(A/N: This is a Kenny-centric fic with a bit of Keneric in it. When writing this, It's really fluffy, a little bit nauseating at times.)
(Also, I didn't have an age in mind. So use your imagination~)
Kenny sat at the lunch table, picking at the food on his tray. Usually, he would be stuffing his face with the crap the school serves, but today his mind was far too full to even think about eating.
It was only a few days before Christmas break, which meant that Christmas day itself was quickly approaching. Kenny was used to the holidays being full of disappointment. However, he always tried to make it somewhat good for Karen. He knew, of course, that presents weren't everything. But they certainly helped increase the spirit.
What didn't help increase the spirit was listening to Cartman go on and on about all the shit he was going to get.
Kenny couldn't get Karen anything this year (at least not legally). A few days ago, his idiot father had gotten arrested for some sort of stupid drunk shenanigan. Kenny, being responsible son, had to use all his personal savings for bailing his father out. This left Kenny almost no time to get more money (at least not legally), which meant no presents for Karen.
His train of thought was broken by Cartman's voice.
"Hey, poor boy! What's wrong?"
Kenny raised his head, not bothering to think of a witty comeback. "I'm fine."
Cartman frowned, but then went back to talking about all the games his mom was going to buy him. Kenny was grateful that he was spared from explaining his current mood.
Christmas break came. Kenny spent most of the days leading up to Christmas standing outside the local toy store, staring at the doll display in the window. He knew that Karen would love a brand-new doll. He also knew that, even if he had a job, he probably couldn't get her one. Or at least not a good one.
A few times, Kenny saw people from school. They'd wave, he'd wave back, and then they'd exchange a "Happy holidays".
Kenny noticed that he didn't see Cartman walking around town, which was surprising. He decided that Cartman was probably at his family's house. Not that he really cared.
Finally, Christmas eve came. Kenny hung out with Karen all day. She chattered endlessly to him about Santa and reindeer with a sort of hope in her voice that could only be heard in a child's. Kenny maintained a fake smile.
He tossed and turned all night. He kept replaying the same scene in his head. Karen would run out to the living room, and then stop dead in her tracks at the sight of the present-less Christmas tree. She'd start crying, and then go wake up Kenny to tell him that Santa didn't come. That would wake up their parents, and it would lead to a typical day of fighting.
"Most wonderful day of the year, my ass." Kenny mumbled under his breath.
He heard a noise coming from the living room. A glance at his cheap digital clock told him it was nearly 4AM. His family, he knew from experience, was asleep. Kenny pulled a pocketknife out from under his pillow before sneaking out to the living room.
He stopped dead in his tracks at the sight of a rather fat person, dressed all in red. The person was placing brightly-wrapped presents under the tree. Kenny dropped his knife, and the person spun around.
"Merry Christmas, poor boy." 'Santa' said.
Kenny instantly knew who 'Santa' was.