Shadows in the Snow (A Shadowhunters Fanfic)

Chapter 13

Quick Authors Note: This is just filler, so sorry if it is cringe. Enjoy!

Kai and Krystal had agreed to start with one date: a date on the top of the Institute. Specifically a picnic. Three days ago, Krystal had gotten a fire message from Kai with all the details, Rafe had been in the room when she received it and when he asked who it was from, she quickly said it was from Zach, just checking in to see how she was doing.

The two had to sneak up a fire escape to get to the roof of the Institute, "Hold on. Close your eyes and give me your hand." Kai held his hand out towards Krystal who eyed it hesitantly. Krystal rubbed her arm nervously, "You're not gonna suddenly change your mind and chuck me off the Institute roof are you, Kai?" Shrugging, Kai nudged his hand forward, "Guess you'll have to find out, Krystal." Kai had started saying Krystal's first name, a change from what Kai had referred to her at the Academy. Baby steps. Reaching out, Krystal took his hand and closed her eyes and Kai began to guide Krystal forward, giving her instructions on where to step so Krystal wouldn't trip or hit anything.

"Okay, open your eyes." Krystal felt Kai behind her, but as she opened her eyes, stifled a gasp, the sight Krystal was greeted by was beautiful: Mason jars lit in different colors were strung across the rooftop, shades of blues, greens, reds, yellows, and purples. A large coil, no doubt used to hold industrial wire sat in the middle of the rooftop with a simple mint-green table cloth spread across it complete with paper plates and plastic cups on top. Two black lawn chairs on either side. Krystal nodded, "Wow, you went all out. The question is: when did you have the time to do this?" Looking at Kai, Krystal noted the box of pizza he was casually pulling out of a hidden spot, "I may or may not have had some help from a red-haired Institute Head."

Kai set the pizza box down on the table then pulled out a bottle of unsweet tea, where he was keeping all this food, Krystal wasn't sure, but, it didn't matter at the moment. The lights above the two twinkled as they took their seats and each took a slice of pizza, Kai took pepperoni, Krystal took cheese.

For a long time, hours it seemed, the two just talked, about various things, Kai asking about Zach and Evelyn and the parabatai ceremony if Krystal was going to participate in the demon hunt next year since Krystal started her second year in the fall. Eventually, as their energy started to lower, and so did the pizza and tea, Krystal sighed and leaned back in her chair, "I think, Kai, there is something serious we need to discuss. As much fun as I'm having." Kai tilted his head and leaned forward on the table. Images of Rafe, Dad, and Magnus popped into Krystal's head, but quickly, Krystal shook it off, "I'm completely open to seeing each other more, Krystal if you are. Your face is as readable as a book right now." Heat rose in Krystal's face and instinctively rose a hand to cover it, but felt a cool hand gently grasp it and lower it. "But if that makes you uncomfortable, I won't push it." Kai gave Krystal the most heartwarming smile that Krystal didn't think he was even capable of. Waving her hands in front of her frantically, Krystal laughed nervously, "No, no! It's not that at all! I am too! It's just...I'm worried about my dads and brothers...Well, more Rafe when it comes to brothers. Max could really care less if I'm being honest. We'd have to sneak around." Shrugging, Kai offered a sly smile that was so much like Zach's it was scary, "Good thing I'm a master spy." Whether Krystal wanted to know what meant or not, she didn't know, but, oh well.

Later that night, Krystal was sitting in her room, reading a book when the door to the bedroom swung open and papa came in. "My mom's senses are tingling, what's going on?" Krystal dropped the book and stared at Magnus wide-eyed. "Papa, you do realize you're a guy, right?" Magnus gestured at his body, "Physically, yes" then up at his head, "Mentally and emotionally, definitely not." Krystal shook her head and slid the book off her bed. "Nothing is 'going on' Papa. Your mom senses must be malfunctioning." Casting a side glance at Magnus, Krystal silently prayed to the Angel that he took the hint that she wanted the conversation to be over.