts that showed off his legs. He was sitting upright on his bed, looking amused at whatever he was staring at on his phone screen, and his face broke out into a warm smile when he saw Indonesia hesitantly trudge inside his bedroom. Pien was already sound asleep in a little makeshift bed on the desk.

"Sit here," said Philippines, while he scooted over to give him space. Indonesia gave him a look. "I'm being serious. Just move your arms a bit and—yeah, that's it. Aren't we cozy?"

Now they were both sitting on the bed, with Philippines between his legs and his arms around Philippines' waist. Cozy was certainly a word for it.

"Now you're just teasing me," Indonesia grumbled, but he didn't move away either.

"Me? Tease you?" Philippines fluttered his eyelashes at him. "Why, I'm just a poor tropical nation made to suffer through the unbearably cold Autumn months in the Northern Hemisphere! I'm severely in need of some aid and assistance, but I'm sure you and all your hundred active volcanoes can keep me warm for tonight."

"You're horrible, you know that?" he said, though he was unable to keep the laughter out of his voice. Philippines laughed with him, giddy and gleeful. "You don't know how anxious I was before this. It's not fair that you can just make all that go away so easily."

Philippines leaned back on his chest, smug as a cat. "Call it a gift. By the way, our neighbors want to know how you're doing. Anything you want to say?"

Now that he was right behind the other nation, he could see that his phone was opened to the ASEAN group chat. It seemed like everyone was spamming the chat with pictures of their pets again. Indonesia rested his chin on Philippines' shoulder and said, "I'm doing just fine. Tell them I mean it this time."

If the other nation was flustered, he betrayed no signs of it. He had now moved on to chatting with the other ex-Spanish colonies; they were all talking in Spanish and Indonesia couldn't understand a thing. "I'll tell them when I'm sure it won't get buried by everything else. But, you know, that's really good to hear. My influence, I hope."

Indonesia buried his face in Philippines' neck as an answer.

"So needy," Philippines murmured, who had put his phone down to pat his head. "Perhaps you really were lonely?"

"Not as lonely as you used to be, I think." At this, Philippines stilled. Indonesia tightened his hold on the other nation's slim waist even further, almost afraid that he would drift away. "About that question you asked, earlier at the cafe . . . I don't feel burdened by how great my old empires were. I've felt the pressure to make them proud, but I've never felt like it was a burden. Their legacy is my life and my connections to all of you, you know? I've certainly never felt like it made me lonely.

"And then there's you, and I know it's not the same for you, because you can't even remember — and that's fine, Singapore doesn't really remember much either. But Malaysia remembers enough for the both of them, and then there's me, and I remember the most, but then there's you, and you don't have that."

Here, Indonesia exhales a shaky breath. "Spain took you, and America took you, and Japan took you, and that's four centuries of you just being gone from me. We're neighbors yet we're so different, to the point where we don't share the same language, the same religion, the same food, the same history . . . and you have friends all over the world and you seem so happy all the time, but I don't think I've ever realized how lonely you must feel."

All Philippines did was sigh. "I told you not to pity me."

"I'm not pitying you," said Indonesia. "I'm just sorry."

All this time, he had been so in awe of how Philippines found it so easy to adjust to Westerners and Western culture when he himself found it so difficult. But now, with the realization that the same ability to connect with others may have also translated to an inability to connect with him and the rest of ASEAN, that same awe felt so bitter. How many times had Philippines stood awkwardly to the side when he spoke to Malaysia and Brunei in his native language? Kept worryingly quiet when they were wistfully reminiscing their pre-colonial pasts? Tried to tell a joke to lighten up the mood during a meeting, but because of differences in culture and history, it just fell flat?

Indonesia was startled out of his thoughts with a painful pinch of his cheek.

"Of course you're going to be sorry if you make me sound so depressing," Philippines pouted at him, annoyed.

He sputtered, "What? I mean, I just thought—"

"Do you take me for an idiot, Indonesia?" He pinched Indonesia harder, which made him yelp. "Don't you think I'd be well aware by now of where I stand with all of you? That after sixty years together, I would've realized that I wasn't as involved in your history as everyone else is in maritime, or everyone else with each other in the mainland?"

With a huff, Philippines let him go. Indonesia tried to soothe the sting of it by putting his hand on his cheek. He almost didn't hear the other nation murmur, "Do I seem that pitiful to you?"

"Not pitiful at all," Indonesia scrambled to reassure. Philippines leaned back on his chest, still looking a bit miffed. "I don't know. I just had this sudden thought that maybe we're just a bad reminder of how much Spain and America took away from you. Maybe you're actually uncomfortable with us."

Maybe you're actually uncomfortable with me, he thought, though he kept that to himself.

Philippines simply stared up at him, eyes bright, and said, "Well, if you only realized it today, then maybe you should've considered that it isn't actually a problem."

"You could just be very good at acting like nothing's wrong," Indonesia pointed out.

"Or you can think about this: maybe there really is nothing wrong in the first place," Philippines said, a wry smile growing on his face. "I founded the association with you, you know. Maybe the rest of you were there because of old ties or whatever, but I joined precisely because I wanted to build new ones. I don't really care if I feel awkward sometimes. I'd certainly find it boring if all of you were exactly like me anyway."

The other nation was so carefree about it, but Indonesia still felt conflicted. He admitted, "Maybe the problem is just that I feel awkward. I have no idea how to approach you as a nation."

"So don't approach me as a nation. Approach me as a friend," Philippines said, not unkindly. To get the point across, he put his hands over Indonesia's in a show of comfort. "You're allowed to act outside the interests of who you represent, you know. We're people too."

Indonesia kept quiet. There had been times when he privately felt like Philippines was his exact opposite — a lively, energetic person that focused more on his human side rather than the nation side, and someone whose duties were considerably more worldly than his own: having to regularly travel to dozens of countries to check on the millions of Filipino citizens that were working abroad. Meanwhile, as such a large and diverse country, Indonesia tried his best to ensure that every single one of the people that lived within his borders felt heard. It was difficult sometimes, but it always felt meaningful to him — his people were his essence, and he couldn't let politics force him to forsake them again. Acting for his personal interests felt as foreign to him as leaving his house sometimes. Not that he never took time for himself; he tried, but a lot of the time he had to be convinced to do so. Sometimes Singapore would invite him for another tour around his house, or Malaysia would drag him into some new restaurant where they would inevitably fight over the food. But more often than not, it would be Philippines pushing him and the other Southeast Asian nations out of their shells and setting up parties, taking them to his fiestas, and prodding and annoying all of them until they would finally agree to ASEAN hang-outs like the one at Bali. Indonesia could admit harboring a deep suspicion for the other nation before, thinking that he was more in line with American interests rather than his own, but over the decades that suspicion had faded. Despite all his efforts to the contrary, he had grown on him, and now Indonesia couldn't imagine his life without him anymore.

He didn't know much about the Philippines as a nation, not much more than he needed to be aware of for the sake of diplomacy and the association. Yet as the years went by and he got to know more and become friends with Philippines the person, he discovered someone who was equal parts obnoxious and endearing, foolhardy and clever, petty and proud and unbelievably kind. And as he looked at him now, there was something in the curve of his smile and the light in his eyes that told him that things would be alright if he took things a step further — something that told him that the other nation had been anticipating this for a long, long time. Heart over head and heart over country, it emboldened him to take the leap.

"I don't want to approach you as a friend either," Indonesia murmured, and because he couldn't help himself, he leaned down and kissed him.

Philippines sighed happily into his mouth as he kissed back, warm and blooming under his touch. Their kiss was relatively chaste — Indonesia had seen the other nation make out with others for a drunk dare with more passion than this — yet he couldn't complain. It was sweet and soft and lasted only for a moment, and more than anything, it was a promise: that they can take things slow, and that they had all the time in the world to get to know each other better.

Their foreheads touched, quiet and tender, and Philippines laughed softly. "It's so ridiculous," he said, his eyes filled with mirth, "that I've been waiting for so long for you to realize your feelings, and when the time finally comes that you do, you managed to confess without really confessing at all. Only you, Indonesia."

"I'm shy," he said dryly, and the other nation burst into laughter. "If you wanted a real confession, you probably could've done so yourself."

"Ah, but there's no fun in that! I like the thrill of being chased, you know," Philippines preened, wagging his finger in mock admonishment. Then, more shyly, he admitted, "Besides, if I made a move on you before you were ready, you might've just pushed me away or feel forced to return my feelings even if you didn't. If I waited, at least I could be sure you wanted me too."

"So all those jokes you made before were supposed to be you holding back? How subtle," Indonesia teased, his eyes crinkling. He held the other nation closer, smothering him with small kisses all over until what little sadness on his face disappeared and was replaced with giggles and brightness. He turned Philippines' head to face him properly and said, "I'm scared that I won't know how to balance my duties and my personal life as well as you do, and I'm scared that we'll be too dissimilar to really work out. But until the day that our differences force us apart, I'd be happy to spend my time with you."

Philippines pulled away from him slightly, an oddly vulnerable look in his eyes. "You're sure you really want something with me? That this isn't too far out of your comfort zone?"

"Oh, it's very out of my comfort zone," Indonesia said. "But recently, I've been learning that maybe it isn't so bad, you know. As long as I'm with you."

"As long as I'm with you," Philippines repeated, with a growing smile. "I like the sound of that."

They continued talking well past midnight, at some points laughing so hard and arguing so loud that poor Pien was startled awake by all the noise. And as the other nation reached out and pulled him under the covers so they could hold each other until the morning, he found himself reaching back. They kissed until their lips were red and they got so tangled up in each other until they couldn't distinguish between their own bodies anymore; despite how differently the day turned out from how his usual trips to Europe went, Indonesia swore that the unfamiliar city never felt so much like coming home until that night.

-----

"Where the hell is my sweater," Philippines groused.

"You threw it on the floor last night, it should be under your bedside drawer." Indonesia kissed his forehead and, keenly aware that he was not a morning person, gave him a cup of his precious coffee. He could tell his efforts were appreciated when Philippines greedily gulped down the scalding liquid. "Selamat pagi, sayang."

The other nation only pouted at him. "Don't call me sayang."

"After all the stupid things you've called me through the years? I'll call you however I like, thank you very much," he shrugged. "Besides, I'm not the one who has to leave in a few hours."

Philippines groaned as he pulled his clothes over himself. "This is so stupid. We finally get together and now we have to be separated like this? I mean, I'm really glad and I like you a lot and all, but I really wish you had a better sense of timing right now."

"I think you'll live." Indonesia hid his smile behind his cup. "I mean, you were the one that said you don't mind waiting until November to see me again."

"You just keep making fun of me," Philippines whined, cuddling up to him. Pien had even jumped up to nuzzle his neck, evidently just as clingy as his owner. "Where's the romance, Indonesia? The sweet nothings in my ear? The poems and songs you surely must've written while you pined for my presence? Am I to despair forever, having only been loved by a phantom version of yourself that will never return?"

"You've been watching too many telenovelas," Indonesia said, quickly setting both of their cups somewhere else before they had any accidents. At this, the other nation gasped dramatically and collapsed across his lap. Despite himself, he started chuckling at how ridiculous Philippines was being — really, how could he not find him so endearing?

Then Philippines suddenly turned serious. He stared up at him, his gaze piercing. "If you don't want me to go, I can just make up dumb some excuse again, you know. Just say the word."

Indonesia humored him. "And why wouldn't I want you to go?"

"Because I can't be there for you if you feel alone again," he muttered, expression tense and his mouth downturned in an angry frown. "I just feel bad that I'm leaving you so soon."

Yesterday, he would've been right to be worried. Indonesia probably would've found some roundabout way to say that he'd much rather for Philippines to stay just until he could see him off at the airport later that evening, if only to stave off that achingly empty feeling of waiting to go home and resenting time for moving so slowly. Philippines would have laughed and teased and inevitably posted about the day's events on his Instagram, to which Indonesia would look increasingly more exhausted with each new update, but he nevertheless would have allowed Indonesia to get away with delaying his plans to make him more comfortable.

But as it was, now Indonesia only remembered the way the other nation's eyes had twinkled in excitement when he mentioned Munich, so it was little trouble for him to simply smooth back Philippines' bangs and lightly say, "Actually, I was planning of sightseeing on my own today."

"Oh?" Philippines looked surprised — and pleased. "You are?"

Indonesia couldn't stop himself from flushing in embarrassment. Really, it had only been a passing thought he had after finishing his morning prayers, but . . . "All of you are always going on about how I can't enjoy myself abroad, so. I figured it was time I gave it a try."

Though Philippines probably knew he was still rather uncertain about it, he smiled anyway. "Well, as long as bring your phone this time, alright? I'm always just a text away if you need it."

"And here I thought you'd say some cheesy line about me never truly being alone since you'll always in my heart," Indonesia said, and Philippines was startled into laughter as he sat back up. "Don't worry. I've survived a long, long time without you by my side. I can take a little longer."

Philippines pecked him on the cheek, sweet and domestic. "Not too long, I hope. I can't wait to see the look on Thailand's face when we walk into November's meeting hand in hand. Maybe I should make a vlog about everyone else's surprised reactions."

"Whatever you like, sayang." Indonesia smiled as he stood, his hand reaching out. He pulled Philippines into a kiss — a deep one this time, slow and sensuous and full of all the things he felt too strongly to properly express in words — that left them both breathing heavily by the time they pulled away. Feeling uncharacteristically suave, he whispered, "Though I would prefer it if, in the short time that you're still here, you keep all your focus on me."

"Always, mahal." Philippines smiled back, eyes as bright as ever. "Always."

-----

Notes:

Title comes from the lyrics of How Deep Is Your Love, but specifically, it's a reference to the Christian Bautista cover. Bautista is a Filipino singer, and his cover was very popular in Indonesia a few years ago.

There are a lot of things I've had to simplify and outright ignore for the sake of story, most egregious being the fact that Indonesia actually wouldn't be the sole Southeast Asian nation in a G20 meeting. The chair of ASEAN is a permanent guest invitee, and since the current chair is the Sultan of Brunei, Brunei would probably in the meeting as well. Alas, Brunei isn't canon yet as of this writing. Sorry, Brunei!

Mahal and sayang are both terms of endearment in Tagalog and Bahasa Indonesia respectively, but with a catch! Mahal is a word that also exists in Bahasa Indonesia, but the meaning is "expensive" rather than "love" — in Tagalog you can use the word both ways. Sayang is a word that also exists in Tagalog, but the meaning is "What a waste" or "What a pity" rather than "love" — in Bahasa Indonesia, you can use the word both ways. So essentially, you have Philippines and Indonesia trying to be sweet to each other, but the other interprets it as a weird insult instead. It's really funny and really cute.

More detailed notes and references on my previous Tumblr post here!

[doeilovr]

Long Flight

Inspired by this Challenge: you’re starring in a movie with the last person you saved in your camera roll and the last song you listened to is the title, expect it’s a one shot

-> Genre: fluff

-> Pairing: KimJungwoo x femReader, IdolJungwoo x femReader

-> Warnings: just some light swearing

-> Summary: A long flight suddenly seems not long enough when you fall for the handsome stranger that sits next to you.

-> Words: 4.1 k

You weren’t at all delighted when you found out your friend had secretly upgraded your flight tickets to business class.

But after taking your seat in the luxurious business class of the Boeing 777-300er, you kind of thanked her in your mind. It was your first time flying with such luxury and since it was an overnight flight, you couldn’t wait to lean back and sleep.

You had the window seat and were already getting comfortable, when someone placed their bag on the seat next to you. You watched the person from the corner of your eye. It was a handsome and tall guy, that was currently trying to fit his backpack in the overhead compartment.

Your eyes were drawn to his white button up, the thin fabric showing his honey skin and toned muscles underneath. You gulped visibly, your eyes wandering up to his neck and then his face and finally his eyes- shit, he was looking right at you.

Blushing at the realization, you turned your head and returned to look out of the window. Fuck, why did you have to stare like that. You were too embarrassed to look at him, as he took the seat next to you, exhaling loudly. You were still cursing at yourself, when the stranger next to you cleared his throat.

“Excuse me”, he softly spoke. Carefully you turned your head to look at him. He had a pretty smile on his face and his eyes were big and sparkly. He had dark fluffy hair that was parted in the middle. Damn, he straight up looked like a god.

“Yes?” You raised your eyebrows slightly. The boy pointed at the bag by your feet. “Do you want me to put that in the overhead compartment for you?” You blinked in confusion, before you smiled at him. “No, it’s fine. But thank you.” You watched him nod in satisfaction, before he turned away again. Falling into a natural conversation with some other boys in the middle row.

Now that you were looking closely, it looked like he knew half the people in the business class. Shrugging off your thoughts, you relaxed back again and watched the plane get ready for take off.

You actually really enjoyed flying. Not the part where the plane was taking off or landing, or even worse, having any kind of turbulence. But the part where it calmly moved through the sky. The view was great and the food was nice and for once you could just relax back, watch movies and not worry about anyone calling you. Not that people called you often anyway, but still.

You worked as a photographer for a magazine and were often traveling to different places. But this time you were on your way to Singapore, where your best friend got married. Your friend had also asked you to take the wedding photos, which made you feel even more excited.

After safely taking off, you grabbed your camera from your purse, wanting to capture the beautiful scenery outside. The sun was just going down, painting the sky in beautiful orange and purple shades. It was a sight you always cherished, even after seeing it a hundred times.

“It’s beautiful”, the stranger next to you suddenly mumbled and you found yourself almost jumping in your seat from surprise.

You glanced at him, noticing his cute smirk again and nodded slowly. “Yeah, I love the sky.” The boy looked from the window, to you, to your camera. “Are you a photographer or something?” He furrowed his brows, his smile fading a bit.

You nodded again. “Yeah. I work for Blueprint. It’s- it’s a Magazine. I don’t think you would know it, it’s not super popular”, you explained. The boy smiled again. “Sounds cool.”

“I’m Jungwoo by the way”, he added, reaching his hand out for you to shake. You smiled, softly shaking his hand. His skin was soft and warm. “Y/n. It’s nice to meet you Jungwoo.”

He let your hand go, as a stewardess approached your seats. “Would you like something to drink?” Jungwoo quickly nodded, before he turned to you, waiting for you to nod aswell. “I’ll have an orange juice. What about you?” You were surprised how kind and caring he was. “I’ll have the same.”

You couldn’t help yourself but smile, as you two got your drinks, clinking the glasses together before taking a sip. “So”, Jungwoo began, putting down his glass. “What or who do you capture with your camera, y/n?” Your heart fluttered, as you watched him turn to you, a soft smile still on his lips. “Well, I’m mostly capturing people.” Jungwoo must have sensed the passion you had for photography, because his smile only got wider.

“I travel around, too. Last week I was in Northern France. I was researching for a story of an old fisherman in Dunkirk, it’s a town by the sea. And it was even featured on page 4.” You pressed your lips together and nodded proudly at the last sentence. You rarely got a good page and were beyond happy seeing your article on page 4.

Jungwoo chuckled. “That’s awesome”, he congratulated you. “Hey, can I maybe see some of your pictures?” You quickly nodded, always excited when it came to showing off your work. You leaned over the seat a bit, holding the camera for both of you to see. The first few pictures were from the town in France you talked about, the scenery was really pretty. You clearly remembered the tide that day and the smell of the sea.

The next set of picture was from the airport. You had photographed a couple that sat together lovingly and a two sibling that played tag. Those were a bit more personal to you and you found yourself almost blushing.

“They’re really good”, Jungwoo praised, making sure to look you in the eyes, so you would see his sincerity. “Thanks”, you smiled, suddenly realizing how close your face was to his. You nervously shifted in your seat and Jungwoo leaned back again.

“Then are you going to your next job?” Jungwoo picked up his drink, his eyes not leaving yours. “Actually”, you brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, “I’m on my way to a wedding.” Jungwoo’s eyes widened and he looked like he was about to choke on the juice.

“Not mine”, you quickly added, watching him relax again. “My best friend is marrying. And I’ll be there as her mental support and wedding photographer”, you giggled. “What’s your destination then?” Jungwoo looked really cute, asking all these questions with his big doe like eyes. “Singapore.” He only nodded, looking a bit disappointed. “How about you?” He pouted at you, setting the glass aside again. “South Korea.”

“Are you going home?” Jungwoo nodded. “Yes. Me and my friends. We’re all going home.” Your eyes wandered behind him, where most of his friends were already sleeping or watching movies. “Going home is always the best”, you smiled at him, making him chuckle. His laugh was honestly music to your ears. The stewardess came by again, asking if you needed anything. You both declined politely and Jungwoo’s attention was back to you as fast as it was gone.

“Hey, do you want to watch a movie together?” You honestly didn’t know how you deserved such a kind seat neighbor, but you silently thanked your best friend for upgrading your tickets without you knowing. “I’d love to”, you smiled again.

You and Jungwoo quickly decided on watching a movie called Midnight in Paris. Jungwoo leaned over to look at your screen, your shoulders touching slightly, making you feel a bit flustered. Jungwoo seemed fine, his usual smile decorating his face.

Some time had passed and you blinked back a few times, realizing you must have dozed off. Just as you were about to move, you felt an unfamiliar weight on your shoulder, turning your head carefully to find Jungwoo sleeping on your shoulder. The sight of his head resting on your shoulder brought butterflies to your stomach and you found yourself unconsciously smiling down at him.

You were debating on whether to wake him up or not, but decided against it, relaxing back again. You might aswell go back to sleep again, as it was always the best to sleep as much as possible on such long flights.

It wasn’t long enough though. Especially not for Jungwoo. He woke up, a finger tapping his shoulder softly, and found his friend Jaehyun looking at him. He was sitting right next to Jungwoo in the middle row. “She’s a keeper”, Jaehyun whispered and Jungwoo couldn’t even say anything against it. He nodded in agreement, smiling at his older friend. You really were a keeper. And he was determined to win your heart before you would get off the plane in Singapore.

Suddenly it was only four more hours until the plane would land. The stewardess came by, serving breakfast, and Jungwoo’s light tap on your hand woke you from your slumber. You opened your eyes to him smiling at you and couldn’t help but mirror his action. “Breakfast is here, sleepyhead”, he motioned his head to the food that was placed in front of you and you didn’t hesitate to dig in.

With light chatter the both of you devoured the eggs and sausages. You caught yourself staring at Jungwoo every now and then, his beauty was just out of this world. You had never been in a long term relationship before, you just didn’t think it would work out, as you were always traveling or just busy working. No one had ever caught your interest enough to consider you settling down somewhere.

But with Jungwoo it was different. Despite knowing him only for a couple hours, you felt yourself crushing on him more and more. Which wasn’t a good idea, considering you wouldn’t see him ever again after getting off the plane in Singapore. Your heart broke a little when you glanced at the small screen in front of you, the remaining flight time being only 3 more hours.

You continued to talk, showing him a few more pictures you took at the airport. Jungwoo suddenly grabbed your hand that rested on the camera. Startled you looked at him, wondering if you skipped through the photos too fast. He squinted his eyes at the little screen. “Go back again”, he demanded softly and you looked at the previous photo.

It showed a man that just relaxed in the airport lounge. You thought for a second and quickly remembered the guy. He sat down while you were waiting in the business class lounge, earphones in and cap pulled down to hide his face. You had studied him for a moment and something about the way he sat there made you take a picture of him. The stranger had turned his head looking directly at you as if he knew you took a picture. His dark eyes were narrowed and he didn’t look pleased at all, which you understood. He got up and sat away from your sight and you were left feeling really guilty.

Jungwoo chuckled, looking away from the camera at you. “He doesen’t look happy”, he titled his head. You nodded, biting your lips as the guilt washed back over you. “Yeah, I would never publish pictures of someone without permission. I don’t know why he was mad, but I hope he knows I didn’t have any bad intentions”, you pouted, putting the camera back in your bag.

Jungwoo’s heart warmed at your explanation. The boy on the picture was one of friends that sat only a few seats further away. He would make sure to tell him later, so you wouldn’t have to feel guilty anymore. You sighed, noticing Jungwoo’s eyes on you and furrowed your brows at him. “What?”

“I just think you are very pretty.” Jungwoo smiled softly, seeing your cheeks turn a light shade of red. “Hey, how about you pick out another movie? I’ll quickly use the restroom and we can watch it when I come back. If you want to, of course.” You didn’t hesitate and nodded at him. “Sounds perfect.” And once again your heart fluttered, seeing Jungwoo’s dashing smile.

He left the seat and you turned your attention back to the TV screen, searching through the different programmes to find a good movie. You settled for another romantic movie, About Time, and patiently waited for Jungwoo to return.

Jungwoo felt like a teenager again, as he checked himself out in the mirror. “Oh my god, did my hair look like this the entire time”, he gasped, shaking his head as he tried to straighten a lose strand of hair. Jungwoo exhaled, touching his chest to feel his heart beating fast. “You got this”, he pep-talked himself, before returning back to his seat.

You watched the movie together, either of you able to concentrate. Your thoughts kept wandering to Jungwoo, who sat really close to you. His shoulder was touching yours and you felt the warmth of his body radiating through his thin button up. Jungwoo always sneaked glances at you when he thought you were focusing on the movie. You looked so gorgeous in his eyes and he found himself wondering if you had a boyfriend or if you would forget him after getting off the plane.

After the movie was finished, the stewardess announced that you would be landing soon, everyone in the plane buckling their seatbelts again. You and Jungwoo were silent the entire time the plane was slowly descending. The both of you just suddenly seemed to be sad about the upcoming farewell.

It was twenty minutes before touchdown when you decided to look outside to see the city underneath. The sight was terrible though, thick grey clouds embracing the entire wing of the plane. Just when you were trying to convince yourself that those were harmless clouds, the plane dropped a bit, pushing you into your seat. Startled you grabbed the armrest on both sides of your seats, pressing your eyes together.

The plane kept shaking and you started repeating “calm down” in your head like a mantra. A pair of soft warm hands suddenly landed on yours and you turned your head to find Jungwoo intertwining his fingers with yours. “Don’t worry, we’ll land soon”, he whisperd, trying to calm you down. You looked into his warm brown eyes and suddenly felt so comforted. His thumb stroked over your knuckles as you relaxed back in your seat, the turbulences also stopping.

Even after the plane had safely touched down Jungwoo kept his hand on yours. And damn did both of you wish this moment would last forever. “We’re here”, Jungwoo grinned. But you noticed the sad undertone in his voice, your heart almost hurting. “Hey Jungwoo”, you turned to him. The plane moved towards the airport, the sun having set already, leaving only a few more minutes until it would be completely dark outside.

Jungwoo’s eyes hadn’t left you and he only smiled when you turned to look at him. “It was honestly a pleasure getting to know you, Jungwoo. And I would lie if I said I wasn’t sad that we go separate ways now. But if you want, I’ll give you my number and, I don’t know, maybe you can text me or something”, you felt nervous, your eyes wandering from Jungwoo’s hand on yours to his eyes.

“How about I call you?” You couldn’t help but smile widely. “That’s even better”, you laughed. Jungwoo nodded, letting go of your hand to unbuckle his seatbelt and get ready. “Let’s exchange numbers once we’re in the airport”, Jungwoo suggested, seeing that the plane had already stopped.

While the crew opened the doors, a few passengers already got up to get their luggage. “After you, M’lady”, Jungwoo gestured, getting up from his seat and waiting for you. You playfully smacked his shoulder as you walked past him, whispering a “thank you sir”. The doors were finally open and you got in row behind a few people, forming some sort of queue.

You heart beat fast and you were torn between excitement of getting Jungwoo’s number and sadness, as it also meant saying farewell to him. You nervously massaged your wrist and noticed your silver bracelet wasn’t there. Looking down at your hands, you realized it was really missing. It had been a gift from a lady you had once interviewed in Morocco and it meant a lot to you.

Convinced it had fallen off during the flight, you stopped in your tracks and turned around, thinking Jungwoo was behind you. You almost gasped, seeing he wasn’t there and got even more startled when you recognized the boy that towered over you. It was the same guy you had photographed in the lobby at the airport and up close he looked even more intimidating.

Your eyes widened and you were scared he recognized you too. Quickly you apologized, gaining a questionable look from him and turned around again, leaving the plane as fast as possible. You got lost in a small crowd of good looking and tall boys and walked into the airport with a quick pace.

Jungwoo grabbed his backpack from the overhead compartment, throwing it over his shoulder. Jaehyun got up next to him, motioning his head to the empty seat next to Jungwoo. “Did you just let her go like that?” Jungwoo smiled, turning his head to the empty seat, noticing something shiny. He leaned over to grab the silver bracelet that was lying on the seat. It was probably yours. Turning his head he realized you weren’t standing next to him anymore. His jaw almost dropped and he quickly moved forward, trying to spot you in the crowd of people. Just when he thought he saw you, you disappeared through the exit.

When he finally arrived in the big halls of the airport, he immediately tried looking for you again. “Jungwoo”, his friend called out, walking over to him and putting an arm around his shoulder. “Don’t run off”, he smiled. Jungwoo walked with his friend, his head still turning, hoping to see you somewhere. “Taeyong, I failed”, he mumbled. “What?” Jungwoo sighed, looking down at the silver bracelet he held in his hand. “I lost her, Taeyong. I lost her.”

You walked with a crowd of people for some time, before you stopped to look around. There was no sight of Jungwoo. Your heart dropped and you felt tears prickle in the corner of your eyes. You couldn’t wait any longer, you had to go.

The flight was over and so was your little adventure with Jungwoo.

The wedding went by in a blur. It was the biggest and most luxurious event you had ever attended. Considering the groom had a rich family in Singapore you weren’t surprised at all. You even found time to catch up with your friend Lia, but left out the part where you fell in love with your seat neighbor Jungwoo.

God, how you missed him. It was only a week later when you got ready to leave Singapore again. You where just packing your luggage in the hotel room when you got a call from your company.

“Y/n, how are you?” Your boss was always friendly, a woman that put her blood and tears in the magazine. You had always had so much respect for her.

“I’m good. Just getting ready to fly home”, you explained, trying to close the suitcase with your free hand.

“I have great news”, she announced, “you know we expanded to Asia and Canada.” You hummed in response, curious as what the news were about. “Anyway, we need a photographer in our Seoul branch. And, well, I suggested you.” You held back the urge to squeal. “Me?”

“Yes honey. I absolutely love your work. And in Seoul you’d have the chance to try new concepts, since it’s a fixed job. So, no more traveling. You’ll also get an apartment and of course you’ll earn more money.” She whispered the last part, making you chuckle.

God, how long you had waited for such an opportunity. You didn’t even have to think, saying yes immediately. You thanked your boss probably a million times before hanging up and jumping in your bed out of excitement.

Your dream was finally coming true. A fixed job as a photographer in a beautiful city. It was what you always wanted. Right?

One month later:

Right. It was even better. You had a beautiful apartment in the city center and worked with different people and different concepts. You loved it so much.

It was a rainy morning in Seoul, when you entered the studio you got called to. It was just a regular job as usual. Single shots and group shots, different outfits with a certain concept. This time the concept was love, which you were looking forward to a lot.

Bright concepts like this allowed you to capture smiling people, which was by far your favorite thing to do. There was nothing better than looking through a lens and seeing a bright smile. You greeted your team and looked around the bright studio you had rented.

The studio would make a great casual and cozy background, as the first outfits were all white ensembles. You got your camera and followed your assistant, which updated you on the shedule for the day.

“The group is already dressed, the first one’s waiting over there. Your afternoon is free”, he announced and you couldn’t help but mumble a “god bless” under your breath, as you were always thankful for a break after big photo shoots.

“Why did we agree on doing a shoot with such a big group again?” You sighed jokingly, your assistant chuckling at you. “Well they asked for you, how could we turn them down.” You bit your lips, furrowing your brows. “They asked for me?”

“Yeah, they insisted to get you. They literally begged”, he laughed and you were almost convinced he was joking. “Alright, where is my first victim”, you smiled, preparing the camera while following your assistant. He stopped, motioning his hand for you to look. Your smile dropped and your eyes widened at the sight of the man standing by the window.

It was no other than Jungwoo. The same Jungwoo that you had fallen in love with on the flight a month ago. The same Jungwoo you still thought about almost every day. Wondering how he was doing and if you would ever see him again. Your Jungwoo.

“Hey y/n”, he smirked. You almost froze in place, not knowing what to say. He looked even better than last time you saw him, if that was even possible. His hair had grown a lot and was styled and parted in the middle. Jungwoo walked towards you, his eyes never leaving yours. “It’s been a while.” You swallowed hard, was he really standing in front of you right now?

“Yeah, you- I- I mean, I’m sorry”, you rambled and laughed nervously, noticing him staring down at you lovingly. “You look good.” God, did you want to slam your head against a wall. Why did you say that, it was pretty obvious, you could have said twenty other things that would have been better. Jungwoo’s smile only widened, seeing your eyes move quickly. How he had missed seeing your cute smile. After losing you at the airport he had searched online for you. He never had the courage to call you, but thinking of you gave him strength the whole time until now.

When he finally called your magazine they told him you were working abroad and he was almost disappointed, until they told him you had moved to Seoul. Jungwoo had never believed in fate until he met you. The time he had spent with you on that plane was probably the best time he had in a while. And he couldn’t believe his luck, knowing you were living in the same city as him, let alone standing across from him right now.

His heart beat fast and he was smiling widely, although Jungwoo felt like screaming from happiness. He grabbed your hand, taking out a silver object from his pocket with the other. You watched him put your missing silver bracelet on your wrist, your heart warming as you thought you had lost it forever. “Jungwoo”, you whispered, honestly just at loss of words.

“Hey, y/n”, Jungwoo tilted his head at you and you looked from your wrist back up to him. “what are you doing after this?”

a/n: I honestly find this story so cute, I was smiling so hard while writing it, so I hope you enjoy it aswell hehe btw can you guess which member had a cameo at the airport lounge? ;)