TRIAL AND ERROR | short stories + snippets

Another Ziles scene that appeared in my mind and I had to write it. About Ziri and Miles from I Was Just Trying To Be Funny and I Just Want You To Like Me.

*

"Stop moving!" Ziri pushes Miles back down when he reaches for his glass of ice tea on the sofa table. He's nestled between Miles's legs for easier access while his own legs kick the air with joy.

Miles drops his head onto the armrest with a huff, watching the ice tea with longing before his focus flicks to Ziri, busy at work. He pulls Miles's boxers down a little, trying to hook the waistband out of his way.

Ziri unearthed a packet of old markers from somewhere earlier in the week and immediately turned into a toddler who simply has to doodle on the walls. Except it's not walls he needs to doodle on. No, he has spent all of Saturday morning diligently colouring in Miles's tattoos.

The patchwork sleeves on his left arm and leg are already vibrant, as is the serpent and the crane that covers his torso. Currently, Ziri is bringing the flowers above his pelvis to life.

"What if I just buy you a colouring book?"

A scoff scathes against the roof of Ziri's mouth. "What use on God's Earth would I have for a colouring book?"

Miles sits up, not bothered when Ziri draws a streak of purple across his belly button. He picks up his ice tea to down half of it. It's not even cold anymore. They had started the day watching Fresh Off the Boat while they ate their breakfast, though Ziri's attention span had frayed after a few episodes. Incredible how he seemingly has had no trouble focusing on the tattoos for several hours now.

"I am not gonna lie here all day for you to colour."

Ziri laughs. "Yes, you will."