The silence made him feel cold, and he started shaking again. Was something the matter? He felt his stomach twist at the thought of being beat for bad tea.

"I-is there s-something wrong, ..?" he said, barely making the words come out clearly from all his stuttering.

For what seemed like hours, there was no reply. Latvia stood there, feeling the silence seep into his skin. He wanted to get out. He felt like everything he did in this room altered whether he would live or die.

Suddenly, he heard movement coming from the man and he jumped a little. He turned his head and watched as the Russian grasped the plate and teacup from the table and took a sip. After, he turned and met Latvia's gaze without warning.

"Nyek. You never make mistakes."

Latvia froze. Russia's voice was soft, but his gaze was dark and hard to read. It was unmistakable that he was thinking of doing something horrid.

Latvia and Russia stared at each other for what seemed like ages. The Russian didn't blink or make any noises. The only sound that was heard was Latvia's small heart thumping frantically. Then his heart slowed down a bit as Russia broke away from the connection they had.

"Raivis," Russia started, "Why are you so scared? I've never done anything to you."

Latvia couldn't reply. He wanted to mention the night before, and all the other nights he did what should be unforgivable, but he couldn't. He knew Russia would say his usual saying, "It was just punishment, so you could learn you lesson. Everyone gets it, da?" and he would be forced to live through another hell full of pain and torture.

"I am n-n-not scared of y-you, ," he lied. He knew Russia knew Latvia was hiding behind a mask, but this seemed to please him anyway.

"Good," Russia abandoned the tea and stood up, making Latvia arch his head up just to keep in contact with his hard stare. Latvia started to shake again, feeling uncomfortable at what the Russian might have planned for the boy.

Latvia watched as the taller man walked to the doorway. Latvia felt his heart skip a beat when the Russian closed it, and locked the door with a click. No, no, no…

"Sit," Russia said gently.

Latvia didn't want to spend more time here, and without thinking he said, "I don't w-want to.."

Latvia put his hands over his mouth and stared at Russia with frightened eyes.

"I-I'm sorry!" He wailed like a child, "I d-d-didn't m-mean to b-b-be disrespect-tful!"

But Russia didn't look angry. He just gave a sterner look and repeated, "Sit," but this time as a command. Latvia nodded slightly and sat lightly on the couch, too stiff to put all his weight on it.

Please don't keep me for long…please… he whimpered silently in his head.

He felt something heavy on the couch seat next to him. Latvia didn't have to look to know who was there. Half of him didn't want to think about it.

"Raivis, you know I don't like hurting you," he said, reaching over to Latvia's head and playing with his hair.

Stop it…stop it…

"I only punish you because it's what you deserve, da?" he asked, his voice urging the boy to agree.

"Y-yes, …"

Latvia closed his eyes in an attempt to hide his fear. The sudden gentleness of the large man was starting to make the smaller country feel uncomfortable.

Latvia tried to ignore the feeling of the Russian's hand traveling down his back, but failed. He felt Russia's hand stop at the base of his back, rubbing in a circular motion and causing him to relax.

"Do you not enjoy your punishment?" Russia said, now with a slightly taunting tone in his voice.

Latvia decided to play along, for the sake of his own safety.

"N-no, .."

"Then I think you should stop lying to me,"

Latvia squealed as he felt Russia's hand suddenly squeeze hard on his side, and he felt himself being tossed off the couch and on the table, knocking off the tea.

Side burning and head throbbing, Latvia nearly screamed from surprise at the sudden attack. He held his head and looked up, seeing the Russian get to his feet and approach the Latvian slowly.