It wasn't just that whole Santa fiasco that managed to earn him a beating every year, oh no. No, what Dib hated the most about the holidays was the love.

Dib was a normal human being like everyone else. He knew he was supposed to cherish the holiday. A time of peace, love, good will.

Bah, humbug. Every year it was the same; someone would bring up the Santa thing and then he would get mobbed. Everyone seemed to forget about peace on earth when there was a crazy boy to beat. He had simply learned to endure it, but it made him bitter around the holidays. Especially since his father was never home. Gaz was a stuck up brat as always, but now that she was older, she would most likely spend her holiday at the mall, shoplifting.

Dib sighed into his palm. It wouldn't be long before he was covered in bruises and left to suffer. What a way to start the new year.

Around him, the students were walking around passing out Holiday Wishes, much to Ms. Bitters loathing. It was another measure by the school board to decrease misery. It did nothing for Dib. No one gave him anything but punches and kicks for X-mas.

"Be honored."

A sudden, short sentance snapped him out of his thoughts. Zim had his back turned to him, and was slowly walking away, back to his desk. He almost looked like he wanted to turn around to observe the boys reaction. Dib looked down at his own desk. What on earth was Zim-

Oh.

A candy-cane.

On Dib's desk.

Dib picked it up, glancing over at Zim who was now in his seat and looking back. Dib blinked, with an 'is this for me?' motion. The Irken replied with a roll of the eyes and a look that said 'duh'.

Throwing a thankful glance Zim's way, he unwrapped and began to enjoy his treat. Idily rummaging through his back pack, he pulled out an identical treat. He kept it concealed in his hand until everyone else had left. The other kids made sure to dump one garbage can on Dib and the other on Zim on their way out.

Sighing and ruffling the mess out of his hair, Dib made his way over to Zim, who was having a small freak out at all the germs. "Hey."

Zim looked up at him abruptly. "Hey," he answered cautiously.

Dib placed the wrapped candy cane on his desk. "Here," he said simply. This seemed to be a day for monosyllabic conversations.

Zim picked it up, examined it, and then looked at Dib with an uncanny expression. It almost looked like a smile, hidden under a look of disgust. To avoid any firther awkwardness, Dib walked out the door with a "Thanks."

This one is late. x.x