All I heard was crying.

Toris Laurinaitis, or Lithuania to some, was sent out to get groceries one day when he heard something that peaked his interest. The sound echoed throughout the cold streets of Russia, and as much as Toris wanted to dismiss it, he searched for its source, not caring if he was late getting home.

I froze at the sight of you.

As the nineteen year old neared the sound, he stopped, dropping the bags of groceries in the process. His vision was blurred from the fresh tears forming as he looked down at the small form before him in the snow. Looking to be about five months old, she was wrapped in a red crocheted blanket that could keep Latvia warm, even without the other two Baltics. Her short wisps of brown hair were almost covered in snow, yet she had only just begun crying. Toris crouched down and picked up the child, cradling her gently and singing softly to calm her down.

"Kūdikių kasykla, negalima verkti."

"Kūdikių kasykla, sausas akis."

"Laikykite savo galvą, artimas mano širdyje, niekada į dalis, mano kūdikis."

"Vaike, kai tu žaidi, moka jokio dėmesio, ką jie sako."

"Tegul jūsų akys linksmam ir valymas, niekada ašara, kūdikis mano."

"Jei jie žinojo viską apie jus, jie galų gale mylintis jums per daug."

"Visi tie patys žmonės, kurie bartis jums, kas jie duos tik už teisę surengti jums."

"Nuo galvos iki kojų, jūs ne daug, gerumo žino."

"Bet jūs taip Brangieji man, saldus, kaip gali būti, mano kūdikis."

You fell silent.

Toris smiled softly, wiping the tears out of his eyes as he stood up, grabbing the grocery bags as well, and continued to walk back to Russia's home, cooing to the baby along the way. He attempted to open the door, but set the groceries down as not to drop the baby. After setting the bags on the counter and the food in the fridge, he carried the five month old to the worn couch. The child pulled her arms out of the blanket to lightly play with Lithuania's hair. She looked up at him her green orbs, similar to his own, filled with curiosity as she twirled his hair between her fingertips. Toris smiled as he looked down at the child.

Then... he found us.

Ivan stood over the couch and put his hands on Toris's shoulders. The younger nation froze and hugged the baby closer to him, causing her to grip onto his green uniform. Russia smiled and moved in front of the two, wanting to see the child.

"Who is she?" He asked in that upbeat voice that always sent shivers down the Baltic's spines. Lithuania inhaled sharply as he looked down and pulled the child as close to him as possible, trying to think of a name.

"S-she was abandoned sir," he responded timidly, caressing the baby's face and putting her head on his chest, just above his heart. The Russian nodded and smiled, petting Lithuania's head and then the baby's, earning a soft gurgle from her. Toris smiled and removed the blanket that covered the child, allowing her to move freely.

"Your name," he began to say as the child slept on his shoulder, "is Austeja."

You were found thirteen years ago Aus...

Don't worry, we'll be leaving soon…

Song Translation:

Baby mine, don't you cry.

Baby mine, dry your eyes.

Rest your head close to my heart

Never to part, baby of mine.

Little one, when you play,

Pay no heed, what they say.

Let your eyes sparkle and shine,

Never a tear, baby of mine.

If they knew all about you,

They'd end up loving you too.

All those same people who scold you,

What they'd give just for the right to hold you.

From your head down to your toes,

You're not much, goodness knows.

But you're precious to me,

Sweet as can be, baby of mine.