Dear Reader,

I give thanks to The Scheming Turtle for being my Beta-reader, and I would like to say that this is NOT a lemon! IT IS NOT A LEMON!

Trust me, okay?

Also, this is why I call this half of the story the Self-control act.

The pioneer with a heart for people and a thousand stories to tell ~+~

Chapter 11

I don't think you can keep someone you truly love at arm's length on purpose; they'll always end up in your arms.

~Holly Nichole Miller

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One day, a few weeks later, Lithuania and Belarus were reclining on a hillside, watching the stars together. Although it was not quite spring yet, it was very close. In fact, there were many patches of grass growing, and the frigid snow was steadily melting. Of course, there were still some stubborn patches of snow, which tried to defy the change of seasons by stubbornly clinging to the ground while slowly shrinking. However, the night was still warm, unusually warm, in fact, and so Belarus and Lithuania leaned against a tree, with only some light jackets on top of their clothes to keep them warm.

After a time, Lithuania lovingly kissed Belarus' silvery hair. She turned her head and offered a tiny, yet grateful, smile. Leaning over, Lithuania kissed her again, this time gently pressing his lips against hers. For the past weeks, he had kissed her repeatedly, but tonight, Belarus kissed him back instead of simply allowing him to kiss her, which made him kiss her again. In this way, Lithuania and Belarus continued exchanging kisses, parting only for the occasional breath when necessary.

Soon, Lithuania wrapped his arms around Belarus, and kissed her more and more deeply. Although she wasn't exactly the romantic type, Belarus found herself nearly melting under his kisses, and slowly started leaning backwards. Eventually, Lithuania was on top of her, continuing to kiss her passionately. His emotions, which were overwhelmingly strong for Belarus, pushed him to keep going and get as close to her as possible, to pour his love into her physically. Hence, Lithuania drew her as close to him as he possibly could and continued kissing her intensely.

Into his passionate mind, a thought reminded him of one tiny detail in the contract: he was NOT supposed to go farther than a kiss, unless she wanted to do so. At the rate he was going, kissing would be the smallest thing they did together. As he started to recall this, he realized that he had no idea if Belarus wanted to go farther, and there was always the chance she could use it against Lithuania if they did go farther. Hence, he abruptly stopped kissing her and opened his eyes wide, breathing heavily as he lifted himself from her. Quickly, Lithuania stood up and took a step back from Belarus. He never before had wanted to go farther than a kiss, and the fact that he did struck him. Deep within, he wanted something he couldn't have, and he knew he couldn't have it. He desired Belarus. Furthermore, he desired to give himself to her. Because he knew he couldn't have her, couldn't give her all the physical love he wanted to give, he felt dirty and found himself staring at her in surprise. That miniscule detail in the contract caused great conflict within him.

Confused at why Lithuania stopped so suddenly, Belarus sat up and gazed at him quizzically.

"What's wrong?" She questioned after a few moments.

"It's… it's too cold out here-we really should go inside," Lithuania blurted out as he began to head back to the house.

Seeing Lithuania briskly walk away, Belarus knew that something was wrong; she could tell that he was hiding something. Since she didn't want to probe, she quietly followed him. Within herself, she wondered what could have made him stop like that-was it something she did? Did she offend him? Was the night really that cold? Puzzled and worried, she entered the house a few feet behind him, hoping that it wasn't her fault.

"I'm tired; let's go to bed," Lithuania declared as he walked up the stairs swiftly.

Again, Belarus knew he was lying, and asked herself why he would. Suddenly, she paused her thoughts and asked herself, Wait, why do I care? It's not like I'll be married to him much longer… right?

For the first time in months, she did NOT answer, Yeah, just a few more months and I'll be back with Big Brother.

Indeed, this time she merely stood there, wondering if she would be married to him much longer at all. As she fell asleep, Belarus remembered the kisses she exchanged with Lithuania, and realized that she enjoyed them very much… but… was that all she wanted… or did she want more? Did she want him to stop?..she had no idea.

Lithuania, meanwhile, continually replayed the scene in his mind, chiding himself and feeling guilty for being physically attracted to Belarus, and wanting to give himself to her. Indeed, that hillside event was something that would follow him for a long time.

As usual, please leave me a non-spoiler review so I know what you are thinking!

By the way, if you think Belarus is being a wee bit too willing, let me explain:

1. She's gotten used to him kissing her.

2. She's decided to start kissing back

3. This may sound disgusting but it's true: when people kiss deeply, hormones and chemicals are exchanged that cause them to want to keep going... and going... and... going...

All things equal, it makes sense... by the way, reason #3 is why if you are kissing someone deeply and you DO NOT want to sleep with them, you really shouldn't be kissing them. Okay, that's enough Biology from me, I apologize if I grossed anyone out, but I needed to be honest, and now you know so that you will understand.

The pioneer with a heart for people and a thousand stories to tell ~+~