So I know I have a couple stories out there that people are interested in. But I was inspired to do a 25 Days of Christmas story - one chapter every day ending on Christmas. I have no access to my Microsoft Word right now, so that's a dream come true (sarcasm) but since this is going to be a shorter story (short chapters) I figured it'll be okay.

Hopefully.

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing Sailor Moon other than my fanfictions.

I'll Be Home for Christmas

Day One

"Serena, can we just talk about it?" Seiya questioned as I furiously raided my closest, throwing any clothes that touched my hand in one of the garbage bags laying on the floor. Garbage bags. Classy, right? But who has time for designer luggage when their fiance cheats on them with their best - correction, ex best - friend?

All because I came home early. Why did I come home early? To wallow in self pity over the fact that I had just gotten laid off from a failing business. Jobs were tight and I took the only offer I could get my hands on. Unfortunately, it was already in the toilet and about to get flushed.

But hey, it was December first, so Merry Christmas to me.

"No Seiya, we cannot just TALK." I growled, amazed that the glares I was throwing his way wasn't disintegrating him as we spoke. "You're really unbelievable, you know that? I cannot believe I wasted the past year and a half on you. Who the hell gets engaged after only a couple months anyway? Dumbasses, that's who."

"Serena, I know you're upset right now but -"

"Upset? Oh hell no. Upset was when you forgot my birthday. This? This is me being completely pissed. More pissed than I have ever been in my entire life. You disrespected me beyond belief through humiliation! You and Anne deserve each other, you know that? You are truly two fucked up peas in the most rotten pod that ever existed!"

"Now don't you think you're being a little unreasonable?!" His eyebrows shot up and he inquired.

Now that made me stop.

One eyebrow shot up as I looked at him. Was he honestly that stupid? Nobody was that damn stupid. Right?

"Get. Out." I jammed a finger towards the door.

"This is my apartment, you only live in it, and I'll be damned if you're going to tell me what I can and cannot do." He argued.

Fuck it.

I picked up a tart warmer from a nightstand and chucked it right at his head. He started yelling out curses, but retreated from the bedroom nonetheless.

-0-0-0-

"Hasta la vista bitch! And Merry Christmas jackass!" I yelled from the apartment hallway back into the door of Seiya's room. It gained a few shocked expressions and stares but I didn't care as I made my way to the parking garage to load up my car.

Once in my car I pulled out my cellphone and dialed my mom.

"Serena, sweetheart, how are you?"

"I'm fine mom." I mumbled, as if I hadn't just talked to her yesterday. Except everything was fine yesterday. I hated my job, knew the end was coming, and should have seen Seiya and Anne's relationship from a mile away, but I was fine. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well honey. I'm starting on some Christmas cookies, first of December and all!" Her voice was overly excited. We were a Christmas family, though. In fact, the entire town seemed to be a better place around Christmas. Everybody got along, lived with happiness and kindness and visions of sugar plum fairies apparently.

I wasn't feeling it this year.

Bah, Humbug!

"So I have a kind of surprise for you?" I responded, a little uneasy, but forcing an awkward smile on my face even though she couldn't see.

"I love surprises! Well, usually. You're not pregnant are you?"

"No. Oh, no. Oh gosh no. MOM!" I could feel the heat rushing to my face. How freaking embarrassing. That seemed to be everybody's mission this year: humiliate Serena. "I wanted to tell you that I'm coming down for Christmas."

"That's wonderful dear! We can't wait to see you! When will you be coming?" I could hear her moving and shifting things in the kitchen.

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Her voice picked up and I heard every other sound and movement cease.

"Yes, tomorrow. And I'll be staying for an undetermined amount of time. If that's okay?"

"Of course it's okay, honey. But, what happened?"

It was a long story, but I managed to get it all out and after an hour of my mom ranting, managed to get off the phone. Nothing against her, I just wasn't completely ready to deal with it all yet. But mostly? I just wanted to get home and far away from them. I just wanted to be back with my family and friends. I picked up the present in the passenger seat and ran my hands over the paper. It was a Black Friday deal that I asked Seiya for and would be damned if I was leaving without it.

I peeled the paper off and opened the Nyx Advent Calendar makeup box, hoping it would brighten my day, even though I was bracing myself to receive the only ugly color that would be in the box.

It was a liquid lipstick from their Lingerie line in the shade Ruffle Trim. It was a pretty orange-nude tone. Flipping down my driver side visor and mirror, I quickly threw the shade on to make myself feel better.

Well, at least it didn't end on a horrible note.