A/N Again thanks to Loki's Only Love for looking this over...This chapter was hard to write since I don't usually write this type of interaction so I hope that you like it...

Disclaimer: I own none of the recognizable names or characters...

21.

"Merida!" The voice called again. This time it sounded closer. Soon a man in black track shorts and a gray long sleeved t-shirt jogged up to us though his eyes were on the dog. "There you are girl," he said kneeling so he could reach her. As he petted and spoke to Merida I watched him. He had longish brown hair, athletic build, and a slight tan darkening his skin. He had scruff on his chin and cheeks as well. When he finally stood holding the leash tight in his right hand he seemed to notice me and Meredith standing there. His eyes were dark and surrounded by black frames as he looked up. Upon seeing Meredith his pupils widened and his body stiffened.

"Merry?" he stammered blinking his eyes several times.

"Jon," Meredith replied in an astonished tone. He just stood there stunned. Meredith just stood there staring back, neither knowing what to do next.

"Hi, I'm Sophie," I said hoping that by speaking it would get my companions out of the stupor they were presently in. It worked sort of. Jon didn't respond to me. Instead he asked Meredith, "What are you doing here?!" His tone was half incredulous, half angry. The incredulous part I understood. They hadn't seen each other in three years. The angry could have stemmed from her leaving him but I wasn't entirely sure.

His tone must have jarred Meredith out of her stupor because she asked, "What am I doing here? What are you doing here?"

"Looking for Merida." His voice was still weak and full of disbelief but the anger dissipated. "I was going to walk her but she got outside before I had the chance to stop her or grab her leash." I was surprised that he answered her. Even more Meredith asked another question. "So you live nearby?"

"Um about seven blocks that way," he answered by rote pointing behind him. He put his hand back down to his side and looked at it. After he finished answering her, he looked down at Merida and his feet probably uncertain as what to do or say next.

"I'm sorry," Meredith said after a few minutes of silence.

He raised his head so fast that I was taken aback. Even Meredith took a step back. "What?!" His expression was one of surprise and maybe a bit of anger again. I think Meredith was equally surprised by his reaction.

She took a few deep breaths probably gathering the courage to apologize again. "I'm sorry," she repeated.

"For what?" His voice was unsure.

"For leaving," she answered.

"Leaving?" he asked stupidly.

She nodded looking at me nervously. I gave her an encouraging smile. At least he hadn't run away or anything yet. Merida must have sensed that her best friend was upset because she sat right next to him and nudged his hand with her head. He absentmindedly scratched her fur. He must have seen how nervous she was for his expression softened and he sighed before wiping his face. "You had every right to leave me."

She looked at him perplexed. "I did?"

"What was it you said to me..." he stroked his stubble, "Ah yes, that you didn't love me anymore. I had no choice but to just let you go after that. I…I…couldn't keep you from finding love."

Meredith gaped at him for several moments before saying, "I lied…"

"Lied?" he asked probably looking for more explanation.

She nodded. I stepped closer sensing that she might need more support. She acknowledged my presence and I could see that she appreciated it. She clenched and unclenched her hand before telling him, "I did and still love you."

"You love me?" He was flabbergasted.

"Yes."

I wasn't sure he meant to but a small smile played on his lips but only for a moment before it fell and he asked, "But if you still love me why did you say you didn't?"

"I was scared. Scared because I can't give you the one thing that would make you happy."

You made me happy," he stated confused.

She had tears in her eyes. "You made me happy too."

Jon furrowed his brow in confusion. "Then why were you scared?"

"Because…."

"You can tell me," he told her softly.

She took a deep breath seemingly steeling herself. Maybe she was thinking about what I had wrote in the letter to her but the courage she showed earlier came back. She took one last breath and told him, "Because I can't have children." She let the words out quickly probably before she lost her nerve.

E/N The next chapter should be up next Monday or Tuesday...