Crystal's apartment was on the 4th floor of a building in the nicer part of town. Big windows on the southern and eastern side made sure that the one big main living room-plus-kitchen was bright and comfortable enough. The only three doors in there led outside, to a spacious bathroom and to his bedroom.The open kitchen was modern and clean looking, black and chrome surfaces contrasting with pops of colour from his appliances (among them a bordeaux toaster, a light-blue water heater and an orange espresso-machine). He once bought some new tools and machines, just to make a young wannabe-cook's life easier. That short-lived phase has passed already, though.
Beyond a counter was a big glass table with six black leather chairs around it. There was a wine cooler and two glasses on the table. Attentive eyes might even catch the empty bottle standing next to the fridge. Crystal was way ahead of his guest.
The other side of the room was dominated by the huge TV on the wall and a couch big enough to comfortably place six or seven guests. A few cabinets stood around - by now filled with numerous books on different topics, post-its and earmarks strewn across in many places.
He had invited Aurora to hang out and have a little chat. Or, let's be honest: to get shitfaced. Was it problematic that that seemed so unproblematic? Eh, he might have to worry about that some other time. One thing was for certain: Aurora won't guilt-trip him into sharing his feelings.
So for now he just chilled on his couch, ready to let the Shaman in as soon as she arrived.