#anita west

[oocdc-tweets]

arrowfam vs young justice

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[pitufitaispunk]

Velvet Ring

Pairing: Riff x Latina!Reader

𝙇𝙤����𝙚 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚 ��𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖 𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙫𝙚𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 .☘︎ ݁˖

Summary: Y/N Vasquez, younger sister of Bernardo Vasquez, leader of the Sharks, falls for the leader of the Jets.

Velvet Ring is also available to read on Wattpad (@/augaeretine) and AO3 (@/milkyflan) !

Ch.1 ❀ : Unforgiving Sun

Ch. 2 ❀ : Florería

Ch. 3 ❀ : Maybe

Ch. 4 ❀ : Conocido

Ch. 5 ❀ : Curiosity

Ch. 6 ❀ : Te Seguiré

[tonymarias]

tag yourself

[clownzaf]

HEY TUMBLR does someone have a ff of Young Justice original (if possible the WHOLE team not only the core four but also if it’s only the core four that’s ok) meeting the Young Justice cartoon?

[crystaltreebee]

me listening to America from West Side Story: I’m so sorry Anita, we have failed you.

he have failed Anita so bad. We should’ve made a world she loved, one that was better than then. But we haven’t, if anything it’s getting worse

[best-character-named-x-poll]

have you done your daily click

[stuckasmain]

Love how the jets have an entire song about emotional regulation and calming down and then proceed to do the exact opposite. They make it worse in fact.

I know you’re hurting but apologize to Anita right the fuck now.

[knockoff-conlon]

the scene in west side story where the jets try to gang rape anita is so hard to watch for multiple reasons.

1) its so real. like women go through that for real. and anita screaming and trying to defend herself is so real. it just hurts, as a woman, to watch that and watch them make fun of her and rip her dress and everything.

2) the jets literally rip her dress and force her to the ground and they're like laughing and excited meanwhile one of their own- their leader- just died. in the place of a woman who hates them buy is sheltering them from the cops out of respect for tony and riff. like the jets just seem so evil in that scene. it makes my skin crawl.

3) grazie. i could write a full essay on grazie on that scene. but like. fuck she makes it so much more emotional. the jets men are taunting her and making fun of anita and grazie just wants her to leave them to grieve. she just tells her to leave. and then the men start taunting anita and grazie literally grabs balkan and forces him away from anita. she tells them to let her go, to leave her alone, to stop it. and then they all start making anita dance with them and they pull off her shawl and grazie starts yelling. she fights with them to the point that the men pick her up and have to force her out. and even then she tries to grab onto anita and stay with her and pull her away from the jets. because she's a woman and gets it and gets the fear. because she like does not care about the whole racist feud, she cares about the sisterhood and making sure other women are safe. and then they lock her out and she screams and cries and pounds on the door and begs them to not hurt anita. she stays there, doesn't run or hide so she doesn't have to watch. she stays and screams at them. and waits, even when valentina saves anita. she stands out there, waits for anita. only after anita is out and already heading home does grazie move. and even then she stands on the steps and watches anita's back. i wish they'd shown grazie try and like check on anita once she finally escapes the store. grazie is just the best example of women protecting women.

like the scene just hurts to watch. all of it. like it actually hurts. but anita and grazie grabbing each other's wrists to hold on to each other and anita screaming at grazie to help her will always be the saddest and most painful part for me.

[iloverace]

the parallel between these two pictures?!

[scottyzoomz]

rewatching west side story 1961 and im like looking at little details in the background and look what i found.

IM GOING TO FUCKING CRY. IT SAYS BERNARDO + ANITA WITH A HEART I HATE THIS I LOVE THEM SO MUCH AUHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGH

@ask-bernardo i think you would like to see this Mod.. i dont even know if you're still into wss but have this

[oocdc-tweets]

Game Theory (Don’s version)

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[pitufitaispunk]

Velvet Ring

Chapter One: Unforgiving Sun

Pairing: Riff x Latina!Reader (West Side Story 2021)

Velvet Ring Masterlist

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

June 3, 1957

I groan dramatically as I try to cool myself down with Anita's red folding fan, the flimsy lace hardly does anything to relieve me of the humid air. I squirm in my bed, the fuzzy fabric of my knitted blanket feels unbearable against my skin in this heat. Just as I toss the fan onto the floor, Anita twirls into my bedroom with a flourish. She has a bright smile on her face, the puffed skirt of her lavender dress swishes as she walks.

She begins rummaging through my drawers aimlessly, "Nena, voy a recoger- is that my fan?" She points down to the floor, her brow quirked at me. I confess that I almost always take Anita’s things without asking her and she gets annoyed with me for it, but she can’t stay mad at me for long. We’re a lot like blood sisters in that way.

I smile sheepishly and quickly sit up, watching as Anita snatches the fan off the floor, "Can you blame me for taking it? It's the hottest day of summer!" I exclaim, adjusting the straps of my white slip.

Anita rolls her eyes at me and slams the dresser drawer shut, "It's not even 100 degrees out. Get up and get dressed. I'm going out to buy some fabric." Now it's my turn to quirk my brow at her.

"What are you buying more fabric for?" I ask. Anita tilts her head and sighs, as if I should know the reason why.

"You do remember there's going to be a dance in a few weeks, yes?"

I toss myself face down onto the bed again and groan, burying my face in my pillow, "¡No quiero ir! Nardo will make me go with one of his friends and I hate dancing in front of people and it will be so crowded-" Anita forces me to sit up.

"You're young! You should be enjoying your life, not spending it locked away in your room. The only time you ever get out of this apartment is to work. You're going to the dance y eso es definitivo. You'll wear a beautiful dress — thanks to me, of course— and I'll make sure Bernardo picks a friend that is a good dancer to be your date." Anita grins and I know her word is final.

I roll my eyes and get up from my bed, "Está bien. I'll come with you to buy the fabric, just let me get dressed." I walk over to my dresser and grab a blouse and a skirt.

Anita squeals excitedly and runs into the kitchen to grab her coin purse, "Apúrate, I want to go before the morning rush!"

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

I always loved going to the market with Anita, even on sweltering days like this. The bustling crowds and constant chatter made me feel at home. When we lived in Puerto Rico, my mother used to take Bernardo and I with her when she went shopping. Bernardo always hated it, the old ladies that worked the stalls would pinch his cheeks and comment on how handsome he was getting. My mother and I laughed at how embarrassed he would get. So now, I appreciate when Anita lets me tag along with her to the market.

Anita tsks softly as she looks through the different rolls of fabric, "I think I will make my dress black..." She mutters to herself.

I turn my head and gasp as I notice a sleek red fabric. Anita huffs a laugh, "Mamita, you know your brother would never let me make you a dress from that fabric."

I pout, "Why does he treat me like I'm still a baby? I'm 18, a grown up! I should be able wear whatever color dress I want." I huff, crossing my arms over my chest.

Anita laughs, "Lo siento, Y/N, pero I'm making you a white dress... and if you want people to stop treating you like a baby, then stop pouting like one."

I scoff at her words. Deep down I know she’s right, but white is just so bland and boring. Who would notice the girl in the simple white dress? Nobody. It's like Bernardo wants me to be single all my life. That is if he doesn’t marry me off to one of his friends.

I sigh as Anita begins looking through the different spools of white fabric.

"I think you will look beautiful in this." She says with a smile, holding up a sheet of lacy white fabric.

I can't help the way my gaze softens as I imagine the delicate lace turned into a dress, "Maybe a white dress won't be so bad."

Anita pats my shoulder, grabbing a spool of black fabric for her dress and the lacy white fabric she picked for mine, "I'll go pay for these, you wait here." I nod, watching as Anita heads up to the vendor.

I hum softly to myself as I continue browsing the fabrics for fun as I wait for Anita to come back. Crash!

My head snaps up at the loud noise. I immediately see a group of white boys running away from knocked over crates of fruit a few stalls over. They laughed and whooped triumphantly as they made their escape, their pale sweaty skin glistening beneath the harsh sunlight. The Jets. I roll my eyes and am about to continue looking through the fabric when one boy catches my eye. I pinch my brows curiously as he picks up a mango from one of the knocked over crates and rubs it on his shirt, halfheartedly cleaning it before biting into it. The mango’s juice drips down his chin and onto his neck, I feel my cheeks heat up. I note that he’s a bit scrawny, he’s got slightly toned tattooed arms and a broad chest, but he’s still skinny enough where I wonder if this mango is the first ‘meal’ he’s had in a while. I slowly raise my gaze to his face again and realize he’s staring right at me. I’m frozen in place by his blue eyes. His lips quirk into a hint of a smirk before he hurries away to catch up with the other boys, tossing the bitten mango over his shoulder.

“Y/N!” Anita’s voice calls behind me, startling me just a bit. I turn and watch her walk over to me, a grin on her face and a brown paper bag in her hand. She shakes the bag slightly, making the fabrics inside rustle, “I got them. Let’s go home.” I nod and traipse behind Anita back to our apartment.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

Once Anita and I get home, we’re greeted by Bernardo and two other Sharks at the dining room table. I notice they all look a bit serious, Nardo was tending to the wounds on his fists, but as soon as he notices us, he smiles.

“Hey, where were you two?” Bernardo asks kindly, though his brows were still slightly furrowed in concern. Nardo always did that. Whenever he’s feeling worried or scared about something, he slaps on a fake smile and acts like nothing is bothering him. Usually his concern is revolving around the Jets, but he never brought that business home. Sometimes, I can hear him and Anita talking about it through the walls, but he’s never spoken directly to me about the whole gang rivalry with the Jets.

Anita smiles and walks over to him, “We were just picking up some things for our dresses.” She leans down and kisses his cheek, leaving a red lipstick stain. “¿Y ustedes? What were you doing?” Bernardo smiles broadly and guides Anita into his lap, “After we finished up at the gym, we talked about…” He looks up at me, his face hardening momentarily, “Things.” He gives her a tight lipped smile, Anita nods curtly in understanding.

I narrow my eyes at him suspiciously and take a seat across from him, “What kind of things, Bernardo?” He just chuckles at me, “Don’t worry about that, pollita.” I roll my eyes at the nickname. It was my family’s name for me as a child because my legs were skinny like a baby chick’s. Bernardo always called me pollita in front of his friends to embarrass me. I assume he’s using it now to shut me up, but it takes a lot more than a little name to get me to stop talking.

I sigh, “Nardo, no soy una bebé. I should know about the Jets y-“ He shakes his head vehemently.

“No, pollita. Es demasiado peligroso, I don’t want you getting mixed up in all this. Tienes que entender que el mundo de las pandillas no es para chiquillas como tú.”

I slump in my seat in defeat. I knew my brother was serious and although I still felt like arguing with him, I knew that wouldn’t help me in convincing him that I am a mature adult. I decide to drop the topic of the Jets for now, but I was going to learn more about them one way or another.

I check the time and realize I have to start heading to work.

“Ya tengo que irme.” I mutter, standing from my seat. For the past three months, I've been working at a flower shop, La Orquídea. My boss, Señora Rivera, is a little old woman with curly gray hair and a shorter stature. She always wears bright red lipstick and the frilly pink apron from our uniform over a frumpy dress— she’s also always napping on the job. I don’t mind working at the florería too much. However, I previously wanted to get a job at Doc’s because Valentina is a kind woman and I feel comfortable with her, but Nardo protested the idea. He claimed that too many Jets hung around Doc’s and that I should work somewhere that was deeper into Sharks territory. Obviously, I tried to reason with him, but when Nardo puts his foot down, he doesn’t budge.

Anita stands from Bernardo’s lap and hugs me, “Que tienes un buen día, nena.”

I smile at her then lean down to hug Nardo as well. He pats my back, “Ten cuidado.” He says softly, his expression serious as he points up at me.

I laugh, grabbing my purse and packed lunch from the kitchen counter, “I’m always careful.”

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼

[soldierandawar]

when I listen to a boy like that/I have a love, I think of where Anita started at the beginning of the story. full of life and love for Bernardo and Maria, but she is also optimistic about their life in New York. she was teasing, light, and excited about living, and then the love of her life was taken from her. her grief turns her into Bernardo in a way. "one of your own kind, stick to your own kind." that's not something she would've said at the beginning. In fact, she was almost teasing Tony and Maria, "Do you want to start World War 3?" but as soon as she found out Bernardo was dead, the color was ripped from her. The light is gone, and she's a shell. Her anger in the song is so palpable. At this moment, she hates Maria for daring to be with the man who murdered her love. "he'll murder your love. he murdered mine." she is so filled with hate but is still willing to help Maria run away with Tony until the scene at the store, and that hate fills her again, and she tells them that Maria is dead. She didn't get her happy ending, so why should Tony? Why should these animals get to feel a sliver of the love she felt when Bernardo was alive.

[aptdamp]

love them

[crystaltreebee]

current project

AUDIO IS WEIRD BC ITS NOT FINISHED AND THE ORIGINAL VIDEOS AUDIO IS STILL ON

There used to be more but the transitions weren’t working for me, so I’m going to try again tomorrow

[sl-newsie]

Cool Your Jets- Ch. 3: Let’s Dance (Riff x newcomer)

I finish cleaning up my sad attempts to make dinner and then go to freshen up when I hear a knock on the door.

“Riff, if that’s you I’m gonna rip your arms off-!” I hiss as I yank the door open, only to find a dark blue swing dress with a note attached to it.

Marilyn,

Anita made this for you! She wants you to show those Jets who’s boss! See you at the dance!

Maria :)

A smile grows on my face as I take the gorgeous blue dress inside. There’s a dotted pattern on the skirt and low-cut bodice, and like my other new dress it’s very flowy. I don’t know how I’m gonna be able to repay Anita for this! I slip it on with a tulle petticoat and twirl in front-a the tiny bathroom mirror. After some makeup and a halfway-decent hairstyling I think I’m ready, and I almost feel too dressed up. Back in the country, simply wear’n a dress with no mud spots on it was fancy enough, but I know city folks got higher standards.

As I head out I remember that I’ve got no clue where this place is, so I decide to go with my intuition and follow a group-a dressed up Puerto Ricans to a school. I wish I could go to school, but since I gotta pay rent there’s no use try’n to squeeze in time.

Inside I can already hear blare’n swing music and the sound-a lots-a people talk’n and laugh’n. I stick to the wall and scope the gym out, noticing that the Sharks and Jets have divided the room.

“Marilyn!”Maria rushes up, dressed in white, and engulfs me in a hug. “You came! And you look wonderful!”

“Of course she does!” Anita walks up, she herself wear’n a black and red dress.

“I must admit, amor- this it definitely the best dress you’ve made.” Bernardo smirks. “Sorry about earlier, chica. I think we got off on the wrong foot.”

I wave it off. “Nah, it’s fine. I’m new here same as you, more water under the bridge. I haven’t been to a dance in months, so let’s dance!”

We group together and walk onto the dance floor, and I notice that Anita and Bernardo take no regard for the line separating the Sharks and Jets. I feel awkward just stand’n here by myself, so I just stay off to the side.

“Hey! Ya made it!”

Mouthpiece runs up with a big smile on his face. “How’re ya supposed to dance when you’re tucked away in the corner? Come dance!” He takes my hand and starts lead’n me to the center-a the room.

“Uh I donno, Mouthpiece. Everybody here’s dancing so intense, and back home we’ve never had social events like this-”

“Just relax! Have fun!” Mouthpiece jerks my arm and sends me falling towards the floor, only to scoop me back up and twirl me around.

“Aw- oh- Oh my God!” I cry as he lifts me up. “What are you doing?!”

“I’m dancing with a pretty goil!” He grins as he twirls me again.

I chuckle sarcastically. “You’re too kind, Mouth!”

“That your new nickname for me?”

“No, it’s just that you can sometimes have a big mouth.”

“Aw!” He dramatically clutches his chest. “I’m scarred beyond repair!”

“Get over it!” I playfully push him and he takes me in for anodda dip.

“I’ll take over from here.”

We both turn and see Riff standing next to us with an amused smirk on his face.

“Jeez, boss. We just got started,” Mouthpiece whines.

“I’m sure Velma wants a fella to dance with,” Riff waves him off. Mouthpiece leaves after giving me a quick look of apology. Now Riff turns to me and offers a hand.

I put my hands on my hips. “Why on Earth would I dance with you after that? Mouthpiece invited me to a nice dance, and now you come here all high-and-mighty try’n to cut in!”

“I just wanna get to know the new goil in town. C’mon, ya won’t regret it!” He winks.

Cautiously, I look around and spot Grazi with anodda Jet.

“Won’t your goil get jealous?”

Riff follows my gaze. “Grazi? Nah, Diesel’s keep’n her company. Right now I’m all yours.”

I give him one more skeptical look, then roll my eyes in defeat. “Fine.”

He takes my waist, a lot more snug than Mouthpiece I might add, and starts waltz’n us all over the room.

“Took a while to find ya! You been look’n for me?”

“When I came I expected to find the leader of a stubborn gang.” I shrug.

He laughs. “Oh really?”

I give a devious smirk. “I’ve been trying to find him, but all I can see is a cleaned-up Jet boy.”

“Ey! Get away from her!” Bernardo comes up and shoves Riff away from me.

“You got a problem, amigo?” The Jets leader pushes Bernardo and they both start circle’n each odda.

“Guys, just stop it!” I try to break them up but it’s no use.

“She’s with us, punk!”

“That’s funny ‘cause last I checked she was meet’n with us!”

“Guys!!” I get in-between them and they seem to remember I’m still there. “I’m here for everyone! Can you guys just go ten minutes without fighting?”

“Hey, hey, hey! Everybody please calm down!” A chaperone comes up to stand in the middle of the Jets and Sharks mob. “There are beautiful goils here that wanna dance, can’t we all just get along?” He goes to talk more about social rules, but then-

“There you are!” Anita comes over and yanks me over towards Maria on the sidelines. “What are you doing? I suggest you stay with Maria and Chino until this mess gets settled.”

Maria huffs. “Anita! We want to dance!”

Anita shakes her head as she heads back to dance with Bernardo. “You can, away from the Jets!”

I sulk in the corner as a massive dance-fight takes place: Sharks vs Jets.

“¡Oye, Javi! Ponle fuego, ¡vamos!” Anita shouts.

Maria and Chino eventually join in, but me being alone leaves me awkwardly pacing back and forth.

“Mambo!”

“Mambo!”

“Go!”

As I watch the dance break out, I can’t help but be a little bit jealous of Riff ‘nd Grazi. She looks like she’s having so much fun, but Riff seems… distracted. He keeps look’n at Bernardo, and Bernardo keeps look’n at Riff. I gotta say- he ain’t a sight for sore eyes. I can understand why Grazi keeps him so close, and can’t help but feel sad that I don’t got no fella to call my own.

I make my way to the back, but then Riff seems to recognize someone next to me. He leads Grazi over, leaving me to stiffly loiter around and stare at the ground.

“Tony! Ya made it! I knew you’d come!” Riff beams with joy. He pulls me forward and gestures to a tall, dark, and handsome guy. “Marilyn, this here’s Tony. One-a the Jets’ founding members and my best friend! Tony-” He gestures to me. “This is Marilyn Jackson. Just moved here from upstate, so we’s make’n her feel welcome.”

Tony shakes my hand. “Pleasure to meet ya! I’d ask ya to dance but I promised my parole offer I wouldn’t get too involved with social events. I only came ‘cause Riff said I would-”

“And ya still came!” Riff smiles.

Tony gives him a glare. “Only for half an hour. I’s here for you, not to cause a rumble!”

Riff shrugs. “Ya can’t back outta this, buddy boy. Soon as the coast is clear we’s meet’n the Sharks to set it up.”

My face twists to a confused expression. “What’s a rumble-?”

“C’mon Riff, let’s dance!” Grazi grasps Riff’s wrist and pulls him back to the crowd, leaving me with Tony.

“Is he always this reckless?’ I ask.

He sighs. “Ever since we was kids. I was the one to hold him back, but since I’s been gone I fear that Riff’s been get’n outta hand.” He looks around the gym, then says: “I think I’m just gonna drift around ‘nd make sure the Jets play fair, if ya get my drift? You go on ahead- enjoy yourself!”

I go back to watching everyone jive and dance, and wondering what other odd characters I’m gonna meet in this city. I’m already caught between 2 gangs- what else is in store for Miss Jackson?

“You wanna dance, buddy boy?” I hear Riff jab- most likely at Bernardo.

Uh-oh.

I try to get closer to the clump-a angry dancers, but the chaperones and policemen are block’n my path. Once I do make it through, an argument’s already panning out.

“But I wanna dance! Riff, you said we could dance!” Grazi wines.

“I know, I know doll. Lemme just-”

“No! I’m sick-a this!” She shoves him and storms past, but then turns back. “We’re through!” She glares at me. “He’s your problem now!”

I just stare wide-eyed as people around me begin to argue, until Anita comes over and guides me into the hallway.

“Come, chica. This is no place for a young lady.”

I shake my head. “Is it always like this? Stupid gangs ruining social events?”

Anita nods. “I’m afraid so. All we can do is try to calm them down when it’s over.”

She goes off to the bathroom to fix her makeup, while I go sit next to Maria in the hallway. But she seems… distant.

“Maria? Are you ok?”

She nods, but then seems to rethink and shakes her head.

“Maria, what’s wrong?”

“I- I danced with a Jet boy,” she whispers. “And… I think I like him.”

I frown. “Who?”

“I think his name is Tony?”

“Oh, Riff’s friend! I kinda know him, he seems nice. What’s wrong with that?”

“Because Bernardo hates him! He hates all the Jets.”

I notice Tony walk up with Riff and the odda Jets as they go off with the Sharks.

Anita huffs. “Come, Maria. We’ve had enough drama for one night, so let’s head home. You coming, Marilyn?”

I look back and forth between the Jets that are still present and Anita. “Sorry Anita, but I’m gonna stay a bit longer and keep the guys in-check. You go on and get home safely.”

She nods and starts guiding Maria away, leaving me standing next to Tony.

“Buenas noches, Marilyn!”

“G’night, Maria!” I call back.

“Maria? Maria…” I see Tony get a dazed look in his eyes.

I wave a hand in front of him. “Uh, Tony? Earth-to-Tony? Ya with us?”

He blinks. “Marilyn? Have you ever heard-a luv at foist sight?”

“Uhh,” My eyes widen and my jaw drops. “Kinda?”

Tony gives a dopey smile. “Then I think I’m in luv! Marilyn, I just kissed the most beautiful goil I’ve ever met, and her name’s Maria!”

I gasp. “Maria? You mean my neighbor, Maria?”

“She’s your neighbor? Wow, you’re lucky!”

“She was just talk’n ‘bout you!” I hiss, look’n around to make sure nobody’s listen’n.

Tony gawks at me. “She was? What’d she say?!”

“I ain’t gonna be spill’n gossip- it’s just plain evil!” I cross my arms.

“Aw, c’mon Marilyn! Please! Does she luv me back? Did she like dance’n with me?” His smile fades. “Or- or does she hate me, and never wanna see me again…?”

I hold my hand up to steady the poor guy. “Alright, alright, fine! She luvs ya! Just don’t go have’n a meltdown on me! I got enough emotional baggage as it is!”

Tony’s face looks as if he’s been born again. “In that case, I’m gonna go find her!”

He starts off towards the exit, leaving me nearly speechless.

“Tony- Tony! Ya can’t just track her down! That’s creepy-!”

But it’s too late. Tony’s already head-over-heels and is out the door.

“Marilyn!”

Riff, now look’n more smug than ever, strides up. “Where’s Tony? He's gonna miss the meeting.”

I point to the door. “Just missed ‘im.”

Riff shrugs. “Guess I’ll have to fill him in later. Right now I gotta go meet with Bernardo.”

“Ay ay! Leave her alone!” Anita comes up and waves him off. She leads me away, but not before I look back one more time and see Riff air-kiss me goodbye.

As he turns to leave, Anita scrunches her face. “I suggest you stay away from that Jet boy- Riff. He’s no good for you. I’m going to tell Maria the same thing about her Jet boy- they’re all the same.”

“Tony’s not. He’s not like them, and he wants noth’n to do with the Jets. He’s only here because he’s their friend.”

“Once a Jet, always a Jet,” Antia argues as Bernardo strolls up to us. “Hola, mi amor! I left Maria with Chino.” She points at me. “And came back for you because Bernardo said he just scheduled a rumble for tomorrow night, and I do not want you around those Jets!” She walks off again, and that word keeps ringing in my head.

“A- A what?” I frown. “I’ve heard that word before… Riff mentioned it…”

Bernardo nods. “It’s a rumble, señorita. An all-out fight between gangs when only one comes out on top. We just planned out with the Jets for tomorrow night, so I suggest you stay in unless you want trouble.”

Bernardo storms outta the room with Anita, leaving me alone to think over this idea until Mouthpiece finds me again.

“Hey! I lost ya! Where’ve ya been?”

“Do you know about the rumble?” I ask darkly.

Mouthpiece opens his mouth, then shuts it again. “Who told you?”

“Bernardo.”

He scoffs. “Figures some PR would tell ya.”

“Is it really that bad?” My voice is uneven.

He avoids my gaze and nods. “Yeah, it can get pretty bad. That’s the reason Tony got locked up ‘cause he nearly beat a kid to death last year.”

My hand flies to my mouth. “Death? Mouthpiece… I don’t want anyone to die, is there any way to settle this without fighting?”

He smiles a little. “Ya worried ‘bout me, doll?”

“I’m serious! None-a you deserve to die! I could talk to Bernardo, he might call it off…”

“Fat chance.”

I roll my eyes. “What ‘bout Riff? If I could talk to him-”

“Ask and ye shall receive.” Riff strolls in, leans against the wall, and motions for Mouthpiece to leave. “Ya look’n for me, beautiful?”

I storm up to him and poke a finger at his chest.

“So. Tonight was all a ruse to plan a fight. And all for what? Territory? Because Tony danced with Maria?”

“That’s the broad’s name?” Riff asks with a scrunched face.

I smack him and start to breathe heavily.

“I was right. The rough gang leader was here tonight- a wolf in sheep’s clothing. You should be ashamed of yourself. They have every right to be here, same as you!”

Fed up with this, I storm off outta the gym and into an alley, all the while ignoring the faint calls from the aggravating Jet leader.