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sl-newsie · 1 year ago

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Cool Your Jets- Ch. 11: Shame And Disgrace (Riff x newcomer)

I don’t know how much time has passed when I wake up, but when I open my eyes it’s still dark. I go to check the clock, but it ends in failure when Riff tugs me back.

“Don’t go. Please, Lynnie.” His eyes are still closed.

“What time is it then, Mr. Clingy?” I give him a raised brow.

Riff wraps his arms around my torso and snuggles his face against my stomach. “Time for you to lay back down and go back to sleep.”

I let out a frustrated groan. “Riff, that’s really sweet. But I think I should at least go check up on the Jets to make sure they haven’t torn up half the city by now.”

Now Riff gets a grave look on his face. “You can’t go there now. I won’t let ya. Not unless I go with you-”

He tries to stand up but is still shaking, so I grab his shoulders and gently lay him back down.

“No no, Riff. You’re still too weak to walk. You gotta stay here.”

Riff’s face houses a pained expression. “There’s Sharks ‘nd thugs run’n around and I don’t want you get’n hurt. A goil as pretty as you can’t go unnoticed in these streets.”

I think for a minute, then smirk. “Maybe, but I might have an idea…”

In ten minutes I’ve tucked in the bloodstained shirt and tied a belt around Riff’s jeans. His shoes won’t fit, but my black flats look plain enough. To keep my hair up I’ve slapped a cap on my head. When I step back into the room, Riff starts chuckle’n so hard that he has to clutch his sides in pain.

“Wow- I never woulda thought you could look so good in my shirt.” He wiggles an eyebrow. “Maybe I’ll let ya keep it.”

I scoff. “As much as I like the mobility of wear’n pants, I still prefer dresses. But one look at me like this and any guy’ll think twice ‘bout mess’n with me. Don’t worry, Riff- I’ll be back within the hour.”

“Here, take this too. For luck.” Riff leans in for one last kiss, and I feel him clasp a chain around my neck- his pendant. “Be back soon. Luv you, Marilyn.”

“I luv you too, Riff.”

Outside I find Josephina waiting with a concerned look.

“How’s he recuperating?”

“Much better. Thank you so much, for everything!” I give her a tight hug. “I’d stay longer, but I’ve got to go check on something. Don’t worry- I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“You know he can’t stay here forever. Sooner or later the cops will come looking.”

Biting my lip, I begin to start towards the rear exit. “I know. I’ll be back soon, and then I’ll get him to a safer location. He just needs time to heal and regenerate blood before he’s strong enough to leave.”

“Hurry back, and good luck!” Josephina calls before I shut the door.

I try to think of where the Jets might be, and my foist guess is they’re hiding out at Doc’s. It feels like it takes no time at all to reach the drugstore, and when I see the sign lit up I know Valentina’s keeping the shop open late. But when I get closer there’s something wrong- Grazi and Velma are outside screaming and trying to pry open the closed door.

“Guys, guys! What’s wrong?”

“Marilyn? You’re still here? Thank God!”

“Wh- Why are you in Riff’s clothes?” Grazi seethes.

“So I wouldn’t be seen by crazies in the street, genius! And simmer down, Riff’s alive.”

Her face lights up with new-found hope. “Alive? Oh thank God! How?”

“I brought him to the emergency clinic. He’s alive, but barely.”

“Since Riff trusts you most, the Jets should respect you. Maybe you can talk to them!” Velma wheezes.

Grazi’s eyes are filled with horror and tears. “It’s Bernardo’s girl- Anita. She- she came to give Valentina a message, but now- Now the boys are…” She sobs and points to the window.

I peer inside and see the Jets all in a huddle around Anita, who’s try’n to get away. Immediately I know their intentions and start bang’n on the window, only to get no response.

“No!” I cry from behind the glass. I quickly dash to the back door and break the lock with a nearby metal scrap, then sprint to the front only to find Anita being shoved to the floor by the handsy Jets.

“ENOUGH!” I smash a glass against a metal chair, which gets the Jets’ attention. “Let. Her. Go! Before I poisonally tear you to shreds!”

Slowly but surely they do as I say, give’n me mixed looks of fear and anger.

“Marylin? Is that you?”

“Why’re ya wear’n Riff’s clothes?”

“So I could make it here in one piece without get’n soaked!” I walk over to Anita and glare at each and every Jet. “How could you? How could you possibly stoop this low? Raping a Puertro Rican girl? Riff always kept you in line, but this is so much worse.” I spit at their feet and go over to help Anita up, who’s shaking violently.

“Go, mi querida. Go stay with Maria and don’t come out until I come over. I won’t risk any more Jets hurting you. Don’t worry- I’ll handle them.”

She gives a stiff nod, tears streaming down her face. By now Valentina has run up from the basement.

“Traitor!” Anita seethes at the older woman. Then she turns to glare at the Jets. “You think I want to stay here? In a city full of rugged animals like you? No gracias. Tell Tony- you tell that murderer Maria ain’t coming. Chino, he found out about them. Tony and Maria. He shot her. Maria is dead. You tell him that.”

Maria’s dead?! My hand flies over my mouth and I instantly find Anita’s hand to give it a squeeze. Meanwhile, the Jets have remained silent.

“Anita- I am so, so sorry. She was one of the foist people to make me feel welcomed here, and now… You should know that this wasn’t Tony’s fault, Anita. He luvs her, and she luved him.” I give the Jets a look of boiling rage. “And everyone had to make a big deal out of it just because he used to be a Jet!” I turn back to Anita. “Go give my condolences to Bernardo.”

“What?!” The Jets cry out.

“Riff will be ashamed of what you’ve done,” I seethe.

“What?!”

“Yeah, Riff’s alive. And when I tell him about this he’s gonna be so disappointed. He might’ve been a prick at times, but he was still a great leader. And he deserves a much better gang than you! You all disgrace the Jet name, and if any of you have any dignity left, I suggest you disband this ridiculous gang and crawl deep into a dark, miserable hole so you can wallow in sorrow and guilt. As for Bernardo-” I look back at Anita. “All Tony ever wanted was to marry the goil he loves, and Bernardo was too stubborn to let his sister marry a white man. Tell him that Tony and Maria will be gone and married by tomorrow if I have anything to say about it!”

She frowns and gives me a pointed look. “Maria deserves a sturdy life- not one that’s in the hands of a Jet! Bernardo won’t like this.”

“It doesn’t matter. They’re in luv, that’s that. You can’t just stop luv because you don’t like it, Anita, so just ignore it and be happy for them.”

Without another word, Anita walks past the door while all the Jets hang their heads in shame.

Valentina gives them all scolding looks. “I know you. I know all your names since you’s was born. I watched you grow, and you have grown into rapists. You dishonor yourselves. You dishonor your dead.”

I go to follow Anita out the door, but Mouthpiece steps in front-a me.

“No, Mouthpiece. I will punch you square in the face if you don’t let me through! I thought you was better than this, but you’re just as vicious as the rest of them. Don’t ever speak to me again until you’ve come to terms with the shame you’ve bought on yourself, and the despicable things you’ve done.” With that I push past and march out the door, giving Grazi and Velma a look of victory. “Problem solved. Now I’ve gotta go.”

“Tell Riff I said hi,” Grazi requests. “And… I’m sorry for all the stuff I said earlier.”

I hold up a hand of truce. “No problem. After tonight, let’s all put this violence behind us and start over. I’m through with the Jets.”

I’m hoping Riff is too.

#riff (west side story) x reader #riff x reader #riff lorton #riff west side story x reader #riff west side story #riff lorton x fem!reader #riff wss x reader #west side story #tony west side story #maria west side story #anita west side story #bernardo west side story #west side story mouthpiece #mouthpiece west side story #west side story x reader #west side story imagine

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decodedlvr · 2 years ago

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Fuck that anon, I ain’t gonna let it ruin my day.

Anyways Eddie idea

Shark Boy and Lava girl edition and Chrissy is the ice queen? 🌋🧊🩵🔮🦈💤🩷🌊 luv it? hate it?

#eddie munson #sharkboy and lavagirl #chrissy cunningham #eddie munson concept #eddie munson x female character #stranger things #2000s era

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puckpocketed · 8 months ago

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01/04/2024 - SEA @ SJS

smoothest Shark alive Willyek bumps the puck free, speeds into the neutral zone to catch our Goonwag's feed, and protects the puck long enough for everyone to get set up. extended thoughts under the cut!

This will never make a highlight reel but it's inchresting TO ME!!! so, expanding gif by gif:

1. Ekky (SJS #72) gets his body in and uses his reach to interrupt the pass from Ryker Evans (SEA #39), giving our Goonwag (SJS #11) a chance! None of this entire sequence happens without Ekky's play here.

2. Goonwag follows up on the loose puck and starts the rush. He passes it up to Ekky as Shane Wright (SEA #51) is applying pressure on the backcheck - and if you go back you’ll that Ekky was already sprinting deep into the neutral zone to receive the pass...!! he even fumbles it a little but his recovery is so good!! he gets low and extends his whole arm, digs deep and catches up even though he's behind. he WANTS that puck...!!

3. auuuhh.... just really good job keeping the puck safe.. (garth baby also keeping such a tight gap on him..!! love you!!). Ekky, he just is the KING of cutting back in that specific corner of the ice... changes direction and gets the puck on his backhand… he is ALWAYS doing this!! he loves to do this!! also what the hell is his trailing leg doing ..! look at it a few times. whys it whipping back and forth like a boat rudder <3 lol!! HOW does he not fall over even once making this play..?

SIDEBAR okay I don't have gifs or clips on hand so sources: trust me bro BUT often in this exact scenario, he will execute a backwards pass to whoever is standing in the slot. the sharks are somehow 9th overall in the league for behind-the-net passes and I fully believe that stat is on Ekky:

4. So Ekky has cut back here, Evans has peeled off and rotated, Wright is back on and hounding him for the puck...! Ekky almost looks bowlegged here (?) skating to keep his body in position.. the puck is protected between him and the boards. As Brian Dumoulin (SEA #8) pushes him up along the boards he sends off a pass with perfect timing to Bails my perfect metroid bounty hunter (SJS #90)!!

Beyond the gifs, I just like how he absorbed all that pressure. Not that I've watched That Much hockey but ...worse players would've passed the puck much earlier feeling that sort of pressure, turning it over with no one else around them in position to receive it (i have seen this happen!!!).

Ekky is growing so much and he's been thrown into the deep-end with this rebuild... he's the remnants of a past regime, he's the first piece in this new one, and he's not quite the "star-material" that the rebuild and the media and the fans are demanding from him. but. god!!! he's done so well given the circumstances!!!!! he's learning and getting better every game, he's so hungry to win and succeed and he remains determined despite being engulfed in a season worth of losses...!!!

in conclusion nobody cares about the Sharks and no one is paying attention to them. i get that. watching a losing team is hard. but in all of this.. Ekky is sooo fun to watch! I love to see his spinoramas, his zone entries, his schmooves!! i am so charmed by his grittiness and tenacity… he’s just fun no matter what is happening!! ekky im ur biggest fan <3

#someone who understands skating better than me please explain how he... moves like that. specifically gif 3???#my boy is tokyo drifting..!! i woulda fallen over 10 times. i have SEEN guys lose their edges and eat shit trying to do that...!!!!#sharks lb #san jose sharks #william eklund #nhl gifs #hockeyedit #my writing #this is a pretty informal piece but i'm very happy w that lol #NEW TAG FOR THIS KIND OF THING! ->#puckpocketed details series #not pictured: bailey (90) passes the puck to addy (33)#who fumbles it from along the blue line ! but #it wouldnt be the 23-24 sharks if we could follow through on things loool <3 LUV you addy!! i am rooting for you so hard!! you WILL succeed #puck!gif

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btsgotjams27 · 1 year ago

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This review is going to be half in real time and half after I finished reading.

Damn that first meeting in the bar started out so awkward! LOL They were just skirting around the elephant in the room with all this small talk. They can't ask the questions they really want to ask. But let's be real, how can you ask the "important" questions to your ex without seeming like you're still hung up on them? Once they started to joke about the drinking it felt a bit more natural. And even their goodbye felt a little less awkward.

I love these lines: "The real question was—did he want to be with you again after all this time? The answer was yes—it has always been yes. You’re it. You’ve ruined him—it will always be you." It's totally believable for JK. He spent his youth pining for her. And then he had her. And then he lost her. So how can he possibly ever get over her when he's spent the majority of his life loving her?

Ugh, that executive was a pig! I feel bad that her business trip was a bust. She stirred up all these feelings for JK again for nothing. Plus now without that job, what will she do when she goes back to Korea for work?

Even them going back to his place was a bit awkward. I think you nailed that aspect of them seeing each other again. It had to be awkward at first, but then as they remember how to be comfortable around each other again, that's when it should get more natural. You segued into that comfort sweet spot really well in both scenes.

Ohhh!!!!! And there it is! “No girlfriend or anything?” She decided to break the ice! I definitely like that you had her do it. I mean, she's the one who broke up with him, she should be the one to initiate the line of hard questions.

“Yeah, I had to stay in, just in case an old lady needed me.” LOL So he purposely stayed home in hopes that she'd call him. I love that! That's adorable. He would have been crushed all over again if she didn't call him.

"Should you just be completely honest and bare your soul? You were halfway there. Maybe it was time to grow up and just say what the fuck you wanted." Yes!!! Finally!! An actual honest conversation between the two of them.

I loved everything about how they reunited. Their conversation was perfect! I'm so happy she was finally honest with him about her feelings. I loved the ring scene because it gave him the opportunity to express his feelings to her too. The kiss scene was hot too. I liked how they started slow, but then she'd had enough with the teasing. I'm happy that she took the initiative on the important things. She really needed to prove how much she wanted him. If she let him take the initiative, there wouldn't have been much growth from her. It had to come from her.

I love what you did with my word pick! It was perfect, and it had a bit of humor in it too! Exactly what I needed out of this chapter. And I'm pretty sure if you look at your word list, you can figure out which word I picked. I mentioned it a few times to you, and it was really the main thing I needed to see in this chapter.

Erica, you know this already, but I *always* look forward to your reviews/thoughts 💖

Let's be real - JK is a 'boy with luv' and no one will ever compare to his first love.

😭 the entertainment industry is filled with sharks, and I just know amurica must be swimming with them. Do you think she'd let JK be her sugar daddy? 😂 He might get a kick out of it.

HAHA--it *had* to be awkward!! they couldn't just pick up right where they left off, not that quickly anyway. they had to ease their way into it. It's always the initial convo that is weird, and I hoped I played into it well w/ their dialogue.

The question of having a significant other was definitely the first thing on their minds! oc didn't want to cross boundaries if he was seeing anyone--so she had to be the first one to say it lol.

I think JK really meant it as a joke since he's not really a party kinda guy. It's not mentioned anywhere, but he's a homebody (and maybe secretly wanted oc to call).

Ah, I'm so glad you liked it! I was so nervous bc I had written/read over it so many times that I almost wanted to scrap it and start over, but I'm glad I stuck with what I had.

There definitely needed to be some light-hearted moments with all the heavy conversations going on 😂

As always, thank you for reading, and now we head toward more happy chapters. 💖

#reader; erica2283 #fic: this is us asks #jess answers

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campingbagandstuff · 23 days ago

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.22/9.33 {Part 2 of 12}; 15

S11.15

…

party 4 u, 1999, (ft. Iggy Azalea )fancy, Zheani lulu, lava, Rina Sawayama xs, comme des garcons, Bassnectar future, dota, The Noisettes love power, that girl, cheap kicks, never forget you, don't upset the rhythm (go baby go), contact, winner Shingai coming home, rihanna U da one, rude boy, who's that chick, nicki minaj { ft. david guetta, drake turn me on, moment 4 life}, seal kissed by a rose, michael jackson billie jean, they don't care about us, {ft. Janet Jackson}scream, remember the time, the way you make me feel, [ft. Justin Timberlake love never felt so good] miley cyrus 7 things, can't be tamed, stevie nicks edge of seventeen PartyBlock on DeviantArt "wcbpr" [just in case: other radio than 88.9 is 90.3 https://www.ampcalgary.com/ 90.9 https://onlineradiobox.com/ca/cjsw/?cs=ca.cjsi&played=1 & 98.5 https://www.iheartradio.ca/virginradio/calgary]

SES paradise, {line 5}, SISTAR loving U, shake it, SISTAR19 ma boy, Red velvet dumb dumb, red flavor, russian roulette, peeka- boo, System of a Down aerials, sad statue of liberty, violent pornography, IEAIAIO, revenga, cigaro, * AAF these days, summer, calico, movies, attitude, courage, around the block, {line 16}, Fat Joe (ft. Ashanti) what's luv?,rock wit u Ja rule* ft. " always on time, " only U DMX ruff ryders anthem, Coolio gangsta paradise (ft. L.V.), ll cool j deepest bluest (shark's fin), {line 18; 13}, Justin Timberlake cry me a river, rock your body, (Ciara Dance Like We're Making Love, level up) ft. " love sex magic, TKO, TI ft. " dead & gone, mirrors, like i love you, my love, Madonna ft. "… 4 minutes, JLo ft lil wayne i'm into you, " ft. *** I'm real, papi, love don't cost a thing, get right, waiting for tonight, jenny from the block, " ft. pitbull dance again, {line 14}, FLESH I come from salem, alyssa reid satisfaction guaranteed, katy perry part of me, wide awake, hot n cold, last friday night (TGIF), teenage dream, california girls, cascada heaven, the killers when you were young, waking up in vegas, ur so gay, mini viva one touch, i wish, left my heart in tokyo, kings of leon use somebody, limp bizkit break stuff, my generation, my way, rearranged, behind blue eyes, take a look around, eat you alive, boiler, nookie, eight seconds kiss you when it's dangerous, brandy afrodisiac, the boy is mine, keyshia cole heaven sent, christina milian dip it low, aaliyah rock the boat, miss you, try again, we need a resolution ft. timbaland, M.I.A. ft " come around, {line 2*2}, afrojack (ft. Eva Simons) take over control, dj snake, lil jon turn down for what, dillon francis, " get low, rudenko everybody, ashley tisdale he said she said, the sugarcubes birthday, {line 6}, porcelain black this is what rock n roll looks like, infected rain orphan soul, aesthetic perfection, love like lies, no boys allowed, antibody, big bad wolf, never enough, new black, ebb and flow, rhythm takes control, " ft. Nyxx LAX, " nightmare, diabolical, voodoo, moby j breas, god moving over the face of the waters, soulja boy nene, evanescence tourniquet, globe perfume of love, Sinéad O'Connor nothing compares 2 U, last dinner party, ayu independent, for my dear, depend on you, monochrome, bleachers alma mater, MGMT bubblegum dog, bahamas I’m still,

Fefe Dobson recharge my heart, stuttering, revolution song, bye bye boyfriend, rock it til you drop it,

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sh4rksnhe4rts · 7 months ago

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ajzgsgsvzg i’d love a white tip reef shark stimboard!! with coral reefs & shipwrecks tysm in advance!!! - @deadboystims

Done !!

ofc !!! I might be a black tip boy but I’m a huge fan of all my white tip girlies (gn) !!! Also I luv ur blog, Len is one of my favs !!

#🌊signed yours truly the whale #finished request #requests

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sl-newsie · 2 years ago

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Speak (Davey Jacobs x West End Shark Girl) *Mafia*

This fic takes place after the rumble, and nobody dies because by God I want a happy ending!

“Vámonos, Liliana! We are already late!” Bernardo orders from downstairs.

I fix my violet dress and roll my eyes at my older brother. “Patience, Bernardo. Valentina will scold us both if you drop mama’s cake!”

Bernardo shoves the chocolate platter into my hands. “Then you carry it!”

I scoff. “Careful! You will mess up my dress!”

He just laughs as he bolts down the street. “Keep up, tortuga!”

I just roll my eyes again and strut after him, keeping mama’s cake safe in my arms. Today is Valentina’s birthday, and since she’s helped out the Sharks family Bernardo’s approved my suggestion of throwing her a birthday party. I’m not proud to be part of a mafia, but when you are born into it you don’t have much choice. I only do what’s necessary, and mainly help with paperwork in order to avoid… violent matters.

When I arrive at Doc’s, the rest of the Sharks are waiting for me.

“Finally! Took you long enough, Liliana.” Chino complains.

“Let’s eat!” Pipo announces.

Valentina now comes out from the back, followed by Tony- a previous Jet member, and Maria’s husband.

¡Ay no!

I immediately feel the atmosphere shift, and see Bernardo’s jaw tighten. Quickly, I rush over and embrace the dear old lady.

“Señora! ¡Feliz cumpleaños! Happy birthday!”

Valentina gives a wide smile. “Gracias, mi querida! I feel so old, being around you kids! I must say- you are growing into a beautiful senorita! Your mama must be so proud!” She pinches my cheek.

I blush and look away. “Mama made you a cake!” I hold up the chocolate delight.

“Ah, si! Your mama is such a good baker!”

“It wouldn’t be a party without a cake, right?” I hear Tony say.

“Tony! Good to see you! How is Maria!” I give him a tight hug, despite Bernardo’s glare.

“Good, good! We’re hoping to-” He cuts himself off, looks at Bernardo, and smiles at me again.

“I’ll tell you some other time.”

“Oh- alright. Let’s eat then!” I fetch a knife and begin cutting the cake. After everyone’s eaten, Valentina begins ushering the Sharks out the door.

“I have to clean the shop, and I know very well you have work to do!”

“Yeah, we got to go clean up that blood-” Brualio starts.

“I do not want to hear about your sinful acts! Lord and Heaven bless you for keeping us safe from criminals, but it causes you to become criminals yourselves! Go, go!” She shoos Bernardo away.

“Adiós, señora!” I begin to walk out when Tony grabs my arm.

“Before you go, I wanted to tell you something.” He leads me to the back, followed by Valentina.

When he sees we’re alone, Tony says: “Maria and I, we’re hoping to be expecting soon!”

“What?!” I cry out happily, jumping up and down.

“Congratulations, cuñado! You must let me know as soon as you can!” Valentina squeezes Tony’s hand.

“I assume Bernardo doesn’t know?”

Tony sighs. “Afraid not. I donno how he’d take it- you know how much he hates me.”

I hug him tight. “He doesn’t hate you, Tony. He just… needs to grow to accept that you are not a Shark.”

“But I ain’t a Jet either. I just luv Maria, and if that makes me a bad person, I’ll gladly face God’s wrath if it means having a family with her.”

“Don’t worry, Tony. You and Maria will be so happy together, I promise Bernardo won’t ruin it. But I eventually would like to see my best friends, if you would quit hiding her!” I grin cheekily.

Tony laughs. “Ey, don’t worry! She’s perfectly safe with the ‘Hattan boys. Cowboy’s an old friend, and I know he’d never allow Maria to be harmed. You ever met his wife, Sarah?”

Frowning, I shake my head. “I don’t think so. Maybe you could introduce me?”

Tony thinks for a second, then his face brightens. “Hey, what if you come with me to ‘Hattan today? I’m meet’n with Cowboy, and you can see Maria and Sarah!”

“Really? That sounds wonderful!”

“Si, mi querida, but you must be careful. Visiting other turfs is dangerous.” Valentina worries.

“I know, senora, but Bernardo never lets me go anywhere. I want to see someplace besides the West Side! Besides, I won’t be alone. Maria will be there. She’s practically my family.” I assure her.

I look up at Tony. “Ready to go?”

Tony walks me to the Manhattan turf, a surprising community of bustling markets and streets. It seems a lot more joyful than what I’m used to…

“Here we are!” Tony leads me to a tall, narrow building, one that at first I think is a library. He knocks, and a blonde man with an eye patch answers the door.

“Tony? I thought you’s weren’t supposed to be here ‘til later.”

“Celebration ended early, Blink. You know how the Sharks can be.” Tony shrugs.

“Yeah, all too well.” The blonde grunts. “Ya see tha lady who runs Docs?”

“Valentina? Sure did, wished her a happy birthday for ya.”

The man grins. “Thanks.” Then he notices me. “Who’s tha dame?”

I stiffen and lean behind Tony, who places a comforting hand on my shoulder.

“This is Liliana, she’s basically my sister-in-law. She wants to see Maria and meet Sarah.”

The guard looks me over again, then smiles kindly. “So you’s the one Maria’s always talk’n ‘bout? Well, any sister of Maria’s is always welcomed here.”

He opens the door wider and gestures us inside to a wide room filled with a grand staircase and lots of bookshelves.

My eyes widen as I take in the Manhattan mafia center, in all its glory, and then-

“Mouth! Where-a those documents? I sent for ‘em 2 hours ago!”

I stumble out of my trance as a voice barks from a nearby door. Suddenly, a young man in a gray suit and fedora comes racing down the stairs, only to trip and send dozens of papers flying everywhere.

“¡Santo cielo! Let me help!” I rush over and bend down to start picking up the documents, doing my best to avoid looking at them. But in my efforts to hold confidentiality, my hand brushes up against someone else’s- the man in the fedora.

“Oh! Perdón! I am so sorry!” I hastily flinch my hand away and look up to meet a pair of dark brown eyes.

These eyes widen, and the owner of them gets flustered.

“No, no! It’s all my fault, I- Should’ve watched where I was going…” He keeps looking at me then Tony says:

“Um, Davey? Ya done stare’n at my sister?”

The man blinks, then blinks again, still looking at me. “S-Sister? I thought Maria didn’t have a sister?”

“She don’t. But this here’s Liliana, and she’s been Maria’s best friend all her life, so they call ech odda sisters. So I asks again: ya done stare’n yet?”

The man blinks again, then shakes himself out of something.

“Yeah, yeah. Sorry! I’m just… Never mind. Uh-” He gives me a shy smile and sticks out his hand. “Hi! I’m David Jacobs, but people call me Davey.”

“Or Mouth!” Tony chuckles.

Davey rolls his eyes. “Or Mouth.”

I return his shy smile and shake his hand, a gesture that let’s me feel safe and secure by his soft yet steady hands. I must admit, my heart is racing in response to this man’s cute face.

“So… your name is Liliana?” Davey asks.

I nod. “Si, after my grandmother.”

After I speak, Davey’s face seems to melt- and inside I wonder why.

“Y- You here for business?”

“Si, to visit Maria and meet this Sarah that Tony regards so highly.” I smile.

Davey smiles back and stands up from his pile of papers. “Do- Do you like to read?”

My eye widen. “Si, si! Definitivamente! I love to!”

Davey looks strangely hopeful. “Maybe… Maybe if you have time I could show you the library?”

My face seizes up, and I’m not sure I heard him right.

“You… want to show me your library?”

He nods, but then lowers his eyes. “I mean… if you want to. You don’t have to, I was just offering, one mob to the other- oh! Wait, are you…” He looks desperately at Tony, who gestures with his hands for Davey to calm down.

“Yes, she’s a Shark. But she’s just a secretary. No offense, Lily.”

I chuckle. “None taken. I’m only in it for the paperwork.”

Davey seems to have regained some confidence. “So… do you want to, you know… um…”

He… wants to spend time with me? Me?!

“Of course, I would love to see your library, Davey.” I smile kindly.

Davey looks overjoyed, but then-

“Mouth! I ain’t ask’n again- where are those documents?!”

Jack Kelly, the Manhattan mob boss himself, comes bounding into the room with an angry sneer on his face. He looks down at poor Davey (still picking up papers), then at Tony, then at me.

Jack holds up his hands. “Jesus, Tony! Ya come here dure’n one-a tha worst times!” He regains himself, walks over and pins Tony in a big hug. “Good to see ya, Tony! It’s been too long!”

“Hiya, Cowboy. Look a little rough ‘round the edges, don’t ya think?” Tony smirks.

They continue to get reacquainted. Meanwhile, I move over to help Davey with his papers.”

“So… you’re a secretary? That’s cool.”

I scoff. “If you think that is an unimportant job, I’ll have you know that Bernardo couldn’t tie his shoes without me!”

Davey’s eyes go wide. “No, no! I’m not saying that! Just- Wait. Your boss is the-?! Oh my God, he’s-!”

“-Maria’s sister, Liliana.” I hear Tony say.

Now Jack looks down at me with a big grin. “Ah yes, the infamous Liliana that Maria luvs so much! Sarah’s been dy’n to meet ya, so you’s can chat with her at dinner tonight! Oh ah, Mouth, set those on my desk, will ya?”

Davey nods and finishes up gathering his things. I discreetly follow him to Jack’s meeting room, one filled with more bookshelves and soft sofas. When Davey sees me admiring the room, he gets skittish.

“Um- I donno if you can be in here, um-”

I cock an eyebrow. “Why not? Did I do something wrong?”

“Oh, no! Just… I donno if Kelly likes rival members be’n in here without permission.”

I sigh. “Davey, all I am is a secretary! The only reason I’m in this stupid mob is because I was born into it! You try disobeying your own father just because you don’t like killing someone! In my family, being in this mob is a great honor. But I hate all the violence, the killing, the lying! So I tried to quit, and my family nearly disowned me! I settled for a secretary because it’s the job of which I do the least harm! Say what you want, Mouth, because this chica is not proud to be in a mob!” I cross my arms.

Davey, stunned, walks over and gently puts a hand on my arm.

“Liliana, I am so sorry. I never thought about family ties, I just… I was brought into this family because I was a friend, not because I was born into it. I guess I just never realized… I’m sorry, that’s what I mean to say.”

I sigh and wrap my arms around me. “Perdón, I’m sorry- it’s just… in the West Side, I have to stand up for my culture. The Jets always pick on me and ever since Maria left I’ve just wanted to leave… Besides, you don’t really like me ranting about my problems.”

“No, really! I like your culture! I enjoy hearing you talk about it,” Davey says, then sees my questioning look.

Is he serious? Does he know how much I get teased because of my accent? I wonder if Maria gets picked on here.

“That’s… an unusual thing to say, especially in the West Side. Do you find my culture amusing, Davey?” I raise my eyebrows.

He frantically shakes his head. “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you, it’s just-”

“Davey! Where’d ya go? Boots says that dinner’s ready!” A brown-haired man limps in, and I take notice of the crutch he’s using.

“Sorry, Crutch. Was just get’n Cowboy his papers. Ah-” He looks at me, then gestures to the man. “Liliana, this is Crutchy, our accountant. Crutch, this is Liliana, Maria’s sister.”

Crutchy smiles. “Maria’s mentioned you many times! We’ll have to talk more over dinner- I heard we’s have’n chicken tonight.”

“We’ll be right there- first I’m gonna show her the library,” Davey says.

He is?

“Alright, we’ll see ya then. But be quick- you know Kelly don’t like wait’n for dinner.” He limps out, leaving me with a shy-smiling Davey.

“Ready?” He holds out an arm, wanting to keep it formal. What a gentleman!

“Um, bien. Ok.” I take his arm and let him lead me out into the hallway, where he opens another door and lets me into-

“Querido Dios! Dear God, this place…” I stare in awe at the tall, giant bookcases.

Davey nervously shuffles his feet. “Whaddya think?”

“It’s… it’s amazing! ¡Santo cielo! So much knowledge… how can anyone read this many books in one lifetime?”

“Um… I can,” Davey mumbles.

“Pardon?”

He clears his throat and speaks up. “I have. I’ve read every book here, and I’m working on completing the New York library.”

“Really? Jack must be so proud to have you on his side! I bet you’re very smart!”

Davey blushes, but then says: “Everyone… kinda calls me a nerd.”

I chuckle. “I thought I was the only nerd in New York. I bet you guys have all the classics… Shakespeare, Dickins, Jane Austen-”

“O she doth teach the torches to burn bright. It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night. As a rich jewel in an Ethiope’s ear,” Davey smirks.

I snicker. “O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo? Seems that someone knows their literature.”

Davey shrugs. “Kinda have to when you’re a secretary.”

“I thought you were Jack’s 3rd?”

“Eh. 3rd, secretary, he don’t see much difference. All he uses me for is brains and doing paperwork.”

Frowning at his sad expression, I walk over and put a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, mi amigo. Smart beats being cool any day!”

Davey nods. “You- You speak good English, but still some Spanish. I like that.”

My face hardens, and I’m reminded of where I am.

“I speak good English, but I will not forget my roots. And if you’re going to mock me just like everyone else then maybe I should leave-”

Davey gets nervous again and goes to block my path.

“No wait, I like hearing you speak!” He gently takes my hand and looks deep into my eyes. “Please speak,” the Manhattan boy begs.

I frown. “Why? So you can joke about me just like Riff?”

He shakes his head. “That bastard doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I’ve seen what he does, and it just makes me wanna punch his clock! No, it’s just- you have a beautiful accent.”

I- I don’t know what to say. He’s got to be joking! No American boy has ever said such nice things to me, especially about my accent. People always say my English is good but my accent is too thick.

But the boy takes my affectionate silence differently.

“I- I’m sorry. Have I offended you?” He backs away.

My eyes widen. “Oh, no! No, no! You- You say my accent is beautiful?”

The boy nods, smiling. “Yeah.”

“Why?”

“It’s different, unique. I help teach kids with speech problems, and I always enjoy hear’n new voices. But yours… I just luv it- oh!” He looks at me, shocked. “I didn’t mean it!”

Oh. He was joking.

I look down. “So it was a joke?”

Davey quickly takes my both hands in his and squeezes them gently.

“No, Lilly. I meant, you know… I luv your accent, but I also might luv…” He looks away, too shy to say more.

“You love…?” I ask, a part of me hoping for a certain answer.

David sighs, seeing there is no way out. “You.”

I smile, unable to contain my happiness. “You love me? Davey, you have known me for no more than an hour! How could you possibly love me?”

“Romeo hadn’t even talked to Juliet before, and he knew right then and there that he luved her,” Davey whispers. I see his eyes glaze over as he tries to walk away. “I’m sorry- you’re here to see your sister, and I’ve messed it up by dragging you all over-”

“No, no stop!” I hurry up to him and we just state at each other, unsure what to say.

“I- I donno what to say- I ain’t good at this kind-a stuff…” Davey stutters.

I completely agree. So instead of saying something, I bring my hands up to cup Davey’s face and bring it closer to me, getting a wide-eyed reaction from him. Then, with a leap of faith I lean in and kiss Davey’s soft lips… an experience that makes my heart melt instantly. I’ve never kissed before, so I don’t know what to expect. Davey’s so surprised and doesn’t know what to do with his hands, but eventually brings them up to my hips, first looking at me for permission.

Lord, how is it that I already love this man so much?

When I break the kiss Davey seems to chase my lips, wanting more. We both get a breath of air and then pull each other into a tight embrace, with Davey resting his head on top of mine.

“Te amo, Davey.”

He sighs blissfully. “What does that mean? You make it sound so beautiful…”

I smile. “It means I love you.”

“I was hoping you’d say that!” He pecks my cheek. “Lily… would you want to be my goil? I know we just met, and with the different gangs ‘nd all it’ll be tricky but… I luv you, and I luv being with you, and if Jack don’t like it then- then he can get anodda secretary!”

I giggle. “Querido Davey, I love you no matter what side you’re on! If Maria and Tony have shown me anything, it’s that love has no boundaries. My family’s always wanted me to be something I’m not, and if a life of disownment means spending a lifetime with you I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

Davey smiles even wider and kisses my forehead. “I promise, Lilly, I’ll be good to you. I’ll soak anybody who comes at you. Just one thing-” He bites his lip nervously. “I’m more of a nerd than a jock, and I know I ain’t the typical ‘tough guy’ like the oddas-”

“Shhh.” I place a finger on Davey’s lips. “Davey, I don’t need a tough guy. I just need you.”

His eyes widen. “R-Really? Ya mean that?”

“Si, I do.”

Just then, Tony pokes his head in.

“Hey, Lilly! Where’d ya-” Then he sees us. “Ohhh boy. I donno how this is gonna roll… Lily, ya know I luv ya, but I ain’t sure you should be with a rival member.”

My face falls. “B- But Tony-”

“However!” Tony holds up his hands. “See’n as you’s taken a like’n to Mouth, I can’t say I’m surprised. Godda say, I’m happy for you.” He smiles.

Davey and I exchange shy glances, then Tony opens the door wider.

“Time to eat. Just… try to keep the whole ‘sudden luv’ thing kinda subtle, ok?”

“Alright.”

We follow Tony to a dining room, a most extravagant one compared to the Sharks�� one. Everyone is already waiting, and when the one called Crutchy calls us over.

“Hey, Davey! You guys can sit by me ‘nd Les!” He motions to a boy next to him.

We join them, and I take the time to get a good look around the table-

My eyes widen.

“Maria!” I jump up and rush over to hug my sister, who’s grinning ear-to-ear.

“Took you long enough, hermana! I’ve missed you so much! I-” She then sees Davey looking at me, gives me a quick smirk and whispers: “I see what’s going on- you like Mouth!”

“Sh-Sh! Silencio! Not yet, Maria, not yet!” I shush her.

“Maria, let her breathe!” Tony jokes as he leads her back to her seat, giving me a wink.

“So, you’re Liliana? I’ve heard so much about you!” Comes a voice.

I look over at Jack and see a woman with brown hair sitting next to him- must be Sarah.

“Si, I am. Thank you so much for having me, Mrs. Kelly.”

“Of course! Any friend of Maria’s is welcome here!”

I go back to sit next to Davey, who reaches for my hand under the table. We both try so hard to hide our smiles, but sadly it’s a failure.

“Hey Mouth, why do ya look so happy? Tax season ain’t for anodda half-a year!” A man with glasses comments.

Davey groans. “Specs, can’t a man just smile without be’n picked on?”

“Not when ya look like that!” An energetic man with a cigar says. “Davey, you’s got a big case-a luv fever if I ever saw it!”

“Shut up, Race,” Davey mutters.

“Huh? What?” Jack suddenly becomes aware of the conversation. “Mouth’s in luv?”

“You bet your ass, Cowboy. Just look at ‘im!” Race says.

Jack looks over at us, then breaks out laughing.

“Gee, Davey! I never knew ya had it in ya! Godda say, she’s a fine doll. But does she luv ya back?”

Davey gulps, nervous about all the attention. And if I’m being honest, so am I. Being in this crowded room with complete strangers talking about loving a man I just met… it seems so untraditional. But maybe my life could use something new…

“Si, I do love Davey. And if you disagree because I am a Shark, I don’t care.” I state firmly.

Maria and Sarah clap their hands in celebration, while the other men get up to go slap Davey on the back.

“Alright, Mouth!”

“Way to go, Davey!”

I notice Crutchy come up to me and give a warm smile. “I’m happy for you two. I can see you’ll do well in life, even if it means we lose our best accountant.” He jokes.

“Hey!” Davey starts to argue but I give him a quick peck to shut him up.

“Um… whadda we gonna tell Bernardo ‘bout this? Foist Maria, now her. He’ll go crazy!” Jack points out.

“He’ll learn to live with it, just like he did with us,” Tony says as he wraps his arm around Maria.

I lean into Davey and smile, seeing his warm brown eyes and thinking of how much I love him. Looking back at me, I can tell he thinks the same.

“I luv you, Lilly.”

“Te amo, Davey.”

He sighs. “Just keep talking… I luv hearing you talk…”

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