rose | ch

01 | FLEETING SNOW

...
The sun had finally settled behind the mountains that adorned the horizon.

Most countries had headed home to their individual houses, some leaving together in a group. I stayed behind, going through all the discarded paperwork like always.

I sipped at my 4th coffee tonight, while signing away at the papers. A brisk knock at my door interrupted my work.

"Come in." I responded blankly as the door creaked open, revealing a ruffled looking ASEAN. I quickly stood up and bowed, welcoming the nation.

"Do you need anything, sir?" I inquired, glancing at the bits of snow that littered across his suit. Said nation shuddered and shook his head, perhaps from the cold. I presumed that he had went out in the snow. I was about to question why until he cut me off before I could even utter a word.

"The roads are completely covered with snow." He informed me, brushing off the white that had started melting into his button up shirt. "I'm afraid we cannot return home tonight and we set refuge in the lounge room."

"Oh, that's alright. I have a lot more work to do anyways." I replied, gesturing to the large pile of paperwork on my desk. ASEAN made a grimace at the alarming amount of papers on my desk and shook his head. "No need. We'll take care of that in the morning."

I looked at him astonished. "But, sir—!" I began to say, only for ASEAN to cut me off for the second time tonight.

"No buts." He asserted quickly, making me shut my ogling mouth immediately. "Come now, I insist. The others are waiting for you."

I hesitantly complied and followed him quickly out the door to the elevator.

I haven't been to any other floors in this entire 32 story building other than my office floor, entrance room and the meeting floor. This was a whole new experience for me as I followed ASEAN through the hallways, ironed shirt ruffling in detest as I ran a bit to catch up with the fast paced nation. Said nation checked behind to see if I was still following him, only to be met with the sight of me trying to keep up. He chuckled and slowed down a bit, allowing me to walk side by side with him into the elevator.

"You could have just asked me to slow down." He chortled, unbuttoning his suit jacket, so it hung loosely against his chest. ASEAN pressed the button for the floor, composing himself as he spotted my reddening face.

In a bit, we had reached the 12th floor and the doors had opened. ASEAN extended his hand towards me, expecting me to take it. I timidly took his hand and he led me on into the living room. I was greeted with the group of the following countries; The rice trio, Poland, Germany, Britain's sons, Russia and his siblings, Japan, The Korea brothers, China, France, Britain himself and the rest of the nations.

'That... is a lot of countries. Ah, this is quite embarrassing. They've all been waiting for me?' I mused, turning a light pink.

When the door to the living room had opened, their heads all turned to us. I lightly flushed under the spotlight as I shuffled slightly behind ASEAN.

"Cute." America commented slightly, breaking the silence.

Britain scowled at his son's behaviour and exhaled, turning back to his book. America himself chuckled at his father's annoyance and vaulted over the couch to greet me. ASEAN himself had already headed to UN to converse, leaving me to manage the oil-enthusiast.