Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Virgo

In Leo's dimly lit bedroom, we're engaged in a comfortable, intimate back-and-forth, our conversation punctuated by the occasional exchange of soft, languid kisses.

As I glance over at the clock on his nightstand, I realize with a pang of reluctance that the time has slipped away. "I should go," I mutter underneath my breath.

But Leo immediately shakes his head, his eyes gleaming with a hopeful intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. "No, spend the night with me," he pleads, his fingers entwining with mine.

We move to the edge of the bed, Leo sitting down and I standing between the perfect vee of his legs. "No," I giggle, savoring the adorable pout that forms on his lips.

"Whyyyyyyy?" he groans, dragging out the word as he buries his face against the soft fabric of my sweater, his warm breath caressing the sensitive skin of my stomach. I can't resist the urge to run my fingers through his soft, blonde hair.

His usually boisterous demeanor softens when he's with me, revealing a more affectionate, clingy side of him that feels like his true self.

"I'm having a slumber party with Aqua and Gem," I explain, planting an affectionate kiss on the top of his head, my lips lingering for just a heartbeat longer than necessary.

Leo looks up at me, his voice displaying a pleading desperation. "Let me come," he pouts, wrapping his arms around my waist in a possessive, almost needy embrace. There's a childlike innocence to his request, as if he simply can't bear the thought of being apart from me, even for a single night.

I shake my head, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Girls only," I giggle, my hands coming to rest on the sturdy expanse of his broad shoulders.

He groans, gazing up at me with those irresistible puppy-dog eyes that have a way of undoing me every time. "Flower," he mutters, his face nuzzling against my stomach in a gesture that's both childlike and unspeakably sensual. It takes every ounce of my willpower not to give in to his charm.

I tilt my head to the side, letting my hair cascade over my shoulder. "What?" I ask, reveling in the way he's taken to calling me by that endearing nickname, the one that makes my heart flutter with equal parts affection and flustered anticipation.

"You're always with them," He complains, his grip tightening around me. "I want you for myself."

"You just need so much attention," I giggle, leaning down to plant a soft kiss behind his ear - a gesture I've learned drives him wild. There's something so comforting, so utterly endearing about the way he seeks my touch.

Leo's expression gets caught between a pout and a smile. "I want you to sleep here so I can cuddle you," he voices, attempting to convince me.

I feel my face flush with heat at his persistence, knowing full well that if I were to stay the night, he'd likely want to explore more intimate activities. As much as I adore him, I'm just not ready for that level of intimacy yet.

"Leo-" I begin, only to be cut off by his playful threat.

"If you tell me no, then I'm not kissing you goodnight," he declares, giving me a playful glare.

"No," I tease, leaning in for a goodnight kiss anyway, savoring the warmth of his lips against mine.

He returns the kiss with fervor, a smile spreading across his lips as we part. "You're just lucky you're cute," he murmurs, gazing up at me with a look of pure adoration that makes my heart swell.

"I love you, get some rest," I say, my voice softened by the depth of my affection. Reaching out, I gently brushing a wayward lock of hair from his forehead.

"I love you too, flower," he replies, pecking me on the lips one more time, his touch lingering ever so slightly. "Have a good time, okay?"

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow," I promise, feeling a twinge of guilt for turning down his request. I know how much he craves my attention, and I ache to make him feel as cherished as he's made me feel.