Ok I'm please to announce something! I want to thank ComplexStatus and Jacob Flores for inspiration for the chapters to come! Without you two, this chapter would never have been made! Enjoy the story!

Merida exited the building, feeling dishearten by her talk with her ex. It wasn't like she had gone over there in any attempt to seduce him or anything, but he had seemed so distant with her. Which of course wasn't his fault considering that she was the one that ran away in the first place. But she couldn't tell him why she had run off. He wouldn't understand… would he even care?

Merida stomped off in no direction in particular. She could use the walk in order to clear her head. She wasn't in any rush to get back to her hotel, because she still had time before needing to leave. Her younger brothers, Hubert Harris and Hamish, were currently with their mother while Merida was away.

As Merida walked off, she couldn't help but feel sad. Joseph had changed so much in the time that they were apart. He had a new fiancée, a new life. A life that she wasn't sure that she could ever be apart of because of the way things had ended between them.

But she couldn't blame Joseph for her mistakes. It was her fault and her fault alone.

It seemed like a lifetime ago that she had even once been a part of his life. When they first met, she did find him attractive (despite being independent and not wanting to do anything romantic at the time).

Her mother would have been so thrilled to see that Merida had an interest in someone and would have been positively overjoyed about Joseph (which she was)

Unfortunately things had not ended well for the couple and Merida had regretted it since that day.

She had lost contact with Joseph, but had moved on with her life, trying desperately to find her place in life, while at the same time deal with the issues that she was now currently facing.

She still kept in touch with Rapunzel, bless that woman, but the two hadn't seen each other since they left college. In short, Merida had all but severed any sort of contact with her friends in her quest for independence, but after a few years of that realized how much she missed them and set out to find them.

It had been seven years ago, but Merida could still remember the day she and Rapunzel met. Not exactly the most graceful of days.

Merida trudged into her dorm room, her mother and father behind her. It had been a long trip and boy Merida was not in the happiest of moods. It wasn't that she was leaving for college. It was the fact her mother was practically telling her how to act as a first time college student and her father was almost in tears at the prospect of his 'little princess' being on her own for the first time.

In short, Merida wanted nothing more than for her parents to leave because she was feeling embarrassed at her parents reaction to everything.

Elinor took Merida's bags and began carefully taking the folded cloths and putting them into the drawer that was in one side of the room.

"Now Merida, I hope that you are polite to your room mate."

Merida rolled her eyes "yes mom" she said with an annoyed grunt. Her mother was really starting to get on her nerves. "I'm not going to be a dragon lady unless my roommate is."

She was interrupted by a loud crash as a young woman in blond stumbled into the room, carrying several large bags, a couple of cans of paint and a frying pan.

Merida gaped at the girl. The girl was roughly her height, with golden hair that reached down to her hips, a similar build and green eyes. She had a wide smile and was staring straight at Merida.

Merida could hardly believe a girl around her own size was even capable of carrying so much stuff. Where were her parents? Weren't they helping her?

"Hi! You must be Merida!" the girl said, putting down her stuff and going to Merida. She extended her hand "I'm Rapunzel."

Merida saw her hand and accepted the hand "I'm Merida." She said coolly.

"Wow, you have a Scottish accent!" Rapunzel squealed, as if it were the most amazing thing on the planet.

Merida bit her lip. Rapunzel was a bundle of energy. "I do." She said politely

Rapunzel grinned, "I have the feeling we are going to be good friends."

And in the end, Merida had no regrets about Rapunzel and their time in college together. The two did almost everything together. Classes, activities, you name it. Sure they had their differences, but they never once had an argument and ended up rooming together throughout their time in college.

Merida was very proud to call Rapunzel her friend and regularly talked to her, but she hoped that to see her again sometime soon.

Merida (like Joseph) had not been able to attend Rapunzel's wedding due to her mother's condition, but thankfully, Rapunzel was not angry with her. Rapunzel was a very sympathetic person, and when Rapunzel had heard about Elinors condition, she wished Merida the best, and offered help whenever she needed it.

Thankfully, Elinors condition hadn't worsened as of yet, but that could always change and as such her father and brothers constantly worried over her. Elinor was a fighter and she would hold on until the end

Merida sighed. She hoped that her mother wasn't suffering. Sure she was getting her treatments, but they had to be almost unbearable, or so she had heard.

Merida had attended some of Elinors treatments and boy there had been times Merida wished that she hadn't seen what she seen. It was heart wrenching to watch her mother be so frail and weak, as opposed to when she was tough and strong.

But Elinor persisted and was doing well in her treatments. As long as she was happy, then all was well for everyone around her.

Merida smiled. Maybe things would turn out well in the end.

On the other hand, Merida wanted to be in her ex's life. She wasn't angry with him; she had left and he had moved on. Elsa, from what she saw, was a very beautiful woman. She was somewhat similar to Rapunzel, having blond hair (though platinum as opposed to Rapunzel's golden blond) and a very beautiful figure.

Merida had to admit; she was jealous. Elsa had Joseph now. They were together, in every way.

Merida's hand tightened into a fist. It wasn't fair! Why hadn't he called her? Why hadn't he come to find her?

Unfortunately Merida knew the answer to that. Not long after she had run away, she had disconnected her phone and changed her number. She had left no way for Joseph to track her down.

Worst day of her life. After she had run off, she had realized her foolish action and ran back, but by the time she had returned, Joseph had already boarded the plane. Even hours later, he refused to return her calls. Merida had been so heartbroken that she cut off any times to him (except Rapunzel)

A few years later, Merida's other had been diagnosed with leukemia. In short life had not been easy for Merida since she had broken up with him. Merida frowned looking at the ground as she walked.

Tears began to leak down her face. She missed him. But it had been her own fault and Joseph had found another woman to love.

She could still remember the first time they kissed.

Merida walked toward Joseph, who was sitting eating some cake. He looked almost sad; it was his birthday. He should be happy!

Merida quickly walked over, putting some sway into her hips. As she closed in he looked up, noticing her. He blushed as she sat down. Merida fought off her own blush. She was wearing a rather showy dress.

Joseph seemed about ready to faint. It was very adorable. Perhaps it was better to mess with him for a moment. She grinned, "you ok lamb?"

Joseph chocked. He couldn't even say a word. Merida held back a giggle. Joseph was so easy to scare.

She leaned in and kissed him on his nose. Merida then leaned back and stared into his eyes. He was staring at her intently

Merida gave him a smile "cat got your—" a moment later, he lunged at her pressing his lips into hers. Merida's eyes widened as she felt him kiss her. A moment later her eyes fluttered shut and she kissed back.

Merida's fingers traced her lips. She would never forget that night. It was the first of many times that she would kiss him.

Merida growled. She meant nothing to him now. Obviously, considering that he had moved on.

If only…

Merida walked on, blood boiling in her veins. She didn't want to feel this way; she hated it. She was the one who wanted her independence; she was the one who ran away.

Merida walked into her hotel lobby, trying desperately to hold back her tears. She stomped into the elevator and pressed her floor.

Merida and Joseph walked hand in hand into the restaurant that they decided to try out.

As they sat down Merida glanced out the window. They were at a pier giving them a good look at the ocean. It was very romantic.

"You seem to be having fun." Joseph said, noticing Merida's expression.

Merida looked at him "of course." She said

Joseph gave her a chuckle "woman of few words." He said

That was true Merida barely said anything. There were a few times where she said more than a few words on their dates. But it was ok. They were still getting used to the atmosphere; neither of them had ever been on dates .

The elevator came to a halt and Merida stomped to her room. She opened the door and slammed it so hard it practically shook the room.

Her emotions were going crazy. She hated it. it was something that Elinor had a problem with and would constantly try to change in Merida as she had gotten older. Unfortunately for Elinor, Merida was not one to be tamed very easily and this led to an argument between them on more than one occasion. Elinor considered herself a very proper woman and tried to bequeath the knowledge to Merida, but she was adamant not to turn into her mother.

Merida wanted to be her own person and willfully defied her mother almost every step of the way. It wasn't until Merida had entered college that Elinor had stepped back a little. By then she had tried everything, but Merida wouldn't have it most of the time.

When Elinor was diagnosed, her relationship with Merida was changed drastically. Merida became far more sympathetic and her mother far more considerate. Of course, she also became worried at the prospect of losing the chance of seeing Merida married.

Merida naturally, despite the change in relationship with her mother really hated the idea of marriage at this point. Elinor didn't have long, but the idea of trying to find a husband seemed like a really bad idea when your mother was dying. No she wanted to spend every moment with her mother, not searching for a man to marry.

Merida sat on the bed, finally allowing the tears to fall. She was so angry, so sad and so venerable. She hated feeling like that. She was stronger than that. or at least that's what she told herself.

Her father Fergus, the police commissioner had told her of the exploits he had while he was still a rookie (which of course pulled him up through the ranks) and that inspired Merida to become stronger. She grew up tough, doing sports (which had led her to do archery) and established herself quite well. She never joined the police academy like her father had (she wasn't keen on the idea).

But now here she was crying because she felt heartbroken. It was almost ridiculous.

Merida's hand found its way to her necklace. It was a gift from Joseph that she kept to this day; one of the only things she had left of him. The picture inside was that of someone very important to her, and she hadn't seen him in a few days.

Merida choked. She clutched the necklace tighter. She needed to leave to return home to her mother and her brothers. She had left them because she was desperate to see her old friends and want to reestablish her connections; connections that she was no longer sure that she would ever be able to connect with.

Perhaps it was the world's way of getting back at her. Her desire for freedom had cost her almost everything.

As Merida continued to think, her phone went off startling the young woman. The ringtone was familiar; she knew exactly who was calling her. Grabbing her phone she answered "Hamish, Hubert and Harris." She said into the phone. If there was one thing she knew about her brothers, it was that they had developed a habit of three way calling her, much to her expense. It was quite hilarious, until she threatened to kill them. That wasn't exactly their fault, they were still young. They were 12; allowed to be annoying.

The triplets had come off as a complete surprise to her parents. When Merida had found out about her mothers condition, she wasn't sure what to think. She was 13 at the time and was scared her mother shouldn't have children after so long. When they were born, Merida had been scared. They seemed so fragile. She didn't want to break them

Of course as they got older Merida had become very protective of her brothers and they developed a close bond. She never liked their pranks, but they were helpful whenever they were needed.

"Hi Sis" came a chorus of identical voices from the other end of the line. The redhead chuckled. And so the torture would begin

"And how are my three wee devils doing today?" wee devils. The nickname that fit Hubert, Harris and Hamish. They in turn called Merida 'the best archer in all the land" but that was because of her skill at archery, rather than any sort of personality quirk that she had. The best that anyone had ever come up with was 'little princess' (which was her father of course)

"we are doing good, just here helping mom of course" they told her. They had been quite helpful to her of course; they still lived with her. Merida loved her mother very much, but she couldn't imagine how her brothers were going to handle it. they were still kids.

Her father, even. Merida's parents had met while still early in their careers (her mother was a law student.) and they had gone out and gotten married not long after. Losing Elinor, would kill Fergus. He treasured his family like no one else, and would fight to the death to protect them from any harm that would come their way.

That was how Fergus had lost his leg on the job. He had protected his partner from a bullet that had forced them to amputate his leg. He took it with gusto though and had even become legendary among the police force. He often regaled his tales to his fellow officers (much to their annoyance)

"is she doing alright" Merida asked with heavy concern.

There was silence on the other end for the moment. Merida's heart pumped madly in her chest. What was wrong with her mother?

"Shes fine. Nothing too different." They said in unison. Merida let out a slow breath. So her mother was fine… well as fine as one with leukemia could be.

"could you put her on?" Merida asked her brothers.

There was a moment of silence, followed by a weak "Merida." from her mother.

Merida choked. It broke her heart to hear her mother like that She was once the definition of strong ; a woman that one would not want to mess with. Now, she was a tired old woman fighting with every breath.

"hi mommy." She whispered.

"dear, I know this has been hard on you. But I want you to know, I'm very proud of the woman you've become."

Merida felt a tear roll down her cheek "mom… I—"

Elinor interrupted her "Merida… I know… but death is a natural part of life. You've been my pride and joy. It warms my heart to have seen you grow."

Merida smiled sadly. Her mother always tried to see the bright side, even at the worst of times.

Merida's lip quivered "my wee lamb? how is he?" she asked

There was a chuckle on the other end "he's fine dear, can't wait to see you"

Merida giggled slightly "well I will be home tomorrow, so I wont have to wait long." It felt so good to laugh with her mother

Elinor laughed slightly; quite an achievement from her given her weak state "no I suppose not!" she laughed

Elinor then coughed, ending her laugh. Merida jolted slightly "mom!" she cried. Elinor continued to cough, followed by a small scuffle and suddenly there was her brothers on the line again. "Merida, we should get back to mom."

The line went dead, leaving Merida to be the only one in the room again.

Merida fingered the necklace that hung on her neck. There were so many things she had to say, so many things that were left unsaid. But she knew that even if she was able to tell Joseph everything that she wanted to tell him, he would never leave Elsa. He loved her far too much for that.

She opened the necklace and smiled. Her wee lamb… she loved him very much and couldn't wait to see him. She kissed the picture