Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Taurus (Part 2)

I awoke with a deep, languid stretch, my body undulating across the rumpled sheets. The party had been wild, my limbs aching from hours of dancing to the pulsing beat. The music still thrummed in my ears as I rose, the cool caress of the sheets sliding against my bare skin.

With a soft groan, I slid my feet into plush slippers, the cushioned fabric enveloping my aching soles. As I reached for the door, a moment of self-consciousness washed over me. Glancing down, I realized I had forgone a shirt in my drowsy state. But as I was about to reach for one, I remembered - the scars I had once been so self-conscious about were no longer there, thanks to the intervention of Cancer. A smile spread across my face as I recalled that day, the way she had gently held my hand, offering compassion and support during that difficult time. With a newfound sense of confidence, I continued out of my room in search for the other signs, proud to walk without the burden of hidden insecurities.

The chatter from the living room was impossible to miss - it seemed most of the signs were still awake, engaged in lively conversation. But it was the hushed tones coming from the kitchen that drew my attention. Curious, I approached the doorway, peering in to find Capricorn and Gemini, an unusual pair, engaged in a hushed conversation.

"Gem," Capricorn's deep, soothing voice calls out as he fills an empty glass with cool, clear water. "Here, sober up," he says, his eyes filled with concern as he sets the glass down in front of the inebriated Gemini.

Gemini's usually vibrant eyes are now glazed over, half-lidded and unfocused. Her head rests heavily against the countertop, a childlike petulance etched into her features as she murmurs, "I don't want to... I'm having too much fun."

Capricorn's expression softens, a tender smile playing on his lips. He reaches out, his large hand cupping Gemini's chin and guiding her face up to meet his gaze. "Come on, sit up," he urges gently, his free hand moving to her back to help her straighten her posture.

Gemini complies, albeit reluctantly, and Capricorn wastes no time in grasping the glass and raising it to her lips. He tilts her head back slightly, his other hand cradling the nape of her neck. "Drink," he commands, his eyes glowing with a soft, comforting blue.

Gemini obediently parts her lips, allowing the cool water to slide down her throat. She swallows it all with ease, and when the glass is empty, Capricorn sets it aside, tenderly wiping the excess moisture from the corners of her mouth with the sleeve of his shirt.

"Okay, come on," he urges, nodding towards the doorway as he reaches for her hand, helping her to stand from her chair. He then moves her arms to rest around his neck, providing her with the support she needs. With a gentle lift, he scoops Gemini into his strong, cradling embrace, holding her close to his chest. "It's time for bed."

"No," Gemini pouts, her voice soft and childlike, but Capricorn merely chuckles, the sound low and warm. He then silently moves past me, Gemini secure in his arms, giving me a slight nod of acknowledgment as he makes his way to her room. I nod back, watching as they disappear, and then turn to the living room, where I find Aries, Sagittarius, Pisces, Leo, and Libra gathered.

Sagittarius waves me over, a grim look etched across his usually cheerful features. "You just missed everything," he says, his voice tinged with a rare solemnity.

I take a curious glance around the dimly lit living room, noting Cancer's conspicuous absence. A tinge of unease settles in the pit of my stomach as I ask, "What happened?"

Libra, lounging languidly on the couch, speaks up, her tone nonchalant as she carefully files her perfectly manicured nails. "Aqua and Scorp just broke up," she informs me, her eyes not even meeting mine.

My eyes widen in genuine surprise, the news catching me completely off guard. "Seriously?" I exclaim, my voice laced with disbelief.

Leo, ever the dramatic one, stands from his seat and slings an arm around my shoulders, a mischievous grin spreading across his features. "Apparently Cancer and Scorp were locking tongues while Aqua was across the room," he says, nudging me playfully.