Hero's Gripes

Author Notes: Holiday hell is here. And you know...sometimes you just gotta bitch. It's ranting season as Sen wanted grinch theme stories this year. So that's what we're doing.

Also due to the fact that Sen(STILL) has not finished watching the full on playthrough of persona 5 so...this is an off the rails canon one shot. So...if any of you review-don't do spoilers ok? Ok. I do not own Persona.

3rd P.O.V

"Bye guys! Have a Merry Christmas~" Ryuji was already walking, waving his hand away as the group went their separate ways. "Man this effing sucks..." Not even a second later he sneezes, shivering as a harsh wind rips through his jacket.

Damn, he knew it was going to be cold-it was late December after all, but he really should've taken the wind chill into account. Immediately he stashes his hands into his pockets, hoping to warm them up a bit. Only to shiver as the wind blows even harsher, practically pushing him. "Eff this!"

Today...was just not going right, no matter how hard Ryuji tried. Sure earlier he and the Phantom Thieves went to Mementos to go and beat up some shadows and get some cash but thanks to a damn grim reaper they had to retreat, backtracking to higher levels full of weaklings.

Hardly getting a challenge, let alone venting off steam from bullshit(mainly from school) that had slowly been irritating him over time. Only for them to leave early on top of that. Honestly if it was ANY other day Ryuji wouldn't have cared.

Would he have been a bit annoyed? Sure. Would he have wanted to complain and want to stay longer? Absolutely, but he would've gotten over it. But it was Christmas. Now don't get him wrong, he liked the idea of the holiday.

Family, food, presents. What's not to love? But sad to say the reality was a WHOLE different story. "Hey get out of my way!" The blond teen was tempted to flip the asshole that shoved him to the side off. "Prick..."

Though he knew there really wasn't a point. The asshole was already long gone. And it wouldn't have made him feel better...there was like a thousand of those where he came from. Bringing him back to the point where he hated Christmas.

People were bigger asses than usual, the prices for shit literally go through the roof, all of his favorite hangouts like the gym were closed and his mom wasn't even home. She was taking advantage of the bonus pay at her job, working overtime so that she can get bills out of the way.

He loved the woman he really did, but she was literally the definition of a workaholic, Ryuji had every right to worry about her. And...if he were honest, he would've preferred her home, just to make today enjoyable.

Because he knows she's not coming home till late at night, which means if he goes home, it's going to be empty. So...his feet carry him to the one place that was able to cheer him up no matter what-and unlike other businesses was still open.

That of course being his favorite ramen shop in town. "Hey! If it isn't one of my favorite customers~ Welcome!" Already a small smile formed on his face. "Hey man...table for one please." Already he could feel his numb limbs returning to life as he sat down.

Basking in the warmth, there is a moment of peace. The owner was well used to Ryuji and his tastes so he doesn't even bother asking what he wants. Giving the blond a chance to grab his phone from his back pocket.

Going through his list of contacts, his thumb automatically scrolls through his list of friends. He was tempted to text them up. Tell them to come eat with him, but it was only a minute of contemplating before he just exited the group chat altogether.

As much as he didn't want to be alone right now...he wasn't going to bother any of them. Especially since they all just split up not too long ago. Immediately he switches gears, hitting up the Phansite instead.

Lately it's all that's been on his mind, and it was no surprise why. He was a Phantom Thief-Skull, a hero that takes down the scumbags of society. He and his friends shred Mementos like they're kids on a playground on a daily basis. They get to help people.

People who were like Ryuji, wanting to stand up for themselves or needed someone in their corner but had no one to turn to. Bullied, abused, neglected-all of the above... Desperately they needed someone to stand up for the little guy.

And that was what he and the rest of his friends set themselves out to do. Honestly it still makes his blood boil how so many were willing to turn the blind eye to so much bullshit. It was disgusting. And he was immensely glad that he was able to make the friends he had this year.

Though, not for the first time mind you, did Ryuji wish that Ren and the others were in his corner back when shit hit the fan last year. Would've saved him a lot of anguish...and trouble now that he thinks about it.

"Hisss...shit." Just remembering the past makes his leg twitch, he could NEVER forget the pain and humiliation Kamoshida put him through. His leg healed...but any hopes of him ever making it back professionally into track was toast.

That fact left him bitter, knowing that were it not for his powers, the bastard teacher would've continued along with his crimes without any sense of remorse. If only he could use his powers in real life too. Electricity at his fingertips is not only badass, but would save a shit ton on bills.

And if a certain prick decided to pick a fight, than it wouldn't be his fault if they got a bit of a shock. "Here's your usual! Eat up kid." In the end though, he can't change the past. He can't reverse the damage done to him or his classmates. "Awesome, thanks!"

For now, all he can do is keep going. Putting those badass powers to good use and prevent others from dealing with the crap he did. One bastard at a time. "Hm?" He wasn't even three bites into his meal when he gets a message notification.

RenRen: Hey, you busy later? I rented some movies to watch but Futaba's abandoned me for a video game session.

The blond snorts, completely amused. "Honestly dude you shouldn't be surprised..." At this point he's all but forgotten what irritated him earlier as he gets on the chat. His fingers quickly sending a reply.

Ryuji: Sure but you shouldve known your sister was going to ditch you! Ill finish eating befor coming over.

Maybe this Christmas won't be so shitty after all...But then a thought comes to him before his best friend sends a pretty fast reply. And immediately Ryuji narrows his eyes in suspicion as he reads it.

RenRen: Cool.

Ryuji: Wait its not shitty chick flicks right?

RenRen: No.

Ryuji: Ok good. Be there soon.

The end

Author Notes: I like how i'm able to still put on a positive spin on these stories. Though Sen is very mad at me right now.

Sen: I am...you could've at least put me in this so I can date Futaba. Futaba is best girl!

Mako: Makoto is best girl. But you don't see me throwing her in do you! You better be careful before I turn this into a yaoi ryuji x ren

Sen: You wouldn't dare...you don't even ship that shit.

Mako: Try me!

Sen: ...

Mako: ...

Sen: You win. This time.

Mako: I always win~ Anyways that's it for now everyone. If you like this one shot please feel free to fav/follow/review as it would mean a crap ton. Or feel free to check out our other holiday one shots-we got a lot! Tchao for now