Russia was utterly fascinated with the Baltic that lay under him. Lithuania's form quivered slightly, a raspy gasp for air the only noise he made. Russia ran his fingertips across the other's paled skin, exposed to the biting cold of the room. Russia produced no heat for Lithuania to warm himself with, knowledge that never occurred to Russia. He was too fixated on the milk white skin, crisscrossed with bright crimson marks. Ivan loved how the red, a color he adored, contrasted so elegantly with the Baltic's skin. It struck a chord deep in him, a reminder of something altogether painful yet liberating; reminds of his past, of blood stained snow.
Lithuania had stopped moving. The freezing cold and blood loss had drained him of what energy he had. His dulled green eyes just stared up almost blankly, chapped lips parted just enough to draw in enough air in painful gasps that was required to continue to live. Toris couldn't understand what was happening anymore. The Russian above him should have been finished, but his bulky form still hovered above the Baltic, drawing lines along the skin in a way that Toris was momentarily alarmed to learn he couldn't feel. Perhaps he was dying, and the pain and sensation no longer matter. Or maybe the cold was finally killing off his skin- perhaps he'd die of hypothermia. Lithuania had a suspect feeling that is how he would die- cold, and under Russia's hands.
Russia loved Lithuania. Or- that's what he said. A thousand times he could repeat it, sure in his mind that he spoke the truth. But the Baltic wouldn't return those feelings. Even as Ivan whispered it in his ear, the other moved away from it. It was a weak effort but it's meaning was clear enough. Why didn't Lithuania love him back? Ivan gave the other all the attention he could spare, lavishing love on him. The pain only came from punishment, but that was a complete necessity to keep a functioning household! If one didn't correct the wrongs, how would they learn? It wasn't Russia's fault that Lithuania was so dead set on disobeying! Why did he make Russia hurt him so?
Lithuania wouldn't believe what Russia said. No one who loved him would brutalize him so. Toris had been told time and time again that it was for his own good. He failed to see where the need to beat him until he was nearly motionless came from when his transgression was returning from the market without carrots. Lithuania tried hard not to dwell on the unfairness of each and every punishment he received. It made the pain just hurt more when he knew he didn't deserve it. Toris just bore it, dealing with just the physical aspect.
Russia was getting sleepy. The fixation with the Baltic's body under him waned as his head drooped, resting in the crook of Lithuania's neck. It had been a tough night. Russia didn't like punishing his darling Lithuania, but what was done had to be. Ivan gave him an award for taking it so well, however, so it was alright. In his mind, at least, it was. Perhaps Toris was already asleep. His breathing had become deeper, and less raspy.
Lithuania's body hurt so much.
Russia loved his darling Toris so much.
Toris wished it would end.
Ivan would make sure it never did.