Hard on You

Berserk shivered, making sure her thin jacket was zipped up all the way. She'd had the stupid thing for years now, but hadn't bothered stealing a new one. Still, December was dragging on, getting colder by the day, and Christmas was just around the corner. In the past, she really hadn't cared much about that particular holiday. The Oppressor told them it was a useless commercial spectacle; an exaggerated advertisement to get the poor and ignorant masses to spend their money on junk they didn't need or want.

Whatever presents or holiday cheer or whatever was supposed to come with the day, she hadn't felt it. They never got anything, they never did anything. In fact, the Oppressor usually had them attack the city out of spite. Things had changed slightly in the last five years, though. That first year when he found out about the lack of "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" in their lives, the hero had made a point to break into their home and put on a special celebration just for them.

Berserk snickered, glancing up at her companion. She rolled her eyes when he stopped to help a stupid old woman cross the street. Or when he paused to buy some homeless schmuck a blanket. Why did he bother wasting his time on useless people?

"Why are you so lame?" she muttered out loud when he returned from collecting a note from a little girl, promising to deliver it to Santa.

Akio beamed, "Ah! Do you wish for me to pass your own wishes along to Santa Claus? I believe you've been nicer this year than before, perhaps this time he will listen?" Akio mused, stroking his beard. Berserk shoved her hands into her pockets, glaring at the ground.

"I'm twelve, Akio, I don't believe in Santa. You're the one who breaks into our house to give us crap," she pointed out. Akio chuckled and nodded, still playing with his beard.

"Well, yes, your presents are a gift from me. However, Santa is quite real. He simply erm...does not feel comfortable stopping by the Descendant of Jaaku's residence. So I've taken it upon myself to reward your good behavior," he explained.

Berserk rolled her eyes, "What good behavior? I'm bad, I'm evil, remember?"

Akio chuckled, "Well, yes, you are still quite naughty. But, I do not believe you are so evil as you claim, Miss Berserk,"

"That's because you're a stupid nerd…" she muttered, turning away so he wouldn't see the blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"Berserk! Mister Akio!" A voice called out. Berserk groaned and prepared to take off into the sky. Unfortunately, her hand was caught by the newcomer. The Powerpunk girl bristled and prepared to swing at her, but paused when she saw how the other girl was holding Akio's hand. Her cheeks flared up and her chest hitched.

"Ah! Miss Penny! What are you doing on this wonderful afternoon?" Akio welcomed her sudden hug. He laughed when Berserk clenched her fists and bristled as Penny threw her arms around her neck, hugging her tight. She turned her gaze to Akio and snarled, while he continued laughing.

Penny pulled away, snatching their hands again and falling into step between them, "Well, Papa is at work, so I was running some errands for him," she explained. Berserk frowned, finally tearing her eyes away from the other two and staring at the ground. Penny began to gush and praise Akio for helping her father get a job a few years back. The two were still living in a hovel, but they at least ate most days now. The hero refused to take credit for their better fortune, instead saying it was due to Penny's optimism and her father's hard work.

Berserk growled low in her throat, her eye twitching when Penny squeezed her hand, "What are you doing out today, Berserk? Up to anything cool? Ooh! Were you guys fighting before? I bet you were and it was super awesome!"

"We weren't fighting...I'm just walking." Berserk shot back, her frown darkening when Penny began to talk again. This stupid girl didn't get the picture. She didn't want anything to do with her. She was a stupid, annoying, dirty, homeless loser.

"-it's cold. But I bet you don't get cold because of your fire breath, right Berserk?" Penny exclaimed, tearing the Powerpunk girl out of her angry thoughts.

"Huh? Oh...no I hate the cold…" Berserk murmured, shivering when a small breeze blew by. In response, Penny pulled them both closer, yammering something about being close to share warmth. Berserk wasn't paying attention. She tried to tear her hand away from Penny's, but the loser's grip was stronger than she had imagined.

Penny and Akio were yammering about Christmas. Talking about their favorite carols, flowers, and foods. Penny was excited that they were able to afford a couple turkey legs this year. Akio had made a list of ten thousand good deeds he wanted to do before Christmas Day. He was about halfway through the list, with just a week to go. Now they were talking about their favorite ornaments.

Berserk's frown slowly slid away, replaced by a small smile. Her cheeks warmed up and, slowly, her fingers clasped around Penny's hand.

"Berserk! What were you getting Akio for Christmas?" That ruined it. Her eyes snapped open and she quickly pulled away from the stupid little hugbox. Hovering in the air, shoving her hands in her pockets and shivering, Berserk glared at Penny. She threw a quick glance at Akio and turned bright red. He had an expectant grin on his face.

"N-Nothing! I'm not g-gonna get a present for a st-stupid, lame, hero n-nerd!" she exclaimed, quickly taking off into the air. She clenched her eyes shut, not paying attention to where she was flying. Why did Penny have to remind her? What was she supposed to get Akio? He seemed like he had everything...and he wouldn't like it if she stole something.

"St-stupid idiots…" she murmured, lips trembling. What was she supposed to give him? How was she supposed to get him something without stealing it?