A/N: This AU is taking over my life, and I am not sorry at all.
These drabbles explore the aftermath of the first time Sapphire and Ruby sleep together, which happens after a couple of dates (I believe at least one event leading up to this is currently in the works from some of the other Snapshots authors-I'm just a little overzealous). There is no explicit content in these drabbles-I'll be uploading a separate oneshot for that, so the folks who don't want to read sex can still get in on what's happening in the story anyway. :)
Fun fact: In photography, a reverse cut is when you take a picture of something, then move 180 degrees, and take a picture of it again. Having the two photos side by side creates a very jarring contrast, even when it's still the same person or object. Generally, doing this-ironically called 'crossing the line' is considered a no-no.
Ruby is an early riser. Daylight is some of the best light to take spontaneous pictures in, after all, and spontaneous pictures tend to be some of their best. It doesn't seem to matter if they've stayed up late the night before, their stubborn internal clock urges them to sit up, rub at their eyes, and toddle into the tiny bathroom of their studio anyway. It's only as they splash water onto their cheeks, dashing away the drowsiness of the morning, and glance at themselves in the mirror that what actually happened hits them with all the force of a semi on the interstate.
Their blood runs at once hot and cold. Ruby doesn't look at their reflection, all bared belly and exposed thighs, and instead scurries out of the bathroom to throw something on over it all. It feels better to have flannel settled over their shoulders, and a part of them is hesitant to look at the bed to see if this really had all just been a dream.
Their eyes betray them anyway.
Sapphire is still sleeping soundly. Her long blonde hair is tangled about her head, mostly coiled on the pillow next to her, and her smooth brown shoulder is peeking out from under the sheets. She sleeps on her side with her cheek pillowed in one palm, her legs curled. Her gorgeous full lips are parted, and her breathing is even. Ruby sees the faded traces of yesterday's eyeliner at the base of her lashes. Her bangs are askew, curving out and down like an arrow pointing to the tip of her nose. Her skin tone is even and soft as if she's already put on photoshoot-quality foundation, but Ruby knows she hasn't.
Even now, naked save for a red-and-black flannel hastily buttoned over their sternum, Ruby can't quite believe they were given permission to touch her. The memories of the way Sapphire kissed them, soft and exploratory and deliberate, feel like gifts meant for someone else.
The light coming in from the studio's single window highlights the dust motes in the air and teases out the gold in Sapphire's hair. She's is so lovely that Ruby feels something pang behind their breastbone, something within them melt irretrievably, and it's just so perfect that they can't resist.
Sapphire doesn't stir at the click of the camera. Ruby snaps a second, just to make sure, but they already know that the first is going to be enough.
Is this weird? Creepy? Ruby doesn't know. They hope not. They don't mean for this to be—the picture is just the capture of this moment, of their own emotions. They don't want to forget how they feel right now, how Sapphire makes them feel.
Ruby isn't drowsy anymore, but they set their favorite camera down and gingerly slip back under the blankets with Sapphire anyway. Her back is to them, but that's okay.
Ruby thinks they feel Sapphire shift a little when they press their forehead into the nape of her neck, just under the tiny tattoo of a zigzagging constellation. Her muscles tense, just for a moment. Ruby's hand isn't steady as it slips over the generous curve of her waist and around her belly, tugging her in until the material of their flannel is brushing against her spine. They breathe out a long, slow sigh when Sapphire's body remains relaxed and pliable. She doesn't seem to feel it when Ruby's lips brush against the space between her shoulder blades, still breathing slow and even next to them. This is probably okay, then.
Ruby closes their eyes against the light of morning. They're an early riser by trade, and they certainly aren't tired right now, but maybe they can make an exception for this.