Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Virgo (Part 1)

"Okay!" Capricorn exclaims, commanding the full attention of the assembled signs. His voice instantly silences the chatter, every eye turning to focus on him as he stands tall and authoritative in the center of the living room.

I force myself to tear my gaze away from Leo, though the temptation to keep studying his expression is nearly overwhelming. The tension between us has left me thoroughly unsettled, yet it amazes me how effortlessly he can shut me out, his stubborn silence a clear indication that he expects me to make the first move. But I can't simply overlook the cruel, hurtful words that have driven this wedge between us.

"...Flights are booked," Capricorn informs, snapping me back to the conversation. "I want everyone up at 5 am," he declares as I realize that I've likely missed crucial details while caught up in my own troubled thoughts. Capricorn's eyes sweep over the group. "Did any of you pack like I told you to?" he asks, prompting some of the signs to nod obediently, but Leo looks distinctly uncomfortable, his fingers fidgeting absently with a wayward lock of his hair. "I just need everyone to make sure you're ready for when Scorpio drops us off at the airport," Capricorn continues, his gaze lingering on each of us in turn.

At the mention of his name, Scorpio's brows furrow in confusion. "Wait, why am I the one dropping you guys off?" he asks, raising his hand to interject, clearly unaware of this sudden responsibility.

Capricorn scoffs dismissively. "I'd rather keep you and Aqua away from each other for as long as I can." he says, his eyes darting pointedly between the two signs who have purposefully placed themselves as far apart as possible on the couch.

Scorpio's expression twists into one of open disdain. "So you'll leave her with Aries?" he asks sarcastically, rolling his eyes and releasing a disbelieving, humorless laugh. "Great plan."

Aquarius rolls her eyes dramatically, the gesture dripping with disdain. "Actually, I'd prefer Aries over you right now," she retorts, her words clearly intended to provoke and antagonize Scorpio. He narrows his eyes at her, his expression darkening with irritation.

Poor Scorpio - if only he knew that Aquarius would never let on just how deeply their breakup has affected her. She's put up her guard, using biting sarcasm and feigned indifference as a means of messing with his head.

"Relax, nothing's going to happen," Capricorn interjects, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation as he attempts to placate the clearly irate Scorpio.

Aries chuckles teasingly, the mischievous glint in his eyes betraying his true intentions. "Nothing that you'll know about," he murmurs, his voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper, innuendo filled within his words.

Before Scorpio can react with the violent outburst that's undoubtedly brewing beneath the surface, Capricorn quickly announces, "Last thing - Aries will be in charge." He concludes the meeting with that declaration, leaving little room for argument or dissent.

"Sweet," Aries murmurs, a sly smile spreading across his face. I shoot him a pointed, warning look, deeply concerned that he might try to further exacerbate the already volatile situation, but my worried expression goes unnoticed, his focus solely on the power he's been granted.

Scorpio stands abruptly, the couch cushions shifting beneath the force of his movement. Stalking over to where Capricorn stands in the center of the room, he gets right in his face, the tension radiating off him in palpable waves. "This is why I despise you," he mutters, his hand balling into a tight fist as he turns on his heel and storms away, his heavy footsteps echoing as he descends the staircase.

Leo stands as well and quickly follows suit, jogging down the steps with a sense of urgency, eager to retreat to the solace of his room where it's likely far easier to maintain his impenetrable silence.