Disclaimer: If I owned 'Saga, it'd have much more sex, if I owned 'Saga it'd be rated X. If I owned 'Saga, life would be a blast, but I don't own 'Saga, so don't sue my ass!
A/N: First in a series of vignettes from Jr.'s life and his relationships. As you might have guessed, each part will be named after a line in "Sweet Song." Yes, this is Jr. x Sakura. I really don't care for Jr. x MOMO, and I think this situation may be a bit more believable. Be aware that this is the "clean" version. If you'd like to see the "unclean" version (lol), pm me, or find me a good Xeno fanfiction site with laxer rules where I can post it. Please R&R if you like it. Suggestions and criticisms are absolutely welcome!
The Days of Summer
"Dive-pod number three active. U.R.T.V. unit number 666, wavelength, 20 Hz, stable. Patient, stable. Commencing dive," the technician droned.
Small fists clenched in excitement as the young boy desperately suppressed his wavelength so as not to betray himself. He felt the familiar sensation of vertigo as the dive pod tilted slowly backwards and let out an involuntary gasp at the sharp stab of pain as the terminal made contact. Suddenly, his reflection in the plastic sheen of the pod began to waver, then the floor dropped out from under him and he was falling, falling, falling…
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The first sensation that returned to him, before he'd even opened his eyes, was warmth. The Yuriev institute was so sterile, so brutally cold, but here the warm air saturated him, making him feel alive. When he opened his eyes, he was assaulted by the vibrant green of the sun-kissed landscape. A breath of air brought him the scents of soil, grass and privet, and he heard the sounds of birds chirping merrily all around. It was summer, in all its glory. With a grin set upon his face, he tore down the dappled forest path toward the modest cottage in the distance.
"Rubedo!" the boy heard a voice call as he neared the front porch. A young girl flew from the steps and into his arms, nearly bowling him over.
"Sakura," he smiled into her hair, wrapping his arms around her and breathing in her scent, a subtle blend of cherry and peach blossoms. He nearly caught himself reaching up to stroke that hair before he checked himself, a blush spreading across his cheeks.
"I didn't know you were coming today, Rubedo," she said, pulling back. He could tell by her expression and her greeting, however, that she wasn't upset. "What a wonderful surprise!" Rubedo reached a hand behind his head in mild embarrassment, as he so often did while in her company.
"I… just wanted to see how you were doing, that's all. I convinced dad to let me come. He said it'd be a good idea," Rubedo explained. Sakura grinned knowingly, reading into his awkward response. Biting her lip, she swiftly reached out and took his hand in hers. Her grin returned as Rubedo's stomach filled with butterflies and his blush deepened.
"Come on," she said, "Let's go to the beach. I've got something to show you!" Rubedo nodded in unconcealed enthusiasm, nearly stumbling as Sakura began to lead the way to the beach. He never once let go of her hand.
They arrived at the bottom of the hill, the towering white windmills signaling that they were almost there. They could hear the roar of the waves like constant thunder against the rocks. Rubedo breathed the wonderfully salty air deeply, then with renewed vigor, led the rest of the way to the top of the hill and stopped. Sakura just smiled, watching as Rubedo's eyes widened in amazement at the sight. In the distance, dolphins were jumping. Dozens of them, slipping the bonds of the sea to perform spectacular flips and twisting dives. The sun shimmered off their sleek bodies, giving them the appearance of fluid, mercurial torpedoes.
"What… what are they?" Rubedo managed. "I've never seen anything like it!" he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear, transfixed.
"They're dolphins," she said, and when Rubedo showed no comprehension, she continued, "They're the kind that used to live on Lost Jerusalem. They're mammals that evolved to live in the water. That's what mom told me when Nigredo asked her about them for me." Rubedo's fascination turned to disbelief.
"Wait. You mean you'd never seen them or heard of them before now, and they just turned up in your domain?" Sakura nodded.
"Amazing," Rubedo whispered breathlessly. They stood and watched the dolphins at their play for a few more moments, and then Rubedo turned to face her, his palm sweating in hers. He gulped.
"You know, Sakura, this really means a lot to me. If it weren't for you… I'd never have had the chance to see something like this." A tiny smile tugged at the corner of his lips. Sakura's hand squeezed his gently.
"I know. I think that's why they're here. I… wanted to make you happy, Rubedo." Rubedo said nothing, his cheeks turning a bright crimson. Sakura gave him a bright grin, releasing his hand and clambering down the grassy dune to the warm, wet sand of the beach. "Come on, Rubedo!" He returned the grin, following her down to the water's edge and enjoying the crunch of the sand under his boots. He had them removed, along with his shirt, within a matter of seconds. When he looked back, however, Sakura was still standing in the surf, the water ebbing and flowing over her toes. She wore a glum expression on her face, blushing a pretty pink.
"Sakura, what's wrong?" he called back to her in concern. She looked back at him, shrugging.
"I forgot my bathing suit," she said morosely. Rubedo's heart sank in realization.
"Oh…" He tried unsuccessfully to hide the disappointment from his voice. After a moment's pause, a sly smile crept onto Sakura's face.
"Do me a favor. Go further out and turn around." Rubedo nodded in bewilderment and complied, wading out until the cool water was up to his chest and gazing out toward the dolphins still leaping in the distance. He nearly jumped out of his skin when a short while later, two arms wrapped loosely around his shoulders. He didn't turn around.
"S-Sakura?" he asked haltingly, eyes wide. Sakura simply giggled in response, tracing a wet finger along the dry, tanned skin of his shoulder. Rubedo shivered. "What are you doing?" His alarm elicited another giggle from Sakura.
"I couldn't let you have all the fun, now could I?" she said impishly, removing herself from him and taking a few steps back. "You can turn around now." Rubedo did so, as slowly as he dared. Sakura tread water lazily, a few feet closer to shore. He noticed with a flutter in his stomach that from what he could see of her shoulders—which was all of them—she wasn't wearing anything.
"Are-are you…?" he trailed off, unwilling to say it. Sakura nodded bashfully. He felt his cheeks sting, and he knew at once it wasn't sunburn. He slowly sank down into the cooling water, till only his eyes showed above it. Sakura grinned.
"You're so easy to embarrass, Rubedo!" she laughed. "We're the only ones here. It's not like we have to worry about anyone seeing us."
"Yeah, but," Rubedo bubbled, "I've… never seen a girl… like that before." He looked away, even the tips of his ears now a brilliant scarlet. "My sister Citrine is the only other girl I've met," he said evasively. Sakura lifted a hand out of the water, turning his chin so he faced her. He locked eyes with her in surprise.
"It's okay, Rubedo. You don't have to be ashamed or embarrassed. I don't mind." When she didn't get a response from him she ducked underwater, quickly filling her mouth and squirting it at him. "Let's play already!"
"Hey," he cried, snapping out of his daze and grinning. He formed a cup out of his hand and swung his arm, skimming the water and spraying Sakura in the face. She blinked and spluttered, thoroughly drenched. Rubedo paused, agape, and then ducked underwater as quickly as he could to avoid her retaliation. They splashed and cavorted until they'd each swallowed enough water to fill a cup, then returned to treading water, laughing merrily.
"I have an idea," Rubedo said, eyes lighting up. "Albedo and I used to do it when we were little and still took baths together. We both go underwater and one of us says something, and the other has to try and figure out what they just said."
"Sounds like fun," Sakura agreed happily. "I'll go first," she offered. They both sank beneath the water on the count of three. Rubedo shut his eyes tightly, awaiting Sakura's words. Instead, he felt soft lips brush against his delicately. He blinked his eyes open, expelling all his air through his nose at once. Sakura hovered just inches from his face, blushing even underwater. Rubedo surfaced, gasping. This time it was Sakura's turn to hide her mortified face beneath the waves. "Sorry," she mumbled. Rubedo couldn't help but smile at the sight of her. He reached out, knuckles tentatively grazing her cheek.
"It's okay, Sakura," he consoled her. "I… I liked it." Sakura took his hand in hers, rising the rest of the way out of the water.
"Really?" she asked in a small voice. Rubedo grinned back at her.
"Well, it's not the way Albedo and I used to play it, but I definitely think it's an improvement." Sakura said nothing but stared back at him, a small smile stealing across her features. Her lips were so soft, and her eyes such a beautiful green, he thought. He gazed into them, unconsciously drifting closer to her.
"Rubedo, I—" Sakura began, but she was cut off when their lips met again in a chaste kiss. Her heart fluttered within her, as did his, and she pulled away to gaze at him once more. Breathless, they floated mere inched from each other, until they both began babbling apologies.
"I'm so sorry!"
"I don't know what got into me."
"I'll never do it again."
"Never?" Sakura demanded suddenly, interrupting Rubedo's next plea for forgiveness. Rubedo paused, shocked. "Because," she continued, averting her eyes, "I… love you, Rubedo. You do know that, right?" Her voice was a mere whisper, wavering falteringly. She trembled slightly, and Rubedo felt his heart ache. He reached out, gently pulling her into his arms. She melted into his embrace, leaning her head against his chest.
"I know," he whispered soothingly. "I love you too." Sakura wrapped her arms more tightly around him in wordless thanks. He found himself blushing even yet as he realized just what parts of her were pressing against him. He let his fingers wander this time, into her hair, running the damp strands between his fingers, and then placing his forefinger under her chin, he brought their lips together again. This time they parted slightly for him, and Rubedo tentatively explored her lips with his tongue, until to his surprise, Sakura deepened the kiss. Rubedo paused in trepidation, but relaxed as his instincts kicked in. He slipped his tongue into her mouth cautiously, aware of the need to pace himself. His body, however, reacted instantly, in the most interesting and simultaneously embarrassing ways. The blood rushed from his head, and with another quick peck to Sakura's lips, he backed away. "I… um…"
"I noticed," Sakura giggled. Rubedo turned a deeper shade of red in response. "It's okay, I don't mind," she reassured him. He stood stock still in apprehension as she approached him again, reaching out through the water to let her fingers graze his chest. Like lightning, shock and a little bit of something else shot down his spine. Sakura pulled closer, tracing a path down his torso to his stomach and lower. Rubedo let out a gasp as her fingers slipped inside his pants and brushed against him. "So this is what the fuss is all about."
"Well, um… Ah!" he cried as her hand curled delicately around him. For one blissful moment, he forgot about being embarrassed and pulled her against him, painfully aware of only her body pressed to his crotch. "You're cheating," he growled into her hair.
"Fine," she said, taking his hand in hers and placing it upon one small but supple breast. Rubedo suddenly remembered the here and now and realized just what he was doing; yet he didn't remove his hand. "Come on," she said, guiding his fingers across her chest. She sighed softly as he began exploring her body, feeling, rather than seeing her contours. She blushed as his hands found her hips and her backside, looking away but the smile never leaving her face.
"You're beautiful," he whispered in her ear after he'd had his fill. She scoffed lightly but didn't argue with him.
"So are you," she said, and with all her daring, she tugged on his pants until they slipped off, eventually drifting up to the surface. "Will you hold me, just like this?" she asked quietly. Wordlessly, he pulled her arms around him and hefted her easily into his arms, supporting her as her legs wrapped around him.
"Like this? As long as you want," he murmured. They stayed like this, pressed together until only the tips of Sakura's hair dangling in the water were still damp.
The sun had passed its zenith by this time and the day had reached its hottest, so when they finally headed back to shore they contented themselves to sit in the grassy shade of the nearest tree. Rubedo rolled around in the grass, ridding himself of the sand he'd picked up. Sakura sat beside him with her knees pulled up to her chest, rivulets of water trailing down her skin. When Rubedo finally finished, he had to stare at her for a moment, fixing the image of her into his mind.
"You are so beautiful," he repeated, pushing the bangs from her eyes. He started when, instead of seeing the bright smile he'd expected, a single tear ran down her cheek. He jumped closer in concern. "What's wrong?" he asked urgently. When Sakura spoke, her voice was barely composed.
"Today… today has been the best day of my life, Rubedo." She paused, as if searching her brain for words, then choked out, "Rubedo, I'm gonna die!" Her shoulders began to tremble as silent tears tracked paths down her face. Rubedo sat stunned for a moment, before he felt the heat of his temper rise.
"How can you say that?! You don't know that! All of us are trying to beat this thing, and we're gonna figure it out!" he cried fiercely.
"I can just feel it," Sakura sobbed, resting her head on her knees. "I don't have much time. In just a little while longer…" she whispered in despair. "There're so many things I wish I could have done." Rubedo grabbed her by the shoulders firmly, forcing her to look into his eyes.
"Look at me, Sakura. I'm not giving up!" he said defiantly. Sakura's tears did not stop, and she didn't seem to cheer up much, but she gave him a small smile.
"I'll be brave for you, no matter what happens." Rubedo smiled back, caressing her hair tenderly.
"That's much better." Sakura allowed herself to be pulled into his arms, his now gentle touch raising goose bumps on her tender skin.
"I just… I just wish I'd had the time to meet my sister. To have a family of my own. To be loved by you." She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder. Rubedo didn't know what to say, so instead of using words, he squeezed her hand gently. Sakura looked up at him in askance, and yet maintaining the silence between them, Rubedo knew exactly what she wanted. He wanted it, too. He pulled her legs around him so that she straddled him, and began trailing kisses along her jaw and up to her ear. "Just once," she whispered. "I want to know what it's like."
"I know," he nodded, his breath on her bare skin making Sakura shiver. He continued to let his kisses trail, down her shoulder to her arm and finally to the inside of her wrist. His heart raced within him, and he felt from Sakura's pulse that hers did too. He knew everything technical about the act there was to know—the U.R.T.V.'s weren't raised like normal children; there was no 'talk'. Nevertheless, his anxiety mounted, broken only by Sakura's lips, smiling against his. This time he deepened the kiss, groaning as he felt Sakura's weight pressing down on him. Her alluring scent only drove him madder, and he nipped her lower lip gently. She shifted upon him, moaning into his mouth. Their breaths grew quicker as they began to feel each other's arousal.
"Rubedo, please. I… I need you," Sakura breathed. Rubedo cut her off with another kiss, as his hands roamed her body. Gently, he laid her down on the grass, shifting their positions so he was above her. Sakura looked up into his eyes, her own glazed in satisfaction. Rubedo slid his arms under hers and lowered himself onto her until he was so tantalizingly close he could have screamed. Her body heat radiated upward through him, and as his lips hovered so near to Sakura's she saw his eyes were half-lidded.
"I don't want to hurt you," Rubedo murmured, his bangs brushing against her face.
"Please don't worry about that," Sakura smiled, lifting her head to kiss him softly on the lips. "I love you. It'll be so worth it." Rubedo's lips quirked at this, but he said nothing, settling on top of her. He gasped as their heated skin finally made contact. Sakura beamed up at him, taking his hand in hers, their fingers lacing together.
"I love you too," he whispered, and he melted into her, the sun-dappled leaf shadows dancing across their skin as they made love under the azure summer sky. The pleasure raced through them both until it finally crashed down upon Rubedo like a wave. Sakura's arms flew around him as he collapsed onto her, his breath ragged but beginning to slow.
"Shh," she smiled, her fingers slipping into his crimson hair gently. He slowly raised himself off of her to gaze into her eyes.
"Still crying?" Rubedo marveled as tears streaked from her eyes. She grinned though, dispelling the fear that he'd done something wrong.
"It's because I'm happy," she whispered. Rubedo nodded, unable to keep the moistness from his own eyes. He scoffed lightly, rolling off her.
"Look what you turned me into," he mused. "Some weapon I am." Sakura shifted closer to him, resting her head on his chest.
"Whatever you say. You've always been this kind," she said peacefully. The blush crept up Rubedo's cheeks once again. "Thank you, Rubedo," she sighed. Exhaustion was setting into her voice. Rubedo's arms encircled her, a sluggish smile spreading across his face. He began stroking her hair and her sun-kissed skin contentedly, the dull roar of the waves lulling him slowly to sleep.
"Anytime," he whispered. They stayed in each other's arms, smiling and listening to each other's heartbeats until their breaths fell into shallow, even rhythms. In the distance, the dolphins played.
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"Dive-pod number three, disengaging," the same technician droned, some time later. Rubedo felt his senses in the real world slowly returning to him, but the cold didn't bother him anymore. He stepped out of the dive-pod, the smile still on his face. A towering shadow blocked his path however, and he looked up, cringing.
"Dad?" Dr. Yuriev stood over him, arms crossed and a severe frown aimed at him. Despite himself, he cowered under the man's harsh stare. "What is it?" he mumbled, fear gripping him. Dr. Yuriev's frown deepened.
"Don't play dumb," he growled, causing Rubedo to shrink back. "We picked up some very… unusual waveforms from you today," he said in an inscrutable tone. Rubedo swallowed, a cold sweat turning his hands clammy. He struggled to think of an excuse.
"Dad, I—"
"I know what you did," Yuriev interrupted. "No use making excuses." He stared Rubedo down in uncomfortable silence until the boy felt like melting into his boots. Then unexpectedly, Yuriev looked away, sighing. After a long pause, he said finally, "If you can do nothing else for her… at the very least, try to make her happy." Rubedo nodded, stunned. He opened his mouth to say something, but Yuriev had already turned to walk away. Rubedo stood for a moment, the smile ever so slowly returning. Then with a grin he reached into his pocket and pulled out his harmonica. That evening, the Institute's courtyard rang with the lazy, contented notes of the blues.