Love is Beautiful (She's so Ugly)

A Christmas Special Chapter

That night with Jacob had been Leo's way of telling him, go get her. And Jacob had been more than glad to try. Leo could see Jacob's efforts, so he stepped aside, letting them spend time together and grow close again.

While Jacob and Merida focused on the orphanage, Leo slipped back into his old solitude—or hung around Brandon. Sometimes he chatted with Lisa or Yuri. Lisa had grown close to Yuri and Merida, while Candice stayed the same as ever. Whenever Merida invited Leo out, he always excused himself with, something came up. It was his quiet way of withdrawing.

Christmas was drawing near. Merida's friends all had plans: Yuri had gone back to her hometown early, Lisa invited her over but it felt too awkward, Jacob was busy with his family, and Brandon was celebrating with his.

Merida wanted to fly home to her mother and spend Christmas with Beth, but every flight was fully booked.

"This Christmas is really cold," she sighed, feeling the weight of being left behind.

Then she remembered the street kids. Spending Christmas at the orphanage didn't sound so bad. She could bring cakes, too.

Bundled up against the chill, she headed to the city streets, glowing with lights and laughter. She couldn't help smiling at all the cheerful faces. If only it could be Christmas every day.

She bought two cakes—vanilla and chocolate—plus a bag of chocolate bars. Satisfied, she hummed her way to the orphanage.

When she knocked, the door opened—and she froze.

"W-what are you doing here?" she blurted.

Leo looked just as stunned. He'd expected her to be with Lisa or Jacob. Apparently, fate had other plans.

"I should be asking you that," he said, clearing his throat. Then he glanced at the cold air behind her. "Come inside before you freeze."

Merida smiled, stepping in. Leo took the cakes and led her to the children, where Eleanor welcomed her warmly. True to form, Merida joined right in, helping prepare food for the evening.

In the living room, Leo played with the kids. He noticed the quiet boy—the one Merida and Jacob had been helping—lingering apart.

"What's wrong, buddy?" Leo asked gently.

"She doesn't know you helped us, right?" the boy whispered, looking worried.

Leo grinned and ruffled his hair. "It's our little secret. I just happened to drop by." He winked.

The boy tilted his head. "Are you happy she came?"

Leo sighed. He had worked so hard to distance himself, yet here fate was, pulling them together again. "Yes," he admitted softly. "I'm very happy she came. Otherwise she would've been alone tonight."

The boy's face brightened.

Soon, Eleanor called everyone to dinner. The dining room filled with chatter and laughter. Watching Merida's smile, Leo felt grateful—this Christmas with the kids and with her was the best gift he could've asked for.

After dinner came the gift exchange, games, and photos. Merida's heart warmed seeing the children swarming around Leo. He's such a good man... but if Jacob were here, would it feel the same?

Later, once the kids were tucked in, she and Leo stayed behind to clean the living room.

"Do you dream of having kids, Leo?" she asked suddenly.

"No," he replied simply. "Do you?"

She tapped her chin, thoughtful. "I like kids... but I'm not sure I'd be a good mother."

Leaning on his palm, Leo studied her with a playful grin. His gaze made her blush and look away.

"Why are you staring at me like that?" she whispered.

"Because you're beautiful," he teased, chuckling as he went back to cleaning.

Merida's cheeks burned. She scrunched her face to hide it, then impulsively threw a crumpled gift wrapper at him.

Leo froze, narrowing his eyes. "You didn't just do that, did you?"

Merida smirked, playful now. "What if I did?"

"Tch." He tossed an empty box at her.

Soon, both were laughing, hurling wrappers and boxes like children, the room echoing with their joy.

From the hallway, a helper whispered, "Mother Superior, should we stop them?"

Eleanor shook her head, smiling through a tear. "No. Let them be. It's not often I see that young man so happy."

And so, that simple Christmas Eve turned into something unforgettable—two lonely hearts finding warmth in laughter, surrounded by children who adored them.