Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon.

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"'Tis the season for some love giving
So, I think you should give your love to me…"
—"Wit It This Christmas" by Ariana Grande

.:Usagi:.

My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten dinner yet. I pull the white earbuds from my ears and stand back to observe my handiwork. Most of my clothes are unpacked and now hangs in the closet. I have to wait for my dresser before I can finalize everything. But, still, this is better than before.

I stretch and take a deep breath. Time to brave going out of this room, again, and endure more scowls and frowns, and that's if Seiya bothers to look in my direction. She seems to be doing her best to pretend that I'm not around.

Out in the hall, I notice that all is quiet. None of her cussing or smashing of buttons on a game controller. Has she left for work, already? Taiki mentioned something about her working at a bar, or as a bartender—something like that. If she's gone, then maybe I don't have to feel so on alert in m attempt to not offend.

As I enter the kitchen, it suddenly dawns on me that I haven't bought a single pot, pan, or dish of any sort.

"Shit."

I pull the pork chops from the fridge. I have to hope that Seiya won't mind me using hers until I get my own. I nod to myself; it's not like I won't clean up after myself, anyways. Plus, she said she didn't cook often, so... Yes, it'll be okay. I hope. At worst, she'll glare at me, again.

After pulling up my Christmas playlist on my phone, I set about preparing dinner, ingredients for two...just in case.

"You would be singing that song, Odango."

I jump, jolting practically out of my own skin, and let out a yelp, which stops my singing of "Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer." Her husky voice holds that distinct mocking tone, and I'm tempted to switch over to "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch."

"You scared me!"

"Yeah, I can see that."

She leans against the peninsula and I finally register her change of clothing. Holy hell, she looks hot. She's distractingly attractive in her more casual clothing, but I'm not ready for a cleaned up Seiya. The fitted red slacks, which stops just above the ankle, matched with a well-tailored red blazer, black button down, and yellow tie. Her work attire shows off a very fit figure. Not curvy, but fit. The image of her toned arms pops back into my head.

I bet she gives amazing hugs... Among other things. If not for her grumpy attitude, she could totally be my type. I press my thighs together and try to ignore that thought. She's an entanglement that I don't need at the moment, but a little fantasy never hurt anybody.

She smirks and I hold my breath as she approaches.

She places her warm fingers under my chin and gently pushes it up. "Stare at me for much longer, Odango, and you might start drooling... 'Night."

I press my lips together and want to be pissed at her teasing, but the sight of her retreating helps me to stay silent. I freely enjoy the view of her backside. It's only fair considering how rude she's been to me so far, right?

I roll from the half-deflated air mattress onto the carpeted floor and groan. It was a terrible idea to get the cheap one as opposed to investing in a more expensive one. My back is paying the price. Pushing onto all fours, I ease into a standing position, flinching as my muscles scream out in protest.

After brushing my teeth and changing into my black compression shorts and a purple tank top, I wrestle my long locks into a top bun, grab my new yoga mat, peek down the hall to see Seiya's door closed, then tip-toe up the hall.

Doing a few opening morning poses will get my blood pumping before I have to head out to work. Not to mention it always calms me since I never know what I'll be dealing with. Working as a pediatric phycologist can easily turn me into a pessimistic grouch, but I'm determined not to let that happen. I have a responsibility to my patients to be upbeat, friendly, and soothing, especially considering a lot of them are from oncology.

They need the positives, and the fun. A safe and inviting place, and a person to talk about any and everything, to not always have to think about what ails them; it's my job to provide that. Their whole wellbeing is my focus.

The sunroom will be the perfect place for yoga, tucked away and spacious since it's void of any furniture. And bright. The sun pours in, giving the room a comfortable temperature. As I spread out my mat, I think back to my first night with Seiya. She spent most of it ignoring me while she played one of her games. She didn't even say anything about the donuts I bought her. I have to admit that that kind of hurt.

I move through Sun Salutations as I attempt to clear my mind. I get along with almost everyone; I pride myself on it. Even Taiki and I hit it off almost immediately. As unrealistic as it is, I need people to like me, and Seiya seemingly doesn't.

That has to change.

And while, yes, Taiki apparently hasn't got the memo on Seiya not wanting a roommate, ultimately she's let me stay. That has to count for something.

I flow into Warrior One as my mind continues to race. I've even paid Seiya extra to help with the inconvenience that my presence here brings. Ultimately, after a few moments, I decide that I'm just going to have to try harder—find things that she enjoys.

My time living with Seiya is up in the air, but while I'm here, life in this apartment can't be tense. I hold a real requirement for my home to be filled with good vibes and positivity. Where I live is the place I can control and curate my needs...normally. I have to figure a way to make do without totally imposing on her.

I reverse Warrior, and take in a deep breath. Home is supposed to be a place where I can relax and center myself, and if the person I share it with is always grouchy, it'll completely disrupt my inner Zen.

I swivel my feet and repeat the poses on the opposite side. The stretch pulls more than usual, but also gets the endorphins pumping.

"Today will be a good day," I whisper to myself. But, then again, I always set out to have a good day. Positive energy out, get positive energy in.

The forward bend releases the last remaining pinching sensation in my lower back. I sigh through the pain as it unwraps itself and flits away. Moving into Downward Dog, I close my eyes and concentrate on breathing. Inhale. Exhale.

I lower into the resting position. Images of Seiya dances through my mind. She probably wouldn't have even said goodbye before she left for work if I wasn't in the kitchen yesterday. And she looked good...

No! Stop it, Usagi. I squeeze my eyes shut. My mind isn't close to being settled after this workout. I'm more frustrated than before.

The scent of coffee breaks through my senses and I know I'm no longer alone. With her working late, I expected her to sleep in late. Unable to avoid the inevitable, I roll onto my stomach and stand to find the Seiya sitting at the small bistro-esque table. Her intense blue eyes laser beam in my direction.

"Good morning!" I say as cheerfully as possible.

"'Mornin, Odango. I see you're making yourself at home."

Her voice is a bit more gravelly and it fuels the simmering of my lustful thoughts. I have to be some sort of undercover masochist to be entertaining any sort of intimate notions toward a woman who rather I not even be around.

I clear my throat, hoping it will also wipe away any naughty thoughts. "I hope you don't mind." I jerk my thumb to the sunroom behind me. "I like to do my morning stretches, and it's been a while since I've had a place, because I didn't like doing it at the hotel—sketchy on what could have been on those carpets, plus I like all of the sunlight..."

Once again, Seiya holds her hand out and my words skids to a halt. "I'm not a fan of random chatter, Odango," she informs me bluntly, then points at the coffee maker, which is sputtering its last few drops. "I have even less patience before I've had my first cup, so, if you could please..." She makes the zipping motion with her fingers.

I press my lips together and nod. "S—Sorry. I'll be quiet. I'm going to take a shower and get ready for work, anyways."

The look she sends me makes my heart rate spike. Yes, I'm rambling...again.

I turn to roll up my mat, and if it isn't for the scraping of the chair against the tiled floor, I would swear she's watching my every move. When I turn around, her back is to me as she fills an oversized cup with dark liquid.

So, Seiya isn't a morning person—that isn't exactly a surprise—however, her checking me out is. Though, to be fair, I did the same to her last night. Part of me can see her being a bartender, and dressed like she does I bet she gets lots of tips. Or, maybe not considering her moody, less-than-friendly demeanor. How does she deal with customers when she doesn't even seem to like people?

I ponder on that question as I quickly dart out of the room and away from my roommate, who is about as warm as an iceberg.

Once I'm in the safety of my bathroom, I turn on the showerhead to a scalding temperature and begin to peel away my clothes. I quickly step under the spray and let the water pound on my sensitive skin. As I get lost in the rhythmic sound of the water, my thoughts drift to Seiya. Never in my life have I met anyone that unnerves me as much as she does...

As I turn to let the water pelt my face, I close my eyes. The very moment they do, Seiya's face appears, and the intense stare which she greeted me with earlier.

My eyes pop open as realization floods through me. "She was quiet on purpose!"

I doubt it was out of courtesy, because when she got up to make her coffee she let the chair drag across the floor. But, when she first sat down, she did so without a peep.

How long did she watch me do my stretches? And why does the thought of her watching me thrill me so much?

A/N: Hey, hey! I'm so happy to actually get this chapter out to you guys on schedule! :)

Thanks so, so much for the love so far on this story! I truly appreciate the kind words and support. You guys seriously help to encourage me to keep writing and sharing my stories!

This chapter was so fun to write! Usagi is just so determined to make Seiya like her lol. And, of course, our resident Mr. Grinch is determined not to like her new roommate…or is she? ;)

This is very much a grumpy/sunshine trope, just fyi lol. One of my favorites!

I hope this chapter finds you well! I want to try and have the next chapter posted by next Friday, 12/8/23.

P.S. I can't believe it's already December!

Until the next chapter,
—Dev