Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Scorpio (Part 4)

I stared up at the intricately carved wooden ceiling of my room, the intricate patterns and swirling designs blurring together as I lay on the bed, bored out of my mind and my frustration building. I wasn't sure what annoyed me more - the fact that Capricorn was the biggest, most insufferable asshole there was, or the humiliation of being punished like a child.

Knock knock.

I jumped out of bed, tripping over Sagittarius' packed suitcase in my haste as I rushed to swing open the door. And there she stood, my beautiful Aquarius, wearing a white mini skirt with a baby blue hoodie, her feet adorned with coordinating-colored shoes.

I couldn't help but smile at her, leaning against the doorframe, my arms crossing over my chest in a casual, almost nonchalant gesture. "Didn't you hear?" I ask, my voice filled with playful sarcasm. "I'm grounded."

"Yeah, I don't care," she giggles, stepping up on her tiptoes as she wraps her arms around my neck, her body pressed flush against mine.

I chuckled, leaning down to accommodate her reach, wrapping my arms around her waist in reciprocation. As I stood back up, her feet lifted off the ground, prompting her long, white hair to cascade down my back and tickle my skin. I shut the door behind her, and she squeals and giggles as I spin her around, one arm staying wrapped firmly around her waist, the other snaking underneath her bottom to support her.

"So what exactly did you do to Capricorn?" she asks, the strands of her hair now caressing my face and neck as she cups my cheeks, her blue eyes locking with mine, brimming with curious intrigue.

I tilt my head, taking in the enchanting sapphire hues of her eyes, a warm smile spreading across my lips. "You make me so happy, you know that?" I ask, deftly changing the subject, unwilling to spoil our time alone by dwelling on Capricorn.

Her smile widens, and she lets out a nervous, almost giddy laugh. "Really?" she asks, her voice soft and almost breathless.

"Yeah, really," I confirm, mimicking her tone playfully as I press my forehead against hers, and then leaning in to place a gentle, affectionate kiss on the tip of her perfectly shaped nose.

"It should just be us two in the world," she says, her porcelain fingers gently brushing aside my disheveled hair in a tender, almost reverent gesture.

I roll my eyes playfully, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "I wish," I say, leaning in to press my lips against her cheek in a loving, lingering gesture, my breath warm against her skin.

"What would you do first?" she asks, her eyes shining with curiosity and excitement as she waits for my answer, her plush, pink lips curled into a bright, captivating smile that makes my heart flutter.

"Kiss you," I murmur, leaning in to kiss her cheek again and savor the sweetness of her skin. "Over and over again," I chuckle, impulsively pressing a series of fervent, passionate kisses against her neck.

She squeals, a giggle escaping her lips as she squirms out of my arms and darts away. I chase after her, my heart racing with a heady mix of desire and playfulness, and I manage to catch her arm, only for her to wince and jerk it back from me, her movements defensive and guarded.

"Are you hurt?" I ask, my voice laced with a deep, underlying current of suspicion as I scrutinize her closely, my eyes searching for any signs of injury.

"No," she mutters, but I can tell she's lying, the way she holds her arms in a protective, almost self-conscious manner giving her away, her vulnerability seeping through the cracks in her facade.

I reach out and grab her hand, pulling her closer to me as I gently roll up her sleeve, my eyes widening in shock and horror at the sight of the numerous, angry-looking cuts that mar her flawless, pale skin. She tries to pull away, but I hold her still by her waist, rolling up the other sleeve to find her other arm in a similarly disturbing state.