[Fic Fill] Winnie: A Good Name for a Bear
TITLE: Winnie: A Good Name for a Bear
AUTHOR/ARTIST: Raikana Sakaro
RECIPIENT: eastern_passage
CHARACTERS/PAIRINGS: Canada, Lt. Harry Colebourn, Winnie the Bear, and a bit of England
RATING: G
NOTES: So...umm...I did not really know anything about this until my Winnipeg friend set me straight because she had done a stint with this regiment/company/whathaveyou in cadets. And thanks again to sketchfiend for editing and research etc. Also, she did a picture of this while I was writing it, but I don't think she's posted it anywhere yet.
SUMMARY: Canada meets Lt. Harry Colebourn and his bear Winnie while shipping off to WWI. And they kinda become friends.
Meeting
Canada tugged down the hem of his jacket as he walked through the rows and rows of white tents, looking over the heads of his soldiers with a small smile. He walked past small groups of men, nodding a greeting to the ones that noticed him. As he looked around, though, his eye caught sight of one group that didn’t look quite right.
He frowned as he picked up his pace, making a beeline for the tent just on the edge of his field of vision. As he approached, he saw the soldiers sitting in a semi-circle, all looking at a small, black figure. He broke into a jog, smiling as he got close enough to see the small bear padding around between the soldiers, sniffing their legs.
He jogged to a stop in front of the soldiers, grinning like a fool as he dropped to his knees and offered a hand to the bear. He held still as it sniffed the hand, then reached out carefully and scratched its head.
His smile softened as it first stretched up towards his hand, then pulled away and dropped down on the ground, rolling partway onto its back, flailing its legs in the air. He laughed softly and reached down to scratch its stomach, wishing that he had brought his own bear along. Then he straightened up as he heard one of the other soldiers laughing.
“It looks like she likes you, Corporal,” one of the men said with a smile on his face.
Canada went ramrod straight and blushed slightly as he climbed to his feet. “Sorry, sir. Yes, sir. I...animals seem to like me, sir.”
The officer waved his hand at Canada. “Relax, Corporal...”
“Yes, sir,” Canada said before sinking back to his knees. He reached out to stroke the bear’s fur again. “She seems very nice, sir.”
The lieutenant nodded as he reached out pet the bear as well. “She does at that. Even if we are just getting to know each other. Isn’t that right?” he asked the cub with a smile.
“Sir?” Canada looked up at the older man with a puzzled look.
The man just shrugged as he scratched behind her ears. “I just picked her up on the way over from Manitoba, so we’re still new friends.” He smiled at Canada and wiped his hand on his knee before holding it out. “Lieutenant Harry Colebourn of the Veterinary Corps. And that’s my Winnie.”
Canada smiled and shook his hand firmly. “Corporal Matthew Williams, sir. I’m...ah...currently being reassigned...”
Lieutenant Colebourn smiled warmly. “Pleased to meet you, Corporal.”
Canada shook his head with a slight blush. “No, sir, the pleasure is all mine.” He gently clasped his hands in his lap as he looked at Winnie. “If I might ask, sir...is she named after Winnipeg?” he said, running his hands along her back.
The older man smiled and reached down to scratch her chin. “She is. That’s where I came over from. Wonderful city.”
Canada just nodded in agreement as he pet Winnie. “It is, sir. I...have been there once or twice.” He kept stroking the bear for the better part of an hour before he looked up at the position of the sun and sprang to his feet, looking embarrassed all over again. “Excuse me, sir, but I have to leave.”
The lieutenant just smiled and tossed off a small salute. “You’re welcome to come back anytime you want, Corporal Williams.”
Canada smiled at the other man and saluted back. “Thank you, sir,” he said quietly before he turned and walked off hurriedly.
Bonding
Canada sat down on the ground in front of Winnie and held his hand out to her. Once she had finished sniffing, she bumped her nose against his hand and he scooted closer so that he could scratch her head. “How are you doing today, girl?” he murmured as he pressed his cheek against hers.
Winnie keened softly and butted Canada’s shoulder with her forehead, grunting. He laughed and reached down to scratch her stomach. “I know, but everyone is on tight rations...even me.” Then he tilted his head to the side to listen intently. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad you’re being treated well.”
Canada kept his face pressed against the small bear, listening to her so closely that he didn’t hear the soft footsteps coming up behind him. “Good to see someone having fun, Corporal,” Lieutenant Colebourn said quietly.
Canada pulled away from Winnie and stood up, saluting the older man. “Sorry, sir! It’s just that it’s my downtime, sir. I hope you don’t mind, sir...”
The lieutenant grunted softly as he hitched up his pants and sat down on the other side of Winnie. “Not at all, soldier. I said you were welcome to come back and I meant it. At ease.”
Canada smiled and relaxed as he sat down again, burying his hand in Winnie’s thick fur. “You’re doing a good job caring for her, sir. And...and I think she likes it here.”
Lieutenant Colebourn reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a piece of dried meat, holding his palm out as the bear cub ate it up. “That’s good. I’d hate to think I’m keeping her somewhere against her will.”
Canada smiled sadly. “You’re not, sir.” Then he buried his face in her side, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her fur, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat.
The lieutenant reached out and placed a hand on Canada’s shoulder. “Everything okay, there?”
Canada nodded and took a deep breath, pulling away. “Yes, sir. I’m fine. She just...reminds me of my own animal friend...back home,” he said with a small smile.
“Where are you from? If you don’t mind me asking...” The older man held Canada’s eyes for a moment before he looked down at Winnie, chuckling as she nosed his jacket. “Alright, alright. Calm down...” he said as he reached into a different pocket, pulling out another treat.
Canada felt his heart race as he looked at the man in front of him, thinking quickly. “Ah...from just outside Ottawa, sir...but I’ve been around...seen a good part of Canada...”
Lieutenant Colebourn looked back up at Canada as Winnie finished off her treat, dropping onto her side between them. “That sounds fascinating, Corporal. I wish I had time to travel the country. I’ve only seen parts of Ontario and Winnipeg. They’re a damn sight better than where I grew up, though. More room to really stretch your legs.”
Canada looked up from scratching Winnie, giving the older man a confused look. “Where...where are you from, sir? It you don’t mind...”
The lieutenant shook his head. “Not at all. I’m from here,” he said, spreading his arm and gesturing at their surroundings. “England, that is. Not a military barracks.”
Canada blinked, going slack-jawed before looking away, fighting back a blush. “And...you like Canada better than England, sir?”
Lieutenant Colebourn nodded again and reached down to scratch under Winnie’s chin. “Yes. I’ve been there for a number of years and I plan to go back after the war.”
Canada smiled, looking down at the bear to hide his flush of pleasure. “This might sound strange, sir, but I...I’m very happy you said that...”
The lieutenant reached over and clapped Canada’s shoulder, nodding briskly. “Well, I have to get back, now. I hope you come visit more often.”
Canada put on a straight face and straightened up, saluting. “Yes, sir. I’ll try to, sir.” Then he relaxed as the lieutenant turned and walked away, going back to petting Winnie. He tilted his head as she growled softly. “Yes, he is a very nice man...”
Parting
Canada kept his head down as he walked alongside Winnie, who was being led on the end of a rope by Lieutenant Colebourn. “...thank you for letting me come along, sir. I’m very grateful to you.”
The lieutenant shook his head slightly as he walked through the wrought iron gates. “It was no trouble at all. You two get along very well, so I thought you should get a chance to say your farewells, too.”
“Thank you, sir,” Canada said again, glancing around the cages until he spotted the bear cage. He bent down next to the black bear and pointed it out to her. “That’s where you’ll be staying for now. Doesn’t it look nice?”
She looked up at the blond, then bumped his head against the lieutenant’s leg, keening softly. Canada reached out and stroked her fur comfortingly. “I know you’ll miss him, but you have to stay here, where it’s safe. War zones are no place for people to be, much less a nice bear like you...”
Lieutenant Colebourn looked down at Canada with a bemused smile. “I swear it’s like you can understand her sometimes, Corporal.”
Canada laughed nervously as he straightened up. “N-nothing like that, sir. Just...good with animals, sir.” He tugged on the hem of his jacket, straightening it out as a zookeeper walked up to them.
They both stood to as the zookeeper stopped in front of them, then turned to face the lieutenant. “I understand you’re leaving your bear here, sir?”
Lieutenant Colebourn nodded and looked down at Winnie. “Yes, sir. She shouldn’t give you any trouble, but I can’t take her out into battle.” He reached down to pet Winnie one last time. “You be a good girl and do what he says.” He smiled sadly at the bear as he stood up and handed over the lead line.
Canada looked between the two men, then dropped to his knees and threw his arms around Winnie’s neck, burying his face in her fur. “I’ll miss you, girl,” he said, his face still pressed against her neck. “Please be good. I’ll come visit you whenever I can...” He listened to her keening, grunting, and growling for a while, then he nodded. “I know it’ll be lonely. I’m sure he’ll get you as soon as he can. Try to stay happy.”
He finally pulled away and stood up, quickly rubbing his sleeve across his eyes. “I hope they take good care of her,” the lieutenant said quietly as the zookeeper led her away.
Canada just nodded and took a deep breath, watching her until she was out of sight before turning around and walking back towards the gate, the lieutenant by his side. “I’m sure they will, sir. And I’m sure you’ll be able to pick her up soon.”
Lieutenant Colebourn just nodded and pressed his mouth into a thin line, not saying anything but reaching up to gently squeeze Canada’s shoulder.
Reunion
Canada kept his hands in his pockets and glanced up at the sign as he walked through the gates of the zoo again, several years later. England followed his glance, then looked back at the taller man with a puzzled look. “...why did you want to come here, of all places? There are much better places we could have gone to spend time together.”
Canada just shrugged as his feet automatically carried him towards the bear pen. “I just wanted to see what was here...” he said, reaching over to grab one of England’s hands and squeeze gently. “You didn’t have to come along. I know you have better things to do.”
England shook his head and squeezed back. “Nonsense, boy. I’d much rather spend time with you than your idiot brother.”
Canada smiled as he caught sight of the bear pen and the black bear shuffling along just behind the bars, looking at the children in front of her. He let go of England’s hand and hurried over to the cage, standing just behind the line of children.
England came up behind the younger nation and looked at the bear. “...so you came for her?”
Canada nodded, folding his hands behind his back as he watched her sniff the air curiously, then turn her head to look at him.
England reached up and clasped Canada’s shoulder, squeezing it for a moment. “Just a moment.”
Canada just nodded absently as England walked away, slowly moving closer to the pen. He smiled at Winnie as he pressed his face up against the bars. “Hey, girl. I came back, just like I promised. Sorry, but your friend is still back home in Canada...” He slowly reached his hand down and out. Just as he was about to slip it between the bars, he felt another hand land on his shoulder and turned around.
England smiled at the younger man and offered his hand. “Come with me.”
Canada gave Winnie one last look before he followed England away from the pen towards the low building behind it. “...where are we going?”
England shoved the door open and pulled Canada inside. “I got permission to go in the back rooms. Now come.”
Canada just stared at the back of England’s head as they walked down the concrete hall together. “You...you mean...”
England stopped and pushed open another doorway. “In there. They’re bringing her in, now.” He shoved Canada through the door and followed behind him, shutting the door and leaning on the wall next to it.
Canada smiled and stood in the middle of the room, watching the door set in the opposite wall until it opened and a zookeeper walked in, followed closely by Winnie. He bit his lip and held out his hand as he walked close to her, waiting for her to recognize him.
As soon as she nudged her nose against his palm, he wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his face in the fur. “Oh Winnie... I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last time.” He pulled away and sat down on the floor, staring up at her face as he listened to her soft growls. “I know. I’ve missed you, too. I’ve just been busy.”
He reached out as the bear rolled over onto her side in front of him and scratched her stomach. “I hope you’ve been a good girl for the zookeepers...”
At this point the zookeeper spoke up quietly as England walked over to stand next to Canada. “She’s been a real angel, sir. Always does what she’s told, she does. Almost like she can understand us, sir.”
England stood next to Canada, looking down at the bear. “And there’s been children who visit her. Because she’s so tame...polite, even.”
Canada rubbed her stomach with one hand, smiling as she twisted her head to look up at the older blond. “I think she wants you to pet her,” he said, moving to the side to give England room.
England sniffed a bit and glanced down at the bear again, then crouched down and scratched her under the chin briefly.
Canada chuckled and patted her side. “That’s not so bad, is it?”
England just harrumphed, straightened up, and went back to stand by the door. “Just tell me when you’ve done so we can go.”
Canada turned around and leaned back against Winnie’s stomach as he reached over to scratch behind her ears. “Don’t be like that... I just wanted you to have some fun.”
England looked away from Canada and focused on a spot on the wall. “I’ve had my fun. I’m only here because you wanted to visit...”
Canada’s smile faltered as he looked at England, then he turned and hugged Winnie tight. “Sorry, girl, but I have to go,” he murmured into her ear, making sure the older man couldn’t hear. “I’ll come back when I can...” He gave her one last scratch behind her ears before he climbed to his feet.
He watched her climb up after him and gently patted her head. “You have to stay here.” He nodded and listened to her growl. “Yes. Of course I’ll tell him how you’re doing. Goodbye, girl.” He waved and then turned his back on her, walking over to the doorway.
England pushed off the wall and held his hand out to the younger man. “Done?”
Canada just nodded and reached to open the door. “Done. We can go home, now. Unless you want to go somewhere else?”
England snorted and took Canada’s hand, closing the door once they were in the hallway. “I live here. If I needed anything, I would have already got it.” England turned light pink and looked away from Canada, muttering softly as they walked, hand-in-hand. “...I suppose she is a rather nice bear. More civil than most animals...”
Canada gave the older nation a small yet radiant smile. England frowned at the younger blond, blushing deeper. “Th-there’s no need to look so happy about it. It’s just that she didn’t try to rip my face off... That’s it. Nothing more.”
“As you say,” Canada said, chuckling softly to himself.
AUTHOR/ARTIST: Raikana Sakaro
RECIPIENT: eastern_passage
CHARACTERS/PAIRINGS: Canada, Lt. Harry Colebourn, Winnie the Bear, and a bit of England
RATING: G
NOTES: So...umm...I did not really know anything about this until my Winnipeg friend set me straight because she had done a stint with this regiment/company/whathaveyou in cadets. And thanks again to sketchfiend for editing and research etc. Also, she did a picture of this while I was writing it, but I don't think she's posted it anywhere yet.
SUMMARY: Canada meets Lt. Harry Colebourn and his bear Winnie while shipping off to WWI. And they kinda become friends.
Meeting
Canada tugged down the hem of his jacket as he walked through the rows and rows of white tents, looking over the heads of his soldiers with a small smile. He walked past small groups of men, nodding a greeting to the ones that noticed him. As he looked around, though, his eye caught sight of one group that didn’t look quite right.
He frowned as he picked up his pace, making a beeline for the tent just on the edge of his field of vision. As he approached, he saw the soldiers sitting in a semi-circle, all looking at a small, black figure. He broke into a jog, smiling as he got close enough to see the small bear padding around between the soldiers, sniffing their legs.
He jogged to a stop in front of the soldiers, grinning like a fool as he dropped to his knees and offered a hand to the bear. He held still as it sniffed the hand, then reached out carefully and scratched its head.
His smile softened as it first stretched up towards his hand, then pulled away and dropped down on the ground, rolling partway onto its back, flailing its legs in the air. He laughed softly and reached down to scratch its stomach, wishing that he had brought his own bear along. Then he straightened up as he heard one of the other soldiers laughing.
“It looks like she likes you, Corporal,” one of the men said with a smile on his face.
Canada went ramrod straight and blushed slightly as he climbed to his feet. “Sorry, sir. Yes, sir. I...animals seem to like me, sir.”
The officer waved his hand at Canada. “Relax, Corporal...”
“Yes, sir,” Canada said before sinking back to his knees. He reached out to stroke the bear’s fur again. “She seems very nice, sir.”
The lieutenant nodded as he reached out pet the bear as well. “She does at that. Even if we are just getting to know each other. Isn’t that right?” he asked the cub with a smile.
“Sir?” Canada looked up at the older man with a puzzled look.
The man just shrugged as he scratched behind her ears. “I just picked her up on the way over from Manitoba, so we’re still new friends.” He smiled at Canada and wiped his hand on his knee before holding it out. “Lieutenant Harry Colebourn of the Veterinary Corps. And that’s my Winnie.”
Canada smiled and shook his hand firmly. “Corporal Matthew Williams, sir. I’m...ah...currently being reassigned...”
Lieutenant Colebourn smiled warmly. “Pleased to meet you, Corporal.”
Canada shook his head with a slight blush. “No, sir, the pleasure is all mine.” He gently clasped his hands in his lap as he looked at Winnie. “If I might ask, sir...is she named after Winnipeg?” he said, running his hands along her back.
The older man smiled and reached down to scratch her chin. “She is. That’s where I came over from. Wonderful city.”
Canada just nodded in agreement as he pet Winnie. “It is, sir. I...have been there once or twice.” He kept stroking the bear for the better part of an hour before he looked up at the position of the sun and sprang to his feet, looking embarrassed all over again. “Excuse me, sir, but I have to leave.”
The lieutenant just smiled and tossed off a small salute. “You’re welcome to come back anytime you want, Corporal Williams.”
Canada smiled at the other man and saluted back. “Thank you, sir,” he said quietly before he turned and walked off hurriedly.
Bonding
Canada sat down on the ground in front of Winnie and held his hand out to her. Once she had finished sniffing, she bumped her nose against his hand and he scooted closer so that he could scratch her head. “How are you doing today, girl?” he murmured as he pressed his cheek against hers.
Winnie keened softly and butted Canada’s shoulder with her forehead, grunting. He laughed and reached down to scratch her stomach. “I know, but everyone is on tight rations...even me.” Then he tilted his head to the side to listen intently. “Well, that’s good. I’m glad you’re being treated well.”
Canada kept his face pressed against the small bear, listening to her so closely that he didn’t hear the soft footsteps coming up behind him. “Good to see someone having fun, Corporal,” Lieutenant Colebourn said quietly.
Canada pulled away from Winnie and stood up, saluting the older man. “Sorry, sir! It’s just that it’s my downtime, sir. I hope you don’t mind, sir...”
The lieutenant grunted softly as he hitched up his pants and sat down on the other side of Winnie. “Not at all, soldier. I said you were welcome to come back and I meant it. At ease.”
Canada smiled and relaxed as he sat down again, burying his hand in Winnie’s thick fur. “You’re doing a good job caring for her, sir. And...and I think she likes it here.”
Lieutenant Colebourn reached into one of his pockets and pulled out a piece of dried meat, holding his palm out as the bear cub ate it up. “That’s good. I’d hate to think I’m keeping her somewhere against her will.”
Canada smiled sadly. “You’re not, sir.” Then he buried his face in her side, closing his eyes as he breathed in the scent of her fur, swallowing hard against the lump in his throat.
The lieutenant reached out and placed a hand on Canada’s shoulder. “Everything okay, there?”
Canada nodded and took a deep breath, pulling away. “Yes, sir. I’m fine. She just...reminds me of my own animal friend...back home,” he said with a small smile.
“Where are you from? If you don’t mind me asking...” The older man held Canada’s eyes for a moment before he looked down at Winnie, chuckling as she nosed his jacket. “Alright, alright. Calm down...” he said as he reached into a different pocket, pulling out another treat.
Canada felt his heart race as he looked at the man in front of him, thinking quickly. “Ah...from just outside Ottawa, sir...but I’ve been around...seen a good part of Canada...”
Lieutenant Colebourn looked back up at Canada as Winnie finished off her treat, dropping onto her side between them. “That sounds fascinating, Corporal. I wish I had time to travel the country. I’ve only seen parts of Ontario and Winnipeg. They’re a damn sight better than where I grew up, though. More room to really stretch your legs.”
Canada looked up from scratching Winnie, giving the older man a confused look. “Where...where are you from, sir? It you don’t mind...”
The lieutenant shook his head. “Not at all. I’m from here,” he said, spreading his arm and gesturing at their surroundings. “England, that is. Not a military barracks.”
Canada blinked, going slack-jawed before looking away, fighting back a blush. “And...you like Canada better than England, sir?”
Lieutenant Colebourn nodded again and reached down to scratch under Winnie’s chin. “Yes. I’ve been there for a number of years and I plan to go back after the war.”
Canada smiled, looking down at the bear to hide his flush of pleasure. “This might sound strange, sir, but I...I’m very happy you said that...”
The lieutenant reached over and clapped Canada’s shoulder, nodding briskly. “Well, I have to get back, now. I hope you come visit more often.”
Canada put on a straight face and straightened up, saluting. “Yes, sir. I’ll try to, sir.” Then he relaxed as the lieutenant turned and walked away, going back to petting Winnie. He tilted his head as she growled softly. “Yes, he is a very nice man...”
Parting
Canada kept his head down as he walked alongside Winnie, who was being led on the end of a rope by Lieutenant Colebourn. “...thank you for letting me come along, sir. I’m very grateful to you.”
The lieutenant shook his head slightly as he walked through the wrought iron gates. “It was no trouble at all. You two get along very well, so I thought you should get a chance to say your farewells, too.”
“Thank you, sir,” Canada said again, glancing around the cages until he spotted the bear cage. He bent down next to the black bear and pointed it out to her. “That’s where you’ll be staying for now. Doesn’t it look nice?”
She looked up at the blond, then bumped his head against the lieutenant’s leg, keening softly. Canada reached out and stroked her fur comfortingly. “I know you’ll miss him, but you have to stay here, where it’s safe. War zones are no place for people to be, much less a nice bear like you...”
Lieutenant Colebourn looked down at Canada with a bemused smile. “I swear it’s like you can understand her sometimes, Corporal.”
Canada laughed nervously as he straightened up. “N-nothing like that, sir. Just...good with animals, sir.” He tugged on the hem of his jacket, straightening it out as a zookeeper walked up to them.
They both stood to as the zookeeper stopped in front of them, then turned to face the lieutenant. “I understand you’re leaving your bear here, sir?”
Lieutenant Colebourn nodded and looked down at Winnie. “Yes, sir. She shouldn’t give you any trouble, but I can’t take her out into battle.” He reached down to pet Winnie one last time. “You be a good girl and do what he says.” He smiled sadly at the bear as he stood up and handed over the lead line.
Canada looked between the two men, then dropped to his knees and threw his arms around Winnie’s neck, burying his face in her fur. “I’ll miss you, girl,” he said, his face still pressed against her neck. “Please be good. I’ll come visit you whenever I can...” He listened to her keening, grunting, and growling for a while, then he nodded. “I know it’ll be lonely. I’m sure he’ll get you as soon as he can. Try to stay happy.”
He finally pulled away and stood up, quickly rubbing his sleeve across his eyes. “I hope they take good care of her,” the lieutenant said quietly as the zookeeper led her away.
Canada just nodded and took a deep breath, watching her until she was out of sight before turning around and walking back towards the gate, the lieutenant by his side. “I’m sure they will, sir. And I’m sure you’ll be able to pick her up soon.”
Lieutenant Colebourn just nodded and pressed his mouth into a thin line, not saying anything but reaching up to gently squeeze Canada’s shoulder.
Reunion
Canada kept his hands in his pockets and glanced up at the sign as he walked through the gates of the zoo again, several years later. England followed his glance, then looked back at the taller man with a puzzled look. “...why did you want to come here, of all places? There are much better places we could have gone to spend time together.”
Canada just shrugged as his feet automatically carried him towards the bear pen. “I just wanted to see what was here...” he said, reaching over to grab one of England’s hands and squeeze gently. “You didn’t have to come along. I know you have better things to do.”
England shook his head and squeezed back. “Nonsense, boy. I’d much rather spend time with you than your idiot brother.”
Canada smiled as he caught sight of the bear pen and the black bear shuffling along just behind the bars, looking at the children in front of her. He let go of England’s hand and hurried over to the cage, standing just behind the line of children.
England came up behind the younger nation and looked at the bear. “...so you came for her?”
Canada nodded, folding his hands behind his back as he watched her sniff the air curiously, then turn her head to look at him.
England reached up and clasped Canada’s shoulder, squeezing it for a moment. “Just a moment.”
Canada just nodded absently as England walked away, slowly moving closer to the pen. He smiled at Winnie as he pressed his face up against the bars. “Hey, girl. I came back, just like I promised. Sorry, but your friend is still back home in Canada...” He slowly reached his hand down and out. Just as he was about to slip it between the bars, he felt another hand land on his shoulder and turned around.
England smiled at the younger man and offered his hand. “Come with me.”
Canada gave Winnie one last look before he followed England away from the pen towards the low building behind it. “...where are we going?”
England shoved the door open and pulled Canada inside. “I got permission to go in the back rooms. Now come.”
Canada just stared at the back of England’s head as they walked down the concrete hall together. “You...you mean...”
England stopped and pushed open another doorway. “In there. They’re bringing her in, now.” He shoved Canada through the door and followed behind him, shutting the door and leaning on the wall next to it.
Canada smiled and stood in the middle of the room, watching the door set in the opposite wall until it opened and a zookeeper walked in, followed closely by Winnie. He bit his lip and held out his hand as he walked close to her, waiting for her to recognize him.
As soon as she nudged her nose against his palm, he wrapped his arms around her neck and buried his face in the fur. “Oh Winnie... I’m sorry it’s been so long since the last time.” He pulled away and sat down on the floor, staring up at her face as he listened to her soft growls. “I know. I’ve missed you, too. I’ve just been busy.”
He reached out as the bear rolled over onto her side in front of him and scratched her stomach. “I hope you’ve been a good girl for the zookeepers...”
At this point the zookeeper spoke up quietly as England walked over to stand next to Canada. “She’s been a real angel, sir. Always does what she’s told, she does. Almost like she can understand us, sir.”
England stood next to Canada, looking down at the bear. “And there’s been children who visit her. Because she’s so tame...polite, even.”
Canada rubbed her stomach with one hand, smiling as she twisted her head to look up at the older blond. “I think she wants you to pet her,” he said, moving to the side to give England room.
England sniffed a bit and glanced down at the bear again, then crouched down and scratched her under the chin briefly.
Canada chuckled and patted her side. “That’s not so bad, is it?”
England just harrumphed, straightened up, and went back to stand by the door. “Just tell me when you’ve done so we can go.”
Canada turned around and leaned back against Winnie’s stomach as he reached over to scratch behind her ears. “Don’t be like that... I just wanted you to have some fun.”
England looked away from Canada and focused on a spot on the wall. “I’ve had my fun. I’m only here because you wanted to visit...”
Canada’s smile faltered as he looked at England, then he turned and hugged Winnie tight. “Sorry, girl, but I have to go,” he murmured into her ear, making sure the older man couldn’t hear. “I’ll come back when I can...” He gave her one last scratch behind her ears before he climbed to his feet.
He watched her climb up after him and gently patted her head. “You have to stay here.” He nodded and listened to her growl. “Yes. Of course I’ll tell him how you’re doing. Goodbye, girl.” He waved and then turned his back on her, walking over to the doorway.
England pushed off the wall and held his hand out to the younger man. “Done?”
Canada just nodded and reached to open the door. “Done. We can go home, now. Unless you want to go somewhere else?”
England snorted and took Canada’s hand, closing the door once they were in the hallway. “I live here. If I needed anything, I would have already got it.” England turned light pink and looked away from Canada, muttering softly as they walked, hand-in-hand. “...I suppose she is a rather nice bear. More civil than most animals...”
Canada gave the older nation a small yet radiant smile. England frowned at the younger blond, blushing deeper. “Th-there’s no need to look so happy about it. It’s just that she didn’t try to rip my face off... That’s it. Nothing more.”
“As you say,” Canada said, chuckling softly to himself.