Chapter One:

It was a chilly, moonless night. I couldn't fall asleep no matter how hard I tried. I was thinking about him. I had no idea why he was on my mind. After all, he was such a nuisance, like a niggling fly continuously buzzing around my head. He was the one who always had that foolish smile on his face. I despised the way those jade eyes were so vibrant and how he stumbled on every sentence he managed to blurt out. It made me sick to my stomach. All I wanted to do was thrust one of my polished knives into him. Yet, I was the one feeling guilty, not him. No, it would never be him he's too ignorant. So why do I have to put up with these absurd feelings? Why do I have to feel sorry for him every minute? It's not my problem my wonderful big brother torments him. If you ask me he deserves it. He used to be so strong and bold, now I only make out a puny, idiotic country scared of going under. What happened to those days when we fought together? When we often laughed together in our childhood? Now we live in what seems like isolation. Did we finally break free from our solidarity? I feel like my head was going to explode so I heaved a sigh and crept out of my springy bed. I crossed over to the balcony to get some fresh air. It was mid-winter but I didn't care, I love the cold and sudden shock of the chilly air as it surrounds my form. I couldn't see anything though since the lights were turned off, except for one on the other side of the mansion that I lived in with Russia and the pathetic Baltics. Is Russia still up this late? Perhaps he has to prepare for tomorrow's meeting with the allies. I stalked out my bedroom in search for the room that was still lit. On my way I took a flashlight incase I didn't bump into anything while roaming the lengthy hallways and wake anyone up. I had just rounded a corner when I saw light streaming out a room. This must be it, I thought. I didn't knock, instead I opened the door a crack to spy on Russia but to my utter surprise I saw the long, chocolate hair of a man sitting at big brother's desk rather than who I hoped to spot. I felt my hand curl in a fist and I wanted so badly to slam the door but I couldn't, my eyes were too transfixed on the Lithuanian to do it. As if he sensed I was already there he looked up from a stack of papers and his eyes widened. I silently cursed before he went on to comment, "Oh M-Miss B-Belarus, what are you doing here, shouldn't you be in bed sleeping at such an hour?" I said nothing but refused to take my cold eyes off him. He stood up and approached me. "I-I was just doing some paper work Russia had me finish up. I'm almost done though," He stuttered. I knew that was a lie, he wasn't close to done; he'll probably even have to stay up the whole night to finish the work Russia dumped on him.

"Well good luck with that." I said with sarcasm in my voice.

"Thank you very much Miss B-Belarus." He smiled. I was about ready to punch him, he greatly aggravated me; too bad I left my knives in my room.

"Well, I hope you burn in hell you useless boy," I sneered and turned to leave but he grabbed the sleeve of my nightgown and pulled me back.

"Why do you hate me so much," he pointed out, "Err, w-what I mean to say is did I ever do something to offend you?"

I was stunned by the fact he'd actually ask something like that and I didn't try to fight his grasp.

I sighed and replied, "We are just too different, and I'm unable to understand what goes on in that pitiful mind of yours." He gently let go but kept his gaze on me with a painful look.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…" He trailed off. I simply glared at him with my violet eyes and tossed my beige, disheveled hair. A crimson color spread across his face and he looked away. What's with him? He can't honestly think I'm pretty. Most people would be fearful of my scowls, even Russia.

"Hey, what are you doing!" I cried.

"I'm escorting you back to your room."

"By carrying me? I demand you put me down now!" I started to bite and kick as much as possible.

"S-Sorry, I-I was just trying to be helpful Miss Belarus," He blushed while setting me down.

"Don't call me that! You are to address me as Bela."

"Yes, Mi- I mean Bela," He held the flashlight as we plodded back.

Why do I keep thinking he likes me? Doesn't he know that I'm deeply in love with Russia?

By the time we reached my room I was quite annoyed; annoyed because I didn't get a chance to spy on big brother at all today. I glanced at the Lithuanian who had followed me and refused to leave me alone. He's such an inconvenience but even so…I don't want him to leave me. I didn't exactly understand what my feelings towards him should be, but I did know that I was TIRED of being so alone. I grabbed his hand and dragged him in my room. He gave a confused look as we just stood there until I finally said, "If you have to call me Bela then I have to call you Liet."

"Um, okay," he agreed. I felt content; at least I think I did because I never quite smiled like I did that night. I felt warmness creep in my stomach and I thought I was going explode into a million pieces. "Bela," he asked after he saw such a rare occurrence, "Are you feeling alright? You're smiling at me!" I panicked for a second, profoundly confused why I had shown him an expression such as that.

"I don't know why you'd ask something like that! I'm fine, and if you are going to worry about me I swear I'll take this knife and stab you," I threatened as I held up a silver, ridged knife from my bedside table.

"Y-you would do that?" He nervously asked.

"Yes, I would and I will if you really take me for being as weak and lame as yourself."

"But I-I don't and I could never!" he stated.

"Da? Then why do you always baby me?" I challenged.

"I just, err, I think you're a beautiful and sweet girl and I'm glad we're friends," He smiled.

Friends? He thinks we are friends? Why? I treat him like dirt and make him clean after me. I force him to do what I want. Why doesn't he even ever try to rebel? How can he stand this life? That small twinge of guilt was starting to come back again, not because I wanted to treat him the way I did but because I had to. One way or another I was going to show big brother how strong I can be and that I can't be interacting with such pests like Liet. That is, if I want to prove my love and deep affection to him.

"How can I be sure you're telling the truth?" I questioned.

"Bela, I-"

"Liet, tomorrow morning you must bring me breakfast in bed since I will be too tired to wake up in the morning. Also, I would like it if you left now so I can get some sleep judging how it's twelve in the morning and you have work to finish," I interrupted. He immediately agreed and left my room so I could go to bed. This time I could sleep but it seemed that even in my dreams he showed up. Will he ever leave me alone? Though a strange feeling came over me that night and it made me glad that I had someone to talk to.