DEAR READER:
I will have to pack my laptop soon, so this may be the last time you get an update from me for several weeks.
I give special thanks to my friend Libby8980 for the quote in this chapter.
I give further thanks to The Scheming Turtle for being my beta-reader, as usual.
Lastly, I give deep thanks to all of my wonderful reviewers and all the lovely reviews! They truly do encourage me and brighten my day. Thanks everyone, please keep reviewing, and don't spoil my story!
~The pioneer with a heart for people and a thousand stories to tell~
Chapter 23
If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them. If we were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one.
― Michelle Hodkin
((((ppppqqqq))))
((ppqq))
(pq)
Over the next days, Lithuania did his best to woo Belarus. He continually was kind to her, helping her in any way possible while also giving her wonderful gifts whenever he could. Focussing on winning her heart, he forgot about what made him comfortable or what he wanted, and simply tried to please her at every turn, which tired him greatly. However, when he saw her face brighten, his spirits were renewed, giving him the strength and the determination to carry on in his efforts. Indeed, the next days were days of fear, worry, excitement, and courage as he showed Belarus just how much she meant to him.
One day, it was not only Lithuania trying to please, but Belarus. Lithuania stood on his knees, scrubbing the worn tile floor carefully, attacking each bit of dirt and every smudge in sight with the wash cloth he held. After some time, he sloshed his cloth into the bucket nearby him, cleansing it of the dirt while simultaneously getting more soapy water on it as he continued cleaning. Suddenly, he heard footsteps and looked up to see Belarus standing a few feet away from him.
"May I help?" She offered, seeing how much work needed to be done on the hallway tiles.
"Of course," Lithuania agreed, scooching over so she could reach the bucket and grab another towel for herself.
Soon, the two were working together harmoniously, scrubbing the floors quickly and thouroughly.
As Lithuania worked, he glanced at Belarus from time to time, noting the way her hair fell down her shoulders and hung just above the ground as she worked. The more she helped him clean the floor, the more he remembered just how much he loved her. Indeed, he had loved her all these centuries, and it seemed that now that he was close to her, he loved her more and more each day.
Meanwhile, Belarus also eyed him from time to time, noting how nice his hair looked pulled back, while also reminding herself how kind he had been to her. Indeed, she felt more and more each day that she needed to repay him for all his kindness, which was why she was helping him now. Neither fully realized how close they were getting... but was it close enough for them to stay together forever?