A Frozen Secret (Disney Descendants x OC)

Crystal

TW: Thoughts and mentions of suicide, death penalty, resolve/accepting death, death, violence and fighting, mass hysteria, arresting, weapons, blood, and panic attacks.

Songwriters: Robert Joseph Lopez / Kristen Jane Anderson Colder by the Minute lyrics © Only For Now Inc., Wonderland Music Company Inc., Only For Now Inc

I own nothing.

Warning, this chapter is long! Word Count: 8315.

Saturday, August 28th, 12:00 p.m.

Crystal smiled softly as she watched Carlos, her heart swelling with affection for the boy. He knelt on the soft, dew-covered grass, elbow-deep in the water of the enchanted lake behind Auradon prep. He marveled at and caressed the backs of the multi-colored fish as they swam around his hand.

Crystal was only a few feet away from him, sprawled out on a familiar red and white checkered blanket. An open book lay forgotten across her chest. The book's black covers were adorned with delicate white daisy petals, remnants of the flower crown she had thoughtfully crafted earlier. The crown lay beside her in the lush grass, bringing an even wider smile to her face.

Crystal's ears perked up at the sound of Carlos' laughter. She pushed herself into a sitting position with her elbows, staying as quiet as possible. She pulled her backpack to her side and quietly pulled open the zipper. She rummaged around for a moment and fished out a disposable camera. Maddie had given it to her months ago, and Crystal had just never found the time to use it.

As discreetly as she could, Crystal brought the camera to her eye, framing Carlos within the viewfinder. She watched as he pulled his hand from the water, his expression filled with wonder and delight.

Click!

Carlos whirled around at the sound. Crystal laughed as she pulled the camera from her face. "What?" She asked him with mock innocence, but her blue eyes danced with mischief.

A devilish grin spread across Carlos's face, causing a delightful shiver to run down Crystal's spine. He approached her, taking a seat on the blanket beside her, their lips meeting in a sweet yet passionate kiss. Crystal surrendered to the moment, her arms encircling his neck as they melted into the kiss.

Carlos pulled away, leaving Crystal breathless. She pressed her forehead to his, nuzzling her nose."Well, that was surprising."

Carlos' face exploded with a deep red blush. He pulled away, averting his gaze to the blanket underneath them. Crystal laughed lightly at his embarrassment.

"You're the best boyfriend a girl could ask for," She whispered, her heart swelling with love.

Carlos perked up, his eyes lighting up with joy. He reached for Crystal's hand, fingers intertwining with hers. She snuggled into his side, sighing contently as he used his other hand to play with her long hair. "Can I see the picture?" He asked.

Crystal smiled warmly, letting her head slip into her boyfriend's lap. Her eyes fluttered closed as a welcome breeze spread across them. "You can, but it'll have to wait until I develop the film."

Carlos scratched his head, a hint of confusion on his face. "I thought cameras were instant," he admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment. Crystal opened her eyes. She couldn't help but chuckle. She reached up to brush away a strand of hair that had fallen onto Carlos' face. "It's a disposable camera, not a cellphone!"

Carlos's bashful "Oh" was barely audible as he dropped his gaze again, slightly embarrassed. Crystal's giggles filled the air as she sat up. She pushed more of Carlos' hair from his face and slid her hand down to Carlos's cheek. But her contentedness quickly turned to shock as a searing pain shot through her palm. Her mind flashed to the day she discovered her powers. That pain had been nothing like she had ever felt. The feeling of knives cutting her over and over again now returned. Tears began to burn in her eyes as she attempted to pull her hand away, but Carlos had a tight grip on her wrist.