#zeffirelli

Zimra and I were best friends. We’d been friends since our ninth grade year and now we were in eleventh. Zimra’s older brother Zeffirelli was a year above us.

I supposed I’d always found Zeffirelli cute. I liked his passion, his wild hair, and piercing eyes. He had the most creative ideas. He loved chess and his cigarettes. I found his speeches interesting when they were usually called long winded.

I’d had a small crush on him for a bit now. The past couple months he and I had gotten closer. I’d joined the chess club and Zimra had been having parties more often. This meant that I was over much more often. I felt jealous of Juliette, who seemed to be his main rival. He was always just kind to me.

I wondered what kindness meant from a boy like him. Surely, he was the type to desire intrigue, competition, or a chase. He was likely the type who wanted to convince a girl to be his. He would probably love to sway a mind.

Last night I’d stayed the night with Zimra. She had been stood up for a date. I’d brought over some alcohol I’d pinched from my older sister. We’d attempted to do a spa night and relax to make her feel better. Unfortunately, Zimra, feeling depressed, had snuck extra drinks. She’d gotten wasted pretty fast since she was slight like her brother.

I’d rubbed her back while she’d puked in the toilet. I’d made sure she got to bed alright. She was turned on her side so she wouldn’t choke. Her sound machine made the sounds of a thunderstorm. I also made sure water and pain killers were placed on her bedside table.

I wandered downstairs to get some food in the morning. Zimra’s mother was out of town. I was surprised to catch Zeffirelli making some pancakes,

“Is Z coming down?” He asked. I shook my head and yawned. I sat on the stool by the kitchen bar. I laid my head down in exhaustion.

“Would you like some breakfast?” Zeffirelli said next.

“Really?” I asked hopefully.

“Yes,” I said gratefully.

“Alright then,” he grinned. He flipped the pancakes and whistled a tune I didn’t know. I enjoyed watching him cook. He moved fluidly. He was so elegant, all long limbs, wild hair, and soft skin.

“I have to tell you something,” she said slowly as he slid the blueberry pancake onto the plate. He pushed the meal towards me. He also handed over the syrup once he was done with it.

“Yes?” I asked. I felt silly as I tried to cut my pancake elegantly. I didn’t even know what that even would entail.

“I-I am doing this new thing where I always tell the truth. I also am apologising to those I feel deserve it,” he explained awkwardly.

I took a bite of his delicious breakfast. It was savoury and sweet and nearly melted in my mouth. He let out a long sigh before I could compliment his abilities.

“I, well, y/n,” he started. He ran a hand through his messy hair. I kept my eyes on him and waited.

“I have had a crush on you for quite a long time. I think you are just the sweetest thing in the world. I know it’s so bad, because you are my little sister’s best friend-“

“I have a crush on you too,” I blurted.

“Wait really?” He asked giddily. He looked at me with the goofiest and most adorable smile I’d ever seen. Then it fell dramatically.

“No, I shouldn’t be happy.”

“You can be happy,” I smirked and leaned across the island. I let my shirt collar ride low. I enjoyed when his eyes flickered down and he gulped.

“It, it isn’t right,” he stuttered.

“Come on Zeffirelli,” I crooned.

“Come on what?”

“Come here,” I coaxed. He moved as if he was out of control of his body. He was soon nose to nose with me.

He leaned forward and pecked my lips experimentally. He looked fiercely dreamy. He touched his lips as if I’d blessed them. I giggled. His gaze snapped to me when I did and he melted.

“I want to do that again so fucking badly,” he swore under his breath.

“Alright then love bug,” I replied. I yanked him to me by the leather jacket he wore. It was ridiculous to wear inside but I loved it all the same. I pressed my lips firmly to his. Our mouthes slotted together perfectly. His large hands moved to cup my face. I felt goosebumps all over. Every time he tried to pull away, I drew him back in. He would make a small adorable noise, and accept my affections.

I was drunk on his lips. My heart was pounding like a drum. My body thrummed with excitement. Everything inside me was on fire with delight. I loved this more than I could express.

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?” Zimra’s voice screeched from the bottom of the stairs. We jumped apart as though electrocuted. We were both hot with guilt and embarrassment.

“I told you,” Zeffirelli murmured.