Two warm hearts, two ways
In astrology these two are ruled by the Moon and the Sun, and they have something of that feel. Cancer is private, and takes care of what’s going on inside. Leo is public, and shines outward. Both have a lot of love to give, and both want family, or a family of choice, at the center of things. Cancer makes a Leo feel adored, and Leo drinks that up. Leo makes a Cancer feel protected, and proud to belong to someone so warm.
It helps that Leo is generous and Cancer has a long memory, so kindnesses tend to be remembered and repaid.
Who’s looking after who
Cancer gives a great deal of care, then waits to see whether it’s noticed. Leo notices some of it but is often busy, surrounded by people and pleased with the night. So Cancer goes home feeling invisible, and doesn’t say why. Leo, faced with a cool shoulder after what seemed a great evening, is hurt in turn. Neither sign likes being rejected, and both tend to protect themselves by making the other come to them.
Leo can also treat a Cancer’s moods as an attack on their happiness: “We had such a nice time, why are you like this?” And a Cancer can use guilt as a tool, even without meaning to, which really stings a proud Leo.
Equal shares of being cared for
Leo can make private attention as big a deal as public charm: a few minutes after the party, just asking “How are you, really?” Cancer can ask for that instead of hoping. Say “I’d love you to tell me that was a good dinner.” It isn’t a failure of romance. Each of you is also more easily hurt than you look, so go gently.
There’s a neat symmetry between these two Suns, and it’s similar to what shows up in Sun conjunct Moon. If you’ve got that contact as well, this is worth reading about. If you don’t, your charts have something else to say.