When the bear had ripped, England had frozen with initial shock right along with the boys. The first thing he had felt, looking down at the damage, was a slight prick of guilt. The man had known that it was partly his fault that the bear had been ripped. Immediately following this feeling, it had occurred to England that Canada would most likely be extremely upset when he noticed what had happened to the thing that he so obviously treasured. Canada was so attached to his bear, that England had even taken to using the bear as an identifier for Canada when he was not sure which twin was which. Canada was "the one with the bear." (Yet, for some strange reason, it remained difficult for the helpless England to tell Canada apart from America) Now that said special bear was damaged, Canada was sure to be crushed.

England had known right off that he should do something about the situation, however, his mind had blanked out on what exactly. He was still very new to dealing with children, and he was even more inexperienced when it came to giving comfort. Since England's brain had apparently not wanted to cooperate and give him clues as to what he should do, England had been forced to just stand there like an idiot and wait for the unavoidable. The future expression of a "deer in headlights" would have described England very well while he waited for Canada to realize what had happened to his bear.

Then, things had gotten even more embarrassing for the tongue-tied Brit. America had been the first to act after Canada had seen his bear. When he saw that, England had told himself that the time had come for him make some sort of move as well. He couldn't stand by and let a panicking child do his job…but that was what he had ended up doing anyway.

England had cursed himself at that moment for being so silly! He wasn't that inexperienced at handling a distressed child! He had given comfort to his little America before! That's when it had hit him: if the boys were switched and America was the one who was upset, England realized that he would have grabbed up America without a second thought. He would have hugged America close, maybe rocked him a bit, and softly assured him that all would be well. Canada shouldn't be any different! Why was it so hard for England to do the same to him? Why had it not immediately occurred to England to do that…and why didn't he do it now?

The truth was that England hesitated because he had doubted his ability to console Canada. England did not have the same established relationship with Canada that he had with America. Canada would more likely than not refuse any comfort he might offer. England was well aware the he was not exactly the boy's favorite person.

The tension had mounted on England the longer he stood there, being useless. The increasing noise had made matters worse. He couldn't think! By the time England had finally forced himself to do something (that something being explode with frustration), he was thoroughly annoyed by the Canada's crying, America's senseless prattling, and his own incompetence.

Getting back to the present, England could see that he had startled the boys after his outburst. He silently battered himself with a few more choice curses as he closed his eyes and pinched his nose. He had to remain calm. He was the adult. He had to remain in control. England took a few deep breaths to will himself to relax.

Unfortunately, the sounds of Canada's muffled sobs were cutting in on England's attempt to calm his annoyed mood. England felt all the more annoyed with that, especially after he had just made a clear demand for order. The tall blond opened his eyes and shot an angry glare down on Canada. Still feeling inadequate, but having no other choice but to deal with the situation somehow, England took a step forward and got down on one knee.

America moved aside to make room for the eldest that bent down in front of the curled-up Canadian. He watched his big brother with hope that he could make everything better. (Alas, the longer he watched England, the more he realized that things were not going the way he had hoped)

"Canada, stop that this instant! Crying isn't going to solve anything," England started by reprimanding Canada before reaching out a hand to feel under the boy for the bear that was being shielded from the world. "Give me the bear, and I'll—"

Canada gave a small cry and shifted away from England's touch with another quick jerk.

Irritated, but undaunted, the Englishman tried again. "None of that, now. I only—"

The same thing happened again. As soon as England made another attempt to take the bear, Canada stubbornly blocked him with his body. This time, England mentally cursed the unreasonable child. But England had a strong will of his own. He was going to get that bear, with or without Canada's consent. Canada was just being difficult. He could fight all he wanted now, but England told himself that Canada would thank him later. So he tried to take the bear by force again. And again. And again. And again.

America watched from his spot off to the side as the same things happened over and over again: England would try to take Canada's bear, and Canada would gingerly squirm away. As he watched all this unfold, America began to worry for his new twin. He could tell that England was getting more aggravated by the second. America's worrying went up a notch when he remembered Canada explaining that he was afraid of England. America figured that with the way England was acting now, Canada must be scared to death! He also noticed that England's words were becoming increasingly harsh every time the distraught toddler evaded his efforts to take the polar bear.

"Give it here—"

DODGE

"Come now, hand it over—"

DUCK

"For the last time, stop that ridiculous sniveling—"

SCOOT

"Canada—"

SHIFT

"Just—"

BLOCK

"I'm losing my patience!"

Not surprisingly, nothing that England said seemed to be working. Canada was hysterical, yet he somehow managed to stay focused on keeping his bear away from England. America watched the scene anxiously until England let out a loud, intense exhale. Things weren't looking good.

And they weren't good. England had just about had it with Canada! It was just a stupid stuffed animal! It wasn't worth all this fuss! (In fact, there were very few things in the world that England believed truly warranted tears, and a broken toy was certainly not one of them) And not only was Canada disobeying England's orders to bring his senseless whining to an end, but he was also refusing to cooperate and hand over his bear to England. How hard could that be? England was just trying to offer his assistance. Where did that French colony get the nerve to refuse his kind gesture so obstinately?

"Listen carefully, you insolent little whelp," England's voice had lowered, and his tone was laced with a very serious warning. "You are going to catch it, if you do not cease your blubbering and hand over that silly bear."

Over to the side, America gulped at England's words of warning. England was even starting to scare him now. He looked at Canada, who gave no response other than more sobs. America shifted his weight back and forth with more worry. Why couldn't Canada just do what England wanted? Couldn't he see that England just wanted to help?

Inside little Canada's mind, he was only just starting to think clearly again. Ever since the moment he had collapsed on his bear, his brain and body had basically been going on auto-pilot. He was so upset over his toy, that he had not really been thinking or completely listening to what was said to him. All he had known for sure was that he was heartbroken (hence the unstoppable tears), and that he had to keep what was left of his bear safe at all costs. He was protecting his bear with the instincts of a mother protecting her child. England's new serious voice had finally gotten Canada's full attention.

The Canadian boy began to tremble, for he now realized with despair that he was in a lose-lose situation. He was terrified of what England might do to him for his deliberate disobedience. He certainly didn't want to "catch it," but he held his ground all the same. The normally timid boy could be stubborn when he wanted to. He was even more afraid of losing his bear. No, that was where he drew the line. Was it really so bad that he wanted to keep it? Why couldn't America and England just leave him alone?

"I am counting to three," England spoke again with the same threatening tone.

Canada and England didn't notice, but America paled at that simple statement. No! Not the counting! He knew Canada was in for it now, unless he straightened up!

"If the bear is not in my hands by the time I am finished," England continued on. "I am going to give you a real cause to cry."

…or unless someone came to his rescue…

"One."

Canada kept his trembling position.

"T—OH!"

England didn't make it past "one." Canada slightly (very slightly) relaxed when he noticed that England's count had been interrupted. He didn't know why England had stopped at mid "two," but he was too nervous to look up. He kept his head down and tried to hide his sniffles while he hugged his now three-legged bear.

What had interrupted England was a surprise blow to his side that had knocked him flat on the ground. Dazed, (and more than slightly irritated) England quickly opened his eyes to find…America. England was momentarily shocked to see America sitting on his chest. America looked just as surprised as England. After a moment, he gave England a nervous smile. England frowned at that. Apparently, America had tackled him for some unknown reason, but had not planned any further ahead than that. The boy looked as if he didn't know what to do now, and was kind of hoping that England would just forget the whole thing.

Yeah right.

"What do you think you're doing?" England demanded to know.

America leaned away from England's shout. His smile turned into a facial cringe. He looked over his shoulder at Canada, then back at England. Wincing as if he had no other choice, the troubled toddler shut his eyes and slammed both hands on England's opening mouth before the older nation could say anything more.

America was felling sick inside. He had promised Canada that he would be his big brother and protect him, but he was not sure how he to stand up to England. England was mad, and the only thing America could think to do for the moment was keep him quiet so that he wouldn't scare Canada any more.

America soon felt England swat away his hands. Knowing what was coming, America acted on instinct again. He braved opening his eyes to look at England, who was about to say something. As England took a breath to speak, America held a finger to his own mouth.

"SHUSH!"

The colony said nothing more, but his normally cherub-like face had an intense "Please just let me handle this!" look. Something about America's desperate expression made England forget what he was going to say. Somehow, America's silent plea had gotten through to England. It was at least good enough to make him pause and defuse much of his anger.

America took this opportunity to hop off of England and rush back to Canada. America had decided to try to calm his Canadian brother one more time. He was positive that if he could just get Canada to willingly give the bear to England, everything would be ok. That was all he had to do! It was simple! If England would just give him enough time, he could do that!

England sat up and watched curiously as America got on his knees, close to Canada. Canada seemed to flinch as if he sensed a presence in front of him. America bent down close and whispered to him.

"Hey…it's okay," he patted Canada's head as he spoke. "He just wants ta help," then, as if he could tell what Canada was worried about, he added "He'll give 'em back when he's done."

Canada's now softer crying appeared to hitch for a brief moment. America knew he was listening. He smiled encouragingly and turned to England for the needed confirmation.

"Won't cha, Engwand?" he asked. "You'll give it back, wight?"

England was caught off guard. "Y-yes," he finally answered. Was that really what Canada was worried about? He had thought that it was obvious that the boy would get it back. What would England want with a stuffed toy?

America grinned and turned back to Canada. "See? He won't hurt 'em. He'll make 'em all better! I pwomise!"

Canada was listening, but he still wouldn't relent. He felt kind of bad for America. He knew his playmate was trying to help, but all attempts to reason with him only made him more determined to hold onto his bear. His childish mind had made itself up that he was not going to be reasoned with.

Predictably, America didn't give up easily. He rubbed Canada's back, spoke comfortingly, he did everything he could think to do, even though it seemed to be no use. Canada cried soundly and kept his protective position over his little friend.

America's compassion must have been contagious, because England was starting to feel a little sympathy for the crying child. Watching the tiny America try his hardest to sooth his playmate was adorably sweet, and it was beginning to soften England. England sighed. He frowned to himself as he tried to shake away those doting feelings that were creeping up on him again. He couldn't let his emotions run away with him. Thanks to those two pups, this entire ordeal had dragged on much longer than it should have. England was gathering himself together so that he could put his foot down and end this…but then he heard something change in America's voice.

"Pwease don't be sad. Come on. Just wet Engwand have 'em, okay? Pwease? Don't cwy. D-don't…don't…"

Oh no. Was America starting to cry now? England felt his stomach turn in knots. Great, big, guilty knots. He couldn't take this. He couldn't stand to have bothboys crying!

England could sense the compassion sneaking in once more as he watched his little colony breaking down under all the pressure. Poor America seemed to think that it was his responsibility to console his bother and make everything right. He was just a little boy. He shouldn't have to shoulder that kind of heavy burden, and England felt absolutely terrible for making the boy feel like he needed to step up like that. He was sure he had caused America to feel that way, somehow. England ran a hand through his hair and let out another sigh. He was not expecting it to do any good, but he would try a different tactic (for America's sake if for nothing else).

England reached out and put a hand on America's heaving back. America looked up; teary-eyed and worried, but England gave him a reassuring nod. The larger man gently nudged America out of the way. America sniffed and wiped under his nose with his sleeve as he moved aside. England took America's position in front of Canada. Looking down at the boy scrunched up before him, he swallowed. The uncomfortable empire attempted to change his tone of voice from earlier to a softer one.

"Canada?"

Canada's breath hitched again at England's voice.

"…May I see your bear?"

Canada's body curled tighter around his plush friend.

England was patient. "You do not have to give him to me, and I won't take him from you," he said calmly. "I simply want to have a quick look at him."

Canada didn't move. America looked like he was going to say something, but England held him back. It was barely noticeable, but England could swear that Canada's cries were starting to calm. If there was a chance that England was getting through to him, he didn't want to give up, yet.

"I might be able to mend him," England carefully offered; feeling like he was walking on glass. "However, I won't know unless I am able to inspect the damage. Do you think you might hold him up a bit, for me to see? That's all I want. I won't make you give him up, if that is not what you wish."

America and England watched in awe as Canada, slowly but surely, began to calm down. Canada's energy was drained. His tear supply had reached its limit, apparently refueled itself, and then been sucked dry for the 2nd time that night. He thought about what England was saying while his body came down from all the drama he had just gone through. Well…England did say that he could keep his bear, and he sounded sincere…not that that meant anything, though. Canada was still not sure if England could be trusted. But…he knew that he only get into trouble again if he ignored England. Maybe it was worth the risk…maybe he could let his bear come out of hiding—just for a second. And Canada could hold on tight, and be ready to put the bear back under him if England tried anything.

Whimpering, sniffling, and hiccuping the whole time, Canada finally began to move. First, he shifted and warily pushed himself off the ground. He trembled, trying to keep balance. He felt weak from crying and from being in a tense position for so long. His legs under him were asleep. With one arm around his bear's neck, he gradually was able to sit up. He used his other arm to dab at his eyes, before wrapping it around his bear, as well.

He sat shivering for a moment, not looking at England or America. Slowly, his hands moved to hold the bear by its sides. Then, even more slowly, his bear was lifted up. Bit by bit, Canada raised his bear for England to see.

England witnessed it all with barely contained excitement. He couldn't believe it was actually working! He was tempted to rush Canada, but he kept his composure.

"There's a good lad!" he encouraged when Canada held up the bear. "Hold him still, now." England leaned in for a better look. Canada retracted the bear apprehensively, but kept it where England could see it well enough. "Hm…" England hummed as he studied the bear's "open wound." "Looks as if your little friend has hurt himself," he commented.

Canada gripped his bear.

And whose fault is that?

He thought angrily to himself.

Suddenly, England smiled. He leaned back to his original pose. "Not to worry, it doesn't look too bad."

Canada wanted to scream! "Doesn't look too bad?" His bear had a whole ARM missing! How could England say something like that?

England unknowingly cut in on Canada's mental rant. "I'm certain I can put him back together again."

Canada hugged his bear. He looked England in the eye.

"If I may?" England added with a slightly outstretched hand. His expression was reassuring.

Canada dropped his gaze and locked his arms around his bear; prepared to put up another fight if he had to. He imagined that the floor was England and he gave it a distrustful look. He expected England to react negatively to his attitude, but he was surprised.

"It's just as America said," England spoke with the same patient tone as before. "It won't take long at all. I will be very gentle with him, and you can have him back as soon as it's done. You have my word."

Canada rocked his bear back and forth. He remained undecided.

"I'm sure your friend will feel much better once he's all patched up," England added.

That made Canada stop and think. He was amazed to find himself actually considering England's offer. The thought of having his bear fixed was tempting. He was unconscious of his slowly loosening grip as he mulled all this over. Still, this was England he was talking about. What if this was all some kind of English trick? At a loss, Canada held his bear out a bit so that he could look at its furry face. He stared into his bear's shiny eyes as if to get the consent of his faithful companion before he made any decision.

Unbeknownst to Canada, America had been watching his every move closely. America was itching for Canada to give England the bear, already! If only he would, then England would fix it, and Canada would be happy again. What was holding him back? This was a no-brainer! He especially hoped that Canada would chose to let England help, because he thought that maybe if England restored the bear, Canada might see that England wasn't scary at all, and they could be friends!

It looked like to America, that Canada was just on the edge of deciding to give up his animal. Impatient, and eager to help England get the patient; America saw an opening, and he took it. With perfect speed, he snatched the bear away before Canada could make any protest. He stood between Canada and England and held both the bear and the severed limb up to his big brother.

"Here!"

Done! Man, it's hard to write from 3 different points of view! Again, I hope I did the inside of England's head justice. Canada's going to grow on him, soon. Hope you like! I'll fix any mistakes later. Too tired...