Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Leo

"Are you in a better mood now?" I ask Virgo, planting a tender, affectionate kiss on her forehead. After her fiery altercation with Libra, I brought Virgo to the earth hall, hoping to cool her temper.

"Sorry, Leo," Virgo murmurs, her voice muffled as she buries her face in the crook of my neck, her arms wrapped tightly around my back. I, in turn, envelop her in a warm, protective embrace. "She just pushes every single wrong button within me," Virgo confesses, her breath tickling my skin as she speaks.

"You can't let her keep getting to you, V," I gently chide, slowly breaking apart our embrace and extending my hand out to her.

"I know, I know," Virgo sighs, latching onto my hand, allowing our fingers to intertwine as we walk in contemplative silence towards her room.

When we reach the door, Virgo pauses, her hand hovering hesitantly on the handle. "...I'm not a bad person, right?" she asks, her voice laced with a hint of self-doubt as she gazes up at me, and I momentarily lose myself in her eyes.

"Course not, you're a sweet angel," I reassure her, a soft blush dusting my cheeks as I placed my hand atop hers and guided the door open.

"I mean, maybe I shouldn't have gone so far as to tell her to, well, you know... die or anything," Virgo mumbles as we step inside, shutting the door behind us. I take the opportunity to wander off and explore the intimate details of her private sanctuary, admiring every little personal touch that makes it uniquely hers.

"Well, yeah, that was a bit on the extreme side," I reply, chuckling lightly at the intensity of her reaction.

Virgo lets out a frustrated groan, flopping backward onto her soft, cloud-like mattress, her body sinking into the plush bedding. "Ugh, why am I the one who even feels bad?" she laments, her brow furrowed in a mix of annoyance and bewilderment.

I trail my fingers reverently along the delicate petals of the flowers adorning her windowsill, pausing to caress the radiant bloom of her prized love blossom. "I mean, she's the one who called me a snake," Virgo continues, her voice laced with frustration. I grab the watering hose and give our plant a gentle sprinkle, listening intently as she vents.

"Mhm," I acknowledge, glancing over at the half-unpacked suitcase in the corner, my imagination running wild with the possibilities of its contents. "Hey..." I trail off, turning my attention back to Virgo as I change the subject. "Are you coming with me to the fire realm for parents' week?" I ask, unable to mask the hopeful longing in my voice.

Virgo lets out a heavy sigh, her eyes filling with uncertainty. "I don't know yet," she admits, and I can't help but feel a little disappointed, even as I force a reassuring smile and nod in understanding.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a familiar piece of white fabric on the floor nearby, and I can't resist the urge to investigate. "Hey!" I exclaim, scooping it up and holding it aloft. "My jacket!" I say excitedly, the memory of lending it to Virgo rushing back. "You finally washed it after all this time?" I ask, delighted to be reunited with my beloved garment.

"What?" Virgo frowns, her brow furrowing in confusion as she lifts her head to examine the clothing in my hands. "No, that's mine," she insists, the slightest hint of defensiveness creeping into her tone.

I can't help but furrow my own brow, my gaze shifting back to the oversized jacket I'm holding. "...No, it's mine," I retort, my fingers gliding over the soft, supple fabric. "I can tell this is way too big for you," I mutter, pulling the garment to my nose and taking a deep whiff. Instead of the scent of our shared laundry detergent, I detect a familiar intoxicating aroma. "Smells like flowers..." I murmur, the realization dawning on me as I whirl around to face Virgo, a newfound sense of accusation glinting in my eyes. "V, have you been wearing this?" I ask, my tone dripping with playful insinuation.