And Canada's harassment of America grew worse. America was beyond bewildered at his brothers unorthodox actions. He couldn't help but wonder if he did something to piss Canada off. So far this week, he'd been pushed into Russia twice, had his coffee stolen, gotten locked in a room together with Russia (though only briefly before Russia broke the door down and let them out), and had found someone had switched his and Russia's speeches so he had to find Russia to swap them again.

And of course, America knew who the cause of all these issues was, he just didn't understand why? Maybe he had somehow pissed his brother off? But he could never seem to catch Canada to ask. But Russia was able to. America was just about to walk into the room when he heard Russia's thick-accented voice. "Why are you bullying America?" Russia demanded. America peeked around the corner and saw Russia had cornered Canada and had him pinned against the wall.

America was still the hero of course, and he had to save his brother...but first he would listen to find out how he had upset Canada. "What do you mean?" Canada responded timidly. Russia wasn't buying it and he pressed on the wall so hard that a handprint shaped hole appeared. "Cut the crap. I know you are bullying America. Tell me why." He growled. Canada wilted and America was just about to go in and save him when-

"I didn't mean to bully him." Canada admitted. "I just wanted him to make a friend." Russia frowned. "By pushing him into me and locking us up together and other things?" Canada squirmed. "Well, you didn't talk to each other at all, so I wanted to make an excuse to talk happen." He flinched at Russia's look. "I'm sorry!" he yelped. "I'll stop!" America flushed. He had lots of friends! Why did Canada think he had to help America make friends? "Russia seemed to be of the same opinion. "America has many friends, da? Why do you want him to befriend Russia?"

Canada pouted. "He doesn't have a lot of friends. he just pretends he's close with everyone." He muttered. Russia removed his hand from in the wall, little bits of plaster falling from the hole he made. "I thought you'd make a good friend." He admitted. "I've played against you, and I know you're a good guy, even if everyone else is scared of you. America doesn't judge by appearances, and you don't have a lot of friends either." Canada was on a roll, full on sulking now. "Is it so bad to try to look out for my brother?" America couldn't decide whether he wanted to hug Canada or punch him. He couldn't believe his brother would embarrass him like that-or care like that.

He had just decided to do both, when Russia responded. "You will stop now." He commanded. "America does not need your help to make friends." America bristled. No-one but him was allowed to be cold to his brother! Russia continued, voice softening. "America can make friends by his own power. He is strong." Canada was nodding, agreeing. America felt proud, but also a little patronized for some reason. Canada didn't think he could befriend Russia on his own? he'd show him! Russia, having said his part, let Canada go, and America hid as his brother scampered out of the room.

"You heard, America?" Russia asked once Canada was gone. "You knew I was there the whole time, huh?" America drawled, slipping out of his hiding space, trying to ignore his burning ears. "So?" Russia pressed. "I can make friends on my own." America scowled, "I don't need help from a guy who's only friends are maple syrup and hockey." His words were harsh, but his tone said the opposite. America cast a sidelong glance at Russia. "Speaking of hockey, you and I are due for a game. I don't play Canada anymore because he gets too intense." Russia grinned, and accepted the offer happily, realizing he'd been recognized as a friend. "Da."

Canada scooped up the white bear that strolled out of the room after America and Russia had left. "Well, Kuma? How'd it go?" He asked. The bear lazily scratched his ear, then answered slowly. "Yeah, the loud one and the other guy are going to play hockey. " He blinked at the country holding him. "Who are you?" Canada ignored his question and grinned. "Mission successful!" he beamed happily, then froze. "Wait-Hockey?" His eyes lit up and he turned and bolted down the hallway after the other two countries. "I wanna play too!"