Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

POV: Aries (Part 1)

"Drop off the earth signs first," Capricorn tells Scorpio, quickly adding the last few essential items into his neatly organized suitcase as he issues his decisive instructions. "My parents hate when I'm late," he continues, casting a disapproving glance in the direction of Leo, who's currently engaged in a rather chaotic attempt at juggling his folded socks that he's pulled from his own open suitcase. "Then the fire signs next or I'm sure they'll do something stupid."

"Hey!" Leo and Sagittarius exclaim in unison, with Leo accidentally dropping his socks onto the plush carpeting in his indignation.

The group is gathered in the living room, awaiting their departure, and I can't help but subtly glare at Scorpio from my spot on the couch. I'm still furious with him for what he's done to Aquarius - I had explicitly warned him not to hurt her, and now I'm on edge, my nerves frayed as I worry that it's only a matter of time before Aquarius loses that precious, fragile control over her own volatile emotions.

"Why can't you guys just use the teleporter in the basement?" Scorpio complains, his brow furrowing in clear frustration as he desperately tries to find a way to weasel out of his driving duties. It's obvious he's not at all comfortable with the idea of Aquarius and I being left alone together, and to be honest, I can't say I'd feel any differently if the roles were reversed.

"Because it only works during emergencies," Capricorn reminds him matter-of-factly, reaching into his pocket to pull out the car keys. "Catch," he commands, tossing the metal through the air with pinpoint accuracy towards Scorpio.

"Well, that's helpful," Scorpio retorts, his tone dripping with sarcasm as he catches the keys in his palm and clenches them tightly within his fist.

"Cap, don't forget to tell my parents I'll be with Leo's family," Virgo interrupts, her voice carrying through the room as she rolls her white suitcase with vibrant green polka dots into the living area. Aquarius is close behind her, arms folded protectively over her chest as she settles onto the other end of the couch, her features set in a contemplative, almost wary expression as she observes the scene unfolding before her. "I don't want them to worry," Virgo adds, her gaze catching Leo's. He grins at her, and she reaches out to touch his shoulder, they share a quick, tender kiss, their noses lingering as they both smile at each other, an oddly affectionate display that tells me they've somehow made up, though I'm not sure what they were fighting about in the first place.

"I won't," Capricorn assures Virgo, his voice laced with a hint of gentle reassurance as he opens the front door, gesturing with a firm, commanding hand for Scorpio to take the lead and get moving.

Scorpio rolls his eyes but reluctantly follows Capricorn and the rest of the group out the door. "Let's get this over with," he mutters under his breath as he exits, casting one last hesitant, almost resentful glance in Aquarius' direction, only to be met with her immediately turning her head away. Scorpio's lips pull downward into a dissatisfied frown, and he shuts the door behind him with a quiet, resolute click, leaving Aquarius and I alone in the suddenly deafening silence that permeates the room.

I hear Aquarius let out a soft, weary sigh, the sound barely audible but tinged with melancholy. Clearing my throat, I try to draw her attention. "So..." I trail off, scooting closer to her on the couch, the subtle shift in the cushions drawing her wary gaze momentarily. "I guess it's just you and me for now."

"Yeah," Aquarius mumbles quietly, her mesmerizing azure eyes firmly fixed on her slender, fidgeting fingers, purposefully avoiding any semblance of eye contact as she retreats further into herself.

I nod slowly, my gaze drinking in the tense line of her shoulders and the downcast tilt of her features. Rising from the couch, I exaggeratedly stretch my arms high over my head, letting out a small groan as I feel the satisfying pop of my joints. "Want some breakfast?" I ask, not even waiting for a response as I begin making my way towards the kitchen.