Jo tilted her head back and laughed out loud as Leon dipped her and then spun her around perfectly. "Of course you know how to dance," she said breathlessly. "Is there anything you actually don't know how to do?" The music slowed and then stopped. A big man in a white tux and onto the stage with a microphone in his hand. He tapped his finger on the microphone a few times to get everyone's attention.

"Thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for coming out tonight to support the aquarium and all the rehabilitation programs that we are introducing this upcoming summer. My name is Jason, and I will be your MC for the night! It has been a wild yet exciting ride as we acquired the permits and grants to be able to fund this." He paused as people applauded. "Now, we know that the main benefactor of this establishment is Mr. Jay Donovan." The announcer gestured to a small man with dark hair and round glasses standing to the left of the stage. Mr. Donovan waved both his hands as people clapped again.

"But some people that you don't know about that work behind the scenes." He pointed to Steve. "Steve Drake who works with the dolphin rehab facility." The MC then pointed at a young woman with long blond hair in a short, silver dress. "Alice Jenkins who works with the seals, sea otters, and other pinnipeds." Alice blushed and raised her glass at the applause. "Jo Ann Davis who works mainly with the sea turtle and manatee rehab centers."

Jo turned beat red and waved a small hand in the air as people applauded. She wanted to sink in Leon and hid her face, possibly never coming out again. Jason introduced a few more people and then instructed them to take their seats and dinner would be served. Jo and Leon sat at a round table near one of the glass overlooks to the shark tank. There were a few other people that sat down and thanked Jo for what she did and made small talk about the aquarium in general.

Reaching under the table, she slipped her hand into Leon's and gave it a gentle squeeze. The wait staff brought out more champagne and an entree of alfredo chicken pasta, sauteed red potatoes, and steamed vegetables. The plates were steaming and smelled divine. "Thank you, Jim," Jo said quietly as the waiter placed the last plate on the table, nodded, and scurried away. Looking once more at Leon, she gave him a small smile. "Welcome to my world," she said quietly and gestured to the tank beside them.

“I am a god.” He said with a smirk. “I know how to do everything.” Their dancing was smoother than the rest of the people on the dance floor and there was no doubt that they were drawing attention but did Leon care? Not one bit; in fact he was doing nothing more than staring at the goldfish laughing and smiling in his arms. This was all that mattered to him so why would it matter than others were watching them.

Leon applauded with the rest of the crowd as the man announced everyone’s names and what they did to help set up the event. And as the group moved to the table they set down. His attention moved to the tank at which they were placed near, breaking his gaze to look at the goldfish around the table it was obvious that some of them held a high position of power, hence why they weren’t cringing under his presence. Good, a cowering group of goldfish at a table wouldn’t make for much company.

The pressure on his hand was a bit surprising and he turned his attention to see Jo looking at him calmly. Her welcoming to her world made him smile slightly as he leaned forward and whispered to her. “Animals are attracted to power; expect to get up close and personal to ‘your world’.” He said with a nod as gave her hand a squeeze in return before they went on with their meal. As time passed the group at the table shared conversations about this and that and even Leon joined in. Expertly dodging questions about what he did for a job but allowing people to know that Jo saved his life and if it wasn’t for her he wouldn’t be able to continue his work.

“She is my goddess.” He said giving her a smile. His movements with his food was those of a trained individual who obviously eats around higher class people. He knew exactly what fork to grab where to play his napkins and the proper mannerisms to have at the table. Sadly none of this was for his own personal enjoyment but rather because he was force to learn how to do it because of his position.

One of the women at the table began to hit her husband and point toward the glass over Leon’s shoulder as soon most of the table was staring over his shoulder in wonderment. Behind him, up against the glass, the 4 sharks had found their way to it and were hovering as close as they could get to the glass looking directly at Leon. He continued to eat as if there was nothing out of the ordinary and even pulled all the viewers attention back him as he began to talk a bit more about what he did for a job.

“Helping people is my passion, however my focus is on humans. Jo takes care of the animals, I take care of the humans and together we make a perfect team.” With that he gave her a grin, “Wouldn’t you agree?”

The sharks hovered and swam past the glass, back and forth, back and forth. Jo watched them out of the corner of her eye and grinned. Leon was right. Animals sense it too. His power seemed to radiate from him like an invisible force field. She hadn't really paid that much attention to it since they had met. The pull and electricity between them was always apparent between them. She couldn't seem to take her eyes off of him, let alone stay away from him.

When Leon grinned at her and said they made a good team she nearly melted. This hard and cold god truly cared for her. She didn't think she could ever feel this much happiness and love for one person. As the dinner came to a close, the wait staff brought out plates of cake on rolling trays. Jo snagged a chocolate one from one of the passing trays and popped a forkful into her mouth. Closing her eyes, she sighed. 'They make the best cakes ever. These come from a small bakery in downtown. I love them!" She grinned and wiped the chocolate frosting from her lip.

The music started playing softly in the background as people got up and started to mingle again and walk through the silent auction that had been set up while they were all eating. Jo put her fork and empty plate down and stood up. "Come on. I want to show you something." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him through a small door in the far right corner of the room. It led to a narrow hallway that was lit by bright florescent lights. She pushed open a set of grey double doors on the right side of the hall and flipped on the lights.

More florescent lights hummed to life and flickered on reluctantly. Inside the room was large and open and similar to that of a large garage. A giant pool dominated the center of the room. It was sunken into the floor a few feet, yet still stood at least 6 foot off the ground. A wooden set of stairs led to a pier that went a few yards over the water. Jo led the way up the stairs and made a sweeping motion with her arms.

"These are my manatees. There are 6 here now. We just released 3 back into the wild last week. Most of them are here because they were caught in nets or hit by passing boats that weren't paying attention." She knelt down and put her hand in the water and splashed a few times. A large grey nose emerged from the water and snorted a few droplets as it took a breath. A large pink scar marred the right side of it's face and it's right eye was white and clouded over.

"This is Myrtle. She has been here for 3 months now, but I don't think she will be able to be released. She has no vision in her right eye and is missing a large portion of her right fin. We think she was cut by a propeller and then tangled in a fishing net, but we aren't for sure." Jo stroked the manatee's nose affectionately. After a few moments, she stood back up and wrapped her arms around Leon's waist. "These are my goldfish," she teased, "They are bigger than most and seem like cows, but I love them." She scrunched her face up and giggled.

Leon stared at the cake in wonder, what was this? It was a chocolate something-or-other with fluffy stuff on top. Doing his best not to show his surprise of the pastry place in front of him, he followed suit with the goldfish and took a bite of the cake. His amber-golden eyes expanded in shock as he looked from his fork to his plate, whoa! This was delicious! Never in his long life had he had chocolate presented to him like this. Wow humans… good job.

He finished his cake almost as eagerly as his date did but never lost his composure at the table. What was that?! The people at the table comment about how delicious the chocolate cake was and he could only assume that’s what it was. Man, that was unexpectedly delicious for a goldfish food. As everyone was making their own exit, Leon leaned back comfortably in his chair and watched the group of people leave and go towards the silent auction and mingle with individuals they knew.

Then his date began to pull on his arm and he followed her without hesitation. At first, he questioned her intentions as she took him by the hand down a small hallway but it wasn’t until they came into a large room that he realized exactly where they were, despite going from a darker lit room into a bright florescent light garage. Blinking a few times he followed her to the poolside and gaze down upon the manatees. His eyes flicked from the creature at her hand to her, her bubbly happiness was sweet and he found himself tilting his head as he watched her. She was so gentle and so kind, yet he felt like if he touched her wrong he would hurt her; despite his desperate desire not to do so. Yet she was here, she wasn’t afraid, she wasn’t running away and she didn’t want him for his power. She wanted him for him.

Bracing her back, he snuffed down at her. “Goldfish look tiny and insignificant from the heavens. Do not compare your humble creatures to the mere goldfish I deal with on a regular basis. For these are far superior as they are under your care.” He said with a firm nod before reaching his hand up and snapping his fingers. “I desire another dance.” With that a soft music began to fill the air and the ceiling above them faded into a see-through appearance opening up the skies above them to allow in the stars. “May I have this dance?”

The stars were absolutely breathtaking overhead. The ceiling seemed to melt away before their eyes and revealed the heavens above. Jo gasped as moonlight filled the room and the florescent lights flicked off. Then she was in his arms. They swayed back and forth to the music that he had summoned with his power and Jo couldn't help but grin. She loved his man, and by some strange twist of fate, he seemed to love her too. Her head dropped to his chest and she listened to the strange rhythmic beat of his heart.

"You can have all the dances that your little heart desires," she whispered and nuzzled her nose against the soft fabric of his shirt. Taking a deep breath, she breathed in the smell of him. Soap, cologne, and masculine Leon. His broad shoulders flexed as he pushed her back and spun her in a slow circle, dipping her low as the music continued. She could not think of a better memory. Even in her wildest dreams, she would never have fathomed that she would be here tonight dancing under the stars with the god of wishes.

A thought flitted through her mind. "Who granted my wishes before I met you? I know you are the only one that does now. You're the only one that I want to," she added quietly and bit her lip. "Did you ever see me in your reflective pool?" Jo closed her eyes as several memories can to mind. Memories of her wishing that the pain would go away. Wishing that she had never met the sleezeball that she moved out west for. Wishing that she could have a family. Out of all the wishes that she had wished over the last few years, she wondered who granted them?

A small tear escaped her eye as she tried to force the memories away. She didn't want to be alone like she was before. When the jerk had left her stranded in the hotel parking lot with nothing but her backpack, claiming to never have loved her in the first place. She was 'just a good lay' to him.

Her head tilted back and she stared up into Leon's golden eyes. He would leave her to go back to heaven. Would he actually come back for her? Would she truly be enough? Jo hoped and prayed and wished that were the truth. That she was enough to keep him with her. "Leon," she whispered, his name a breath. "I love you." She blinked up at him with a small smile.

Her question surprised him; he gave a shrug to answer her question. “I don’t know and frankly I don’t care. It is useless to live in the past. The past defines who you are and if you don’t like who you are change it now. That’s goldfishs’ problems; they are stuck in the past depressed over what happened instead of realizing they can affect the future better but focusing forward, no backwards.” His words were bluntly honest as always but when it comes down to it, it was true.

Looking down he saw that she was crying and removed a hand from her hip to gently wipe away the tear, a tender smile across his face as his eyes soften. “Cry my little goldfish, you’re here with me. Cry all you need to.” He gently cupped her face and press his forehead against hers, a soft smile along his fine lips as he watched her closely with his amber-golden eyes. “I love you too Jo.” He said in a faint whisper as he pressed his lips softly against hers.

Pulling back from the kiss he grinned down at her. “How much longer must we stay? I have some play I want to take you.” His voice hinted to a small adventure.

She pulled her cell phone out of her clutch and shot Carla a brief text saying that she was going to catch a ride with Leon and to have fun with Paul. She put the phone on silent before tucking it away in her clutch once more. "We don't have to stay any longer. A lot of people head out after the dinner as well because it is getting late." Glancing at the large clock on the wall she noted that it was a little after 11 pm.

Good grief he looked so good with that cat that ate the canary grin on his face. He didn't smile often, but he was starting to smile more around her. She hoped and prayed that he didn't think she wanted him to change the way he was. Jo liked the fact that he was stern, blunt, and sometimes bossy. Because that meant that when he was alone with her he was softer toward her.

"Do tell me, where do you plan on kidnapping me to?" She asked with a grin and led him to a garage door at the other end of the room. It rose with a loud humming/grinding noise and clicked to a stop. The night air rushed in around them as Jo laced her fingers between Leon's. With her grin still in place, she sauntered out into the open night air and knit her eyebrows together. "Well, little lion?"

A classic arrogant smirk moved across Leon’s fine lips as he reached down and grabbed the chin of his girl, turning her head upwards towards him. “You like being kidnapped by me.” His assured and matter of fact tone showed nothing more than he continued to be the Leon he was when they met. However, she was his woman now and that’s all that mattered to me. Leaning down he dropped a gentle kiss on her cheek before letting go of her. This time, he placed a large hand over her eyes as he wrapped the other arm around her waist, pulling her to him.

SNAP

The smell of the ocean soon filled the air and he gently pulled his hand from her eyes. In front of them was a layout of a blanket on the sand with a bottle of wine, two glasses and some fresh fruit. The stars sparkled above them without a cloud in the sky. Taking her by her hand he guided her to the blanket and kicked off his shoes before sitting down on the blanket and uncorking the wine with ease.

He poured a glass of wine for each of them and offered her one with a small smile.

Jo lifted her right hand to her throat and stared at the scene before her. She was utterly speechless and surprised. This was not something that she had ever imagined Leon doing for her. Her cheeks heated with a crimson blush as she sat herself down next to Leon and took the glass he offered. "Thank you. Leon, what is all this? Did you do ALL of this?" she asked quietly and stroked the soft blanket beneath them.

The stars sparkled in the night sky like diamonds in the dark. It was completely quiet excepted for the waves crashing against the shore a few feet behind them. Jo had never seen anything quite so peaceful. Taking a piece of fruit from the basket, she twirled it around in her hands uncertainly. Her stomach was doing all kinds of strange flips and dips, and her mouth was extremely dry. She knew that he wasn't using his powers on her at this moment, and yet sitting next to him at that moment, she found it very hard to concentrate on anything. She bit her lip and peeked up at him from under her lashes, fighting the urge to set the wine glass aside and tackle him to the sand.

Trying to keep her mind clear, she took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. The feeling reminded her of how she felt the first day she had met Leon when she had been in the mansion alone with him. Trying for small talk, she asked him, "What do you plan on doing now that you have me kidnapped and held hostage?" The small smirk playing across her face was illuminated by the soft moonlight that fell from the skies and seemed to surround them.

Leon had spent some time putting this together. He knew after their time with the party that he would need to get away from the goldfish and be around the only human he really could stand. The night stars sparkled brighter than ever and the waves crashing against the shore seemed almost rhythmic in its actions. A long sigh left the blond haired man as he looked over at his beloved goldfish.

Her question made him smile as he took a drink of the wine and leaned back against the forearm of his free hand. He let out a soft sigh before looking back out over the water. Her question was a playful one and he couldn’t argue the playfulness that was in her voice and the smirk across her face. Placing his empty wine glass down he reached over, taking her wine glass from her and placing it down as well. In a swift motion he pulled her to him, causing her to tumble on top of him before he rolled over, pinning her under him once again; the stars twinkling behind his silhouette.

“Goldfish,” He began softly, “Little goldfish. My little goldfish. Do you love me…. Do you trust me….” His face curled into a soft smile as he pulled his hand from the ground and gently placed it onto her face, stroking her cheekbone with his thumb. They had to have a very important topic they needed to discuss but poor Leon really didn’t want to approach it. Leaning down, he placed his forehead against hers, “Jo will you be loyal to me… Will you… wait for me?”

He was nervous? He seemed to want to say more, but couldn't find the words, or didn't know how to say the words he had. Jo closed her eyes and settled herself underneath him. "Wait for you?" she asked aloud and took a deep breath. She had waited her entire life for him, and she knew that she would wait out the rest of it just to see him smile and be happy with her. Jo hugged him tight.

"It depends on if you take too long," she joked and ran her fingers through the back of his hair. "You silly little lion. I would wait forever for you," she whispered in his ear reassuringly. "I worry that time passes differently between the two places though." She opened her eyes and met his soft, golden gaze. There were more things that she was worried about as well, but she didn't know how to address them, or even think about them at this moment.

Her smile widened. "Trusting though is another thing entirely.' she giggled. and waited a few moments as he stared down at her, worried. "I do love you. I do trust you. And I will wait for you," she whispered between kissing his chin. cocking her head to the side. "Don't you trust me?" she asked quietly and pressed her forehead against his once more. What had gotten into him?

Her words were reassuring in his ear and her tight hug made him feel comfortable with the situation. “It doesn’t.” He said plainly in response to her statement about the passage of time between the heavens and earth. Gazing softly down at the beautiful human beneath him he gave her a tender soft smile.

“I trust you. I do not trust the other goldfish.” He said in a simple, matter of fact, tone before leaning down and kissing her gently on her lips. Despite his normal actions towards her, he was tender, soft and kind. His hand gently traced along her face and down her neck as he lowered himself gently onto her, deepening the kiss. Dropping his passion into the kiss as he did so; he loved this little goldfish, he loved this woman with all his heart and everlasting soul; which he did the best he could do to convey that in his loving kiss.

He pulled back from the kiss; a small single tear ran down his cheek. He knew the time had come and he didn’t want too… he didn’t want to go… He rolled over, taking her on top of him and wrapping his arms around her holding her to his chest. He had this last night with her and he wanted to make the most of it. “Can we stay like this for the night?” He asked softly as gently stroked her head with one large hand and kept his other arm wrapped around her body, snapping his fingers, a blanket draped over the two of them as he returned his hand to her back.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," she whispered and snuggled in closer to him, listening to his heartbeat. She reached up to stroke his cheek and felt the wetness of a tear. She pulled away from him just a little and leaned back on her elbow. "Leon? What's going on? What's wrong?" she asked, panic rising in her chest. Her stomach dropped to her feet as she stared at his face.

This was the end, she realized. Well not the end but he was going. He had to leave her soon. Her eyes blurred as Jo reached up and hugged him tight, not wanting to ever let go. She wanted to beg and plea, but she knew that she had no choice, neither did he. He would continue his job up there and she would continue hers down here, alone. Both wishing for the others. She wished that she could wish for him to stay with her, but she knew that he could never grant that wish. no one could.

Placing her head back on his chest, she wanted to make the most of tonight, because she had no clue when she would be seeing him again. "Leon," she whispered, her voice cracked. She was unable to hide the pain from her voice. She wished that she could go with him, but again it was another wish unable to ever be granted.

Jo looked up into his eyes and touched her lips to his once more. She could stay up all night and kiss him and just stare into his eyes, memorizing the lines of his face. "My little lion," she whispered to him with a small smile on her face.

She asked what’s wrong… she asked what’s wrong and Leon couldn’t get himself to say it. All he could do was stared into her eyes with his amber/golden eyes. Seeing her tear up made his heart ache and he tightened his grip on her rubbing her back and head in a relaxing manner. He wanted to make this night something she would remember because even he wasn’t sure how long he would be gone.

He could hear her wishes, but it was something he couldn’t grant no matter how much he wanting to or how desperately he felt the need and desire to. Instead he wanted to make sure she had a precious memory. “I am your little lion. Yours and yours alone.” He said softly as he placed his lips on hers.

The night was spent them embraced with each other kissing and cuddling under the twinkling stars and soon they were slumbering in each other’s arms. The sun soon rose over the sea and Leon’s eyes flickered open. Sighing softly he looked down at his beautiful goldfish and gently touched her face as she slumbered. She was so beautiful, so wonderful and so perfect. And today was the day he had to say good bye.

Sighing softly he gave her a gentle kiss on her lips. “Jo…” He whispered softly. “Jo you need to wake up, we need to get going.”

Groaning quietly, Jo tried to pull the blanket back up to her chin and snuggle in deeper to Leon. She was awake. In truth, she hadn't slept much all night. Dread filling her heart, she opened her eyes slowly and grinned when she saw Leon looking down on her. "Hi," she whispered huskily and sat up on her elbows. She rubbed her eyes with the backs of her hands to try and dislodge the sleep that lingered there. 'Did you sleep good?" she asked, knowing the answer for him was probably much the same as it was for her.

Jo stretched her arms high above her head and yawned. Standing slowly, she gathered her shoes in one hand and the basket of wine and fruit in the other. "To the mansion?" she asked sullenly and kept her eyes on the ground. She had promised herself that when this time came, she would not cry. She would not. And yet, a tear slid down her cheek.

It felt as if her heart was breaking and he hadn't even left yet. She laced her fingers through his and squeezed them tightly. She had a job to do. She had to help the others. She couldn't be a baby about this. "I'm ready," she whispered softly.

When she asked if he slept good he stayed silent. Truth be told, he didn’t sleep, even though he was actually tired here on earth. He couldn’t sleep. He wanted to watch her face, memorize it and have it implanted into his memory for the time that he was gone. He didn’t know how long he’d be gone but what he knew was that it was going to be a while. Sighing softly be gathered up the supplies and the two began their walk back to the mansion.

The arrival at the mansion was quiet and sad. He discarded the things and took her to his room. “Jo,” He said softly as he shut the door behind him and ran his hand along her face, brushing away the fallen tears. He snapped his fingers and changed back into his Department of Wishes uniform and removed his hand from her face. He pulled his jacket from his shoulders and draped it over her shoulders. “I don’t expect you not to cry. But you will not cry without this on you. Keep it until I come back, it will hold you for me.” Placing his hands on her face making sure that she was look at him, “My room will be your safe-haven my love. Come here any time and be around the things that remind you of me. You will never be alone here.”

Leaning down he placed his lips against hers and whispered, “I love you Jo.” He placed a sealing kiss, a promise kiss, a kiss for her to remember. In that moment he pour all of his passion, all of his fire, all of his love for her into the single kiss. Making it well known that he loved her, he was hers and he will miss her. Soon his body began to fade into a soft light but that didn’t stop him from kissing her. He kept a hold of her face until he had completely dissolved from the room and reappeared in his room in the heavens.

When he realized he was back in the heavens he dropped to his knees, cupped his hands over his face and cried.

Jo felt him fading. She could feel his shoulders slowly start dissolving under her hands as they kissed. She closed her eyes and sighed, letting the last tiny remnants of him fade into the silence. She was alone in his room. Dropping to the floor, she pulled his jacket around her and inhaled the smell of him. She didn't cry, she didn't shout, she didn't kick and scream, at least not on the outside. On the inside she was doing all of those things at once.

Jo stood up and walked over the the pool in the corner, staring at the reflection looking up at her. Her eyes were red rimmed and her cheeks were flushed. Without really knowing, she turned and tossed her entire body onto the bed. That was when it hit her. The mattress didn't dip beside her from where he would sit down. She didn't feel his hand on her hair like she had grown used to. She couldn't hear his slow steady breaths. She sobbed quietly and hugged his white coat to her chest.

---

3 days later

Jo walked down the pier with a stuffed lion tucked securely under her right arm and ate the remaining piece of the hot dog she had ordered. The gaping hole in her stomach had eased enough for her to at least eat something. The guys at the mansion had been understanding of her distance, but she knew they were growing restless. She had to help them as well.

Looking down at her phone, she shot a quick text to Carla to let her know that she was doing fine and Leon was fine. Carla had went with Paul to Miami for a long vacation. Jo climbed in her jeep and headed back to the mansion. She didn't know who to help first, but she knew she needed to get back to it.

Pushing the heavy door open with the stuffed animal in tow, Jo stopped when she realized they were sitting in the living room. Her face heated up and she gave a small wave, trying to push the lion behind her back. "Um..Who do I need to start helping first? I'm sorry I haven't really been myself lately." She gave a small shrug and headed to Leon's room to deposit her things and the lion, the new addition to her pillow collection.

The gods sat in the living room, each quietly partaking in the paperwork before the door opened and the sound of footsteps came into the house. The group watched the poor girl, each feeling her intense emotion of sadness as she left the entryway to go deposit her things into the lion’s room. The group exchanged looks with one another. No one liked seeing her depressed, even though her love is supposed to be against the heavenly law, they couldn’t blame her for being in love.

Scorpio stood up. A long sigh left her as she looked at the group giving them a single nod before walking to meet her at the base of the stairs. Upon Jo’s return downstairs Scorpio gestured towards the basement at the two went downstairs and into the room with the Punishment’s reflection pool. She gestured for her to stand behind her and place her hand on her shoulder.

“Lady Scorpio.” Isabelle’s voice rang from the staircase as her feet pitter-pattered down the stairs, “I brought the documents!” The little girl ran into the room and handed an arm full of papers to the awaiting goddess. “And these are for you Lady Jo.” Isabelle said with a smile on her face as she handed Jo three papers. And at that, she exited.

Letter 1

My Goldfish,

I granted over 1,000 wishes today on my own and many of my employees seem to be slacking more than the ones on earth. This did not last long as I cracked down upon them, reminding them what joy they bring to the goldfish when the wishes are granted. And that the smaller the wish the bigger the impact it will have; you taught me that.

~Leon, God of Leo
14

Letter 2

My Goldfish,

Today was another busy day. Except I didn’t get to grant any wishes today; today was a day for a meeting between the Department of Wishes and the Department of Punishments. Without Director-Stick-In-The-Mud, the Punishment Gods didn’t have much to say or argue with me about and I relished in their silence when I presented my side of the discussions for the Departments. I hope the slacking Punishment Gods aren’t working you too hard; the departments here in the heavens are lazy as always which means they’re most likely working hard on earth. Do not overwork yourself Goldfish.

~Leon, God of Leo
13

Letter 3
My Goldfish,

It’s my first ‘day off’ since I returned to the heavens and… I’ve done nothing but watch you from the reflecting pool in my room. Yesterday you had a piece of gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe yesterday on your way into work. It looks like you were busy today, but you helped a lot of people and that’s more than what I did today. My amazing goldfish doing the work of a god without any magic. Keep up the good work goldfish.

~Leon, God of Leo
12
P.S. Name him after me.

Feeling as though her stomach had dropped to the floor and her heart was caught in her throat. She took the papers addressed to her, leaving her left hand on Scorpio's shoulder. "Thank you!" She called after Isabelle as she retreated up the stairs once more. Jo read the letters slowly and bit her lip to keep it from trembling.

It felt good to know that she wasn't the only one not able to get her mind off of him. Jo looked down at the reflecting pool as Scorpio did her last task. Waving her away, she started on the paperwork.

With a grin on her face, she darted up the steps, past a surprised Axel, and into Leon's room. "Sorry!" She yelled back at him. "My bad!" Closing the door softly, she rummaged through her things until she found what she was looking for. A pen and paper. She hadn't thought about Isabelle being able to go back and forth so she hadn't been writing him as much as he had.

My Leon,

Of course he has been named after you. I sleep with him every night. The gods down here of been slacking the last 3 days, but that's my fault. I have been locked in your ivory tower, sulking. I am now out and helping again. The lion helps. I however do not think it is fair that you can watch me but I can't see you. Counting down the days.
I miss you. XOXO
Jo, goldfish extraodinaire

She grinned and looked up at the ceiling and for good measure, in case he was watching, she stuck out her tongue and scrunched her nose up. Laughing at herself, she folded the piece of paper and set off to find Isabelle.

She found her in the backyard swinging. "Will you take this to Leon, please?" She asked and handed over the envelope with a small, sheepish smile. Isabelle grinned and disappeared instantly.

---

The next four days were spent helping out all the gods one by one try to catch up and do as much as possible. Jo was feeling slightly better than she did after Leon's disappearance. None of the gods had spoken much about it, fearing to cause her more heartache.

She sat on the sofa in the front living room, reading a novel while everyone else was writing up reports for the day. She curled her legs underneath her and stared blankly at the pages, not seeing the words. Instead she was thinking about what Leon was doing up above. Jo pictured his face in her mind with that soft smile and twinkle in his eye he got when he was laughing at her. With a small smile, she bit her lip and blinker a few times, coming back to the present. This was harder than she thought it woul be.

“Lord Leon! I have a letter for you!” Isabelle skipped into his office in the heavens. Leon’s desk was covered in paperwork and the young man had his hand through his hair. It wasn’t the same from when she did it and now it was just stress and uncomfortable-ness. Isabelle handed him the letter with glee, “I’m so glad you finally chose someone!!” Her little voice had a vast amount of giggle in it as she seemed to jump up and down with glee.

Leon’s amber-golden gaze turned to his little God-Daughter and instead of getting annoyed or made at her, he simply smiled at her, an honest smile before the little girl giggled and ran out of the office. Sighing, he opened the letter and read it. His fingers danced along the paper. It was nice to see her handwriting with something addressed to him. She was thinking of him as much as he was thinking of her. Then again to an outsider he might seem like a creepy obsessed stalker when he watched her every chance he got in the reflecting pool but even when she was sleeping and the cute faces she made. He missed her tremendously.

The following day, Isabelle showed up at the manor and again delivered work and letters to Jo with a grin on her face before skipping off to do other things.

Letter 1

My Dear Goldfish,

The heavens are surprisingly dull. I used to enjoy my time alone and found solitude as the best medicine for me to cure anything I need to. I was so used to belong alone without you that now… I don’t like it… I miss you goldfish. More than I ever imagined.

~ Leon
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Letter 2

My Dear Goldfish,

Work today was exhausting. 3,000 wishes to be granted plus a pointless event in the heavens. My only thoughts were how much you would have enjoyed it. Many people in fancy gowns and clothing, dances and drinks along with a massive amounts of food. The only thing I know for sure is that the most beautiful woman is stuck on earth being unable to attend. I’m not much of a social person but I was stalking the whole time because you weren’t here. I miss you goldfish… more than I think I can write in a letter.

~Leon
10

Letter 3

My Dear Goldfish,

Today was somewhat of a relaxing day. I spent it in my room watching you. Probably one of the better ways to spend my day off; but Isabelle did take me outside to play with her. There’s a horse up here I really think you’d enjoy. She’s a beautiful winged horse who’s incredibly playful. She loves to take people for flights so it wasn’t a surprise that Isabelle went for a ride and pulled me along with her. She doesn’t stop talking about you. I think she likes you a lot. But not as much as I do, you are my goldfish after all…. I miss you.

~Leon
9

Letter 4

My Jo,

Another busy day, this time it was pointless meetings and discussions; it’s a long process for the work I do but it could be worse I suppose. At least with the meetings I’m out of my office and walking around. I find myself staring off into the distance wondering what you’re doing nearly every time I pass a window. There isn’t a moment I go by where you are not in my thoughts my little goldfish. Soon, continue to be patient. But soon my love, I will hold you in my arms again.

~Your little lion
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