In Your Christmas Shadow


Tsukiko quietly seethed as her grandfather practically frogmarched her down to the main sitting room where all the family had gathered to celebrate ‘Christmas’. It was a foolish human tradition her mother insisted on carrying out every year and what was worse was that her grandfather, the only other decent person in this madhouse apart from her Gabriello, forced her to take part in it too!

“It is the only time our family can be gathered together without your brother running around screaming his head off. Despite your feelings, there is good in this silly tradition… Gabriello is attending this year,” he added, as if reading her mind.

Her cheeks took on a slight pink colour as she continued to be herded by the larger and stronger vampire. Dear Gabriello would be there? For the first time since she could remember, she actually started moving in the direction of the gathering place without a family member manhandling her in the direction. She could sense the surprise of her grandfather as he quickly followed after her.

Unfortunately, the sight that confronted her immediately put her back in a bad mood as her brother played with a toy meant to purely distract him and her mother approached her with a gift.

“Merry Christmas Tsuki,” said the woman with a smile.

She rolled her crimson eyes and took the present. “Thanks,” muttered the young vampire as she opened it to find a new dress. Her dark expression lightened somewhat as she realised it was one she had wanted. She did not want to give the satisfaction to her parents that she had liked the gift though so she quietly closed the box and placed it on a nearby table.

Her breath caught in her throat as she saw Gabriello staring into the roaring fire that threatened to jump out of the fireplace and consume the hearthrug before it. No human could stand so close to a fire as large as that, but he was no mere human.

Feeling suddenly shy, she approached quietly and cleared her throat politely. “Gabriello?”

He turned to look at her, a soft smile appearing on his face. “Hello Tuskiko. His Highness decided he wanted me to attend the annual Christmas party although he did not say why.”

“Oh… I see,” she said, glancing down and noticing he held his silver violin in his hand. “You brought your violin?”

He nodded. “Yes,” he said softly.

Suddenly, she growled when her mother interrupted them. “What?” she asked, turning around with an unintentionally angry snap.

“Would you care to play for us Gabriello?” she asked, ignoring her seething daughter.

“Of course.”

She turned to Tsukiko. “And you must sing for us.”

“But you know I don’t sing Christmas songs!” she whined.

Her mother chuckled. “Not even with Gabriello playing.”

The young vampire blushed. “Uh… well…” She sighed. “Fine!” she said angrily trying to cover up the idea it was her love’s inclusion that had persuaded her.

“Shall we?” asked the boy, gesturing to the centre of the room where all her family had gathered to wait.

“Oh-okay,” she said, suddenly shy once again as she followed after him.

“What shall we sing?” he asked in his usual soft manner.

“Just pick a tune and I’ll know it… Mother has made certain I will never forget them.”

Gabriello nodded and began to play the introduction to a Christmas song. The heavenly sound of his violin filling the room and making her gaze shimmer in delight and admiration before she remembered she was expected to sing and not just listen. As she sung, she was surprised to hear him take the male part and she could not help but blush deeply to the point she had to bow her head slightly so her dark hair hid her cheeks.


I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice
My mother will start to worry - Beautiful, what's your hurry
My father will be pacing the floor - Listen to the fireplace roar
So really I'd better scurry - Beautiful, please don't hurry
well Maybe just one little kiss more - Put some music on while I pour

The neighbors might think - Baby, it's bad out there
Say, what's in this drink - No cabs to be had out there
I wish I knew how - Your eyes are like starlight now
To break this spell - I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell
I ought to say no, no, no, sir - Mind if I move a little closer
At least I'm gonna say that I tried - What's the sense in hurting my pride
I really can't stay - Baby don't hold out
Ahh, but it's cold outside

C'mon baby

I simply must go - Baby, it's cold outside
The answer is no - Ooh baby, it's cold outside
This welcome has been - I'm lucky that you dropped in
So nice and warm - Look out the window at that storm
My sister will be suspicious - Man, your lips look so delicious
My brother will be there at the door - Waves upon a tropical shore
My maiden aunt's mind is vicious - Gosh your lips look delicious
Well maybe just one little kiss more - Never such a blizzard before

I've got to go home - You'll freeze to the bone out there
Say, lend me your comb - It's up to your knees out there
You've really been grand - Your eyes are like starlight now
But don't you see - How can you do this thing to me
There's bound to be talk tomorrow - Making my life long sorrow
At least there will be plenty implied - If you caught pneumonia and died
I really can't stay - Get over that old out
Ahh, but it's cold outside

Baby it's cold outside

Her family looked rather bemused at their choice as she looked up to see what they thought.

“Interesting choice,” said her grandfather softly. “But performed excellently.”

“Y-yes,” said her mother quickly.

“Just admit you didn’t like it!” spat Tsukiko storming out of the room, her brother’s screams in her wake as he had the misfortune of getting in her way as she left.

She hissed when a strong hand grabbed her arm. “Let go of me!” Her body twisted to strike before pausing when she saw who it was. “Gabriello…”

“Must you be so short tempered?” he asked, clearly angry at her tantrum. “As a pureblood you must be better behaved.”

Her eyes lowered in shame, her cheeks turning redder. “I’m sorry.” Her love was the only person who could criticise her so.

He gently released her arm before looking up suddenly. “Mistletoe…”

Tsukiko felt herself blush. “You know the human custom for when a boy and a girl stand underneath that flower?”

Gabriello looked down. “Yes… I read it in one of Craven’s books.”

Her blush deepened. “Oh… I see.”

Suddenly she felt lips against hers for a fraction of a second before all too quickly it was over and her love was walking away. “Merry Christmas Tsukiko,” he said softly as he walked back into the room.

“M-merry Chr-Christmas… Gabriello,” she said, raising a pale hand to her lips.

Closing her eyes, a smile appeared on her face as she sighed. Maybe Christmas is not as bad as I thought, she pondered as she decided to give the party one last chance.