A/N: A story that is likely to be expanded. Much to Lithuania's surprise, Russia agreed to attend church with him. This is what follows.

Repentant

"What were you praying for?" Lithuania asked curiously. "I mean, if it isn't too personal..."

Russia gave him a thin little smile. "I do not pray, Toris."

Then what? Lithuania wondered. He knew he hadn't simply imagined it- the glimpse out of the corner of his eye- of Russia- with his head bowed and his hands folded tightly across his lap during the Litany of the Virgin. "You were... humoring me?" he said tonelessly.

"That is correct."

"I-'m sorry- it- that is to say- you were fairly convincing..." he muttered, trying to sound less obviously disappointed.

"But that is because I have had years and years of practice." Russia laughed, taking his arm as they walked. "When I was a little one, perhaps, I was entirely faithful. When I grew a bit older, I found that there were some things I could not, and would not, feel ashamed for... so I had to pretend."

"Like what?"

"Like you, Toris."

Lithuania's eyes widened a little. Russia smiled. "You forget that I have had feelings for you since the fourteenth century?"

"I... No. I didn't..." Lithuania blushed and fell very quiet.

The other shrugged and looked down, his eyes following the soggy brick pavement. Counting the flagstones. "I was most pious right around then. I prayed for God to keep you safe, though he hadn't even done that much for me. I prayed that you would think of me sometimes- a little bit. I prayed that God would forgive me for thinking of you. Do not think it was easy," he added, with a peculiar edge to his voice. "To come to grips with the fact that my Church, the only solace I'd had as a child, would come to see me as an abomination before the Lord."