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Diana Cavendish was not a big Christmas fan. She appreciated the effort the city took in decorating and trying to create a holiday atmosphere. She even fell victim to the traditional hot chocolate and the holiday coffee drink that her favorite coffee shop offered during this time of the year. But to her, the holidays were just busier regular days where nothing particular happened.
That is, until today.
Because Diana was pretty sure that she had just seen a vampire calmly strolling down the street in central London.
How did she know that the woman was a vampire? Well, the woman couldn’t look the part more: Red eyes, pale skin, fangs for teeth and a freaking cape.
I mean, this woman seemed to be screaming: Look at me, I’m a vampire!
But why was no one else looking at her? The woman was standing right there and no one apart from her seemed to pay attention to her. Getting a little closer, Diana notices that the moment she takes a step forward, the woman’s focus turns towards her.
The vampire had now noticed her.
And, although Diana knew better, she couldn't stop herself from admiring the vampire who was certainly the most beautiful woman Diana had ever seen.
A beautiful vampire who could easily kill her.
And one who seemed to be walking towards her.
Realizing that she had been caught staring, Diana tries to walk away as quickly as possible. Yet before she has even taken her first step, the brunette woman is in front of her.
Yep, Diana was going to die today.
“You can see me.” the vampire says simply, which confuses Diana. “Why is that so?”
“I don’t understand.” Diana whispers, trying to find the right moment to scream for help. Though she wasn’t sure how much that would help when facing a vampire who seemed to have super speed and hearing.
“No human should be able to see me. And yet you were able to do so.” she gets closer and sniffs Diana, who closes her eyes at the sensation of her nose on her neck. “You don’t smell like a hunter.”
“A hunter?!” she screeches as she pushes the vampire away. “And why did you just smell me?! It’s incredibly rude to do so!”
“I have heard that some humans can naturally look over glamours and spells due to their perception of the world. Perhaps you’re one of those.” the vampire mostly ignores her as she continues to stare curiously at Diana.
“I… I’m very confused. But what I do know is that if you get closer, I will scream for help.” Diana says firmly.
“Why would you scream for help?” the vampire asks her honestly.
And really, did she really have to ask?!
“Because you’re a vampire! And since I now know your secret you need to get rid of me.”
“Oh. I forgot about that.” the vampire murmurs.
Wait, what?
“I’m sorry, it seems that me getting close to you gave you the wrong impression of me.” the brunette woman apologizes, which baffles Diana even more. “I promise you that I’m not here to hurt anyone. Not only that, but I can assure you that my clan is known across the vampire world for not feeding on humans.”
“That doesn’t really reassure me. I mean, I don’t even know your name.” Diana murmurs.
“Atsuko Kagari.” the vampire answers her with a smile, making Diana realize that murmuring in front of the vampire was pointless. “But you can call me Akko. Also, if it makes you feel better, I could release the glamour and let people see me.” the vampire proposes.
“But then that means they will see you’re a vampire.”
“Not exactly.” the woman smirks as a purple aura envelops her from head to toes; which quickly dissipates and lets Diana see the vampire again.
Only this time, the vampire didn’t look like a vampire at all.
“How did you do that?” Diana asks in complete awe. “You look like a regular person.”
“A glamour spell meant to conceal our true nature to humans. Now people can see me, which means that I can’t do anything that would put my existence in danger.”
“I think the more magic you show me, the less convinced I am that a human could stop you from hurting me. But, I guess I can see how revealing to the world your existence could put you in danger.” Diana relaxes a little.
Akko smiles.
“I’m glad I was able to assuage your fears. Honestly, the last thing I want is to scare humans. In fact, you’re the first human I’ve ever met!”
“Oh really?” Diana asks.
Now everything made sense. Why it was that Akko had no idea of what personal space was or was brutally honest about her thoughts.
It was because she had never interacted with humans before.
But then that meant…
“Are there that many vampires in the world? I mean, I thought they were just a myth.”
“There aren’t that many, but we do have a small community. Besides, it’s not like we simply die. Hence, the community only grows as time goes by.” Akko explains nonchalantly.
“Also, should you be telling me these things?! Aren’t these like big vampire secrets?!”
“True, but then again, I don’t think many people would believe you if you told them that vampires exist.”
“True.” Diana groans.
“Also, it seems that even though I told you my name, you still haven’t told me yours.” Akko pouts.
“Oh. It’s Diana Cavendish.” she says and extends her hand towards Akko, who just stares at it. “This is a handshake. It’s a way humans say hi to each other when they first meet.”
“I see!” Akko exclaims with a smile and proceeds to squeeze Diana’s hand, to the point of it getting a little painful.
“Too tight, too tight.” Diana tells her, the pressure diminishing immediately.
“Sorry, I got too excited and forgot to measure my strength.”
“So super speed, super hearing and super strength. All according to the many tales and legends about you.” Diana smiles. “Does that mean then that you’re weak to stakes and garlic?”
“Puff.” Akko snorts. “That’s like the lamest way to try to kill a vampire. I mean, the stake could work because you’re literally pushing it through my heart, which I believe would kill anyone. But the garlic one is preposterous.”
“So no special weaknesses.” Diana murmurs. “That’s a little unfair.”
“Believe me, immortality is not that much fun. You see the same people all the time, do the same thing all the time… Nothing ever changes.”
“I can see why that would become boring.” Diana sympathizes.
“Which is why I decided to do something different this year! This year I decided to make my wish come true!”
“And what is your wish?” Diana asks, thinking that it would be something like seeing the world, or eating a specific type of food.
The possibilities were endless.
“To meet Santa Claus, of course!”
Wait, whaaaaaat.
“So let me make sure I’m understanding things correctly.” Diana says as she sits down at one of the tables of her favorite coffee shop. “You escaped home, traveled all the way from Japan to London, so you could meet Santa Claus?”
Akko nods enthusiastically.
“I’ve dreamed of it since I was a child! Ever since I first saw him on television.”
I guess vampires have technology too.
“But… you do know that Santa Claus is not real, right?” Diana bluntly says.
“Just like vampires are not real?” Akko smirks.
“That… I can see why logically what you just said would make sense, but it’s not the same. There is no Santa Claus. It’s parents who put the presents under their kids' beds.”
“Perhaps… But why does that mean that there isn’t a real Santa Claus as well?”
“I guess I can’t be 100% certain that Santa Claus doesn’t exist since here I am having coffee with a vampire.”
“This hot chocolate is delicious. It’s super sweet but not overwhelmingly so.” Akko smiles as she drinks more of it.
“So you know for certain that he’s here? In London?” Diana asks.
Akko nods confidently.
“A trusted source told me where he lives.”
“And by a trusted source you mean…”
“A fairy.”
“Of course it was a fairy.” Diana chuckles, which causes Akko to look at her. “Sorry, it’s just that before I saw you, I was telling myself that this day would turn out to be just another boring ordinary day.”
“And it’s not a boring day anymore?” Akko asks her with a warm smile.
“I can’t really say it is when I’m talking with a real vampire, can I?”
“Then come with me.” Akko says quickly. “Come with me to meet him.”
“To meet Santa Claus? But... “ Diana hesitates.
“You said that you were expecting this day to be another ordinary day. Our meeting was no coincidence. It was meant to happen. I know it’s a sign for you to come with me.”
“You sound so confident about it at all. I mean, you don’t even know me. We’re complete strangers to each other. Completely different species as well!”
“That doesn’t matter to me. Does it matter to you?”
Diana knows that it should. But, at the same time there was something about Akko that soothed her. That pushed her to want to say yes and join her.
Diana shakes her head.
“Then how about it Diana? How about you and I go on a magical quest?” Akko smirks as she gets up and extends her hand, reminding Diana of the scene from the movie Aladdin where Aladdin extends his hand to Jasmine and asks her to come with him.
Honestly, Diana wouldn’t be surprised if Akko had seen this movie and was doing this on purpose.
Diana always found things like these incredibly cheesy and unoriginal. But unfortunately, she was starting to realize that she liked it when Akko did this.
So Diana did what no sane person would do.
She grabbed Akko’s hand.
And felt Akko and her disappear in another purple cloud of smoke.
“Where are we?” Diana asks as it takes her a moment to regain her balance. “Also, why do I feel like I have a horrible hangover?”
“Oops, it’s a side effect of the transportation spell.” Akko says apologetically. “Since I’ve never used it with humans, I didn’t realize that could happen. And, we are in Kensington!”
“Kensington, England?” Diana asks, getting annoyed with Akko.
“Yeah?” Akko chuckles.
“That was a 30 minute tube ride. And you’re telling me that I will now have this headache because we couldn’t take the tube?!” Diana says annoyed.
“I... I couldn’t just go through that whole speech about adventure and magic and then have us get into a train, could I?! It needed to finish with a bang! For dramatic effect!”
“Ugh.” Diana groans but also can’t stop herself from chuckling. “I hate to say it, but I find that truly charming.”
“Really?!” Akko asks her happily.
“Unfortunately.” Diana smiles as she turns to look at her surroundings. “So your fairy friend and you truly believe that Santa lives in Kensington? I guess it makes sense considering this is one of the oldest areas of the city.”
“Right?! This definitely looks like a place where Santa Claus would choose to live.” Akko smiles. “Now then, if this map my friend made is correct, it says it’s the house at the end of the street.”
“And what will you do when we get there? Will you just knock and say: I’m a vampire, and my fairy friend told me that Santa Claus lives here?” Diana teases Akko.
“Of course not.” Akko pouts. “Even I know better than that.” she smiles. “When, I guess you could say, magical creatures meet-- there’s this spark we feel. It tells us that the person in front of us is not human.”
“That’s very useful.” Diana says. “So you’ll just knock and hope that the person who answers the door is Santa Claus.”
Akko nods.
“But what if it’s a woman?”
“I should still be able to sense if there’s a magical being in the house. And if there is… Then they’ll be able to sense me too.”
“Would they attack you? Since you, you know, are a vampire?”
“I don’t think so? We vampires live peacefully among all other magical creatures and races. Plus, it has been millenia since the different species were at war with each other.”
“So the stories about vampires and werewolves not liking each other are not truly fictional then.”
“I guess so? I mean, we don’t necessarily get along but we wouldn't like start a war with each other.”
“That’s soothing. All movies that have werewolves and vampires fighting each other usually don't end well for the humans in the middle of it.”
“And do you consider yourself a human in the middle of it?” Akko asks her amusedly.
“I mean, I didn’t want to imply anything!” Diana blushes after realizing what she could have meant with her previous statement.
“I’m only kidding Diana. Besides, I was the one who invited you to join me. You are involved now.” Akko smiles kindly at her.
“Then why even tease me when you knew what I meant?!” Diana groans.
“Just to see you blush. It’s very cute.” Akko says simply and that only makes Diana blush even more. “Anyway, it looks like this is the house.”
“This conversation is not over yet.” Diana murmurs but remains behind Akko, who steps forward and knocks on the door.
After a minute goes by, an old woman answers the door, a surprised and curious look on her face.
“Well this is interesting.” she says warmly while staring at Akko and Diana. “It’s not every day that a vampire and a human come knocking at our door.”
She knows! Diana thinks immediately.
Which then means that she has to be magical as well!
“My apologies for intruding and for my unexpected visit. I just… I’ve traveled from very far because I’ve always had this dream of meeting Santa Claus.”
The woman laughs.
“A vampire who wants to meet Santa Claus. Even though I’ve been alive for so many millenia, there always seems to be something new to see and hear.” she smiles kindly at Akko. “Well then, since you’ve made such a long trip, you should come in and meet him then. He’s getting ready for tomorrow night, you see.” she winks as she opens the door for them to step in.
And Diana, who knew better than to enter the house of a complete stranger in the middle of the night, finds herself yet again acting against all common sense.
She follows Akko right in.
“Don’t be shy and take a seat.” the old woman offers them as she brings some tea and biscuits. “Also, please get some tea as well. I just finished brewing it.”
“Thank you so much.” Diana says as she grabs a cup and sips from it.
This was the best tea she had ever had!
She is pretty sure her wide eyes are saying the same thing based on the woman’s laugh.
“It’s a special brew I make myself.”
Akko chuckles.
“Now that’s not really fair, is it? Now Diana is cursed forever.”
This makes Diana almost spit her tea. It was only the manners her maid Anna had imparted from her since childhood that prevented her from doing so.
“Cursed in the sense that she won’t be able to find a tea as good as that I meant.” Akko chuckles. “Sorry I wasn’t more specific.”
Diana simply stares at her.
The older woman laughs.
“You two are so refreshing! I’m glad fate decided to make you knock on our door.” she says as she takes a seat in front of them. “But where are my manners! Here I am talking to both of you and you still don’t know my name, Atsuko and Diana.”
“But you do know ours.” Akko smiles.
“Part of the job.” she winks at them. “As Mrs. Claus, it wouldn’t make sense for me to not know the name of the people we give presents to, now wouldn’t it.”
“But I’ve never gotten a present from Santa Claus.” Akko says confused.
Diana only smiles, already knowing what Mrs. Claus meant.
“I believe in Japan it is already a very important day for us, isn’t it darling?” Mrs. Claus says as Santa Claus steps into the living room, a red box nicely wrapped in his hands.
“Indeed it is! Merry Christmas Akko!” he exclaims as he gets close and hands the present to Akko, who silently takes it and continues to stare at the man in front of her.
“I think you just broke her.” Diana whispers amusedly, only seeing Akko be so speechless preventing her from falling into the same state of shock.
She was having tea and biscuits with freaking Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus!
“Thank you.” Akko whispers after a full minute goes by. “I… I don’t know what to say. I… I’ve always wanted to meet you.”
“I wasn’t aware that vampires knew of my existence.” Santa Claus says as he takes a seat next to his wife and grabs tea for himself.
“Most don’t. I… I’ve never been like the others. That’s why I don’t fit in there.” Akko whispers and Diana can’t help but feel in awe of the person in front of her and the many layers she had. “That’s why I’m friends with fairies and druids. Because my kind thinks I’m strange.”
“Well darling, I can tell that you’re a very kind and wonderful person.” Mrs. Claus said. “And we’re very happy that you came to visit us, aren’t we dear?”
Santa Claus nods.
“People will always want to fit in. And they will want to hush the ones who don’t, because a part of them is sad to realize that they’re not capable of doing the same. I can sense that you’re a very resilient and determined woman, Atsuko. One who does not let what others think of her define her. I mean…” he chuckles. “It is because of that that you’re here, aren’t you?”
Akko nods while wiping her eyes.
“Thank you. I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that.” she chuckles but then becomes serious. “And I know you’re incredibly busy so I don’t want to take more of your time. But… I was wondering if there was something I could ask for?”
Santa and Mrs. Claus stare curiously at her.
Santa Claus nods, which makes Akko stand up, pass her present to Diana and then grab Santa’s hand and lead him out of the room.
Leaving Diana and Mrs. Claus speechless.
“I… I’m so sorry. I forget that Akko doesn’t have a lot of experience with humans so she just acts before thinking things through.”
“It’s quite alright darling. It’s not like my husband is not used to it.” Mrs. Claus chuckles. “You two seem very close. For how long have you two been friends?”
“We just met today.” Diana murmurs with a blush.
“Oh dear, now that is truly special.” Mrs. Claus smiles knowingly. “Humans like to say that it takes time to get to know someone, and while I mostly agree with that sentiment, it’s not quite the same with us magical beings.”
“Meaning?” Diana asks curiously.
“When we meet the right person, we know darling. That’s how it was between Nicholas and me. Only I was the human and he was the magical being.” she smiles kindly at her. “So all rational thoughts you have… They won’t make sense with someone like her.”
“I… I see.” Diana murmurs, her blush intensifying.
“Still, that doesn’t mean you won’t make that girl work for it.” Mrs. Claus says seriously. “But at the same time, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need someone to talk with, you know where I am.”
“I… I really appreciate it.” Diana smiles warmly as the two women hear Akko and Santa Claus come back into the room.
And, was Akko blushing?
“Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to meet both of you.” Akko says with a warm smile. “You made my dream come true.”
“We’re also very happy we got to meet you two.” Santa Claus says as he magically makes a present appear in his hand. “I know it’s technically not Christmas yet here, but I think this time we can make an exception, can’t we?” he winks as he hands Diana a present.
“I… Santa Claus just gave me a Christmas present. Well I’ll be damned.” Diana says, immediately blushing and apologizing for her language.
Which only makes Akko, Santa and Mrs. Claus laugh.
“Now that’s the reaction I was expecting earlier from you!” Mrs. Claus smiles as she opens the door for Akko and Diana. “Also, please come visit us again! Both of you!” she winks at them and that only makes Akko and Diana blush.
“And Akko, don’t forget what I told you about your wish!” Santa Claus exclaims and that only makes Akko blush even more and pull Diana away from the door.
Whatever Santa Claus had told Akko, it had to be important for Akko to react in such a way.
But, it’s only when they’re almost back at central London that Diana feels brave enough to ask Akko about it.
“That was not what I expected it to be.” Diana whispers as she stares at her wrapped present. “Was it what you imagined it to be?”
Akko shakes her head.
“This whole trip has been like something out of a movie: Completely wonderful and unexpected.” she smiles happily. “Makes me feel a little sad about having to go back home.”
Right. Because Akko was not from here. She would go back to her family and friends. And Diana knew this very well.
Still, that didn’t mean that hearing it from Akko didn’t hurt.
And after her conversation with Mrs. Claus, Diana was no longer confused or worried about the feelings she was developing for Akko.
Because she knew that feeling this way was not wrong.
Which ironically made Akko’s departure hurt even more.
“Diana?” Akko asks and this makes Diana focus on the vampire again. “You were lost in thought. Did something happen?”
“Nothing.” Diana lies. “But I was curious about what you asked Santa Claus when you two left the living room.” she says and this makes Akko blush.
“I... I can’t believe I find this so embarrassing to say. Especially considering that I’m probably a 100 years older than you.”
“That’s not old at all!” Diana exclaims. “I thought it was going to be something like Interview with the Vampire or Twilight.”
Akko laughs.
“I’m not that old. I’m actually the youngest vampire in our coven. It has only been a hundred years or so since I was turned.” Akko looks downwards. “But when you’re turned, your memories from your human life start to blur and disappear. Since you’re ‘reborn’ and all that.”
“And is that what you asked Santa for? A way to get your memories back?”
“That was my original plan, yes.” Akko admits with a smile. “I don’t fit in with the people of my coven. I believed that if I could remember my past, then I could understand why I’m not like the other vampires. That is, until I met you, Diana.”
Diana remains silent, not knowing what to say.
“After we met, getting my memories back was no longer my main focus. Instead, I wanted to see London, to experience the holiday, through your eyes.” Akko admits. “And with each conversation we’ve had, I kept feeling more connected to you. Which you must believe is crazy considering we’ve just met but…”
“I don’t.” Diana interrupts Akko by holding her hand. “I don’t think it’s crazy because I feel the same way. Even though we’ve only met today, it feels like we’ve known each other for so much longer. Being with you feels…”
“Right.” both say at the same time, which only makes them blush and laugh.
“I asked Santa Claus if he could help me find a way to see you again.” Akko confesses after a moment. “I had waited to ask him for my memories back my whole life, and when I finally met him, I asked him instead to help me find a way to see you again.” she chuckles.
“Akko…” Diana says sadly. “I hope you don’t regret making that wish.”
“It was the best wish I could have asked for.” the vampire says immediately. “Because you’re looking at the new vampire delegate of the North Pole.”
Whaaaaat?
“I mean, the North Pole is a figure of speech since Santa Claus lives here in London. But! Santa has been looking for magical beings from each race to act as his delegates. And he offered me the job for the vampire covens. A job that I happily took. And a job that needs me to live in London.” she murmurs the last part.
“You’re not joking. You literally became one of Santa’s elves just to be able to see me?” Diana asks, completely baffled.
“A delegate! It’s not, elves do other jobs!” Akko exclaims, only stopping when she feels Diana hug her tight.
“I… I don’t know what to say. No one has ever put me first.” she admits quietly.
“Say yes.” Akko says, which confuses Diana. “To dinner, tomorrow night.”
“But tomorrow is Christmas.”
“Exactly! I can’t think of anyone better to celebrate my first Christmas with than you, Diana Cavendish.” Akko smiles warmly at her and damn the vampire for being that smooth. “Unless you already made plans and I’m assuming things that are not…”
“Akko!” Diana stops her rambling by kissing her cheek. “Yes.”
“Huh?” the vampire says as Diana notices that some of Akko's glamour was failing, with her red eyes and ears turning back to their more 'vampiric' look.
A look that instead of scaring her, only made her feel more excited about the future.
“Yes. Yes I would love to spend Christmas with you, Akko.”
And Akko’s radiant smile… Diana knows it is all she’ll ever need.
The End